Nikita passed the portrait of the striking woman again, admiring it once more before she moved on. There were a few rooms with open doors, she guessed they were just spare rooms. There was only one last room at the end of the hall, she guessed it was Michael's bedroom. The door ajar, Nikita approached it and pushed the door open.

************

Nikita noticed how brightly lit the room was, sunlight coming through the sheer curtains and spilling onto the bed. The bed! Michael was lying in the bed in a deep sleep. Nikita wanted to go to him and snuggle up against him; but restrained herself. She did, however, walk over to the other side of the bed, wanting to see his angelic face in a deep slumber.

She smiled and her heart lightened, his eyes were closed, hair covered his face and his cheek was pressed against the pillow. He looked so peaceful, she couldn't possibly wake him...not when he looked the way he did.

She noticed he probably slept in his boxers and nothing else, the blanket covering his body except for his shoulders. Then she reorganized her thoughts, you don't really know if he's wearing boxers, you know. She imagined sitting here waiting for him to wake up then him turning around to get up to the bathroom, showing her a nice bare backside view.

No! Remember Nikita? Friend...

Nikita went over to the bay window and sat on the bench. She was going to wait right there. But then she did notice that she was very tired...wanting to get in bed with him and just sleep the day away with him.

But that would be wrong! Wrong, wrong, wrong! Right...?

Nikita giggled, she was incorrigible. So what if she found Michael...so masculine...so strong...so...wow! She always would but now she'd just have to learn never to act on her feelings. No big deal right?

Nikita leaned back against the window and closed her eyes...she hoped Michael would wake soon.

************

Michael stirred from his slumber, eyes barely opening. He thought he saw Nikita sitting at his window but that wasn't possible...was it? He rubbed his eyes and gradually his vision became more focused. It was Nikita.

"Nikita?" Michael's normally smooth, sensuous voice was replaced by a rough, weak voice...caused by a long sleep.

Nikita turned and smiled pleasantly at him, "Hi..."

"Wha...How...?" Michael had so many questions; but mostly he was just happy to see her again.

Nikita got off the bench and sat on the edge of his bed, "You're probably wondering how I got in and why I'm here. And I have answers...Just be patient and I'll explain all in good time."

Michael sat up and leaned his back against his headboard, blanket covering his waist down. Nikita gulped, admiring his sculpted abdomen and chest.

"I'll start off by I came over to talk and I used the key you left in the pot to get in...I'm sorry, are you mad?"

"No...of course not...I left that key for you."

"Okay and I wanted to say I'm sorry for storming out like that. It was immature and could've been handled better," Nikita looked apologetic.

"You're right..." Michael agreed, "I didn't mean to make what I said sound the way it did."

Nikita tried to finish what she thought was his thought, "Maybe it was partly the champagne. Or something...But when I was younger my mom's boyfriends..." Nikita trailed off and looked out the window, "they...expected things of me."

Michael reached to turn Nikita's eyes to his, "Go on...it's all right."

"They would make me do things because they paid for the food and the drugs...And I just assumed that I should have paid you back in some way..."

Michael shook his head, "No...Nikita. You don't owe me anything. You didn't owe them anything."

Nikita tried to smile, "Yeah well I took it the wrong way. I realize that just because you're not interested in an intimate relationship with me we don't have to stop hanging out together right?" She looked hopeful.

"No...you're wrong," Michael crushed her with those few words.

************

Nikita looked away...not able to look into his eyes. She needed to get out of here. She had mustered up all the courage in her to come back and face him...but she was wrong! She was wrong about their relationship! Nikita got up from the bed but felt strong hands wrap around her waist. Her eyes watered with the frustration and pain he inflicted on her. She peeled his hands off of her waist and walked around the bed, intending to walk out and never come back again.

Michael got out of the bed, his leg painfully throbbing with its dressings visible, hobbled after her. "Wait Nikita! Come back," Michael pleaded.

Nikita turned to say something but saw his leg dressed in gauze, "Omigod! What happened? Get back in the bed!" Nikita rested her hand on his shoulder and ushered him back in the bed. She tucked him in, momentarily forgetting about the hurt he had delivered on a silver platter.

"Now we can talk," Michael wheezed, the physical exertion from getting out of the bed affecting him. Nikita remembered, the pain hitting her again, but stayed where she was.

Michael took a deep breath, "What I meant to say was...You're wrong about me not wanting to enter an intimate relationship with you. I do. I didn't want to that night because I was afraid you weren't thinking clearly and I didn't feel it was the right time for either of us. I just don't want to push you too fast...I don't want to lose you."

Nikita smiled a sad smile and snuggled up next to him, "You know...we have to work on our communication skills." Michael chuckled and held her close.

************

Nikita sighed, enjoying the feel of being back in Michael's arms, "So...you going to tell me what in the world happened to your leg?"

Michael smiled, "Yes. I was shot actually."

"Shot?! Why and how?" Nikita sat up and turned to look at him.

"It was in the middle of a robbery at a bank...I got in the line of fire...not a big deal. I'll be okay," Michael brushed the injury off as an everyday occurrence...when to him it pretty much was.

"Not a big deal? Maybe not but I'm going to wait on you hand and foot Mister! You hungry...maybe I can try and cook something for you," Nikita got up and stretched.

"I'm kind of hungry. I have some bagels and cream cheese downstairs...do you think you can handle it?" Michael grinned.

"I'll give it a shot," Nikita humored him as she started leaving the room, "Anything else?"

"No, thank you," Michael winced slightly as he shifted in the bed. Nikita winked at him as she exited the room. Michael stretched contentedly, sighing, as he was happy that Nikita was back with him. He just wanted to spend the rest of the day with her in bed, snuggling. He wanted to wake up every morning with her in his arms, sleeping in to late hours. But Section would put a damper on that wish. Michael considered all the ways Section would interfere with his relationship with Nikita and almost shuddered.

