Fic: Cellie
Aug. 5th, 2007 09:56 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
serafina20Title: Cellie
Author: serafina20
Rating: Mature
Pairing: Michael/Mahone
Summary: Four months into his sentence for the murder of Oscar Shales, Alexander Mahone gets a new cellie.
Michael frowned into the mirror. Turned his head from side to side. Adjusted the collar of his shirt. Ran his fingers through his hair.
His frown deepened.
A rarely used brush was sitting on the sink. Michael picked it up and ran it through his hair, trying to get it to look halfway decent. He really needed to get it cut, shave it all off again. If he didn't like Alex playing with it so much, he would have done it ages ago. But then Alex would kiss him, and his fingers would tug at strands of his hair and Michael's stomach would tighten, and he kept it longer.
Sara had never seen him with hair this long. And it wasn't like it was long or anything, just... longer. A short, thick, black brush of curls that stood up from his forehead. Very unlike the buzz he'd had when they first met.
He sighed and put the brush down. It was no use; it look awful.
Arms came around him. Tugged him back. "You look fine," Alex said, resting his head on Michael's shoulder and meeting his eyes in the mirror.
"I look stupid."
"No. You look handsome." He turned his head and brushed his lips over Michael's jaw. "You also look like you're dressing for winter. Why do you have sleeves on?"
Self-conscious, Michael rubbed at his arms. They were already hot, and his scabby rash was itching from the sweat. "I don't want to disgust her."
"She's a doctor. She's seen worse than a few dried out blisters."
"It's more than a few."
"And she's still seen worse. Besides, I'm the one sleeping with you; she's just spending a few hours sitting across from you and talking."
Michael frowned and shook his head. He turned in Alex's arms. "It's to late for me to add that to my tattoos. Would you like to write it in permanent marker across my forehead?"
Alex's eyebrows hit his forehead. "You think I'm worried?"
"Are you?"
"We are getting married on December 24 whether I have to force you to the altar or not," Alex replied. "Even if you are in bed with her, and I have to walk in and drag you out of bed and march you to our wedding, we are getting married. Understand?"
Michael pursed his lips. "It's bad luck to see the person you are marrying before the wedding."
"I'd risk it for you." He leaned forward and kissed Michael. And again. And again, until Michael's head spun and all he could think of was the way Alex smelled and tasted and felt.
"This is bad," Alex murmured, mouth pressed to Michael's cheek. "A few little kisses and I don't want to let you out of my sight." He ran his mouth up Michael's face and kissed each of his eyes.
Michael slid his hand behind Alex's neck. Pulled him closer. "Too late. You already said I could meet her."
"As if I ever gave you permission." He licked Michael's ear. "I should tie you to the bed and tell the guard that you're busy when they come to get you."
A shudder went through him.
Alex immediately pulled back. "I was just kidding. I wouldn't... not without asking, ever." He caressed Michael's cheek. "You're safe with me."
This throat was bone dry. He had to work moisture back into his mouth, wet his lips with the tip of his tongue. "I know." He cleared his throat. "I... I like the idea."
Alex's eyes immediately darkened, pupils widening in desire. "Really? It wouldn't make you uncomfortable? It wouldn't..." He trailed off. Swallowed.
"I'm safe with you." He leaned forward. Pressed his mouth to Alex's. "You know. Free to... Free."
"Oh, God, Michael." Alex pushed Michael against the wall and set to ravishing his mouth. Sucking on his tongue, hands pulling at Michael's shirt. Running over his chest and stomach. Fingers teasing at his nipples, tugging and tweaking.
"Scofield! You've got a customer. Tell your daddy to back off for once."
Alex sighed into Michael's mouth. Without breaking contact between his lips and Michaels, he pulled Michael's shirt back into place. Smoothed out the wrinkles and tucked it neatly into his pants. "Remember," he said. He kissed the corner of Michael's mouth. "She probably just wants to see you. Make sure you're okay. Maybe reconnect. There's no reason to be nervous."
Michael nodded, but he couldn't help the swell of butterflies in his stomach. His fingers clenched in Alex's shirt. He pushed his mouth against Alex's again, kissing hard, seeking comfort.
"Shhh. It's okay." Alex stroke his hair.
