this is a short one-shot that i had to get out of my system. i wanted to write about michael ad sara's relationship from a different angle, and thought delving into the opinion of our favorite old-guy westmorland was the way to do it:)
hope i did his character justice, plz let me kno!
The cell door was open, and it was nearing yard time. Michael sat in his bunk alone.
Sucre was in SHU.
If he weren't so deep in thought, he'd probably be lonely.
He'd gotten used to being referred to as "Papi". It was definitely better than Fish.
He was so deep in thought, he didn't recognize Westmorland's presence until his gruff voice filled the cell.
"Michael."
He blinked and looked up, offering a respectful nod of acknowledgement. He liked the old man, and was determined to get him out so he could see his daughter.
Empathy filled Michael's gut at the thought.
Westmorland leaned against the bunk and stared down at him.
"So, the next phase is gonna be pretty tough, huh? How're ya gonna do it, snatch the key right out from under her nose when she's not looking? She's a smart cookie, from what I hear. I don't know, kid, this might be a risk you oughta not take…"
Michael ran a hand over his shaved head, focusing on the floor beneath his feet.
He knew exactly how to get what he wanted from Sara. And he hated himself for it.
If he guessed right, she wouldn't push him away. She was on edge with him. Physical intimacy would send her over. He wanted to do it. He'd wanted it for a long time. But he didn't want it to be like this-- a distraction, a ploy. He wanted it to be real.
At least she would finally know how he felt.
Whether or not that would end up being a good thing was yet to be seen.
Shaking his head, he raised his eyes to stare at the wall ahead of him.
"I know what to do. I just don't want to…"
A soft chuckle sounded through the silence.
"… Sucre was right…you got it bad, kid."
Michael snapped up to look at him. His eyes narrowed slightly.
"I have priorities. Saving Linc. Getting you to your daughter…I don't have time for anything like…"
He was cut off as Westmorland's smile widened, only to fade a moment later. His voice came stern.
"Now look here, I've been around a lot longer than you, and I know the look of a lovesick puppy when I see it. I understand your priorities, but you've gotten yourself into this mess. I'd hate to see you get out of here and wish you'd never broken her heart."
The old man carried wisdom. But things were not that simple. Not in prison. Not with her.
A frustrated sigh escaped Michael's lips. "I may not have a choice. I've given her nothing but lies in return for her kindness. And I'll have to do it again. I'll have to hurt her again."
A whistle blew from outside the cell, signaling the start of yard time.
Westmorland shook his head and patted Michael's shoulder.
"Yep, you've definitely got it bad…"