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He held out his hand and waited for her to take it. When she did he smiled and led them into the labyrinth of games and rides Nikita laughed as she and Michael exited the ride. Her hand clutched to her chest she breathed deep, her face slightly red from adrenaline. Glancing at her companion she smiled. He was shaking his head muttering at one of the best haunted houses’ ever.
“That was great.” “Mhmm. What do you say to the house of mirrors?” “Let’s go.” They spent a good two hours getting on all the rides much to Nikita’s delight. They rode the Gravitron before getting something to eat. They got to the food tent and she sat down as Michael went to get food. She pulled her hair into a ponytail and looked up when he appeared a few minutes later with a tray. French Fries, an elephant ear and funnel cake adorned the tray. She looked at him and asked what the two fried dough patties were. The elephant ear was a smooth flat piece of dough and had powdered sugar on it. The funnel cake was also a fried piece of dough but with air holes in it and it had powdered sugar and hot chocolate syrup over it. They ate the basket of fries and moved on to the sweet delights. Nikita closed her eyes as she ate the last bites of the funnel cake, which she and Michael had shared. A few minutes later she sat back with a contented sigh. “That was good.” “I’m glad you liked it. How about we play some of those carnival games a while before I get you home?” She stood and stretched out a hand to him. He took it and she helped him up with a groan. “I think that funnel cake went straight to your hips, Michael.” “Very funny.” He looked at her as they walked towards the games. She was beautiful. Her hair was up but loose strands hung around her face and her blue eyes were bright and carefree. He stopped at the rifle game and took out some money. “Let’s see how long it takes me to get a bull’s eye.” She watched as he grabbed the gun and took a very good stand for a civilian. He closed one eye and took aim before pulling the trigger once then several times each one landing in the middle red circle. He looked at the target a smug grin on his face. He gestured to her to pick a prize and his smile softened to slight curve of his lips. He laughed as she picked a sleepy looking brown dog that was almost as big as her. “I thought it was going to take you a long time to get a good shot.” He took the dog from her with one arm and grabbed her hand with another before replying. “Must be the company.” They took turns playing the games. Laughter and short conversations could be heard from the couple as they had fun. After a half an hour of playing they grabbed their prizes and made their way to the car before heading for home. **** “Thank you, Michael. I had a great time,” Nikita stated as they halted at her door. “So did I,” he looked at his shoes for a moment before turning his eyes to her. “I’d like to see you again.” Nikita closed her eyes in pain before she looked at him with a sad smile. “I’d like that too, Michael.” He smiled at her as she grabbed a pen from her purse and wrote her number on the palm of his hand. He took her key from her hand and opened the door for her. He kissed her forehead and smiled again. “Good night, Nikita.” “Night, Michael. Sleep well.” “I will,” he watched her go inside and shut her door. “I will,” he murmured before leaving. ************ Hey, Chief, Freddie got in the trash again.” “S’okay, a stomach ache will be enough punishment for him.” Michael looked at the computer before glancing at Sal. He smiled before getting up and walking to the kitchen. He grabbed one of the bottled waters and looked at Sal with questioning eyes. “How’s the noggin?” “I got a clean bill of health Sal,” he replied moving to the phone. “John is still a little shaken up. Maybe you should give him some time off.” Michael paused mid-dial and turned to look at the older man, the phone pressed against one ear. As he finished dialing the number he sighed. “I’ll talk to him. He needs to get back on the saddle or he’ll lose his nerve. Stuff like this happens not very often but it does.” “Mike-” “Hello, Nikita, its Michael Samuelle. I’m just calling to say thanks for keeping me company last night. I wanted to know if this weekend you would like to go see a movie or something. Give me a call at the firehouse. 521-0988. Bye.” He hung up the phone and smiled at a dumfounded Sal before walking away. “No time off and I’ll talk to him.” **** John started as a hand firmly clasped his shoulder. He looked up at the worried face of Michael. He scooted over on the couch and sighed as the older man sat down. “How you doing, Chief?” “I really wish people would stop asking me that question. I’m fine. My head is a lot stronger than it looks. I'm more worried about you.” “Me? Why?” “John, what happened that day was an accident pure and simple. We try our best to be as safe as possible and usually it works but sometimes shit happens and you can’t do anything about it.” “I just keep thinking what if you hadn’t pulled my ass up in time. Or worse, what if something really bad would have happened to you because of my stupidity,” he whispered. “John, it’s those kinds of thoughts that make bad things happen. You can’t second guess yourself or the other guys. We’re a team and we trust each other no matter what. It’s my job to teach you and make sure you learn this business and learn it right. It’s not going to be easy but you have potential and it would be a shame to waste that.” Michael got up and looked at the younger man. “You have to decide if you can get back out there because I won’t take you off rotation. You have to pull yourself out.” John watched as the lieutenant walked away. He took a deep breath and glanced at the departing figure again. The guys were right. The chief was one of the best guys this world had. He rode you hard but in the end it was for your own good and he trusted his team implicitly no matter what. He just hoped he could live up to the older man’s expectations. ************ Nikita sighed as she finished checking in with Section. She had just finished writing three profiles for important missions and she was beat. