************************************************* Hi LFN Fans! This story is a sequel to my first one "Out of Sight", but it can also be read without any knowledge about that creation. The song is "Eternal Flame" by The Bangles. *************************************************

"Close your eyes, give me your hand, darling
Do you feel my heart beating
Do you understand
Do you feel the same
Am I only dreaming
Is this burning an eternal flame..."

Nikita woke up to the warm morning light. She was lying in Michael's arms, listening to his soft breathing. She felt safe, protected. Ever since Michael came back from the mission went wrong in Australia, they have become closer than ever. They spent their free time together, talking, eating, learning to know each other... and since the night he came back, they've spent every night possible in each other's arms. She still couldn't get Michael to open up to her completely, but she was very happy. It had a feeling of a dream come true.

She lay enfolded in his arms, looking at his sleeping features. He looked so peaceful, so relaxed. There were times she thought she would never see calmness in those tortured green eyes, that she would never be able to make him leave the past behind him. But now... she smiled to herself. It was great to know that Michael can finally find peace in her arms, that she can chase away the demons that have been haunting him for so long. She caressed his hair absently, ruffling his auburn curls.

Michael stirred, and Nikita woke from her reverie. He opened his eyes slowly, and turned his green gaze to her.

Nikita smiled, "Good morning," she whispered, and leaned close to kiss him lightly on his lips.

"I believe it's meant to be, darling I watch you when you are sleeping You belong with me Do you feel the same Am I only dreaming Or is this burning an eternal flame..."

He pulled her tightly into his arms and kissed her a long passionate kiss that took her breath away. He finally broke the kiss, leaving her slightly breathless, and totally aroused.

"Good morning," he answered, his voice hoarse and thick-accented from sleep. He started trailing his fingers along her spine, causing delightful shivers down her body.

*He is doing it again,* Nikita thought, *He's trying to drive me crazy.* She smiled mischievously, *OK, two can play that game.*

She climbed slowly on top of him. She pressed her bare body closer to his, and started to nibble softly at his chin. She felt his body responding immediately, and heard him groaning softly. She grinned; *This is so much fun!* She thought. She continued nibbling at his chin, and slowly continued downward, turning her attention to his flat nipple. She suckled at it gently, and was rewarded by the feel of his muscles quivering under her lips, and his arousal pressing hard into the inside of her thigh.

She planned on continuing her sweet torture of him, but clearly Michael had no intention of letting her do so. It was arousing him too much.

In one swift move, he was on top of her. He leaned closer quickly and gave her a kiss that seared her lips. Nikita groaned, and tightened her grip on his shoulders. He continued his sensual assault, worshiping her trembling body, until she cried out his name, and stumbled over the edge, taking him with her into total bliss.

"Say my name sun shines through the rain A whole life so lonely And then you come and ease the pain I don't want to lose this feeling..."

~ ~ ~

Nikita yawned and stared blankly at the briefing table. When she and Michael were still wrapped up together in the aftermath of their lovemaking, his cell phone rang and they were both called to briefing.

Now, Michael, Birkoff, herself and a few other operatives sat at the briefing table, patiently waiting to Operations to start the briefing. Ops finally approached the table, dressed in a black suit. He switched on the screen, and began the briefing. "This is a mercenary camp in Germany owned by a man name Raul Blake. Mr. Blake is doing busyness with several terrorist organizations all over the world, providing them mercenaries for money. His soldiers are disciplined, well trained and vicious. Our job is to eliminate the camp, and kill all the soldiers."

Birkoff: "The problem is that a few kilometers from the camp, there are two more camps. Those two camps are owned by Red Cell, and at this point we prefer not to attack them."

"Why is that?" Nikita interjected.

"The security system in these camps is very tight, and in the meantime there is no reason to confront Red Cell," Ops replied "We are running 4 more missions simultaneously, so we are short in manpower."

Birkoff proceeded: "Your job is to enter the camp, plant the charges, and retreat before the explosion. If you don't retreat on time, the other camps will probably notice you, and then you'll have to confront them," He added, "You will also have to wait until nightfall. You will take position there as soon as you get there, and watch the compound. Once it's dark, you will be given instructions to proceed."

Ops: "Everybody is on standby for now. You are scheduled to leave section in 2 hours. "

Ops left the briefing room.

