Michael awoke in a cold sweat. This was the third night this week that the nightmares had come, awakening him from a deep sleep. Unfortunately tonight, he had put off going to sleep because of his innate fear of the nightmares. He had only been asleep about an hour when they struck. He crept out of bed to shower and get dressed, hoping not to awaken Elena who was sleeping peacefully at his side. At least tonight he had not awakened her with his tossing and turning. One of his biggest fears was that he would impart with some rather sensitive intel while in the middle of his nightmares. She had questioned him extensively on each of the last two nights after he had awakened screaming and trembling. She had not gotten any information from him.

Michael took a long, hot shower, allowing the water to sluice down his trembling body. Tonight he just could not shake the nightmares. Even awake, they were plaguing him. He wished they would go away but they would not. His fears, he supposed were not much different from other men's fears. He worried about his wife. He worried about his son. He worried about what others would call his mistress, whereas in his heart of hearts, Nikita was actually his light and salvation. He worried about work just like other men. But, while other men went to offices and flew off on business trips, Michael's job had an office, but it was 500 feet below ground and to the "real' world he was dead and had been for years. How could he explain any of this to Elena? He couldn't, so no matter if it hurt her, it was better that he not answer her.

Once he had dressed he left to go to his office in Section One. It was only 3 AM. When he arrived there, the place was deserted except for Birkoff in Comm playing video games. Did the kid never sleep? He waved to Birkoff and walked to his dark office. Birkoff was used to Michael appearing at all hours of the morning. Especially lately. Michael's office was eerily quiet when he entered. He chose to leave the lights off and removed the jacket to his suit. His computer screen would provide all the light he needed to do his work.

He began reviewing operatives to replace three of his own team members. Two had been killed in the last mission and the third had broken his knee and would take months of recovery before it could be decided if he could reestablish team status. There were about 50 profiles for Michael to filter through. Two of the members to be replaced were demolitions experts. In reality he probably should have consulted with Walter over these two replacements but it was too early to awaken the old man and Michael was qualified to choose his own team members. The last member he needed for his team was a point-man. He needed someone who he could trust to back him up in an n emergency. This team member must also be able to command respect from the other team members if anything should happen to Michael. Michael always hated recruiting new team members. Some times he felt that his team members were almost like family and he had been devastated at the thought of losing three at a time.

Who would he choose for his point-man? Michael filtered through all of the operatives who were on full status. None of them suited his exact specifications. He knew he was being picky but he had not been a team leader for this long without being picky. He began going through the newer recruits who would soon be put on full status. There were a few promising recruits in that group. He night take his demolitions experts from this group.

By the time Madeline had arrived at Section One that morning, Michael had chosen his three new team members and had sent their profiles to Madeline. He knew she would have no problems with his demolitions experts but his choice for point-man for his team, the unofficial second-in-command, was the newest full-operative, Nikita. Would Madeline agree with his assessment that Nikita would make a fine point-man, or would she dismiss the appointment as only an attempt to keep Nikita close to him where he could protect her?

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

Madeline sipped at her morning tea as she filtered through all of the new intel that had been piled on her desk. She quickly glanced at the current statistics on missions, which were in progress. Her eyes lit up and a brief smile crossed her face as she noticed there was a disc with Michael's handwriting on it. She popped the disc into her computer and her tea was virtually forgotten as the requests and images downloaded onto her screen. Michael had been correct, Madeline immediately dismissed his choices for demolitions members as the best possible choices.

Madeline's mind drifted back almost thirty years to when she had been a raw recruit in Section One. George had been Operations then and Adrian had been head of personnel. Paul had been in a position similar to the one Michael was currently in and also was in need of new members to his team. Paul had trained Madeline and there had been a spark of interest between the two. Paul had fought to have Madeline placed on his team. He had felt that he could keep an eye on her and keep her protected from Adrian. George had intervened in the squabble between Paul and Adrian and had sided with Paul, allowing Madeline to join Paul's team.

Now, Madeline knew that the squabble would be between Michael and Paul because Paul had an increasing hatred of Nikita. Madeline knew it would be her job to convince Paul to allow the team placement and in turn to foster the slowly-growing relationship between Michael and Nikita. Madeline vaguely wondered how long Paul would refuse to speak to her after she had confirmed Nikita's new position.

