Hours later, Michael disentangled his body from Nikita's and climbed slowly out of the bed. Nikita immediately felt the absence of his warm body and opened her eyes.

"Where are you going?" she asked, lifting her head from the pillow.

Michael pulled his clothes on and bent down to kiss her. "I'm sorry, ma cher," he apologized, "but I have to go back before morning. It's too dangerous to me to be out in the open in daylight."

Nikita nodded sadly, "The police. I almost forgot that they're looking for you."

Michael lowered his eyes and turned around. "I have to go," he said flatly, moving away from her.

"Michael, wait," She jumped from the bed, still naked, and wrapped her arms around him from behind. "I'm not mad at you, please don't leave angry."

"I'm not angry, 'Kita," he stated sadly, "I just..." he sighed, "I think that maybe it's better for you to stay away from me."

"No." she raised her hands and cupped his face, forcing him to look into her eyes. "I want to be with you," she said softly, "I know the risks, I don't care."

He sighed and wrapped his arms tightly around her, enveloping her in a strong embrace. After a few moment he released her, "I really have to go. Goodbye, Cheri."

"Goodbye," she whispered, tears gathering in her eyes. "My love," she whispered after he was gone. She then went back to the bed, suddenly feeling cold with the absence of his warmth. She buried her head in the pillow they shared and inhaled deeply, feeling a hint of his scent fill her nostrils. She closed her eyes, clutching the pillow to her chest, and fell asleep.

*****

Nikita clicked a button in her car radio and the magical sounds of Beethoven's 5th symphony washed over her. Two nights ago, in her apartment, between one session of lovemaking to another, Michael showed her how to find the classical pieces he loved so much in her computer. She programmed her radio so that in a click of a button, it played beautiful music from the classical and romantic periods. She had already managed to listen to a large amount of pieces, and her favorites so far were: Mozart's symphony number 40, Beethoven's For Elise, and Tschaikowsky's Nutcracker.

The music was so different that everything she has ever heard. The magical tunes so full of meaning and emotion, sometimes almost bringing tears to her eyes. And it also reminded her of Michael, another reason that she came to love this music so much.

Nikita's car stopped in front of the large Technocom building and she stepped out slowly. Her work, that had once been so challenging and inspiring, seemed now so mundane and boring. It also made her feel uncomfortable and slightly guilty that she was working against everything Michael believed in. It wasn't that her feelings towards Michael made her change her mind, she started believing in his ways and beliefs regardless of her feelings for him. She had even toyed with the idea to leave her world behind and join the rebels. But when she asked Michael about it he had said that being with the rebels was way too dangerous and that he wanted her as safe as possible. He also said that if she stays in Technocom, she'll be able to provide them with an inside information.

At first, she was a little angry about his protectiveness, but it also warmed her heart that he wanted to keep her unharmed at all costs.

As she stepped into her office, a grim-faced Simon notified her that Paul and Madeline wanted to see her in the conference room in five minutes.

"Any idea what this is about?" she asked him.

Simon shook his head, "Not really. But it can't be good, they don't look too happy today."

"When do they, anyway?" she mattered to herself as she headed to the conference room.

She stepped inside and saw Paul and Madeline already standing in the room, their gaze cool and expressionless.

"Good morning sir, Madeline," she greeted politely.

Paul nodded briefly. "Sit down, Miss Ross," he said.

"Is there a problem, sir?" she asked, sitting in one of the chairs around the oval table.

"As a matter of fact, there is," he said, "it seems that we have a mole here in Technocom."

Nikita's blood ran cold but from the outside her expression never faltered, "A mole?"

"Yes. It seems to be that somebody is helping the rebels," Paul replied.

"We had this problem for quite a while didn't we?" Nikita asked.

Paul waved his hand, "It was a mistake," he said, "apparently, we underestimated the rebels' capability."

"So how do we know it is not a mistake now, too?" she inquired, maintaining her gaze cool and expressionless like theirs.

Paul waved his hand impatiently, "Too many coincidences. The last incident was the failure of Simon's backdoor trick."

Nikita paused for a moment and then asked, "Do you have any suspects yet?"

"Not really," Paul said and directed his piercing gaze towards her, "but we think that the source of the leak is in your department, considering you are the closest to the information."

"We expect you to check the personnel," Madeline said, "check every member of your crew thoroughly. We have to find out who is the mole."

"Of course," Nikita replied, "is that all?"

"Yes, Nikita, that is all," Madeline said and Nikita got up from her chair and left.

Nikita stepped to her chair and collapsed on it, taking deep breathes. It was becoming dangerous. Somehow they realized that someone in the company was helping the rebels. She would have to tell Michael about it, to warn him that they're in danger.

But until she'll see him again, she had do start checking, or at least pretending to check, the personnel in her department. Otherwise, Paul and Madeline might get suspicious.

Better get to work, she thought, and put on her VR goggles. Her fingers skimmed over the keyboard, pulling out the personal profiles of all the members of her team. It didn't take long. After that, she started to review each one thoroughly and add little comments to each of the files. It was a long, exhausting work, and when she was finished, it was already late in the evening. Nikita removed he goggled, rubbed her eyes and yawned. She sent her reports to Paul Wolf's computer a few minutes ago and now it was time to go home.

When she settled comfortably in the car seat, she wondered if she should go home or head to the rebels' headquarters to warn Michael. She considered the possibility that Michael might come to her apartment, but dismissed it. Two night ago, just before he left, he told her that he will probably stay away for a while. He was needed in the headquarters.

With that thought in her mind, Nikita set the direction of the car towards the outskirts of the city.

While driving, she noticed the headlights of a car behind her. Normally, it wouldn't have bothered her, but now it made her feel uncomfortable. She drove in circles around the city for about ten minutes and noted uncomfortably that the mysterious car stayed behind her. She was being followed.

But, who was following her? Her confused mind went over the possibilities furiously. It had to be followers from Technocom, she decided. Paul and Madeline were notorious in that method. They talked to her as if they trusted her, but behind her back they kept a watchful eye on her.

Too dangerous, Nikita decided, she would have to warn Michael some other day. With heavy heart, she ordered her car to turn around and go back to her apartment.

While on the way home, she glanced at the date in her watch. Two days until weekend. That means that if she waits, she'll be able to go to Michael for the weekend, and warn him, without raising the suspicion of her bosses. She sighed and closed her eyes, thinking about spending the next two days without him. She will be counting every minute.

*****

Two days later...

Nikita stepped tentatively into the dark corridor. After checking three time for any car following her and driving in circles for over twenty minutes, she decided it was safe enough to go to the headquarters. It was the second time she went to the place on her own, and it was still cold, dark and scary. After the encounter with the guard, she was led into the main computer room and, once again, was welcomed by Rene Dian.

She saw Michael, standing hunched over a young man near a computer terminal and explaining him something.

Rene walked to him and patted his shoulder, "Michel? There's someone here to see you."