* * *

*What am I gonna two here for another hour?* Nikita wondered to herself. She has just finished studying all the necessary details about the mission from her panel, and was now bored to the bone. She went to Walter's station to try and ease the boredom.

"Hi Walter," She said with a grin.

"Hi Sugar," He grinned to her, "Getting ready to a mission?"

"Yeah," She sighed, "I have one more hour before the mission leaves, and I'm bored to death."

Walter laughed, "Why don't you go and check what Michael is doing?"

Nikita made a face, "He is always busy before a mission, setting the profile and everything."

"C'mon, sugar, I know you can make him forget the mission for a while."

Nikita smiled to herself, again recalling the early morning hours she shared with Michael only a few hours ago. *I can, can't I...?* "Thanks, Walter," she said aloud and left to look for Michael.

As expected, Michael was in his office, typing calmly in his computer. When she knocked the door and entered, the only visible reaction from Michael was a slight twitch of his lips.

She closed and locked the door slowly, and sat in the chair in front of him.

"What is it?" Michael asked, switching off the surveillance on his office.

"Nothing much," she answered, "I have another hour to kill before the mission, and I'm bored as hell."

In spite of himself, Michael felt his lips quirk up. He eyed her graceful figure with a slight smile on his lips *She is so beautiful,* he thought.

Nikita noticed the spark in his eyes, and rose from her seat. She closed the blinds, and he pulled her unto his lap.

"Miss me already?" she teased impishly. It was still hard to her to get used to the way Michael's behavior changed. She was very happy with it, though.

His smile deepened, "Always."

He seated her more comfortably in his lap, cradling her against him, and she propped her head on his shoulder. They both recalled earlier this morning, when Michael got the phone call from Section.

Michael closed his cell phone. "We have to go in," He said, "Briefing in 30 minutes."

Nikita groaned, and burrowed her face closer in his shoulder. "Why so early, Damnit? Can't the terrorists start their activity a little later? Noon maybe?"

Michael sighed, and rose slowly, beginning to disentangle themselves from each other.

"Can't we have one more minute?" Nikita whispered, gently nibbling his ear.

"Ni-ki-ta," he protested, shivering slightly from her sensual assault.

"C'mon Michael, just one more minute." She murmured, beginning to kiss his chin, and then his lips.

He surrendered then, burying his tongue deep in her sweet mouth. They just sat there for several minutes, kissing.

Then, with a sigh, Michael broke the kiss, "We will never get out of bed if we keep doing this," he murmured.

Nikita copied his sigh, and climbed out of bed, walking towards the bathroom. He watched her graceful movements through half-lidded eyes. She looked beautiful. Her bright hair, her silky skin, her long legs... Michael shook his head. If he proceed this way, he will end up dragging her back to bed against his better judgment.

He climbed out of bed also and put on his robe.

There was a knock on the door, and they both started. Nikita got off Michael's lap, and went to open the door. Birkoff poked his head in, "You're needed in systems," He informed Michael, and left.

Michael rose from his seat, and murmured "I have to go."

"It's ok," Nikita smiled, "We have 15 more minutes before the mission leaves, I better get dressed anyway."

They both left the office, turning to opposite directions.

~ ~ ~

Nikita leaned back and yawned. They have been in the section airplane for a few hours now, and she was bored to the bone. Michael was sitting in the far side of the plane, re-checking the mission profile. About an hour earlier the weather changed- the sunny day became colder and rainy. Michael contacted section to verify that the mission is to go as planned. Birkoff informed that the weather changes shouldn't be in the way, and that the mission profile is staying the same.

"Landing in 15 minutes," Michael informed through the speakers, "get ready."

Nikita rose from her seat to take her comm unit. She went to the container in the back on the plane, and took the first unit she saw.

"Hey, this is my comm unit," she heard a voice behind her. She turned to look, and found herself standing face to face with a young man. He had a very short black hair and warm blue eyes.

Nikita smiled to him, "I'm sorry," she handed him the unit, "Here you go."

"It's ok," he smiled back, taking the little device from her hand.

"I don't think we've ever met," she said, "Are you new here?"

He smiled again, "I was transferred here from section's substation in England," he explained, and reached out his hand for a handshake, "By the way, my name is Cole Parker."

She shook his hand, "Nikita."

