Forging New Memories, UC, TEEN, DA XO {WIP}

[demonyte]

Title: Forging New Memories
Author: Demonyte
Disclaimer: I don’t own Roswell and Dark Angel
Pairing: UC couple
Rating: Teen mostly though some parts might be mature but I’ll warn.
Summary: Roswell, set after Alex’s death and Tess’ departure. DA, beginning season 2. After Alex’s murder, Liz and Kyle leave Roswell, needing a change of scenery. They decide to go to Seattle.
A/N: I’m tired of all the fics where Liz is a X5 (though I like them) so I decided that only one person in Roswell will be a X5 and it isn’t her.




Part One




"What?!"

"You heard me Liz, I’m leaving."

"But Kyle, you… you can’t just go like that." she countered, frowning.

"Watch me because it’s what I’m doing. My father agreed and since I’m at the top of my classes I can graduate early and you could do the same."

"I don’t know. Given the circumstances, I admit the offer is tempting."


The ex basketball player looked at the skinny brunette in front of him, inventorying the changes in her caused by the murder of Alex. It was her who took it the worst. During half of her investigation of his pseudo suicide, Liz had been alone, with no one to help her in her grief.


He felt guilty for not having been more at her sides and would have preferred that Liz talked to him about her suspicions first. Thinking that she could have been hurt made him physically sick, hell she nearly died. If Michael hadn’t follow her and destroy the bomb…


He should have been here but he stayed away from the group after Alex’s death. It might seemed impossible but Alex’s death shook him because he considered the brunette like a close friend. Yeah a jock and a computer geek, friends? Well, it was true. Their bound deepened when they had been trapped in the cave with the alien crystals, they thought they were going to die so they really talked. At this moment, he discovered that Alex was wiser than he let it appear, alright, he was always cracking jokes but he had his head on his shoulders and knew his priorities. After that, they began to pass time with each other doing guy stuff, watching super bowl, playing basketball, talking about girls. They acted like the normal and hormonal teenagers they were supposed to be and it was refreshing and so far away of the alien’s bullshit.


And now Alex was gone, killed because of them. He had been right all along, he had always been against the idea of trusting the aliens. Sure they were just trying to lead a normal life but they dragged them in their mess. If Max hadn’t heal Liz, who knows what would have happen? She had been hit in the stomach, she might have survive without Max’s help and then Maria, Alex, Liz and himself would still be blissfully ignorant. And alive. And also happy.


He needed that, to be happy, he deserved it. He couldn’t remember the last time he laughed, oh right, it was with Alex at his house, he arrived to find the hidden spot for his father’s beers and they got drunk. It seemed it was a decade and not only 4 months ago.


He knew he was selfish but since he never asked for anything from the aliens, it was his right to leave. The only thing he received for his trouble was a bullet in the chest so thanks but no, thanks. They could flush his alien card member in the toilets, he didn’t give a shit.


The only thing which still tied him in this town was a who. It was Liz, she had been the first girl which took his interest, his first date, she was important for him. Though their relationship changed, he still cared for her and couldn’t stand the thought of leaving her suffocating in this rotten hole.


"I can’t stay here Liz, there are too much memories." he explained. "Every time I’m in my house, I can feel her. I can’t sleep in my old room, knowing she touched my things, manipulated me. It makes me sick, my father understands and I’m sure your parents could understand your need to move after Alex’s death. They proposed you to go to Vermont, right?"


She nodded, placing a lock of dark hair beneath her ear.

"What about the others?" she asked. "He will never accept and you know that."


"I don’t fucking care about what King Pain In The Ass thinks, we’re not aliens we don’t have to listen to him. It’s our lives Liz and he has no right over us, never forget that. Besides for the Alien Squad the further I am from them the better."


He stared at her for a long time, observing the dark circles under her former sparkling eyes and her sickly pale complexion. The rage, the hatred he felt toward Max Evans and Tess Harding felt bottomless.


"I honestly believe it would be great for you too. You’re suffocating here. Consider my proposition, I don’t ask you to answer me immediately. Just think about it, do you want stay here reliving the alien nightmare every day or build new and happy memories?"


He hugged her briefly before leaving. For her sake and also his, he prayed she would say yes.


*~*

Few hours later


Kyle’s musing were cut by his cellphone.

"Hello?"

"Kyle, it's Liz. Can you pass at the Crash? I'd like to talk to you."

He smiled as he heard the sound of her voice, the dull tone engraved in it since those last months seemed to have vanished.

"Sure, give me a couple of minutes." he replied before hanging up.

*~*

Crash Down


He found Liz in front of her TV, watching a cyber flash talking about a hidden military facility called Manticore. The message was a week old, he remembered when he saw it the first time. He watched as the brunette turned the TV off and headed toward her bedroom, making him a sign to follow her.


After taking the stairs, Liz passed through her window to go on her balcony and sit in her chair. The night was pitch black and Kyle observed the glowing stars in the sky.


"I didn’t stop thinking about what you asked me since this morning." she began, looking at him intensively. "I also talked to my parents, they're asking for a more detailed explanation but didn’t seem to be too stuck against the idea."


He couldn’t help but smile as he understood what she was trying to say.
"So do you have a particular city in mind?"


"Seattle." he replied, staring at a blinking satellite in the sky. "I want to go to Seattle."





End of Part One
*~*





A/N: I’m posting again after well 2 years of nothing. I hope you like this story and do not hesitate to reply, reviews make me happy. I also want to know if my English’s skills improve because after reading some of my old stories I wonder how anyone who replied had the courage of reading them. They sucked. *blush furiously at all the grammatical and spelling errors.*


I really hope that I didn’t do Kyle too girly and mushy talking about Alex. I found it hard to write the thoughts of a guy since I’m a girl and tend to write like one. So do tell if it was too much.


I also wanted to know some details I forgot about the show. At the end of the show, does Kyle leave with the group or not?

[demonyte]

A/N: Thanks for the support guys, this part is dedicated to everybody who reviewed.

Orphyfets: No spoilers, you’ll have to wait to see who is who (though I kinda hinted it) and who is going to be together.

Jurczynska: I’m glad to see you like my fic.

BluebearO1: Honestly I admit I have no idea with who Liz and Kyle are going to be with. Each other? X5? I haven’t decided yet.

Binxter: I like X-tremer, it might be a possibility. I wanted to do more Max bashing but thought it would be too much, besides there are still other chapters where I can do it.

Roswell Slayer: Thanks, happy you like this one and I’m upset, really, how could you think I could forget you? One of the brave who reviewed my first fics. Tssk, tsk, I’m hurt really. Lol.
And stop fishing for information *glower at you* you’ve always had the nasty habit to reveal my plot with your guessing.

Liz2Infinity, Darknhauntinglove, Cowlady and Cfitch53: So thrilled to have you interested.

A/N PS: Also wanted to say that the action is set in DA timeline. Oh, nearly forgot if someone wants to do a banner for my fic I will be ecstatic. Just would really, really like if Liz, Kyle, Max (DA) and Alec were on it.
*~*



Part 2


Washington, Seattle
One month later

"So? What do you think?" asked Kyle with a grin as he watched Liz staring at the dusty apartment warily.

"I guess it’s fine. Of course we’ll have to do some work on it. Clean it, fix the holes in the floor and paint the walls because brown with green mildew is so not my favorite color."

The guy laughed in front of the list of chores Liz was already building, guess they were going to be busy for the next following weeks.

"Alright, but honestly what do you say?"

"Well, among the ten shitty holes we visited it’s the best one."

"Elizabeth Carrie Parker, is it with this mouth you kiss your mother?" he asked in an ashamed tone. The tiny brunette rolled her eyes and stuck her tongue at him.

"Ha ha, Kyle, very funny."

"Hey, be thankful the plumbing is working."

"Yeah, ok. It’s fine with me, let’s see the landlord to give him the caution. I can’t believe the price of this place, it’s so expensive, in Roswell you could afford a decent apartment with what he's asking. "

"It’s because the big cities crashed harder under the Pulse than the small towns. Everything is more expensive in the cities."

Kyle looked a last time at their future apartment, pleased with himself. <i>Their</i> apartment, in Seattle, away from the alien bullshit, he couldn’t believe it was real. Alright it was Spartan but at least there were two beds and some furniture.

"We’ll need to find jobs to pay the rent." said Liz cutting through his thoughts.

"You’re right, I’m not fond at the idea of asking money to my Dad."

