"Please don't."

"I want you to live!"

"It is not your time!"

"Please…. I love you!"

"So you are leaving me. Not going to fight anymore? WHY?"

"Katherine… why?"

"What about My pain!"

"I want to hold you forever! Please!"

"What about us? What about our love?"

Walter held his head as he leaned his elbows down to the table, replaying everything that he had said to Katherine in the past three days. She started to take their medicine, and Walter could see her fading, but there was still time. She didn't have to go so quickly. She could fight it. She could stay in his arms for another week, maybe another month.

"IT WASN'T TO BE THIS WAY!" Walter grunted out with frustration as he pounded his hands to the table and waited for the words to stop echoing before removing his hands from the table.

"I don't want to suffer!"

"There is no more pain so I can love you more."

"I am doing this for us. I don't want your pity."

"Walter… I will always love you and I will wait for you."

"Today is all that we ever have. Tomorrow is just a good dream."

Walter dropped his head down and allowed the tears to slide from his eyes. He could still see Katherine as the healthy woman that he fell in love with. It was not that his love for Katherine had gone away, if anything it was stronger. It was that he started to feel pity. Not pity for Katherine. Pity for himself. Pity for what he was going to lose. Pity for that he couldn't do anything to help. Pity for the fact that he didn't have the strength to give Katherine what she wanted, a peaceful death.

"I can't do this…. I can't." Walter cried out as he started to rub his thumbnail across his lips. He felt the wet tears building near his lip and he dropped his head so the tears would flow down. Walter shook his head slowly and picked up the phone.

He felt terrible for what he was going to do, but he couldn't do this. He wasn't ready.

"Nikita…. Can you please come here? I need you." Walter said softly with the cracking voice.

*

The phone was carefully sat down as Michael swiveled in his chair to look at Nikita. Her face was white and she pushed her body up with trembling hands and arms. Michael stood up and wrapped his arms around her, not knowing what was going on.

"Nikita, what is it?" Michael asked and Nikita nodded her head slightly and focused on Michael's eyes. She couldn't force out a smile, there was nothing to be comforted by this.

"Katherine is not going to make it another week. Walter has asked for my support." Nikita said slowly and Michael stepped back and looked at Nikita. She moved her hands and placed them into the maternity jeans and sighed.

"Are you able to, Nikita?" Michael asked and Nikita nodded her head. Nikita turned in a circle and then looked back at Michael. She started to chew on her nails and Michael wrapped her tightly into a warming hug.

"I want you to stay in contact with me. I am not far away." Michael explained and Nikita pushed her head down into Michael's shoulder. She never had a good time accepting death. She was hurting from this. Michael had thought that Nikita hoped that Katherine would be around when the baby was born. Katherine was so pleased with Nikita's stomach.

"I always know that, Michael." Nikita stated and Michael allowed a soft chuckle out and then looked at Nikita and took her hand to sit down with her. Nikita stretched her arms out and sat down.

"What about the stuff you know?" Michael asked and Nikita looked to the wall. She stared at the wall for several moments.

"I can't lie to a dying woman, but I will be tactful, Michael. Only if she brings it up." Nikita assured Michael and he stroked her cheek softly. Nikita took her hands and curled them around Michael's hand and kissed it to her lips. Nikita dropped it and looked away for several minutes.

"She doesn't have to die this week, Michael. She is…" Nikita said slowly and Michael sighed heavily. Maybe he shouldn't allow Nikita to go alone. He knew that the relationship between Nikita and Walter was strong, but both would be going through so much.

"Nikita…. Let me go with you." Michael said and Nikita mouthed the word no and Michael looked away. Michael stopped to gather his thoughts and then looked back at Nikita as she pushed at the cuticles of her fingernails.

"She is ending her life, Nikita. She is ending her pain. She wants a peaceful death." Michael said slowly and Nikita closed her eyes and bobbed her head up and down.

"I know this. It is what she wants." Nikita stated and then she moved forward a few steps. Nikita turned and looked at Michael.

"I am just scared I won't know what to say, Michael!" Nikita confessed and Michael closed his eyes and again, they fell into a hug.

"You will know. It will just occur. Don't fight the words, Nikita." Michael said and Nikita nodded her head slowly as Madeline walked down the hallway. Nikita lifted her head and looked at Michael, who had just turned his own head from Madeline.

"I heard something about her." Nikita said and Michael shook his head.

"Nikita." Michael said and Nikita looked to the wall.

"She was at a pregnancy clinic, Michael. With Walter." Nikita said and Michael dropped his head and then touched her chin. Michael had not only heard about it, he had broken in and saw the video.

"Nikita, just drop this." Michael said and Nikita bit her lips and then looked at Michael.

"What if she is, Michael? It gives him something to care about." Nikita said and Michael closed his eyes.

"Nikita, just leave it." Michael said in a deep tone and Nikita turned away.

"Gannon is going to drive." Nikita said and left without another word, or even a kiss goodbye.

*

"Are you feeling ok?"

"Is there anything you want?"

"Do you want another pillow?"

"Do you want to eat something?"

"How about some tea?"

"Do you need some fresh air?"

