“You did this too me! You made me do this to Nikita! She hates me! YOU!” Birkoff screams as he struggles against the restraint around his waist.

“Birkoff... You could have over ran any training I gave you. You allowed your mind to float in the fantasy. You showed no control.” Madeline says and Birkoff shakes his head.

“I DON’T WANT TO SPEAK WITH YOU!” Birkoff hisses out and Madeline nods her head. She moves to the door and releases the button that allows Birkoff to go freely.

“We have a mission we need you to prep. You will find it at your quarters.” Madeline says and Birkoff rushes out of the white room. There are two red marks on his forehead.

Madeline stands in the white room and leans her head ever so slightly against the white wall. Walter enters and stares at Madeline.

“What have you done?” Walter mutters and Madeline’s eyes snap down at Walter.

“I don’t want to speak about it.” Madeline says and Walter shakes his head.

“LOOK! I would say half of the male operatives here have fantasies about NIKITA! Including you. YOU WOULD HAVE DONE THE SAME THING IF I GAVE YOU THE OPPORTUNITY! It would be you running to your quarters.” Madeline hollers and Walter shakes his head.

“That would never be me.. because I would never allow to you manipulate my mind like you did Birkoff’s.” Walter sounds back. Madeline steps forward and stares at Walter.

“Any man, with the orders I gave them, would have done the same exact thing. Nikita loves Michael, and making her satisfied with any other man at this time is almost impossible. An a man’s ego can not handle that, and any man in Section would push and push and never listen to the woman. IT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED GIVEN WHOMEVER IT WAS!” Madeline says firmly and calmly.

“I don’t know who you are, Madeline. You did something to Birkoff’s mind... and maybe it is just a different set of your mind. I know that Nikita is different, and that she loves Michael. But she is still starved for love. I would have never beaten her up.” Walter says slowly as he walks to the door and exits.

“I was thinking of having Birkoff sent to Psych. But I am now rethinking that.” Operations says as Madeline exits the room.

“And why is that?” Madeline asks.

“I was wondering if I should send you there first. You don’t seem to be helping anyone’s situation.” Operations says and walks away.

The door swung open to the brightly lit room and Michael entered, looking down at the bed first. He lifted his eyes as he saw the empty bed to the small kitchen that was off to the bedroom. That was all the space that Nikita had in this place.

“Nikita?” Michael calls out as he moves towards the kitchen. He was reading a book next to his window when she beeped for him. He set down the book and looked at the screen. There were no tears on her face, and so he walked the long way to the room that Nikita occupied.

“Oh, Michael...” Nikita gasps as she drops the ice cube from her hand to the sink. She must have been trying to rid some of the bruise from her body. Michael stood still as he watched Nikita’s body ripple with fear and then steady itself with the thought that it was only Michael.

“What do you need, Nikita?” Michael asks as he looks at her. Nikita struggles to force a smile and then look back at him.

“I didn’t think you would be here so quickly.” Nikita comments and Michael lifts his head slightly.

“I am only down the hall, Nikita. Did you think I lied to you?” Michael questions and Nikita shakes her head.

“What do you need Nikita?” Michael asks and he watches a small blush run up her body.

“I’d like a bath.” Nikita admits quickly and then turns her back to Michael. He sees the bruises on her calves are starting to fade.

“I’ll go draw you one now. I brought some clothes for you. I put them in the dresser. Why don’t you pick and outfit and come to the last door in the hallway.” Michael says and he moves out of the room for Nikita to do what she needed.

*

Nikita held the brown stretch pants and the tan sweater in her hands as she walked barefoot down the wood hallway. The building was beautiful and Nikita passed many doors before she got to the last one. Nikita knocked and Michael opened the door.

What Nikita didn’t know was that all the doors she had passed where fakes. They would never open, but would always look like they did. They only hide further where Michael lived and gave the impression that he wasn’t that elaborate with his living. There was a series of pathways that would easily give him access to the kitchen at the end that Nikita stayed at. If there was an emergency, that would be the quickest way to gain access to her.

Michael led Nikita quickly to the marble bathroom. It was already warm with the water from the sunken bath tub. Nikita looked at it and rubbed her feet against the surface of the tub.

“I will go..” Michael says and turns. But Nikita’s hand falls upon his forearm.

“I need help, Michael. I can’t lift my leg that high to step in.” Nikita says softly as she turns her head away. Michael nods hand touches the shirt.

“Can you take the shirt off?” Michael asks and Nikita nods her head. She slowly pulls it up and she sees herself in the large mirror that had not steamed over yet.

“Oh, my god... I’m so ugly...” Nikita sighs as tears run down her face and she grabs the shirt from Michael. She wraps the shirt around her body and sits down on the edge of the tub.

Nikita’s eyes open widely as she feels herself slipping backwards. The tub was rounded and she couldn’t stop herself. Firmly, Michael’s hands pulls Nikita up from falling backwards. Michael swings her body down onto the toilet so he can look at her.

“Nikita... you are so beautiful...” Michael says softly as he squats down to look up at her eyes. She shakes her head.

“Nikita... you are...” Michael says and Nikita’s mouth parts with a moan.

“I’m bruised... and bitten...a broken and torn woman.” Nikita moans out and Michael shakes his head. He reaches his hand up and cups Nikita’s cheek softly.

“You are beautiful inside.... your body is only a temple for the goodness and love inside you.... I am overwhelmed by your beauty and love every day, Nikita.” Michael says and Nikita bites her lip and then nods her head.

“Now.... let’s get those muscles into the warm bath...” Michael says as he picks Nikita up and deposits her into the tub.

Michael worked in his office almost in silence before the door opened, some four hours after he arrived. Michael looked up and nodded to Madeline as she walked in and looked at Michael.

“How is Nikita?” Madeline asks and Michael shuts down the computer and stares at Madeline.

“Well, in two days, the bruises have started to fade... and she is no longer bleeding.” Michael comments and Madeline nods her head.

“That is good.” Madeline says and Michael looks at her and waits. He wasn’t going to offer the information that Madeline wanted.

“Why don’t you walk with me to Medlab?” Madeline says and Michael stands up. He slowly shuts of the lights to his office and follows Madeline.

“We had a situation during those two days.” Madeline says softly and Michael nods his head.

“I heard. How is Birkoff?” Michael asks and Madeline’s jaw tenses. Madeline stares at the walls and then looks at Michael.

“He passed the psychological tests, so he is being released.” Madeline says and Michael takes in a deep breathe.

“You would think they could waive that. If Birkoff attempted suicide then he should stay in house.” Michael says slowly. He was shocked by the news that Walter told him. Apparently, Walter had gone by Birkoff’s quarters to drop of some data, and found the young man.

“It is out of my hands.” Madeline says as she pushes the doors open and Michael walks with her. He looks at the doctors as they stare at him. Madeline escorts Michael to a curtain area that looks into Birkoff’s room.

Madeline hands Michael a chart and Michael starts to read. Two doctors walk on the opposite side of the curtain and start to talk.

“Man, she was beat up.. but I could see why Michael found a fancy with her.” The one doctor said as Michael looked over the medical notes.

“Oh.. so you took advantage of the free display too?” The other doctor responds and there is some laughing.

“Of course. I do anytime a female comes in that shape. It’s the only time we have any fun down here!” The first doctor replies and Michael hands the chart back to Madeline. Madeline is watching Michael as he moves to the window.

Michael pauses as the vibration in his pocket is strong. Michael pulls out the phone and pulls the speaker down. Michael places his ear to the phone. Instantly he hears Nikita’s screams.

“Michael.... we have a problem.” His personal aid says and Michael shuts the phone.

“I was hoping on seeing Nikita today. Do you know where she is staying?” Madeline asks and Michael pulls out the card that he had prepared.

“I didn’t expect this. Across the city from your apartment.” Madeline says and Michael nods his head.

“I have to go.” Michael says and Madeline nods her head.

“Do you think Nikita would mind if Matthew came?” Madeline asks and Michael shakes his head no and walks out of the curtains.

*

“OH MY GOSH!!!” A female nurse bubbles up with laughter as Madeline walks away from the curtain after watching Birkoff for a half hour.

Madeline walks down the hallway, to the source of the laughter. Madeline pushes pass the operatives and looks into the room.

There was the doctor that was commenting on Nikita on the bed. He was stripped, and his legs placed around the Styrofoam form that was used with Nikita. Madeline smiles softly as she sees the display. It was easily Michael’s doing, because the man was drugged and looked worked over some. It was about time that the tables got turned.

“Should I do something?” The other doctor asks as he looks in and Madeline turns to him.

“I would wait for the person who did that to return to let him go.” Madeline with a soft smile and walks out of Medlab.

From the moment Michael heard Nikita’s screams over the phone, he felt like he was running after a bomb about to explode. Everything had moved in slow motion, especially the drive from Section to the building. Michael knew that Madeline would be visiting, and Nikita’s future counted on how she was.

Michael heard the screams as he started up the stairs, taking them three at a time. There was no time to waste, and every step, Michael felt as if he was already too late. It was torture going up those stairs, not being closer to Nikita.

Michael pushed at the door and entered the room. The aid stood to the side with a blood stained towel at his nose, and Nikita was screaming in the corner.

“Did she punch you?” Michael asks shocked. Nikita had made progress, but her body was still reacting before her mind processed anything. She had still tensed up this morning when Michael checked on her. For Nikita to have punched him, it would have meant that she thought about it.

“Instant reaction, got backhanded.” The aid said and Michael nodded his head. It was a defensive action and Michael looked to the doorway.

“We will be expecting visitors.” Michael says and he moves to the door.

“Do I have visual identification?” The aid asks and Michael nods his head.

“I left it on the desk. Madeline and Matthew.” Michael says and he watches the door close. Michael walks to the corner and touches Nikita’s shoulder.

Instantly, Michael is pushed down to the floor and Nikita leaps onto him. Her weak arms flailing fists at him and Michael does not fight her attack.

“I TOLD YOU TO STAY AWAY!!! I wanted no one... I didn’t want to... I didn’t want to...” Nikita says as her face starts to puff up with her continued tears. Most of Nikita’s hits carry no punch and Michael looks up at her.

“What didn’t you want to do, Nikita?” Michael asks and suddenly he gets hit sternly in the chest.

“I DIDN’T WANT TO SLEEP WITH BIRKOFF!!! I DIDN’T! I DIDN’T. I tried to think it was you... but it wasn’t.. it wasn’t...” Nikita says as her punches cease and Michael sits up with Nikita on his lap. He pulls her body to his and allows her tears to hit his black shirt.

“Nikita... shhh... Nikita... what happened..” Michael asks several minutes later and Nikita pulls her head away from Michael and quickly stands her body up. Nikita looks at Michael and rubs her hands across her face.

“Sorry.. I didn’t mean to hit you..” Nikita says and Michael looks at Nikita.

“You needed to do that, Nikita. Don’t be sorry.” Michael replies softly. He pulls his long body up and walks after Nikita.

“Was he hurt?” Nikita asks as she looks at the door and Michael looks at the door too.

“Just a bloody nose. Nothing too bad.” Michael says softly as he places his hands on Nikita’s shoulders.

And it was gone.

The instant reaction of Nikita’s body flinching was gone. Her muscles did not tense up with his touch and suddenly Michael felt a weight being pulled from his body. Nikita may not be good around others yet, but she was so much better around him. She was going to make it.

“Do you want something to eat?” Michael asks as he moves away from Nikita and she looks at Michael. She could read it on his face. Something more was going on. Nikita wiped at her bloodshot eyes and stared at Michael as he opened the refrigerator.

“Michael... what is going on?” Nikita asks and Michael turns back around.

“You may want to go take a shower or a bath.” Michael says and Nikita walks to Michael and firmly pushes him to the wall.

Electricity connects and Nikita tentatively places her lips against Michael’s. Michael’s heart stops as he feels the warmth of Nikita’s lips roam over his and as he waited for her cue. He did not dare move until Nikita pulled her face away and looked away.

“What was that about?” Michael asks and Nikita steps back.

“Thank you.” Nikita says and Michael nods his head. Nikita pushes her hair back, still trying to decide if it was a good idea that she kissed Michael or if it was too soon. She couldn’t decide, because she knew of what was going to occur soon.

“So when is Madeline going to be here?” Nikita asks and Michael drops the can of soup onto his foot.

Nikita opened the door and smiled as she saw Madeline and then Matthew. She stepped back and allowed the two in. The rooms were small, and Madeline looked around.

“It’s very small.” Madeline comments and Nikita nods her head. She walks to the kitchen and looks back to Madeline and Matthew.

“Would you like something to drink?” Nikita asks and the both of them shake their heads no. Nikita rubs her head as she walks back in and sits down facing the two.

“Your eye looks better.” Madeline comments and Nikita nods her head nervously.