What are you going to say every single time you get hurt or shot? Another 'in the line of fire'? What's going to happen when you get called in for a briefing at 3 in the morning? How are you going to hide her from Madeline and Ops?

Thankfully Madeline and Ops allowed him the privilege of being camera and bug free, in light of his 'service record' with Section.

Michael reached for his cell phone and dialed Madeline's number. A soft feminine voice answered.

"It's me."

"Michael. Good. I've decided that you should probably stay home for a few more days, let the injury rest. I'll call you in when you're needed. Do I need to send someone to help you take care of things at home?"

"No...I'll be fine," Michael secretly thought of Nikita and how caring she was. "All right. I'll hear from you later then," Madeline ended the conversation with a click.

Michael sighed...at least he could live his dream for a few days.

************

It had gotten quite late, Michael and Nikita had spent the day in bed, snuggling. Nikita looked over to the clock, it was 11 o'clock in the evening. She stretched a bit and rose to get off the bed.

Michael grabbed her wrist, "Where are you going?"

"I should get going, you'll probably fall asleep soon anyway. I'm tired..."

"Why don't you stay here for the night...I do have spare rooms you know," Michael still didn't like the idea of her staying on the streets. He knew he was being a tad overprotective, considering she lived on the streets for a few years now; but he didn't care. He gauged her reaction...hesitance, consideration, then...he wasn't sure.

She opened her mouth to answer but closed it again...still thinking this through.

"What if I have to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night?" Michael grinned.

Nikita burst out laughing, "You could always get a private nurse...some big burly man by the name of Hans."

"I don't think he'd be as gentle or sweet as you when I need my sponge baths," Michael said with a wry face.

"Ha!" Nikita thought for a moment, "All right...only till you can get to the bathroom on your own though. Then I'm outta here."

"We'll see..." Michael had convinced her to stay, if only for a while. He slid down further into the bed, about to get some shut-eye.

"Does it matter which room I take?" Nikita was almost afraid to be in a real bedroom alone. It seemed like it was a lifetime ago that she had a real bedroom and bed.

"No...take your pick," Michael turned over, feeling very tired all of a sudden. Nikita walked over to his bed and leaned down. "Was there something you needed?" Michael looked at her with half shut eyes.

"Yes," Nikita leaned down and kissed him on the lips softly. It had been the first time they kissed lip to lip and Nikita was the one to take the step. Michael responded enthusiastically, pulling her closer to him for a longer while. After a moment, Nikita pulled away, smiled down at him and walked away.

Nikita tiptoed out and stood in the hall, studying both rooms. She took the one closest to Michael's room, not wanting to be separated by much. She sat on the bed, testing it out. She quickly got up and returned to Michael's room.

"Michael?" Nikita hoped he hadn't fallen asleep yet.

"Yes?" his voice was rough and tired sounding.

"Sorry to bug you again but do you think you could give me something to sleep in?" Nikita prodded.

"Yeah...I have some shirts and bottoms in my drawer over there, I never wear them to bed anyway."

"I noticed...and I approve," Nikita giggled, fishing through his drawers and then said her goodnight again, leaving the room.

************

Nikita had lain in bed for 3 hours now, trying desperately to fall asleep. She lain on her back, rigid, staring up at the ceiling. This wasn't working...For some reason she couldn't fall asleep. Nikita had slept in many strange and uncomfortable places before, the park bench being one of them; and yet she couldn't fall asleep in this expensive, softly cushioned bed. She got up frustrated, opened the door to leave and crept across the hall to Michael's room in one of Michael's long pajama shirts. Opening the door warily, she noticed Michael was in a deep sleep. She snuck across the hardwood floor to the other side of the bed.

Reaching to pull back the covers, Nikita weaseled into the bed next to him. She shimmied closer to his warm body and embraced him...it felt very right. She smiled at the content she felt in his arms. He automatically put his arms around her too, groaning slightly in his sleep.

"Simone..." Michael whispered from his sleep.

************

Nikita froze. She clearly heard Michael whisper another woman's name in his sleep. Simone was it? She pulled away slightly.

Michael reached for her, pulling her back in his arms. He started kissing her neck, nuzzling it as he whispered some more. "Simone..."

Nikita freaking out was an understatement. She started breathing erratically, and forced herself out of Michael's kisses and grip.

"No, don't go Simone," Michael muttered coherently enough for Nikita to understand as he held her tighter.

Nikita feeling an endless number of emotions finally pushed at Michael and got out of the bed. Michael woke, dazed and confused called out, "Simone?"

He saw Nikita walking around the bed, leaving in a huff. He rubbed his eyes, focusing, "Nikita? What are you doing?"

She turned around, eyes painfully and embarrassingly tearful, "I'm going." Turning back around she walked out, back to the other bedroom. Michael groaned and got out of his bed, hobbling on one foot after her, praying he wouldn't kill himself as he did so.

"Why are you so upset?" Michael was confused beyond belief. He entered the room to see her pulling on her sweatpants.

"You know Michael...I don't think you have enough room in your life for me, so I should get going," Nikita's voice was spiteful and bitter.

"Wait," Michael spoke clearly and firmly, "Sit down."

Nikita took a deep breath and did as he asked, impatient as she was though. Michael joined her on the bed, resting his leg.

"Now...why do you think I don't have any room for you in my life?"

"Do I need to repeat everything that just happened Michael?" Nikita was upset, her voice told Michael.

"Yes. Because I sure as hell don't know what just happened!"

Nikita took a deep breath, looking where to begin, "First off I couldn't sleep. So I came over to your room to join you in the bed. I snuggled up next to you and held you in my arms. You put your arms around mine then called out someone else's name. You started kissing me and pulling me closer...that's when I got out of the bed. You happy now?" Nikita got back up and continued changing.

Michael was dead silent. "Whose name did I call out?" he whispered but already knew the name he called out.

"Should there have been more than one Michael?" Nikita was fuming, upset that she and Michael just got back together and now were experiencing more troubles. She was right, life had been much more simple before Michael.

