Michael had been getting rather quiet as the day neared.
Kitt knew this day all too well...and the consequences that came with it. He never looked forward to this day, blowing his share of power packs out of anxiety as the inevitable day closed in on them. He kept his blown power packs to himself however, he didn't wish to stress the man more than necessary. Thanks to Bonnie's handy work, though, he was back to full power by the time Michael arrived at his bay that sunny warm morning.
Kitt was determined to change how this day usually went for the better of his friend's health. Usually, Michael just stayed moping around FLAG HQ until he quietly snuck away. Naturally, Kitt was never too far. Keeping the man under meticulous surveillance. Michael had attempted multiple times to get Kitt off his trail but the Trans Am was all too clever for that.
Once, just as Michael was about to board a bus well on his way, Kitt had pulled up beside it and offered him a free lift. It was most interesting for everyone spectating to see the black t-top lift it's all too stubborn driver.
Michael's solo escapes with Kitt had increased in length over time to the point where they were gone for weeks on end. Although, in Kitt's defense he saw no harm in allowing Michael some much needed rest.
They usually didn't do much though, other than drive to certain locations Michael found most precious and listen to Stevie's music well into the night while overlooking the ocean. At this point, Kitt had a good hold on which one's Michael would probably listen to first and last. The AI also had secretly engraved the music into his memory banks so he could play them without the need of the tapes…just in case.
"Good morning, Michael," Kitt remarked as Michael sleepy-eyed walked past the driver's door and sat on his cool hood, crossing one leg over his knee. He didn't reply but rather continued to stare at a small photo of Stevie.
Kitt kept quiet, enjoying the small assurance of knowing Michael was still safe and nearby.
As on cue, Michael stood up awkwardly taking his leave as Bonnie walked in, with a cup of coffee, a gesture she'd been offering for the last five years. Bonnie just set it aside on a nearby workbench, silently motioning kindly to it.
Kitt wondered how long it would sit there this time until the cup went bad.
Bonnie left, giving Michael a faint smile and sympathetic sigh.
Kitt and Michael alone once again in the comfort of the garage. Kitt swooshed his scanner in a low hum awaiting to carry out the brilliant plan he'd come up with this year.
Michael was busily pacing, thinking, as he continued to stare at the small wrinkled photograph. He seemed to pause briefly, digging into his pockets for the very important object. Kitt internally smirked as the man realized it wasn't there.
"Kitt? Where–? The key? Do you remember where I left the key?"
"What key?" Kitt teased gingerly. "Oh, you don't mean this key, do you Michael?" Kitt emphasized as his cabin windows untinted revealing a small silver key swung around a fine necklace chain on the yoke.
Michael jumped in place, ran to the door and attempted to jerk it open.
"Kitt, I'm not in the mood for–"
Before Michael could finish what he'd said, Kitt had darted through the open bay door. Taking to the extensive gardens on the mansion property with a glowing hum of his scanner. Michael chased after Kitt fleeing effortlessly with the key tightly hung from the yoke.
"Kitt! Stop!" Michael shouted, infuriated into the comlink.
Kitt turned around choosing to do donuts squealing his tires wildly, before approaching his driver cheerfully showing his headlights enticing him to leisurely play. It wasn't something he usually did and he had to admit he felt all too sheepishly behaving this way, but it was well worth swallowing his pride to cheer up his depressed driver.
It didn't phase Michael who shouted over the uproar Kitt was making.
"Kitt! Stop it!" He shouted.
It only made it so the t-top darted away leading Michael out further and further from the mansion. The man followed ever so closely until he was out of breath. He resorted to walking and calling for Kitt to come back.
"Kitt, if you keep this up I'll trade you for a Chevy." Michael gasped into the comlink walking up a trail leading to the outskirts of the property going up a small hill blanketed by thick and lush vegetation.
"Michael, if I do stand correctly...you promised I'd be your loyal Chevy!" Kitt replied teasingly.
"Not anymore…" Michael grumbled, exhausted from the run. He'd just reached the top when he stopped in complete astonishment.
Set up under the shade of a gorgeous cherry tree in late bloom was a cherry pink blanket with a lonely picnic basket aside.
Michael approached, crouching down to take a better look. He found a note on top of the basket. He squinted, running his fingers on the fine grained paper, reading the inscription.
From your dearest friends,
May we continue to make a difference together.
Michael sat down over the blanket, gaping at the note written in Devon's fine handwriting. After several minutes of reading the note over and over, Michael drew his attention to the basket. Taking a deep breath he curiously opened it, relishing in the welcoming aroma of a freshly homemade hamburger.
Michael laughed to himself as he lifted the sophisticated porcelain plate that held the burger and the decorative garnishing embellishing this all but simple meal.
"I hope you like it, Michael."
Michael jerked around, facing the sweeping scanner. Kitt had expertly snuck behind in silence taking in Michael's gleeful reaction that he'd been missing for several weeks now.
"We'll have to find out." He smiled, the liveliness momentarily sparkling in his eyes before taking a bite out of the burger.
He had to admit it was by far one of the best he'd ever had. After finishing that delicious delicacy Michael sat down to enjoy the rays filtering through the foliage glowing bright greens and reds around him. He settled down, watching the clouds drift in the blue sky. Kitt protectively standing by.
"Thanks pal" Michael remarked with a fond smile.
"You're welcome Michael, but Devon, RC and Bonnie helped a great deal. I wouldn't have been able to do so without them." Kitt answered humbly.
Michael sighed.
"Kitt…" He paused. "Want to go fishing?"
"So long as you keep the fish away from me."
Michael laughed, closing his eyes and savoring the moment.