WHAT LOVE HAS JOINED TOGETHER: AN ALTERNATE ENDING

By VIKKI

The characters of LFN are not mine, I just borrowed them for my own peace of mind. This story contains 5th season spoilers. Ok, so I had to have a happy ending! I tried to come up with a way for that to happen without going too far away from the characters. Hope you enjoy it!

Nikita was lying in a fetal position on the bunk in her quarters at Section. Since Michael had left to turn himself into The Collective, she had been hiding from everyone. She just couldn’t face anyone, not even Walter. She was so sick of crying. To have Michael back and then to lose him again! She was utterly bereft.

There was a knock on her door but she just curled up tighter trying to ignore it. Why didn’t he stay away? Yes he wanted Adam but surely he could have found another way to find him.

Her thoughts were interrupted by the persistent knocking. Whoever it was did not intend to give up. She stalked over to her door to give the person a piece of her mind. When the door slid open, it was Michael! She fell into his arms bursting out in tears. “Michael!”

He grabbed her and held her tight but his expression was full of pain. “Nikita,” her soothed, “I’m here.”

After a few moments, Nikita settled down enough to really look at him. She saw a man who seemed to be suffering the tortures of hell.

“Adam! Is he…” she started but couldn’t finish the thought.

“Adam is ok right now. But I have 3 days to complete their mission or he will be killed.”

“What mission?” Nikita asked with a troubled frown.

“The Collective wants me to deliver Mr. Jones to them and they will release Adam.”

“Oh my God, Michael! I can’t turn him over to the Collective. He’s my father! Besides, you can’t trust these terrorists! They could just as easily kill all three of you!”

“Nikita! I know. I also realize that Adam will never be safe with me. I must find a way for him to be safe and grow up without fear. In his young life, he’s had to face so much death and despair. I came back to get you and Adam and leave but I know now that I would only put Adam in more danger this way.”

“Michael!” She touched his hand, her expression was one of love and compassion. “What are we going to do?”

“I’ve come up with an plan. If it works, Adam will be safe.”

Michael would not look her in the face, making Nikita even more nervous,

“Let’s go find your father and I’ll explain it to both of you.”

Just as bluntly, Michael replied, “You.”

Mr. Jones blinked once then glanced at his daughter and back to Michael. “And you have a plan?”

“Yes,” Michael replied quietly. “A few years ago, we met a woman who was booby-trapped with a bomb planted inside her body. Since then, our technicians have developed a way for the bomb to be swallowed. It is much easier and works faster. The bomb will take a few hours before it ignites and by then, they should be back at their headquarters. It will destroy their entire base.”

“So you want me to turn myself over to those terrorists?” Mr. Jones demanded of Michael.

“No, I will go disguised as you!”

“Michael! No! Nikita almost screamed. “I just got you back. Don’t make me give you up again!”

“Nikita, it’s the only way to save Adam. I want you to care for him, please?” Michael was so fixed on Nikita, he failed to see the expression that crossed Mr. Jones’ face.

‘I will do this one last thing for Nikita. I am dying anyway so why not. She has loved Michael for so long and I owe her for all the neglect she was forced to endure due to our circumstances. Maybe she will forgive me for all that went on before if I do this.’

Mr. Jones’ self-perspective was jerked away as he heard Nikita cry out, “No! Please Michael, don’t leave me again!” She was almost hysterical and Mr. Jones only felt even more guilty. He had put so much on her young shoulders and it was beginning to tell.

“Nikita, leave us!” Mr. Jones demanded sternly. Nikita glanced over to him, tears streaming down her face. She was embarrassed to be this emotional, especially in front of her father, but she couldn’t seem to help it. She gulped and tried to calm down. “No, I want to be part of this!” she replied.

Nikita missed the look that passed between Michael and her father. Michael could see that he wanted to discuss something and that he did not want Nikita involved. “Nikita, please,” he asked quietly.

Nikita turned to face Michael and said, “I’ll go now but please Michael, think of another way!” She then left systems and headed to her quarters.

After she left, Mr. Jones sat down and offered Michael a seat. “ How much do you love my daughter?” he asked Michael, staring him in the eyes for any sign of deceit.

“I love her with my life, “ Michael replied quietly. “We have been torn apart so many times by Operations and Madeline’s machinations but we’ve always found each other again. The only reason I even think about leaving her now is that I must save my son. He needs to have a safe and loving home. “

“As you know, I was not around during Nikita’s formative years. She ended up on the street due to her mother’s drinking and though I knew about it, there was nothing I could do. She managed through all that to come out a decent person, did not get involved in drugs or prostitution. I am so proud of her.”

