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ATTENTION: Stories marked with an * may contain material which would be better appreciated by those over 18. Parental Discretion is advised. This is your responsibility, not ours.
NC-17
A/N: I have no medical knowledge or firefighting experience. I hope everyone enjoys this story. Also any mistakes are mine. After a while I began to see blurry and couldn’t catch all the errors. I don’t own LFN or characters; this is just my take on what if…thanks.
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Michael Samuelle smiled as Freddie licked his hand. Patting the dogs head, he moved to the bathroom, taking off his shirt and inspected the bruise that marred the left side of his muscular torso in the mirror. The purplish, dark blue bruise stretched from the left side of his chest to the muscular jut of his hip bone. Taking a deep breath to gauge how badly he was hurt, he winced slightly. Noting that it wasn’t as bad as he thought it would be seeing as he fell off a two story drop. He sat on the bench near the sink and pulled of his boots and socks. Standing up he winced as his feet came in contact with the cold tiled floor. He started towards the shower as he surveyed the bathroom. Sal must have cleaned it today. The sinks were spotless and the stalls smelled like bleach. He stepped in the shower and bowed his head under the warm spray. Letting the water massage and sooth him he finally began to relax. “Lieutenant, are you alright? That was some fall you took.” He glanced at the young kid next to him in the shower. He looked around the room and noticed half of his company was taking a shower. He must have drifted off because he did not notice them walk in. He turned back to the young man and smiled. It was Matt McAffrey, the youngest member of the company and the newest. “I’m okay,” he replied as he began to wash himself. “That is one helluva bruise, Chief.” “It’s nothing,” he said turning off the shower. Shaking the water out of his hair he wrapped a towel around his waist and moved to his locker out in the hallway. He opened the combination lock and grabbed a pair of black boxer shorts when he opened his locker. He pulled them on and hung the towel on a hook at the door of his locker. Yawning, he grabbed a t-shirt and started to his cot in the room he shared with four other firemen. He lay down over the covers and sighed wearily. His mind focused on the events of the busy day. It was his first day back after his weekend break and it was busy. They had been on three big calls today alone. The first one had been a house whose owners left the gas stove on and the whole house went up, luckily no one was hurt. The second call had been a chemical fire at a factory. The third was a store in downtown. It had been burning for an hour when they were on the roof. It showed signs of caving in so he had moved his company to the ground. It had caved in while he was still on top; luckily they got him out in time before he turned into a shish kabob. He closed his eyes and took a deep relaxing breath. All in a day’s work he supposed. He shifted to his side as his roommates came into the room. Sleep claimed him as he smiled slightly. ************ “Hey Sugar, you look like hell,” Walter’s gravelly voice said. “Thanks. I haven’t slept in a seventy two hours. I’m going to go home and sleep for my two days downtime,” she yawned. “Nikita, Operations and Madeleine want to see you in her office.” Nikita closed her eyes at the sound of her mentor’s voice. She turned and looked at him angrily. “I need to sleep. I’m running on fumes.” “You need to do what we say. Get to that meeting.” “Bastard,” she sneered to his retreating form. “I guess sleep isn’t a priority today, Sugar.” “Is he always an asshole or is it just me?” Walter looked at her and then to the spot Jurgen just vacated. “They work him just as hard as they do you. Cut him some slack.” Nikita nodded and smiled at Walter before heading to Madeleine’s office. She straightened her expression before entering the wolf’s den. She sat as the two heads of Section regarded her coolly. “You’ve been in Section for five years. We are impressed with your high numbers and with your settling into your level three status as easily as you have. We feel that you are ready for more responsibility in your missions. You are a perfect candidate for a deep cover mission we are organizing.” “Deep Cover?” she questioned him. “It’s a mission that will be carried out for an undetermined amount of time. You will immerse yourself in a cover mission to gain access to a man whose father funds numerous terrorist organizations.” Looking at Madeleine, Nikita swallowed. “What is my…deep cover mission?” “It’s a blood cover. You are to get close to a man and get him to marry you. As the relationship progresses you will have to coax him into getting to know his father, they had a falling out when he was a teenager. His father is the man who funds the people we fight.” “I’m supposed to seduce some innocent man and convince him that I’m someone I’m not, get him to marry me, and make him talk about someone he obviously hates? That’s a big task. How do you even know he’ll fall for me? Or that he’ll listen to me when I tell him he should talk to his father?” “Jurgen will teach you the basics. You’re a Section One operative, you make him interested and you make him listen,” Operations’ voice was cold. “Exactly who am I seducing?” Madeleine turned her computer monitor