"Guys!" the guard shouted. "Cut it the fuck out. I just ate and it won't taste half as good coming up as it did going down."
Michael forced himself to break off the kiss. He stepped back from Alex and looked at the guard. "Then I would avoid looking in any mirrors if I were you, boss."
The guard looked at him for a moment, eyes narrowed. "Scofield, did you just tell a joke?"
He swallowed. Nodded.
"Well, shit, someone mark a calendar. Scofield finally unclenched. Hallelujah. Now get your ass out of your cell and stop wasting my time."
Michael glanced at Alex, who rolled his eyes.
"Have fun." He squeezed Michael's arm and gently pushed him out of the cell.
Heart still in his throat, Michael followed the guard to the door of the cell block. He was then signed out and over to another guard and escorted to the visitor room. He can hear the guard--Simm--chatting at him, but he's not processing it. Later, he knows he will be able to recall everything that was said, but right now, his focus is on the door they're walking toward. If it wasn't tactless, he'd make an analogy about facing an execution, but even after all this time, he can't. He'd been there, on the other side of the door, watching his brother walk through it.
But he can't breathe.
"Hey."
Michael blinked. He looked down at the hand on his arm, then up at Simms.
"We can wait here, if you need."
Michael nodded. Then shook his head. "You're nice," he said. "You always... I don't know. Give leeway."
"You saved my life."
Oh. Right. "I had to." He looked at the door. He'd saved a guards life during a prison riot. Faced down McNab. Survived Nicky. He could face Sara again. "Okay. I think I'm ready."
"Just call if you need anything."
"I will. Thanks."
Simms signed Michael into the waiting area, and then opened the door to let him inside.
Sara was sitting at a table next to the window. Her chin was propped on her hand as she gazed outside, long red hair cascading down her back.
God, she was beautiful. Michael had forgotten how beautiful she was. Not just physically, either. She was sweet and nice and kind and did what she could to make the world a better place. She'd trusted him. Followed him. Been tortured for him, had sacrificed herself for him, and he'd...
He'd left her. Because he wasn't good enough. Because, as much as he had loved her, he'd never be able to live with himself without paying time for what he'd done. And she couldn't live with him for, what she felt was, needlessly hurting himself.
And so they'd parted.
Sara sighed and turned away from the window. Immediately, her eyes found Michael's. She froze slightly, then shook herself. A smile crossed her face and she rose from her seat. "Michael."
He crossed over to her. "Hi, Sara."
For a moment, they stood, looking at each other, awkward and uncomfortable.
She moved first. Stepped into him and pulled him into a tight embrace.
Michael held her. Couldn't help resting his face in her hair, breathing deep. Smelling lavender shampoo and baby powder. He pressed his hands against her back, felt her body against his, soft and lean and curvy.
It wasn't until she pulled away that Michael felt the stinging in his eyes.
Hers were bright, too, and her nose was pink. Michael wanted to kiss it, but figured that it wasn't allowed. And he and Sara had never been much for casual touching. Not like him and Alex, who never seemed to stop touching.
She blotted her nose on a tissue. "You look good."
"So do you. You, uh, you look really good."
"Thanks." She sniffed and blotted her nose again. "You want to sit?"
"Sure."
They went to the table and sat across from each other. Michael didn't know what to say. He alternated between looking at his fingers and picking at his sleeves.
"How have you been?" Sara asked, finally breaking the silence.
He shrugged. "Okay." Cleared his throat.
"Good." Silence. Then, "I have to ask. What's with the long sleeves? It's a hundred degrees today. Aren't you hot?"
"Oh. Yeah." He cleared his throat again. "I, uh, I had shingles. And now I'm kind of scabby and it's disgusting. So, I thought I'd wear the sleeves." He risked a look at her.
Sara had a look of amusement mixed with exasperation. "Michael, whatever it is, I'm sure I've seen worse. There was no need to make yourself uncomfortable on my accounted."
"Yeah, that's what Alex said, too." He tugged at his sleeve. It was hot in here. Maybe Alex had been right.
"Alex?"
"My, uh." Fiancée. "Cellmate," he finished lamely.
"Oh. So, uh. Your cellmate is... is he nice?"
Understatement of the year. "He's my best friend. I mean... yeah. I don't know what I'd do without him." He swallowed. Looked up at her. "You actually know him. Met him... or something. Alexander Mahone? The FBI agent who was... on the case? Who I turned myself in to."
