written by Sabene
Madeline's Office Thursday 8:00am
Madeline, Nikita.
Nikita: "You wanted to see me, Madeline?"
Madeline: "Yes. We have decided to give you a choice as to what mission you would like to go on."
Nikita: Suspiciously. "A choice? Why?"
Madeline: "No ulterior motive. Michael requested it."
Nikita: Sarcastically. "Well there goes all my suspicion, right out the window."
Madeline: "You can either go on the mission that you are about to be briefed on, or you can go with Michael."
Nikita: "What is the mission I'm about to be briefed on?"
Madeline: "It's not something you are going to like, let's leave it at that unless you are going to go."
Nikita: "Where is Michael going?"
Madeline: "To meet a contact in the FBI."
Nikita: "Can I just have the whole story without pulling teeth for once?"
Madeline smiles at the younger woman and continues.
Madeline: "The contact's name is Lynnette Anonyme. She is a regional head of the FBI, and she has some important information that she feels we need to know. She is a very reliable source. She has never given us false information, nor would she ever do so intentionally. Michael is leaving tonight and will be returning on Sunday. You would be staying with Lynnette for the weekend."
Nikita: "Three days? It doesn't take that long to meet a contact and get information. What else are we doing?"
Madeline: "This is a short vacation. In fact, it's the only one we could convince Michael to go on. Lynn is more than 'just' a contact. The actual business part of this trip will take less than ten minutes. Michael thinks the two of you will get along well and he would like you to meet her."
Nikita: "Why does he want me to meet her? It has to be more than 'he thinks we'll get along well'."
Madeline: "Whether he likes it or not, you and Lynn are the two women in his life that have the most effect on him. Although the two of you effect him for two slightly different reasons."
Nikita: "Slightly different reasons? How do you mean?"
Madeline: "You'll see. So which mission are you going on? The one I 'know' you'll hate, or the one I think you'll like."
Nikita: "In other words, you want me to go with Michael."
Madeline: "Yes, I do. I think it would be an 'interesting' weekend for you, and I agree with Michael that you and Lynn will get along well. Besides, I know you want to know things about Michael that he would never tell you. Lynn knows him just as well, if not better, than I do, and she may actually agree to answer questions that I wouldn't. And if you would like new ways to annoy Michael, you would learn volumes from Lynn. Her favorite hobby is annoying him."
Nikita: Grinning ear to ear. "Well, that settles it. I'll go with Michael."
Madeline: Returning the smile. "Good. Go home and pack. You may of course borrow clothes from here. You leave in three hours, and Michael would like to see you before then. So, you'd better get going."
Nikita: "Okay, see ya later, Madeline."
Madeline: "Have fun."
Nikita: "From what you tell me, I will."
They both smile as Nikita walks out the door and heads for Michael's office. Once there, she gently knocks on the open door as she walks in and sees Michael as he always is, sitting at his laptop typing.
Nikita: "You wanted to see me Michael?"
Michael: "Yes. You're going with me then?"
Nikita: "Yes."
Michael: "Good."
He puts down the screen of his laptop to show her that she has his complete attention, and motions for her to sit in the chair across from him. She sits and props her elbows up on his desk.
Nikita: "So who 'exactly' are we going to meet anyway?"
Michael: "Lynnette Anonyme."
Nikita: "Madeline told me that much. She also told me she works for the FBI and she has information for us. What I want to know is...who is she? Why are we spending three days with her instead of the ten minutes it should take, and why is this a mini vacation for you?"
Michael offers a tiny smile before answering.
Michael: "Lynn is my younger sister."
Nikita's jaw nearly hits the floor.
Nikita: "You have a sister!"
Michael: "Yes."
Nikita: Smile fading suspiciously. "And the Section lets you keep in contact with her. Why?"
Michael: "Because it's in the Section's best interest to do so. This is not the first time Lynn has called me saying she had important information for the Section. They allow me to keep in contact with her because I am the only one here she trusts enough to give the information to. So, when she calls, I 'request' a weekend to go see her, or I don't go at all, which means they don't get information that could be vital to Section One."