towards Nikita. She looked at the innocent, beautiful face she was supposed to deceive and sighed inwardly. “What’s his name?” “Michael Samuelle.” Nikita sighed as she moved numbly towards Munitions. Her eyes barely open and her conscience screaming at her she called Walter. A gray haired head poked out of inventory followed by jean clad legs and a tye-dyed torso. He looked at her in concern. "Sugar what's wrong?" "I don't know if I can do this anymore," she stated. "Nikita." She closed her eyes at the sound of Jurgen's voice. All she wanted was for a minute of peace where she could talk to Walter. She had been here for four years and she was so tired. Turning around she faced her former mentor with a blank expression. "Yes." "Your panel is with Birkoff. Study it and be here tomorrow 1300." Nodding she turned to Walter kissed him on the cheek and moved towards Comm without even acknowledging Jurgen. As she got to Comm she smiled as Birkoff waved a Milk Dud in front of her. "You look like you could use some energy." "Do you have a whole box stashed under your desk?" "That bad huh? Well at least Jurgen got you to go home tonight. Operations wanted you to stay here," He smiled as she took the box he offered. "Thank God for small miracles. Just when I think he is a pain in the ass, he goes and does something nice." "Here you go. I just finished loading it. All the info is current. You shouldn't have any problems," he handed her panel. "I can't believe they are doing this. I thought we were supposed to protect innocents not use them." "This place doesn't care what it has to do, Nikita. If they have to hurt a few people to protect hundreds they don't care." "Aren't you a little too young to be so cynical?" "When you grow up in this place, cynicism is a learned behavior," he replied sweetly. "Thanks, I'll remember that, Birkoff," she kissed his head and left with a wave to Walter. ************ Michael smiled as he sat at the breakfast table; He glanced at his men and laughed as they resumed their conversation about someone they rescued yesterday. The guy was cheating on his wife when the apartment caught fire. He had rushed out clad only in boxers along with his mistress in a t-shirt. Needless to say the wife found out and it wasn’t pretty. “I thought she was gonna kill him,” Sal laughed. Neil emerged from the kitchen holding a hot pan in oven clad hands. They took turns cooking meals. Two different guys had kitchen duty for a day. It worked out well unless Matt cooked. He burned boiling water. The food was placed on the wooden long table and the cooks took a seat. They quickly said grace and began to eat, a stream of afternoon sunlight shining through the windows. “How are the ribs?” Looking at Sal, Michael nodded, “They’re okay. Just sore.” “These are good burgers.” Jake and Ty, the cooks smiled as they wolfed down their food. They ate in silence until the phone rang. Michael who had rose to put his plate up grabbed the phone before it rang again. “Hello.” Michael heard the other voice on the line and closed his eyes. “Lisa, what is it?” “No, I’m working. I don’t have time to go over there. No, I’m not avoiding you. Don’t yell. You knew that my job is time consuming and important to me. I’m trying to explain to-” His voice cut off abruptly at the sound of the bell. He sighed in the phone, “I gotta go. I’ll call you tonight.” He, along with his whole company, began to slide down two poles beside each other to the ground floor. Adrenaline coursing through their bodies making them quicker and lighter on their feet. They slipped their jackets on, grabbed their boots and helmet before going into the fire truck. With their speed and efficiency tall twenty men were in two fire trucks speeding off to the fire. ** Michael careened his head through the window looking at the blazing building. It was the children’s shelter on 5th Street. He looked at his watch and cursed, hopefully no children would be inside. The truck screeched to a halt and firemen jumped out quickly and began moving to their assigned duties. Michael moved to the door of the building and began to feel the frame for heat. He shook his head in frustration and motion for the ladder to be put on the second floor window. As the hose was being unraveled Michael put his oxygen on his face and moved to the ladder. He grabbed the hose and scaled the ladder with the agility of a natural born athlete. McAffrey, Ty, and Sal followed behind him as the other trucks’ hose began spraying water into the adjoining windows. As Michael scaled the ladder he heard distant sirens of other fire trucks, ambulances, and police cars coming towards them. This one was big and they needed all the help they could get. He opened the hose and began spraying inside the window clearing a path for him to walk through. He turned off the water and made hand signals to the men under him and they followed suit to the men on the ground. They flashed okay signals and watched as Michael made his way inside. He surveyed the burning ceiling and floor and calculated his trajectory. He motioned to Ty and Sal to head one way and Matt to follow him. Water began pouring in on their position as more fire fighters moved up the ladder and sprayed water inside. Taking off his mask he looked around and began to move where there were doors. Opening each one to find closets and classrooms he moved to the last one and encountered a stairway. “Get a hose here and on the ground floor. You four come with McAffrey and me. Sam