Michael lifted his head and noticed her. His eyes were filled with surprise, delight and maybe a little anger. He walked towards her quickly and clasped her cold palms in his warm ones. "What are you doing here 'Kita?" he asked, his eyes burning emerald fire into hers. Her heart skipped a bit. He called her 'Kita again. She longed to kiss him, to have him hold her in his strong embrace and never let go. But she could do none of those things now, they were surrounded by his comrades and she came to warn him, again.

"We have a problem," she said quietly, her face merely an inch away from his.

He looked into her eyes for a few seconds and then turned to Rene and murmured, "I'll be right back."

He grasped her hand and led her towards his quarters. As the door closed behind them, Nikita took a deep breathe and said, "Today my-" here words were cut short because, quick as a lightning, Michael covered her mouth with his. The shocked Nikita couldn't even respond as he deepened the kiss and his tongue invaded her mouth. Just when Nikita was about to take an active part in that wild, sweet, arousing kiss, Michael tore his mouth away from hers, giving them both a chance to catch their breaths.

"I'm sorry," he whispered and sighed, "I must be crazy, but I couldn't resist. I thought about kissing you since the moment I left your apartment."

Nikita smiled and cupped his face with her hands, "I must admit, I had the same thought myself."

His eyes turned serious, "What was it that you wanted to tell me, Nikita? It must've been important if you endangered yourself by coming here again."

She ignored the slight anger in his voice and told him about the conversation with Paul Wolfe and his cunning assistant. "And I think I'm under suspicion as well, although they're not telling me."

A frown formed on Michael's face, "I don't like it, Nikita, it's getting dangerous. I'm afraid you might get hurt."

"I don't care Michael," she said determinedly, "I'm not going anywhere."

"But we have to do something," he murmured, "maybe I'll..." he stopped, considering something.

"Maybe... what, Michael?" she pressed.

"Maybe I'll teach you to defend yourself. I'll give you some basic classes in self-defense and small weapons."

"That's a great idea," her eyes lit and she wrapped her arms around his neck, "I've always wanted to be a martial-art chic like in the Jackie Chan movies."

Michael cocked an eyebrow. "You like Jackie Chan movies?" he asked, his voice tinged with amusement.

"What can I say, I'm a sucker for all those cool moves. When can we start?"

Michael pondered the question for a moment, "How long can you stay here?"

"Well," she smiled, "since it's now weekend, I don't have to go back to the office until Monday morning. I can stay here all... day.... and all... night." She kissed him between words.

Michael raised his head from her seductive lips and smiled down at her, an amused gleam in his eyes, "Then let's begin."

*****

Nikita sat on the mattress on the floor of one of the training rooms. She was dressed in a black Lycra tank top and a matching spandex pants that were borrowed from one of the women. She couldn't help noticing the looks that Michael received when they walked along the dark corridors. Many women eyed him, with not-so-discreet interest. It annoyed her when one of the younger women stopped to appreciate his impressive backside. Michael hadn't noticed or maybe ignored all the looks, just led her through the corridors to a white-walled training room. The floor of the room was covered in soft mattresses and contained nothing else.

So, Nikita reclined on a mattress and looked up at Michael, trying to ignore the handsome image he presented encased in tight, black training clothes.

"The first thing I want to teach you," Michael began the lesson, "is how to react when someone attacks you. You have to be familiar with the sensitive points in one's body. People today trust weapons too much than to learn self-defense properly. Most people are unaware how important it is to know how to protect their lives without guns and other weapons."

Michael reached his hand to her and pulled her up to stand in front of him. He proceeded, "there are some points in the human body that if you direct a strong blow to them, you can temporarily immobilize a person." He stepped back a little and started going over the points from head to feet.

"First, the eyes. You can stick your fingernails into the attacker's eyes, and I assure you, it's very painful. Another point- the nose. You can break a man's nose with a strong blow, but I suggest not to do it from two reasons: one- the person can recover easily, especially if his nose was broken before, and two- you need to strike really hard in order to break it."

Nikita nodded and swallowed, waiting eagerly for him to continue the explanation.

Michael continued, "Next point- the neck. You can break someone's neck with a powerful kick or a fist. You should be very careful and remember that a strong blow may paralyze or kill a person."

Nikita said nothing. The thought of killing someone with her bare hands terrified her. It was so... cold. "Nikita," Michael's voice interrupted her thoughts, "please listen, it's important."

"I'm listening," she replied, averting her eyes back to him.

"The chest and abdomen are very strong areas, covered in muscles and protect the inner organs. You should avoid hitting those areas because your attacker may have more physical power that you."

He went on, "The groin is a very sensitive area, both to men and women." Nikita blushed a little, her eyes focused on that certain area in Michael's body. It was slowly and steadily distracting her from the lesson. But Michael's calm and steady voice made her pay more attention to his explanations.

After a few more explanations, they started to practice. It was hard at first, but after a few attempts, Nikita managed to follow Michael's instructions perfectly.

After three and a half hours of intensive training, Michael wiped the sweat from his forehead and said, "That's if with physical training for today. I don't want you to get too tired."

Nikita, who was sprawled on the mattress, breathing hard, murmured, "Fine by me, I'm about to crack to pieces any minute now, anyway."

He smiled and held his hand to her, pulling her tired body up. "You did very well, great, actually, better than the most," he commented, smoothing sweat-dampened hairs from her forehead, "let's go, we both should take a shower."

*****

Nikita closed her eyes and bowed her head under the hot stream of water. Shortly after they left the training room, Michael was called to the main computer room. He told her to go and take a shower while he went to the computer room. So, now she stood in the hot water, washing the sweat from her tired body.

Nikita moved her head in a slow circle and moaned softly. Each and every muscle in her body was sore. Muscles that she didn't even know existed were aching now. She knew for sure that in the morning it would be worse. Her body wasn't used to this kind of strong effort. Although she used to work out from time to time, she had never ever undergone such intense training. She picked up the bottle of the liquid soap and poured some into her palm. She sniffed the material and smiled to herself. The soap smelled like Michael. A clean, spicy scent that she loved since smelling it on Michael's body. She started soaping up her body, moaning at her cramped muscles. She didn't notice that the shower's door opened and a tall, lean figure slipped inside, closing the door quietly. It was only when strong, muscled arms wrapped around her waist that she noticed his presence.

She jumped, alarmed for a second, but instantly recognizing him. She turned in his arms to face him. "Michael," she admonished, swatting his butt playfully, "don't scare me like that, I was about to use my brand new moves on you."

Michael laughed and pressed a soft kiss to her mouth, "I'd love to see your moves," he teased, "but I think we better do it later, after you rest." He turned her around and picked up the shampoo bottle. He squeezed some into his palm and proceeded to shampoo her hair, gently massaging her scalp.

Nikita sighed and closed her eyes, relaxing under Michael's light touch. Quickly, they finished their shower and Michael wrapped a towel around his waist, wrapped another one around Nikita and scooped her in his arms, carrying her to the bedroom. He lay her on her stomach on the soft bed and pushed the towel away. Nikita moaned softly as she felt his hands on her flesh. His strong hands kneaded her aching muscles with great care, massaging every knot gently yet firmly. His touch wasn't meant to seduce, but to relax and sooth. Nikita yawned, her eyes becoming heavy-lidded with exhaustion. Michael's skillful touch relaxed her and soon she fell asleep.