A small laugh emanates from Nikita as the reality of what Michael just said hits her.
Nikita: "You blackmail them!"
Michael: "Yes. This time the blackmail included you being allowed to go...if you wanted to."
Nikita: Playfully. "So you 'do' have an anti-Section side. I'm glad to see you may 'not' be the machine I keep calling you. I have to go pack. I'll be back soon."
Nikita stands to leave.
Michael: "You'll need a dress. I'm taking the two of you to dinner tomorrow."
Nikita: "Oh, really? Where?"
Michael: "Someplace nice. You'll find out exactly where tomorrow. And Nikita...blue."
Nikita: "Blue? What about it?"
Michael: "Your dress. Blue."
Nikita: "Any particular reason?"
Michael: After a moments hesitation. "It brings out your eyes."
Michael opens the laptop and starts to type.
Nikita: Smiling. "Okay, on one condition."
Michael: "What's that?"
Nikita: "You can't wear black. All weekend. I suppose I can let your shoes slide, but other than that -'no' black. Even if you have to 'shop' for clothes with color. Deal?"
Michael doesn't respond for a minute as if considering the impact that not wearing black for three whole days would have on him.
Nikita: "Do we have a deal? Or do I pick my own color dress and make sure it's 'not' blue?"
Michael: Almost sighing the words. "We have a deal."
Nikita: "Good. I'll be back soon."
Michael: "I'll pick you up."
Nikita: "Fine. Give me three hours."
Michael: "Three hours!?"
Nikita: "I have to go shopping."
Michael: "So do I, but it isn't going to take three hours."
Nikita: "That's because the only place you ever shop for clothes is Madeline's office. I'm going to the mall. See you in three hours."
Nikita turns and starts to leave Michael's office.
Michael: "By the way, Nikita. Lynn has a pool, so bring a suit.
Nikita: "O.K."
Nikita leaves and Michael sighs and shakes his head.
Michael: "Women."
Nikita's Apartment Three hours later.
Nikita puts the last of the things she will need for the weekend into her bag as she hears a knock at the door.
Nikita: "Right on time."
Nikita skips to the door, and takes a quick look to see who it is. Seeing Michael on the other side, she opens the door and greets him with a huge smile.
Nikita: "Perfect timing. I 'just' finished packing."
She moves slightly to the side so that he could come in and then shuts the door behind him. She couldn't help but stare at him. He was wearing cream colored slacks and a dark green silk shirt. His light brown suede jacket was slung over his shoulder.
Nikita: "Very nice, Michael. You should wear color often."
Michael: "Thank you. Are you ready to go?"
Nikita: "Yup. Just let me grab my bags and my coat."
Nikita walks over to the coat tree and takes her coat. She turns to get her bags and sees that Michael already has them.
Michael: "This is all? Just two? That's not like you, Nikita."
Nikita: "Ha, ha. Very funny. Yes, that's all. Oh wait, there's one more thing."
Nikita runs up the stairs to her bedroom and returns with a dress bag.
Nikita: "I can't believe I almost forgot this! 'Now' that's all."
Michael: "You're sure?"
Nikita: "Positive."
Michael: "O.K. Let's go."
They leave her apartment, put her bags in the trunk of his car and start the drive out of town. They stop at a restaurant for lunch at about twelve-thirty. Michael orders for both of them -calamari.
Nikita: "This is good. What is it?"
Michael: "Calamari."
Nikita: "I know that. I heard you order it, but what is it?"
Michael: "Squid."
Nikita nearly chokes on the piece in her mouth, and Michael actually laughs at her reaction. As soon as she recovers, Nikita throws a piece of bread at Michael, hitting him in the face.
Michael: Still smiling. "That was incredibly lady-like."
Nikita: Laughing. "Thank you. You deserved it. That was mean."
Michael: "Why? You said you liked it. Why does it matter what it is?"
Nikita: "It doesn't matter what it is. It's your timing that was mean."
Michael: "'My' timing!? I told you when you asked!"
Nikita: Laughing. "O.K. fine. You win. I'm sorry."
They finish the meal without any other major incidents, and head back out onto the road.