Her eyes widened a touch, but otherwise she didn't react. "Oh. Okay. Well. You did say once that he seemed to know you better than anyone you met. And he reminded me a little of you. Only, well. More fidgety. But he had that same intenseness. Brilliance."
His cheeks warmed.
"I'm glad you have a friend. A good friend." She reached out and covered his hand with hers. Stroked along the back. "Lincoln told me what happened to you. The attack."
Michael nodded. He turned his hand underneath hers so their palms were pressed together.
"I'm glad you had someone in here to help get you through it."
He had to tell her. His head swum so badly, he closed his eyes to stop the spinning. It didn't work as well as he'd hoped. "Sara, Alex and I are... I mean... He and I are going to, um. Get married. Because we're together."
Her hand closed around his. "Really?"
He nodded.
"Oh. I didn't realize you were... interested in men."
Michael licked his lips. Painfully, he forced his eyes back open. "I am. I've been. I, uh, would have told you. Really. Just so you knew, not because I was ever going to leave you for a guy or anything, just... It's not something I'm ashamed of or anything, I just..."
"There was never any time. Or reason," she finished for him, squeezing his hand. "Michael, look at me."
He took a deep breath. Obeyed.
Sara was smiling softly, her face alight in the same kind patient expression he dredged from his memory on dark nights when he needed something comfortable and happy.
"I'm not angry that you never told me. It was something I didn't know about you. And I'm happy. If he makes you happy and treats you well, then I'm happy."
"So you... I mean, you're not... Why are you here?" He winced immediately. "I'm sorry. That's not how I meant it. I'm glad you're here. Glad to see you. I just...."
"I know. It's been a long time, and we've just had some letters." She released his hand and brushed hair away from her forehead. "I was so angry at you for turning yourself in, Michael. You don't deserve to be here. And when Lincoln told me what happened to you, well. Lets just say that if I was half as brilliant as you, I would have planned a way to break you out."
Michael smiled. "If you went about it the way I did, it would have required a sex change."
"Apparently, that wouldn't have been a problem for you," she shot back with a cheeky grin.
He blushed.
Sara reached out and took his hand again. "Maybe it would have worked. Another time, another place, maybe. Or maybe, we were always just too different. Good as friends, but... I want to change the world, Michael, but I'm not willing to sacrifice myself. Not the way you do. And it kills me to watch you do it." She frowned. Traced his fingers from knuckles to tip. "But I do care for you. And I miss you. I regret the chasm I've allowed to grow between us, and I'd like to fix that. As friends."
"I'd like that, to." He moved his hand so they could lace their fingers together. "I wish we had met at another time and place. Or just different. So we could see..."
"Ah, but then you wouldn't have Alex. Or we wouldn't have worked out and you would have still ended up with Alex. In any case, we'd be right back where we are. Only, maybe we wouldn't be able to start again as friends."
"Pick back up, you mean."
Sara nodded. "Right. We're picking up."
Michael squeezed her hand. "So. What's going on in your life? Seeing anyone?"
"God, no." She blushed and looked away. Pulling her hand away from Michael's, she tucked a stray hair behind her ear. "I don't have time. Or I don't meet people. I just am so busy."
"Are you too busy? Or is it easier to be on your own?"
Startled, she looked at him.
He smiled. "I've been there. I'd go to work, and then maybe go out for drinks with people from work, but I wouldn't, you know. Try to expand. Meet anyone new. It was too frightening, especially in light of my failures in the past."
"It is easier. I'm not unhappy. I mean, my life is..."
"Bare," Michael finished for her. "Not very full."
Sara sighed. "No. I guess not." She pulled her hair off her neck.
"You don't have to be with someone, Sara. I mean, there are people who are alone, and they're fine, right? Happy. But it doesn't sound like you have people in your life. Your letters are... thin."
"Well, that's partly because I..." She stopped and shook her head. "Because I don't have anything in my life going on. I've wanted to write you happier letters, full of news and activities. Because I can only imagine how bored you are here, and that even a letter would help make time go by a little faster. But I have nothing to say."
"So? Find something to say."
Sara nodded. "I thought moving to California would help, but it's so different. I miss my father. I miss the hot dog vendor on the corner I used to live on. The park. The theater. The history. I miss it."