“Yes. Dorothy was by this morning to... ah.. check me.” Nikita says slowly and Madeline nods her head. Matthew holds his mouth shut as he looks at the young woman. He knows something, but still felt it was too early for Madeline to be prying into her life.

“I am sorry. I wish she would have been there from the beginning.” Madeline says and Nikita nods her head.

“She had to donate the bone marrow again, and I wouldn’t want her son to suffer because of me.” Nikita says and Matthew rubs his hands together.

“Nikita, you always worry about everyone else.. what about you?” Matthew asks and Madeline stares at him

“I don’t know what you are talking about.” Nikita says with a soft shaking of her head. Madeline looks at Nikita and licks her lips.

“Nikita, you are always finding reasons to protect someone else. You tried to protect Birkoff because he was too young... It is like you are trying to make up for what your mother couldn’t do for you.” Madeline says and Nikita stands up and shakes her head.

“What gives you the right to come in here and speak to me like this? I thought that you wanted to see if I was healing.. but this is more like why did I do what I did!” Nikita says angrily and Matthew touches Madeline’s arm.

“Nikita, I am concerned about you as a whole.” Madeline says and Matthew shakes his head. Madeline is moving in the wrong direction here.

“Oh. So now you doubt all of me because of my reaction? Good.. .. Great... and what do I have to do to prove that I am well again... SLEEP WITH OPERATIONS!” Nikita hollers and Matthew stands up and takes Madeline by the arm to the door.

Nikita looks to the door as Matthew pushes Madeline out to the hallway. Nikita looks back to the bed and then to Matthew.

“She is over compensating, Nikita.” Matthew explains and Nikita nods her head.

“So, do you want to tell me about it?” Matthew asks as he sits down and Nikita closes her eyes. She didn’t want to talk about Birkoff anymore. The images were finally getting out of her constant memory, and she just wanted to forget it.

“I’m so tired about talking about that mission... I don’t want to think about Birkoff...” Nikita says and Matthew shifts in his seat.

“I was talking about you beating up Michael... and you kissing Michael.” Matthew says and Nikita pushes back her hair.

“I don’t know what happened, Matthew....” Nikita says and Matthew nods his head.

“Nikita, not to sound crude, but you have dealt with this before. Your childhood, you experienced a lot of this. You thrive with love... so don’t deny your feelings for Michael because you feel obligated to feel bad about what happened.” Matthew says and Nikita sighs.

“I trust Michael, Matthew. I just don’t do that good around others...” Nikita says and Matthew nods his head. He looks around the room and nods his head.

“That will take time.” Matthew says and Nikita stares at him and her heart suddenly feels heavy. Nikita looks at her twisting hands and then back to Matthew.

“And time isn’t something that I have, do I?” Nikita questions and Matthew nods his head. He hated knowing, but time was Nikita’s worst enemy now.

“Nikita, you don’t have time. They want you working with Birkoff by the end of this week.” Matthew says and Nikita shakes her head.

“In six days! Less than a week after he... after he...” Nikita starts to cry softly and Matthew can only nods his head.

“I tried, Nikita. I did. But they have their own agendas.” Matthew says and Nikita nods her head.

“And what happens if I can’t?” Nikita softly asks and Matthew turns towards the door.

“I’ll go, now.” Matthew says and Nikita nods her head. Matthew exits and starts to the area that Madeline is standing at.

“You are expecting too much.” Matthew says and Madeline shakes her head as she waits for the elevator.

“We always expect more.” Madeline says firmly and Matthew shakes his head.

“What about this place? Do you think this is good for her?” Matthew asks, although he has a feeling about the walls down the hallway. He felt the presence that watched them.

“She is still in this little apartment. I would have hoped she would return to her real apartment.” Madeline points out as she pushes the button again.

“She ordered a new bed. That is a good first step.” Matthew says as he softly smiles. He is sure that Michael had a lot more to do with this building. The elevator was just taking too long.

“Not good enough. I have to think on a bigger picture and on a quicker time scale.” Madeline says as the lights finally light up for the elevator.

“Maybe that is the problem. You didn’t even notice that Michael and Nikita had kissed.” Matthew says as he walks onto the elevator. Madeline shakes her head and follows him in.

The hallways felt different as Nikita walked down the hallway. Michael had a firm hand on her shoulder as she slowly walked. It was the first time that Nikita had been inside Section since she escaped on her own. She still was having difficulty walking, but that would only heal in time.

Michael looked at Nikita and saw the white face. She was scared stiff to return, but bravely had opened the door herself and walked in. Dorothy was to visit her at the apartment, but had to ask Nikita to come into Headquarters because of a bad mission.

Nikita now looked back at Michael and stopped. Michael looked at her and she slowly started to walk again. She had also told Michael that she would like to have a soft workout, and he reluctantly agreed to the workout.

Nikita now rounded the corner and every muscle contracted and stopped. Michael stared at her gaze and saw Birkoff at the computer. Nikita started to back up against Michael’s hand.

“Let’s go the other way...” Nikita says softly and Michael shakes his head no. Nikita needed to walk by Birkoff sooner or later. Michael looked at Birkoff and saw the bandages on his wrists still. Michael looked at Nikita. He did not tell her, not knowing how she would react.

“Nikita... you just have to walk past him.” Michael says softly, but firmly. Nikita starts to shake her head.

“I can’t, Michael.” Nikita says and Michael stares back into her eyes.

“I never knew you couldn’t do something, Nikita. That is not the Nikita I know.” Michael says and she looks to the computer and trembles. Nikita slowly steps towards the computer.

Birkoff sees out of the corner of his eye, Nikita walking with Michael holding her shoulder. He froze and waited. He didn’t know what to do. Does he look at her? Does he ignore her? Does he leave the area? Does he stay?

Nikita’s body started to slow down even more. She could barely place her right foot ahead of her left foot. She struggled to move her body forward.

“Michael! That is enough!” Matthew’s voice drifted in from down the hall.

“Come on, Nikita... we have to go see Dorothy.” Michael whispers into Nikita’s ear. Nikita’s arms start to tremble as she gasps in horror.

She sees Birkoff, less than ten feet from her. It felt like he was standing right against her. Nikita reached her left arm out for Michael, but couldn’t grasp onto anything.

“MICHAEL! STOP!” Matthew hollers and Michael drops his hand from Nikita’s shoulder and turns to look down the hallway.

Birkoff looks up and sees Nikita’s white face and blue eyes staring at him. Nikita’s body shakes and starts to tumble downward to the ground. Birkoff looked at horror and started to move to Nikita’s fallen body.

“Stay away.” Michael growls as he picks Nikita’s limp body up in his arms.

“Michael, I told you it was too soon.” Matthew says as he walks down the hallway and takes Nikita’s legs and helps Michael. Michael looks around to where to go.

“She needed to come in sooner or later. We both understand the time limits here.” Michael says and Matthew looks down the hallway.

“Let’s go to my office.” Matthew says and Michael starts to walk with Matthew. Birkoff stands and watches them walk quickly away. Birkoff sits down and shakes his head.

Nikita couldn’t even walk past him. Nikita couldn’t even look at him.

“What have I done?” Birkoff murmurs as he begins to type.

The office was quiet as Nikita rested on the soft love seat in Matthew’s office. Matthew had stepped out and left Michael with Nikita. Michael was sure that he was going for either Madeline or Dorothy, and he could only hope Nikita could wake up before either arrived.

Michael lifted his gaze off of Nikita and to the door. Walter stood there, peering in. Michael rubbed Nikita’s cheek softly and walked to the doorway.

“How is she?” Walter asks in a soft whisper. Michael looks to Nikita and then to Walter.

“She wasn’t ready.” Michael says, as he feels the stab of self hatred. He had pushed it too soon. He did this to Nikita.

“Michael, I feel real out of place here.... I’m caught in the middle.” Walter whispers and Michael looks to Nikita. Michael moves out of the office and across the hallway. Walter follows after looking at Nikita himself one more time.

“I love my sugar, and I feel for her... But I am also worried about Birkoff. He was a kid here... and he never had a life. Madeline has messed his mind up. No one seems to be worrying about him.” Walter says and Michael looks down the hallway and moves a few steps away from the door.

“Nikita does. Even now.” Michael says and Walter looks down to the floor.

“Damn that sugar. She is just too sweet.” Walter says as he blinks back tears. Here he was, almost ready to give up on Birkoff, and the one person who should never worry about him again, has more heart than Walter does.

“And I do worry for him. I just have to be here for Nikita.” Michael says softly and Walter nods his head. He looks at Michael and sees the worry and the strain on Michael’s face.

“By god, you are watching her day and night.” Walter says in a stale whisper. Michael lifts his head and looks down the hallway.

“By camera? By audio? By someone?” Walter asks and Michael looks back to Walter.

“I’m going to get some coffee.” Michael says and he looks to the door. Walter looks and nods his head. Michael walks slowly down the hallway and finally out of sight. Walter moves to the office and walks in.

Nikita is moving her head about, and Walter looks down in horror. He had never seen an operative’s nightmare. He had been trained not to wake them up from one unless he wanted to be bodily harmed.

“No... please stop...” Nikita murmurs out with slurred words.

“Stoplease.... stoplease! Birk... stop....” Nikita cries out in a mixed gibberish. Walter bends down and softly strokes Nikita’s hair back.

Walter again was again struck by the thought that Nikita still worried about Birkoff. Walter always seemed to get that sense about Nikita. He had told her his theory of the five percent club, but this was the ultimate extension of it. Walter was having doubts himself if he could continue to worry about Birkoff. Here Nikita was suffering nightmares about what Birkoff did to her mind and her body, and when she was awake and away from Birkoff, she still worried about him.

“Maybe it isn’t a five percent club... maybe it is just a half percent club... with you being the only member.” Walter whispers softly as he snuggles Nikita’s head down onto his lap.

“I’ll take care of it, Birkoff...... I’ll take care of it...” Nikita mutters out and then goes back to the deep sleep that Walter could only pray would cease her nightmares.

Walter rubs Nikita’s hair softly back and forth. Her lips are dried again, and he dribbles some of the bottled water into her mouth. He looks up and finds Madeline standing in the doorway. She enter slowly and looks down to Nikita.

“She is suffering.” Madeline comments as she moves to the desk and leans against it. Walter looks up at Madeline and looks back to Nikita.

“We are all suffering. Only, Birkoff and Nikita are suffering more right now than the rest of us.” Walter says and Madeline looks away from Walter. Walter waits and catches a glance of her eyes before looking back to Nikita. There was something in Madeline’s eyes that signaled that something more was in play here.

Nikita moans and flutters her eyes. Madeline stands up and leans down to Nikita’s face as she struggles to sit her body up. Nikita winches and places a hand on her forehead.

“Nikita, it is only Walter.” Madeline says as Nikita turns her head and looks at Walter. Nikita squints and looks at Walter through her hand.

“I know.” Nikita says tensely and Madeline steps back as Michael, Matthew, and Dorothy enter the room. Nikita tries to sit up and then falls against Walter’s body, and begins the process again.

“She fainted?” Dorothy asks Michael and he nods her head. She looks at Nikita’s pale face and then to Madeline.

“I don’t think you are needed here, Madeline.” Dorothy says and Madeline stands next to Dorothy.

“On the contrary, I think it is you who is not needed here...” Madeline says and Dorothy sizes up Madeline as Nikita sits up again.

“Turn off the light... too bright..” Nikita says as she licks her lips. Michael turns off the light and Walter grabs the bottle of water. Nikita takes a sip of water and hands the bottle back.

“Nikita... when you fainted.. did it suddenly go dark or was it a slow process?” Dorothy asks and Nikita starts to pitch forward and Madeline’s hands pushes Nikita back.

“Was it being near Birkoff or looking at Birkoff that triggered it?” Madeline asks and Nikita looks at Michael.

“It was blurry... and I felt bad... I couldn’t move..” Nikita says and her eyes starts to shut again. Michael looks to Matthew and then to Dorothy.

“It is because you didn’t want to be close to Birkoff... That is understandable.” Madeline says and Nikita rolls her eyes. She grabs for the water and Dorothy suddenly takes it out of Nikita’s hand. She studies the label and then moves to her black bag.

“The water is sugar fortified.... we use it with operatives that have developed diabetes... Nikita.. have you been eating?” Dorothy asks as she pulls out the stick needle and moves to Nikita. Nikita blinks at Dorothy, still having trouble focusing.

“No. Not a lot.” Michael responds from behind Dorothy and Nikita stares at him.

“Are you spying on me, Michael?” Nikita asks firmly and Michael tenses his jaw.

“I was watching you.” Michael says and Dorothy pushes out the drop of blood and Madeline shakes her head.

