Birkoff sadly sits up in bed, grabs the pillow next to him and hugs it. He takes a deep breath of the scent of Melissa before he gets up to leave for Section.

Birkoff moves slowly today. Each day, it feels like he has less and less time with Melissa, and Birkoff knows it is all Operations doing.

Birkoff shuts the door to his apartment, and trudges down the hallway. He walks into the midday light and turns his head away. Birkoff, still not use to seeing the sun, quickly grab for a pair of sunglasses Nikita lent him on his first day living out of Section.

Birkoff slowly walks the streets, seeing images of Melissa everywhere. He sees her at a fresh fruit cart in the plaza, and then walking out of the beauty salon. Birkoff tries to turn off his thoughts as he walks down the cobblestone street.

Birkoff enters Section, on time. He slowly walks the hall and slings his coat over his chair in front of the computer. He sits down and looks at the picture of Melissa at his desk. Birkoff rubs his eyes and faces the picture face down next to the computer. He stares at the screensaver on the computer and the random specks remind him of Melissa.

Michael walks down the hall in his black uniform and enters his office, which he rarely has done while Nikita has been gone at the Retreat. Birkoff takes a deep breath and walks to the office.

Michael sits at the computer, trying to type a report. Although, only week has passed since Nikita went back to the Retreat, Michael sits highly depressed, staring at the screen swearing he sees Nikita.

"Michael?" Birkoff asks as he enters the office. Michael shakes his head because at first, he swears he hears Nikita's voice. Not one phone call has occured. Nikita had been extremely busy with the couples since she had the mission hold up plans.

"What is it, Birkoff?" Michael snaps as he realizes the boy stands at his door. Birkoff looks away with the snap.

"No problem..." Birkoff says as he begins to slowly turn away.

"I'm sorry, Birkoff." Michael says immediately and Birkoff turns back around. He slowly approaches Michael's desk and Birkoff too, can feel the absence of Nikita.

"I would have asked for Nikita's help." Birkoff starts to explain. Birkoff aches down deep, wishing he could have Nikita hear. Walter wasn't a commitment guy, so the next best person was Michael.

"What is it, Birkoff?" Michael asks again as he watches Birkoff think his thoughts through.

"Can we talk?" Birkoff whispers with a raised eyebrow. Michael nods his head, knowing that Birkoff meant outside of Section.

"I'll be at the plaza shopping, at my favorite store." Michael said with a slight wink.

"I might stop in." Birkoff says as he turns and leaves.

Both men think of the blondes they love, and neither think of how they are sisters.

************

Michael stands next to a rack of black jackets, going through them slowly as Birkoff walks in with his blue jacket on.

Michael barely raises his eyes to look at Birkoff.

"What do you think of this one?" Michael asks Birkoff, pulling out a short black jacket with shiny black buttons.

"It's black." Birkoff says with a scrunched up nose. Michael blinks his eyes and looks at the jacket before he speaks.

"Everything here is black, hense the name." Michael says as he places the jacket back on the rack.

"What if I buy you something else that is black?" Birkoff says as he stands closer to Michael. Michael looks around the store, named BLACK, and looks back at Birkoff.

"Nikita wants to me start wearing some color...What do you want to buy that is black?" Michael asks with a raised eyebrow.

"Coffee." Birkoff answers. Michael's right side of the mouth lifts in a slight smile and he starts to walk out of the store.

"Fine." Michael says.

-------------------------------------------------

The two men sit inside an empty coffeehouse, sipping coffee. Michael looks at Birkoff in surprized, never figuring Birkoff for drinking coffee.

"What is it, Birkoff?" Michael finally asks, as he sits is cup down on the table.

"The watch on Melissa... does it follow her every move now?" Birkoff asks. Birkoff sets his own cup down and looks out the window brief.

"Yes." Michael answers simply.

"Why? Because of me?" Birkoff instantly asks as his hands start to tremble.

"Because of Operations, because of Nikita." Michael answers simply. He picks up the cup of coffee and takes another sip.

"I don't understand that." Birkoff says slowly, watching Michael swallow the coffee.

"Just think about it. Nikita has been a thorn in Operations side. He can't control her while she is in the retreat, so he'll increase on Melissa." Michael says steadily as he finishes the coffee.

"So, our conflicting schedules isn't fate either?!?" Birkoff says in an angry tone.

"You know Section." Michael answers without a blink of his eyes.

"I don't want Section to eat her up." Birkoff says crystal clear.

"That is impossible. She is Operations daughter, and I cannot believe that she will be spared." Michael answers slowly.

"I don't want Section to eat her up!" Birkoff says again, louder this time.

"Because you love her?" Michael asks looking at Birkoff with understandment.

"Yes, because I love her." Birkoff says as his entire body starts to tremble.

"And what is the best thing for her?" Michael asks as he looks at the door and a couple enters.

"She's been offer a job in the states... was that Operations doing?" Birkoff asks plainly as his cup of coffee shakes.

"No. Operations is very upset about that." Michael answers clearly.

