jendill

02:41 am - Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday Amy!
Thank you for all the exciting things to read over the past year, and all the wonderful parenting advice! You truly are amazing!
~Jen

Current Mood: sleepy

08:15 pm - Fridays are so boring

Fridays suck.  Not only do I have to work til 11:30, but during the fall I have to stay till 12 for football... I hate football.
For some reason there's never any news on Fridays either... leading to a really boring night.
OK, so here's the deal.. what do you do on a Friday night?
Me? Basically I get my work done and then surf the internet... and impatiently wait for my favorite fics to be updated.
Maybe I'll take a nap now...

Current Mood: bored

09:41 pm - Jumping to conclusions... an admission of stupidity

Current Mood: silly

10:40 pm - ....I don't have a title... but it's a new fic

I don't have a title for this.. so if you can come up with something it'd be greatly appreciated. Please let me know what you think... I was rather bored today at work. Constructive criticism is good!
Post Season 1- there are some differenes: Michael never attempted to steal the key.. therefore Sara was never mad at him. The only people who are outside the walls are Michael, Lincoln and Sucre.

Current Mood: cheerful

08:40 pm - A New Beginning part 3

So here's the last part... Enjoy!

Current Mood: cheerful

08:38 pm - A New Beginning part 2

So here's the 2nd part it said my post was too long... and if anyone can email me with directions how to do that link thing I'd be super happy!

Current Mood: cheerful

08:35 pm - A New Beginning

Somehow I missed this fic when I started posting a while back... well I've dug it out  and made a change or two, so enjoy!
Oh... MiSa of course!
ps. sorry I don't know how to do the link thing...

Current Mood: cheerful

05:16 pm - Adding to the family

Current Mood: excited

03:36 pm - Joining the Family (Just Like Family -Part 3)

Here's part three... Enjoy and please let me know what you think! ~Jen

Current Mood: content

05:40 pm - Going to LA!

Jay and I are going to LA! I'm so excited! He's going to be working part of the time, but there will be tons of time to do some sightseeing. Talk about a great first Anniversary after our movie themed wedding reception! I'll post a zillion pics and details when we return!

Current Mood: excited

12:33 pm - Origami Flowers

This is something I wrote a while ago, Michael/Sara of course. Enjoy. Love to know what you think about it! ~Jen

Sara rolled over to look at the clock and saw it was still the middle of the night. She didn't normally wake up during the night unless the neighbors were fighting or a cat knocked the garbage cans over outside her window. Pulling the covers over her head she wondered what it was that woke her. It was just after three am and now she was wide awake. Realizing she wasn't going to get back to sleep anytime soon she got out of bed and wandered into the kitchen to get a drink. "Maybe a cup of tea will help me" she had a habit of talking to herself, sometimes even her house plants. It made her feel less alone.
Sara grabbed her Northwestern mug out of the dishwasher and filled it with water and put it in the microwave. She looked in the pantry for the box of her favorite tea and realized the last time she used it was two days ago when Katie was over checking on her. She closed the pantry and went to the kitchen table and stopped in her tracks. There in the middle of the table was an origami rose. Sara stood frozen in that spot a million thoughts racing through her head until the microwave dinged and snapped her back into reality. She retrieved her mug of hot water and sat down at the table. She slowly made her tea; never taking her eyes off the flower for fear that it might disappear. She knew who it was from. There was no question about it. But why? Sara sat at the table staring at the flower while she drank her tea wondering why after three months he would try to contact her now. After her tea was gone Sara slowly reached out and picked up the delicate flower. Twirling it around in her fingers she felt a calm wash over her, as if someone was looking out for her Sara got up and put her mug in the sink and walked back to her bedroom. Putting the flower on her nightstand she turned out the light and fell asleep.

----

Each night after that a different colored rose appeared on her kitchen table. On the third night, Sara got curious and hung her Christmas bells on the front door in an attempt to see if that was how he was getting into her apartment. Sara didn’t wake up that night. She concluded it wasn't the front door but probably the patio door. That night she attempted to stay awake and wait up for him. Sure enough every other night she had trouble falling asleep, but that night she fell asleep watching TV in the living room. Michael came in, left his rose and went into the living room to check on her. She looked so peaceful. He gently pulled the blanket off the back of the couch and draped it across her before leaving.

The next night Sara left him a note.

They're beautiful, thank-you.

Are you Ok?

All he left was a rose. Sara now had five roses, red, yellow, white, orange, and pink arranged in a small round vase on her kitchen table.

On the sixth night, Michael entered her apartment through the patio door, knowing just how far to slide it before it made a noise. He walked into the dark kitchen and smiled a little when he saw the vase of roses in the moonlight. Laying another in front of it he sighed slightly. Michael turned quickly to leave and came face to face with Sara.

"Hi"
"Hey" Michael said softly.

Silence fills the room, neither of them wanting to look the other in the eye.

"Thanks, they're beautiful" she said breaking the silence.

