Prison Break: The whole story (1/1)
Title: The whole story (1/1)
Author: Thyboz
Characters: Michael/Sara, Lincoln, Sucre, Mahone, Michael Jr (Prison Break)
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: characters belong to Fox and TPTB *insert shock and dismay*
Spoilers: up to the end of season 4 and the first two minutes of The Final Break.
Summary: Sometimes, all that is needed is a change in perspective. This is a reinterpretation of the epilogue at the end of 4x22. Everything that was on screen also happens here; let's just say I added a few scenes that didn't make it to the final cut ;) AU as in this Michael is not dead.
AN: The title is taken from a song by Sunrise Avenue. This is MY whole story.
AN2: Written for the Ends and Means Challenge at pbhiatus_fic. I chose the Individual Alternative Ending, and decided to change the flash forward for Michael. Everything else that we see in the flash forward is left unchanged. I feel that this isn't very original, but it wouldn't leave my mind.
~*~
They will come, he knows it.
They always do.
The sun is warm against the bare skin of his arms, and for the first time in months he actually feels the heat. He wants to close his eyes and breathe in the salty air around him, but he's afraid to miss even a second of the scene. He isn't sure who will come first, he just knows that they will. And that he's ready to wait all day for them if needed.
His hands twist and untwist nervously, giving away how much he has been waiting for this moment. A year to be precise. And Michael doesn't know if he can take even just another minute of it.
His heart skips a beat as he finally sees a movement between the trees, and a small smile lights his face as he sees Sucre, then Mahone walk up together and sit up on a picnic table. They haven't changed one bit, and he can't help but wonder why they still come. And if they will understand when they find out the truth.
***
"Ready to go home?"
Sucre's smile tells him all he needs to know. "You bet, papi. This is all I've been waiting for."
Michael's eyes grow serious as his friend grabs his bag and hands it to the taxi driver. "I wouldn't have been able to do any of this without you, you know that right?"
Sucre glances back at him for a second, then shrugs it off. "What, you going soft on me now? Keep that for when that kid of yours shows up, okay?"
Michael chuckles and hugs his friend, earning himself a slap on the back. "Take care of yourself."
"You too."
***
He wishes he could tell Sucre, he really does. After everything he did for them, everything he risked, he deserves to know the truth. Soon, he tells himself.
He hears a car and his heart beats faster, but not out of fear, the way it always used to. Just out of anticipation, because he knows who will appear. And soon enough, Lincoln walks up to the two men already waiting, sharing handshakes and friendly hugs.
Michael can't help a smile as he sees the peace on his brother's face. He looks happy and relaxed, and his heart aches as he wishes he could be a part of that life. He knows Lincoln feels the same, and he knows his life isn't quite as he had expected it without his brother by his side.
So much had changed between them over the years, but nothing had changed as much as that. Nothing matters more than family, not even blood. He knows it, Lincoln knows it, and that's the way it will always be now.
He watches as Lincoln turns to the ocean and points to the waves, and he can only imagine what he is talking about.
***
"So you're still thinking of opening that dive shop?"
Lincoln glances at Michael with the hint of a smile. "Why not? I'd say it sounds pretty good right about now. No one to come piss me off too."
Michael can't help a laugh as he looks out at the ocean. He can easily picture his brother with a little cabin on the beach, and it seems tempting, so tempting.
"You already thought of a place?" He says, glancing at Lincoln sipping his beer. "You're gonna need to find a good spot, and come up with a solid business plan, and..."
"Wow wow wow," Lincoln interrupts him immediately, waving a hand in the air. "No more plans Michael, okay? One more of those and I might just shoot myself."
Michael shakes his head at the seriousness in Linc's voice, a smile haunting his lips. "Deal."
***
Michael had seen the shop, and he knows Sofia is making sure there's enough money coming in. Everything worked out the way his brother had wanted it, and as hard as it is for Michael to watch from a distance, he can't help but be thankful that it's happening at all.
Four years ago, it had merely been the illusion they had been running after.
His heart skips a beat as he sees the men turn around, and he doesn't have time to prepare himself for the little boy who runs towards Lincoln. The rush of emotions stuns him, sending both a block of ice to his stomach and a rush of warmth to his heart.
