A New Beginning part 3
So here's the last part... Enjoy!
A New Beginning (Part 3)
It was almost five o’clock before Sara reached the apartment that night. She opened the front door to find Veronica setting up food in the kitchen. There were trays of taco’s and burrito’s and other Mexican foods she didn’t recognize on the table. “Hey Veronica, it looks great! I just want to change quickly before they get here.”
“Ok, but hurry. Lincoln just called and said they’d be here in 5 minutes.” Veronica said putting the last of the food onto the table.
Sara went into the bedroom and pulled her favorite pair of jeans out of her suitcase. As she slipped off her work pants and put on the jeans she remembered why they were her favorite, they clung to just the right curves. Throwing on a shirt she went to the bathroom to look in the mirror. She looked good. Running her fingers through her hair she called out “Is there anything I can do Veronica?”
“No, we’re all set.” Veronica replied.
Walking into the kitchen Sara heard a knock at the door. “Come on in,” she called. The door opened and she expected to see Michael and Lincoln on the other side, but it wasn’t them. She recognized LJ immediately; he looked just like his father.
“They’re downstairs.” LJ said taking his coat off. “I don’t think they saw me.”
“Good job LJ” Veronica said and turned to Sara, “I asked him to keep a look out for us so we knew when the boys were here.” Realizing Sara never met LJ, she looked at him and said, “LJ, this is Sara.”
“Hey” LJ said towards Sara, “My dad told me about you.”
“It’s nice to finally meet you,” she said walking into the living room.
Veronica walked into the living room just as they heard voices in the hallway. Lincoln was instructed to make some noise getting off the elevator, signaling the girls that they were home. As the door opened Sara looked down to her shaking hands. Why was she so nervous? She had seen Michael every day for the past five years, what made this time so different? Maybe it was the fact that she was in his apartment instead of her office, or maybe it was the fact that she wanted to be there instead of having to be his doctor.
“Welcome home!” Veronica yelled, making Sara look up at the two men who just walked into the apartment.
“It’s good to be home.” Michael said as he let out a deep breath.
“He looks good” Sara thought to herself as Michael hugged Veronica & LJ.
Michael turned to face Sara. “Hi Doc” he said as he leaned in to give her a hug. Taken by surprise, Sara smiled and quickly hugged back knowing everyone’s eyes were on her. Stepping back she looked Michael in the eye and said, “You can call me Sara now.”
“Good,” he said, a grin forming on his face, “That Dr. Tancredi thing was getting old.” Michael continued through the living room to the kitchen. “V, you’re amazing!” he said looking at all the food.
“And don't you forget it Mister!” she replied following him into the kitchen.
Everyone filled their plate and sat at the small kitchen table. Just as they were about to finish eating Michael looked at his friends and said, “Wow, it’s been so long since I’ve had a good burrito. You guys have no clue what I would have done for one.”
“Rob a bank?” Linc asked jokingly.
“Nah, I’ve already done that.” Michael responded throwing his napkin at his brother.
A few hours later they were still sitting at the table telling stories of their childhood together. Sara was glad she sat across from Michael so she could see his face when they told embarrassing stories. Lincoln just started to tell a story about Michael and his first girlfriend when Michael cut him off, “Ok that’s enough, or do you want me to get out the naked baby pictures?”
“That’s ok little brother,” Lincoln replied quickly, knowing Veronica had been dying to see baby pictures of him. “It’s getting late, and I can tell you from experience, there’s nothing like the first night in your old bed.”
Sara and Veronica threw the leftovers into the fridge while the boys went into the living room. Sara was putting the last paper plate into the garbage when Veronica turned to her and said, “Remember, if you need anything, anything at all, just call.”
“Thanks Veronica.” Sara said hugging her new friend.
“Alright Mr. Burrows lets go home.” Veronica called out walking into the living room.
“Both of us?” LJ asked.
“Yeah, Uncle Mike’s had a big day. I’m sure he’s tired.” She replied putting her coat on.
“See ya,” LJ said hugging his uncle, “It’s good to have you home.”
