Disclaimer: Not mine. Never.

Rating: G

Summary: A moment for 'Michael.' Companion piece to "You'll Always Be Mickey to Me."

Spoilers: Many and often.

Notes: Takes place after Mickey's first scene in 302, in Jack's office.

"Michael"

By NorthernStar

Jack disappeared out with Phil Hunter, throwing out a feeble excuse about needing the loo. Yeah, right. DS Webb frowned over Jack Meadows continued disbelief in the face of mounting evidence even as he turned his attention back to the surveillance photos.

He could feel Liz watching him, smiling; a rare touch of their personal life warming their professional one. "Mickey." She said playfully, echoing Jack, testing the name on her lips. The word, in her beloved voice sounded as ugly and cruel as a taunt.

He shrugged, keeping his attention on the photos lined up on Jack's desk. Ignoring his old name…forcing himself to ignore her. Giving his whole attention over to Manson and the flighty young girl who had the dubious honour of being the Squad's chief witness talking together in the so-familiar pictures laid out in front of him.

Liz stepped behind him, brushed her hand along his back, discreetly. "I think it's cute."

He straightened up, turned to face her. "It's a part of my life I put behind me, all right?" He snapped.

She flinched visibly.

"Sorry." He touched her arm, regretful of his reaction, and offered her a slight smile. The first one she'd seen this morning. "Look, get us a coffee, yeah?" He glanced at the door, indicating Jack. "And keep an eye."

Nodding, still obviously a little concerned, she left.

Mickey…Michael…leaned back against the desk and sighed, rubbing his eyes. He'd try to explain later, how hard it was, being back at Sun Hill nick, with all its pain and its reminders. And she'd understand. Liz always did. That was what he loved about her.

But it wasn't her fault being here made him so uncomfortable, and he shouldn't be taking it out on her.

Most people at Sun Hill knew what had happened to him and that was bad enough, but it would only take a bit of idle gossiping down in the canteen between them and his team for it all to start again. The looks, the pity, the conversations that stopped the moment he walked in…the jokes…disrespect…

Just like it had at MIT.

It hadn't really been Eva's fault; she was just concerned for him. And she wouldn't have been if he'd just held it together, stopped trying to be 'normal' around her, pretending everything was OK when it blatantly wasn't. He was always so conscious of her presence, so watchful of her attitude towards him during difficult cases.

So she'd talked to him, up front and totally frank, just like he'd expect of her. And maybe it would've been OK from there on, but they'd been overheard.

Spite and jealousy had spread the gossip. It was almost like being raped all over again.

And that was that. Everyone knew.

But he'd stuck it out. Because he wasn't running anymore. He wasn't the one who should be ashamed.

And staying had earned him respect, not least of all from himself.

When he left, it was with a promotion, and a leading position in one of the countries top police squads. It hadn't been Sun Hill all over again.

Mickey gathered up the NCS photos, their reality reminding him that, no matter what, his move out of this place had eventually brought him success and even, in the end happiness. Completeness.

He'd never be alone again.

Then he left the safety of Jack's office. He had a bent copper to deal with.

-Fin-