His breath short, he tries to actually realize who he is seeing and memorize every second of it. The look on the boy's face, the brightness of his eyes, the playfulness of his run, the way he reaches his arms towards Lincoln, the genuine happiness and innocent that radiates from him.
And just him. How big he is, the features of his face, the clothes he is wearing, the way he moves, the parts that remind him of Sara. Everything.
He has grown up so much. His son.
He watches Lincoln pick him up, and the ease and comfort between them is obvious. This moment so special to Michael is routine to them, he can see that now. Watching them together, he knows this is everything he has ever worked for. And the exact reason why he made this ultimate sacrifice.
His eyes are drawn between the trees behind them as a light yellow dress slowly appears. This time, he knows his heart must have stopped, because he can't feel anything at all anymore.
Sara.
His breath catches in his throat as he watches her walk up to Lincoln and kiss his cheek, then hug Sucre and Mahone. The warmth of the sun is nothing compared to the emotions that rush through him as his eyes reach her face. Happiness and sadness, longing and missing, anguish and impatience, relief and pain. He feels alive again.
God, she looks beautiful.
His heart tightens as she smiles, and he realizes that she hasn't changed. And that her smile is the one thing he has missed the most throughout the years. Now, walking towards the graveyard, towards his grave, she looks more perfect than he ever remembered.
Overwhelmed by the urge to go to them, to tell them all that it is really over, to take Sara in his arms, to pick up his son the way Lincoln had, it takes all his will power to stay still. Hidden. He thought he would get used to this with time, but he was wrong. It only gets harder. He won't last another year away, he knows it now.
He watches as his son lays flowers on his grave, and he smiles as he recognizes the ones Sara had on their wedding day. They are the ones she picks every year. His eyes drift back to Sara and he notices the soft smile that plays on her lips.
She knows he's here. Just like every year.
The thought makes him mirror her smile, and he is thankful that this secret was not among those he had to keep from her.
***
"Don't tell me you're making those paper things again?"
Michael doesn't bother to look up at the man who spoke, concentrating instead on folding the flower-to-be between his fingers.
"It's been four years, don't you think it's time to stop now?" The man insists, looking slightly amused at the idea.
"It's none of your business," Michael mutters, still not glancing up from his work.
"Don't take that tone with me," the man says harshly. "If it weren't for me, they wouldn't even know you're still alive. I'm the reason the condition was part of the deal."
"The only reason it was part of the deal," Michael finally looks up at him, disgust in his eyes, "is because without it, there would have been no deal."
Both men hold the other's gaze for a second, before the first finally gives in and walks towards the door. "I'm just saying, what's the point? How do you know they even want them? Would be easier to just show up on their doorstep when this is over."
Michael swallows hard, looking back down at the origami in his hands. If there is one thing he knows, it's what it feels like to believe those you love to be dead. His parents had been there to remind him. And he'll do anything to avoid that for his own family. "You can’t understand."
The man shakes his head. "I've never seen anyone with that much faith," he says as he steps out of the room.
Michael doesn't look up, but his hands are still now, simply holding the flower. Faith. All he ever really had.
***
Watching Sara now, seeing the wedding ring still on her finger, he knows that he made the right decision. And that, just as she brings him those flowers every year, she gets his flowers every year too. Origami roses sent to her on their wedding anniversary. Reminding her that it will be over one day. As he had promised.
He watches as Lincoln pulls out something from the front pocket of his shirt, and he immediately recognizes the paper crane he had sent him the previous week.
He knows it's not enough, and he knows he owes them an explanation. He will give it to them one day, when he can, when it will be over. For now, all he can do is tell them that he is alive and well. And waiting.
Lincoln steps forward and places the paper crane next to the flowers, before walking away down to the beach. Message received.
Michael watches further, until all have left but Sara kneeling down and holding their son in her lap. He thought he knew the price to pay for this, but seeing them waiting for him, he realizes he had no idea. No idea until the chance to be with his family had been taken away from him.
Sara whispers softly and then their son is off, running to his uncle. Catching a glimpse of his arm, Michael suddenly frowns, noticing the dark mark there, before his eyes widen in surprise and he glances back at Sara.