Lynn's House 3:47pm
The sun is shining brightly as Michael pulls into the driveway and turns off the engine.
Michael: "This is it."
Michael steps out of the car and glances around to see that everything is in order. Satisfied that nothing feels wrong, he looks over to Nikita to get her reaction to her surroundings. Nikita very slowly gets out of the car while taking in the house and the area around it. Michael smiles at the look of awe on her face.
Nikita: "This place is absolutely gorgeous."
It's a beautiful, two-story, stone house. Obviously very old, and very well kept. The yard is huge, with many different fruit trees and bushes extending skyward from lush, green grass. There were flowers of every color, everywhere. There were many birds singing and butterflies fluttering about.
Nikita: "It's incredible."
Michael: "Lynn has good taste, and a green thumb. Let's see if we can find her."
They go up to the door and knock. When there is no answer, Michael tries the door. It's open and they go inside. Nikita looks around the inside of the house with as much admiration as she did the outside. The decorations and furniture are all Victorian style. Large open doorways and rooms are accented by large windows with long flowing drapery.
Nikita: "Saying she has good taste is an understatement, Michael. I've never seen anything like this. It's...I can't even explain what it is. It's beyond words. Anyway, where do you think your sister is?"
Michael: "Outside. I would have been surprised if she was in here. It's too nice a day for her to be in. She knew we would be here about now, so, she's either in the one of her gardens, or in the stables."
Nikita: "Stables!?"
Michael: "She has four horses. Weather permitting, we can go for a ride tomorrow if you like."
Nikita: "I've never been on a horse in my life."
Michael: "All the more reason for you to go. Come on. Let's try the gardens first."
They walk out the back door and head out into the yard. They make it about ten yards before they are greeted by Lynn from behind.
Lynn: "Mikey!!"
Nikita: Laughing. "Mikey??"
Michael: Slightly annoyed. "I think we found her."
Before Michael gets a chance to turn around, Lynn wraps her arms around his neck and jumps up onto his back, piggy-back style. She kisses both of his cheeks grinning ear to ear. Nikita couldn't help laughing.
Lynn: "Hi, Mikey."
Michael: "Number one -Hi. Number two -Don't call me Mikey. And number three -Get down."
Lynn slides off his back and he turns to give her a big hug, picking her up, and closing his eyes.
Michael: "I missed you."
Lynn: "I missed you, too. You should come see me more often."
Michael puts her down and she turns to Nikita, reaching out to shake her hand. "You have 'got' to be Nikita. I see Michael's description of your beauty wasn't exaggerated."
She smiles mischievously at Michael, whose response is to give her a warning look that Nikita doesn't miss.
Lynn: "Come on in and sit down. We have a lot to talk about."
Michael: "Lynn, business is last, like always."
Lynn: "I'm not talking about business. We have a lot to catch up on and Nikita and I have to get to know each other. Well, she has to get to know me. I feel like I already know her, thanks to you." Turning to Nikita. "He talks about you 'all' the time. We can't have a single conversation without him at 'least' mentioning you."
Michael: In a warning tone. "Lynn."
Lynn: "What!? I never promised I wouldn't tell her you talk about her. I promised I wouldn't tell her 'what' you said."
Nikita: Smiling. "What are you telling her about me Michael?"
Michael: "Nothing." -Shooting a 'Got it?' look at Lynn.
Lynn laughs at how uncomfortable she has been able to make Michael, and he and Nikita had only been there for five minutes. This was going to be a fun weekend, but she decides to give Michael a break and drops the topic of him and Nikita -for now. They head inside the house. The rest of the evening and dinner go by uneventfully and Michael is rather relieved when the girls decide to watch a movie. He isn't thrilled about their choice -The Lion King, which Nikita had never seen before, but at least it kept Lynn from telling Nikita anything he had told her. By the time the movie is over, Michael has fallen asleep in the armchair. So Lynn decides to help Nikita get the bags from the car and show her to her room. Once they are upstairs in the room and out of ear shot of Michael, Nikita plops down on her stomach on the bed.
Nikita: "So what has Michael told you about me?"
Lynn: "I promised him I wouldn't tell you."
