Quality Control, General, Michael/Lincoln, Complete,4-29-07

[alienmom]

Quality Control

By alienmom

Prison Break
Kid Michael & Lincoln
General
Disclaimer: Yeah, they’re your toys and you don’t like to share. I get it!
Author’s Note: I'm a non-writer, but this popped into my head because of the donut drabble challenge I found a Muse in my front yard. I gave her a snack and she pestered me until into writing this down. Forced me to Mary Sue! She is obviously lost. Somebody needs to claim her and take her off my hands because I sure don’t know what to do with her! No betas were hurt or maimed during the typing of this fic.

Quality Control

“Please, Linc.”

“No, Mikey, not today.”

“But the sign’s on.”

“We don’t have time.”

“I just want to watch.”

“We can’t be late again.”

“5 minutes won’t make a difference…pleeeeeease….I’ll do your math homework.”

“2 minutes and you’ll do my science homework too.”

“Deal!”

The manager watched with a knowing smile as the 2 boys, (brothers, actually, she could tell), debate outside the front doors. The younger one pointing to the large neon sign, the older one shaking his head. The smaller boy pleading his case, the taller boy adamant in his refusal. The younger boy made an offer, the older boy wavered. An agreement was reached as the boys rushed through the door and over to the viewing area.

With noses pressed to the glass, they followed the progress of hot donuts toward the curtain of sugary goodness as they were glazed and continued down the conveyer.

The older one watched with longing, amazed at the sheer number of donuts, wondering if he could eat them all, while the younger one observed every movement, cataloged each mechanical part, calculating time and distance, absorbing the entire process, redesigning a more efficient system, no doubt, yet filled with a curiosity that begged for knowledge and wonder at the assault on his senses.

Grabbing a couple of warm donuts & two cartons of milk, the manager headed out to the dining area towards the boys.

“Would you boys like to sample warm donut?” she asked. “I need some help with quality control. I would like to know if you think these are the perfect donuts.”

The small boy looked up at his brother, his eyes begging acquiesce, the older boy glanced down at his brother, then back to the manager, deciding if her offer was legit. She smiled at his protectiveness, as he gave his younger brother a slight nod of approval. The silent conversation a telltale sign of their closeness.

“Let’s sit.”

The difference between the two boys was obvious even to the casual observer. The older boy’s donut was inhaled in three bites and his milk gulped through carton opening, wiping his mouth on the back of his hand when he was finished and belching his approval. While his brother studied his donut, appreciating the symmetry and beauty of the simple delicacy. After being nudged by his brother, the younger boy finally took a bite, his eyes fluttered closed, enjoying the confection as it melted in his mouth and sipped milk through the straw.

“Well? What’s your verdict?”

“Dunno. Got nothin’ to compare it to. I haven’t tasted any of the others.” The older boy shrugged hoping to finagle another donut. He placed his hand on his brother’s arm, without looking over; to prevent the long-winded critique he knew was coming. “We have to go, finish your milk”

Turning to the younger boy, she said “How about writing down your opinion, sweetie, and bring it to me tomorrow, same time. I’ll need another quality control test of the chocolate glazed cream filled ones, if you’re willing.”

Again approval was sought and reluctantly granted.

The manager felt like she was being studied right down to the smallest detail when she received the small boy’s undivided attention as he stared at her over his milk carton once he finished his treat. She only smiled back, looking into those steel blue eyes, knowing they were destined to break hearts the world over.

“Is that really your name?” he inquired.

Knowing he read her name badge, she had to wonder why he asked that particular question. “No, honey, it’s not, but that’s what everybody calls me.”

“Why?”

“Guess it’s because I like helping people, making them happy, taking care of them. It’s just in my nature.”

“Can I call you that?”

“Sure you can, baby boy, any time you want.”

Book bags were gathered, table cleared, chairs replaced. As the boys headed for the door, the younger one turned, shoved his hands into his pockets, ducked his head and smiled shyly, “Bye, Mom.”

“Bye, honey bunny, see you tomorrow.”

As she watched the brothers leave, Mom handed the cashier a few bills.

“I see what you are doing, Mom.”

“I have no idea what you are talking about.”

An eyebrow rose in disbelief, “Pfft, you’re just a sucker for a pretty face and puppy dog eyes.”

“Isn’t that why I hired you?” she said with a smirk. “I’m just spreading some of the ‘mom lovin’ and those two looked like they needed a little. Besides, what’s a couple of donuts compared to those smiles?”

The End