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Disclaimer: This is intended to satisfy the imagination, the characters they own, I am just borrowing them for a bit.

Many thanks go to my pal Vicki for helping me with the rough spots, the typos and her honest opinions. This story is for her.

Michael strode into Medlab, his heart hammering in his chest wildly as his eyes scanned the area for her. Birkoff had buzzed him in his office with news that Nikita had been found unconscious down on level 2. The confused tone of her voice caught his attention from off his left, his head turning to follow the sound. He could see her feet moving on the bed as a few techs worked around her. He came closer but stood back off to the side so as not to interfere with their work. He clasped his hands at his front, feet slightly apart and waited silently for them to be done.

Nikita blinked a few times, attempting to clear her vision pushing their hands away from her.

"Any word?"

Her voice was silky smooth, emotionless as per usual. Michael shook his head, eyes fixed on the activity around Nikita’s bed.

"Nothing."

She looked up at him, a smile crossed her delicate features, almost making a person believe she was human.

"Are you sure you don’t know why she collapsed?"

She asked her eyes going from Nikita and him. Michael turned his head to look down at her, his eyes expressionless. He didn’t like the way she seemed to already know what was going on with her and it wouldn’t surprise him if she did. Everything that happened in Section was usually carefully choreographed and executed regardless of the consequences to anyone.

"What do you mean?"

He asked being careful to not allow her to read his rising impatience with her coy open ended remarks and insinuations. Madeline inclined her head smoothing her hair down at the nape of her neck.

"I think you know exactly what I mean Michael."

A moment of silence passed between them as they stared at each other, battling it out without saying a word. Finally Madeline blinked, bringing her gaze back to the techs as they slowed down their work on Nikita's passive form.

"Well, she appears to be well taken care of. Let the doctor know I want a full report on my desk within the hour."

She gave him a slight smile which never reached her eyes and left, heels once more clicking on the floor as she walked purposefully away. Michael felt his inner warning system ringing loud and clear and he was never wrong when he heard it.

A few more tests were run and the techs finally left her in peace to rest. Nikita shut her eyes letting the warmth of the room relax her. She was worried about what had happened to her. Not once in her life had she ever passed out. She furrowed her eyebrows together shifting slightly getting more comfortable.

"Hi."

His warm voice startled her, making her give a small gasp, her bright blue eyes opening wide.

"God Michael, I am going to have to get you a bell so I can hear you." She smiled pushing back her blonde bangs from her flushed face.

"How are you feeling?" He asked quietly, being careful to keep a discreet distance between them. Nikita scratched her arm absently where she had gotten a needle earlier.

"Like I wanna get the hell out of here. I hate MedLab. Its so.. so... white."

She stated flatly looking around with a put out expression on her pale face. Michael admired her ability to maintain her sense of humor and let a small faint trace of a smile cross his blank face. Nikita tucked a long strand of hair behind her ear and looked away, then let her gaze rest on her lap.

"I don’t understand why I fainted Michael. Do you think there might be something wrong with me?" 

She asked her fingers toyed with a thread on the blanket. Looking back up at him, she continued.

"They wont tell me a thing. They tell me if there is anything I need to know, someone will speak to me. It’s frustrating."

She frowned glancing up at the small security cam in the far corner of the room. Just as she suspected, he remained silent, observing her carefully letting his gaze leave hers after a moment to scan the med lab as he spoke.

"Rest while you can Nikita."

He turned and left her to stare after him and ponder her situation. Closing her eyes, she lay back stretching out onto her side closed her eyes, hoping for sleep.

Madeline entered Operations office holding a panel in her hand. She stood silently waiting for his complete attention, a slight smile plastered on her face. Finishing up his call, he flipped the phone shut and turned to face her.

"What is it Madeline?" He asked slipping the phone into his pocket, straightening his jacket.

"My suspicions that Michael and Nikita were still seeing each other was well founded." She said folding her arms almost smugly as she watched him read the panel. His face lightened and he broke out in a grin himself.

"It appears as though you’re once again, correct Madeline. Congratulations."

He handed her the panel back and rested his bottom on the shelf that spanned along the window to below. Madeline inclined her head slightly, smoothing her skirt.

"Thank you Paul. I don’t think they will be very happy with my methods of testing them however."

Operations gave a snort, shaking his head.

"No, I don’t imagine they will. I assume you are prepared for the fall out?" He asked picking up the teacup on the ledge and sipping the hot liquid slowly.

"Of course.. they will have no other recourse but to go along with this. They are both well aware Section always wins in the end. I don’t see this as being any different."

"No doubt you are right about them. You seem to have your finger on the pulse of their way of thinking."

She took back the panel, slipping it into the pocket of her jacket, turning to leave for her office. Smiling broadly, she nodded not looking back.

Nikita sat up straight when she saw Madeline enter the room. Giving her a faint smile, Madeline folded her hands together and stopped at the end of her bed.

"I have instructed the Doctors to release you. You’ll be fine." She said in a friendly voice. Nikita frowned slightly at her obvious attempts to be light.

Great... but why did I pass out? No one has told me anything."

She asked swinging her feet over the edge of the bed arranging the covers so they covered her bare legs. Madeline smiled again. Her head falling to the side slightly.

"It’s nothing serious. You’ll get your clothes in a few minutes, I will expect you in my office in 20."

With that, she turned to leave Nikita to stare after her with confused and suspicious eyes.

Nikita had dressed and hurriedly pulled a brush thru her long hair, pulling it up into a loose bun atop her head as she stepped into her heels. Glancing at her watch, she saw she was running late. Cursing softly, she dropped the brush on the bed and left for Madeline’s office.

The door slid open at her arrival and much to her surprise, she saw Madeline and Michael waiting for her. Michael looked up at her for a brief second and returned his steady blank stare back at Madeline.

"Come in Nikita. Sit down."

She motioned to one of two chairs opposite her desk. Nikita smoothed down her skirt and obediently sat down, crossing her shapely legs gracefully. Nikita glanced up at Michael as he stood behind the chair next to her and then back at Madeline.

"You look well. How are you feeling?"

She asked sitting back relaxed in her leather chair studying the two of them with her dark brown eyes. Nikita nodded her head trying to hide her rising nervousness.

"Fine, thank you."

She wished Michael would sit. He was making her even more nervous with his passive statement of defiance. Madeline crossed her legs sipping a cup of steaming hot tea as she looked at them carefully.

"I have the report from Medlab on your test results."

Nikita clasped her hands tightly, suddenly feeling sick.

"It appears that another episode such as what you suffered could very well happen again over the next few month's with your condition."

She set the cup back down and clicked a few buttons on her keyboard glancing at her screen. Michael finally spoke.

"What condition?" Nikita looked back up at him, almost startled by his voice. Madeline looked up at him and then back to Nikita.

"It would seem you are approximately 5 weeks pregnant. Congratulations to you both."

She stated turning the computer monitor around so they could see the big screen. Nikita and Michael saw the small video ultrasound of a small spot with a blinking spot within staring back at them. Nikita felt her world lurch as she stared in shock at the screen.

"I imagine you’re asking how this could have happened? Well Nikita, the new birth control micro chip all the female ops received is equipped with a on /off switch as it were. We switched yours off."

Nikita sat on the edge of her seat, eyes brimming with tears.

"Why? How could you do this? What purpose does this serve?"

Her voice was angry, the rush of blood in her ears was overwhelming. Nikita stood up her fists clenched as she lunged. With incredible speed, Michael reached out, pulling her backwards. She struggled in his arms, her cries were desperate and angry.

"Kita! Hold!!"

His voice filtered thru and she calmed down a bit not enough to make him trust her so he held her arms firmly. Michael too, was furious, but controlled his emotions as always.

"Why was this done?"

He asked calmly, his voice deadly serious as he got her to sit finally. Nikita stared at the screen, waves of panic coursing thru her body.

"Why is not important to you right now. What is important is that you both listen to me carefully. This pregnancy will follow thru to the end. You will have this child and you will obey as you always have in the past."

Nikita shook her head, trying to pull free of Michaels tight grip.

"No. you can’t make me do this. I wont! Cancel me! I don’t care! No child of mine will be brought into this world only to be taken from me!"

Madeline smiled again, sending a chill up Michael's spine as he held the struggling Nikita within his arms.

"Yes… yes you will have this child. Because, if you do not obey us, try to run, or abort this child, we will have to take drastic measures."

Her gaze moved from Nikita's face to rest on Michael's. The silence dragged out and it suddenly occurred to him what she meant. He shook his head slightly and pushed Nikita back behind him, leaning down over the desk to stare back at her.

Yes Michael. You know what I am referring to.""

She stared back up at him the smile still on her face as they faced the other down. Nikita frowned pulling Michael up by the sleeve.

"What is she talking about?"

She asked in a shaky voice. Michael forced his gaze away from Madeline and looked to Nikita’s tear stained face. Taking an unsteady breath, his face paled considerably as he spoke one word.

"Adam."