Walter shook his head as he looked at the far wall, and leaned his head back against the wall that separated the hallway from Katherine's room. He could hear her breathing through the wall and was comforted that she was still breathing. This was the worst kind of torture, and he concentrated on the in and out breaths of Katherine as she slept.

"No, Walter."

"No thank you."

"I don't need anything."

"I want to sleep."

"Please, Walter stop."

"Hush yourself. I am fine."

"It has to be this way."

"No Walter."

Walter's entire body jumped from the thoughts of Katherine's protests of Walter's offers as the door from the store opened up. He tried to steady himself, and pushed up from the chair.

"Walter!" Nikita called out and Walter stepped towards Nikita and tightly held onto her. It was the first time that Nikita could remember, supporting Walter. He had always been there for her, and now it had flipped the relationship around. She could feel his muscles trembling with the fear of what was going to come. Nikita held him tightly and rubbed his back with her hands, until he stepped away.

"She is sleeping." Walter said softly.

"I am not sleeping." Katherine called out and Nikita smiled briefly, as did Walter. Nikita moved to the room and looked in at Katherine.

"Hello, Katherine." Nikita said and she smiled broadly. She looked almost like skin and bones, and Nikita tired to fight those feelings.

"Did your French husband come with you?" Katherine playfully asked with a wink. Nikita smiled and shook her head no.

"He wanted to stay with Birkoff and supervise the nursery." Nikita said with a smile. Walter rubbed Nikita's back as he walked into the room and moved to Katherine.

"Is there anything that you need?" Walter asked and Katherine rolled her eyes and looked at Walter and then to Nikita.

"Will you get him to realize that if I need something that I will ask for it?" Katherine asked Nikita with a broad smile that made Nikita stand in awe of the dying woman.

"I'll try, but you know that Walter is stubborn." Nikita commented as Walter looked sternly at her. Nikita knew that Walter needed to be serving Katherine hand on foot, but also saw that Katherine didn't want him to be.

"Come on, Walter. I'll make you lunch… and then maybe then Katherine will feel like sitting on the back porch with you." Nikita said and Walter looked at Katherine. She nodded her head with approval and Walter finally went to eat.

*

Nikita stepped into Katherine's room softly and sat down on the chair. She looked at the woman that she had admired, and a woman that had helped Nikita through some difficult times and felt the sadness in her heart. Nikita had gotten Walter to go to the retreat for a workout. He had been spending every waking moment by Katherine's side, and Nikita knew Walter too well. He needed to release some of his stress somehow.

"Nikita." Katherine said softly as she rolled her head and smiled at Nikita. Nikita sat up straight in the chair and smiled at Katherine.

"I didn't mean to wake you." Nikita said and Katherine shook her head no.

"I don't like sleeping this much. I always wonder if I am closing my eyes for the last time." Katherine said firmly and Nikita swallowed the statement and nodded her head. She could understand where Katherine was coming from.

"Walter went to get a workout." Nikita explained and Katherine nodded her head.

"He needs that. Just like he needed to be with Madeline." Katherine commented and Nikita refocused on Katherine. She couldn't believe what Katherine had just said. Walter had told Nikita that Katherine didn't know.

"Nikita, I am not stupid." Katherine said firmly and Nikita shook her head back and forth, trying to stop Katherine from thinking about that.

"No… he wasn't." Nikita said and Katherine laughed stiffly.

"Nikita, I know. Don't lie to a dying woman." Katherine said and Nikita swallowed again. Nikita moved the chair closer and took Katherine's hand into hers.

"Yes." Nikita said and Katherine nodded her head.

"I don't doubt his love Nikita. He just loves too many." Katherine said and Nikita laughed slightly.

"He loves you. That was why it was so hard for him to call you." Katherine revealed and Nikita sat up straight as she rubbed Katherine's knuckles.

"No. He knew he could call me. I would do anything for Walter." Nikita said and Katherine sadly smiled. She rolled her head to the side and then slowly back to Nikita.

"He didn't want to upset you know." Katherine said and Nikita was amazed. Everyone cared about her so much that sometimes they cared too much. Nikita rubbed Katherine's hair out of her face.

"I want to be here." Nikita said and Katherine nodded her head.

"Just like that night. Walter wanted to be with Madeline, and I do not spite him for it. I am glad that he has someone else." Katherine said and Nikita allowed a few tears roll down her face. She pushed them away with a finger and looked at Katherine.

"You sound like you expected this to happen?" Nikita questioned and Katherine dropped her chin to her chest slowly.

"When he broke up with Madeline, he was another man. And each time he went back, I worried that he was with Madeline. But he loved me." Katherine spoke with a trembling voice. Nikita swallowed hard and looked at Katherine.

"He loved me because he came back. He loves me, because he is here now." Katherine said, ending with tears rolling down her face.

"OH, Katherine. He loves you so much, and he regretted being with Madeline so much." Nikita cried out and Katherine rubbed Nikita's hand in return.

"He shouldn't. I knew he needed it, and I knew when it happened. I knew, and I don't mind. I couldn't give him that. I haven't been able." Katherine said and Nikita looked to the window and the silence filled the room.