"So, come back. I'm only in here for ten more years."
Sara grinned and said, "What about the commutation you're trying to get?"
"I don't... That's more Alex's thing. If you want to hear about how we'll be getting out of here in a month or two, talk to him. You want reality, talk to me."
"Michael..."
"Don't bother," Alex said suddenly.
Michael started, jerking away from Sara. He turned.
Alex was seated with blondish man in glasses a couple tables away. Both were looking at him and Sara. Alex looked slightly exasperated.
"He being stubborn?" Sara replied, sounding only slightly stilted. Admirable, considering Alex was not only the man who'd chased them across the country, catching her, but now had caught Michael in a far different way.
"Always," answered Alex.
"Will it help, Michael, if I told you that there were petitioners outside the supermarket yesterday with a petition demanding your pardon?"
Michael's stomach dropped. For the second time, he felt so dizzy, the world swum around him. "Really?"
"Yeah. I signed it."
"I did, too," the man sitting with Alex said. "A different one, I think. I mean, location. I signed it a few weeks ago."
"I signed a petition for Michael Scofield," someone called from the back of the visitor room. "My brother said you're a decent guy, so I figured why not?"
"Um. Thanks," Michael called back, not sure to whom he was speaking.
Sara took his hand again and squeezed. "So, you see? You might just get out of here sooner than you think."
Michael nodded, aware that Alex was at his side, hand on his shoulder.
"You okay, Michael?"
"Yeah, I'm fine. I'm.. Uh, Sara, you know Alex."
"Nice to meet you again," Sara said, holding out her hand.
Alex shook it. "Nicer this time than the last."
"Definitely."
"Sara, Michael, this is my friend and former colleague, Agent David Wheeler."
"Thanks for the Sudoku books," Michael said, feeling stupid and slow. "I mean, last time. They were... Thanks."
David smiled. "I'm glad you liked them. I brought some other kind of logic puzzles this time. A Mensa book."
"Thanks."
Alex squeezed his shoulder. "I just wanted to come over and say hello. And remind you, Sara, that you're invited to the wedding, if Michael forgets to mention it."
She nodded. "He would. Thank you. I'll be there."
"We'll send out invitations later." Then he nodded and he and David went back to their table.
Sara watched them go. "He loves you a lot. You can see it in his eyes." She turned to look at Michael. "You're lucky to have someone who loves you like that."
Michael blushed and fought back the smile that threatened to take over his face. He failed.
"Yeah," he said, feeling as if he were glowing. "I know."
Author: serafina20
Rating: Mature
Pairing: Michael/Mahone
Summary: Four months into his sentence for the murder of Oscar Shales, Alexander Mahone gets a new cellie.
Michael frowned into the mirror. Turned his head from side to side. Adjusted the collar of his shirt. Ran his fingers through his hair.
His frown deepened.
A rarely used brush was sitting on the sink. Michael picked it up and ran it through his hair, trying to get it to look halfway decent. He really needed to get it cut, shave it all off again. If he didn't like Alex playing with it so much, he would have done it ages ago. But then Alex would kiss him, and his fingers would tug at strands of his hair and Michael's stomach would tighten, and he kept it longer.
Sara had never seen him with hair this long. And it wasn't like it was long or anything, just... longer. A short, thick, black brush of curls that stood up from his forehead. Very unlike the buzz he'd had when they first met.
He sighed and put the brush down. It was no use; it look awful.
Arms came around him. Tugged him back. "You look fine," Alex said, resting his head on Michael's shoulder and meeting his eyes in the mirror.
"I look stupid."
"No. You look handsome." He turned his head and brushed his lips over Michael's jaw. "You also look like you're dressing for winter. Why do you have sleeves on?"
Self-conscious, Michael rubbed at his arms. They were already hot, and his scabby rash was itching from the sweat. "I don't want to disgust her."
"She's a doctor. She's seen worse than a few dried out blisters."
"It's more than a few."
"And she's still seen worse. Besides, I'm the one sleeping with you; she's just spending a few hours sitting across from you and talking."
Michael frowned and shook his head. He turned in Alex's arms. "It's to late for me to add that to my tattoos. Would you like to write it in permanent marker across my forehead?"