"Me too, and don’t forget we have a deal with my parents and your father, we need to prove them we are able to be independent that is to say find a decent apartment, a job. That’s the only way they’re going to let us live alone at thousand miles away from them. In a month we have to be completely settled because they’ll visit and decide if they can trust us."

"Oh, don’t worry we will. If we achieve our goal, we’ll stay there, away from Roswell and the alien’s fiasco. A complete year of vacations before College, a dream come true."

They went to see the landlord and took the apartment. After that, they decided to buy paint and the several tools they’ll need to freshen up their new home. They also pass the municipal buildings where they registered themselves and were allowed sector pass cards, those things were a necessity because of the constant police controls.

Few hours later, they were back in their apartment. They pushed the furniture far away from the walls and began to paint, which led to few (dark blue) paint fights. But hey, let’s get real, how could he resist to a Liz clad into a green overall? Besides it was her who began, his blue cheek was the proof of it!

They finished the painting of the rooms after nightfall, the odor of the drying paint was strong and nearly made him gag. Liz complained about it so he proposed they went out to celebrate their arrival in Seattle. Liz, though tired, was up for it, after separate showers they dressed into comfortable clothes and left the building.

~
"Let’s go there." said Liz, pointing out a bar at the corner of the street.

Kyle raised an eyebrow at its name. "Homesick already?" he wondered with a smirk.

The brunette snorted as they entered in <i>The Crash</i>. "No way, Max forever killed in me the need to return to Roswell."

They sat at a table in a corner and asked for beers. In cities like Seattle, underage drinking was ignored and Liz and Kyle weren‘t stupid enough to pass this opportunity.

"True." replied Kyle. "Same for me."

<b>FLASHBACK</b>
<i>Crashdown, Roswell, New Mexico

Liz had been surprised by how fast her parents agreed to let her go to Seattle after Kyle’s explanation. Of course, maybe it was due to the fact that her friend had clearly planned this project very carefully. And the fact that his father never thought Kyle was a bad influence for her, unlike Max Evans, certainly counted.

The young woman also realized that Kyle had prepared his departure a long time ago and was touched to discover how much she meant to him. After Alex’s death and Maria’s refusal to help her about investigating what really happened, she had wondered if she could find a friendship as strong as Alex’s and hers had been, the answer was yes. With Kyle.

So they began to prepare themselves for their departure, signing papers to graduate early from school which was relatively easy. In fact, the only problem was to announce the news to the Alien Squad.

It led to the worst fight ever known in the Crash Down. Maria, Isabel, Max and Michael had been called by Kyle earlier and asked to come to the dinner, luckily Liz’s parents were out of town for the day so she had close the restaurant for few hours. Now they were watching her expectantly, sitting in a booth and she had no idea how to drop the bomb.

"So what’s the big deal?" asked Michael, crossing his arms on his chest.

Liz was nervous and really glad for Kyle’s presence since he began to talk. She admired his confidence, he was leaning against the counter, seeming calm and totally at ease.

"It’s really simple," he explained, "Liz and I wanted you to know that we were leaving Roswell in a month."

The sudden shrill of voices were deafening, even Isabel lost her usual cool composure. Liz could read anger on every face but the worst was Max’s, his glare was murderous, his whole face had darken in fury. Liz couldn’t help but shiver in front of so much hatred aimed at her, yes, she was terrified of Max Evans and couldn’t see a trace of the shy guy with who she fell in love.

"ENOUGH!" howled Kyle, obtaining the silence of everyone in the room.

He waited few minutes before talking calmly. "Personally I didn’t want to warn you of our departure but Liz thought we <i>owed</i> you that." The sarcasm was hearable in his voice. "We don’t want to stay here, there are too many memories of Tess in this place so we decided to graduate early. The paperwork is done, everything is planned, we just have to tidy few things before leaving. Let’s being clear, there is no way you can’t stop us, so Max, don’t even think about it and shut up. It’s time you understand you have <b>NO</b> rights on our lives, saving Liz didn’t make her your property. Same for me, you might have saved my life but I didn’t ask you to do it."

"Ungrateful bastard!" yelled the brunette, glaring at him.

"Shut up Max and let him talk." cut Isabel. Max frowned at his sister, not believing she took Kyle’s side over his.

"As I was saying, Liz and I need a new start and it’s away from Roswell."

"How could you do that to me, Liz?" asked Maria, her green eyes screaming betrayal at her friend.

Liz felt a violent anger course through her veins, she saw red and the words were suddenly pouring out of her mouth. "How could I do that to you?" she repeated, her voice strangely calm. That was it, the calm before the storm. "How <b>could</b> I do that to <b>you</b>, Maria?!!!!"

She glared at her former friend. "My God! How can you be so selfish?!!! You, you, you. It’s always you, Maria. New flash Maria, I’m not Superwoman, I’m weak too, and for once I’m selfish! I can’t stay here, everything reminds me of Tess, of Alex. Our best friend, remember? The one for whom you were too busy grieving to help me investigating his death. Yes, I still resent you for telling me I was crazy with my stupid theories about it, because of course I should have been here to help you. What did you say? Oh, yeah, right, <b>"I need my best friend right now because our other best friend just died, and I feel lost and scared and just completely wrecked, but I just can't-- I don't have a handle on things."</b>, well I felt the same way but I guess in front of the great and all mighty Maria DeLuca it didn’t count. For years, I’ve been here for you. Years! But it never really counted, didn’t it?" Her smile was bittersweet and she felt drained. "I’m suffocating here, I’m just tired Maria. I’m fed up with the alien bullshit, the only person who’s been here for me during all the mess which happened with Alex’s murder had been Kyle. He proposed me a way out of Roswell and I said yes. I just can’t stay here, and I really hope you understand because I wouldn’t want to leave with us angry at each other. However even if it’s the case, it won’t stop me."

The blonde stared at her friend, really looking at her, noticing the dark circles under the familiar brown eyes, her pallor, how thin she was. She swallowed heavily, feeling the shame of not seeing how bad Liz was sooner. Her best friend hadn’t been living during those past months but barely surviving. Maria knew how selfish she could be sometimes but it was one of the flaws she didn’t like to acknowledge, she never thought she could be that way when it concerned Liz. She stood up, feeling the tears threatening to fall, she knew she couldn’t make all the hurt she did to Liz go away but she could try. And the first step was to let her go.

"Oh Liz, I’m so sorry." she whispered, hugging her best friend as the sobs wrecked her body.

Liz hugged her back, smiling, soothing her gently, happy that Maria understood. She glanced at the others, noticing that Isabel and Michael were calmer, even if Michael was still frowning. Max though, didn’t seem to have heard her since he was still glaring at Kyle and her.

"It’s not safe," pointed out Michael, "what if something happens to you? There will be no way for us to know, for us to help."

"Michael," answered Kyle, "I know how much you worry about our safety and how you feel responsible about Alex’s death but let’s being honest, Tess used him because he was here and knew about the aliens. The further we are from you and Roswell, the safer."

Michael didn’t reply but nodded.

"And who is at the origin of the idea?" asked Max in a icy tone.

"Me." replied Kyle, "A problem with that, <b>Maxwell?</b>" His tone clearly challenging, Max raised from the booth.

"Yes, I do. Do you think I’m blind? I clearly know what your true intentions are."

"Oh please, be my guest and explain then."

"This whole leaving idea is just a way of trying to win Liz back. I know you still want her and you’re jealous because she fell for me, because she loves me and wants me instead of you." he spat out hatefully.


"Hello, I’m still in the room." cut Liz, "And Max, the key word is *fell* as in the past. I don’t love you anymore, you changed too much for that, I don’t love control freak. As Kyle gently put it earlier, I’m not your property, I’ll do what I want and nothing you will say or do will ever change that."

"We’ll see." he said, storming out of the restaurant in fury.

"No Max," she stated as she watched him leave, "It’s over. Too bad you can't see that."</i>  
<b>END OF FLASHBACK</b>

"Hey, stop with the brooding, we’re celebrating tonight." said Kyle cutting through her reminiscing.

"To us." said Kyle rising his beer.

"To us and our new lives." added Liz with a blinding smile.

Roswell was far behind them and for the first time in months she could finally breathe.

END

***

A/N: I need reviews like a daily fix so don't be greedy.

[demonyte]

A/N: Back again, my muse just kept harassing me for this fic so here is the third part, hope you'll like as much as the others.
A/N2: Thanks for the reviews, guys, just wanted to say it won't be a Liz/Kyle fic (even though they're really close), I'll pair Liz with an X5 that's for sure, don't know which one yet. Alec is a strong possibility. Tell me if there is another X5 (Kreat, Zane, Zack...) with who you'll like her to be and I'll decide after.