“Nikita, this isn’t physical. This was a physical response to the psychological trauma you have been exposed to and healing from. This would be expected to happen because of the stimuli you were exposed too.” Madeline says as she looks up at Nikita. Nikita turns her head and looks at Michael. Dorothy walks over to the little light.

“Nikita... drink more water... your sugar is low.” Dorothy says and Madeline stands up and walks to the light. Madeline looks at the number and walks to the desk and leans against it.

“What does that mean?” Nikita asks as she holds the bottle in her hand and Michael sits down next to her.

“We will see. It may mean you just need to eat.” Dorothy says and Matthew lightly taps Dorothy’s shoulder. She smiles softly and smiles at Nikita.

“Are you feeling better enough to go to Medlab?” Dorothy asks and Nikita nods her head.

“Why don’t we meet there in a half hour.” Dorothy says and walks out of the office. Matthew walks to Nikita and rubs her shoulders.

“Nikita, you aren’t eating because of Birkoff. You need to deal with this now.” Madeline says and Nikita pulls her body up on her feet.

“Madeline, let’s deal with this sugar now.... and later, you can show your concern for my emotional health... several days too late.” Nikita fires back and Michael walks Nikita out of the room, with Walter not far behind.

“That is step two.” Matthew says and Madeline glares at him.

“She is being strong willed.... that is the Nikita I know.” Matthew says and walks out of his own office to leave Madeline, alone.

Michael watches Nikita move to the center of the white room. Nikita looks back at Michael and the big shirt floats softly in the air. Michael nods his head and looks to the window.

Madeline stares in from the outside. Nikita had a workout two days after her fainting, and now, Madeline wanted to observe Nikita. Michael looks away from Madeline as Nikita slowly stretches her body.

There are still several bruises on her arms that show, and her long legs are covered in black leggings, making seeing the bruises impossible. Madeline sits down on a stool and watches as Michael helps Nikita by pulling her arm backwards.

“Nikita, we are going to start slowly.” Michael says and Nikita nods her head and looks out to the window. This slowly would not be the same as yesterday’s slowly. Nikita waits until Michael starts to move.

Nikita slowly makes the punches, barely moving from her stance. Michael nods and pulls back. He retrieves a bag and moves back to Nikita.

“Punches.” Michael says and Nikita nods her head.

She starts the learned series. It was one of the very first things a trainer teaches their student in Section One. Nikita starts the series as in a robot form, but with visible pain coming from the still tender muscles.

“Michael, bring in the operatives. They have their assignments.” Madeline orders from outside and Nikita swallows hard. She hangs her head down and pushes back a few strands of hair that had fallen from her ponytail.

The operatives enter and Michael walks into the little control room. Nikita swallows and stares at Michael. He nods his head and presses the button to start the sequence.

Nikita punches the first person and then the second one connects with Nikita’s shoulder. Nikita counters and goes to the third person. After several punches, the third pulls away and Nikita stops in the center of the room.

“Nikita, take off the baggy shirt.” Madeline orders and Nikita looks at Michael. Michael steps out of the room to retrieve the shirt, that Nikita still hasn’t taken off.

“Nikita, just take the shirt off.” Michael whispers softly and Nikita pulls the shirt over her head to expose the tight black tank top underneath. It also exposes the variety of bruises and bite marks left on her shoulders.

Michael looks up and Madeline and she looks away. She wasn’t proud of this move and Michael walks to the control room again.

“End session with hologram armed enemies.” Madeline calls out and Nikita stares out to Michael. Both of them knew what she meant and what it could do to Nikita’s healing body. Nikita nods her head and Michael pushes the button.

The punches are thrown quickly, and soon Michael throws the laser gun to Nikita. She shoots the first three and then turns to her right. Michael can see the pain on her face as Nikita struggles through, and then she squats.

“AAAAWWWWHHH!” Nikita howls as her legs give and Nikita tumbles to the ground. Michael stops the sequence and moves to the center of the room.

“I thought we weren’t doing this, Michael.” Nikita hisses and Michael looks to the window. That one glance explained all to Nikita and she slowly sat up. Madeline tapped on the window and Michael moves out to the hallway.

“We don’t have any kick data.” Madeline says and Michael nods his head.

“Dorothy believes that any kicking at this time could set Nikita back. She is very tender still, as you saw.” Michael says and Madeline looks into the room.

“I have seen her better.” Madeline says and Michael stares back at Madeline.

“I want a kicking score on my desk by the end of the day.” Madeline says as she starts down the hallway, and then stops.

“Run the sequence again... and take a walk with me, Michael.” Madeline says and Michael looks to her and nods his head.

“Sequence One... then a break.” Michael says and he moves away. Nikita stares at the window and then back to the operatives in the room. Suddenly, they are no longer operatives, they were men.

Nikita moved her way quickly through the one on one sequence until the holograms started. She just couldn’t move quickly enough to make the shots.

Nikita gasps as the sequence ends and she looks to the window to find no one. Nikita sits down at the bench and sighs.

She couldn’t sleep the night before. Matthew’s statement had haunted her sleep. She couldn’t be transferred. Nikita knew she could never survive away from Headquarters. A transfer was unacceptable.

Nikita sighs and pulls out her cell phone.

“Birkoff... I’d like to speak with you.” Nikita slowly says.

Nikita rubs at her lip as she stares at the closed door. She memories each grain and each groove in the door and then starts to memorize it all over again, detail for detail. She even had the bolts on the door counted and characterized.

Her body twitches in the nervous waiting that she can barely stand herself. She looks away from the door and then back to the door. It is the only part of her reality that carries any worth during those long moments of waiting.

Nikita stands up and starts to pace, back and forth. One foot in front of another. One side of the room to the other. Across the door, and back.

The door opens a tiny crack first and Nikita stops and looks at the door. Finally, it opens more and Birkoff steps slowly in. He enters and looks at Nikita.

“Close the door... we don’t need all of Section hearing us.” Nikita says softly and Birkoff turns back around nervously and pushes the door tightly shut. Nikita looks at the door and then to Birkoff’s face. This time she doesn’t feel faint, but she does feel her pulse start to sky rocket.

“Nikita... I am glad to see that you are looking better.” Birkoff says as he steps closer to Nikita. Nikita in return, steps backwards and sits down on the bench.

“Look... I know that my position here is in danger right now. I don’t want to leave... but if I can’t work with you.... I’m two steps away from a transfer.” Nikita says and Birkoff nods his head.

“Nikita.... I still don’t know why I did... but I am soo sorry.” Birkoff says and Nikita holds her head to her body tightly.

“Still don’t know! You still don’t realize that Madeline f@cked up your brain!” Nikita says in surprise and hurt. She looks up at Birkoff, and realizes that he had barely changed at all.

“Why would Madeline do that? Our relationship was a training relationship.” Birkoff says and Nikita closes her eyes.

“Please, Birkoff... tell me that Madeline mess your mind up.... because the Birkoff I thought I knew... couldn’t have torn my body apart... and couldn’t have forgotten that it was me... and wouldn’t have tried to prove himself to Madeline!” Nikita says as the tears run down her face.

Nikita looks at Birkoff and then drops her head to her chest. Birkoff looks at Nikita and crosses the room quickly. He reaches a hand out and touches Nikita’s shoulder.

Like a snake, Nikita snaps up and slams Birkoff into the wall. She doesn’t even think. Her body just reacts in the way her body wanted to act out that night, that seemed like months ago.

Nikita turned Birkoff around so she could see his face. Firmly, she punches him in the nose and then slams him down to the floor.

“YOU WILL NEVER TOUCH ME!” Nikita hollers as two operatives pound on the window. Nikita swallows and bends down to pull Birkoff up to his feet.

“Nikita! I was worried.... you were crying... I wanted to help you!” Birkoff screams out as he is helpless in Nikita’s hands.

“STOP NIKITA!” Birkoff screams as Nikita presses his face first into the wall.

“Do you like this feeling? No control? Not being listened too? THAT IS WHAT YOU DID TO ME, BIRKOFF!” Nikita screams as she punches him in the gut and allows him to fall to the ground.

Nikita circles around like a hawk around it’s prey.

Madeline stops in the hallway and turns to Michael. They had walked down several layers and further away from the room that Nikita was in when they had left.

Michael stops and looks at Madeline. She was setting something up. Michael looks to the side and finds that Matthew has placed himself in view of Michael, but hidden from Madeline. Michael takes a deep breathe and looks at Madeline.

“I do not need you babying her.” Madeline says and Michael’s face turns stern.

“I am not doing that.” Michael says and Madeline pushes her hands firmly against her side. Michael’s eyes naturally narrow as he continues to stare at Madeline.

“Michael, she should be having full evaluative workouts.” Madeline says and Michael stares at her with his blank stare.

“I am following doctor’s orders.” Michael finally replies and he briefly looks at Matthew. He can almost sense that Matthew was waiting for something to happen. Michael has to force his stare away from Matthew before Madeline notices his position in the hallway.

“Michael... you are behaving outside Section protocol.” Madeline says and Michael’s body tenses.

“And it was within Section protocol to have Nikita raped by a fellow operative and then demand her to work with him again?” Michael says tensely, but with control that even Madeline is in awe of.

“Michael...” Matthew says softly as he steps forward, but Michael stares into Madeline’s eyes. Madeline stares back to Michael. It was a power struggle in the hallway of Section One. Matthew thought, began to pace.

“I make Section protocol.. don’t challenge me!” Madeline finally says after several minutes of intense staring.

“I don’t care.” Michael says back and Matthew moves closer to the two.

“Michael...” Matthew says and Michael shrugs him off. Michael stares at Matthew and then back to Madeline.

“I don’t care about your protocol. It only suits you.” Michael says further and Matthew shakes his head firmly. He needed Michael’s attention immediately.

“Michael.. it is important!” Matthew says as he takes his hand and pulls Michael away from the stare down.

“FIGHT!!! FIGHT!!!!” operatives scream as they run down the hallway. Michael stares at Matthew and then back to Madeline. For some reason, Michael was drawn back to the power struggle, and Matthew was almost frightened by the behavior. It was definitely something that Nikita would have done.

“Michael!” Matthew hisses as Michael’s attention is drawn back to Madeline. Suddenly about ten operatives run down the hallway and Michael looks to where they are running.

“HEY, Michael! Nikita is having her revenge on Birkoff!” Walter says as he joins the rush down the hallway. Michael snaps his head around and looks at Walter. Walter turns and joins the operatives down the hallway to the room.

“That was what I was trying to tell you!” Matthew says as Michael pulls away in a full out sprint.

“How long were you going to wait to tell him?” Madeline hisses as she starts off down the hallway with Matthew.

“Until he stopped and listened to me.” Matthew says with a smile. Madeline shakes her head and continues after Michael.

Nikita uses her bruised hands to pull Birkoff up off the ground. Her eyes do not even register the bright red blood running down Birkoff’s face from a cut around his eye. Nikita glares at him and throws him against the wall.

“Stop, Nikita!” Birkoff cries out as another fist connects into his chest. He falls forward and Nikita steps back to glare at him.

“I don’t think I know that word. DO YOU?” Nikita hisses as she rubs her foot into his nose. Birkoff turns away from her, only to be grabbed by the skilled operative.

The crowd huddles around the window as Nikita drags him across the window, leaving a trail of blood and tears on the glass. She doesn’t even notice their presence as Nikita finally heaves Birkoff into the wall again.

“I..” Nikita huffs out with a punch.

“HATE..” Nikita connects with a strong uppercut.

“YOU!” Nikita screams as she connects with another uppercut.

Birkoff’s world is spinning as he falls down to the ground and Nikita steps back to the opposite side the room.

“MORE! MORE! MORE!” Some lady operative chant from outside the room as Michael starts to push his way to the door. He pushes an operative who in return tries to punch Michael. He blocks the punch with a raised arm, and finishes the operative off with a punch to the sternum.

Michael looks in horror as Nikita starts to run across the room. Birkoff is laying on the floor, and any blow now could possible be a death blow. Michael knocks down the operative in front of him and dashes into the room.

Nikita is screaming as she leaps into the air, with her feet heading directly for Birkoff’s head. Nikita turns her head as her body is blocked away by Michael’s leaping body.

The two operatives roll and stop momentarily. Nikita looks at Michael. With a look of rage, Nikita starts back over to Birkoff. Her intent on finishing what she animally wanted was clear. Michael grabs her by the waist and drops her back to the ground.

“HE SHOULD DIE!!!” Nikita screams with tears rolling down her face. Michael struggles to maintain a hold on Nikita’s body. Nikita kicks at Michael’s leg and in that moment of pain gathers enough freedom to grab a handful of Birkoff’s pants. Nikita starts to pull.

Michael pulls Nikita by the waist band of her pants and rolls her further away from Birkoff. Nikita quickly turns to establish an eye contact with Birkoff.