***

Michael straightened up, his face became once more blank as he forced Nikita to sit down in her chair . Nikita didn’t resist, flinching slightly at his too firm grip on her arm. Madeline offered her a Kleenex which she grudgingly took, blowing her nose as quietly as she could. Michael sat on the chair next to her, his heart slamming in his chest as he thought of Adam and this new baby he and Nikita had unwillingly created. Madeline sat back again, resting her hands on her lap casually. Michael folded his hands in his lap resisting the urge to strangle her as she sat staring at them from across her desk. Nikita opened her mouth to speak and was quickly silenced as he reached over and clutched her wrist.

"Why was this done?"

He asked quietly bringing his hand back to his own lap once Nikita sat back and remained silent. She watched him from the corner of her eye, his face was conflicted. Even he had a hard time not showing his surprise and shock.

"That’s not important to you at this time. All that is important right now is that you understand there will be no attempts made on either Nikita’s life or the baby’s. There will be no escape attempts either. There will be dire consequences otherwise. I don’t think I need to elaborate on that … do I?"

She asked giving them both a stern look. Nikita looked down at her feet, one hand unconsciously covered her flat tummy. Michael got to his feet, straightened his jacket and turned to leave.

"You both have downtime for the time being. As usual, keep your phones close by. But be advised, you will do as you are instructed. Is that clear?"

Madeline added as Nikita got to her feet, following Michael. Neither of them said a word but Madeline knew she had made her point and allowed them to leave .

Meet me in 10 minutes in my office.""

He said quietly, not looking at her once they were safely out of her earshot. Nodding numbly, her legs felt like lead and she wanted to throw up. He left her in the quiet hallway striding away, his face grim causing a few junior ops to jump well out of his path. Even they knew not to get on his bad side. Nikita took a moment to compose herself, wiping her slightly swollen eyes gently with the Kleenex still clutched within her hand and then followed Michael to his office.

Michael stormed into his office, the door banging into the wall then bouncing shut loudly. His hands swept his hair back from his face and he sat down in his chair, fists clenched tightly on the desk. He closed his eyes, trying to absorb the fact Nikita was carrying their child. His emotions were in turmoil, fighting to make him lose control. He forced himself to relax knowing she would be arriving any moment. Sitting back, he unbuttoned his coat and then once more leaned forward, his hands clenching into fists. His head snapped up when the door opened quietly revealing a bewildered Nikita. Shakily, she stepped inside and leaned against the door, hands behind her back, clutching the small door handle. She stared up at the black ceiling her mind in turmoil. Michael pulled the privacy control panel out from under the desk top and punched in his code. Once the device was activated, Michael pushed his chair back and slowly approached her.

"Kita."

His voice was calm as he ran his fingers over her warm cheek. She opened her eyes slowly taking in a long shuddering breath, her hand reached up to cover his.

"Take me out of here?"

Withdrawing his hand, he backed away to his desk, disabling the privacy panel as well as his computer. Standing up right, he buttoned his jacket once more, smoothed back his hair and held her eyes with his own as he rounded the desk approaching her.

"Let’s go."

He said in a quiet voice, opening the door behind her. Together they strode across the main room, carefully watched by Operations and Madeline, who had rejoined him in the perch.

"Think they will cooperate?"

He asked pulling out a cigarette and lighting it. Madeline cocked her head to the side slightly and then nodded.

"Yes. I think they will. They were a good choice to test the program on."

Operations blew out a thin trail of smoke watching the handsome pair disappear into the far hall leading to the main elevators.

"What if they bolt?"

Madeline crossed her arms, giving him a charming smile before she answered him.

"They won’t. Michael didn’t get to be a Level 5 Operative by being stupid."

Operations took another long leisurely puff and then exhaled as he smiled back at her.

Nikita stared out her window at the passing scenery as they drove away from the city. Michael had suggested they go up to a small house he owned on the outskirts of the city.  Less chance of being watched by Section had been his reasoning. So after picking up some clothes from their respective apartments, they had left in her black 2001 Jaguar convertible. Michael had insisted on driving, telling her to try and relax, let him worry about the traffic. She hadn’t argued as it was hard enough to just concentrate on one thing at a time. The sun was warm on her face as they drove. She turned her attention back to the window, her hands resting on her lap. Michael glanced over at her. She had been very quiet. Not what he had expected from her. He knew her mind was in just as much turmoil as his but he didn’t have any answers to comfort her with, so he too remained silent. Instead of words, he reached over and pulled her hand over to rest on his hard thigh. Nikita pulled her attention from the window to look over at his profile. He kept his attention on the road ahead, but gave her hand a gentle squeeze then brought it back up to the steering wheel.

Nikita awoke to his light touch on her arm. Opening her eyes slowly, she saw a small one level house surrounded by small shrubs and various flowering bushes. A covered porch adorned the front entrance complete with a hanging swing chair. Looking about, she sat up straighter, accepting his outstretched hand and got up out of the car. She stepped past him, pushing her bangs back from her tired face taking in the beauty around her. There wasn’t another house in sight . Only the sounds of trees rustling in the slight breeze and bird calls. Michael walked around to the back of the car opening the trunk, pulled out their bags. Nikita held out her hand to help but he declined, and instead, tossed her a set of keys.

"Why don’t you go on up and unlock the doors, open the windows while I bring in the bags?" He suggested pulling the strap of one bag up onto his shoulder. Nikita made a face at him.

"Don’t start treating me like I am an invalid. I am not going break because I want to carry a bag."

She grumbled pulling the strap from his shoulder and placing it on hers. She didn’t wait for his answer and instead, turned on her heel, headed for the house. Once on the porch, she opened the screen door holding it back with her hip as she looked down at the keys in her hand. There were at least 6 keys on the ring. Michael came up behind her as she was about to start on the 3rd key.

"It’s the gold key with the black “H” on it."

He took the keys from her hand and leaned past her to insert it. The door opened easily, swinging wide open. Stepping inside, she took in the interior. To her left was a small quaint kitchen with a skylight overtop the double sink. The window over the sink was small, covered by a bright blue checkered curtain. The fridge was fairly new as it had double doors. There was a small round kitchen table with two high back wood chairs in the corner, lit up with a soft light hanging over it. The living room was down a step. Making it a sunken room. The couch was a dark green cloth, with huge pillows on either end of it in a paler green with pink flecks through the material. It faced a huge stone fireplace with an oil painting of the Eiffel tower in winter over the mantel. A square coffee table in the middle of the room had a crystal boat set in the middle, covered in dust. Two matching green chairs were facing each other at either sides of the coffee table with a small stereo in the far corner. The floors were wood, with a light green and white patterned throw rug. Nikita walked in further the short hallways catching her attention.

"May I?" She asked pointing to the hallway. Michael nodded following her with his bags.

"Of course."

Nikita opened the first door on her left. It was the bathroom. A shower stall was in the corner with a small sink and toilet on the opposite side of the room. A large rack of black towels in various sizes hung by the glass doors of the shower. Michael slipped past her and opened the door on the other side of the hall flipped the light switch on to reveal the bedroom. Nikita turned the light off in the bathroom and followed him into the next room. Setting the bag down on the Japanese style bed he then shrugged off his jacket, hanging it up in the closet.

"It’s a nice place. Where are we exactly?"

She asked letting the bag slide down off her shoulder onto the bed. Michael unzipped the bag he had carried and pulled out a pair of jeans.

"It’s a place I come to when I have extended down time."

He said pulling out a smaller bag and then rummaging thru it. Nikita sat down beside her bag, pulling her shoes off one by one tossing them in a corner. Looking up, she studied a picture of a small lake hanging on the wall in a small dark wooden frame. The mist hovered over the water in swirls making her wonder how the artist managed the effect so well with a brush. Michael walked by bringing her attention back to the present. He had changed into the jeans already and was pulling down a black t-shirt over his torso. As he went by into the bathroom. Nikita got to her feet and padded out back into the main room and out onto the porch. She wished they could stay here forever.

***

The rest of the day had passed peacefully. Michael had left her for a time and went out for supplies alone only after she had promised to relax, put her feet up. Reluctantly, she had given in if only to get some time alone to think.

Michael had returned a couple of hours ago, but she insisted on staying outside saying the air was making her feel better. What she really wanted was to time to digest and deal with what was happening without him being near her. At least this way, she could almost pretend none of this was happening.

The day was coming to a close and the air grew chilly. Reluctantly, Nikita pulled herself up off the relaxing swing and went inside, rubbing her arms against the goose bumps that were fast rising on her skin. Shutting the door behind her, she noticed Michael busy cutting up celery for a sauce that was bubbling on the stovetop. The aroma had filled the small house making her realize just how hungry she was. Nikita came up beside him, leaning against the counter, arms crossed.

"It smells wonderful what ever it is you’re cooking. When will it be done?"

She asked noticing their cell phones on the kitchen table, a rude reminder of their lives with Section. Michael picked up a handful of celery dumped it in the pot and stirred slowly.

"Spaghetti sauce takes time to make the right way, but it wont be much longer. About 40 minutes."

H said washing his hands in the sink and then drying them with a red checkered towel. Michael tossed the towel by the sink and gave the sauce another quick look. Satisfied, he stepped in front of her, his hands resting on the counter on either side of her. Nikita kept her arms crossed averting her eyes from his quiet gaze.