She went back to her seat, and belted up.

Immediately after, Michael's voice was heard through the speakers: "All operatives, go back to your seats and put on your seatbelts. We are landing."

* * *

"Birkoff, there's no one in the perimeter," Michael said.

"Hold. I'm scanning," Birkoff replied. A few seconds past in silence until Birkoff informed, "The area is clean. You're clear to move."

"Team one, move." Michael ordered.

"Let's go," Nikita whispered to Cole, who was crouching beside her. Cole nodded, and they moved quietly.

Nikita and Cole approached the gate slowly, trying to be as quiet as possible. Suddenly Cole stepped on a little brunch, and it emitted a loud creek. One of the guards froze, and started to walk cautiously towards them. Nikita raised her gun, and took him down in an instant.

"I just shot one of the guards," She told Michael through the comm unit.

"It's not a problem, proceed," He replied.

Nikita approached the gate, when Cole noticed two more guards, and killed them.

"Thanks," Nikita whispered to him.

"Anytime," He whispered back.

Nikita opened the gate quietly, "The gate is open. We can go in."

Michael rose silently, drawing his gun, and ordered, "All teams, proceed."

The remaining teams drew near the gate silently, and entered the camp.

Suddenly, one of the soldiers noticed them, and the fight had begun.

It was a hell of darkness and fire. Nikita could hardly hear anything except the loud noise of the soldiers' bullets.

"All teams, plant the charges NOW." Michael ordered, dodging from a bullet and killing three guards simultaneously.

Nikita took a deep breath, and ran through the whistling bullets. She planted the explosive on the eastern wall of a big compound.

"Team one done," She informed.

"Team two done," another voice came through Michael's comm unit.

He waited a couple of seconds, and then asked, "Team three, what's your status?"

"We're under fire," one of the operatives yelled, the noise of the bullets in the background, "We can't get to our position."

"Hold your position team three," Michael replied calmly, and left his position. He moved nearer to team three, and instantly killed two soldiers.

He ran towards Johnson, one of the operatives, and took the charge from his hand.

"There's no time," he said, "I'll plant it." He then informed, "All teams retreat. The van is waiting in point A."

All the operatives started to retreat, covering on themselves with heavy fire.

Michael ran towards the camp's headquarters, and planted the charge on its wall.

He started to retreat towards the van, shooting every soldier that noticed him. Suddenly too many soldiers surrounded Michael. He knew that there's no way he'd get out of there alive like this. He retreated to a shadowed corner and whispered, "Birkoff, I'm surrounded, is there a safe exit pass?"

Birkoff quickly checked, "No. All passes are completely closed."

Michael didn't say a thing for a minute, pondering the situation, and then replied, "Give the van an order to leave."

"If the van leaves, your chances of getting out there alive are negligible," Birkoff warned him.

"Do it, Birkoff."

Birkoff sighed, "You can leave now," he told the driver.

Nikita jumped from her seat, and asked, "What about Michael?"

"He can't get out," Birkoff replied, "He gave the order to leave him."

Nikita swallowed hard and closed her eyes briefly, she could almost see it happening again. She remembered the mission in Klodno, when Michael was left behind, and she had no idea whether. *Oh, no way in hell I'm going to let it happen again,* she thought, and jumped out of the van, drawing her gun, and running back towards the camp.

"Nikita, what are you doing?" Cole yelled.

"Nikita, the explosives will go off in four minutes," Birkoff warned her.

Nikita didn't answer either of them.

Birkoff leaned back and sighed. He remembered all too well the mission in Klodno, when Michael was left behind, and Nikita did all she could to rescue him. *I should have known it's gonna happen,* he thought.

Nikita ran to where Michael was, shooting every soldier she saw. When she finally reached him, she saw he was surrounded by seven guards. He was hiding behind a small pavilion, shooting towards every soldier that came near. The soldiers were playing with him Cat and Mouse.

*They're waiting his ammo to run out,* Nikita suddenly understood. She approached quietly, and shot them from the back. When Michael heard the shots, he shot a few soldiers himself, until all seven of them were dead.

He was surprised to see her at first, but recovered immediately, and said,

"We have to go. The charges will go off in a minute."

Nikita nodded, and they both ran away from the compound.

~ ~ ~

"What do you mean 'they were left on site'," Ops demanded.