Madeline first decided to question Michael's motives for placing Nikita on his team. She ordered him to her office and began questioning him about his new team players. They quickly dispensed with the new demolitions experts and began focusing on his choice of Nikita as point-man. They both knew that she was the correct choice but both also knew the motivation would be challenged. It was almost as if Madeline was playing devil's advocated and preparing Michael for his upcoming battle with Operations. She also seemed to be enjoying the repartee immensely. It was nice to know that her son had learned very well how to deal with both masters over the years.

Just as Madeline and Michael were finishing their discussion, Operations came into Madeline's office to say good morning. He looked rather refreshed after his late morning and Madeline hid a smile, for she knew how she had managed to get him to relax last night. Michael did not need to share in that information. Madeline served Operations coffee and dismissed Michael to return to his duties. It was not long before Birkoff and Michael were listening in on a secure channel into Madeline's office. Operations was livid with Michael's choice of point-man and Madeline was trying desperately to calm him down. She placed all of the valid reasons for Nikita's assignment in front of Operations and even challenged him with the fact that he had also gone to bat for her so many years ago. It was not until Madeline promised to take him home and give him one of her "special" backrubs that Operations finally relented and approved Nikita's appointment to Michael's team.

***********

Michael and Nikita had been working together as a team for almost six months. Even Operations was begrudgingly beginning to admit that it was a good pairing. Madeline was content that her ultimate project was well worth the time and effort she had put into it. Michael's proficiency levels had come up to an all-time high. It was now time to test the relationship which had been forged between the two operatives.

Perry Bauer was a high-powered facilitator. His main goal in life was to meet the needs of the richest, most dangerous and destructive people on the planet. He was plain pond scum and Madeline knew that Michael and Nikita were the pair to rein him in. this mission would test the bonds forged between them because of the particular perversions of Perry Bauer. Marriage meant nothing to him. People meant nothing to him. He used whatever means necessary to get off and he didn't particularly care what others thought about it.

Two mercenaries, with connections to Bauer were taken at the train station. Their names were Peter and Sage. They were a married couple who sold their skills to people like Bauer. During Operations' briefing, Madeline noticed that Nikita had been staring intently at the information being provided. She thought briefly that maybe Nikita was taking her new position seriously. Michael on the other hand seemed bored and kept staring at Nikita. Madeline thought this was an interesting turn of events.

About an hour later, Michael and Nikita entered Madeline's office. They began trying on different outfits to see which looked best on them and if they fit the profile of Peter and Sage. Madeline began prepping them on their mission. " Our guests have a meeting with Bauer this afternoon. Michael, your name is Peter. Nikita, you are Sage. You met each other through a man named Feiger in Frankfurt, Germany. You specialize in a broad range of mercenary services-diversion, attack, assassinations. No political affiliations. Always, work as a team. You've been married for less than two years. And, judging from the fresh scratch marks on both their backs, it's safe to say their relationship is a passionate one." Madeline almost laughed as she watched the look exchanged between Michael and Nikita. Nikita's face gave a look of interest, while Michael's face plainly read how did we get into this?

Nikita seemed really nervous. "Won't Bauer know we're not these people?" Madeline smiled. "Bauer's never met Peter and Sage. They were referred to him by Feiger. Feiger belongs to us. That's how we knew Peter and Sage were coming. Just be careful. Bauer's extremely suspicious. However, when you do earn his trust and cross over into his world... he is as dangerous to his friends as to his enemies." Nikita thought about that for a moment. "Meaning what?" Madeline stared at Michael as she answered Nikita. "He's got extreme appetites. Whatever he has to do to his partner to get off.... He will." Michael visibly blanched with the thoughts that were racing through his mind. He thought that he was liable to kill Bauer if he defiled the innocence of Nikita. Madeline continued, " He will hit on you Nikita." Nikita smiled. "I can handle it." Madeline turned to Michael. "He could hit on you too." Michael blanched again as Nikita burst out laughing.

