Dinner & a Movie
Disclaimer: The following story is a Flight of Folly original, but '24' and its' characters are property of Fox. The title, 'The Sum of Us' (1994), is from a wonderful Australian film starring Russell Crowe and Jack Thompson.
Setting: This story commences three days after the events of Season 2 and will explore the TM relationship outside of the action of CTU.
A/N: This story has been categorised as a romance, and will predominately be one, but given the situation at the conclusion of Season 2 some angst will be initially present.
Friday 9:37 pm
Logging off the network, Michelle sat lost in her thoughts while her computer went through its shutdown sequence. Three days after the nuclear threat, Michelle was still struggling to deal with the flow-on effects. She was co-currently working her IP-MAN position alongside her new post as Chief of Staff. Between the follow-up paperwork on various protocols pertaining to the nuclear bomb and Cyprus recording, as well as keeping up with all the active protocols, Michelle had an overabundance of work. And Chappelle was expecting her to complete it all while re-establishing the CTU network with a severely reduced staff. The gruelling workload did have one advantage: it distracted her from the emotional toll of that day. She had already attended five funerals, with each one eliciting a fresh wave of painful memories. On top of all this was Tony. Michelle was relieved that she had finally confessed her feelings, in both words and actions, and that he returned them, but it did serve to complicate things. Of course, so far they had both been too overwhelmed with work to delve into their new relationship. Although Tony was showing an uncharacteristic amount of patience and tolerance at her struggle to keep abreast of her workload.
Rubbing his bleary eyes, Tony glanced at the time and then down at Michelle's workstation. She looked as exhausted as he felt. He had been periodically staring down at her all day, trying to work up the courage to ask her out. Given that she had essentially already said yes, he really shouldn't be so anxious. But if he was honest with himself, his nervousness was due to the fact that he was scared of letting down the wall between his professional and personal lives. From day one he had worked hard to prevent this relationship from occurring. He had been against Michelle's appointment based solely on her gender, but had slowly come to trust and respect her as a diligent, highly efficient colleague. As their working friendship had progressed other feelings had developed but, having learnt his lesson with Nina Myers, he was careful to suppress them. Now he had to find the courage to take a second leap of faith knowing the pain he would face if he didn't land on his feet.
"CTU, Dessler," Michelle answered curtly in the hopes of discouraging the caller from delaying her eminent departure.
"Have I got you at a bad time?" Tony enquired in response to Michelle's tone.
"No, I'm just about to leave for the day. Was there something you needed?"
"Could you stop by my office on your way out? I promise not to keep you long," he requested.
"Sure. I'll be right up." Michelle collected her belongings, tossed them in her oversized bag and headed upstairs to Tony's office. As he was expecting her, she entered without knocking and made her way across to his desk. As Tony looked up from the report he was scrolling though, a hint of a smile appearing on his weary face. Standing up, Tony walked around his desk and lent against it so that he was alongside her.
"Sorry to keep you. I know you've been working really hard trying to deal with your insane workload. Hopefully things should start to settle down next week once the new IP-MAN has started."
Michelle nodded in agreement, although not entirely convinced that she shared Tony's optimism. She remembered the amount of time Tony had invested in helping her become fluent in CTU's network and had a feeling that training the new IP-MAN would only add to her workload.
"So I guess you'll be at George's funeral tomorrow?" Tony continued.
"Yes," Michelle answered although the question was almost rhetorical. She sensed that Tony had something to ask her that had nothing to do with the work-related comments he was currently making. She had taken the initiative to tell him that she was interested in him, now it was his turn to act.
Berating himself for asking such a stupid question, and one that darkened the mood, Tony brought his hand up to rub his check as he paused for a moment to consider his next words.
"I was thinking that maybe we could get together afterwards for that dinner and movie. George certainly wasn't the type who would want us lamenting his death," Tony commented awkwardly, hoping that his suggestion wouldn't come across as totally insensitive. On some level, he had liked George and no one deserved to die under such circumstances, but being miserable wouldn't change the outcome of that day.
Michelle couldn't help but smile at both the invitation and Tony's comment. Remembering George's final advice, which had been the stimulus for their current understanding, she couldn't think of a more fitting time for their first date.
"I'd like that," she replied.
Smiling fully now, Tony asked, "How about I pick you up at 6:30?"
"That's fine with me. I guess you have access to my address?"
"I ran your security check when you started at CTU," Tony stated smirking at her.
