“She hasn’t slept in days.. Can’t she even have that?” Michael questions.

“She hasn’t slept in eleven days, to be precise. And no, she can’t have that. She needs to face her demons!” Madame Zelda says firmly. Michael shakes his head.

“How many more demons? She has faced the men and her mother... who’s left? Me?” Michael asks and Madame Zelda looks firmly at Michael.

“You are not a demon to her. The demon that you are connected to is her demon of fear and lost of life. Do not fear that you are a demon to her.” Madame Zelda says and Michael looks back into the room. Nikita’s head has started to thrash around.

“She needs to see them. There is only one left before she sees the current dreams... Please, don’t protect her.” Madame Zelda says. She pauses.

The vibrations are odd and forceful. Madame Zelda looks out to the room and up to the sky. She studies the stars like she never seen them before.

“By Bert.. she is more than just a special one...” Madame Zelda says softly. She takes Michael’s hands and holds them in hers.

“Have you told her that your own demons have passed?” Madame Zelda asks softly with her eyes close. She hears the soft sound of Michael’s own eyes snapping open.

“I don’t know what..you..are..taking... ab..about...” Michael stutters as he tries to move away from her grasp.

“Simone... have you admitted to Nikita that you never loved her. Have you told Nikita that it was because of Madeline?” Madame Zelda says softly as she opens her eyes and looks at Michael.

“How can you say that I never loved Simone?” Michael almost screams in anger.

“Did you?” Madame Zelda asks. Michael looks away and back to the room. Nikita is stilling moving with the nightmare. He wanted to be back in the room with her.

“Madeline said it was all right. Did it make you say that you had to love Simone?” Madame Zelda asks softly. Michael stares at her. Matthew had promised that she could not hurt them. He sighed and looked at Zelda.

“When Madeline suggests, you take it as an order.” Michael says with a crack in his voice. Finally he was admitting it to himself.

“So you never loved Simone... You never broke the rules for her. You never covered for her... You never thought about her night and day and the times in-between.” Madame Zelda says softly. She feels the vibration again and looks into the room.

“Go to her. Remember, support her, not protect her.” Madame Zelda suddenly says as she opens the door.

*********

Matthew paced in his office, holding his head.

“Don’t fight it, Nikita... let it happen....” Matthew comments as he sees everything. It was the first time that he actually saw what Nikita was seeing. He had arrived back from his outing with Madeline and was working on paperwork when it started. Matthew had Nikita’s nightmare about her mother along with her.

Matthew watched it out and trembled with emotion. Once it was over, Matthew felt that it was only the beginning for Nikita. He did not know that it was only the beginning for himself also.

“Zelda... take care of her... she is fighting...” Matthew mutters as he closes his eyes tightly. He hopes that Zelda is there. He feels an absence and knows that Zelda must be talking to Michael. That was why Nikita was fighting.

“Don’t fight... don’t fight...” Matthew mutters as he paces again, starting to get an intense headache.

Then the image is broken by Madeline’s approach. In fact, she was right outside the office. She saw Matthew holding his head and walked in.

“Is it something that I should know about?” Madeline asks and Matthew shakes his head.

He sees children and then he sees the park. Madeline’s close presence was disrupting his connection. Matthew shot his hands down and stared at Madeline.

“GET OUT!” Matthew hisses and Madeline places her hands on her hips. Matthew rolls his eyes and winces in the pain of the thoughts that swim in his head. He can’t forget them. He had to pay attention to them. He turned his back on Madeline and looked back to Nikita.

Madeline stands and watches Matthew. He starts to pulls his body down tightly and Madeline shakes her head. She steps forward and places a hand on his shoulder. Matthew spins around and pins Madeline against the wall.

“NEVER DO THAT!” Matthew warns with a scream and he turns away. His head is throbbing. He had to get rid of Madeline.

“What is going on? Who is it?” Madeline asks firmly and Matthew shuts his eyes, trying to contain his anger.

“It has nothing to do with you, Madeline. Please, you are disrupting the image.” Matthew says as he tries to push her out of the door. She does not budge and grabs onto Matthew’s arm again. And as before, Matthew pushes her against the wall and stares at her.

“FOR ONCE, BELIEVE ME! I WAS BROUGHT HERE TO FIX ALL THE MAYHEM THAT YOU CREATED... I AM NOT HERE TO BE THE GUIDING LIGHT OF MADELINE. I AM NOT HEAR TO TELL YOU WHEN THE BAD IS GOING TO HAPPEN AND WHEN IT IS GOOD!” Matthew says as he shakes his head.

Suddenly, Matthew is pulled to the center of the room. Everything stops.

There is no presence of Madeline felt.

There is no voice given to Madeline’s moving mouth.

Images of Nikita’s childhood are gone.

There are stars.

And then it ends, taking Matthew’s headache with it. He looks to the wall and ponders for a second.

“Matthew, have you heard a word I have said?” Madeline asks annoyed. She pulls at him and Matthew shrugs his shoulders.

“For once in my life, I haven’t.” Matthew says bluntly. Madeline’s mouth drops with the statement. He always had images from Madeline, even when he was hundreds of miles away. This was not normal.

“Now, if you excuse me, I am going to take advantage of this...” Matthew says as he slowly pushes his paperwork into the drawer. He is not worrying about Nikita, she is in good hands. He doesn’t care what Madeline says or does. He is free at the moment. Matthew knows it won’t last long.

“What are you saying?” Madeline asks firmly. Matthew smiles as he turns off the desk light.

“It means, I don’t know what you are thinking or planning. I don’t know what you are going to say at this moment! I am finally going to get some sleep without taking medication to shut you up!” Matthew announces as he pushes through the dark office.

“Matthew, this is about Nikita. You are pretending!” Madeline calls out as Matthew walks down the hallway.

“No, this is totally about me.” Matthew says as he smiles, looking for a good place to get some good old fashioned sleep.

***********

“Nikita doesn’t have a daddie... Nikita doesn’t have a daddie...” The girls sang at Nikita when she was in grade school.

“Nikita your father was your mom’s pimp... your father forced your mother onto other guys...” The same girls chanted right before Nikita left her home.

Nikita had ran as far as she could, and knew she could never learn the truth. She would never learn who her father was.

“Hey, kid... your father must have been lucky to have you around!” a beggar yells from the sidewalk. Nikita looks down and continues walking. She moves to the library and sits down. She pulls out a book and starts to read.

This kid had a good father. He was there when she had plays and he was there when the bad stuff happened. Was it possible that Nikita just didn’t matter?

The tears ran down her face as she closed the book.

“YOU! YOU AGAIN! GET OUT!” the librarian yelled as she moved to Nikita’s table. Nikita still had the money, but left like the homeless person she thought she was. She had no home and no family. Nikita left the book and ran out.

It was time to go on to another city. Nikita walked to the bus station and paid for the ticket. She explained to the man that her mother didn’t have time to pay for the ticket, that she was on her way to meet her father.

It had been the explanation she gave every time a cashier questioned the girl traveling by herself, with cash. Nikita climbed up the stairs and was relieved to find the bus relatively empty. She sat down and looked out the window.

It was always the bus trips that Nikita saw the fathers helping their daughters learn to ride a bike. It was when Nikita was passing by that she became acutely aware that she was no one. She had no real history. She didn’t have grandparents or a father. Her own mother was worthless.

Sometimes she would think of the man in St. Louis that had been so kind. He was a nice man, and took care of Nikita for the little bit that she knew him. Often she would daydream that he was her father. Once she even traveled back to St. Louis to see him. He had also moved on.

She was an unknown gypsy, traveling on the bus to nowhere in particular for no reason at all. She needed to move on. She got to learn the country quite well that way. Someday she would go overseas. Maybe her father was a foreigner. Maybe the nice man in St. Louis was. The man and her father’s image had meshed a long time ago, as the one she was seeking. Nikita knew he wasn’t her father, but it was nice to think that someone was out there for Nikita.

*

“I WANT TO KNOW MY DAD!” Nikita screams from her sleep. Michael sits in the corner, watching her. This dream didn’t actively move her physical body around until now. Instead, Michael watched her face groan in the pain of the dream. These were the first words that she had muttered out.

Nikita crawls to the window wall and stares up to the star. Madame Zelda had claimed that there was someone watching her from up there. Nikita knew it was not Jurgen.

Maybe it was her father.

Maybe it was the man.

Soon, Nikita falls asleep.

*

Nikita looks around in the darkness. She walks to the side, not sure of where she is in the darkness and why she was in the dark. Slowly the sky lightens to the right, and she looks that way.

“Nikita...” The voice says softly and Nikita travels that way. She stops as she sees a face that she can not identify.

“Who are you?” Nikita asks as she stops and studies the glowing face and body. He is tall and lanky. Very fit. There is crisp blonde hair on his head and Nikita tried not to notice the blue eyes that were only topped in beauty by Nikita’s. Nikita had for years believed that any man with sharp blue eyes and blonde hair was her father.

“Oh, my child... I am your father...” the man says softy as the moves forward. He smiles at her in a way that Nikita does not know. He is proud of her.

“No, I don’t have a father...” Nikita says in her stubborn grown up ways. Her father frowns and looks at Nikita again. She knows the truth.

“Dad?” Nikita chokes out as the tears flood her face.

“Yes, Nikita....” her father says slowly.

“Where have you been? Why did you leave me?” Nikita cries out, letting her anger out.

“I had no choice... I have watched you from above, my child... my Nikita...” her father says and Nikita shakes her head.

“How do I know that you are? Who are you?” Nikita demands and he shakes his head. He is not here for that.

“Nikita, you have survived.... You deserve everything.” Her father says softly as he looks to his right. He is looking down at Michael. Nikita looks and sees and almost faints.

“I AM KILLING PEOPLE! DOESN’T THAT MATTER!” Nikita screams. Her father only smiles.

“You are loved... I was waiting for you to finally get what I couldn’t give you...” Her father says as he steps away.

“Daddie... don’t leave...” Nikita says as she watches him start to fade.

“I never left you.” Her father says slowly.

“YOU NEVER SAW ME! I NEVER KNEW YOU!” Nikita screams.

“Your mother gave you my name...” her father says as he vanishes.

*

“DADDIE DON’T LEAVE ME!!!” Nikita screams as she pounds on the floor. Michael stands up from the corner.