“Thanks” Michael said ruffling LJ’s hair.
“’Nite Michael” Linc said as they walked out the door, “Gimme a call tomorrow.”
Michael nodded as he closed the door behind them. Looking around his apartment everything seemed the same except for one thing. Sara. She stood in the doorway of the kitchen looking down at her hands. It was something he came to know as a nervous habit of hers. “Come have a seat” he said collapsing on the couch.
Walking towards him she saw him lean his back against the pillow and close his eyes. A small smile formed on his lips.
“What are you thinking?” she asked sitting down next to him.
“How perfect this night was. How everything I’ve done was worth it to be able to spend time as a family.” He replied opening his eyes to look at her. “Thank you” he continued turning towards her.
“For what?” Sara asked wondering if he knew the party was her idea.
“For being a part of it.” He said putting his hands on hers, “It means a lot to me.”
“I wouldn’t have missed it for the world.” She replied squeezing his hand. It felt so right to be sitting on the couch with him like that. Glancing at her watch she said, “It’s getting late; I should let you get to bed.”
“I want to get a shower first. It’s been so long since I’ve had a shower with good water pressure.” He replied.
“Yeah, that shower is pretty amazing.” She said trying to ignore his comment. Sara didn’t know how to reply to his comments about being in jail. Being on the other side of the law so to speak she saw law enforcement slightly different. Michael she knew was different than most of the men in Fox River. He committed his crime to help someone else. It helped Michael too, but his main goal was to repay Linc. He felt he owed his brother and the only way to help him was to get him out of jail.
Michael watched her as she stood and walked towards the bedrooms.
“Where are you going?” he asked.
“I was gonna go to bed.” She replied motioning to the bedroom.
“Well be sure to say on your side of the bed then” he joked as he stood up to follow her. The confused look on her face was priceless. “That’s my room.” He explained.
“Oh” she stuttered turning a nice shade of red, “I didn’t realize. I’ll take the other room.” Of course she had to pick his room, it was just the kind of luck she had. He watched her from the doorway as she gathered her things and put them in the other room. He had wondered for the past few days what it would be like with her in his apartment, now he knew. It was going to be harder than he thought. The way she moved amazed him, the way she spoke hypnotized him. He was going to have a hard time trying to keep this a ‘friend’ relationship.
Sara walked back out into the hallway and said, “Good night Michael. Enjoy your shower.”
“Thanks, I will.” He replied still standing in the doorway to his room looking in her direction.
*****
She slept in his bed. The thought alone was enough to keep him awake all night. Michael got his shower, but couldn’t enjoy it; all he could think about was Sara. As he climbed into bed the smell of her shampoo was all around him. There was no way he was going to be able to sleep like this.
*****
Sara couldn’t fall asleep. When she first moved into the apartment, she thought being alone in the apartment was strange. That feeling was nothing compared to hearing Michael walk into the bathroom, take a shower, and walk back into his room. She imagined the water flowing over his tattooed body. The thought of him being naked in the shower was enough to keep her wide awake. Sara sat up and looked at the clock. He’d been in his room for about ten minutes. Surely that was enough time for him to fall asleep. She kicked her feet out from under the covers and walked to the door. Hearing nothing she opened the door.
****
They met in the hallway, each one opening the door to their room and stepping out quietly. Michael lifted his head to see her looking right at him. “Can’t sleep?” he asked.
“No, I thought I’d get something to drink.” She replied walking down the hallway.
“Ok, what’ll it be?” he asked as they walked into the kitchen.
“What do we have?” she asked, “Probably not a lot, water will do.”
“Don’t underestimate Linc. He stayed here right after I went back to Fox River.” He went on as he opened a cabinet. “He drank pretty much everything I had, but he said he’s been stocking it back up for my homecoming.”
“That’s nice of him.” She replied. Looking over his shoulder into the cabinet she wished she could have a drink to calm her nerves, but that would mean a call to her sponsor and starting her sobriety over.
“So what can I get you?” Michael asked again turning around so they were face to face.
