Prologue (written by Crazyapplesaucer)
Somewhere in the woods, California, December 24th, 2002.
Maria's POV
Although it had been a few months since we'd left Roswell, it seemed like ages to me. Always moving from one place to another. I sometimes think of myself as a gypsy. Always having to move away, right when we think we are finally going to get settled. And live, or try to live, a normal life. Trying to make a home away from home.
Today is Christmas Eve. Although we try to have what you would call a traditional Christmas, this has turned out to be anything but. Kyle is busy meditating inside the van. Seems like Buddha is the only one who keeps him sane these days. Isabel is, as usual watching the stars, and thinking about Jesse. I know it is very hard for her to be away from the love of her life, and this is her first year not being the Christmas Nazi. Liz is always writing in her journal. It seems to me these days that her journal has replaced my place as her friend. Max, as usual being a pain in the ass, is brooding about the FBI.
Michael.... our getting back together was sudden. But over the past few months, we've tried to make things work. And to me, things look good. As I lie in my sleeping bag, just thinking, worrying and fretting about what an unusual Christmas this is, I see him walk up to me. His eyes are shining with a mysterious glint. He's carrying something under his jacket, I don't know what. I love the way he always greets me with his typical Guerin smirk.
"Merry Christmas," he greeted me.
"A little early for that, isn't it?" I replied in a disheartened and sad tone.
He took hold of my hands and beckoned me to stand up. "Michael, where are you taking me?" I asked him.
"Sshh," he whispered, and led me into the woods.
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Chapter One (written by Shobhna Guerin)
He took her by the hand and led her towards the direction of the woods.
"Michael, where are you taking me?" she asked him.
He considered telling her at first, but then thought otherwise. "Sshh," he whispered, and pulled her hand, walking towards the trees and the darkness that surrounded it.
Maria looked at him, eyes with questions galore. But she was willing to play along. As long she was with Michael, she was okay. She was safe. As long as she was with him.
As they entered the woods, the light became minimal in comparison. Maria had to squint and it was a minute or two before her eyes adjusted. "Um, Michael?" she asked uncertainly. "Are you sure there isn't any danger? I mean, won't there be any wild animals and what not?"
"No. Don't worry. I'll take care of you," he said, softly, smiling at her. Damn, that mysterious glint was still there. And him saying such a sweet thing was not helping either.
For a moment, all Maria wanted to do was just kiss the life out of him. But she knew he had something on his mind. And she had better not... distract him with anything else. Or he might forget what he had to tell her. It had happened before.
They soon reached the place that he had chosen earlier today, while she, Liz and Isabel were preparing breakfast. He had cut down a few branches and made a heap of it in front of a huge log.
"Um, Michael?" Maria asked, looking over the branches and logs.
Michael raised his hand and with a blast of powers, set the heap of branches on fire. He had made sure that there were no leaves or anything nearby, to kindle and thus create a forest fire of any kind. Nope, he definitely did not need that. Cause, well, that would just ruin the entire mood.
He led her to the log and asked her to sit down on it. She awkwardly sat down on it and then tried to get comfortable. Michael went over and behind her and hid what was in his jacket behind the log, making sure Maria couldn't see it.
He sat down next to her. Hesitating for a moment, he gathered up the courage and took her hand in his, lacing his fingers through hers.
Maria looked up at him, a smile of pure surprise but happiness on her face. She looked at Michael carefully. What was this all about? This was so unlike him.
"Can I ask you something?" Michael asked Maria, not looking at her, instead keeping his gaze fixed on her legs. Her beautiful, soft, long legs. Focus, Guerin. he chastised himself.
"Sure. What is it?"
"Would you.... uh, would you"
"Michael, what?" she urged him.
"Wouldyousingforme?" he blurted out. He took a deep breath and repeated. "Would you.... sing for me?" he looked up at her for the first time.
Maria simply looked at him for one second. Where was this coming from? Why did he want her to sing? She didn't mind and all, but she just wondered as to why he wanted her to.
"I'd love to." She said, deciding to ask later. "What do you want me to sing?" she smirked. "And please, god, don't say Metallica."
Michael smiled back in return. He replied, "Any song. Maybe something that you wrote?"
Maria nodded and thought to herself for a moment. Then she began:
I'm an opportunity
And I knock so softly
Sometimes I get loud
When I wish everybody'd just get off me
So many players
You'd think I was a board game
It's every man for themselves
There are no teammates
This life gets lonely
When everybody wants something
They'll smile up in your face
But they'll get theirs eventually
And I hope I'm there
Maria leaned into Michael's body as she sang. She felt safe, near him.
