AN: Takes place after season 3 episode Long Way Back. Fiona can't return to Ireland, but what if she still intended to leave Miami? This is an AU where Fiona returns after almost a year of leaving Miami with no contact to anyone. Her return is right after season 4 episode Out of the Fire. (Season 3 and 4 remained congruent minus Fiona's presence, so everything is slightly altered in how situations were handled.)
Disclaimer: I don't own them, wish I did. A few curse words.
The humid Miami air clung to her skin even though the sun had set a few hours ago. It seemed extra thick to Fiona, especially after spending months in New England's cooler climate. She swiped at the moisture that had started to bead on her forehead and sighed. Looking up at the rusted staircase that would lead to the loft, Fiona faltered slightly. She hadn't seen or spoken to Michael since she had left him almost a year ago.
What if he has a girlfriend? Or what if he doesn't live here anymore? She thought before she looked to the black Dodge Charger glistening in the moonlight. Of course he's still here; probably buried up to his neck in some job-related crap.
She blew out a frustrated breath. She couldn't get mad, at least not yet. She stole a quick glance at her vehicle before she straightened her back and marched up the metal stairs. Without warning, the door swung open before she had a chance to raise her hand to knock. Michael stood there with a 9mm handgun pointed at her before it dawned on him who was lurking outside his place. He quickly dropped the weapon to his side and stared with a questioning look.
He rubbed his eye with the palm of his free hand, unsure if his ex-girlfriend was nothing more than a trick to his already fragile mind. He dreamed of this moment during the few nights he could actually get some sleep but he never imagined she would actually return. Her sudden disappearance after her brother returned to Ireland had left a gaping hole in Michael's chest. He didn't realize just how much she had meant to him until she abruptly disappeared from his life.
When he realized she was still standing there staring at him, he released his grip on the firearm and let it clatter to the ground, before he rushed forward and crushed Fiona tightly against his chest.
"Fiona," he whispered softly into her hair.
For a moment she froze at his sudden display of emotion until she succumbed to the power he had always held over her and returned the embrace. They remained locked together for several minutes until Fiona gently pushed him back. She noticed his eyes were bloodshot with dark circles surrounding them. His unkempt hair was long, and rough stubble covered his unshaven face. She felt guilt wash over her at what her absence had done to him.
"Michael," she drawled out before a smirk graced her lips. "You look like shit."
Tears leaked from his eyes as he barked out a laugh. "Yeah I know," he admitted before he took in Fiona's appearance. Aside from gaining a few pounds and losing her Miami tan, she looked no different than her usual beautiful self. "You on the other hand look well."
She smiled before her gaze shifted down the stairs. "We need to talk," She blurted out as she looked back to Michael.
He frowned. Of course she returned for a reason, you idiot! He thought harshly to himself. His posture straightened and he shifted his gaze before he managed to plaster on a fake smile.
"Come in and we'll discuss your reason for being here," Michael said as he gestured towards the open loft door.
She looked away again before facing him. "I can't, at least not yet."
"What's going on, Fi?" he huffed. He didn't mean to sound frustrated but he couldn't help it.
Fiona found herself getting agitated. "Don't give me lip, Michael. Leaving Miami wasn't easy on me either but you left me no choice. It was always about your goddamn job!" she snapped.
Michael's eyes iced over. "As I told you before, the longer I stay out in the cold the more I endanger everybody in my life! What did you expect me to do?"
Fiona crossed her arms. "So tell me, Michael, did you get reinstated? Did your government make all your little spy dreams come true this past year? Did my absence make it easier for you to focus on your precious job?"
"Stop it!" Michael snapped. "You have no idea what I've been through this past year!"
"Well by all means, tell me; how better off were you without me in the picture?" Fiona pushed.
"Better off?" Michael scoffed before he blew out a frustrated breath. "I was recruited by a psychopath to release the man who did the bombings that I was blamed for that led to me being burned. I've been imprisoned twice; even though one term was voluntary to help Sam's friend…but that's beside the point. I was manipulated into being dead Larry's asset until my brother Nate stepped in, who by the way is married now with a kid on the way. I had to work for the very people who got me blacklisted, and I burned another spy who ended up shooting me!" Michael snapped and he pulled his shirt collar aside to show her the fresh scar on his chest. "So tell me Fi, do you think I was better off? Obviously you did better off without me so why come back?"
Fiona narrowed her eyes. "What's that supposed to mean?"
Michael looked her up and down. "From the looks of you, your forced separation from me was obviously easier for you to handle. I on the other hand, spent almost every night awake, wondering if you were alive or dead or if I had even mattered to you at all!"
The sudden slap to Michael's face was hard and typical of Fiona, but the fierce hug that followed it was completely unexpected.
"My God Michael," Fiona realized before she pulled away. "I'm no better than you. I left you just as you had left me in Ireland."
Fiona's words caused Michael's anger to deflate and he immediately turned away from her while favoring his left arm. Even though the gunshot wound had healed, he still coddled it out of habit when he got upset.
"I never realized the position I must've put you in when I left…" Michael paused. "I'm sorry Fi, I really am."
Fiona felt the moisture build up in her eyes. "I guess we both need to apologize for a lot of things we've done over the years. I'd ask to call a truce, but I'm afraid there is one more thing that I must apolo…" Fiona's words were cut off by a muffled noise coming from the area of her vehicle.
Before she had a chance to blink, Michael had picked up the discarded gun and was halfway down the stairs with the weapon poised and ready.
"Michael, stop!" Fiona cried as she suddenly found her voice again.
"Stay back Fi," Michael warned as he scanned the area before he crept towards the little blue sports car.
Fiona flew down the stairs and managed to reach Michael before he could get any closer. He turned back to glare at her when she had grabbed his arm until the sound was heard again. Fiona stepped around Michael and opened the car's rear door only to reappear a few seconds later with the culprit behind the sounds. Michael managed to drop his firearm for the second time that night when he saw the child in Fiona's arms.
"Michael, this is why I returned to Miami. I'd like you to meet our son; Liam Michael Westen," Fiona explained as she rubbed her son's back to quell his cries.
Michael felt the world around him tilt and he staggered backwards...
I know, so cruel to end it there but have no fear, I'll post the 2nd chapter soon. :)