The Martyr of Antar-COMPLETED

[ñusta]

Chapter 52

Isabel sat on the arm of the easy chair, smiling comfortably at Liz and Maria. They smiled back, at home with the alien girl.
- He’s really passed out, he’s had quite a day! - Isabel said.
- We all have, you’re sooo lucky you’re out of school. - Maria yawned and stretched. - I better turn in. -
Liz got up, walked over to the couch, pecked Max on the cheek, patted Kyle’s arm and slipped into the sleeping bag.
- Go to him. - Isabel said as she took Maria’s hand in hers and gave it a squeeze. - He’s waiting for you. I’ll just snooze here for a while until I can get a go at the couch. -
- You’re welcome with us, or you’ll have to share with Kyle. -
- Don’t worry, it has two ends and we’ll fit without a problem. Anyway, I’m making it real comfortable. - She smiled, raising her hand significantly, then making a fist to show what would happen to the jock, if he dared try anything.
Maria giggled and went to the bedroom. She slid beside Michael, on the opposite side to the door, and spooned into his side. Michael automatically turned on her and rolled her on her back, half covering her with his body and pillowing his face on her breasts. She was sure that sometime during the night, her spaceboy would wiggle the sheet off his hips and end up mooning everyone in the room behind him. She giggled into his hair, picturing what that would look like..

The alarm clock got them all in action and Isabel beat the boys to the bathroom, letting Liz and Maria in. Kyle and Max had no alternative but going to the kitchen and making breakfast for everyone. When the girls finally left the bathroom, dressed and ready for the day, Isabel caught Max’s attention.
- I’ll take care of Michael but I can’t stay here alone with him, please? Take us to my apartment, ok? - Isabel begged.
- Sure, no problem, have you told Michael? - Max asked.
- No, not yet, but I don’t think he’ll mind. - She assured him
Max shrugged and went to Maria. Isabel watched them talking, then Maria turned to look at her and nodded. She went to wake Michael up. She kissed him, shook him, but he wouldn’t do anything else apart from moan and shift away from her and sleep on. Max, who had been watching Maria’s unsuccessful attempts, walked over to them.
- Problems? - Asked Max, totally expert in the matter.
- I can’t wake him up, not that I usually can, though. - She admitted defeat.
- I know something that might work. - Max said, quite smug.
- Ok, but don’t hurt him. -
- No, no, but stay back, he’ll probably take a swing at me. -
- Why would he do that? -
- He doesn’t like to be turned over when he’s sleeping. -
- Why? -
- Because it wakes him up! - Max stated the obvious to her.
- Ooohhhhh! -
Max grabbed Michael’s shoulder and hip, flipping him over. Michael gasped and rolled back on his side, moaning. Maria jumped on the bed and held Michael to her.
- You said you wouldn’t hurt him! She complained.
- Sorry, forgot his ass…- Max said, feeling guilty.
- Hey, what the hell was that? - Michael asked, wincing.
- We’re all going to school, and Isabel is staying with you, but she wants to go to her apartment. That ok with you? -
- Nah, don’t worry, I don’t want to bother Iz, I should go with you, I need to catch up, for my grades, you know? Michael surprised them all as he rubbed his eyes sleepily.
- Michael, do you feel up to it? - Maria sounded doubtful.
- I’ll manage. I’ll do some walking, like Stuart said I should. -
- Ok, I’ll get you ready, medicine first. - Maria went professional.
- Oh shit…- He said as he buried his face in the pillow.
Max returned to the others and informed them of Michael’s decision. They turned on the TV to give them the time they needed, and soon after they watched Maria push Michael into the bathroom. A few minutes later she came out and got his clothes. Then she came out again and went back into the room to return empty handed. She came back out and went to rummage into his closet and repeated her previous performance. They heard Michael’s voice, upset and loud, but they couldn’t make out what he was saying. They went over and knocked on the door.
- Something wrong? - Asked Max, rather concerned.
Maria opened the door wide, looking dismayed. Michael stood behind her wearing only a towel.
- I can’t find his clothes. - She looked ready to cry.
- Oh dammit! I’m so sorry! The cleaning girl took them to her cousin to do his laundry, I was supposed to pick them up. I completely forgot! - Isabel exclaimed, angry at herself. - You’ll have to wear your new clothes. I’ll get them back today. -
- Ok. - He went to the bedroom and started dressing with Maria’s help.
- I don’t know about this…- Maria said, not quite convinced.
- Is this ok for school? - Michael sounded doubtful too.
- You look great, totally European! - Liz exclaimed.
- You look like those exchange students, remember? Were they English or French? - Isabel tried to recall. - Trust me, you look real cool! -
- Oh c’mon Michael, we’ll be late. - Maria stood on tiptoes and slid the t-shirt over his head, helped his arms into the sleeves, pulled it down and tucked it in. Liz and Isabel took care of the footwear as Maria rushed to the kitchen and brought Michael a glass of o.j. which he drained and got a refill.
- I’m gonna starve! - He complained and Maria brought him a glass of milk, refilling it too.
- Sorry, doctor’s orders! - Isabel told him, handing him an apple and a peach, and giving Maria a lunch bag she had prepared for him. - Max, will you drop me at my apartment?
Before Max could answer, they heard a knock on the door. Liz opened the door and found Diane Evans ready to knock again.
- Hi, Mrs. Evans. -
- Hi, Liz, is Max or Isabel here? -
- Yes, come in. -
Isabel and Max come to meet her at the door.
- Mom, what are you doing here? - Asked Isabel, startled.
- I tried to call you, but your phones are off. - She didn’t sound happy about it.
They checked, and it was true. They had forgotten to turn them on.
- Oh, you’re right, sorry about that. - Max apologized.
- Isabel, dear, I’m going shopping today and I’d like some company, would you come with me? I want to start early. -
- Sure mom, I’d love to. - Isabel was glad she wouldn’t have to spend the day alone waiting for her friends to meet her after school.
Kyle, Maria and Michael joined them at the door, ready to go.
- Michael! How are you feeling? You look very well! - She looked him over, liking what she saw, then hugged him close to her, patting his back.
They all glared at Michael with a “you see?” look on their faces.
- I’m feeling ok now. - He said, kissing her cheek.
- We must leave for school now, or we’ll be late. - Max interrupted.
- Alright then, Isabel you come with me. Take care, kids. - She said, walking with Isabel to her car.

[ñusta]

Chapter 53

- Ok, you girls go in the Jetta and we guys in my car. - Max ordered.
- How’s that? - Liz wanted to know.
- Cause my passenger seat can go all the way back and Michael will be able to stretch out some. Kyle can sit behind me. - Max explained.
- Ok, but I’m not having his face on my lap! - Kyle jumped back expecting Michael to swing at him, but he just smirked.
Max fixed the seat and Michael lay down beside Max, snuggling comfortably into the seat, and they were off.
They arrived at school, and Michael pushed up and backed out of the car, getting funny looks from everyone who was around.
Then from the parking lot on, they were all greeting Michael and asking how he was, and as he moved on, they were obviously talking about him.
- Hey dude, it seems getting hurt has made you real hot, huh? - Kyle was as surprised as Michael by their schoolmates’ reactions. The same thing went on at the lockers and Maria was starting to get jumpy. Max and Kyle headed for their class and Michael started after them. Three girls came from behind Michael, looking him over as they passed.
- Hey Michael, accidents do suit you! You look hot, man! - One of the girls said as the other giggled. Kyle winked at Michael.
- Sure, whatever…- Michael drawled, and caught up with Kyle and Max who are grinning, amused.
Liz and Maria watched it all from their lockers, totally confused. They rushed after the boys and arrived together at the class. Michael sat down gingerly, wincing, and Maria sat beside him. After a while, he started fidgeting, but the teacher didn’t seem to mind. Quite the contrary, she was worried about him.
- Michael, are you alright? Do you want to leave the room? - She asked.
- No, thanks, I’m just uncomfortable. -
A few minutes later, she asked again.
- Michael, are you sure you don’t need to go to the nurse? -
- NO! - Maria jumped out of her desk, and everyone turned to look at her.
- Uh…I’m sorry, I was somewhere else…- She apologized, sitting back down, with her face flushed in embarrassment, realizing what had happened.
Max, Liz and Kyle eyed each other. Michael managed to survive and the next class was science so they worked standing up. Two girls passed behind him and the nearest one rubbed against his butt quite hard and intentionally, pushing him against the table he was working at. Michael gasped and winced and the girl turned to him.
- Oh Michael, I’m sorry, did I hurt you? Maybe I can do something about it…- She said coyly in mock apology, as her hand snaked towards him and gave his butt a squeeze, making him moan. Before he could say anything, Maria rushed to his side aware of what had just happened.
- I’m his official therapist and masseuse, so just move on. - Maria motioned her away with her hands, as Michael just stared at her.
- Tomorrow you’re back in baggy pants if I have to buy you a new pair! - She whispered to him.
In the next class, Michael sat with his hands palm down on the seat and his thighs over them, leaning forwards so his butt was mostly in the air. But the teacher asked them to take notes and one hand wasn’t quite enough. Maria helped, sitting as close to him as possible and putting her left hand under his right thigh, so they could both write and he had two hands under his thighs. It worked for a while, but then the teacher started walking around the class while she dictated, and noticed the strange arrangement. She walked over so Maria had to pull her hand away, and the teacher just stood there as she continued.
Soon after, Michael looked flushed and his face was beaded with sweat. He stood up and the teacher turned to him.
- Yes, Michael, are you ok? - She asked as she realized he wasn’t at all well.
- May I remain standing, please? - He pleaded.
- Sure, no problem. - She accepted.
Michael leant his shoulders against the wall, then his head, closing his eyes. Maria, Liz, Max and Kyle looked worriedly at him.
- Sorry, I better go to the nurse…- He turned towards the door without waiting for an answer, and he barely took two steps before he fell flat on his face. Everyone jumped out of their seats and some girls screamed. His friends ran to him with the teacher.
- Michael, Michael, what’s wrong? - Maria cried, shaking him.
- I’m…dizzy…- Michael reassured her, as he tried to push up, to fall back again. Max and Kyle help him get up back on his feet, watching him shake his head.
- I’ll get him to the nurse. - Max grabbed him around the waist and the teacher opened the door for them. Maria, Kyle and Liz automatically started following.
- Kyle! - The teacher called out to him, placing one hand on each of the girls’ arms to stop them.
- Max can manage, everyone sit down! - The teacher told her class.
Max returned shortly and everybody turned to him.
- He’s lying down, the nurse says he just needs to rest. - Max told them.
- I was right! These seats are murder! - Kyle joked and the class broke out laughing.
At lunch break, they all arrived at the infirmary. Michael seemed asleep, and when Maria kissed his cheek, he opened his eyes.
- Maria? - He said sleepily.
- Hey! You ready for lunch? -
- Yeah, sure, those seats are a pain in the ass! - He said as he pushed up.
- See? I told you so. - Kyle insisted.
- Let him rest! Are you alright, dear? - Asked the nurse as she hurried towards them.
- Yes, I’m fine, I’m hungry. I’ll be back if I need to, ok? Thanks. - Michael was grateful to her for caring for him. He bent down and kissed her forehead, getting back a big smile.
As they walked by the lockers to get lunch, everyone there started looking at Michael and talking about him. A classmate walked up to him and patted him on the back.
- Hey dude, you ok? - The guy asked.
- Sure, man. - Michael answered, nodding.
Then a girl walked up to him.
- Michael, you alright now? She asked quite flirty.
- He’s fine! - Maria left Michael’s mouth open to answer.