A soft smile is still playing on her lips, confirming what he just realized. Not only does she know he's here, but she is teasing him too.
***
"Have you thought up names yet?" He asks lazily, looking down at her as they lie in bed, his hand covering hers on her stomach.
She chuckles lightly, the way she has been lately, the way she hadn't in years. "No I haven't, you're the one always planning ahead, not me."
"I suppose that can be true," he says, intertwining his fingers with hers, "although I admit I hadn't planned this right here."
He hears her laugh again, and he can't believe how happy that makes him feel. He thought it would never be possible again, not after everything he put her through.
"What do you already have planned then, being a hands-on dad and all?" She asks, turning her face to his neck and dropping a soft kiss against his skin.
"Well I admit that my thoughts have been pretty busy with their mother the past few days..." He says with a small smirk. He watches her blush slightly as she knows he's referring to the fact that they barely left their hotel room in days, and he leans in to her lips, kissing her tenderly. "But I can already tell you one thing that child will never have," he adds, earning himself a surprised look from her.
"And what would that be?" she asks, trying not to smile as she sees the note of humor in his eyes.
"Tattoos."
***
Now he has to watch his son run off with a fake tattoo on his arm, and he can't even do anything about it.
Sara's smile suddenly takes a whole new meaning. All he has to wonder now is if she had simply agreed to him getting one, or if she had actually suggested it to him. And he knows she could have.
He watches her as she closes her eyes for a second. She knows he's here, seeing her, seeing their son, but she doesn't look for him. She never did. She knows he has to stay hidden, and she knows how hard it is for him. Just like she knows that when everything is over, he will come back.
She finally gets up, and Michael's heart breaks a little more as he knows it will be over too soon. He will have to go back to that car, back to the men waiting for him, and not look back.
His eyes linger on the grave, on the flowers and on the paper crane that were left there for him by the only two people who know he is still alive. Those are what will be waiting for him when he finally comes home.
Looking back at Sara walking down to the beach, then at their son running to her, he renews a promise he once made, only this time to the two of them.
"One day."
Soon.
Author: Thyboz
Characters: Michael/Sara, Lincoln, Sucre, Mahone, Michael Jr (Prison Break)
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: characters belong to Fox and TPTB *insert shock and dismay*
Spoilers: up to the end of season 4 and the first two minutes of The Final Break.
Summary: Sometimes, all that is needed is a change in perspective. This is a reinterpretation of the epilogue at the end of 4x22. Everything that was on screen also happens here; let's just say I added a few scenes that didn't make it to the final cut ;) AU as in this Michael is not dead.
AN: The title is taken from a song by Sunrise Avenue. This is MY whole story.
AN2: Written for the Ends and Means Challenge at pbhiatus_fic. I chose the Individual Alternative Ending, and decided to change the flash forward for Michael. Everything else that we see in the flash forward is left unchanged. I feel that this isn't very original, but it wouldn't leave my mind.
~*~
They will come, he knows it.
They always do.
The sun is warm against the bare skin of his arms, and for the first time in months he actually feels the heat. He wants to close his eyes and breathe in the salty air around him, but he's afraid to miss even a second of the scene. He isn't sure who will come first, he just knows that they will. And that he's ready to wait all day for them if needed.
His hands twist and untwist nervously, giving away how much he has been waiting for this moment. A year to be precise. And Michael doesn't know if he can take even just another minute of it.
His heart skips a beat as he finally sees a movement between the trees, and a small smile lights his face as he sees Sucre, then Mahone walk up together and sit up on a picnic table. They haven't changed one bit, and he can't help but wonder why they still come. And if they will understand when they find out the truth.
***
"Ready to go home?"
Sucre's smile tells him all he needs to know. "You bet, papi. This is all I've been waiting for."
Michael's eyes grow serious as his friend grabs his bag and hands it to the taxi driver. "I wouldn't have been able to do any of this without you, you know that right?"
Sucre glances back at him for a second, then shrugs it off. "What, you going soft on me now? Keep that for when that kid of yours shows up, okay?"
Michael chuckles and hugs his friend, earning himself a slap on the back. "Take care of yourself."
