This is a fic for one of The Salt Masters @winged-fool (a fic that will hopefully be finished... eventually) because we miss Flint Manes and cannot stand the horrendous writing choices this season so I decided to once again write my feelings cause fuck it I bet I could do better. This is an au for if Flint returned to RNM cause he has that older sibling intuition about Alex being in danger so we could finally have someone competent looking for him and he was so much fun to write! As per usual my fic contains anti-maria but it also has Flint trying to be a decent person and only succeeding 55% of the time and the Real Michael Guerin who would not just wait chilling with a bear instead of going to find the cosmic love of his life... oh also the only other true competent person on this show (besides Kyle) whoâs been buried in a hole: The Alex Manes who I also need to figure out how to save from said hole cause in my opinion Malex should just stay in the nice pocket universe with occasional visits from Kyle, Sanders, and possibly Flint. Long spleal over, Ariqa I hope you like what Iâve got so far :)Â
Flint knows first. For some reason he always knows first which he's hated after years of it happening. He used to love it when they were kids, to even be proud that he always knew when Alex was in trouble and he could be there to save him but not when it became only at home. Not when he couldn't help or save Alex at the risk of himself too. It just became this annoying feeling buzzing around in his chest he did his best to ignore when he could or put in a word somewhere when it became unbearable. The only time that happened was when Alex took that bullet and lost his limb. They don't talk about it, that it was Flint who called in a favor to have his unit back early just a few hours after Alex got hurt.
Flint tried to ignore it because he was taught that to need help meant weakness and being indebted but when you did help someone it was because they were weak and now indebted to you.Â
Then all the alien insanity happened all at once and it was just easier to follow orders, do what he knew, and not have to think but then- then he died which set him free without a tether so he was left drifting. Flint was injured, honorably discharged from it, left to his so-called family who also seemed to have no idea what to do with him.
Flint tried staying on the Res with Greg but he needed more time to let go of his resentment of what Greg did and the small part of jealousy that Greg was able to do it. Flint still isn't sure if it's ending their old man or saving Alex. Probably another thing he needs to work through and talk about with the therapist Alex referred him to.
It didn't help that Greg was also seeing the Deluca woman which Flint didn't understand. Didn't she hurt Alex? Didn't she almost ruin Alex's chance with his idiot alien? Didn't she almost get him killed!
He never asked but he can somehow tell that something else happened that night, something that shouldn't have. Usually the feeling only lasts for a few minutes but that day it lasted until the next day which almost made him check. He still does sometimes but it's unsure if it's to instigate or get clarity. Getting both can be reasonable right?
He hasn't though because for once Alex has been safe. Well safe since the Alien dictator mess and whatever Deep Sky had him doing but he hasn't felt anything for almost 6 months. Now it's back and after waiting a day and still feeling like his skin is crawling⌠he decides to just go see for himself. Sadly there are only 2 people he can go to for this.
He tries the doctor but realizes that'll let everyone know he's here and going to Guerin is more of a last resort if he can't find Alex on his own.
Maintaining a low profile and gathering any information about what's happened while he's been gone the first day was⌠insightful to put it plainly but now he has a timeline and knows what two out of the three new aliens to avoid.
Alex has been missing for either a few hours to a day or two and Flint will bet his car that the third alien is the culprit.
It's this⌠feeling or sibling intuition? Whatever it is, it's the only thing that makes sense from what he's gathered.
Also he knows what subordinates look like and neither of them look like a leader.
The two subordinates go by Bonnie and Clyde⌠which is interesting and sort of stupid but they seem new and naive.
It takes tailing them to a random cabin and of course Alex's alien is there and doing a subpar job of being undercover.
Flint waits parked in front of Alex's house until Michael arrives and walks right past his car before doing a double take.
Pleading for patience, Flint gets out and tries to not frown.
Michael eyes him wearily before taking a breath and nods.
"Flint. Alex isn't here but ummm⌠what can I do for you?"
It's insanely awkward but they're both trying even if it'll only last until Flint's next words.
"Ya about that⌠Alex is missing. And no, I didn't take him this time." He tacks on the last part even if it sounds a little suspicious.Â
It takes a second for it to sink in and there aren't any alien powers or accusations being shouted which is something Flint wasn't expecting. Michael just pinches the bridge of his nose and takes another breath.
"This isn't you trying to kidnap me or some weird shovel talk because Alex and I live together now right?"