Nikita: Grinning. "Oh, come on. You can't tell me that he talks about me all the time and then not tell me 'anything' he said."
Lynn: Pleading. "Please don't make me tell you. I promised."
Nikita sighs and her smile fades, only to reappear seconds later as another thought crosses her mind.
Nikita: "Did he make you promise not to tell me things about him?"
Lynn's smile widens when she realizes where this is going.
Lynn: "No, he didn't. What do you want to know?" Sitting on the bed.
Nikita: "Everything. 'Anything'. What does he like to do in his spare time? What's his favorite food? Why does he 'only' wear black except when he's blackmailed or on a mission? Is his last name the same as yours, if not what is it? Is Michael his real name, a fake name, or his code name? What was he like when he was little? Has he always been this detached from his emotions? Does he ever laugh, or at least smile? Not just that little half smile he does, but an actual smile. How long has he been in the Section? What did he do to get into the Section in the first place? 'Anything'."
Lynn: "Wow. You really 'don't' know anything about him. O.K. He paints and horse-back rides in his spare time...when he has any. He likes Italian food. Black is his favorite color, that's why he wears it. We have different fathers so his last name is different from mine, it's DeMonte. Michael's father was killed in a car accident when Michael was four. Mom remarried three years later. I was born a year after that. Let's see, what was the next thing you asked me? Oh, yeah. Michael is his middle name. His first name is Alexandre. I don't know what his code name is, if he has one. He was a little terror when he was young, always getting himself and others into trouble. His emotional wall was built within days of Simone's death, the first time, but it has slowly been cracking over the last three years. That's exactly how long you have been in his life. What a coincidence. He smiles and laughs a lot, when he's not working. So, I guess you haven't seen much of him outside the Section. He's been in Section for twelve years, and I think he should tell you how he got there. It's not my place to tell you that. I think that's everything you asked. Is there anything else you want to know about him?"
Nikita head whirled as she processed everything she had just been told. She had just learned more about Michael from Lynn in two minutes than she had in over three years from Michael. It was a little overwhelming.
Michael: "I'm sure she'll tell you if she thinks of anything else."
They were so into the conversation, they hadn't even noticed that he was standing there listening to the whole conversation.
Nikita: "Michael!? How long have you been there?"
Michael: "I walked up the stairs about ten seconds after you did."
Lynn: "You were asleep in the chair when we came up."
Michael: "Yes, but you know I'm a light sleeper. I heard you come in from outside."
Nikita and Lynn exchange a look like they had just gotten caught with their hands in the cookie jar. Michael smiles. A smile that Nikita has never seen before. He glowed.
Michael: "You both look so guilty. You don't have to. I could have stopped the conversation anytime I wanted to, and I would have if Lynn had started answering the last question." Looking at Lynn. "Thank you for not answering it. Good night ladies."
Lynn: "Good night."
Nikita: "Good night, Michael."
Michael: "Behave. Both of you."
Nikita: "Always." Winking at him.
Lynn smiles at him and waves.
Lynn: "Of course. You know me."
Michael: "That's what I'm worried about."
Lynn: "Your paranoid. Go to bed. And yes, your room is 'just' how you left it. Well, not quite how you left it. The bullet holes have been repaired."
It was Michael's turn to smile guiltily.
Nikita: "Bullet holes!?"
Lynn: "Yeah. The last time Michael was here, he wasn't exactly in the best of moods. So, when he saw a fly in his room, he decided to shoot it instead of getting a fly swatter."
Michael: "I got it, didn't I?"
Lynn: "Yes you did. To bad you missed it four times first."
Turning to Nikita. "And obviously a fly isn't exactly big enough to stop a bullet, so he put five bullet holes in the walls and ceiling. Including one that went through the TV first."
Michael laughed silently, remembering how the TV had exploded, killing the fly.
Michael: "I don't even think I hit the fly. I think it was the TV exploding that killed it."
Nikita: Teasing "Did you actually find the fly, or do you just 'think' it died?"
Michael: "We found it."