"Can you get him? And give me the medicine, Nikita?" Katherine asked and Nikita looked at the bottle and trembled. Katherine was ready.

"Katherine…"

"It is what I want." Katherine moaned out and Nikita nodded her head and looked at the medicine.

"Why don't you call Michael?" Katherine said and Nikita shook her head.

"I have to be here for Walter." Nikita said as she stood up to retrieve Walter

*

Walter walked into the house and handed the cell phone to Nikita. Nikita looked at him and then to the room. Walter shook his head and pulled Nikita into the store.

"Call Michael." Walter said and Nikita shook her head no back and forth.

"I won't. You need me." Nikita said and Walter turned white and chewed the inside of his mouth. He looked at the phone and stared at Nikita.

"I need you, Nikita, but don't fool yourself. You need Michael. And I will be needing his help." Walter said softly and Nikita looked to the door.

"For what?" Nikita asked and Walter dropped his chin to his chest.

"Her grave. She wants to be in the woods… where we… rejoined each other." Walter said and Nikita started to cry softly.

"Walter… I will call him." Nikita said and Walter nodded his head.

"How long till sunset, sugar?" Walter asked and Nikita looked to the clock.

"About three hours." Nikita said and Walter nodded his head and hugged Nikita.

"Then I have three hours left." Walter said and Nikita rubbed his back tightly.

"What if she didn't take the medicine left. Maybe you have longer. It might not work." Nikita said stubbornly and Walter looked at Nikita and pushed her tears aside.

"It will. She has made her decision, and clear her soul of anything that was bothering her." Walter said as he looked towards the room but did not move.

"She knew Walter." Nikita said and Walter turned and pulled back his tears.

"I wished that she didn't. It tore my soul apart, Nikita." Walter said as he thought of the night that he betrayed Madeline.

"She understands that you love multiple people. I wonder if she ever worried about our relationship?" Nikita questioned, trying to be a bit light with the subject.

"No, she understood you from the very first time I started to talk about you." Walter said and Nikita nodded her head and opened the cell phone slowly.

"Do I tell Michael the truth? Or that I just need him here?" Nikita asked and Walter looked up at the ceiling.

"He is probably at your home pacing." Walter said and Nikita licked her lips and smiled softly.

"Yeah, Birkoff is painting the room." Nikita said and Walter laughed broadly for a few seconds and then touched Nikita's shoulder.

"No, pacing because you haven't called." Walter said and Nikita slowly nodded her head and then looked to the window.

"Do I call anyone else? Madeline?" Nikita asked.

"That will be handled afterwards." Walter said as he slipped into the house area, with tears spotting his cheeks. Nikita lifted the phone; ready to make the solemn phone call, knowing that Michael would not be here in time for the death.

*

Birkoff hummed as he pulled the roller down off of the wall and looked for white spots. His sleeves were dripped with specks of the bright yellow paint that Nikita had chosen. Birkoff looked up, seeing that his glasses were Pokka-dotted with the yellow paint also. Yet, Birkoff was happy doing this work, and he turned to the hallway to consult Michael.

"So?" Birkoff questioned Michael as he paced back and forth. Michael stopped and walked towards the room. He was surprised to see that Birkoff knew how to paint. When Birkoff and Walter claimed they wanted to work on the room for their baby, Michael was sure that Walter would be doing the physical labor, and that Birkoff would add the technical touches later.

"You missed a spot." Michael pointed towards the bottom. Birkoff shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. He bent down to work on covering the spot at Michael's cell phone rang. Michael moved down the hallway and opened the cell phone.

"Michael?" Nikita softly said and Michael leaned against a wall, and looked to see if Birkoff was paying attention. When Michael was sure that Birkoff had gone back to work, Michael's focus went back to the phone call.

"Nikita? How are you?" Michael hurriedly asked and then cursed himself. He had to start trusting Nikita. If something were wrong, she would tell him.

"Michael, We would like you to come up here." Nikita bravely said and Michael dropped his head slightly, basically knowing the implications of what the statement meant.

"She is that bad?" Michael questioned and he could now hear Nikita starting to cry. Michael swallowed and moved towards the stairs.

"She won't make it much past sunset, Michael." Nikita said and Michael sat down on the top stair and bit his lip slightly.

"Are you going to be able to handle this? I won't be there in time." Michael said slowly. He was sure if Nikita was too concern, that Michael would con Madeline into letting him take a plane or at least a helicopter up to the retreat.

"I can do this, Michael. But I know in a few hours, that I will need you, and Walter will need you." Nikita said and Michael held his breath for a few seconds as he processed what Nikita had said.

"I will leave as soon as I can explain things to Birkoff." Michael said and stood up.

"I was wishing I wouldn't have to make this call." Nikita said softly and Michael closed his eyes.

"I was wishing you wouldn't." Michael said. Both felt that Katherine was a decent woman and needed more to her life that this.

"She decided that it was time." Nikita commented and Michael swallowed. He couldn't believe that Nikita was remaining this calm. Walter must really need her. Michael could not believe that Nikita was so calm about someone giving up on her life. That wasn't Nikita's way, but Michael knew that Nikita felt like she could not judge Katherine.