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She had to report to the sub-station in Chicago next week and she still had to keep up her Section duties. Standing up she went to the answer machine, its little red blinking light beckoning to her. Pushing the button she smiled slightly at the deep, accented voice on the tape. “Hello, Nikita, it’s Michael Samuelle. I’m just calling to say thanks for keeping me company last night. I wanted to know if this weekend you would like to go see a movie or something. Give me a call at the firehouse. 521-0988. Bye.” Glancing at her watch she picked up the phone and dialed the number. Biting her lower lip nervously she took a deep breath as the other line was answered. “Hello.” “Uh, I’m looking for Michael Samuelle. This is Nikita Pierce,” she said. “Sure thing hang on, miss,” the man replied. “Yo, Chief, phone call for you.” “Thanks. Yes,” he said as he put the phone to his ear. “Michael, it’s Nikita.” “Hi, how are you?” “I’m okay. You?” Michael smiled softly as he leaned against the wall, one arm crossed over his chest. “Better now.” “I’m glad I could be of service. So what’s this about going out this weekend?” “Would you like to go out with me this Saturday?” “I’d love too. Pick me up around seven. As much as I hate to cut this conversation short, I’m beat,” she yawned. “Of course. I’ll see you Saturday. Sweet dreams Nikita.” “Thanks, night,” she said softly before hanging up the phone. Michael hung up the phone a slight smile curving his lips. His reverie was broken by snickers. Looking up he saw a few of the guys chuckling at his dreamy expression. Pushing off the wall he shook his head and began to walk away. When one of them moved to make a comment he raised his hand. “Not one word or all of you will be running the hose drills until you vomit.” When he was out of sight the sound of laughter rang through the firehouse. Laughing softly Michael sat at his desk and began typing on his computer. ************ Nikita sat at the table in the lounge contemplating her so called life. Section controlled her and demanded her to use an innocent man to get to his father. Her life her was basically a lie and no matter how hard she tried she couldn’t just do the job, as Jurgen had so ineloquently put it. Rubbing a hand over her face she let out a frustrated groan and prayed to God to give her strength. She really liked Michael. He was sweet, generous, and he had a sense of humor. She was the one that was supposed to get him wrapped around her pinky but slowly he was the one doing the wrapping. “Whatever you do Nik, don’t fall in love with him. Don’t fall in love with him,” she whispered as a mantra for several minutes. “Hey, you okay?” Nikita turned her head quickly to the source of the voice and relaxed as she saw Julia. Sighing softly she nodded. “Yeah. I just got a bit of a headache, nothing to worry about.” “If you say so. So what are you doing tomorrow? I have the day off you wanna hang out?” “During the day, yeah, I would but I have to be back home by five.” “Gotta a hot date?” Julia questioned as he got a cup of coffee. “Something like that. I’m going out with Michael.” “The fireman?” “Yup,” Nikita smiled. “Uhuh, well Nik, you move fast. I’ll give that to you.” “It isn’t like that. We’re just getting to know each other.” “Yeah right and I’m Santa Claus. Tell me you haven't noticed what fine male specimen that guy is.” “Geez, Julia, he isn’t a science project, for crying out loud.” “I was right you have. Sweetie that blush just gave you away. I gotta go.” Nikita watched the young girl disappear out into the hallway. Sighing she shook her head smiling. She had noticed Michael in every way possible. Her smile disappeared as she began to repeat her mantra with a renewed resolve. **** Nikita cursed as she stepped into her apartment. Stripping swiftly she ran into the shower. It was a quarter to seven and Michael would be here any minute. She and Julia had been stuck in traffic and now she was very late. She finished her shower in a record five minutes and decided on skirt and blouse. She slipped on a comfortable black skirt and a baby blue long-sleeved dress shirt. Pulling on her low pumps she made her way back to the bathroom and began to rapidly blow dry her hair. A minute later it was slightly damp and she quickly twisted it into a loose knot held by to Japanese hair pins. Grabbing some light blue eye shadow she quickly put some on her eyelids and then grabbed the mascara. Putting it on hurriedly she grabbed a pale colored lip gloss and applied it to her lips as someone knocked on the door. Cursing she went to her bedroom quickly. “Just a minute.” Dabbing some perfume on her neck and wrists she grabbed her purse and moved to her door. As she opened it she smiled. “Hi.” Her eyes took him in. He was dressed in black Dockers and black leather shoes. The pants hung loose in all the right places and clung to him in all the right places. He wore a dark green dress shirt that bought out his eyes. His short curly hair hung around his face. He smiled back at her. “Hey. You look beautiful,” his eyes wandered over her body. “Thanks. We are you taking me?” “Dinner and Gateway Park. There’s that sculpture thing there and we could see the skyline from the end of the pier. Sound good?” “Sound wonderful. Let’s go,” she locked the door and took his arm. ************ They arrived at Stefani’s and requested a table outside. Nikita smiled as Michael spoke Italian with one of the waiters. He laughed and the waiter left with a smile on his face. “You speak Italian?” “My mother is half Italian