"It was Simone right?" Michael spoke softly, "I'm right."

"Yes," Nikita conceded, "It was Simone."

"Don't you want to know who she is?" Michael murmured quietly as he sat calmly on the bed; but inside his emotions and soul were rocked to the core.

Nikita was exasperated, "Sure Michael...Why not?"

"She was my wife."

************

Nikita sat down next to Michael on the bed. She didn't know what to say. She wanted to say so many things but couldn't.

"She died a few years ago. Her death hit me really hard," Michael admitted things to Nikita he never would to anyone, "I think about her from time to time. I just didn't know...didn't know that..."

"That you dream about her, right?" Nikita had been angry before and hurt but now she was understanding and compassionate.

"Yeah..." Michael whispered to her and himself, "yeah..."

Nikita, not exactly sure what to do, patted him comfortingly on his knee. She wanted him to talk about her. "It's okay Michael."

"It's been so long since I've slept with someone in my arms...I guess I just naturally called out her name...I don't really know..."

"How did she die?" Nikita was afraid she was asking something inappropriate.

"Car crash," Michael whispered. He couldn't tell her the real story about her death, though he wanted to. He wanted to tell her everything...he wanted to empty his soul in her hands...then he would never be alone.

"I'm so sorry Michael," Nikita apologized, feeling foolish for being upset with him earlier.

He nodded, "I've been alone for a long time now Nikita. Before I wouldn't even consider falling in love again; I thought that it meant betraying her. Finally I accepted that she would've wanted me to be happy again. So I met a lot of women over time; yet I never fell in love. After that I just stopped trying, I didn't think it was possible..." Michael looked at Nikita, his eyes saying what his voice couldn't yet.

Nikita looked in his heavenly green eyes and ran her hand against his cheek, he closed his eyes. "Do you want to go back to bed?"

Michael nodded and Nikita helped him carefully back to his bed. She took off her sweat pants again and changed back into his comfortable pajama shirt. She crawled back into bed and nestled up against his warmth. He held her close to his heart, "Good night, sweet dreams Nikita."

"Good night Michael," Nikita murmured into his neck.

************

Nikita felt the sunshine warm her face. She felt his arms around her, even more warming than the sun. Stubbornly, her eyes opened to greet the morning. She looked over at her companion and saw that he was sleeping peacefully. It would be nice to cook him breakfast, or at least to try. She got up slowly and carefully, not wanting to wake him. She felt him pull at her, obviously not wanting her to leave.

"'Kita..." Michael whispered softly from his sleep. Nikita almost wanted to cry. She didn't really expect him to stop thinking about Simone or to start dreaming about her. But the fact that it was unexpected made it all the sweeter. She pulled herself closer for a moment and kissed him tenderly before slipping out of his embrace.

Getting out of bed, she walked out of the bedroom in Michael's long sleeve pajama shirt and nothing else. It was blue and white striped not something she really saw Michael wearing...ever. But she did like it for herself. Nikita shivered slightly from the cold hardwood floors on her bare feet.

Nikita opened up the fridge, trying to figure out what she could possibly cook for Michael's breakfast. She really wanted to surprise him with breakfast in bed. She took out a carton of eggs, milk, juice and some assorted fresh fruits. She picked up the bag of bread and laid out all her ingredients on the counter.

Now, what exactly do I do? French toast...hmm...

Nikita grabbed a bowl to crack the eggs into and prepared herself.

You can do this...come on...

Tapping the egg on the rim of the bowl lightly, nothing happened. A little frustrated, Nikita smashed it over the rim and got eggshells everywhere. She sighed...and got a new bowl to try cracking the eggs with. She tried it for the second time, easing off a little bit. She managed to do it; with only a few shells in the eggs.

I'm sure it won't make a difference...a few eggs? Naw...

Nikita found a fork in the cutlery drawer and poked the egg yolk with the teeth. The yolk broke and Nikita felt a little proud at this achievement, and poked at it some more, hoping the egg whites and yolk would mix together. Half-mixed, Nikita dipped the bread in the batter.

I guess I need a frying pan...

Nikita walked over to the cupboard to grab a frying pan. She set it on the stove and turned the heat on high. Returning to her egg and bread, Nikita picked up the slice of bread and plopped it on the frying pan surface.

I guess I just have to wait for the bread to become a golden brown...Not a problem.

Nikita found the cupboard with glasses and poured out a glass of juice and a glass of milk. She returned to the stove, hoping to flip the bread over. She reached for a spatula and tried to pry the bread off of the frying pan; but failed. The bread had stuck to the pan and had no hopes of getting off unscathed. Even worse, Nikita started to detect an awful burning smell from the pan. She growled in frustration and turned off the stove and opened some windows and turned the fan on from above the stove.

Great! You screwed up Nikita! Now you have to clean this up before Michael wakes up...

************

(I doubt Mikey could really walk after a day or so...but in my alternate reality he can! Sorry to have some fumbled up facts but since I've already set the stage for what I want to happen I can't take it back...Oh well...Just enjoy.)

Michael woke up wonderfully slow with a stretch. He could tell his leg already felt better. He could probably make it down the stairs, after all he had braved many injuries before...some worse than his current one. He turned to wake Nikita with a soft and loving kiss; but was surprised to find that she was gone. He ran his palm along the bed sheets where she slept; it wasn't sleep warmed. He grimaced slightly as he rose from the bed and carefully tested his leg out, walking around the room. Apparently it was still a little rusty but he would be better off exercising it today. He took a sniff...he smelled something burning. He eased himself down the stairs slowly, careful not to over exert himself.

Walking into the kitchen Michael spotted Nikita pacing. He could feel the cool breeze of open windows and he smelled something burnt.

"Nikita?"