"How are you feeling?"

He asked watching her face thru her long hair as she tried to avoid him. Nikita shrugged her shoulders not wanting to face what they needed to face.

"You don’t really want to know."

Her voice dropped to a mere whisper, her eyes glued to the floor. Michael eased the wall of blonde tresses that hid her from him and pushed it back over her shoulder.

"Yes I do."

Nikita sighed and ducked out from under his arms moving to the couch. She sat heavily in the soft cushions and grabbing the big throw pillow from behind her and hugging it. Michael turned the heat down on the sauce and followed her, seating himself on one of the chairs. He could see she was torn up. He felt the same way, the only difference being , she showed how she was feeling whereas he kept it hidden. Nikita rested her chin on the big pillow , her blue eyes staring into the unlit fireplace.

"I can’t tell you how I feel Michael, because I am not even sure myself at this point."

She paused to look over at him. His eyes were fixed on her, his hands folded in his lap maintaining the ever blank Michael look. Nikita looked back into the fireplace as she continued.

"There was a time when I would fantasize…. One was where I was no longer in Section and my life was my own. I still keep that fantasy alive because if I don’t, I know I would die."

Her voice trailed off. Michael unclasped his fingers, easily pushing himself up off the chair to sit beside her, resting his elbows on his knees, hands together between his legs.

"Kita, I am not certain of what Section is planning… the reasons Madeline had for allowing this to happen…. It goes against everything they have been trying to do to us for the past 4 years. What I am certain of is my feelings for you and this child."

Nikita directed her gaze to his profile as he spoke in hushed tones, not looking at her while he went on.

"I don’t speak of my feelings…. I tend to show them in my own way. Some see it as a fault, but it’s what Section has made of me. Until you came into my life, I didn’t have a life. Even with Simone, my feelings were not what I feel for you. This is different. I loved her, but with you, I can't describe it."

He paused and turned on the couch to face her.

"Kita, I lost one child due to Section. Now I…. No… We, have a chance to have one due to Section. I am willing to take the chance that they will allow us to keep it."

Nikita tossed the pillow onto the chair across from her and leapt to her feet, hands on her hips as she went to stand by the mantle.

"Michael…. I can’t be as confident as you about this. Operations hates me, you know that… the man has tried so many times to have me cancelled, to have me brainwashed, to keep me from you….. and now you want me to believe that he has approved this pregnancy so we can be this happy little family?"

She pushed back her hair from her tired eyes then hugged her torso when he interrupted her getting to his feet.

"Kita, listen to me… I have learned over the past 14 yrs being in Section, you can’t change what they want."

Nikita made a disgusted sound turning away from him, biting her fingernail angrily.

"Please Michael.. can’t you put two and two together?? This must be a plan to have me vanish forever..... just like Terri. You remember her don’t you? I do... she was my friend and she was pregnant too. Now she is gone!"

Michael closed the gap between them and pulled her back around to face him.

"No. I don’t think its what they want." Nikita pulled free from his grasp, and turned away from him again.

"No, you can’t convince me otherwise Michael… I will die if I lose this baby to them… why are they allowing, no, ordering this to happen?"

She turned to face him again, her tears starting again. "Michael…. What are we to do?"

Nikita lowered her head and wept into her hands, shoulders shaking with each wrenching sob. Michael pulled her into his arms and held her tightly, stroking her hair as she let her emotions take her over. Finally, Nikita let her hands fall from her face to clutch the material of his shirt in her fist, turning her head to the side as she tried to calm herself.

"Come sit."

He urged pulling her with him as he went back to the couch. Reluctantly, she gave in and let herself sink back into the soft cushions, still enfolded in his arms.

"Nikita, if Operations wanted you dead, trust me, you would be dead. They do want something from us. But not your cancellation. And not our separation. If they wanted a child, they can get them. They don’t need to do this. Trust me with this. Allow this to happen. Give us all the chances possible to have a future together…… with our child. To do anything else is to put Adam in jeopardy."

Nikita opened her eyes at the mention of Adam. She hadn’t thought of the fact Madeline mentioned him to Michael in her office. It was then she knew she had to follow thru…. For his, hers and Michaels sake. There were no other options. Section was to again receive their pound of flesh from them again. The thought left a bitter taste in her mouth.

***

They ate dinner in relative silence after a few failed attempts on Michael's part to get her talking. The crackling of the fireplace and chinking of the silverware was the only constant sound in the room. Nikita took a sip of her water, chewing absently on a small ice cube glancing across the table at him. He seemed preoccupied as he finished off the last of the dinner. Nikita stood up, her plate in one hand as she came around the table to take his.

"It was great Michael… thank you." She said leaning over a bit to pick up his plate.

"I’m happy to see you finally eat something."

Folding up the napkin from over his lap, he stood up to help clear the dishes. Nikita scraped the remains off their dishes and began to rinse them.

"How long will we stay here?"

She asked watching the frothy bubbles begin to form under the hot water. The steam rose up to her face carrying with it, the flowery aroma of the dish soap. Michael came up to her side and carefully set the glasses into the rapidly filling sink.

"That depends on Section and you."

He said tucking his long curly hair behind one ear as he went back to the table for the bread basket and butter. Nikita turned the water off and sighed as the hot water enveloped her hands.

"It would be nice to spend a day or two at least. Its pretty here…. And peaceful."

She added making swirl patterns with the small bubbles. Michael put his hand on her shoulder giving it a very slight squeeze then let go reluctantly.

"You need some peace in your life. Especially now."

He set the bread down on the counter looking for a plastic bag to wrap it in. Nikita couldn’t help but let a small smile pass over her face at his statement. Pulling her hands out of the water, she dried them off, watching him finish up the table and put the bread and butter into the fridge.

"Since when do you put bread into the fridge?"

She asked pulling another glass out of the cupboard and pouring herself some water. Michael wiped his hands on the butt of his jeans and easily hopped down the one step into the living room.

"I always have done that. It keeps it fresher longer."

He picked up a log and tossed it into the fire, sending up a shower of sparks into the flu. Nikita followed him and sat down on the couch, stretching her legs out onto the coffee table.

"Kitchen tips from Michael Samuelle. Now I have heard everything."

She rolled her eyes and sipped the cool water. Michael straightened up, looking back at her as he replaced the fire screen. Nikita closed her eyes, enjoying the heat on the bottoms of her feet when she felt his hands take hold of her ankles and swing her around as he sat down beside her, her legs lying across his lap. Resting his hands on her knees. He stared into the dancing flames, his face seemingly tired.

"You’re thinking of him, aren’t you?"

She asked leaning over to set the glass down on the table. Michael turned his gaze to her as she sat back comfortably, relaxing against the big pillow behind her. He rubbed her knee absently, bringing his gaze once more to the fire. His face flinched slightly at the mention of his name. Nikita sat up, leaning forward to brush his hair back. Michael looked away slightly. Lowering her hand, she laid back down not wanting to make him uncomfortable.

"Sorry. I just thought……" Michael gave her knees a squeeze.

"Yes… I was."

His voice was hushed as he looked over at her. His eyes were intent as always, but his expression was one of distinct sadness, weariness. Nikita sighed resting her hand on her tummy, watching his eyes follow her movements. A look of softness came over him and he reached out, gently pushing his hand up underneath hers to rest on her. Nikita looked down at their hands and back up to his face. The fire popped loudly startling her, making her jump nervously. Nikita clasped her hand to her chest, taking a deep breath as a wave of adrenaline washed over her.

"That scared me. I think I need to get some rest."

She gasped opening her eyes again to look over at him. Michael pulled his hand away, eased her legs off his lap and stood up, offering her his hand. Nikita took it gratefully and pulled herself to her feet. Michael stepped back so she could get by him and then turned to the fire, stoking it so it would burn down faster.

"Shall I lock up?" She asked pulling her sweater closer about her stepping up the small step. Michael put the fire screen up securely and straightened up.

"No. I will. You go ahead .. I will be there shortly."

Michael hung the stoker up carefully and turned off the small lamp on the corner table and then check the locks on the window. Nodding, Nikita headed down the hall into the shadows.

***

Nikita awoke to the smell of coffee and toast which immediately set her stomach off to rolling violently. Sitting up, she clasped a hand over her mouth as she swung her feet over the edge of the bed. Taking deep breaths, she tried to ease the queasiness but to no avail.

"Damn.. not now."

She muttered pulling the bedroom door open and virtually running for the bathroom across the hall. She slammed the door shut, knelt in front of the toilet and emptied the contents of her heaving stomach. In between heaves she gasped for air. During the next heave, she was vaguely aware of hands holding her long hair back from her face and rubbing her back comfortingly. Flushing the toilet, she took the warm face cloth he held out to her gratefully and sat down on her bum in exhaustion. Wiping her mouth, she folded the cloth again letting him take it back for her. Michael knelt beside her with a sympathetic expression on his face, his one hand still rubbing her back.

"Are you alright?" He asked watching her compose herself once again. Nikita coughed a few times, nodding.

"No, not right this second I am not. I feel like I am gonna die."