They were standing so close Sara could feel his body heat. “I’m going to make some tea.”
“Sara, I’m sorry. I wasn’t thinking.” He said quickly mentally slapping himself upside the head.
“No problem, I’ve learned to deal with it. I’ll warm up the water.” she said turning away from him a little flustered. Reaching into the cabinet to get a mug out she wondered what came over her. Was it that she was never this nervous around a guy, or maybe it was because she hasn’t been this close with a man in a while? Whatever it was, it bothered her. She was normally so careful when it came to men, but when it came to Michael Scofield she was anything but.
Michael closed the cabinet and turned towards Sara. She was filling her mug with water. “Will you make me some too?” he asked.
“You don’t have to do that Michael. If you want a drink, go ahead.” She replied realizing he wasn’t drinking because of her.
“No big deal” he said grabbing the tea she brought from her apartment. “It’s been more than five years since I’ve had a drink. I’d probably have one drink and be on the floor.” He said with a laugh.
“Are you a lightweight Mr. Scofield?” Sara joked as she put their tea in the microwave.
"No, that's just not the way I want to remember this night." he replied seriously.
They stood in silence for what seemed like forever, both wondering what the other was thinking.
“What made you want to stay here Sara?” Michael asked breaking the silence.
Taken by surprise Sara didn’t know what to say. Walking towards the living room she kept her head down as she passed him. “I’ve been trying to figure that out myself” she finally said as she reached the large window between the living room and the kitchen. She stood there staring out at the city trying to find an answer to his question.
Seeing her shiver slightly, Michael walked up behind her and rubbed his hands up and down her arms in an attempt to warm her. Sara almost jumped out of her skin when he touched her. She could feel him very close behind her through her thin pajamas. So close they were almost touching. As he began to warm her up she let herself feel the softness of his touch. His hands on her arms felt so right.
“Sara” he whispered.
She turned around to face him. Looking deep into his hazel eyes she saw her reflection.
Michael leaned in closer and hesitated slightly before he drew her into a soft kiss. Sara all but melted into him as she kissed him back. Her hands came up and found his cheeks. She liked the feel of the prickly stubble. He had his hands found her waist pulling her closer. Their soft kiss lasted until the microwave dinged and startled them apart. With a smile and a soft laugh Sara leaned her head against his chest. Michael kissed the top of her head and she leaned back to look him in the eyes. Michael brought his forehead down and rested it on hers. They stood there for a second staring at each other before Sara said, “Our tea is ready.”
“I guess it is” he replied not wanting to let go of her.
“I’ll get it, you go sit on the couch.” She said breaking away from him and walking into the kitchen. Michael raised his hands above his head and leaned on the window. “It was just as I imagined, she’s perfect.” he thought. Pealing himself off the window he turned to see her getting the tea out of the microwave. She lifted both mugs and walked towards him, her eyes focused on him the whole time. She reached him and nodded towards the living room. Michael turned around and she followed him over to the couch. Sara sat the two cups of tea down on the coffee table and sat next to Michael.
"I have an answer for you" she started to say as she turned to face him, "I know why."
"You do?" he asked taking his thumb and running it along her cheek.
"I didn't think," she began, "I just felt." She hesitated, wondering if it was too early to tell him how she really felt.
"Go on." he reassured her.
Taking a deep breath she continued, "When you suggested it, I thought it was a crazy idea. I thought about it. But when you walked into the infirmary the next day I didn't think. I just felt, and it felt right." When she stopped talking, she looked down at her hands.
"Sara" he said and she looked up to see his face. She could see deep down how much he had wanted her to say that. "I did what you asked, I didn't tell you how I felt. For the past five years I kept it to myself. I can't do that anymore Sara. You have to know."
"Michael..." she whispered putting her hands on his chest as she leaned in to kiss him. As her soft lips caressed his, Michael pulled her close. It felt crazy and amazing at the same time. Coming up for air Sara turned and leaned her back against Michael’s chest. Pulling the blanket over them she felt his arms around her. They laid on the couch in each others arms for about an hour before Sara fell asleep. Careful not to wake her, Michael stood up and carried her into his bedroom. Laying her down on the bed she stirred slightly, "Stay with me." she mumbled half asleep.