"Michael!" Nikita turned around, surprised to see him up so soon, "What are you doing out of bed? You're supposed to be sleeping while I finish cleaning up and cook you breakfast. Then, and only then you wake up to be pleasantly surprised as I bring you a delicious breakfast in bed. But you see, now you've foiled my plans!" Nikita raised her hands up in mock anger.

Michael smiled at her thoughtfulness, but frowned at her apparent lack of culinary skills. "I'm sorry but I thought the house was burning down," he spoke in a concerned voice.

"Oh shut up mister!" Nikita poked him in the chest with a finger, "Have you ever heard of the saying 'It's the thought that counts'?"

"I have..." Michael gave her a warm hug and she returned it, "and I am very touched that you wanted to do something this sweet for me. But the problem is I'm still hungry and you probably are too. So, I am going to show you how to make French toast, okay?"

"Okay..." Nikita agreed as Michael led her over to the kitchen counter.

Michael proceeded to show her step by step how to crack eggs and beat them with a fork, then how to grease the pan slightly and flip the bread. He stood behind her with his arms covering her arms, flipping the slices of bread with her. When her hips swayed his did too, when she bent forward he did too. He had longed to be close to her ever since he laid his eyes on her. And now that they knew what each other was feeling about the other he didn't have to worry about whether he was pushing her away by pushing too much.

Michael had finally placed everything on plates and it was ready to go. He pulled a chair out for her, expecting them to sit down for a nice breakfast. When she didn't sit he was terribly bewildered.

"Uh-uh..." Nikita shook her head.

"What's wrong?" Michael looked at her eyes, hoping to find out why she refused to sit down.

"Remember my plans? You, dear boy, are supposed to be in bed sleeping peacefully. When I arrive with the food on a tray, you wake up and are touched by my thoughtfulness and thus rewarding me with a nice long kiss." Nikita poked him in the chest as she had earlier, he hoped it wouldn't become a habit but still found it playfully attractive.

"Okay...sorry 'bout that. But who are you calling a boy?" Michael grinned and stepped closer to her...allowing her to see just how he differed from a boy.

Nikita's eyes roamed over his physique...his arms, his abs, and his pecs...everything... Not able to suppress the urge to feel where her eyes had caressed, she reached out and traced the clean muscles of his chest...admiring.

Michael braced himself, loving the delicate feel of her hands on him. He reached her hand and kissed the fingertips gently. "So...who's the boy?"

Nikita smiled and smacked him on the butt, "Get your manly butt upstairs so I can bring you breakfast in bed." She giggled and Michael chuckled, walking back upstairs to his bedroom.

Nikita found a breakfast tray by the microwave and placed the breakfast on it. Lifting it up she walked carefully not wanting to spill, and walked upstairs to surprise Michael.

She pushed open the door with her hip and saw his body turned away...pretending to sleep. She walked on over and placed the tray over his body.

"Michael..." Nikita whispered, pretending as if Michael really were asleep.

Michael snored loudly, also pretending as if he were asleep. Nikita amused, still slapped his butt, "Michael! I made you breakfast!"

Michael murmured an ouch and turned to face his 'surprise'. "Nikita? You cooked this all yourself?" He spoke with fake disbelief.

"Yes I did Michael," Nikita crawled on over next to him, "Aren't you proud of me?"

Michael smiled widely at her craziness, "Very. Now, let's eat." Michael leaned over and gave her a long kiss.

*************

Michael and Nikita were both sitting up in bed in the middle of the day, holding each other as they watched television. Nikita sighed, content to be where she was.

"So..." Nikita broke the comfortable silence, "What do you want to do today? Do you just want to hang out here or go out? Though I think with your bum leg we should hang out."

Michael was silent, contemplating what possibilities there were. "Do you want to know what I really want to do?"

"What?" Nikita looked up at him, interested.

"I want to take you shopping for anything your heart desires," Michael looked at her lovingly.

"..." Nikita was speechless. She would've loved to do that but...she felt so guilty. "I...don't know Michael..."

"Why not?" Michael leaned his chin on her head, inhaling the soft scent of her.

"It just doesn't feel right. I mean, it'll feel like you're my pimp and I'm 'your girl'...You've already done so much for me Michael, and I felt guilty already about that. This guilt will kill me this time though."

"Why should you feel guilty? Don't you know I like doing things for you?" Michael murmured, his exhaustion still showing.

"That's so nice Michael but if you want to do things for me you can just draw me a bath or bring me a glass of milk from the kitchen. I don't want you spending your money on me or anything," Nikita sighed.

"Nikita, I make a lot of money," Michael thought about his unlimited yet still limited Section account. Section didn't really care what he bought just as long as he got the job done, "It's not as though you're going to buy me out of house and home."

"If you really want to help me out Michael, will you give me a job?" Nikita really felt the urge to make herself feel useful, "I can answer phones in your art gallery or get people coffee...I'll do anything. I just want to feel useful, like I'm pulling my own weight."

Michael stiffened and Nikita felt it. He relaxed though, trying to cover up. He couldn't possibly give her a job with his art gallery...for one, he didn't have one! What would he tell her?

************

"Well...I can't really give you a job unless you get some new clothes. So I guess that means you're going to have to let me take you shopping," Michael deflected her question casually, so used to Madeline trying to crack his armor.

Nikita laughed, "Okay...but nothing too fancy or anything. Or expensive. But I'm going to let you know something. This is going to be a loan...okay? If I get a job, a real job, that means that I can actually get an income. A place of my own...a future Michael! All along I needed the little push to get me in the doorway, you've pushed me in the doorway. Now, I hope, I can get all the way in. Michael! I'm so excited!"

"I'm happy that you're excited," Michael was happy to see her so happy, "But what's this about getting a place of your own? You can stay here you know?"

Nikita gave him a look somewhere between 'you must be kidding' and 'I'm not sure'. "We'll decide that when we cross that bridge Michael."

"So are we going shopping?" Michael started to rise off the bed.

"Nope," Nikita smiled at the confused Michael, "We'll go tomorrow...You're tired and I just want to stay in bed all day." She leaned against Michael and felt his arms wrap around her tightly.