[ñusta]

Chapter 54

- I’ll go get the bench and you get your lunch, ok? Meet you there. - Michael decided, heading for the picnic-like tables with benches.
- Liiiz…- Maria whined.
- Ok, I’ll get your lunch. Go to him! - Liz smiled at her friend.
- Thank you! Yes! - Maria did a little run and caught up with Michael. She overtook him and stood in front of him, making him stop. She stood on tiptoes and placing her hands on his cheeks, gave him a quick kiss on the lips. Michael tilted his head to a side and smirked, a silent question in his eyes.
- I love you. - Maria told him with a smile, waiting for his answer.
Michael pushed his hands into Maria’s hair, pulling her up-turned head to him and met her lips again, in a real kiss, this time. Maria’s hands slid down Michael’s hard body and ended buried in the back pockets of his jeans, pressing his hips to hers. When breathing became an issue, and they had to pull apart, Michael slid one arm under Maria’s knees, the other under her arms and scooped her up, carrying her effortlessly towards one of the tables. Much like he did before, she tangled her fingers in his hair and pulled him into another kiss. By some alien skill, he managed to stop right by the table, and sat her gently on the edge of the bench. Then he knelt on the other edge and eased himself down slowly until his face was on her lap, and he started to nip at Maria’s belly. She squirmed and cried trying to get away but he held her around the waist as she giggled.
- Michael! Michael! Stop! Everyone’s looking at us! - She cried.
- Sorry…- He spoke against her.
- I’m not…-
She leant towards him and placed her hand on the middle of his back, her fingers walking towards his waist. Once there, they slid under his jeans and started teasing the dip between his buttocks. Michael was now squirming and trying to get away, but she was relentless in her revenge.
- Maria! If anyone wasn’t watching before, they sure as hell are now! -
- Dammit! You’re right…- She had to admit, giving him a last tickle further down, which made him shudder, before pulling her hand up to the small of his back.
- Shit, Maria! I almost came! -He confessed.
- Michael! - She scolded, and reaching down, she pinched his butt hard.
Michael bucked and moaned against her stomach, the vibrating sound making her shiver, and she understood what he had just felt.
- Is he being bad? -
-You need help with him? -
Maria jumped and turned expecting to see Mr, Seligman and Mr. Hawkins staring at them, to find instead Max and Kyle struggling not to laugh.
- Uncanny how they sound exactly like them, huh? - Liz was also quite amused.
- Shit! Shit! You almost gave me a coronary, you idiots! - Maria was really pissed.
The three newcomers went to sit on the opposite bench placing the trays on the table.
Maria opened Michael’s lunch bag and handed him a plum. He took a juicy bite and Maria froze.
- Michael! You’re going to ruin my skirt, that thing stains! -
- Baby, alien powers here, not to worry. - He went on munching.
- Oh, now I really worry, I don’t want my skirt to go up in flames!-
- I meant Max…-
- Oh, ok then. - Maria breathed, relaxing.
Then Michael placed the stone on the table and tugged at Maria’s tank top. She handed him a peach, and when he finished, a banana.
- Are you sure he’s taking it in the right end? -
- SHUT UP KYLE! - Went all together, and Kyle just chuckled at his sick joke.
Soon the skin was on the table and Maria handed Michael a plastic container with chicken salad. Michael inched higher up and opened it to find it also contained a plastic spoon and fork. Isabel didn’t miss anything. He lay there with his arms hanging over Maria’s side and took a spoonful,
- mmmmm…This is pretty good, what’s the dressing? -
Maria took the spoon from his hand and scooped up some.
- It’s soy sauce and lemon. -
- It just needs some sweet…-
Maria fished into the bag and found a little container which she opened and poured into Michael’s salad.
- Try it now. -
- Perfect, what was that? -
- Honey. Are you sure you can eat like that? -
- It’s going down, no problems. -
Maria shrugged and attacked her cheeseburger.
- Don’t forget your milk. - She handed him a small carton from his bag. - I don’t think you can drink lying down. - She observed.
Michael slid back again and pushed up on his knees. He placed the empty container on the table and straddled the end of the bench far back so his ass was in the air.
- This might work…- He considered, as he put down the milk, filling his bag with the empty containers, skin and stones to toss it in the trash can.
They got up and started walking back. Michael eyed Maria’s leftovers, and grabbed clumsily at the still unopened milk box making it fall under the table, apparently accidental.
- Hey, I’ll catch up in a sec…- He bent over the bench, reaching for the milk under the table, and as he straightened up, he scooped the last bite left of Maria’s cheeseburger and a few French fries, stuffing them into his mouth and gobbling them down, hardly chewing, using his body to cover up his crime. He licked his fingers clean and saw them walking away, so he was safe: they hadn’t seen him. He caught up in a few long strides. He passed his arm over Maria’s shoulders as he chugged down the milk with his free hand
Michael used his new technique to straddle the seat of the desk like he had the bench. He ended sideways but it was ok as they were sitting at the far right side of the classroom and anyway, he had to turn towards the middle, to where the teacher stood. Maria was now behind him. Near the end of the period, Maria noticed Michael was a little restless. She leant over and put her hand on his shoulder.
- You ok? -
- Yeah, sure…- Not very convincing, because he kind of winced and closed his eyes, biting his lower lip. Maria didn’t insist because the teacher had turned and glared at them, but she stole glances at him every few seconds, still pretending to be focused in the lesson. The last period was really bad, Michael barely made it, his cheeks were now flushed, and his body looked very tense. Maria gave him one of her question looks, but Michael shook his head no, so she nodded back and accepted.
They breezed through the lockers and made it to the cars. They did the same arrangement from the morning, but Maria was now very worried about Michael. They had all noticed the change but just wanted to be out of school to find out what was wrong, and what they could do about it. Max pulled out of the parking lot and barely half a block away, Michael was groaning in pain and holding his stomach with both his hand. Max parked and Maria stopped right behind him, the two girls rushing to Max’s car.
- What’s wrong? - Maria was in full worry mode. Liz looked almost there and even Kyle too, his hand on Michael’s hot forehead. Max was rubbing Michael’s back and asking him the same question.
- Hurts…-
- Where? - All in a chorus.
Michael, who had turned his hips a little sideways, bent over at a sharper angle and shuddered with a painful spasm, a groan escaping his lips.
- Let me. - Max whispered and slid his hand under Michael’s, against the sore boy’s stomach. The white healing light was barely visible, as they were all standing around the car, Maria had opened the door as was spooned against Michael’s back, her arms around him and her hands on his,
- Better? - Max asked, hopefully.
- uuunnnngghhh…No…- Michael moaned.
Max shook his head, as if he had been expecting it not to work, for reasons only he knew, the information not available to the humans.
- We must go to Stuart. - He said, very serious.
Maria climbed down and closed the door. She walked around the car and went to Kyle.
- Out! You’re driving the Jetta with Liz.-
He obeyed and the blonde changed places with Kyle and eased Michael’s head on her lap. Max dialed his cell phone as he hurried through the afternoon traffic and got through to Stuart.
- Michael is not well, we’re coming over. -
- Ok, meet me at the emergency door. -

[ñusta]

