Thanks for the feedback and tips I do need them so keep them coming.

Hope you will enjoy chapter two.

Chapter 2

Four years ago…

Michael walked along the long halls of Division and into the operator room. Stepping inside Birkhoff was typing away on his computer along with the other Division IT technicians.
Not wanting to waste any time he had to know now "Did you hear anything from Nikita? How did her mission go?"

The computer expert slowly turned his chair around to face Michael, a smirk plastered on his face. "It's always about Nikki with you huh Mikey."

Michael narrowed his eyebrows at the smart mouthed hacker, he didn't like it when people pushed his weak spots.
Why did I ask Birkhoff again?

Knowing his friend long enough to figure out when to stop his teasing Birkoff stood up from his chair and patted Michael on the back "Don't worry Mikey, when you were on your mission I made sure Nikki was safe," he readjusted his glasses and smiled at his friend "You know Nikki can take care of herself, she is like the female terminator, but better looking… and with a nice ass… and a nice set of t-"

"Ok ok I get your point King-pervert, she is fine!" Michael cut him off raising his hands to Birkhoff in a defensive matter, waving him off of any further information.

The hacker just grinned one of his goofy grins and stuffed his hands into the pockets of his baggy skater jeans, while Michael turned his attention to the recruits training behind him.

From the operation room they could keep an eye on the new recruits, the glass being blinded from one side. Giving Percy the opportunity to spy on the new agents every now and then in his tight schedule.

Curious of what Michael was looking at, Birkhoff turned his eyes to the training room too.

He had to look twice at what he saw "Jeesh Mikey do you see Stella!" one hand pointing at her and his eyes not moving from the bendy girl, who was doing a handstand while her legs were out in a split.

Michael raised one eyebrow and looked at his Division friend who was staring at Stella in awe with his mouth slightly open.

He rolled his eyes "Don't even think about it Birkhoff, I don't want to hear any of your lewd thoughts." Stopping him beforehand "Yes in these past four months Stella has shown a lot of potential. She would make a great stealth agent, perfect for sneaking and infiltration missions."

The computer genius did not blink once as Stella's legs went even further down. That wasn't humanly possible, was it?

"I didn't know she could do that?" He asked Michael, still not moving his eyes away from her.

Michael pushed his hands into the pockets of his black trousers while turning his head back to the trainees "If you ever turned your attention away from your computer screen for maybe two seconds sometimes you would."

With complete control and composure she slowly put her feet back on the ground bending her body as she did so and stood up. Her balance was perfect. She had total control over every limb.

Birkhoff swallowed audible and still couldn't believe his eyes. In all these year of working here at Division he had never seen anyone do that. He did know Stella quite a bit, but didn't know she had such… interesting talents. It would be even harder now to keep his mind from thinking lewd thoughts about her.

Around lunch time she would sit with them. She was a good friend of Nikita and wherever Michael was there was Nikita.

She was a cute young lady. Big brown greenish eyes with straight medium length chocolate brown hair stopping right above her collarbone. So yes she was very attractive, just like all of the female agents in Division. But not as tall as Nikita or the others. Her build was slender but curvy and around 5 feet and 4 inches (1.63 cm) tall she was one of the smallest recruits.

Though there was her cup-size… With a full C cup on such a small and tiny girl it was the first thing any man saw when looking at Stella.

Birkhoff knew better than to tease her with it, with lightning speed she would hit you over the head. The hacker had experienced that a few times himself.

He did fancy the small girl quite a bit. But he knew the rules, at Division he could look but he couldn't touch. So he settled for verbal spars and fun conversations with her around lunch time. She was fun to hang around with and easy going.

Stella's attention moved to the elevator when she saw the light next to it turning orange.
Grabbing her vest off the ground she walked over to it and waited for the doors to open. The light on the side of the doors changed from orange into green and the doors slid open, revealing Nikita behind them.

Stella smiled at her friend and gave Nikita a hug "I know you have to report immediately but I just had to see you before you do." She explained letting her go.

Michael sighed softly to himself. Glad seeing she wasn't beaten up like last time.

Nikita smiled back and nodded at the slightly younger recruit "You know I would never leave you alone back here with Michael and the nerd." She gave Stella a wink and walked through the training room and into the hallway, ready to see Amanda for debriefing.

"Birkhoff," Percy's voice rang through the operation room and bringing both agents back out of their thoughts.