"Ok" he replied so quietly he almost didn’t hear himself say it. Sara slid over so he would have more room. Turning off the light near the bed he laid down next to her. She moved closer and rested her head on his shoulder and laid her arm across his chest. Michael felt her take a deep breath and let it out slowly. He raised his hand and put it on her back, gently stroking her auburn curls. Michael fell asleep with a smile on his face and feeling completely safe for the first time in a long time.
*****
Michael woke to bright sunlight streaming through the window. Sara was lying next to him, her hair slightly covering her face. Michael rolled onto his right side so he was facing her. Gently he pushed the hair out of her face and she rubbed her nose where the hair tickled her. The small smile on her face gave her away. Michael leaned down and kissed her forehead.
"I guess you're not used to the sun coming in, huh?" Sara asked opening her eyes to the very bright room.
“It’s one of a few things I guess I’m going to have to get used to around here.” he replied, stroking her cheek with his thumb.
“You realize what we’re doing is crazy.” she said rolling onto her back.
“Yes and no” he replied slowly his eyes meeting hers “It is because of the strange situation were in, and it’s not because we know what we’ve been feeling Sara. For five years we’ve been feeling it and ignoring it. Now we don’t have to.” Looking up at him she bit her bottom lip not sure what to say.
“Do you remember when I kissed you in the infirmary?” he continued.
“Of course” she replied unsure of where he was going with this.
“I told you it wouldn’t always be like that, in that room, that place. And it’s not. It won’t be. I won't let it. I want us to have a real relationship.” he explained revealing his true feelings.
“You asked me to wait for you.” She replied feeling a wave of emotion come over her. “And I did. I didn't realize it until you left Fox River yesterday, but I was waiting for you." she continued fidgeting with the collar of his t-shirt, "Seeing you everyday it didn't bother me, but then you left and I realized I couldn't be without you.”
"Sara" Michael said as he leaned down and kissed her. Pulling away he confessed, "I thought getting out of prison was going to be the best day of my life. You just topped that."
Rolling over so she was on top of him she replied, "And just think" she smiled, "the day just began."
*****
The phone rang around noon. Grumbling Michael crawled out of bed and went to answer the phone. Sara watched him leave the room realizing she never saw him in only his boxers. She had a smile on her face when he returned to bed a few minutes later. "Looks like we have plans tonight." he said snuggling back up to her. "What's with the smile?"
"Nothing, what are we doing tonight?'' she asked blushing because she'd been caught.
"Dinner at Linc and Veronica's." he replied hoping she wouldn't mind going along.
"Great. They're really sweet." she said.
"I'm glad you think so, cuz they really like you." he said kissing her.
***
When they arrived at Lincolns, they walked up the front steps hand in hand. It looked like such a juvenile form of affection and yet to both of them it felt like a statement. It was as if they was saying "it's real."
Instead of ringing the door bell, Michael walked right in the front door. Hearing the front door open Lincoln stepped into the hallway from the kitchen.
"Hey Linc" Michael said.
"Well, that didn't take long." Linc replied looking at his brother who was still holding hands with Sara.
Michael squeezed her hand a little and Sara looked down at the ground hoping Linc wouldn't see her blush.
***
18 Months later..
Linc stood up between Michael and Sara. Turning towards Sara he took a second to compose himself. He was never really an emotional man, but after all Sara had done for them she'd come to mean a lot to him. "You didn't know it at the time, but you were an honorary member of our family long ago. I'm proud to have you officially join our family today."
"Thank you" she said as she hugged her new brother.
"And you little brother," Linc continued, "There's nothing I can say or do to thank you for all you've done for me. I've always been proud of you; I just hope one day I'll be the man you already are."