"So, umm, I guess you know about the whole, umm, sex scandal," Michelle stated, forcing herself to keep her expression neutral. Glancing across at Tony, she was rewarded with seeing his jaw drop as a shocked look crossed his face and couldn't help but laugh.
Catching on, Tony shook his head slowly. In a sightly ominous tone, he commented, "I'll see you tomorrow."
"See you tomorrow," Michelle responded lightly, before turning to leave feeling relaxed for the first time in days.
Watching her departing form for a few seconds, Tony returned to his desk with a smile on his face. The conversation reminded him of her job interview, during which Michelle had also refused to be subjugated by his intimidation techniques; her personal strength and conviction were defining traits that Tony valued, even if he was on the losing end.
…
Saturday 2:55 pmWalking into the church, Michelle looked around at the sparse gathering for George's funeral. Most of those present were higher management from Division who had only come out of duty, a thought that disillusioned Michelle as she had genuinely liked and respected George despite his crusty demeanour. For about the millionth time since that day, she considered his last words of advice and promised herself that she would not end her life unhappy and lonely.
"Hello Michelle."
Turning to face Ryan Chappelle, she responded politely, "Hello, Mr. Chappelle."
"Sad turn of events."
"It is," Michelle answered softly.
"Makes for a lot of changes over at CTU," he continued.
"Yes."
"Still, George assembled himself a good team. I'm sure you'll continue to follow his good lead."
"Of course," Michelle answered concisely, hoping to give Ryan the hint that she was not in the mood for idle small talk.
"Although with the losses from the explosion, a considerable number of new staff members will be necessary and that is always destabilising."
"We're working hard to ensure that all new staff has a smooth transition," Michelle assured him. Ryan's apparent lack of awareness at the emotional burden associated with the events he was discussing, especially given the forum in which they were standing, was making her feel increasing awkward. However, he was her superior and she was still on shaky ground after her collusion in his sedation so Michelle was hesitant to cause offence and unsure how to gracefully extract herself from the situation.
"Ryan, Michelle," Tony's abrupt greeting interrupted their tète á tète and filled Michelle with a sense of relief. Ryan and Tony had a long history of animosity, far predating Tony's actions on the day of the nuclear threat, and his presence was sure to expedite Ryan's departure.
Returning Tony's greeting with a slight nod of his head, Ryan commented, "If you two will excuse me, I have a few issues I wish to discuss with Brad."
Watching Ryan make his way across the church to join Brad Hammonds, Michelle greeted Tony in turn, "Hi Tony."
"Hey," he replied in a soft tone. Tilting his head slightly to the side, as if to examine her, he continued, "You OK?"
"I'm fine," Michelle replied not really sure if he was referring to her conservation with Ryan or George's funeral but unwilling to admit to feeling unequal to either challenge.
Tony glanced at her for a moment longer obviously not the least bit convinced before suggesting that they find a seat. Escorting her to the nearest pew, he sat alongside her in comfortable silence for the duration of the proceedings, allowing her to deal with the situation on her on terms.
…
6:35pm
The buzz of the intercom brought Michelle's gaze to the clock on the bottom of her monitor in surprise. It was time for their date. She'd settled in front of her computer after arriving home from George's funeral to distract herself from the conflicting emotions of grief and sorrow at his fate, and a mixture of joy and anxiousness at hers. It had worked too effectively as she had yet to change for her date with Tony.
"Hi, Tony. Come on up," she responded hitting the door release before he could suggest that she meet him downstairs. She walked hastily across to her wardrobe, undressing as she went. Scanning its contents, she quickly picking out a long, flowing skirt and her favourite sleeveless silk top. She had just finished the last button when her doorbell sounded; stepping into a pair of sandals, she grabbed a jacket and made her way to the front door. With a quick glance in the mirror to confirm that the make-up she had applied earlier was still in place, she opened the door with a smile.
"Hi," Michelle greeted Tony. Dressed in jeans, causal shirt and a leather jacket, he looked considerable more relaxed than in the dark business suits and shirts he wore to CTU. And a hell of a lot more attractive.
"Hi," Tony replied, smiling warmly at her as he added, "you're looking stunning."
Blushing slightly, Michelle vetoed the idea of confessing that she had spent a whole three minutes preparing for their date. Instead she did a quick mental check that her apartment was not in a state of complete chaos before responding, "Thanks, I just have to turn off my computer and grab my bag; why don't you step inside for a moment."