She answered tiredly getting to her feet shakily with his help. Michael kept his arm around her waist and helped her back to the bedroom. Setting herself down on the bed, Nikita sat forward, resting her head on her knees. Michael knelt in front of her, his hands resting on the sides of her calves.

You’ll be fine in "a few minutes… Elena had mor…."

Nikita looked up at him with angry eyes, effectively halting any further comments.

"I really don’t need to hear about how she dealt with it right now Michael. Ok? I am not her, so please don’t compare us." She said quietly letting her head drop again fighting yet another wave of nausea.

"Of course." He agreed quietly feeling contrite. How could he have been so stupid as to mention her. He thought to himself rubbing her legs again . 

Nikita swallowed convulsively and then sat up right, her eyes wide as she bolted out of the room again. Michael let her have her privacy until she was finished then followed her in. Nikita felt weak all over as she finished brushing her teeth and then let him help her back to the bed. Lying back, she closed her eyes, feeling his hand close over hers.

"I’m sorry Michael….. I shouldn’t have said that quite so nastily."

She sighed feeling him sit beside her, her hand still clasped within his. Her stomach finally settled down and she yawned quietly.

"How do you feel now?" He asked rubbing her hand softly as he looked down at her with concern. Opening her eyes, she looked up at him and gave him a smile when she saw the worried expression on his face.

"Better ….. don’t look so worried. I am going to be fine.. really."

She offered sitting up and putting her arms around his neck, giving him a hug. Michael immediately responded by wrapping his arms around her as well, burying his face in her hair.

"It feels good to hold you." He whispered in her ear, his hands lightly traveling up and down her spine.

"I wondered if you would ever let me again."

He added kissing her shoulder leaving a trail of wetness along the bone there. Nikita pulled her head back to look at him, touching his lips with her finger, she smiled.

"How could you wonder something like that?"

She asked kissing his cheek softly. Michael closed his eyes savoring her touch, concentrating on keeping himself from pushing her back and making love to her. Nikita rested her head on his shoulder playing with the silky curls of his hair.

"So, we really are pregnant aren’t we?" She whispered pulling her head up to look up at him with worried eyes. Michael brushed the backs of his fingers along her face, nodding.

"Yes.. we are."

He replied his eyes darting over her face and shoulders as they sat silently observing the other. Michael pulled her hand up to his mouth and planted a soft kiss on it, his eyes boring into hers. Nikita felt her cheeks flush as he leaned forward, their mouths grazing the other softly. His one hand cupped her chin as he continued to plant small kisses on her face and mouth.

"Hungry?"

He asked between kisses, his gaze taking in her flushed features, the rise and fall of her chest as she breathed. Nikita smiled slightly, her eyes opening as she let her hand rub his hard jeans covered thigh.

"Depends on what you mean…. Food or you?" She cocked her head to the side enjoying the small smile that crossed his face.

"The toast are getting cold." He said casually playing with a strand of her long hair. Nikita laughed and threw her arms around his neck, pulling him down onto her.

"I think the toast can wait a while Michael."

Together they sank into the blankets in a tangle of arms and legs.

***

It was much later when Nikita awoke to the sound of birds outside the open window of the bedroom. Michael lie beside her, his face relaxed as he slept. His mouth was open slightly, his long eyelashes resembled small dark fans. She smiled at the state of his hair. It lay across half his face in a mad array of curls and waves. His arm was draped over her, his hand resting protectively on her stomach. Their legs were wrapped around the other effectively holding her so she couldn’t escape him without risking waking him up. So instead, she laid staring at him and thinking about the small life she carried. The thought scared the hell out of her. She wasn’t ready for a baby, even if it was his. She loved him... always had and knew she always would. That alone made it even more difficult to deal with. She didn’t trust Section and its motives. There had to be more... a reason for making this happen. The fact that Madeline was adamant she carry this baby to term made her all the more nervous. The thought of them taking their baby from them for whatever purpose was mind numbing. 

Nikita felt a small tear of fear and frustration slip from her eye. Carefully she reached up and wiped the moisture turning her face away from his, trying to compose herself without disturbing him. Thankfully, he remained asleep. She wondered what he was going through in his mind as he as usual, kept his inner thoughts to himself, only allowing her access on his terms. A quirk she had learned to accept over the years, but hated nevertheless. He and Simone had a child but learning the story behind it was impossible. No one spoke of it and Michael had effectively told her the subject would forever remain that way. All she knew was that it was a boy. Then there was Adam. His second son from the blood cover mission with Elena. The thought of his marriage to her made her feel something akin to rage, hurt and frustration with a hint of pure jealousy. 

Granted, it had been a mission, something he was assigned to do, but to not have confided in her, told her of it when they had first gotten together she found hard to swallow. It was a situation she had yet to fully deal with making the present pregnancy all that much harder to deal with. Adam was a beautiful child, much like his father in his will, his patience. A constant source of happiness for him, until the mission ended with Section taking both Elena and Adam from him. Losing Elena was something he felt for the most part, indifferently about, but losing Adam had nearly killed him. She remembered the long nights guarding his apartment, covering for him in Section when he fell apart, unable to perform his job. 

It was like he was trying to die. His will to continue had all but left him until the day she had been captured. Something had clicked for him when that happened and he began the long road to recovering his soul once again. They had become lovers not long afterwards. He was her source of strength since she came to section and her source of consternation as well. Her feelings of betrayal over his keeping the marriage a secret was something that she had yet dealt with fully. Even now after all their time together, the missions, the perils of just trying to make it day to day, there had been times when he had betrayed her in some way for the sake of Section. It was those incidents that prevented her from allowing herself to fully trust him. She sighed quietly and returned her gaze to his sleeping face trying desperately to quell the frustration inside. Michael must have sensed her turmoil and his sleepy green eyes opened to fix on her. Nikita felt immediately ill at ease and rolled onto her side away from him, feeling him follow her movements curling up behind her. Michael absently played with her hair as they lie spoon style in the tangle of sheets and blankets. Nikita raised her eyes to the small bedside clock. The small clock read 8:45 AM.

"What would you like to do today?"

His voice was still sleepy as he raised himself up onto his one elbow and looked down at her. Nikita shook her head bringing the covers up to cover her exposed breasts from his gaze. Michael immediately sensed her discomfort but made no sign he had noticed.

"I don’t know…… how about we sleep all day ? Forget what's happening."

She held the covers firmly in her hand closing her eyes, blocking out his face. Michael stilled his hand on her hair for a moment realizing she was upset.

***

Nikita groaned, turning her face into the pillow, wishing she could feel like herself again. One moment she was blissfully happy in his arms, the next she was frustrated and upset.

"Kita. Talk to me." His voice interrupted her chaotic thoughts making her glance over her shoulder at him. His face was concerned, perhaps even a bit puzzled she thought.

"Michael.. its nothing you want to hear right now."

She sighed rolling onto her stomach, tucking her hands under her pillow. Michael scratched her pale skin lightly in small circles along her spine knowing what was coming next.

"You don’t really want this baby, do you?"

Nikita pulled her head up and turned her face up to look at him. A long moment of silence stretched between them before she spoke.

"A part of me doesn’t, that’s true. I wasn’t prepared for this Michael. Neither were you. I hate that this was done to us… it almost feels like a form of rape to me. Its bad enough they control our lives to the extent that they do, but to do this to us?"

She paused rolling back onto her back, her hand reached up to tuck his hair behind his one ear.

"I am terrified of what will happen to us, to you if they take this baby from us. You nearly died when you lost Adam, Michael. I am not as strong as you. I know I would die."

Her hand stroked his face, the stubble of his slight beard scratched her palm.

"I need to know what they have in store for this baby before I can think straight. It’s obviously something big or Madeline wouldn’t have threatened to harm Adam if we didn’t comply."

Michael rested his hand on her tummy, his eyes looked haunted as he spoke.

"Kita, I want this baby. I can’t let them take this one… to me, its here already and there’s no changing that. You have to know that I will die protecting you…. both of you."

Nikita shook her head sadly.

"No Michael… you can't. You’re only one man. This is Section……. You taught me that."

Michael sat up, pulling his legs up and rested his arms on his bent knees. The sheet falling to expose his upper body.

"I have contacts Kita… I am not without power."

Nikita sat up beside him, holding the sheet against her bosom.

"I have no doubt you have power, but is it enough to keep us together? Is it enough to let us keep this baby? I’m sorry, but I don’t think you command that much power. No one keeps a child in Section Michael. No one."

Michael pulled his gaze to her and stared at her intently.

"I need you to want to fight too Kita."

Nikita swallowed the lump in her throat and laid back down again, staring silently at the ceiling. Michael quietly got up, slipped into his jeans and looked down at her as he picked up his black shirt. Then slipped his cell onto his belt.

"I will be back soon. Stay here and wait for me."

Nikita looked at him, feeling a sense of dread as he ran his fingers thru his long hair.

"Where are you going?"

