Author's Note: I have actually uploaded 3 chapters at once, so if you came straight to this one, you might have missed the other two. Start with "Chapter 8" from the drop down menu.
This is a very long fluffy chapter, with lots of Tony/Michelle hotness and love, considering how fairly angsty the rest of the story has been, I figured it needed a chapter like this.
Part Four:
Chapter 2- "Love Prevails"
-5 Months Later-
Tony opened the front door of their house and walked into the hallway. From the living room he could hear Michelle laughing and it brought a huge smile to his face. Over the past five months with a great deal of therapy and his support, Michelle had begun to deal the physiological aftermath of her time in the Chandler Plaza hotel. It had been a tough and gruelling few months, and was a real test of their marriage.
Michelle had not slept well, she was plagued by nightmares of the Chandler Plaza, people dying, her team, children, young couples and just about everyone else she saw meet their end in that place. She also had nightmares about her own death, but strangely it usually didn't involve the actual infection of the virus, but rather the aftermath of her passing, and how it affected Tony. There were also of course nightmares about her kidnapping by Saunders' men and everything associated with that. Some dark thoughts also caused her to dream of Tony going to prison for saving her life in a scenario where Max hadn't been able to intervene in her kidnapping.
She was fatigued and worn out, with the sleep deprivation bringing the expected physiologicaleffects; she was eating less which resulted in certain amount of weight loss. In what might have been considered an ironic scenario, her immune system had been weakened by all of this and she had become more prone to any colds and bugs that were going round, as a result.
Michelle used to laugh so much; she had a wonderful and quirky sense of humour. It was one of the things that Tony loved most about her. However, during those few months she had been too distraught and traumatised to laugh much.
One of the major difficulties of the past few months had been Michelle's significant lack of interest in intimacy; they hadn't had sex since the night before the day of the sting operation. Tony fully understood and respected that Michelle just needed time. However, at the same time, he did feel a little hurt at her rejection, making love to his wife was one of the most wonderful things in Tony's life, and not getting to do that was a little upsetting. All he wanted to do was to make her feel good and show how very much he loved her. Whenever he tried to initiate such relations and Michelle turned him down, it tore his heart out. It wasn't simply the case that he was frustrated at not getting laid.
There were times when she would just let him comfort her, allow him to hold her and reassure her when she was upset, or had woken from a nightmare. There were others when he knew he just had to give her space, sometimes she just needed to be alone. It was a balancing act that he came to accept and respect, no matter how much it pained him to leave her be. And ultimately, she would more often than not come and find him after a while anyway, often giving in to the need to be comforted by his loving embrace and soothing words.
There had been so many conflicting emotions during those several months that it had been a tough time for both.
However, that did not mean their love for one another had diminished in that time, on the contrary, working through the problems together had made their bond stronger than ever. Complete happiness may have been scarce in their lives during those few months, but love was there in abundance.
Michelle had her reasons for all this behaviour of course. It wasn't that she didn't want to make love to her husband on the contrary, she felt the exact same way as Tony, having sex with the man she loved was something wonderful that she truly treasured.
However, whenever Tony seemed to be taking things in that direction, Michelle felt strangely guilty. She felt as though she didn't have the right to enjoy all the pleasures of life. The survivor's guilt she felt was overwhelming which made embracing any such joys of life feel wrong; especially when so many others were no longer able to, or when their loved ones were still feeling a deep lingering grief.
That survivor's guilt also accounted for much of why she didn't laugh or make jokes as much as she used to. Michelle felt wrong for doing things like that when so many had perished or had their lives destroyed in that hell, that she had somehow survived.
Particularly difficult for Michelle was the fact that her team had gone into that Hotel due to her idea and her urging. Even though it hadn't been an outright order, Michelle still knew that if she hadn't made that suggestion there was a chance they'd have waited for NHS to get there and would all be alive as a result.
However, for the past few weeks she had been improving. Her sleep pattern had become more regular asthe nightmares were becoming less frequent thanks to the techniques employed in her therapy and of course the support of her husband. The therapy had helped her to deal with the guilt she was feeling at surviving and she had gradually begun to accept that it wasn't wrong to embrace the chance that fate had given her to continue living her life to the fullest. For the first time in agesMichelle had become flirtatious with her husband, the level of physical affection she showed him had become more intense, she'd not felt the same guilt of the past few months if he caressed her sensually and intimately, and she was less hesitant to return such affection. She had smiled and laughed a lot more, especially in Tony's company.
Today had been her last therapy session and Michelle had insisted that Tony go into work and not be there to support her like he so often would. She told him that as things were now being wrapped up in terms of her treatment, she really didn't need him. However, that had really been a ruse. Her session had ended earlier than she told Tony and Michelle had spent the rest of the morning shopping and preparing a special evening for them.
Tony was home for lunch, having spent most of the morning at the office of their new security company and going through the recruitment process to hire staff. Even with everything they had been through the one thing Michelle had insisted on was kicking things off with regard to starting their company as soon as possible, so for the past six weeks they had been working to get everything organised.
Tony walked into the living room and found Michelle watching some DVDs.
"Hey sweetheart," he announced, kissing her lightly on the lips.
"Hi Babe" Michelle replied giving him a huge smile and standing up, wrapping her arms around her husband and pausing the DVD.
"What are you watching?" Tony inquired.
"Father Ted" Michelle replied, referring to the British/Irish sitcom that she became a fan of through relatives in the UK and Michelle had bought the complete series box-set. "It's the episode where Father Ted is accidentally offends the Chinese community of Craggy Island" she added.
"Oh yeah, that's a good one; I love the part with the hamster going across the floor on his bike" Tony said.
"Yeah" Michelle replied giggling. "Anyway, how did it go this morning?" She inquired putting the TV into standby.
"Good. There have been one or two promising candidates" Tony replied
"Which ones?"
"After lunch I'll show you" Tony replied. "I'm famished right now."
"Okay" Michelle smiled.
Once they had both eaten, Tony produced a couple of files which Michelle read through. "I agree, they sound great." She looked over at her husband who was smiling, seemingly lost in thought "What is it?" Michelle asked him.