"I wanted to make sure you were ok, I .. uh.. I heard what happened." he confessed, finally meeting her gaze. She was leaning on the doorframe, her arms crossed in front of her. If her voice wasn't so calm and reassuring he would think she was mad.

"I'm ok. Uh... how did you know?" she asked looking down. 

"It's a long story, I really should get going. Linc doesn't know I've been leaving at night." Michael replied avoiding her question. 

“Right, this is where you don't answer my question..." she threw back at him quickly.

"It's just not safe for me to be here for long Sara." he wanted to explain more but didn't want to take the chance that her apartment was bugged.

"Not safe for you?" she asked slowly, "Why Michael, do you think I have cops sleeping in my closet or something?"

"No, that's not it." he said a small smile forming on his face before continuing, "Besides, I already checked your closet."

"All clear?" she asked as she looked into his steel blue eyes as he nodded yes.

"I want to tell you everything," he started, "But I'm not going to be here much longer."
"Oh,” she replied sounding a little surprised and sad, “Where are you going?" she asked.

He hoped she wouldn't have asked, "I can't tell you..." he said quietly.

Sara took a deep breath and rubbed her forehead before opening her mouth. "I would hope by now that you know you can trust me Michael. I think it's safe to say I've already done enough to earn your trust."

"Completely…" he wanted to say more but was cut off by Sara.

"Then why don't you tell me what's going on, cuz I know there's more than just breaking Lincoln out of Fox River. What's going on Michael?" she asked putting her hand on his arm that was now crossed over his chest.

Michael closed his eyes and took a deep breath before speaking, "Ok, but lets sit down."

"Ok" she said turning to follow him into the living room. He sat down on one end of the couch and she on the other. Sara pulled her legs up under her and turned to face him.

"I'll tell you what's going on, but you can't say anything until I'm done, ok?" he said looking her in the eye.

"Ok, go ahead."

Michael told her all about the conspiracy, the Company, and how Veronica and LJ's mom were killed. Sara sat on the couch with a look of sheer surprise on her face. By the time he was done 30 minutes later her jaw was hanging open.

"Are you ok?" he asked when he was finished. He didn't get an answer right away so he moved closer to her on the couch and touched her arm.

"Umm... Yeah I think so" she finally stuttered out, "I knew something was wrong but never would have expected that."

"Welcome to my world. I didn't know about the Company till we broke out. I just thought he was set up." Michael explained.

"So... You have a plan I assume."

"Working on it. Basically we're leaving the country. Heading south, how far south I'm not sure yet."

Sara nodded her head, realizing this could be the last time she would see him. She tried for the past few weeks to tell herself that she had no feelings for Michael Scofield, but now that he was sitting here on her couch her heart was telling her something else.

"Michael, I have to tell you something," before she knew it the words were out of her mouth.

"Sure." he replied.

“I  ... Uh... don't really know how to tell you this," she looked down at her hands before she continued, "When you take the job, the first thing they tell you is... uh... never fall in love with an inmate."

Sara glanced up at him and realized he's moved closer to her, almost touching her. Michael reached out and lifted her chin so she was looking him in the eye.

"Sara...” he whispered as he pushed his lips against hers. Sara welcomed his kiss and leaned into him. By the time they came up for air Michael was on top of her on the couch. Suddenly aware of what was happening Michael got up and backed away from her a look of shock on his face, "I'm sorry Sara."

Sara sat up and chuckled a little. "It's ok, believe me."
"Maybe I should be going." he started.

"You don't have to Michael."

"I don't want to drag you into this Sara." he told her, walking back towards the couch.

Sara stood up and stepped closer to him, "I think I threw myself into this when I left that door open Michael."

"I don't want you to get hurt." he replied, putting his hand up to her cheek, "These guys don't play fair."

"Are you saying I need a body guard?" she asked him, putting her hands on his hips.

"It wouldn't be a bad idea..." he replied hoping he knew what she was thinking. He entertained the idea of her coming with them a million times but never thought she would go for it.

"Know where I could get one?" she asked with a small smile.

"Actually, I do. Two in fact. Three if you count a teenager in there" he said as he pulled her in to his chest. Sara laid her head on his shoulder taking in his scent.

"So what's the plan?" she asked.

"Are you saying you want to go with us?" he asked pulling away from her slightly so he could see her face.

"I like road trips" she replied nodding her head yes.

"There are some things I have to set up tomorrow, but we'll be leaving in the next two days."

"Two days? That's it?" she asked

"Do you trust me Sara?" he replied looking into her dark eyes.
"Of course Michael."
"Ok. We’ll go. You stay here and take care of what you need to. You'll hear from me with instructions."
"Is it ok for me to be here alone?" she asked realizing why Michael didn't want her to know too much. If these people knew she left the door open for him they might come after her too.

"You'll be fine. I've been watching you for a while, there's no one out there." he said pointing to the street.

"Where are you going?" she asked looking up into his steel blue eyes.

"I'm not sure yet, but I'll let you know as soon as we're there." he replied as he leaned in to kiss her quickly. "I need to get going, get out of here before it’s daylight. Are you sure you want to do this Sara?"