"I like that plan," Michael laid back and enjoyed the rest of the day, with Nikita in his arms snuggling up against him as they watched television on a wonderfully lazy afternoon.

************

Nikita stirred gently. It was 9 in the morning and she wanted to get up and shower. Michael told her that they'd go shopping today. She wiggled out of his embrace and headed for the shower.

Michael groaned, not really wanting to get up; wanting to stay in bed all day again. He felt and saw that Nikita was gone. At first he was alarmed; but soon heard the shower running. He smiled in relief and got up, his leg was all right.

I should make Nikita something to eat for breakfast when she comes out...

Nikita stepped out in a white, fluffy terry cloth robe. Apparently it was Michael's...though it was another thing she couldn't really see him wearing. Maybe something like a black silk robe was more his style...Hugh Heffner style! Michael had that elegant charm about him that was incredibly attractive. She hummed a small song to herself and could smell something wonderful cooking downstairs.

How is it possible that I'm here? With this man? In this house? Some weird yet wonderful twist of fate. What would my life be like if I never met him? I don't even want to know...

Nikita snuck into the kitchen, creeping up behind Michael, who was cooking in his boxers. Nikita had to chuckle and Michael, hearing her, turned around happily.

"Hi," Nikita greeted cheerfully, "I see you're spoiling me some more."

"I like to spoil you...you deserve it," Michael spoke from his heart...something he hadn't done in...years. "Sit down....take a load off. I'll serve you your breakfast, then I'll shower, then I'll change and finally we can go shopping."

"You always have the best plans Michael," Nikita giggled and Michael was warmed to see her wonderfully uplifting smile, something extinct in Section. How he wished there was someone like her in Section....

************

(Think Pretty Woman...no infringement intended...:-)

Nikita slowly walked into the swanky store, with Michael close behind her, ushering her in. It was obvious she felt incredibly out of place and uncomfortable.

"Relax..." Michael murmured in her ear before passing by. He walked up to a snobby looking salesperson and Nikita could see him talking with her. The lady looked past Michael's shoulder and smiled fakely at Nikita. She suddenly walked past Michael and greeted Nikita personally.

"Follow me Mademoiselle," the woman obviously had dollar signs on her mind as she led Nikita to a chair to sit. "I'll have some of my models come out and model some of our finest clothing. You can pick out what you like but I already have a pretty good idea of what I want to see you try on. You are very beautiful with a slender figure...all of our clothes will look beautiful on you, I guarantee it."

Nikita simply nodded nervously, pretty much going along with whatever the woman said. Michael stood next to Nikita, interested in how she was taking all of this in. She seemed...nervous, timid and almost afraid.

The first model came out wearing a simple black sleeveless dress that came to mid-thigh and was paired with black knee high boots.

"What do you think of that?" Michael leaned down to speak softly in Nikita's ear.

"Uh...I- I don't know..." Nikita wasn't exactly a connoisseur of fashion. Living on the streets for so long she never considered the way things looked, only their practicality.

"Put the dress on the side to try on after," Michael instructed the woman, who eagerly followed them.

The next one came out wearing a black pencil skirt with a sexy slit up the side, she wore it with a white tank top that was embroidered with flowers.

Michael turned to Nikita, silently asking her opinion. Nikita looked at the outfit carefully, noticing the slit and detail. She decided she liked it and nodded to Michael, still almost afraid to talk. Michael then turned to the lady and nodded to her, silently instructing her once more.

Michael looked down and smiled at Nikita, noticing that she was starting to get more into this. Nikita didn't see Michael smiling down at her but was admiring the next outfit. She couldn't wait to actually go to work, to be useful...successful. She would've loved to have her mother see her now!

************

(Three months later)

Nikita came through the door of Michael's townhouse. She dropped her purse on the floor and kicked her heels off. She sighed and walked into the kitchen, for a glass of water.

Nikita had done quite well the past few months. She found a job as a receptionist in a law office. She liked where she worked. She had saved up quite a bit of money...seeing as how she really didn't have any expenses. She lived in Michael's spare room and they had a good relationship. They hadn't been intimate yet but they did live together. Nikita briefly wondered when the time would come that they would consummate their feelings for each other. Or when they'd say that they loved each other. She really cared for Michael but wasn't sure if she loved him. She had never known what love what, so how could she possibly know if she had it?

Nikita had stopped by an apartment building on the way home from work, one that one of her coworkers lived in, Sandy. Sandy told her of a vacancy and Nikita checked it out. It was a beautiful apartment, she wanted to live there. Now, Nikita would just have to tell Michael. She didn't know how he would take it. When she first met him he was so keen on having her stay with him, not in an intimate way but a protective way.

Their relationship was slow in progress. Michael would often go away on business trips and Nikita didn't mind terribly but did miss him. He was supposed to return home from one today. Though she didn't think he had someone else on the side, he still was distant about some things. He was very open with her about everything except a few things. He didn't like to talk about his wife, his family or his work. All Nikita knew about his work was it was an art gallery and he worked with those two characters...Walter and Birkoff? She hadn't seen much of them since they first met.

Personally, Nikita thought her moving out would be better for the relationship. It would seem a lot more normal...as if he didn't meet her sleeping on a park bench.

Nikita's thoughts were interrupted when she heard the door open. She ran out of the kitchen to greet Michael with a warm hug.

Michael was tired and sore from the mission and just wanted to bury himself in Nikita's warm embrace. He looked around to find her and soon saw her running towards him. She jumped up and gave him a big bear hug, her legs wrapping around his waist. Michael was caught off-guard and off-balance. He rested his hands beneath her bottom to hold her against him.

"Hi..." Michael was slightly out of breath, "I guess that means you missed me?"