Part 3

Liz woke up, stretching lazily on her bed, a smile lingering on her lips as she caught her surroundings. She was a genius for forcing Kyle to buy new mattresses because the old ones had just sucked. She stood up, wandering in their apartment, apparently Kyle was still asleep. It was their third day in Seattle, they had found their apartment, made it look livable. It was now clean, without mildew and rotten wooden floor. She had to admit she hadn't be very happy when her right foot passed through the floor, hum, she might have squealed and, of course, Kyle laughed his ass off. Jerk.

She smiled fondly as she thought at her friend. Kyle was really something and she loved how their relationship had evolved. It was a nice surprise to discover she was closer to him now than she had ever been when they were an item. She headed toward the kitchen and decided to prepare breakfast, after all the odor of cooking eggs will certainly make him drag himself out of bed. She put the eggs out of the fridge and began cooking, she absolutely loved living with Kyle. He made his share of chores without whining, didn't leave smelly socks everywhere. In fact, he was really neat, who could have suspect it? Kyle Valenti, Microbes Freak. She snickered at the image of Kyle with an apron, hover in hand, frantically cleaning around.

Yet, to be honest, she wouldn't change a thing, Kyle made living with a roommate interesting. She was so lucky to have him for a friend that she couldn't thank every deity often enough.

She remembered why she went out with Kyle, even if he was popular Kyle never let it go over his head. He was a good student, aced sports, playing basket ball like a professional and still was nice with the geeks in High School, Kyle was the reason why she had been so popular. Before going out with him, Liz had a decent amount of friends, but let's being real, she was not a hot cheerleader, blonde and all long legs like Isabel, she was short, brunette, smart (it scared guys away like nothing else) and in dear lack of cleavage.

It didn't stop Kyle though, they had French together and once, after class, he asked her if she wanted to be paired with him for an assignment. She said yes after having checked if he was indeed talking to her, their study went smoothly, they got a A+ and after Kyle began to sit with her at lunch, they talked and 2 months later he was asking her out.

Then, suddenly people wanted to talk to her, she snorted, even Pam Troy, Maria's nemesis was all "Liz, you're so great, bla bla bla", as if she was stupid enough to fall for it, the mean blonde just wanted to get in Kyle's pants. Kyle had been the perfect boyfriend, kind, comforting when she had fights with her Dad, caring, exclusive, he never cheated on her even though he didn't lack of propositions. In fact, she had to recognize she had acted like a class A bitch with the manner she broke up with him.

She had been so thrilled with Max's secret, it was so huge, an alien clearly with a crush on her, who put his life in jeopardy to save her. Every teenage girl would have fallen in front of such angst. The thrill of danger breaking the monotony of her dull life, it was that which attracted her in first place, not Max. She had been stupid for not seeing how wonderful Kyle had been, he had always been here for her and well, Max, despite his declarations of undying love, couldn't. In fact it was like Buffy being attracted by the broody and tortured Angel instead of seeing how Xander was the true hero. Oh yeah, and showing her point with an analogy of Buffy The vampire Slayer was so much mature.

She put the eggs and the bacon in two plates, setting them on the table. She frowned at the table, when they'll have jobs they were so replacing it because it seemed too much on the verge of breaking at her taste. They'll need a TV, three lamps, two chest of drawers, one for Kyle and one for her, and one new couch, God only knew what were these stains, ewww. She went into Kyle's bedroom, grinning as she saw him slightly snoring, hair tousled. He was so cute, definitely blackmail material, too bad she hadn't her camera, she'll ask her Mom to send it through mail when she'll ring her tonight. She crept closer to the bed, Kyle was sleeping bare chest, and oh boy, he was really muscular. Very. Hot. Stop drooling Liz. She stopped during one second, thinking about it, why not? She didn't do anything wrong if she just looked.

She leaned down, her hand hovering over her friend's shoulder. "Kyle," she began as she touched him. Abruptly her wrist was seized in a strong grip and she found herself sprawled on the bed with Kyle on top of her. She blinked stupidly before laughing, missing the cold calculating look flashing on Kyle's as he was awoken sharply. He relaxed when he saw it was Liz.

"Wow, Kyle, if you wanted me in bed so bad you just had to ask." she teased, stopping to catch her breath after laughing during several minutes.

The guy smirked at her, "You wish, woman. Don't believe I don't know when you're ogling my chest."

"Hey, I'm only human." she shot back playfully. "Besides it does wonder to your ego."

"It's always nice to feel appreciated. So, what brings you to my humble abode?"

"I made breakfast. Now get off me and let's go eat."

Kyle slid off her, sitting up, grinning like a goon. "My own personal little wife already feeding me. Darling, can you do my laundry too?"

She snorted, hitting him on his arm. "Dream on, Boy. Now get your ass in the kitchen, as punishment you'll wash the plates."
***
Few minutes later.

"We should try to find our jobs today."

"Already found mine." replied Kyle, sipping his coffee slowly.

"Really?"

Kyle went to search in the pocket of his jacket, retrieving a flyer.

"Jam Pony Messenger, help wanted, qualification: need to ride a bicycle." read Liz. "Well, it shouldn't be too hard for you."

"What is it supposed to mean?" asked Kyle in a false angry tone, crossing his arms in front of his chest.

"I'm sure you'll figure it out." she shot back with a playful smirk. "You're lucky, I've read several job's offer in the paper yesterday but none interested me."

"You could do a waitress job." offered her friend.

"No way, never again."

"Why? You had good tips in Roswell, right?"

"If you called 40 cents a good tip, then yes. Not counting old drunk guys who always were trying to grab my ass."

"WHAT?!!! You never said anything."

"Of course, my father would have killed them, besides, I can fight my own battles." she stated with a nasty smirk.

"Ok, I'm forced to ask. What did you do?"

"Let's just say sometimes the food wasn't as good as it should have been."

"I can't believe it. You spat in their food?"

"Add Tabasco too. You can't mess with Liz Parker without consequences."

"Remind me to never anger you when it's your turn to cook." He stated seriously, looking at his eggs warily.
***

One hour later, Kyle entered in Jam Pony, the place was buzzing with noise, people of his age going in and out with bicycles or just leaning against old lockers, chatting. He headed to the counter where a man in his late thirties was busy, talking furiously in his earpiece.

"What do you want?" asked the guy in a noisy and unfriendly tone.

"I'm here for the job."

"Right." The blonde peered at him suspiciously. "Drug addict?"

"Huh, no."

"Criminal? Did jail?"

"Again, no. Just new in town."

"Ok, but don't even think to steal the bike I'll give you."

Kyle eyed the poor excuse of bicycle the guy had in his hands. "I wouldn't dream of it." he muttered.

"What?"

"I said I wouldn't steal it."

The guy stared at him. "Alright, I'll give you a chance. I'm Normal, The Owner. The first time you screw up you're out of here."

"Got it."

"Fill this formulary and Ill give you a Jam Pony Pass and after you'll deliver packets for the rest of the day, just be sure you have the signature of the persons."

Suddenly the face of the guy lit up as he stared behind Kyle. "Alec, my Boy, here you are. The place is a mess without you, you're the only here who isn't a lazy moron. You heard, guys?!! BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! Places to go, packets to deliver!" he yelled.

Kyle glanced to the guy, stopping his writing for few seconds. Tall, dirty blonde hair, blue eyes, muscular and if he based his opinion on the wide smirk across his face, cocky as hell.

"You know Alec, I love you like a son but please, you must stop dating co-workers. You're going to make me run out of business." stated Normal. "Jess and Meg are the third and fourth relatively good at the job who quit because you went out with them at the same time."

Kyle rolled his eyes, the Golden Boy is a player. Great. Just great, there was no way he would ever let Liz go here now. He finished filling the formulary and gave it back to Normal who rapidly gave him his pass and a packet. He looked at the address, glad to have learn the map of Seattle before leaving Roswell.

" I'm Alec."

Kyle raised an eyebrow, he didn't know why but the attitude of the guy was grating on his nerves. He didn't like him. End of the discussion. "I heard." he replied shortly.

"And you are?"

"Kyle." he wanted to say 'busy' and leave but since Normal was close to drooling on the guy's shoes it would be a bad move for his first day.

"Alec, would you be kind enough showing him the ropes. The streets and all. "

"It's ok, I can handle it." said Kyle before Alec could reply, not wanting to bear his company more than he had to.