She asked sitting back up again, the sheet fell, forgotten in her sudden worry. Michael pulled the shirt down over his torso, tucking it inside his jeans. Leaning down, he picked up socks and boots, then walked around to her side of the bed. Sitting down, he took in her firm small breasts, the nipples small and hard, tempting him as always. Bringing his eyes to meet hers, he leaned forward, brushing his mouth over hers in a light kiss, his free hand rested on her shoulder lightly.

"I am going to go and fight for us… for this baby."

He silenced her with another kiss, and then quickly left her, disappearing out the bedroom door. She sat in shock, her heart hammering in her chest at the thought of what he was about to do. Before she could get out of bed to run after him, beg him not to do this, the front door slammed shut and the sound of her car roared away.

***

Michael had stopped into his apartment before heading into Section. Jeans, t0shirts and tousled hair was not the look he had ever really gone for and especially not in Section. He had once again wore his trademark black Armani suit, hair brushed back away from his lean face, the waves of auburn resting on his collar. Walter was the first to see him go striding by with a look of grim determination on his normally impassive face. He knew better then to call out to him, and instead paged Birkoff with his comm unit.

"Hey kid… you see Michael? I have a feeling something big is happening."

Birkoff looked up from his station, blinking back the surprise in his young eyes at the sight of an almost emotional Michael go by him.

"Yeah, I see him.. what’s going on? He looks mad."

He asked his fingers stilled on the keyboard. Watching Michael disappear into the staircase leading to Operations perch.

"I don’t know, but whatever it is, he aint happy. I think he must be irked with mom and dad."

Walter peered around the corner of his station in weapons and saw Operations turn and look off to his right in surprise. Then, the windows darkened leaving everyone to speculate.

"Go back to work. We will find out soon enough."

He said quietly turning and going back to his work desk. Birkoff pulled his gaze back to his monitor and switched his comm unit off, giving Walter a slight nod of the head.

Operations set the control back down on the ledge, turning his attention to the silent form of Michael. Taking out a thin cigar, operations lit it, taking a long casual drag from it, then letting a small cloud of exhaled smoke billow over his head.

"What is it Michael?"

He asked giving him the once over, leaning on the ledge and crossing his ankles. Michael clasped his hands together in front of him, his eyes bore into Operations before he began to speak.

"Our baby. What are the plans for it?"

Operations slide a hand into his pant pocket taking another puff before answering.

"There are none……. For the moment. Anything else?"

He asked calmly watching Michaels face carefully. There was no apparent change in his expression but then he knew Michael was a genius when it came to hiding his emotions. Michael looked off to the side for a moment and then pulled his gaze back to the older man seated in front of him.

"Why was Nikita allowed to become pregnant?"

He wasn’t going to let the matter go this time. This time, there was going to be an answer provided or one of them was not going to leave the room alive.

***

Operations chuckled as he stood up to his full height and closed the distance between them. He blew a thin line of smoke just past Michaels head, losing his smile.

"I don’t think that is really your concern Michael. You need to concentrate on other matters right now. You can go now."

He dismissed him staring back just as intently as he got. Michael didn’t move and instead took a step towards Operations, their chests touched. Both men pulled themselves to their full height, eyes locked in combat with the other.

"I want answers. I won't go back to her with nothing." Michael insisted in a deadly calm voice. Operations smiled a slow sardonic smile, one that didn’t reach his eyes.

"You take many chances with me Michael, I suggest you back off and back off right now."

His voice was steely, cold and hard. If he had hoped to intimidate the younger man, it didn’t work. Michael’s eyes remained unblinking as he stood his ground. Neither one of the angry men heard the sound of footsteps coming up the stairs. Madeline rounded the corner, her brown eyes got wide for a moment but quickly recovered.

"Michael?" She folded her hands watching the two men silently challenging the other.

"I want answers."

He stated quietly, ignoring her and yet feeling satisfied when Operations took a step back, distancing himself from him. Madeline glanced between the two men, a faint smile formed on her face.

"Answers to what?" She asked turning her attention to Michael. Michael broke the stare on Operations and instead, stared at her.

"What is to be done with the baby?" Madeline raised an eyebrow at him before speaking.

"Right now, that’s not your concern Michael. You should go back to her, take advantage of your down time together. You will be informed at the right time and on our terms. Don’t you forget who is in charge Michael. You will do as you are asked."

Michael clenched his jaw tightly, feeling frustrated by her haughty answer. Masking his true emotions as always, he settled his intent stare on Operations.

"I am not without power within the Sections." He stated with deadly cold calm. Operations smiled fully.

"Well listen to you , you son of a bitch. We own you, and don’t you forget it. Don’t threaten you? Don’t make me laugh. We don’t threaten, Michael. It is a promise. You will keep your place…… or suffer the consequences of your actions."

Michael kept his gaze on him, a moment of silence passed between the three of them and then he spoke one word. A word that sent chills up both their spines.

"Adrian." He paused watching them carefully, his trained eyes saw a look of panic pass over both of their features.

"Or you will suffer the consequences of your actions."

He recited their threat back to them calmly. Madeline glanced at Operations, a silent message seemed to pass between them and she went to a wall panel. Typing in a code, the computer did a quick upload. Taking the panel out of the slot, she turned and went to Michael. She held it out to him.

"I think you might find this will answer some of your questions." She held out the panel to him, her face taking in his every reaction.

"This conversation also changes nothing. You will obey Michael. We keep Adam safe, and you keep Nikita healthy. Is that understood?"

She said giving him a blank stare of her own. Michael took the panel, his eyes scanned the contents briefly. Looking back up, he turned on his heel and left without uttering another word.

"Do you think it was wise to give him the information?"

Operations asked feeling angry at being challenged by Michael. He took a long puff of his now almost finished cigarette, holing the sweet smoke in his lungs longer then needed before releasing it. Madeline turned to look at him and smoothed her jacket down.

"I didn’t give him all the information… just enough to keep him in line. They don’t know the ultimate goal."

She said pleasantly watching him stamp his smoke out in the crystal ash tray.

"And they wont know until it’s too late." She added. Operations looked at her and begrudgingly let a smile pass his lips.

"He will learn eventually wont he?"

Madeline nodded and then turned to leave for her office, leaving Operations to glare at Michael's retreating back on the ground floor below. Walter watched Michael stride by, his old observant eyes twinkled when he looked up and saw the window had gone bright again, with the obviously angry face of Operations staring down.

"Way to go my man Michael. Love it when dad has a stroke."

He mumbled under his breath shaking his head and chuckling, he went back to his work.

Michael pulled the car up the small drive to the cottage, spotting Nikita on the swing chair on the porch. She was reading a book with her feet pulled up under her bum, her hair flowed in the slight breeze. Setting the book down on her lap, she watched him get out of the car, surprised at seeing him in his Section black. A feeling of dread washed over her for the millionth time when she saw the panel he held in his hand. He walked to the steps, then leaned against the railing.

"You look like you’re in one piece… this is a good thing."

She tried to joke, purposely not looking at the panel he held in his hand. Michael undid the button of his jacket, slipping it off easily. Standing back upright, he closed the distance between them, his hand held the chain of the swing, stilling it for a moment. Nikita looked up at him, heart banging in her chest nervously when he handed her the panel.

I "am going to change."

He said quietly after he brushed a kiss over her cheek. Nikita took the panel with a slightly shaking hand, and closed her eyes wanting and yet not wanting to read its contents. Michael gave the swing a small push so she was moving back and forth gently, the boards above creaking slightly. Without a glance back, he then opened the screen door, and disappeared into the house. Nikita set the book she had been reading down and looked down at the panel, preparing herself for the worst.

***

It was several minutes before Nikita could pull herself off the swing to go into the house. Setting the panel down on the kitchen table, she turned to the kettle on the stove. Flipping the switch, Turning the burner to high, she went about making a cup of tea. Michael reappeared from down the hallway, tucking in his shirt, his trademark black suit gone. Nikita turned, leaning against the counter, hands tucked into her jeans pockets. Looking up, he flipped his hair back from his face. She watched him approach her, looking up into his calm face as his hands pushed her hair back down her back and then rest on her shoulders, kneading her taut muscles.

"There has to be a catch Michael… it just isn’t that easy…. is it?" She stammered pulling her hands out of her pockets and looping her finger in his belt loop. He kissed her for head, then pulled her into his arms.

"I can’t say for certain, but for now, you and the baby are safe. The pilot program is important to Section and Operations will want it to work. Anything less doesn’t look good on him."

He said reassuringly into her hair, kissing her head lovingly. Nikita pulled her fingers out of the loops and ran them up his muscled back hugging him back. Behind her, the kettle started to whistle signaling the water was ready for her tea. Nikita pulled free and turned to pull the kettle off the burner.

"Tea…. Do you want some?"

She asked her hands shaking uncontrollably as she reached for the cupboard door to open it. Michael, placed his hand over hers, stilling it.

"Kita, sit. I‘ll make it."

He urged her towards the table and pulled out the chair for her. Nikita sat down obediently, trying to calm her nerves. Pouring the water into the pot after placing two tea bags in, he then placed the kettle back on a cool burner. Picking up the pot, he brought it to the table and then went for cups. Nikita picked up the panel again , re reading it as if trying to convince herself it was real. Michael sat down in the chair opposite her and poured the tea.