Alex's eyebrows hit his forehead. "You think I'm worried?"
"Are you?"
"We are getting married on December 24 whether I have to force you to the altar or not," Alex replied. "Even if you are in bed with her, and I have to walk in and drag you out of bed and march you to our wedding, we are getting married. Understand?"
Michael pursed his lips. "It's bad luck to see the person you are marrying before the wedding."
"I'd risk it for you." He leaned forward and kissed Michael. And again. And again, until Michael's head spun and all he could think of was the way Alex smelled and tasted and felt.
"This is bad," Alex murmured, mouth pressed to Michael's cheek. "A few little kisses and I don't want to let you out of my sight." He ran his mouth up Michael's face and kissed each of his eyes.
Michael slid his hand behind Alex's neck. Pulled him closer. "Too late. You already said I could meet her."
"As if I ever gave you permission." He licked Michael's ear. "I should tie you to the bed and tell the guard that you're busy when they come to get you."
A shudder went through him.
Alex immediately pulled back. "I was just kidding. I wouldn't... not without asking, ever." He caressed Michael's cheek. "You're safe with me."
This throat was bone dry. He had to work moisture back into his mouth, wet his lips with the tip of his tongue. "I know." He cleared his throat. "I... I like the idea."
Alex's eyes immediately darkened, pupils widening in desire. "Really? It wouldn't make you uncomfortable? It wouldn't..." He trailed off. Swallowed.
"I'm safe with you." He leaned forward. Pressed his mouth to Alex's. "You know. Free to... Free."
"Oh, God, Michael." Alex pushed Michael against the wall and set to ravishing his mouth. Sucking on his tongue, hands pulling at Michael's shirt. Running over his chest and stomach. Fingers teasing at his nipples, tugging and tweaking.
"Scofield! You've got a customer. Tell your daddy to back off for once."
Alex sighed into Michael's mouth. Without breaking contact between his lips and Michaels, he pulled Michael's shirt back into place. Smoothed out the wrinkles and tucked it neatly into his pants. "Remember," he said. He kissed the corner of Michael's mouth. "She probably just wants to see you. Make sure you're okay. Maybe reconnect. There's no reason to be nervous."
Michael nodded, but he couldn't help the swell of butterflies in his stomach. His fingers clenched in Alex's shirt. He pushed his mouth against Alex's again, kissing hard, seeking comfort.
"Shhh. It's okay." Alex stroke his hair.
"Guys!" the guard shouted. "Cut it the fuck out. I just ate and it won't taste half as good coming up as it did going down."
Michael forced himself to break off the kiss. He stepped back from Alex and looked at the guard. "Then I would avoid looking in any mirrors if I were you, boss."
The guard looked at him for a moment, eyes narrowed. "Scofield, did you just tell a joke?"
He swallowed. Nodded.
"Well, shit, someone mark a calendar. Scofield finally unclenched. Hallelujah. Now get your ass out of your cell and stop wasting my time."
Michael glanced at Alex, who rolled his eyes.
"Have fun." He squeezed Michael's arm and gently pushed him out of the cell.
Heart still in his throat, Michael followed the guard to the door of the cell block. He was then signed out and over to another guard and escorted to the visitor room. He can hear the guard--Simm--chatting at him, but he's not processing it. Later, he knows he will be able to recall everything that was said, but right now, his focus is on the door they're walking toward. If it wasn't tactless, he'd make an analogy about facing an execution, but even after all this time, he can't. He'd been there, on the other side of the door, watching his brother walk through it.
But he can't breathe.
"Hey."
Michael blinked. He looked down at the hand on his arm, then up at Simms.
"We can wait here, if you need."
Michael nodded. Then shook his head. "You're nice," he said. "You always... I don't know. Give leeway."
"You saved my life."
Oh. Right. "I had to." He looked at the door. He'd saved a guards life during a prison riot. Faced down McNab. Survived Nicky. He could face Sara again. "Okay. I think I'm ready."
"Just call if you need anything."
"I will. Thanks."
Simms signed Michael into the waiting area, and then opened the door to let him inside.
Sara was sitting at a table next to the window. Her chin was propped on her hand as she gazed outside, long red hair cascading down her back.