"You too."
***
He wishes he could tell Sucre, he really does. After everything he did for them, everything he risked, he deserves to know the truth. Soon, he tells himself.
He hears a car and his heart beats faster, but not out of fear, the way it always used to. Just out of anticipation, because he knows who will appear. And soon enough, Lincoln walks up to the two men already waiting, sharing handshakes and friendly hugs.
Michael can't help a smile as he sees the peace on his brother's face. He looks happy and relaxed, and his heart aches as he wishes he could be a part of that life. He knows Lincoln feels the same, and he knows his life isn't quite as he had expected it without his brother by his side.
So much had changed between them over the years, but nothing had changed as much as that. Nothing matters more than family, not even blood. He knows it, Lincoln knows it, and that's the way it will always be now.
He watches as Lincoln turns to the ocean and points to the waves, and he can only imagine what he is talking about.
***
"So you're still thinking of opening that dive shop?"
Lincoln glances at Michael with the hint of a smile. "Why not? I'd say it sounds pretty good right about now. No one to come piss me off too."
Michael can't help a laugh as he looks out at the ocean. He can easily picture his brother with a little cabin on the beach, and it seems tempting, so tempting.
"You already thought of a place?" He says, glancing at Lincoln sipping his beer. "You're gonna need to find a good spot, and come up with a solid business plan, and..."
"Wow wow wow," Lincoln interrupts him immediately, waving a hand in the air. "No more plans Michael, okay? One more of those and I might just shoot myself."
Michael shakes his head at the seriousness in Linc's voice, a smile haunting his lips. "Deal."
***
Michael had seen the shop, and he knows Sofia is making sure there's enough money coming in. Everything worked out the way his brother had wanted it, and as hard as it is for Michael to watch from a distance, he can't help but be thankful that it's happening at all.
Four years ago, it had merely been the illusion they had been running after.
His heart skips a beat as he sees the men turn around, and he doesn't have time to prepare himself for the little boy who runs towards Lincoln. The rush of emotions stuns him, sending both a block of ice to his stomach and a rush of warmth to his heart.
His breath short, he tries to actually realize who he is seeing and memorize every second of it. The look on the boy's face, the brightness of his eyes, the playfulness of his run, the way he reaches his arms towards Lincoln, the genuine happiness and innocent that radiates from him.
And just him. How big he is, the features of his face, the clothes he is wearing, the way he moves, the parts that remind him of Sara. Everything.
He has grown up so much. His son.
He watches Lincoln pick him up, and the ease and comfort between them is obvious. This moment so special to Michael is routine to them, he can see that now. Watching them together, he knows this is everything he has ever worked for. And the exact reason why he made this ultimate sacrifice.
His eyes are drawn between the trees behind them as a light yellow dress slowly appears. This time, he knows his heart must have stopped, because he can't feel anything at all anymore.
Sara.
His breath catches in his throat as he watches her walk up to Lincoln and kiss his cheek, then hug Sucre and Mahone. The warmth of the sun is nothing compared to the emotions that rush through him as his eyes reach her face. Happiness and sadness, longing and missing, anguish and impatience, relief and pain. He feels alive again.
God, she looks beautiful.
His heart tightens as she smiles, and he realizes that she hasn't changed. And that her smile is the one thing he has missed the most throughout the years. Now, walking towards the graveyard, towards his grave, she looks more perfect than he ever remembered.
Overwhelmed by the urge to go to them, to tell them all that it is really over, to take Sara in his arms, to pick up his son the way Lincoln had, it takes all his will power to stay still. Hidden. He thought he would get used to this with time, but he was wrong. It only gets harder. He won't last another year away, he knows it now.
He watches as his son lays flowers on his grave, and he smiles as he recognizes the ones Sara had on their wedding day. They are the ones she picks every year. His eyes drift back to Sara and he notices the soft smile that plays on her lips.
She knows he's here. Just like every year.
The thought makes him mirror her smile, and he is thankful that this secret was not among those he had to keep from her.
***
"Don't tell me you're making those paper things again?"
Michael doesn't bother to look up at the man who spoke, concentrating instead on folding the flower-to-be between his fingers.