"I'm just remembering the day George and I interviewed you for CTU" Tony replied. "When you walked in, I couldn't believe my eyes. I had never seen anyone more beautiful in my life." Tony said, blushing slightly.
"Yeah, right!" Michelle replied. "You're just saying that to see if flattery will result in you getting lucky" she finished teasingly.
"No!" Tony replied firmly. "I really mean it!"
Michelle looked at him; she found the genuinely wounded look on his face, at the thought that she might doubt the sincerity of his loving compliments, to be rather adorable.
"Hey," Michelle began, "I was only joking." She kissed him several times on the lips. Then she shifted position, straddling him. "Hello there" Tony said, trying to keep his tone serious and hide his amusement.
"Hi, yourself" Michelle replied giving him a wicked grin.
"Is there something I can help you with?" Tony asked, intentionally avoiding eye-contact and pretending to be more interested in the paperwork he was reading.
"We're going to have sex tonight" Michelle said completely casually.
Tony just about choked on the tea he was sipping "What?!" He blurted out, completely shocked at the way, Michelle had just dropped such a statement into their conversation without warning.
"You know, sex!" Michelle replied. "Where you take that thing." She added, pointing south of his belt "And you put it…"
"Yes!!" Tony said cutting her off. "I know what it means" he finished, his voice filled with well meaning and light hearted sarcasm "It's just hearing you say that came a little out the blue" Tony started. "Seriously, Curly-Head, give me some freaking warning when you're going to do that" he finished, finding it harder to stay serious.
Michelle just looked at him, and then she put her mouth to his ear, and whispered. "Now, you just sit and relax and I'll tell you all the things that I'm going to do to you when you get home tonight." Michelle said, with a naughty grin. She then proceeded to tell Tony in erotic and explicit detail, leaving nothing to the imagination, all of the things that she had in store for him when he got home that evening. Her tone was seductive and aroused and her breath was hot. Tony was ready to crawl out of his skin with all the emotions he was feeling. He was so happy to see Michelle acting like this; she was truly back to her old self again. And of course very excited by the words she was whispering.
Michelle finished her erotic and explicit descriptions and kissed him firmly on the lips, loving the happy and excited expression on his face. "I guess you liked the sound of that" she said, cocking her head to one side, with a slightly ditzy expression and wiggled her eyebrows ridiculously at him. Tony smiled at seeing how much her quirky sense of humour had returned.
"Is that a trick question?" he replied with a huge grin.
"Well of course it is, Almeida" Michelle said in mock irritation. "I'm sitting firmly in your lap, straddling you. Believe me; I'm all too aware of how much you liked the sound of that."
Tony gave her a naughty grin, before sliding his hands under her tank-top; he was just about to let his hands wander, when she slapped them away. "Easy Tiger" Michelle said, trying to keep serious, but the amusement nevertheless evident on her face. "Save it for tonight" she finished, smiling wickedly at him.
"But I want you now!" Tony pleaded, with mock sadness.
"Geez, get a control of yourself you sex addict" she replied rolling her eyes in mock irritation.
"Aw come on..." Tony pleaded "Besides, you started it. You know you want me too."
"Oh, Yes, I do want you baby, so bad" Michelle replied, her voice seductive, her breath hot. "But it will be so much more special if we wait until tonight. I have something very special and romantic planned for us" she finished, looking deep into his eyes, making Tony melt at seeing the intensity of the passion and love shown in hers. He was so happy that her eyes showed such emotion again, they had been empty for so long, and Michelle with empty, cold, eyes, wasn't right.
She was the light-hearted, quirky one; the one who could be serious, focused even mildly detached at work, but outside of work and at home she was the one who acted the fool, who made him laugh with the simplest of gestures, was affectionate and expressive in her love. She was the light of his life. Yet, for so long since that fateful day, she wasn't much like her old self. The memories and the ghosts too haunting for her to truly be the person she always was.
But, she was now. She had gotten through it, dealt with it, but not forgotten it. She would never and could never do that, however, it was behind her, and she had moved on.
That made him deliriously happy; he was delighted that she had returned to her old self.
"Okay" Tony finally replied. "Besides, I have to get back to the office, the rest of the interview panel and I need to talk things over."
They both stood up, Tony hugged Michelle tightly, and gazed into her beautiful eyes, running his fingers through her hair. "My God, I love you" he sighed "I love you so much 'Chelle." He nuzzled her neck and took a few seconds to savour the sweet smell of her skin; he was so content in her presence, so happy when he held her in his arms.
"I love you too, Tony" Michelle replied. She sighed contentedly, when he slid one hand underneath the back of her tank-top. He gently caressed her back whilst nuzzling her neck and whispering beautiful, loving words in her ear. She absolutely loved the way he was so affectionate with her, so expressive of his love for her.
Michelle had never been with anyone who treated her quite like that, not until Tony. It hadn't taken long in their relationship, before he started to be that affectionate. Even now, over three years later, she was still as completely overwhelmed by it, but in a good way.
It baffled Michelle, how some women could feel "smothered" as they would so eloquently put it, by this kind of affection from a man. She could never believe her luck that she had found someone who treated her so well. She had been in relationships before where the man wouldn't be anything like the way Tony was.
They didn't whisper beautiful words, or touch her so affectionately. Well, certainly not with the wonderful, passionate intensity that Tony did. And he didn't do it, for the rather selfish reasons, of trying to get 'one thing' from her. It was truly about making her feel good, to make her feel loved, to show his utter devotion. The sincerity of which was shown in his eyes and something she could never doubt. It was one of the reasons she loved him so much, he treated her like a goddess. She felt so loved and adored by him.
Michelle kissed him passionately, pulling his head in with her hand; he did the same, placing one hand at the side or her face, lightly stroking her cheek with his thumb. As they broke the kiss, Tony, tugged on her lower lip the way that he always would. Even that morning after the Nuclear Bomb had gone off, when they shared that first kiss in the corridor of CTU, he tugged on her lower lip. And he never failed to do so every time after that.