“YOU DON’T DESERVE TO LIVE!!!” Nikita screams as Birkoff looks at her. She squirms around, and breaks free of Michael’s grasps one more time. She stumbles closer to Birkoff and spits onto his skin.

This time, Michael jumps on Nikita’s back and stays on her back as she crumbles to the ground. Her arms and legs flail for a couple moments, until the crushing presence of Michael weakens her fighting body.

“He feels nothing.. he should die... no living for him... NO! NO! NO! NO!” Nikita screams as her head hits the ground and she is overcome by the grief inside of her.

Matthew enters the room and looks instantly at Nikita. He then looks at Birkoff and turns to his side to look at the entering Madeline.

“Madeline, why don’t you take Birkoff to Medlab.” Matthew says as Michael rubs Nikita’s hair and rolls off of her back.

“It’s ok, Nikita... everything will be fine...” Michael says softly as she begins to rock back and forth on the ground. Nikita’s mumblings are incoherant and she moans in emotinal pain.

“I will stay here. I would say that Nikita has suffered a psychotic episode, and should be taken to our psyche operatives.” Madeline says and Michael’s head raises up.

“YOU HAVE NO RIGHT HERE!” Michael hisses out and Madeline swallows at the anger in Michael’s eyes. For an instance, Madeline is glad that Michael didn’t have a gun, he might have shot her.

Then quickly, the anger leaves Michael’s face as he strokes Nikita’s hair back. Calming down Nikita was the outmost importance to Michael and then defending her was the next most important.

“I am concerned about Nikita...” Madeline says and Matthew looks down to Birkoff, which no one is attending too.

“YOU ARE CONCERNED IF NIKITA WILL TRY TO HURT YOUR PRECIOUS BIRKY AGAIN!” Michael yells out and the crowd gasps in the statement. Madeline turns and glares at them. In that one look, all the operatives move away.

Walter finally pushes through and looks around. His heart again, is torn into two pieces.

“Hey... I’ll take Birkoff to MedLab... Madeline.. why don’t you come with me?” Walter says as he pulls up the beaten Birkoff and heads towards the door.

“You are not needed here, Madeline. I will handle this.” Matthew says as he waits for her distinct departure before moving to Michael and Nikita.

“I am worried for you, Nikita...” Matthew says softly as he strokes her hair. Michael raises his head with the comment. His eyes meet Matthew’s and a further dread runs deep into his body.

The door to the room opens and Matthew looks at Gail. She looks at the bed and then to Matthew.

“Operations said for you to release Nikita and to meet with him immediately.” Gail says and she closes the door.

Matthew looks at Nikita and then Michael. Matthew had no choice when Madeline sent the psyche operatives for her, but he went with her, along with Michael.

The problem currently was the protocol for Psyche Ops. It was standard procedure to sedate any incoming operative for four hours before even speaking with him. Michael had done the deed himself less than an hour ago.

Michael stood up and touched Nikita’s face. Her head rolled to his hand and Michael nodded his head. He pulled the blanket up and wrapped his arms around her.

“I will take care of it.” Michael says as he walks out quickly, not wanting the decision to be reversed.

*

Matthew enters the office and stops as he hears Walter’s voice loudly.

“He isn’t hurt badly. Just some bruises.” Walter says and Operations turns and nods Matthew into the room. Matthew sits down and looks at Operations.

“How is Nikita?” Operations asks and Matthew stares at him.

“The transfer papers were signed, weren’t they?” Matthew asks and Operations nods his head solemnly.

“It took Madeline no more than two minutes to have it approved by Oversight.” Operations says and Matthew shakes his head.

“If she leaves, Section One will fall apart.” Matthew says and Operations sits down. Walter looks at Matthew and looks down.

“Nikita needs to heal first before Birkoff can. Nikita needs time.” Matthew says and Walter shakes his head.

“But we don’t have time!” Walter says and Operations hands over the sheet. Nikita was to leave in two days for a year in Rome.

"Madeline has her motives mixed up. She is not doing this for Nikita.” Matthew says and Operations tilts his head and stares at Matthew.

“Why is she doing it then?” Operations asks and Matthew swallows hard. It was almost like betraying a trust.

“Madeline’s childhood and history is similar to Nikita’s. It is possible that Madeline is saying that the best treatment for Nikita is the treatment she wished she could have gotten. She is totally missing the variable of Michael.” Matthew says and Walter leans to Matthew.

“What about Michael? What are they doing?” Walter asks and Operations shakes his head.

“She isn’t physically well enough.” Operations says slightly annoyed and Matthew leans forward.

“She is. Dorothy was trying to give Nikita some emotional time.” Matthew says and Operations tilts his head again.

“Do you think it is possible... that they... that they...” Operations says and starts to stutter.

“That they will sleep together?” Matthew finishes and Operations nods his head.

“I am almost sure when Madeline tells Nikita that she is being transferred... well.. Nikita isn’t one to think about something for a year.” Matthew says and Operations folds his hands.

“And Birkoff hasn’t healed yet...... maybe this transfer isn’t so bad after all...” Operations says as he touches chin.

Matthew stands up and walks out quickly. Hopefully, if all went as planned, Nikita and Birkoff would be on the road to recovery in the next two days.

Nikita opens up the little apartment door the next afternoon. She walks to the little radio and turns it on softly. Before Nikita can do much more, there is a strong knock on the door.

“Madeline.” Nikita says as she opens the door and allows the older woman into the apartment.

“I was waiting for you. Where were you?” Madeline asks and Nikita looks to the wall.

“I had a new bed delivered to my apartment.” Nikita says softly as she moves to the kitchen.

“I don’t want anything, Nikita.... We need to talk.” Madeline says and Nikita stops and turns around. She didn’t like the tone of Madeline’s voice.

“Do you want me to go back to my apartment? It may be hard... but I think I can manage it.” Nikita says as she watches Madeline sit down.

"You will be transferred tomorrow to our Rome substation.” Madeline says and Nikita sits down on the bed.

“No.... I’m fine.” Nikita definitely says in her shock of the announcement.

“You will find that the operatives we have working at the Rome substation very friendly, and you will be staying with someone I highly trust.” Madeline says and Nikita shakes her head.

“I can’t leave, Madeline. I’m not ready.” Nikita says and Madeline looks at the young woman’s fright.

“I understand you think you aren’t ready.. but you need this.” Madeline says softly with concern written in her eyes.

“I don’t want to leave. I don’t want to leave those who already know me... who have taken care of me!” Nikita says and Madeline pulls her mouth tight before opening it to respond again.

“Nikita, I know why I had your dreams... it is because... well... my past is so similar to yours.” Madeline says and Nikita stands up and shakes her head.

“Madeline... I DON’T WANT TO GO!” Nikita says firmly as she fights the tears in her eyes.

“Why? What do you have here? You are in a tiny apartment. God, Michael didn’t even take you to his place!” Madeline exclaims and Nikita looks to the kitchen wall.

*******

It was dark in the room as Nikita struggled up to her feet. She stumbled and the door quickly opened. Michael stood in the vivid light and held his hands out to steady Nikita.

“Where am I?” Nikita asked softly as she looked around the tan colored room that Michael walked Nikita into.

“This is my apartment.” Michael says and Nikita stares at him.

“Your Section apartment.” Nikita says and Michael smiles softly.

“No, the one in my building. Would you like some tea? That medicine was fairly strong.” Michael says as he moves to the silver tea pot on the bookcase. Nikita looks around her and sees paintings of a beach and a sunset. It was not what Nikita had expected for Michael’s apartment.

Michael turns and sees Nikita’s wandering eyes. He pulls Nikita’s hands out and hands the cup to Nikita. She nods her head and goes back to studying her surroundings.

“My Section apartment, well, there is almost nothing there.” Michael says and Nikita slowly sips her tea.

“You need your sleep...” Michael says softly.

***

“Nikita... this transfer is the best for you!” Madeline says firmly and Nikita brings her thoughts back.

“No.” Nikita says as she shakes her head.

“Look... I was raped as a child too... and the when I got to Section, being raped then was no easier. But, Section at that time, made me marry him... and he would have me whenever he cared.” Madeline says and Nikita stares at her.

She had sworn Madeline had cared about her husband. Nikita was sure that Madeline wanted to do the act out of love, but asking Nikita to bring him in and showing up herself. It was all an act. It was all a part of her revenge on the man she learned to hate more and more.

“The best thing they could have done once he disappeared would have been to transferred me away for a while... It is only a year, Nikita. By then, no one will remember.” Madeline says and Nikita shakes her head.

“It’s that way now... Birkoff doesn’t remember. Why should it matter that I do?” Nikita asks and Madeline stands up.

“The orders have been sent. You will leave tomorrow at three. I suggest you find someone to look after your apartment, Michael will probably be too busy with other duties to do so.” Madeline says as she moves to the door and Nikita nods her head.

Nikita walks to the kitchen and turns off the radio. She needed to clear her head, and she needed to calm down. There was nothing that she could do now to change the orders. She was going to Rome.

Nikita shuts the cabinet door and lets a few tears roll down her face. She backs up and then slaps the wall. Nikita stands back as the wall opens up to expose the dark hallway.

Nikita turns and grabs a candle. She slowly enters and feels her way around the hallway. She knew that Michael’s apartment was on the other end of the hallway and that she was in the back of the building. She must be running the area that there should be windows.

“Michael?” Nikita whispers out as she starts to feel like she has walked too far. Suddenly the pathway stops and Nikita feels her way around in the dark. All the walls are made of wood and not a handle or button are seen.

“Michael?” Nikita calls out as she starts to become claustrophobic. Nikita touches the wall and her hand feels vibrations.

“Nikita?” Michael calls out and suddenly there is light to her right hand side. Nikita steps out and looks around. Michael takes the candle out of her hand as she moves into the room more.

“Please... I already think that I am losing my mind.... isn’t this the bedroom from last night?” Nikita asks and Michael blows out the candle.

“Yes. This entire side is my apartment. Those rooms you are staying in... attached to all of my rooms here.” Michael says and Nikita shakes her head and sits down on the bed.

“Its not fair..” Nikita mutters as she shakes her head back and forth as the tears now readily roll down her face.

“Nikita... what isn’t fair?” Michael carefully asks. He didn’t expect Nikita’s reaction to be such as it is currently when she discovered the secrets of the apartment.

“It’s not fair... I’m learning so much about you... and I’m going to be leaving..” Nikita moans out. Now Michael sits down on the bed.

“What do you mean leaving?” Michael asks tentatively. He had seen Madeline walk out of the building, as he was notified when she entered the building.

“I’m being transferred in the morning.... I have to get my things ready....” Nikita says as she stands up and looks around the room. Michael stands up and touches her shoulder.

"No... Nikita, check yourself into Psyche Ops... then they can’t transfer you.” Michael says. He fears of what Madeline had planned for Nikita.

“I can’t do that... Madeline is set on sending me to Rome.” Nikita says and Michael turns Nikita to face him.

“Rome?” Michael asks and the city’s name hangs in the air. Nikita slowly nods her head.

“Why? Michael, what is in Rome?” Nikita asks in anger of not knowing.

“Madeline is making sure you heal properly. Rome is very appropriate.” Michael says carefully. He didn’t want to upset Nikita too much. He turns his head and Nikita looks around the room.

“I have to go to my apartment... kill some plants...” Nikita says and Michael shakes his head.

“I’ll take care of your plants.” Michael says and Nikita bites her bottom lip as her eyes move away from Michael’s gaze.

“Even though Madeline says I won’t. I will. I promise.” Michael says and Nikita nods her head with tears flowing down her face.

“Can you pick me up in the morning?” Nikita asks and Michael nods his head. Nikita looks around and Michael slaps the wall. Suddenly the wall opens to the hallway.

“When you come back.... I’ll explain it all to you..” Michael says as Nikita walks down the hallway. She nods her head and turns her back to Michael and hurries out of the building.

“If you even remember who I am....” Michael mutters as he turns to his computer. He knew who worked at Rome, and Nikita was going to matched with whatever man she wanted. They would make her heart beat like she never knew before, and they would never hurt her. In a way, Madeline was trying to make up for things.

The door opens to Nikita’s apartment and she looks up from the table. Michael enters and shuts the door. Michael looks down and sees the three packed bags at his feet.

“Michael... you are early.” Nikita says almost in shock. She looks back to her room and then back to Michael. She pulls out a book as Michael walks to her.

“I thought you would need some help. Didn’t you sleep?” Michael asks and Nikita softly smiles.

“Well.. I had to pack all the clothes you bought me.. and I’ll sleep on the plane... Now, how much do I owe you for the clothes?” Nikita asks as she starts to write the check out for Michael.

“Nikita... you don’t have to do that. I bought them because you needed them.” Michael says and Nikita shakes her head.

