Set between seasons 2 & 3. Mikita's side of the fair date.
"Hey," Michael was so glad to find Nikita alone. He wrapped his arms around her waist and kissed her cheek. Despite the fact that she was doing inventory in the weapons locker, she instantly relaxed in his hold. Who cared about how much equipment Division had when she could have a moment with her boyfriend.
"Hey," Nikita tilted her head back to steal a kiss from Michael's lips. He tightened his arms around her. The two stayed like that for a long moment. It was a sense of calm amidst the whirlwind of ending a war. There was no hurry to do anything else.
"You wanna go on a date with me?" Husking in his girlfriend's ear, Michael couldn't hide the brilliant smile in his voice. While he was running errands for Ryan and Division (that was weird to think about again), he found the perfect place he wanted to take her. They'd have to change into something far more casual. But they were bound to have a great night once they escaped from the underground bunker.
Nikita's reply was instant. She turned around so fast, Michael had to back up so he wouldn't get hit. Her smile was bright, overjoyed, and completely contagious. She didn't have to say 'yes' or 'no' to the idea. He knew that she was all for it, "Where are we going?"
"There's a county fair not far from here. I was thinking we could go and have fun," Michael matched his girlfriend's grin. When he spotted the fair from the side of the road, he knew he had to take Nikita there. He wasn't much for crowds or loud hectic noises. But he knew she'd love the lights, food, and absolute fun they'd have together. He could put aside his discomfort for her. They deserved a carefree night, one not spent worrying about their future.
"I've never been to an amusement park," Gasping in excitement, Nikita nearly bounced on her toes. Sure, a county fair wasn't the same thing. But it had rides and games and attractions. That was all she needed for the full experience. Well, that and her boyfriend.
"I know. But now's your chance," Settling her with gentle hands on her waist, Michael chuckled. There was a lot Nikita had missed out on as a kid. So, he was determined to help make that up to her. Honestly, he'd do anything to make her smile and look at him with that spark in her golden brown eyes. If she was happy, then so was he- no matter how that came to be.
Immediately grabbing his hand, Nikita started to drag Michael out of Division. She abandoned her clipboard and her inventory task, her sole focus on going on an actual date with her boyfriend. He followed her seemingly mad dash out of Division, keeping pace with each step. Until they almost ran over Alex in the carport. She stilled the beaming couple with a bewildered look, "Where're you off to?"
"A county fair," Nikita never let go of Michael's hand. She held it tightly as she grinned lovingly at him. He smiled down at her. Although Alex rolled her eyes at the couple, both ignored her. They didn't care if she was annoyed or confused. That was their little moment, and she couldn't ruin it.
"It's like a pop up amusement park. For about a week, there's rides, games, attractions, then it all goes away," Fortunately, Sean was there to answer Alex's unasked question. It was a simple explanation, yet she beamed nonetheless. Michael and Nikita rolled their eyes that time.
"I've never been to an American amusement park. I'm in," Alex nodded enthusiastically, quickly butting in on Nikita's and Michael's plans. That instantly ripped them away from each other. As much fun as they had with their friends, the couple wanted to do something that was just them. After living together in safehouses, they deserved to have private moments in their relationship. Their friends weren't the only ones who hated when they walked in on them.
Sharing a knowing look, Michael and Nikita couldn't help but smile softly. It was cute that Alex was excited to be with friends. They'd just have to hang out at a different time, "Awesome. But you'll have to go by yourself. Cause Michael and I will be on a date."
Alex's disappointment was all over her face. She tried to fight it and smile. But she clearly was upset. Nikita felt a pang of guilt for leaving her best friend like that. She wanted to find a solution where they could all be happy. Luckily, she didn't have to. Sean was quick with a way to make Alex smile brightly, "Hey. I'll just go with you. It should be fun."
"Great, see you there," Leading his girlfriend away, Michael called over his shoulder. Nikita giggled. Alex was fine with Sean; actually, the two of them would be perfect finally going on a date together. Michael and Nikita could focus on themselves and have their own fun. The couple talked and joked the entire ride to the fair. They also kept their fingers interlocked. They didn't want to stop holding one another. There was no reason for them to let go. They could keep holding hands as Michael led Nikita through the fair, "What do you wanna do first?"