"Michael gave the order to retreat, but he got trapped inside the compound," Birkoff explained, "Nikita left the van to help him, and we had to leave before teams from the other camps discover us."

Ops frowned, "Do we know what's their location?"

"No, sir," Birkoff replied, "The trackers aren't working. They can be anywhere near the camp."

"Where do you think they'll go?" Ops asked.

"There's a big forest around the camp. They will probably hide there until we send a pick-up team."

"Alright, you may leave now," Ops murmured, looking distracted.

Birkoff left the observation room.

Ops pressed a button in the intercom.

There was a static noise, and then a quiet feminine voice answering, "Yes?"

"Madeline, can you please come to my office?" Ops asked, "I need your advice."

"I'm on my way," She replied.

A couple of minutes or so later, Madeline stepped in the observation room.

"You wanted to see me?" She asked.

"Yes," He answered, "during the Blake mission, there was a mishap, and Michael and Nikita were left behind."

"Yes, I'm aware of that," She answered, "What is the problem?"

"I planned to send a pickup team to extract them, but I think that sending operatives there is risky now."

"You think it will draw Red Cell's attention to us?" She asked.

"Yes. I think we should wait a while before we send a team. Do you think that's wise?"

Madeline pondered it for a second, and replied, "Under different circumstances, I would suggest sending a team immediately, to avoid the chance that operatives might be captured."

"But?"

"But, since we are talking about Michael and Nikita, I'm not so worried," she smiled slightly, "They can take care of themselves."

"You're right," Ops smiled to her, "As always, you're one step ahead."

Madeline returned his smile, "Is that all?"

"For now."

* * *

Nikita and Michael ran through the woods, making as much distance as they could between them and the ruined camp.

"We have to keep away from the area," Michael whispered to her, "teams from the nearby camp will be here in no time."

Nikita merely nodded, and they continued running.

Suddenly, Nikita tripped over a stone, and fell face down to the ground.

Michael stopped immediately, and helped her up. "Are you ok?" he asked.

"I'm just fi- owww," she groaned when she tried to step on her left foot.

Michael knelt beside her and examined her ankle gently, "I think you merely sprained it," he said, "I don't think it's broken."

"Easy for you to say," she grumbled, gritting her teeth, "It hurts like hell."

"Come on," Michael said softly, sliding his left arm around her waist, "lean on me. We have to go deeper into the woods. It's not safe here."

Nikita nodded, and they continued walking, as fast as they could, through the woods.

About twenty minutes later, they arrived to a little glade. The treetops surrounding the area shielded it, and made the place seem safe and quiet.

"Hey, how about a break?" Nikita panted, exhausted from the long walk with a sprained ankle.

Michael scanned the area as well as he could, considering the heavy darkness. Actually, it seemed like a perfect place to stop. The ground was relatively dry, and the trees around it provided it a satisfactory shelter.

Besides, he was exhausted as well. They both needed to rest.

"Ok. Let's stop here," he replied in agreement.

He helped her to sit on the ground, without hurting her ankle, and sat beside her.

"So," she started, "what happens now?"

"We rest," he said, "we have to gather strength so we can proceed walking."

"But what then?" she asked, "how will we get back to section?"

Michael sighed, "Our trackers aren't working. The explosion must have damaged them. Section can detect us via satellite, but we can't be detected in the woods. That's why we have to get out of here."

Nikita propped her head on his shoulder, "Do you think they sent a team already?"

"Probably not. The area is a hot zone now. They'll probably try to avoid a confrontation with Red Cell."

"So we're alone out here." She acknowledged.

"For now, we are."

~ ~ ~

Now, with the lack of movement, Nikita started getting cold. It was freezing cold out there, and she started shivering.

Michael noticed, and whispered in her ear, "Are you cold?"

"Yeah," she murmured, "can't we light a fire?"

"I'm afraid not," Michael answered wistfully, "Red Cell may locate us easily like that." He wrapped his arms around her, and she burrowed closer into him.

"Better?" he asked.

"Yes, thank you."

They sat that way for a few minutes, wrapped in each other's arms. *Well, maybe it's not such a bad thing,* Nikita thought, *Alone with Michael in a deserted area... I just wish it wasn't so damn cold!*

She shivered again, and Michael tightened his hold around her. She smiled to herself, *ok, so maybe the cold is not that bad after all...*

She shifted position, and suddenly groaned in pain. She had almost forgot about her sprained ankle.