"Nikita, you know that I love you… and that I will be there soon." Michael said, hoping this his words could sooth Nikita's being until he could arrive. He was sure that Nikita would need his shoulder to cry on, and that Walter would need him for some of the darkest aspects of Katherine's impending death.

"I know, Michael. I always know that." Nikita said softly and the phone clicked. Michael folded the phone and moved towards Birkoff.

In a matter of minutes, Michael was racing in the car, driving to beat the sunset, already knowing that it was impossible.

*

Lyrics from Who Wants To Live Forever performed by Queen for the Highlander Soundtrack

"Walter." Katherine whispered out and Walter looked down at Katherine, who was now finding breathing difficult. Walter leaned down on the bed and softly smiled.

THERE'S NO TIME FOR US….

"Outside." Katherine asked weakly and Walter sighed softly. He pushed back Katherine's hair and simply nodded his head. Walter then moved his hand away as the tears started to drop without warning.

Nikita looked in from the doorway and found the tears rolling down her face. How could she be here for Walter when this was tearing her apart?

THERE'S NO PLACE FOR US….

"Not now. After." Katherine replied rather bluntly and Walter nodded his head stiffly. He moved his arms underneath the heavy quilt that was wrapped around her body. His arms barely felt the weight of Katherine as he stood up. She was like a feather to Walter, and again, he could not stop his tears from falling.

WHAT IS THIS THING THAT….

"Please, Walter." Katherine said as she moved her hand to Walter's face and pushed away the tears. It only caused Walter's tears to multiply as Walter stopped at the doorway and looked at Nikita. Nikita stepped forward and rubbed Walter's back softly. It was the only support that Nikita knew to give Walter.

BUILDS OUR DREAMS YET….

"I'll get the door." Nikita said softly as she stepped away. Slowly Katherine cleared her throat and Nikita turned around. She looked so natural to Katherine, an angel already walking the earth. Katherine smiled at Nikita and Nikita felt her tears slowly cease.

"Thank you, Nikita." Katherine said and Nikita nodded her head and turned back to the door. The doors opened out towards the setting sun in the woods. Nikita took a deep breath of the fresh air and stood back.

SLIPS AWAY FROM US….

"Katherine…" Walter said weakly and she looked outside. Walter looked to the door and then back to the woman he loved. He felt as if his world was tumbling in, that all he had left was held in his hands, and he would never have more.

WHO WANTS TO LIVE FOREVER….

"I don't want to do this, Katherine…" Walter admitted and Katherine's eye painfully cloud up with eyes.

"I will be at peace.. And I will wait for you my love." Katherine said softly and solemnly.

WHO WANTS TO LIVE FOREVER….

Nikita stepped away from the door as Walter crossed the threshold with Katherine. He sat down on the wicker chair and clutched Katherine to his body. She was shivering in the warm sunlight.

"Do you remember our first sunset?" Katherine asked as her eyes drift closed, and then opened quickly, telling him that the ending was quite yet.

THERE'S NO CHANCE FOR US….

"Yes, we were in the Rockies in a cabin." Walter said with a softly smile. The memory was a good one. Katherine was young and built all of muscle. Walter had brown hair, and it was longer than it was now. They held each other in a long embrace as the sun went to bed and the moon started to shine.

IT'S ALL DECIDED FOR US…

"I knew I loved you then." Katherine said as she tilted her head to look at Walter. He could feel her body slowing down in his arms and grasp. Walter wanted to hold on tighter, but knew he couldn't. No matter how much he held her, tonight would not hold Katherine long.

THIS WORLD HAS ONLY ONE…

"I loved you from the moment I saw you…. And I always have. You are part of me, Katherine." Walter said and Katherine blinked her eyes in recognition of his words. She no longer had the strength to move her head up and down. Walter touched her chin softly.

SWEET MOMENT SET ASIDE FOR US…

"I mean it, Katherine. I want to be with you. I should be with you. You should be here forever. You deserve more than this." Walter started to plead and Katherine turned her head softly to the side, to look over Walter's shoulder carefully.

Nikita stood there, hugging the doorway. The tears glistened the colors of the sunset. Katherine didn't want to upset Nikita. Katherine carefully turned her head to Walter.

"It has to be this way." Katherine said slowly and allowed herself to rest her eyes carefully for a few seconds.

WHO WANTS TO LIVE FOREVER…..

"NO! NOT YET!" Walter screamed out in pain as he watched Katherine's eyes closed. She blinked them a few times before looking back at Katherine.

"I can't let you go." Walter begged and Katherine felt the last few of her tears roll out of her eyes.

"I am a part of you Walter, in your heart." Katherine said and Walter dropped his face down towards Katherine's face. He could feel her short breaths on his cheeks and he pulled back, not wanting to cause her death to come quicker.

WHO WANTS TO LIVE FOREVER….

Nikita dropped her head closer to the door, hearing the pleading calls of Walter, and the soft whispers of Katherine. The pain was swelling inside Nikita. Nikita could remember when she first met Katherine, and how Katherine gave her the book about speaking French.

"Katherine… I love you too much…" Walter cried out as he leaned his head back and Katherine closed her eyes, no longer able to see anything.

