Set shortly after the events of 3x02

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Nikita and Michael returned to their apartment after a very successful but unusual mission for them. Nikita was pleased with the outcome and the fact that they were able to save Liza and return her to her family and her home. But something else was lurking in the back of her mind.

They were having dinner in an odd silence. Nikita wasn't responding much to him. He assumed it was because she was exhausted, but that hadn't affected her mood like that before so he gave her a concerned look.

"Baby, is everything okay? You are quiet tonight" rubbing her back Michael asked. Nikita lifted her eyes to look at him for a brief moment, but couldn't hold it for long and looked down at her plate again. "Yeah I -I'm sorry. Guess I'm just that tired" she gave him a fake smile and he did not buy it but decided not to push her. Michael could see that something was heavy on her mind, but now wasn't the time to start digging. They had had a long day and taking some much-needed rest will make things better. "I'll clean up here. Go take a hot shower and straight to bed" he insisted giving her a sweet kiss on the forehead. She agreed without protest which also confirmed his suspicions. Usually, after a mission, she would be glued to him and insist on taking a shower and getting ready for bed together. The fact that she was fine being away from him like that out of their usual routine worried him.

After cleaning up the kitchen Michael headed to the bedroom expecting Nikita to already be in bed, but to his surprise yet again this evening she was still in the shower. She wasn't one to take long showers "Can I join you, my love?" he asked as he opened the shower glass door. Nikita smiled at his choice of endearment. That's usually what she only called him. "Always, my love" giving him a playful smirk she held out her hand to him. He quickly got undressed and hopped in wrapping his arms around her. In reply, she held onto him even tighter and buried her head in his neck. They remained like that for several moments until Michael lifted her head and started kissing her all over her face. That made Nikita chuckle and she pulled him so their lips could finally meet. "I love you so much" she breathed on his lips breaking their kiss. She knew what he was doing and appreciate it. Only one person in this world could ease her mind and warm her heart - her Michael.

"I love you too, honey. I know something is on your mind. It's okay, we can talk about it when you're ready. You know I'm always here for you." he stroked her cheek and leaned for a kiss. When he pulled away he noticed tears in her eyes.

"Baby, please don't hold it in. We are a team, right?" Michael was now really concerned.

"I just - I realised how much I haven't been able to process from my past. When I think about it most of the time Division pops up or my history with drugs. I very rarely think about the events before that -" she took a deep breath. Michael gently ran his hands on her back and held her tightly. He knew how hard this was for her. Nikita hadn't talked much about that part of her life with him. She didn't like being vulnerable like that and he always respected it. He knew that one day she'll open up. It wasn't that she didn't trust him she just hadn't healed yet.

" - the abuse, the hatred I - it almost feels like it was in another life. Like I died when I escaped and started using. I buried it so deep inside. But there were a few moments where I would get a flashback of him on top of me or her standing by the door just doing nothing about it. The reflection of my naked body covered in bruises that didn't feel like my body anymore. It was other people's. Seeing this girl and spending time with her reminded me of so much even though she wasn't exploited in the same way thank god...I hate feeling like this and the power that it still has over me.." new tears ran down her face.

"Hey, look...I can't even imagine what that must feel like, but you survived it and not only that but you have helped so many other girls along the way. It's probably going to be an internal battle with this trauma for a long time, but you are not alone anymore. I'm here. I will listen and I will take the punches if I have to and I will be by your side...till death do us part" he wiped the tears off her beautiful face and delivered his last words with a smile and a kiss.

She kissed him back hard pulling him closer if that was even possible. ''Thank you for always being here."

"Always. I love you"

"I love you too"

Things quickly got heated under the steam of the shower and they just couldn't get enough of each other. They were together. They were going to spend the rest of their lives together and be always there for each other like they have always been.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This is my first attempt at writing fanfiction so reviews are really appreciated. I have a few more chapters written down so ill post them in the next couple of days. If you like them I might try and write more.

Note: English is not my first language so I apologise for any mistakes and confusing sentences. I don't own the show or any of the characters.

Hope you enjoy it! xx