Ushering him inside, she left him in her large open-plan living room while she ducked back into her room to complete her tasks.
"So where are we going?" she enquired rejoining him a minute later.
"You'll find out," Tony replied.
Determined not to give Tony the satisfaction of engaging her curiosity, Michelle decided to forego the twenty questions routine.
"OK, I'm set. Let's go."
"We'll be dining al fresco so you'll need a warm jacket," he instructed.
Patting the knit jacket she had draped over her handbag, she commented, "Are you implying that you'll be shying away from your gentlemanly duty to offer me your jacket?"
"I prefer to stick to the acts of chivalry that don't require me to freeze," Tony teased back, opening the apartment door for her with a flourishing gesture. Once downstairs, Tony opened the passenger's side door of his black SUV for her. Despite his earlier joke, Michelle had noted on previous occasions that he always extended this curtesy. She had never really crystallised her stance on the chivalry issue but the confidence with which Tony performed such actions tended to encourage compliance. Despite being strong and independent, Michelle was still a woman and enjoyed attentive gestures.
"So who was responsible for training you in the art of chivalry?" Michelle asked when Tony had walked around to the drivers seat.
Looking across at her with a smirk, he responded sarcastically, "Just one of the many virtues I was born with."
"Modesty too," she added.
With a laugh, he continued, "and a great sense of humour. Actually, my dad's pretty old-fashioned so I grew up assuming it was the norm."
"You're parents live in Chicago, right?" Michelle asked. Despite working with Tony for nearly eighteen months, she knew very few details of his personal life. Their conversations rarely drifted from work-related topics and on the occasions that they did, their discussions were extremely trivial in both content and length. Knowing his history with Nina, she understood the reason he guarded his personal life and was careful not to force the issue. Anyway, he was one of the few people with whom she could have an in-depth discussion about work and computers so she was content with the situation. But now, she was ready to indulge her curiosity.
…
7:10 pm
Thirty minutes later the conversation had progressed from families through their childhoods to their respective degrees. As Tony parked alongside Lancox Park, Michelle guessed that she had learnt more about him in short drive than in the year and a half she had worked with him. Collecting a large backpack from the backseat, Tony walked around to join Michelle.
"I don't suppose there is any point in asking where we are going?" she enquired.
"Lancox Park," came the sarcastic reply as he placed his right hand just above her left elbow to guide her along the path. The sensation of his hand on her skin was enough to divert Michelle from any thoughts on continuing her current line of questioning. A couple of minutes later she had her answer anyway; walking through the park they had arrived at the amphitheatre.
"I've heard about 'Moonlight Cinema;' you sit outside on the grass and watch a movie," she commented. As she spoke Tony's earlier statement came to mind, "So I guess you're providing the al fresco dining?"
With a smile, Tony patted his backpack, "I've arranged a five star à la carte menu for your dining pleasure."
As they walked into the entrance marque, Michelle checked out the screening information; tonight's feature was The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. The title was familiar but she wasn't able to recall any details about the film which was rare; she was quite a film bluff and was usually good with her movie trivia. The cinema was her favourite escape from the stresses of her job and after this afternoon she could certainly use the distraction. Tony directed her to the internet booking line as he fished a printout of the confirmation receipt from his jacket pocket.
"This was more interesting than that report for Chappelle," he commented with a smile.
"I'm not sure Ryan would agree, especially if he knew who you were going with," she replied seriously.
Looking across at her, he stated softly, "Don't worry about it; it isn't his or anyone else at work's business what we do on our own time. Anyway, as you saw for yourself last week, Ryan's only interest is keeping Hammond and the rest of the top brass happy."
Nodding, Michelle decided that he was probably right; as long as they kept their personal life out of the office there shouldn't be a problem. And it was also possibly far too early in their relationship to be worrying about such details. Deciding that they needed a lighter topic of conversation she asked, "So what's the movie about?"
"You haven't seen it?" he asked rhetorically, "It's a great Australian comedy about a group of drag queens from Sydney who take this road trip through the middle of the desert. It has some amazing scenery, incredible costumes and these crazy Australian accents."
"It won the Oscar for Best Costume in '95 right?" Michelle asked as it suddenly clicked where she had heard the title before.
"No idea, I rented it from the video store a couple of years back and really enjoyed it. I thought it would be great to watch on the big screen and we could both certainly use a laugh right about now. How's this spot?" he asked pointing out a patch of grass at a reasonable viewing distance from the scene.