Flint includes the new information about their new domestic status and can see that might be why Michael seems more civil. 'Seems' because he can see that barely controlled chaotic anger thrumming from him. It was the same energy from that time which again he does marginally regret. While he regretted what he did he also needs that same energy from that time so he's gonna push.
"You were much easier to get help from last time. Went nearly feral trying to get him back but now nothing? Do you even l-"
Flint slams into his car with an invisible force and the pressure is uncomfortable but he can still breathe.
Michael is panting, his hand extended and glaring at him in fury, but then he starts to sway and the force pressing on him is weakening until it's gone and Michael collapses to the floor.
Flint takes a second to right himself and gives Michael a once over before reminding himself that a "nice person" goes and actually checks if the collapsed person is okay.
Well he can see that Michael is still breathing but it's heavy and he's sweating, all signs that would point to a fever but Flint's never known for their kind to get sick like this.Â
Unsure how contagious whatever sickness Michael has, Flint grabs a mask and gloves from his glove compartment like a smart person before grabbing on to Michael to lift him up.
That gets a groan and a cough which almost makes him drop Michael in disgust. It takes reminders of taking care of a much younger Alex sick with a cold and how miserable he sounded.
"You are so lucky you're my brothers." He grumbles and gets the sick alien over his shoulder then to the front door.Â
Eyeing his surroundings Flint hesitates before going with his gut as he feels under the mailbox next to the doorbell and pulls free a key. Thankfully Michael is too out of it to see how emotional a stupid key makes him as he gets them inside and sets Michael on the couch.
"Oh good, you're conscious."
Flint takes in the place and catalogs what he might need. Tissues which would be either in the bathroom or a desk, blankets that should be in a cabinet but he sees a familiar one resting in a chair next to the couch, maybe food so he has to check that additional inventory, and a thermometer to keep track of Michael's temperature for the doctor and Ortecho to analyze.
"Guess you really won't be any help finding Alex. Stay put so I can grab some things and get one of your people to come. Where's your phone Geurin?"
Michael just groans again before sniffling Alex's name.
"I really hoped you'd be useful. Where's the bathroom?"
"No. Ours. No one but us."
Flint rolls his eyes at that as he grabs the large blanket and has to grit his teeth when he realizes why the blanket looks so familiar. It's Alex's favorite, Grandma's blanket that still looks and feels the same though just a bit faded.
Michael actually whines the word and rolls away, almost falling off the couch.
"Alex's. His favorite. I'm gross so no."
Flint throws it on him anyway.
He grabs what he can without going to what he assumes is their room because that's a line he doesn't want to cross unless he has to.
Even though Michael fought him about the blanket he's all cocooned in it now. He takes a picture for both blackmail and Alex.
"The only person's number I have is Greg and he'd call Deluca. Who do you want?"
Why did he expect any other answer.
"He's still missing so either tell me someone else's number or you're getting Deluca which I'm highly against doing."
The bartender is decent company at her bar or with others but Flint has never really liked her. What she proclaims as being headstrong and a self savior is just a pretty way of saying stubborn and selfish.
He's seen it clear as day now because that's who he used to be. He's trying not to anymore but he's still angry and he still doesn't see what Alex sees in this particular alien. Might as well use the anger to stay focused instead of stewing in it.
"What about Isobel? There's that new parish guy I've seen. Not sure how he got added into all this mess but he looks like he cares."
Michael shakes his head and closes his eyes.
"I might get him sick with whatever this is. No other aliens." He seems to be contemplating who else might be able to help but Flint knows that's a small list. The possibility of getting the parish sick also confirms what Flint believed about the parish being another one.Â
"What about Ortecho, since she'd be able to figure out whatever this is right?"
"She's busy⌠but we could let her know."
Flint tries to decipher what Michael isn't saying.
"She won't stay and take care of you will she?"
That just gets another sniffle.
"Ok what about Sander's or Valenti? The doctor is human and probably knows the most about your physical biology."
"He's not here." Michael counters and Flint really wants to know how this guy is considered a genius.
"Well I'm sure a call would get him here especially once I tell him that Alex is missing. He's the only one that I would trust right now."
That gets a scoff that triggers a nasty coughing fit.
"I hope that was worth it. Now, I need your phone or someone's number or I will have Deluca come take care of you until Valenti or Ortecho get here to check you out."
There's a muffled thump from another room but Michael starts talking, distracting Flint from looking into it.
