AND SO LIFE BEGINS AGAIN - PART 1

PART 1

Nikita leaned on the cool glass of the jeep, her jaws aching from the beating she had received, the muscles of her arms screamed out in protest at the strain they had been under not long ago. Glancing down at her wrists, she saw the blood seeping through her sweater from the ropes they had bound her in. To say she was amazed at Michaels appearance,, seemingly back in top form was an understatement yet she felt joy seeing the old fire come back in him at last.

It won’t be long.

The sound of his voice made her look over at him, her eyes slightly blurry due to the repeated hits she had received and she gave as much of a smile as her cracked lip would allow.

Don’t worry about it. I am okay. She managed to croak as she reached for the water jug sitting between them. With some trouble, she managed to twist the cap off and gingerly took a small sip, wincing at the pain the water caused as it washed over her lips.

Michael kept his eyes on the road, yet couldn’t help but glance ever so often at her when he knew she wouldn’t notice. The loss of Adam was overwhelming, the hurt he inflicted on both him and Elena had been very nearly almost too much for him. He knew he didn’t love Elena, but he did have a great affection for her as she was a kind and loving wife and mother. It had been the loss of contact with his beloved son that had been his undoing. When Walter told him just before they went out the mission that Nikita was watching his place in her off time, Michael realized how much she really did care for him and him for her. Despite the surprise of his blood cover, she remained steadfastly on his side.

Rescuing her wasn’t a hard decision for him. It was more like he was rescuing them both. The rest of the team were waiting for them, so after ditching the stolen jeep, both Nikita and Michael were herded into the mission van and taken back to Section.

Looks like he found it. Madeline watched Michael from the Perch, walk to his office and disappear in the door.

Operations looked up from the panel he was reading to give her a puzzled look. Who found what? He asked taking a puff of his this cigar.

Madeline smiled, crossing her arms over her chest. Michael. He seems to be coming back into form. She brought her attention from the floor below to the man she worked under for so many years.

Paul nodded, coming to her side. He was walking a thin line for a while. I would have hated to have had him cancelled.

Madeline shot him a look of disbelief which made him smile even broader. I do like to pull his strings.

Together, they laughed quietly, shoulders rubbing suggestively.

Michael had cleaned up, and had rushed his hair back into place when he saw from the corner of his eye out his office window, the sight of a still shaken Nikita emerge from Med Lab. Getting to his feet, and he grabbed his jacket and gloves hoping to catch her before she left. Rounding the corner, he saw her approaching one of the many elevators to the surface, her back leaning heavily against the dark cold walls. Nikita looked up when she saw his familiar boots come into view.

Hey. She pushed her purse up higher on her shoulder, grateful for the medication they had given her. It helped ease the pain and lessened the ache in her face.

Michael noticed for the first time just how tired she had become, chastising himself for not noticing her declining state all because of him.

How do you feel? He asked looking her up and down, noticing the stark white bandages wrapped around her slender wrists peeking out from under her coat.

Nikita shrugged. Tired and sore. I will be just fine after some rest. How about you? Nikita cast him a look with her blue eyes, realizing suddenly he was washed up and looking more himself then he had for quite some time.

The elevator doors slid open revealing 5 operatives, halting any conversation between them. Holding the doors for her, Michael waited for Nikita to step in and then entered after her and pushed the surface button.

Nikita looked over at him still waiting for his answer to her question on how he was.

Michael placed the dark glasses over his eyes, effectively hiding behind them.

Wisely, she let it go, still watching him from the corner of her eye as he pulled on his gloves. The cold air of outside hit them both like a slap and she gasped, pulling her long coat about her tightly, feeling faint.

Michael saw her stagger as she stepped out and placed his arm about her waist until she could stand again.

Thanks,,, I think the meds they gave me are kicking in…. She mumbled trying to pass it off with a joking manner. Reaching into her pocket, she pulled out her car keys only to have them taken from her by Michael. Cocking her eyebrow up at him, he shook his head.

I’ll drive.

Knowing he wouldn’t relent, she nodded. Alright. You drive.

Walking to her parked Jag, he opened the door for her and helped her in as she staggered yet again. Once she was seated and belt fastened, he closed her door and walked around the front of the car to the driver’s side. Slipping in easily beside her, he started the car and pulled out.

Nikita let her eyes close, knowing with him, she was safe and allowed the sleepiness she had been fighting win.

Nikita, wake up. His voice filtered into her mind and she opened her eyes slowly, totally disoriented.

Mi-chael? What is this place? She stared about the darkened parking garage, not recognizing it.

He reached over and unhooked her belt, his hand rested on hers for a brief moment. My place. Come on.

THE END

CONTINUE TO PART 2 OF AND SO LIFE BEGINS AGAIN
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