Michael pressed a tender kiss to her shoulder and pulled one of his soft cotton shirts over her head. He dressed in a pair of loose-fitting pants and stretched on the bed beside her. After pulling her into his arms and intertwining his body with hers, he placed his head next to hers, sharing the pillow with her, and fell asleep as well.

*****

Nikita opened her eyes and blinked in the darkness. Why was she awake? Her hand roamed along the bed, looking for Michael's comforting presence. He was not there. Nikita was completely awake in a second and her eyes looked around the darkened room. The confusion in her eyes turned to warmth as she spotted Michael near his computer. Sleeping peacefully when Michael was not on her side was becoming impossible. She felt the absence of him every moment that he wasn't by her side.

She climbed off of the bed and moved towards him, wrapped her arms around his shoulders and pressed a kiss to his cheek.

"What are you doing?" she asked, yawning widely. Michael typed some more and clicked the computer off. He rose form the chair and wrapped his arms around her, scooped her up and carried her back to bed.

"Sorry that I wake you, cher, but there were some matters that required my immediate attention."

"It's ok," she murmured back, snuggling deeper in his arms. She raised her eyes to meet his, "I couldn't sleep without you."

He laid her carefully on the bed, his eyes gleaming and leaned closer to her to kiss her lips. Every time she told him that she cared about him, every time she smiled to him and he could see such intense emotion in her eyes, he lost his breath. Every one of her whispered endearments healed a part of his tormented soul, eased the burden he was carrying for years.

Their kiss deepened as her arms wrapped around him, pulling his closer. He felt his body respond to hers and his tongue licked her lips and then slipped inside her mouth. Her moan of desire encouraged him to continue and his hands slid inside her shirt, cupping and kneading her breasts. Soon the shirt was on the floor and his mouth was fastened around a rosy nipple.

Nikita felt a hot wave of pleasure engulf her and, just before she lost her mind with desire, she pushed Michael on his back and sat astride him, straddling his waist. Her hands tugged at the waistband of his pants and she slid them off of his body and tossed it to the floor. She then smiled at him, eyes full with lust and her head dipped down, lips touching the center of his pleasure.

Michael couldn't stop the groan of pleasure from passing his lips. Nikita moved her mouth slowly, lips and tongue driving his crazy.

" Oui, Ni-ki-ta," he groaned, his hands clutching the sheets. Nikita smiled, delighted that she could give his such intense pleasure. She moved closer, taking more of him in her mouth.

" Mon Dieu," he moaned, his body beginning to vibrate, trying to hold himself back. And then he felt her teeth graze him and he exploded, swimming in an ocean of pleasure.

*****

In the next day, Nikita was given a 'crash-course' about weapons and electronic devices. Michael was needed elsewhere so she was taught by two of the weapon experts. She spent a few hours learning the names of the different weapons and what each was used for.

"This is probably the most common weapon today," said Hawkins, one of the experts, while pointing to a small metal-colored pistol, "it is being used by police officers everywhere." He handed her one of the guns and continued explaining, "It's a laser gun, which can be used in three ways." He pointed to a small button in the base of the gun. "If you the red line pointing up, the gun will cause severe pain to whoever you shoot at. Spin it clockwise, and it will render them unconscious, spin counter-clockwise and you kill them."

Nikita looked at the gun. Somehow, she couldn't imagine herself killing somebody in cold blood, even if to protect herself.

After the short but efficient lesson, she was taken to the exercise room. Rogers, the other weapon expert, handed her one of the laser guns and explained, "In this exercise you'll see images appear in front of you. You have to shoot them, while trying to avoid being shot by them." After a few demos, Nikita started the exercise.

Michael stepped into the exercise control room and observed her through the one-way glass. "How is she doing?" he asked the two young experts.

"Surprisingly well for a beginner," said Rogers.

Hawkins nodded, "She's a natural," he remarked, "you sure know how to pick 'em."

Michael didn't respond, his eyes were completely absorbed in the tall lithe figure on the other side of the glass.

*****

There was a brief knock on the door.

"Come in." said the voice from inside the office. The door opened and Madeline Sand stepped into the room.

"Madeline," Paul Wolfe got up from his chair to greet her, "please, have a seat."

Madeline nodded and sat in a chair across from his.

"Would you like a drink?" he offered.

"Tea, thank you," she said, folding her hands in front of her.

Paul Wolfe pressed a button in the machine and after exactly 20 seconds, the machine beeped and the tea was ready. He handed the cup to Madeline who nodded her thanks. She leaned back in her chair and took a sip.

Paul leaned back as well and looked at her. "I suppose you have news."

"Yes, I do," she responded, setting her cup on the table.

"Let's hear it, then."

Madeline smiled and leaned back in her chair. "We received new information. They are going to attack soon."

"Do we have an exact time and date?"

"The time is not accurate, though we're relatively sure about the date."

"Very well." Paul smiled a little cold smile and questioned, "What course of action do you suggest?"

"I think we should involve the police," she stated, "they will get the job done for us. After all, the law in on our side."

Paul gave her another smile, "very well, Madeline. You're truly an asset. Will you join me to dinner tonight?"

Madeline smiled back, "I would love to."

*****

"So, where have you been?" Nikita asked Michael while chewing on her sandwich. They were both seated on the bed in Michael's quarters, sharing a meal. The meal was plain, but for Nikita, it was the most delicious meal she had ever had. Just sitting there with Michael made it all more enjoyable.

"Busy. We have new intel about your company," he replied, taking a long gulp of the water bottle.

"Really? Tell me about it," she said eagerly.

He looked at her with serious eyes, "We've discovered a new piece of intel. In Paul Wolfe's office computer there is extensive information about the new developments in the Weapons' Section. We have to get this info and destroy it."

"What kind of weapon?" she questioned. She has knew a little about the new inventions from rumors that ran in the company. The info was confidential and was kept as a big secret.

Michael shook his head, "we're not exactly sure," he said, "but this is some kind of nuclear handgun."

"This is terrible," Nikita's face frowned with worry, "isn't it dangerous?"

"It is very dangerous," Michael said grimly, "the intel suggests that they found a way to focus the charge, but the environmental damage will be tremendous once those weapons will be in use."

Nikita sighed and lowered her head.

"What is it?" Michael asked softly, trying to catch her gaze.

"Nothing," she shook her head, "it's just..."

"What?"

"It's just that I never knew that the company I'm working for, have been working for my entire life, is so dangerous and destructive."

Michael's hand reached out and he caressed her cheek softly, "It's not important. You didn't know, what's important is what you're doing now."

She smiled, "Thank you."

"There's nothing to thank me for," he said, "you do it all by yourself."