“NOT NOW! I NEED YOU DADDIE!” Nikita screams more as Michael takes a hold of her shoulders. He knows that Nikita never knew who her father was. Hell, Section One couldn’t even find out who her father was. Why she was screaming for him now, well, that was supernatural.

“Open your eyes, Nikita...” Michael says softly. Nikita opens her eyes to see Michael’s eyes. She allows the last tears out and looks over her shoulders.

“When did the sun start to raise?” Nikita asks slowly standing up. Her strength amazed Michael. He watched her walk to the wall and look up to the early morning skies.

“A few minutes ago.” Michael says softly, and he rushes to catch Nikita’s sleeping body.

“Take her home.” Zelda says from the doorway. Michael looks at her and then at Nikita.

He could not tell you what occurred that night.

***********

Michael stretched his arms out and looked to the bed next to him. He was looking down at the bed, surprised to find Nikita had left it. He glances at the clock and shakes his head. It had only been five hours since Michael snuggled Nikita into bed.

Michael sat up in the bed and looked around the room. He hurriedly pulls a robe on and walks out of the room. He moves to the stairs and hears the slight humming from Nikita. He walks down the stairs and shakes his head.

“Nikita, you should still be sleeping...” Michael says softly as he rubs his own eyes. He could sleep all day if Nikita was next to him. Michael steps down on the floor and looks closer at Nikita. She is dressed and pulled together.

“Well, I am so use to not sleeping that my sleeping patterns are going to be off for a while... Four hours was good for me!” Nikita says with a smiles as she polishes off the bagel. Nikita pulls at her hair and Michael stares at her.

“You are going in.” Michael says in disbelief. Nikita smiles softly and looks to the wall.

“Nikita... last night was hell... you have the day off!” Michael says firmly, but understands that it will do no good. He wasn’t going to make this a huge issue. He wasn’t about to force a wedge between them again.

“I have somethings I have to do, Michael.” Nikita says softly and it almost bothers Michael. He doesn’t know of anything that Nikita would have to do. Nikita walks over to Michael softly and places her hands on his shoulders.

“I’m fine. Why don’t you get a few more hours sleep? You know where I am.” Nikita says. Michael blinks his eyes. A few more hours did sound good to him. Michael nodded his head. Nikita leaned up and kissed his lips softly.

“Is this a meeting with Matthew?” Michael asks softly as he turns to watch Nikita.

“I have a feeling he has found some peace...” Nikita says as she looks out the window. Michael doesn’t question it. After the night, he doesn’t question anything that comes from Nikita.

Michael also believed that she was still hurting pretty bad. Some of the memories were awful, and could scar anyone for life. He ached to talk about them more, but did not push Nikita. She had regained her sleep, and that was all Michael was out for to start with.

Michael slowly walked back up the stairs. If Nikita would push him away latter in the day, Michael would not care if Nikita was sleeping. Seeing Nikita suffer was always the worst thing. That made last night almost as bad as the virus.

Michael turns around to see Nikita with the door opened. She turns back and looks up at Michael.

“Remember, stay away from Madeline.” Michael says softly. Nikita smiles and winks.

“Believe me, I remember!” Nikita jokes as she walks out the door.

Michael hears the door close and runs down the stairs. He looks around the apartment. He needed to know why Nikita was going in. He saw a piece of paper with her name doodled onto it several times and a half cold cup of tea.

Michael sighs and shakes his head. He learned nothing. There was going to be only one way to do so. Michael walked back up the stairs. He at least needed a shower.

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

Nikita walked into Section One and looked around. It was extremely quite as she walked down the hallways. She did her reflex look into Michael’s office, although she knew he was still at her place. Nikita then pulled at her ponytail and walked to Birkoff’s station.

Nikita glanced at Birkoff before sitting down at a computer herself. She easily accessed the little bit of her file that she could. She looked at the file on her history and shook her head. Section One did not know who her father was. That was her one hope.

Nikita glanced at Birkoff and then hacked into the file. She didn’t care if she got caught, it wasn’t vital information. It was about her father to pete’s sake. Nikita scanned the file, looking at the many searches that had been asked. Nikita noted that Birkoff did the intel on the report.

Nikita takes her time and drops a disk on the floor. Birkoff rolls over and picks it up, without looking at Nikita. Nikita grasps his wrist and pulls him to her computer.

“I need to talk to you about this.” Nikita says firmly . Birkoff glances at the screen and then at Nikita.

“I need five minutes, Nikita.” Birkoff says as he points to the comm unit. A mission must be still occurring. Nikita nodded her head and stood up, leaving the screen where it was.

Nikita turns from the computers and looks at Walter. She stops as she watches Walter peak out from behind the door. Nikita looks to the floor and then back at Walter. Nikita spreads a smile across her face, and heads towards the man.

“Hello, Walter.” Nikita says as she enters. Walter looks up and turns his head towards her.

“Hello, Sugar. You seem a bit better.” Walter says carefully. Nikita leans against the wall and allows her shoe to accidentally close the door.

“I was having the dreams of a young boy in the house next to my apartment buildings.” Nikita admits with a bluntness that even shocked her. The last time she was that straight forward was when she just hit the streets. Nikita looks at Walter and turns her head away in thought.

“Did you take care of the parents?” Walter asks. He didn’t need to know that the boy was abused, it was always that.

“I am sure Michael has taken care of that.” Nikita says with a smile as she turns to face Walter again. He smiles back at Nikita.

“You still look tired.” Walter says and Nikita almost shutters as she did only hours prior to this.

“I’m learning to sleep again..” Nikita jokes. She looks at Walter and stands up.

“Well, if you need anything, sugar, you know where I am.” Walter offers with a giant smile. Nikita walks over and plants a long and genuine kiss on Walter’s cheek.

Nikita pulls away and starts to walk away.

“Thank you, Walter.” Nikita says with a smile. Walter stares at Nikita in a moment of confusion.

“I didn’t do anything...” Walter says softly.

“Thank you, Walter.” Nikita replies firmly and she walks out of the weapons area and back to Birkoff.

“Why do you always have to be prompt?” Birkoff asks and Nikita laughs loudly. It was an event that only occurred when Nikita was really interested in something. She still made it a point to be purposely late for briefings.

“I need to know about this.” Nikita says as she turns off the screen saver and shows it to Birkoff. Birkoff looks at the report again and squints at Nikita.

“How did you access this?” Birkoff asks firmly.

“Your password...” Nikita says and Birkoff stares at her firmly. Nikita opens the drawer and pulls out an oreo, his password. Birkoff slaps his hand on the desk and glares at Nikita. He was going to have to change it again.

“So?” Birkoff asks and Nikita folds her hands.

“There were no leads?” Nikita asks softly and Birkoff pulls the chair up next to the computer.

“Nikita, I looked everywhere. We didn’t have anything one him. It could be anyone. If Operations had it his way, I would have gotten DNA testing from every male on the planet.” Birkoff says as he touches Nikita’s hands.

“What if there was something that I could give you?” Nikita asks softly. Birkoff shrugs his shoulders. He couldn’t commit to anything with just a general statement.

“Did you know that the name Nikita is actually a Russian male name?” Nikita says softly as she pulls her hands away from Birkoff’s touch. Birkoff looks at her and shakes his head.

“What difference does that make?” Birkoff asks. Nikita looks around and sighs.

“Don’t ask me how I know... but I think my mother gave me my father’s name.” Nikita says softly. Birkoff stands up with a smile on his face. He turns and starts to walk away.

Yet, Birkoff couldn’t walk far. He stopped and slapped his hands down onto his thighs. He turned back around and headed to the computer that Nikita was working on.

“Michael told me three days ago, never distrust a hunch of yours.” Birkoff mutters as he types the name in and shows Nikita how to do these searches.

**********

Birkoff looked over at the computer that Nikita was using for the hundredth time in the past twenty minutes. This time Nikita pushed at her hair and set her head down on the table that she had pushed the keyboard away from. Birkoff wasn’t exactly sure what was going on with Nikita, but five straight hours at a computer wasn’t good for anyone. Even he moved himself away from the computers for at least five minutes out of an hour.

Birkoff stood up and walked to Walter’s area. For some reason, the coffee and tea pots had been returned and Birkoff retrieved a cup of tea. He looked over to the computers and saw Nikita shaking her head in disgust. He knew how frustrating it could be trying to locate someone.

“Nikita, why don’t you go home?” Birkoff asks as he sets the tea in front of Nikita’s head. Nikita took the cup in her hands and sipped it silently. She had seen Michael speaking to both Birkoff and Walter. He probably told them that she just needed sleep.

Nikita stared at the blank computer screen and shut her eyes. Birkoff flicks the screen off and looks at Nikita.

“Why the sudden obsession with finding him?” Birkoff asks as he pulls the disk out of the computer. Nikita rolled her head around her shoulders and stared off to the side.

“It was stupid of me, Birkoff...” Nikita says as she stands up and leaves the cup. She pulls her long arms up in the air and stretches them smoothly.

“Birkoff... tell Michael that I went home, ok?” Nikita says as she pulls at the coat and walks towards the van access and her way home.

Birkoff shook his head and picked up the cup of tea. Nikita barely drank any of it. He sighed and took it back.

*

Nikita moved down the hall silently. She could not remember how many times she read “NO MATCH FOUND BY DESCRIPTION...” All she wanted to know that she had a father.

She was deep in thought that when she turned the corner, she ran directly into Matthew. Both shook their heads as they stood up. Matthew was still enjoying his clutter-free mind.

“Nikita, how are things?” Matthew asks as he helps to pull Nikita up. She smiles and nods her head.

“Fine.” Nikita says and swallows. Matthew motions her to a little alcove off of the hallway and stared at her. He felt it, but was surprised at the issue.

“It was difficult...” Nikita slowly says as she twists her hands together. Matthew is hit with a swarm of emotions. He blinked his eyes at how quickly they hit him and how overwhelmed he felt. He couldn’t image what Nikita was going through.

“How much have you discussed with Michael?” Matthew asks softly and Nikita looks at the wall directly to the left of Matthew’s head.

“Not much. My sleeping patterns are all messed up.” Nikita says as she avoids the conversation. Matthew reaches out and grabs her arms.

“He needs to talk too.” Matthew says and Nikita stops and holds the side of her head. It was too much for one day. It seemed endless. She needed to get out. She needed to... shop.

“Don’t spend too much.” Matthew says as he lets go of her arms. He didn’t feel like he helped her at all. Nikita turned and smiled. She was in the middle of the hallway when Matthew stopped her again.

