Sean did wind up asking Alex to help Michael keep the proposal from Nikita. And Alex did end up helping plan how he was going to pop the question. Michael hadn't even gotten the ring yet. But she took complete control of the operation, planning everything. He shouldn't have been as surprised or annoyed as he was. She was simply excited for her friends. Her excitement also rubbed off on Sean, which lessened the overprotective third degree Michael was getting. A few days after he had floated the proposal idea, practically everything was set. All that was left was the ring, but Sean had the solution to that, "Sean, this is beautiful. Where'd you get it?"
"It's Nikita's. The girls in our family get a ring when they're born. Or, in Nikki's case, adopted. It doesn't have to be her engagement ring. But I thought she should have it back. At least for you to know what size she is," As he handed the old family ring to Michael, Sean replied to Alex. He had been reminded of the tradition when he had heard his sisters talking about a ring for his niece. Nikita's own ring had been kept after she had 'died', sitting on a shelf with one of her better pictures. Sean saw it and grabbed it. It'd find a better place on her finger.
"Did she love this ring?" Examining the gold diamond ring, Michael wondered. He couldn't imagine Nikita wearing it. That was mostly because he had never seen her wear a ring. But also, she had never mentioned the family tradition. She probably didn't deem it that important. Even Sean didn't make it out to be that big of a deal; it was simply something they did. Regardless, Michael continued to study the piece of jewelry, hoping for inspiration. If Nikita liked the design, he could find an engagement ring just like it. He already had some ideas.
"I don't remember her wearing it that much once it fit her. All I know is that she really liked that the diamonds look kinda blue," Sean shrugged. Once in the light, the diamond on the ring had a faint blue glint to it. That was what caught Alex's eye in the first place. It made the simple jewelry seem all that more elegant. Though, she could understand why Nikita didn't wear it as a teenager. It looked more like the heirloom it was supposed to be than anything fashionable. She kind of hoped Michael got her something else for her engagement. The ring should be as beautiful, just way more romantic and less involved in family history.
Michael had the same thoughts. In fact, he knew exactly what ring to buy. Sean had asked him to tag along when he bought a necklace for Alex. He was supposed to help the poor Seal pick out something the young woman would cherish, but he was distracted by the ring display instead. One ring in particular had him mesmerized. It had a sparkling silver band and a stunning diamond setting that glittered blue in the light. The only reason he didn't buy it immediately was because he wanted to be certain it was perfect. He was certain then, "Hold onto this until she can go home. I don't want your sisters to think it went missing. Besides, I have the perfect ring."
"Ohmygod! Ohmygod, okay. Now all we need is to finalize the plan," Alex did try to keep her voice down. But the three were secluded in the storage locker, and it was just so exciting. Years ago, she never would've thought that she, or Nikita, or anyone else who had ever suffered at the hands of Division would have a chance at a happily ever after. It never seemed possible until then. With Percy dead, Amanda gone, and a new Division under way, though, anything was possible. They could all have their happily ever afters soon.
"We? Shouldn't this just be between me and Nikita?" Although Michael was excited to get a jumpstart on his happiness and freedom with Nikita, he wanted to slow Alex down. First of all, it was his proposal to his girlfriend; he should be the one planning and finalizing the details. Second, as much as he loved his friends' input, he had his own ideas in mind. That didn't seem to matter to Alex and Sean, however. Their friends' happiness was their happiness as well. And, if the other couple could manage to carve out a life together despite the chaos and drama the two had been through, then so could they.
As Alex and Sean (mostly Alex) rambled, Michael sighed. He'd just focus on what he could control, like buying the perfect engagement ring and twisting whatever was planned to better fit him and Nikita. Trying their best to keep the proposal a secret, the three met in the storage locker for a few more days. Secrecy was one idea Michael easily agreed with. He wanted to surprise Nikita for once; he wanted her in absolute awe. Their sneaking started to become obvious, however. Someone was going to catch on. After all, Birkhoff was able to notice that they were up to something, "Mind telling me about that secret meeting with Sean and Alex?"