Surrounded by familiar faces with no name
None of them know me
Or want to share my pain
They only wish to bask in my light
Then fade away
To win my love, to them a game
To watch me live my life in vain
When all is done and the glitter fades, fades away
They'll get theirs eventually
And I hope I'm there
Michael put his arm around Maria's shoulders, offering her the comfort he knew she needed. He was in awe of her, her voice, her song.
I drank your poison
'Cause you told me it's wine
Shame on you if you fooled me once
Shame on me if you fooled me twice
I didn't know the price
You'll get yours eventually
So what good am I to you
If I can't be broken
You'll get yours, yes
You'll get yours eventually
As she finished the song, Maria let out a single tear. It rolled down her cheek and landed on her lap, where Michael's hand lay.
Michael jerked a little when her tear hit his hand. He moved his head to bring it closer to hers. "Hey, hey, you okay?"
Maria nodded, wiping at her face. "Yeah, yeah, I'm... I'm fine."
Michael nodded. "Is that how you usually feel?"
"Towards you? Absolutely not. Towards the world? Well, sometimes."
Michael remained silent, knowing she had more to say. "I just..." Maria continued, "I just... feel abandoned sometimes." She placed her palm on his chest. "Again, this has nothing to do with you, believe me."
"Your dad," Michael said.
"Yup." Maria sighed. "It just sucks, you know. I mean, my dad left me and my mom, and now I left my mom. I'm just as bad as him."
Michael didn't know what to say.
Maria sat straight and wiped at her face again. She giggled, in an attempt to lighten the mood. "Look at me. It's Christmas Eve, and I'm crying."
"It's okay to cry." he said, saying the same thing she had told him a few years ago.
"Yeah.." Maria said. She smiled, feigning joy. "So, why'd you bring me here?"
Michael reached behind the log and brought out a Thermos flask, and two plastic mugs.
Maria wrinkled her eyebrows. "What's this?" she asked. Suddenly, she remembered something from last year.
"Maria... I don't wanna be alone. It's Christmas."
"All right. How about... I make us some hot chocolate and we'll sit out here and just talk?"
"Hot chocolate," Maria whispered.
"Yeah. I just thought that we could, you know..."
"Michael," she cut him off, putting her arms around him, hugging him. "Thank you so much! This is great."
"Yeah," Michael smiled, "I thought you'd like it." He uncapped the flask and poured the drink into both the mugs. He handed Maria one.
Maria accepted the mug and took a sip. "Mmmm," she said. "This tastes good."
"Yeah, I kinda convinced Liz to make us some after breakfast. You were reading in our tent."
"Oh. Okay."
Maria leaned into Michael and rested her head on his shoulder. Michael didn't say anything, enjoying the silence and her company more than anything.
Maria thought to herself. He's always been so sweet. The year with the Jetta bumper and the pearl earrings. And the next year, he was Santa only to be around me. Since when did I deserve such a great boyfriend? It was not as if she hadn't ever made any mistakes. Then why did he still come back to her? He deserved so much better than her.
But she knew. They had a bond. She used to always be envious of Max and Liz and their soulmate- relationship. But she realized something. Even though and Michael and she didn't have that magical thing, they had something more than that. Their relationship was more real, more grounded. And that was enough for the both of them. Sure, they both did stupid things. Sure, they both made mistakes. Sure, they hurt each other. But there was still love. There was still want. There was still security. Wasn't that sometimes just enough? Wasn't that all to live by?
Maria realized that "their dance", like they sometimes described their relationship to be, was more than that. Yes, it was a dance, but it was an enjoyable dance. With its complicating steps, with its sudden turns and with its gorgeous spins. Yes, it was a dance. It was their dance.
Maria made a rash decision in her hand. Sure, it was immature and hurried, but who cared? She didn't. And she knew she'd be okay if he refused. She'd be okay. But still, she had to ask him. It was something that had been gnawing at her mind for a long time now. But she had made a decision. She was going to go ahead with it.
Maria placed her mug on the ground beside her leg. Taking Michael's left hand in both of hers, she looked at him. He looked back. Maria got up from the log and kneeled down on the ground, on one knee.
"Michael. Don't freak out, okay? But, Michael Guerin, will you... will you marry me?" she looked at him, hopeful.