and French so I had to learn.” “You come here often?” “When I can. With work it’s kind of hard sometimes.” The waiter returned with menus and smiled at Nikita. “Welcome to Stefani’s. My name is Nino I will be your waiter. Take your time and I‘ll get you both some water.” “Thank you.” A few moments later they had decided to an appetizer. Nino came back and took their order of Bruschetta Toscana and a bottle of expensive red wine. Nikita looked over the menu and sighed. “I have no clue what to order.” “Order whatever you like.” “That’s the problem, I like everything.” Michael chuckled and squeezed her hand that rested on the table. “ What are you in the mood for.” “Something Italian,” she blushed. Michael gazed at her his eyes bright. Looking away he breathed deeply. “Would you like me to order for you?” “Would you?” “I’d be honored,” he replied glancing at the menu. A few moments later Nino returned and Michael fired off in rapid Italian and nodded when Nino said something. He turned back to Nikita once Nino left. “So tell me about yourself.” Nikita looked at him and the history of her cover flew through her head. she smiled softly and looked away. Please forgive me, she thought as she launched into her ‘life’ story. They had just finished eating dinner when Nikita sat back and gazed at Michael. “It’s your turn now. Tell me about yourself, Michael.” He took a sip of his wine and sat back too. “Not much to tell.” “I was born in Marseilles. I grew up there, in Paris, and Italy mostly but we traveled a lot. I have a younger sister. My mother is an artist. They all live in Paris. I needed to get away from home and came to the good old USA. My grandmother, my father’s mother was American so I have a dual citizenship thing going on. I went to school here and decided to stay in America and be a firefighter.” “I have a degree in chemistry, history and art. I worked as firefighter so I wouldn’t party all the time and get distracted. I know five languages and I love to travel and see new things. I’m not married and I am not seeing anyone. I live in an apartment and love dogs.” He thought a moment and smiled. “I haven’t been arrested, I haven’t killed anyone, and I don’t think I’ve committed adultery, at least not knowingly, does that about cover it.” “I think so. I'll let you know.” Nino came back inquiring about desert as he took their plates away. Michael ordered Marjolaine, a white and dark chocolate mousse cake. Nino nodded and smiled before disappearing again. Nikita sipped her wine and looked at the night sky. It was beautiful. She felt a warm hand press against hers on the table. She met the curious gaze of Michael Samuelle. She smiled and resumed looking at the sky. A few moments later the cake arrived and the couple shared it. It was delicious. Michael paid the bill and they left hand and hand for Navy Pier. They arrived at Navy Pier’s Gateway Park to check out the sculptures as they walked along the Pier. The stars shone bright in the sky and people were milling around taking in the skyline, works of art, and peace all around them. Michael watched Nikita’s innocent, enthralled reaction to the sculptures. Her hand felt so comfortable in his, like it belonged there. He shook his head as they walked. They took their time and they had been walking for thirty minutes. It was 9:30 by the time they got to the end of the Pier. They counted to three and as one turned towards the skyline. It was breathtaking. The lights from the city and the stars shining illuminated by the full moon cast an ethereal affect on them. Their hands still clasped Michael squeezed her fingers gently. Their eyes met and they looked at each other as time seemed to freeze. Michael moved towards her, his eyes looking from her lips to her eyes. He moved slowly giving her ample time to move away. She didn't and his lips were a mere centimeter from hers. A figure collided with him and threw him off balance. His lips landed on her cheek and he lurched against her with a small gasp. Recovering he saw a small child running around. He looked around and met the apologetic eyes of the parent. “I’m so sorry mister.” Looking at Nikita whose face was contorted with laughter. He smiled. “It’s no problem.” Ten minutes later they made their way to the car each lost in their own thoughts. “It was a beautiful night, Michael. Thank you very much,” Nikita smiled. “It was my pleasure. I enjoy your company,” he replied softly. “I have to be at work early,” she said looking at him. “Okay, goodnight Nikita.” Their eyes met and Michael seized the opportunity. He slowly moved towards her and pressed his lips against hers in a feather light kiss. His eyes closed slightly. Nikita felt the whisper of his lips against her in the gentlest, softest kiss she ever received. As soon as it had happened it was over. “I’ll call you. Goodnight Nikita,” he whispered. “Night, Michael,” she stroked his cheek. He watched her go inside her apartment before going. He sat in his car and took a deep breath. He held out his hand palm down and stared at it. It was shaking. He smiled softly and left. Nikita leaned against the door and rubbed her lips, the memory of the soft kiss running through her brain. She closed her eyes and began to say the mantra desperately. ************ Nikita took a deep breath as she parked her car across the street from the firehouse. It had been a week since that night at the pier and Michael had asked her to meet him at the firehouse for an early movie. She walked inside and stared at the fire truck and smiled at a young guy who got out of the passenger seat. She looked around before looking at a pole at the back of the garage. She saw two men slide down the pole one after another. One was dressed in navy blue pants and white polo shirt, while the other wore jeans and baseball t-shirt. She recognized the second figure when he landed on the floor. “Hey.” “Hello, Nikita,” Michael