Nikita was pregnant.
There was no doubt about it. Neither she nor her husband could argue against the results. The doctor recorded a heartbeat. It was fast and it was small. But it was there. Nikita was six weeks pregnant, and she and Michael had to deal with the fallout. First, she had to find a doctor at home where she could pass off a fake identity, stay discreet, and schedule future appointments. Division's Medical wasn't exactly equipped for pregnancies or babies. She couldn't go there for checkups or help. Especially since the information would get back to Ryan so fast, the expecting parents wouldn't be able to control it. And, God, did they need control.
Thirty-four weeks, that was roughly how long Michael and Nikita had to take down the Dirty Thirty, deal with Amanda, and gain their pardons. Otherwise, they'd be fighting a war with a baby. The thought almost made Nikita vomit. Even with a team, even with Division, that was impossible. They were fucked, and their baby would never be given a chance at a real life. Any elated feelings about having a baby and starting a family was shoved aside and replaced with apprehensions and panic. What were they supposed to do.
Michael didn't have an immediate answer, which didn't settle Nikita's nerves in the slightest. But, they had some time to think it over. Her lie about having a concussion could be of further use. The couple could take a few days off to collect themselves and breathe. They needed time to figure things out without the stress of Division. The two also had to figure out what they could say to their team. They couldn't share anything without a plan of action first. It wasn't the kind of stress they could force on their friends. Besides, it was normal to not share the news of a pregnancy in the first trimester. Michael and Nikita could keep it to themselves for a moment.
That moment allowed the two to talk, argue, and plan. The best they could come up with was taking it one step at a time. They'd find a doctor that met their criteria, and they'd find a way to manage the stress and Nikita's morning sickness symptoms. Not focusing on what would happen in thirty-four weeks actually eased their anxiety. What was happening currently was within the couple's control. As for her nausea, headaches, and cramps, they tried prenatal vitamins and her superpowered veggie shakes. It helped a little, at least.
Eventually, as they talked and problem-solved, excitement started to course through Michael and Nikita. It took time for the shock to settle. But once it had, the couple couldn't help but feel happy. The life ahead of them wasn't at all what they had planned- they still didn't have a dog (their apartment didn't allow pets) or a whitepicket fence. Yet having a baby became a welcomed surprise. The couple had something bright and hopeful ahead of them. They were going to have a family and freedom. It seemed like bliss.
Almost always smiling, Michael allowed exhilaration to overwhelm him. He never thought he'd have a wife and child again. He never thought he'd have that kind of love in his life once more. Since he did, he knew he had to cherish every moment. He kissed and held his wife like she was his whole world- because she was. Nikita loved every second of his happiness. She smiled and laughed along with him. It definitely helped her apprehensions about having a baby. She could do it with her husband by her side. She never thought she'd have a family before. She never thought she'd have that kind of love. Since she did, she wouldn't let it go.
When it was time to return to Division, Nikita felt horrible. She wasn't stressed; she was just sick. She swore she'd be fine by the afternoon, though, so Michael went in to cover for her. Alex didn't believe him. She had a feeling more was going on than what was said. She decided to check on Nikita. The second the former rogue opened her door, she went pale. It wasn't at the sight of the young woman, however. She rushed to the nearest sink and vomited. Alex gasped, "Oh my God. Sean was actually right. He said something was going on with you and Michael. He thought you were pregnant. I said he was crazy. But he was right. You're having a baby."
"You can't tell anyone," Nikita snapped towards the young woman, seething. She might've looked insane, hunched over the kitchen sink, hair clutched back, breath ragged. But she had to get her point across. Sean and Alex discovering her pregnancy was out of her hands at that point. She didn't even care or wonder how they possibly guessed she was pregnant. She could only ensure no one else knew. Yes, because she didn't want her friends to worry. But also, information about her pregnancy was dangerous, especially with Amanda out there.
"Hey, no. Of course. Of course," Closing the door and crossing to her friend, Alex nodded. Sean had only told her his thoughts. He saw the pregnancy test, knew Nikita vomited in the alleyway, and figured the married couple was hiding something. For him, it was easy to guess pregnancy. Alex didn't believe him. There were so many other things that could've been occurring. But upon seeing Nikita's panic and how suddenly sick she became, the young woman could come to the same conclusion. It wasn't about that at the moment, though. She simply rubbed her friend's back and gently held back her hair, "How are you feeling?"
Coughing and sputtering into the sink, Nikita couldn't respond immediately. She hated how terrible she felt. Her headaches, nausea, and cramps were constant, but they weren't consistent. She could never pinpoint when she'd feel like shit. Pain and discomfort just washed over her, and she had to deal with it. Hopefully, the farther along she became, the less sick she'd be. She couldn't take anymore vomit. The idea of it made bile jump to her throat one more torturous time, "Like shit. I'm stressed. Tired. Sick. Crampy. All kinds of hormonal."
"And excited?" Handing her a damp cloth, Alex couldn't help but smile. She was excited for her friend. Nikita defeated Division (mostly) and earned her life (almost). That was beyond exciting. Alex knew she'd be absolutely elated if she and Sean were to have a baby. Though, they weren't there in their relationship yet. In fact, the sudden thought of having a family with her boyfriend made her blush. She had believed moving in together was a big deal. Getting married and having a baby was definitely a bigger step. She wasn't sure if she or Sean were ready for that. Yet if it was in their future, Alex couldn't wait.