"I'll be fine after some sleep. Then we can go find Alex. Just need an hour." Michael tries to say this all while sneezing twice and slurring the end as his eyes flutter shut and he passes out again. He's still breathing so it's fine.
Flint stares cautiously at the pot of soup on the stove that's cooking in slight fear.
He did not make that and Michael is still passed out on the couch.
He went out to his car to make a call to Valenti who gave him Ortechos number. Both said they would get to Alex's as soon as possible but Flint knew Valenti actually meant it. Those calls and grabbing some things from his car took less than 10 minutes so how the hell did this soup get here!
The most chilling part is that it's a very specific type of soup that he does not want to think about so Flint just turns the stove off, puts a lid on the pot, and walks back into the living room.
He can deal with that later once someone else comes and sees it too.
The knock at the door is a bit of a surprise and instantly sets Flint's nerves on edge. There is no way Ortecho got here that quick and he's not letting anyone else in here.Â
When Flint tries to get up a pillow goes flying into his lap to sit him back down. There's a knock again but the pillow goes heavy like a pressure is holding it down. All Flint can do is glare at it until someone calls Michael's name and the voice makes him freeze.
He stays still and silent until the sound of a car starts then leaves and he unfreezes to let go of the pillow he was unconsciously gripping for dear life.
Trying to calm down the unnecessary panic he wants to rip out of his chest, Michael moves on the couch with a small whimper before the blanket tightens around him and he settles.Â
The pillow in his lap presses down once.Â
"We both know Morse Code idiot."
"Yup, it's you. Where are you so I can save your ass and you can take care of him."
The back of his shirt gets tugged almost over his head before it's let go.
"I brought him in and have given him basic assistance. You're welcome."
It almost feels like a hand pats the top of his head. The feeling is absolutely horrible and he never wants Alex to do that again because if he does he'll do⌠something.
"I don't need to help you Alex." He hisses at him.
A force pushes Michael back down and tightens the blanket on him. He still looks like shit but hopefully the sleep helped. Then Flint sees something glowing on Michael.
"Is that you or Alex. The glowing."
There's a tugging on Flint again, more insistent so he gets up and allows it to lead him over to a very emotional Michael. Can this day get any worse.
"The other piece. Alex has the other half and- we can find him! I need to-" Michael then proceeds to all but fall off the couch while still trapped in the blanket. Whatever weird force Alex is, he makes Michael stay still as the blanket is slowly unwrapped and it's nauseating how caring the action looks.
"Alex." The sound is almost a strangled croak as Michael just stares at the blanket.Â
Flint eyes some of Michael's hair moving and that is what seems to break Michael.
"I'm sorry! God Alex I'm sorry but I'm coming okay. I'm gonna bring you home."
The glowing piece of alien glass starts to dim and Flint is not going to like what happens next.
"Alex? Alex wait no come back! Alex!"
He lets Michael walk around the living room frantically as he holds the glass clutched in his hand until he starts to hopefully calm down or pass out again.
"You done so we can get to work now?"
Michael stupidly spins around and extends a hand at him but Flint feels nothing and all Michael does is almost fall again.
"No powers noted. We have at least another hour until Ortecho gets here to diagnose you so I'll keep a list."
Flint gets up to try and make Michael sit but he's just⌠standing there staring at his hand.
"I- I don't have my powers."
Taking a second Flint tries to think more about the situation and he sighs.
"Right you need time to process and freak out. Um hopefully it's not permanent?"
That's the right thing to say right?
The alien glass glows and directs Michael to sit then Flint feels the taps on his arm.
*Bonnie. Power remover. Tried to help. She's naive
"Alex says it was the Bonnie alien. She takes powers away somehow. Said she thought doing so would be helping you because she's naive."
This new information just makes Michael shrink into himself. How does Alex deal with him!
*donât push. Needs a second
Flint canât help but voice his annoyance at that. âWell this is sorta wasting valuable time in getting you back.â
âShe what! And youâre okay with that? I know you and your stupid heart is too kind but you canât keep doing this Alex.â
Even to him the almost hollow way Michael sounds is⌠concerning. Alex does whatever reassuring thing Michael needs but he still looks sorta brittle. That isnât stopping him from chewing Michael for doing this shit again.
âI donât want to believe youâd do this to Alex so either explain or I will leave you here to find Alex myself.â He threatens and he means it. Flint can find his brother on his own perfectly fine.