Resting her forehead against his, gazing into his eyes, Michelle smiled happily; she nuzzled his neck, and whispered into his ear. "I love you, Oh sweetheart, I love you so much".
"I love you too" Tony replied, kissing her a couple of more times before turning and heading for the door. Walking after him, Michelle held onto his left hand with both of hers. He turned and looked over his shoulder at her "Text me when you're leaving the office and I'll make my final preparations" Michelle whispered seductively
"Okay, I will" he replied.
"I'll be waiting on you, Lover" Michelle added, her tone even more seductive and clearly aroused.
Michelle waved, at him as he headed out. Tony closed the door behind him, taking one last glance at his beautiful wife. He headed to his car, already grinning like an idiot, eagerly anticipating what was in store for him when he got home that night.
Michelle turned and headed down the hall, deciding she would work out for a while and go for a run. Unable to stop smiling, she too, couldn't wait for Tony to get home that night.
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As he left the small office of their company, Tony fished out his cell-phone and sent his wife a text message to say that he was on his way home. He tried his level best not to let his imagination run riot as to what she had in store for him, and what they were going to do when he got home. He most certainly didn't want to be distracted from the road by dirty thoughts. He chuckled to himself at the mental image of telling a Highway Patrol Officer, what he had been thinking about instead of concentrating on his speed limit, or what side of the free-way he was on, in the event of an accident.
Climbing in, he gunned the engine, and headed out of the lot.
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Michelle headed into the bedroom as soon as she'd received the text. She knew she'd have just enough time to take a quick shower, and get ready.
Once showered, Michelle emerged from their on-suite bathroom; she smiled to herself as she admired her naked body in the full length mirror. She was so confident about her beauty, and felt so genuinely sexy. Mostly because of the beautiful words Tony whispered to her, and just the way that he looked at her.
She took pride in her appearance, and her body. She worked out frequently, went for a run as often as possible, and also went swimming, and she had a very fit well toned physique as a result. Michelle thought for a moment about being totally naked when she greeted Tony as he came in. She knew he'd love that, and she'd love doing it for him. However, in the end, Michelle decided to go with the original plan. She had gone to special efforts that day and was not about to let them go to waste. Michelle opened some of the shopping bags she had brought home that morning and took out the sexy lingerie. Going over to her wardrobe, Michelle picked out one of her favourite robes, well it was probably more accurate to say that it was one of Tony's favourite robes on her, and that's why she wanted to wear it tonight.
Putting on everything she needed to wear, Michelle picked out one of her CDs and put it into the player. She then fished out the necessary items to add one last romantic touch to their evening.
Confident she was ready; Michelle went to the living room and awaited Tony's arrival.
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Tony walked through the door to find the lights dimmed and candles lining the corridor and stairs towards the master bedroom. He could hear soft romantic music playing. Grinning, he advanced down the hall, but suddenly he stopped dead in his tracks as Michelle walked out of the living room and stood against the door frame.
Tony's jaw promptly dropped to the floor, she was wearing a silk robe with oriental dragons on it, the background was red and the dragons were gold in colour and the robe had a black trim the belt was also black. It was one she had picked up when they had visited her relatives in Japan on their first anniversary. It suited Michelle perfectly. The design enhanced her exotic beauty; the creamy skin-tone that was a result of her mixed heritage, her deep, dark almond shaped eyes, and her thick mass of reddish brown curls, all added up to make her a very sultry, sexy woman, thus the sultry design of the robe complimented her beauty perfectly.
Tony was rooted to the spot, staring at her. Michelle smiled sweetly at her husband and advanced towards him. Still he remained motionless, feeling his face flush a little; as his heart rate began to quicken. He could feel that he was already becoming aroused… It still amazed him to this day that she could do that; she could excite him so easily and so quickly. The attraction he felt toward her was stronger than he had ever felt for anybody else. There had been times at CTU, even before they got together, where he wondered if she knew just what she was doing to him standing so close, allowing him to smell her perfume, feel her brushing against him and her breath on his neck. It had accounted for a large part of the slight awkwardness he felt in her presence, such as the time when they practically collided after he got up from his station, just after she had told him about the inter-agency announcement, the morning of the nuclear bomb threat. Michelle was able to drive him absolutely crazy with desire with seemingly little effort.
Finally, Michelle reached him and whispered "Hey."
"Hey sweetheart" Tony replied, the then proceeded to take her into his arms and kiss her deeply. He pushed her lips apart with his tongue causing Michelle to moan and open her mouth to receive it. Intense tongue play followed before Michelle finally broke off the kiss and let them both up for air. Tony nuzzled the crook of her neck, closing his eyes and taking a few minutes to enjoy the sweet smell of her skin. "I love you" he sighed softly into her ear.
Michelle beamed happily at those words. Before pulling out of their embrace she took both of his hands in hers and looked into his eyes. "I know I haven't been much of a wife to you in the past 5 months..." Michelle began, but was cut off by her husband. "Hey" he started releasing his hands from hers and taking her face into them. "Don't you dare say that, you have always been and always will be a perfect wife." He paused for a second looking into her eyes to ensure that his words sank in. "Nothing will change that, not even the way that these past few months have been so tough."
Michelle smiled sweetly at him before replying "Okay, perhaps it was a poor choice of words, but my point is the same, the past few months haven't exactly been as good as we're used to, and it has been so long since we made love, because of the way I've been. I want tonight to make up for the way things have been for the past five months, for the times I've been cold, distant, or however I was. I know you understand my reasons for being that way, and that you aren't bitter or angry about it, but I still want to do this. I want tonight to be a happy loving night, a memory we'll treasure. I want it to be really special for us both" Michelle finished pressing her lips lightly against his.
"Okay" Tony replied simply, gazing longingly into her dark almond shaped eyes.
Michelle nodded and turned around, "Come on" she whispered softly and seductively before taking his hand in hers and leading him towards their room.
As they walked in, Michelle stood by the bed and waited for Tony to close the door.
The room was bathed in candlelight and there was a bottle of champagne on ice on the bedside table. The bed-sheets were brand new, red satin ones; the same soft romantic music was playing.