"Didn't you tell me you're new in town?" asked Normal, frowning. "You're going to get lost, not that I care but you have packets to deliver."

"Already learn the different sectors. No need to bother." said Kyle, he nodded to Alec and left the building rapidly.

Alec stared at the guy's retreating back. Well, guess he made a new friend. Weird guy who seemed to hate his guts at the first second he saw him. He didn't do anything to him though, not that he could recall. He turned toward Normal, smiling at him brightly, questioning him about the new guy. He couldn't help it, each time someone new went to Jam Pony he checked on them, after all Suspicious was his second name.
***

For the rest of the day, Kyle delivered packets, it didn't take a genius to do the job and sometimes, if he was lucky, he could chat with a good looking girl. He went back to Jam Pony where Normal seemed pleased at his work, the guy told him to return tomorrow. He headed to his apartment, finding Liz fighting the TV she bought on the black market, she was stuck in the cables and Kyle couldn't help but laugh his ass off. It seemed he did that a lot since Liz and him lived together. The tiny brunette cursed until she was blue in the face before asking for his help. Finally after one hour, their TV was working perfectly, they ate and Kyle told her about his day, omitting to mention Alec. No need to make her curious about this jerk. Liz whined about her lack of job, saying it seemed that she was going to be stuck in the Waitress Hell once again.

Few hours later, Liz was deeply asleep in her bed when Kyle climbed on the rooftop. He stared at the sky, frowning, the message had changed and disappeared before he arrived in Seattle. Still, he'll have to check the coordinates given b y the satellites during the first series of messages. Maybe he would find a clue about the sudden change in the messages.
He sighed, wondering where his siblings could be, in Roswell he never allowed himself to think about them. It hurt too much, though it didn't stop him to check for any incidents who could involve a X5 in the newspapers. It also wasn't safe trying to dig information about his siblings, not when he had a perfect and unbreakable cover and certainly not when he was aware there were FBI Agents in Roswell.

"Something's wrong, Kyle?"

" Huh?" he asked, Liz's voice cutting through his thoughts. "No, everything is fine."

He never thought Liz had hear him going on the roof with the emergency ladder during the previous nights. The brunette sat besides her friend, watching him curiously. "I never knew how much you liked astronomy."

"Not really, I just like to stare at the sky. It's... peaceful, that's why I always liked your balcony."

"I miss my telescope." she said. "But I don't mss Roswell, I'm really glad you asked me to come with you. Glad and grateful."

He glanced at the brunette, happy to see the blinding smile he missed so much. "No need to thank me, Liz. And stop with the chick flick moment you're going to make me blush and cry. Not very manly."

She snickered. "That's a picture I want to see."

END

A/N3: I created an easy banter between Kyle and Liz because I think it suits them, I don't believe I've made them out of character but if you have any good constructive criticism, please, be my guest and do tell. I also couldn't resist writing a paranoid Normal.

[demonyte]

A/N: Berrisford Contract happened before Kyle and Liz arrived to Seattle, I know a lot of things happened in the first part of the season 2 of DA but humor me, will you? Since I finally decided to put Alec and Liz together, I need to give the guy a little time to grieve. Hope you're happy with the couple.
A/N Bis: I know The Crash is a bar and nobody dance here, but once again, humor me. It's my fic, if I say there is a dance floor then there is!
A/N2: I finished writing this part because I'm stuck at home, sick like a dog and that's so UNFAIR! *sniff* Little wink to Supernatural, you're good if you find it.
A/N3: PLEASE, HELP. I can't find a job for Liz and I don't want her to be waitress. Many Xover (including old mine) makes her bartender, singer or working at Jam Pony and I want to give her something else to do. So IF you have ANY suggestion, please, tell me. And thanks for the reviews.
A/N4: SPECIAL THANKS TO BINXTER FOR HER WONDERFUL BANNER, check it out on the part one.


PART 4

It's nearly the end of Kyle's second day at work. I want to scream in frustration, tear my hair out, because I just had the epiphany of my life. I can't find a job to save my life. Besides waitress of course. It's depressing I went into several sectors today, people in Seattle are very different from Roswell. Here, all I see is poverty, in fact I never realized how lucky I was. Don't get me wrong, I don't regret moving here, it's just it's a blatant contrast between cities and little towns.

In Roswell I never liked being waitress, I did it to help my parents and sure, old perverts were disgusting but it's nothing compared to some guys here. I don't know, maybe it's me who is too much intimidated but I wouldn't be comfortable with leering guys who have metal spikes incrusted in their heads. I know it's not fair or kind to judge people on their appearances but, HELLO, they do that to each other on PURPOSE! I found a job of bartender but it's too bad, I don't know anything about making drinks. Once I remember Alex daring me to make him a pinacolada, well, let's just say it ended with Alex on the bathroom's floor.

I heard the key in the lock and few seconds later Kyle was here.

"Hey."

"Hey," I replied. "Good day?"

"It was okay."

"Made any friends?"

"It's not high school, Liz." he replied, sitting at his turn on the sofa.

I had it recovered with a blanket so I could sit on it. "And you? Any luck?" he asked.

I shook my head. "I'm cursed, I swear."

"What do you say if you go out then? The way you'll think about something else."

"I don't want to."

"C'mon, stop with the brooding. Maxass isn't here so there is no reason for it, besides you'll find a job. I know it." he assured me, patting my shoulder. I couldn't help but smile, wondering if Kyle and Alex had share a brain because both knew how to cheer me up.

"Alright, you win. Just let me few minutes to prepare myself." I told him, going to my room to pick some clothes and make up.

"More like one hour."

"I heard that!" I shouted as I was heading to the bathroom.

Half an hour later, I was out, clad into black leather pants (a gift from Maria for my departure) "Liz, you're leaving for Seattle, not going to a monastery." I hoped Kyle will have a coronary, this way I'll be sure they work. I had a tight red tank top, silver loops on my ears, red and black eye shadow with a touch of gloss on my lips.

"I'm ready." I said. "What do you think?"

He didn't have a coronary but made a good imitation of the Tex Avery Wolf.

"Wow Liz, I'm torn between the urge to tell there is no way you're going out dress like that and the urge to curse the Blessed Virgin for our break up."

I smiled and laughed. Funny, how Kyle can make me laugh so often with only one sentence. I laughed more the last 5 days than during those last 5 months.

"Let's go."

We went to the Crash where we danced all night long. I danced only with Kyle, I wasn't ready to think to guys right now, the wounds Max left in my heart were still too deep and fresh, besides I didn't want to deal with pressing, leering, arrogant, drunk guys. I had fun with Kyle, he attracted a lot of girls but he declined their propositions to stay with me. I shouldn't feel smug but I was, I admit feeling the jealous glares of girls was thrilling and stroke my ego. It was nice, Kyle was hot, I never had been blind to that, dressed into his black leather jacket, tight dark green shirt showing off his muscular chest and faded blue jeans. We danced, laughed, drunk before leaving the place at 4AM. During all night I never thought once to Roswell.

***

Being a X5 is a good thing sometimes. No matter what, no hang over and no dying face because you hadn't enough hours of sleep.

I stuck my head into Liz's room, smiling as I saw her sleeping like the dead. Something told me she wouldn't go looking for a job today, oh, the sweet joys of hang over. I put a bottle of aspirin on the kitchen table before leaving silently, not wanting to wake her up. I congratulated myself for making Liz agree to go to Seattle with me, since we arrived her mood had considerably brightened. Of course, the enthusiastic Liz with who I fell in love wasn't back yet and I doubted she would ever be, but she was slowly healing.

Time to go to Jam Pony.

Normal had finally stop watching me as if I was a dangerous criminal mastermind in hiding. I never met a guy more paranoid than him before, I swear. Ok, scratch that, Michael is worse.

Entering into Jam Pony Messenger, I went straight to my locker. Liz had asked me if I made new friends, well, the answer was no since making friends involved talking to people first. In Roswell, to fit in I was forced to talk to people, here like I said to Liz, it's not High School anymore. So what if I'm Mr. Asocial? There is nothing wrong with that. Liz is my friend and she's more than enough, besides one is a good number. Alex was an example, I can't protect two persons. I cared about Alex and Liz, since my escape from Manticore those two were the only ones with who I was really myself. To be honest, I was closer to Alex than Liz since we were both guys, you know, it was simpler there was none 'Men are from Mars, Women From Venus' thing in our friendship. His death had shown me I couldn't let in other people, look at Tess. If I hadn't try to make her welcome... I shook my head, trying to get rid of her before punching a hole in my locker.