"The sunset was beautiful, Walter." Katherine said extremely slow.

WHO DARES TO LOVE FOREVER?…

"You are all that I want!" Walter cried out and Nikita tightened her hands on the wood of the doorway, as her legs threaten to give out.

WHEN LOVE MUST DIE….

"Love." Katherine whispered out, and Walter's arms tingled, as there was no more movement. No more feeling of Katherine's pulse and the rhythm of her breathing.

Walter looked down and saw the face of peace of Katherine's passing. He looked out and saw the sun just finishing it's setting and fell to his knees, rocking Katherine.

BUT TOUCH MY TEARS WITH YOUR LIPS…

"NO!!!" Walter screamed out and Nikita carefully stepped out onto the desk. She saw a face of a peaceful death. Katherine had died in the one place she wanted to be, in Walter's arms.

Walter started to hold onto all the memories of Katherine. As her soul left her body, he was afraid that the spirit of her soul was going to leave his memories.

He held onto the memories of swimming in the creek. Walter remembered seeing Katherine rubbing Nikita's stomach.

TOUCH MY WORLD WITH YOUR FINGERTIPS…

"Walter…" Nikita said softly as he pulled his body tighter to Katherine's. Nikita rubbed Walter's back and looked to the side. She was on the edge herself, but needed to hold on for Walter.

"She is happy." Nikita sadly said and closed her eyes and Walter started to rock back and forth.

AND WE CAN HAVE FOREVER….

"I can't… I can't leave her… she is mine… mine.. KATHERINE!!! KATHERINE!!!!! KATHERINE!!!" Walter screamed out loudly and Nikita sat down on the chair and cradled Walter's crying head into her arms, and he held onto Katherine.

FOREVER IS OUR TODAY…

"KATHERINE I LOVE YOU!!!" Walter screamed out as he looked at the setting sun, as now Walter knew that Katherine was no longer in the dead body that he held.

WHO WANTS TO LIVE FOREVER…..

"Don't leave me…"

WHO WANTS TO LIVE FOREVER…..

"Please, Katherine.. I can't live without you. I don't want to." Walter cried out and Nikita leaned her head back. She remembered times that she felt the same way and now she could imagine that she even had the right then.

FOREVER IS OUR TODAY…

"Nikita… I need her… I need Katherine…" Walter cried out as he leaned back on Nikita. Nikita nodded her head and continued to cry with Walter.

WHO WAITS FOREVER ANYWAY…

*

Michael turned off the headlights of the Land Rover and looked to the darken store. Michael swallowed as he headed up the gravel parking lot, taking his time. He slowly opened the door and the sobs were easily heard. Michael shut his eyes briefly before moving further into the building.

Michael saw the small lamplight on the back porch and swallowed his fear back as he crossed the threshold and found Nikita sitting on the wicker chair, holding Walter, as he still held Katherine. Michael turned his head to the side as he moved towards Nikita. He placed his hands on her shoulders and she looked up. Nikita started to cry harder, as Walter maintained his hold and gaze at Katherine's body.

"Walter…" Michael said softly, and the older man turned his face. It had instantly aged twenty year since the last time Michael saw him. Michael moved forward to look at Walter and then at Katherine's body. Michael rubbed his shoulder tightly and then looked to Nikita with a look of concern for Walter. He had been doing a good job holding his composure till now.

"We have to get her into a grave in the meadow." Walter stated as he lifted his head. Michael looked at Nikita and then looked at Walter.

"It can wait till morning, Walter." Michael said and Walter looked around, suddenly noticing that hours had past since the sun had fallen behind the darkness. It had been hours since Katherine took her last breath.

"I am so tired." Walter stated and Nikita stood up and pulled her arms around herself. Michael saw the ashen appearance on Nikita's face and the Goosebumps that had gathered on her arms. Michael pealed his black jacket off and wrapped it around Nikita's arms. Nikita welcomed the warmth of Michael's jacket around her face, but the tears continued to run rivers of coldness down her cheeks.

Michael turned to Nikita and swallowed. He had to bring Katherine's body back inside for the night. Michael gathered a blanket quickly from the bed and moved back to Walter's side. There, Nikita watched as Walter carefully wrapped the blanket that he had brought Katherine out in, around her body, and finally up and over her face.

"I'm going to go to bed." Walter stated and Michael held out an arm for Walter to use to pull his body up. The pains of sitting and rocking in the same position brought a wince of pain on Walter's face, but he continued into the house. Nikita swallowed as Michael lifted the blanket with Katherine's body and walked inside. Nikita moved back to the wicker chair and sat down.

Nikita lifted her head and looked up to the stars. She could not stop her tears now, as she could hear the soft snores of Walter. He must have spent every hour at her bedside. Nikita dropped her head and allowed all that she had held inside, out.

Michael stepped out of the building, and saw the moonlight hitting Nikita's body, as it heaved with the sobs of pain. Michael dropped his head and moved slowly to Nikita's side. He touched Nikita's arm tenderly, and then quickly pulled her entire body up into his arms.