"Absolutely" she said quickly never taking her eyes off his.

Michael leaned down and kissed her passionately one last time before turning towards the patio door. "You'll hear from me soon."

"Be safe" she called as he slipped out the door into the night.

***

Sara watched the news every night hoping she wouldn’t see Michael Scofield. It took her by surprise how much she wanted to run off to be with Michael, but after all she’s been though he seemed like the safest bet. Every night Sara went to bed hoping that she would hear from them the next day. Sara had a bag packed and hidden in the back of her closet waiting for her to grab it on her way out the door.

One week after Michael left her apartment for the last time, Sara stopped on her way home to grab her favorite drink at Starbucks. Sipping her iced coffee she walked up the steps to her apartment and stopped at the mailbox. She pulled three envelopes out of the box; Phone bill, cable bill and a plain white envelope with no return address. Her palms got sweaty, her heart raced and she almost dropped her drink. This is what she's been waiting for. Sara ran up the steps to her apartment and after unlocking the front door rushed into the kitchen. Taking a knife out of the dishwasher she slit the top of the envelope and pulled out an origami crane. She flipped it over in her hand and noticed writing on the underside of the wing. O’Hare 2473

 Sara went to her computer and looked up departing flights from O’Hare. Searching the endless list of flights she finally found flight 2473 left on Friday for Baja. Sara smiled remembering how Michael had mentioned Baja to her once before.

 Have you ever been to Baja?  Mexico? There’s this great place down there. Twenty bucks a night, hammock on the back deck; beers are fifty cents, twenty five cents at happy hour.

****

Two days later Sara found herself at the ticket counter.

 “One ticket to Baja, Flight 2473 please.” She asked the person behind the counter. Sara gave her drivers license and her credit card over to the woman.

“Ms Tancredi, we already have a ticket in your name.”

“Oh.” Sara looked confused.

“There’s a note attached for you.” The woman replied as she handed Sara the ticket.

See you soon.

“Here’s your seat number and you’re all set. Have a good trip.”

 “Thank- you.” Sara replied grabbing her carryon and heading towards the boarding area.

****

Sara walked through the terminal following everyone towards the baggage claim area. She stood facing the luggage carousel watching the bags go in circles waiting for their owners to claim them. Sara didn’t notice him walk up next to her. When he reached out and grabbed her hand her head whipped to the side. Two blue steel eyes were shining back at her.

“I’m glad you came.” He said softly.

“I wouldn’t have missed it for the world.” she had a large smile on her face.

 Her bag came around and she grabbed it off the carousel. Michael took it from her and carried it out to the car. Lincoln was in the driver’s seat and next to him was LJ.

“Hi Doc.” Lincoln said as Michael opened the door for her.

“Hi Lincoln. You know, you can call me Sara.” She replied sliding across the backset to make room for Michael.

“Ok Do…. Sara. This is my son LJ.” He said ruffling the teen’s hair.

“Nice to meet you” she said from the back.

“Hey.” He said looking back to see the person his uncle had bee talking about for the past week nonstop.

“Alright Linc, lets go home.” Michael said closing the door.

 Everyone wanted to know how Sara’s flight was and if she had any trouble. After a short drive they pulled up in front of a hotel. From the parking lot Sara could see between two of the buildings to a deck on the beach.

“There’s a hammock back there, but you have to share.” Michael said taking her hand to help her from the car.

“I just might hold you to that.” She replied chuckling softly.

She followed Michael into a hotel room where he put her suitcase on the bed.

“I’m going to change and I’ll be right out.” She said as she turned towards the bathroom.

Five minutes later she emerged from the room in two piece bathing suit and shorts. She wandered over to the deck where she found the boys. Michael handed her a strawberry daiquiri and she took a small sip.

“Virgin, good call.” She replied taking the fruit off the top of the glass and popping it into her mouth.

Sara walked down to the beach and sat down in the soft white sand. The water so clear and a shade of blue she’s never seen before. There was a long dock and at the end of the dock was a large yacht. The whole place looked just like a postcard. A few weeks ago she’d never have guessed that she’d be sitting on the beach with the two most wanted men in America, and yet nothing had ever felt so right.

“You weren’t kidding were you?” she asked as he sat down next to her.

“Nope, 50 cent beers, 25 at happy hour.” He said raising his glass slightly.

“How long do you plan on staying here?” she asked looking back at the hotel.

“Until we decide to sail somewhere else.” He replied watching her face.

“Excuse me?” she said clearly confused.

“The boat.” He pointed out to the water, “It’s ours.”

She almost choked on her daiquiri. “Are you kidding me?”

Michael smiled as he took her hand in his. “Nope. Where do you want to go?”