stay with the hose and keep that water coming,” he shouted before making his way downstairs. The stairwell groaned under their weight and flames surrounded them making it extremely hot. They quickly moved down the steps when Michael suddenly halted. They heard it then the crashing. Looking up they saw a part of the roof coming down. “SHIT! MOVE!” Michael shouted moving forward as some men moved back. The impact knocked him into the wall. He rose and shook his head and saw Matt dangling on the remaining steps trying to hold himself up. He shimmied towards him on his stomach and grasped his hands. He pulled him up and patted his back as the young man breathed in his oxygen. He surveyed the seven-foot gap and looked at his men who were elevated on the incline of remaining steps. “You gotta jump. McAffrey and I’ll catch you. C’mon!” One by one the four guys jumped and landed safely in the arms of their Chief. They quickly moved to the ground floor where the fire blazed the worst. They each divided up into two man groups to see if anyone was still inside. Michael and Matt went to the right and heard terrified shrieks over the roaring fire and crashing debris. Moving to the door they felt for heat and finding none busted the door down. Two children lay across the room a line of fire blocking their way out. Seeing the firemen they screamed for help and began crying harder. “Hey, everything’s gonna be okay. Matt go get some water over here. It looks like a science room.” He looked at his chief and noticed the urgency in his voice. Nodding he hightailed it to the rest of the crew and told them to get the front door open. He hightailed it back to the room to help Michael He arrived to see Michael leap across the fire to the terrified kids. He said something and they grabbed onto him. He leapt across the roaring flame again and handed one of the kids to him. A sound of cracking bottles alerted them both. “Move! Now!” He needed no further urging and ran quickly. An explosion rattled the floor and Matt looked behind him to see Michael slide across the floor trying to protect the boy he held in his arms. Michael was stunned and shook his head to clear the ringing. Fumes from the room wafted through the air and he pulled his mask on the boy as he fought to right his senses. He rose to one knee and shook his head again and stood up. He saw a dim light and men rushing in. He made his way to it and pushed a slow McAffrey towards it as well. They ran outside and placed the boys in the waiting arms of the paramedic crew. ************ Nikita glanced at the panel and decided to get it over with. She sat on the couch with a glass of wine and began to read the bio of Michael Samuelle. He was thirty-two years old. He had no wife, no children and no steady girlfriend. He lived in Chicago, in an apartment downtown. He was a firefighter and worked a lot. He has little contact with family occasionally talking with his mother and little sister. He loved movies and eating out. He played the cello and he liked sports. He graduated lycée in France and had a falling out with his father. He moved to the US and went to NYU graduating magna cum lade in science and history with a minor in art. He decided to be a firemen because he did that his last two years of college. She leaned back against the couch and sipped her wine. Well he was an overachiever. She read the last bit of his profile. Little things like he loved dogs and hated peas. Then she got to her cover. She sat up and started to read it. She volunteered as a nurse’s technician at County General part time and worked off and on with a detective agency that had her traveling all the time. She loved to read and watch old movies. She was adopted and all her immediate family died in a car accident. She had distant relatives in England but didn’t keep in touch. She turned off her panel and moved towards the bedroom. Jurgen had told her they were moving her to Chicago indefinitely and she would report to a substation over there if they needed her back at One. she had four days before she left for the US of A and she decided to sleep for two days. She lay down on her back staring at the ceiling her heart heavy. She wished she didn’t have to do this. This man was innocent, honest, and hard working. What right did she have to up turn his life no matter when she did it. She closed her eyes and drifted into a troubled sleep with no dreams. ************ Coughing Michael pulled off his helmet and breathed in the clean air. His ears still ringing he saw at least twenty fire fighters inside the building and twenty more outside lugging hoses and running about. “You all right?” Looking at Matt he smiled reassuringly. “I’m fine. My ears are ringing. How’s the kid?” Matt looked to the ambulance and smiled. “He wants to thank the fireman that saved his life.” He nodded and made his way to the little boy. He approached the ambulance a weary smile on his soot smudged face. “Hey kiddo. You okay?” “Yeah. That was way cool. Thanks.” “No problem. Next time get out of the building huh? I think you gave me gray hairs,” he joked. The kid laughed and nodded his head. “Yessir.” He ruffled the kid’s hair and made his way back to the fire trucks. Seeing that the building was smoking he grabbed an axe and motioned for Matt to follow suit as other firemen in his company did the same. “Divide and conquer boys. Stay in two teams and watch out for weak floors.” He watched with pride as his company worked in the building. He