"Thank you for showing me the way," she said softly, her hand raising to clasp his hand that rested on her cheek.

He smiled, "Anytime."

A few moments passed and finally Nikita blushed and removed his hand from her cheek. She kissed it and laid it back on the bed.

"So, how are you going to obtain this information?" she asked

His look turned serious again, "We're going out."

"Out?"

"On a mission. We will break into the office and take all the information."

"When are we going out?"

Michael's eyes darkened, "*We* aren't going anywhere. You are not coming."

Nikita's eyebrows arched, "What do you mean 'I'm not coming'? Of course I am."

"No you're not, Nikita," he said and in hard tone, "this is too dangerous, I don't want to put you in risk."

"But Michael," she pleaded, "I know all about Technocom's computer system. There are encryptions and barriers that I can get over easily. Don't forget my position in Technocom."

"I'm not forgetting anything, Nikita," Michael shook his head, "this is still dangerous. You can stay here and guide as through it through our com units."

"This is not the same."

"Nikita, you can't-"

Nikita folded her hands in front of her, "This discussion is over, Michael. I'm coming and I'll help you and there's nothing you can do to stop me."

*****

"This upcoming mission is a very important one," Michael said, "it is a little dangerous but we cannot allow it to fail." He paused for a moments and continued, "it will be a very fateful step in our struggle."

The members of the team, who were seated around the table watched their leader with serious expressions of their faces. They acknowledged the importance of the task that was standing ahead of them with a tense silence.

"This is the plan," Michael said. Everybody looked into the holographic computer screen silently. It presented a sketch of the structure of the Technocom building.

"The team will enter from here," Michael pointed at the main entrance. "We will have the clearance to enter thanks to Miss Ross' help."

Everybody glanced briefly at Nikita, who was also sitting near the table. It was no secret that this young woman had 'special' relationship with their young leader. Some of them never accepted that, exclaimed that it was dangerous to get attached to someone they have always considered an enemy. But all of them respected Michael's judgment and leadership and counted on him to do the right thing.

Michael proceeded explaining the profile to the team until everybody understood the general profile of the mission.

"If anybody had any questions, you are all free to ask me," Michael said and dismissed them. Some of the young members of the team turned to him with questions and Nikita looked at him as he answered to each one of them with endless patience.

He would make a great father someday, she thought, feeling a tug in her heart.

"This is your weapon," Rogers handed Nikita the small laser gun. "be careful, it's very sensitive," he warned.

"I know." Nikita looked around at the other team members who were getting ready for the mission. They were all wearing black mission clothes and help guns in their hands. Nikita felt the atmosphere change suddenly and she turned her head just in time to see Michael entering the room.

She tried hard not to stare at him. He looked fantastic in the black mission clothes. The dark color accented his piercing green eyes and reddish-brown hair and the snug pants clung nicely to his muscled calves and thighs. He looked perfect, like a statue carved in marble. Nikita longed to run her fingers through his silk-soft curls and ruffle them a little, make him earthier, less perfect. He reminded her of an angel. An angel with a gun.

"Let's go."

*****

Nikita ignored the hammering of her heart in her chest and pressed her palm to the scanner. The door swished open and Nikita stepped inside, motioning to the others to come in as well. The team entered the building silently and Michael took the lead, leading them towards the stairs.

Nikita tapped on his shoulder. "We can use the elevator," she whispered.

Michael shook his head, "It might contain security cameras. The stairs are safer."

Nikita nodded her understanding and the team moved silently up the stairs. When they finally reached the 12th floor, everybody was breathing heavily from the exertion of going 12 stories up on foot. They leaned against the wall to rest for a while until Michael gave the order to continue. The team entered the dark room and Nikita directed them towards Paul Wolfe's office. "Over here," she whispered.

Michael clicked the computer on and handed Nikita the goggles.

"Birkoff," he spoke quietly into the comm unit, "have you scanned the perimeter?"

"Yes. No anomalies on sight," came Birkoff's voice back through the unit.

Michael nodded to Nikita. "Do it. Now."

Nikita slipped the goggles on and started typing furiously. She bypassed some of the traps until she encountered a dead end. "Birkoff, I need your help," she said quickly.

"Log me in," he answered.

Nikita hooked the small panel into the computer and waited a few seconds while Birkoff analyzed the information.

"Try it now," he ordered.

"Ok, it's working now. Thanks." She continued typing finally unencrypted all the files.

"Birkoff, prepare to download," she said and pressed a button to open the file. She suddenly stopped and stared at the screen with astonishment.

"It's empty." She said.

"Birkoff, we have a problem," Michael said urgently into the comm unit. No answer came. "Birkoff?" he tried again, but still there was no answer. Michael reached out and removed the VR goggles from Nikita's eyes.

He turned to the team. "Somebody jammed our communication. We have to leave, NOW!"

The team started to move hurriedly when suddenly the lights went on and a shout came, "Don't move! Police!"

Michael stood still, his eyes scanning the room, which immediately filled with cops. The room was sealed, they were in the 12th floor, there was no way out.

"Drop your weapons and put your hands where I can see them!" one of the cops shouted.

"Do as he says," Michael commanded in a quiet voice. It was a very bad situation, but Michael didn't want to make it worse by getting somebody shot. The team members obeyed and threw their guns on the floor. Nikita swallowed hard. She was scared. She knew that their punishment would be harsh. Very harsh. The rebels that were captured so far were executed. Strangely, as much as she feared for herself, she feared for Michael even more.

Suddenly the silence was interrupted by a scream. Jonas, one of the team members, moved quickly and grabbed his gun from the floor. "Die, you bastards, you will not have me alive!" he raised his gun and shot towards the cops. A moment later, a laser beam was shot from one of the cops' guns and Jonas' body landed lifelessly on the floor.

"If anyone tries a stunt like that again, your death will be a lot less pleasant," one of the cops' threatened.

A few cops approached them, and cuffed their hands. Nikita bit her lower lip, trying not to surrender to the fear and pain she felt. She looked at Michael, but his face was impassive, cold and stony, offering no comfort. But in his eyes she saw a flicker of something, an emotion. She felt his gaze touching her, giving her warmth and hope, telling her to be strong.

I will be strong for you, Michael, She thought, I'll do whatever it takes for us to stay together...

*****

The little cell was built from thick metal walls and one heavy door. As they arrived to LA's newest imprisonment facility, which was empty so far, the team was separated, and each one of them was placed in a cell. Nikita wriggled her aching hands. She was still cuffed and her wrists were bruised and sore. She wondered were Michael was. Was he being interrogated? Was he even alive? That thought made her stomach quiver with fear. No, he must be alive. There was simply no other choice.

Suddenly, the door to her cell creaked open. Nikita stilled herself and waited to what was about to come. The man who entered was not the man she expected to see.

Paul Wolfe flashed her a cold smile. "How very surprising it is to see you here, Ms. Ross."

Nikita stuck out her chin and didn't answer. She recalled that he used to be an army man, and he now was involved in the law enforcement organizations in addition to his position as the head of Technocom.