The hacker cleared his throat "Yes, sir?"

"I need you back in your computer lab to examine this laptop we stole for an important client." His eyes bore into the cyber intruder "And this is like I said, very important so no fooling around, I'll sent you a file about the information we need to obtain from it."

Birkhoff swallowed and nodded a affirmative.

Percy's eyes turned to Michael "Michael you come with me." He commanded and walked out of the operation room.

The two friends shared a look and went back to work.

Back to the now…

After explaining the situation to Owen, Nikita slumped down into one of the big plushy chairs and let out a deep sigh.

"When Percy said to me that he had stationed her somewhere far away, for permanent inside spying, I never thought Stella could be one of the guardians." Michael said while he rubbed his forehead.

Nikita looked at him, sadness written all over her pretty features "I know… And I always thought that it would be best for her, that she would be safe." She shook her head "He always was very secretive over her. Birkhoff tried to track her down one time, but he could never find any information at all."

Returning from the kitchen Owen gave Michael a bottle of beer and a glass of water to Nikita "So do we have to fight her now? Is she the enemy?" he started taking a gulp of his Heineken.

Nikita sighed "I don't know. Maybe we could just find her, explain the situation and try to persuade her to join us…" she mused.

Michael let out a deep breath "If only it were that simple…"

Nikita was silent and stared at the coffee table in front of her, sitting up straight she locked eyes with Michael "Well we do have someone on our side she once cared deeply for…"

Switching back to 3 years and 10 months ago…

Peeping her head through the doorway she smiled at the sight in front of her. She knew that he would be in here.

He looked cute hunched over his keyboard like that, all focused on the screen before him with his lips slightly pursed. She really liked him. He was funny, sweet and he was different than all the other men around here. Ok so he wasn't all buffed up, but she didn't like that anyway. What would a small girl like her do with an enormous guy full of muscles. In fact that thought kind of scared her.
No she definitely preferred the size of Birkhoff. He was tall enough for her, and although he was the head computer expert of Division, he still had to train every now and then to keep him in shape and prepared for anything. She knew he hid some pretty shaped up arms underneath that shirt when she once walked in on him, shirtless. Oh the look on his face when he saw her standing there all innocent looking. He couldn't speak to her without blushing for weeks.

Yeah in the seven months she had been here they had grown close together.

Like spending time with him playing video games on his big battered leather couch. She never won though, but it was fun to try. Also seeing him happy and all smug as he rubbed his victory into her face made the days at Division a lot more tolerable. He even fell asleep on her lap one time when Percy was overworking him with shady assignments she never heard anything of. She smiled at that memory. He looked so cute and at peace at that time.

But her face fell.

She was going to miss him… She was going to miss all of them. Nikita, Michael and Birkhoff.

She walked down the few steps of the small stairway which made his head turn to the clicking of heals in his computer lab.

He smiled at how different she looked. The last few months Stella had shown much potential and Percy said she would be an official agent soon. She would be seeing the outside world again.

In that time Amanda had changed her wardrobe from the usual gray recruit sweatpants and shirt, to some more… interesting types of clothing.

He scanned her physique from top to bottom and settled his eyes back on hers. She was wearing a simple white blouse with the first few buttons on top open, giving him a very nice view at her cleavage, that in her case was impossible to miss. Glancing more downward her waist looked so tiny in that black skirt that hugged her delicate frame. It was a simple business outfit but oh so sexy at the same time.

She walked closer to him, her black stilettos clicking as she did, a small smile on her face.

He felt his heart beating faster.

Damnit keep yourself calm Birkhoff, be smooth in front of the hot chick!

The nervousness happened a lot around her lately. He didn't like it. His stomach would feel funny and he even was at loss of words sometime. That never occurred to the witty Seymour Birkhoff before. Never ever.

Keeping his composure he tilted his head back a little to look up to her from his chair.

"Hey Stel, you look really hot-" he abruptly cut his sentence off "I-I mean beautiful!" he stammered cursing himself. A small blush appeared on his cheeks.

Real smooth Birkhoff, way to go!

Trying to avert his eyes he awkwardly started fiddling with the lid of his Redbull can while looking at it, making a clunking sound every time he let the lid bounce back.

Stella only smiled at his discomfort, she loved the effect she had on him. But as soon as she remembered why she was here her smile turned into a sad one.

