Fanfic100 - When? prompt

[kyle_valenti]

Title: Are We There Yet?
Fandom: Roswell
Character: Kyle Valenti
Prompt: No. 79 "when?"
Word Count: 730
Rating: G
Author's Notes: Set after the gang leaves Roswell in that little blue van.


Kyle was amazed at how much of the United States looked the same. Or maybe it was just the Midwest. Or it could have been the fact that they'd been driving this particular stretch of highway for hours in search of a roadside attraction that Maria had insisted they stop to see.

"Look, what's the problem with stopping to see something quirky and fun?" she'd asked that morning when she'd been trying to convince them that the "Little Shack O'Mystery" would be a blast.

Apparently, the problem was actually finding said quirky and fun Shack O'Mystery.

"Check the map again."

Michael was driving and Kyle was supposed to be acting as navigator. He'd given up, though, after he realized that their "map" was actually a promotional flyer and the Shack wasn't really near any other landmarks. Unless wheat could be considered a landmark. He was pretty sure there'd be wheat near the damn Shack.

"Michael, buddy," Kyle sighed, "we've established that the map isn't going to help. In fact, I'm not sure anything will help us find this place." He sat up a little. "So, here's my suggestion. Let's just keep on driving."

"Maria wants to see the Shack," Michael said with a slight shrug.

"Yes, but we're never going to find it."

"Sure we will."

"When?"

"When we find it."

Kyle glared at Michael. Or it would have been a glare if he wasn't currently trying to tap into his inner peace for a little patience.

"You would make an excellent Buddhist, you know."

Michael made a face and shook his head. "Look, it's not like we've got anything else to do. Maria wants to see it," he repeated.

"Okay, I understand that you need to keep the little woman happy, but, guess what? You can't always get what you want. I want a certain tall, leggy blonde to wrap herself around me and not let go," Kyle smirked. "Doesn't mean it's going to happen."

"We can hear you," Maria and Isabel said together from the back of the van.

Kyle turned around and smiled. "Great, then you can understand why we're never going to find this place. I don't care how long we drive up and down this--"

"Hey, I think that's it." Michael turned sharply, causing a few cries of protest from his passengers, and headed down a side road toward a rundown, deserted building that may or may not have been a barn at one point.

When the hand-lettered sign telling them that they had indeed found the "Little Shack O'Mystery" came into view, Maria let out a squeal and hugged Michael around his neck.

"I knew you'd find it," she laughed, kissing him on the cheek and turning a smug look on Kyle. "See?"

"Yeah, it's pretty special," Kyle nodded, a vapid smile on his face. "How'd you know where to turn?"

"I don't know," Michael said. "I saw a shack in the distance. It looked mysterious."

"Too bad you didn't see it sooner," said Kyle.

"Hey, we're here, all right?" Michael looked in the rearview mirror when he heard Max and Liz giggle softly. "And we're going to enjoy it."

"Why don't you guys go enjoy it and I'll catch a few Zs in the back," Kyle sighed.

"Come on," Isabel said, gently flicking Kyle's ear, making him chuckle. "Be a sport. It could be fun."

Kyle looked at her for a few moments, then slowly nodded his head. "Okay, I'll go, but only because I'm madly in love with you." He grinned, playing it off as a joke, as usual.

"I know," Isabel smiled back. "You're in love with an old married lady."

Kyle smiled. "Only because your husband isn't around."

"And I'm gonna puke," Michael said, shaking his head at them as he opened the door to get out of the van. "Let's go. The mystery thing awaits."

Kyle started to open the door, but Isabel stopped him, waiting for the others to get out so that she and Kyle could have a moment alone.

"You know, Kyle, you're going to be able to stop running one of these days and find someone who--"

"Don't," he smiled, taking her hand and giving it a small squeeze. "Let's just go see the shack."

She nodded and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek before getting out to join the others.