Linc hugged his brother and turned towards the small group of people who had gathered he continued, "Here's to Michael and Sara Scofield. Cheers"
***
A New Beginning (Part 3)
It was almost five o’clock before Sara reached the apartment that night. She opened the front door to find Veronica setting up food in the kitchen. There were trays of taco’s and burrito’s and other Mexican foods she didn’t recognize on the table. “Hey Veronica, it looks great! I just want to change quickly before they get here.”
“Ok, but hurry. Lincoln just called and said they’d be here in 5 minutes.” Veronica said putting the last of the food onto the table.
Sara went into the bedroom and pulled her favorite pair of jeans out of her suitcase. As she slipped off her work pants and put on the jeans she remembered why they were her favorite, they clung to just the right curves. Throwing on a shirt she went to the bathroom to look in the mirror. She looked good. Running her fingers through her hair she called out “Is there anything I can do Veronica?”
“No, we’re all set.” Veronica replied.
Walking into the kitchen Sara heard a knock at the door. “Come on in,” she called. The door opened and she expected to see Michael and Lincoln on the other side, but it wasn’t them. She recognized LJ immediately; he looked just like his father.
“They’re downstairs.” LJ said taking his coat off. “I don’t think they saw me.”
“Good job LJ” Veronica said and turned to Sara, “I asked him to keep a look out for us so we knew when the boys were here.” Realizing Sara never met LJ, she looked at him and said, “LJ, this is Sara.”
“Hey” LJ said towards Sara, “My dad told me about you.”
“It’s nice to finally meet you,” she said walking into the living room.
Veronica walked into the living room just as they heard voices in the hallway. Lincoln was instructed to make some noise getting off the elevator, signaling the girls that they were home. As the door opened Sara looked down to her shaking hands. Why was she so nervous? She had seen Michael every day for the past five years, what made this time so different? Maybe it was the fact that she was in his apartment instead of her office, or maybe it was the fact that she wanted to be there instead of having to be his doctor.
“Welcome home!” Veronica yelled, making Sara look up at the two men who just walked into the apartment.
“It’s good to be home.” Michael said as he let out a deep breath.
“He looks good” Sara thought to herself as Michael hugged Veronica & LJ.
Michael turned to face Sara. “Hi Doc” he said as he leaned in to give her a hug. Taken by surprise, Sara smiled and quickly hugged back knowing everyone’s eyes were on her. Stepping back she looked Michael in the eye and said, “You can call me Sara now.”
“Good,” he said, a grin forming on his face, “That Dr. Tancredi thing was getting old.” Michael continued through the living room to the kitchen. “V, you’re amazing!” he said looking at all the food.
“And don't you forget it Mister!” she replied following him into the kitchen.
Everyone filled their plate and sat at the small kitchen table. Just as they were about to finish eating Michael looked at his friends and said, “Wow, it’s been so long since I’ve had a good burrito. You guys have no clue what I would have done for one.”
“Rob a bank?” Linc asked jokingly.
“Nah, I’ve already done that.” Michael responded throwing his napkin at his brother.
A few hours later they were still sitting at the table telling stories of their childhood together. Sara was glad she sat across from Michael so she could see his face when they told embarrassing stories. Lincoln just started to tell a story about Michael and his first girlfriend when Michael cut him off, “Ok that’s enough, or do you want me to get out the naked baby pictures?”
“That’s ok little brother,” Lincoln replied quickly, knowing Veronica had been dying to see baby pictures of him. “It’s getting late, and I can tell you from experience, there’s nothing like the first night in your old bed.”
Sara and Veronica threw the leftovers into the fridge while the boys went into the living room. Sara was putting the last paper plate into the garbage when Veronica turned to her and said, “Remember, if you need anything, anything at all, just call.”
“Thanks Veronica.” Sara said hugging her new friend.
“Alright Mr. Burrows lets go home.” Veronica called out walking into the living room.
“Both of us?” LJ asked.
“Yeah, Uncle Mike’s had a big day. I’m sure he’s tired.” She replied putting her coat on.
“See ya,” LJ said hugging his uncle, “It’s good to have you home.”