"Then it's best to let her go." Birkoff says softly.

"Can you do that?" Michael asks. Without an answer, Birkoff throws down the money for the drinks and stands.

"It was funny meeting you shopping. Listen to Nikita, buy some color." Birkoff says and leaves.

************

Madeline walked the darken halls of Section during the late hours of the night. She steps inside the quarters that she now shares with Operations. The tension between the two have been so great, that Madeline had started to sleep in her office.

That night, as she rubbed her aching shoulder, Madeline realized how incompatible this situation is.

Operations looks up from the couch as she enters. Madeline stands infront of him with her Mount Rushmore face and points to the table. Operations stands up and walks to the table. Madeline sits down and finally looks into Operations eyes.

"This is not working." Madeline says firmly. Operations face becomes red.

"This is not working because you have stuck yourself into situations that you should not have been in." Operations says with a tough voice.

"That is Section, that is not us. Us is not working." Madeline corrects Operations with her calm voice.

"We are Section and Section is Us." Operations says. Madeline stands up and walks to the bedroom. She pulls out several clothes and piles together other essentials.

"What are you doing?" Operations demands as he slams the bedroom door close.

"I'll stay in Michael's and Nikita's quarters here until we create new living quarters." Madeline says without looking at Operations.

"You are not leaving me!" Operations yells. Madeline smirks and looks at him.

"You have not a clue.... I was never, never with you to start with." Madeline says as she pulls open the door.

"Nikita has made you think this way.... I'm not a monster!" Operations starts to yell. Madeline drops the pile of clothes in her hands on the table.

"NIKITA HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THIS....I CANNOT STAND YOU!" Madeline yells back as she clenches her fists.

"And Anna?" Operations almost yells.

"If I did what I thought is best for Anna... you wouldn't be breathing." Madeline spits out. Operations mouth hangs open from the shock of the statement. Madeline smiles. "Count yourself lucky."

"So? What about Anna?" Operations asks again. Madeline shakes her head.

"I don't see you taking care of her during the day!" Madeline yells at Operations. He is moving towards her, about to grab her when she slaps him.

"You'll be lucky if you catch a glimpse of her every now and then!" Madeline yells as Operations steps back. Madeline picks up the clothes and walks out. "I wanted to be civilized. I was going to have two quarters linked by Anna's room, but I don't think that is possible!"

"I am her father." Operations says as he follows her.

"To quote Nikita, you are just DNA!" Madeline says in a loud deep voice. Her heels click on the floor loudly as she disappears out of sight.

************

*Writer's note..... although Nikita is in this part, we do not physically see her, we hear only her voice.

Michael sat up in the apartment, staring at the phone. Two hours ago, Gannon swore to Michael, that he would make sure Nikita would call him. The time had slowly passed, and Michael leaned sadly against the back of the chair.

The phone rings loudly, and Michael jumps at it. He picks it up quickly.

" 'Kita?" Michael says as he holds the phone to his ear.

"Michael." Nikita answers back. Michael looks down at the screen, for the image of Nikita, but none comes through.

"Why no visual?" Michael immediately asks, as he hopes to see Nikita's smile.

"No time to set it up." Nikita says with a slight laugh. "Gannon said this was important."

"Not that important." Michael admits as he leans against the countertop.

"Then what is it? I am really tired." Nikita says in a slight whine. Michael closes his eyes and can easily see Birkoff's sad face.

"I wanted you to know that it appears that Birkoff is breaking up with Melissa." Michael says slowly.

"Why? What happened!" Nikita immediately reacts as the voice crackles over the phone.

"Operations." Michael says in a whisper, knowing that Nikita was not going to like that answer.

"I wish there was something I could do for Birkoff." Nikita says softly, which amazes Michael.

"Be a close daughter to Operations so he can let go of Melissa?" Michael says, and when he realizes what he said, Michael closes his eyes tightly, waiting to hear Nikita's screams.

"Maybe I'll talk to Birkoff. God knows he needs a friend." Nikita continues softly. Michael's eyes look to the side through almost closed eyes, not buying what Nikita is saying.

"Nikita, is everything alright?" Michael asks, and Nikita immediately laughs loudly.

"I'm tired... but now worried." Nikita says as she catches her breath.

"We can't do anything. It's Birkoff's decision. He either lets her go, or let Section eat her alive." Michael says in a deep voice.

Not a sound is heard over the line. Michael can imagine, Nikita sitting with the phone in her hand, with a tear running down her face.

"It's curfew time. I have to go." Nikita finally says. Michael closes his eyes, hoping to have just a few moments more with her voice.

"I love you, Nikita." Michael says as he holds the phone tightly.

"I love you." Nikita says and then the click on the line, and Nikita is gone.

************

Birkoff shuts his apartment door lightly and smells Italian food. He drops his head as he sees Melissa in the kitchen. Birkoff can barely kiss her as she smiles brightly.

"We have to talk." Birkoff says, turning off the boiling water. Melissa looks at Birkoff very upset.