I turned and was faced by a bunch of people. Uh oh, what was wrong now? I recognized Alec in them. There were two girls, a tall Hispanic, dark hair, dark eyes, an Afro American girl who was more than gorgeous, all the right forms in the right places. Very sexy. And another guy, taller than me, blue eyes and a goofy but warm grin who made me think to Alex.

"Yeah?" I asked.

"We're the welcoming committee." stated the gorgeous black woman. "Sorry for not introducing ourselves sooner but the last days have been erratic. The boo here is Max, the goofy guy is Sketchy, the cocky guy is Alec and the marvelous girl on who you're drooling is O.C. And though she appreciates the compliment, she has to tell you she doesn't go for guys."

I smiled, unable not to, in front of her wits. "You're breaking my heart." I admitted. "I'm Kyle."

"Good to meet you, man." said Sketchy.

"Thanks."

"We saw you at the Crash." stated Max, finally talking.

I frowned, her face was vaguely familiar but I had no idea why. It just felt weird. She stared at me with such focus that I felt the hair on my neck straighten, the alarms in my head were beginning to ring when she suddenly stopped, her gaze returning to normal.

"Yeah." said Alec. "Who was the hot chick with you?"

My eyes narrowed, I knew perfectly Alec was a player. Two girls quit Jam Pony because of him and that's why I got the job. I wasn't going to let him use Liz. My first priority was to protect her and there was no way I was going to give him an opportunity to hurt her. Over. My. Dead. Body.

"None of your business." I nearly growled, glaring.

Max snickered. "Good move, if she's one of your friends don't let Alec go near her."

"Hey!" shouted the guy, outraged.

"Yeah, I noticed. Thanks Max." I replied, a hint of smile on my lips.

"You're... welcome." she said after a pause. "Well, we better go back to work because Normal has an aneurysm."

***

I'm never drinking again. Ever. I took two aspirins and sought the best medication to a hangover.

I closed my eyes, enjoying the warmth of my bath. Paradise. Hmm, no one to bother me, no one to answer to.

It was very nice.

Kyle was at Jam Pony and I had the apartment for myself. It was stunning to discover how lazy I was. In Roswell, I had little time for myself, I was ruled by my parents expectations and later, the whole 'Alien Are Among Us' secret.
My wonderful relaxation was cut by the noise of the buzzer and I groaned, deciding I was really cursed. Whoever was at the door was going to bear my wrath, I decided firmly as I grabbed my black towel hastily, wrapping it around my waist. I left the bathroom, much to my despair and went to the door, leaving a path of water around me. Mentally I was cursing the person at the other side, if it was a salesman I swear to God...
I unlocked the door and opened it roughly, glaring.

"WHAT?!!" I asked, exasperated.

The destroyer of my interior peace was a hot guy, dirty blonde hair, blue green eyes, muscular and... Was he checking me out?

"Elizabeth Parker?" he asked with a cocky grin.

I nodded, watching him cautiously.

"Jam Pony Messenger, I have a packet for you." he explained, his eyes continuing to rack over my body and I wondered angrily why I wasn't pissed in front of such leering and why I felt a warm sensation in the pit of my stomach. I didn't even know the guy for God's sake. Pervert. Alright, I also checked him out but I didn't act like a nymphomaniac.

He handed me the sheet where I signed, waiting for the packet. I waited for him to hand me the packet and looked up when he didn't.

"What are you waiting for?" I asked grumpily. "If you hadn't notice I'm standing in my doorway in a towel, so hurry up."

The bastard had the audacity to smirk. "Oh be sure I've noticed." he stated, his eyes twinkling. "You seemed familiar, you were at the Crash with Kyle last night, right?"

I raised an eyebrow at that, I didn't know Kyle talk to the other messengers, besides his jerk of boss he hadn't say anything about anyone else.

"Yes," I replied, "I'm surprised you recognized me since your gaze hasn't left my chest since I answered to the door."

He laughed, handing me the box. "What can I say? When I see a beauty I can't help but look."

I smiled at him warmly, shaking my head mentally. Player.. If his wide smirk is any indication, he's really thinking I'm falling for it.

"I didn't know Kyle had friends at work already. What's your name?"

"Alec."

" Alec," his name rolled on my tongue, "It must be hard for you." I stated, still smiling warmly as I patted his arm in a comforting manner. I could see him ready to ask me why. "Never being able to find your way to a decent pick up line."

I grinned, biting my lower lip before laughing. "It was good to meet you." I told him before closing the door in his face as his jaw was still on the floor.

I snickered, heading to the kitchen, opening the box. It was my camera, Mom was fast, only one day since I talked to her. I went to my room and threw some clothes on, smiling as I remembered my encounter with Alec. I was sure he wasn't used at having a girl not fawning over his feet, well, take that, smug bastard. He was hot though, I couldn't deny it, maybe I'll ask Kyle tonight.

***

I stared at the closed door in front of me, I could hear her snicker inside. At me. That was a first. Hot chick this Elizabeth Parker. Sharp tongue too.
I smiled, leaving the building, things were going to be interesting. Now I just have to make buddy buddy with Kyle, yeah, the guy loved me so much it wouldn't be very hard. Of course not, just Mission Impossible.
I wondered if the two were an item, well, it never stopped before and I have to admit that pushing the guy's buttons is as funny as Logan's.

It had been a nice surprise, I was ready to meet an old lady. What do you expect? Elizabeth was an old name used before the pulse. I was greeted by a pissed off brunette, clad into a towel. Her black hair was still wet, pearls of water sliding over her smooth creamy skin. She was tiny, slender but hmm, amazing legs. As soon as I stared into the glaring dark eyes I recognized she was the girl with the new guy, Kyle. The girl who I wasn't supposed to touch, if the murderous glare of Kyle was any indication. I couldn't help myself, since Manticore destruction, I stopped following orders.

I flirted openly and she fell for it right away, like every other girls. I was ready to ask her out when she patted my arm and clearly told me I sucked. Ouch, my bruised ego. It was unexpected and interesting. No girl had rejected me before her, ok, Max did, but it doesn't count because she's... Max. Maybe it's because she's a X5, I don't know but she's an exception. She doesn't count as a girl in my opinion.

Whistling, I retrieved my bike and grinned. I was a perseverant man, I'll see Elizabeth again I was sure of that.

END

[demonyte]

A/N: Thanks for the reviews guys, it means a lot to me. I'm not really happy with this part, so I hope you won't find it too boring.
~

Part 5

Her stomach growling loudly, Liz opened the fridge, wrinkling her nose as she saw its emptiness. Guess she was stuck with the food chores. She decided to go to the market in the Sector 5 where the price of vegetables and fruits were low. Kyle was going to have a fit, he was a junk food addict. It annoyed Liz to see Kyle eat so many greasy things and never take a pound. That was so unfair, specially when she had to watch her figure. Guys' metabolism were sometimes better than girls' and it really sucked.

Sighing, she drank a glass of milk and pocketed an apple before leaving the apartment. Who knew, maybe she'll find a job.

***
<b>Few hours later, Jam Pony. 7:45AP</b>

Kyle was retrieving some stuff from his locker before finding himself face to face with O.C. A shame she liked girls, really. A shame he wasn't a girl.

"Hey Sugar, the gang and me are going to the Crash. Come with us for a beer?" she asked with a blinding smile.

"Hum, thanks but I don't think..."

"Call your friend and tell her to come. The more the merrier. Besides you two are new in town, you need someone able to explain you the rules in this city and O.C. knows everything there is to know."

"Ok, you win." he conceded as he took his cellphone and dialed Liz's number. She answered at the first ring. "Hey Liz, you're going to be proud, I socialize with the other kids today." stated Kyle, able to hear his friend laugh at the other end of the line. "Anyway, the guys at work proposed to go for a drink. Want to join? If you say no, I'll just go home."

<i>"It seemed to be blackmail to me."</i>

"I'll never dare."

<i>"Sure, I'll come. Where?"</i>

"The Crash. 8tish, I'm going with them straight up. Cool with it or do you want me to go with you?"

<i>"Chill Kyle. I'm a big girl, alright maybe not in the literal sense but you catch my drift, I can walk to the bar alone. I won't get mugged, raped or kidnapped, I have my pepper spray so don't worry."</i>

"I always will."

<i>"Well, you better stop before you give yourself an ulcer."</i>

"I'll remember the advice, see you soon."