smiled as Mat shook his head and began to whack at the ceiling. It was going to be a long day. ************ Nikita began packing her things and looked around her tiny apartment. She sighed as a knock sounded at her door. Opening she smiled at Carla and invited her in. “Where you going?” She asked looking at her bags. “I’m going to the States for a while. A change of scenery.” “Just up and leave like nothing?” “Carla, it’s only for while. I’ll be back soon. I need to think and put things in perspective. I can’t do that here,” she said softly. “Does it have anything to do with that blonde guy does it? The one that always lurks around here? Cause if it does-” “It has nothing to do with him. He’s a friend that’s all. I just want to figure some stuff out and thought land of the free and all that.” “You’ll call?” “As if you could stop me,” Nikita giggled. “Wanna have a bon voyage night? We could go to a movie and to that restaurant with that cute waiter.” “I’d love too. Let me grab my jacket.” ** Michael munched on his sandwich and moved to sit on the couch. He was looking forward to his days off. He sighed tiredly and coughed, the smoke still in his lungs. Shaking his head, Michael continued to eat his dinner. He looked at his watch and grabbed the phone. He dialed the international number and waited for the connection to go through. “Hello, Maman,” he said. “Michel, comment-vas-tu?” He smiled at her excited voice. “I’m okay. I’m just calling to say hello.” “It’s good to hear from you. I’ve missed you.” “I’ve missed you too. How are things?” “Okay. The same. Bella’s is doing well. She is out with friends right now.” “How are things with you? Are you being careful, Michel.” “Things are great. I always am careful,” he laughed at her concern. “It is late there, non? You should be resting.” “I will, Maman. I just wanted to hear your voice.” A moment of silence followed and she sighed sadly. “I wish you were home, Michel. I miss you so very much. Can’t you just come home for a little-” “Maman. You know why I won’t come home. I can’t there’s too much...” he broke off softly and took a deep breath. “I wish things could be different but they aren’t. “I know.” “I have to go. Je t’aime, Maman. Tell Isabella I love her too.” “Je t’aime. I will. Au revoir Michel.” “Au revoir, Maman.” He hung up the phone and shut his eyes in pain. Sighing he stood up and started towards his room. He saw Matt in the hall staring at him. Clasping the younger man on the shoulder he went to bed. ************ Nikita smiled as she escorted a young girl to a room. She got her comfortable and reassured her before moving out to the check in counter. She smiled at some doctors before moving to the computer to print some forms a doctor requested. She had arrived in Chicago a week ago and was adjusting nicely to her new surroundings. She loved the city and the people were very different then the Section drones she was used to. She loved her apartment and the only thing that took getting used to was her mission. She had ambulance duty today in a few hours. They had updated her profile while she was en route. She was a nurses’ tech studying to be an RN. She had some connections at the hospital, a doctor who was a Section Op, and she got to ride in an ambulance twice a week. She turned as the doctor she was getting the forms for called her name. She handed them to him and nodded at his muttered thank you before moving to the lounge to get some coffee. She had been working for four hours and was always busy. She liked working at a hospital. It was better than sitting in some jungle for hours in the heat waiting for some terrorist to show his ugly head. She started as the door slammed open and a young woman doctor walked in. “Sorry.” “It’s okay. Busy huh?” “Yup, but things are just getting started. It’s a full moon for the next few days that’s when all the crazy shit happens.” “Wow, I thought this was crazy.” “Nah. I’m Julia Torres by the way. I’ve seen you around. You’ve adjusted pretty well.” Nikita took her hand and shook it before smiling. “Nikita Pierce. Thanks, I really like it here.” “So do I.” Someone coming in the lounge made them turn. “Pierce, The rig is out there waiting for ya.” “Thanks Riff.” “I gotta go. I got paramedic duty today.” “I didn’t know nurses’ techs did that.” “Not usually but I got friends in high places,” She whispered softly. “I’ll remember that. I have to leave too duty calls. See you around Nikita.” “You too, Julia.” Nikita went outside and made her way to the ambulance. Riff introduced her to the other paramedic and they went left the familiar surroundings of County General. ************ The shrilling of a bell woke Michael out of a deep, dreamless sleep. He rubbed his eyes and sat up quickly as his mind registered the meaning of the bell. He sprang to his feet pulling on a pair of jeans that were resting beside his cot. Pulling on a pair of socks quickly, he stood up and grabbed a t-shirt. He put it on quickly as he made his way to the pole and slid down quickly. He grabbed his gear and pulled on the boots before running into the truck. He yawned and rubbed the sleep from his eyes as the truck blared its sirens and sped off into the night. He buttoned up his jacket and pulled the helmet over his head before leaning back against the seat. He felt adrenaline course through his body as the truck sped through the streets. Rubbing the sleep from his eyes mentally began preparing for the job his body wasn’t physically ready for. Ten