"Are you ok?" Michael asked, caressing her hair gently.

"Yes, I'm fine, it's just that goddamn ankle."

"There's nothing we can do now," Michael said softly, "we'll get you some medical attention when we're back in Section."

Nikita sighed, and re-wrapped her arms around him.

"You should rest," he murmured, "You can try to sleep, I'll stay awake too watch."

She was so tired, she didn't even try to argue. She buried her face in his chest and closed her eyes. Despite her tiredness, she had had troubles sleeping. She drifted in and out of sleep due to the pain in her ankle.

Michael tried to soothe her, but there was nothing he could do to ease the pain.

Several hours later, Nikita opened her eyes in frustration. There was no use. She couldn't sleep, the pain was too distracting.

She rose her head to meat Michael's intensive gaze, "You sleep. I can't possibly sleep like that."

"Are you sure?" he asked wearily. He was exhausted, and his eyes burned. He had wanted desperately to close his eyes, even if only for a short while.

"Of course I'm sure," she announced, "if I can't sleep, I better yet stay and watch while you rest."

Without giving him an opportunity to react, she pushed him gently to lie on his back. She snuggled closer to him, warming him with her body heat.

His lips quirked up slightly, "Thank you."

She smiled, "No problem. It's my pleasure."

He closed his eyes, and was instantly asleep.

Nikita looked at his sleeping face, gently caressing his soft curls. The tiredness was evident on his face, and she was glad he had a chance to sleep. She leaned her head on his chest and listened to his soft breathing.

In spite of the freezing cold, the uncomfortable ground and the pain in her leg, Nikita felt peace. A Peace so profound she could only find in Michael's arms.

* * *

A couple of hours later, Michael woke up. His head hurt and his throat was dry. He was thirsty.

"Good morning," Nikita smiled at him, "you slept well?"

"Yes," Michael answered, his voice hoarse. It was dawn; the sun cast faint light through the thick trees. He glanced at his watch. It was 6 AM. He had been asleep for about six hours.

"Umm... do you think we can find water here somewhere?" Nikita asked.

"I hope so. I think I saw a little fountain somewhere nearby." Michael moved her aside gently and stood on his feet. "I'll go to look for it. When I find it, I'll come back to get you," He said.

She nodded, and he turned and walked into the woods.

Nikita leaned backwards, and lay on her back. The pain in her ankle did not lessen, in fact, it was even more intense now. She wished Michael would come back soon. She was so thirsty.

A few minutes later Michael came back. "Did you find it?" she asked in anticipation.

"Yes. Come on, let's go."

She expected him to help her walk, but he bent down and scooped her up. Upon regarding her surprised gaze, he smiled to her and whispered, "It's not far from here, and I don't want to hurt your ankle even further."

She smiled back at him, and looped her arms around his neck, as he carried her towards the fountain.

"Ahhhh, it feels so good!" Nikita announced joyously, splashing water all over the place. She bent forward once again to drink from the little stream.

The water was cool and brought comfort to their dry throats. They both drank greedily until they were no longer thirsty.

Michael lay on his back, and stretched his legs. He felt oddly good. Like it didn't matter that they in a deep forest in a hostile territory. He smiled to himself; it was the Nikita effect. Only she could make him feel this kind of tranquility.

"What are you smiling about?" She asked, noticing the slight gleam in his eyes.

"You." He answered, and she crawled towards him, resting her head on his shoulder.

"How's your ankle?" he asked, his hand caressing her back slowly.

"I'll live," murmured, trying to ignore the pain.

"That bad, huh?"

Nikita sighed and said, "talk to me, Michael, distract me from the pain."

"What about?"

She shrugged, "I don't know... tell me about yourself."

"There's not much to tell, Ni-ki-ta."

"Sure there is. I don't know much about you."

"You know the important things."

"I want to know more."

Michael sighed with resignation and smiled inwardly. He could never resist her, "What do you want to know?"

Nikita smiled with excitement, *now it's my chance* she thought, "Ok. What is your favorite color?"

"Brown... and Blue."

"Really!?" Nikita lifted her head with a surprise, "By the looks of things, I would bet on black."