Chapter 54

- I’ll go get the bench and you get your lunch, ok? Meet you there. - Michael decided, heading for the picnic-like tables with benches.
- Liiiz…- Maria whined.
- Ok, I’ll get your lunch. Go to him! - Liz smiled at her friend.
- Thank you! Yes! - Maria did a little run and caught up with Michael. She overtook him and stood in front of him, making him stop. She stood on tiptoes and placing her hands on his cheeks, gave him a quick kiss on the lips. Michael tilted his head to a side and smirked, a silent question in his eyes.
- I love you. - Maria told him with a smile, waiting for his answer.
Michael pushed his hands into Maria’s hair, pulling her up-turned head to him and met her lips again, in a real kiss, this time. Maria’s hands slid down Michael’s hard body and ended buried in the back pockets of his jeans, pressing his hips to hers. When breathing became an issue, and they had to pull apart, Michael slid one arm under Maria’s knees, the other under her arms and scooped her up, carrying her effortlessly towards one of the tables. Much like he did before, she tangled her fingers in his hair and pulled him into another kiss. By some alien skill, he managed to stop right by the table, and sat her gently on the edge of the bench. Then he knelt on the other edge and eased himself down slowly until his face was on her lap, and he started to nip at Maria’s belly. She squirmed and cried trying to get away but he held her around the waist as she giggled.
- Michael! Michael! Stop! Everyone’s looking at us! - She cried.
- Sorry…- He spoke against her.
- I’m not…-
She leant towards him and placed her hand on the middle of his back, her fingers walking towards his waist. Once there, they slid under his jeans and started teasing the dip between his buttocks. Michael was now squirming and trying to get away, but she was relentless in her revenge.
- Maria! If anyone wasn’t watching before, they sure as hell are now! -
- Dammit! You’re right…- She had to admit, giving him a last tickle further down, which made him shudder, before pulling her hand up to the small of his back.
- Shit, Maria! I almost came! -He confessed.
- Michael! - She scolded, and reaching down, she pinched his butt hard.
Michael bucked and moaned against her stomach, the vibrating sound making her shiver, and she understood what he had just felt.
- Is he being bad? -
-You need help with him? -
Maria jumped and turned expecting to see Mr, Seligman and Mr. Hawkins staring at them, to find instead Max and Kyle struggling not to laugh.
- Uncanny how they sound exactly like them, huh? - Liz was also quite amused.
- Shit! Shit! You almost gave me a coronary, you idiots! - Maria was really pissed.
The three newcomers went to sit on the opposite bench placing the trays on the table.
Maria opened Michael’s lunch bag and handed him a plum. He took a juicy bite and Maria froze.
- Michael! You’re going to ruin my skirt, that thing stains! -
- Baby, alien powers here, not to worry. - He went on munching.
- Oh, now I really worry, I don’t want my skirt to go up in flames!-
- I meant Max…-
- Oh, ok then. - Maria breathed, relaxing.
Then Michael placed the stone on the table and tugged at Maria’s tank top. She handed him a peach, and when he finished, a banana.
- Are you sure he’s taking it in the right end? -
- SHUT UP KYLE! - Went all together, and Kyle just chuckled at his sick joke.
Soon the skin was on the table and Maria handed Michael a plastic container with chicken salad. Michael inched higher up and opened it to find it also contained a plastic spoon and fork. Isabel didn’t miss anything. He lay there with his arms hanging over Maria’s side and took a spoonful,
- mmmmm…This is pretty good, what’s the dressing? -
Maria took the spoon from his hand and scooped up some.
- It’s soy sauce and lemon. -
- It just needs some sweet…-
Maria fished into the bag and found a little container which she opened and poured into Michael’s salad.
- Try it now. -
- Perfect, what was that? -
- Honey. Are you sure you can eat like that? -
- It’s going down, no problems. -
Maria shrugged and attacked her cheeseburger.
- Don’t forget your milk. - She handed him a small carton from his bag. - I don’t think you can drink lying down. - She observed.
Michael slid back again and pushed up on his knees. He placed the empty container on the table and straddled the end of the bench far back so his ass was in the air.
- This might work…- He considered, as he put down the milk, filling his bag with the empty containers, skin and stones to toss it in the trash can.
They got up and started walking back. Michael eyed Maria’s leftovers, and grabbed clumsily at the still unopened milk box making it fall under the table, apparently accidental.
- Hey, I’ll catch up in a sec…- He bent over the bench, reaching for the milk under the table, and as he straightened up, he scooped the last bite left of Maria’s cheeseburger and a few French fries, stuffing them into his mouth and gobbling them down, hardly chewing, using his body to cover up his crime. He licked his fingers clean and saw them walking away, so he was safe: they hadn’t seen him. He caught up in a few long strides. He passed his arm over Maria’s shoulders as he chugged down the milk with his free hand
Michael used his new technique to straddle the seat of the desk like he had the bench. He ended sideways but it was ok as they were sitting at the far right side of the classroom and anyway, he had to turn towards the middle, to where the teacher stood. Maria was now behind him. Near the end of the period, Maria noticed Michael was a little restless. She leant over and put her hand on his shoulder.
- You ok? -
- Yeah, sure…- Not very convincing, because he kind of winced and closed his eyes, biting his lower lip. Maria didn’t insist because the teacher had turned and glared at them, but she stole glances at him every few seconds, still pretending to be focused in the lesson. The last period was really bad, Michael barely made it, his cheeks were now flushed, and his body looked very tense. Maria gave him one of her question looks, but Michael shook his head no, so she nodded back and accepted.
They breezed through the lockers and made it to the cars. They did the same arrangement from the morning, but Maria was now very worried about Michael. They had all noticed the change but just wanted to be out of school to find out what was wrong, and what they could do about it. Max pulled out of the parking lot and barely half a block away, Michael was groaning in pain and holding his stomach with both his hand. Max parked and Maria stopped right behind him, the two girls rushing to Max’s car.
- What’s wrong? - Maria was in full worry mode. Liz looked almost there and even Kyle too, his hand on Michael’s hot forehead. Max was rubbing Michael’s back and asking him the same question.
- Hurts…-
- Where? - All in a chorus.
Michael, who had turned his hips a little sideways, bent over at a sharper angle and shuddered with a painful spasm, a groan escaping his lips.
- Let me. - Max whispered and slid his hand under Michael’s, against the sore boy’s stomach. The white healing light was barely visible, as they were all standing around the car, Maria had opened the door as was spooned against Michael’s back, her arms around him and her hands on his,
- Better? - Max asked, hopefully.
- uuunnnngghhh…No…- Michael moaned.
Max shook his head, as if he had been expecting it not to work, for reasons only he knew, the information not available to the humans.
- We must go to Stuart. - He said, very serious.
Maria climbed down and closed the door. She walked around the car and went to Kyle.
- Out! You’re driving the Jetta with Liz.-
He obeyed and the blonde changed places with Kyle and eased Michael’s head on her lap. Max dialed his cell phone as he hurried through the afternoon traffic and got through to Stuart.
- Michael is not well, we’re coming over. -
- Ok, meet me at the emergency door. -

[ñusta]

Chapter 55

As Max drove into the emergency area, he saw Stuart was already waiting at the door. He signaled him to park by the last ambulance, and he rushed towards the car.
- He has a stomach ache, maybe because he ate lying down, or too fast, I don’t know, Max already tried but nothing happened! - Maria rambled on.
- Michael, is the pain in waves or constant? - Stuart asked him.
- It started in waves…but now it’s…constant. - Michael rasped.
- Is it dull or sharp? - Stuart continued.
- Sharp…like they’re sticking knives…into my gut…and twisting them…every way. - Michael spoke with difficulty.
Stuart thought to himself: “Cramps? “ He slid his hands under Michael’s and felt all the area the boy was covering with both his hands.
- He’s been ok earlier? - He asked.
- Yes, he hasn’t complained of stomach pains until now. - Maria informed.
- Has he exercised some as I told him? - Stuart went on.
- Well, Sunday after you left, we walked for about an hour, he slept quite well. Oh, when we got back from walking, we had sex and a bath. - Maria said guiltily, blushing.
- No wonder he slept like a log. - Stuart chuckled. No problems there. Has be been keeping his diet? -
- Yes, today Isabel sent him fruit, chicken salad and milk. -
- Michael, have you eaten anything you shouldn`t? - Stuart suspected something there.
Michael shook his head no, closing his eyes tight, but didn’t speak.
Stuart grew even more suspicious and nodded knowingly.
- Well, he’ll have to stay overnight…-
- NO! Ok, I’ll confess…after lunch I swiped…Maria’s last bite… and a few French fries…I hardly chewed…no time…swallowed quick…so they wouldn’t…catch me. -
Maria stared at him open mouthed.
- My god, Michael, what are you, five years old? That was a cheeseburger! - Maria accused him.
- There was barely… a bite left…- Michael protested.
- I’ll be right back. - Stuart went back into the hospital.
Maria let go off Michael and climbed down. She walked around the car and went back to Michael, hugging him from behind and placing her hands over his, helping him rub himself.
A typical hospital smell made them turn around and they saw Stuart approaching them with a tray, which he put on the hood of the car. There were two rather large hypos, a thermometer, cotton wool and a small bottle of alcohol.
- Maria, I’m sorry…- Michael apologized.
- I’m sure you will be, after this. - Stuart assured him.
Michael looked over his shoulder and saw the tray with its contents.
- Oh hell…- He groaned.
- Down with his pants. - Stuart ordered.
- Here? - Went all together.
- Why not? I don’t see anyone. - He said, looking around.
Maria unfastened his jeans and yanked them down to his thighs. Then she moved aside to let Stuart through. She went back behind Max, and hugged Michael to her.
Stuart knelt on the floor and proceeded first to take his temperature. While he waited, he took the cotton wool, soaked it in alcohol and wiped Michael’s butt.
- Liz, give me a hand, ok? Pass me the syringe. -
- Which one? -
- Anyone, it’s the same. -
Liz handed him one and he jabbed the needle in. Michael jerked, in spite of Maria’s tight hold of him. He moaned against her and clung to her just as tight.
- Hang on, this will sure sting. - He pulled out and jabbed again close by. - It must go in slow and deep cause it’s very oily. - He did it several times until the syringe was empty.
- His alien part seems to react and neutralize quite an amount of the drug, so I’m kind of infiltrating it in several sites making it harder to concentrate. It may have a better chance that way. I’m also shooting a large dose to make sure he gets enough…Pass me the cotton wool. - Stuart pushed Michael flat on his belly and then again a little towards his other side.
Liz soaked the swab and handed it to him. Stuart wiped Michael’s other buttock and reached for the other syringe. Liz handed it to him and he repeated the process there too.
- Excuse me, Stuart, but I was taught that it was dangerous to inject where you’re doing it because of the sciatic nerve. Shouldn’t you do it higher up towards the outside? - Liz asked.
- Correct, if he were thin and scrawny, but with this mass of muscle he’s got here, I would need a needle at least twice as long to do any damage there. - Stuart’s words made sense and Liz nodded, accepting the accurate information. She somehow had a sense of déjà vu which she couldn’t quite put her finger on. She knew she had asked this exact question before, definitely not in her first aid courses, she was sure of that, but couldn’t remember when it had happened, and under what circumstances, but Michael was concerned that other time too. It was useless, so she just dropped it.
Michael was shuddering by the time Stuart finished, and he got the thermometer out. He shook his head and looked worried.
- 106º…fatal in a human and starting to spike on aliens, right? -
- I guess so, Michael is the one that gets fevers. - Max informed him. - But then he’s been hurt a lot since he was a kid. -
- Yeah, the lucky one, huh? - Stuart sounded sarcastic, probably because he disliked the unfair situation of his patient.
Stuart placed his hands on Michael’s butt and began massaging him. Michael gasped and started moaning.
- He absorbs too slow, no wonder he’s still sore. These will probably take him over a week.
- It burns…- Michael protested and writhed on the seat, his hands still under him, clutching at his stomach.
- That’ll make you think twice before you stuff yourself again. - Stuart lectured him.
- No way, man. - Michael answered, breathing hard.
- He’ll need plenty of massage, the heat will help him absorb faster, and give him less time to neutralize the effect of the drugs. Get him to bed right away, I’ll be there as soon as my shift ends in a couple of hours. Keep checking his temperature, if it keeps rising, call me immediately, ok? Maria, come here and take my place, - He squeezed Michael’s thigh fondly and picking up the tray, he started walking back to the emergency door. Maria spooned against Michael’s side continuing Stuart’s massage. Michael bucked up against her hands and purred.
- Please, Michael, wait until we’re home! - She whispered.
Max rolled his eyes and jumped when his cell phone rang. It was Isabel.
- Hey Max, I’m ready to drop! I’ve been shopping all day with mom and had a huge lunch. I’m heading for Michael’s, ok? -
- Can I pick you up? We’re also on our way to Michael’s. -
- What happened? Oh, I know, Michael had a detention after classes and you had to wait for him…-
- Not exactly, Stuart will explain, call him on his cell phone, ok?-
- Stuart! You’re with him? -
- Where are you? -
- Two blocks away from mom’s, at the park. What’s wrong? -
- Call Stuart and stay there, I’m on my way. - He hanged up and turned on the car.
Max took off with the Jetta behind him. A few blocks away, he stopped at a red light and found himself surrounded by several cars full of West Roswell high students, mostly jocks with their girlfriends. They stood up in the cars to get a better view when they noticed what was going on inside geek Evans’ car. The shouting was immediate:
- Maria de Luca! Go girl! Rub that ass!-A girl’s voice screamed.
- What a hand! Ain’t you lucky, Michael! - This time a boy.
They went on and on. Then Maria realized Michael was bare-assed, and she flushed pink with embarrassment. She waved back with one hand for them to lay off and pulled Michael’s jeans up the best she could which was barely halfway up, making Michael hiss with pain, as they were pressing exactly where he was mostly sore. Maria pushed her hand under the waistband and went on with her massage as the wolf whistles, cat calls and all the racket from the cars went on. Kyle had been left two cars behind them and was laughing his head off in spite of Liz’s upset frown. After what seemed like an eternity, the light finally changed and Max took off, followed all the way to the park where Isabel was waiting and took it as a personal compliment.
- They’re here now, see you later, ok? - Isabel hanged up and got in behind Max. Michael immediately pillowed his face on her lap and she started ruffling his hair.
- Hey baby boy, what have you been up to? - She teased.
- Tortured again…- Michael whined.
- More like fairly punished, from what Stuart tells me. - She giggled.
- Shit, Isabel it hurts even to speak. - Michael complained
- Then shut up and rest, ok? And behave your age! - She laughed. - Let’s go to my apartment, ok? I have ice cream and coupons for pizzas. -
Max accepted his sister’s invitation on behalf of all the rest and turned towards her place, waving to Kyle to follow him.