"I must commend you," he said, "it has taken us quite a while to discover who our mole is. Tell me, Ms. Ross, why did you do it?"

Nikita still kept silent.

"Do you really believe in their goals?" he asked, contempt in his eyes, "their foolish ideals that support in bringing our society back into the past?" His smile turned evil, "Or is it Michael Samuelle's magnetism?"

Nikita's eyes snapped up to look at him.

"The law enforcement organizations know about him far more that you imagine," he said, walking around her in slow circles, "the problem was, he had always been very... elusive. He could never be caught... until now." He continued, "Samuelle does that to a lot of people, charms them into his organization." He turned his eyes to look directly into hers, "Don't think you're the first." The room turned silent for a few seconds that stretched on forever, and then, Paul turned around abruptly, turning his back to Nikita.

"We only want one thing, really," he said. "Tell us the location of the headquarters and you'll be released."

Nikita looked at him, surprise in her eyes, "released?"

"Oh, yes, Ms. Ross," he smiled, "don't think that your service to us went unnoticed. We are willing to reward you for years of dedication and excellent work." He looked at her again, his smile arrogant, "for this little piece of information, we're willing to give you your freedom."

"So tell me," he crouched next to her, looking intently into her eyes, "do we have a deal?"

"Well, if you put it that way..." she smiled and leaned forward towards him, "the only answer I can give you is... NO WAY IN HELL!!!" She lunged towards him and used her momentum to push him from the crouching position. Paul Wolfe fell backwards, his face turning red with anger.

"You'll pay for this," he hissed between clenched teeth as he picked himself of the floor and stormed out of the small prison cell.

"It didn't work?" Madeline asked calmly.

"No!" Paul slammed his fist on the table, "Samuelle got to her, like he'd done to everybody else."

"Then we have to choice but forcing them into revealing us the location," she replied, still cool and calm.

"But how?" Paul asked, "we've seen it before. They're all loyal to him, to his ideas and organization. Our efforts have been futile so far."

Madeline smiled a secret smile, "I think this time it will be different."

"Different?"

"I have an idea." He listened for several minutes while she told him the details of her plan. When she finished, he smiled broadly and nodded his approval. "Madeline, what would I do without you?"

*****

The door to Nikita's cell opened and two guards immerged in, grabbed both of her arms and dragged her out. Nikita felt her heart pounding and her mouth go dry. She controlled herself and only looked straight in a blank expression, revealing nothing. She was brought to a large hall that contained nothing but two metal chairs and a table. She was seated and strapped into one of the chairs and the guards left. A few seconds later, she heard the door open again and the guards brought somebody else inside. Nikita lifted her eyes to look and averted them quickly, struggling to control her reaction. It was Michael.

He was strapped to the second metal chair, facing her. She raised her eyes tentatively to look at him and met his blank stare. Strangely enough, it comforted her. She knew that he wouldn't surrender to them, would never give up, and that made her feel stronger, more confident. I can do this, she thought, I'll be strong for you, Michael, I'll do whatever it takes.

The door opened again and Paul Wolfe and Madeline Sand stepped into the room. Paul held two guns in his hand and there was an evil smile on his lips.

Paul stepped in front of them and looked at them both. "I know you think you can keep your secret," he said in a low tone, "but know this, I will do everything in my power to prevent it from you."

Nikita felt an urge to spit in his face but kept silent. She glanced at Michael. Don't let him get to you, his eyes told her. She took a deep breath and looked back into Paul Wolfe's eyes.

"Unfortunately," Paul talked again, "we have no time for traditional interrogation techniques like truth serums, and scanning your brains may damage the information we want to obtain," he smirked, "I want you to be clear-headed and give me all the information I need." Paul walked to the table and put one of the guns on it. He raised the other gun and smiled to them. "I believe you both know this weapon," he said, "you use this particular kind in your last 'mission'. But... this is a special kind," he smiled wickedly, "we modified it that it will inflict pure pain." He caressed the gun idly, "there are three levels of pain this gun can do." He laughed, "imagine that, this gun was meant, unlike the rest of its kind, to kill slowly rather than quickly."

"Would you like to try it Ms. Ross?"

Nikita felt her blood run cold. She tried to control her reaction, but she was scared, really scared. She couldn't avoid looking at the gun, almost mesmerized.

Paul Wolfe approached her slowly, the gun dangling in his hand. With one quick motion, he pressed the gun to her neck and pulled the trigger. A wave of intense pain shot through Nikita and she couldn't stifle the moan of pain that escaped her lips. Paul laughed, "and this is the lowest level."

*****

Nikita lowered her eyes and breathed ruggedly. The last hour had been terrible. They tortured them, badly. Michael was the one who suffered most. At some point, Paul declared that maybe they needed some persuasion 'The old fashioned way' and a tall, bulky man stepped into the room and delivered blow after blow to Michael's already tortured body and Nikita had to close her eyes or she would cry out in pain and rage. Nikita sighed silently and tried to suppress her tears. Paul and Madeline went out of the room for a few minutes, frustrated that they couldn't break them.

"'Kita." She heard Michael's soft whisper. She raised her head and almost started crying as she looked at her beloved's battered face. One of his eyes was swollen, there was a nasty blue bruise on his cheek and she knew his ribs were bruised, possibly broken, so he had hard time breathing. She looked at him with tear-filled eyes.

"Don't... give... hope up, 'Kita," he whispered, wincing with every breath, "stay strong."

She nodded and did her best to swallow her tears. She won't cry, she won't let him down. She heard the door opening again and Paul Wolfe entered again. He did not look happy. He held a small vial in his hand. He stepped quickly in front of them and pushed the vial under Michael's nose.

"Do you know what this is?" he asked, "It's a pure poison, elicited from a shell from the pacific ocean." He turned to Nikita and said, "the poison is injected into the body, kills you slowly from the inside. You die in great pains." He smiled again, the evil smile Nikita came to hate. He opened a small leather case and withdrew a syringe. His hand moved slowly as he filled the syringe with deadly liquid and pressed it to Michael's neck. "You have one last chance to save him."

Nikita felt bile rising in her throat. Her heart screamed to save him but her mind knew that it wasn't what he wanted. She shook her head wildly. She felt like she was standing on an edge of a cliff, a rock dropping from the sky directly towards her. She didn't know what to do. Be killed by the rock or jump off the cliff, the sharp rocks down below just as bad.

"Well, Ms. Ross, your decision?"

She didn't say anything, just felt hot tears flowing on her cheeks. She nodded silently.

"Nikita, no!" she heard his whisper and raised her head, her whole body shaking. She saw his broken body and his pleading gaze told her what he wanted. At that moment, she knew that she would do anything for him, anything he wants, even if it kills her.

"The clock's ticking, Ms. Ross, what do you decide?"

Nikita lifted her head, eyes full of hatred. "Go to hell," she hissed.

Paul's eyes blazed. "Very well. It was your choice." He looked at Michael and injected the liquid.