minutes later he saw the burning apartment complex and cursed loudly as he stepped off the truck. He and half of his company began moving to the fire escape that lead to the roof while the other half worked on getting much needed water onto the roaring blaze. It was a small six apartment duplex and from the reports they received on the way everyone as accounted for. That made the job a hell of a lot easier. He climbed up the roof first and began to run off possible scenarios off in his head. His mind shifting through various what-ifs and planning contingences as he surveyed the roof and noticed the flames emerging from the foundations. “Sam, get some water up here before the whole roof caves in. Only one hose though.” He shouted above the noise. “You got it, Boss.” Michael watched as Sam ran and nodded before surveying the roof for a possible entry point into the building. His scanning eyes halted at a door to their left. Motioning for the men to follow him he made his way to the door and felt for heat. Finding none he hit it with the axe he brought with him and the door opened revealing a smoky stair well but otherwise untouched by the flames. They hurried through it and made their way to one of the second floor apartments and began tearing down walls in haste. The fore was scorching and the smoke so intolerable they had to leave their masks firmly in place. Axes swung with fierce force hastily as if trying to put out the fire with their swings. The falling of debris would kill the fore quicker when the water sprayed through. As if hearing Michael’s prayer water began pouring through the foundations dousing the firemen inside. The flames screamed around them and began to attack anew with ferocity. They became alive around the eight firemen and attempted to devour them. A low rumble began to resound under their feet. The older firefighters looked at their feet and began to shout, their voices muffled by the masks on their face. They began to motion with their and grabbed the men nearest to them and began to make their way down the stairs they had descended from. Two of the younger men, Matt and John, didn’t know what was going on but that Michael and Sal were pushing them towards the stairs. John’s feet didn’t move fast enough and the floor caved in swallowing him and Michael who were behind Matt and Sal. John fell but felt a strong-gloved hand grasp his wrist and then his shoulder screamed in pain. He looked up and saw his chief grasping his arm with one hand and the other cling to the handle of an axe, which was embedded in the side of the wall. He saw Sal appear on his stomach and heard Michael yell something. He couldn’t tell what but Sal understood. He saw the older man disappear and fear ate away in the pit of his stomach. He felt Michael begin to pull them up in a one handed chin up movement. He looked up again and saw Sal grab Michael’s jacket and then felt himself being pulled up by Michael’s one hand. He felt the muscles of the other man’s arm strain in the effort to pull him up. He then felt two hands grab his jacket and hoist him up. “Mike! You okay?” Sal shouted over the creaking building. Michael’s vision was cloudy. He’s lost his helmet in when the floor gave out and he had felt like his head had been run over by a truck. He shook his head and realized what a big mistake that was. His hand touched his head shakily and came away soaked with blood. “Fuck,” he muttered. The buildings shook again and he looked at Sal. “We gotta get out of here.” Sal helped him to his feet and they began to run to the bottom floor. They cleared a way using their axes and made their way to the front entrance of the building. Kicking at the door they ran outside mere minutes after the whole roof caved in. Sal looked at Michael, who he had carried fireman style halfway through the building. He set down the younger man and noticed the pale parlor of his face. Blood oozed profusely from his head. “Chief? Chief! Can you hear me?” Sal cursed as the Lieutenant passed out. Looking around frantically he noticed an ambulance approach their position. He hoisted the dead weight on his shoulder and jogged to the rig.” “You gotta help me. He’s hurt.” Sal saw the paramedics’ spring into action as they surveyed Michael’s condition. He noticed a young woman who looked a little green but her hands were steady as she helped the fallen hero. Nikita followed the medic’s instructions and was handing him the things he requested. She took in the pale, vulnerable face before her and repressed an urge to sigh. She leaned over him to get an ivy bag when his eyes fluttered open. Deep green eyes regarded her with fascination. She saw a slight smile graze his lips and one of his hands reached to touch her hair, which hung about her face. “C’est un ange.” She started at his muttered comment and her blue eyes searched his green ones before they shut softly. Nikita handed the bag to Riff and sat back stunned. “What the hell was that?” “He was speaking in French. He called me an angel,” she whispered. “An angel huh? This man definitely has a crack in his skull.” She smacked Riff on the shoulder and looked at the man she was supposed to manipulate. Great, she thought to herself, just great. She saw the man who had carried him to the rig look on with concern. “He’s gonna be okay. We need to take him to the hospital.” “Okay. Matt you’re riding with the chief.” Matt parked himself next to Riff and Nikita and stared at the man lying in the gurney. ************ Michael woke up with the mother of all headaches. He moved a hand to his forehead and winced as his arm protested in pain. “Easy there, buddy. Don’t go using that arm to quickly, you nearly wretched it from its socket.” He turned his head to the English, no Australian accented voice. His breath caught at the bluest eyes he had ever seen. He moved to sit up and winced in pain. “What happened?” “You don’t remember? What’s the last thing you remember?” He saw her approach the bed with a penlight. “This may be a little bright.” He started as he saw a bright light invade his vision. He closed his eyes when she finished. He felt her smooth his covers and heard her push a button. “I called for a nurse. She should be here any minute. I’m gonna go tell your friends you’re okay. You had us all worried.” “Are they all right?” Nikita turned when she heard his whispered voice. “Everyone is fine. You have a young kid out there named John who wants to see you real bad.” Julia Torres came in and smiled at Nikita. “Hey. I heard all about your exciting night. You okay?” “Yup. This is Michael. Michael, this is Doctor Torres.” “Hi. So how is our hero this evening?” “I’m not a hero. Just doing my job.” “His memory is fuzzy and he has sensitivity to light.” “Okay I’m gonna give him some pain meds for his headache and as for your memory it’ll take time.” Michael glanced at the doctor and nodded. He smiled as she took his vitals and pronounced him healthy but he had to remain overnight for observation. He protested but the doctor had the will of a pit bull. He heard a throat clearing and saw Nikita with John. He hadn’t even noticed the woman leave. She pushed John towards the bed and nudged Julia to give them a moment. “I’ll go get that pain medication” He watched the two women leave and then looked at John. “You all right, John?” “I think I should be asking you that Mike.” “I’m okay John. It’ll take more than a knock on my head to keep me down.” “I should have moved faster. I should have known the floor was gonna cave in,” the young man whispered. “You’re a damn good fireman. Don’t let this spook you. Okay?” “You got it.” Nikita walked in and smiled at the two men. “Sorry but Mr. Samuelle needs his rest.” “Okay.” “Tell the guys I’m okay. I’ll see them when they let me out from house arrest.” “Yes sir.” Nikita watched the young man move with a renewed confidence and then turned her gaze to the man on the bed. “He looks a lot happier.” “He was just scared. It happens.” He took the proffered pills. Swallowing them with some water he sighed. “You aren’t a nurse?” “Nope. I’m studying to be one though. A very good friend gave me a good reference so I’m allowed a little more lee way then most people.” “Oh. I’m Michael Samuelle.” “I know. I’m Nikita Pierce. It’s a pleasure.” He smiled as she shook his hand. “Ni-kita, that’s a pretty name. You’re not from around here?” “What gave it away?” She chuckled. “No, I was born in Australia and raised there until I was nine. The accent never left.” “It suits you,” he yawned. “I’m going to let you rest. I’ll check on you through the night. Good night, Mr. Samuelle.” “Please call me Michael.” “Goodnight, Michael.” “G’night, Kita,” he mumbled already asleep. ************ Nikita walked out of the room and sighed, her heart heavy. Why the hell did he have to be so damned nice. She shook her head and closed her eyes her emotions in turmoil. She didn’t know if she could be objective when it came to Michael Samuelle. His green eyes and kind voice had already thrown her world upside down. Nikita opened the door to the semi-dark room very softly. She peeked in and looked at the sleeping figure on the bed. She went into the room and began checking his pulse. She nudged him awake gently and waited for him to open his eyes. Green eyes opened and squinted under the gentle light of the lamp. Running a hand over his face he drew a deep breath. He opened his eyes slightly and smiled at the blue-eyed beauty in front of him. “Hey,” he said his voice thick with sleep. “Hi. How are you feeling?” “Like my head is swimming without my body.. What time is it?” “It’s late 2 o’clock in the morning. Your head is supposed to feel like that given what it went through. I have to ask you a couple of questions and then you could go back to sleep. Okay?” “Kay,” a sleepy, accented voice replied. “What year is it?” “2002.” “Who is the president.” “George Bush.” “One more, what’s today’s date?” “Thursday, August 22nd.” “You passed. Now get some sleep,” she smiled. “Can I have some water?” “Sure.” She poured some water from a small pitcher into a plastic cup. She put a straw in the cup and made her way to him. Holding the cup for him she let him drink his fill. When he was through she set the cup on the table and smiled again at him. She reached out instinctively and brushed aside a stray lock of hair that fell across his forehead. He grasped her hand with his warm fingers. He stared into her eyes and his breath caught in his throat. He smiled back and squeezed her hand gently before releasing it. He leaned back against the pillow before speaking. “Are you going to be around tomorrow?” “Nope, I get off in a couple of hours. I have to check on other patients. Goodnight, Michael and be careful fighting those fires, huh?” “Yes ma’am. Thanks again for everything.” “It’s not a problem.” He watched her turn and head towards the door. Sighing he sat up slowly. “Goodnight Nikita.” “Night Michael.” He saw her leave and the door closing behind