[ñusta]

Chapter 56

When they arrived at Isabel’s, the two blondes helped Michael back out of the car. Then Maria held him around his waist and pushed her hand into his opposite back pocket. Michael grunted with pain as she did so, and they started moving to the door. Michael was visibly limping, impossible as it may seem, with both legs, so he was trudging as best he could. Isabel noticed immediately and went to lend a hand. She gave Maria a look that asked permission and Maria nodded, giving it. Isabel went to Michael’s other side and held him around the waist too, over Maria’s arm, sliding her hand on his other back pocket. Michael hissed, and threw his head back and sighed. Once they finally managed to get into the apartment, they found Kyle and Max already settled, watching TV, with Liz in the middle. Michael headed for the couch, ignoring the fact that there were three persons already in it, but Isabel changed his direction towards the bedroom. Michael stalled.
- No, Iz, the couch is fine. - He protested.
- No way, you’re taking my bed. - She insisted.
- Then I’ll take the guest room. -
- Nope, I have other plans for that one. I know what I’m doing Michael, you’re going to my bedroom! No discussion! - She herded them where she wanted.
Michael and Maria let themselves be taken to Isabel’s bedroom. They brought Michael to the lower edge of the bed, and Isabel climbed on it on her knees, facing him. She pulled his t-shirt over his head.
- Maria, pants. - She ordered.
Maria stood behind him and unzipped his jeans, sliding them carefully over his sore butt, all the way down to his ankles. She saw Isabel’s eyebrows lift as her eyes met Maria’s and she mouthed: “Commando?” and Maria shrugged. Isabel gave Maria a wicked smile as she climbed off the bed and they both raised two thumbs up. Michael couldn’t see them, as he crawled onto the bed on his hands and knees before lowering himself slowly down. He heard them giggle and he looked over his shoulder.
- What? I like snug briefs better than boxers, but they’re not in style, so I just go without. No like? - He explained,
- Like a lot! - Maria chuckled, and Michael smirked.
The girls then tugged his jeans completely off and took off his boots, leaving his socks on. Michael barely fit the bed, his insteps draped over the edge, as he snuggled making himself comfortable.
- Want something to drink? - Isabel asked, once she saw he had settled in.
- I could do with any soda. -
- Ok. - Isabel left the room.
Maria climbed on the bed by Michael’s legs, and tried to push them together to straddle them, but he resisted and she ended kneeling between his spread out thighs. She placed her hands gently on his sore area, making him gasp, nonetheless, and started massaging. She felt the muscles under her hands tighten, but gradually, as the pain lessened, the taut flesh under her hands began to relax. A few minutes later, Maria raised her hands from him and shook them.
- Shit! I can’t feel my hands, they’re completely numb! - She checked her watch. - And I’ve only massaged you 3 minutes! -
- Feels much better, take a rest. - He slurred.
Maria climbed off the bed and moved up to his face. She kissed the corner of his mouth, but he turned and gave her a real kiss.
They broke apart as Isabel entered the room clearing her throat and handed Maria a cool can of soda.
- So, a select group of West Roswell High had the privilege of setting eyes on Michael’s gorgeous butt! - She chuckled.
- They had to tell you! - Michael sighed.
- Well Maria, brace yourself cause tomorrow you’ll have to fight them off him, cause it will be all over school if it isn’t already, thanks to the invention of cell phones. God, what I’m missing for graduating early. -
- I’ll be right back, spaceboy, I’m going to check on my homework. - Maria told him, holding his hand as she moved away as long as it was possible.
- I’ll stay with him, did you massage him? -
- Till I couldn’t feel my hands, go ahead if you want to. -
- Ok. - Isabel took Maria’s place and continue the therapy.
As Maria walked out of the room, she ran into Max.
- How’s he doing? - He whispered.
- Ok, I guess, Isabel is working on him, now. - She said softly.
Max was about to say something but Maria raised her hand, silencing him as she heard Michael call her name, and she listened to see if she needed to return to him.
- Maria? -
- She’ll be right back. Keep still. -
- Isabel? -
- Yes, you need something? -
- Iz, why am I always suffering, why is my life so full of pain? -
- Michael…-
- I love both of you so much, it truly hurts…-
- What…?
- I know it’s different now with us, you’re married to Jesse, but when you smile, or just look at me, when you touch me, I need you so much, and it’s so hard to keep it to myself. And then when Maria touches me, I just feel on fire, I can’t keep away from her, she keeps me going, but she doesn’t seem to understand what she does to me, how much she can hurt me. She’ll kill me if she leaves me again. -
- Michael, Maria loves you very much, and no matter what, I assure you she doesn’t mean to hurt you. That’s probably the reason why it’s now different between us. Perhaps my subconscious felt very bad and guilty at how I always hurt you, when we were in Antar, and how I betrayed you and got you killed. I don’t want that to happen again, so by changing our relationship, I’m trying to spare you all that pain, even though I’m hurting you in another way. I’m sure Maria doesn’t even suspect how much her behaviour hurts you. -
- Am I going nuts? What will she think if she knew what I’m feeling? She’ll probably hate me and you too. But I can’t stand keeping it from her, she won’t believe me that I don’t understand it. -
- It’s all Nicholas’ fault for sending us those dreams and making us remember our lives in Antar. It’s not our fault, Michael, we didn’t ask for it. We didn’t even remember. -
- We did. Remember when we thought you were pregnant? -
- That was Tess, Michael, and it wasn’t true. -
- No, Isabel, Tess could never mindwarp me. I always kept her away from me. She never got through to me. I think that was programmed to come to us so we could get back together like in Antar, only it came too late. - Michael gave his opinion
- It could be, it does make sense. - Isabel agreed.
- I must tell her, Isabel, it’s only fair, but I don’t want to lose her.-
- You won’t Michael, Maria has changed a lot these last days. I think you should try her, and trust her. -
- Shit, I’m tired, and it still hurts like hell. -
- You need to sleep, that might clear things up. It works for me.-
Michael nodded and closed his eyes.
Max turned apprehensively to look at Maria, expecting to see her bolting into the room, outraged in full hurricane mode, at what she had just heard. Instead, to his surprise and confusion, she looked sad, tears running down her face as she turned to look at him.
- Don’t worry, whatever I heard, I’ve forgotten already. - He said, understanding she had to deal with it, and his sister was involved, and so was his best friend. This time, he knew he couldn’t interfere at all.
Maria nodded, and went back to Michael. She sat by him, and smiled at Isabel, who smiled back uncertain of what to do.
- He feels so hot, I think I overdid it! - Isabel said, realizing he was actually burning.
- Oh my god, he IS burning! - Maria confirmed as she touched his cheek.
- Your homework’s ready on the table. - Liz told Maria as she entered the room. - He’s sleeping? -
- He’s very hot! - Maria said, quite alarmed.
Liz reached out and touched his forehead.
- Wow! He needs some cold compresses! I’ll be right back. -
- No wonder he was delirious! - Isabel muttered.
She noticed Maria was looking down at her hands, very unlike her, instead of freaking out as she would normally do. Suspicion started eating at her.
- Maria! You heard him? - Now it was Isabel who was freaking out.
- I didn’t mean to, really…- She was just too calm, and it was even more frightening.
- Someone else did too? - Isabel was frankly panicking.
Maria didn’t answer, she just shook her head and frowned. Isabel could tell she wasn’t denying, with that gesture.
- Maria? - Isabel’s voice was shaky.
- Max was with me. - She confessed.
- Max! Oh no! - Her eyes were wild.
- He swore he wouldn’t say anything. -
- Does that include Liz? -
- I guess. I don’t care if he tells her. I will, anyway. She’s my best friend, and her advice is always very sensible. I don’t need it this time, though. It’s ok with me, Isabel, and thank you for trusting me, I hope Michael does too. -
- I’m sure he will. It now depends on you, to make him feel safe. Max! - She yelled.
Max peeked into the room, giving himself away, that he was still by the door. Still, Isabel gave him the benefit of the doubt.
- Is he alright? -
- No, his fever is very high. Take care of him. -
- Maria, I think you should talk to Liz, she’ll take it better from you. - Max pleaded with the human girl.
That just confirmed that he had stayed listening at the door. Isabel frowned at him, but he was right. Maria understood that they needed to be alone, in an alien sense, and if it was for Michael’s sake, she would do what was needed. She nodded and left the room.
- Isabel, I would have to connect with him, and I don’t think they’re ready for it. -
- They don’t need to see, Max. I’ll keep them away from the room. -
- But he will flash it to Maria, he won’t be able to help it, or worse still, to Liz, she seems to have developed some kind of empathy with him, I don’t think I’m up to it yet. I’m trying to fix my issues with Liz, and that might be a drawback…-
- Max, I don’t give a damn about your problematic love life right now! Michael needs you, and that’s all I care about and you should too! It’s not about you right now, he died protecting us in Antar and though you couldn’t do anything to save him then, you can do it now. His life might be in danger, for all we know. - She glared at him, and left the room, closing the door behind her.