God, she was beautiful. Michael had forgotten how beautiful she was. Not just physically, either. She was sweet and nice and kind and did what she could to make the world a better place. She'd trusted him. Followed him. Been tortured for him, had sacrificed herself for him, and he'd...
He'd left her. Because he wasn't good enough. Because, as much as he had loved her, he'd never be able to live with himself without paying time for what he'd done. And she couldn't live with him for, what she felt was, needlessly hurting himself.
And so they'd parted.
Sara sighed and turned away from the window. Immediately, her eyes found Michael's. She froze slightly, then shook herself. A smile crossed her face and she rose from her seat. "Michael."
He crossed over to her. "Hi, Sara."
For a moment, they stood, looking at each other, awkward and uncomfortable.
She moved first. Stepped into him and pulled him into a tight embrace.
Michael held her. Couldn't help resting his face in her hair, breathing deep. Smelling lavender shampoo and baby powder. He pressed his hands against her back, felt her body against his, soft and lean and curvy.
It wasn't until she pulled away that Michael felt the stinging in his eyes.
Hers were bright, too, and her nose was pink. Michael wanted to kiss it, but figured that it wasn't allowed. And he and Sara had never been much for casual touching. Not like him and Alex, who never seemed to stop touching.
She blotted her nose on a tissue. "You look good."
"So do you. You, uh, you look really good."
"Thanks." She sniffed and blotted her nose again. "You want to sit?"
"Sure."
They went to the table and sat across from each other. Michael didn't know what to say. He alternated between looking at his fingers and picking at his sleeves.
"How have you been?" Sara asked, finally breaking the silence.
He shrugged. "Okay." Cleared his throat.
"Good." Silence. Then, "I have to ask. What's with the long sleeves? It's a hundred degrees today. Aren't you hot?"
"Oh. Yeah." He cleared his throat again. "I, uh, I had shingles. And now I'm kind of scabby and it's disgusting. So, I thought I'd wear the sleeves." He risked a look at her.
Sara had a look of amusement mixed with exasperation. "Michael, whatever it is, I'm sure I've seen worse. There was no need to make yourself uncomfortable on my accounted."
"Yeah, that's what Alex said, too." He tugged at his sleeve. It was hot in here. Maybe Alex had been right.
"Alex?"
"My, uh." Fiancée. "Cellmate," he finished lamely.
"Oh. So, uh. Your cellmate is... is he nice?"
Understatement of the year. "He's my best friend. I mean... yeah. I don't know what I'd do without him." He swallowed. Looked up at her. "You actually know him. Met him... or something. Alexander Mahone? The FBI agent who was... on the case? Who I turned myself in to."
Her eyes widened a touch, but otherwise she didn't react. "Oh. Okay. Well. You did say once that he seemed to know you better than anyone you met. And he reminded me a little of you. Only, well. More fidgety. But he had that same intenseness. Brilliance."
His cheeks warmed.
"I'm glad you have a friend. A good friend." She reached out and covered his hand with hers. Stroked along the back. "Lincoln told me what happened to you. The attack."
Michael nodded. He turned his hand underneath hers so their palms were pressed together.
"I'm glad you had someone in here to help get you through it."
He had to tell her. His head swum so badly, he closed his eyes to stop the spinning. It didn't work as well as he'd hoped. "Sara, Alex and I are... I mean... He and I are going to, um. Get married. Because we're together."
Her hand closed around his. "Really?"
He nodded.
"Oh. I didn't realize you were... interested in men."
Michael licked his lips. Painfully, he forced his eyes back open. "I am. I've been. I, uh, would have told you. Really. Just so you knew, not because I was ever going to leave you for a guy or anything, just... It's not something I'm ashamed of or anything, I just..."
"There was never any time. Or reason," she finished for him, squeezing his hand. "Michael, look at me."
He took a deep breath. Obeyed.
Sara was smiling softly, her face alight in the same kind patient expression he dredged from his memory on dark nights when he needed something comfortable and happy.
"I'm not angry that you never told me. It was something I didn't know about you. And I'm happy. If he makes you happy and treats you well, then I'm happy."
"So you... I mean, you're not... Why are you here?" He winced immediately. "I'm sorry. That's not how I meant it. I'm glad you're here. Glad to see you. I just...."