"Yeah. Yeah, I really am," Nikita's brilliant smile solidified the young woman's bright look of the future. Even though she was cleaning up after vomiting in the kitchen sink, she couldn't help the excited thrum of her heart. She was well aware that because of her husband she was thrilled about being pregnant. She wouldn't have been able to handle a baby and a continued war if not for Michael. He helped her see the positives in everything. He gave her strength. She could do anything with him by her side.
"Ohmygod! You're having a baby! You and Michael are starting a family! That is amazing! That is so… wait… what about Division and the Dirty Thirty?" Alex's bouncing celebration was cut short but a dark, intruding thought. She wanted to continue to be absolutely thrilled for her best friend and her husband. Except, she couldn't help but think about their present situation. Their war with Division was over, but the team wasn't out of the woods yet. They had to control the fallout of shutting down a black ops unit of the government; they had to bring in rogues. How could they do that when one of them was pregnant.
"Right, yeah. Michael and I think that if they're not gone by the time the baby's due, we can make a special deal with the President. He's already working on an argument. Can't really have a baby without an identity. The promise of pardons really makes a difference," Leaning against the counter and slowly sipping water Alex poured her, Nikita sighed. Rearranging their deal with the President was one of the things the couple had managed to problem-solve. The plan was only for if they couldn't shut down Division by the time the baby arrived. They were sure they could slip into more backup and consulting roles- like Alex and Sean- when it did.
"Cause if this happened months ago… got ya," Completely understanding, Alex nodded. If a pregnancy had happened when the team wasn't in charge of Division, or when they didn't have pardons in their immediate future, there wouldn't have been a debate of what to do. Alex could even extend that argument to when she and Nikita were on the streets. Those environments weren't safe; it would've only ended badly. So, they would've had to terminate a pregnancy. No one was in those terrible situations anymore, though. They all had the freedom to choose from more than one option. They could do whatever they wanted, including having a family.
Sighing again, Nikita ruffled her hair. Pardons and presidential deals helped her with the future. However, the present continued to be a problem. She was sure she could still go on missions; she'd just have to be extra cautious and mindful. As the months passed, though, her role on the team had to change. How was she to handle all those new positions, "I have no idea what I'm doing. I don't know how I'm supposed to go on missions while nauseous. I don't know what I'm gonna do once I'm farther along. And I definitely don't know how to be a mom."
Alex instantly reached a comforting hand towards Nikita. She understood the former rogue's fear, but there was no need to panic. She had her husband and her friends. If she couldn't do something, they'd be right there to help. Alex and Sean could also come into Division more so Nikita wouldn't have to be in the field as often. And Michael and all her friends would be there to tell her how great she'd be at anything, "Hey. You have Michael, me, everybody. You're not alone. We can help with the missions. We can help you prepare. And we can help you know you're the best. There's no doubt you're going to be a great mom. I know you can do anything."
Accepting Alex's tight, warm embrace, Nikita fought back grateful tears. She hated her rapidly changing hormones as much as she hated being sick. If she couldn't get control over her intense emotions before, she didn't even have a chance then. She may or may not have yelled at her loving husband when he didn't deserve it, and cried over nothing- in just a few days. She hoped that that got better with time as well. Her friends probably wouldn't be as understanding as her husband, "Thanks, Alex. Remember you like me when I yell at you later."
"You've been snapping at Michael a lot, haven't you?" Alex chuckled, pulling away from their hug. Nikita shrugged and smirked, making her laugh more. Alex could picture it clearly. Whenever she was hormonal or just tired and cranky, Sean usually faced the brunt of it. No doubt, a newly pregnant Nikita nearly tore Michael's head off at times. The stress of the Dirty Thirties certainly didn't help. There was adventure ahead of the married couple, that was for sure. It was a good thing they had a whole team to assist them.
"My poor husband puts up with so much," Nikita couldn't help but laugh. Michael had been amazing the past couple of days. He was amazing before then too. He listened to her, understood her, and cared for her. It didn't matter if she was in denial, overreacting, or a little insane; he was always there for her. Everytime she freaked out, he was there to steady her (even if he was panicking as well). She returned the favor whenever she could, but the real superhero of the situation was undoubtedly him. He was her rock. She was so lucky to have him.
"But all these hormonal changes are worth it. You're gonna have a baby," Excitedly gripping her best friend's hands, Alex beamed. She began to bounce in celebration again. Despite all the things left to worry about, the fact that someone she loved was having a baby just made her happy. Their lives weren't halted by their missions or jobs within Division. They could still live- they could still have a future. After everything they've been through, the team could take back the happiness that was stolen from them. Alex was amazed by it.
"I'm gonna have a family," Unable to believe the simple fact, Nikita smiled so wide her cheeks hurt. She never had a family. Yet, all of a sudden, she had so much. She had her husband, her friends, and a baby on the way. It seemed too good to be true. Except, she was finally surrounded by love. That could combat her apprehensions. She was loved, and she could love.