In this fic, Tony and Michelle haven't had any of the talks or small scenes that we've seen. They've gotten along for the sake of the country. Each avoiding each other as much as possible but wanting to say something. Just not knowing what to say. There is no Jen in this fic.
I do not own 24 or any of the characters, though I wish I did!
Chapter 1, history repeating
End of day 4.
The conference room was being filled. Bill and Hammond were already in there as was Audrey and her father. Jack and Tony were heading in and Michelle was on the phone. Curtis walked in as Michelle hung up.
When Michelle hung up, she smiled. Tony happened to look up. More like he felt her smiling so he looked up at her—her eyes were twinkling with happiness and he couldn't help but wonder what caused them to sparkle. She looked at him, made eye contact, and surprising him, her grin got even bigger.
Michelle nodded at Tony and took her seat. She could tell he was confused but now that she knew, or at least her suspicions had been confirmed… She couldn't wait to tell him the news.
A man entered, interrupting her thoughts and whispered something to Hammond. Hammond immediately got up, angrily, and yelled at Tony—telling him to follow him.
From inside the conference room, everyone watched as Hammond and Tony faced off, with Tony winding up handcuffed.
A sense of dread filled up in Michelle—she couldn't be living this all over again. She couldn't. No one should be asked to go through this twice.
She stood up but Bill and Jack both stopped her. Hammond came back in. "What did you do to Tony?" Michelle opened her mouth.
"He's a traitor."
"He's been pardoned."
"For saving you, yes." Hammond's eyes darkened. "But not for this."
"Not for what?" Jack demanded.
"Someone's been sending information most of the day to the terrorists. We found out about it about a half hour ago. Turns out that someone was Tony. He cost millions of lives today. There's no way he'll escape the firing squad this time." Hammond glared at Michelle.
Rendez. The name formed itself in Michelle's head. She knew what had happened; she just couldn't prove it. "You don't know for sure that it was Tony. He wouldn't-"
"A year can change a man, Michelle," Bill interrupted softly. "You should know that better than anyone."
Michelle shook her head. "No." and with that she ran out the conference door and outside to where the guards were preparing to take Tony away. "Wait!"
Tony stared at Michelle as she came running towards him—she looked like she was in so much pain and he couldn't do anything about it. "Michelle-"
"I know you Tony. You didn't do this. You couldn't have."
"A year can change a man."
"Don't you dare shut me out Tony. It's not going to work this time." She hugged him. "It was Rendez."
Tony's head shot up. "Rendez?"
Michelle nodded. "I can't prove it yet but I will with or without these idiots here at CTU. Stay strong for me Tony. Please."
Tony looked at her. "How?"
She knew he wasn't asking about being strong but before Michelle had a chance to respond one of the guards came up, "It's time to go."
Michelle nodded at them then pulled Tony in for a kiss. "I love you Tony," she whispered then he was gone.
