1A/N: A HUGE thank you to everyone who reviewed that last chapter! I appreciate it so much! So there was a slight delay with this chapter, mainly because I didn't have any of it written beforehand and about a million tests in the last few weeks…But I'm glad I did finally take a break this weekend and get down to some writing, and I hope it was worth the wait…
Chapter Eighteen - The Aftermath
When they returned to the house that evening, reality hit them again. Not the bad kind of reality…but reality nonetheless.
The walk back had been different though. The walk back had to have been some of the most surreal minutes of either Tony or Michelle's life. It was as though, while they were still outside, while there was no one else around, the world was theirs for the taking. They could say whatever, think whatever, and be completely content with the idea that they only needed each other to be happy. That's definitely what they felt. That if everything else got taken away from them everything would be fine, as long as they could have each other. The ring on Michelle's finger symbolized the fact that they did have each other. They would always have each other.
So, more or less, the walk back was spent trying to find new ways to make contact with the other person in two or three places at once, or new ways to cuddle up against the cold that taunted a newly discovered ticklish spot, making both of them laugh. It was spent halting their forward motion for just one more kiss, one more brushing together of noses together, one more waft of intoxicating curls or aftershave or whatever...
It ended far too quickly, and Michelle was hesitant to flounce inside the house and explode with excitement she rarely emulated, and tell them all the news...For stepping inside would mean ending this moment, and as much as she wanted the world to know, this was a moment they would never get back, a moment they only had one chance to enjoy.
Tony's hand, the one locked tightly in Michelle's, kept moving with the rest of him when he pulled open the gate and tried to step into the backyard.
She remained planted firmly on the other side, preventing him from going any further. He shot her a puzzled look and Michelle pulled him back to her.
"One more minute..." she pleaded softly, bundling herself in Tony's arms. "They won't even know..."
He nodded and wordlessly engulfed her more tightly.
"I love you so much, Tony." she whispered into his chest, warming a small patch of skin with her breath.
"I love you too, sweetheart." He managed to choke out, wondering when he'd become so emotional, and thoroughly appreciating the fact that Michelle was one of the people that could draw this out of him.
She's marrying you Almeida...the little voice in his head reminded him. You never thought you'd end up with anyone for good and now Michelle is marrying you...How lucky can you get?
The words that had been so constrained by nerves earlier now seemed ready to come out.
"I don't know what I'd do without you..." he told her hair.
She kissed his neck.
"And I don't think I've ever been so happy in my life..."
His cheeks burned when he spoke the words aloud but it was true, he hadn't been this happy, ever.
Delicately, she cupped his jaw and found his lips with her own.
The kiss ended and Michelle sighed.
"Let's go," she said with a smile.
The relentless chatter coming from the family room ended as soon as the sound of a glass door sliding shut could be heard. All eyes turned to Michelle when she appeared in the doorway, Tony right behind her.
She beamed a little, embarrassed at all the attention she was receiving and looked to the floor for a second.
Turning to Tony, she rolled her eyes. "You told them." she accused.
He shook his head. "Only your dad."
At this, Alicia bolted off the couch and threw her arms around Michelle.
"Congratulations!" she squealed
Soon afterwards, the rest of the family were on their feet, offering their own congratulations along with hugs to both parties.
Andrew embraced Michelle fully after Alicia did.
"Congratulations, Michelle." he cleared his throat and pulled back.
"Thanks," she returned, feeling a slight tingling sensation behind her eyes when she met his gaze, holding it for a second. Danny found her soon after though, and the moment was lost.
After a little bit of gushing over Michelle's ring, and far too much talk of potential wedding dates at such an early stage in their engagement, Andrew decided everyone should leave Michelle and Tony alone for the rest of the night. The celebration would continue once everyone had more time to process the news. Michelle flashed him a grateful smile when there was a mumble of agreements and one-by-one, individuals headed for the stairs.
Michelle fussed with her hair in the mirror of the bathroom the next morning. The winter air seemed to be making both that, and her skin, horribly dry. She was just at the point and retying it when Alicia poked her head inside and rapped gently at the door.
"I was wondering where you'd disappeared to."
Presents had been opened a few hours earlier. Michelle had scolded Tony for forgetting to bring the one she'd left him so he too would have something to open.
"Do you have any moisturizer with you?" Present Michelle asked when she finally looked away from the mirror.
Alicia nodded, but did not make a move to retrieve it.
"Tony's teaching your aunt how to use the computer now." Alicia burst out at random. Michelle laughed and shook her head.