Current Mood: happy

04:36 pm - Be My Family (Just Like Family 2)

This is for those of you who wanted to know where Just Like Family was going... And, there will be more to come!
As I was falling asleep last nite I had a great title for this... now I don't... that's what I get for not writing it down! Enjoy! ~Jen

01:33 pm - Happy Hour

Ok, since the last one went over so well, here's another. I'm not 100% happy with the title, so any suggestions are welcome. As always please let me know what you think, good or bad. And cuz I don't wanna get in trouble with anyone, no copyright infringement intended... I own nothing but my Season 1 dvd's... and the book that arrived in the mail today. Enjoy

Happy Hour

It’s been three months since he’d seen her. Three long months. Michael had heard about her over dose. He thought it was his fault; he would never forgive himself for causing her so much pain. 
In the beginning, he didn’t think about her too much; probably because he was too busy getting his brother out of the country. But after they arrived in Baja and were settled in the house waiting for them, Michael had plenty of time to think about her. Plenty of time to figure out how to see her. Ignoring Lincoln’s protest, Michael set out for Chicago and made record time, arriving at her door three days later. He had three days to figure how to approach her, and came up with nothing. Michael stood across the street and watched her apartment. He could see movement past the windows but couldn’t tell if she was alone. Just as he was about to walk into the building and knock on her front door, she came outside. Her hair was pulled into a ponytail and she wore gym shorts and a t-shirt. She stretched her legs a little on the steps out front of her apartment and started running down the street.

“She likes to run” he thought, hiding behind a car so she didn’t see him. He watched her until he couldn’t see her anymore wondering what else he doesn’t know about her.

Looking around the empty street Michael realized this was his shot. He entered her building and picking the lock to her apartment let himself in. Before closing he door behind him, he gently placed something on her doormat.

Walking through her apartment he realized she really isn’t a packrat like she claimed. There are magazines in the living room, mostly women’s interest, but some medical. Michael must have lost track of time staring at the pictures on the wall in her hallway, next thing he knew he heard a key in the lock. Looking for a quick place to hide, he ducked into her bedroom. From there he can see into the living room. He saw her close the front door, looking at the envelope in her hand. Sitting down on the sofa she ripped off the end to dump out the contents, an origami crane. Sara sat staring at the bird in her hand, remembering the flower Michael had made for her on her birthday. Michael watched her, hoping she realized it was from him. He pulled back farther into her room as she stood and started to walk down the hall. Setting the bird on the hall table, she entered the bathroom. It wasn’t long before Michael heard the sound of running water. Debating whether or not to remain in her room or go into the bathroom and hold her towel for her, Michael decided to remain in her room. Looking around her room Michael saw there were not a lot of places for him to hide besides her closet.  He opened it to find a sea of shoes. “She’s got a shoe fetish” he said out loud. He tried a few times to make room in the closet but gave up after the mountain of shoes fell out for the third time. Shoving all the shoes back in he closed the door wondering what else he can find out about her while she’s in the shower.
Michael pulled her covers back, revealing satin sheets, he also discovered her little black nightgown tucked under her pillow. There are pictures of her and her father on the nightstand. He heard the water stop in the next room and realizing he has no place to hide, he sat down on the bed and waited.

***

It felt good to take a long shower, hot water pouring down over her shoulders. She never was one for bubble baths; they seemed pointless, just sitting in the tub. Tonight she planned to sit in front of the TV with a pint of Ben & Jerry’s. Wrapping the towel around her body and securing it at the top she opened the bathroom door and let all the steam out. Running a comb through her hair she looked at the person staring back at her through the mirror. She was starting to recognize the person again. Three months ago the person staring back seemed like a stranger to her. Now it seemed she was finally getting her life back on track. She started working at a clinic, went to her meetings on a regular basis and even had a civil conversation with her dad. Yet everyday she wondered about a particular eight-toed escaped inmate, “Where is he, is he ok, is he alive? The questions she didn’t have answers to but desperately needed.

Sara walked into the hall, wet hair hanging onto her shoulders and looked at the bird. She knew it was from him and that put a smile on her face. He was ok, and he was thinking about her.

Michael waited, he knew any second she was going to walk into that room and he had no clue how she was going to react. H almost jumped out of his skin when the phone rang. Looking around the room he breathed a sigh of relief to see she didn’t have a phone in her room.  He heard her voice from down the hall…

“Hello?”

“Oh Hey Katie.”

“I’m fine. I went to a meeting and then out for a run.”

“Hey I just got out of the shower, can I call you back?”

“Ok, no problem, I’ll talk to you tomorrow then.”

“K-bye”

He heard her hang up the phone and he heard her steps getting closer and closer.

Sara pushed the door open and stopped dead in her tracks. Sitting on her bed, his elbows on his knee’s and his head in his hands was Michael Scofield.

“Michael…” she heard escape from her lips.

 ***

 He sat on her bed, his elbows on his knees, his hands clasped in front of him. His head down, his eyes concentrating on the carpet between his feet. 

"Hello Sara" he said quickly raising his head to see her. She stood in the doorway, a look of shock still on her face. Sara opened her mouth to speak, but nothing came out. They just stare at each other, neither knowing what to say.