“You have not told Nikita this, have you?”

“No, Nikita and I are slowly building our relationship. She has a lot to forgive. I was the one who got her arrested and brought to section. She is still trying to forgive me for that, I know.”

“Nikita has a large heart and will forgive you if you just ask. She has the capacity to never become a machine like I was before she brought me back.”

“Yes I know that but I also know that this is just one more nightmare she is going to have to face and I must do something to help her. “

He was quiet for a few moments and then said suddenly, “I’m dying, you know? I only have a few more months to live. I haven’t told Nikita because I know she will be hurt once again by me. I can see how much she loves you and have noticed how she has changed in the short time you’ve been here. I’ve decided that I will take your place with the Collective.”

“I could not ask you to do that,” Michael said quietly.

“You didn’t, “ he said bluntly. “I will do this on one condition. You two must stay here and help run Section. You will be Nikita’s Second in Command. I know you wanted to raise your son but surely you’ve realized that this is impossible. You are too well-known in the terrorist world so Adam will never be safe with you.”

“Yes, I have recently come to realize this and have an idea of what to do to make Adam safe. I will stay and help Nikita, there is no way I can leave her again. You must tell her your decision, though. She will fight you but in the end she will realize you are doing it out of your love for her. The worst you can do is to try to hide it from her.”

“No, I can’t do that!” Mr. Jones replied. “I am a hard man, I have had to be, but I cannot bear to see Nikita fall apart like she just did!”

“You must tell her! I have promised Nikita that I would not hide information from her and I will not betray her trust so that it’s easier on you! Don’t you think you owe her the chance to say goodbye?” Michael, the stoic Michael, was almost shouting in his anger.

“Yes I do owe it to her, I just don’t know if I can tell her.”

Michael calmed down as he realized that Mr. Jones really was just an old man who was trying to enjoy the little bit of time he had left with his beloved daughter. Quietly, he said, “ You must tell her. She will be hurt but she will accept it much easier if you are honest with her. Throughout the last 7 years, I’ve had to lie and betray her for the good of Section. I won’t see her go through that with you. If you don’t tell her, I will.”

“Of course you are correct,” he sighed. “I will tell her but I want you to be present. She takes such comfort with you being here.”

“Agreed,” Michael said.

Michael headed to Nikita’s quarters to see how she was doing and to tell her that her father wanted to talk to them. He found her sound asleep, the evidence of her tears still on her face.

He knew she would not take it well when her father told her of their plans and he hated that she would be hurt again. There was no other way. Someone had to be sacrificed and Mr. Jones decided it would be him.

Michael sat down on the bed beside Nikita, touched her face and then traced her eyebrow. Nikita slowly opened her eyes. She was not startled. It was as if she knew his touch even in her sleep. She smiled and said huskily, “Hi.”

Michael responded with his own “Hi!” and continued to trace her features. Nikita reached for his hand and brought it to her lips. I was having a fantastic dream when you woke me up.”

“You will have to tell me about it sometime,” he said with a small smile, but first we have to meet with Mr. Jones.”

Nikita’s eyes darkened as she realized that for a short time she had forgotten what was going on. She sat up and looked sadly at Michael. “Please don’t leave me again,” she begged, “I don’t think I could bear it!” “Nikita, you must be strong. Let me contact your father. He wants to talk to us here in your quarters.”

While waiting for her father, Nikita washed her face, brushed her teeth and then prepared tea for herself and her father and coffee for Michael. There was a knock at her door and Michael went to let him in. Nikita came in and placed the tray on the small coffee table. She sat down on one side of it and motioned the two men to sit down. Michael sat beside her while her father sat across.

“Ah, Nikita, feeling better I hope? Did you get some rest?”

“Yes, I slept a little. Now tell me what the plan is to get Adam back safely,” she said looking back and forth between them.

“Nikita, I want you to listen to me and not interrupt until I finish, is that clear?” Her father stated imperiously.

Nikita glanced suspiciously between the two of them. She knew she wasn’t going to like this! “Yes, I understand.”

“Nikita, I am dying! I only have a few months to live.”

Nikita’s eyes filled with tears. She knew he was frail but never realized he was ill.

“Since I have so little time left, I am going to go in place of Michael to save Adam.”