"How'd that happen?"
"She was complaining no one had ever taught her how and if your dad hadn't taken pity and shown her the Internet she wouldn't even know what a mouse was. So it seemed to be unanimously decided that Tony'd have the most patience out of anyone..."
"Bad call..." Michelle informed her.
Alicia grinned, "I guess we'll find out soon enough."
"C'mon," Alicia said when Michelle was done with the bathroom. "I'll get you that moisturizer."
Michelle followed Alicia to her room and settled on the bed while Alicia flipped through her suitcase and tossed her a small green tube. Coating her face in it and rubbing a little too vigorously Michelle turned back to her friend
"So that was a nice little stunt you pulled with those pictures of yours." she stated.
Alicia laughed and her eyes rested on the diamond sparkling in the light.
"Well," she grinned. "It's not like it hurt you...besides he asked me about it..."
Michelle rolled her eyes. "You're just lucky it didn't cause problems..."
"I had a feeling I wasn't destroying your relationship when I did it." she exaggerated.
Falling back against the bed Alicia faced Michelle, earnestly now.
"I know I told you this downstairs but um...congratulations."
Michelle smiled. "Thanks."
"Maybe now you can come to New York with him next time...since everyone knows."
"Maybe..."
Alicia studied Michelle's blank expression carefully.
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing...I think it's just finally hitting me that we're going to have to tell everyone at work when we get back..." she twirled the ring that had still not been sized properly yet, it spun around easily.
"I guess I'm just a little nervous...Things could start changing really quickly..."
Alicia patted her back. "You can't worry about that now...just enjoy today while you still can. It's Christmas...You're getting married..."
Michelle grinned when she heard Alicia say it out loud.
"Michelle...you're getting married, think about it! How are you not jumping up and down on the bed right now?"
They both laughed before exiting the room and returning downstairs.
"Michelle dear, look!" Grace exclaimed as she emerged from the small corner office that contained the only computer in the household.
"Tony set up my new cookbook program for the computer! Now I don't have to go searching through all those magazines every time I need a new recipe!"
Michelle smiled and expressed her enthusiasm at the prospect. Tony grinned and caught her eye as Grace returned to where the men were sitting, watching a football game.
"Are you gonna go hang yourself out back now Tony?" Jim joked as his wife sat down beside him. Grace's relatively slow wit when it came to everything related to computers in comparison to the rest of the family had been a long-standing joke.
Grace's rebuttal could be heard from the hallway. "Just because some people don't think I can work a computer doesn't mean it's the truth." she informed them all coolly.
Michelle laughed and turned to Tony.
"I think my family likes you better than me..."
Dinner was as traditional of an endeavor as you could get, (except for the fact thatMichelle was flatly refused entry into the kitchen for the rest of the afternoon). They all crowded around the dining room table just before seven that evening. As Michelle glanced around she couldn't help but smirk at how much like a 'holiday-special' they looked crowded around the table. Shaking her head she reached for the bottle of wine and filled her glass.
They would be leaving in a few hours, and she would absorb as much of this 'family bonding' as possible...
Standing at the door, saying goodbye to everyone, almost reduced Michelle to tears. She hugged Danny and promised to see him when he returned to LA. Her aunt and uncle followed consecutively.
"It was so nice to see you Michelle," her aunt gushed. "Congratulations." She repeated to the both of them before turning to say her goodbyes to Tony.
"Take care of yourself." her uncle whispered as he kissed her cheek.
Alicia was next.
"Call me." was all she could really manage at the moment. Michelle nodded and hugged back tightly, wondering how much more of a roller coaster she would end up putting her emotions through before they got back to work.
If saying goodbye to her family was the equivalent of an amusement park ride, saying goodbye to her dad was the 100ft drop.
"I'm so glad you got to come." he whispered in her ear.
Michelle nodded. "Me too." She would later deny it when Tony informed her that her voice cracked at that point.
"Congratulations." he choked when she tried to pull back, reluctant to let go.
"Thanks."
Michelle did not know how to fill in the gap, her dad did.
"Love you."
"Love you too dad."
Finally Andrew let go of his daughter, though he had never wanted to less in his life. And while he'd known when she walked through the door that this moment would be inevitable, that he couldn't keep her with him forever...now that it had arrived, it seemed far too painful.
Andrew wondered if Michelle felt the final squeeze he gave her before releasing.
She had. And it was that which sent her to the threshold of her composure, unsure of how much longer she'd be able to hold back the sobs.