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Part 2 (written by Crazyapplesaucer)
Maria was confused and dumbfounded at Michael's reaction. When he heard her propose, he started laughing.
"It's not funny Michael!" she said, a little hurt.
Seeing a very dejected Maria standing in front of him, he stopped short and took her in his arms. Maria on the other hand, felt humiliated and tensed up when he put his arms around her.
"I'm sorry Maria! You got the wrong impression. Relax babe!" he whispered next to her ear. "It's just that I have been trying to ask you to marry me since the day we got back together. But it was all so sudden that it didnt feel right to propose then." he said tenderly.
He made her sit down on the log and reached out for his jacket. Fumbling through one of the pockets, he said, "Maria, just let me do the guy thing. You deserve a normal proposal."
He took out something from his jacket and hid it behind his back. Kneeling on one knee, he took hold of her left hand and said, "Maria DeLuca, I promise to make you the happiest girl on the planet. I promise to love you forever. And all I ask in return is your hand in marriage. Will you marry me?"
Since he already knew it was yes, he slipped the ring in her finger and kissed it lightly. Looking up, he winked at her, making her blush. He loved it when she blushed.
"Let's head back," he said grinning like an idiot. It was the happiest day of his life!
---
"I think they are coming!" Isabel said excitedly. sshh she whispered, motioning them to keep quiet.
It was exceptionally dark and quiet at the campsite. "Where is everybody? Michael. Michael, listen." Maria said, whacking him on the head.
"Ouch!" he said feigning to be in pain.
"Surprise!" everybody yelled, as the campsite was suddenly flooded with light. Their friends were standing with a cake. Behind them was a huge banner that said
Congratulations!
---
Later that night
"Liz, what are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be with Max?" Maria asked.
"Just checking on how your songs are going." she replied. "So...Michael finally proposed," she said starting a conversation.
"Actually, I was the one who did that," Maria said sheepishly. She couldnt hide her smile when she saw a shocked Liz.
"Damn! It took a lot of hard work not to mention pleading to get Michael to memorize those lines!" Liz groaned. "Did you like the ring? It's jade isn't it?" she asked.
"So?" Maria urged her to continue.
"Who is gonna be the maid of honor?" Liz asked. "Just making sure it's me," she said.
"Of course! This is the happiest day of my life!" Maria replied as the two friends hugged.
---
Epilogue (by Crazyapplesaucer)
Maria POV
November 17th, 2003.
Michael and I got married on the 8th of April. It's been eight months by now. We haven't yet settled to what one would call a normal life. We still keep moving in the van, stopping for a few weeks from time to time. I thought being married was acting like lovesick puppies like Max and Liz. But Michael and I aren't like them. The marriage brought a sense of calm and peace. Were comfortable in any situation, as long as we're together.
I caught Liz's disease of writing a journal. Everyday while I try to sit and write, Michael always makes a cup of herbal tea. But today, he made me hot chocolate. It kind of brought back sweet memories. It reminded me of the tradition that we set on our last Christmas in Roswell. Talking to each other every Christmas over a cup of hot chocolate. Looks like a tradition that I can look forward to for many years to come.
The End.
2nd January, 2004.
Story Notes:
Disclaimer - We own nothing, except this fic. Duh?
Crazyapplesaucer's Notes- This is my version of a sophisticated Maria. This is how I picture her- mature, and experienced, although it has only been a few months. She's learnt a lot. (About the prologue)
Shobhna Guerin's Notes- So Anushruti came up with the fic after watching Samuel Rising, and told me the idea. And I just had to be a part of it! We'll write different parts, since writing the same part gets a little messy (we have very different writing styles). I really hope we can go through with this. Cuz if we can, then damn, we're good friends! Lol! Hope you guys like this, and I'm dead sure you'll know which part is whose, but still we'll write by the side. Enjoy and please, please tell us what you thought!
Crazyapplesaucer's Notes- This is my version of a sophisticated Maria. This is how I picture her- mature, and experienced, although it has only been a few months. She's learnt a lot. (About the prologue)
Shobhna Guerin's Notes- So Anushruti came up with the fic after watching Samuel Rising, and told me the idea. And I just had to be a part of it! We'll write different parts, since writing the same part gets a little messy (we have very different writing styles). I really hope we can go through with this. Cuz if we can, then damn, we're good friends! Lol! Hope you guys like this, and I'm dead sure you'll know which part is whose, but still we'll write by the side. Enjoy and please, please tell us what you thought!