"I prefer black as my Section attire, but it's not my favorite color at all."

*Umm... interesting* she thought. She suddenly remembered the time when Michael took her to his beautiful cabin in Belgium, when they pretended to escape from Section. He wore then a beautiful tan jacket. Nikita shook her head, *ok, back to present.*

"Question number 2- what do you like to eat, Michael? I know you're not the 'cheeseburger and fries' type, but what's your favorite cuisine?"

"I like Italian food mostly. I also like seafood, Chinese, Thai. I'm really not that picky about food as long as it's well-served."

*Italian, huh? I can do that! Maybe I'll cook dinner sometime,* Nikita thought. She rarely cooked. Usually, it was Michael who did all the cooking.

He was simply a natural talent, just like in many other subjects. Nikita has discovered this talent of his in the night he cooked for them in the cabin in Belgium. He made such a fantastic meal of some simple ingredients. On that specific night he told her, "There's a lot you don't know about me, Nikita. Maybe it's time you learn." *Well, I am learning now, aren't I?*

"What do you like to do in your free time? Do you have any hobbies?"

"I used to paint when I was younger." He said quietly. He had a pained expression on his face, but it instantly faded. Nikita looked up into his eyes, and noticed the pain there, "Why did you stop?" she asked.

"When my parents died, I had to work and learn simultaneously, and I simply had no time. When I joined Section I lost the desire to paint, so I don't paint anymore."

Nikita reached to his hand, and gave him a little squeeze, "I'm sorry."

"It's ok. It's been a very long time since then."

"Any other hobbies?"

"I like Music. Classical, mostly."

"And you play the cello."

"Yes, that too. I also like reading, all kinds of water sports, nothing interesting."

"It's very interesting to me, Michael," she said quietly, "I'm finally getting to know you."

Michael suddenly felt ashamed for not sharing it with her earlier. It meant so much to her, and he wanted desperately to make her happy.

He glanced at his watch. Almost an hour past and he didn't notice. Whenever he spent time with her, time seemed to fly by. Every moment was precious, priceless, and he treasured each one of them, but now it was time to go.

"We have to go." He said, before she had a chance to think of more questions.

"So soon?" she asked disappointedly.

"Yes. We should get out of the woods, so that Section will be able to locate us."

"Oh, alright, but don't think I'm letting you off the hook. I still want to know more about you."

He smiled to her, "of course. As soon as we're back, I promise. Over dinner maybe?"

"Sure. But I'm cooking this time."

"It's a deal. Now let's go."

She moved away from him, and he stood up. He then pulled her up gently, careful not to hurt her swollen ankle. She put her arm on his shoulder, and they started walking out of the woods.

~ ~ ~

"...The woods are lovely, dark and deep. But I have promises to keep, And miles to go before I sleep, And miles to go before I sleep." ("Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening"/Robert Frost)

It was a long way. And it was very hard to them to move fast because of Nikita's sprained ankle. Occasionally, Michael would scoop her up, and carry her for a while. But it was very hard also, and they both were tired.

After two hours of frustrating walking, Nikita sighed and sat on the ground.

"We're hardly moving. Let's take a break."

"We can't, Ni-ki-ta, we have to get out of here. It's a hostile territory."

"So you go!" she snarled at him, "I can hardly move anyway."

"I'm not going anywhere without you." He replied and pulled her up, forcing her to continue walking.

* * *

Michael watched Nikita's sleeping face in MedLab. When they finally found the way out of the woods, Section located them immediately by satellite, and a helicopter was sent to bring them back in.

There was a medical kit in the helicopter, and Michael gave Nikita some painkillers to ease her pain.

A few minutes after she took the painkillers, Nikita dozed off, her head cradled in Michael's lap.

When they finally arrived to Section, Michael went to debrief, and Nikita to MedLab. A medic bandaged her ankle and ordered her keep her leg still for a week.

When Madeline was informed about Nikita's condition, she immediately gave her a week off.

When Michael came back from debriefing in Madeline's office, he went straight to MedLab to check on Nikita. He was now standing by her bed, caressing her hair.

She stirred from his touch and opened her eyes.

"How do you feel?"

"Much better, thank you," she smiled to him, "but I'll have to use this for the next couple of days." She pointed towards a pair of crutches that stood against the wall. "Are we still having dinner tonight?"