Madeline handed each a packet of identification and credit cards. She brought them over to her desk and laid out a set of wedding rings. Michael took one and began sliding it on to his finger. Nikita quickly took the other, put it on, and then gave it back stating, "it doesn't fit." Madeline sat very still as Michael gently took Nikita's hand, slid the ring he had onto her finger and whispered, "here, this one is yours." Madeline almost cried as she saw the look of hope and of love on both of the young operatives faces. She could tell Michael was holding his breath as his mind wreaked havoc with him. If only it could be for real. Nikita broke the moment when she quipped, "Do I have to love, honor, and obey, Michael?" Michael smiled, "just obey!"

Madeline broke in, "Let's see you kiss." She almost laughed at the look on their faces. Maybe they were in over their heads. Michael shrugged, "we'll be fine." Madeline smiled, "I know you will." The look on her face let them know she would not give up on that order. Nikita again broke the stillness when she laughingly reached up and gave Michael a quick smack on the lips. Madeline wisely decided to leave it alone.

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

The limo ride to Bauer's was uneventful as far as mission parameters were concerned. Inside the limo, however, tension was extremely high. Nikita sat huddled in a corner, biting her nails, trying to look as if she did this sort of thing every day. She didn't want Michael to realize how scared she was. She was afraid that if they were forced to be intimate, Michael would realize how much she loved him. She knew it was in her vest interests to keep that hidden from him.

Michael, on the other hand, was just as nervous as Nikita. He had been ordered by Operations to take this mission to the extreme if it were necessary to bring Perry Bauer in. he was also under orders to bring Bauer in alive. Michael was afraid that he would kill Bauer with his bare hands if he did anything to hurt Nikita. He knew how cold-hearted and sick that son-of-a-bitch could be and he wanted to protect Nikita and her innocence from the likes of Perry Bauer.

Michael too was scared of what might happen with this particular mission. He too was afraid that Nikita would sense his love for her if they were forced to intimacy. Michael fervently wished that either of them could have fulfilled this mission with any partner other than the one assigned. Michael knew that Madeline was using this mission to challenge his love for Nikita. He knew now that Madeline knew everything about him and there was no way for him to fight it. He knew that both his and Nikita's survival within Section One was dependent upon their performances during this mission and that in the future Madeline would not hesitate to use the relationship against them.

When the limo arrived at the Bauer compound, Michael squeezed Nikita's hand to let her know that he understood her feelings. She smiled at him and took a deep breath as he opened the door. By the time the limo driver had slowly driven away, both operatives were in complete mission mode and anyone would have been hard pressed to prove that they were not Peter and Sage.

The original meeting with Perry Bauer did not go as planned. Bauer was an extremely suspicious man and was leery of the two because they were hesitant to prove their worth. Michael was afraid that they would prove to be too good and that their Section training would show through. After all, Section did not have hard intel on the abilities of Peter and Sage. When Bauer summarily dismissed them, Michael was shocked. As they walked out he discretely informed Nikita that Bauer did not intend for them to leave the compound alive. Michael knew everything would be all right when Nikita just gave him her brightest smile.

To say that Bauer was extremely pleased with their performance was an understatement. The two operatives were quickly shown to a cabin and given a packet outlining their assignment. They wee to leave within twelve hours, so Michael knew they did not have much time to prepare. He began sifting through the information they had been given, memorizing every aspect of the missions. Nikita wandered around the room while Michael chewed up the intel. As soon as it was dark, Nikita slipped out of a window to meet Walter in the Section van n order to feed the intel to Section. Michael worried the whole time she was gone, and he breathed a sigh of relief as she crept back in the window. The two operatives had an uneasy night's sleep as they awaited their call to action with the rest of Bauer's team.

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

The next day proved to be the biggest nightmare of Michael's life. Killing many people with a bomb and being recruited into Section had not hurt his heart nearly as much as this day had. Although he had not had any direct part in this day's actions, he had been forced to witness the dimming of the light that he associated with his Nikita. She had had to learn the cold realities of life within Section One the hard way this day, and there had been nothing Michael could do to protect her from it.

Bauer left Peter and Sage outside of the building to observe as he took two of his men inside to help him gas the building with Elvirus. Nikita was rather calm because she figured Section would grab Bauer once he was inside. Michael had no hew intel but he had a gut feeling that Section was going to allow Bauer to have his fun. Michael's only hope was that Section had evacuated the building before their arrival.