***

<b>The Crash</b>

Kyle was with the rest of the group, that is to say O.C., Max, Sketchy and Alec. He wasn't particularly pleased with the presence of the guy since he knew Alec had noticed Liz and wanted to get in her pants. But it would be over his dead body, Liz didn't need a player to mess with her slowly healing heart. Kyle nursed his beer grimly, sending a dark look to Alec before turning his gaze back to the door. He spotted Liz the second she entered in the bar. She was clad into tight black pants, blue tank top and her leather jacket. Kyle fought the urge to scowl, usually he wouldn't have minded Liz's outfit but with a womanizer like the blonde punk, it wasn't a good thing.

The brunette smiled when she spotted him and headed toward the group, a smile on her face.

"Hello Gorgeous." greeted Kyle passing an arm around her waist as she sat on the stool next to him. Liz pecked him on the cheek before peering curiously at the others. Kyle was aware of his gesture of earlier hinted they were an item but he didn't care using the appearances to make Alec back off.

"Guys, this is Liz." he introduced. "Liz, meet Max, Original Cindy, the drooling guy over there is Sketchy."

Liz nodded as she stole few sips from Kyle's beer. "And the last one is Alec."

"We've already met." stated Liz.

Kyle's eyes narrowed at the news. "When?"

"This morning, Alec delivered a packet at our apartment." explained the brunette. "Not the best way for an introduction though."

"What?" asked Alec, smirking. "I found it perfect."

Liz snorted.

"So," began O.C., "Kyle told us you were new in town."

"That's right," admitted Liz, "doesn't even make a week we're in Seattle."

"And where are you from?" asked lightly Max.

"Roswell."

"The Alien Capital?" asked Alec, raising an eyebrow.

"You know another one?" replied sarcastically Kyle.

Liz couldn't help but grin at Alec's glare aimed at Kyle. Seemed the two weren't best buddies then. She nearly laughed, now sure her first impression of Alec had been right. He's really a player, using Kyle to talk to her. She had to admit he had some nerve.

"Ever saw one?" questioned Sketchy.

Liz and Kyle shared an amused glance.

"Let's just say there are some strange specimens there."

The conversation continued easily, Liz surprisingly found herself rapidly at ease with Kyle's coworkers. O.C. had a great sense of humor and made her promise to pass at Jam Pony sometimes. They chatted for some time before Kyle and Liz headed to their apartment.

"Your coworkers are cool." stated Liz as she opened the door.

"I wouldn't say that about everyone."

"Oh, Kyle," said Liz smiling, "as much as I like you playing Mama Bear I have to say it's enough. Don't play the overprotective brother, I appreciate but it's not necessary."

"Liz, you don't know Alec. He's trouble, he's..."

"A player, I'm not blind, I noticed. The fact he hit shamelessly on me this morning was proof enough." she told him as she threw her jacket on a chair. "Don't worry Kyle, I already let him down."

Kyle fell on the couch with a happy sigh. "That's the best news I've heard since this morning. What's for dinner?"

"Vegetables."

She totally ignored Kyle's groan of displeasure.

Kyle had to admit the food wasn't so horrible but there was no way he'll admit it to Liz. A ‘click’ noise attracted his attention and he turned his head toward his friend.

"Liz, what are you doing? Get this thing away from me."

"I'm just taking a picture, Kyle, not going to kill you. Besides, I need to make a book before applying for the job I found today. And your cute face is going to be one of my weapons. If it's a girl making the job interview and if she's interested I can still pimp you in exchange of the job."

"Very funny." replied Kyle, "Well, I don't like having my picture taken."

"What? You're a criminal in hiding or is it another Buddhist thing which believes souls can be stolen by camera?"

"What would you say if I told you the first proposition isn't so far from the truth?"

"Yeah, right," snorted Liz, rolling her eyes, not believing her friend one second.

"So? Care to tell me when you found this job?"

"When I was in the sector 5. Ad. The <i>Seattle's News</i> is looking for photographer with experience. I know I haven't really the CV but I want to try." explained Liz. "You heard about the transgenics controversy and the panic of the population, right? Because good pictures of mutants can get a lot of money, a lot of freelance photographers appeared and among them, are specialized photographers who quit their job for the lure of easy money. That's why serious news papers find themselves in need of good photographers."

"I didn't know you liked photography."

"It's a hobby of mine. My grandmother always told me I had talent, I figured I could give it a try." said the brunette, shrugging her shoulders.

Kyle took a pose seeming taken out of an ad for <i>Bel Ami</i>. "Shoot away." he said dramatically, making Liz laugh so loud their grumpy neighbor hit the wall, cursing at them.

***

<b>The day after, Jam Pony.</b>

"Sketchy, can you do me a favor?" asked Kyle, finally able to corner the other guy after two hours of search.

"Depends, man. What do you want?"

"Could you take the rest of my packets and make my deliveries?" he questioned, taking a twenty out of his pocket as he noticed Sketchy was going to protest.

"C'mon, it's only four packets."

"Alright, I'll do it." said Sketchy with a grin as he took the money.

"You're a life saver."

Kyle left Jam Pony, glad Normal had finally accepted to give him a bike which wasn't ready to die on him. The older man seemed to tolerate him better, maybe even like him though O.C told him there was no hope if you weren't named Alec. Kyle sped on his bike, cursing again the fact he didn't own a motorcycle, as soon as Liz and him were steady he was going to buy one. Because the journey to the coordinates was going to take him the day instead of few hours. A good thing he wasn't just human because he would never manage it.

Few hours later, Kyle stopped in the middle of the woods, checking his map to see the precise place of the coordinates. He headed stealthily toward the meeting point. Taking his binoculars, he watched carefully his surroundings. There was nothing he could see or hear. He observed the ground, there had been a camp here, the traces were nearly erased but it didn't stop Kyle to see them. He spotted a bridge not too far from the site and went on it, frowning as he noticed dried blood on the wood. A lot of blood.

He was ready to bet it was X5's. It had been a trap, a way to exterminate the last living proofs of the project Manticore. Eyes Only might tell the truth but this stupid idiot endangered hundred of lives, people died because of his little information flash.

"Fuck." he spat out, furious.

Still something was wrong, if Manticore wanted to exterminate every proof, why send another message saying to separate? It didn't make any sense. Kyle kept searching for some sign or trace indicating another possible meeting point but found nothing. Shit. He should have been faster. He shouldn't have waited. If he didn't, maybe he would have meet some of his siblings. Maybe...

Glancing at his watch, Kyle realized he had to leave to go back to Seattle on time. He didn't want Liz to question him about his whereabouts.

Liz, he mused, since they arrived to Seattle he found himself in need to tell her the truth about him. She was the only person he trusted enough to tell her his secret. Not even his father knew, the only thing Jim Valenti knew was he rescued a little kid in the desert near of Santa Fe. His wife had just left him and he was driving back to Roswell when he noticed a kid lying across the road. Since it was several weeks after the escape of Manticore, his hair had grown and hid the barcodeon his neck. Jim Valenti adopted him and always thought he had been left by his biological parents, he never asked any question about Kyle's past, prefering to let the boy decided if he wanted to tell him or not. And Kyle had been extremely lucky to fall on Jim Valenti because even if the man was strict he had been the best father Kyle ever knew.

At 8AP, Kyle was in Seattle, opening the door of the apartment he shared with Liz. He found hersitting on the couch, watching the TV as she sipped a soda. A cyber flash was on and talking about transgenics, it took all his will not to throw the TV out of the window. He could feel the rage boiling in his veins, if he could put his hands on this son of a bitch. Who did the guy think he was? A good doer? Kyle bet the guy was in fact a spoiled brat coming from a wealthy family who got his rocks off by revealing government's secrets. The soldier memorized the blue eyes looking back in the TV, knowing that if he crossed the guy in the street he would recognize him.

Taking a deep breath, Kyle sat next to Liz. "What do you think of this?" he asked. "Do you believe they're real or just some publicity campaign for the next election?"

"I think they exist." replied Liz. "Usually those flashes are true. Besides if aliens exist, why not transgenics? In fact it would be more possible, mankind can do terrible things to win wars, look at the A Bomb."

"Would you be scared if you crossed one?"

Liz glanced at him, surprised by the way was headed the conversation. "Well, I'll be surprised that's for sure, but scared? If they don't attack me, no, I don't think so." she replied honestly.

"That's good." stated Kyle, rubbing the back of his neck. "Liz, I need to tell you something. See, in fact..."

The cellphone of Liz cut his sentence.