When he heard no remark and saw no movement he turned his eyes back on her. But he wasn't prepared for what he was about to face. He came sight to sight with big brownish eyes glistering slightly with unshed tears.

He stood up abruptly "Stella, if it's something I said or did I'm sorry-" but she cut him off before he could finish.

His face was full of worry when she started explaining "No, silly. I'm just here to say goodbye…" her voice was soft and almost trembling as her eyes were still locked on his dark blue ones in front of her. Swallowing she traced his jaw line with her fingers, loving the feel of his beard underneath them. Her eyes traveled over his face, taking in every inch of him. He really was attractive, that cute nose, his brown hair with the few stubborn strands, that would fall in front of his face every now and then. Making him run a hand through his hair forcing the strands back in place. Making him look even more sexy in her eyes as he did so.
And those full rosy lips. His mouth was always so kissable, she always wondered how sweet he would taste. With the amount of sugar he daily consumed, he must taste like stirring your tongue in bag full of candies or something, mixed with some strawberry flavor from the Twizzlers.

Searching for confirmation he found the answer in those emotional green brown eyes. She wasn't lying about leaving him.

"For how long?" He closed his eyes and swallowed hard.

Please say you'll come back to me…

"I can't promise you anything." She answered honestly, looking guilty.

Can't promise me anything huh… That one sentence changed his mood instantly.

He nodded slowly as he sat back down in his chair behind his computer "Ok, well good luck then." He said in an emotionless voice turning his eyes back on his screen. A stoic look was on his face.

She was shocked and her eyes became even more teary as she shook his arm gently "Seymour don't be like this, you know I can't do anything about it." her voice was raising and a helpless tone rang to it.

He pulled his arm back from her with more aggression than he intended to "I know that Stella! Just what do you want me do to about it? Why are you even here?" he spat back at her. Angry, confused. This was not what he wanted. He was not prepared for this.

"Is this really the way you want to end this Seymour?" she pleaded. Please just take me in your arms and say no.

There was no response. It was all silence.

She licked her dry lips and sniffled, but she wouldn't cry. She promised herself she wouldn't . Not knowing how to answer his questions she pulled him close and instead of trying to say how she was feeling, she showed him.

Catching him off guard she cupped his chin in her hand and turned his head towards her, pressing her lips onto his in a tight firm kiss. It only lasted for a few seconds and when Birkhoff even knew what was happening he saw her walking out of his computer lab, and out of his life.

He swallowed and licked his lips. What the hell just happened? Why was his heart beating so fast? Why was he feeling all these mixed emotions? Anger, confusion, sadness and even happiness? Was that last one because of that kiss?

He groaned and grabbed his head between his hands while closing his eyes. He would force these feelings away. They were useless anyway. She was gone, and never coming back. Division was right, there is no room for feelings when you work here. They only bring you bad times.

He wanted to run after her, take her in his arms and tell her everything would be okay. He would rescue her from Division and free her. But he didn't, because he couldn't… He felt useless, he couldn't save her and that made him raging mad.

No he forced his emotions away. Stocked away somewhere deep within him and he threw away the key of it.

Taking a huge gulp from his Redbull he smacked the can down on his desk and cracked his knuckles. He had more important things to do than this.

Back to now again…

Running a hand through his hair Birkhoff checked himself out in the full length mirror of his ridiculously large closet door.

Grinning he was satisfied at what he saw. After Nikita and Michael left for Owen he reclaimed some of his long lost hours of sleep. After that he took a hot shower, trimmed his beard and dressed himself in some fresh clean clothes.

Reapplying his gold watch, gold bracelet and golden rings he was back to himself and good as new. Being a cocky bastard like Birkhoff, showing others that you are rich and successful with expensive jewelry, over the top cars and ridiculously overly priced clothes was normal routine.

He was the infamous Shadow walker after all. Back in the old days, feared by every government instance. Something he would never stop bragging about until he died.

Straightening his designer T-shirt underneath his flannel vest he took one last look at himself.

Being sure he looked more than just good, he jogged down the stairs and started rummaging through his liquor collection. If there weren't any Redbull's left, strong liquor would be the next best option, next to an extreme sugary espresso. Opening a bottle of something that looked like it cost him twelve grand he poured himself a glass.

It was expensive, so the stuff had to be good.

About to take a sip, the alarm on his computer went off. Rolling his eyes he put his glass down and walked over to the computer. It was only Alex. Opening the front door he came eye to eye with Alexandra Udinov.

