He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother.
"What now?"
"We run."
They had done it. Michael had done it.
The cold air was in their faces as they ran for their lives away from Fox River and everything it held. Lincoln watched Michael as he ran ahead of him, his baby brother who had saved him and Lincoln found it hard to understand Michael was no longer that shy and careful kid who would so gratefully cherish the origami cranes Lincoln would leave for him if he knew he wouldn't be back with him for a few days. Michael admired simplicity and that made Lincoln love him fiercer and want to protect him at any cost. It was only really now that it had dawned on Lincoln that Michael had been caring for him for the last few years, adopting the crane and folding them for him now.
Lincoln quicken his pace and caught up with Michael, grabbing his hand with his own and holding it tight. Michael gave him a sideways glance and grinned victoriously. They were together and they were free.
"Mike," Lincoln offered quietly and tugged his hand gently.
"What is it?" Michael replied, slowing his pace. Lincoln stopped suddenly, jarring Michael's arm until he came to an halt with his brother. "Linc?"
Lincoln didn't reply but he gathered his brother to him and embraced him tightly. Michael obliged him and wrapped his arms around Lincoln's broad back. The two brothers weren't as scrawny as they had been in their youth and Lincoln was surprised at Michael's immense strength he held in his arms and back.
"I love you," Lincoln mumbled as he buried his face into the cotton of Michael's collar and squeezed him hard one last time before he released him. "Thank you," Lincoln said as their eyes met.
Michael was taken aback. Emotions were already running high and the adrenalin from the escape was wearing thin, leaving Michael tired and emotional. He took his gaze away from Lincoln's and felt his eyes prickle horribly. Michael creased his face and lent hard on Lincoln's shoulder, sobbing silently. He was exhausted physically, mentally and emotionally and had been working non stop toward this moment for months and months and now it was here and he was living it, it was just too much to handle.
"I'm so sorry for everything," Michael said, muffled through slight embarrassment and lack of air. "Everything."
"Hey," Lincoln said, holding Michael close again and feeling like it was fifteen years ago and they were both kids with only each other for comfort. "You saved my life. You have nothing to be sorry about."
Michael buried his face again and held onto Lincoln, almost enjoying being the little brother again. He wasn't used to being strong for Lincoln after so many years of him being there for him and now the roles were reversed one again, how they should be.
"We'd better catch up," Lincoln said after a few moments. Michael lifted his head without a sound and wiped at his face with the palms of his hands. "I'll always be here to look after you Michael."
"You are my brother and I love you. I will do anything for you," Michael replied solemnly as he straightened his clothes. "Whatever it takes."
Lincoln watched as Michael began jogging off toward the disappearing band of crooks he had just set free and with sirens in his ears, followed on behind.