"It’s hot."

He said as he gently pushed the cup towards her. She pulled it around by its tiny handle and blew into the steam that rose from it. Setting the panel down again she looked up at him across the table her eyes wide.

"Michael.. is it really true? We are being allowed a life outside of Section as a family? We can keep the baby, be together?"

Michael sipped on his tea, then set it down, crossing his legs casually, seemingly quite relaxed.

"Yes."

His one word answer didn’t surprise her. He was always a man of few words. Nikita stared back down at the panel lying on the table between them. It didn’t seem real to her and she wasn’t ready to let it sink in just yet. Getting to her feet, she began to pace about the room, chewing a thumbnail in earnest.

"After all they have done to keep us apart, and now this? Michael.. it just doesn’t feel right." Her face was fraught with worry as she glanced back at him.

"Kita…. Sit down."

His voice cut into her thoughts making her stop for a moment . Pulling her thumb out of her mouth, she gave him an exasperated look, then went back to pacing, ignoring his suggestion. Michael watched her move about the room, his eyes taking in her obvious nervous reaction to the panel and its contents. The pilot program had been implemented with them being the test couple. To research the possibility of allowing operatives a private life on the outside much like the rest of the world. To Michael, the idea seemed ludicrous given the vast majority of operatives past lives and the strict secrecy of their existence to the general population, the plan was to him, full of problems. Nothing was as it seemed in Section, it was the one thing he had learned over the years, and this was no different. Yet the possibility of having a life with Nikita and his child was a dream, a fantasy come to life. One he thought would never come to be. Now that it was here, he was going to do everything in his power to hold on to it, including using Adrian to get what he wanted…… the woman he loved and his child. For now, let them think he was content with the panel they had given him…. He knew better and would be on his guard. For now. He was going to take what was offered and hold tight to it.

"Ni-ki-ta…"

He called out to her emphasizing her name with his silky voice.

"Your tea.. come and sit down….. please?" He repeated his request and was grateful when she gave in, coming back to sit with him.

"What happened this morning?"

She asked turning the cup slowly, eyes glued to the steaming dark contents. Michael looked off to the side for a moment then returned his attention to her.

"Nothing." Raising her eyes to look at him, she cocked one eyebrow up questioningly.

"Oh sure Michael.. you go in and come back with the explanation to end all explanations after we got told under no certain terms to shut up and deal, and you tell me, nothing?"

She challenged him motioning to the panel on the table. Michael got to his feet slowly , coming around the table, stood in front of her, Holding out his hand to her, she took it, only to be pulled to her feet and into his arms.

"Lets go for a walk. Get some fresh air."

He suggested running the backs of his fingers down her cheek gently, his eyes taking in the contours of her face. Nikita leaned into his touch slightly, knowing he wasn’t going to talk about it. For now, she would let it drop, and play things his way. Lifting her face, she brushed her mouth over his and nodded.

"After the tea?"

Michael kissed her back, his hands traveling the length of her spine

"After the tea."

He agreed dropping his arms slowly from around her and stepped back, returning to his chair.

***

A month had gone by since Madeline’s bombshell and life was progressing as usual in Section. Michael and Nikita had moved into a small house on the outskirts of the city, a modest neighborhood where the lots were big, with an abundance of trees . Each home was afforded a lot of privacy. The pregnancy was progressing well but her nerves were on edge. She was fast approaching her 3^rd month, and things were strained between them. the fear and uncertainty she was feeling was affecting them on a personal level, and she hated herself for it. It didn’t help that Madeline was putting him on extra missions, separating them almost constantly. 

When they were together, she was withdrawn, and he, the usual silent Michael. A few times he had tried to bring up the subject of starting to prepare one of the 4 bedrooms for the baby, only to receive a cold stare from her, and a flat refusal to participate. She was losing sleep, her normally pale skin was even paler then normal and her eyes seemed to lose the life in them. She wasn’t doing well and he knew it. Michael turned the bathroom light off, flexing his sore arm muscles from his last mission as he approached their bed. Pulling the covers back, he could see she had rolled onto her side, away from him. It had been a week since they had seen each other, and all he wanted to do was to be with her. He seemed to spend a lot of time thinking of her, and her decline, at a loss as to how to give her some sense of security. She had good reason to be suspect, but at the same time, she was jeopardizing the baby, herself and Adam with her current state of mind. Rolling onto his side, he wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her close to him. Nikita became stiff, her deep breathing becoming shallow and uneven.

"Kita…" He whispered her name, kissing her shoulder gently, savoring the feel of her soft curves in his arms.

"I missed you."

He continued kissing her shoulder, making his way up to the back of her neck, his hands slid over the very slight swell of her tummy and upwards to the roundness of her breast. Cupping it gently, he felt the hardness of the small nipple in his palm. Nikita stilled his hand with her own, turning her head slightly to look back at him.

"How was the mission?"

She asked trying to direct his attention away from her. Michael knew what she was doing and felt a twinge of hurt course through him. Resting his head on his hand, he pulled his other hand out from under hers and began toying with the long strands of pale blonde instead. Ignoring her question, he drew small patterns over her bare back with the ends of her hair. Nikita twitched as it tickled and flipped onto her back, immediately realizing that had been his intent all along. Before she had a chance to move again, he had brought his leg up to rest across hers, preventing her from moving away very easily.

"You don’t look well and you’re losing weight Nikita. Why aren’t you taking better care of yourself?"

He asked continuing to play with a few strands of her hair. Nikita looked away, pulling her hair from his fingers.

"Lots of women don’t feel too great in the first months of being pregnant Michael. Don’t worry about it."

She answered rather wearily closing her eyes and wishing he would leave her to sleep. Dealing with Madeline was pressure enough for her, plus keeping the pregnancy a secret from Walter and Birkoff was even harder. She hadn’t wanted to reveal her condition to anyone within Section until it was absolutely necessary. She was running out of time and she knew it. Michael watched the play of expressions pass over her features, feeling distinctly uneasy with what she was telling him. He knew she was lying, hiding something from him but didn’t know what. Michael cupped her chin, pulling her face around to look up at him.

"Ni-ki-ta…. What are you doing?" It was a simple question that had no answer that he could accept. Nikita sighed, pushing his hand away.

"I am trying to sleep." She answered becoming irritable, and trying to hide it. Now was not the time to get into a discussion she thought.

"You are carrying our child Nikita, you need to…"

"What I need, Michael.." She interrupted him sitting up and throwing his leg off of her.

"Is for you to shut the hell up and leave me alone. Must you constantly remind me of that fact? I know I am pregnant… it’s the one thing I can't get out of my mind. As thrilled as you might be Michael. I am not. I don’t trust Section. I don’t trust them with this baby, and frankly, I don’t know if I can truly trust you."

She began to cry softly, as she threw back the covers leaping from their bed. Michael sat up pushing the covers off following her as she fled into the bathroom.

"Nikita…."

He called out to her as she slammed the door shut and locking it behind her.

Nikita slid to the floor, her back against the door and cried bitter tears. The sound of his muffled voice on the other side of the door made her cover her ears with her hands.

"Go away Michael… leave me alone. I wish everyone would leave me alone…."

She sobbed shutting her eyes tightly against the bright moonlight that filtered in thru the skylight above her.

"Open the door Nikita."

His voice sounded firm, yet not angry which surprised her. She knew she had said some hurtful things to him, but she just couldn’t stop them from coming out in a rush of words.

"No, Michael. Just leave me alone."

She got to her feet, wrapping her arms around her waist and sitting down on the toilet seat, her head resting on her knees. Suddenly, the door splintered, bits of wood flew in various directions as it slammed against the wall, bouncing loudly as it opened violently. Nikita’s head flew up, gasping as she scrambled to her feet. Michael pushed the door aside and strode in, his face impassive, but his eyes betrayed his emotional state over her behavior. Nikita drew herself up with what little dignity she felt inside and stared back at him with her tear filled eyes.

"What do you think you’re doing barging in on me like that? I mean… are you insane?"

Her voice was strained as she wiped her face dry with her hands, backing away from him only to be stopped by the coldness of the porcelain sink on her rear end. Michael closed the distance between them in seconds, grabbing her by her upper arms, giving her a slight shake.

"If I am insane, its because you make me this way Kita. Insane with worry for you and our child. Insane with worry for Adam. If you don’t stop doing whatever it is you are doing, you will become too sick and miscarry this baby."

Nikita turned her face away, knowing better then to struggle. He had always been the stronger and more skilled of the two of them. The strength of his grip caused waves of sharp pain to cut up and down her arms, but she bit her lip, hiding it. Her head felt light, small points of light appeared from the backs of her eyes making her blink rapidly, trying to clear her vision. She wished she could curl up and sleep forever, wishing this was all a dream. The sound of his voice reminded her that sadly, it was all too real.

"Think of the baby for once Kita, and not your own self pity. I told you more then once I would protect you both."

Nikita pulled her arms free from him, pushing him back from her as hard as she could, the points of light becoming more prominent.

"Back off Michael.. leave me alone."

She gasped when he only moved a few inches from her. He wasn’t going to be deterred and she knew it.