"Of course," he smiled, "but I think this time I'll do the cooking. You need to rest."

"Alright, but you won't get away so easily, next time I'm cooking."

His smile widened, "I can hardly wait."

It only took Michael a minute to get Nikita a release from MedLab, and they both went home.

~ ~ ~

Michael opened the door to Nikita's apartment, and she limped in, using the crutches.

"GOD, I HATE these things!" she mumbled, "I feel like a clown in a circus."

Michael chuckled, "Well, you do walk like one."

"Gees, thanks, now I feel much better."

Michael smiled, approached her and circled her hips in his arms from behind her, "I'm sorry," he whispered, kissing her neck.

"Apology accepted," she murmured, distracted by Michael's ministrations. "Just make dinner and we're even."

Michael gave her one more kiss and released her, walking to the kitchen.

Nikita limped to the couch, and sat on it heavily. A moment later she changed her mind. "I'm going to take a shower." She announced, and rose carefully from the couch.

"Sure." Michael murmured. He was poking his head in Nikita's kitchen cupboards, checking their content and lining groceries on the counter.

She took her crutches, heading towards the bathroom.

A couple of minutes afterwards, Michael heard her voice from the bathroom. "Michael?"

"Yes?"

"Can you come here for a second, please?"

"Of course." He laid aside the groceries on the counter and went to the bathroom. He opened the door, and found her leaning on the wall, still fully dressed.

"Umm... I need help here. I can't do it by myself," she murmured, blushing slightly.

"No problem, I'll help you," he replied. "Why don't you take a bath?" he suggested.

"Sounds like a good idea," she agreed.

Michael bent to the tub and turned the taps on, filling the tub with warm water. Meanwhile, Nikita started unbuttoning her blouse. Once the tub was full, Michael dipped his fingers in the water, making sure it's not too hot. "Your bath is ready." He announced, and turned to face her.

What he saw almost took his breath away.

She had already shed her blouse, and now she was busy unbuttoning her jeans and easing them off her legs.

"Let me help you." He said softly and helped her taking her pants off, being careful not to hurt her ankle.

"Thank you," she murmured, blushing even further. Her nipples stood erect because of the cold and Michael's closeness.

"Wait here." He suddenly said, and rushed out of the bathroom. Before she could even wonder where he was going, he came back with a nylon bag.

"What's this for?" she asked, confused.

"To protect the bandage," he replied and carefully wrapped it around her bandaged ankle.

She then shed her panties, and limped towards the bath. But Michael stopped her, carefully picked her up, and deposited her in the hot bath.

"Ahhh... that feels so good!" she sighed, and leaned her head on the edge of the bath.

Michael picked up a sponge and started soaping her body.

"I can do this by myself you know," She commented, lifting her head to look in his eyes.

He smiled, "I know. But I don't do half-jobs."

*Oh, I bet you don't,* she thought, returning his smile impishly.

He went over every inch of her body, scrubbing her gently. When he reached her thighs, she closed her eyes and leaned her head on the edge again, her breathing becoming erratic.

"Lift your head," he suddenly whispered, his lips close to her ear.

She obeyed him, shuddering slightly. He shampooed her hair and washed it carefully.

"It's not fair." She murmured finally.

"What's not?"

"Here I am, totally naked, and you are completely dressed."

Michael couldn't refrain from smiling widely, "I've already showered in Section. Besides, I want to keep your ankle unharmed."

"My ankle is fine, " she replied, and pulled him towards her to a breath-taking kiss, "and another shower couldn't hurt," she murmured when she broke the kiss, leaving him gasping heavily.

She started tugging at his shirt, pulling it over his head. Once he was divested of his shirt, she pulled him closer to another scorching kiss. With a groan he broke the kiss, and stood up. He quickly removed his shoes, socks, his pants and briefs, and got in the bath with her. He lowered himself into the bath, until he was an inch far from touching her heated skin.

She circled her arms around his neck, and pulled him roughly towards her.

They kissed frantically, their tongues mingling, tasting, and probing. Then Michael ripped his mouth away from hers and started trailing wet kisses along her neck. "Ooh... yes, Michael..." she panted, sticking her fingernails in his back.