"It's been four years, don't you think it's time to stop now?" The man insists, looking slightly amused at the idea.
"It's none of your business," Michael mutters, still not glancing up from his work.
"Don't take that tone with me," the man says harshly. "If it weren't for me, they wouldn't even know you're still alive. I'm the reason the condition was part of the deal."
"The only reason it was part of the deal," Michael finally looks up at him, disgust in his eyes, "is because without it, there would have been no deal."
Both men hold the other's gaze for a second, before the first finally gives in and walks towards the door. "I'm just saying, what's the point? How do you know they even want them? Would be easier to just show up on their doorstep when this is over."
Michael swallows hard, looking back down at the origami in his hands. If there is one thing he knows, it's what it feels like to believe those you love to be dead. His parents had been there to remind him. And he'll do anything to avoid that for his own family. "You can’t understand."
The man shakes his head. "I've never seen anyone with that much faith," he says as he steps out of the room.
Michael doesn't look up, but his hands are still now, simply holding the flower. Faith. All he ever really had.
***
Watching Sara now, seeing the wedding ring still on her finger, he knows that he made the right decision. And that, just as she brings him those flowers every year, she gets his flowers every year too. Origami roses sent to her on their wedding anniversary. Reminding her that it will be over one day. As he had promised.
He watches as Lincoln pulls out something from the front pocket of his shirt, and he immediately recognizes the paper crane he had sent him the previous week.
He knows it's not enough, and he knows he owes them an explanation. He will give it to them one day, when he can, when it will be over. For now, all he can do is tell them that he is alive and well. And waiting.
Lincoln steps forward and places the paper crane next to the flowers, before walking away down to the beach. Message received.
Michael watches further, until all have left but Sara kneeling down and holding their son in her lap. He thought he knew the price to pay for this, but seeing them waiting for him, he realizes he had no idea. No idea until the chance to be with his family had been taken away from him.
Sara whispers softly and then their son is off, running to his uncle. Catching a glimpse of his arm, Michael suddenly frowns, noticing the dark mark there, before his eyes widen in surprise and he glances back at Sara.
A soft smile is still playing on her lips, confirming what he just realized. Not only does she know he's here, but she is teasing him too.
***
"Have you thought up names yet?" He asks lazily, looking down at her as they lie in bed, his hand covering hers on her stomach.
She chuckles lightly, the way she has been lately, the way she hadn't in years. "No I haven't, you're the one always planning ahead, not me."
"I suppose that can be true," he says, intertwining his fingers with hers, "although I admit I hadn't planned this right here."
He hears her laugh again, and he can't believe how happy that makes him feel. He thought it would never be possible again, not after everything he put her through.
"What do you already have planned then, being a hands-on dad and all?" She asks, turning her face to his neck and dropping a soft kiss against his skin.
"Well I admit that my thoughts have been pretty busy with their mother the past few days..." He says with a small smirk. He watches her blush slightly as she knows he's referring to the fact that they barely left their hotel room in days, and he leans in to her lips, kissing her tenderly. "But I can already tell you one thing that child will never have," he adds, earning himself a surprised look from her.
"And what would that be?" she asks, trying not to smile as she sees the note of humor in his eyes.
"Tattoos."
***
Now he has to watch his son run off with a fake tattoo on his arm, and he can't even do anything about it.
Sara's smile suddenly takes a whole new meaning. All he has to wonder now is if she had simply agreed to him getting one, or if she had actually suggested it to him. And he knows she could have.
He watches her as she closes her eyes for a second. She knows he's here, seeing her, seeing their son, but she doesn't look for him. She never did. She knows he has to stay hidden, and she knows how hard it is for him. Just like she knows that when everything is over, he will come back.
She finally gets up, and Michael's heart breaks a little more as he knows it will be over too soon. He will have to go back to that car, back to the men waiting for him, and not look back.
His eyes linger on the grave, on the flowers and on the paper crane that were left there for him by the only two people who know he is still alive. Those are what will be waiting for him when he finally comes home.
Looking back at Sara walking down to the beach, then at their son running to her, he renews a promise he once made, only this time to the two of them.
"One day."
Soon.