smiled softly. “Sal, this is Nikita. Nikita this is Sal.” “Pleasure to meet you miss.” “Likewise. So this is your office, huh? Not bad.” He smiled at her and nodded. “Yup, wanna tour?” “Sure.” He showed her the fire house and introduced her to some of his company. They laughed and joked for a few before Michael glanced at his watch. “All right guys, enjoy your night. Ready.” “Yes. It was nice meeting all of you. Bye.” They all waved at them before they walked out. They agreed to take Nikita’s car since Michael’s was in the shop. Nikita handed him the keys and smiled at his puzzled face. Kissing him on the cheek she moved to the passenger seat but was cut off as he ran ahead of her. He opened the door for her and waited for her to get in. ************ Michael drove in silence to his apartment. He glanced at Nikita who had been quiet all evening. Sighing inwardly he turned on the street his apartment building was on. He turned off the car. “You want to come up for a night cap?” Nikita turned to him with a start. As her mind processed his comment her eyes narrowed. She opened her mouth to say something but paused as he raised his hand in a ‘hold it’ gesture. “Just for tea or whatever you want nothing more. Then I’ll walk you to the car,” he replied reading her expression. “Okay.” They got out and walked into the building and proceeded to the elevator. As they got in and went up the air was filled with silence. Nikita glanced at him and took a deep breath. “I’m sorry. It’s been a rough week and I just overreacted.” Looking at her he noticed her blue eyes were weary and sad. Her body was tense and she had slight dark smudges under her eyes. Grabbing her hand he smiled and nodded. He bought her knuckles to his mouth and kissed them softly. “It’s okay. I understand. So we’ll get this tea in you and off you go home to sleep.” The elevator stopped and he opened the gate for her. They walked down the hallway and saw a huddled figure in front of an apartment door. It was a small woman who was crying. Michael looked away from Nikita once he heard the sniffling. He halted mid-step, his hand extended by Nikita, who kept walking. She stopped and saw his expression cloud with rage and then that rage disappear into a blank expression. She moved to stand beside him but he started to walk again. She became surprised when moved towards the front of the door. The figure looked up at the sound of footsteps and sniffled. “Michael.” Her left eye was badly swollen and her swollen lower lip sported a cut. She lowered her head at Michael’s glare and cried softly. “I’m sorry.” Letting go of Nikita’s hand he knelt down and took her face in both his hands. Gently he lifted her face to meet his. His eyes surveyed every inch of her face searching for further injury. His thumbs brushed lightly against her jaw as his lips moved to her forehead. “Nothing to be sorry for. It’s not your fault, Lisa.” He stood up bringing her to stand in front of him. He looked at Nikita and handed her the key to his home. Beckoning her to understand he breathed a sigh of relief as she opened the door. He ushered Lisa to the couch and went to the kitchen and began to make coffee. Nikita sat beside the woman and handed her a tissue. “I’m Nikita.” “Oh no, I ruined Michael’s night. I’m so-” Nikita shook her head. “Don’t be. I was just coming up for coffee. I’m more worried about you. You want to get cleaned up? It’ll make you feel better.” Lisa nodded moved to the bathroom with Nikita following. Nikita helped her pin up her hair and take off her blouse without hurting her face. She drew a warm bath for the still crying Lisa. “I’ll be right back. Get in there and try to relax.” Nikita moved to the kitchen. She saw Michael standing in front of the sink with the water running. She saw his hands clenched into fists resting on the lip of the sink. She watched as he bowed his head and took a shaky sigh. She cleared her throat softly. “Is she okay?” “She’s in the bath. She needs a towel and something to wear.” “C’mon,” he moved out of the kitchen. She followed him to the other side of the apartment and for the first time she realized it was a loft. His bedroom was literally on the other side of this one room apartment. The view was spectacular and under normal circumstances she would have enjoyed it. She took the clothes he handed her along with a towel. She moved towards the bathroom but turned around swiftly. Looking at his face was like looking into a robot’s but his eyes gave away his emotions. They were shiny with sadness and anger. She put the clothes on the bed and hugged him tight. She felt his arms wrap around her waist. His grip tight and he took a deep breath. “You okay?” “I’m fine.” She pulled away gently and smiled softly at him before grabbing the clothes and moving to the bathroom. ** “She’s going to sleep,” Michael said joining her on the couch. “I hope she is going to be alright.” “Me too.” Michael looked off in the distance his eyes closed briefly. He glanced towards the huddled figure in the bed. “One day that son of a bitch is going to kill her.” He stood up and moved to stare at the window. He felt Nikita staring at him and turned to move towards the couch. He sat down again and sighed for hate umpteenth time that night. “I have to go.” “You work tomorrow. Why didn’t you say something it’s late.” “Lisa needed help.” “Merde,” he whispered as he rose holding out his hand. He helped her up and began walking to the door, handing her purse on the way. They rode the elevator hand and hand in silence. As they walked to the car he squeezed her hand. “I’m sorry,” he whispered as they got to the car. “It’s not a problem. She needed help. Besides it’s not too late.” “Yeah right. Please be careful driving.” “Will do.” She opened the door and lowered the window as she got in and closed the door. She smiled as he bent down to met her eyes. She put her hand over