"The games are scams and a waste of money; I'm not doing that. But I do want to go on all the rides, eat all the food, and see all the attractions," Nikita decided easily. She'd rather not waste money on games she didn't know if she was going to win and for prizes she didn't want. She wanted to have fun with her boyfriend. Rollercoasters were definitely the way to do that.
"Rides first, then we'll eat as we watch stuff," Grinning, Michael started to lead Nikita towards the nearest rollercoaster. That plan was perfectly fine with him. Whatever made her happy he'd gladly follow.
"Yes! Come on!" Nikita pulled Michael after her as she raced ahead. He chuckled at her joy. The couple continued to laugh, talk, joke, and even shriek as they jumped from ride to ride. Something about the drops and loops made them smile even brighter. Maybe it was because they were experiencing the exhilaration together.
Eventually, Nikita led them to the centrifugal force ride in the middle of the fair. Michael was hesitant to get on it, but she insisted. Afterwards, as the two stumbled nauseated off the ride, she regretted her decision, "That was a mistake."
"Let's go on the Ferris wheel to calm down," Michael staggered towards the next attraction, hoping fresh air would settle his stomach. He knew the centrifugal force ride was a bad idea. Neither of them liked being trapped. Spinning so fast they were stuck against the sides unable to move was the worst ride for the two. Nikita had wanted to go on it, however, which meant he had to follow. At least she agreed with him about the Ferris wheel.
While the couple waited in line, Nikita took in the sights and sounds around her. She was captivated by all the laughter and bright lights. Michael wanted to enjoy all of that with her, yet another idea struck him. He snuck away as she was distracted, and returned to her just as it was their turn to ride. She didn't get her answer of what he was doing until their car stilled at the top of the Ferris wheel. She sighed, "Did you bribe the operator to stop us at the top?"
"And if I did?" Michael flashed her a crooked grin as he shrugged. It took a lot of convincing to have the ride operator stop them at the top of the wheel. Except, he knew Nikita would love the cliché gesture. He was a simple romantic, and that made her smile brightly.
"Cheesy," Although she rolled her eyes, Nikita kissed Michael sweetly. She looped her arms around his bicep and rested her head on his shoulder. He placed a tender kiss to her temple before laying his head atop hers. Her thumb swept across his arm, while his hand caressed her thigh. The couple stared at the stars on the horizon. Dreamy smiles pulled at their lips. Michael believed it was the perfect moment. The only thing that could possibly make it better was an engagement ring to place on her finger.
The thought was so sudden it made him freeze. Michael hadn't even known he wanted to propose until that moment. As he glanced at Nikita and she gave him a loving smile, however, he knew it was the perfect thing to do. The two wanted to spend their lives together. They had no intention of ever leaving one another's side. That didn't necessarily mean marriage. But he loved her so much, he had to consider the idea. The thought alone had him smiling brilliantly. He kissed his girlfriend once more. She echoed his happiness immediately.
Continuing to share tender kisses and gentle touches, Nikita and Michael were disappointed when they finally dropped from the top of the Ferris wheel. They would've loved to stay in that moment forever. The growl of their stomachs directed them towards other matters, however. Once they jumped into line at a food kiosk, he held her lovingly. She hummed in contentment. The two whispered jokes to one another, especially when they caught sight of Sean and Alex holding hands and blushing. Nikita couldn't help but make a teasing face at Alex.
When the young woman returned the expression, Michael laughed at Nikita. She rolled her eyes. It wasn't long before the couple had all the food and drinks they wanted. Instead of sitting to eat, however, they looked for a show to watch with their 'dinner'. Michael noticed a sign for a horse competition, and started towards it, "Hey, look. It's a little rodeo."
"Ooh. Assless chaps," Without thought, Nikita commented. She didn't necessarily care what they went and saw; though, cowboys did seem appealing.
"You're gonna look at other men's asses while I'm right here?" Michael glanced at his girlfriend in confusion. He was certain she was joking, so he replied with his own quip. However, when it came to Nikita's pranks, he never knew how far they extended.
"Well, no offense Michael. But you don't really have an ass," Far too proud of herself, Nikita smirked. Michael's retaliation was instant. He took her food and began to cross towards the trash can. Panicked, she chased after him, "No. I was kidding. I was kidding. Don't make me pay for my mistakes."