“No! I just found you! You can’t leave me like this! Why must it be that between the two men I love one of them has to be sacrificed? It’s not fair!” She leaned back and Michael put his arm around her for comfort.

“No, but then again, life is not fair. We live, we die. All we can do is make a difference while we are here. My sacrifice will make a difference. I will leave you and Michael to run Section. You will be able to run Section with a kinder, gentler hand than has been used before. I know you will get the job done but with more compassion.”

“Father, I don’t want to run Section but I realize I have no choice. I will stay for the greater good. If Section doesn’t stop terrorism, who will? Are you sure there is not another way to save Adam without you having to die? I just don’t think I can bear to lose you so soon after finding you.”

“You will, my dear and you will have Michael to help you. He will be your Second in Command.”

“Shouldn’t I be Michael’s SIC? He has experience being in charge of Section.”

“No, you are the savior of Section. Michael will be very helpful to you when things come up that you haven’t experienced. He has agreed to this and understands that you are to be Operations.”

Nikita looked at Michael and saw his total acceptance of the plan. Still she asked, “Are you sure?”

“I am,” he replied quietly.

“I will not be called Operations!. I will still be Nikita.”

“That is your choice, my dear,” he father replied.

Nikita wore sunglasses to hide the fact that she was crying. To lose her father so soon after finding him was incredibly painful. She knew he was sacrificing his life for her happiness though and could only love him for that.

They were standing at one end of 500-foot bridge, the Collective was at the other end. Adam and Mr. Jones were to pass each other in the middle.

Mr. Jones looked at his daughter. “I have something for you.” He held out his hand and Nikita saw the Operations key. She reached out to take it, rubbing her knuckles across his hand before taking the key. He blinked and smiled.

Nikita tried not to burst into tears again. She had to let him go. “Goodbye Father.” She did not hug him. It would not do for The Collective to realize they were related. She would be the next target as it was being the head of Section One.

Limping with his cane, Mr. Jones started the trek across the bridge.

Nikita glanced up and saw Adam had started across from the other side. “Adam!” she called.

Adam looked puzzled for a second and then yelled, “Kita!” and ran into her arms. She hugged him tightly and glanced over the shoulders of the operatives that had surrounded them, to see her father being taken away by the Collective.

Adam noticed her sad look and asked, “Who’s that old man with the cane?”

Nikita looked down and tried to smile, “He’s my father.”

In the section van, Michael watched his son and Nikita. Thank God his son was safe now. If only he could hold him like Nikita was doing! Still, it was safer for him not to be involved with his son. If his plan worked, his son would grow up safe and loved and Michael could keep an eye on him. It was also probably a good idea for Nikita to be distracted by Adam so she wouldn’t break down in public.

Nikita lead Adam to the limo. “I’m going to take you to a secret place for a little while, ok? You’ll be safe and can have a burger and fries, how does that sound?”

Adam grinned. “I’m starving!”

Even with her heart breaking, she couldn’t ignore his gamine grin and returned his smile. “I might just join you for those burgers and fries!” she exclaimed.

Nikita and Adam had their burgers while Michael watched through a two-way mirror. As they were finishing up, Jasmine came in. “Adam, this is Jasmine. She is going to be play with you while I get some work done. Jasmine, this is Adam.”

“Hi Adam! I bet you like to play video games? “

“You bet! He jumped up and followed Jasmine out of the room. See ya later, Kita!” he called out.

“Ok, Adam! Have fun!”

Nikita waited until Adam and Jasmine were safely away and then headed out and turned into the room where Michael was waiting. His expression was sad but also very relieved. “I can’t believe how fast he is growing up,” he declared quietly.

Nikita took him in her arms and held him. “He is such an adorable child and so resilient. He will be fine.”

“Yes, I know he will. “

He looked at her with compassion. “It’s done?” she asked quietly.

“Yes, the entire building was destroyed in the blast. It took out the majority of The Collective. Teams are going through the other locations and cleaning house.”

“Good! At least father didn’t die in vain.” She paused, then “I was just beginning to know him. I will miss him,” she said sadly.

This time, Michael hugged Nikita and held her. He led them over to the chair, sat down and pulled her onto his lap, holding her and letting her grieve.

Though no one but Nikita could tell, Michael was very nervous. He wondered how his sister would react to finding him alive. Martine was so young when he went to prison. Would she even remember what he looked like?