By now, they are all laughing. Nikita wanted to know why he had been in a bad mood, but if it had been that bad then, bringing it up now would not be a good idea. She didn't want to ruin this moment.
Michael: Still laughing. "Good night."
Michael turns and walks to his room, still chuckling quietly. Once he was gone, Nikita asked her question.
Nikita: "What had him in such a bad mood?"
Lynn: "It was right after Simone died, the first time."
Nikita: "So, you haven't seen him in four years?"
Lynn: "No, I've seen him since then. That was just the last time he was here. Sometimes when I have intel for him, I go stay with him."
Nikita yawns and glances at her watch.
Lynn: "What time is it?"
Nikita: "Ten thirty. I didn't realize it was already that late. It only feels like eight or nine."
Lynn: "I had better go to bed. I have to get up at six o'clock."
Nikita: "Why?"
Lynn: "I have to work tomorrow. I'll be back at around five."
Lynn heads for the door. Then turns back to Nikita.
Lynn: "Feel free to listen to any CDs, watch TV, movies, ride one of the horses, etc. and help yourself to whatever food you want while you are here. If you do ride a horse, I suggest that you don't ride Shadow. He's Michael's horse and I don't think anyone but Michael has ever been able to control him. I sure can't. Last time I tried, he threw me and I broke my arm. Anyway, for the weekend, you live here. It's your house too. So help yourself." Grinning. "Have fun with Michael tomorrow."
Nikita: Smiling back. "Thank you. For everything."
Lynn: "Don't mention it."
Lynn leaves the room, closing the door behind her. Nikita gets up off the bed, puts her night shirt on and climbs into bed. She lay awake for an hour thinking of what she was possibly going to do with Michael for an entire day without them killing each other. She finally gives up when she realizes that Michael probably knew ahead of time that Lynn had to work and that he had almost certainly planned something already. So, she rolls over and falls asleep.
Friday Morning
Michael steps out of the bathroom towel drying his hair. After he is satisfied that his hair is as dry as it is going to get with a towel, he tosses it on the floor in the bathroom and combs his hair with his fingers. He checks his watch. Just after ten thirty.
Michael: Out loud, but to himself. "Is she going to sleep all day?"
He walks up to the door to Nikita's room and softly knocks on the door.
Nikita: "Come in."
Michael slowly opens the door. Nikita is standing in her night shirt by the large, open window at the far side of the room. Her head is turned to see who is coming in. When she sees that it's Michael, she smiles and looks back out the window as she cheerfully says "Good morning." Once her back is again to him, she allows herself to react to his appearance. Dropping her jaw and opening her eyes wide before slowly mouthing "Damn." He looks unbelievable. He is wearing blue jeans and a plain white t-shirt. He is one of the few men in the world that could make something that ordinary look 'that' sexy. She struggles to keep her breathing regular as she senses him walking up behind her.
Michael: "Good morning. I was wondering how long you were going to sleep. What time did the two of you go to bed anyway?"
Nikita: "Not even ten minutes after you left the room."
Michael stares, transfixed as her hair blows in the warm breeze coming in through the window.
Michael: "I guess you were tired."
Nikita: "Exhausted, and that bed is incredibly comfortable."
Nikita concentrates on looking out the window, knowing that Michael is staring at her. She can 'feel' his eyes on her.
Attempting to distract herself, she decides to break the silence that has risen between them.
Nikita: "This view is beautiful."
Michael smiles widely, never taking his eyes off her.
Michael: "Yes it is."
Unable to resist any longer, Michael lifts his hand and runs his fingers through her hair, pulling it behind her shoulder, then brushing the back of his fingers against her cheek. She closes her eyes and pulls in a deep breath, and reopens her eyes. Michael slowly drops his hand and lets out the breath that he hadn't even realized he had been holding.
Michael: Softly. "Get dressed. I'll teach you how to ride a horse."
With that, he turns and slowly walks out of the room, closing the door gently behind him. As soon as the door closes, Nikita heaves out the breath that she, unlike Michael, had been fully aware that she had been holding. She closes her eyes and shakes her head as she lets it drop forward.