“You bought them because I stupidly threw all of mine away.” Nikita says and Michael grabs the pen out of her hand.

“Nikita, I won’t take your money. You will need it for Rome.” Michael says and Nikita pulls out another pen.

“I assist.” Nikita says and Michael stares at her.

“NIKITA! IT WAS SECTION’S MONEY! IT WAS NEITHER OF OUR MONEY! Now stop that!” Michael says and Nikita stops and turns her head to the side. Michael pulls up a chair and sits next to her.

“I don’t want to go, Michael.” Nikita says as she takes her hands and wraps them around his neck. She leans forward, and takes his mouth with her mouth.

Nikita waits, making the moves, hoping that Michael will respond to her kiss. He is frozen and frozen, until suddenly, his tongue moves within her mouth.

The kiss ends and Nikita drops her head.

“Oh, thank god you responded... I started to think there was something wrong with me...” Nikita mutters and Michael grabs her chin and pulls her eyes up to look at his.

“Why would you think that?” Michael asks softly.

“Because you weren’t kissing back.. until now...” Nikita says as she moves her mouth up to connect with Michael’s. His hands instinctively wrap around her and then pull away.

“Nikita.. no...” Michael says as he pulls his body away.

“Why?” Nikita says as her hands run up his chest and starts to unbutton the shirt.

“Because.. it is too soon... Nikita..” Michael says and he pulls Nikita’s hands away from his chest. Nikita stares at him.

“So there is something wrong with me.... You don’t want to be with me because Birkoff was in me?” Nikita asks and Michael shakes his head.

“Nikita... I can’t help you.... not like you will get in Rome...” Michael says and Nikita stares at him.

“What do you mean by that, Michael?” Nikita questions. Michael rubs her cheek softly and then looks down at her hands.

“Madeline showed me the file last night.... there are very talented operatives there... that will help you... and go slowly...” Michael says softly and Nikita leans up and kisses his lips again.

“I don’t want them... I want you.” Nikita says and Michael can feel himself melting. He had to worry about Nikita first.

“Nikita...... I don’t want to set you back...” Michael says softly as Nikita’s hands run up his chest and pull the shirt away.

“I don’t want to think about what I missed for a year... I want to know what I have to come back for... Michael.. I need you.. and if I can’t have you now... I will doubt it for the year to come!” Nikita says and she leans down and kisses at his chest.

“OH, god.. Nikita... I don’t want you to leave... I don’t want them touching you in Rome...” Michael moans out as he rubs his hands into Nikita’s hair.

“Touch me, Michael....” Nikita says as she leans her head up and looks into Michael’s eyes.

“Are you sure, Nikita?” Michael asks again and she nods her head.

“Then we’ll do this properly...” Michael says as he hooks his arm under Nikita and picks her up and heads to the new bed.

Michael sets Nikita on the edge of the bed and the morning light shines in from the window. Nikita had made changes in the room, such as changing the facing of the bed, getting a slightly bigger bed, and changing the colors from a peach to a pink.

Nikita reaches for Michael and pulls off his shirt. Nikita smiles as Michael sits down on the bed, and she begins to unbutton his pants. Michael takes Nikita’s head into his hands and worships her face with kiss mouth.

Nikita feels the skin of his thigh and Michael looks at Nikita and pulls back slowly. He notices the softness of this bed compared to the old bed.

“Looks like I’m still covered up.” Nikita says as she starts to unbutton her shirt.

“Are you sure, Nikita...” Michael says and Nikita places a hand on his thigh and nods her head.

Slowly, Michael’s fingers undresses Nikita’s soft body. There are only a few spots of bruises and Michael pushes Nikita back on the pillows. His hands softly caress her thighs as he head and hungry mouth licks at her knees.

Nikita opens her legs and Michael keeps them only half open. He wants to take his time and makes sure that Nikita enjoys this. In a few rare moments, even Michael was worrying about his own talents and skills.

Michael softly caresses her soft hairs and gentle rolls his tongue over her surface. Slowly, he advances, taking his time in making this good for Nikita.

It is not long before Nikita lets out a loud scream and her body trembles around his head. Michael pulls his mouth away and rolls to the side of the bed.

Michael is surprised to feel Nikita’s hand on his shoulder not long after. Nikita turns his head and kisses him softly. She tastes herself on his lips and his tongue. Nikita sits back and looks at Michael.

“Nikita... we can stop now.” Michael says softly and Nikita shakes her head.

“No, Michael. I want too.” Nikita says and Michael looks at her. He sees that some of the pain was still in her eyes.

“Nikita... I can see it...” Michael says and Nikita shakes her head and places her fingertips over his mouth.

“Do you see... that I only want to do this with the person that I love.. The one person I love.. the one that cares for me... With the one that my soul and heart already connect with.” Nikita asks softly and Michael licks his lips and kisses at Nikita.

It doesn’t get graphic, and it doesn’t go long. In fact, it is over before Michael even really started. Nikita’s body cries out and Michael for a few seconds worried that he was hurting her, until he saw her smile.

Nikita curled up against him and rubs his thigh.

“Let me do something about that... I feel like I left you..” Nikita says softly and Michael pushes her hand away.

“Not today, Nikita...” Michael says as he tenderly kisses her nose, and she finally closes her eyes.

Nikita’s foot taps in the hallway as her arms are folded across her body. The transportation had been backed up, and ironically, when Michael’s van arrived ten minutes ago, it gave Nikita the way to the airport she had not been looking forward too.

“It’s going to be another twenty. They are cleaning up the blood.” Jarod says and Nikita nods her head and turns around. She walks quickly away from the hallway.

Michael was probably still in debrief with Operations, since his mission had gone totally haywire. Nikita could almost here Michael now. He would have a controlled anger, and in firm ways, saying that his team was at a lost because of her transfer.

Nikita strolled by Birkoff and didn’t seen to consciously notices him. Nikita didn’t even notice she had passed him until she knocked on the wall to gather Walter’s attention. Nikita looked back over she shoulder and then back to Walter.

“Sugar.. I thought you were to be gone.” Walter says and Nikita nods her head. It had taken her thirty minutes to tear her body away from Walter the first time. She didn’t say much, and neither did Walter. They hugged and cried.

“Van isn’t ready.” Nikita says and Walter nods his head.

“Don’t want to miss that flight to Rome!” Walter says, trying to force a smile on his face.

“I’m sure Madeline will make sure I don’t, even if she has to drive me herself.” Nikita says and she looks to the hallway. Walter drops the tool from his hand and walks to Nikita.

“Something is different today... I didn’t want to mention it earlier... but something is very different.” Walter says and Nikita smiles softly.

“Oh, Walter... I don’t want to leave....” Nikita says and Walter nods his head.

“If there was anyway to prove that you have begun to heal... and that you can be around Birkoff... I’m sure that Madeline would reconsider.” Walter says softly.

“I have begun to heal.” Nikita says and Walter looks down. He almost didn’t believe her. The words were ones that he wanted to hear.

“And look... for the first time, I walked by Birkoff... without even noticing him... I didn’t walk to the far side... I looked right at him...” Nikita says and Walter sees the tears forming in her eyes.

“It’s not far! Me and Michael were together this morning and within hours.... we are apart. BECAUSE OF MADELINE! BECAUSE OF BIRKOFF! BECAUSE OF SECTION!” Nikita cries out and Walter hugs her again.

Birkoff looks in as he hears Nikita’s words and looks away. He didn’t want Nikita to leave either. It was unfair how they had separated blame onto Nikita. NIKITA WAS THE VICTIM!

“I want to stay. I can’t lose you.. and I can’t lose Michael... You two.. and Matthew have been what I have needed. I HAVE NO ONE IN ROME!” Nikita screams out. Walter nods his head and he sees Birkoff staring into the area. He closes the door and moves Nikita to the center of the room.

“Why don’t I get Michael for you... so you two can have a proper good-bye.” Walter says and suddenly Nikita smiles.

“We did this morning.” Nikita says softly. Walter steps back and looks at her. He looks at her and tilts his head.

“And what do you mean by that, sugar?” Walter asks as he starts to look at Nikita. He had noticed something different, but surely he wouldn’t have missed it that badly.

“Well... he gave me a memory that I can’t live on for a year.” Nikita says and Walter blinks his eyes.

“Nikita... I don’t understand a word you are saying....” Walter starts and Nikita leans into Walter.

“Michael and I made love.” Nikita whispers with a shrug of her shoulders and Walter steps back with a smile on his face.

“I KNEW IT!” Walter says as he hugs Nikita tightly. Nikita smiles softly as Walter swings her in the air.

“It didn’t hurt you, did it?” Walter seriously asks and Nikita shakes her head no.

“He paid homage to my body... and didn’t think about his needs.... it was so brief.. but it meant so much...” Nikita says with tears running down her face.

Jarod knocks on the door and Nikita’s tears run quickly down her face. The door slides open, with Nikita’s back facing the doorway.

“Van’s ready.” Jarod says and Nikita nods her head. He walks down the hall and Nikita shakes her head.

“Walter..... I’m not ready.... I am not ready to leave those I already... I can’t live without you guys! I can’t!” Nikita cries out and Walter blinks back his own tears.

“You won’t. You can call me anytime, sugar.” Walter says, knowing that it can not help Nikita any.

“Walter... please tell... well... tell Michael... that I... that I... I will miss him.” Nikita says as she turns and walks quickly out of the area.

Walter leans back against the wall, tries to dry his tears and reaches for the phone.

Time froze as Nikita turned out of Walter’s area. Even the length of wiping her tears from her face seemed to take minutes instead of seconds. Her mind was trying to take in every detail as her walk down the hallway would mark the last time she did so until a year in the future passes. Nikita did not know who would still be there, who would have died. She wouldn’t know who had been promote and who had been canceled. She wouldn’t notice the burnt out light right outside Walter’s area or the little scratch in the wall right next to the doorway.

Nikita slowly turns her head over her shoulder, her chin scraping softly against the soft cotton of her shirt. Her legs moving as if in wet concrete. She looks into Walter’s area and forces out a smiles and waits for Walter to slowly raise a thumb up to her. Nikita nods her head and the fine blonde hair floats in the air for Walter to see one last time before she left.

Nikita slowly rounds the corner and looks at the blinking lights and noises around the communications area. She looks up and sees the glass office is dark and empty, while Birkoff moves his chair from one computer to another.

Gail raises a hand up to Nikita to wave and Nikita slowly nods her head and turns to look away. But she is drawn back, and notices that Birkoff had walked off. Nikita bites her lip as she looks at the corner and sees Matthew standing and watching her. Nikita blinks back a few more tears and strides on down the long and hollow hallway.

Nikita turns her head again to the left and looks back to the communication computers. She notices Operations bent over an operatives shoulders, looking down at the screen. She does not pay much attention to his gray hair. But she does notice that from this angle and this distance, he almost doesn’t seem as dangerous. In reality, he was never as personally dangerous to Nikita as Madeline was.

Nikita looks up as she passes under a catwalk. If Madeline was around, she was probably above, looking down. Or she was watching Nikita’s slow march out of headquarters from her computer. Nikita shook her name out of her head, and swore not to think about that woman while she spent the year in forced exile that she arranged.

Nikita turns and sees the opened blinds to Michael’s office. Her heart skips a beat as she sees the computer screen, illuminating Michael’s face with a fierce green light.

His head lifts and glances out the window. Their eyes connect as Nikita somehow finds the strength to continue down the hallway, although much slower now.

Nikita takes in Michael’s eyes and his nose. She tries to memorize his face in those few fleeting moments as she walks past the office. She can’t memorize enough, and her blue eyes burn as she does not blink. She stares and stares into the office, between the blinds, at the man that had saved her from herself only two days ago.

Nikita notices Michael’s neck muscles twitch as if he is holding back something he wanted to say. She wanted to tell him that she knew what he wanted to say, and she, herself, couldn’t find the strength to tell Michael now. She needed to hold onto that need to tell him that she loved him to get her through the year that was too come.

Nikita’s head turns almost to her back, looking at the office, not wanting to waste a second and miss some detail that was so fundamentally Michael. Her head turned around as she hit the hallway, that lead to the van, that waited for her.

The lights always seemed so dim before, but on this day, they lit the hallway brightly. Nikita say the contrasting wood on her left hand side, and the panels of metal and pipes on her right hand side.

Nikita looks at the opened van access door and slowly steps into the brightest hallway in Section Headquarters. Only the white rooms are brighter than this hallway. Nikita stops as she stares at the opened door ahead of her. It would take her to Rome. It would take her away from her hurt and her pain. But it would take her away from what she needed, and what she knew she needed.

“NO! DON’T GO!” a voice screams as two arms wrap tightly around Nikita’s arms and body.

“Nikita.. you can’t leave...” Birkoff says as he head leans against Nikita’s arms and Nikita’s eyes shut.