Nikita giggled, "Yes! Of course." She leaned in to kiss him fervently, her tongue slipping past his open lips to caress his tongue. Michael moaned, realizing how much he missed her. He hoisted her up some more, to prevent her from slipping away from him. He soon carried her up the steps and pulled himself away from her lips. He then leaned in to kiss her slender neck and Nikita pulled him to her more tightly, reveling in the feel of his lips on her neck.

Michael laid her down on the bed gently and crawled over top of her, leaning over to kiss her gently. He then removed her suit jacket and threw it behind him. He then reached down to unbutton her blouse.

Nikita's mind was whirling. She desired Michael deeply and truly and knew that he felt the same. But she wasn't ready for anything like this. She wasn't sure why but she just wasn't!

"Uhhh..." Nikita tried to voice what she was feeling, "Wait..."

Michael heard Nikita's attempts at speaking and stopped his hands and looked into her eyes. "What's wrong?"

"I just...I..." Nikita didn't know what to say.

"Do you not want to?" Michael saw fear in her eyes, not fear that he would hurt her but fear for how this would change everything.

"I want this but...I'm not ready..." Nikita spoke softly, "I can't...I'm sorry but..."

"Shhh," Michael placed his finger on her lips to quiet her, "It's okay, I understand, we don't have to. We can wait."

Nikita smiled at his understanding and compassion, she knew that Michael was a great man and wouldn't pressure her into it when she wasn't ready. "Thank you..." She whispered before he got off of her and handed her jacket back. He took a deep breath, "I'm going to go take a shower. You just hang out here. I'll...I'll be back in a while."

Nikita almost felt guilty for letting it go this far only to stop; but knew she did the right thing. He would wait for her, wait until she was ready. And for that she was thankful for.

************

Nikita sat patiently on the bed, waiting for Michael to return. She really needed to discuss her moving out. She almost dreaded his reaction. But he would just have to accept her request for independence. Surely he didn't expect her to rely on him for the rest of her life?

Nikita turned to the bathroom when she heard the sound of the door unlocking. Michael walked out with a white towel wrapped around his waist; he looked at her questioningly wondering why she was waiting for him.

"We need to talk Michael," Nikita fiddled with her hands, looking down at them, "It's important."

Michael nodded in understanding and grabbed some boxers from his dresser and pulled them on beneath his towel. He tossed the towel aside and sat down on the edge of the bed, ready to listen to whatever she had to say. "Is it good or bad?"

"Well...I think it's good. But you might have your own opinion," Nikita could barely look at him; but finally took a deep breath, "I think it's time for me to move out. I visited a really nice apartment building today that has a vacancy and I've thought it through. I can afford the rent and with my job I'm fairly confident I'll be well off. I just wanted to see what your reaction is."

Michael swallowed, he hadn't expected her to talk about moving out. And with what had almost happened earlier, it was the last thing he expected her to say. He took a deep breath and was silent for a moment.

"I think it'll be good for me. For us," Nikita coaxed him gently.

Michael finally gathered his thoughts enough to form a sentence, "Why?"

Nikita caressed his jaw with a single finger and Michael's eyelids closed, "I rely and have relied on you far too much. Surely you didn't expect me to stay here with you forever?"

Michael was silent, resisting the urge to yell out 'Yes!' He simply blinked and stared at her. Nikita bit her lip, worried about his reaction so far. He didn't seem to like the idea as of yet.

"It's not the end of our relationship Michael!" Nikita rested her hands on his knee, reassuring him. "I just feel the need to have something I can call my own and..."

"Everything I have is yours," Michael offered.

Nikita smiled faintly, "That's very sweet but I just don't feel as though that's true...I'd like to simply accept that but you know I can't. It wouldn't be the same...you know I'm right."

Michael sighed and rolled his neck around to relieve some of the tension he felt building up. He looked back up into her eyes and saw that she really wanted this, "I do understand and I'll be okay with this. It's just that you know I've been alone for a long time. Ever since I met you, I haven't been alone. I don't want to feel it again." Michael leaned over to chastely kiss her on the forehead and hugged her to him tightly.

"Oh Michael...You'll never be alone again, I promise. I won't let that happen, I won't leave you and you won't leave me right?"

"Right..." Michael sighed and treasured what he feared would be the last time he held her, "I promise."

************

(a little later in time as well)

Nikita opened the door to her new apartment with her key, "All right Michael I think that can go over here." Nikita pointed over to the far corner of the room, holding only a set of keys. She wore a short white slip dress with white sandals and her hair was down, shining brightly and brushed smoothly.

Michael followed Nikita in the room lugging two huge boxes. He grunted as he set them down on the ground and stood to wipe his forehead. Nikita smiled at him, thankful that he was being such a good sport, helping her move and all...Nikita took a glass out from the cabinet and filled it with water, handing it to him. He thanked her and plopped down on her couch. They had spent the entire weekend moving her stuff in. Nikita maxed out her credit cards on her new furniture and stuff but it was worth it to have a home.

Nikita grinned and walked over to him on the couch and sat on his lap. She wrapped her arms around his neck and sighed. "Thank you so much Michael, you're the best," Nikita leaned in to kiss his cheek and closed her eyes.

Michael held her in his arms, cherishing the feeling. Somehow he had managed to evade Madeline and Operations finding out about his relationship with Nikita. Birkoff and Walter wouldn't tell and Michael had long ago earned the right to a home without surveillance. He knew he should have some sort of plan in the case that they did find out; but always avoided it, not wanting to deal with that reality. Nikita was his link to a normal life...the outside world. Whenever he was with her, everything else just didn't matter anymore...terrorists, bombs, nerve gases...There was just Nikita.

"Michael what's that in your pocket?" Nikita giggled loudly, "Is that your cell phone or are you just happy to see me?"

Michael sighed and glared at her jokingly; he slid her off his lap and stood to take out his cell phone, placing it on the kitchen counter. He stretched as he walked across the room and sat back down. "I'm just going to use your bathroom, don't go anywhere," Michael instructed in mock severity. Nikita obliged him.