Nikita: "How does he do that? How does he know 'just' how to get to me?" Then she lifts her head grinning. "That's O.K. I know how to get to him, too." She walks over to her bag and starts pulling out the clothes she is going to wear. "Two can play at this game."
With her clothes in hand, she walks into the bathroom to take a shower.
11:13am
Michael is sitting in the armchair watching the news, his back to the stairs. He hears the shower turn off, and shortly after that, he hears the hair drier. Nikita walks down the stairs.
Nikita: "Hey, Michael. Mind if I grab a sandwich before we go? I'm starved."
Michael turns from the TV to look at her as he answers, but momentarily forgets the question when he sees her. She is wearing form fitting, black velvet pants and a blue, sleeveless crop top. Her hair is pulled back in a loose ponytail, and black sunglasses hang from the front of her shirt.
Michael: "I thought you said no black?"
Nikita: "I said 'you' couldn't wear black. I didn't say anything about me. So, do you mind if I grab a sandwich?"
Still having a hard time focusing, he turns back to the TV in an attempt to distance himself but he still can't get the image of what she looks like out of his mind.
Michael: "Of course not, take your time. We have all afternoon."
Nikita smiles, knowing that she had Michael more than a just little distracted and the moment. Then, she walks into the kitchen, fixes herself a peanut butter and jelly sandwich then goes in, walks in front of Michael and sits on the sofa to the left side of him. She props her back up against the arm, with her back to Michael and puts her feet up on the couch, stretching out, eating her sandwich slowly and watching the news. Michael can't keep his eyes off her, and she knows it.
Nikita: In between bites. "So where are we going? Anywhere in particular?"
Michael: "One of my favorite trails. Actually, it 'is' my favorite trail, and I think you'll see why."
Nikita: "It isn't hard is it? Remember, I've never even been 'on' a horse before, never mind being able to do any tricks, or jumps or anything."
Michael: "Don't worry. It's easy, and mostly open. So we shouldn't have to jump fallen trees, or branches. Besides, these horses have done this enough times so that even if we don't, they'll know what to do and you'll just have to hold on."
Nikita: "You make it sound like that's easy. Knowing me, I'll still find some way to fall off and break my neck."
Michael: "Trust me."
Nikita closes her eyes and rolls her head to face him, raising her eyebrows. Then she slowly opens her eyes.
Nikita: "Did you just tell me to trust you?"
Michael: "You can 'always' trust me with your life, Nikita. Always. I would never do anything, or talk 'you' into doing anything that would endanger your life, and you know that. At least I hope you do."
Nikita: "Yes. I do. You would never deliberately put me in harms way, and I 'do' trust you implicitly in that respect."
Nikita finishes her sandwich and gets up.
Michael: "Ready?"
Nikita: "Yes. Is this okay to ride in?"
Holding her arms out to show him what she is wearing. As if he didn't already know. Michael fights to keep his voice steady as he responds.
Michael: "As long as you are comfortable. Shall we?"
Nodding his head towards the stables.
Nikita: "We shall."
Michael picks up the remote and turns off the TV. They head out to the back door, Michael locks it, and puts the key under the welcome mat. Making sure that Nikita sees where he put it. Nikita puts her sunglasses on and they head for the stables. Once inside Nikita looks around at the horses, taking her glasses off again. The first one on the left is brown, as is the first on the right.
Michael: "That's Thunder and Lightning. They're brother and sister, and they're both very fast, hence the names. I suggest you ride Angel. She's calm, easy to control and hard to spook."
Nikita: "Sounds like my kind of horse."
From where she is, Nikita can't see the horse, so she walks up to the stall that Michael had pointed at and looks inside. When she sees the horse, she smiles. Angel is completely white. Michael walks over to the stall directly across from Angel, and calls over the horse inside. The horse walks over and neighs as Michael strokes the side of its neck. Nikita watches as Michael smiles, petting the horse. She's never seen him like this. He looks truly happy.
Michael: "Hey, Shadow. Did you miss me? Huh?"
Michael smiles wider and almost laughs as Shadow neighs again and bobs his head up and down as if answering Michael's question.
Nikita: "Now, how did I know your horse was going to be all black?"