“Thanks” Michael said ruffling LJ’s hair.
“’Nite Michael” Linc said as they walked out the door, “Gimme a call tomorrow.”
Michael nodded as he closed the door behind them. Looking around his apartment everything seemed the same except for one thing. Sara. She stood in the doorway of the kitchen looking down at her hands. It was something he came to know as a nervous habit of hers. “Come have a seat” he said collapsing on the couch.
Walking towards him she saw him lean his back against the pillow and close his eyes. A small smile formed on his lips.
“What are you thinking?” she asked sitting down next to him.
“How perfect this night was. How everything I’ve done was worth it to be able to spend time as a family.” He replied opening his eyes to look at her. “Thank you” he continued turning towards her.
“For what?” Sara asked wondering if he knew the party was her idea.
“For being a part of it.” He said putting his hands on hers, “It means a lot to me.”
“I wouldn’t have missed it for the world.” She replied squeezing his hand. It felt so right to be sitting on the couch with him like that. Glancing at her watch she said, “It’s getting late; I should let you get to bed.”
“I want to get a shower first. It’s been so long since I’ve had a shower with good water pressure.” He replied.
“Yeah, that shower is pretty amazing.” She said trying to ignore his comment. Sara didn’t know how to reply to his comments about being in jail. Being on the other side of the law so to speak she saw law enforcement slightly different. Michael she knew was different than most of the men in Fox River. He committed his crime to help someone else. It helped Michael too, but his main goal was to repay Linc. He felt he owed his brother and the only way to help him was to get him out of jail.
Michael watched her as she stood and walked towards the bedrooms.
“Where are you going?” he asked.
“I was gonna go to bed.” She replied motioning to the bedroom.
“Well be sure to say on your side of the bed then” he joked as he stood up to follow her. The confused look on her face was priceless. “That’s my room.” He explained.
“Oh” she stuttered turning a nice shade of red, “I didn’t realize. I’ll take the other room.” Of course she had to pick his room, it was just the kind of luck she had. He watched her from the doorway as she gathered her things and put them in the other room. He had wondered for the past few days what it would be like with her in his apartment, now he knew. It was going to be harder than he thought. The way she moved amazed him, the way she spoke hypnotized him. He was going to have a hard time trying to keep this a ‘friend’ relationship.
Sara walked back out into the hallway and said, “Good night Michael. Enjoy your shower.”
“Thanks, I will.” He replied still standing in the doorway to his room looking in her direction.
*****
She slept in his bed. The thought alone was enough to keep him awake all night. Michael got his shower, but couldn’t enjoy it; all he could think about was Sara. As he climbed into bed the smell of her shampoo was all around him. There was no way he was going to be able to sleep like this.
*****
Sara couldn’t fall asleep. When she first moved into the apartment, she thought being alone in the apartment was strange. That feeling was nothing compared to hearing Michael walk into the bathroom, take a shower, and walk back into his room. She imagined the water flowing over his tattooed body. The thought of him being naked in the shower was enough to keep her wide awake. Sara sat up and looked at the clock. He’d been in his room for about ten minutes. Surely that was enough time for him to fall asleep. She kicked her feet out from under the covers and walked to the door. Hearing nothing she opened the door.
****
They met in the hallway, each one opening the door to their room and stepping out quietly. Michael lifted his head to see her looking right at him. “Can’t sleep?” he asked.
“No, I thought I’d get something to drink.” She replied walking down the hallway.
“Ok, what’ll it be?” he asked as they walked into the kitchen.
“What do we have?” she asked, “Probably not a lot, water will do.”
“Don’t underestimate Linc. He stayed here right after I went back to Fox River.” He went on as he opened a cabinet. “He drank pretty much everything I had, but he said he’s been stocking it back up for my homecoming.”
“That’s nice of him.” She replied. Looking over his shoulder into the cabinet she wished she could have a drink to calm her nerves, but that would mean a call to her sponsor and starting her sobriety over.
“So what can I get you?” Michael asked again turning around so they were face to face.