"Mind telling me where Sonya went?" Michael deflected. He had joined the hacker in Ops because of a supposed update on one of their rogues. He didn't need to be suddenly questioned about what he and Nikita's best friend and brother were scheming. If Birkhoff knew, then word would undoubtedly reach Nikita. There was no way he could keep that to himself. Michael had to distract him from what was occurring. Sonya seemed like a good topic change. Despite the nerds' kiss and attempt at a relationship, she disappeared from his side in the last couple of weeks. It seemed so sudden and confusing.
"Ryan's pretty sure we got a hit on a Dirty Thirty. Nikita's not answering her phone. Want to go get her?" And Birkhoff had no answer for what had happened with Sonya. He decided to ignore the topic completely instead of telling Michael that. The bewilderment of what he possibly could've done wrong to send her away hurt. Maybe if he talked about it, it wouldn't sting as much. But he really wasn't in the place to bring it up at that moment. The stress of a new mission was enough to occupy his mind. The Dirty Thirty had to become his priority.
"You just don't want to piss Nikita off like you pissed off Sonya," Teasing lightly, Michael thought a joke would lift the hacker's spirits. Birkhoff only briefly smiled, however. It was worse between the two nerds than the agent had thought. However, he didn't get the chance to delve into it then. He was briefed on the new information about one of their rogues. Martin, an agent who had been on extended assignment in Hong Kong, popped back up on their radar after he had cut out his tracker months ago. He had been seen with a CIA agent before he was poisoned. The team had to bring Martin back into the fold before he could cause more damage.
After hearing the intel a morose Birkhoff had for him, Michael went to find Nikita. Of course she wasn't answering her phone. She had decided to go to the yoga studio by their apartment that morning instead of returning to Division. Her boyfriend couldn't blame her. She deserved a quiet sense of normalcy before they started their missions again. Yoga helped battle the lingering anxiety continuing their crusade caused, and it helped her feel normal. She could relax with the practice, and attempt to make friends afterwards, "Yeah. I'd love to get tea…"
"Nikita, you're needed back at the office," Unfortunately, normalcy didn't last long. As Nikita talked and giggled with women from her yoga class, Michael drove up and interrupted. She gave him a sidelong glance, and he simply raised his eyebrows. She couldn't ignore him, nor could she keep escaping from Division. She was needed for a new and important mission. Awkwardly waving goodbye to the friends she had tried to make, the former rogue climbed into the car. Her boyfriend gave the women a quick wave as well before he drove off.
"I was making friends," Somewhat annoyed at the interruption, Nikita rolled her eyes. As glad as she was that a mission would soon be under way and the team could make actual strides in shutting down Division, she wanted to remain in her blissful normalcy for a little while longer- at least long enough to drink some tea. She had almost forgotten what it was like to be normal. It had been so long, she never thought she'd experience it again. Relaxing yoga and laughing with strangers was just a taste of the life awaiting her. She had to reach it immediately.
"Oh no. What will your other friends think?" Michael couldn't help but flash his girlfriend his half-smile. He knew Nikita took her normalcy seriously. Although staying in Division and fighting for everyone to receive pardons and freedom had been her decision, she still wanted out of that war; she wanted to be home with all of her loved ones once more. He believed she'd have that chance soon, though. They'd all gather the Dirty Thirty in no time, and they'd all return home. Maybe it was the idea of proposing to the love of his life that made him so hopeful, but that hope had enough strength to carry him through the next round of drama.
"What has been with you lately?" She wanted to be irritated, but Nikita still glanced at Michael in amusement. He had been spending a lot of time with her brother lately. A part of her loved that the two had gotten so close. Sean had been so wary of her boyfriend when they first met. She was glad they had come a long way since that point. On the other hand, however, she didn't trust the two men teaming up against her. They were a terrible influence on one another when it came to teasing her. She wouldn't be able to handle all of their taunts.