"I can wait in the living room while you get dressed." Michael said trying to ease the tension in the room. He stood up and walked towards the door she was still standing in.
"Ok" Sara stuttered stepping aside to let him through. Michael gave her a quick glance as he walked down the hallway. Sara closed the door making sure it latched completely. She quickly threw on a pair of jeans and a tank top and looked at herself in the mirror before walking out into the hallway.

Michael was seated on the couch looking around the room at her pictures on the walls. Sara cleared her throat and he jumped up, a habit he's picked up being on the run no doubt. Michael opened his mouth to say something but she cut him off.

"You're in my apartment, I get to ask the questions." she said as she sat down on the other end of the couch.

"Fair enough" he replied looking down at his hands.

"How did you get in here?" she asked.

"I broke out of a maximum security prison." he explained, "Your front door wasn't much of a challenge; you might want to think about installing an alarm..."

"I'll keep that in mind." she took a deep breath before continuing, "Why are you really here Michael?"

"I need to explain everything to you Sara... If you'll let me." he said looking into her dark eyes.

Sara nodded her head for him to continue.

"You have to understand, I did it all for my brother..." Michael went on to explain the research he did, his tattoo's, the plan. He saw a look of realization on her face as he was talking, a look he was dreading. Michael took a deep breath and held it in for a second before he realized he needed to tell her how he really felt.

"Yes, I researched you. Your quote, your yearbook... but there was no way I could prepare myself for you. You're amazing, brilliant and beautiful."

"Yeah, sure." she replied with cynicism, anger rising at the thought that he used her.

Michael never lost eye contact. "Sara, remember our kiss? I could have taken the keys then, but that moment was all about us. I had to let you know how I felt... I feel. It's why I came back to Chicago."

"For me?" she said shocked, "Michael I can't... I ..."

"For you. I asked you to wait for me..."

"I did." she said looking down at her hands, a small smile on her face. "There's, um, something I have to tell you." she continued looking down.
"I already know." he stopped her.

Sara looked up at him searching his eyes to see what he's thinking about her now that he knows her horrible secret.

"I came to check on you Sara, I had to know you were ok." he said.

"That's pretty much a relative term now a days..." she said, "Compared to being in the hospital, I'm great." she joked.

"Sara I want to make sure nothing else happens to you."
"I don't need a babysitter Michael."

"The people who framed Lincoln will come after you too; it's just a matter of time. They killed Veronica, they killed LJ's mom."
She stared at him wondering if it was all true.

"I need you to believe me Sara," seeing the look on her face he continued, "I need you to know you're the reason I'm here. I want to protect you."
Sara tried to hold back the tears that were trying to escape her eyes as she nodded her head, "Ok."

"Ok?" he asked reaching out taking her hand in his.

"Ok." she said quietly.

"I have a plan..." he began.

----------------------------------------------------------------

Sara put in a request for two weeks off and was granted three. The doctor in charge of the clinic told her to take her time.
Right now all Sara wanted to do was hurry up. The driver of the taxi was going so slow. The sun would be down soon and she had to be there on time.  She wasn't exactly sure where she was going but she knew to whom. Sara handed the driver some money as the cab pulled up to a quiet restaurant. She grabbed her suitcase out of the trunk and took a deep breath. There was no turning back now. Walking around the deck of the restaurant Sara felt her chest get tight. Anticipation was killing her. Finally at the back she dropped her suitcase by the walkway and headed over to the tree. Relaxed in the hammock she found him, a smile on his face.

"I told you" Michael called out to Lincoln sitting nearby on the deck.

"Good, now will you shut up about her?" Lincoln replied teasing his brother.

A smile crossed her face as she closed the distance between them. He sat up and Sara wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer to her.

'Am I too late for happy hour?" she asked remembering their conversation in the infirmary.

"Just in time." he replied as he kissed her gently.

 


Ok, let me know what you think! ~Jen

Current Mood: chipper

08:17 pm - Just Like Family

This is my first fic I've put anywhere for people as a whole to read...  please let me know what you think. I'm a Misa fan so it's mostly about them, although lincoln is thrown in there too.
  I don't own PB, just my season 1 dvd's.

 

Sara woke up to a pounding headache. Without opening her eyes she knew immediately that she wasn't in her apartment. It just didn't feel like home; the bed wasn't soft enough and the pillow was too soft. Taking a deep breath she opened her eyes to take in her surroundings. Seeing nothing familiar she closed her eyes and put her hand on her forehead trying to remember the night before. After the third bar everything was a little hazy.  She did remember why she was out at the bar though. It was something she wished many times she could forget; last night was the one year anniversary of Michael Scofield surrendering to the police. It was one year since she saw him last, one year since the last person who cared about her had left her. She knew he had to do it; they couldn't be on the run forever, that wasn't the life that they wanted. And if he was cooperative he would probably get a break, it all made sense, but it still sucked.