"Please, just let me be…."

She stopped, hand came up to her for head as she swayed on her unsteady feet. A pain shot through her stomach and she cried out, clutching his arm tightly as she fell.

"Oh no... no...I didn’t mean it... Michael… it hurts…. Mi….." Her voice trailed off, head falling to the side. Michael held her in his arms supporting her full weight as her entire body went limp.

"Kita… Kita.. what’s wrong… Ni-ki-ta?"

Michael lowered her to the cold tiled floor, heart pounding in unfamiliar fear. The woman he loved lie inert in his arms, unresponsive to his voice and possibly losing their baby. He felt powerless as he laid her down gently and raced to the cell phone by the bed.

Madeline frowned as the report came up from the Med Lab. Her brown eyes scrolled through the information and then finally raised to look across the desk at Michael. He sat quietly, hands clasped in his lap tightly, the only outward indication he was stressed. He met her gaze with one of his own, unblinking as always.

"Perhaps Nikita doesn’t understand what is at stake here Michael. According to this, she hasn’t eaten for at least 3 days, and her weight has plummeted by 13 lbs in only 9 days. Do you have any idea why she is doing this to herself?"

She crossed her legs, swinging her chair sideways and rested her elbow on the desk waiting for him to answer. Michael paused, looking away for a moment before answering.

"Perhaps its because she feels raped and doesn’t trust you and your intentions with the child." His voice was calm and even, which didn’t really surprise her. She smiled.

"Surely you can do a better job with her Michael? After all, she is your material and it’s a well known fact she would do virtually anything for you. Perhaps you might think of changing your style with her?"

Michael remained impassive as wild anger burned through him.

"Perhaps you might think of not sending me on so many missions for the time being so I can help her?" He shot back wryly. Madeline inclined her head accepting his statement as having some validity.

"I will speak with Operations in the morning. You should know Michael, that the report here says the baby is still in danger of being aborted due to her fragile health. Do I need to remind you of our ... arrangement?"

She emphasized the word arrangement as he got to his feet. Michael looked back at her over his shoulder.

"No. You don’t." He went to towards the steps leading to her door.

"Michael." Her voice stopped him on the first stair, but he didn’t turn to look back.

"Adam looks well. he is a very happy child. We received new intel and recon photos of him a few hours ago. I will have it uploaded to your comm if you like."

Her voice was silky smooth, overly friendly and he hated her for it. He turned his head slightly to the side and mutely nodded and then left a smiling Madeline to her hot tea.

Walter paced outside of Michael's office door, impatiently waiting for him to arrive. The news of Nikita’s emergency entrance had spread quickly and when it reached his ears, he was frantic. He adored the girl as a father would adore his daughter and getting information on her was impossible. A total lockdown on all intel had been implemented. Not even Birkoff could get anything. Michael appeared from around the corner, nearly crashing into the older man. Stepping to the side just in time, his hand came up to grasp Walter's elbow so he wouldn’t lose his balance. The older man pulled free and scanned the immediate area for any prying eyes or ears before speaking.

"We need to talk Michael." He whispered bringing his attention back to the younger man.

"Now is not a good time."

He said stepping around Walter to head into his office. Walter caught Michael by his wrist causing him to stop and look at him with inquiring eyes. Firmly pulling his wrist free, he pushed his door open and held it for Walter to follow inside.

"Alright. What is it?" He asked seating himself down at his desk feeling very tired all at once. Walter paced in front of him, looking worried.

"What’s wrong with her Michael? I heard she looks like hell and no one knows anything due to a total lockdown on intel."

Walter tucked his hands into his faded jeans staring down at Michael as he sat silently , listening to the older man speak. When he didn’t answer, Walter threw his hands up in the air, making a disgusted sound.

"Come on amigo… you know I love her just as much as you do. She’s the one bright light in this place and I care about what happens to her." He paused a moment and continued.

"Awww, hell, I care about what happens to you too. You know you can trust me."

He sat down on the small chair opposite him and waited for Michael to speak. After a moment, he reached down, pulling out the secret panel on his desk, punched in a code to ensure a few moments of total privacy. Bringing his attention back to him, Michael leaned back in his chair, tucking the hair behind his ears.

"She’s pregnant." Walters mouth dropped.

Nikita and I were selected to participate in a secret pilot program to see if operatives could lead normal lives, lives with families outside of Section. He paused watching the look of shock spread over the older mans face. He continued.

"We didn’t know that we were unprotected." Walter shut his mouth , leaning back in his chair.

"Madeline…. That , that.." He couldn’t form the words and instead, frowned deeply, shaking his head in disgust.

"She isn’t losing the baby is she?" He asked his head coming back up again to look at Michael intently. He shook his head slightly.

"No. not so far." He said looking out the window into the semi darkened hall.

"But she is quite ill. She doesn’t trust them to let her keep it once it's born. I think she is trying to abort on her own….."

The pain was evident in his green eyes for the first time in weeks and it shocked Walter to see him in such obvious pain. Michael was a man who never showed his inner feelings. Walter got to his feet and headed for the door.

"When she wakes up, let me know… I will talk to her. Maybe I can help her in a way she wont let you right now."

He said pulling his leather vest straight. Michael looked across the room at the older man with tired eyes. Walter opened the door , pausing before he stepped through to leave. Looking at the floor, he then raised his eyes to meet Michaels.

"Congratulations….. I know this baby is will be loved like no other, with parents like you and my Nikita."

Nikita lie inert, covered by several warm blankets as the soft sounds of the heart monitor beeped over her head. The fetal monitor blinked rapidly, a signal of a small life still hanging on by a thread. Michael's eyes followed the tubing of her IV to the oxygen mask on her face. She had never looked more frail to him then she did now and it scared him. Glancing at his watch, he saw it was going on for 2 AM. It suddenly occurred to him he hadn’t slept in over 32 hours. After getting back from the mission, he had de briefed, then headed for their home. Then this had happened. A slight headache was forming over his eyes, causing him to reach up, pinching the bridge of his nose. He got to his feet and stretched his muscles , his eyes glued to her drawn pale features as she slept. The depth of emotion he felt for her was frightening. There had been a time not that long ago when he thought that the human side of him had died with Simone. The side that had feelings, desires, dreams. 

Yet with her arrival, this blonde haired, stubbornly wonderful woman had changed him in ways he didn’t think possible. He had discovered the man inside again with her. She had a way of evoking such anger, sympathy, guilt, joy…. and yes, love from his heart and soul, that it was at times.. mind boggling. Michael sat down on the edge of the bed, clasping her hand within his own, bringing it to his lips. Closing his eyes, he cradled her cold hand in his against his cheek. A sudden splash of warmth on his hand surprised him making him open his eyes. Much to his shock, he saw that his vision was blurred, and the warmth on his hand were his own tears. He lowered his head once again and let them spill silently, finally allowing himself the luxury of his agitated emotions to take him over.. if only for a moment.

***

It was 330AM when Walter found him. He sat on a stool, head and shoulders lie on the edge of her bed, his hands curled possessively around her limp hand, cheek resting on top of them sound asleep. Walter smiled sadly at the sight before him. She indeed looked bad, as did Michael. Quietly, he approached the sleeping man and touched his shoulder, rousing him from a deep slumber. Michael sat bolt upright, his bleary eyes on immediate alert. Walter put both hands up in a sign he was unarmed. Even exhausted, he knew Michael was a formidable foe, trained to kill and ask questions later.

"Whoa there amigo.. It’s just me."

He whispered stepping back until he was sure the younger man wouldn’t try to take him down. Michael released her hand carefully, inwardly cursing himself for allowing his defenses down to the point where someone could sneak up on him like Walter just did. Standing up, he straightened his jacket and gave Nikita the once over, making sure the heart monitors were still working and said a silent prayer when he saw the fetal monitor still flashing.

"Come on Michael.. let me take you home so you can rest…. I promise to sit with her in the meantime."

He suggested coming around to the other side of her bed. His hand reached out, touching her arm gently. Michael looked down at her still sleeping form grateful she was resting peacefully.

"No." He said in a tired voice, pulling the stool back and sitting once more, elbow leaning on her pillow as he stroked her hair. Walter reached over, touching Michaels arm.

"Hey, come on.. she needs you rested when she wakes up. She doesn’t need you when she is sleeping." He reasoned giving him a faint smile cajoling him with logic.

"I promise to stay with her. I have some downtime for the next 15 hours. Let me do this for you. Let me take you back home." Michael knew he was right and for once, reluctantly, he allowed the older man to win out.

"Give me a minute." He said not taking his eyes off her face. Walter smiled happily.

"I will be right outside.."

Looking down at Nikita, he leaned down and gave her a quick buss on her head.

"Hey sugar… its gonna be okay. You just rest up for me." He then turned and left out the sliding glass doors leaving them alone for a moment.

Standing up, Michael gazed down at her, feeling helpless in the knowledge he was powerless to help her. Raising her hand to his mouth, he planted a kiss on her palm.

"Sleep Kita. I will be back soon. Just sleep."