"Sorry, wait a sec." she apologized as she answered. "Yes, Liz Parker. Hmm...of course...yes. Alright...not at all. Thank you. Yeah, bye."

She ended the call before turning toward her friend, her brown eyes were glowing with happiness.

"I got it, Kyle. I passed the interview this morning and I got the job!!!" she shouted, laughing as she hugged him tightly.

"That's awesome." replied Kyle, rubbing absently her back.

"Let's celebrate!" said Liz, standing up. "I'm inviting you to the pizzeria." she stated a little sheepishly. "Sorry, I won't have my first pay before next week."

Liz headed toward her room to retrieve her jacket and stopped herself in mid motion. "Oh, I nearly forgot, what did you want to tell me?"

"Nah, that's okay. I'll tell you later. Tonight, we're celebrating your success." stated Kyle with a smile as he passed an arm around her shoulders.

He didn't want to spoil Liz's fun by dropping this secret on her right now, he had all the time in the world. He could still tell her tomorrow. Yeah, tomorrow, he only hoped he would be brave enough to bring up the subject again.

END

~
I think the meeting between Liz and the Seattle's gang could have been better but I wasn't very inspired. Sorry. I don't really like how I made her got the job, it doesn't seem very natural. My God, I'm doubting a lot with this plot. Please, tell me <b>honestly</b> what you think.

[demonyte]

A/N: Sorry for not updating sooner, I've got a massive case of writer blocks with all my fics. I was also looking at some very old fics I wrote, anyone remember Sleeping Beauty, a Zack/Liz DA Xover? I might give it another shot.

Orphyfets: Maybe, maybe not.

Roswell Slayer: Thanks, I'm relieved you think it was ok. You're going to have to wait for that.

Bluebear01: Well, as I said earlier, the cast isn't out of its bag yet.

WomanofMystery: So happy you like Kyle and Liz's relationship, I really tried to make it sibling like. Glad you like Kyle angry at Eyes Only, you're not going to be deceived by their first meeting. *grins*

Rachelg224: It's good to know you still like it.

*shiri&jensen4ever*: But that's why we love him, right?

Liz2Infinity: It's coming, I swear.

Aussietrueblue: Don't make the sad face, it's tearing me apart.

~




Part 6


It's been a week since we're in Seattle, I've come here, following the satellite's message because Manticore has been destroyed. I needed to see if any of my siblings would be there, I wanted an answer to the question plaguing me for the past eleven years but I found none. It was a trap. In the end all I got was another bunch of questions without answers.

I resigned myself to never see them again. Zack, Tinga, Brin, Jondy, Seth, Max, Syl, Krit, Ben, Zane and Trix would become blurred faces in the dark memories of my past. It might even be best to forget, at least it would dull the ache in my chest but then it would make Eva's sacrifice worthless. I wasn't alone though, I had Liz, and even if our bathroom changed in a black room bugged me, I wouldn't have it any other way.

I still haven't told her, I tried but it never seemed to be the right moment.

Besides I have other things on my mind. Do you know the saying which says you'll find something when you'll stop looking?

Well, it happens, tonight I just discovered that O.C.'s friend, Max, is no one else than my little sister.

~

It's been a week since we're settled in Seattle. Life is good, got a job and an apartment with the perfect roommate. I'm far from complaining, in fact I've a hard time believing I'm finally out of the alien business. I can't manage to thank Kyle enough for everything he's done.

Speaking of Buddha Boy, something's bothering him. He's been preoccupied lately, oh he hides it well but I caught him with his guard down, for instance that time on the roof. I'm not going to push the issue or pry, I'll wait for him to broach the subject first, even though curiosity and concern are eating me alive. Waiting is the only solution, because when Kyle doesn't want to do something there is no way to force his hand. The guy can be so pig-headed sometimes.

I'm worried about him, he's so cut off. Back in Roswell, Kyle was popular, always fitting perfectly among the crowd, he talked to people with an ease I envied more than once. Yet, since we're here, he barely interacts with people besides me. I think it's related to Alex, it might only be Kyle's way of grieving. I understand too well the need to have some breathing room, that's why I can't bring myself to voice my concern.

Besides that, everything is fine. I enjoy a lot my job as a photographer. For the moment, I only made some shots of the new aisle of the hospital in sector 4 and the opening of the Seattle Arts Museum. Neil Farrow, the redactor of Seattle's News is a good boss, he likes my work. However since I'm the new fish in the pound, which means at the bottom of the power's ladder, I've gotten assigned to Geoffrey Lennox's mundane society party. Being forced to take pictures of shallow wealthy people doesn't please me but since I want butter in my spinach, I can't exactly refuse. I've gotten a pass and the choice to bring a date, needless to say I asked Kyle. Since I'm going to suffer, I see no reason to do it alone, besides Kyle is going to be my weapon against any leering and incentive drunks I will meet. It's terrible to admit but I tend to attract this kind of guys.

"Wow, Kyle, you look awesome in this tux." I state, whistling my appreciation. Hmm, maybe it was going to be the other way around, I'll be the one going to fight girls off Kyle.

"I return the compliment, you're stunning. Shall we go?" he asks, offering me his hand. I smile and take it after putting my camera in my purse.

I'm wearing a red cocktail dress, Mom offered it to me before leaving Roswell, I told her I didn't think I'll have the opportunity to wear it but she said you never know when you'll need formal clothes. She was right, guess it comes with the mother department.

Half a hour later, we are at Lennox's building, we took the bus and I realized we really need to buy a vehicle. Picture Kyle and me, all dressed up, riding with people looking like steelhead bums, I was worried we were going to be mugged. We didn't. Kyle can look very threatening when he wants to be.

Anyway, so here we are, Kyle near the buffet, trying to ingurgitate as many canapés as he can stomach during I'm busy shooting some anorexic actresses. Everything is boring until the lens of my camera catches a familiar face. I blink, walking among the crowd, before heading toward the person I had seen. She was currently talking with Peter Mayers, Lennox's best pal, finally the guy stopped flirting and left.

"Hey Max, funny to see you here."

She seems to be a little taken aback by my presence.

"You too, you know Geoffrey Lennox?"

"No, I'm working." I reply, raising my camera slightly. "I'm now a proud photographer for The Seattle's News."

"That's great. Not that I'm not enjoying this little chat but I need to go. See you later, pass at Jam Pony sometimes."

"Will do."

She's just dissolved in the crowd when Kyle comes at my side.

"Here." says Kyle, offering a glass of Champaign.

"I saw Max."

"No more Champaign for you. You're delusional, Liz, the bastard is miles away."

"I was talking about your coworker."

"Weird, she didn't seem the kind of girl going to those sort of parties." he states, sipping his drink. "Are you nearly done?"

"What?" I asked with a little grin. "Already finished the canapés?"

He shrugs as he makes a face. "They're not so great."

"Lennox usually makes a speech, I'll take a couple of shots and then we'll go home, deal?"

"Deal." replies Kyle. "I've spotted your guy trying to sweet talk three actresses back there so I don't think he's going to give his speech soon."

"Alright, thanks for the tip. God," I state, wrinkling my nose, "I hate the smell of cigars, it makes me sick."

Kyle takes me by the arm, dragging me toward a sliding window door. He opens it and we find ourselves on a large oval balcony. Kyle closes the door, muffling slightly the sound of the party as I breath the fresh air avidly.

"Thanks, I needed that."

We gaze at the pitched black silently, the balcony empty besides them. Our musing are cut when the lights flicker and die, plunging the whole building in the dark as the murmur of disapprobation of the guests grows. Suddenly a detonation is heard which leads to the guests panic. The action is taking place one floor above us, Kyle and me being on the balcony are able to see what's happening. Well, not really but with my camera I will be.

I raise my camera, zooming to be able to see a person fighting against three bodyguards. My eyes widen as I recognize the girl currently kicking the ass of trained men being twice her size. Unconsciously my finger moves and I'm shooting everything happening right under my nose. Through the lens of my camera, the action looks like a ballet. Left hook, punch in bodyguard 1 face, rotation, rounded kick in the stomach of bodyguard 3, headlock, unconscious bodyguard 2. The show is finally over and the girl takes the files she dropped before running toward the emergency exit.

I swallow with difficulty as the lights come back, turning my head toward a frowning and silent Kyle gazing intently at the windows.

"Wow... I think it's safe to say Max is a transgenic." I murmur in awe.