[ñusta]

Chapter 57

Max locked the door from the inside also, knowing Isabel had done so as soon as she had closed it. He approached the bed and knelt between Michael’s thighs. He placed his hands on them, squeezing gently, and pressed his knees on the insides, to keep them apart. Michael’s already parted lips curled into a smile and whispered:
- Maxwell…- the way only Michael could say his name.
- Yes, Michael…um…I need to connect with you…to heal your fever.-
Michael nodded and sighed. Max misunderstood the sound for resignation. He cleared his throat and continued.
- You’ve just been damaged there…and I’m sorry but…um… I’m afraid it will hurt you…-
- It always does, Max, you so happen to be “extra large” and “heavy duty” too. You know I can take it. - Michael’s voice was husky, and Max realized that what he had taken for resignation was rather expectation.
Max leaned over Michael towards the nightstand, the rough cloth of his jeans made Michael hiss as it pressed on his hurting buttocks. Max decided the nightstand was too far and his hand wouldn’t reach his target anyway, so he straightened up.
- Hand me the Vaseline jar from the nightstand. - Max asked, and Michael turned to the right and complied. Max received it from Michael’s hand and their fingers sparkled with the contact. Michael pushed up on his knees, raising his hips to make himself more accessible. He squirmed as Max used his finger to thoroughly lubricate him, greasing him inside and out, and then Max opened his fly and worked on himself. He put his hands on Michael’s ass, and felt the firm flesh under them tighten rock hard. Then Max slowly and carefully proceeded to make the connection.

Isabel sat on the floor by the closed door, making sure no one would go in. Maria came to her and raised her eyebrows.
- Max said he’d concentrate better if they were alone. - She explained.
Maria nodded and looked wistfully towards the door.
- Hey, could you guys do me, and us, a huge favour? Go to the store and get me some Chunky Monkey Ice Cream? I have one hell of a craving, and that’s exactly the one I’ve run out of. -
- Sure, I could do with some of that, too. - Maria smiled, and turned to the couch where Kyle was watching an unending Basketball match, and Liz sat beside him, writing down what was probably Max’s homework, or perhaps Kyle’s. She snatched the remote from Kyle’s unexpecting hands and when he started to protest, she delivered Isabel’s message. Kyle got up immediately, eager for the change, but Liz remained focused on her writing.
- You run along, I’ll stay. I have to finish this. - She said without taking her eyes from the notebook.
- Be right back. - Maria pulled at Kyle’s sleeve, making him hurry after her. Isabel knew from experience, how crowded the store would be at this time so they surely wouldn’t be right back.
No sooner had they left, when Liz got up and went to Isabel. She crouched beside her and stared into her eyes.
- Maria told me. I find it hard to believe she understands and is totally ok with it, but she really is. I’m glad for you two, the way you’re coping with this…alien issue. - She kept on staring at Isabel and the alien girl was beginning to feel uncomfortable.
- There’s something else...the Max and Michael issue. I know what’s going on in there, and that Max is worried about my reaction to what he’s doing to Michael. But if Maria can cope, so can I, and Max needs to know, to be able to perform the healing successfully. I need to let him know, like now…- Liz reached for the door knob and to Isabel’s surprise and disbelief, she unlocked it and went in, closing it back behind her. Max had said Liz had developed some degree of empathy with Michael, maybe that’s how she knew. Isabel was still in shock, and decided not to interfere. This was between Max and Liz, and it would be enough having Michael in the middle, to have to deal with her too, so she just sat back down and hoped for the best.

As Max was connecting with Michael, he heard distinctly the door subtly opening. He wondered why would Isabel want to be present when she was never quite comfortable with the unusual way of activating the healing process, and anyway, she had witnessed most of them. He also found somewhat disturbing, the fact that he could not sense her, why was she blocking herself out? Maybe she thought they would be more at ease if they didn’t feel her there, and she just wanted to make sure that everything was going alright. Max shrugged it off his mind, meaning to ask her once it was over. Now his main objective was healing Michael and he was having a hard time trying to go at his safe pace while Michael kept bucking back into him with his typical impatience, and just “go for it “ attitude, regardless of the pain he was causing himself. Max had to dig his fingers into Michael to hold him still enough to keep advancing into him until their bodies met. Max felt his testicles nestling against Michael’s and they were in ecstasy for a few seconds, due to the overload of their energies fusing together along with their physical bodies. When Max was able to continue, he discharged the excessive energy through his palms, sending off the white healing light. Michael shuddered with the burning sensation the healing elicited from him. Max felt several drug deposits under Michael’s skin and focused in one to check the effect. The amount of drug there simply vanished, and Max realized to his horror that it hadn’t been absorbed, as he had wished it to, but his healing powers had completely neutralized it out of Michael’s body. This was not good. He knew his human part needed the drug to regenerate whatever damage that was causing the fever, so he backed away and let the remaining ones continue their work.
- It’s not working…it still hurts…- Michael groaned.
- I know, I must leave them cause you need them. - He explained.
- What? - Michael found that hard to believe.
- Wait…- Max slid his hands under Michael, to his stomach and sent his mind there to find it was already practically normal, hardly any inflammation left, thanks to the drugs Stuart had administered. The guy definitely knew what he was doing, Max had to give him that. He couldn’t find a reason for Michael’s fever, but every time he concentrated in it, an image of Isabel was flashed into his brain. He tried again, as hard as he could, and this time he got a flash of him and Michael in Antar, lazing in the cool waters of a lake, himself floating on his back with his head resting on his hands on the shore, while Michael, beside him, floated on his stomach, his face cradled on his arms, anchored on the shore, too, breathing heavily.
- Are you alright? What’s wrong? -
- It’s Lannie, she gives me such a fever, and she is the only one that can soothe it. -
- I’m sure I can heal it. -
- Go ahead. -
He saw himself stand up in the shallow water and do exactly what he was doing now, frustrated as Michael’s temperature rose even higher with his energy, and returned to the original high one, when he activated his healing powers. Michael was right, he could heal the fever he gave him but not the one Isabel had given him. The flash ended and he was back in Isabel’s bedroom. He shook his head and decided this was going nowhere so he went for closure. He could feel Michael almost there by the killer grip he was getting from him, and it took him just a few thrusts and shoves to have Michael gasping and whimpering in his orgasm, taking Max over the edge a few seconds after. His own throbbing inside the incredibly tight encasement, gave Michael the bonus he always got, as he felt Max filling him up with his healing balm, followed by and extra push that ensured it would stay inside and be absorbed completely by his patient, ensuring the effects he had put into it. This time, though, Max knew it would fail to do Michael any good, as the source of his fever was out of his hands. Max sat back on his heels, throwing his hips forwards, keeping himself deep inside Michael, as his hands gripped his own ankles for balance and support. They enjoyed the throes of their long lasting alien post-orgasm until Michael started to relax and allowed Max to start sliding out of him, with a moan of disappointment. Max leant forwards and kissed the dip at the beginning of Michael’s buttocks, his tongue searching and tickling, making the boy under him writhe like an eel, chuckling in pleasure, until the connection was finally lost when Max was all the way out. Michael snuggled back into the bed, and Max cleaned himself with a swipe of his hand and closed his fly before turning to face Isabel.

Max paled and froze when he met Liz’s eyes, which she fixed on his with interest at his reaction.
- L-l-liz…- He stuttered, feeling his face jump to an almost beet red colour, ears included.
Michael heard him and reached his hand back with a smile, and Liz took it and kissed it. Max’s jaw hit the floor.
- You knew she was here? -
- Of course, I could feel her, and so did you, right? -
- He couldn’t, Michael, I blocked him out. -
- Why didn’t you block him out too? - Max was totally confused.
- Because I knew you would freak out, and Michael wouldn’t. - She answered smugly.
- I don’t get it…- Max was wracking his brains to understand.
- Neither do I, but I have no problems accepting it, and so should you, Max, like you wanted me to accept your thing with Tess, simply because it was alien, and therefore correct. Well, this seems to be alien too, so deal with it, if I can. -
Michael groaned, still holding Liz’s hand, and pulled her to sit on the bed beside him. She placed her other hand on his thigh, and felt something that made her look at the spot she had been covering. There was a small cut, already scarring.
- Michael, what it this? - She asked him, as Max sat on the opposite side looking at it, too.
- Just a battle wound, no big deal. - Michael gave it no importance but Liz wouldn’t let go. She placed her hand on it and Max covered hers completely, also making contact with Michael’s thigh around Liz’s smaller hand. The whole incident of the rookie nurse with the needle coming out of the vein flashed in front of their eyes.
- The stupid bitch! She let an inexperienced nurse practice on Michael and hurt him! You can sue her, and the hospital, you know? - Liz sounded determined and furious.
- No, Susan asked me and I consented, so I take the full responsibility, it wasn’t her fault. She was a little clumsy and I jerked, I should have kept still and help her do it right. I told Susan not to say anything, the poor girl was crying and I’m sure she learned from the experience. It will never happen to her again. - Michael explained, taking the nurses’ side.
Liz suspected it wasn’t quite the truth, but that was Michael, he would never take it out on the girl, even if she had hurt him. Susan had tried to get the spilled plasma absorbed with the salve, but eventually she had had to cut the resulting abscess, which had of course, caused a negative reaction in his healing body, resulting in more pain and fever. Liz now realized it would be rash and unfair to Stuart, though he was not responsible, to take any action against the hospital, or the personnel, no matter how guilty they were on this “accident”. Anyway, Michael would be the only one entitled to make that decision, and she knew he wouldn’t. So she just accepted it and kissed the spot, making Max again livid with jealousy, obviously on purpose, and Michael knew exactly what she was doing and laughing inside at Max.
- Max, I hate to say this, but he doesn’t seem to be any cooler. -
- I know, there was nothing I could do. It’s Isabel. She’s the one who’s given it to him, and the only one who can take it away, according to Michael’s own words, in my flash of Antar, where he was in the same condition. -
- Well, call her in! - Liz demanded.
Isabel was summoned and informed of her guilt, where Michael’s predicament was concerned, but she looked helpless.
- How am I supposed to soothe it? I haven’t the faintest idea. Didn’t he say how I did it there? -
- No, but I suspect it involves sex…- He sounded sure.
- NO! Max, no! I can’t do that! - She exploded.
Michael closed his eyes and winced, and Isabel could tell he was hurt. She rushed to him and kissed his cheek.
- Michael, I can’t do it because if I do, I won’t be able to let you go. Maria and I are getting along fine, but this would be too much, and I would be risking my friendship with her, and it would be Tess and Max all over again, but with us on the spotlight. Is that what you want? - Isabel was quite explicit.
- No, Iz, you’re right, it wouldn’t be fair to Maria or to you either.-
- The problem is that it’s not fair to you, Michael, because this is physically hurting you. - Liz was worried.
Maria and Kyle burst into the apartment, complaining about the ordeal at the store, with half Roswell having decided to go shopping at exactly the same time as them. Isabel kept it to herself that she had already known what they would have to go through, but they needed the time, and it had worked out perfectly.
- How’s the kid doing? - Stuart’s voice took everyone by surprise. Even Isabel had forgotten he would join them after his shift. And as it turned out, he could be the solution to their problem, because maybe it could be attacked through Michael’s human side, and who knew, it might even work in Stuart's able and experienced hands.

