NEVER TOGETHER NEVER APART – PART 7

Nikita was in the perch when she got the call. Michael had forced his way past the guards and had taken refuge in the Tower, a gun aimed at anyone who came near him. Nikita gave the order to back off, insisting that she herself would deal with him.

Val was outraged. Sir, he broke the arm of one operative and gave the other a broken jaw! He forced his way into the tower! I must insist that you let a team deal with him. Michael is a threat..

Nikita raised her head up slowly, making direct eye contact with her second and stared at her hard. The only threat around here right now is in your mind. I know Michael and he won’t harm me. Now if you can’t do as I ask, then perhaps a stint at the farm might be more to your liking?

Val clamped her mouth shut, taking a step back as Nikita prepared to push past her. No Sir.

Then stop making my life harder. Take over the Perch until I contact you. Think you can manage that for me, hmm? Nikita arched one eyebrow sarcastically before exiting. Val stared after her feeling quite angry.

Yes sir… She mumbled petulantly making a face at her retreating back.

Nikita pushed past the guards and opened the door. The sight before her made her gasp. There had to be at least 5 armed guards with guns trained directly at Michael as he stood behind the large leather couch.

Get out. She said calmly looking at each operative and making eye contact with each. Now!

Her eyes relayed the message she was dead serious and it was received as they all backed out quickly.

And shut the door! She yelled as the last one left. He quickly did as he was told leaving the two of them alone.

Nikita turned and looked at Michael, gun still pointed at her. What in the hell are you doing Michael? They could have killed you!

Michael lowered the gun, letting it slip from his hand to fall onto the couch, his face began to screw up, and the sound of deep sobs came from deep in his chest.

Nikita rushed to his side, shocked when he fell into her arms, weeping like a small child. His hand gripped her blouse, face buried in her shoulder as he leaned on her heavily like he was unable to stand on his own. Wrapping her arms about him, she took most of his weight, stroking his hair as she murmured words of comfort. Michael seemed not to hear her, his sorrow all-consuming. The wetness of his tears soon drenched her blouse, yet neither seemed concerned as she steered him to the bedroom.

Michael let her go long enough to allow her to sit him down on the edge, but he grabbed her by the waist, pulling her back to him as the sobbing once again took hold shaking him violently.

Stroking his shoulders and hair, she bent down kissing the top of his head. Not since he had lost Adam that first time had she ever seen him even half as upset as he was now. The depth of his sorrow was almost frightening as this was a side of him she had never seen. Nikita gently but firmly pulled free of his grasp and knelt down, her fingers reached for the laces on his boots.

Michael wavered to and fro as she pulled them off, placing them under the side table.

Getting back up, she pulled him to his feet, her hands going to his belt, and undoing it quickly.

Michael leaned his head on her shoulder as she pulled his shirt of the waistband of his pants lifting it up over his head.

It’s going to be alright Michael. Let me take care of you for a change. She paused pushing back his dishevelled hair and placing the top on the end of the bed.

Michael never answered, but complied, helping her to take his pants off, his swollen eyes carefully averting her.

As his clothes came off, Nikita couldn’t help but notice the beauty of his body again after their years of being apart. His skin was warm, the scars still the same, and even his smell was the same. Much like fresh laundry, and the fragrance brought a rush of memories back. Blinking rapidly, she dismissed them, as right now, Michael needed her. She wouldn’t take advantage of him no matter how badly she craved his love again.

Once he was naked, she pulled the covers back, helping him to sit down and swing his legs up. Turning on his side, he clutched the pillow, his face plainly showing the pain he was feeling over Adams death.

Turning the lamp down low, Nikita pulled the covers up over his shuddering form and sat down on the edge behind his turned back. Stroking his naked shoulder and arm softly, she waited until he relaxed, drifting off into a trouble rest. He leaned into her heavily as if taking comfort in knowing she was there.

The next few hours passed without interruption and Nikita was truly grateful to Val for it. But then, perhaps it was the farm threat that made her see her error in trying to overstep. Looking down at her now semi dry blouse, she carefully moved away and off the bed trying to not to disturb him. He was in a deep sleep, as he never even stirred when the bed dipped down and back up as she got to her feet. Stretching out her cramped arm, Nikita went to the big dresser and quietly pulled out a fresh blouse.

Stepping into the bathroom, she closed the door partway and pulled at the small silk covered buttons. Her reflection stared back at her and she was surprised to see how tired even she looked. It was as if sleep was eluding her on purpose. Letting the blue silk blouse fall down over her shoulders and off her arms onto the floor, she readjusted her pale beige bra. How she hated them but with her new position, it was definitely a requirement.