They were standing so close Sara could feel his body heat. “I’m going to make some tea.”
“Sara, I’m sorry. I wasn’t thinking.” He said quickly mentally slapping himself upside the head.
“No problem, I’ve learned to deal with it. I’ll warm up the water.” she said turning away from him a little flustered. Reaching into the cabinet to get a mug out she wondered what came over her. Was it that she was never this nervous around a guy, or maybe it was because she hasn’t been this close with a man in a while? Whatever it was, it bothered her. She was normally so careful when it came to men, but when it came to Michael Scofield she was anything but.
Michael closed the cabinet and turned towards Sara. She was filling her mug with water. “Will you make me some too?” he asked.
“You don’t have to do that Michael. If you want a drink, go ahead.” She replied realizing he wasn’t drinking because of her.
“No big deal” he said grabbing the tea she brought from her apartment. “It’s been more than five years since I’ve had a drink. I’d probably have one drink and be on the floor.” He said with a laugh.
“Are you a lightweight Mr. Scofield?” Sara joked as she put their tea in the microwave.
"No, that's just not the way I want to remember this night." he replied seriously.
They stood in silence for what seemed like forever, both wondering what the other was thinking.
“What made you want to stay here Sara?” Michael asked breaking the silence.
Taken by surprise Sara didn’t know what to say. Walking towards the living room she kept her head down as she passed him. “I’ve been trying to figure that out myself” she finally said as she reached the large window between the living room and the kitchen. She stood there staring out at the city trying to find an answer to his question.
Seeing her shiver slightly, Michael walked up behind her and rubbed his hands up and down her arms in an attempt to warm her. Sara almost jumped out of her skin when he touched her. She could feel him very close behind her through her thin pajamas. So close they were almost touching. As he began to warm her up she let herself feel the softness of his touch. His hands on her arms felt so right.
“Sara” he whispered.
She turned around to face him. Looking deep into his hazel eyes she saw her reflection.
Michael leaned in closer and hesitated slightly before he drew her into a soft kiss. Sara all but melted into him as she kissed him back. Her hands came up and found his cheeks. She liked the feel of the prickly stubble. He had his hands found her waist pulling her closer. Their soft kiss lasted until the microwave dinged and startled them apart. With a smile and a soft laugh Sara leaned her head against his chest. Michael kissed the top of her head and she leaned back to look him in the eyes. Michael brought his forehead down and rested it on hers. They stood there for a second staring at each other before Sara said, “Our tea is ready.”
“I guess it is” he replied not wanting to let go of her.
“I’ll get it, you go sit on the couch.” She said breaking away from him and walking into the kitchen. Michael raised his hands above his head and leaned on the window. “It was just as I imagined, she’s perfect.” he thought. Pealing himself off the window he turned to see her getting the tea out of the microwave. She lifted both mugs and walked towards him, her eyes focused on him the whole time. She reached him and nodded towards the living room. Michael turned around and she followed him over to the couch. Sara sat the two cups of tea down on the coffee table and sat next to Michael.
"I have an answer for you" she started to say as she turned to face him, "I know why."
"You do?" he asked taking his thumb and running it along her cheek.
"I didn't think," she began, "I just felt." She hesitated, wondering if it was too early to tell him how she really felt.
"Go on." he reassured her.
Taking a deep breath she continued, "When you suggested it, I thought it was a crazy idea. I thought about it. But when you walked into the infirmary the next day I didn't think. I just felt, and it felt right." When she stopped talking, she looked down at her hands.
"Sara" he said and she looked up to see his face. She could see deep down how much he had wanted her to say that. "I did what you asked, I didn't tell you how I felt. For the past five years I kept it to myself. I can't do that anymore Sara. You have to know."
"Michael..." she whispered putting her hands on his chest as she leaned in to kiss him. As her soft lips caressed his, Michael pulled her close. It felt crazy and amazing at the same time. Coming up for air Sara turned and leaned her back against Michael’s chest. Pulling the blanket over them she felt his arms around her. They laid on the couch in each others arms for about an hour before Sara fell asleep. Careful not to wake her, Michael stood up and carried her into his bedroom. Laying her down on the bed she stirred slightly, "Stay with me." she mumbled half asleep.
