Au Revoir

It was getting harder to keep their relationship under wraps at work. Even though they consciously avoided any public display of affection, other incidents gave them away.

Early one morning, McNally bumped into them at the parking lot. He simply raised an eyebrow as he saw Nadia climbing out of Doyle's car. Doyle nodded in acknowledgment but said nothing. Nadia managed a small smile but kept mum as well, averting her eyes as she walked past him. He smiled as he recalled putting the two of them on a project together. So much for being afraid that they would come to blows. Maybe I had a hand in this. He thought smugly to himself.

There were stares and whispers as they entered CTU together that morning. Morris looked knowingly at Chloe, then cleared his throat and busied himself as Nadia approached. Chloe started typing furiously on her keyboard even though her beady eyes followed Doyle as he headed up to his office. Her keen mind quickly noted that Doyle was wearing the same clothes as the day before.

As the weeks progressed, even the Field Ops team came to expect Nadia's visit before Doyle went on each operation. In deference to the two, they would make themselves scarce immediately. Doyle would catch up with them a few minutes later, a little flushed and embarrassed. Of course, no one dared mention anything to him, even as a joke.

Mike settled comfortably into LA CTU. He found the staff here much more trustworthy, and there was little of the office politics he had to endure in the snake pit that was Denver. He had struck an odd truce with Morris, knowing that Nadia confided in him whenever they fought. He even became friends with Chloe, enjoying the sarcastic barbs he traded with her.

Six weeks passed by quickly. Towards the end, Mike had practically moved in with Nadia, and both were inseparable.

For Mike, Nadia was a mystery. Despite the hostility of their initial encounter, she became inexplicably drawn to him throughout that day. She had patiently nurtured him during his injury, quietly determined to break down his barriers over time. It hadn't been all bliss that was for sure. He would often get extremely annoyed when she was being stubborn and by the book; however, a sweet smile and an apologetic look was all it took to erase his exasperation. She clearly had him wrapped around her little finger.

As for Nadia, Mike was her rock. When she had doubts about her new role, he unselfishly talked her out of turning it down and reassured her she was up for it. When she worried about the distance that would separate them, he promised her that they would work it out. However, more time with him also meant more fights. Of all his moods, she hated the periods of unresponsiveness the most. She would get very upset and frustrated, often provoking him until she got the reaction she wanted.

Mike looked down at the sleeping figure breathing evenly beside him. Her head rested comfortably on his chest; her arms wrapped loosely around his middle. He brushed away a lock of hair that fell on her cheek and planted a soft kiss on her forehead. He would miss her. He would miss this.

"Last call for American Airlines flight number 40 to JFK. Please proceed to gate 52."

He took a deep breath. He hadn't realized his hand was gripping hers so tightly until he looked down and saw her knuckles were white. Apparently, she hadn't noticed nor complained either.

"I guess this is it."

"You're coming weekend after next, right?" Her brown eyes searched his for reassurance.

"Flight's already booked." He grinned.

"Don't get shot while I'm gone, ok?" She said half jokingly.

"Don't fall for anyone over there, ok?" He mocked half seriously.

She kept reminding herself that this was only temporary. With any luck, it would only be for a few months.

"Before I forget, this is for you."

He handed her a flat square orange box with a brown ribbon. She looked at him in surprise.

"Open it."

Nadia untied the ribbon and opened the box. Inside was a black silk scarf. She looked up at him speechless.

"I know it can't replace your grandmother's, but…"

She pulled his head down for a kiss. Mike closed his eyes and relished every bit. This would have to last him for a while.

"Excuse me, miss. We're closing the gates."

Nadia gave him a brief look and squeezed his hand goodbye. She turned and left, willing herself not to look back lest she lose her resolve.

Mike watched her disappear inside the gate. His gaze was pensive as he absently dialed a number on his cell phone.

"BXJ Technologies, New York."

"Hi, May I speak with Bill Buchanan, please."

"May I tell him who is calling?"

"Mike Doyle."

"One moment, please… Sir, Mr. Buchanan's not in today, but Mr. Bauer is here and would like to speak with you. Please hold while I connect you."

"Bauer."

"Jack, it's Doyle."

"Mike. Good to hear from you. Have you thought about our offer?"

"Yes. I'm in."

"Great. Chloe and Morris have accepted as well. As we discussed, they'll be reporting to you. We'll get the ball rolling on the relocation arrangements for all of you to move here to New York. Glad to have you on board."

A/N - I made a slight revision to make the ending more clear...thanks for the feedback LauraSedai & ShadowSakura...

And this sets the stage for all our favorite characters to be back in Season 7, which I hope will be in NYC.

Everyone, thanks again for all your reviews! Have a great summer and write more great Nadia/Doyle stories pls. I'm looking forward to reading and reviewing them.

Disclaimers:

Characters belong to 24