Chapter 13 - The Response

Author: Sezza
Disclaimer: I own nothing but this story and any unknown characters in Roswell.
Couple: M&M
Spoilers: Anything up to season 3 may be mentioned at some point
Rating: PG-13 but could get higher
Summary: The aliens left instead of staying. Alex didn’t die and Tess wasn’t evil. When they return Michael learns something that will forever change his life.
Author’s note: Ok here I am with another fic. There are something’s that you should know before reading and that will be brought to your attention in a Background info section I release before chapter 1 so I hope none of you get too confused.
Email: sezza43@hotmail.com
Distribution: If you want it, all you have to do is ask.

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Maria glared at Michael from her spot at the table where everyone was eating dinner. Michael was across from her getting his ears talked off by Matty and Josh who had been placed on either side of him. Liz sat to the side of Maria smiling at the situation. Liz knew that Maria still loved Michael and the whole situation with the twins before brought everything up. Michael hadn't taken the smug grin off his face ever since.

1 hour before

"Are you and dadda dettin maweed?"

Maria looked at her son in shock. "Ahh, sweetie you see---"

"Well answer the boy Maria. Are we getting married?" Michael interrupted her with a smirk. He knew she wouldn't but he couldn't help hoping.

Maria glared at him. "Sweetie, listen mommy and daddy aren't getting married ok." She told his son hoping he'd drop the issue but being her son he had no intension of doing so.

"Don't you wove dadda?" he asked in a sad voice.

Maria glanced at Michael whose smirk had turned into a hopeful look. She turned back to her son. "Look baby why don't you and your brother go and show daddy some of the pictures you drew." Matty looked at her then smiled and grabbed his brother's hand to get the pictures forgetting about the present topic. Maria sighed in relief.

"Way to change the subject." Alex whispered in Maria's ear. She glared at him then turned when she heard Michael chuckle.

"What?" she demanded.

"You love me," he said confidently.

"You’re delusional." Maria muttered.

"You didn't deny it to our son." Michael pointed out. Maria was about to respond when Liz piped up.

"He's right you know."

Maria threw a cold look her way. "You're supposed to be on my side," she yelled before storming off.

Michael smugly smiled. "She loves me," Even Kyle laughed at that.

Present

Michael glanced at Maria who was still glaring at him. He chuckled quietly while listening to his sons talk about their favourite cartoon. When dinner had finished Nacedo left to go home, Max had offered to escort Liz home, Isabel and Alex went somewhere to talk as well as Kyle and Tess leaving Maria alone with Michael and the boys.

While the four where watching the TV the phone rang and Maria got up to answer it. When she came back she had a weird look on her face.

"What?" Michael asked.

"Something happened at work and I need to go in for an hour or so but everyone's gone."

"I'll watch them." Michael said.

Maria shook her head. "I don't think---"

Michael cut her off. "Maria, no one is here and besides I am their father. I am capable of taking care of my own kids."

Maria sighed. "I know, it's just, what if something happens."

"Maria, nothing will happen. I'll protect them with my life. Don't you trust me?" Michael asked in a hurt voice.

"Of course I do. But it's my job to worry." she said smiling. "Ok, I should only be gone 2 hours at the latest. Emergency contact numbers are on the fridge and here is my cell phone number, contact if any---"

"Maria stop worrying. I got it now go." Michael laughed at Maria's babbling. "Everything will be fine". Maria sighed and after kissing the boys she left. 20 minutes later the phone rang and Michael sighed before picking up. "Maria their fine." he laughed when she hung up in a huff.

2 hours later Maria walked in the door tired. She swore that the people she hired were incompetent. As she walked into the living room she froze and her heart swelled. Michael was laying on the couch with Joshua sleeping on his legs and Matthew lying on his chest. Maria's eyes watered at the picture perfect moment. They all looked so sweet and innocent. Maria walked over to them and went to pick Matty up when Michael clutched tighter and let out a growl as if to warn away other predators. 'He protects them even in his sleep.' At that moment Maria knew her sons would always be safe with Michael no matter what. She gently shook Michael awake.

"Huh, what?" he asked still half asleep. Maria smiled at him. Michael looked at her through lazy eyes and groggily whispered "Beautiful."

Maria blushed but shook him some more. "Michael wake up, I need to put the kids to bed."

Michael woke up and nodded. "See everything was fine."

"I know." Maria whispered as she lifted Josh into her arms. Both had one boy clutched to their chest as they walked into the boys’ room. They laid them down and kissed the top of their heads before turning the light off and shutting the door. "Thankyou." Maria said when they were out in the hall.

Michael smiled at her. "No, thank you." He said before walking to his bedroom. Maria too retreated back to her room with thoughts of the one she said she’d never be involved with again plaguing her dreams.

Over the next month things between the two became less tense and more comfortable. Even Michael and Kyle had started to bond a little, Kyle realized that Michael would never hurt Maria or leave and so he slowly accepted him into their lives. Kyle had even helped Michael think of a plan to get Maria to at least think of them as more than friends. Michael was going to put his plan into action tonight.