"Ok" he replied so quietly he almost didn’t hear himself say it. Sara slid over so he would have more room. Turning off the light near the bed he laid down next to her. She moved closer and rested her head on his shoulder and laid her arm across his chest. Michael felt her take a deep breath and let it out slowly. He raised his hand and put it on her back, gently stroking her auburn curls. Michael fell asleep with a smile on his face and feeling completely safe for the first time in a long time.
*****
Michael woke to bright sunlight streaming through the window. Sara was lying next to him, her hair slightly covering her face. Michael rolled onto his right side so he was facing her. Gently he pushed the hair out of her face and she rubbed her nose where the hair tickled her. The small smile on her face gave her away. Michael leaned down and kissed her forehead.
"I guess you're not used to the sun coming in, huh?" Sara asked opening her eyes to the very bright room.
“It’s one of a few things I guess I’m going to have to get used to around here.” he replied, stroking her cheek with his thumb.
“You realize what we’re doing is crazy.” she said rolling onto her back.
“Yes and no” he replied slowly his eyes meeting hers “It is because of the strange situation were in, and it’s not because we know what we’ve been feeling Sara. For five years we’ve been feeling it and ignoring it. Now we don’t have to.” Looking up at him she bit her bottom lip not sure what to say.
“Do you remember when I kissed you in the infirmary?” he continued.
“Of course” she replied unsure of where he was going with this.
“I told you it wouldn’t always be like that, in that room, that place. And it’s not. It won’t be. I won't let it. I want us to have a real relationship.” he explained revealing his true feelings.
“You asked me to wait for you.” She replied feeling a wave of emotion come over her. “And I did. I didn't realize it until you left Fox River yesterday, but I was waiting for you." she continued fidgeting with the collar of his t-shirt, "Seeing you everyday it didn't bother me, but then you left and I realized I couldn't be without you.”
"Sara" Michael said as he leaned down and kissed her. Pulling away he confessed, "I thought getting out of prison was going to be the best day of my life. You just topped that."
Rolling over so she was on top of him she replied, "And just think" she smiled, "the day just began."
*****
The phone rang around noon. Grumbling Michael crawled out of bed and went to answer the phone. Sara watched him leave the room realizing she never saw him in only his boxers. She had a smile on her face when he returned to bed a few minutes later. "Looks like we have plans tonight." he said snuggling back up to her. "What's with the smile?"
"Nothing, what are we doing tonight?'' she asked blushing because she'd been caught.
"Dinner at Linc and Veronica's." he replied hoping she wouldn't mind going along.
"Great. They're really sweet." she said.
"I'm glad you think so, cuz they really like you." he said kissing her.
***
When they arrived at Lincolns, they walked up the front steps hand in hand. It looked like such a juvenile form of affection and yet to both of them it felt like a statement. It was as if they was saying "it's real."
Instead of ringing the door bell, Michael walked right in the front door. Hearing the front door open Lincoln stepped into the hallway from the kitchen.
"Hey Linc" Michael said.
"Well, that didn't take long." Linc replied looking at his brother who was still holding hands with Sara.
Michael squeezed her hand a little and Sara looked down at the ground hoping Linc wouldn't see her blush.
***
18 Months later..
Linc stood up between Michael and Sara. Turning towards Sara he took a second to compose himself. He was never really an emotional man, but after all Sara had done for them she'd come to mean a lot to him. "You didn't know it at the time, but you were an honorary member of our family long ago. I'm proud to have you officially join our family today."
"Thank you" she said as she hugged her new brother.
"And you little brother," Linc continued, "There's nothing I can say or do to thank you for all you've done for me. I've always been proud of you; I just hope one day I'll be the man you already are."
Linc hugged his brother and turned towards the small group of people who had gathered he continued, "Here's to Michael and Sara Scofield. Cheers"
***