her. He settled back down on the bed and took a deep breath closing his eyes. He drifted off into a deep and dreamed about a beautiful blonde who took care of him. ************ Michael opened the elevator gate and stepped put into the hallway. Looking around, he sighed and began walking towards his apartment. As he opened the door he sighed once more, it felt good to be home. He stepped inside and halted mid-step. Someone was here and they were cooking. He walked in and set his jacket and bag on the table. He made his way to the kitchen and saw a petite brunette at the stove. “Hey.” She started at the sound of his voice. Turning she smiled as she looked at him. “Hey yourself.” “What are you doing?” “Cooking.” “Why?” “Because we haven’t seen each other in ages and I missed you.” “Lisa, where’s David. I don’t want him to get the wrong idea.” “At work. When he’s not hitting me he’s laying in on the convicts. Sick bastard.” Chuckling Michael hugged his friend and peered over her shoulder at the spaghetti dinner warming on the stove. “Looks good.” She turned her face towards the stove and saw the bandage on the back of his head. turning her body swiftly into his she grasped his face in both her hands. Looking at him with concern she realized how bad he really looked. “What the hell happened?” He protested as she led him to the dining room. She pushed him into the seat and glared at him unhappily. He smiled but it vanished as she crossed her arms over her chest. “It’s nothing. I just have a concussion. It’s not a big deal.” “Michael Samuelle.” “I went to the hospital. They kept me over night and everything. I promise.” In his defense he held up a pharmacy bag and shook it for effect. The sound of rattling pills rang out through the room. “Stay put,” she said going back into the kitchen. “Men.” He heard her muttering all the way into the kitchen and that muttering was soon accompanied by the banging of cabinet doors. He put his stuff on the floor and when the banging of cabinets didn’t cease he couldn’t resist. “I’d still like to have cabinets in my kitchen, Lisa.” “Don’t you start with me. I’m going to eat dinner and talk to you about being careful because it obviously isn’t in your vocabulary,” she yelled back at him. He laughed softly so she couldn’t hear him and waited patiently for dinner to be served. ** Nikita smiled as she and Julia exited the movie theater. They had the night off and decided to have a girl’s night out. Heading towards a Chinese restaurant they talked about work. “So how you like working at the hospital?” “It’s a lot of fun actually. I think I found my calling.” “I’ll say. You’ve got a gift.” “Thanks.” “So what are we going eat? Cat, dog, hamster?” Nikita laughed and shook her head. “They're all out of that. I’ve eaten here before and their chicken’s good though. Not cat or dog but...” “Good.” They walked into the restaurant and sat down. They ordered and waited for their food. They talked about Chinese culture and food as well as the people. Nikita having been to China on numerous fly by missions knew a little more about it. “So how come you aren’t a doctor yet?” “I want to be able to have a repertoire with patients not just treat them and leave them. No offense.” “None taken,” Julia looked at her new friend. “What about opening your own practice? You could have a more than just a “treat ‘em and leave ‘em’ as you eloquently put it.” “I like the ER. Besides a nurse is just as important as a doctor. Without us you’d all lose you’re pens and trip on your own shoelaces.” Julia put her hands on her chest above her heart. “How you sting, Ms. Pierce." They laughed at each other for a minute and began to talk again. their conversation was interrupted when their food was bought to them. They ate and talked of little things. At the end of the night the two of them were laughing so hard tears fell from their eyes. ************ Michael parked his car in the busy parking lot and got out. He was dressed in jeans and hiking boots, jeans and a deep green oxford sweater hugged the contours of his muscular chest. His hair hung in loose curls around his forehead and nape of his neck. Grabbing his leather jacket he locked the doors and went into the hospital building. He arrived at the doctor’s office and smiled at the secretary. “Michael Samuelle. I have an appointment with Doctor Hemmings.” “He’ll be just a minute. Have a seat and I’ll call you.” “Thank you.” He sat and began reading a magazine. He heard his name called and sighed as he followed the doctor. Having been given a clean bill of health he began walking towards the elevator. As he was waiting to arrive on his floor he had a flash of inspiration and pushed a button changing his destination. He stepped off the elevator and looked around. Spotting the hallway he was supposed to follow he began walking his stride determined. He arrived in the ER amidst chaos. There were several people in the waiting area and nurses and doctors alike were hurriedly walking around. Making his way to the receptionist area he smiled at the tall guy there. “I’m looking for Nikita Pierce.” “She’s with a patient. You can have a seat until she’s done.” “Thanks.” Michael sat and observed his surroundings. People were asleep in the waiting room as they waited for a doctor. Before he knew it thirty minutes had flown by and Nikita still hadn’t shown up. Getting up he made his way to the receptionist area only to bump into a petite doctor who cursed in Spanish. “Geez, watch we’re you’re