Sara breathed a quick sigh of relief when she realized she was completely dressed and in bed alone. Just as she was about to get up and hopefully leave before running into anyone she would definitely not recognize, she heard a door open behind her. Taking a deep breath, she rolled over to see the person she went home from the bar with. When the room stopped spinning and her vision come into focus she saw a familiar face. Lincoln Burrows. He was leaning against the door frame, arms crossed over his chest, a look of concern on his face. Sara slowly pulled the covers over her head moaning.

Lincoln came to sit on the side of the bed, "Good morning Sunshine."

"Oh God." she moaned from under the covers, "You have to be kidding me. This has to be a dream. Maybe I'm still drunk..."

"Come on Sara, I know why you were out at the bar last night. Why do you think I was there?" he replied, "It's hard on all of us."

Slowly Sara removed the covers from her head.  "What happened last night?"

"I was visiting a friend who owns O'Mallys when you came in. You looked pretty bad so I figured I'd keep an eye out for ya." he explained a small smile forming on his face, "When you started dancing on the bar I decided it was time to get you out of there."

"Oh god" she moaned and rolled away from Lincoln.

"Sara... I'm just kidding." he laughed, "You weren't dancing on the bar. You did look pretty bad though, and when some guy wouldn't leave you alone, I stepped in."

"Did I ... “she started, "... um... say anything or do anything I'd regret?"

"Not really." he started, "Look Sara, I know how hard it is. He won't let me see him."

Rolling over, Sara saw sadness in Lincoln's eyes.  "I didn't know." she whispered.

"Yeah, well after I got exonerated I went to see him. He was glad I got out, but he told me not to come back. I tried once or twice, but he wouldn't see me."

"Lincoln, I'm sorry. He wouldn't see me at all." she replied starting to get choked up, "Called me once, asked me not to come again. Told me that it was too hard."

"I guess he's made his decision" Lincoln said looking down at the floor.

Sara reached out and touched his arm. Lincoln looked up at her, tears in his eyes. "We're going to help each other through this." she said quietly. "God knows I could use someone to keep me in check" she laughed and then put her hand up to her aching head.

"How've you been?" he asked.

"Not too bad, I've been working at a clinic part time, going to meetings," she replied before chuckling, "Guess I need to give my sponsor a call, huh?"

"How long were you sober?" he asked.

"9 months." she replied and looked away before continuing, "I didn't handle it so well when he turned himself in. I felt like he was just giving up… on everything... on us."

Sara stared out the window, that day coming rushing back to her.

***flashback***

Sara returned to the hotel room to see Michael still sitting in the chair. His shirt was soaked with his blood, the gunshot wound she tried to patch as best she could still bleeding.

“They’ll be here soon.” He said quietly.

“WHAT?!” she screamed.

“I said I’d give myself up at 1.” He said trying to avoid her piercing gaze.

“Michael why’d you do this?” she started crying.

Lincoln walked out of the bathroom and Sara turned to him, anger in her voice, “Did you know about this?”

“Yeah. He needs help Sara, you said so yourself.” He replied walking farther into the room.

Sara sat on the edge of the bed next to Michael and put her head in her hands.

“Don’t worry. They won’t touch you.”

“I’m not worried about that Michael. I’m worried about you.” She said looking up with tears in her eyes.

Lincoln went around the room and picked up their belongings, trying his best to not interrupt them.

Sara reached out and took Michaels hand. “Michael, I want you to know…” she started but he cut her off.

“I’ve said it before, but it won’t always be like this.”

A single tear slid down her cheek as she leaned in to kiss his. “I love you too.”

They look up as the door to the hotel room opened. Two cops came in the room guns drawn.

“Put your hands up.”
Michael and Lincoln did as they were told.

“Ma’am, please step back.” The other officer instructed her.

Sara sat back on the bed as the two cops cuffed the love of her life and his brother. Sara sat on that bed crying for hours after the officers took Michael and Lincoln away.

***end flashback***

Sara was startled back into reality hearing Lincoln’s voice.

"When he's got a plan, he's hard to stop." Lincoln said, trying to explain Michael's actions.

"Yeah, I see that now.' she replied sarcastically.

After Sara felt good enough to get out of bed, they exchanged phone numbers. Lincoln promised they wouldn't lose touch this time. They went to dinner or coffee once every two weeks. Mostly they talked about work, how LJ's doing at school and the weather. They hardly mentioned Michael, simply because it was easier not to.

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Six months later, Sara was just finishing her lunch when her phone rang.

"Hey Sara" Lincoln said the way he always did when she answered her phone.

"Hey Linc, what's up?" she said finishing the last of her sandwich.

"I'm not sure how to tell you this...” he began.

"What is it Lincoln? Is LJ ok?" she replied, starting to get worried at the sound of his voice.

"LJ's fine. It's Michael." he replied.

Sara stopped what she was doing and forgot to breathe. "Michael? Is he ok?" she asked concerned, her heart starting to race.  

"Yeah, he's great. He's getting out Sara. This week."

"What?" she choked out.

"Yeah, just got the call from the DOC. Something about early parole for good behavior... I wasn't really paying attention after they said I could come pick him up tomorrow."

"Tomorrow?!" she replied collapsing onto the couch.