He continued his slow exploration of her body, until she started to writhe under him. Then he pulled her good leg up, placing it behind his back, and entered her slowly. "Yes... Michael, please," she begged, tightening her leg behind his back, bringing him deeper into her. He started a slow rhythm, stroking her deeply and thoroughly until he felt her muscles starting to spasm. He then increased the pace, hitting her forcefully. "MICHAEL!" she screamed and climaxed swiftly. Her moans and soft whimpers drove Michael over the edge as well, joining her release.

* * *

They just sat there for a few minutes, wrapped up in each other's warmth until finally, Michael shifted and withdrew from her slowly. They both sighed as he did. He helped her stand and stood up himself, hugging her to him with one arm. In the other arm he reached to the tap, and turned it on, washing them both. Then he stepped out of the tub, taking her with him.

He toweled them dry and wrapped a robe around her. He wore his robe too, and scooped her up again, taking her out of the bathroom.

Nikita giggled, "Well, it's certainly the best bath I've ever had."

"I'm glad to hear that," he said in a small smile.

He sat on the bed, and seated her between his spread thighs. He picked up her hairbrush from the nightstand and started brushing her hair. When he finished, he dragged the brush also through his damp curls.

"Now, get yourself dressed and I'll take care of dinner." He said and pressed a kiss to the top of her head.

He moved her carefully, and stood up. He went to the closet and picked a black pair of pajama pants and a white tank top.

*Thank god he brought some of his clothes here,* Nikita thought, *I don't think he would like wearing any of my nightgowns,* she smiled to the thought.

"What?" he asked when he saw her smiling at him.

She stifled a giggle, "I was just thinking that you'd look great in one of my nightgowns."

He grimaced at her and went back to the kitchen.

Nikita lay down on her back, smiling. It felt so good talking to him, laughing with him, making love to him. Just being around him made her feel better. She rose carefully and went to the closet.

Michael was standing in the kitchen, preparing dinner. He had already chopped some vegetables to make a salad, and was now cutting eggplants to thin circles. That task finished, he took a frying pan and roasted them, adding little pieces of chicken.

"Mmm, something smells great," Nikita appeared from the bedroom and approached him. She was clad in a white tank top, identical to his, and dark blue shorts. "What are you making?" she asked, circling his hips from behind and propping her chin on his shoulder.

"Salad and roasted eggplants with chicken bits." He replied, mixing some sort of sauce in a little bowl, "Why don't you sit? The food will be ready in a second."

She kissed his shoulder and went to the table, waiting patiently to the food to be ready. The table was already set, and in the middle was a long, white candle.

He took the eggplants and chicken out of the pan and arranged them on a plate. He then poured the sauce on them and carried the dish to the table, placing it in the middle. He brought the salad as well and placed it in next to the eggplant dish. He straightened up for a minute and surveyed her image, noticing her shorts.

"Don't you think you'll be cold with this?" he asked, brushing a strand of hair away from her face.

"No, it's ok," she replied, "I'm sure you will keep me warm," she smiled, impish gleam in her eyes.

He went back to the kitchen and brought a bottle of wine. He poured the liquid into two glasses and sat in front of her.

"Bon appetit," he said, sipping from his glass.

"Bon appetit," she returned, filling her plate with salad and the eggplant dish.

He looked at her when she tasted the food. "Do you like it?" he asked.

"Wow, it's great. What's that incredible sauce?"

"That's a secret." He answered, his eyes twinkling.

"Oh, just wait," she said, "I'll get it out of you."

He chuckled, "I bet you will."

They quietly enjoyed the meal and each other's company. After they finished, Michael cleaned the table and the kitchen, and they both went to the bedroom.

Michael climbed into the bed and pulled her to him, hugging her tight and cradling her head on his shoulder.

"Good night, Michael." She murmured sleepily, her eyes already closing.

Michael stroked her hair lovingly, "Good night ma chere, sleep well."

Eternal Flame/The Bangles
Close your eyes, give me your hand, darling
Do you feel my heart beating?
Do you understand?
Do you feel the same?
Am I only dreaming?
Is this burning an eternal flame

I believe it's meant to be, darling
I watch you when you are sleeping
You belong with me
Do you feel the same?
Am I only dreaming?
Or is this burning an eternal flame

Say my name sun shines through the rain
A whole life so lonely
And then you come and ease the pain
I don't want to lose this feeling...

THE END... for now

~ ~ ~

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