"I know. It's been a long time, and we've just had some letters." She released his hand and brushed hair away from her forehead. "I was so angry at you for turning yourself in, Michael. You don't deserve to be here. And when Lincoln told me what happened to you, well. Lets just say that if I was half as brilliant as you, I would have planned a way to break you out."
Michael smiled. "If you went about it the way I did, it would have required a sex change."
"Apparently, that wouldn't have been a problem for you," she shot back with a cheeky grin.
He blushed.
Sara reached out and took his hand again. "Maybe it would have worked. Another time, another place, maybe. Or maybe, we were always just too different. Good as friends, but... I want to change the world, Michael, but I'm not willing to sacrifice myself. Not the way you do. And it kills me to watch you do it." She frowned. Traced his fingers from knuckles to tip. "But I do care for you. And I miss you. I regret the chasm I've allowed to grow between us, and I'd like to fix that. As friends."
"I'd like that, to." He moved his hand so they could lace their fingers together. "I wish we had met at another time and place. Or just different. So we could see..."
"Ah, but then you wouldn't have Alex. Or we wouldn't have worked out and you would have still ended up with Alex. In any case, we'd be right back where we are. Only, maybe we wouldn't be able to start again as friends."
"Pick back up, you mean."
Sara nodded. "Right. We're picking up."
Michael squeezed her hand. "So. What's going on in your life? Seeing anyone?"
"God, no." She blushed and looked away. Pulling her hand away from Michael's, she tucked a stray hair behind her ear. "I don't have time. Or I don't meet people. I just am so busy."
"Are you too busy? Or is it easier to be on your own?"
Startled, she looked at him.
He smiled. "I've been there. I'd go to work, and then maybe go out for drinks with people from work, but I wouldn't, you know. Try to expand. Meet anyone new. It was too frightening, especially in light of my failures in the past."
"It is easier. I'm not unhappy. I mean, my life is..."
"Bare," Michael finished for her. "Not very full."
Sara sighed. "No. I guess not." She pulled her hair off her neck.
"You don't have to be with someone, Sara. I mean, there are people who are alone, and they're fine, right? Happy. But it doesn't sound like you have people in your life. Your letters are... thin."
"Well, that's partly because I..." She stopped and shook her head. "Because I don't have anything in my life going on. I've wanted to write you happier letters, full of news and activities. Because I can only imagine how bored you are here, and that even a letter would help make time go by a little faster. But I have nothing to say."
"So? Find something to say."
Sara nodded. "I thought moving to California would help, but it's so different. I miss my father. I miss the hot dog vendor on the corner I used to live on. The park. The theater. The history. I miss it."
"So, come back. I'm only in here for ten more years."
Sara grinned and said, "What about the commutation you're trying to get?"
"I don't... That's more Alex's thing. If you want to hear about how we'll be getting out of here in a month or two, talk to him. You want reality, talk to me."
"Michael..."
"Don't bother," Alex said suddenly.
Michael started, jerking away from Sara. He turned.
Alex was seated with blondish man in glasses a couple tables away. Both were looking at him and Sara. Alex looked slightly exasperated.
"He being stubborn?" Sara replied, sounding only slightly stilted. Admirable, considering Alex was not only the man who'd chased them across the country, catching her, but now had caught Michael in a far different way.
"Always," answered Alex.
"Will it help, Michael, if I told you that there were petitioners outside the supermarket yesterday with a petition demanding your pardon?"
Michael's stomach dropped. For the second time, he felt so dizzy, the world swum around him. "Really?"
"Yeah. I signed it."
"I did, too," the man sitting with Alex said. "A different one, I think. I mean, location. I signed it a few weeks ago."
"I signed a petition for Michael Scofield," someone called from the back of the visitor room. "My brother said you're a decent guy, so I figured why not?"
"Um. Thanks," Michael called back, not sure to whom he was speaking.
Sara took his hand again and squeezed. "So, you see? You might just get out of here sooner than you think."
Michael nodded, aware that Alex was at his side, hand on his shoulder.
"You okay, Michael?"
"Yeah, I'm fine. I'm.. Uh, Sara, you know Alex."
"Nice to meet you again," Sara said, holding out her hand.
Alex shook it. "Nicer this time than the last."
"Definitely."
"Sara, Michael, this is my friend and former colleague, Agent David Wheeler."