Michael's body jerked almost immediately, twisting painfully. He moaned in pain, the first time the whole day and his body twitched violently. Nikita couldn't take it anymore. "Michael!" she screamed, and cried harder. She slumped in her chair, sobbing, unable to see his suffering, listening to her beloved's suffering as his life ebbed. Ten agonizing minutes later, Michael's body stopped twitching. He expelled his last breath and his eyes closed, his chin dropping to his chest.

"It's over," Paul said coldly and nodded to the two guards that stood near the door. They unstrapped Nikita from the chair, closed the handcuffs around her wrists, and dragged her away.

"Leave me alone!" she screamed, struggling to free herself from their grasp, "Michael! Michael..." She lowered her head and stopped struggling, sobbing softly now. "Come back," she whispered brokenly, "come back..."

*****

They threw her into her cell and left her there. Nikita collapsed on the floor, her mind numb and her heart terribly empty. And she suddenly felt cold. So terribly and horribly cold. She curled into a ball and closed tormented eyes. She couldn't think or breathe or move from the unbearable pain that clutched her heart. It's my fault, my fault... and now he's gone. Her mind refused to accept the idea. She couldn't believe that she will never look into his beautiful eyes again, never feel his arms around her again, never listen to his beloved voice... The tears that flowed freely down her pale cheeks were unnoticed. She didn't feel them. Her chest heaved in anguished sobs, coming from deep in her heart. She finally fell into an exhausted sleep, still curled up on the cold floor.

A few hours later, her eyes opened and looked around. "Michael..." she whispered and shut her eyes tightly from the awful wave of pain that only the sound of his name evoked. She kept hoping that it was a dream, a nightmare, and that she'll wake up and feel his strong arms around her. Just one more time, she begged silently, to hold him one more time. I want to tell him that I love him and that I would have given my life for him if only I could.

She could almost feel her heart stop beating, withering and dying inside of her. She got up from the floor slowly and wiped her eyes with her sleeve. She knew what she had to do now. And she would do it. For Michael, for what he believed in.

She walked towards the wall and started banging her handcuffs on it. After several hits, the safety lid fell, revealing the small panel underneath. Part on the training Michael had gave her included studying the structure of different mechanisms and electronic devices. She knew that if she could damage the door lock with the electric current in her handcuffs, she will kill two birds in one stone: An open door and unlocked handcuffs. She pressed the panel to the door lock mechanism and moved it so the tip of the lock pressed the activating button of the handcuffs. Sparks flew and the lock opened and fell on the floor with a clank. The door clicked and opened as well.

Nikita picked up the lock from the floor and slipped quietly out of the room. She started walking through the corridor, staying as quiet as possible. As she heard footsteps, she pressed her back to the wall and waited. A guard passed by, a gun in his hand. As he walked past her, she lifted the strong metal lock and slammed it on his head. He dropped like a stone, never uttering a word. She took his gun and quickly made her way towards the direction he came from.

Nikita shot and killed two more guards that came in her way and kept walking. Funny, she thought. She used to think that killing somebody will make a difference, change her for the rest of her life. But she felt nothing, for her heart had stilled with Michael's.

*****

"Rene?"

Rene raised his head from the computer screen and looked up to see the tired face of the young computer expert.

"What is it, Seymour?" he asked, rubbing his red eyes, "any news from Michel?"

"Actually, yes," Seymour replied, "Nikita Ross is here, she wants to talk to you."

"I'm coming," the Frenchman replied hurriedly, clicking the computer off. He raised himself from the chair and followed Birkoff out of the room.

The young woman raised her head as he stepped into the room.

"How did you escape? Where is Michel?" he asked quickly, worry and suspicion entering his eyes.

Calmly and quietly, Nikita described everything that's happened since the connection with Birkoff was severed. Rene stared at her, completely stunned. He sat heavily in the only chair in the room. His old friend was gone. Dead. He raised red eyes to look at the young woman who was sitting in front of him. He, like most of Michel's friends, knew about the relationship between him and Nikita. He had recognized the look that entered Michel's eyes every time he was looking at the beautiful young woman, and he has seen Nikita returning that look with a surprising intensity. But that intensity was missing from her ice blue eyes now. All he could see in them now was coldness, emotionless stare. But when he looked closer, deeper, he could see the terrible pain below the surface. She was hurting, and so was he.

They were both mourning the loss of the man they both adored and loved. Rene looked at the young woman with sorrow in his eyes. She returned him a cold stare, her feelings hidden behind an emotionless mask.

"Something has to be done," she said, breaking the silence, "we have to release the rest of the team before someone reveals our location." She started pacing across the room, "I suggest that we gather a team and go to a rescue mission, as soon as possible."

Rene was a little taken aback by her cold and calculated approach, but he recovered very quickly. There will be time to mourn later. Right now, they would have to operate quickly.

"I will take care of that," he said, "why don't you get some rest?"

Nikita nodded, "I will be up in a few hours, I'll brief the team and we'll go out." With those words she turned her back to him and started to leave the room.

"Nikita," Rene said quietly. She stopped, not bothering to look at him. "I'm sorry," he said softly. Her head turned slightly towards him so he was staring at her profile. "Yeah," she murmured and left the room.

She saw something flash in front of her eyes... a blinding light... it hurt her eyes... she shut them tightly. When she could open them again, she was assaulted by the sight of sad green eyes. She blinked and suddenly- she could see him clearly. Standing there in the black suit he was wearing the first time she had seen him. She smiled and stepped towards him, but then... there was another flash of light and she saw him again. He was sitting, strapped to a chair, pain in his eyes. She cried out his name and ran towards his still figure. But as her trembling hand touched his face, his eyes filled with terror and then... he was dead, the enchanting green eyes open... lifeless... he was gone. Michael... NO!!!

Nikita woke up with a jolt, her face wet with tears. She closed her eyes and buried her face in the pillow, her whole body trembling. It's my fault... I killed him... her mind cried in desperation. She clutched the pillow to her chest and breathed deeply, trying to calm. She shook her head and wiped the tears angrily. No time for emotional breakdowns, she reminded herself sternly, I have a team to brief and a mission to lead. After that, everything will be ok. She will take care of that.

*****

Nikita stepped into the room and looked at the team that Rene gathered. She knew them all only vaguely, as Michael's comrades and allys. They all looked at her, some of them blankly, some wearily and some with unconcealed pity. It seems that everybody knew about her connection with Michael. Not all of them approved. Nikita cleared her throat and started the briefing.

"As you all already know, we are going to break in into LA's newest imprisonment facility. Our goal is to release our people that were captured during the last mission," she paused to take a deep breath and continued, "it won't be easy, but this mission is very vital. If we don't release everybody fast enough, it may be too late." She clicked the holographic screen on and pointed at the diagram. "This is what we know about the structure of the building. We will enter from here," she pointed on the door she herself had left from, "and release our people that are locked in prison cells here." She nodded to Rene, who was standing next to her, "Rene and I will lead the team. We will separate into two groups once we get into the building. My group will head the prison cells in the south-west area, and Rene's group will head north-west."