"The noddles will clump up!" Melissa protests, but sensing Birkoff's mood, follows him as he walks to the couch.

"I want you to take the job in the states." Birkoff says, not looking at Melissa. Melissa stares at him.

"Can you get a transfer and come with me?" Melissa finally asks with a fake cheerful voice.

"That is impossible." Birkoff says solemnly, trying to continue without breaking down into pleads.

"Then I'm not going!" Melissa pronounces as she leans in and kisses Birkoff's cheek. She tries to stand up and Birkoff grabs her wrists.

"Let's not make this any harder than it is." Birkoff says as Melissa finally locks with his eyes.

"Your making it more." Melissa says as her voice becomes weak. Melissa continues to look at Birkoff's face, suddenly realizing the huge purple circles underneath his eyes.

"I love you Melissa, and because of this... I know I'm not enough." Birkoff says and then he takes a huge gasp of air.

"How do you know that? I love you, and that's enough for me!" Melissa replies, grabbing hold of Birkoff's hand.

"Melissa, look at the way we are... almost like ships passing in the night." Birkoff starts to say.

"There is more here than you are saying...." Melissa says looking deeply into Birkoff.

"For your sake, please, take the job in the states." Birkoff begs. "I'm married to my job, and that will never change. And if you stay for just me, then I'll just hurt you."

Tears start to run down the couples cheeks. Melissa stands up and moves away from Birkoff.

"I'm willing to stay if you can be mine forever..." Melissa says softly, and Birkoff painfully shakes his head no.

"Why?...Why?" Melissa screams and she grabs her purse and runs out of the apartment, leaving the key.

Birkoff bows his head, and picks up the phone.

"Michael, the watchers were in place?" Birkoff asks softly as he struggles to keep his body from shaking violently.

"Yes." Michael says. "Why don't we buy something black in the morning?"

"Sure." Birkoff says and hangs up. He falls into the couch, face first.

************

lyrics from Sarah McLachlan "I LOVE YOU"

Birkoff stands in the shadows of the airport, staring out a window. About ten minutes earlier, he had watched Melissa board the plane. Now, it pushed away from the gate, and Melissa never knew of his presence at the airport.

I HAVE A SMILE...
STRETCHED FROM EAR TO EAR....

Birkoff shoves his hands into his jeans pockets and starts to walk. Soon, Michael joins him at his side. The two walk silently. Birkoff has become accustomed to Michael's presence. The last two days, Michael, who to Birkoff was almost always a silent man, had enough words to keep Birkoff going.

I SEE YOU WALK DOWN THE ROAD...
WE MEET AT THE LIGHT...

Michael opens the car's door and Birkoff looks up at the plane flying above. Saddness fills his heart as he closes his eyes.

Michael taps the top of the car, and Birkoff gets in.

I STARE FOR A WHILE...
WORLD AROUND US DISAPPEARS...

Madeline stands in her office, looking at the remodeled room. A picture of Michael and Nikita, along with two of Anna, are the only personal photos on the wall. Madeline glances down at the photos she is getting rid of. Operations, rare smiling face stares back at her.

IT'S JUST YOU AND ME...
ON MY ISLAND OF HOPE...

Madeline picks up Anna, and dances around the office. The girl leans her head back and laughs in delight. Madeline smiles and continues.

A BREATH BETWEEN US COULD BE MILES...
LET ME SURROUND YOU...

Operations glares at the screen. This had been the only contact he has had with Madeline and Anna. A silent beep occurs on the desk behind him, reminding him that now Melissa has left the area, for the states.

MY SEA TO YOUR SHORE...
LET ME BE THE CALM YOU SEE...

Birkoff walks to his station, and sits. The characteristically happy guy, sits in black. Michael walks to his office and pulls out a red shirt that he had bought. He places it on Birkoff's desk. Soon, Birkoff emerges with the baggy shirt on. Michael nods his head.

EVERY TIME I'M CLOSE TO YOU...
THERE IS TOO MUCH I CAN'T SAY...

Madeline walks down to Birkoff and taps his shoulder. Birkoff looks up, seeing that Madeline has had a bad go of it of late. Birkoff nods his head, and plows back into his work. Madeline only briefly looks up at Operations, before turning and leaving.

AND YOU JUST WALK AWAY...
AND I FORGOT..

Birkoff drops his head and pounds it lightly.

TO TELL YOU I LOVE YOU...

Madeline slides against a wall, fighting back tears. Hate had filled her so much that she forgot that at one time, she loved Operations. At one time... she couldn't pinpoint when, but she did.

AND I STILL LOVE...

Operations steps back from the glass window. He sits down and stares up at the paneling in the ceiling. Never, had he felt so lonely.

AND HERE WITHOUT YOU...
I GRIEVE IN MY CONDITION...
FOR I CAN'T FIND THE WORDS...
TO SAY I NEED YOU SO...

Send suggestions and comments to ranma.
OR
If you would like to send a comment to Nikita507, click HERE!!