~

The day after at Jam Pony Kyle observed the brunette with her friends. Max. Talk about irony. For years, he didn't stop to think about them and now he sort of accepted he would never see them again here she was. She turned out okay, Kyle absently wondered if there was something in their genes which made them look hot. He wasn't blind and was aware of the many approving glances he received from women every day. Alex had more than once whined about the fact he looked like G.I Joe during than Alex had only received 'tall lanky teenager' genes.

Maxie, he knew there was something familiar about her.

Taking few packages from Normal, he watched as Max tore a new one at Alec. He chuckled, his sister had good come backs. Still it felt weird, last night the only thing he had wanted was to find her and talk, maybe hug her too but now when he had the opportunity he did nothing. It made eleven years they hadn't seen each other and he stood there, only watching. What the hell was wrong with him? He recalled last night's events, after the lights had came back Lennox apologized and ended the party. The wealthy man even though he had been smiling was distraught, Liz and him went home. When they were there, Liz babbled about transgenics and Max, how fantastic it was. His friend had turned on her scientist mod, describing and analyzing the facts, something she also did with the aliens and somehow Kyle believed it was her reaction which stopped him.

Liz hadn't been afraid or disgusted which was a good sign, but her brown eyes were glowing with interest as she bombarded Kyle with questions felt like a cold shower. Did he notice anything before tonight? Had he seen her barcode? First, replying to her questions seemed hypocrite and two he didn't want to be analyzed by Liz, he didn't want her seeing him differently. He just wanted to be Kyle or Buddha Boy but not X5-186. He knew it wasn't Liz's fault, that it was how her mind works instead of freaking out she remained calm and affronted things with a rational eye but it didn't mean he had to like it. So as long as he didn't say anything to Maxie, there was no way for her to discover the truth which meant no need to tell his past to Liz.

Some things had better to stay buried sometimes and Kyle believed his ex soldier life was one of them. He knew it wasn't fair nor honest toward Liz, but guess what? Life wasn't fair. Putting the packets in his bag, Kyle turned and left the messengers place.

~

Kyle had just finished to deliver his packets when his cellphone rang.

"Hello?"

"It's Michael. Just wanted to know how Liz and you were doing."

"We're doing good. We're fixing our apartment, you should see Liz. I've never thought she could be worse than the Christmas Nazi but boy, was I wrong."

"You've seen nothing yet," assured Michael chuckling, "You're talking about the girl who created a graphic to multiply the efficiency of the waitresses during their schedules. A planner, as if taking orders and bringing plates didn't perfectly sum up their jobs."

"How are the others?"

"OK. Mostly. It's just pretty quiet, I never imagined I would miss your company Valenti."

Kyle grinned. "It's ok to be sad Michael, that's because I'm irreplaceable."

"Don't let it go over your head."

"So let's cut the crap, how is behaving his Highness?"

"What did you expect?," replied Michael snorting. "He's pissed because you didn't tell us where you were going and because your parents won't tell him. Hum, the fact you didn't bother giving him your new cellphone numbers isn't exactly helping."

"He doesn't know we gave them to Maria and you right?"

"I'm not stupid, of course not. Though he suspects Maria to have Liz's."

"So everything's okay?"

"Asides from Max being a pain in the ass, yeah. No Skins, no alien invasion, there are Mrs.Kendal tests though."

Kyle chuckled. "I see. Well, if you need some air pass here during vacation, I'm sure Liz would be happy to see you."

"Tempting. I might take your offer on. Time for my shift, I'll call later."

"Good." said Kyle as he hang up.

His cellphone just rang back.

"Kyle, it's Liz. O.C. called, what do you say about a beer at the Crash? I'm already on my way."

"I'll see you there."

Few minutes later.
The Crash

Kyle arrived to see Liz chatting animatedly with O.C., Max was there, sipping her beer slowly as she glanced at her watch. The guy ordered a beer, noting with some satisfaction that Alec was nowhere to be seen. One thing good at least. Joining the girls, he listened Liz filled O.C. on her new job. The ambiance was nice and easy going until the TV over the bar screeched and a cyber flash came on.

"This is a Streaming Freedom Video bulletin. The cable hack will last exactly 60 seconds. It cannot be traced, it cannot be stopped and it is the only free voice left in the city. There are certain men who move through the world with impunity. Their actions, no matter how vile, are immune from consequence. Geoffrey Lennox is such a man. You've seen him, son of a wealthy family, this man doesn't hesitate to use his father's money to bribe police officers . . ."

And the bulletin came on, denouncing the illegal actions of the man. It didn't matter to Kyle though, the only thing which did was the hatred he felt growing in the pit of his stomach as he stared at the blue eyes on the screen. His mind was screaming for blood and reparation. He knew it, the guy got off on rattling people's secrets. Kyle's knuckles around his beer turned white as he kept squeezing his glass, only releasing the pressure when a fissure appeared on the glass. Liz's question cut through his thoughts of vengeance.

"Geoffrey Lennox... Weird, we were just at his party last night." she commented.

"How come a boo like you knows a scumbag like him?" asked O.C.

"Didn't. I was working." explained Liz.

Kyle frowned as he remembered that Max had stolen something from Lennox. Files. And then the day after, Eyes Only made a flash about Lennox. Coincidence or not? He didn't believe in them, besides his info on Manticore were really detailed. He glanced at Max to catch her staring at a blonde talking to a dark-haired guy. The couple was chatting until the guy stood up after giving an ID to the girl, as he headed toward the stairs Kyle had a glimpse of his face.

"I'll be back in a minute." said Kyle evenly as he stood up and followed the man outside.

~

Logan sighed, going to the Crash had been a bad idea, he should have known he would fall on Max and the brunette had jumped to wrong conclusions. But Asha had needed this ID really quickly and she couldn't pass the sector without it. Damned Manticore and its bloody virus. Digging into his jacket's pocket he retrieved his keys and turned when he felt someone tapping his shoulder, he was going to ask what the person wanted when a punch cut him.

He fell on the ground under the violence of the hit, losing his spectacles in the fall, his vision blurry he tried to discern his aggressor. A guy who sized him by the collar and dragged him into a dark alley where he proceeded to beat the shit out of him. It was a rain of punches and kicks which fell on him and the only thing Logan could do was trying to protect his stomach and his head. The guy was strong and Logan knew he was no match against him.

"Son of a bitch."

The voice hissing the curse was human but barely, the rage pouring from the four little words silenced the cyber journalist. Logan gasped as a vicious kick hit him in the side and he felt one of his ribs break. He tried to talk but he was breathless and couldn't utter a word. Logan realized things were going to turn ugly for him when the beating suddenly stopped. He glanced up, sitting with a hiss as he stared at the two persons in front of him.

"Woah, woah," said Alec seizing Kyle's forearms to hold him back, "calm down buddy."

"Fuck off!" snarled Kyle as he tried to break Alec's firm grip.

"Hey, I admit I'm no fan of Logan either but beat him up is a little extreme, don't you think?"

The struggle lasted during several minutes which left Logan the time to wipe the blood at the corner of his mouth.

Kyle was pissed that was a given, realized the transgenic as he used all his strength to hold the guy back. Max was so going to owe him a big time for saving her on-and-off boyfriend, thought the X5, a good thing he put his nose in other people's business. Because if he hadn't check on the muffled noises he heard, Logan might have ended dead. Alec watched the flaring nostrils of Kyle, taking in the usual calm blue eyes dilated with fury and his chest heaving. The transgenic believed he never saw the guy showing so much emotions before tonight and it wasn't good. Kyle's goal seemed to be to tear apart Logan. Quite literally. There was no trace of the easy going (when it didn't concern Alec) guy, only a wild beast driven by hatred.

"Kyle, stop it! Do I have to call Liz?" asked Alec, sweating as he dodged another headbutt.

Liz was the magical word because Kyle stopped to fight immediately, though he was still huffing.

"Can I release you now?' questioned Alec, looking closely at the other guy.

Kyle nodded, his eyes never leaving the fallen form on the ground showing his disgust and his contempt.

"Good." stated the transgenic as he released Kyle.

The slightly shorter guy arranged his jacket, uncaring of the blood mating his knuckles. His face was stony and emotionless as he turned his heels and headed toward his apartment.

"Hey!" shouted Alec as he helped Logan to stand up. "A little explanation would be nice!"

Too bad. It seemed Kyle Valenti possessed selective hearing as the guy never turned to reply him. Alec glanced at Logan, checking the list of his injuries, split lip, black eye, one broken rib and certainly some good chest bruising. What had driven Valenti into his raging fit, Alec had no idea. The transgenic shook his head.

"And I thought I had bad people skills." he commented.

-TBC-