going.” “I’m sorry,” he replied as he looked at her. “Doctor Torres.” “Well, well, if it isn’t our hero fireman. What brings you down here?” “I was just upstairs for my follow up appointment and decided stop by and say hello to my favorite doctor and almost nurse.” Julia looked at him and smiled. He was cute and a joy to talk to. “Hell right back at ya handsome. Listen, Nik’s in the lounge unwinding after being puked on. Good thing she had a surgical gown on.” He followed her as she went to a door across the hall from the waiting room. They went inside and saw Nikita on the couch head leaned back and eyes closed a cup of tea in one of her hands. “You okay.” “Next time you get Ms. King. That was the foulest smelling vomit I’ve-” she shuddered. Giggling Julia sat next to her friend. “We have a visitor here that might make you’re day better.” Looking up she met the eyes of Michael Samuelle. Sitting up straight she smiled. “Hey there, how are you feeling.” “Better. I just came from my follow up. Nothing’s permanently broken.” She took in his smile and nodded. “Wanna sit down?” “Actually I’ve got to go grocery shopping and meet a friend in a few. I was waiting a lot longer then I planned. I wanted to take you both out to dinner.” “For what? We were just doing our jobs,” Julia said. “I know but so was I and you still call me a hero. Anyway just think of it as a thank you.” “Please it’s not-” “Look, I don’t often go to the hospital and I’m a horrible patient. This was the first time I was actually civil so let me continue to do so and take you both out tonight.” Nikita and Julia took in the soft spoken man in front of them. His request was not impossible just puzzling. They watched as his green eyes looked at them both but lingered a second longer on Nikita. Julia smiled inwardly stood up. “Mr. Samuelle-” “Michael.” “Michael,” she amended. “I would love to go to dinner with you but alas I’m pulling a double shift tonight. Nikita however, is free. Now if you both will excuse me I have to start healing people.” She turned to walk out but stopped when Michael called to her. She turned and looked at him. “I’ll give you a rain check. As soon as you are off lunch is on me all you have to do is provide is pleasant conversation.” She nodded and waved she turned around and left the room. “So what do you say?” Nikita looked at him her words stuck in her throat. She looked away and swallowed her conscience before turning her blue eyes back to him. Smiling she nodded. “I’d like that.” “Good. Uhmm, I guess we should meet somewhere.” “Meet? Why don’t you pick me up?” “I wasn’t sure you’d want me to- that is a woman can’t be too careful,” he replied. “I assure you I can take care of myself. Here is my address,” she scribbled an address and brief directions on a paper. Taking the proffered paper he put it in his pocket. He stood after she did and smiled. “Thank you for accepting. I’ll pick you up around seven. Is that all right?” “Sure thing,” she replied smiling. “Good. Oh and wear something casual.” “Okay. I guess I’ll see you later. I have to get back to work.” “Of course,” he smiled and watched as she walked out. He smiled all the way home. His mind pre-occupied with the angel in his dreams. ************ Nikita sat on her couch in blue jeans and a red loose sweater, which did nothing to hide her excellent physique and bought out her blue eyes. Her hair hung loose, like a blonde curtain, over her back and shoulders. Her sock encased feet were beating on the floor in syncopation with the soft music emitting from the radio and a pair of red and white sneakers sat by the couch ready to be put on. She typed on the computer giving Section an update. Sighing she waited for a response. Contact had occurred a lot faster than anticipated and Ops was excited. She looked out her window and shook her head sadly. Michael was, well, she liked him. What was going to happen when she had to be taken away from him and return to Section. The computer beeping bought her out of her reverie and she started slightly. She read the message slowly before shutting off the computer just as a knock sounded on her door. She slipped on her sneakers and got up to open the door. She was met with the smiling face of Michael Samuelle. Her eyes roamed his body appreciatively. He wore blue jeans like her and a beige turtle neck sweater which outlined his muscles. He smelled wonderful. His black leather jacket completed the outfit. His hair was windblown and curly and his eyes shone a light jade. “Hey, let me get my coat and we could go. Come on in.” He waited by the door and smiled at her before she went to get her jacket. She reappeared putting on a soft brown leather jacket. She followed him out and locked her door behind them. “So where are we going?” “It’s a surprise.” She smiled as he opened the door to his Jeep for her. She got in and opened the door for him. He started his car and began to drive. He lowered the radio and changed the station. “So when do you go back to work?” “Tomorrow. I’m really looking forward to it. It gets boring after you sleep for the first two days when you have four off.” Nikita giggled and nodded. “How long have you been a fireman?” “About five years.” “And you’re already a lieutenant? Wow.” “What can I say I’m good at it.” She nodded again and stared out the window. A few minutes later they arrived at their destination. She looked up at the giant Ferris wheel and looked at Michael. “I hope you like the fair. I thought it’d be fun.”
