It took her by surprise. She had noticed how Michael was jumpy since the plane landed in Hong Kong, but this…this was far more than Nikita had anticipated. She didn't deserve it. She didn't deserve a man who was as kind, sweet, gentle, and considerate as Michael. It was too much.

When he had asked her for the gun and told her why, she was overjoyed at first, but now she feels as if he deserves more than her. If that piece of her ever came out again like with Brandt-it was hard even to think about. All Nikita knew was that she could easily hurt Michael as she had done in that cursed basement. She couldn't do that again to him. Nikita loves Michael with all her heart. That is the biggest reason she had said yes, but now, now she is unsure.

As she sat on the couch next to her dearly beloved, she pondered this thought. It must have shown on her face because Michael rested his hand reassuringly on her shoulder with a worried expression on his face.

"What's bothering you?" he asked. Nikita shifted her position on the couch letting the sparkle of her ring catch her attention. She wore the best fake smile she could muster, looked into his eyes and replied, "Nothing. Everything's fine." She had to turn away from him now or he would read her eyes like he always does, but she was too slow.

"Something's wrong. What is it?" Michael urged. Nikita cursed under her breath, then looked up once again with a solemn expression on her face.

"What if I hurt you again, Michael? What if I can't control what I say and I lash out at you? I can't hurt you again. I can't." Michael now wore a concerned expression and looked deeply into her dark brown eyes, "Maybe you will. Maybe you'll lose control, but I'm going to love you unconditionally. Of course we'll get into fights. That's normal, but there isn't a thing in this irrational world that will tear us apart forever. I can promise you that. You are the thing that keeps me going in life no matter how hard or tough it gets and I'm not going to leave you. I'm going to be here for you like you have and hopefully always will. I'm right here." Nikita couldn't hold back anymore tears. They fell off her face as she hugged Michael with all her strength. He tightened the embrace and laid his head on her shoulder. When Nikita finally pulled away, she told him while pointing to her heart, "You will always be here no matter what happens."

They both exchanged smiles before capturing each others lips. When they released, they held the other's gaze in silence. There was no need to speak, for their eyes said everything necessary.