She simply lounged on the couch, waiting for Michael to return. Suddenly her state or relaxation was interrupted when a shrill sound rang out. Nikita looked around and realized that it was Michael's cell phone. Reluctantly, she walked over to pick it up.

"Hello?"

************

"Hello??" her husky voice answered the phone, "hello??"

Nikita waited for a response, she could hear breathing on the other line, followed by the click of the phone hanging up. She sighed, she hated when people did that. Replacing the phone on the counter, Nikita shrugged her shoulders and seated herself back onto the couch. She heard the door to the bathroom opening upstairs and smiled.

"Good you're still here," Michael smiled as he lifted her legs up and sat down, replacing them on top of his lap. He removed her shoes and threw them off to the side and began to rub her feet gently.

"I wouldn't go anywhere without you," Nikita winked at him and then closed her eyes, enjoying Michael's spoiling. Her eyes popped open and she swung her legs off of his lap, walking over to her stereo. She popped in a new CD that she had just bought, Fiona Apple. She hopped back to where she sat and replaced her legs on Michael's lap.

You moved like honey in my dream last night
Yeah, some old fires were burning
You came near to me and you endeared to me
But you couldn't quite discern me

Does that scare you? I'll let you run away
But your heart will not oblige you
You'll remember me like a melody
Yeah, I'll haunt the world inside you

Michael continued his foot rub but slowly inched further up her leg, caressing her ankle and calf...then knee. He looked at her eyes intensely, watching her reaction. She simply opened her eyes dreamily and closed them once again.

And my big secret- Gonna win you over
Slow like honey, heavy with mood

I'll let you see me, I'll covet your regard
I'll invade your demeanor
And you'll yield to me like a scent in the breeze
And you'll wonder what it is about me

Michael breathed loudly and continued up higher, now stroking her thigh...inner thigh. Nikita sighed and her legs felt like jelly, falling apart as if the muscles could no longer support themselves. Michael's hands were shaky as he stroked some more.

Suddenly the erotic moment was destroyed by another shrill ring. Michael's head dropped to his chest, unbelieving. Nikita's head did the same. Michael sighed and apologized as he got up off the couch, reluctantly, and picked up the phone. "Yes?"

Nikita watched his face. He was irritated, obviously upset that they were interrupted. His voice quickly changed to a monotonous one and obliged to whomever was on the other line. Michael closed his phone and frowned at her.

"I'm so sorry...I have to go," Michael looked at her for forgiveness. He couldn't believe this was happening. He had been patient for so long, waiting for when she would be ready. Today she had been ready; but Section needed him for a mission. "I'm so sorry...It's work and it's very urgent. They may need me to go out of town to handle something. I may not be back for a few days..."

Nikita narrowed her eyes at him, pretending to be upset but soon smiled at him. She got up and crossed the room. She leaned forward, kissing him intimately, hands reaching behind to squeeze his butt gently. She stepped back to catch her breath and could see that Michael's eyes were still closed and his mouth still open. He opened his eyes slowly, disappointed that she pulled away.

"Don't worry Michael..." Nikita winked at him, "I've got a feeling that you're just as sorry that you have to leave as I am...maybe even more." She giggled as she could tell he was quite aroused by now.

"You're evil," Michael sighed and pulled on his coat, but turned to grab her, kissing her again. His hands wandered everywhere, around her waist, through her hair, under her dress and grazed her breasts slightly. He stepped back to run his hands through his hair, "But I can be eviler."

Michael stood watching her and could tell that Nikita was just as frustrated as he by now and smirked. Nikita grabbed a pillow and threw it at him, "You're so bad!"

Michael got whapped in the face by the pillow and had a shocked expression on his face. He didn't retaliate this time but made peace instead. He stepped forward to take her in his arms and kissed her on the lips softly and hugged her.

"I'll miss you Michael..." Nikita murmured into his neck, "Come back soon and I'll make sure you'll never want to leave again."

Michael groaned, feeling the vibration of her voice on his neck, "I already never want to leave you. I'll hurry back to you...be safe." Michael whispered finally and stepped back, walking out of the apartment, shutting the door behind him.

************

Michael walked in Section, by systems. He had composed himself and returned back into his machine mode. Just as he was about to walk into his office he heard Birkoff call his name.

"Michael, Madeline wants to see you in her office," Birkoff wasn't even looking at Michael but at the computer screen in front of him, chewing on some licorice.

"What about?" Michael asked.

"I don't know. I'm just the messenger," Birkoff replied as Michael walked past him and towards Madeline's new office.

Michael took a seat in the dungeon like room, just waiting for Madeline not even looking around for her. She would come soon enough. She was probably watching him right now, perhaps looking for any weaknesses. Michael would not seek her out, giving off the impression that he was eager or worried. He decided he would simply sit solemnly and wait.

"Michael," her soft voice came from the stairs, "I'm glad you're here."

Madeline walked over to the chair in front of Michael and seated herself. The two sat across from each other, not saying anything yet. They were studying each other, maybe looking for an opening. Neither found one.

"All right...I'll start. Who is she Michael?"

************

Michael flinched, and Madeline mentally chalked one up for her. Michael quickly, but not quickly enough, recovered.

"Who is who?"

"Do I have to go into the details?" Madeline waited patiently to perhaps hear him explain but waited futilely. "I phoned you earlier. Someone else picked up the phone...It was a woman. So does that make it a little clearer now?"

Michael's whole world felt like it was collapsing. He cursed to himself. He never should have taken out his phone. Nikita must have answered it while he was in the bathroom! And now Madeline knew about her.

"She's just a girl I picked up for some physical pleasure," Michael spoke coldly. Of course that's not really what Nikita was. He cared for Nikita greatly, more than he ever thought he could.

"Really?"

Michael nodded.

"What's her name?"

"Julia."

"Where did you meet her?"

"At Volare's."

"How long ago?"

"Yesterday night."

"Why did she answer the phone and not you?"