"Wow" Tony exclaimed "You didn't have to do all this 'Chelle, it must have taken you ages to set up."
"I know," Michelle replied. "But I wanted to" She added with a dazzling smile.
"Hey, I'm not complaining" "When's the champagne for?"
"For afterwards" Michelle started before continuing with a naughty grin. "But, before, then, you can use some of the ice on my naked body if you want" Michelle threw him a wink and giggled.
Tony beamed happily "It's so good to see your sense of humour back, 'Chelle. I haven't seen you so happy in a long time, and that means everything to me."
Michelle just smiled and blushed a little, "Come here" she whispered holding out her hand. Tony took it and pulled her in close to him. He pressed his lips to hers, and soon they were both lost in passionate tongue play. Tony broke off the kiss and nuzzled the crook of her neck again. He then rested his forehead against hers, gazed into her eyes and said softly, "I love you, Curly-Head, you're my whole life, there is nothing in this world more precious to me than you are. Even in the past few months my life has been better than it ever was before I met you. I don't know what the future has in store for us, but there is one thing I can be certain of, and that's the fact that I will love you more with each passing day. I adore you my perfect wife." He untied her robe as he spoke letting it fall to the floor. He stepped back for a moment, and was in awe, Michelle stood before him in red lace bra and panties, which she had purchased especially for that night.
Tony scanned her body, her well toned stomach, soft smooth slender legs. Her hair was down, and her luscious curls fell across her shoulders. Her beautiful dark almond shaped eyes, sparkled with happiness and were filled with passion, love and desire. It was the exact same passion, love and desire that he felt for her.
Soon intense foreplay began. With Tony making sure Michelle felt as good as possible. Tony gazed up at her, seeing the love and adoration in her beautiful dark almond shaped eyes, and knowing it was a look saved only for him, made him feel a mixture of love, excitement and flattery all at once.
He whispered beautiful loving words into her ear, "You are so beautiful, so sexy, and so perfect, I just can't find the words to tell you how stunning you are." Then he smothered his wife's lips with his own.
As their loving foreplay continued, Michelle knew that he was touching her in a way that only a lover would. The utter patience and devotion put in to pleasuring her, was almost an act of worship, something that could only come from true love and adoration. That knowledge made the emotions Michelle was feeling as intense as the physical pleasure coursing through her body.
It wasn't long until Tony's attentions had achieved the desired result. Once she had managed to catch her breath, Michelle whispered "Oh my God, Tony that was amazing, I love you baby" she sighed with delight, looking over at him, with a loving smile.
Tony took one look at Michelle and smiled; he ran his hands across her naked body, paying extra attention to her breasts, before moving downwards, stroking her inner thighs and then working his way back up again.
His eyes, filled with the lust and desire that he felt for her, hungrily scanned her body. Tony sighed contentedly at the sight of his incredibly beautiful wife, whilst running his hands across her, "My God, you are so beautiful, the most beautiful woman ever to grace the Earth. You have such beautiful, luscious hair and the most entrancing dark eyes." Tony placed several kisses on Michelle's soft full lips, and looked lovingly into her eyes, as she smiled up at him, before he continued "Such soft smooth skin, these perfect, round, soft, firm breasts." Tony grinned at Michelle half adoringly, half cheekily, before once more lavishing her breasts with kisses. Finally, he worked his way lower and spoke again "You have an amazingly well toned stomach, a wonderfully feminine hourglass waist." Tony moved lower still, his touches becoming even more intimate, making Michelle feel fantastic.
Soon the foreplay changed to blissful, slow and tender love making. For a short while they both lay perfectly still, gazing into one another's eyes, not moving, choosing to relish the intimacy of their union itself.
This moment was wonderful for both of them, their union, made them feel connected spiritually as well as physically.
For Tony, it was a pleasure that just five months ago he had feared he would never experience again. Being intimately joined with his beloved now, was almost like a wonderful dream but it was the knowledge that it was in fact, reality, which made it all the more delightful.
Being able to enjoy this pleasure in life, made them both realise that after all the hell they had been through in the past several months, they were still there for each other.
Whilst they made love Tony started to whisper beautiful, loving words, whilst his hands caressed every inch of Michelle's body "My beautiful Michelle, I love you so deeply. I've never loved anyone as much as I love you. I adore you more each day; I know the reason that I was put on this Earth was to love you. You make my life complete."
Michelle was too overwhelmed by the intense physical pleasure surging through her body and the emotional bliss at the loving words her husband was whispering to respond verbally. However, everything Tony needed to know was shown in her eyes, and they expressed more than words ever could.
The physical pleasure she was feeling along with the joy at the beautiful, loving words he whispered, made her realise just how much he loved her. The pure love she could see in his eyes, the way in which he spoke to her, the way that he looked at her and the way that he touched her reminded her of just how precious she was to him.
Michelle felt wanted, loved and needed by this man. And knowing how strongly she returned those feelings, made her think that maybe, just maybe, it was okay to be happy and grateful she had lived. And that embracing all the joys of life wasn't wrong.
Soon they both went over the edge together, neither having experienced such intense satisfaction and pleasure before, even in all the time they'd been together. It was probably a combination of all the emotions they were feeling that made it so special or maybe it was something else. Neither really cared about the reasons, they were just revelling in how overwhelmingly good it had all felt.
The afterglow of their lovemaking was always special for both of them, however, tonight it was even more so. It was the serenity that made it so much better than normal. After the hell they had been through in the past five months, the things they had been through, the sites they had seen, lying together now, tenderly caressing one another and their bodies still tingling after their intense and satisfying lovemaking was blissfully calm and peaceful.
Michelle reached over for the champagne and poured them each a glass, proposing a toast in the process. "To us, and our future together, may it be happy, prosperous and filled with love" she declared.
"To us" Tony replied simply as they clinked their glasses together and they took a sip. "The rest of it will happen, I guarantee it. Our future will be wonderful, you mark my words." He paused to just nuzzle his wife's ear and the crook of her neck. "Oh, I love you, Michelle" he sighed. "I love you more than I could ever adequately tell you."