Nikita, feeling Michael’s turbulent emotions, reached over from the driver’s seat and patted his arm. “She will be very happy to see you. I’m sure she’ll be shocked of course but that will not last long. You are her brother, she loves you just for that. “

Nikita paused and Michael glanced at her. He could see the sadness of her father’s death and knew she would grieve for him a long time. Nikita realized she was being watched and said sadly, “After all, my father had done some pretty horrible things done to be me and yet I was able to forgive him.”

Michael picked up the hand lying on his arm and kissed it. “Thank you for coming with me.”

“Michael, I wouldn’t have missed meeting your sister for the world besides the fact that where you go, I go!”

Michael smiled a genuine smile and touched the wedding band on his left hand. They had gotten married just before her father had died. He wanted to be present for the vows. Since it was so rushed, they had found a justice of the peace and taken Walter and Jason along as witnesses. It did not matter to him how they were married, only that they were. She was his now and he was hers. Now if only his sister would take Adam and raise him, he could at least feel that he had done his best for him.

Michael’s thoughts were interrupted by Nikita’s voice, “We’re here.” She looked at him and asked, “ Are you ready to see your sister again?”

“Yes.”

Nikita turned into the driveway and drove the quarter mile or so to the front door.

The house was beautiful amid the trees and bushes. You could tell the owner took great pride in the grounds being kept immaculate. Nikita could even glimpse a flower garden to the right of the house. The house was an old one but had been well maintained. There was plenty of room for a child or children to play and explore.

To make an entrance into her home, Nikita had contacted Martine and told her that she worked with child services. She had discussed with Martine the possibility of caring for a foster child. Martine, at first had been surprised but quickly warmed up to the idea. They had this huge home that needed more than just one child to fill it with joy and laughter. She loved her son with all her heart but still had room to love more children.

They had reached the front door and paused. Michael took a deep breath and Nikita looked at him and asked, “Ready?”

Instead of answering, Michael rang the doorbell then stepped back to let Nikita take the lead.

The door opened to a beautiful young woman in her late twenties. Her hair was a glorious riot of brown curls with highlights of red showing through. She had hazel eyes and a peaches and cream complexion. She smiled pleasantly at Nikita and barely glanced at the man with her. “Yes?”

“Mrs. Dubois, I’m Nikita Watson. I spoke to you on the phone Tuesday.”

“Yes, I’ve been expecting you. Come in!” She then looked directly at Michael and gasped, “Michel! But…you’re dead!” She wavered back and forth as if she were going to faint so Nikita grabbed her arm to steady her.

“Martine, it’s ok. Please take a deep breath and steady yourself. We would really like to talk to you.”

Martine, gathered her wits and lead then into her living room. She still looked pale so Nikita offered to make some tea hoping it would calm her down. Martine pointed Nikita to the kitchen and dropped rather ungracefully on the divan. She could not stop staring at Michael. Michael bore up well under her scrutiny. He wanted Nikita to return with the tea before they began. Luckily, Martine had just started the water to boil for the tea so Nikita only took a minute or so until she returned with the tea tray. She sat down in a chair to the left of the divan and poured Martine a cup of tea. “Here, sip this. You are still quite pale.”

Martine took the tea and sipped it. Her face was returning to normal again, Nikita was glad to see. Finally, Martine put the teacup down and staring intently at Michael asked, “Who are you? You are the image of my dead brother.”

“No, Martine,” Michael said as he slowly walked over and knelt in front of her, “I am Michel. I have a lot to tell you and it must never leave this room.”

Martine refused to believe it. “What is this, some kind of awful joke? My brother committed suicide in prison after creating a bomb that killed several people!! I went to his funeral. Again I ask, who are you?”

Michael began speaking French to Martine, telling her of an event only she and Michel would know. Martine gasped again and grabbed for Michael, hugging him and crying, “Michel! It is you! I never believed you would commit suicide! ” She was laughing then suddenly stopped, “Where have you been? How could you leave me and never contact me?”

Michael bent his head in pain. Nikita decided to help him. “Martine, it is a long story that we can’t explain fully but will tell you what we can. Michael and I are members of a very covert anti-terrorist division called Section One. We stop the terrorists that other teams cannot stop. Michael and I were both brought in from prison, our suicides faked and trained for two years to become operatives. We are considered ghosts. We have no real identity and are going against all Section One policies by contacting you. We were allowed to make this exception due to the fact that there is an innocent involved.”

“An innocent? What do you mean?”