As Bauer's two thugs came running out of the building, both Nikita's and Michael's eyes were drawn a few stories up as the shutters in offices began to move and people's faces were pressed to windows that would not open. Michael felt Nikita move before he saw her. "Michael, there are people in there!" she screamed as she ran toward the building donning the mask she had grabbed from Ornett as she ran. Merde, thought Michael, she is going to blow this mission and get us both killed in the process. Damn Section for their vile machinations. Michael ran after her hoping to catch her before she got them in deeper shit than they already were.

After Michael managed to drag Bauer out of the building and had practically thrown both him and Nikita into the back of the truck, Michael sat to catch his breath and think. Nikita was cowering in a corner of the truck, her eyes red-rimmed as she silently stared at Michael, blaming him personally for all of the atrocities that Section One committed in defense of the statement of sacrifice for the greater good. Michael sat and drank in her scorn, using it to help him decipher what they had just been through. He did not blame her for placing the responsibility at his feet. In fact, he welcomed it. He loathed himself at this point and knew he deserved her hate. As they made their way to Bauer's compound, the bile began to rise in Michael's throat. Section had again made him an integral part of the destruction of his light.

Michael, always the defender of Section and its principle of sacrifice for the greater good, tried to reason with Nikita once they were left alone at Bauer's compound. "Just do the job, Nikita!", was his only statement as she ranted and raved against the cruelties and injustices of the secret world in which they lived. After he whispered that statement, the look in Nikita's eyes made him want desperately to take it back, but he could not. There was no use. He knew that Nikita needed to be held and soothed. He wanted desperately to give her what she wanted. He knew he could not. Instead, Michael just walked away.

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

That night, when Michael and Nikita were brought into Bauer's private residence, Michael was extremely wary. He knew that this was uncommon and he knew that Nikita was also tense. Michael could sense a difference in the way Nikita carried herself. She was up to something but Michael could not figure out what she was going to do. Nikita was usually so predictable but this time he could not figure her out.

While they were in Bauer's kitchen, he began questioning Nikita and Michael about how they met. Michael stared at Nikita for a moment too long and she started talking about how they had met in Rio during Carnivale. Michael's jaw slackened as Nikita stared back at him. She was letting him know that she was purposely changing the game plan and that she didn't give a shit what he thought about it. Michael prayed silently that she was not getting in over her head. Michael's heart froze as Bauer suddenly questioned the story by stating that Feiger had told him that he had been with Sage and that he had introduced Peter to Sage. Nikita just smiled and said that Feiger was a pig and that he wished he was with her. Michael's heart started beating again when Bauer agreed with her on that point.

Nikita leaned over and placed a love bite on Michael's chin and then soothed it with her tongue. Michael almost lost all control until he noticed that Bauer was watching them closely. That made Michael sick to his stomach. Nikita, however, was in rare form and Michael doubted whether or not he could control her or his own rampaging wants and desires.

After finishing dinner, Bauer led Nikita and his latest bimbo, Stephanie out to the patio. Michael trailed behind the others. They were all drunk but Michael still seemed to have some control over himself. Bauer had an arm around each girl with a bottle of champagne in each hand. Michael was seething as he watched Bauer treat both women as if they were his property. Michael jumped when Bauer leaned over and tried to kiss Nikita. Luckily, Nikita turned her head so that he wound up kissing her cheek. Michael was ready to kill. Nikita pushed Bauer away from her with her foot as she saw Michael moving towards him. As he began to move past her, Nikita grabbed Michael's hand and wrapped it around her body from behind. She could feel the tension in his body and could feel his heart pounding in his chest as she leaned back against him. Nikita willed Michael to calm down before they blew this mission. Thankfully, he calmed some as he ran his finger across her cheek. Both operatives knew that this mission was becoming far more dangerous for the two of them than they had been prepared for.