Michelle turned to kiss him, her beautiful dark almond shaped eyes filled with love and adoration. "I love you too sweetheart" she replied. They kissed several more times. The couple remained snuggled up together, Tony stroking and caressing Michelle all over, as she rested her head on his shoulder, with her back pressed up against his chest. " 'Chelle" he began.
"Yeah?" she replied softly
"Err… What do you think about us err…um…" Tony said, fumbling for words and clearly blushing. Michelle turned around to face him and cocked her head to one side, with a huge smile "Why are you going shy on me?" she asked him sweetly "I'm your wife. What could you be too embarrassed to talk about with me?" She finished teasingly, knowing full well that even after all this time together, Tony would often get like this; it was, in fact, one of the very things she loved about him.
"Err…um…what…what do you think about us trying for a baby?" he said still blushing
"You mean right now?" She said teasingly "It's only been fifteen minutes, you may be good, but even you can't rise to the occasion again that soon" Michelle giggled.
"No. I don't mean right now" Tony replied in mock irritation "But soon."
"Correct me if I'm wrong but isn't it traditionally supposed to be the woman who gets broody?" Michele continued to tease him.
"And you wonder why I was a bit shy to say it." Tony told her. "I'm being serious, 'Chelle"
Michelle smiled at him and rested her hand on his cheek "Okay, teasing aside. Tell me what's on your mind."
"I was thinking about our future and everything" Tony started.
"Go on" Michelle said encouraging him
"And I just realised that if there's anything this past year has taught us, it's that life is short and you never know what tomorrow might bring."
"So you think that we should start trying for a family as soon as possible?" Michelle inquired.
"Well probably not straight away, considering everything else that's going on with the company and such, but perhaps a year maybe two" Tony replied.
"I'd agree with that, this is a pretty big gamble we're taking so I'd prefer to wait until we have some financial stability before thinking about brining a baby into the world" Michelle replied. "Also, I'd quite like the idea of having a couple of years where it's just the two of us, without CTU always hanging over us. I want us to have weekends away, holidays etc, you know the kind of things most couples do together in the first few years of marriage, but we never did because of our jobs" she added.
"You have a point there. CTU did limit what we could do in our time off" Tony agreed. "It would be nice to have some time to spend with just each other."
Michelle smiled at him and snuggled closer. "But now that we're on the subject, how big would you want our family to eventually be?" Michelle asked. "I don't think we've ever really sat and had a full, no holds barred discussion about trying for a baby, or having a family in general. It was always something put very much on the back burner because of the nature of our jobs."
"I don't know for sure, in all honesty, I think that decision should mostly be yours, it's your body after all. It's you who will carry them, so how many we have is up to you" Tony replied.
"I was thinking maybe two, preferably one of each. But as much as I appreciate your gesture to leave the decision up to me, you have a say in this too. You're my husband and I love you. If you want more than two children, I'd be delighted to give them to you." Michelle beamed happily and kissed her husband several times.
For a few moments Tony nuzzled the crook of her neck, and then eventually replied. "That's sweet of you. Actually I think that two children would be ideal. I'd certainly love to have a son, but so long as they're healthy, I'd be happy."
For a few more minutes he and Michelle tenderly kissed and caressed one another.
"We'll talk about it even more when we think it's time to start the ball rolling" Michelle said to him.
"Now, I don't know about you but I'm famished. Do you want to order some take out?" Michelle asked.
"Sure, how about.." Tony started, but Michelle cut him off.
"Chinese? I bet that's what you were going to say." Michelle giggled.
"Maybe I'd have said something else" Tony replied rolling his eyes.
"Come on sweetie, you were going to say Chinese" Michelle continued to tease him, giggling all the more, but throwing her husband a wink.
"Fine, you're right, I was going to say Chinese" Tony relented, pretending to pout.
"See I told you. You're so predictable, Almeida. I can read your mind."
"Oh can you?" Tony asked her, then suddenly, without warning, pushed her down onto the bed and pinned her. Tony then began to tickle Michelle mercilessly, causing her to laugh so hard she could barely breathe.
"Funny, you didn't predict that I would do that" Tony grinned at her.
"Stop it, Tony," Michelle just about managed to get out. "I mean it, Almeida, let me go this instant" Michelle said in between fits of the giggles, pretending to struggle but really enjoying every second of her husband's playful show of affection. Eventually Tony let her go. Michelle looked up at with a giant smile, and for a few minutes they just lay caressing each-other and kissing tenderly.
"Come on honey" Michelle said sitting up, "Time to order some food." She walked across the room. Michelle looked over at Tony who was ogling her naked form. "Like what you see Almeida?" She asked teasingly "Hell yes" Tony replied with a giant grin. "You have a killer body; you're so dam sexy" he added with a wink. Michelle blushed a little as she retrieved her panties and wiggled them on. She then slipped her robe back on and turned to face Tony. "Come on lover" she said with a smile. Tony nodded and climbed out of the bed. After quickly getting dressed, he joined his beautiful wife who was leaning against the doorframe waiting for him. "And I was enjoying watching your naked body" Tony said pretending to sulk. Michelle giggled "Well later you can do more than just look at it" she whispered seductively. "But right now, I need to eat".
Tony put his arm around her and they made their way down to the living room.
Michelle phoned in their order and 20 minutes later, Tony answered the delivery man who had brought it. It wasn't long until the Almeidas were enjoying their meal, constantly flirting with one another all the while.
Once their meal was finished they migrated to the living room. "Do you want to put on a DVD, sweetie?" Michelle asked.
"Sure" Tony said "How about some CSI?" he grinned.
"Oh great have you ogling Sara Sidle, that's just what I need for a romantic evening." Michelle replied in mock annoyance.
"Oh whatever" Tony grinned.
Michelle winked at him and whispered "Just kidding babe" before walking over to the tall rack that held just part of their DVD collection.
"Which Season?" she asked looking back over her shoulder at him.
"Maybe Season 1 and Season 5" he replied.
"Okay" Michelle said before fetching the necessary box-sets. She brought them over "Well, which episodes?" she asked.