[ñusta]

Chapter 58

Max took the leadership in his hands and gave Stuart a close account of what had gone on so far, after the others were politely asked to leave the room. Max explained that he considered that Kyle and Maria were still not ready to actually see the connection process.
Stuart pursed his lips and thought for a minute.
- They know about it and eventually they will want to be allowed to witness it, I’m afraid, I doubt you’ll be able to keep them away from it. -
- I know, it’s just that I still don’t know how to do it, especially Maria…you’ve seen how she is, and how easily she freaks out.-
- I don’t quite agree with you, Max. She might pick it up from Michael in one of those flashes, now more than ever, when he’s not in complete control because of this fever. I honestly think you should let them decide whether they want to watch or not. - Stuart observed.
- I…I’m scared of her reaction…- Max was very disturbed.
- I would be too, but it would be worse if you didn’t come out clean with her. That would be my advice. Depends on you. There might be an appropriate opportunity, and if there is, I say you take it and get it over with. -
- What’s going on in there? You can’t keep us out here forever, you know? - Maria hollered, knocking loudly at the door.
Stuart looked at Max with raised eyebrows. Michael was in what seemed like a fitful sleep. The door opened a sliver and Isabel’s voice came through it.
- May we come in, please? We’re all freaking out here! -
Max reluctantly waved them in. He dreaded the confrontation that was coming.
- I suggest we go over the whole thing together, because someone may have picked up something important that we are missing. Ok? - Stuart decided.
There was general agreement, only Max remained silent.
- Alright. It all started after you girls massaged him. -
- No, he was alright when Maria massaged him, and I took her place. He was kind of worked up about the way the dreams had reminded him our relationship in Antar, but he was sure Maria was the most important one right now…- Isabel turned to Maria and nodded for emphasis. - When Maria came back in, and sat beside us, I noticed his temperature suddenly spiked and he was burning. -
- I offered to give him some cold compresses, but when I went to get them, Max was still by the door and asked what was happening, I told him about Michael’s fever and then he said he would take care of him and went in. I went to the couch and soon after Maria came out. She left with Kyle on an errand and when I touched Michael’s notebook, I immediately connected with him and knew exactly what was going on in the room, and that Max was trying to heal him. - Something had told her not to recall the procedure, and saw both Max and Isabel breath in relief.
- One question, Stuart, - Liz continued. - You said he absorbed too slow, but Max found the drug deposits doing their work, because the inflammation in his stomach was almost gone, it doesn’t make sense…-
- It was a lapsus linguis : a slip of the tongue, or rather the language. I meant that when the drug is injected, the tissues expand to create a space for the foreign body, and as the drug is absorbed, they should return to cover the vacuum that had been created, right? - Stuart noticed Liz was totally concentrated in what he was saying. - His tissues take too long returning to their original position, that’s what keeps him sore. -
Liz nodded, understanding, and Stuart smiled at her, pleased.
- Max could not find a reasonable cause for the fever, so we must go back to the time it started. The original one was kept in check by the drugs, right? You checked him as I asked? -
- Yes, his temperature had gone down to 102º when we put him to bed. - Maria informed.
- After he spiked, when I massaged him, it went to 112º. -
- How was he when you did the healing connection, Max? -
- He was burning, but although I found nothing to cause it, by the time I finished, he had cooled down some. Probably because of the release. - Max was being as ambiguous as he could, to stall the dreaded demands.
- I checked, he had 108º - Said Liz.
- Ok, Kyle, go to my car and bring my bag. - He tossed him his keys.
- There must be a reason for it! Please, he can’t go on like this!- Maria was absolutely distressed.
Isabel took both her hands in hers and looked sadly into her eyes.
- I’m so sorry Maria! -
- Why are you sorry? What’s wrong? What aren’t you telling me, Isabel? You’re totally scaring me! Please what’s happening to him? Not the thing that almost killed him that time! - Maria was now in tears and Isabel couldn’t care less about Max’s fears. She told her about the flash Max had had from Antar and what Michael had told him.
- I don’t know how I gave it to him, much less how I took it away. Max suspects the cure was of a sexual kind, but I refused to do it out of respect for you and him too.-
- Isabel…if it will save his life, I ask you to do it! - Maria begged her.
- Before we go to extremes, I have a couple more tricks up my sleeve, if I may proceed. Oh, here it is. - He received his black doctor’s bag from Kyle. The idea of Isabel having sex with Michael, even if it was to save his life, definitely freaked him out. He would do everything in his hands to prevent that from happening. “Am I jealous?” he thought and immediately answered himself : “YES!”
- I need his actual temperature, please.- He rummaged inside and filled a syringe from two ampoules. - I need a nurse! -
Liz rushed to his side before anyone else could.
- I hope this works, cause the second alternative is not so pleasant. - Liz was taking Michael’s temperature as he soaked some cotton wool and after wiping he jabbed into Michael’s butt. Michael gasped but didn’t move.
- Ok, where’s my nurse? - He said holding the cotton wool out. Liz reached over to receive it and stayed by Stuart, watching him work. He shot in over half the load and then started pulling out the needle slowly, pulling at the plunger. When it was almost out, he frowned, and aiming it in a different direction, shoved it back in. Michael buried his face in the pillow and growled.
- Sorry, kid, I need a blood vessel, and I know yours are hard to get. -
- There? - Liz asked doubtful.
- Oh, another trick I picked up somewhere. - He winked at Liz.
He did the whole search again, and had to jab for the third time downwards this time. When it was a little over halfway out, and Stuart was looking frustrated, the syringe started filling with blood.
- There we go! - He said and shot in the rest of the load.
- Well, Liz, any comments? - He gave her an amused look.
- The one in the muscle takes longer to work but it’s longer lasting, the one in the vein is faster but the effect is short lived. -
.- What’s his reading? - Liz pulled out.
- It’s still all the way up. -
- Ok, if it doesn’t go down in the next 10 minutes, then this is not working, and I go to plan B. Liz, your idea of cold compresses will ease his burning some, can you manage? -
- Sure. - She rushed out of the room.
They all lounged on the bed, touching Michael to let him know they were all there for him, and Stuart was touched by the closeness of the group of friends. Liz came back with a large bowl of water with ice cubes floating on it, and a few re-usable paper towels. She handed them around and they all rubbed Michael down with the soaked cool wipes. Stuart waited 15 minutes, to play it safe, and checked his temperature, with no apparent change. He frowned and shook his head.
- Hear me out, ok? - Stuart waited until all eyes were focused on him before he started speaking again,
- If the fever is of a sexual source, it comes from here. - He waved his hands covering the area of Michael’s hips. - From what we know, his sexuality is both active and passive, so it can be attacked directly on that area. - Stuart continued, noticing Maria’s expression at his words.
- Remember I told you that other time Michael was sick, that my mother dumped me in an ice cold tub when I had the measles and I got a high fever, and it worked? - Maria reminded Isabel.
- Right, that’s kind of my plan B, but is there a tub here? - Stuart turned to Isabel who shook her head no. - In his case, we would just need to sit him down on ice to cover the specific area, but there is a better way and directly to the source. - He turned to Isabel with an apology in his eyes. - I’m sorry, this is very personal, but do you have a douche bag? -
They all looked at him as if he’s gone completely nuts. Isabel started shaking her head but then her look changed.
- I bought a bathroom kit that included one anyway. I have it in the closet. I’ll get it. - She went to the bathroom.
- Isabel, we might need a large piece of plastic, maybe a shower curtain? - Stuart called out to her.
- Got it too. - She answered.
Liz was the first to get the idea, followed by Max, who returned her look and they both nodded. Kyle and Maria looked completely at sea. Isabel came back with Stuart’s requests. He crouched by Michael and shook his shoulder gently.
- Michael, Michael! -
The boy sighed and opened his eyes halfway.
- It hurts…- He moaned, and shifted his body a little to ease the pain. - Shit, I’m burning…-
- Just hang on, ok? I think I can help you. - Stuart whispered to him.
- Max couldn’t, - he shrugged, - thanks, anyway. - He closed his eyes, resigned. Stuart frowned as he saw Michael wince, and turned to the others.
- At least he’s not unconscious, but he is suffering, and that is not good, cause it’s weakening him. Ok, I’ll need help here. -
Following his instructions, they rolled him on his side and placed the plastic curtain folded in two under him. Then they rolled him back on his stomach and then to his other side. They straightened out the curtain so he was lying on it when he was back on his belly. Stuart checked his temperature again to be able to compare it during the treatment. The mercury was all the way up, so they still weren’t sure how high it was, but it was too high.
- I need to fill this with the iciest water possible. - Stuart said, pointing to the douche bag.
- No problem. - Said Max and Isabel together. Isabel took the thing in her hands and Max waved his over it filling it up. Then Isabel made it chilled. Stuart took control again.
- I have to raise his hips. - Max brought a seat-like cushion and inverted it. Then Kyle knelt on the bed beside Michael and grabbed him around his stomach and pulled him up while Max stuck the cushion under him and the curtain, jackknifing him over it. Stuart nodded his approval.
- Ok, now we need to hold him down. Guys, grab his legs. -
Kyle and Max knelt on the floor, one on each side clinging to Michael’s legs.
- Now you girls, his upper body. -
Isabel, being larger, took one side and the other two smaller girls, took the other, pressing both their hands on the small of his back, his back and his shoulders, in that order. Maria wanted to be nearest his face to whisper encouragement. Michael was nearer the bottom of the bed because of his bend over position, so Stuart only had to kneel on the floor at the foot of the bed to reach his target. He lubricated and worked the nozzle carefully into the boy, who tried uselessly to move away when he realized that whatever was being pushed into him was inanimate.
- Keep still, Michael. - Maria begged.
- NO! I’ll kill you, Nicholas! -
- Michael! It’s me! Nicholas is dead! Stuart is trying to get your fever down! We’re all helping here! - Maria whispered to him.
- Maria? No! Don’t touch her! - Michael was struggling to get up, but even with all his friends holding him down, he was a handful and Liz started rubbing his back and they were surprised to see mild sparks transferring from her hands to Michael, and he gradually started calming down enough for them to manage him. He was delirious and Stuart didn’t want to even guess how high his temperature was right now. He decided he could go on without hurting him much, and he started filling him with the icy water. Michael jerked and started shuddering, but took a deep breath and kept still. As the bag emptied, they all could feel Michael’s flesh under their hands cooling down. Stuart had Max and Isabel fill it and chill it again with their powers and he applied the second deep enema to make sure Michael’s temperature would stay down. Stuart detached the bag, without removing the nozzle.
- It would be much better if I had a simple drain…- He frowned.
- What do you mean? - Max inquired.
- Oh just like a plain piece of pipe open at both ends to help drain the water out. - Stuart said.
- I can do it. - Max took hold of the protruding piece of plastic and changed it into what he had in mind that Stuart wanted.
- Is that right? - Max asked an open mouthed Stuart.
- Damn! I keep forgetting…yes, that’s perfect. Isabel, the water will be leaking out of him, so maybe you have like a big thick towel that we can fold over and tuck under him to receive it? It’s better if it’s not new, used ones are much more absorbent. -
She nodded and brought back from the bathroom a dark blue bath towel.
- He doesn’t need the cushion anymore, so let’s just make him comfortable. - Stuart held Michael around the waist as Max pulled the cushion from under him. Then Stuart eased him back down gently on the bed. Isabel folded the thick towel like Stuart had said and tucked it between Michael’s thighs high up a little under him. Michael helped her raising his hips a little and falling back right after. She then joined Maria and Liz at the top of the bed, relieved to see that Michael was muttering and whispering to them, this time coherently.
- Shit! I didn’t know cold could hurt so much! - Michael complained.
- Well, as long as it takes away your fever…- Maria told him, brushing his hair off his face. She was always surprised at how soft his hair was, even when he had it spiked, like it is in children, it was like that, though he had quite a handful.
Michael sighed and snuggled on the bed.
- How are you feeling, kid? - Stuart asked, hoping the sex issues wouldn’t happen.
- Better, I guess, but my ass is still freezing! - His voice was low and definitely relaxed.
- That’s because the icy water is still leaking out. It shouldn’t take long. - Stuart laughed.
He sat on the floor by the bed close to Isabel and made himself comfortable, feeling completely at home with this group of kids, who didn’t seem to mind the fact that he was much older than them. He kept one of his hands on Michael’s thigh, checking the way he was really cooling down.
- Oh great, it’s getting warm down there again. - Michael slurred.
Stuart got on his knees and checked out to find nothing was leaking out of the drain, and the towel was soaked. He pulled the converted piece of plastic out and Isabel passed her hand over it returning it to its original shape. Stuart chuckled, and Isabel loved him for it, thinking how Jesse would have given her an evil look if she had dared do her stuff in front of him.
- Ok, he doesn’t need all this anymore, pull it off from under him. - Stuart asked as he wrapped his arms around Michael’s hips and raised him from the bed.
Isabel started gathering the plastic curtain and the soaked towel into a bunch.
- Hurry up, I can’t keep this up, he’s heavy. - He muttered with the effort of keeping the bundle of muscles that was Michael, heaved away from the bed.
The kid was helping, holding his body up on his knees, but he was still weighing Stuart down. He couldn’t help wondering if this is what Max felt, when he was glued to the chunky teenager he now had around his arms, as he had sex with him, cause the boy’s round firm butt that was digging into his groin, really felt good. No girl was this tight, unless she was one of those steroid produced muscle freaks. This wasn’t gym made, this was natural, even he could tell, and he wasn’t an expert in the matter. What? He was going queer now? Stuart shook his head and let Michael go, confused by his feelings.
- I think it’s working…Liz? -
- Right. -
Five minutes later she was giving them the good news that he was down to 106º. They also noticed his cheeks were not so flushed and his muscles were relaxing.
- Michael? - Maria asked him.
- Mmmmm? - He went, a smile curling his lips.
- How are you feeling? - She heard him sigh.
- Are you all here with me? - He whispered.
- Each and everyone. - She answered him and they all laid their hands on him, making him feel cared for and far from lonely.
- Mmm…That feels good…- He writhed in pleasure, and they could feel the way his muscles worked under his skin.
During the next half an hour, they checked his temperature twice. The first time it had lowered to 102º and the last one, to his normal 99.3. Now they finally all relaxed and decided to camp down in Isabel’s bedroom in sleeping bags, on cushions, on the bed, the ones that fitted there, or whatever, but staying all together. Stuart was welcomed into their circle, as he didn’t have to be at the hospital again until next day by midday. They were all hungry after their new ordeal, and Kyle called their attention to make up their minds on a food delivery.
- Michael? - Maria whispered to him, doubtful of what his reaction would be.
- Don’t mind me. No matter what you eat in front of me, there’s no way I’m going through this again. Stuart, what do you suggest for me? -
- Some broth?...and jello? - He sounded even more doubtful than Maria.
- Are you serious? - Michael asked him, making a face.
- Yes. -
- Ok, then. -
- Kyle, call for whatever you guys decide, it’s ok with me, I’m taking care of Michael’s diet. - She went to the kitchen, as Max tagged along with her.
- What? - Isabel asked him, once they were out of hearing.
- I’m going to call Langley and ask for the answers we need. -
- I remember you saying he couldn’t even get the ship going.-
- It wasn’t his fault, it was already busted. -
- I suggest you state your demands directly on the first phrase, so he can’t by pass you. - She hoped it would work.
- Yes, that’s just what I had thought. I’m using the guest room to have some privacy, ok? -
- Sure, suit yourself. - She said, opening the cabinets to see what she could whip up for Michael.
A few minutes later, Max returned to the kitchen with a weird look on his face.
- He hanged up on you again! - Isabel guessed.
- No, he said : “Ok, right away.” And hanged up. Do you think he’ll sent us some kind of dream? - Max was mystified.
- I have no idea. - Isabel said, shaking her head.