All Michael could do for Nikita was to hold her. His hands rubbed into the black jacket as he tried to comfort Nikita as well as he could. In a careful movement, Michael entered the house, and turned the heat up for all that were inside. He placed Nikita on the big couch, near a fire, and snuggled his body up towards her.

"It was awful, Michael…" Nikita finally started to talk and Michael kissed a cheek and tasted the salty deposit of tears on its surface. Nikita turned her head towards Michael as he started to lean against the arm of the couch. Michael pulled at the heavy quilt and brought it over his and Nikita's body. Nikita lowered her head down to Michael's chest.

Soon Nikita focused on Michael's heartbeat to save her. Nikita tuned into its simple rhythm and then to the up and down movement of Michael's breaths.

"It's ok, Nikita. It will be fine." Michael whispered into her ear as he rubbed at her head. Nikita swallowed and Michael moved his other hand down to her neck.

"It will never be the same, Michael." Nikita stated and Michael leaned his head back and then moved closer to Nikita. He wrapped his legs around Nikita and held her as tightly as he could.

"No, it won't. But I will love you forever." Michael said, which brought more tears to Nikita's face and tears that Michael did not attempt to rub away.

*

"I will never forget you, Katherine. Never." Walter said over and over again, as he knelt at the fresh grave. He looked up at the sky and cried again.

"It has been four days, Nikita. I need to get back." Michael whispered softly into Nikita's ear as they stood in the woods, looking at Walter. Neither of them expected Walter to get over this quickly, but he was spending twelve hours a day by the side of the grave. Nikita in returned, checked on him so often, that she looked tired and pitiful. Michael was hoping that his words now would bring Nikita to the realization that she needed to return too.

"Stay the night, Michael." Nikita asked softly as she reached out for the tree. It was an extremely hot day and the fatigue of the passing days had finally caught up with Nikita quickly. Michael touched her hair softly and looked at Walter.

"Nikita, I know you are concerned about Walter, but what about you?" Michael asked softly and Nikita turned her head to the side.

"Michael.. he loved her." Nikita protested and Michael kissed Nikita's neck and moved into the meadow, that four days prior, he had helped Walter dig the grave from. Michael moved slowly, as Walter did not even turn his head from the grave. He sat on his knees and now was pounding the ground.

"Walter." Michael said softly as he knelt by the ground next to Walter. Michael had talked to Madeline, and it was thought that it would be best if Walter came back with Michael and Nikita. Michael couldn't get Nikita to leave and he very much doubted that Walter would.

"Why does my life go on, Michael? Would you want to live if Nikita died?" Walter asked and Michael sternly stared at him.

"Don't talk like that, Walter." Michael ordered him. Walter turned to look at Michael and nodded his head.

"I think you need to spend some time elsewhere, Walter. It is not healthy to spend all day here." Michael commented and Walter slowly nodded his head.

"I don't want to forget her." Walter commented and Michael patted Walter's back.

"You won't." Michael said and dropped his head before looking back up at Walter.

"You need to make some decisions, Walter. About the store, about where you are going to go, and about what is next for you." Michael laid out. Michael could feel the sweat covering his body from the sun up above. It was unexplained why it had suddenly become summer in the mountains, but even the heat was bothering Michael.

"I need to stay here. The store needs to run until we can find someone to run it." Walter said and Michael licked his lips in agreement. Michael looked at the mound of dirt and then back to Walter.

"Michael…" Nikita's voice floated to Michael's ears. He turned to see Nikita hanging onto the tree wearily. Michael jumped up from Walter's side and ran to her side. The sweat was running off of her head heavily and weakness was all that could describe Nikita's body.

"Walter!" Michael started to scream out, and he was surprised to find that Walter had followed him to the tree. Michael tightened his hold on Nikita as Walter stroked her hair back off of her face.

"She is overheated… we need to cool her off…. Back to the store." Walter said as he helped by picking up Nikita's feet. Walter moved first, walking backwards over the ditches and tree roots. There was the two vehicles that where brought to the meadow, and Walter opened Michael's Land Rover and placed Nikita into the back seat and allowed Michael to slide in next to Nikita. Walter grabbed the keys from Michael and started the car.

"Open the windows!" Walter said and Michael moved quickly. Michael looked up and found a phone being thrown at him.

"Call Elana." Walter ordered and Michael nodded his head as he stroked Nikita's hair softly. Walter pulled out onto the road quickly, racing to get back to the store.

*

"I want her moved back to Section One immediately." Elana hollered over the phone at Michael. Michael looked down to the bed, where Nikita was still asleep. Michael moved out of the room to find Walter looking at pictures of Katherine. The doctor from Section's retreat stayed in the room with Nikita.

"Elana, she is worried about Walter. She won't let me bring her back." Michael said and he heard the multiple sighs on the other end of the phone call.

"We have anti-depressants that will help Walter!" Elana yelled annoyed at this entire conversation. She was doing what was best for her patient, and everyone else fought against her.

"That was uncalled for." Madeline hissed at Elana and Michael rolled his eyes. He paced back and forth between the rooms.

"I can't say that it good to leave Walter now." Michael said softly as he looked towards Walter, as he dropped his head and started to cry again. Michael had for a while thought that Nikita's health would bring Walter back. The entire drive back to the house, and until the doctor from the Retreat entered, Walter didn't think about Katherine at all. Now, he was back to his chair, crying over her.