Tony grinned "'Sex, Lies and Larvae' from Season 1 and then 'Nesting Dolls' from Season 5."
Michelle rolled her eyes. "Why am I not surprised?" She said trying to stay serious, but her smile obvious to see on her face nonetheless. "You and your Sara Sidle obsession, Mr. Almeida" she added with a wink and a smirk.
"Well they are some of her best episodes" Tony replied chuckling to himself.
Michelle put the disk with "'Sex, Lies and Larvae'" into the machine and selected the episode from the menu. They sat on the couch and snuggled up with each other. "I love you 'Curly-Head" Tony whispered nuzzling the crook of her neck briefly.
"Here comes your favourite scene" Michelle announced indicating the scene where the characters of Gil Grissom, Sara Sidle, and Jim Brass were processing the home of suspect Scott Shelton. After a few minutes Shelton grabbed Sara's arm roughly, making her lose her cool and push him off of her furiously, needing to be held back before she totally lost it.
"I have to admit" Michelle started "I do love how strongly Sara is written and portrayed; her feisty attitude is so much more realistic than the weak damsel in distress you usually get on TV."
"Yeah, that's why I love her. Sara is complex and engaging. She can handle herself, not at all the dull stereotypical weak woman many female characters in TV and movies are" Tony agreed. "I also love how passionate she is about her job and gets angry when justice isn't served. So refreshing to see a female character made to be so intriguing" he added.
"Agreed, it's awesome to see" Michelle commented.
"Plus she's just hot as hell" Tony said with a grin, causing Michelle to nudge him in the ribs and smirk a little.
They soon swapped disks so that they could watch the next episode. Michelle giggled at the scene where Sara answered back to her superior Conrad Ecklie "You know she may be the only CSI in the lab who doesn't take crap from that guy. He reminds me so much of Brad Hammond, such a bureaucratic jerk."
"You see" Tony started when the scene with Sara revealing her life long dark secret to Grissom came on, "This is what's so great about this show, it took them five years to reveal that, real good 'slow burn' storyline, showing how great they are at character development."
Soon the second episode was over. Michelle kissed Tony several times before getting up and heading for the kitchen to make a pot of tea.
"'Chelle wait" Tony called "Look at this news report."
Michelle turned round and looked at the screen. It was about their former boss, Brad Hammond, who had been on trial for treason for his actions five months earlier. Even though they had been called in to testify at in the early stages of it, with everything going on in their own lives recently, Tony and Michelle had completely forgotten that his trial should be reaching a conclusion any time soon.
The Fox News reporter announced:
"The treason hearing against Bradley Hammond, the former federal agent who was coerced into helping a terrorist cell infiltrate a secure government building, was brought to a close today with the defendant being sentenced to death. Mr Hammond provided codes to terrorists who assaulted CTU-Los Angeles, to liberate their leader Stephen Saunders. Saunders was the man behind the release of the Cordeilla Virus at the Chandler Plaza hotel 5 months ago and the assault on CTU was part of an elaborate plan to take him from custody. Mr Hammond provided the terrorists with the access codes for the CTU building in order to save his daughter who Saunders' men had kidnapped. In doing so he put the country at risk from Stephen Saunders who would most likely have continued to threaten the US had his liberation been a success.Hammond, selfishly put his daughter's life ahead of national security, and consequently was convicted of treason against the United States. He was taken into federal to remain on death row until his execution."
"Death penalty is a bit harsh" Tony said "He was only doing what any man in his position would have wanted to."
"That's probably true" Michelle commented "He was doing it to protect his daughter, who must be devastated by this. But even though, I don't think I'd go so far as to say I want him dead. Neither, can I bring myself to be totally sorry for him, not after everything he has done to us." Michelle paused for a while, to gather her thoughts, there were so many conflicting emotions at this news, she wasn't entirely certain of what she thought. "I just keep thinking when I was kidnapped by Saunders. I guarantee you, Tony; Hammond would not have hesitated for a second to send you to prison if you had been forced to choose me that morning, had Max not saved my life. And don't forget he wanted me transferred to field-ops in Little Rock. After the way he's treated us, you especially, and how he's constantly tried to tear us apart since we announced our relationship, we don't owe him too many of our sympathies" Michelle said sternly but not angrily.
"You do have a point about that," Tony said "I'm not sure this news, has gone so far as to have seriously upset me, but it does make me feel a little sad" he finished
"Me too," Michelle replied "Still though, my main point is he wouldn't have sat feeling sorry for you, if the roles were reversed and you were being sentenced to death today. As awful as the situation he was put in must have been, I don't think that you should forget how far up his own ass Brad was when slapping you down when you sometimes followed your heart and not your duty." Michelle finished, sitting on the armrest next to her husband, running her fingers through the back of his scalp, the way he always loved her to.
"You're right," Tony admitted "but I still think they should have gone for a lesser sentence, life without parole, 20 years, anything but execution. No matter how he treated us, when he made that decision that afternoon it was as a father. But enough about him, Hammond and CTU are out of our lives so let's change the subject."
Michelle nodded in agreement and placed a quick kiss on her husband's lips. "I'll go make the tea, then we can put on a movie for a couple of hours" she announced.
"You want to choose this time?" Tony asked.
"Maybe, we'll see" Michelle said.
She soon returned with the tea and poured some into Tony's, square shaped, spotted mug. She had bought him the mug one Christmas, thinking that he would hate it. In fact he loved it, it was his second favourite after his Cubs Mug, largely due to the fact that she had bought it for him, but also because it looked so different from everything else they had at home, and the staff at CTU had in the office.
"Okay, we watched CSI because you wanted to," Michelle grinned. "My turn to chose a DVD." She put the CSI box-sets back into the rack and picked out a movie she wanted to watch, aware that Tony probably wouldn't want to. "Captain Corelli's Mandolin!"
Tony pretended to moan "Why do you we have to watch that?"
"Because it's my choice sweetie" Michelle replied, in cute, slightly ditzy voice before putting the disk in the machine. She walked back over to the couch and snuggled up into Tony's arms.
