Chapter 10

A/N: Sorry for taking so long. This chapter has very little Alex/Birkhoff, but read it anyways, if you want. It would only make things easier for us both. Thanks!

Sitting on my bed, I thought about everything that happened a few hours ago. Why did he have to say that? Everything between us was fine. We were friends who had a…glitch, so to speak. I only helped him to find some closure. Now he tells me that I got to him, which, as he simple explained meant falling in love. He's in love with me?

Not that I'm complaining, I mean, I really like him. He's sweet and witty and saved my life.

I growled and wildly shook my head until my hair came out of my ponytail and wrapped around my delicate face.

I looked around my room and my brown eyes fell on the vase of get-well-soon flowers from Michael. Why did he give me those anyway? Ah well, beats me.

I removed one of the roses from the bunch and sat crossed-leg on my bed, facing the door.

I started pulling out the petals.

"He loves me… He loves me not… He loves me… He loves me not…" I recited the words each time I dropped a red petal on the white sheets.

"Alex?" I heard Michael's voice.

I jumped at the sudden strong voice and nearly fell off of my bed. I screamed as I lost balance, dangling on the edge of my bed and the solid floor.

"Alex! Are you okay?" I heard him again.

"Um, yeah, um come in!" I shouted and Michael didn't need to be asked twice.

He, unhesitant, opened my door and walked in as soon as I settled against the bed frame behind my pillows.

"So how was your first day back in society?" He asked, his serious face was clearly visible.

"Michael… you make it sound like I was in here for a month!" I giggled and sat up.

"And it didn't feel that way?" He asked and tilted his head.

"Touché. So… do you need something or is this just a friendly visit?" I asked with a smile.

"I just wanted to make sure you're okay." He said and looked down.

"I'm… fine, Michael. Thanks." I said and looked at the rose petals on the bed. I gathered them and threw them in the vase, making them float on the water.

"You sure didn't seem fine earlier." He said and raised an eyebrow.

"Earlier…Wait, how do you know about that?" I asked and got up.

"Oh, you know, just passing through the hall. Coincidentally walking past the computer lab and saw you and Birkhoff and heard the whole thing." He said and crossed his arms.

"No, not coincidentally hearing. Eavesdropping." I said and frowned.

"Okay, so I listened to everything. That's what they teach you in here, isn't it. Besides, you two were technically about me, so I had every right to know what it was about."

"Yeah, speaking of which. When are you two going to stop being so childish? I mean, come on! You expect us to be afraid of you, but you throw tantrums in front of other recruits?" I laughed and turned to walk over to the mirror to fix my hair.

I didn't reach my destination, though.

"I'm not finished with you yet!" I heard him say and, at first, I didn't turn until he made me.

He grabbed my arm and spun me around and steered me to the nearest wall. His one hand on my arm and the other on my neck. He didn't hurt me, just kept me in place so I could listen.

I don't blame him though. I wouldn't have listened otherwise.

"Now you listen to me, Alex. I did not throw a tantrum. Birkhoff did that part for me. I wasn't the one being childish, he was. All because I tried to protect you-ˮ He said I shook my head.

"Protect me? From what? I computer whiz who clearly has more class then you? Gee, thanks for protecting me from such a huge threat." I gave him a fake smile.

"Alex, I've known him for much longer then you. I know how his mind works." He said and gave me a threatening look.

"Clearly better then yours." I said and tried to escape from his tight grip, but I didn't succeed.

"I'm still talking to you!" He growled and I started getting a little bit scared.

"Michael, you're hurting me!" I said and he removed his hands from my neck and placed it on my other arm.

"Sorry. I got a little carried away. Look, I don't want you to get hurt. I don't wanna lose you too. I already lost Nikita and now…" He whispered but fell silent and looked down. He really missed her. He loved her.

"Michael, I assure you that I can take care of myself."

"Don't try to assure me if you are still trying to assure yourself." He said and still looked down.

"Whatever, and besides, I know the rules of Division." I said and he looked up. I was so confused by this whole thing; I didn't even hear the door open.

"And what is that?" Michael asked.

"No relationships. I've been here long enough to know that! I know that with Thom, I maybe wasn't that loyal, but… he's gone now. It won't happen again." I said. I've never lied so much in one sentence.

"Good to know." He said and let go of my arms and turned to the door. I smiled and I frowned and followed his gaze.

My whole heart dropped as I saw who was in the door.

With his usual clothes and messy hair, he stood in the half-opened door and he probably heard the whole thing.

Oh no.

He heard me say that I know that the rules say no relationships and that the thing with Thom won't happen again.

He just smiled at me and closed the door.

"You knew he was there! You knew and still you didn't warn me!" I cried. He only threw his hands up in defence.

"Hey, don't blame me. You were the one who just said that it would never happen again!" He said, but something in his eyes said that he didn't mean to.

"But-ˮ

"It's for your own good. And his." Michael said.

I ran to the door and jerked it open.

"I'm sorry…" Michael said before I ran after Birkhoff.