"Is he that bad?" Madeline whispered and Michael leaned against the wall. This had to be the fifth time he had gone through this point. He looked back to the bedroom and saw that Nikita was still asleep, and that it was for the best that she rested.

"Madeline, he isn't functioning." Michael said sternly, and almost too loudly as he saw Walter's head lightly bob up.

"Michael, Nikita has to come back. She does not need this stress." Elana argued and Michael closed his eyes softly. He was getting a headache between the two women, and he wondered who else was in the room.

"I have told you, that Nikita feels her place is here. She will wake up and argue with me if I would try to take her back. That would only add to the stress." Michael said firmly as he stopped the urge of folding the telephone up and taking care of the entire situation himself.

"I don't want to upset Nikita. Michael is right." Operations'voice echoed into the conversation and Michael pushed his hand into his hair as Walter stood up. He looked around and then fell to the floor pounding his fists into the thick carpet.

"Walter… Walter… It's going to be ok!" Michael said firmly as he ran to Walter's side. The doctor stepped out of Nikita's room to see the events. Michael tucked the phone that was screaming with questions of what was going on, in-between his ear and shoulder, and rubbed Walter's back.

"It's happening again.. I can't lose sugar.. I can't… Nikita is too young…" Walter cried out and Michael instantly stepped back as if Walter was hot as lava. The voices on the phone died.

"Michael, I will be there in four hours." Madeline announced and the phone line went dead. Michael shut the phone and looked to the doctor.

"She is waking up." The doctor said and Michael licked his lips. He dropped the phone on the table and moved to the bedroom. Nikita was already struggling against the sheet that was placed on her.

"Nikita, you need your rest." Michael said and Nikita shook her head as Michael took her hand.

"I heard Walter… He needs me." Nikita said and Michael stroked her cheek.

"Some things have to be worked out by yourself… Walter needs his space." Michael explained and Nikita tried to protest as her eyes tried to close.

"Nikita, you need to rest… for yourself.. and for the baby." Michael said as he picked up a wet cloth and pressed it against Nikita's forehead. Michael had tried to listen to the explanation of what occurred to Nikita. It was like sunstroke and heat exhaustion, but it wasn't. Michael didn't fully understand, but knew he had to neutralize the situation. It was becoming too difficult.

"If we go back… what about Walter?" Nikita asked and Michael kissed Nikita's damp forehead.

"Madeline is coming up." Michael said and Nikita almost coughed with the news. Michael smiled and now Nikita relaxed against his touch.

*

"Nikita, I packed your bag. Everything is in there." Michael said as he placed his hands on Nikita's shoulders and led her back to a chair. Michael wasn't sure how the rest of Nikita's pregnancy was going to play out, but he was going to have to get tough with her. She wasn't going to slow down for anyone, not even herself.

"I don't think so, Michael… Just let me check." Nikita said as she pushed against his hands as the door creaked when it opened. Nikita turned her head and saw Madeline walk in carefully. She saw Walter in the corner and then turned to Nikita.

"You have done what you can. You need to go back." Madeline said and Nikita stared at Madeline with a look of hatred. Nikita did not think that Madeline was going to help the situation. More than likely, she was going to make it worst, and that was why Nikita did not want to leave.

"Why don't you just leave him alone!" Nikita cried out and Madeline stroked Nikita's cheek and frowned at Michael.

"She is still warm." Madeline commented and Nikita rolled her eyes and turned her head away. Michael and Madeline weren't going to listen to her. They had made their own decisions and had not allowed Nikita in with the conversation.

"I don't think you are the person to be comforting Walter!" Nikita screamed out and Madeline stepped back to see Walter lift his head.

"Madeline has lost something with me." Walter commented and Nikita looked at Madeline with narrow eyes.

"I won't be alone long. Ayn is bringing Trevor up to the retreat… so Ayn will be here, Nikita." Madeline said and Nikita shook her had.

"I can't call you impartial to Walter!" Nikita hissed out and Madeline licked her lips.

"We can't be impartial Nikita. We can only try to be." Madeline said and Nikita tilted her head to the side and Michael picked up her bag.

"I'm going to load the Land Rover, Nikita." Michael said and Nikita only blinked and stared at Madeline. She did not want to leave. Walter had always been there for Nikita, and now she was being physically removed from Walter when he needed her. She hated Madeline for that. She even hated Michael for it.

"Elana is waiting for you inside Section One." Madeline said and Nikita dropped her chin to her chest and allowed a small moan out of her mouth.

"The baby is fine." Nikita said and Madeline tightens her face and walked over to Walter as he stood up. Madeline blinked her eyes and then tenderly wrapped her arms around his body. Walter dropped his head onto Madeline's shoulder. Madeline looked at Nikita with wide eyes and Nikita felt an arrow go through her chest.

Walter wouldn't let Nikita do that for him. He wouldn't lean on Nikita for support. She could not return the relationship that she felt it should be. For all the times that Nikita had cried on Walter's shoulder, their relationship would not be reciprocated the same back.