his on the edge of the door. “Thank you for everything, Nikita,” he said softly. “Anytime.” She moved and kissed his lips. Her hands drifted to his face and held him close as his hand wound through her hair. They kissed for what seemed like forever before she pulled away. Her eyes bright. He pulled his hands away and shook his head. “Goodnight, Nikita.” “Goodnight.” He stepped away from the car and with one last smile she drove away. He watched until her lights were barely visible and then moved upstairs. That woman was something special. ************ Nikita crouched down to the ground as a guard passed by her position. She held her breath as he stopped directly above her and looked around. Her heart pounding in her chest she counted backwards from 100. As 79 approached the guard moved away. Closing her eyes in relief she continued to mess with some wires sticking out of the ground. She had been at the hospital when her phone rang calling her to the Chicago substation for a small mission. Afterwards she was to go straight to Section One. The simple in and out mission was taking two days longer than anticipated and she was stuck in a hole in the ground playing with muddy wires. “Nikita, where are you with the alarm?” She cursed Jurgen under her breath and narrowed her eyes. “We’d be moving right along if you would stop asking me every two minutes where we are.” “Nikita, report.” “Fine,” she sighed, exasperated. “We are two minutes further from when you asked me before. Give me one more minute and I’ll be done.” She smiled in victory as Jurgen’s annoyed sigh rang in her ear. Concentration took hold of her and she finished in 50 seconds. Reporting to Jurgen she readied her weapon and proceeded to the next mark. As she approached she ran into a guard. In shock he was dead before he could call for help. She ran inside the building using every stealth ability she possessed. She went into an office cracked it open with some new gadget Walter made. She was in and out in ten minutes and ran to the van. Handing Jurgen the briefcase she sat down and closed her eyes to sleep barely registering Jurgen’s order to take them to a private airport. *** Nikita rubbed the towel through her hair as went to answer the door. Her eyes took in the haggard looking Michael. She stepped aside to let him in. Closing the door she walked past him and moved to the living room. “How was your trip?” She sat down and looked at him. “It was long.” “I tried calling...” “I know I got your messages. I’m sorry I couldn’t get in contact with you. I just had some stuff that needed to be taken care of.” “I know and I understand. I just wanted to make sure you were okay.” “I’m okay. Just tired is all.” Nikita looked at him and sighed softly. “Eight years ago tomorrow my parents died. I’m just a little overwhelmed with work and everything.” “I’m sorry. If you want I’ll leave and-” “No,” she said hurriedly. “I needed to see a friendly face.” He sat next to her on the couch and took her hand. “I understand what it’s like to lose someone close to you. It’s a hurt that dims but never goes away. Sometimes you need to be with people but sometimes you need to be alone and rest.” He stroked her cheek. “I’m going to leave because you’re tired and I’m determined to be a gentleman. I’ll come over tomorrow and we can go to the park or something, whatever you want to do.” “Michael-” He silenced her with a gentle kiss that turned heated when she put her arms around his neck. He pulled away gently his breath coming in small gasps. “I have to go. Night.” He kissed her nose and lips before rising and leaving Nikita’s home. The door’s quiet click finalizing his departure. ************ Three months had passed since Nikita moved to Chicago. Her time was divided between work, both the hospital and at Section. She sat in her apartment watching television and eating some Chinese takeout. Her eyes glued to the discovery channel. Her mind half on what was being said she moved to quickly and her ribs screamed in protest. She was on a mission two days ago and had to jump out of a five story building. When she landed on what looked like an air mattress, provided by Section, her mid-section took the brunt of the landing thereby bruising her ribs. Wincing, she moved back to her previous position and took a small breath. She closed her eyes as she finished her food and put the plate on the floor with a groan as she reclined on the couch. Her mind replayed her meeting with Madeleine yesterday before leaving Section. Rolling her eyes she mentally played back Madeleine’s words of her mission performance slacking and her profiles being skewed. She had to bite back her retort telling Madeleine where she could stick her skewed profiles. The loud ringing of the phone brought her out of her reverie. She moved to answer it her eyes focusing once again on the polar bear special. Putting the phone to her ear she answered in a distracted voice. “Nikita, it's Michael, were you sleeping?” “No, I’m just watching television. What are you doing?” “Just sitting around, it’s not very busy tonight. How was Michigan?” “It went well. We just did some routine stuff,” she chuckled, picturing her jumping out of windows. “I was just calling to make sure you’re up for tomorrow night. I know how tired you get when you travel.” “Yup, we are still on. I haven’t seen you for two weeks. I miss you,” she said quietly. “I miss you, too.” They talked on the phone for a few before Michael hung up. Nikita sighed as she hung up the phone her mind wandering to her mission. She and Michael had been together for three months and everything was going as planned. He was being to trust her and they spent every off day together. Closing her eyes she put a pillow over her face and screamed in it. Life really sucked. She moved to her bedroom and fell into bed fully clothed. Her mind full of scenarios, egresses, profiles, and a certain