"I'm just teasing you 'Chelle," Tony said. "I don't care what's on so long as I can hold you in my arms like this." He nuzzled the crook of her neck and caressed her. "I love you so much, Curly-Head" Tony sighed taking in scent of her thick mass of reddish brown curls, as he ran his fingers through them.
"That's really sweet, Almeida" Michelle replied, kissing him several times. "And seeing as you like running your hands all over me so much, I'm going to make it even more fun for you" she added in deep seductive tone. Michelle slipped her robe back off knowing that her husband wouldn't be able to resist running his hands all over her naked body. Tony wasted no time at all, soon his hands were wandering all over Michelle's body causing her to sigh with satisfaction and contentment, happy to be touched in such a deeply affectionate and intimate way by her husband.
The couple continued to watch the movie, although Tony was for the most part, more interested in watching his beautiful wife.
When the movie was over, the pair snuggled up with each-other and started making small talk. "It's a shame that Jack withdrew so much after Kim's death" Michelle commented. "I don't think he's spoken to anyone since."
"Yeah" Tony agreed. "I think that goes to show what CTU can do to people and why it's so good that we got out of it."
"True, it's an awful tragic turn of events when a man accidentally kills his own daughter in a fire-fight, and breaks contact with all his friends because he's so overwhelmed with grief. It makes me realise how fortunate we were that day. I'm so glad we left CTU. I know I'll never regret it, not with knowing how much happier our lives are going to be away from there" Michelle commented.
"That's so true. Everything bad that happened that day really changed our priorities for the better. We had spent long enough doing our duty and it was time for a change" Tony added.
"Yeah, I think as much hell as we went through; the one good thing to come from it all was that it gave us the conviction to finally put our relationship, each other, and ourselves first for once. I doubt we'd have been able to continue there, without something truly devastating, that would destroy us, eventually happening. What happened to Jack is proof of that" Michelle said rather solemnly. "But we've talked about all that so much in the past few months, let's change the subject."
For a while they talked about anything that came to mind, sports, celebs and any other cheerful subject.
Tony soon began to place kisses all over Michelle's body, causing her to sigh with satisfaction. She turned and gave him a naughty grin. "How about some more sex?" Michelle whispered seductively.
"Do you have to ask?" he replied cheekily.
Michelle giggled at that and stood up. She grabbed his hands and pulled him closer to edge of the couch, getting him just where she wanted him to be. This time it was Michelle's turn to initiate some very intense foreplay, spending a long time giving her beloved husband intense pleasure. Tony loved the things that his wife was doing to him. The devotion she put into giving him intense physical pleasure made him feel special and loved. The actions were erotic, but the love behind them was pure and innocent. After what seemed like a blissful eternity, their foreplay turned into intense lovemaking; with Michelle in control and putting a lot of her efforts into making her husband feel good, returning the favour from several hours earlier. She knew just how to pleasure him, years of being together made her instinctively aware of how to touch him, the rhythm to use in their lovemaking that would give him the most pleasure. The words she whispered were a mixture of erotic, explicit, romantic, and loving. Michelle knew her words would excite Tony and turn him on even more, as well as make it clear how she felt about him. She gazed into his eyes throughout their lovemaking, intensifying the intimacy that was always like soul searing electricity between them.
It wasn't all that long until Michelle sent Tony over the edge, and she didn't stop until everything had subsided. When it was all over, she relaxed against him; he embraced her tightly and caressed her body, whispering beautiful words in her ear, as they once more enjoyed the afterglow of their lovemaking. "You are the best thing that ever happened to me" Tony sighed contentedly. "I can't even tell you how much I love you" He looked into her beautiful, dark, almond eyes and traced his fingers along the light freckles on her nose. "I love you so much, Tony" Michelle replied kissing him tenderly, her eyes showing true, pure and tender love. "Thank you for all the support you've given me in the past several months; I couldn't have done it without you" she said firmly, placing one hand on his cheek.
Tony nodded in acknowledgment but added "I'm your husband and you're my wife; it's my job to help you through the tough times." He kissed her several times and continued "Curly-Head, there is nothing in this world that is more important to me than you are. You are my whole life, your happiness and well being comes before anything. And nothing, absolutely nothing whatsoever, is more precious to me than you are." Michelle felt herself getting misty eyed, overwhelmed by the words he spoke to her, and the sincerity in his eyes when he said them.
"I know, but there must have been times when I wasn't the easiest person to have to live with. I'm sure there were times that I yelled at you or pushed you away a little. But you stuck by me, and I'd just like to thank you and show my gratitude for being so patient."
"Don't mention it" Tony said simply, before adding with a naughty grin "and I think you've shown your gratitude more than once tonight."
Michelle smirked and slapped his arm. "Sex maniac" she giggled causing Tony to laugh as well. "Seriously," Tony started "you don't need to apologise for how you were sometimes or say thank you for my standing by you. You had your reasons for being that way and I understand. But you've gotten through it and managed to put it behind you; I'm just glad that you're happy again"
Michelle didn't need to say anything more, she just nodded enthusiastically. Standing up, she held out her hand to him "Come on babe, let's go to bed, I'm beat."
Tony smiled and stood, "Okay, so long as I get to snuggle up with you."
"Always" Michelle replied simply.
"Good, because I can't sleep without you wrapped tightly in my arms" Tony added with a big smile and blushing slightly. Michelle just gave him a wink and led him to the bedroom.
Once there she changed into a black lace night gown that she knew drove Tony wild. She pulled back the covers and climbed, in. Tony was quickly getting changed. He turned and looked at his wife. "Damn you are so sexy" he sighed.
"Come on Lover," Michelle smiled at him and patted the bed. "Snuggle up with me so we can get some sleep."
Tony smiled at his wife and did as asked. He climbed into bed, and immediately she spooned him into her. Wrapping his wife snugly in his arms, Tony slid one hand underneath her nightgown and tenderly stroked her back. Michelle let out a contented and happy sigh, relaxing as she enjoyed her husband's tender affections and was soon fast asleep.