Michael took over. “The operation we work for does anything and everything to get the terrorist. We don’t have to follow rules like the police or other government departments do. We also have no choice. Either we do what we are ordered to do or we are killed. Eight years ago, I was required to marry a woman whose father was a terrorist. Elena knew nothing about her father’s business as they had been estranged for many years. I was to convince Elena to contact her father so we could get him because he never comes out from hiding. Elena fell in love with me and even though I didn’t love her, I cared for her. When our son was born, I loved him with an intensity I have only felt once and still feel today,” he continued, staring at Nikita.

Nikita blushed slightly but gave him a loving smile. Martine did not miss this and thought to herself, ‘So that’s the way it is, hmmmm.’

Michael continued, “Eventually we were able to draw her father out and take care of him. At the same time, I was “killed” to free me from the mission. I had to leave my son behind. I have kept close watch on them until Elena’s uncle showed up and was going to kill her and Adam as he thought Elena was involved in her father’s death. I was able to stop her uncle but Elena and Adam were whisked away and I could not find them.”

He paused and Nikita offered him a cup of tea. Though not his favorite, he was thirsty after speaking so much and took a few sips then continued.

“A lot more has happened that I can’t go into but my son was found and I have him now but he does not know I am still alive. His mother was killed in an automobile accident so he had been placed into a foster home. He will never be safe around me so I need to have him where he can be loved and raised without fear as a child should be. I come to you, Martine, to ask that you raise my son. I will keep in contact with you and of course provide financial aide for Adam but he must never know I am alive. “ Michael’s sad expression almost broke Martine’s heart!

“Oh Michel! Of course I will raise Adam. I will raise him as if her were my own son. I will also keep you up-to-date on all that goes on with him. “

“Martine, you can never let Adam’s parentage be known, not even to your husband. The fewer who know about Adam, the safer he is. You can use the fact that Nikita contacted you about caring for children as a cover. We will make fake records for Adam so he can’t be traced back to me.”

“Yes, Jacques and I had agreed to take on a child. It will just be permanently. Michel I will try to let you know all about your son’s life. I am so sorry he can’t be raised by his own father.”

“Yes, I regret that also but I am too well known in the terrorist community so I have to stay away from him.”

Nikita seeing the devastating look in Michael’s eyes, went over, knelt down and hugged him, not saying anything. Martine decided to lighten the moment by teasing them.

“And what is going on with you two? I’ve seen the looks that have passed between you,” she teased.

Michael stood up, bringing Nikita with him, and smiled as Nikita blushed again. “Nikita and I are married, “ he stated proudly. We have been in love for many years but were always being separated until now.”

“Aha! So I must hug my new sister-in-law!” she exclaimed as she leapt up from the divan and hugged Nikita. Nikita felt her eyes blur. She realized she now had another sister and hugged her back.

Martine then said, “I could tell there was something going on. When you two look at each other, there is almost an electrical spark. I am so happy, my brother, that you have found someone to love and love you as much as Jacques and I.”

“So! When will I meet my new son, Adam? Little Michel will be thrilled to know he will have a brother to play with.”

“Nikita will bring Adam to you Sunday. I will contact you through email to see how things are going.” Michael paused. He felt as if a weight had been lifted off his shoulders. While he was sad that he couldn’t be with Adam , at least he knew that Adam would grow up loved and safe. “Thank you, my beautiful sister, for taking in my son. I will never be able to repay this kindness but I will be here for you if you need me.”

Martine hugged Michael again. “Oh my brother! It is so wonderful to know you are alive even if I can’t share it with my Jacques. That will be hard but I realize that I mustn’t.”

“No, you must not tell Jacques. I will contact you later Sunday to see how you and Adam are getting along. He is a wonderful child and I think you will love him.” Michael looked at his watch. “I’m afraid we have to go.” He hugged Martine and said, “I have watched you grow up from afar so wishing I could contact you like this but it was impossible at the time. It’s is also safer that we not be seen together.”

Martine smiled with tears in her eyes. “I can’t believe it! All in one day, I’ve gotten my brother back as well as a new sister and a son!” Thank you so much for thinking of me, Michel, to care for Adam!” “No, thank you, Martine, for being so accepting,” Michael said.

Martine walked them to the door and hugged them both one last time. “Take care, my brother and his lovely wife.”

“We will,” Nikita replied, “You and Jacques do the same. I’ll see you Sunday around 1pm. “

“We will be waiting,” she replied as they headed to the car.

As the house behind them got smaller, Michael cast a backwards look out the car window and reached over for Nikita’s hand. Everything was as it should be.

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