"Thanks for the Sudoku books," Michael said, feeling stupid and slow. "I mean, last time. They were... Thanks."
David smiled. "I'm glad you liked them. I brought some other kind of logic puzzles this time. A Mensa book."
"Thanks."
Alex squeezed his shoulder. "I just wanted to come over and say hello. And remind you, Sara, that you're invited to the wedding, if Michael forgets to mention it."
She nodded. "He would. Thank you. I'll be there."
"We'll send out invitations later." Then he nodded and he and David went back to their table.
Sara watched them go. "He loves you a lot. You can see it in his eyes." She turned to look at Michael. "You're lucky to have someone who loves you like that."
Michael blushed and fought back the smile that threatened to take over his face. He failed.
"Yeah," he said, feeling as if he were glowing. "I know."
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OMG
Date: 2007-08-06 08:29 am (UTC)I hope they find some time after Sara and David left to continue where they stopped. *grin*
Re: OMG
Date: 2007-08-08 02:31 am (UTC)Thank you!
Cellie, new chap
Date: 2007-08-06 10:06 am (UTC)Re: Cellie, new chap
Date: 2007-08-08 02:32 am (UTC)Re: Cellie, new chap
Date: 2007-08-08 07:07 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-08-06 01:30 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-08-08 02:33 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-08-06 03:40 pm (UTC)Oh my gosh, that line was just like, wow. I loved it. And haha, yes, Michael made a joke! And it was a good one. I don't actually like the character of Sarah, so I was really nervous about reading this one, but I liked it. And I didn't hate her, for once. So yay you. This was great.
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Date: 2007-08-08 02:39 am (UTC)Thanks. :) I love the image of Alex with his hand buried in Michael's hair, twisting and playing adn tugging and just... yeah.
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Date: 2007-08-06 06:04 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-08-08 02:42 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-08-06 09:42 pm (UTC)And Michael's admission of his desire to be tied to the bed... Damn.
Great chapter!
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Date: 2007-08-08 02:44 am (UTC)Well, it's such a rare occurrence that Michael jokes to anyone but Alex, the guard was too stunned to think of it. :)
The tenderness and naturalism are as always, but in addition, you managed to include Sara in a way that didn't make me reach for the bucket. In fact, I even liked her.
I'm so glad! I really like Sara on the show, but here, it's all about Michael and Alex. But I still wanted to acknowledge her, at least once. I'm glad I pulled her off. :)
And Michael's admission of his desire to be tied to the bed... Damn.
I wish I could have a picture of that. I'll have to settle for writing it. :)
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Date: 2007-08-07 05:49 pm (UTC)I'm back from Sicily but now I have this holiday job at the dry cleaner's and I'm sooo tired every evening but now I just had to comment!!
What a sweet chapter!!! Alex & Michael <3 LOL them getting all worked up before the visit was hot ;)
This story is simply the best! ^^
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Date: 2007-08-08 02:46 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-08-07 06:02 pm (UTC)And Wheeler! Yay!
Poor nervous Michael; but Sara's visit turned out a whole lot better than he thought it would, didn't it?!!
Gorgeous, as always!
Thanks, hun!
*hugs*
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Date: 2007-08-08 02:48 am (UTC)There totally is. Michael believes in friends and family, but falters when it comes to himself and the outside world. Luckily, he's surrounded by people who understand this and are willing to pump him up.
Gorgeous, as always!
Thank you! :)
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Date: 2007-08-07 10:31 pm (UTC)I especially love;
Michael getting worked up before Sara's visit, Alex trying to calm him and then them both getting worked up for different reasons lol. I also especially love how it was a jokey throwaway line about tying Michael to the bed that got that response, it felt very natural.
Sara was smiling softly, her face alight in the same kind patient expression he dredged from his memory on dark nights when he needed something comfortable and happy
This is lovely and feels very canon as did the initial awkwardness between them. Michael telling Sara to start living threatened to sound a bit preachy from him but it was quite controlled.
And Wheeler is visiting Alex still *squee*
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Date: 2007-08-08 02:50 am (UTC)The boys just can't keep their hands off each other. They need an extended vacation where they can spend all day in bed, tied up or not. :)
And Wheeler is visiting Alex still *squee*
I love Wheeler. He's Alex's new BFF. :)