Tony reached over momentarily and tapped the bedside lamp a couple of times, dimming it. Whilst Michelle might have been a woman heavily trained in unarmed combat, a gutsy federal agent well versed in the use of several weapons, and field techniques in general, she had a lifelong fear of the dark. At least that was the best way to sum it up; she wasn't morbidly terrified of it, just made her very uncomfortable and un-nerved.
So ever since being a child, she had always slept with the light on, albeit a very dim light, but one on nonetheless. Tony remembered when she had first told him, she was worried he'd laugh at her, or think less of her. On the contrary there was something about it he found adorable, and was flattered by the idea that he was the only person in the world who knew about it.
That train of thought caused Tony to reminisce about his and Michelle's history and their lives together.
He remembered when they had first moved in together, and when he had bought these bedside lamps.
It had been a long day at CTU, but neither of them had wanted to put off finishing moving their stuff into the house they had bought together, just after their engagement. They were just about done, after a week of gradually transporting stuff from their respective apartments; Tony had put in two regular bed side lamps. Michelle realised that the main light in the room, couldn't be dimmed, however, she insisted that it didn't matter and that it was about time she tried to get over her silly phobia anyway.
Tony would hear none of it, and immediately set out to the store to buy some bedside lamps that could be dimmed. Even though he still hadn't eaten much and was tired from the long day, not to mention that by the time he got there, only ten minutes were left until closing time. The store's staff weren't all that happy, but Tony didn't care. That night would be his and Michelle's first night in their first home together and he was going to make sure his fiancé felt as safe and secure as possible.
Tony loved Michelle more than anything; he would do anything to protect her, and make her feel safe. He knew that morning had Max not saved Michelle; he would have chosen to comply with Saunders to save her. No matter how "selfish" it may have been considered, he didn't care. He loved her too much to put anyone or anything else first. So, it was little wonder, that he would never have thought less of her for being scared of the dark; everyone had something they were scared of, even his strong, courageous, and gutsy wife.
Also, Tony had his own fears. He never really liked the absolute quiet and silence, he didn't like being in an empty house. Never in his life had he felt as safe as when he was in Michelle's arms and holding her close to him. When she wasn't around he would often stay up watching DVDs or TV until fairly late, as he hated lying awake in total silence, knowing no-one else was in the house. He also had the same cuddly toy from when he was a kid, a fact that Michelle found to be incredibly sweet and cute. The toy, a stuffed pig to be precise, still sat on the chair underneath the window, where he laid his clothes out every night.
Michelle and Tony had always felt comfortable sharing such little secrets with each other. They each knew that the other wouldn't judge them for it, or make fun of them, even though there might be a little light-hearted and well meaning teasing about it. They hadn't felt like that with the other people they had been involved with.
When Tony had told Nina about "Piggy" she had scoffed and contemptuously told him he was pathetic and to grow up.
If Tony was to be honest with himself, Nina had always been chipping away at his pride and confidence. He had pretty much wanted out of the relationship by the day of the events surrounding Palmer anyway. Ultimately, it was the thought that such an unpleasant relationship had all been a lie the whole time, which really hurt him upon discovering Nina's betrayal.
Whereas, when he told Michelle about "Piggy", she told him she found the idea adorable. And that there was something sweet and pretty sexy about a grown man, who wasn't too "macho" to admit to such things. Michelle loved Tony with all her heart and soul, a trait like that was part of who she loved, therefore, she could never find fault with it.
Generally, Michelle was the total opposite of Nina in almost every way. There were some things they had in common; both were highly intelligent, strong and courageous. No matter what Nina had done, no one could take that away from her. However, those were about the only things she and Michelle had in common.
Tony's mind drifted back to when he and Michelle first met, to those early days of working together where the sexual tension between them was indescribably intense.
Tony remembered that for the couple of months between when Nina had been arrested and when Michelle was hired. He had hated coming into work, mostly because he knew so many people were talking about him.
He had considered phoning in sick the day that he and George would be conducting interviews; such an event would only draw all the more attention to what Nina had done to everyone, and of course to him. He thought he would then hand in his resignation a few days later. For some unknown reason though, he had decided against it. The first couple of candidates had been men, and they had been relatively impressive. Michelle, the third candidate's resume, was infinitely more impressive than those of the two men. That worried Tony a little, the last thing he wanted was new woman around the office. However, when Michelle walked in all dread at the possibility of her being hired, vanished. She was so beautiful, Tony was in awe. She was professionally dressed in a Navy Business suit, and silk blouse. With her hair tied up leaving, several curls framing her face, her dark almond shaped eyes showed total confidence and self assuredness. Somewhat involuntarily Tony smiled broadly at her, his eyes sparkling, and just sat staring at her. Michelle caught his gaze and smiled back in a genuine, sweet, and friendly way, making him blush feverishly, clearly, catching George's attention, who had made one his trademark sarcastic comments about it afterwards when they were alone.
Every day, going into CTU after Michelle had started working there, was enjoyable. Tony had quickly come to enjoy the friendly banter that passed between them, when first arriving each morning or in the break-room. He also loved to discreetly ogle her, but there were a few times she'd catch him looking, especially in meetings, and when she did she would often give him that same smile she had at her interview, and it nearly always elicited the same response. It was such situations that Tony had been referring to when commenting to Michelle "there's been something hanging between us since you started here" when he spoke to her about asking him out, on the day of the nuke
Bringing his thoughts back to the present, he lay for several minutes watching his wife sleep, mesmerised by how beautiful she was, and how peaceful she looked. Tony felt so grateful he hadn't called in sick that fateful day four years ago or handed in his resignation. If he had, he never would have met Michelle at her interview, and would most likely have been gone by the time her first day rolled round a fort-night later. In staying on at CTU, he had met the love of his life, and was enormously grateful to the job for that.
For several more minutes, he continued to watch her, and then he snuggled closer, holding her in his arms. "I love you Curly-Head" he whispered softly into her ear, even though he knew she wouldn't hear. Closing his eyes, soothed by the feeling of Michelle's warm body against his, Tony was soon in blissful contented sleep.