He whispered placing it on top of her other hand resting on her stomach. Picking up his coat, he turned, reluctantly leaving her to rest. He knew Walter was right, he just didn’t like it. With legs that felt like lead pipes, he walked slowly beside Walter to the main elevator, head down with exhaustion.

The ride home was quiet, other then the directions Michael gave him every few blocks. When they finally reached the winding driveway, Walter gave a low whistle at the beauty of the modest home.

"Nice place you two have. It’s the least those bastards in Section could do for you eh?"

He chuckled good naturedly knowing Michael wouldn’t respond. He, like many of those who knew Michael, were well aware of his lack of speech at the best of times. Unlike many, he had the ability to convey what he wanted with a mere look. Pulling up beside Nikita’s parked Jag, he shut the engine off. Michael sat up straighter and opened his door, got out. Thankfully, no one in the neighborhood had noticed the activity when Section had come to get Nikita and himself earlier that evening. Everything seemed quiet considering it was heading on for 4:30 AM. Walter closed his door quietly as possible and rounded the car to stand by Michael. He gave Walter a questioning look which didn’t go unnoticed by the older man.

"Hey... I can at least walk you to the door… it's what sugar would want me to do."

Too tired to bother arguing, Michael turned and headed up the single step fumbling in the deep pocket of his jacket for the house key. Much to his surprise, his hand shook so badly, he was having a hard time inserting it in the lock. Walter saw it too, and reached out, taking the key from him.

"Its okay, I will get it. You are way beyond wasted at this point."

He turned the key easily and pushed the door open. Michael stepped in without a word of thanks and dropped his jacket on the small chair by the door. Walter stepped in after him, pulling the key out and shutting the door behind him. The foyer was modest, with a large mirror hanging on the wall to his left. Under it, was a small shelf where he placed the keys following Michael into the kitchen. It was light and airy, with a skylight helping to illuminate it with the moonlight. Michael flipped on a small light over top the stove, plunking himself down on the bar stool chair under the far counter.

"Nice place."

Walter commented watching his face grow older and more agitated by the second. It was unnerving to see him virtually fall apart. In all the years he knew Michael. Not once did he fall apart in front of anyone. He wasn’t surprised it took a woman like his Nikita to break this seemingly superhuman operative into a puddle of emotions.

"You need to talk to someone you know. I am here…. Talk to me. I got time."

Walter piped up leaning against the fridge. Michael raised his head, his shoulders seemed to fall and he, much to Walters amazement, began to talk.

The story came tumbling out, a rush of words that wove a story that amazed the older man. A lot seemed to make sense as he thought back on the times of Nikita’s brainwashing attempt, the time Adrian had been brought in to Section. It didn’t surprise him that Michael had hidden the older woman away and was now using her as a leverage to keep a even keel with Operations and Madeline. No wonder Michael was fighting so hard for Nikita to hold on to this baby. For once, Michael had a safety net to fall on, something to help him to keep his son to be family together.

After getting Michael to go to bed, and promise to call him if there was the slightest change in Nikita’s condition, he headed back for Section. He had a little talk session planned for his sugar in the morning and it wasn’t gonna be pretty.

***

Walter rubbed his chin as he sat watching her sleep. Yawning, he glanced down at his watch, wishing desperately for a hot coffee. Almost as if on queue, Birkoff came in balancing a hot cup of coffee, making Walter grin from ear to ear as the young man handed it to him.

"How is she?" He asked looking down at her still form, the distress evident in his eyes. Walter sipped the hot liquid and sighed, his eyes rolling with enjoyment.

"Well. I think she is gonna be just fine." He replied taking yet another sip then setting it down on the small stool he had been sitting on previously.

"Coffee... umm, necter of the Gods. How did you know?"

He asked turning back to look at the young mans obviously concerned face. Birkoff pushed the glasses back on his nose, looking back down at her.

"What’s wrong with her?"

He asked sticking his hands in his pockets, feeling very uncomfortable. Walter shook his head.

"I can tell you that.. sorry man.. It’s not my place. That’s something you’ll have to ask her when she is feeling better." Birkoff nodded, and didn’t press him any further. Hesitantly, he touched her hand, then turned to leave.

"Well, tell her I was here. I gotta go, my shift is starting in 5." Walter smiled, waving his hand as he picked up his coffee.

"Thanks for the coffee Birkoff. You are a lifesaver!"

Birkoff held up his arm and kept walking. The sound of a small muffled moan caught his attention and he whirled around in time to see her eyes flutter open slowly. Her gaze fell on him almost immediately and she turned her head to the side looking up at the machines she was hooked up to. Decidedly disoriented, her hand came up to pull the mask off her nose and mouth. Walter gave her a smile, coming close to her side, taking her other hand she held up to him in his own.

"Hey sugar, what’s shaking?"

He asked squeezing her hand firmly as she took a few deep breaths, her legs moving under the covers. Swallowing, she held the intrusive mask away.

"What’s going on? Why am I here?" Her voice was hoarse as she tried to pull the mask off completely. Walter leaned over and placed it back over her face firmly.

"Now just you lay back and leave that alone. The sooner you get better, the sooner they will let you out." He paused waiting until she let her hand drop rather reluctantly.

"You had some problems and Michael had you brought in. You’re really doing a number on yourself as well as him." He added letting her pull her hand free of his to scratch her neck. She looked almost defensive at his statement, and looked away.

"Where is he?" She asked pulling at her covers gingerly when she saw the IV stuck in her hand.

"Sleeping I hope. He is exhausted. I drove him to your house last night around 4:30. He is a mess sugar."

He said in a hushed voice not wanting any of the techs to hear them. Nikita sighed and looked down at her belly, feeling the monitor wrapped around her middle. She knew she was still carrying the baby and wasn’t sure if she felt happy or not. Nikita felt his gaze and cursed herself inwardly for being so obvious. Walter saw her trying to cover her mistake and moved his coffee from the stool, bring it close to her bedside.

"I know about the baby." He whispered. Nikita raised an eyebrow at him, then tried to deny it. Walter held his hand up, shaking his head even as she opened her mouth.

"I know about everything. In fact, I think I know more then you do right now Sugar, and you better listen up to what I have to say to you." Nikita bit her lip, her heart accelerated a bit at his statement.

"Michael broke down last night at the house and told me the whole damned deal. The pilot program, the baby, Adam, everything. You have got to hold on to this lil' one." He said firmly, motioning to her abdomen.

"Michael wasn’t kidding when he said he could keep you all together. He has a trump card and isn’t afraid to use it."

Nikita listened in stunned silence as he went on to explain the facts behind Adrian’s disappearance and where she was. The fact Michael was caring for her financially in a secret location in Europe and that both Ops and Maddy both knew of this.

"Michael is an emotional wreck, Nikita. You know as well as any of us how he is with his thoughts and feelings. Well last night, he bared it all to me. It was a side of him I hadn’t seen since the days before Simone’s death." He paused watching the play of emotions cross her face under the mask and continued in a quiet tone.

"You’re killing him Nikita. If you love him at all, you will stop this self destruct mode and stay healthy. Fight with him, not against him. I don’t have to tell you he is a good man. You know he is. Come on sugar." He smiled, giving her arm a gentle nudge as she fought back the welling tears that threatened to spill over.

"Make me a grand dad. I know Birkoff would love to be called Uncle Birky." He added. Nikita pulled the mask aside, wiping the few tears that streaked down her pale face.

"Thank you Walter."

She said in a shaky voice, sniffing slightly as she reached for his hand again. Walter took it and kissed it soundly. Just then, a tech came in with a chart in his hand.

"Well, you’re awake. How are you feeling?" He asked checking the machines, adjusting a few knobs. Nikita placed the mask back over her face as she answered.

"Fine.. just very tired."

Turning back to Walter, she hung on to his hand tightly when he went to get up. She shook her head, making him sit down once again. The tech left after taking her blood pressure leaving them alone. Nikita glanced around and pulled him closer by the hand.

"I want to speak to Michael." Walter nodded, his hand reached up and stroked her silky hair back from her eyes.

"Sure thing. I will go and call him right now." Nikita managed a smile, watching him turn and disappear out the sliding glass doors.

***

On the advice of Walter, Michael had showered and shaved before coming in. He arrived in Section, clad in his classic black Armani suit, boots and long black jacket. He carried his dark glasses in his hand, the other carried his leather gloves. His hair was once more immaculately groomed, combed back out of his face to trail down to his neckline in waves of auburn. He stopped in to Weapons, with the intent of looking for Walter. Hearing footsteps out front, Walter rounded the corner with panel in hand. Looking up, he saw Michael standing there.

"Michael. Hey, you look much better." He said in a friendly greeting. Michael inclined his head slightly, his eyes looking about the room as he spoke.

"Thank you." He said quietly, putting his glasses into the pocket of his overcoat. Walter held up his hand.

"Bah... anytime Amigo. You’re a good man Michael." He said setting his panel down on the work desk that separated them.

"I spoke to her … she knows about your friend you take care of."

He added picking up a small screwdriver, twirling it in his fingers. Michael stood there for a moment and then turned on his heel, leaving the older man to watch and wonder what was about to transpire in Med Lab.