French fireman with incredible eyes, mouth, smile, laugh...cursing softly she turned to her side. She was doomed. ************ Michael glanced at Freddie who lay at his feet. He was sitting on the couch next to Mal who was watching television. He lay his head against the back of the couch and smiled as he thought of Nikita. “So is this girl the reason you’ve been walking on clouds, Mikey?” “Something like that. Have I been that obvious, Mal?” “Man, this is me you are talking to. Who is she?” “She’s a nurse tech at County general. Her name is Nikita.” “Am I ever gonna meet her?” “I was thinking of inviting her to the ball next week.” “Good. I’m gonna go hit the sack. You better follow suit. You ran those rookies hard today.” “I know. It was fun.” “Goodnight, Michael.” “Night, Mal.” Michael sat on the couch and thought about Nikita. She worked long hours, traveled a lot, and they saw each other less then he liked but when they did see each other it was magic. He had told her that he did not want rush into having sex, no matter how much he wanted to, she said understood and agreed but had looked so crestfallen. Later that night when he asked her what was wrong she told him that he was making her crazy and that he shouldn’t kiss her until they were going to ‘do it.’ Of course she broke that rule when he dropped her off that night and went into her apartment muttering about the crazy French, amusing him endlessly. She never did anything half-assed that was for sure. She lived ever moment to the fullest and consequences be damned. She was the light in his life that he needed. She was very affectionate and didn’t care if it made him uncomfortable just as long as he knew how she felt. He smiled it was kinda nice to be wanted. His mind drifted through their three months together and he chuckled happily. Every time they were together it was fun but there was always that tension that begged release. It scared him and excited him at the same time. The more they were together the more they wanted each other. Shaking his head he discarded those thought because they left him going to bed very uncomfortable. He stood up with a sigh and smiled as Freddie followed him to his cot. He got comfortable on the bed and sleep claimed him quickly. ************ Soft jazz music wafted through the air as Michael held Nikita close on the dance floor. Her head resting on his shoulder she nuzzled her face in the crook of his neck, kissing the steady pulse there. She smiled as she felt his arms tighten across her waist. “Nikita,” he admonished softly. “What?” “You’re making me crazy.” “Now you know how I feel when you use that French charm on me, Michael.” He rubbed her back softly and sighed. The music continuing they danced for ten minutes before they made a move to leave the restaurant. They were both dressed formerly against the chilly November night. Michael took off his jacket and wrapped it around Nikita’s bare shoulders. She smiled her thanks and nestled herself against his body as he wrapped and arm around her waist. They got into the car and made their way to Michael’s apartment for a night cap. They talked about the past two weeks whole they drove and soft laughter filled the car. They arrived at Michael’s and moved to his apartment. In the elevator Michael kept glancing at Nikita and smiled slightly when he was caught. “I’m sorry. You look really lovely tonight.” “Thank you. You don’t look to bad yourself,” smiling he opened the elevator and held out his hand. They made their way to his door. They were in the kitchen and joking around and making tea. They bumped in to each other when they both went for the sugar. He grabbed her to steady her and looked into her eyes, apologetically. Nikita took a breath and seized the moment. Her lips claimed his in a hungry kiss that made him groan. She felt his arms wrap around her waist pulling her close to him as he began to kiss her back with equal passion. The tea forgotten he backpedaled, with her in his arms, to the couch. He broke the kiss and lay her down on the couch. Settling on top of her he caressed her brow before he kissed her cheek, and then moved to her mouth. His hands wound in her hair and settled on her hips caressing her belly. Her hand un-tucked his shirt and undid his tie. Impatient fingers sought his skin and frantically removed any barriers hindering the sought contact. Michael lay bare-chested on top of her, while her fingers caressed the defined muscles of his torso with awe. His fingers un-zipped her dress and pushed the material down to her waist. He caressed her through her bra and kissed her neck. His hands caressing her silken skin, he moved back to her mouth and brushed his tongue against her lip before slipping into her mouth. They pulled apart both breathing deeply. Her eyes searched his and she smiled at what she saw. Caressing his cheek she sighed. “Michael.” At her whispering his name Michael lost all semblance of control and began to worship her torso with his mouth. He felt her hands wrap themselves in his hair as he kissed her navel. He pushed her dress down and began working his way down when the ringing of a bell interrupted his descent. Resting his head against her stomach he groaned. Looking at her with a small smile he moved up and kissed her softly. Pulling away he caressed her cheek and laid on top of her his weight resting on one elbow. He opened his mouth to say something when the doorbell rang again. “I’ll be right back.” Michael pulled on his discarded dress shirt and left the buttons un-done as he went to the door. Opening the door with a slightly annoyed expression he took in the two people at his door. Shock shone through his eyes and his posture changed. Glancing to the living room area of his loft he turned his gaze back to the door. “Maman?” On the other side of the door were Michael’s mother and sister smiling at him with suitcases at their