Terror runs in Nikita’s body as she closes her eyes and start to tremble with the contact. She tries to speak and she tries to scream, but for a minute, all she does is stand there frozen, with Birkoff’s tears hitting her arm.

“Birkoff... let go of me.” Nikita says with fear and hate. He only squeezes harder to Nikita’s body.

“I can’t let you go.... I need you to stay, Nikita....” Birkoff cries into Nikita’s arm and she closes her eyes. She wants to run, but still can’t find the strength to pull her arms from out of Birkoff’s body. She glances down and is hit with a wave of new emotion. Pity for the man, no boy, that has wrapped his body around hers in horror.

“Birkoff... I am going to Rome.” Nikita says firmly and she slides an arm out from his tight grasp.

“You can’t... I will die here... I need you to stay.... so I can heal...” Birkoff cries out and Nikita closes her eyes to his pleads. The try inner child of Birkoff is crying out in his voice. Nikita can hear it.

“You will do better...”

“NO... no... thinking about how you looked... Nikita... I finally saw what I did last night...” Birkoff cries out and Nikita starts to cry on her own.

“I was finally able to see the hurt in your eyes.... as my body.... as I... hurt you... like no one should ever... I hurt... a person I love... like a sister... I need you to help me, Nikita...” Birkoff cries out and Nikita lets out a soft gasp of pain.

Together, they stand with tears running down their face and their eyes shut. Nikita’s hand starts to tenderly stroke Birkoff’s back.

“I’ve been transferred, Birkoff... and I think... I need the time..” Nikita says slowly but knows that it is all lies. She didn’t want to leave and she was hoping to find a way to stay.

“I need to see you... everyday... to remind me... what an animal I am... and could still be...” Birkoff cries out and Nikita starts to shake her head. She disagreed with the comments.

“You aren’t an animal... Madeline just played with your mind a little bit too far..” Nikita says slowly as she now frees her other hand and is hugging the sobbing Birkoff in her arms.

“IF you leave... I’m going to die...” Birkoff says and Nikita looks down into his eyes in horror. He honestly believed that he was going to die.

“I will be killed by a woman.. or I’ll kill myself... but in a year... I won’t be here, Nikita...” Birkoff says and Nikita closes her eyes.

“Oh, Birkoff.. you will survive.” Nikita says and he starts to violently shake his head and hold Nikita tighter.

“I was so... so... so, brutal to you... I didn’t think.. I took... and I hurt.. and I tore... I almost got the person who is the closest thing to a family I have killed! And maybe it doesn’t help you now... but I’m so so so sorry, Nikita.” Birkoff says and Nikita’s eyes shut tightly.

“I know you tried to protect me... you tried... when you didn’t have too... You put my life ahead of yours.. when it should have been the other way around... and now.. I want to return the favor, Nikita... STAY!” Birkoff says and Nikita’s eyes open.

“Birkoff... that just pulled a huge weight off of me... to hear that you finally know what happened... and I’m sorry... maybe I shouldn’t have protected you.... We will both heal.” Nikita says slowly as she rubs the bare neck of Birkoff’s.

“We have to heal together... I can’t do this, Nikita!” Birkoff says and Nikita looks to the doorway.

“Madeline has transferred me, Birkoff...” Nikita says as she pulls away from Birkoff, only to have Birkoff wrap his body around her body again.

“Take me with you!” Birkoff screams as he starts to move in circles, and therefore, starts to sway Nikita’s body. Nikita looks down and sees that Birkoff has gone over the edge that she had hovered for many days. He needed more recovery than Nikita could help him with.

“Birkoff... you need to go to Psyche. Ops...” Nikita says softly into his ear as she bends down and kisses his head.

“I won’t go.. if you leave.” Birkoff says and Nikita looks to the door which looks like three doors. She nods her head and kisses his head.

“We go right now... get you some help... and I’m sure they’ll let me stay.” Nikita says and Birkoff slowly stumbles his feet down the hallway, never letting go his death grip on Nikita’s body. It was the only thing he felt that kept him alive.

*

“Sit down, Birkoff...” Nikita says as she leans him against the bed. His arms drop from her body and the nurse walks into the room and hands the needle to Birkoff.

“You are staying... right?” Birkoff asks and Nikita nods her head as she wipes her tears away.

“I’ll be here, Birkoff.” Nikita says with tight words. She couldn’t guarantee it, but Operations needed Birkoff too much.

“Birkoff... you know the protocol...” Nikita says softly as she shows him the needle. He bites back his tears and exposes his arm.

“It will put you to sleep... I believe for eight hours....” Nikita says softly as she pushes the needle in. Birkoff nods his head as Nikita releases the medicine into his body.

“Don’t fight it, Birkoff...” Nikita says softly as she watches Birkoff struggle to sit up. She leans over his body and helps place his head down on the pillow behind him.

“Sleep, Birkoff...” Nikita says softly as his eyes shut. Nikita moves away and sits down on a stool only a few feet from the bed.

The emotions overwhelmed her, and the tears ran down her face and onto her shirt. Nikita leans her head back and moans softly. She looks down at Birkoff and shakes her head. He no longer looks like the animal that hovered over her body.

“You can go home... unless you want to stay yourself...” The doctor says as he walks in. Nikita wipes her tears and shakes her head.

“I’ll go home... he is the one that needs the most help... Not me.” Nikita says as she grabs her purse from the floor and walks quickly out of Psyche. Ops.

Michael looks at his computer screen and slams his hand on the desk. For the past hour, since Nikita had passed his door, he had stared at the profiles of those male valentine operatives in Rome. For the past three days, most of the top valentine operatives from around Section One had been transferred to Rome. Michael knew it was not just a coincidence.

Gail knocks at the door and watches Michael’s head bob up quickly. He looks at Gail and nods her into the office.

“I have the newest intel.” Gail says as she hands the disk over to Michael. Michael takes it and looks at Gail.

“I thought I had Birkoff working on this.” Michael says and Gail looks to the wall. She shoves her hands into her jeans pockets. She couldn’t believe Michael hadn’t been told.

“Birkoff is in Psyche. Ops.” Gail says softly and Michael blinks his eyes and drops his head.

“A little bit too late...” Michael comments as he opens the disk and looks at the intel. Again, he stops and slams his hand to the desk.

“What is it, Michael? Most of it was transfer intel.” Gail says and Michael nods his head.

“Madeline had Francis transferred from the Las Vegas substation back to Rome.” Michael says and Gail shrugs her shoulders. She walks around to view the picture. From what Michael was saying, she had expected Francis to be younger, but he actually looked like a distinguished gentleman.

“I don’t understand why you are worrying about a transfer like this. Isn’t it routine?” Gail says and Michael turns his head to her. She was taking on so much responsibility now for Birkoff, and wasn’t ready for it.

“Nikita was sent to Rome. And in the past three days... twenty male valentine operatives have been transferred to Rome.” Michael says and Gail’s eyes open and then she sits down.

“Would they use Francis? I mean, look at his track record!” Gail says and Michael’s eyes narrow. Her eyes had wandered where they weren’t to be. It was a classic Birkoff move, but Birkoff never pronounced it so bluntly.

“You mean the fact that he was used to restructure Madeline?” Michael says with a raised eyebrow. Gail nods her head and leans forward to the desk.

“That... and for pete’s sake... ‘Kita got you.. she doesn’t need a valentine operative!” Gail says and Michael holds back the small smirk from the comment. He no longer worked into the equation with Madeline’s plans.

“My involvement means nothing now that Nikita is half way to Rome, Gail.” Michael says and Gail shakes her head and stands up.

“I should have killed him when he started that behavior.” Gail says and Michael blinks his eyes and stares up at Gail.

“I knew he was getting out of hand... and I could have.. the one time... I had the gun to his throat.. and he just kept going at it....” Gail says as she shakes her head back and forth.

“Gail, we all know that everything was Madeline’s doing...” Michael says with a cracking voice.

“It was still Birkoff’s body.... it was still his choice...” Gail says as she turns and starts to leave the office, when Michael stands up. Michael’s movement causes Gail to turn and look at him.

“Where are you going?” Gail demands as Michael buttons his jacket. Michael looks at the wall and then to Gail.

“I have to water some plants... If you can excuse me...” Michael says as he breezes past Gail and into the hallway. He doesn’t stop moving and within minutes, is outside of the headquarters’ walls.

“My darling.... come to bed with me...” Sands’ voice echoes from the bedroom. The room is dark and Madeline’s young body trembles with the words.

“My Maddie.... it is our wedding night...” Sands says as he exits the bedroom and walks out towards Madeline in nothing but his birthday suit.

“I was ordered to marry you.” Madeline says in clenched words, but soon, her hair is being pulled.

“We will have a wedding night...” Sands says as he throws Madeline’s dressed body onto the bed. He slams the door shut, and all the light is gone. Madeline can hear his heavy breathes as his warm body walks closer and closer to the bed. Madeline’s body curls back against the headboard.

“Mad Maddie.. don’t play games with me....” Sands says before the stinging backhand crosses her face. Instantly tears run down her face, and all the training of her mentor is gone. She can no longer think except that Section gave her to a rapist.

*

An older Madeline lays in bed, with cold tears chilling her face as she stares at the pillow under her head. A hand runs over her arm and then nestles itself against her stomach.

“Are you always this detached?” The deep voice asks from behind her head. It was mind numbing how quickly her body went into the automatic responses she believed were gone after Sands apparently died. But then, there was nothing to test them with until this moment.

Madeline can’t control the tears, even as the warm naked body behind her presses forward to comfort her, and not to hurt her.

“GET YOUR HANDS OFF OF ME!” Madeline screams as she pulls the blanket up and around her body. She moves dramatically off of the bed to stare at the man.

“Sands... he hurt you?” Operations asks Madeline and she looks to the window. She wasn’t going to tell him, she just couldn’t.

“We have operatives.... that can help you...” Operations says softly and Madeline stares at him and then to the door.

She slowly pulls the sheet tightly around her used body and walks out. He didn’t care about her needs until his were filled. Madeline would remember that always.

*

“Ah... my Madeline... you smell great...” Francis says as he licks Madeline’s bare stomach. She leans her head back and fights away the images.

“Madeline... look into my eyes....” Francis says softly as he holds her chin in his hands. It was something that Madeline never did with her lovers before or after Sands. She never looked them in the eye. It was like exposing herself.

“I can’t...” Madeline says and Francis licks her neck softly.

“You will see... it will be the best you ever had... Look into my eyes....” Francis says again and Madeline looks up. Francis holds her gaze and his touch becomes even softer.

“Oh, sweet Madeline... what have they done to you...” Francis says as he starts his slow process.

*

“NO RICK NO!!!” a teenaged Madeline screams as she feels the cold, wet pavement below her. She feels her skirt being pulled away from her legs.

“You want it, Maddie.... today... when you bent over....” Rick says as he tears the silk panties from her private-most area. Madeline screams and he slaps her.

“Enjoy it, Madeline... the first time... ah... you aren’t a first timer... are you?” Rick says as he moves down to kiss her cheek.

“Easy Maddie... Easy Maddie...” Rick murmurs into her ear.

“NOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!” Madeline screams out.

Matthew holds the file in his hand as he walks down the hallway. He had tried five times, unsuccessfully, to call Nikita. He wanted to thank her for what she had done for Birkoff. It must have been difficult for her to hold the man that fundamentally raped her body and mind.

“NOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!” Madeline screams from within her office and Matthew quickens his step and walks into the office.

Madeline’s head is hanging backwards off of her chair and tears are running down her face. Matthew stops and waits for the door to close.

“Madeline... wake up!” Matthew orders, and suddenly, her eyes open up and stare at him.

“Oh my god...” Madeline sighs out sharply as she grabs her hair and leans her head forward. Matthew stares at her and finally moves closer. He had not been able to tell anything more about her life. Now, he regrets that he had lost that power.

“Madeline.... what was it? Was it one of Nikita’s nightmares?” Matthew asks, knowing that that could really shake Madeline up, especially if Nikita was having nightmares about Birkoff.

“No.... no... no...” Madeline cries out and Matthew steps behind her chair and tenderly wraps his arms around her chair and body.

“It was my nightmare... I’m back to my nightmares...” Madeline cries out as she lifts her head and attempts to pulls herself together.

“Enough of this... my decision has been made...” Madeline says as she shakes her head and turns to Matthew. He stares at Madeline and shakes his head.

“Madeline... you should have nightmares... it is part of the process of healing.. You know that.” Matthew says and Madeline forces a smile out.

“Yes, I know that.” Madeline says calmly as she looks down at the file.

“What is that?” Madeline asks and Matthew has to look down at the file. He hands it to Madeline.

“Birkoff is in Psyche. Ops...” Matthew says and Madeline snaps up to her feet.