"Hey Birkoff, sorry I'm late but I was busy being the messenger girl between Percy and Amanda." She explained tiredly. "I did some groceries though on my way over here." She slightly raised the large paper bag clutched between her arms while she smiled at him happily.

He didn't move aside to let her through, his face remained blank "Did you buy any energy drinks?" he asked eying her skeptically.

"Of course!" she chirped.

He beamed at her "Well don't just stand there come inside!" He motioned with his arms to her while stepping aside so she could enter.

"Thanks!" she said unaware of his sudden invitation. She walked in and dumped the bag on the kitchen counter. Sweeping her sleeve across her forehead she let her eyes wander through the living room "Where are Nikita and Michael off to?"

Rummaging through the bag he found the Redbull six-pack "There with Owen right now, if they were able to keep their hands off each other long enough," he ripped one can out of the cardboard package "So it's just you and me here babe." he drawled winking at the Russian beauty while he opened his can of Redbull.

Alex smiled at the computer expert and shook her head. Meanwhile Birkoff already downed half of the can and let out a deep breath "Aahh high levels of sugar, taurine and caffeine. What more can a guy ask for?"

Turning her pretty head around Alex tried to answer that question "A hot girlfriend?"

Grinning wolfishly at her he countered "Why do I need that when I have you?"

She raised her eyebrows en pursed her lips "Because technically you don't have me." She grinned.

He feigned looking hurt "I don't? Well that explains the Redbull addiction for all these years. Funny how that started when I was kidnapped by Division." He said in an over dramatic way "The look but don't touch rule does make a man desperate for something."

Giggling she started unpacking the grocery bag "Didn't the girls of Amsterdam cover that problem?"

Narrowing his eyes and pursing his lips he took another sip of his beverage "That was just this one time… Is that going to follow me into my grave now? It will never be good enough to replace the real thing you know." he muttered.

Finished unpacking, Alex neatly folded the paper bag and stuffed it into a drawer, making Birkoff raise his eyebrows at that "What the hell are you going to do with that? Make a batman mask so you can go undercover in Gotham city?" She tried to look annoyed with him but it failed when she couldn't held back her laughter. "Oh Birkhoff please stop, you can't be serious about anything can you?" she said when her laughter subsided.

He gave her a seductive glance "Well I can be serious about some things…" he eyed her up and down smirking.

Alex rolled her eyes but couldn't stop the smile from reappearing on her face. As much as she wanted to deny it, these teasing conversations between her and Birkhoff always cheered her up.

She knew he was just playing around, being his annoying Seymour self. If he even tried thinking about Alex in that way, Nikita would feed him to Amanda, alive.
Birkhoff was just, Birkhoff. He loved pissing people off, push their buttons until they explode, being the goofy and funny guy you could always go to if you wanted a verbal spar or a quick laugh. She also knew that deep underneath the joking around, there was a very caring and selfless Birkhoff. Only showing himself in troubled times or when you needed him to. So if something did ever happened to you, he will be there for you. Saving your ass, no matter how many times he claimed he wouldn't.

Alex awoke from her thoughts when she heard a bleep-bleep coming from the computer.

"That must be Michael calling for more condoms," Birkhoff commented lazily, putting his beverage on the kitchen counter and sat down in his black chair.

Opening up the request call Alex had walked over and stood behind him bending over his shoulder. Nikita popped up on the screen "Hey Nerd, Hi Alex," she waved "Everything okay back there?"

The two of them nodded, Alex looking happy and Birkhoff looking bored.

"Good." She hesitated "Birkhoff we kind of have a problem here. And… we need your help."

He pursed his lips and rolled his dark colored eyes "Alright tell me the situation and I'll save your ass." He cracked his knuckles, ready for some hacking action.

The Asian beauty gave him a sympathetic look "Well you see, not that kind of help." She swallowed "We were kind of hoping you could talk to an old friend for us."

He scratched his temple confused "What? Why? Just talk to him yourself."

Nikita sighed giving up on bringing this information into the conversation softly "We found one of the guardians." She started as she swallowed again while Birkhoff was still waiting for a logical explanation for all of this.

"The guardian of the black box is not a he, it's a she…" again there was a short silence between them.

Nikita looked him straight into the eyes.

"It's Stella."

Right the end of chapter two. Tell me how I did.