The Pizzas arrived and Isabel and Maria made sure Michael had his fill of what he was allowed. After the meal, the guys went to watch their sports for a while and then they went back to the bedroom to get settled for the night. They found Maria and Isabel as usual lately, spooned into Michael’s sides, but Max gave what sounded like a croak when he saw Liz snuggled between Michael’s legs, her head pillowed almost on his butt, and her arms wrapped around his thigh, pulling herself against it. Max’s hopes of spending the night with her at the guest room, went down the drain, so he and Kyle took the two sleeping bags, and Stuart was left with the cushions from the couch.

[ñusta]

Chapter 59

Stuart opened his eyes and looked around the room. He stared at the ceiling waiting to get used to the darkness. It was such an irony, after the way he had teased his cousin Brody about his presumed abductions, and now he was in a room with a group of people, three of which were aliens. To top it all, one was his patient, the warrior, nonetheless. He could see them clearly now, and analyze them to his heart’s content. Max lay on his backs, in a sleeping bag, hoping Liz would come to him, but knowing Michael had her in his power. She should be with him, because he was the king. By some kind of abdication, the throne had fallen in his father’s lap, and by almost the same lucky choice, in his, too. He could tell that he was a spoiled brat, always had it easy, so he was used to manipulating everyone to get his way, telling them that it was for their own good, and managing to get away with it more times than he should. And when he was unable to, he didn’t want to think what Max was capable of, to get even. Michael probably had the answer to that one. Once you knew what he was, you saw some telltale signs : he was physically weird looking, the flappy ears, the unusually long neck, the much too sloping shoulders. He was thin and wiry, with the defined abs, typical of gym machines freaks, who had been scrawny shy kids, targeted by school bullies who scared the crap out of them. This one had been lucky there too, he had had first, his screaming sister, to keep them away, and then his own personal protector, his warrior, to stand up fearlessly for him. That one was special, he was taller, sturdier, stronger, with a body not machine created, but completely natural, capable of withstanding brutal attacks in combat, with an endurance to suffer amazing amounts of pain without passing out, to defend his protégés with his life, to the last fraction of a second of his existence. Like his father before him, he had chosen the army over the throne, sacrificing himself for the good of his people, a hero, and thus a martyr. Hardly any of those left in either planet, these days. And the girl, she represented everything that was female, beautiful, funny, strong in her own way. She was perfect, he had left the best for last. No, that wasn’t fair, that was his heterosexuality speaking, going for the female. Michael was the best, no doubts about it. He was the real heir to the throne, with the true Antares royal blood. (Shouldn’t it be “Antarian”? But no, Antares had come to his mind and he somehow knew it was the right word.) The boy had this rare charisma, he exuded sexuality, through every pore of his human body, the girls couldn`t keep their hands away from him, and even the boys. He had seen the short jock’s fruitless attempts, and his frustration at their failure, disguising it with lame jokes. The king was again lucky, being a healer, who could accomplish his feats with simply locking eyes and releasing the healing light from his hands, without the slightest discomfort from both humans and fellow aliens. But by some still unexplained quirk, he needed a deep physical connection to heal his warrior, and deep it was, from his choice of the body part involved. Homosexuality seemed to be present here, as it had been with the Greeks. Not the current connotation of an effeminate male, which totally misunderstood the real meaning of the word: homosexual - of the same sex. Men liking men, because of their maleness. Males who went for transvestites were not homosexuals. They were simply heterosexuals with a big complex, afraid of females, so they went for the travesty in the security that they wouldn’t be rejected, and replacing her that way. A true homosexual wanted another man, who looked and behaved like a man, as the word implied. But then, on second thoughts, these aliens were really bisexuals. The king was just as ready to do it with Liz, and had actually done it with another female alien, getting her pregnant, and Michael had been Isabel’s mate in the other planet, and Maria’s in this one. Max was only active, but Michael was both active with his girls, and passive with his king and other males? Isabel had hinted something with his black personal servant and stable lad during her dream in their planer, which ended with Michael’s horrid death. No wonder the girls were after him, being also on the receiving side, he obviously knew what and how to give it, the advantage of his kind of bisexuality. Here he was talking of his own “normal” sexuality, when he had felt this amazing arousal when the boy’s ass had been pressed to his crotch. He was sure Michael had felt it too, but as he must be used to this reaction to him in other males, he had just taken it for granted, grinding his round butt into him, knowing he was teasing him, and perhaps expecting him to react, which he didn’t. Because that wasn’t him, whatever he had felt, it had been because of this boy, it would never have happened with another one. He wondered if the kid had been disappointed, but he probably just transferred it to what he had got from him, as a treatment for his fever. He had penetrated the kid’s body, but in a different way, which did hold a kind of sexual innuendo. The question still remained unanswered : why couldn’t Max heal Michael the same way he did the rest, and why was it painful only for him? He hoped they would get their answers, because his curiosity was certainly peaked. He wanted to know, just as much as his new friends did. He watched Kyle, also on his back in his sleeping bag, snoring softly with his mouth open and his arms thrown up, framing his head. His eyes wandered to the bed, where the foursome slept peacefully, Michael at the centre of that small universe. Stuart felt a feather soft touch on his forehead and turned his head up to meet Isabel’s amused eyes. He checked the bed again, confused, and saw Isabel spooned to Michael’s side. His eyes met hers again and she laughed, throwing her head back. “This is what I do, Stuart, I’m dream-walking you.” He joined in her laughter, and reached out for her, pulling her down beside him, with her head pillowed on his chest. “Are your dreams always this psychological?” she asked him. “Only when they need to be.” He answered her. “I like the way you think of me, and your respect for Michael, he deserves it.” Suddenly, she wasn’t beside him anymore, and Stuart opened his eyes. Had he been dreaming? No way! This had been too real, and he remembered all of it to the last word that had been haunting his brain. He needed to have a serious talk with Isabel in the morning. He hoped his dream had only been shared with her, he didn’t want to incur in Max’s anger at what he thought of him, or get Michael interested in what he had experienced with him, because he wasn’t sure where that would go. He simply didn’t want to develop a taste in boys, and Michael was too dangerous in that unexplored territory.
.

