Title: Talk Part: 1 Author: PJ Email: PJbrowning@earthlink.net Disclaimer: I own nothing Summary: Not Known Category: Michael/Maria Rating: PG
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The Crashdown had been swamped all day. Michael watched the customers coming and going for a couple of hours. Finally the stream died down. There was something he needed to do. After the night at the cave, he had slept for the next day and woke up the day after with a decision to make. He hoped that it wasn't too late.
He walked into the restaurant and spotted Maria wiping off a table on the far side of the room. Michael hesitated at the door. For a moment, he wanted to turn and leave. He couldn't do it, he didn't know what to say. But he couldn't take his eyes off of her. He would come back later. As he started to turn to leave, Maria looked up and their eyes locked.
Great. He thought. There goes my chance to retreat.
Shallowing, Michael hoped his hands weren't shaking. He walked over to Maria.
"Michael" Her voice didn't give any clues about her feelings. Was this a good or bad sign?
"Maria." Michael paused. The silence hung between them for several seconds, uncomfortably. "Can we talk for a second?"
"Sure." Maria stood, waiting.
"Alone."
Maria looked around the room. There was only one group of diners left and they had been served. "Hey Liz, can you watch my table for a minute?"
Liz nodded and grabbed the coffeepot to check on refills. Maria led Michael into the back. As soon as the door closed behind them, she turned to face him.
"What do you want now?"
"I just wanted to talk. "
"Okay, talk. But make it quick. I have work to do." Maria's voice was snappish. Michael could tell she was upset with him.
"Thank you . . ." he started. "for helping me."
"Yeah, whatever. Is that all?" Maria started to walk out.
"No. That's not all." She stopped and looked up at him. "I'm sorry about what I did at the party."
"You were a complete jerk."
"Yes, I was. I was hoping that we could start over."
Maria looked up at him. He was standing just inches away from her. She was still angry with him. Angry that he had toyed with her, made her feel like she was on fire and then dropped her. It hurt and she wanted him to understand that. She cared about him, that's why she helped, but she wasn't going to be hurt like that again.
"Can you forgive me?" Michael was staring right into her eyes.
Almost on instinct, Maria's hand rose. The sound of the hit echoing in the quiet room. A red mark formed on Michael's cheek. His own hand came up to rub the spot where she had slapped him.
"I guess not." He started to walk back through the door. Maria grabbed his hand and pulled him back. For a second, they just stood there, staring into each other eyes. He started to speak, but Maria put a finger to his lips to silence him. Then sliding her hand to the back of his neck, she pulled him down into a long kiss. It took his breath away. When the kiss ended, Michael couldn't speak.
"Just don't ever do it again, 'kay?" Maria walked out before he could answer.