“Nikita... if you believed all the other dreams, don’t doubt the one you haven’t proved yet.” Matthew says as he looks at Nikita. She nods and moves away, off to shop.

**********

Matthew walks into his office with a smile on his face. Still no thoughts about Madeline. It was like he was cured from her. For once in his long life, he was free from her. It was relieving to feel that way.

He did think about it often during the night. Matthew had believed that he would sleep soundly, but he found himself pondering why it had occurred. Now, in the office, he began to rethink all that he thought last night. Maybe Madeline no longer needed his constantly guidance. He didn’t believe that one. Madeline had done too many things of late, that she would not normally do.

It had to be Nikita and maybe even Michael. Matthew felt a connection there that was something that he had lacked in the past. His relationship with Madeline was like having the second half of her brain. What Matthew learned about Nikita was very different. He experienced the emotions that Nikita was having. He didn’t have Nikita’s second half of her brain, he was sure that Michael had that. What Matthew had was like someone observing what was going on. He could tell that something was bothering her and what those somethings could be. He just couldn’t be absolutely sure that it was correct.

Matthew had believed that the hardest part for Nikita would be that Michael learned of what occurred before she left her house. Matthew was sure that the admittance that she once had an abortion would tear her little life apart again. It appeared that it was not what was bothering Nikita as much on this day.

“I saw Nikita leaving from a talk with you. Are you going to inform me?” Madeline asks softly. Matthew actually jumps with the acknowledgment on her voice. He didn’t know she was inside Section One.

“Madeline, I still don’t think you should hear about this. It is a delicate situation.” Matthew says as he sits down and feels a headache start to build again. Madeline turns and sits in front of his desk.

“You know the many reasons why I should know!” Madeline says firmly. Matthew closes his eyes and sighs.

“She is very tired, because Nikita has been having the boy’s, from the house next door, dreams.” Matthew says quickly and he folds his hands and stares at Madeline.

She sits in silence. She turns and looks at the wall before she even nods her head in understandment. She brushes her fingers through her hair and looks back to Matthew.

“Madame Zelda?” Madeline asks calmly and Michael nods his head. Madeline stands up and starts to pace.

“Yes, Madame Zelda.” Matthew replies. Madeline shakes her head and looks to be on the verge of tears. It was way too much for Matthew to understand.

“Alone?” Madeline asks with a cracking voice. She knew the answer to the question before she even asked it.

“No. Michael was there.” Matthew replies and Madeline slumps her head forward and shakes it lightly.

“Any affects seen?” Madeline asks as she leans down on the desk and stares at Matthew.

“Her sleeping patterns are off. Other than that, and needing to fix the mess with Michael, Nikita appears fine.” Matthew says softly. Madeline sits down and looks down at her hands.

“I want to speak with her.” Madeline says firmly and Matthew shakes his head. Madeline stands up and places her hands only inches away from Matthew.

“I order to speak with her.” Madeline says and Matthew stands up and shakes his head again.

“I won’t allow it. I could always tell Operations the true motives....” Matthew says smartly as he lifts his chin up.

“Go ahead!” Madeline cries out. “I need to speak with Nikita.” Madeline says even more firmly than the first time.

“Then I will tell Operations about your own time with...” Matthew starts and stops when Madeline raises a hand to him.

“Take care of her.” Madeline states and leaves. Matthew slumps down in the chair, wishing he did not come in on this day.

**********

“ I will be there in an hour, thank you.” Michael says into the phone and hangs it up. He looks down at the computer and at what Nikita had tried to do for several hours. He glanced at his clock and noted that he should be going to be with Nikita. He still didn’t know what she was going to be like a while. He didn’t want her to suffer by herself because he wasn’t there.

Matthew had left a message for Michael, saying that Madame Zelda had seen Nikita. They spoke briefly about how long it would take Nikita to get back to normal sleeping patterns. Madame Zelda said two weeks, but that was to pacify Nikita. Madame Zelda told Matthew it should only take a day or two if Nikita was allowed the contact she needed. It did not take Michael three seconds to realize that the contact they were talking about was himself.

Michael shakes his head and opens the old mission files. He punched in the possible year that Nikita had passed through the area and then looked for any missions. Now, it was beyond possibilities that Nikita ran into someone from Section One, but Michael worked on his impulse. He had learned a long time ago, not to ignore his impulses. That was why he was in Nikita’s room that night, and that was why he was doing the file search.

Michael blinked as he saw the file blink onto the screen. He read the beginning of the file and saw that the mission lasted over eighteen months. It was a long mission, and then Michael stopped when he saw the operative who was the lead on it.

“Walter, can you come to my office?” Michael says as he automatically called for the man. He set the phone down, without waiting for a response. It was only a minute before Walter slammed into the office.

“What kind of call is that, Michael? Don’t you know you are suppose to wait for an answer?” Walter demands as Michael pulls out he panel and punches the numbers. It is after that, when Michael finally looks up into Walter’s eyes.

“You were on a mission in St. Louis years ago.” Michael says slowly and Walter sits down. Walter nods his head and stare at Michael.

“Hey, what’s going on here, Michael? That mission was closed ages ago!” Walter finally says and Michael looks towards the wall.

“Where was your cover on this mission?” Michael asks, as most of this information was sealed in vaults even further underground than Michael had ever been.

“A homeless shelter... several blocks from the bus station.” Walter answers quickly. He remembered the mission. It was a mission that Walter found some self satisfaction in. He had to help several young run always while trying to establish his cover. He wished he wasn’t pulled out so abruptly.

“The woman who was your contact... was she posing as your sister?” Michael asks and Walter stands up. He doesn’t know how Michael got that information.

“How did you know that? That was between me and Helen.... we were suppose to pose as lovers. Neither one of us felt we could do it. We changed the profile and never notified Section.” Walter demands loudly and Michael rolls his head around. It was getting to be more and more possible of the link. He was almost in shock, but maintain control.

“And Helen died only a year afterwards!” Walter screams loudly and Michael shakes his head of the thoughts and turns back to Walter.

“This isn’t about Helen. But did you ever take a girl to heal with Helen?” Michael questions and Walter squints his eyes.

“Yes.” Walter lets go and Michael takes a deep breath. His heart started to beat quicker and quicker.

“Tell me about her.” Michael says, not wanting to give too much away. He didn’t know if he had to tell Walter and Nikita. He didn’t know if Nikita already knew. He didn’t know what else to do.

“Cute girl. Abused probably from the day she was born.” Walter says as he stands up. Michael tilts his head and looks out through the blinds.

“She entered the shelter, pretty banged up. She had been running with some pretty nasty injuries. I took her to the back and called for Harris.” Walter says and Michael lifts his head up in shock of hearing the Section One doctor’s name.

“Harris? Why Harris?” Michael asks and Walter turns to Michael.

“Man, Michael, I needed to trust the doctor. This girl was running scared like I never saw before. I could tell that she had a pretty bad concussion. Most of the doctors who worked with the shelter were bad, they didn’t care.” Walter explains and Michael nods his head.

“She had a broken ankle, a broken nose and a terrible concussion. She had bruises all over her body and Harris just shook his head. Said the girl was probably being used by her mother to fill some boyfriend’s needs. I couldn’t just turn her back to the streets. So, the mission was still in the middle. It wouldn’t be a big deal if I allowed the girl to heal with Helen.” Walter says as he shrugs his shoulders and sits back down.

“Once she was healed, she ran. I tried to locate her, but it was no good. She didn’t want to be found.” Walter says as he looks at Michael. Michael is staring down at the desk. It matched. It was almost impossible, it was true.

“Michael, why do you ask? Did Section come across someone who claimed to know me by that girl?” Walter demands and Michael shakes his head.

“Nevermind, Walter. It’s not important now. Thank you.” Michael says as he turns back to his computer. His hands were trembling, but he pretended to type quickly. Walter did not leave.

“Michael, you knew too much about it. What is going on?” Walter demands. Michael looks up from the computer and looks at Walter.

“I just came across a personal disk of Helen’s. I wanted to see if she was telling the truth.” Michael says and looks back to the computer. Walter stares at the man as he moves to the door and stops.

“You and Nikita are both acting rather weird of late.” Walter comments as he walks out of the office. Michael lifts his head. Nikita must know.

Michael glances at the clock and stands up. He needed to get to the bookstore before it closed.

**********

Michael had barely made it to the bookstore. He was running up the street as the owner walked out of the door.

“Wait!” Michael called out and the young woman turned around. She was surprised with Michael’s looks and she stopped.

“You are lucky... I decided to bring the book out with me.” The girl says as she slides it out of her bag. Michael smiles as she even gift wrapped it for Michael. Michael pulls out his wallet and the girls shakes her head.

“No charge. This book has been laying around for over five years.” The girl says and hands the book to Michael. Michael smiles and looks at the girl. Why would such a little store have a book like this laying around for five years.

“I can answer your question. I was told that the book was left by a nice looking woman, who did not leave her name. She said that in some time that a man with a French accent and deep green eyes would call and want the book. In my years, I have never seen green eyes like yours. Now, if you mind... I am meeting my boyfriend.” The girl says as she locks the door and walks down the street. Michael tucks the wrapped book underneath his arm and started to think. It had to have been Madeline who left the book. Why?

Michael didn’t think long. He needed to see Nikita. He had learned so much about Nikita, the person he thought he already knew. It was surprise to find Nikita’s apartment dark when he entered. Michael placed the book down softly as he silently walked up the stairs.

Michael for several minutes believed that Nikita was asleep. The apartment was too dark for her not to be asleep. But when he arrived in the bedroom, Nikita’s clothes were the only thing found. Michael turned around and rushed down the stairs in a hurry. He needed to know where Nikita was. He pulled out his cell phone and rang her number. Instantly the ring came from outside.

“Hello?” Nikita’s voice lightly drifts in from the balcony and Michael softly opens the door.

“Turn around...” Michael says in a whisper, Nikita turns and smiles at Michael. He looks at her and folds his cell phone up. Nikita folds hers and sits down. As Nikita sits down, Michael sees the new addition to Nikita’s balcony.

“Like it?” Nikita asks as she looks at the grill that Michael is looking at. Michael steps forward and checks the grill out a bit more. He allows a small whistle out as he steps back.

“Side burner and all. What are you cooking?” Michael asks as he looks at Nikita.

“Shish-ka-bobs” Nikita says as she pulls the lid up. She looks at one and crinkles her nose. Michael laughs. They are really burnt something good.

