I shouldn't have promised you anything specific about the next chapter... I change my mind too quickly. ;)

This was supposed to be an experiment with a new form and it simply couldn't contain the scenario, I have planned before.

It doesn't mean I'm turning away from it though. ;p

The promised Mikita-concentrated-chapter will be the next one, ias the continuation of part XIV. I'll post it within few days.

So don't be dissapointed and consider it a preview,

enjoy ;)

Part XIV

|I|

You wake up in the tangle of sheets and sweat, with your mouth dry, heavy thudding in your head.

In your own bed, fortunately.

You lie still, with your eyes still closed for a little while, trying to remember why does your head hurt so much. A slight confusion and disorientation before you realize what happened.

And when you do, you wish you have never woken up.

Although it's dark here, you know the day has already begun. You know that from the sharp smudge of light getting in, through the crack between the curtains and a dozen unanswered calls from work.

You carefully climb out of the bed, swaying a little. You need a shower.

Several minutes later, you send text to the office: "I'm on my way" which is not entirely true because you have just started a coffee machine.

The rest of the day won't be easier.

You will get to work way too late to blame it on the traffic. Furthermore, everyone will be in the middle of debrief meeting so there is nothing left but to enter the conference room as quietly as you can, trying to remain unnoticed. You will sit down by the table followed by Captain Foldman's irritated glance and Michael's concerned one.

Those 6 hours to the end of the shift will be excruciating long. Investigating life of the public enemy numer one, the degenerate criminal and cold-blooded killer, differently known as your best friend, is not something you can handle today.

But it is ,in fact, a great chance for the NYPD to get some good press. So everyone in the office work harder than usual.

Everyone notice something off about you, but only few will ask what's wrong with your eyes.

Michael is watching you carefully, with worry and concern. But he gives you space. He knows you need one. Until one moment when you both are alone in the break room, and he is not able to control it anymore.

"You don't look really good."

"I'm okay."

You smile to add some reliability to your statement. Neither of you believe it.

When the clock finally ticks up to 4 p.m. and your shift is over, you feel more physically and emotionally drained than you could ever imagine. A hangover which is a long forgotten feeling. Also is loosing a friend.

You feel a strong urge to go to the bar again, but you take a walk instead. It's a chilly afternoon, dark and heavy clouds gathering above the city, wind bringing the smell of the rain.

You still hear the ghost of his voice.

After a while you even see him sitting on on of the benches, waving to you. Smiling.

It's a delusion, you know it is. you just….stopped caring.

888

Michael is sitting on the doormat under your apartment door. Next to him, a paper bag which smells just like the Chinese restaurant on the opposite site of the street.

He wants to know what happened.

Of course he does. You can see true worry and concern in his eyes. You stay silent, pretending to eat the noodles while what you really want, is run. But the guilt is something you will never be able to run away from.

"Whatever bothers you …" he starts with a soft voice. "You can tell me."

Gulp forms in your throat. You know it's not an option.

"Whatever happened, we can handle it together."

He doesn't let go. Isn't it one of the things you love him for?

Michael sighs, his eyes lingering on you for a moment. Before he puts his chopsticks away and stands up.

Part of you wishes he would go away and leave you alone. The other wants him to scream at you. To force you to get your shit together and start acting like an adult.

He does neither.

Instead, he walks over to you and take you in his arms. Hugging you tightly to him, as tight as he can.

"Whatever it is…I'm here Nikita. And I'm not going anywhere. "

You melt in his arms, feeling overwhelmed by the feeling of relieve and peace. He does that to you. Gives you exactly what you need even if you are not aware of it.

"And now really, are you ok?"

No, you are not okay. But definitely a little better.

Stay tuned for part II!

and please leave a review! ;)