Michael turns and takes the two steps needed to be in front of Nikita and looks into her eyes.
Michael: "Because you know me better than you think you do."
At that time, Angel nudges up against Nikita, pushing her into Michael. He catches her and waits as she slowly regains her balance, his hands gently holding the strip of her waist exposed by the crop top she was wearing. Nikita's hands had come up reflexively and were now resting on Michael's chest. She looks up at him, and carefully keeps her breathing as slow and calm as she can. She slowly takes a step back and he drops his arms.
Nikita: "Thanks."
Michael: "She likes you."
Nikita: Laughing. "She likes me!? She almost knocked me over!"
Michael: "She wants you to pet her."
Nikita raises her eyebrows as if to say, "Oh, really."
Michael moves slightly forward and Nikita retreats back a small step to allow him to open the door to the stall. He pulls it all the way open and latches it there. Then he steps into the stall and reaches out, grabs Nikita's hand and pulls her in as well. He places her hand on the side of Angel's neck and lets go.
Michael: "Just pet her. She won't hurt you." Then looking at Angel. "Will ya girl?" Slapping Angel's side twice.
Nikita pets Angel as Michael picks up the saddle from the bench next to him and puts it on Angel. He straps it on and walks around in front to put the bridle on. Once done, he leaves Nikita in the stall with Angel and readies Shadow as well.
Michael: "Ready?"
Nikita: "Yeah. Now what?"
Michael: "Just hold the reins and walk. She'll follow you."
They walk out the back door of the stable into the sun. Nikita replaces her sunglasses and looks up -not a cloud in the sky. It's a beautiful day. Made even more beautiful by that fact that Michael was smiling at her.
Nikita: "What?"
Michael: "Now comes the fun part. You get to climb up onto the horse."
Nikita: "And just how do I do that?"
Michael drops Shadow's reigns and walks over to Nikita and Angel.
Michael: "Put both your hands up on the saddle horn. Put your foot into the stirrup, and hop up."
Nikita: "Something tells me, it's not that easy."
Michael's only response is to smile again. Nikita rolls her eyes at him and tries to 'hop' up while Michael holds the reigns. She succeeds on the second try when Michael helps her by supporting her shoulder when she starts to fall again.
Michael: "See, that wasn't so hard."
Nikita: "Yeah, now I just have to 'stay' on."
Again, Michael smiles. He walks over to Shadow and easily, and quickly jumps up. As soon as he does, Shadow steps randomly and rears up twice, trying to throw Michael off, but Michael controls him with ease, turning Shadow in small circles in both directions until Shadow submits to Michael's control.
Nikita: "No wonder Lynn warned me not to try to ride Shadow. He'd kill me."
Michael: "I'm used to him. And he knows who's boss, he just needs to be reminded every now and then. Ready?"
Nikita: "As I'll ever be."
Michael: "Hold both reins in one hand, and pull which ever direction you want to go. Pull back and up to stop her, and give a firm kick to her sides to make her start moving or move faster."
Nikita: "Well I don't think you have to worry about going faster."
Michael: "Don't worry. We'll start slow, and go faster when you're ready."
Nikita thinks she sees a hint of a mischievous smile on Michael's face, but dismisses it. She rolls her eyes at herself for the thought, telling herself, 'Get your mind out of the gutter, Nikita. That's not what he meant.'
Nikita gives Angel two kicks like Michael had said and Angel slowly starts moving forward. Michael moves Shadow up next to Nikita and Angel.
Michael: "See, this isn't so hard."
Nikita: "She's just walking in a straight line. I'm not controlling her at all."
Michael: "O.K. Well, you have a hold on the reigns right. Now just pull lightly to the left."
Nikita does as told and Angel starts walking to the left.
Michael: Staying next to her with Shadow. "Now pull back to the right." Pulling Shadow to the right to demonstrate.
Nikita does so and Angel responds easily. They are now facing their original direction, towards a wide trail in the woods.
Nikita: "This 'is' easy."
Michael: "Didn't I tell you it would be?"
