TOO LATE FOR WHAT IFS – PART 2

The sound of a loud knock on her door reached her ears and she quickly turned off the water, slipping into her long terry cloth robe. Cursing softly, she stumbled over a towel on the floor as she made her way down the short steps of her bedroom. Flipping on the monitor, she saw the black clad form of Michael, a grocery bag in his arms. Furrowing her eyebrows together, she frowned remembering his dinner proposal earlier that day.

Pulling the door open, she turned to go back up to her room without so much as a hello.

Stepping inside, he watched her retreating form take the stairs quickly, his senses picking up the distinct orange smell of her shampoo as he closed the door behind him. Walking into the kitchen, he set the bag down on the counter and watched her shadow move about behind the rice paper room divider.

Shrugging his jacket off, he hung it over the edge of the counter, then began taking out the food for their dinner.

Nikita soon emerged, brushing out her wet hair as she came to sit down on one of the high stools opposite him.

I forgot about dinner. She said quietly accepting the glass of red wine he handed her.

His green eyes took in her fresh face and gave her a very faint smile.

I understand. He said simply pouring himself a glass and setting the bottle down. Raising his glass, he held it out to her.

To Belinda.

Nikita looked over at him, lifting her glass and gently tinkling her glass with his.

Belinda. She murmured. Sipping the liquid, she was pleasantly surprised by its rich warm flavour.

Michael sipped his and turned to get the bag of mushrooms sitting beside the lettuce behind him.

They could have retired her. Nikita said suddenly breaking the quietness between them.

Michael sat the cutting board down and began slicing, not answering her.

Nikita sighed taking another sip and crossed her legs, elbows leaning on the counter watching his hands move with lightening speed.

Walter wouldn’t speak to me,,, not even Birkoff could get through to him. She commented taking a mushroom slice that rolled towards her and popping it into her mouth.

Let it go Nikita. He said taking the small pile and placing them in the pan on the stove. Turning the heat down to minimum, he added onions to the concoction and splashed in some of the wine he had brought, and then covered it.

Nikita swallowed turning her head to look at him come around the counter to stand just behind her.

Spinning her around on the seat slowly, he brushed his thumb over her eyebrow, letting it trail down the side of her face and leaned down, his mouth covered hers in a too brief kiss.

I cant Michael, I’m worried about Walter. She protested pulling her mouth from his, leaning back from him slightly.

Michael stood back upright, his eyes scanning her carefully.

I know. He said simply in his usual hushed tones.

Nikita sighed; her hand reached for his and leaned her head on his flat stomach, grateful when she felt his other arm go around her and rub her shoulder softly.

I wish I knew where he lived, I would go to him. He looked so fragile Michael.

Nikita closed her eyes content to be held by him for the time being.

After a few moments had passed, Michael pulled her to her feet, retrieved their wine glasses and headed for the balcony doors.

Nikita, picking up on his idea, got to her feet and followed him, grabbing a blanket from off the back of her couch and opened the doors for them. The air was cool making her shiver involuntarily as she sat down on the swinging bench. Handing her their two glasses, Michael settled beside her, spreading the blanket over them both. Nikita was pleased when he pulled her close to him, and she rested her head on his shoulder. Balancing her glass on her lap, she looked down out at the city below as Michael slowly swung them back and forth

. Walter understands Nikita. Michael said resting his head on hers enjoying the feel of her soft body against his.

But if it was you and they cancelled me, would you be okay?

Michael turned his head to look down at her and placed a soft lingering kiss on her lips and then pulled back, his green eyes regarding her with an intensity he rarely showed. For the longest time, he stared at her and then pulled his gaze out to the city below.

Nikita knew what he was thinking and knew he would never answer her and so she attempted to forget she asked it to begin with and ignore the impatience she always felt when he got like this.

As if sensing her mood, Michael finally broke the quiet.

No. His hushed voice made her look up at him, puzzled.

Pardon?

No…. I wouldn’t be okay. He answered after another moment passed, but he kept his eyes focused on the activity below.

Nikita smiled, kissing his cheek and then snuggling up against him, happy to hear him say he loved her without actually saying it. It was more then she hoped to hear.