“I saw them in the store. It said ready to grill.” Nikita says as Michael picks up the plate and smiles at Nikita again.

“It didn’t mean to burn them.” Michael comments as he helps Nikita peel the burnt meat off of the grill. Nikita turns red and looks away. Michael sets the plate down and touches Nikita’s chin.

“Anyone could do this.” Michael says softly and Nikita looks towards the grill. She shakes her head.

“It was a waste of money. I’ll never use it.” Nikita says as she pulls away from Michael’s hand and heads inside. Michael lifts up the plate and follows Nikita into the darkness.

Michael had always seen light on Nikita’s apartment. Rarely did she keep it dark. But, she moved around quickly, use to the surroundings in the dark. She walked to the kitchen and opened the refrigerator. The light flooded the room.

“Well, I bought this, just in case.” Nikita says as she pulls out the hoagie. Michael laughs and throws the shisk-ka-bobs away. Nikita pulls the plastic covering off of the sandwich and cuts it.

“Nikita... I want to talk.” Michael says and Nikita places the Styrofoam plate in front of him.

“About how could I waste three hundred dollars of Section’s money on a grill that you will probably only use?” Nikita questions as she brings over some water for the both of them.

“Nikita, you didn’t waste Section’s money. That is your money in that account.” Michael says firmly and Nikita pulls the sandwich up to her mouth and shrugs her shoulders.

“Then why did I suddenly get a huge sum amount in it?” Nikita questions as she chews her food. Michael rolls his eyes. She will never use her manners that Madeline taught her in her own apartment.

“I think that was Operations trying to apologize for Madeline’s actions.” Michael says after he swallows his food. He takes a sip of water and looks at Nikita.

“But, it isn’t about that.” Michael says as Nikita takes another bite and rolls her eyes.

“Can we talk after we are done?” Nikita questions and Michael nods his head. He smiles at Nikita. He felt so comfortable with her. It was a comfort that Michael rarely accomplished with anyone. It was like he comfort that he would have when he went home and sat in his whirlpool. Complete relaxation.

Nikita smiles back at Michael as she wipes a glob of mustard off of Michael’s mouth. She takes the finger and licks it off in her own mouth. Nikita spreads a huge smile across her face and winks. Yep, the old Nikita was back.

***********

Nikita places the Styrofoam dishes into the trash and carries in two cups of tea. She sets one in front of Michael, pushes her hair out of her face, and sits down herself.

“Should you be drinking caffeine?” Michael asks as Nikita stirs in some sugar. Nikita looks up and smiles as she pours the cream into the tea.

“Would you believe me if I said I bought decaf?” Nikita replies, not losing her smile as she stirs the tea lightly and takes a sip.

“No.” Michael replies as he lifts his tea and drinks it straight. It was so Michael.

And then they sat in silence. Nikita leaned back in her chair and rolled her head around. She stared at Michael as he looked out towards the wall. Finally, Nikita sits up in her chair straight and touches Michael’s hand.

“What did you need to talk about?” Nikita asks softly. Michael turns with opened eyes and mouth. Nikita pulls her hand back and looks at her tea. Michael nods and stares at Nikita.

“Nikita, did you ever have a time, that Madeline suggested you did something, but it was like an order?” Michael asks softly. Nikita fidgets in her chair and stands up. She pours some tea into her cup and stands there.

“Was it about me?” Michael asks softly and Nikita turns and faces Michael. She walks over to the table and sits down.

“The Armel mission.” Nikita says softly and Michael closes his eyes. Madeline should have just left it to Michael. There was no reason to place that burden on Nikita.

“And even though it wasn’t a direct order, you knew it was to be followed.” Michael says softly and Nikita closes her eyes and nods her head. Michael picks up the cup and sips softly.

“She did that with Simone and me. She suggested that I go and be with her. It was a suggestion...” Michael says slowly as he tries to digest what he is saying as he is saying it. It was so hard to finally face the truth, but to face the truth to someone who you loved more than you ever knew.

“But you loved her.” Nikita states softly. Michael looks to the table and sighs.

“No. I never loved Simone. I pretended to love Simone.” Michael says slowly and Nikita shakes her head no at Michael’s comments. Nikita could not believe anything he was saying.

“Michael, everyone told me that you were destroyed over her death.” Nikita says slowly and Michael shakes his head no.

“Nikita, I was responsible for her death. That was what bothered me. But I didn’t love her.” Michael says and Nikita stands up and starts to pace.

“Michael, that is nonsense. You loved Simone.” Nikita finally announces as she stands by the countertop. Her eyes are begging to hear that. She needed to hear that Michael had loved Simone.

“To Section One, I loved Simone. But in my heart, I only did it to make Madeline happy.” Michael says and Nikita trembles with fear.

“And me?” Nikita asks cryptically. Michael looks up into Nikita’s blue eyes.

“To Section One, I am not suppose to love you. But in my heart, I really do.” Michael says and again, Nikita shakes her head.

“I think you are lying.” Nikita announces as she turns her back on him. It was too much for her to understand so quickly, but Michael knew she needed to understand.

“Nikita... I never covered for Simone. I have done that numerous times for you.” Michael says and Nikita closes her eyes.

“You are my mentor, she was your equal.” Nikita counters.

“I had opportunities. I never tried to help her to escape. I never thought about her when I should be thinking about a mission. I never turned off the surveillance for her.” Michael says and Nikita takes a deep breath.

“You didn’t?” Nikita questions softly.

“No. I never stayed up nights trying to protect her. I never forced her to do things to help herself.” Michael says as he stands up and moves towards Nikita.

“So, how did Madeline get you to do this to yourself for so long?” Nikita asks and Michael stops just short of her body and back.

“She knew me in ways I couldn’t explain, Nikita. She said it would fill a part of me that was missing. That never happened until you came along.” Michael says. Nikita turns around and faces Michael.

“Why are you telling me this?” Nikita asks softly. Michael smiles and touches her cheek softly.

“You faced your demons... I needed to face my own. I know this time you understand me. Not like the other times.” Michael says as he pulls his hand away from Nikita’s face.

“You told me this when I was sick, right?” Nikita asks and Michael nods and Nikita looks away. Michael moves away and Nikita goes and sits on the couch. Michael starts to move towards Nikita when he brushes his hand across the package.

Michael looks at Nikita and picks it up. He doesn’t know a better time.

***********

“Nikita, I have something for you.” Michael says as he heads to the couch. He sits down and looks down at the package on his lap. Nikita looks at and reaches for it. Michael pulls it away.

“Is it a gift? Why would you give me a gift?” Nikita questions as she notes the gift wrap around the object. Michael lightly touches the ribbon bow and sighs.

“It is something you should have.” Michael says as he hands it over. Nikita takes it with a smile and tears the package open like a child at Christmas.

Nikita’s smile disappears as she sees the gray paperback book. She looks at Michael and then back at the book.

“A MAN NAMED NIKITA?” Nikita questions as she looks at the cover. Underneath the title the following appears: “The man who saved a village, but couldn’t save his own life.” Nikita starts to tremble.

“I saw you were looking for your father. You were looking in the wrong places.” Michael says firmly and Nikita looks at Michael and clenches the book to her body.

“What do you mean? I looked for him everywhere!” Nikita exclaims as tears run down her face. The picture on the cover was the man who talked to her in her dream. She could not have known that. She never saw her father in her life until this moment.

“You and Birkoff looked in all the criminal directories in the world. You two just didn’t check for the ordinary folk and the heroes. Your father was very much the hero.” Michael says as he wipes at Nikita’s tears. He knows the story of Nikita’s father and knows that it is only the beginning of her tears.

“This is about my father?” Nikita questions and Michael nods his head. He takes the book and opens it.

“You need to read the last chapter.” Michael says and Nikita takes the book from Michael’s hand. She looks at Michael and then to the words.

“Nikita always knew he had a daughter. He had believed it came from a relationship that ended almost fifteen years before. He wanted to search for the woman that he left to save the village, but time stopped him.” Nikita says slowly as she reads the words.

“Then, he suddenly had time. He went to the city and started to search for the woman. A week passed quickly before he got a lead, and another week passed before he found the woman’s apartment.” Nikita says with a trembling voice.

“Nikita, you can just read it.” Michael says as he wraps his arm around Nikita’s shoulder.

“It’s easier this way.” Nikita says softly. Michael nods. He could only hope so.

“He entered the apartment to find a picture of his daughter on the mantel. He needed no more proof. The mother did not deny it. Nikita did have a daughter, who was fittingly named Nikita herself. The mother then proceeded to tell Nikita that the daughter had... had... had....” Nikita starts to tremble and pushes the book away. Michael holds the book and rocks Nikita softly.

“The mother proceeded to tell Nikita that the daughter had run away three days prior. The elder Nikita was furious. He demanded to know what the mother had done to his daughter. He looked around the apartment and shook his head. He saw the conditions that his daughter lived in.” Michael says slowly as Nikita cries into his shoulder. Three days. Three days. It was terrible to learn that she missed her father by three days.

“Nikita tried to calm down as the current boyfriend stormed into the apartment. It appears that the daughter Nikita had stolen some drug money that the boyfriend had hid when she ran away. It was never determined how much, but the boyfriend was furious.” Michael says slowly. He licks his lips and rubs Nikita’s forehead softly.

“Nikita offered to pay the man back, as long as he got a chance to get his daughter back. The boyfriend laughed at Nikita, telling him all that they had done to his daughter. Nikita stood there firmly, still saying he would pay back anything that his daughter took. The boyfriend just laughed and shot Nikita in the head. Death was instant.” Michael says and he feels Nikita’s body tense and lets out a primal scream.

“His daughter has never been found. Those that were close to Nikita, said that even though he never knew his daughter, that he loved her with his heart. They hope that someday that she comes to realize how much he cared for her and cared for the world around him. The drug dealer boyfriend was caught almost five weeks later in St. Louis. He claimed he had seen the daughter Nikita. No trace of her was found.” Michael finishes and closes the book. Nikita cries in his arms and he shifts his body and leans down on the couch. They lay there together as Nikita can’t stop crying.

“Your father was a hero. He saved a Russian village from being all moved to Siberia.” Michael says softly into her ear. Nikita holds her eyes shut tightly.

“His grave is not far from here. I can take you in a few days.” Michael says softly and Nikita shakes her head yes.