She stepped aside and let Rogers, the weapon expert, explain the rest. He handed the members of the team all the weapons and gadgets that will be used in the mission and explained how to use the new unlocking devices.

"Any questions?" Nikita asked after the briefing was over. Everybody was silent. "Then let's go," she said, taking her gun and heading out of the room.

"Birkoff, is the way clear?" Nikita whispered into the comm unit. "Wait a min- checki-" Birkoff's voice came through, partially swallowed by a with strong static noise. "Birkoff, I can't hear you very well," Nikita said urgently. "Swi- B channel." Nikita tapped on the tiny device in her ear and asked again, "Birkoff, can you hear me? Is the way clear?"

"I hear you, Nikita," Birkoff's voice came loud and clear this time, "the way is clear to move."

Nikita signaled to Rene and the teams moved silently in the dim corridors. As Nikita's team moved towards a grey door, Nikita noticed a few surveillance cameras. "Birkoff, can you disarm the security system?" she whispered.

"Yes, I can. But it'll draw their attention. I can only hold it for about twenty, twenty-five seconds."

"Twenty seconds is all I need," she murmured. A few seconds later, Birkoff notified that the security system was off. Nikita signaled to her team to move and strode cautiously

towards the grey door. She kicked it open and stormed into the room along with two more members of her team. The room was the security room. Nikita shot two security men and another team member shot the third.

"Johnson, come in here," Nikita whispered to another team member. The red head Kristin Johnson stepped inside and sat in front of the computer terminal.

"Can you handle this system?" Nikita asked her.

"No problem," she murmured, her fingers already skim over the keyboard. After a few minutes she leaned back and announced proudly, "All surveillance in the west area of the building is shut down."

Nikita nodded and the team went out of the room, running towards the location of the prison cells. They started to unlock the doors and free the captives that were mostly unharmed. Apparently, they weren't interrogated. Nikita surveyed the scene before her and continued down the hall. She had something else to do.

"Ok, everybody, move," Rene gave his team the order as soon as he received the confirmation on the security system shut down from Nikita team. The doors were opened one by one and all the captives were released.

Rene moved to another door and pressed the unlocking device to the lock. He stepped back and the device beeped as the door clicked open. Rene rushed inside and froze in his place as he saw the figure that was lying, face down, on the floor.

"Michel!" he ran towards him and flipped him on his back, leaning down to check his pulse. It was weak but it was there. And he was breathing.

"Adams," he called outside, "give me a hand here." A black-clad operative rushed inside. He gasped at the sight of the man on the floor. "Michael! I thought that he's..." he raised questioning eyes to Rene, "Is he...?"

"Non, he's not dead," Rene reassured, "help me lift him." Together, they lifted Michael off of the floor and dragged him outside. Michael shook his head and mumbled something unintelligible.

"Michel?" Rene inquire worriedly, supporting Michael's unsteady body together with Adams, "Are you ok? Nikita told us that you died."

To the mention of Nikita's name, Michael's head snapped up and his eyes opened. He struggled to stand on his own, and succeeded, a little unsteadily. A wave of nausea attacked him but it passed after a few seconds. He was still a little hazy from the aftereffects of the drug and he looked around.

"What is going on?" he asked Rene.

"Nikita and I led two teams here to release all of you," Rene explained quickly, "we based the profile on the building plans we had plus what Nikita picked up when she escaped here."

"Nikita managed to escape?" Michael's heart swelled with pride. She sure was something special. Doing whatever was needed whenever it was needed. "Where is she?" he asked.

"Leading the second team, they're in the south-west area."

"Are everybody in here released already?" Michael asked calmly.

"Yes, we're ready to go."

"Then let's go to meet them." Michael ordered the team to move. Although tired, pale and seriously bruised, he assumed command so easily and naturally as he always did. Rene stepped down willingly, letting his friend do what he was born to do.

*****

Nikita stepped quickly and confidently through the dim corridors. After several twists and turns, she arrived the place she wanted to arrive. She stepped closer cautiously and looked into the small room. Paul Wolfe was siting there, sipping coffee and typing something in a palm-sized computer. His second-in-command was sitting next to him, sipping something from a small china cup. They were silent for several minutes and then Madeline broke the silence.

"What will we do now?" she asked calmly, "we're running out of time and young Ms. Ross is on the loose."

"I'm aware of that," Paul Wolfe snapped, "this is your fault. You said that killing him in front of her will kill her hope, make her easy to influence." His cold grey-blue eyes looked at her accusingly, "exactly the opposite happened." He clicked at him small computer again and handed it to Madeline, "take this and put it in our main safe. We have to make sure it won't fall to their hands."

Madeline nodded silently, accepted the computer and left the room. Nikita slipped into the shadows as Madeline Sand went out of the room and walked in the opposite direction. She knew she probably should just go and kill the bitch and take that computer from her, but, right now, her mind was on something else.

She stepped quietly into the room, the gun clutched steadily in her hand. She pressed the barrel to Paul Wolfe's neck. The man froze and the coffee cup shattered on the floor. She grabbed the back of his chair and swiveled it around, the gun still pointed at his head.

"Surprised to see me?" she asked coldly, her face a blank mask of rage and deep pain.

Paul Wolfe stared at her blankly, his mind calculating ways to save himself. "Perhaps you would like to think about what you're doing," he said, his voice calm, "I'm worth a lot. You might want to spare my life in exchange to-"

"Shut up!" Nikita screamed at him, the gun shaking in her hand. She took a deep breath to calm herself and stated coldly, "I'm not here to make deals or to listen to the pathetic words you have to say. I'm only here for revenge." Her fingers fastened around the gun, "You are a cold-blooded murderer, and you deserve what you are going to get."

Paul Wolfe's thin lips curved slowly. "Madeline has written your profile," he stated, "If you kill me, you become me. You're not ready for that."

Her blue eyes blazed, the ice in them chilling. "You're going to have to update my file," she said, her finger tightening around the trigger.

The expression on Paul Wolfe's face turned instantly from faintly amused to terrified "Nikita, wait, we didn't-" A laser beam impaled his brain, killing him instantly. His head dropped back and his eyes stared lifelessly.

Nikita stepped back, moving towards the door. She went out of the room and paced slowly back towards her team. A strange feeling engulfed her. She heard the faint voices of the members of her team and stopped. She leaned back against a cold grey wall and closed her eyes. She could see Michael's face smiling at her, the beautiful coral-pink mouth curving upward with a special tender smile, meant only for her. She could hear his beloved voice whispering endearments in her ear. Ma Cheri, he had called her. My love.

She remembered how his handsome figure and mysterious eyes mesmerized her the first time she saw him, she remembered the light touch of his hands, the sweet taste of his kiss on her lips, anything and everything about him.

She exhaled loudly, half-breath, half-sob. She lowered her eyes to the gun in her hand. Whatever it takes, she thought, whatever it takes to be with you, in life... and in death.