By this time, Bauer had lost interest in Nikita and was dancing with Stephanie, his tongue down her throat. Michael took Nikita's hand and squeezed it, giving her an almost imperceptible nod, letting her know that this was going to be difficult for both of them. Michael knew in his heart that at this moment he didn't know if he wanted to kill Madeline when he got back or thank her for allowing him this. Michael led Nikita to an open space and took her in his arms to dance. He could read the fear and questioning in Nikita's eyes. He knew what she feared. He feared the same thing. Would they have to get intimate in a little while? Would either be able to handle it? Michael also understood the questions in Nikita's eyes. Was this real for him or was he just using his valentine training? If they did get intimate, would it mean anything to him? Michael knew he could not voice the answers to her questions, so he allowed his eyes to answer for him. For the first time since they had met, Michael's eyes were open and honest allowing Nikita to drink in all the answers to her questions and fears. Nikita was mesmerized by what she could read in the green depths as they danced.

Bauer sent Stephanie away to get more champagne. He decided to walk over and join Michael and Nikita in their intimate dance. Michael felt Nikita stiffen as Bauer put his arm around her. Michael willed her to keep eye contact with him and she began to relax as she read the love and trust in his eyes. Bauer began talking. Michael and Nikita kept their eyes locked on each other. "You're a luck man, Peter." Michael wanted to smash his face in as Bauer looked at Nikita and licked his lips. "So, how do you like Stephanie?" Bauer asked. "She's alright", Michael whispered running a finger down Nikita's cheek, letting her know she was the one he wanted. Bauer pulled Michael away from Nikita who continued dancing slightly to the music. Bauer looked at Michael and said, "Let me tell you a little secret. Ever since I first saw you, I've been wanting you to watch me fuck your wife."

Michael's reaction was instantaneous as the bile rose in his throat. He pushed Bauer away from him. He had seen the look of fear that had crossed Nikita's face and had realized it for what it was: fear of Michael.She had no idea if he would stand up for her or allow this bastard pervert to have her. That look of fear wounded Michael deeper than she would ever know. "Just pay us... we're out of here!" was Michael's whispered response to Bauer's request. Bauer just laughed. "Hate to burst your bubble, Pete, but 'we're out of here' isn't an option." Nikita knew she had to intervene before Michael killed the smug bastard. "what do you want from us?" Bauer smiled again."Listen, you guys obviously have some perverse ideas about love and single partners. Fine, I respect that. But, if you won't do it with me, then you'll do it for me."

Michael and Nikita both swallowed hard and just stared at each other as the import of Bauer's words sank into them. They were to perform for him or die. Those were their options. There were no others. Michael's mind raced as he tried to figure any other contingencies they might have overlooked. There were none. They would have to perform for Bauer whether they liked it or not. As they were led away by armed guards, Michael prayed that Nikita would understand that the love he had for her was her's alone and that he fervently wished he did not have to show it to this vile, pervert. He wished he could just take her life and his own and end this misery they were being put through by the Section.

***********

After the guards shoved them into a bedroom, Michael closed the door behind them. He and Nikita looked around the room at the king-sized bed, then at each other. What now? Michael's mind was racing. How was he going to get them out of this situation? God knows he wanted Nikita. He always had. But he definitely did not want her in this way. Not in some strange bedroom and definitely not while being watched by some fucking, perverted terrorist. He wanted their first time together to be something special, something they could both savor. Both Nikita and Michael stared at the surveillance camera in the corner of the bedroom.

Suddenly, music flowed into the room from speakers overhead. Some raunchy, raucous noise that Bauer apparently liked. Michael looked at Nikita and nodded his head slightly as if to say "show time". He moved closer to Nikita and then stopped, letting her take the next step. He could clearly read the fear and the shame in her eyes. He wanted to let her decide how far they were going to take this. Nikita hesitated for a moment, then glanced back at the camera. Next thing Michael knew, she had practically launched herself into his arms and was kissing him. Nikita became a wild woman. Her hands were grabbing at clumps of Michael's hair; she kissed his neck, his ears, his lips. Michael was caught off guard for a moment, then he allowed himself to respond. He began kissing her back allowing all of his pent-up feelings out. He devoured her lips, drinking from them as if he had been stranded in the desert for a week. Michael's arms wrapped around Nikita as his lips moved to her neck worshipping the soft skin he found there. Nikita's head lolled back and she moaned as he suckled on her Adam's apple. Finally, Michael pulled back, catching his breath. The two looked at each other. What next?