“Don’t worry.... you are in good hands, Nikita.... I’m here... I’m here...” Michael says softly as he rocks Nikita softly.

***********

Nikita walks out of the bathroom and rolls her head. Michael holds up the sheet and Nikita nestles her body into the bed. She smiles as she feels Michael’s warm skin against her. Nikita cuddles up closer, and stares at Michael.

“Feeling better?” Michael asks softly into Nikita’s ear. She turns to face Michael. She nods her head and leans her head into Michael. They share a soft and gentle kiss as Nikita slides her hand to Michael’s thigh.

“Nikita, not tonight.” Michael says softly, as he breaks the kiss. Nikita moves her mouth down to his chin and looks up with her bright blue eyes. She nips lightly at the tip of the chin and pulls away.

“But I want too.” Nikita says softly as she moves her hand closer to the growing heat that is barely inside the boxers. Michael looks at Nikita and rubs the arm softly. Nikita leans up and brushes her lips softly against Michael’s.

“Nikita, you have been through to much. You aren’t thinking right now.” Michael says softly as Nikita travels her mouth up to his ear. Michael closes his eyes as he feels the air sending a tingle all the way down her spine.

“I’m feeling now...” Nikita mutters softly as she slides her long bare leg against Michael’s. He pulls her head down to his mouth. It explores the warmth of her mouth as his hands start to slide down to her chest. He touches Nikita’s chest lightly and she arches towards him even more.

“No, Nikita.” Michael says as he pulls away. He doesn’t want to do this on this night. Nikita was looking for something that he couldn’t give her. She needed to escape the pain. This wasn’t the right way.

Nikita rubs her legs softly against Michael’s and looks at Michael with her puppy blue eyes. Nikita moves her hand closer and closer to the throbbing that Michael tried to control. Nikita slinked her body back to Michael’s and placed her lips on his chest. Michael closes his eyes and moans as Nikita gently teases his nipple.

“I need you, Michael.” Nikita says as she pauses and then runs her tongue to the other nipple. Her hand finally touches the firmness, and she pulls the boxers off. Michael closes his eyes. He is torn.

“Nikita... are you sure?” Michael asks and Nikita only nods her head as she lightly squeezes on the nipple, increasing Michael’s own need for Nikita this night.

Nikita looks up and runs a finger over his lips and smiles. She looks directly into his eyes and nods her head. Michael shakes his head and tries to roll away from the advancing Nikita. Nikita rolls over on the other side and Michael turns quickly.

Michael sits in the quiet, cursing his move. He wanted to be with Nikita on this night, but this alone showed her emotional state. He didn’t want to find out in the morning that Nikita regretted what she did the night before. Michael had done that enough in his life, and he didn’t have the problems Nikita had.

Finally Michael hears the sob from Nikita and he moves towards Nikita. He touches her shoulder and Nikita pulls away herself. Michael touches her again and rolls her over to face him. Her face is running with tears. That was not what he wanted. He had dried up as many tears from Nikita as he could take. He was hurting her.

“I’m sorry, Nikita...” Michael says softly as he wipes at the tears and Nikita looks away.

“Why do you pretend to be so close to me, if you just pull away when I need you?” Nikita says with her eyes indicating the pain that was in her heart. Michael opens his mouth stunned by her words. It was about him and her. This wasn’t about anything else.

“I just was second guessing you... Thinking that you wanted this tonight because you need to feel something other than the pain...” Michael says softly and Nikita dries her own tears.

“I wanted tonight because I know how you feel. If you didn’t care, you would have never given me that book.” Nikita says softly. Nikita looks away and lets a few more tears fall.

Michael pushes at his hair and sighs. He leans his head back. Being this close to Nikita and not doing what she offered was more than difficult. He just wanted to be sure.

“I need you, tonight.” Nikita says firmly as she glances at Michael with her blue eyes rimmed in red. Michael turns towards Nikita and perches himself up on his arm.

“Are you...” Michael starts to say, but Nikita places three fingers on his lips. She leans up and gently kisses him. She rubs her legs against his and looks openingly into Michael’s eyes.

Michael rolls towards Nikita and bends to search her mouth again. His hands gather the material that is around her body, and slowly works it up. Michael pulls his mouth away long enough to pull the material over Nikita’s head. He lightly kisses down Nikita’s chest and Nikita leans back and moans.

Nikita rolls Michael over softly, and licks at his chest. She runs her hands over his thighs and makes a tight circle around his firmness. She slowly runs the hands up and down as her lips travel over the still damp nipples. Nikita pulls one up in her teeth and Michael moans as his hips thrust up towards Nikita. In that movement, Michael knows that Nikita wore no panties on this night.

Nikita’s head slowly makes the move south, but suddenly, Michael’s hands rub into Nikita’s hair. Nikita looks up and Michael looks at her.

“No, not that, not tonight.” Michael says as he helps Nikita’s lips back up to his lips. He lightly bits on her lower lip as he gently flips Nikita back over. Nikita smiles and looks at Michael. His body perfectly sized for her body. Her body perfectly ready for his own body.

Nikita sighs as Michael runs his hands down around her buttocks and lifts them up towards his hips. Nikita releases a moan of pleasure as Michael runs his tongue quickly from the base of her tongue to the beginning of her wetness.

Michael slowly slicks himself before slowly giving Nikita what she needed on this night. Nikita flips forward, driving Michael so quickly into her depths that he almost loses himself. Sensing the need to control, Michael places his hands on Nikita’s hips and slowly guides her in the rocking motion.

Nikita pushes her chest up and arches her back. She cannot get enough of Michael. His pelvis rubbing roughly against her own. She wanted more. She fought Michael’s slow rhythm. She needed him now. She bucked against his hands and his firm organ.

Michael’s hands slip from Nikita’s hips as she aggressively moves the pace up. Michael rubs his hands across Nikita’s chin and stares into her wide open blue eyes. They beg for more, they beg for it faster, the beg for it deeper. Michael has his own need, and pushes back in the same need that Nikita had.

Michael feels the tension start and he pulls quickly away. Nikita’s heels wrap around his back, not allowing him back. Michael stares at Nikita. Nikita stares back as she uses her heels to push him back into the depth. It was chance that Nikita has taken. It never happened there. Michael couldn’t hold his own pleasure as Nikita grasped at him tightly. Nikita moans in pleasure as their fluids mix together.

Michael rolls his emotionally and physically drained body out and off of Nikita. He leans back against the cool covers. Nikita moves to his body and latches on. Both fall into a deep sleep.

**********

Michael sits in his office as he hears the slight knock at the door. He lifts his head and sees the blonde hair of Nikita’s pulled up high in a ponytail. Michael pulls out the panel and pushes the buttons.

“Do you have some time?” Nikita says softly. Michael raises his hand and Nikita enters slowly. She sighs as she sits down. Michael looks at her and couldn’t believe that Nikita had arrived in so early.

“Thanks for taking me out of the tub last night.” Nikita says as she stares at her hands slowly. Michael smiles softly. Nikita had gotten up only an hour after their time together. She drew herself a warm bubble bath. Michael was worried that it was about what they had done. He went into the bathroom and found out it was about everything else. Nikita asked just for a few more minutes. When she didn’t come out in twenty minutes, Michael found her asleep in the bubble bath.

“It was no problem. I was surprised to find you here so soon. You should still be sleeping.” Michael says and Nikita finally looks straight up into his eyes.

“I couldn’t go back to sleep.” Nikita says with a forced smile. Michael nods his head. She has a lot to think about, and could not imagine going back to sleep himself given those circumstances.

“When did you wake up?” Michael asks softly as he pushes the computer down. This was so much more important than the massive reports the meant nothing.

“About two minutes after you left the bed.” Nikita says and Michael shakes his head. Nikita smiles and lets out a soft chuckle.

“I pretended to be asleep while you got ready and left.” Nikita admits and Michael stands up and walks to Nikita’s chair. He touches her shoulders and leans down.

“I enjoyed last night.” Michael whispers into Nikita’s ear. Nikita turns her head and smiles at Michael. He steps away and walks back to his desk. He needed to tell her something good before he brought the real world of Section One back to Nikita.

“Matthew asked to borrow you for a while today.” Michael says as he sits down. Nikita sits up straight and looks at Michael harshly.

“What for a mission?” Nikita asks concerned. She didn’t like this conversation of being borrowed. It was just plain wrong.

“I think it is just for a talk. He knows everything.” Michael says and Nikita looks away.

“Well, maybe for this once I wish he didn’t.” Nikita comments rudely as she stands up. She walks to the window and looks out of the blinds.

“Can we go today?” Nikita asks after some period of time. Michael had pulled up his computer and resumed typing.

“Go where?” Michael asks as he pulls his fingertips up from the keyboard. Nikita continues to stare out of the window.

“To my father’s grave.” Nikita responds firmly but without looking at Michael. Michael opens his lips in thought. He licks them and then closes the lips.

“No. Tomorrow.” Michael says and Nikita turns and faces Michael.

“Promise?” Nikita asks in a voice that sounded like a child begging.

“I promise.” Michael says. He looks at his computer and Nikita nods her head. She moves to the door and exits. Nikita walks slowly as she stretches her arms out above her head.

“Hey, sugar... I’d help you stretch!” Walter calls out as he runs towards her. Nikita allows Walter to pull her arms back, giving them a good stretch. Walter after a little bit drops the arms and pulls at Nikita.

“What happened last night?” Walter demands like an older woman wanting gossip. Nikita tilts her head towards Walter and shrugs her shoulders.

“I went to bed.” Nikita says matter of factly. Walter stares at Nikita. He wasn’t going to tell Nikita that he saw the faint scratches on her back, but if he had too, he would.

“Sugar, I can see it on your face!” Walter exclaims. Nikita looks to the guns and then back to Walter.

“Can you really? Tell me what happened?” Nikita challenges sourly. Walter looks at Nikita and backs off.

“Maybe you need more sleep.” Walter says back and Nikita shrugs her shoulders and turns to leave. She moves down the hall, without another word.

**********

Nikita looks down the dark hallway at the light at the end. It seemed to call her yet again. It was like a message being sent to her that only good could happen there. But Section One had made Nikita leery of situations like this one.

“Come on down, Nikita...” Matthew’s voice drifts down the hallway and Nikita smiles softly. Nikita walks down the hallway and is met by Matthew with a cup of tea. Nikita nods her head and walks towards the office, now totally comfortable.

