otherways - Rome - 23 March 2002

[i_vanquish_evil]

He's hardly had a moment to breathe in the last year and any 'free time' he had, has been spent at the Vatican with the scientists and researchers there. He's not sure what exactly they do, but the Cardinal has ordered him to tolerate these sessions.

Tonight, however, he gets time to himself and he can actually sleep...

******

Michael peers at the strange man who is following him around and calling his name. The strange man who seems so familiar... and now he's staring at the man.

"That looks familiar," the man remarks.

Michael shakes his head and looks away with a muffled, "Sorry, you look familiar."

The man scoffs. "Well, I should hope so, Michael. Otherwise, I've spent a good deal of my precious time tending to you in various interesting ways." And he smiles.

And something in that smile, triggers a memory. He lowers his head, looking a little sheepish. "My God, how could I forget you?" He moves toward him, but doesn't seem to get any closer. "Stephen?" he calls to him, extending his hands.

"Come on now, Michael. You can get to me, I know you can. I've seen you do it before." Stephen only looks mildly huffy - it's amazing really.

Michael, stern look on his face, tries again... moving toward Stephen, but failing to get 'closer' to him. A little angry now, he runs toward him. Still nothing. "What the fuck?" Now he's just pissed. He reaches out a hand and asks for Stephen to come toward him."

Stephen shakes his head. "No can do, Michael. Doesn't work that way." Stephen seems to look around nervously. "I have to go. Remember what I told you, Michael... don't let them take you. They know."

Michael stares back at the space that used to hold Stephen, still confused... "Who knows? And what do you mean? Don't let them take me? What the hell are you talking about?"

******

Michael wakes with a start. He frowns at the wall, thinking... That's three times he's told me that in a dream. What the fuck does that mean?