feet. “Surprise,” Maria Samuelle said to her son. “We thought since Mohammed couldn’t come to the mountain we would bring the mountain to him.” Michael smiled softly and hugged his mother and then his sister. He grabbed their bags and went into his apartment. He looked around for her and looked at the closed bathroom door. He put their bags near his bed and gestured for them to sit down. “We didn’t think you were home then we heard the tea kettle steeping and well here we are.” Michael flushed and looked towards the kettle. Smiling he shook his head in wonder. The damned thing was whistling the entire time he and Nikita were on the couch and he hadn’t heard it. Chuckling he started to button his shirt and moved to pick up his hastily discarded tie. Maria took in the disheveled appearance of her son and frowned. Her eyes moved to the closed bathroom door. There was light peeling through the crack and the sound of running water escaped from inside. “Michael, we aren’t interrupting anything are we?” “No,” he replied, looking towards the bathroom. “Give me a minute. Help yourselves to whatever is in the fridge. I’ll be back in a second.” He moved to the bathroom door and knocked. He took a deep breath as he waited for Nikita to open the door. He stepped inside and smiled apologetically at her. He took in her flushed face and swollen lips and he moaned softly in frustration. “Sorry about the interruption. My mom likes surprises.” “So I saw.” She watched as he sat on the closed toilet seat and smiled at his lost expression. Moving to stand in front of him she sat on his lap. Caressing his face she sighed. “At least they got here safe.” “Mhmm. Don’t stop, it feels good.” She chuckled and continued to stroke his hair. She kissed his forehead and took a deep breath, inhaling his scent. “I’m going to go home and leave you here with your family. You are going to call me in a few days and check up on me. Then we are going to make a date real soon and finish our previous conversation. Okay.” Michael started laughing and looked in her eyes. “Is that an order Ms. Pierce.” “Yup, I don’t know about you but I kinda liked that conversation we were having, It involved a lot of oral stimulation and you had a lot to say. Can you blame a girl?” “Nope,” he stood up and opened the door. They walked out of the bathroom and smiled at his family. He held her hand and looked at his mother and sister with a relaxed expression. “Maman, Isabella, this is Nikita. Nikita this is my mother Maria and my sister Isabella.” “It’s a pleasure to meet you both,” Nikita replied shaking their hands. “Likewise.” “We’re sorry to interrupt your evening we did-” “No need to apologize. I needed to get going anyway. I have an early shift in the morning. Nice to meet the both of you and I hope to see you again soon.” “I’ll walk you to the door.” Maria and Isabella watched as Michael walked Nikita to the door. They watched as he stroked the young woman’s hair and smiled at her soft comment. As one they looked at each other and looked away. “I’ll call you in a couple of days.” “Okay.” He lifted her chin so that her eyes were meeting his. “I had fun tonight Nikita. I like dancing with you.” “Me too. I’ll see you later,” she turned to leave. She stopped as Michael’s hand touched her shoulder. He pressed his lips against hers as his arms pulled her close. He felt her arms wrap around his neck and her breath rush out of her lungs. He pulled away and sighed against her forehead. “Later,” he whispered hugging her to him. He watched a she went into the elevator and disappeared. Taking a deep breath and closing the door he turned his attention back to the two women in his home. At their flushed expressions he smiled and went to them. “That was Nikita,” he said as if that explained it all including the dopey expression on his face. ************ Michael awoke the next morning with a yawn. He had given his mother and sister his bed and had taken the couch. Stretching he sat up and rubbed the sleep from his eyes. He got up and proceeded to the bathroom to take a shower. Ten minutes later he emerged dressed in a pair of jeans and was rubbing a towel over his short hair. He smelt coffee and smiled as he saw his mother in the kitchen. Walking over to her he hugged her and kissed her cheek. “Good morning, Maman. Where is Isabella?” “She’s asleep. I am afraid she doesn’t travel to different time zones very often.” Michael nodded as he poured himself a cup of coffee and sat at the table. His mother joined him and he looked at her. “Why did you come?” “I missed you, Michel. Isabella and I, we needed to see you. I needed to make sure you are alright. I left your father. He’s changed so much that I couldn’t even see the man I married.” “I am sorry, Maman,” he hugged he close. “Not your fault. For the first time I can understand why you hate him so,” she said softly. Michael swallowed the lump in his throat and closed his eyes. It amazed him how much it still hurt even after so long. Looking at a point above his mother’s shoulder he took a deep breath. “I can’t, he murmured before getting up. Maria watched as he went into his closet and grabbed a t-shirt. He stopped and looked as Isabella before putting on the shirt. He grabbed his keys and left without another word. She stared at the door in silence her heart aching for her son. ************ Michael sat on a bench in a nearby park. His eyes clouded by memories of the past. His breath came in small silent gasps and tears welled up in his eyes. A vision of a petite Asian filled his mind and he closed his eyes. Her face morphed into memories held dear by him. Memories of her laughing, crying, and sleeping ran through his mind. His image of them lying in bed after making love caused a tear to escape, running down his cheek. Sighing he wiped it away. Then came the most dreaded memory he possessed. His mind relived the moment when he lost the most