And water exploded in the area. I walked over to Michael, hand on his lower back. - smart one, cookie, - I mused with a grin and then walked off.
Michael walking over to me. - you ok? - he whispered, hand on my lower hip looking down.
- yeah, - I muttered, - I think I might being getting my period or the birth control isn't working. I'm just getting cramps, - I rambled.
Michael nodded. - let me know if it gets worse, - he said, kissing the top of my head. We all sat in a circle on the floor, very wet and very cold when Bellick came in. I looked down, but the cramps kept happening.
- what the hell happened in here? - Bellick yelled looking at the six of them.
- It was me, - muttered. - hit a pipe.
Bellick looked at her. - I told you women aren't cut out for men's jobs, - he muttered.
- should have killed the water
before we started, - Michael added.
- should've, huh? - Bellick retorted.
- It's not that big of a deal. We can fix it in the morning. I don't think mold should be a problem before then, - Michael said to Bellick.
- mold?
- Scofield, shut up, man, - C-Note hissed.
- no, you shut up. What are you talking about? - Bellick asked.
Michael smirked. - you get drywall and insulation soaked like this, you run the risk of Stachybotrys mold. - Bellick looked at him and then announced they had to work through the night which the team refused. Bellick was in charge and that meant it was happening. Then he left which earned a snicker from the team.
I was in my cell when the guards announced it was yard time. It was a cold day and I was stuck with the overly large jacket and hat. There were worse things. I spotted Michael sitting on the bench with Sucre when I wandered up.
- hey, - i said, rocking back and forth on my toes with my hands in my pockets. Michael looked up and saw me.
- hey, - he muttered, voice defeated.
- can we talk? - I asked. Michael nodded, patting the spot next to him as Sucre left. I settled next to him, shoulders bumping as i put hands on my knee. Michael put his hands on top on mine, intertwining them.
- Michael, - I started, watching his face for a reaction. - do you... want me there? At Lincoln's execution? - Michael's head snapped to me, his eyes narrowed slightly as he looked at me. His expression softened almost immediately, a familiar blend of protectiveness and hesitation clashing across his features. He swallowed, glancing away, his mind racing. He had thought about this, more than he should have. The idea of sitting in that room, watching as Lincoln's life was taken, unsettled him deeply.
- I've been thinking about that too, - he admitted, his voice low, almost a murmur. He ran a hand through his buzzed hair.
I knew him well enough by now to understand that Michael was someone who needed time to work through his thoughts. He wasn't one to speak impulsively.
- I don't know if I can do it...without you there. - his voice cracked so slightly. - you've been my anchor through all of this. But... - he paused, - I can't ask you to be there.
My brows furrowed, mix of confusion and concern. - why not? You know I'll be there for you, Michael. For Lincoln too. - I took his hand in mine and squeezed it. His gaze met mine, those piercing blue eyes full of conflict.
- because it's different. It's not like planning the escape or figuring out the next step. This is ... final.
- watching him die. it's something I don't want you to see. - I shifted, knowing this side of Michael well, his instinct to protect everyone around him. But i wasn't fragile, he needed to know that.
- It's not my first time witnessing death, Michael. I'm in here for a reason. Don't shut me out just because you think I can't handle it.
- It's not that - Michael said quickly, - It's that I don't want you to. You've been through enough. Seeing Linc ... like that ... l don't even know if I can handle it.
I looked at him, chest tightening as I processed his words. He was scared - not just losing his brother, but of losing me too. Of breaking my spirit by dragging me into the dark world.
