NEVER TOGETHER NEVER APART – PART 6

It had been 5 days since he had come to her, asking her to bring him back in. five days since he actually showed if he cared one way or the other for her and it left her feeling confused and terribly hurt.

Don’t you know I am here for you Michael? She whispered, eyes downcast, seeing nothing in particular as she sat in the back of the limo. She had just met with Center concerning his request and much to her surprise, they had readily approved. After assessment, he would be returning to his full status.

Crossing her legs, she looked out the window at the falling snow as they sped through the city. Snow was a wonderful thing as it hid a multitude of horrors under its purity, freezing the world in time until the thaw of spring would arrive.

Pulling her dark glasses down from the bridge of her nose, she smiled sadly. She too felt like she was frozen; only her spring would never come. Adams condition was spiralling downwards, just as Michael had predicted. An operation had been done, using new techniques but to no avail,,,, the boy grew weaker each passing day as did Michaels spirit.

Maybe he wanted to come back to Section only to go on some mission and commit suicide… She thought a sick feeling spread over her entire being, her palms growing sweaty at the thought. She shook her head, placing her glasses back on her face,

No, he wouldn’t do that to me. He wouldn’t. She repeated it over and over in her head as if trying to convince herself.

The cell in her pocket beeped and she reached in, pulling it out and flipping it open, bringing it to her ear. Yes? Sir, Dr. Filbers here. It’s the boy; he is crashing as we speak. Michael is demanding we take him off life support.

Nikita closed her eyes tightly, sorrow washed over her for the both of them. Do whatever Michael wants. I am about 5 minutes out. Tell Michael I am on my way. She flipped the phone shut before the Dr. could respond and brought her gloved hand to her mouth, muffling a sob. She prayed Adam would hold on long enough for her to get there.

Nikita fast walked into Section, her long black coat flying out behind her, her heels clicking noisily on the floors as operatives jumped out of her way. Reaching the Med Lab doors, she entered the room and looked at the drawn curtains where Adam was usually kept. It was strangely silent and the staff was no where near. Nikita felt her heart drop when she saw the Dr approach her.

It happened just moments ago. He went peacefully.

Nikita nodded curtly, pulling her gloves off one by one, her gaze fixed on the floor. Thank you. I want this place cleared out, now. She replied calmly knowing she would have to swallow her sorrow for now and be there for Michael.

Within moments, the area was deserted, doors shutting quietly leaving only Michael, Nikita and the body of Adam. Taking a deep breath, she pulled the curtain back gently and saw Michael lying on his side on the bed, cradling the tiny limp form that used to be his son. Michael eyes were closed; face resting on the white bandages on Adams head, hand stroking his pale face slowly. A soft hum came from him as he began rocking Adam to and fro, still not aware of anything but his lost son in his arms and the profound numbness that enveloped his heart.

Nikita looked away for a moment, wondering if she might be intruding and it was then that he opened his eyes and looked at her.

I’m so sorry Michael. She whispered taking a tentative step forward, watching him carefully to see if he wonted her to leave.

Returning his attention down at Adams face, his hands traced his small features as he resumed humming.

Nikita hesitantly placed her hand on Michael’s shoulder, grateful when he didn’t pull away.

I tried to get here in time… She stopped short when he held his hand up, shaking his head.

Give us time alone. He whispered hoarsely.

Nikita pulled her hand back, nodding. If you need anything….. She let her voice trail off, realizing he was no longer listening to her. Quietly, she left them and headed for the perch to do some crying of her own.

The funeral had been small, intimate with only Michael, Nikita, and Walter attending. Of course, there was the usual entourage of guards for Nikita, but at her order, had stood back quite a ways from the gathering.

The church yard was blanketed in a brilliant white carpet of fresh snow only making the dark brown earth of the grave all the more stark.

Michael stood silently, hands in his pockets, eyes masked by dark black sunglasses. His hair flew about his face in the brisk winds, yet he seemed unmindful of anything around him save the small dark blue casket now lowered into the ground.

Nikita pulled her jacket tighter about her, grateful for its warmth as the day was clear but incredibly cold.

Walter stood opposite them, his old face seemed pale in the light of day, his bandana usually bright and gay had been replaced with a black and grey patterned one.

The priest finished his blessing and came forward, placing his hands on Michael’s shoulders, whispering something to him in French.

Michael gave a brief nod and accepted the mans hand, shaking it. Leaving them alone the priest turned and walked back to the church, his robes plastered to his legs as he walked.

Walter closed his eyes for a moment or two, seemingly in prayer and then left, heading for his car leaving Nikita and Michael alone together by the open grave.

Michael took a few steps closer to the pit, bent down and picked up a handful of earth. Standing back up, he extended his arm out letting it fall slowly from his hand onto the shiny casket below. The sound seemed loud in his ears and he inwardly winced at the sound. Stepping back, he turned and slowly walked past Nikita as if she wasn’t there. Dabbing her eyes beneath her own dark glasses she looked down at the lonely looking grave.

Don’t you worry Adam… I will look after your daddy for you. She whispered as she too bent down and picked up some earth, letting it fall below.

Goodbye Adam. She added before turning to follow after Michael who was just now getting into the limo.

The ride back was quiet; Michael sat silently beside her, his hand resting on his legs, staring straight ahead.

Nikita knew he was traumatized and the best thing she could do was to be here for him, but not push.

As if sensing her thoughts, his gloved hand slowly reached over and rested on her leg.

Nikita looked down at it and the up to his face.

He still stared straight ahead, glasses hiding his eyes effectively. Taking his hand in hers, she gave it a small squeeze. It was then she saw the one small tear fall from under his glasses, leaving a small shiny trail down his cheek.

He was thankful when she simply held his hand tighter and looked straight ahead. Somehow, she always knew what he needed.

Michael sat on the edge of his bed, head held in his hands as he stared down at the floor between his boots. A profound sense of loss washed over him like a cold wind, his heart breaking into a million pieces.

Adam….. He whispered his name hoarsely, fists grabbing his hair, squeezing it hard in his fists. Memories flashed through his mind as he grappled with what had happened. The day he was born, his little hands flailing as he was laid on Elena’s chest. The day he cried out Papa the first time, his first steps in their back yard. The happy smile he gave as he boarded the school bus for his first day of school.

Michael released his hair and got to his feet, a growl deep in his chest erupting as he picked up a chair and flung it into the wall. Breathing hard, he yanked the door open heading for the Tower. He had to see her….. Had to get to her before he lost control of himself completely and because he realized how much he truly needed her.

TO BE CONTINUED

CONTINUE TO PART 7 OF NEVER TOGETHER NEVER APART
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