important person in his life. ~~ They were eating lunch across the street from Simone’s job. They had just graduated lycée a month ago and were engaged to be married. She was working for the police department and he had asked her to have lunch with him that day. Afterwards she was going to go shopping for a new dress. It had been a great day and they were just enjoying each other’s company. Then she looked regretfully at her watch and rose. He walked her to her car and pulled her towards him with a smile. His mouth claimed hers in a soft kiss that grew passionate. She promised to see him later and they were going to finish that kiss. He had smiled and opened the door for her. They both murmured ‘I love you,’ and Michael watched her drive away. It was the last time he would ever touch her again. He was turning to walk towards his own car when a blast of heat and a loud explosion threw him off his feet. Landing on the sidewalk painfully hard he sat up and saw Simone’s small Citroën in flames. He stood up clutching his ribs when another small explosion engulfed the small car anew. “Simone!” He didn’t remember what had happened next. The next thing he knew was that his mother was there and she was so very concerned for him. A few months later he moved away from home and began building a life for himself in the United States. He left his mother confused as to why he left but he left because of what happened with Simone and when he learned of the part his father played in her death. ~~ Michael opened his eyes and felt so old. He pinched the bridge of his nose and stood up. He looked skyward and took a deep breath. He began to walk home slowly. He remembered his vow to never forgive his father and to never tell anyone else what his father had done. ************ Nikita stared at her laptop her mind moving at a thousand miles a minute. Her eyes taking in the information Birkoff was sending, via satellite, about Michael’s mother and sister. Her mind drifted back to yesterday night and Michael’s kisses. She suddenly felt like scum and wish she could just disappear. She had no one to talk to. She needed someone to talk to who understood her situation but she had no one. She couldn’t go to Michael because he was her mark. She couldn’t go to Birkoff or Walter because she didn’t want them to be worried and Jurgen, she was the last person she’d go to with her problems. She could just envision his rough voice saying that he couldn’t do anything and that she had to do this mission. She shut her eyes and bit her lower lip. How did people do these deep cover missions so easily? She understood if the marks were horrible people but what happened when they were like Michael? She stopped her thoughts and took a deep calming breath. “I need to stay focused and do the job. Just do the job, Nikita,” she muttered to herself. She began to go through her training with Jurgen of five years ago and the training they completed just three months ago. Before she knew it an hour had passed and she felt a little more like herself. She told Birkoff thanks and traded some light banter before signing off and went into the kitchen to make herself something to eat. She ate and began to review the parameters for another mission she had to profile. She turned on the radio and ate as her eyes scanned the computer screen. It was going to be a long night. ************ A few hours later Nikita yawned and turned off the radio. She went to bed and was just falling asleep when her cell phone rang. Putting it to her ear she closed her eyes. “Yeah.” “Joséphine.” Closing her eyes she got up and hung up the phone and grabbed an overnight bag. Sighing she made her way out of her apartment to the airport and to Section One. “Nikita it’s me Michael. Can you call me when you get in please. Thanks, bye.” He hung up and looked at his mother. “She’s not home.” It had been two days and he had spent time with his family before he called Nikita. He wanted all of them to have dinner together and was hoping she could come. “Maybe she went shopping.” “Yeah. Bella you ready yet?” “Don’t rush me, Michael. Who knows I might meet the future Mr. Samuelle here,” his sister giggled. “You would be the type to make your husband take your name. Tired of Yves already?” “Michael, he was a pig. Besides I’m older now my tastes are more refined. I compare all my future boyfriends to my dear big brother and if they don’t measure up I kick them to the curb.” “Thank you for that nice compliment but I really am a pig, too.” “I know but Maman raised you to be a civilized pig. That makes all the difference.” She watched as her brother smiled for what seemed like the first time since they arrived her. She was glad she knew how. Michel needed to laugh more often. “What about your girlfriend. Is she not coming with us?” “Nikita isn’t at home. So we are going. She can come next time. Come on I’m hungry.” “I’m coming, I’m coming. You are getting grumpy in your old age, Michel.” “Hey, I’m only thirty-two and you’re not that far behind me, petite soeur. If I’m correct you’re going to be twenty eight in a few months.” Isabella pretended to be outraged as she glared at her older brother. She heard her mother laugh lightly at their playful banter. It did feel good to be around her brother again. “Michel. You are a Frenchman. You of all people know it is not polite to discuss a woman’s age.” Michael laughed softly as he opened the elevator for them. He waited for the elevator to start moving before uttering his next comment. “You started it.” Maria’s laughter rang out in the elevator at the childhood comment he and Isabella used to say all the time. Soon all three of them were chuckling as they made their way to the car. ************ Nikita sat at the briefing table and waited for Operations to proceed. She smiled as Walter winked at her. She was about to say something when Operations made his way to the table.
