Spoilers: None that I know of
Category: A/I
Summary: Response to a challenge by Daisy: (NoSprite101@aol.com)
1) You don't have to use the song in the story, but make the story revolve
around the idea
2) M/M, preferably, but can be L/M or A/I, but it reminded me of Michael and
Maria the instant I heard the song
3) Can be one part, but would really like it in more!
4) Make it enjoyable!
Author's Note: I have never responded to a challenge before because my
writing is so sporadic, but Jim Croce was one of my mother's favorite artists
and this one just struck a chord in me. So, Stargazers, some A/I foof for you!
The phone startled Alex out of the light sleep
he'd just slipped into. Glaring at the clock, he reluctantly picked up the handset.
"Hello?" he demanded crankily.
"Alex?" Isabel's voice surprised him
so much that he almost dropped the phone.
"Isabel?" he could not keep the shock
from his tone. "Is everything alright?"
She winced, sad that he would think that she'd
only be calling if something was wrong or there was some kind of crisis. Well,
she thought to herself, that's the pattern that you've set, so it's your own
fault that he thinks that right off the bat.
"Were you asleep? I didn't mean-"
"No, no, not at all," his voice
betrayed him even though he denied having been asleep.
"No, everything's fine," she said.
"I didn't mean to make you think-"
"It's okay, I just wasn't expecting a call
this late, and..." he trailed off, but she knew he'd been going to say
'from you'.
"I just wanted to say I'm sorry," she
said suddenly, startling him.
"What for?"
"I haven't exactly been sensitive to your
feelings, and I know that's mean of me...you've kept things to yourself and
you've always been there for us and helped us out, and you always listen when
someone needs to talk..."
Alex rolled his eyes, familiar with the litany
of how simply woooooonderful and supportive he was...as a friend. Always as a
friend. He was flattered, and a little embarrassed, but he did not really need
to be reminded of his chronic friend status. He was keenly aware of it every
time he caught a whiff of her perfume, or found a strand of her hair, or caught
site of her dark eyes or perfect smile from across a room.
Well I know it's kinda late
I hope I didn't wake ya
But what I gotta say can't wait
I knew you'd understand
Cuz every time I tried to tell you
The words just came out wrong
So I'll have to say I love you in a song
"Well, I mean, what else am I going to do?
Liz and Maria are my girls, and Max and Michael are important to them , and
you..." he stopped, not wanting to say any more, remembering all too well
the veiled accusations of 'suffocating' Isabel.
"I know," her voice was gentle. She
liked Alex, liked being near him, liked the stability he offered her, but she
was powerfully afraid of anything outside the safety of her brothers. Their
tight, protective circle had been her shelter all her life, and even though the
three had become six, she was still fearful. Old habits truly did die hard. She
didn't know how to tell Alex how she felt; she kind of hoped that he might pick
up on it and relieve her of the burden of having to confront her fears and
actually say it.
Yeah I know it's kinda strange
Every time I'm near you
I just run outta things to say
I knew you'd understand
Cuz every time I tried to tell you
The words just came out wrong
So I'll have to say I love you in a song
Alex was not feeling charitably inclined,
however. He was tired and her voice made him ache and he just wanted to sleep
and not dream.
"I'm sorry, Isabel, but it's really late
and the band has a pretty big show tomorrow night, so I kind of need to
go..."
"Oh, no, I understand. Would you--I mean,
can I--would it be alright with you if I came to the show?"
Alex raised his brows, taken aback. "Sure.
Why would you even need to ask?"
"I just don't want to make you
uncomfortable," Isabel admitted, and Alex smiled a bitter, humorless
smile.
"Don't worry about it," he said with
false cheer. "The more the merrier."
"Okay, then I'll see you there...good luck,
Alex, and goodnight." A soft click signalled the end of the connection,
and Alex fell back on the bed, thoughts awhirl.
*******
Isabel frowned, mentally berating herself for
once again chickening out. Tell, him, she said forcefully to herself, just open
your mouth and tell him. He'll understand you being afraid; he always
understands.
What if he doesn't, another voice piped up. What
if he's reached his limit? Moved on? Gotten tired of waiting?
No, she returned forcefully. Not Alex. Alex
wouldn't.
Then tell him, the voice responded. Before you
lose him.
Smiling, resolve firmly in place, she picked up
the phone and began to dial.
Every time the time is right
The words came out wrong
So I'll guess I'll say I love you in a song
*******
Maria wiped the sweat off her brow and grinned
at Alex, squinting in the stage lights. He smiled absently back, scanning the
crowd for the face he saw every time he closed his eyes. Disappointed at her
absence, he turned back to look at Maria, and was taken by surprise when she
stepped up to the microphone and began to speak.
"This next song is a dedication to our own
fearless leader, Alex Whitman! Alex, we have someone who would like a moment of
your time," Maria moved aside and the band kicked into a soft tune. Alex
stood there flabbergasted as Maria began to sing and Isabel appeared in the
wings. Her dark eyes melted Alex into a little puddle as he moved, trancelike,
towards her.
"I want to try," she said, the softest
of whispers, but he heard her clearly.
"If you hurt me," he said, "I
don't know if I'll still be able to be around. I can't be the nice guy
forever."
She nodded. "I won't."
And he believed her.
Yeah I know it's kinda late
I hope I didn't wake you
But there's something I just gotta say
I knew you'd understand
Every time I tried to tell you
The words just came out wrong
So I'll have to say I love you in a song