"Nikita, he feels like your father. A father doesn't go to a daughter for support." Madeline whispered as she rubbed Walter's back lightly and his sobs became louder than Nikita had heard even when Katherine had passed away.

"She knew." Nikita commented as she lifted her chin. Maybe that would be the words to drive Madeline away from Walter. Nikita still could not see how Madeline could help Walter in this situation. Madeline in return, nodded her head slowly and then kissed Walter's throat.

"She was a brilliant lady. I suspect she always knew." Madeline said and Nikita turned her head to find Michael standing near her chair. He looked down and moved his eyes towards the door. Michael wanted to leave.

"I can't go. I can't leave him." Nikita said as tears collected up in her eyes. Michael looked at Madeline and then at Nikita.

"You aren't leaving him. He knows that you love him, Nikita. He doesn't need to know something he already knows." Madeline said and Nikita allowed the tears to roll down her face as she stood up and headed to the door without another protest.

*

"Good morning." Madeline said softly as she sat at the edge of the bed that Walter stirred in. He blinked his eyes and looked up at Madeline and then shut his eyes, trying to block out the emotions that he felt.

"No…. Don't do that Walter. Let yourself feel those emotions." Madeline said as she placed her hand on his chin and Walter sat up and he looked around the room.

"I wanted her to be here forever, with me." Walter said softly as he saw the emptiness of the room. It was him and Madeline, but it felt more than empty.

"So you would have liked Katherine to live years and years in pain, to be with you?" Madeline asked softly and Walter turned his head away. The way Madeline made it sound, it was so evil what he wanted. Walter shook his head no and turned back to Madeline.

"No one has forever… love lives forever… I am sure that Katherine will love you forever.. and you will love her forever." Madeline said slowly as she softly tilted her head to the side. Walter dropped his head and moaned lightly.

"Why can't we live forever?" Walter questioned and Madeline took Walter's hand.

"Do you think Nikita would be pregnant if we all lived forever? Do you think you would even know Nikita?" Madeline asked and Walter turned his head away. Her way of making everything sound so bad, was waking him up, even if it was painful.

"But I miss her…" Walter said softly and Madeline nodded her head and looked around the room.

"But she is here. She is in your heart.. she is in the very essence of every person she knew… She has made a profound impact on Nikita, and Michael… and the others that walked in and out of this store for her time here." Madeline said and Walter blinked his eyes.

"How is Nikita?" Walter asked and Madeline stood up. She walked outside of the bedroom and retrieved a cell phone.

"Why don't you call her?" Madeline asked and Walter looked at Madeline carefully. She must know that Nikita was fine to have him call her, but still Walter needed to hear it from Nikita's voice itself. Walter quickly pushed at the numbers.

"Hello?" A groggy Nikita answered as she struggled to pull her head off of the pillow. She felt Michael's arms instinctively pull her back down towards the bed. Sleep was not much for Nikita, and she almost allowed Michael's hands to pull her back down.

"Nikita." Walter said in a whisper as he concernedly looked at Madeline. Nikita did not sound good at all in his mind.

"Walter." Nikita said as she pushed up and through Michael's arms. She sat up and started to wave back and forth as she fought the bout of bad balance. She yawned slowly, her lips separating widely to almost the point of pain.

"Are you ok?" Walter asked as he listened to the extended yawn. He began to wonder if Nikita even got any sleep at all.

"I'm tired." Nikita stated and Walter softly smiled. He heard mumbling in the background and looked at Madeline.

"She is fine, right?" Madeline asked in a whisper and Walter nodded his head.

"Walter…. Michael wants me to go back to bed….. not for fun or anything…" Nikita said slowly as her words slurred. Walter smiled and looked to the wall.

"I understand, sugar.. You need your sleep. Take care of that cube, now.. you hear me?" Walter said and Nikita mumbled yes as she hung the phone up. Madeline took the phone from Walter and looked at him.

"Point made." Walter said and Madeline smiled softly, content with the answer.

"Why don't you come back with me? It would be easier on you." Madeline said and Walter started to push at the blankets.

"We need to keep this store up and running. Katherine would want that." Walter said and Madeline swallowed as she argued.

"Walter… I am in a difficult situation… I have to very emotional people to watch over…." Madeline started to say as she stood up and walked around the room. She walked to the window and looked out on the beautiful day that was starting.

"I have you, who has lost the love of his life….. and that needs attention…" Madeline said as she stared out the window. She turned and looked at Walter, to find him readily listening.

"And then I have the pregnant Nikita, who has never really had a family… who is stubborn as a mule… and who Operations still thinks he can make up with…." Madeline said and Walter started to rub his hands together. It was like Madeline was making an argument for him to return to Headquarters with her.

"What I need is a promise from you that you will call me whenever you need me… and that if I need you to knock some sense into Nikita… that you will immediately call her." Madeline said and Walter started to chuckle.

"Yeah… I know my Nikita…" Walter said and Madeline smiled.

"Sometimes all she listens to is you.. and I mean it, Walter." Madeline said sternly and Walter nodded his head.

"I promise, Madeline." Walter said firmly and Madeline knew that Walter was going to be just fine, in time.

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