"I'm just excited to start this new adventure with the woman I love," Once the car was stopped at a light, Michael leaned over to place a tender kiss on Nikita's cheek. His words and actions caused her to duck her head, blush, and smile like an idiot. Not only had he been more teasing and sarcastic lately, he had also been so incredibly sweet. He was possibly just swept up in the idea that their futures were so close. He couldn't help but be beyond excited and incredibly happy. Sharing that joy with his girlfriend made her want to kiss him excitedly in return. Once the two were alone and had the time, she'd express her joy with him as well.
"Me being an agent again really is a fantasy of yours," In the meantime, Nikita would simply recall an old joke. Michael burst out laughing in response. She laughed along with him, and the rest of their journey to Division was spent in light conversation. The giggles stopped the second they entered the underground bunker, however. Despite the months spent setting up the new Division, she wasn't used to being back in the hellhole. It didn't feel right. It all felt so strange. Even the reward of freedom wasn't enough to make her stick around that place for long.
Reassuring her, Michael promised how different everything would be. There wouldn't be pain, only success and reward. Nikita glanced at him warily again, but soon Birkhoff met the two and distracted her. As they moved to Ops and the nerd informed the former rogue of what was occurring, Alex quickly intercepted them. She pulled Michael aside without the others noticing, and hurriedly whispered, "Michael, change of plans. You're gonna propose at this fountain by your hotel in Hong Kong. You'll have to wait a few hours 'till sunset, but it'd be perfect. I even stashed the ring with the gear so Nikita doesn't find it."
"You write my speech down too?" Michael instantly scoffed. He studied the picture of a beautiful fountain Alex had shown him, attempting to catch up with what she was telling him. In the time it took him to bring Nikita to Division, it had been decided that the agents would stay in Hong Kong while they searched for Martin. Sean, Alex, and Alpha team (the combination recently dubbed 'Wolf Team') would meet Michael and Nikita later, providing backup as needed. That gave the agent time to finally propose to his girlfriend. They kept saying the continuation of their war wouldn't affect their lives anymore. They had to put that statement into action.
"Just speak from the heart, buddy," Sean joined the two, patting Michael's chest. The agent rolled his eyes and shoved the Seal away from him. Yet, that didn't dull his smile. He and Alex probably should've been more focused on their own ventures, but working together to help bring their friends and family joy made them ecstatic. Besides, she constantly wore the simple 'A' necklace he gave her, and they continued to go on light and breezy dates. Their relationship was moving slowly yet surely- their feelings for one another growing deeper and more serious. It didn't matter what they did, as long as they were together. That brought them enough joy.
"We'll be up with Alpha team a couple hours after you guys. That'll give you time to propose. Then afterwards, we'll celebrate," Despite Michael's annoyance at their interference, Alex continued. She wouldn't consider pushing the proposal plans for after the mission. The nearly engaged couple had waited long enough for a moment like that one. She had painfully witnessed the two being pulled away from a moment like that one. After everything the team fought for, a set happy ending was needed. What was better than their very own getting married.
"All while on a mission," Michael tried to stay annoyed. He wanted Alex to realize how ridiculous she was being with her plans and schemes. Hiding Nikita's engagement ring with their weapons and equipment alone was excessive. However, Michael couldn't help but feel absolutely ecstatic. He could see everything start to fall into place. He didn't doubt that Nikita would say 'yes'. The instant she saw the ring, she'd smile brilliantly. And he'd smile just as brightly once he saw her joy. It seemed so perfect, even considering the mission.
"What better way for two superspies to start their lives together," Shrugging, Alex admitted. She shared a smile with Sean. Both were swept in the thoughts of bringing their happily ever afters to them instead of simply chasing the idea. They were still fighting for their freedom, so why not make themselves beyond happy in the process. Of course Michael agreed with the two. He hurried to where Nikita had gone, his mind wandering with all the blissful possibilities ahead of them. He was going to have his life and new adventure with the woman he loved most. There was no doubt about it.