“I wanted to discuss these dreams...” Matthew says and Nikita shakes her head. Matthew watches her. He knows what she had been through, and also knows how destroying on a person it could be if she felt she was alone.

“Please... you know what I learned about last night.... I can barely deal with that.” Nikita says softly, in a plead like manner. Matthew sits down and smiles at Nikita.

“I don’t want to talk about your dreams... I want to tell you more about them. How I know about them.” Matthew says, trying to bring Nikita immediately off the focus of her and onto the focus to something else.

Nikita slightly nods her head. She leans back in her chair and Matthew sighs. He wasn’t sure if he was doing the right thing, but he felt for Nikita’s good, she needed to know.

“Nikita, I came in contact with these dreams by someone else. You already know of my skills, but this was frightening. I felt uneasy around the operative, because I knew what they were going through...” Matthew says and Nikita sits up in her chair.

“It would be a lot easier if you would just tell me who.” Nikita says firmly and with a smile. Matthew nods his head. He checks the door, it is partially closed. No one usually comes down here, he didn’t need to worry.

“It doesn’t leave this room.” Matthew says and pauses, “Except for Michael.” Matthew adds and Nikita nods her head. Matthew takes a sip of his drink and takes a deep breath.

“Madeline.” Matthew says. Nikita shakes her head and looks at Matthew. He nods his head and Nikita sits back.

“She use to have the dreams about the targets we were going to take down. With our combined talents, most missions were known and not unknown. That changed.” Matthew says as he stands up. He looks at Nikita and digs his hands into his pockets and looks at Nikita.

“Madeline started to have an operative’s nightmares. She learned a lot about the operative. She used it to mold the operative, but it also scared her. It was someone she saw everyday and conversed with every once in a while.” Matthew says slowly.

“We met Madame Zelda... and Madeline quickly cured herself from the operative’s dreams.” Matthew says. Nikita studies Matthew.

“Who?” Nikita says softly. Matthew looks away. This was more difficult on him than he wanted it to be. He knew what he was going to tell Nikita was going to rock her world. There was no other way. She needed to know.

“Madeline had Michael’s dreams.” Matthew announces and Nikita drops the cup of tea on the floor. Matthew rushes forward and picks up the cup. Nikita looks down with her blue eyes staring at him.

“They stopped then, for a while.” Matthew says as he stands up and throws the broken cup away. Nikita stares at Matthew in shock.

“Then what?” Nikita questions as she shakes her shock out of her mind and body. Matthew steps in front of Nikita and leans back on the desk.

“She started to have dreams of an person we were thinking about bringing in. They were the worst.” Matthew says and Nikita tilts her head.

“How where they different?” Nikita questions. Matthew swallows as he remembers the time period.

“She didn’t sleep for five weeks. Madame Zelda didn’t hold out much hope. The dreams seemed impossible. Madeline was sure that no one could survive that and be useful to Section.” Matthew says and Nikita sits up in her chair.

“How bad?” Nikita questions again. She is heading up the track that Matthew didn’t want to go. He didn’t want to bring pain back to Nikita.

“Of abuse, of sexual deviants... of abortion, of drugs, of beatings, of running away, of anything you can think of.” Matthew says as he looks into Nikita’s eyes. They run with tears now.

“SHE HAD MY DREAMS!” Nikita cries out in horror. Matthew takes Nikita’s hands and forces her to listen to him.

“Nikita she had to have gone through everything you did.... I couldn’t do anything for her. Then, when we got her back, she was frightened to find out that Operations assigned you to Michael.” Matthew says in a rush. There were so many details, but Nikita only needed to know the bare facts.

“Madeline didn’t like the fact she had both yours and Michael’s dreams. She has been plagued by it ever since... keep you together... keep you apart... but you two made that decision for her....” Matthew says, but he realizes that Nikita has not heard a word.

“She knew everything... and used it against me!” Nikita cries out. She leans down and cries into her chest. Matthew rubs her hair.

“That’s how she found my father! Michael didn’t find the book... Madeline did!” Nikita says in realization. Nikita cries.

“SHE KNEW I MISSED MY FATHER BY THREE DAYS!” Nikita screams and Matthew leans down towards her face.

“THREE DAYS! I MISSED MY FATHER BY THREE DAYS!” Nikita screams and Matthew hears a loud crash. Walter rushes in and hugs Nikita from behind.

“Oh, sugar.... I didn’t know he died three days ago... oh, sugar...” Walter says as he holds her. Nikita cries, not taking in what Walter said. Matthew looks up and shakes his head.

“She ran away three days before her father came for her.... he was killed by the angry boyfriend.” Matthew says with tears in his own eyes. He had not allowed himself to become attached to anyone else since Madeline. He turned away and sighed.

Nikita stands up and leans onto Walter. Her long arms wrap around his back and Nikita sobs. Walter rubs her hair softly and looks at Matthew. Matthew knows that what Walter is thinking about. Matthew knows that Walter is so close to figuring out the truth. Michael’s questions about the mission had allowed Walter to think about the mission again. He was so close, but could not grasp it.

“Can you take Nikita to Michael? He will know what to do. Tell Michael that I am sorry for her pain.” Matthew says as he looks at Walter. Walter nods his head and silently walks with Nikita.

“Hey... sugar... it explains a lot.... like our fight... You’ll be fine... you’ll be fine... Michael will take care of you... that’s what you want, right?” Walter says as he walks with the crying Nikita latched onto his shoulder. Walter can only remember one other time of a girl latched onto his shoulder like such. Of course he was carrying her. Walter just didn’t know that girl and Nikita were the same person.

**********

Matthew stares at the door and then back down the hall. Matthew has been battling what he knows is true. The answer to his questions is right behind the door. It has been eating at Matthew. Maybe his urge to confront the truth was because of his attachment to Nikita.

Matthew pushes at the door and enters to the surprise of Madeline. She stands up and heads to Matthew. Her eyes are opened wide in anger. Matthew shuts the door and stares back at Madeline.

“You can’t just walk in here. You don’t have that kind of clearance.” Madeline says sharply and Matthew tilts his head to Madeline.

“You are having the dreams again.” Matthew says quietly as he stares into Madeline’s eyes. The muscles around her throat tighten as she turns back towards her desk.

“Yes.” Madeline says as she sits down.

“I told you something, now you tell me something. What is going on with Nikita?” Madeline says smoothly as she regains her composure.

“She is having dreams like yours. Of a boy who lives close to her.” Matthew says as he sits down. He liked the way Madeline tried to divert his attention. Nikita was on the path to healing. Anything he told Madeline would only help Nikita now.

“Did you send her to Madame Zelda?” Madeline asks firmly.

“Yes. Why haven’t you seen her yet?” Matthew questions back. Madeline smiles and turns to her computer.

“Anything interesting turn up from Nikita’s experience?” Madeline asks smoothly, ignoring the question.

“You didn’t answer my question.” Matthew simple replies.

“No.” Madeline says and Matthew shakes his head. He stands up. He didn’t come in here to play Madeline’s games. He would not get anywhere if he continued in this manner.

“Madeline... who’s dreams? Nikita’s again?” Matthew asks firmly. He doesn’t wait for her response. They both know it is true.

“Maybe it is punishment.... they started after Nikita was sick by your hand.” Matthew says firmly as he moves physically closer to Madeline’s desk.

“I did that for a reason.” Madeline fires defensively back.

“You did that because you needed an organ to shove in yourself!” Matthew fires back.

“You are just jealous that I found a relationship!” Madeline says firmly back. Matthew shakes his head at Madeline’s flaring nostrils.

“I am just pleased that I left you before I became just an organ to satisfy your need. That’s what you did to Operations and that is what you are doing to Birkoff!” Matthew firmly shouts.

“Get out!” Madeline roars and Matthew stands up to Madeline’s firm body.

“Why is it always Nikita’s dreams that catch you like this? Why is it?” Matthew pushes.

“They are bad.” Madeline says sourly.

“No... it’s more than that... Is it because somehow they are like your own?” Matthew pushes further.

“You don’t know what you are talking about!” Madeline fires back.

“But I do. I know everything I never wanted to know about you. YOU CAN’T TELL WHICH DREAMS ARE YOURS AND WHICH ONES ARE NIKITA’S ANYMORE!” Matthew screams and Madeline sits down firmly.

“I asked you to leave.” Madeline says as the tears flow down her face. Matthew looks at her. She needed this. She needed back to the reality of her reality.

“You tamper where you don’t belong.... I’ll tamper with you.” Matthew says firmly.

“Why are you protecting Nikita like this?” Madeline asks with the tears staining her face.

“This isn’t about Nikita. This is about you. You made the wrong decisions, Madeline. You did. You made Nikita sick. You kept her father’s identity away from her. You used everything you learned about her from the dreams to form opinions of her before you even knew her. DID YOU EVEN GET TO KNOW HER?” Matthew says firmly as he heads towards the door.

“She has found her father?” Madeline asks. Matthew looks at Madeline and leaves.

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

Nikita steps out of the black car and stares at the gate. Michael gets out of the car and moves to her. Nikita looks cold in her short sleeved black shirt and her black jogging pants. Michael kisses her forehead lightly as Nikita falls into his chest.

“Where is his grave?” Nikita asks softly as she steps back from Michael and looks into his green eyes. Michael sighs and rubs Nikita’s cheek softly.

“Nikita, you don’t have to do this alone.” Michael says and Nikita blinks back her tears. She stares off into the graveyard and looks at the massive amount of markers. She looks back at Michael and clearly looks at him.

“I at least have to try.” Nikita says and Michael looks down to the black pavement below. Michael tries to argue against her decision, but her stubbornness was in her eyes. She was determined to go through this pain by herself.

“Take the first left, all the way down the hill.. Underneath a tree... a rose marble cross... You won’t miss it.” Michael says and Nikita nods her head. She reaches around Michael and grabs the three roses that she had gripped on the trip.

“If you aren’t back in a half hour... I’m coming in.” Michael says as he looks into Nikita’s eyes. Nikita forces a smile as she brushes her hair out of her face. The wind it picking up.

“I expected as much.” Nikita says as she turns and enters the grave yard.

*

Michael was right. Nikita could not miss the marker. Flowers already surrounded it, and Nikita smiled lightly until she saw the name in the marble. Nikita steps forward and tears run down her face. She loses the strength in her legs, but doesn’t notice it as she leans forward, her entire body on the ground.

“Finally...” Nikita barely says as her trembling fingers trace the name and Nikita places her hands to the ground and cries and sobs.