Michael whispered to Nikita, "take off your clothes." Nikita reached for the buttons on her shirt, but Michael stopped her arm. "No. Slowly. Perform for me." He stepped back and sprawled in a chair. He noticed that the chair was just slightly within camera range. Nikita began a slow seductive strip tease. Her eyes were trained in Michael the whole time. He could read in her eyes that although this show was for a mission and for the perverted fantasies of Bauer, she truly was performing for him. As she began moving to the music, Michael watched, mesmerized.

Michael chanced a glance at the surveillance camera. He noticed that it was rotating to focus on Nikita. He slowly moved from the chair and crept to an air vent. He continued watching Nikita the whole time, telling himself that he was only being a good operative and watching the camera. In reality he could not take his eyes off of her body. He almost tripped over his own feet as she stripped down to nothing but black leather panties and bra. Damn Madeline and her wardrobe room, he thought, as he activated the microbomb and slipped it between the slats of the air vent. Michael quickly crossed the room and took Nikita in his arms, kissing her. His hands clasped under her arms and lifted her as she wrapped her legs around his waist. He just could not help himself. He had to taste her. They might die soon and he would be damned if he would die without tasting her. Before he tossed her on the bed, he groaned and placed a sensuous lick on her torso. Nikita let out a moan of desire as she landed in the bed followed quickly by Michael. They both embraced in a searing kiss.

Michael broke the kiss, coming to his senses. "Get ready", he whispered. Nikita nodded slightly and clutched onto Michael tightly. Michael spread himself over her body and lost himself in another kiss from her luscious lips. God, what the hell am I getting myself into, he thought as the microbomb exploded, shaking the entire house. In his mind, Michael fervently apologized to both Nikita and himself and promised that they would, one day, finish what they had started this night. He got up from the bed after placing a kiss on Nikita's nose, and turned into Section-Michael once again.

***********

After Michael and Nikita had returned to Section One, hauling the rat-bastard Bauer behind them, Michael sat in his office late into the evening, thinking. He realized just how close he had come to losing Nikita. She had, after all, almost had a run-in with the front bumper of a commuter-train. Michael knew he would have jumped in front of the train himself if she had been hit. He also played back in his mind the time that they had spent together in Bauer's compound. He smiled to himself and pulled the two wedding rings from his jacket pocket, twirling them with his fingers. Despite the danger they had been in, he had really enjoyed himself. He wished that they could spend more private time together and continue what had been cut short. Michael now knew that Nikita loved him and he fervently hoped that she realized his love for her.

Michael allowed his mind to wander to another place and another time when he could honestly propose marriage to Nikita and blissfully place the wedding ring on her hand. They would be able to wander aimlessly around the world, wherever his light wished to go. They would be able to do anything they wished, never having to report to anyone else, just each other. Michael imagined all the places in the world that he had been, wishing that he could take Nikita there and make wild, passionate love to her. He imagined all of the wonderful things that he could teach her, pleasures she did not even know existed. Michael was broken sharply out of his reverie when Madeline opened the door and reminded him he needed to go home and get some rest.

Rest. Michael knew he needed it. It was something he had gotten very little of in the past few days. Although he needed rest, he could not bring himself to go home to Elena and Adam. Even though he had missed Adam terribly while he was gone, he knew if he returned home, he would wind up making love to his wife. That would not be fair, to either woman in his life. Michael knew in his heart that while Elena would think he was making love to her, in his mind he would be making love with Nikita. How could he help himself? She was the most erotic woman he had ever known and she knew exactly which buttons to push with him.

When Michael left Section, his mind was racing. He found himself wandering the streets of the city, deep in thought. When he halted, he found himself standing across the street from Nikita's apartment building. He stepped back into the shadows as he realized she was outside on her balcony. He watched her as she sipped at a glass of red wine, lost in her own thoughts. Just the way she held herself let Michael know that her train of thought was very similar to the ones he was having. He watched as tears slipped down her cheeks. He knew that she too realized the futility of their situation. That no matter how much they wished for it, they would never have the freedom for a "real" relationship. They would have to take what they could get when they could get it. The tears began to slip down Michael's cheeks as the realities of those thoughts slammed into him. He could not stop the tears. He could not help himself. The tears continued to course down his face as Nikita opened the door and welcomed him into her arms.

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