A/N Thank you for all the nice responses to this story. I am hoping this update isn't a let down. I have a little more in my head, but not sure if I will have much more after this.
After a few hours, Michael woke up and he looked down and saw Fiona curled up next to him. She looked so relaxed and peaceful. He got up without disturbing her and walked out of her bedroom. As he walked by the spare bedroom, he noticed Fiona had started painting. He remembered that a long time ago in Ireland, she mentioned something about painting. When he got to the living room, he noticed some more snow globes and a picture of the two of them. He thought maybe she did really miss him and still cared for him. He was still doubtful, even after their talk. He went into the kitchen. He got a bottle of water out of the refrigerator and looked out her kitchen window.
He started realizing everyone was doing well without him in Miami. His mom had Charlie; Fiona was painting and had a nice home. Sam was living the high life with Elsa and he assumed that Jesse was doing well too. Without all of his problems, they all could focus on themselves and what they wanted, not the problems that seem to follow him.
Fiona woke up to an empty bed and was disappointed. She was hoping Michael would still be resting with her. She got up to find Michael. She made her way out towards the kitchen where she saw him looking out the window, deep in thought. His back was towards her, so she went up behind him and wrapped her arms around him, and said "Hey is everything ok?"
"Yeah Fi." Michael responded, somewhat quietly. He turned around so he was facing Fiona.
"I was just thinking about stuff. You have a nice place here. I see you started painting." Michael said
"Yes, it is therapeutic. So what are you thinking about?" Fiona asked looking at Michael. She could see his eyes and they were clouded again, just like before.
"Just how everyone is doing so well." He didn't add, without him around. It hurt him, in a way to see this, but he was truly happy for everyone. He was able to see that he was able to keep one promise and that was the promise to Sam to make it right.
"Yes Michael we are all doing well." She said and then put her hands and either side of his face to make sure he was looking in her eyes. "But we all missed you terribly. I was painting; it helped keep me from going nuts wondering where you were and if you were okay. Sam said some of my paintings looked like I blew something up." Michael smiled at that.
Fiona continued, "Michael I thought about you every day and dreamt about you every night. I couldn't wait to hold you again and to kiss you again." And with that she started kissing Michael. She was hoping he would respond to her advances.
Michael slowly started to respond to Fiona's advances. They were kissing each other hungrily now, Michael picked Fiona up, she wrapped her legs around him, as he carried back to her bedroom. They fell onto the bed and finally reconnected in a way that they both longed for during these last nine months that were filled with cold and lonely nights.
The next morning Michael woke from the best night sleep he has had in a long time, although it was not a very long night's sleep. He felt more rested and relaxed than he had in what seemed like years. He felt more alive and free too. He knew that this feeling was due to the woman draped over him; her hand was resting on his chest, right above his heart. With everything that has happened over the last day, Michael finally had the courage to say the words that have eluded him over the last decade or so. He looked down at Fi and said quietly, but firmly "I love you."
Fiona was laying still with Michael. She was so happy. This is exactly what she has wanted for so long. She kept her eyes close, she didn't want this time to end. She knew that Michael was awake, she sensed the change in his breathing and felt his heart beat, just a little bit faster. She was content to stay there all day. She heard Michael say the three words she longed to hear for such a long time. She remained still, she wasn't sure if it was a dream or wishful thinking. After a few moments, she started to stretch, pretending to be just waking up. She then propped herself up on her elbows looking at Michael, who was smiling at her.
"Good morning" she said.
Michael took his hand and put the stray hair that was over her face behind her ear, kissed her on the forehead and said "Good morning to you. Did you have a good night's sleep?"
"Oh yes, one of the best in a very long time. How about you?" she said as she smiled up at him.
Michael smiled, kissed her on the tip of her nose and said, "I agree with you, one of the best I have had in a very long time."
With each moment of looking into Fiona's eyes Michael was feeling stronger and more confident. The pure love and devotion he could see in her eyes was what he needed and he said those three words loud and clear "I love you Fi."
Fiona couldn't believe her ears, he said it again and this time he knew she was awake. Deep down she knew how he felt, but to hear him say it so clearly and with such confidence, was what she needed too. Maybe this terrible nightmare is over, maybe now they can start the life she always wanted with Michael. Tears started welling up in her eyes, "I love you too Michael." They kissed.
After a few moments, Michael broke the kiss. "You rest a little longer and I will go see what I can scrounge up for breakfast."
"Okay" Fi responded, not wanting to break the contact, but knew they were both hungry.
Michael got up, put on a pair of pants and went to the kitchen. He found some fruit, juice and yogurt. He was getting together, when Fiona snuck up behind him and wrapped her arms around him. She just had on one of his button down shirts.
"It was lonely in there, so I thought I would come out here are join you." She said as she kissed his back.
This made Michael smile; he was still feeling very good and free. He didn't realize letting go of all the pain and hurt would be so freeing. He realized that this was the start of his new life and he was going to make the most of it. He also wanted to make sure Fiona knew every moment of every day how important she was to him and that he loved her.
He turned around and hugged her back. He then picked up what he put together for breakfast and took it to the kitchen table. They sat down to eat. Both enjoying the quiet and each other's company. Every once in while Michael would reach over and hold Fi's hand and smile. Sometimes he would pick up her hand and kiss it. Michael was never one to show so much affection, even when they were alone. Fiona was enjoying this attention, and was hoping that it would last, but was also going to enjoy every moment of it while it lasted.
They finished their breakfast. Both of them very hungry, so not much talking occurred. Fiona finally said "I will get the dishes." She got up picked up their dishes and went to the sink to rinse their dishes. Michael was feeling a little devilish, so he went up behind Fiona, wrapped his arms around her and said "This looks like one of my shirts, where did you get this?"
Fiona answered "It is one of yours, I have been using it since we were living together at the loft."
"So you stole it did you? This is one of my favorite shirts and I have missed it."
"Michael you have so many shirts, how could you miss this particular one?" Fiona responded. She wasn't sure if he was joking or not. She pulled away from him so she could look at him. She noticed the twinkle in his eyes. This was definitely a different side of Michael.
"Fi I really missed this shirt. I really needed this shirt." Michael said, knowing that he wasn't just talking about the shirt.
"Well, I really like this shirt and I really need this shirt, so if you want it, then you are going to have to get it." Fiona said and she took off.
Michael followed her, and when he reached her, Fiona let out a scream. They were both enjoying this playful time. Just then Fiona's front door was broken down and a gun was aimed at them.