âShe kissed me because she thought I was into her or that was what I assumed because I was teaching her about earth and finally getting to show someone why you would want to stay.â
âAlex says instead of leaving and somehow it comes off happy. Please keep both your feelings to a minimum.â
âI was just trying to get information and maybe bring someone else to our side. She wants to stay here and she reminds me⌠reminds me of who I was before this stupid planet made me hate it. I pushed her away instantly and told her I was very much in- had a boyfriend who means everything to me. A boyfriend who was supposed to stay safe and come back to me so I could tell him something but now heâs edging me again.â
Flint canât help the look of revolution because he does not want to ever hear that again.
âIâll accept this even if I think you should still feel guilty.â
âOf course I do! I texted him about it but now I know why I havenât been receiving any text back.â
Feeling that they can move onto how they can find Alex now, Flint grabs his laptop and settles in.
âSit and conserve energy. Now tell me when did Alex leave for his weather mission?â
âHe left 2 days ago around 7pm so 2 days and 14 hours.âÂ
Flint wonât mention how slightly creepy that is because itâs vital information and he knows Alex would be the same way.
âYou know where you are and youâre only now telling me!â
âHeâs doing recon isn't he, trying to find out more while heâs stuck wherever he is.â
Michael sounds as annoyed as Flint is which he doesnât like.
*stuck. You canât get me. Alien tech
âHey I know Morse Code too! Alex what did you tell him?â
*stuck. You canât get me. Alien tech. Keep working with evil triad
This back and forth is going to get annoying so Flint just pulls up a blank word doc and sets it on the table.
âIf you can tap us then use this, itâll be more efficient and clear.
Wasnât sure if it would work. Thank you Flint. Michael your map. I can show you but you wonât be able to get me.
Michael reaches his hand out before remembering he doesnât have his powers.
âIâll go grab it.â He sighs.
Flint eyes the screen waiting for more text but nothing.Â
"Is there anything I should know that he can't yet?"
Liz will need to diagnose and create something to neutralize her powers while I see what the leader is up to
Wherever I am it'll be hard to bring me back. I think I'm in a different dimension.
"Somehow I'm not surprised by that."
Wherever I am, the place I got sucked into dropped me into some type of device that more or less transported me somewhere else.
"So it's like their ship or something? Some type of portal maybe?"
Tell Michael and let him know I'd understand if he wants to go home
It takes a second to decipher what Alex means because isn't Michael home now? What-
"You're more of a self-deprecating idiot than I thought. He'd choose you cause you're his home now."
Alex doesn't reply because again he's a self-deprecating idiot who still won't keep anything for himself.
"You better stay here and listen. Guerin! Talk to your boyfriend."
Michael stumbles from the room at his name.
"What? What's wrong! Alex, are you okay, are you hurt!?"
"He's fine but you need to talk to him. Here, read this and tell him he's wrong."
Michael leans down to read what Alex said and frowns.
"Do you really think being in a different dimension or wherever you are will stop me from getting you back? What the hell do you mean home! You're my home!" His yelling softens as he grips onto his alien glass pendant.
"You were my first home Alex, the first person who gave me a warm place to feel safe and cared for."
But you've always dreamed of going back
"I had a dream to give me hope even if it was a pipe dream! Something I could keep working on even if it never worked out because I thought I lost the real thing in that shed but now I have you again, you made us a new home, so stop being a sacrificing idiot and let us go get you. You said you'd burn the whole world down before letting something happen to me well now I get my second shot of proving I'd do the same."
That may also be an unresolved fear
"True. You did leave him last time." Flint points out.
"I was an idiot worrying about the wrong things. Go get me some acetone and I'll call Liz to get over here now."
You're still sick. Take a second.
"I feel fine now so I'll sit while I make the call. You stay put and just- be there okay. I need you to be there so I-" Michael flicks a glance at Flint and adjusts his words, "we can get you. I want you to come home Alex."
This is obviously a moment but all Flint heard was that Michael felt fine. He takes a second to assess Michael to see if he's lying about feeling better but he does look fine.
"Ortecho is taking too long so leave her a message and we can head out. I'll let Valenti know but no one else got it."
Flint quickly grabs his things and heads to his car.
There's pressure on his shoulder once he gets outside but Flint shakes it off.
"You can get all emotional after we get you back."
He looks around and doesn't see Michael yet so he allows himself this small moment with Alex.
There's another press to his shoulder but this time it takes a bit longer to shake it off.