“I’m sorry I didn’t stay... I just couldn’t.... I couldn’t stay...” Nikita cries out into the ground. It is her plead to her father. There is nothing she could do now, but she felt so guilty. Nikita’s fingers dig into the ground as she loses herself.

“I wanted to be with you! I wanted to be with you, daddy!” Nikita screams as she starts to taste the dirt on her lips.

“I always dreamed of finding you.... Always... Never ended like this... never... Why? WHY? WHY!” Nikita screams.

“Nikita.” A voice sounds.

“I waited for as long as I could. I always believed that you would come for me. But I couldn’t wait... If I didn’t take the money... you would still be alive... helping probably the people I kill.... If I didn’t take the money...” Nikita mutters.

“Nikita.” The voice sounds again, louder to Nikita this time.

“Please understand! Please!” Nikita screams louder.

“Nikita!” The voice screams back. Nikita lifts her head.

“Daddy?” Nikita questions up to the sky.

**********

“No, Nikita.” Madeline says firmly as she stands behind the grave marker and approaches the crying Nikita. Nikita tilts her head and stares into Madeline’s eyes. The look in Nikita’s eyes takes the air out of her lungs and Madeline stops moving.

“Go away.” Nikita says through her drowning of tears. Her body trembles like little seizures and Madeline maintains her ground.

“Nikita, I knew how much you wanted to know your father... this must be terribly difficult.” Madeline says softly and Nikita glares up at Madeline.

“YOU KNEW WHO HE WAS! YOU KNEW WHERE HE WAS! YOU KNEW IT ALL! YOU KNEW IT!” Nikita screams out and Madeline takes the cool air into her chest.

“Matthew told you.” Madeline softly says, as she looks at Nikita. Nikita looks up. The connection between their eyes is all that is needed.

“I know that you had my dreams.” Nikita says as her fingers absently tingle over the name again. It was a face that Madeline could not pull her eyes from. It had to be hard to stare at your own name on a grave marker. To stare at your father’s grave for the first time you ever knew him.

“Yes.” Madeline admits. She couldn’t lie. There was no reason to lie. Nikita shakes her head and sends it back to the ground with tears.

“Daddy... I tried to be good.... I’m not the horrible person I am.. I didn’t want to be...” Nikita says in whispers.

“Nikita...” Madeline says as she steps forward. She does not respond.

“Daddy... I was going to please anyone my Mother put in bed with me.... I was going to be the good girl...” Nikita says softly and Madeline looks away as her hand grazes the top of the cross.

“Nikita...” Madeline says as she shakes her head. Michael should have never brought her so soon. It was too hard on her.

“And now... I am a good girl for others...” Nikita says and Madeline is touched with the way Nikita is trying to explain her position in life now. Madeline knew how it felt to have this need to be the good girl. It could ruin anyone’s life.

“Nikita...” Madeline says as she stretches her hand down to Nikita’s head. It instantly pops up.

“I asked you to leave... so I can have some time with my father.” Nikita says with tears blazing down her face. Madeline stares at Nikita.

“This is too soon.” Madeline says as she runs her hand down to Nikita’s chin.

“I should have been told years ago.” Nikita says firmly. Nikita didn’t play the guilt move on purpose, she was just lashing out. But, the comment did exactly that. Madeline was filled with guilt.

“Nikita, you would not have been able to handle this years ago.” Madeline says as she pulls her hand away from the chin, damp with tears.

“I can’t handle it now! But I will... once you leave.” Nikita says without trying to hide her tears.

“Nikita... are you going to be all right?” Madeline asks as she shoves her hands into her long trench coat. Nikita sighs and looks up at the sky.

“No. Not for a long time.” Nikita says and Madeline steps back.

“Nikita, are you here by yourself?” Madeline asks. She looks around the graveyard, but sees no sign of anyone else.

“Michael is at the gate.” Nikita says softly, as her eyes pour as she finally sees her fingers lingering over the N in Nikita.

“Can you even stand up?” Madeline asks, but Nikita folds her body forward and screams.

The screaming doesn’t stop. Madeline closes her eyes. The agony of three days might haunt Nikita for the rest of her life, but she did need to know. Madeline blinks her tears back and looks down at Nikita. There was no way she was walking out from the graveyard, yet alone, stand up from the grave.

“Nikita...” Madeline says firmly, but Nikita continues her on and off screaming as she starts to rock side to side in pain. Madeline licks her lips and steps forward.

“Nikita... I will send Michael for you...” Madeline says softly. She walks out the way that Nikita had entered. She would double back for her own car later.

“Madeline...” Nikita calls out in between her tears and screams. Madeline turns to find Nikita’s face glistening with tears in the sunlight.

“Thank you.” Nikita mouths and then turns back to the grave site.

*

Nikita lays there for what seems like hours. She feels one hundred percent numb in her entire body. The tears don’t stop as she lays over her father’s coffin, which is only six feet below her. It will be the closest Nikita ever gets to him.

Michael’s two hands pulls Nikita up off of the cool ground that she is clinging too. Michael sees the little patches where Nikita dug her fingers in. He pulls her into his arms and carries her to the car. There is nothing he can say. All he can do is take Nikita home and hold her.

That is all that Nikita wants.

**********

Matthew sits in his tiny standby quarters room after spending several hours with Birkoff. He was crushed by Madeline. She had messed with someone’s life again, and didn’t care about what happened. Matthew was not surprise when Madeline showed up in the room.

“You broke it off with Birkoff.” Matthew says without looking up to Madeline. He wished she would just buy herself some toys to please herself. He always had to be here in the mess that was left. It would be a lot cleaner.

“You were correct. There was only one thing in that relationship. I used and abused my power.” Madeline says as she sits down on the little child’s chair that Matthew liked. Matthew sets the book down that he pretended to be reading and looks at Madeline.

“What made you change your mind?” Matthew asks. He truly didn’t know this. Somehow, his knowledge of everyday Madeline events was going down. He knew what she dreamed about, and that is all that he has gotten back.

“I went to the grave yard and saw Nikita. And then I saw Michael. And then I saw them together.” Madeline says slowly as she leans her head back. Matthew looks at her and shakes his head.

“It’s a very special relationship.” Matthew says as he looks at Madeline. Maybe now, she would stop playing with fate.

“I think I will. I want to understand myself before I want to understand them. Unfortunately, it’s the other way around.” Madeline says as she stands up and walks to Matthew.

“Matthew, I’ve had such a hard time with relationships.... I loved my husband, but that dwindled off. I don’t understand Operations... and this Birkoff thing, it scares me.” Madeline says and Matthew looks at her.

“You were scared to allow yourself to love Operations. Somewhere you loved someone who didn’t love you back... it bothered you. Stopped you from reciprocating Operations feelings. You used his body... but you didn’t have the ability to love back.” Matthew says and Madeline looks at Matthew.

“I loved you.” Madeline says and Matthew blinks his eyes.

“Madeline, we had a friendship.” Matthew says and Madeline almost falls onto the bed.

“No. You must have know. You knew everything about me. I loved you.” Madeline says and Matthew stares at Madeline.

“I never knew anything that involved me.” Matthew says and shakes his head. He was just getting use to not having all of her thoughts.. and now this.

“I thought it was your high ethical standards.. until I saw how connected you got with Nikita....” Madeline says and Matthew shakes his head.

“Madeline, I’m not going to live in the pass. If that is what you want..... then you have more problems than Nikita.” Matthew says as he stands up and moves away from Madeline.

“What? Didn’t you ever feel anything for me?” Madeline asks. Matthew looks at her and sighs.

“I felt sorry for you. I knew what you couldn’t admit. And then, I hated you. Your thoughts and your actions taking all the space in my mind up. If you spent three hours thinking about chocolate.. I thought for three hours about chocolate.” Matthew says as he shakes his head.

“I finally got you out of my head. I’m not letting you back in. It was hell. It was hell! How did you take my actions of friendship as Love?” Matthew questions angrily. Madeline steps back and stares at Matthew.

“Sorry for disturbing you. I at least believed you were still a friend.” Madeline says and she steps out of the room.

Matthew stares at the door. What had he done? Did he trigger some events that was going to spiral Madeline down? Or will the events end up for a great good?

Matthew shakes his head and leans back onto the bed. Maybe there was an attachment between him and Nikita. Nikita was hurt by Madeline. Almost killed. And he knew about it. But then, Matthew never fantasized about Nikita.

**********

Michael carries in the tray to the room, pleased to see that Nikita, this time, had stayed awake. Michael had brought Nikita home and placed her into bed. Not long after, Michael pulled her into his arms and fell asleep along side her.

Yet, Michael did not sleep the twenty hours that Nikita had. He had to do more than kiss her to wake her. Nikita would roll over and fall back to sleep. Once, she sent him for food, and the ten minutes it took Michael to prepare the food, Nikita fell back into a deep sleep.

Michael knew Nikita needed the sleep, but she also needed to get up. This time, Nikita’s blue eyes shined back at Michael as he placed the tray above her lap. Nikita digs into the food and Michael laughs silently.

Nikita was hungry. That was why Nikita stayed awake this time. Michael watched and then cleared the tray away from Nikita. He slide beside her in bed, and sitting together Nikita leaned her head onto Michael’s shoulder.

“We really should get up...” Michael says as he looks at Nikita. Nikita smiles and lightly kisses at Michael’s nose.

“I think we should stay here... I want too.” Nikita says softly and Michael smiles softly. He couldn’t believe it that after twenty hours of sleep, Nikita wanted more sleep.

Michael leans his head back and sighs. He feels Nikita’s hand lightly brush against his knee cap and his body jumps in reaction.

“I can think of something else that is much more interesting when it’s up.” Nikita says and Michael turns his head and stares at her.

“At least it would keep you awake.” Michael says deadpan and Nikita laughs loudly.

“Yes... it would keep me wide awake.” Nikita says with a wink as the cell phone on the night stand begins to ring. Nikita pulls at it.

“Nikita.. that’s my...” Michael says too late as Nikita holds the cell phone up to her ear.

“Hello?” Nikita asks as she playfully rubs at Michael’s kneecap.

“I wasn’t expecting you.” Madeline says flatly. She is quite annoyed that Michael would allow Nikita to answer his cell phone.

“Oh. It’s you.” Nikita says sourly and rolls her eyes. Michael glares at her, but Nikita runs her hand further up the inside of Michael’s thigh.