He ended up laughing and giving her back her food. Giggling with him, she couldn't glare at him for his actions. The two ate and watched the horse show, unable to stop with the teases and banter. It was like their need to hold one another. It was all Michael and Nikita could do. When they finished their 'dinner' and left the little rodeo, it was no different. He held her hand tightly as he walked with her across the fair, "Tunnel of Love, my Love?"
Despite her look of disgust at his terrible line and at the idea of going into the tunnel of love, Nikita began to pull her boyfriend towards it. He laughed as she deadpanned, "Yes."
Jokes at the cheesy ride's expense filled the couple's experience. Neither Nikita nor Michael found any romance in the tunnel, only humor. That worked better for them anyway. Their arms linked together as they continued walking. Eventually, Michael spotted a boxing game on an inflatable mat. He turned to Nikita, excited, "Sure you don't wanna play one game?"
"Oh. Get ready for ultimate destruction, Babe," Noticing the same game, Nikita taunted over her shoulder and raced ahead. Michael was close on her heels.
"And they say romance is dead," Michael and Nikita were soon geared up with inflatable gloves. The goal of the game was to simply knock the other person off the mat. With the agents' skills, they figured that'd lead to a long and fun sparring match. Instead, they went too fast, too hard. The two flew off of the bouncy mat together. While they laid on the ground, they nearly screamed with laughter. After that, it was definitely time for them to go home.
When they neared the exit, the crowd became too dense to walk through. Michael and Nikita had to walk single file just to keep going forward. She wasn't a fan of that. So, she stopped her boyfriend and hopped onto his back. He caught her easily and- though he rolled his eyes- helped her shift into a better piggyback position. The couple moved to their car far more quickly like that. They were able to catch up with Sean and Alex, who were holding hands. Nikita eyed her friends far too knowingly, "Fancy seeing you guys here."
"She got you carrying her prize for her?" Nodding towards the giant teddy bear draped across Sean's shoulders, Michael smirked. Nikita copied his grin from above his head.
"His name is Big Floof," Alex patted her bear with her free hand. Michael and Nikita managed to cast each other a look. She was making it so easy to make fun of her. She was cute and sweet, but also very young. The two could easily tease her like a little sister. However, they dropped it for the moment. They couldn't bring themselves to ruin her moment with Sean.
Nodding at Michael carrying Nikita the same way he carried Alex's bear, Sean flashed a wry grin. Was it ridiculous for the agent to get on the Seal for doing the exact same thing he was, probably. He didn't need to be teased too, though, "What's your prize's name? Nikita?"
"Michael, move me closer to Sean so I can kick his ass," Swatting at the Seal, Nikita glared. Michael just laughed. Not at Sean's comment (later, he'd get him back for jokingly calling Nikita a prize to be won), he chuckled at his girlfriend's antics. Even while receiving a piggyback ride, she tried to be as menacing as possible. Nothing undermined her confidence.
"You better run," Giggling, Alex warned. Nikita glared at Sean like she was going to murder him. If he wanted to save his life, he had to leave- or simply apologize.
"Come on," Holding tighter to her hand, Sean pulled Alex with him as he ran away from Nikita and Michael. The couple glanced confusedly at each other then at their friends' rapid retreat. They soon burst into laughter.
"I'll just do it later," With a roll of her eyes, Nikita decided. Making Sean pay for his comment when he least expected it would be better anyways. She could have more time to scheme. And, possibly more importantly, she wouldn't ruin anyone's date.
Although the two were in the thinning parking lot, Michael kept Nikita on his back. Her warm weight pressing into him was comforting. Giving her a piggyback ride also allowed him to hold her closer than just their hands could. He never wanted her to stray far, "Good. We don't want a murder on our perfect date."
"It really was perfect," Nikita kissed Michael's cheek. Suddenly, he hoisted her up higher. She shrieked and giggled, her arms circling tighter around him. He chuckled.
"Just like you," Michael managed to turn his head and return Nikita's kiss. His sincere compliment and love struck gaze made her blush. She ducked her head into his shoulder. Gently, he placed her legs on the ground. Her arms remained around his neck. He turned so he could place his hands on her waist. Then, he kissed her. He kissed her so passionately, she couldn't refute his claim about her perfection. She kissed him back.