Title: Thick as Thieves
Rating: T just in case for later
Warnings: None for this chapter
Characters: Lucas Taylor, Michael Taylor (OC), Nathaniel Taylor, Skye Tate, Alicia Washington, possibly the Shannon family
Summary: This is an AU story about Lucas having a twin brother. Instead of rebelling like Lucas, Michael – his brother – remains loyal to their father. This fic explores their relationship and what would have happened in the series had Michael existed. There will be some Lucas/Skye in future chapters…
Well, you may be the traitor
I will hold the smoking gun
You'll get away clean
I'll keep your secrets
Till the grave has swallowed me
And I will never tell a tortured soul
That are burning by my side
That I am a sinner, I am a savior, I am alive
~ Thick as Thieves, Dashboard Confessional
It had been years since the brothers' last meeting together. The boys had hardly turned twenty-one when Lucas' hate-fuelled rebellion against their father turned sour, causing him to be permanently exiled from Terra Nova. Four long years of separation had forced them to become accustomed to a life where part of them was forever missing, and eventually it began to feel like the other had not existed at all. That is, until now.
His years alone in the wilderness had made their mark on Lucas, who had now evolved in to what seemed to be the complete opposite of his twin brother, Michael. His clothes were ragged and much shabbier compared to Michael's neat military uniform, and he had neglected to wash and shave, contrasting greatly to his brother's clean and smooth appearance. Lucas even looked slightly older, despite Michael being the elder twin, and his eyes glowed with an unnatural bitterness. Michael tried to think at what point it was in their lives that he and Lucas had become so different from one another.
Of course, things hadn't always been like this. They had been a regular family, just like anybody else. It was common for them to fight or argue, but they loved each other in equal measure, and they always supported each other through rough times. That had always been the case until the latter part of their youth.
"So when are you going to do it?" Lucas muttered, bringing Michael out of his thoughts. His eyes were smirking.
"Do what?" Michael asked, the gun rattling in his hand.
"Kill me."
And then, for some reason, Michael was reminded of the day they first came to Terra Nova. It was the year 2142 and their father had already travelled through the portal several months prior. At eighteen years old, the boys had enjoyed their brief time without a parental figure, especially Lucas whose rebellious ways never failed to cause his more responsible brother a certain amount of distress. Michael guessed he was making up for lost time, since Lucas' passion for science caused him to be quite an outcast among his peers, whilst Michael led an active and enjoyable social life.
"Is the portal ready?" Michael questioned the soldiers, saluting them after removing the mask from his face and breathing in the clean air.
Lucas came up behind him, smirking, looping an arm around his brother's neck. The resemblance between them was quite striking. "Yeah, come on," he added loudly. "My brother and I haven't seen our father in months."
Michael rolled his eyes, smiling.
"It'll just be a few minutes," the soldier responded, keeping a straight face. "If you'll follow me to the portal…"
"Lead the way," Lucas smirked again, narrowing his eyes. He patted his brother on the back and they began to walk up the bridge towards the portal.
"Do you really think this'll be a new start for us?" Michael asked apprehensively, glancing up at Lucas briefly.
"Brother, I know it is. This is the day everything changes." Michael saw his brother smile, but his eyes didn't seem to be smiling with him. "We can put the past behind us."
They stopped in front of the portal, the blue lighting stinging their eyes and making them squint. Michael fell silent for a moment.
"After mom died, I thought that was the end of the world," he mumbled, frowning. He almost regretted saying it when he saw the hurt in his brother's expression. The silence continued for a few moments.
"It's okay," Lucas replied, clearing his throat, but the green in his eyes were blurring. He swallowed. "Me too." He turned to face him directly, placing a hand on his shoulder. "But everything's gonna work out. I promise."
Michael didn't have time to consider if there had been any deeper meaning to that.
"Gentleman, the portal's ready for your journey."
"You have my equipment?" Lucas asked, his expression suddenly gravely serious.
The soldier nodded.
"You're about to time travel, and you're worried about your science experiments?" Michael scoffed, raising his dark eyebrows.
Lucas smirked again. "My work is very important to me, Michael."
His brother rolled his eyes.
"Last one in loses," Lucas proposed, poking Michael in the chest.
"Seriously? Okay," he chuckled. "See you on the other side." And he grabbed his bag and leapt towards the portal. Lucas watched his brother disappear, his expression darkening. And for a moment, he was alone in this world. No father, mother, brother. Just himself, alone. He took one last glance at the reality he had been living in his entire life. Then he turned once again to the portal, his dark grin resurfacing, and he stepped forwards.
The sun was brighter than expected, and the colours and smells that met his senses were quite overwhelming. Michael had his arms around someone who was embracing him tightly. Lucas recognised his father almost immediately. The old man looked up and grinned widely.
"Lucas," and he held his arm out to embrace him too.
He hesitated for a moment, then accepted the hug, his forced smile tightening.
"I'm glad to see you boys again. Welcome to Terra Nova."
And their new lives had finally begun.
A/N: To be continued. And I'm definitely continuing this. I have a lot of ideas. But if you like this I hope you'll be patient between updates. Thanks so much for reading :D