"I was showering and left the phone on the nightstand. She must have picked it up."

"Hmmm," Madeline made one simple noise that implied her disbelief. "You of all people know the danger of getting involved in a personal relationship."

"This isn't personal. It's purely physical pleasure."

"You've never had a history of 'picking up girls' Michael. Why would you start now, all of a sudden?"

"Maybe I felt like it."

There was a long moment of silence.

"Maybe you did. But just as long as it's not a personal relationship I suppose it can be allowed. Otherwise you know what will happen," Madeline made a subtle threat.

Michael nodded, "Of course. Is that all?"

"Yes. You can go now."

Michael took his time getting up and exited through the doors, he quickly made his way to his office and cut the surveillance.

He rubbed his eyes and buried his face in his hands. He knew Madeline didn't believe him. She was willing to let it go just as long as he ended it. How could he? He was falling in love with Nikita! Or maybe he already was. He dreaded this day, the day that Madeline or Operations would find out. A relationship with Nikita would not be sanctioned. He couldn't let her go, couldn't stop loving her, caring for her, wanting to protect her. But if he didn't then Section would do something horrible to her. They would most probably kill her. Michael had to do what was best.

"I have to end it," Michael whispered in an anguished voice.

************

Nikita lit the candles on the table and made sure everything was where it should be. She was fairly certain that everything was placed right, hell! She watched enough Martha Stewart to know!

Nikita was wearing a light blue silk gown, with her hair pinned up and her makeup subtly done. She wanted tonight to be special for her and Michael. Tonight she was going to show Michael how much she loved him. A few hours after Michael had left he called her and told her that he would be coming over tonight. Nikita was glad that he wasn't leaving town like he had thought.

Everything seemed to be right, the music was playing and her catered dinner was warming in the oven. But Michael didn't have to know that it was catered. No, it would be okay for him to think that she made it. Nikita giggled, and had a tiny sip of wine.

Suddenly there was a knock on the door. Nikita clapped, excited that Michael was here. But she paused, taking time to calm herself and chide herself for clapping. Relax Nikita! Don't be so tense!

Nikita took a deep breath and opened the door. Michael stood on the other side with his head hung low. He looked up and tried to smile but failed.

"Hi!" Nikita smiled at him but the smile soon faded when she noticed his mood, "What's wrong?"

"We have to talk Nikita."

Michael seated himself down on her couch and led her there too with his hand. He sat with his hand holding hers. He cleared his throat and looked at her.

Nikita tried to lighten the mood, "I wanted to make tonight special."

Michael's heart was shattering. Tonight she wanted to consummate their love for each other but he was going to break her heart instead and destroy what was left of his.

"Michael? What's wrong? Why aren't you saying anything?"

Michael sighed and just decided to say what he had to. "We can't see each other anymore."

Nikita gasped and pulled her hand away from his. Her eyes started to water and her voice was feeble, "Why?"

"..." Michael tried to let her down gently but couldn't think of a way to do it gently. If he had to push her away from him he would have to do it firmly and coldly, "I've met someone else. Someone who I'd rather be with."

Nikita's voice squeaked and she felt so ashamed to be so timid and quiet. "You don't love me?"

Michael's jaw clenched, he wanted to say he loved her and scoop her up and take her to bed, to love her all night. But he couldn't, he had to do this and there was no way out. "No I don't."

Nikita's held tears came now, "But I don't understand! Everything was fine when you left earlier. Why are you saying this?"

"Because it's true. I've been holding back for a while. I met her last week. I decided I couldn't wait that long so I made love with her." Michael's words came out so coldly and he wanted to take them all back. He knew he was a cold, manipulative bastard but how he could say these words to her face he didn't know. He didn't know how he could look into her innocent face and break her heart so callously.

"But I love you! You promised me that you'd never leave me! Why?" Nikita kneeled onto the hardwood floor, sliding off the couch and sobbed with her face into the sofa.

"Things change," Michael gulped, swallowing the emotions that were raging through the surface. He stood and removed her key from his pocket and placed it on the counter as he walked out. He shut the door behind him and walked down the hall forcefully, ignoring the tears that slid down his cheek.

Epilogue

Michael sat down at his desk and turned on his computer. He activated the scrambler and pressed a few keys on the keyboard. There was a live feed coming from Nikita's apartment. He was ashamed to have placed surveillance in Nikita's apartment but couldn't resist watching her. He told himself that it was only to make sure that she was okay and that he would remove it by the end of the week.

Every night Nikita cried herself to sleep and Michael wiped at his eyes, and steeled himself. He almost went to her apartment one night, to hold her and take everything he said all back. But he stopped himself and said it was for the best.

You're a selfish, cold bastard Michael. You should never have gotten involved with her. She wouldn't have fallen in love. You wouldn't have fallen in love. Her heart wouldn't have been broken and neither would yours. She'll forget about you and you'll still be here with blood on your hands. She'll be free and happy and loved by another man. And you'll still love her for all of time. But at least she'll be safe...

Nikita sobbed softly into her pillow. It had been a week since Michael said those words to her and she still couldn't believe that they came from his mouth. She thought that he was a loving, caring, great man. She never thought that he could hurt her...but he did. The worst part was that Nikita had no one to turn to. She didn't have any friends that she could turn to. She was alone again. She was off the streets and well off but she was still alone and in pain.

The more things change, the more things stay the same. You're living a different lifestyle, but you're still the same inside. You're unloved and alone...

Nikita then wondered to herself...What would her life be like if she did one simple thing differently? What if she walked down a different alley? Would she still be in this kind of pain? Would her life be much different? Just the thought that things could have been different made her sad. Nikita buried her face in her pillow once more and cried for what she promised would be the last time.

Michael could no longer handle watching his love in such pain, he shut off his computer and pushed it to the side. He picked up the phone, "Cancel surveillance on SV158. Thank you."

THE END

(sequel later of course! Can't possibly leave it like that!)

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