Steam rose up from the tub as Michael slipped his tired body into the hot water. The mission had been a difficult one but he had gotten his mark and with no losses from Section. It would be nice to have a couple days down time. As the hot water relaxed his tired muscles he submersed himself completely. He always liked to stay under, eyes wide open, isolated from the world above. His auburn hair flowing around his face until his breath ran out. He rose out of the water pushed his wet hair out of his face. Leaning back to rest, he closed his eyes, and breathed a heavy sigh.

He could think of no better way to relax and put the mission behind him than wrapping himself around his Nikita. He felt her body pressed closely against his, and let his fingers caress her soft skin. He loved every essence of her. He inhaled deeply, the fragrance of her body. Her silky hair fell forward covering her face and he brushed it away so he could gaze into her eyes. An ocean of blue he could get lost in. He brushed his lips across her forehead and then tasted her as his tongue slipped past her lips. He was lost in the moment, when the sound of the door jarred him back to reality. He opened is eyes to see her standing there. Back to reality he thought to himself, even his reality could not be real.

"Adam is finally asleep." She said, "May I join you?"

"Of course." He replied managing to give her a reassuring smile.

Elena's robe slipped to the floor and she entered the tub. She slid up to him pressing her back into his chest, resting her head on his shoulder.

"Did your trip go well?" she inquired, "you seem very quiet tonight."

"It was fine." Michael replied, "Very tiring, I just need to relax tonight."

He wrapped his arms around her, and gazing at the flame of the candle burning at the foot of the tub, he let silence fill the room again.

Fade to black...

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