Michael walked confidently through the corridors, followed by his comrades. He heard the voices of the second team from afar, he knew they'll soon meet them. His heart fluttered in his chest when he thought of seeing Nikita again. Rene already told him that Nikita believed him dead. He felt a painful tug in his heart when he thought about what she must be going through.

As in a trance, Nikita lifted her head slowly, resting the muzzle of the gun against her forehead. She felt hot tears prickle her eyes. I'm coming to you Michael... Soon we'll be together again, my love.

He turned right in the corridor and stopped dead in his tracks. His eyes encountered something that ripped the breath out of his lungs. He saw his Nikita... his light... his love... his reason for living... standing with her eyes closed, and the muzzle of her gun pointed at her forehead.

For Michael, everything moved in slow motion. The weapon in his hand fell to the floor with a metal clank as he leaped towards her.

"Nikita, NO!!!!" he screamed as he knocked the gun out of her shaky hand and clutched her forearms with a bruising force. She just kept standing there, her eyes tightly shut, tears flowing on her pale cheeks.

He shook her roughly like a rug doll. "What do you think you're doing?" he demanded, breathing heavily. Nikita's eyes opened slowly, staring at him like he was a part of a dream.

"Michael?" she asked with shaky voice.

Michael's expression softened immediately as tears formed in his eyes. "Don't you dare doing it again, do you hear me?" he asked, his voice hoarse from tears and emotion, "Never!"

Nikita's shaking hands moved slowly and touched his tear-streaked face with awe.

"Are you really here, Michael?" she whispered in a small voice, "you came back to me?"

Michael removed his hands from her arms and wrapped around her body instead, clutching her to him with a fierce embrace. "I'm here, ma cher," he whispered, "and I'll never leave you again."

*****

She felt him everywhere at once. Beside her, around her, on top of her, inside her... and it felt perfect... oh, so perfect. He kissed her hungrily, desperately, with all the passion there was inside him... she felt overwhelmed, swallowed... and she craved more. She was launched into a vortex of sensation as he merged with her... So sweetly and so completely. His name tumbled from her lips in a husky whisper with a whispered endearment, "I love you."

Within the intense wave of sensation that engulfed her body and soul, she heard him whisper back, with sincerity and passion she has never heard before. "Je t'aime, mon ange, en 'eternit'e. Don't ever leave me."

In the aftermath of their intense union, Nikita lay in Michael's strong embrace. With her cheek on his chest, she could hear the strong beating of his heart. Nikita lifted her head from Michael's chest and caressed his sweat-soaked hair as his hands stroked her back gently. They lay in silence for several minutes, gazing at each other, their touch gentle and undemanding. At last, Michael caught her caressing hand with his and pressed a kiss to her open palm. Nikita blinked as tears filled her eyes.

"I thought I'd lost you," she whispered, her other hand coming to rest on his chest, above his heart, "I saw you die... what happened?"

Michael's hands gently cupped Nikita's face, his thumbs wiping away her tears. "It was a trick," he answered, voice whisper soft, "they wanted you to lose hope, to crack, and give up the location." His eyes looked into her lovingly, the green in them light and clear, "but you stayed strong," he stated softly, "I am so proud of you."

"Oh, Michael," she sighed, snuggling closer to him, trying to absorb some warmth, "I hated myself then... when I thought you were gone, I- I wished I could turn back time, to save your life."

"But you did," he forced her to look into his eyes. "You did save my life," he stated, his eyes caressing her, love shining in the green orbs, "If you had cracked and told the location, they would've killed us both." He drew her face to his and kissed her deeply, kissing all the pain and fears away. "only with you I feel alive- I feel... complete," he whispered.

She moaned as he broke the kiss, feeling the desire mounting again. She pulled his head to hers almost violently, and the animalistic desire within them was released once again.

*****

"So all the intel we were looking for is now in Technocom's main safe?" Michael asked Nikita, his fingers toying with hers. They were lying on their sides in Michael's bed, facing each other.

"Yep," she replied, "I heard him order Madeline to place the computer in there." She smiled to him sheepishly, "I guess I should've gone after her, but..." she sighed, "I was too busy thinking of revenge. I killed him... because I thought he killed you."

Michael's hand dropped hers from his grasp and cupped her face gently. "It's ok," he said quietly, caressing her face, "At least, we know now where it is. It's strange we didn't run into Madeline," he added, "there must've been a secret door we didn't know about." He inclined his head when he noticed Nikita's dull expression.

"What's wrong?" he asked softly, "you're upset about something, what is it?"

Nikita shrugged as two tears dropped from her eyes.

"What is it, my love?" Michael asked, pulling her back into his arms and looking into her eyes, "tell me."

"It's just..." she took a deep breath, "after I thought you died I... I didn't care about anything anymore, when I escaped from there... I killed people- guards, I... shot them... and left... without feeling anything... I murdered them... in cold blood." Her tears turned to sobs and she buried her head in Michael's chest.

"Shhh, don't cry," he murmured into her ear, his arms tight around her shivering body, "it's ok. You did what you had to do in order to escape, to survive."

She lifted her head from his chest and looked into his eyes, "don't get me wrong Michael," she said, "I'm not sorry for killing Paul Wolfe. He deserved it for what he put you through, but... the others. I killed people that were only guilty in doing their job." She lowered her head to his chest again as the tears continued to stream on her cheeks.

"It's ok, 'Kita," he said, stroking her golden hair that spanned on her back, "you had no other choice." He slipped his hand under her chin and lifted her face to meet his. "The prison guards carry guns that can only be used to kill," he said firmly, "there was nothing else you could do."

She nodded slowly. "It still hurts," she whispered, snuggling her body closer to his.

"I know, Nikita, I know."

After several minutes of silence, suddenly Nikita asked, "have you ever killed anyone?"

Michael's chest rose and fell with a heavy sigh, "I have. More than once." He looked at her, "What I do here... is not easy. And there were times I did things I wasn't proud of."

"Tell me about it," she asked.

His hand stroked her back in slow circles as he told her, "The first time I killed, I couldn't sleep well days after it. I kept having nightmares, terrible dreams... I would see my parents in my dreams and they looked at me and their eyes were so sad... I knew they were disappointed with me. They were always so proud of me." He turned his head away from her and blinked back tears. "I'm happy they're not here to see what I have become," he whispered.

Nikita reached out and touched his cheek gently, feeling the moistness of tears on them, and then turned his head back to her.

"Michael," she said softly, "if your parents were alive now, they would be so proud of you." She rose slightly and placed a gentle kiss on his lips. "They would be proud because they're son is fighting for what's right, for what he believes in."

"But... I've killed so many trying to achieve that goal," he whispered, "I'm not an innocent like you. You were... a victim of circumstances... you had no choice... You killed to save your life, and I-"

"And you killed to save other people's lives," she interjected, "you're an innocent of any crime, just like me."

He hugged her tightly.

"Thank you, Nikita." He pressed a kiss to her forehead and shivered as she whispered, "I love you, love you so much."

"I love you, too."