Reaching over to the taps, she ran the warm water, squeezing out a fresh facecloth, bringing it to her face and neck, breathing in the fresh fragrance. Pushing her now damp hair back from her eyes, she patted herself dry and picked up the new blouse. Slipping it on, she began to do up the buttons from the bottom up. Looking down at the marble top of the sink, she found her hairbrush, reaching for it once she had did up her buttons. Bringing her eyes up, she gasped, dropping it, causing a loud clatter on the marbled floor. The reflection of a very tired Michael appeared. Spinning around, she held her hand to her chest and swallowed.

Michael, you frightened me. I didn’t hear you get up…. Are you all right?

Michael looked away to some spot on the floor past her, his expression pained.

Nikita set the brush down and went to him, her hands taking his in hers. What do you need Michael? She asked quietly watching his averted gaze carefully.

After a moment two, Michael took in a shaky breath and brought his eyes up to meet hers. They were glassy, unshed tears still plainly visible.

What time is it? He finally asked in a hushed voice, pulling his one hand from hers to pushing his hair back from his face.

Nikita looked down at her watch. Its 1500 hours.

Michael turned away, leaving her to look at his retreating back.

Ignoring the brush on the floor, Nikita went after him, following him back into her bedroom.

He sat down on the edge of the warm bed, elbows leaning on his knees, head bent.

Standing just off to his side, Nikita watched him sit motionless for what felt like forever before he broke the silence.

You should have me cancelled. He said lifting his head finally and turn to look up at her.

Why?

I violated the rules.

Whose rules?

Michael gave a small snort before answering. The rules Nikita. Rules of Section. You are Operations and I forced my way into the Tower.

Yes, you did. But Michael,,, I want you here, I want us to be together always and if I have change the rules, I will.

Michael shook his head. No you won’t.

And just why won’t I?

You won’t because you’re good at the job.

Nikita clamped her mouth shut not quite believing he was goading her to get mad. Turning her back to him, she paced slowly back and forth. How is it you think you know me so well after being gone for 2 years Michael? A lot has changed.

Michael looked up at her as she paced regarding her quietly with his tired green eyes. Yes, it has changed for us,,, on the outside.. But nothing has changed inside us Nikita.

No, you’re wrong about that. You have changed a lot both inside and out Michael.

She turned away, her thumb going to her mouth, nibbling on her nail as she fought to keep her rising temper in check. I am still the same in every respect. So what if I am now Operations? That’s separate of you and me.

Exactly Nikita. It is separate and you’re using your position to shield me already. I won’t allow that. He interrupted her with a firm yet tired voice.

As operations, I can do pretty much anything I want and I want you with me. I won’t order you cancelled…. I can’t believe you’d sit there and ask that of me. She motioned with her hands as she spoke bitterly.

Michael looked up at her, his face expressionless reaching for his clothes at the end of the bed.

Nikita stood back watching him, her stomach dropping at his indifference to her. Reaching out with her one hand, she snatched his top from his hands, throwing it out in the door leading to the hallway behind her.

His eyes regarded her with the usual blankness but inside he was horribly conflicted. She was lovely, warm, real and standing so close, yet he wouldn’t allow himself the luxury of her love. What the devil was wrong with me? He wondered to himself.

Nikita glared down at him, her pale face becoming tinged with a slight rose hue. No, you’re not leaving until you tell me why Michael…. Why did you really come back? You knew there was nothing we could do that the outside couldn’t have done for Adam.

Michael got to his feet and pulled up the tight black pants then the zipper; his fingers deftly then did up the leather belt.

You know the answer to that already. He answered wearily pushing back the tangles of auburn from his face.

Nikita closed the distance between them, her hands held him firmly by each arm. I have an idea, but I want to hear it from you Michael.

She searched his face, praying he would give her the answer she so needed to hear.

Taking a step back, he pulled free of her and stepped around her, their shoulders brushing the other as he headed out into the hall for his top.

Nikita refused to turn to watch him leave her yet again and instead raised her chin as she spoke. You will report to level 6 for assessment; your tracker had already been activated.

Michael paused, his shirt held loosely in his hands as he listened to her. Nikita paused for a moment before adding in a chilling voice.

Don’t bother trying to leave. Like you said, you’re one of us again, subject to the same rules as the rest. Do I make myself clear?

Michael turned his head to look at her, admiring her for her discipline, yet hating himself for his callousness. It was little wonder he found himself so in love with this woman.

Yes. His hushed voice reached her ears, then moments later, the sound of the Tower’s main doors closing, signalling they were once again, never together, and never apart.

THE END

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