"Yeah. Can you believe it?"

"Lincoln, that's great. You guys get to be a family now. I'm so happy for you." she replied still trying to let it all sink in.

"You know you're part of the family Sara." Lincoln said, realizing Sara was trying to separate herself.

Sara wringed her hands together, not saying anything for a while before taking a breath and said, "Michael is coming home to you Lincoln; you don't need to be my big brother anymore. You've got your brother to take care of now."

"Sara. You know how I feel about you. You are my sister. If it wasn't for you, I wouldn't be here. You're important to me. To us."

"I really appreciate that Lincoln, but you need to be there for Michael now. I'll be fine."

"I thought you'd want to come with me tomorrow to pick him up.'

"I don't think that's a good idea Linc, he said he didn't want to see me." she replied quickly.

"He didn't want you to come see him in prison Sara. He didn't want you to see him like that."

"I saw him every day in Fox River. What's the difference?" she threw back at him, trying to hide her emotions.

"You were doing your job then. You weren't a visitor." Lincoln tried to explain.

"Does he know we've been going to dinner once a month?" she asked trying to change the subject slightly.

Lincoln waited a second before he replied, "No, I figured he would start to ask questions... questions he didn't want the answers to."

"I don't think it's a good idea Lincoln. If he wants to see me, he can find me."

"Sara."

"I'm fine Linc, I gotta run, Katie's going to be here any minute."

"Fine, but don't think this is over." he counters, "I'll be sure to tell him you say 'congrats'"

"Ok, and hey Linc," she hesitates before continuing, "Thanks for letting me know."

"No problem Sara."

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Sara worked a double at the clinic the next day. Partly to keep her busy and partly because they needed someone and she didn't turn her back on someone when they needed help. By the time she got home that night, she was exhausted. Purposefully ignoring the answering machine, she hopped in the shower and then went to bed. The following morning there were no messages on her machine, but there was a voicemail on her cell phone. Checking her voicemail proved she knew Lincoln Burrows better than she thought, he called, wanted to let her know Michael was home and in one piece. Also LJ's birthday is Saturday and she's coming over for dinner. No questions about it, he would come get her if he had to.

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 Sara arrived at the house on Saturday a little early. She liked to be early, her father was never on time. She promised herself long ago that she would always be early, just so she wouldn't be like her father. Lincoln opened the door and ushered her inside giving her a quick hug. "Glad you're here."

"Where's the birthday boy?" she asked hanging her coat up.

"At the mall with Michael. They should be home shortly." he said walking into the kitchen.

"Oh." she replied hesitantly.

"I heard that" he replied, "You're part of this family Sara... You have every right to be here. LJ wants you here. There's nothing to be scared about."

"You obviously don't know me well Lincoln; I'm not a scared person... Just painfully aware how awkward it's going to be." she replied helping him finish set the table.

Sara didn't hear the front door open. Lincoln heard it and looked up to see LJ walk into the kitchen area and hug Sara from behind.

"Woa, LJ! You could give someone a heart attacking coming up behind them like that." she said turning around to give him a proper hug.

"You gotta see this" LJ exclaimed to his dad, reaching his arm out. "Uncle Mike got it for me."

"That's a nice watch, son" Lincoln said examining the silver band.

"It's what he wanted." Michael said from the doorway. Sara turned quickly to see where the voice was coming from.

Michael stood leaning against the doorway, his hands stuffed in his pockets. He looked taller than she remembered, but maybe it was the nice clothes that did it. Kahki's and a nice black polo shirt did more for Michael Scofield than prison blues ever would, even though he looked great in blue. Whatever it was, he looked good.

"Hey" he said noticing her looking at him.

"Hey" she replied looking down quickly.

"Ok LJ lets go get the food" Lincoln spoke up and grabbed his keys off the counter.

"You want the usual Sara?" LJ asked over his shoulder as he followed his dad out of the kitchen.

"Yeah, that's fine." she replied realizing what Lincoln was doing and secretly planning his demise later.

"So..." Michael said, looking down to the hardwood floor.

"So..." she replied hoping that they'd return soon.

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"You think they'll be ok?" LJ asked as he climbed in the passenger seat of the sedan.

"Yeah... It’ll be good for um." Lincoln replied, a cheshire grin on his face.

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Michael pulled himself off the doorframe and walked towards the fridge. Sara stood frozen in her place as she watched him move closer to her.

"You want something to drink?" he asked brushing his arm against hers as he passed her.

"Yeah, sure." she replied her throat suddenly dry.

"Iced tea or soda?" he asked, his head shoved into the fridge.

"Tea's fine." she answered walking behind him and grabbing two glasses out of the cabinet.

Neither of them said anything as he poured the drinks and put the bottle back in the fridge. Michael closed the fridge and turned to see Sara staring at him.

"It's good to see you." he said quietly hoping she wouldn't notice the nervousness in his voice.