[ñusta]

Chapter 60

The alarm made everyone jump into action. Fractions of a second made Kyle beat Maria to the bathroom. She stood red with anger, as the door slammed in her face. She turned to Liz, with a look of outrage, and the small brunette just shrugged and made a face. Then she took Maria by the hand and they walked to the kitchen to take care of breakfast. They knew Kyle would take 10 minutes at the most to get ready. Max sat in front of the TV and tuned in the sports channel.
Isabel sat on her bed, her hand on Michael’s back, as he slept, dead to the world. She turned to find Stuart also sitting on the couch cushions, looking quite amused at what was going on. He got up and joined her on the bed, where Maria had been lying, by Michael’s other side.
- We should check his temperature…- He said, but made no move whatsoever.
- I’ll do it. - Isabel said, and got the thermometer and the Vaseline jar from the nightstand. Isabel’s ministrations made Michael moan and shift on the bed, but he didn’t wake up, and as she sat beside him to wait the necessary minutes, they noticed Max standing by the door.
- Well, good morning! - Isabel greeted him.
- Good morning…he’s ok? - He asked, concerned.
- We’ll know for sure in a few minutes, but he seems alright. - She said, touching Michael’s cheek and finding it just sleep warm.
- Any dreams about…you know what? - Max seemed to dread the answer as much as the question itself.
Isabel shook her head no.
- What about him? - He gestured towards Michael with his head.
- He’ll tell us when he wakes up. Let him be, ok? -
.Max nodded and left the room. Isabel noticed the apprehensive way Stuart was looking at Michael.
- He will never ask, much less demand for love or sex, believe me, he has been disappointed far too many times in his life. He just takes thankfully what is given to him, no questions asked. That’s how he is, so you’re absolutely safe with him, if that’s what has you so worried. -She could tell he was having serious issues with his recent dream world revelations. She smiled at him reassuringly.
- Thank you. - He smiled back. - I’m honestly scared of what he makes me feel, especially after that dream last night, you know? You were definitely there, I remember it clearly. I’m not “in the closer” Isabel. I’ve never been. But he…- He shook his head, not knowing how to explain it.
- Don’t worry, they’re just “Michael vibes”, he can’t help them, he’s just a big teddy bear, under that stonewall he uses to protect himself. -
- You’re right, I’m being a total idiot. - He laughed and reached over to grab her wrist and give it a squeeze.
Isabel checked her watch, and reached between Michael’s thighs, but Stuart gently pushed her hand away and took over.
- It’s ok, I’m fine. - He smiled at her.
The bathroom door opened and Kyle stepped out ready for breakfast. He glanced their way, probably to greet them and saw what was going on.
- Uh uh. Hi there…- He said and rushed out of the room.
Max zoomed to the bathroom leaving both Maria and Liz behind again in the race to the shower. They rolled their eyes knowing Max would be even faster than Kyle, so they would soon have the bathroom to themselves with no one waiting, so no problems there. Kyle was about to sit down, when the doorbell rang, so he went to the door instead. Isabel saw him return to the tube after less than a minute, so she assumed it had been a wrong address.
- 99.7º. - Isabel read, not sure about Stuart’s response to that.
- It’s about normal, according to the circumstances. He’ll stabilize during the day, you’ll see. Do you have the medicine bag? -
Isabel reached down by the nightstand and handed it to him. He rummaged inside it and found one last silver foil blister left.
- This will do. I will keep him on these for a few more days, just in case. I’ll bring them back later. - Stuart said and Isabel scoffed.
- Maria will just love this, and perhaps even Liz. - She told him, laughing at the face he made when he heard the last part.
- She’s decided to start practicing her nursing skills right away. - Isabel informed him. Stuart rolled his eyes and chuckled.
- Max must be throwing sundry fits. - His words sent Isabel hiccoughing with laughter.
He applied the medication quite sure of himself, and Isabel breathed relieved to see her words had been useful to gain his confidence back.
Liz and Maria breezed past the bed into the bathroom and slammed the door, their giggles echoing inside the tiled room.
Again, Isabel found Max standing by a door: this time the bathroom’s, and thought her brother was getting weirder by the second. He looked impatient and she remembered what was eating him.
- He must be awake now. - He observed.
- Max, will you lay off? - Go have your breakfast and take your time! - Isabel was getting upset with him.
Michael sighed and started stretching, as if on cue, and Max went to kneel beside him on the floor in two strides. He grabbed Michael’s shoulder and shook him tentatively. Michael turned his face towards Isabel, and growled. Isabel rolled her eyes at Max and bent down to kiss the corner of Michael’s mouth, one eye checking Stuart’s reaction, smiling as she got the jealous feedback she expected. Stuart somehow suspected her intentions and complied with a mock warning look at her. Michael’s turning towards her lips changed the picture, and Isabel backed away, with a teasing smile.
- Hey! I’m going to tell on you! - She threatened.
- Iz? - Michael whispered, half asleep.
- The one and only! - She joked.
- Sorry, I thought you were Maria. - Stuart may have bought it, but she hadn’t. Michael couldn’t fool her and he knew it. He gave her a secret smirk and winked at her. She shook her head at him, smiling, she couldn’t blame him for trying to steal a kiss from her. She kind of regretted not letting him get away with it, but Stuart would have had a cow, and she wasn’t risking that.
- Hey man, did you get anything? - Max asked impatiently.
- I sure did…ask Stuart. - He loved teasing Max especially when he was anxious. He knew exactly what he was doing.
Max looked completely confused. He glared at Stuart, who showed him the empty silver foil blister with a silly grin.
- Dammit Michael, you know what I mean. - He scolded.
- No Max, I couldn’t get anything but wet dreams with Maria and Iz pressed against me. - This time Michael winked at Stuart, who simply enjoyed the kid’s sense of humour, and the way he had Max grinding his teeth with fury.
The frustrated alien left the room muttering to himself, totally pissed, while the trio on the bed laughed out loud at him.
Maria brought a tray for Michael and Isabel and Stuart went to have their breakfast leaving Michael in Maria’s hands. They had been so focused in driving Max out of his controlling mind that they hadn’t seen Maria and Liz leave the bathroom.
When they were about to leave for school, Maria looked at the bedroom wistfully, but Stuart was adamant.
- You go to school, Maria, he’s in good hands and he’s not up to it today. -
She nodded hooking her arm with Liz’s and headed for the door.
- Enjoy your video! - Called out Kyle as he joined the girls.
- What video? - Asked Isabel, perplexed.
- Didn’t you hear the doorbell? It was your delivery. - Kyle explained.
- I didn’t ask for a video…- Then it hit her and she turned to lock eyes with Max, who got the message right after she did.
- Where is it? - The two aliens all but screamed.
Kyle pointed to the coffee table by the TV set, kind of scared.
They raced each other to the source of their curiosity and Max arrived first, picking it up, to have it snatched out of his hand by his impatient sister. It was a Video Cassette in a plain white unmarked box, stuck into a transparent plastic bag.
- Who brought it? - Asked Max.
- Just a typical delivery guy, with Cargo pants, a reebok t-shirt, cap and sneakers. Nothing notorious about him. I just thought it was kind of weird that they started delivering so early. -
- Would you recognize him if you saw him again? - Max insisted.
- Not even if my life depended on it, no. - Kyle assured him.
- Who did he ask for? - Isabel wanted to know.
- He just said “Evans?” and I nodded, and he gave it to me and lefl. - Kyle recalled.
- Then it wasn’t for me. He would have asked for “Ramirez”. Isabel decided.
- It was for me. - Max said. - It’s from Langley. - He said, totally convinced.
Isabel took it out of the bag and the case, and the label read:
“Opera Aida - Triumphal March - Scala di Milano” .
- What is this? - Isabel wondered, as Stuart read the label too, standing beside her.
- Well, whatever it is, it will have to wait until you return from school, you’re going to be late, if you don’t hurry. - Stuart said, full responsibility.
- Yeah, I guess so…- Max voice was charged with complete disappointment.
- Yeah, cheese rerun, here we go! - Exclaimed Kyle and felt several pairs of eyes lock with his.
They rushed him as he desperately tried to find where to hide, not understanding what had got into them, ending up pressed against the wall, looking very scared. Then he was surrounded, and they were hopping and punching his arms, not angry as he expected, but laughing and cheering.
- Kyle, you’re a genius! - Liz whooped.
- What! What! - Kyle didn’t understand their exhilaration.
- Well, I’m lost here! What’s that about? I know I’m missing something. - Isabel demanded.
- Remember the cheese factory field trip about a week or so ago, that day Max came to talk with you and skipped school? - Liz panted, after the outburst.
- Yeah…- Isabel said, mystified. -He called you to ask you to improvise an excuse for him and Michael, as if “spaceboy” needed one! -
- There was a power failure halfway through the visit, we were taken to the zoo, of all places, to wrap the day up, and it was re-scheduled. It’s today! - Her enthusiasm was contagious, but still Isabel didn’t get it.
- So? You have to go to get your grade. -
- Not if Stuart writes us an account of Michael’s “problem”, changing the date to today, just before we left for school. Can you, pleeease? - She whined, and Maria joined in.
- Ok, I guess I can, a house call would be justified, Michael being my patient. - Stuart agreed.
- Yesss! - They went, all together, and started getting the place ready for the show: Kyle and Max retrieved the cushions from the bedroom and put them back on the couch.
- Well, I’m glad Jesse’s “dinosaur” is in perfect working order in spite of its antiquity. - Isabel pointed to the VCR sitting under the TV set.
- Ok, ready, where’s the Video? - Max said eagerly.
- Aren’t you forgetting something? - Stuart inquired.
He got funny looks at first and then a general “What? “
- Michael…- Stuart said.
- Oh my god! - Isabel raced to the bedroom with Maria and Liz at her heels. Kyle started to follow, but Max and Stuart grabbed the sleeves of his t-shirt and pulled him to a stop.
- Hey! I was going to give them a hand! - He complained.
- They can manage. - Stuart assured him, and they sat down to wait.