“I was calling Michael to ask about you.” Madeline says firmly. She knows that Nikita is not going to hand over the phone now.

“We were just getting up.” Nikita says with a sweet smile. Michael glares at her and Nikita licks her lips slowly.

“Are you sure you are fine?” Madeline asks and Nikita sighs loudly and rolls her eyes. Michael laughs. He knows she is speaking to Madeline. Madeline was the one that woke Michael from his sleep twice before to check on Nikita.

“I would be feeling much better if you hadn’t called.” Nikita says and she folds the phone up. Michael stares at Nikita as she drops the phone to the floor and pushes it out into the hallway. Nikita turns to Michael and sighs.

“Where were we?” Nikita asks with a smile that makes Michael’s heart beat faster. He runs his fingers down the length of Nikita’s bare arm and smiles. Nikita wraps her legs around Michael and squeezes.

Of course, the phone rings again. Nikita sighs and pulls out her cell phone this time.

“This better be important!” Nikita hisses, thinking that it is Madeline.

“Sugar! I think you would have to be in bed with Michael about to have some you-know-what to react that way!” Walter says and Nikita doesn’t laugh.

“I am.” Nikita flatly says and Walter’s laughter is heard over the line. Nikita smiles at Michael and shrugs her shoulders. Michael leans down and kisses Nikita’s bare shoulders lightly and runs his hands down under the nightgown.

“Oh... so I woke you.” Walter says and Nikita sighs as Michael pinches her and grins at her. Nikita pulls the phone away and leans down and administers a lick to Michael’s belly button.

“OH... Sugar... You really mean it.... Man... I’m blowing it for you.... Ah.. I just wanted to check on you... Gosh, Nikita... I DIDN’T KNOW!” Walter fumbles around. Nikita laughs as Michael starts to pull on the gown.

“I’m fine. Don’t worry. I would let you listen... but I think Michael has other plans...” Nikita says as she winks at Michael. Walter sighs and laughs.

“Good-bye, Sugar. See you soon!” Walter laughs and Nikita folds the phone up. She throws it to the hallway and rolls on top of Michael.

“You’ve been getting ahead...” Nikita scolds Michael.

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

Several hours later, Nikita holds Michael’s hands near her mouth as she stares out the window. She smiles softly and kisses Michael’s hands. He lightly kisses the back of her neck.

“Michael?” Nikita says softly as she continues to take deep and even breathes.

“Yes, Nikita.” Michael responds into her back, which sends a shiver down her spine.

“I want to keep this moment forever.” Nikita says softly as she again, kisses Michael’s hands. Michael leans up and brushes her hair from her ear.

“And why is that?” Michael asks softly.

“Because there is no past.. there is no future... There is just us. Together. Skin against skin... breathe for breathe. Together. Like nothing else in the world.” Nikita says softly and she sighs.

“I don’t want it to end.” Nikita says stricken with sudden sadness.

“Nikita, it won’t end...” Michael says softly and Nikita turns to face Michael. She smiles and shakes her head no.

“But it will. We’ll be pulled apart and then smashed back together again. And the only time we truly have together are times like this one.” Nikita says hauntingly and Michael stares at her.

“That’s enough for me.” Michael says as he kisses her nose softly, hoping to hear the words from Nikita.

“You are enough for me.” Nikita says softly and she stretches in Michael’s arms.

“I guess it is time to get up.... I’m going to take a shower.” Nikita announces as she pulls against Michael’s arms. There is a soft knock at the door and Michael turns his head. Nikita smiles as she pulls open the bathroom door.

“I’m taking a shower.” Nikita says and shuts the door. Michael sits up and pulls on the robe and walks huskily down the stairs. He opens the door to find Operations.

“Hello, Sir.” Michael says as he moves away from the door. If Operations noted Michael’s attire, it was not said. Operations enters and closes the door. Michael looks to Operations hand and the pot.

“What is that, Sir?” Michael asks as he raises his head. Operations moves towards the kitchen and places the pot down.

“Chicken soup.” Operations says and Michael blinks a few times.

“Why?” Michael finally asks and Operations pulls out Chicken Soup for the Soul out of his pocket. He lays it on the counter and looked at Michael.

“I thought it would be something Nikita would like.” Operations says as he moves away from the kitchen and looks up the stairs. The water is loudly running and Operations looks at Michael.

“Is she still asleep?” Operations asks as Michael sits down on the couch, not concerned about his attire no longer.

“No. She is taking a shower.” Michael says as Operations sits down and nods his head.

“That is good to know... That’s good to know...” Operations says as he looks at Michael.

Then there is an awkward pause as all is heard is the running water upstairs.

“Michael, I’m not going to pretend I understand what is occurring here. You and Nikita have been pulled away. Birkoff is running around Section crying like a baby. Madeline refuses to come out of her office and Matthew refuses to speak to me.” Operations says and Michael nods his head.

“How much to you know about Nikita?” Michael asks and Operations sighs.

“Matthew said that she needed her sleep. I was about to question him why that meant that she needed you to sleep... but I didn’t.” Operations says and Michael nods his head.

“Nikita was having a little boy’s nightmares of abuse. Almost two weeks worth of sleep she lost. To get rid of his nightmares.. Nikita had to fight her own demons.” Michael says and Operations stares at Michael.

“Her mother, the boyfriends, and her father.” Michael says and Operations stares directly at Michael at the mention of her father.

“Madeline has had both of our dreams when we first started. She got all the information on Nikita’s file from her nightmares.” Michael says. Operations stands up and pulls out a cigarette. He lights it and takes a slow puff as he digests what Michael is telling him.

“So when Madeline told me that you two were special, she was drawing from her supernatural experiences.” Operations says and Michael nods his head. Operations stares at the kitchen and sighs. If she would have just told him, it would have been much different for Michael and Nikita.

“And Nikita, she didn’t know her father?” Operations says and Michael stands up.

“Madeline found him when she had Nikita’s nightmares. She protected Nikita from the truth. We could never find him because he wasn’t a criminal.” Michael says as he looks up the stairs. It was a long shower for Nikita.

“A common man?” Operations asks from behind Michael in a cloud of smoke.

“A hero.” Michael says as he faces Operations. Operations opens his eyes in shock of the statement. But it also did explain a lot about Nikita.

“And your relationship?” Operations asks with a raised eyebrow and Michael feels a chill run down into his very core.

“Needed. By both.” Michael says firmly and Operations nods his head and heads towards the door.

“I need you both back inside Section in the morning. No later than ten.” Operations says and he exits. Michael closes the door and closes his eyes briefing. He notes the running water and runs up the stairs.

Nikita is standing in a light pink dress and smiles at Michael. He shakes his head.

“That leaves just tonight.” Nikita says and Michael nods.

“Do you want to stay in?” Michael asks softly and Nikita shakes her head no.

“Go get a shower... I know this little comedy club... You’ll enjoy it...” Nikita says and Michael smiles. He heads towards the shower and grimaces... Nikita had used all the hot water.

**********

Nikita entered the briefing room with her blonde hair floating in the air as she walked. Her smile was only brightened with the light pink sweater and the long purple skirt that Nikita wore. Michael was thankful that Nikita wore the long skirt today.

“Walter!” Nikita happily says as she rounds the corner and heads to Walter. Michael steps to his chair and watches Walter hug Nikita. The scene was like when Walter returned Nikita from Matthew. Nikita was barely walking, and crying in Walter’s shoulder.

“Michael... special delivery...” Walter said, trying to be humorous but not smiling himself. Michael immediately jumped up from his desk and headed to Nikita. Nikita clung to Walter’s neck until Michael kissed her check. She dropped her hands from Walter’s neck and wrapped them around Michael’s. Walter stayed long enough to help Michael with Nikita’s and his own coats. Then Michael snuck out the back.

“Where were you last night? I called and got nothing!” Walter says and Nikita laughs as she sits down next to Michael and turns to Walter’s chair.

“We went to that little comedy club in the square...” Nikita says with a bright smile and Walter begins to laugh. Michael in a comedy club was something he never thought would happen.

“Was the English man there?” Walter asks and Nikita nods her head broadly with a loud laugh. Michael turns from their conversation and looks at Operations. Michael stands up and walks to the other end of the table.

“Did you like your seat last night, sir?” Michael asks and Operations smiles.

“The last row is much better than front row and center.” Operations says with a nod of his head. Michael turns towards Nikita and sees her laughing.

“It is what Nikita wanted.” Michael says and Operations smoothes his chin. Operations places the cigarette down and looks at Michael.

“I was pleased to see that your relationship is more than purely one dimension.” Operations says and Michael stands up firmly. He could not believe what Operations was implying their relationship had been.

“It had always been more than one dimension.” Michael shots back and Michael goes back to his seat.

“The English man started to sing that song... I get knocked down.. but I get back up again...” Nikita says and Michael leans over to Nikita.

“Nikita, it was embarrassing enough last night, but do you insist on telling all of Section?” Michael asks and Nikita smiles at Michael.

“I’m just telling, Walter!” Nikita exclaims with an evil smile. Michael turns away , letting Nikita have her fun. Once Walter knew, everyone knew.

“Walter... he asked Michael is name.. and since he already knew me from when we went he changed the lyrics.” Nikita says with a smile and stops.

“Don’t stop there, Nikita!” Walter says and Operations stands up. Nikita watches Operations and stops.

“Birkoff is refusing to enter any room with Madeline... I have to secure that we have a direct feed with him.” Operations whispers into Michael’s ear. Michael nods his head and watches Operations walk out. Operations already heard the song once.

“Michael gets her slide down, But she gets back up again... And then Nikita slides back down...” Nikita sings and Walter’s face turns red before his laughter erupts.

Michael shakes his head and Walter continues to laugh. Michael wasn’t about to admit it, but he did laugh at the song last night. He turns and finds Matthew walking into the room and stopping.

Michael looks to the other door and sees Madeline entering. Michael sits down, interested in what is going to occur here. Last night, coming out of the club, Michael had seen them.

Madeline was walking down the street, with a tissue in her hand. Michael looked to see Matthew catch up to her from behind. Matthew hugged her tightly in the middle of the sidewalk. Michael moved across the street so Nikita would not see them.

Now, Matthew sat down and Madeline sat down. No long afterwards, Operations walks in and tests the link with Birkoff.

“Welcome back, entire team. It seems that we do have a mission....” Operations says before he starts the nit and gritty of the mission.

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