"Great. Did you remember a blanket?" she asked looking down at her light-coloured skirt. Squatting down and opening his backpack, Tony responded while removing the aforementioned item, "You don't mean to suggest that I would forget important operational details." After spreading out the blanket, he then proceeded to pull out a self-inflating camp sleeping mat.
"May I enquire as to the mission objective?"
Flopping down on the mat, he indicated for her to join him before answering, "That's need-to-know information." Settling onto the surprising comfortable mat, Michelle tried again, "Am I allowed to ask what's for dinner?"
"Yes, I think you'll find that you can."
Rolling her eyes and shaking her head at Tony and his smirk, she nevertheless watched as he began to pull a mountain of Tupperware containers out of his pack. He hadn't been joking about the five star menu; the spread included a range of cold cuts, every imaginable marinated vegetable, several different styles of salads and dips, as well as a loaf of crusty bread. Handing her a plastic plate and cutlery, he asked "Red or white?"
"You brought wine?" At this point she wasn't really sure why she was surprised by this fact; he'd obviously thought of all the details. "I prefer red, thanks."
"I have a great Pinot Noir with an intense cherry flavour; it's an Australian wine to get into the spirit of the film."
"You spent way too much time planning this date," she teased although rather flattered that he considered her worth all the attention.
Shrugging he replied, "Better than mediating what happened last week." Handing across a plastic wine cup, he enquired, "How are you holding out?"
Accepting the wine, she averted her eyes slightly while answering, "I'm fine."
Looking at her intently with the same look of disbelief as when she'd given this same response at George's funeral earlier, he gently placed down his wine and reached across to cup her face. Forcing her to meet his gaze, he uttered, "Do me a favour Michelle, if you don't want to talk about something or it's none of my business then say so but don't lie to me. Especially since you lie so badly", he added awkwardly in an attempt to lighten the situation but which only served to stress its solemness.
Meeting his intense gaze, Michelle could feel the pain of Nina's betrayal, and it sparked a desire to elevate his sorrow. "I'm sorry, I wasn't trying to deceive you. I'm just afraid that if I admit to all the pain, even to myself, I wont be able to deal with it", she confessed.
Moving his hand from her face to around her shoulders he pulled her closer towards himself while stating, "Yes you could, you're the strongest, most capable person I know."
"Yeah, that's why I ended up crying in your arms in the middle of a hallway," she responded disparagingly.
"An eminent nuclear threat that you couldn't warn your family about, a bombing that killed thirty colleagues, watching Paula sacrificed for intel, seeing George deteriorate, working with the woman who ruined your brother's life, dealing with my stubborn, intimidating attitude while being forced to conspire with Jack. Not exactly your average, stress-free workday."
Although unable to think of anything else but these events for the past week, the enormity of the list, even discounting Tony's dripping sarcasm, was almost traumatic. With a soft sigh she commented, "It just seems like too much to cope with."
"It is. Just like enduring 24 hours from hell to save a city of 10 million from a nuclear bomb and thousands more from a groundless war. I also felt overwhelmed with fear and doubt that day, unfortunately I channelled my emotions into fighting, and losing, against you and Jack. "
"Jack certainly flattened you," she teased, deciding that they both could use a moment's respite.
"I'm pleased that someone can derive enjoyment from my misery," he grumbled jokingly. "Have some dinner; my mom, who also has the annoying tendency to be right, always says that things are better on a full stomach."
…
11:21 pm
As they arrived back at Michelle's apartment, she was saddened at the thought that their evening together was over. After their respective emotional confessions, and aided by the wine, they had spent much of the time before the film discussing the past week while eating their way though the veritable feast in front of them. It had been a great relief for each to talk about the pain, fear and guilt associated with those events and by the time the movie started a considerable weight was lifted from their shoulders. Snuggled against Tony's chest with an enormous bag of caramel popcorn, Michelle had greatly enjoyed laughing lightheartedly thought the hilariously funny film.
"I had a wonderful time tonight."
Turning in his seat to face her, Tony replied, "Me too. We have to do this again sometime. Real soon", he added softly leaning in to kiss her.
Five breathless minutes later, they said their goodbyes and Tony watched Michelle safely enter her apartment complex before driving off feeling the most alive and happy he had been in a very long time.
…
A/N: If my subtle references to Michelle's beginnings at CTU have made you curious, you'll find all the details to sate your curiosity in my previous story, 'Initiation by Fire'.