A Tricky Gray Area - Part Three

by Madeline77

This is the third and final part of my Arrested Development fanfiction about Michael and Lindsay's relationship, covering 2003-2012. As you'll see, this part has a mix of original scenes and scenes from the show. Most of the first half is from the show and most of the second half is original, though both types of scenes appear throughout.

10. Chapter 10

December, 2003

Lindsay walked through the hallway of the country club, trying to figure out how she would get home. Maybe she could get a ride from Michael? She didn't want to see him, she felt so embarrassed. But she didn't want to wait for a taxi either, or worse, ride home with her mother, who was sure to have a lot to say about this. She must have looked so pathetic up there. And a thousand dollars. Jesus, he really didn't want her to be embarrassed. It was very touching that he cared about her so much, though it must have looked a little odd to the rest of the country club members. She was surprised Michael was okay with that.

She walked around a corner and saw Michael.

"Oh, hi," she said, startled.

"Hi," he said, looking a little embarrassed as well.

She hesitated, thinking she should probably thank him. She was extremely grateful that he'd saved her from the humiliation of having no one bid on her. But the whole thing was so embarrassing that she didn't want to acknowledge that it had happened.

"Do you think you could give me a ride home?" she said instead.

"Yeah, sure," he said.

"Thanks."

They walked outside. Lindsay shivered in her strapless dress.

"Oh, here," Michael said, taking off his jacket and giving it to her.

"Oh, thank you," she said surprised. She put the jacket around her shoulders, ignoring the warm little thrill she felt. It smelled like his cologne and was still warm from his body. They stepped into the entryway, which was filled with people.

"Well, how embarrassing! My own brother buying me? I'd rather die!" she said loudly in an attempt to save face. She looked over at Michael, suddenly realizing it might look like she didn't appreciate what he'd done. "Thank you," she said quietly. "Maybe you're not that selfish."

"Well, you know, you actually went out there, I was impressed that you gave it a shot," he said.

They reached their father's car. A shiver went through her as she felt his hand brush her back. He opened the car door for her. A police officer came up to them.

"Excuse me," he said to Michael.

"Yeah?"

"Is this your car?"

Michael looked questioningly at Lindsay. Lindsay smiled warmly at him.

"Yes, it's his," she said.

Michael smiled back. The police officer turned him around and pinned him to the car.

"Ow!" Michael said.

"You're under arrest for the forced abduction of Helen Maria Delgado."