“Oh my god.... I sent Nikita to be with him..... damn it... WHY HIM!!!” Madeline screams as she begins to pace.

“Madeline... about Nikita...” Matthew says and she holds a hand up to his face.

“I forgot what he did to me..... how me made me.... like what I didn’t like....” Madeline says as she holds her right wrist with her left hand.

“Madeline.. there is...”

“She is never going to be the same.... he makes a person think there is a connection... but she has a connection...” Madeline says as she moves to her desk and pulls out a file.

“Damn.. I can’t even get her back!” Madeline screams as she slams the file to the desk.

“Madeline....” Matthew says and Madeline shakes her head.

“Not now. I have to water some plants.” Madeline says and she breezes out of the office.

“But Nikita stayed.” Matthew says, rolling his eyes, and setting the file down on the desk. He was going to head back to Psyche. Ops to work out a treatment plan for Birkoff.

The apartment was eerily quiet as Nikita sobbed in her sleep quietly. She was laying with her knees on the bed, and her body bend down. Her face was in the pillow, and her arms were flung above her head. Her entire back was rounded and exposed, and it did not appear to be comfortable to be sleeping in such a position.

The front door opens with only a slight creak, but Nikita’s head snaps up. Her face is wet with tears and sweat as she pulls her arms to her body and carefully slides off the bed, to the back against the wall. She drops to the floor and crawls underneath the bed and retrieves her heavier gun.

Nikita crawls to a wood panel of her room and immediately slides to a standing position. Her body is now covered with sweat in the cotton T-shirt and panties that she slept in. Her hair hangs in tangled strings, almost like little snakes. It is slightly damn, and only is further evidence of how disturbing her sleep truly was.

The water is turned on and Nikita listens to what sounds like a glass, being filled up. She tries to hold her breath, but her pounding heart makes that almost impossible. Have they come to cancel her? Did Birkoff get out? Questions ran through her head too quickly and most went unnoticed. Only two mattered. WHO WAS IN HER APARTMENT? WHY WERE THEY IN HER APARTMENT?

Nikita could feel the person move, although she did not hear them. It meant one important thing. It was Section. Nikita pulled the gun to her chest and silently pulled the gun to a ready position. She counted slowly and moved like a smooth cat.

The gun came to the back of the head as she hurdled the distance between the two wood panels. Her position was firm as she pushed the gun against the dark hair and slowly the body turned.

“Michael...” Nikita gasps as she drops her hands and Michael takes the gun. She starts to shake at her position and Michael leans forward and pulls her down, putting his hands right under her arms. She crumbles up against his body as he walks back into the bedroom.

“Nikita... you are to be in Rome.” Michael says as he sets the gun on the dresser and stares at Nikita. Nikita stares back at Michael.

“Why are you here?” Nikita asks and Michael looks down at her bed. It was twisted together, signaling to him that her attempt at sleep was not a peaceful one.

“I came to water your plants... you are to be in Rome.” Michael says and Nikita looks up at him.

“Not with Birkoff in Psyche. Ops.” Nikita says as she stands up and walks out of the bedroom. Michael does not try to keep Nikita in the bedroom. If she felt the need to walk away from the room, Michael was ready to accept and respect that.

“You were going to water my plants?” Nikita asks as she looks at the cup that was on the coffee table.

“Until I heard your breathe.... it was rushed... I didn’t know...” Michael says and Nikita looks at Michael and nods her head. She sits down at the couch and rubs her chin.

“I know... I just left.... couldn’t stay.” Nikita says softly.

“Would you like to talk about it?” Michael asks softly as he sits down and Nikita turns her head away.

“Michael, I was never so scared in my entire life.... not as scared as when the boyfriends had me... not as afraid when I was running away from an exploding building... not as scared when I was sick....” Nikita says with tears flowing down her face again. She turned her head and looked at Michael. He put a hand on her knee and encouraged her to speak. That was what she needed.

“How did it happen, Nikita?” Michael asks softly, noticing that she had stopped. Stopping would not help her now. She needed to get these feeling out and the quicker, the better.

“I had finished crying with Walter... that I didn’t want to go... and I moved to van access....” Nikita says as she leans forward on the couch and Michael leans his body forward. Nikita bites at her lip softly.

“Out of nowhere.. he was wrapped.... wrapped... around my body...” Nikita says painfully and Michael nods his head. He squeezes her knee and turns his head slightly.

“Have you ever had something happen.. and you couldn’t do anything.... You just stood there.. unable to react for moments at a time... frozen.. unable... not wanting to react... that maybe if you don’t react... it really isn’t happening?” Nikita asks slowly, in rambling words. Michael turns his head and looks down at his hands. He could think of many times where that was the exact feeling that was in his heart, but was never able to act that way in Section.

“Yes... during the war... when you got shot. I stared at your face down body... and could barely move... I didn’t want to face you if you were dead, and I didn’t want to face you if you were alive.... I.. I hurt you.. during that mission....” Michael says softly and Nikita turns her head back to Michael’s. His turns and he looks into her clear blue eyes.

“Michael... when I looked at him.. he wasn’t the monster I see in my dreams... he wasn’t the *THING* that took my body... He was a struggling boy. A BOY! I didn’t want to feel sorry for him, and I didn’t want to help him. BUT HE WAS A CRYING BOY!” Nikita cries out and her head finally hits Michael’s shoulder. Michael’s hands tentatively wrap around her body and holds her to his chest.

“He was pleading.... pleading for me to stay.... He needed help.” Nikita says softly and Michael can feel her heartbeat pounding against his chest.

“He said he wouldn’t live the year... that if he had a choice... that he would die... I couldn’t leave...” Nikita says and Michael nods his head.

“So you took him to Psyche. Ops.” Michael says as he looks down at Nikita.

“We made a deal...” Nikita says and then stops. Her hands hold at Michael’s sides.

“I said I would stay if he went... and that was what we did.” Nikita says and she pulls away from Michael’s shoulders and holds her forehead lightly.

“I gave him the drugs... and watched him go to sleep...” Nikita says softly as she can easily remember seeing Birkoff trying to fight the drugs.

“And then you came home?” Michael asks, as he feels in her body that she didn’t. It wasn’t Nikita’s nature.

“The doctor came.. and asked me if I wanted to stay... and it wasn’t until I got here.. that I thought I made the wrong choice.” Nikita says and Michael grabs hold of Nikita’s body and pulls it tightly to his.

“No... you made the correct choice, Nikita... You have hope... Birkoff doesn’t right now...” Michael says and Nikita lets out a little moan.

“I’m so tired....” Nikita comments into Michael’s shoulder.

“I didn’t mean to wake you up.” Michael says and Nikita’s hands tighten against his forearms.

“I wasn’t sleeping.. I was fighting sleep... I couldn’t rid my mind of the images... of the past week... of .. of... and.. of today..” Nikita says and Michael nods his head. He understands simply what Nikita meant.

“Why don’t you try now?” Michael says and Nikita shakes her head.

“I can’t. I can’t.” Nikita says and Michael looks at her and pulls her head so he can look into her eyes.

“I can’t do it, Michael... I can’t sleep all alone.. I can’t!” Nikita exclaims.

“Who said you would do it alone?” Michael asks as he picks Nikita’s body up into his arms. He looks at Nikita red face and knows he is doing what is right.

The apartment was dark, as she expected it to be. There was no need for light, as Madeline walked to the sink. She smiled as she noticed the glass of water on the coffee table.

Madeline walked around and picked up the glass and looked to the floor ahead of her. There was a pair of black pants, that definitely didn’t look like Nikita’s. They looked to big, but then Madeline nods her head. Nikita was wearing baggier things while her bruises healed.

Madeline walks over to the first plant, a nice size fern and starts to water it. She sticks her finger into the soil and surprisingly finds it already wet.

Madeline moves down to the other side of the television and looks back to the bed room. She stops pouring as she sees the two heads on the pillow together. Madeline’s mouth tightens as she steps closer to the bedroom.

“Ah.. hmmm.. ah.. no.. no...” Nikita moans out in her sleep and Madeline’s eyes and mouth soften. She leans back, so not to be seen.

“Nikita... I’m here...” Michael says softly and Madeline sees the bare leg of Nikita’s flip towards Michael. She sees the bare contact between the two.

“Oh thank you, Michael..” Nikita says softly and Madeline looks at her hands. She can not move, she didn’t want them to know that she was there.

“I will hold you... as long as you need..” Michael says and Madeline smiles. That was definitely what she wanted to hear from Michael.

“I know....” Nikita says and Madeline rubs her neck softly. She hated this feeling. She wanted to move, but then feared being seen.

“Michael.. I never thought.. that I would be able to go back to this... of just being in bed with you.. with anyone...” Nikita admits with a soft whisper.

“So this morning... you weren’t exactly ready?” Michael asks and he already knows the answer.

“I thought I was... but I still need to go slow... I just want to know that you are here...” Nikita says and Madeline watches their bodies mold to each other again.

Madeline waits until she hears the breathing patterns return to a sleeping rhythm and sneaks out of the apartment.

Madeline shuts the door and turns.

“AH!” Madeline says as she jumps as she looks at the man staring at her.

“You came to visit Nikita? I didn’t know that you knew about her status change.” Operations says as he smiles at Madeline’s little jump.

“I didn’t. I came to water her plants.” Madeline says as she stands in front of the door. Operations smiles again and Madeline turns to the side.

“I want to know why I wasn’t immediately informed.” Madeline says firmly, but not to loudly that the two slumbering operatives inside could hear them.

“I was coming to give you the tape of what occurred. Very interesting.” Operations says as he looks over Madeline’s shoulder and at the door she seemed to be protecting.

“Did you have a nice talk with Nikita, then?” Operations asks and Madeline holds a soft smile.

“She wasn’t awake.” Madeline says and Operations raises an eyebrow.

“Well, I have to discuss...” Operations says as he makes a step forward and a motion to knock on the door. Madeline raises an arm.

“Not tonight.” Madeline says and Operations tilts his head and looks at her. Operations drops his arm and looks at Madeline.

“We shouldn’t disturb.. ah, her.” Madeline says as she raises her chin. Operations lets the small smirk pass his lips and looks at Madeline.

“Don’t you mean disturb them?” Operations asks and Madeline nods her head and Operations turns. He starts to walk and Madeline joins his side.

“So how did Nikita get to stay?” Madeline asks as they slowly walk down the hallway. Operations turns and smiles.

“Well, I placed and emergency stop on her papers.” Operations says and Madeline narrows her eyes. He was in a playful mood this night.

“Interesting things occurred at the van access... all of which, I think our fellow colleges Matthew and Walter had a lot to do with.” Operations says and Madeline leans her head back and looks up at Operations.

“How?” Madeline questions as she stares at the man she seemed to know for her entire life.

“Some equipment mysteriously was lost from the van, and Walter had a very open discussion in his area with Nikita, that somehow got broadcasted into communications.” Operations says and Madeline raises an eye. She was happy that it happened. It was the best outcome for all.

“And Nikita took Birkoff to Psyche. Ops.” Madeline says and Operations smiles as he pats the tape.

“The tape reveals more. It seems you can watch Nikita’s face change her opinion of Birkoff.. it seems to wash over her face.” Operations says and Madeline nods her head.

“The change from seeing him as the monster into the child that he truly is inside.” Madeline says firmly as Operations opens the door for Madeline.

“Madeline.... what is truly going on here?” Operations says as the door shuts with a slight swoosh and Madeline steps down one step.

“I don’t know what you are talking about.” Madeline says with a slight shrug of her shoulders. Operations steps down to steps and looks up to Madeline’s eyes.

“You jumped when you saw me in the hallway.... and you went to water Nikita’s plants?” Operations asks and Madeline smiles softly and steps to the side.

“I didn’t know Nikita was home... and I sure didn’t know Michael was present. They were asleep, and I didn’t want to disturb them.” Madeline says as she quickly starts down the stairs.

“Madeline.” Operations calls out deeply and she stops at the landing and looks back up at him.

“What else happened?” Operations says and Madeline looks away and then back up at him.

“Do you have time for a walk?” Madeline asks and Operations hurries down the stairs and places his hands into his pockets.

“I don’t have any other plans for the night.” Operations says and Madeline nods her head and finishes the movement by continuing to exit the building.

Madeline watches her breath form the white cloud and drift up in the moonlit sky. Her arm is linked through Operations as they walk through the softly lit park. It was so different from the years ago when they use to walk it.

“We use to walk here a lot... when there was a problem.” Operations says as he catches onto Madeline’s train of thought. Madeline looks to the trees and then to a bench. She directs Operations there and sits down.

“Why didn’t you cancel me then?” Madeline asks and Operations turns his head sharply to stare at Madeline. He was quite confused.