They slowly ride into the woods, with Michael helping Nikita when she needs it. -Which isn't often. Other than that, their talk is light and happy. Actually, Nikita does most of the talking. Which Michael doesn't mind, because it means that he doesn't have to answer any questions. Besides, Nikita speaks with a true love of life that Michael feels he no longer has. It was refreshing to hear her rave about the scenery and sounds around her. She is truly happy. Michael smiles at her, hoping that nothing will happen today that will take the light and joy he now sees in those enchanting eyes. Nikita notices Michael's smile and finally decides to say something about it.
Nikita: "You should smile more often, Michael."
Michael: "I don't usually have anything to smile about."
Nikita: "What are you smiling at now?"
Michael: "You."
Nikita: "Me?"
Michael: "Yes, you. Your love of life. Your sheer joy of everything you see and hear. You haven't stopped smiling since we left the stable. Most of the trouble you've had with Angel was because you were too busy looking at birds, rabbits, squirrels, and butterflies, instead of making sure you weren't about to walk her into a tree."
He laughs softly as he finishes the sentence, and Nikita's smile widens, surrendering the point.
Nikita: "Guilty as charged. What do 'you' think about when you're out here?"
Michael: "Different things. Usually having something to do with my life. What it's like. How it could have been different if I had done things right. How...sometimes I wish it was different, and sometimes I'm glad it's not. Other times I think about people I've met. People I've killed or have lost to killers...including those I've lost due to the Section through missions or cancellations. My family, and the -friends- I had before Section recruited me. I think about the person I am now and try 'not' to think about the person I used to be. I don't even want to remember some of the things I did. So, the fact that I 'can't' remember is rather convenient. Other than those things, I tend to think about nothing. I do what you were doing. Just looking at the woods, and listening to the quiet sounds of nature."
Nikita: "What do you mean you can't remember?"
Michael hesitates and closes his eyes trying to push away all the memories threatening to come to the surface. Nikita notices Michael's struggle and immediately regrets asking the question.
Nikita: "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to..."
Michael: "It's all right Nikita. Ask me again some other time, and I'll tell you. I just...don't want to ruin this day for you with horrible memories. I'd like to try to keep our conversations...happier."
Nikita: "I can deal with that."
Nikita hears something that catches her attention.
Nikita: "Is that water I hear?" Smiling.
Michael: "Yes. We're almost at the river. It's about thirty yards ahead. There is a clearing there that we'll rest at. We've been out here for almost three quarters of an hour. The horses could use a break."
Nikita: "So could I. My rear and my back are killing me."
Michael smiles at her, and looks ahead as the clearing comes into full view.
Nikita: "Is there anyplace around here that isn't absolutely gorgeous?"
Michael: "I'll let you know if I think of one."
Michael stops Shadow, jumps down, and drops the reigns. Nikita stops Angel awkwardly and just looks at Michael.
Nikita: "Now I get to try to get down."
Michael: "It's easy."
Nikita: "You keep saying that."
Michael: "Well, think of it this way. You don't have to keep trying until you get it right, because whether you do it right or not, you still end up on the ground."
Nikita: "Thank you so much. That's very comforting to know."
Michael: "Give me your hand. I'll help you. Hold on to the saddle horn with your other hand, swing your leg over and lower youself down."
Nikita does exactly what Michael tells her and sets down flawlessly.
Michael: "Perfect. You didn't even need me."
They lead the horses over to the river and Michael removes the saddles. As he does so, he watches Nikita lay herself out on the grass on her back. Her right knee bent, her right hand resting on her stomach, and her left hand under her head. She closes her eyes and smiles at the sunlight that, to Michael, seems to come from her rather than the sky. Again, he smiles at her happiness, and is content to simply watch her for a long moment.
Nikita can feel Michael looking at her, and she can feel his smile. Happiness seems to be radiating from him, she has never seen him so happy. Which is part of the reason she's smiling. Michael, the singing birds, the flowering river, and the fact that the sun feels like it's oozing into her through her skin, were all contributing to her smile.
Nikita: "Are you going to just stand there looking at me or are you going to come work this knot out of my back?"
End of part one...
written by Sabene
Continue on to Surprises, part two
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