"You too" she said putting her drink down and taking a step closer, awkwardly opening her arms. Taken by surprise Michael stood still as she stepped in and hugged him. Slowly he raised his hand up and placed it on her back closing his eyes to savor the moment. A quick smile formed on his face. He had been hoping that he would see her again but he never thought it would be this soon or this pleasant.

"How've you been?" she asked as she pulled away.

"Good" he replied wondering if it was her or the doctor in her asking. "How about you?"

"Good. Keeping busy." she answered grabbing her drink off the counter and taking a sip.

Michael took his drink and walked into the living room. Grabbing a coaster he sat down on the couch and put his glass down on the coffee table. Sara followed him out of the kitchen.

"Linc really did a great job with this place" Michael said looking around the room, his gaze stopping at the huge built in bookcase.

"Yeah, he's been working on it for a while." she said eyeing the walnut built-in.

"I'm glad you guys have become close." he confesses looking up at her.

"Me too." she admits realizing Lincoln must have explained their friendship. "They've been really good friends. Like family actually."

"Good." he said never taking his eyes off her. She seemed slightly tense. "Can you sit down, you're making me nervous."

A small laugh escaped her, "Sure." She walked into the living room and sat at the other end of the couch. Pulling her feet up under her she turned to face him. She figured they had about fifteen minutes before Lincoln and LJ returned with the Chinese food.

"Listen Sara, I...uh... want to explain."

He said her name. Millions of people say 'Sara' but none quite like him. The way her name rolled off his tongue made her heart flutter.

Snapping back to reality, "There's no need Michael. You don't have to."

"I want to." he paused, "I want you to know I didn't want to shut you out. It was just easier. I was supposed to be there so much longer, I didn't want you putting your life on hold for me."

There were his self worth issues. He was always trying to save someone, even if they didn't want it.

"In Fox River, you asked me to wait for you. I know that wasn't part of your plan. What's the difference?" she asked hoping to get some sort of answer from him.

"Sara, when I went back... I never expected to see the outside again," he looked down "I never thought I'd live to see parole. Too many CO's and inmates were scorned."

"Oh," Sara said, "Lincoln never said why you were released so early. Now it makes sense. It wasn't safe for you in there."

"Yeah, we just needed our proof." he trailed off.

"What?" she exclaimed, "Michael, what happened?"

He read the worry on her face and in her voice, "We got our proof. The safest place for me was on the outside." Michael didn't want to worry her more so he kept his description vague.

Not sure what to say, she fidgeted with her class ring. "I guess the important thing is you're safe and with your family now." she said as she looked up to see him.

"Speaking of family," he began.

"We're back!" LJ called from the front door.

"Cool it LJ, they're not teenagers, they're probably not going at it on the couch." Linc explained entering the dining room and setting dinner on the table. He peered into the living room, "Although they are on the couch." he said under his breath.

 After dinner LJ put a movie in they picked up earlier. Sara sat on the couch next to LJ, Michael sprawled out on the Lazy Boy and Lincoln took up residence on the floor.

“Here.” Sara threw a couch pillow at Lincolns head halfway through the movie. Lincoln turned around and shot her a look which made LJ laugh. The rest of the movie was watched in silence. Everyone but Michael was looking at the TV. He was looking at Sara.

"That was fun guys, but it's time for me to head home" Sara said during the credits of the movie.

"Oh no, you're not walking home this late, you're staying." Lincoln replied from the floor.

"Is that so?" Sara said standing up and stretching, "And where am I sleeping? I’m sure Michael's got the spare room."

"I'll take you home" Michael spoke up.

"You sure?" she asked turning to look at him.

"Yeah, just let me find my shoes." he said getting up from the cushy chair.

"Ok. Take your time." she said before turning back to the couch, "Come here Birthday Boy." Sara hugged LJ once more and grabbed her purse from the kitchen counter.

"Night guys" she called as she walked towards the front door.

"Night" Linc mumbled.

"See ya" LJ called.

"You really don't have to take me home, it's just a mile, and I’ll be fine."  Sara said walking down the front steps.

"Don't worry about it, hop in." he said unlocking the car door.

Most of the 5 minute drive was done in silence except for Sara giving Michael directions. There was a slight awkwardness as Michael pulled up in front of Sara's building and put the car in park.

"Thanks again," she said turning towards him, "You really didn't have to."

"No problem, I wanted to..." he confessed.

"Well, I uh..." she turned to look at her apartment.

"Sara."

"Yeah?" she turned to face him.

Michael closed his eyes and took a deep breath, "I never should have pushed you away. I am so sorry..." he confessed looking in her eyes to make sure she believed what he was saying.

"Michael, you don't have to." she started to say.

"Yes, I do." he interrupted, "I want to make it up to you. I want to be a part of that family you were talking about at the house."

Sara suddenly has tears in her eyes. "What member?"

"We'll work that out." he replies as he leans in and captures her lips in a kiss.

Sara accepts his kiss and deepens it further; accepting him. Breaking apart of air, she smiles as she reminds him, "You still owe me dinner Scofield."

"How's tomorrow?" he asks as a small smile formed on his lips.

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