“Do you mean when you made Nikita sick?” Operations asks and Madeline shakes her head no and looks away. He can see her questioning if she could continue on. He wanted and needed to know what was going on.

“I mean... when you gave me time with Francis.” Madeline says and Operations looks away and then to Madeline again. It was very emotional ground she was willing to tread upon on this night.

“Madeline, everyone knew what Sands did to you.” Operations says and Madeline opens her mouth. It was something she never realized. She blinks back tears and looks away.

“It hurt me that the powers that be allowed the marriage, when they knew what happened to you almost daily.... and I knew that I probably couldn’t help you.” Operations says and Madeline turns back to him.

“How could you tell what Sands did to me?” Madeline asks in a shaking voice. Operation reaches over and touches her cheek.

“There was a look in your eyes.. kind of like the one I see when you have nightmares.” Operations says and Madeline bites her lip and turns her head away. She always thought that Michael’s eyes couldn’t lie, and all along her eyes couldn’t lie either.

“He didn’t heal you.” Operations says softly and Madeline shakes her head softly.

‘Are you healed?” Operations asks and Madeline shakes her head.

“And I have the perfect training on how to create a rapist.” Madeline says and Operations turns to her and looks at her.

“No, you don’t.” Operations says and Madeline avoids his lies. She suddenly feels uncomfortable.

“You didn’t heal... and Nikita will.” Operations says and Madeline stands up and starts to walk. Operations stands up and pulls her back to the bench.

“You are not going to leave this conversation. You left it too many years ago.” Operations says firmly and Madeline lifts her chin and stares at Operations.

“Because we didn’t have a Walter and a Matthew around at that time.” Madeline says and Operations looks to the tree and then back to Madeline to nod his head.

“You can only heal....” Madeline starts and turns her head. She can’t say the words that might change her life at that moment.

“You can only heal emotional wounds like that... ones that are sooo deep and sooo entrenched with someone that you are connected with.” Operations sounds out in a strong and broad voice.

Madeline doesn’t have to nod her head and Operations doesn’t need the acknowledgment. It was the one statement that kept Section One on it’s heals. It was the one statement, that they both knew, could allow Michael and Nikita to grow if they found out, and then used it. It was also the statement that Madeline fought against most of her life now.

“Have you ever felt that connection, Madeline?” Operations asks. Madeline turns to him and is shocked. From his eyes, he has no clue that it is himself that the connection is shared with. How could he not know?

“Yes.” Madeline says softy and she stands up and takes Operations hand and starts to walk. They walk in silence for a long while. He looks up the street and points to little brick house.

“That’s my place.” Operations says and Madeline looks at him in shock.

“I didn’t know you still maintained one outside of Section.” Madeline comments and he nods his head and turns to her.

“I thought that you still did.” Operations says and Madeline shakes her head no. She looks at the house and then to Operations.

“Not for many years.” Madeline says and he breaks his arm from hers.

“Would you like to come in, warm up?” Operations asks as he steps up the steps and Madeline shakes her head no.

Operations stares down at her and turns around.

“It is you.” Madeline says and she stares up at him.

“Me?”

“You.... I am connected to you.” Madeline says and she calmly turns and walks down the street.

Nikita carefully sits down on her couch and holds the hot cup of cider in her hands. The afternoon light was shining throughout the apartment and Nikita leaned her head back.

Her leg muscles twitched from the strenuous workout she demanded from Michael in the early morning. Nikita woke early and arrived at Section Headquarters before Madeline, Walter, Matthew, or Operations could stop her. Nikita pushed and pushed, and now she felt the painful remains of the workout.

KNOCK.

Nikita looks to the door and sets her cup down. She struggles to stand up and as she slowly walks over to the door, there is another knock on the door.

Nikita leans on the door for a moment and then swings the door open. Nikita carefully maintains her balance as Madeline enters and Nikita shuts the door. Madeline stands off to the side as Nikita moves like syrup to the couch and picks up her cup.

“Hello, Nikita.” Madeline says and Nikita looks at her cup and then to Madeline.

“Do you want something to drink? I can get...” Nikita says and Madeline raises a hand. She saw the pain on Nikita’s face along with her walk.

“No need. I saw your scores today.” Madeline says as she sits down in the chair not far from Nikita. Nikita nods her head and sips at the warm cider.

“Quite an improvement in the accuracy.” Madeline says and Nikita turns and looks at Madeline.

“What do you want, Madeline?” Nikita asks and Madeline can’t hold the smile. She would have to stop trying to beat around the bush with Nikita now. It was no longer working.

“I saw you and Michael last night.” Madeline says and Nikita places her cup on her leg and lifts her head.

“I don’t know what you are talking about.” Nikita says and Madeline shakes her head softly. Nikita watches the motion and does not dare to move an inch as Madeline held the game directions in her hands.

“I came to water your plants... and I saw you and Michael in bed.” Madeline says firmly and matter of factly. Nikita twinges at the friend like tone in Madeline’s voice.

“Nothing happened.” Nikita says and Madeline pulls off a long black glove while nodding her head.

“So when did it happen? Yesterday morning?” Madeline asks and she instantly reads Nikita’s face. It went white and then back to the warm tone.

“Yes.” Nikita says tensely out, feeling like she was under attack in her own place. Nikita looks at the clock and then to Madeline.

“You are not that different from me, Nikita.” Madeline says and Nikita shakes her head.

“We are plenty different.” Nikita says and Madeline stands up. Nikita sets the cup down and looks at Madeline.

“My history could almost be yours. Raped young, and raped in Section, by a fellow operative.” Madeline says and Nikita lifts her head dramatically up.

“I don’t want to talk about it, Madeline.” Nikita says firmly and Madeline moves closer to the young operative. She looks down at the golden blonde hair and aches to hug her for some reason Madeline can not identify with.

“It takes more than a few days to get over it. I don’t think you were ready.” Madeline says and Nikita stares at her.

“GET OUT!” Nikita finally says after a long pause of silence.

“You weren’t. You probably won’t be for a long time... and that is unacceptable to Michael.” Madeline says as she backs up. Nikita starts to stand on her aching legs.

“We aren’t that different.” Madeline says and Nikita shakes her head.

“Yes we are.” Nikita says as she grips the door to balance her body.

“How, Nikita?” Madeline challenges. She watches the girl’s mind instantly click.

“BECAUSE I WAS INNOCENT AND I HAVE MICHAEL!” Nikita announces and shuts the door. Nikita leans her head back against the door and slides down the side of it. Emotions that Nikita was usually were able to control flowed through her body. She wasn’t crying about what Birkoff did to her, she was crying about everything.

Nikita carefully pulled out the cell phone from her back pocket and unfolded it. She fumbled with it and placed it on her lap and then rolled her head forward.

“Nikita?” Michael’s voice floats up and Nikita does not respond. She is lost in her tears and her fears.

“I will be there in ten minutes.” Michael says and Nikita moans and rolls her entire body down to the ground.

A week had passed in Section One, without much talking between anyone. Nikita had separated herself away from everyone else, and that concerned Madeline a great deal. Nikita not only needed Michael, but she needed Walter and Matthew. And she needed to come to terms with Birkoff.

Madeline sighs as she thinks about what was going to happen today as she opened her office door. She entered the office and only briefly stared at Operations as he stared at her bonsai trees.

“Nikita is to meet with Birkoff today.” Madeline says as she sits down and Operations turns around. He looks at her and nods his head.

“Do you think it is too soon?” Operations asks and Madeline looks at her desk and flips through some papers. She pulls one paper up and then drops it.

“No. His treatment has been successful. He is now off the medicine and should be resuming full status by the end of next week.” Madeline says and Operations walks closer.

“That is not what I asked. Is it too soon for Nikita and Birkoff to have a meeting?” Operations clarifies with a strong voice.

“No.” Madeline says and Operations turns away from the desk. He walks to the wall and Madeline stands up.

“We know that Michael has been there for her, and we must allow that to continue, especially with the few missions I see on the planning table.” Madeline says and Operations turns in curiosity.

“You mean the Chateau mission.” Operations says and Madeline nods her head. She folds her hands and moves closer to Operations.

“The mission will need to be done by the best. By letting the best do the mission, we also open ourselves up for Michael to know the truth.” Madeline says and Operations stares at her.

“I thought Michael already knew the truth.” Operations questions firmly and he shakes his head as Madeline’s Mona Lisa smile breaks the straight face.

“He has suspicions... no proof. After this mission... he will have the proof.” Madeline says and Operations swallows.

“He will have the proof that Nikita was innocent and he will loath himself.” Operations says and Madeline slightly nods her head.

“But, let’s hold off on that mission. Let them connect a bit more. The more the connection, the more likely Nikita will be able to control the situation.” Madeline says and she walks to her desk. She pulls a small card out of the drawer.

“I thought you would like to have this.” Madeline says as she hands over the card. Operations looks at it and tilts his head.

“I decided that you were right... I should have my own place.” Madeline says with a soft smile, that Operations was proud to see.

“Can I come visit you?” Operations asks as he slides the address into his inside coat pocket.

“How about next Friday?” Madeline asks and Operations nods and leaves.

Nikita looks in the room before she slowly enters it. She looks around brightly lit room and walks towards the couch that Birkoff sits on. Nikita slowly sits down at the other end and turns towards Birkoff.

“How are you?” Nikita says as she forces a smile onto her face. Birkoff nods his head and turns to Nikita.

“Better.” Birkoff strains out and Nikita notes how different he looks without glasses.

“I heard they took you off the meds.” Nikita says and Birkoff nods his head. He looks to his hands and then to the wall.

“Yeah. I should be back in a week.” Birkoff says and pauses. “How are you?” Birkoff asks.

“Fine.” Nikita says and she turns her head away. It was so stressful, and nothing was being accomplished. Nikita bites her tongue and then turns to Birkoff.

“Birkoff.... for some reason, I still care about you. This lying we are doing to each other, it isn’t helping either of us.” Nikita says strongly and Birkoff nods his head.

“I know. I was wondering how long it would be until you called me on it.” Birkoff says and Nikita nods her head.

"We have to stop it, Birkoff. For each of us to heal, we can’t lie to each other.” Nikita says and Birkoff wrings his hands.

“I know, Nikita. It just feels so much safer to lie.” Birkoff says and then swallows. He is afraid that Nikita would leave quickly after that response. He didn’t want her to feel uncomfortable, although she was visually that way already.

“I know... I feel that way too.” Nikita says and she looks to her hands.

“How are you doing?” Nikita asks and Birkoff looks to the side and then to Nikita.

“Not good. I can’t remember a lot.” Birkoff says and Nikita feels the blood drain out of her face.

“Memory reconstruction?” Nikita asks and Birkoff nods his head. “What do you remember?” Nikita asks softly.

“Being over your body at the end.” Birkoff croaks out and Nikita closes her eyes. “That hurts you, doesn’t it?”

“I was scared coming in here... and now, you don’t even know what you did to deserve this.” Nikita says and she turns her head away.

“I do remember you beating me up.” Birkoff says and Nikita lets out a little half and turns her head. She stares at his eyes and can’t continue the laugh.

“I don’t regret doing that.” Nikita says and Birkoff nods, as if he understood. Birkoff looks around and then to Nikita.

“You are wired.” Birkoff says and Nikita nods her head.

“To Michael.... so I don’t have to say word for word what happened.” Nikita says softly and Birkoff nods his head.

“Are you ok, Nikita?” Birkoff asks and Nikita nods her head.

“Honestly Birkoff.... I will be fine. I don’t feel comfortable being in here alone with you... but I’m not about to kill you with my bare hands. I feel sorry for what you have become.” Nikita says and turns away.

“Nikita... I... well... I have to go.” Birkoff says and walks out quickly. Nikita looks at her hands. It was a conditioned response that Birkoff just did. During the memory reconstruction they must have added in a special flight response for when he started to access the memories they didn’t want him too.

Nikita didn’t have a change to see if Birkoff still had the memories of Madeline or not. She didn’t know if he knew Nikita tried to protect him. She had so many unanswered questions.

Nikita pulled at the tiny wire and rolled it into a ball and dropped it onto the floor as she allowed some tears to fall from her eyes. She stood up and pushed her hair back and walked out of the room.

“Nikita..” Michael says as he pushes up to a standing position, opposite from the door to the room. Nikita puts her head into Michael’s for a few moments.

Michael’s hand tenderly combs through Nikita’s blonde hair and he gently kisses her forehead. Nikita pulls her head away and then takes a deep breathe.

“I’m fine.” Nikita says with a hoarse voice and Michael nods his head.

“You are.” Michael responds as he places an arm around her shoulders and starts to walk down the hallway.

Birkoff turns the corner and tears run down his face. Maybe it was just a part of a bigger plan, and suddenly Birkoff finally felt how much he was used, for the first time in his life.

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