The sound of the cab driver honking his horn brought everyone back to reality.
"I'll put these in the car." Tony told her quietly, grabbing their bags, hating himself for being the one who gave Michelle this little bit of happiness, and then being the one who had to take it away. She understood, he knew, but he didn't like himself any better because of that.
Michelle idled in the hallway, avoiding meeting her dad's eye for fear of what might happen if she did. When Tony returned and regretfully announced they had to go, she quickly hugged her father one more time and walked out the door without looking back.
As the cab pulled out of the driveway Michelle realized she'd been holding her breath since they'd stepped outside. It was the most effective way she knew of to keep it together.
She hesitated before turning around for one final look at the house, and then tilted her head back against the seat.
Tony kissed her gently before easing Michelle onto his chest and stroking her hair. She found his hand resting in his lap and squeezed tightly. As much as it saddened her to leave, one thought was ever present in her mind...
They were getting married.
The plane ride back was uneventful and both Tony and Michelle were grateful for this. Michelle fell asleep against Tony's shoulder, Tony fell asleep with his neck craned downward resting on Michelle. Surrounded by the other person's warmth they were indescribably content.
A half hour before final descent, the ring caught Tony's attention and he lifted the finger up for closer examination.
"It suits you." he decided before kissing Michelle's forehead sweetly. She yawned and nuzzled further against him, burying her face into his shirt and silently begging Tony to wrap his arms around her. He obliged willingly.
When the door to her apartment closed Michelle spun around in Tony's arms and hugged him.
"Thank you," she breathed, tears threatening her again.
Tony smiled and hugged back.
A combination of air conditioning, exhaustion, and the notion that this was the first time they were really alone since the engagement, caused Michelle to shudder before grabbing Tony's hand and leading him to the bathroom.
"Shower..." was all she said.
Michelle turned the tap so the temperature of the water was bordering on too hot. She did not wait for Tony to finish changing before hoping in and closing her eyes, savoring in the feeling of the steam washing over her face. Tony was beside her a few seconds later, pushing Michelle further into the cascade to make room for himself.
"Hey!" she squealed when her hair got wet.
Chuckling, Tony pulled her back towards him and kissed her wet shoulder.
"Better?"
She nodded, closed her eyes and leaned back against him, while arms snaked more securely around her waist. .
"It's not fair. You're always warm."
"Stick with me sweetheart, and you'll never be cold again." He assured her.
Michelle raised an eyebrow. "That's extortion, Almeida."
Tony chuckled into her neck.
"I'll buy you a blanket instead if you want...Then you won't need me anymore..."
Michelle shook her head seriously, angling it so he could see her face.
"Don't you dare..." she whispered, making a point to keep their mouths dangerously close.
His hands were soon gripping the small of her back, holding her against him, while his lips found her neck and sucked gently, perfectly aware they were leaving a mark she would have difficultly covering up the next day.
Michelle's head rolled back and she closed her eyes, trying her best to remain aware of what was happening. She puffed when a hand pulled their bodies together even more forcibly and opened her eyes in search of something, anything, to fasten her lips to and alleviate at least part of the need that had slowly been building inside her since returning from their walk very early that morning.
Seconds later the shower stall was abandoned and Tony was feeling his way through the hall in search of the doorknob to the bedroom.
"We're getting married y'know..." she whispered as his mouth shifted from position against hers while they fell back against the mattress.
Tony grinned and readjusted his lips.
"I know," he laughed as he teased hers open a little more, feeling her tongue seek further entrance into his mouth.
Michelle whimpered when his hands gently slid their way up her legs, pulling them apart while he moved his lips down her chin and neck and then finally, her stomach. Muscles tensing with every inch lower he moved, Michelle moaned again, squirming as his hands and breath tickled the inside of her thigh.
"Tony..." she whispered and closed her eyes tightly, wondering when the sheer notion of him touching her so intimately had become enough to push her so close the edge. It took more then a few deep, laboured, breaths to bring herself back under control as his lips found their mark.
Her spasms came a little more quickly with each passing second and it wasn't long before Tony felt her climax underneath him. Pleased with himself, he worked his way back to her mouth, grinning widely while she struggled to breathe. He barely pecked her once on the lips before pulling back to stare a while longer. Her eyes opened and she smiled, rolling on top, and taunting him with her kisses the whole way down his chest.
Her tongue had barely begun its vigorous, swirling motion, when a hand seized her face and drew her back up towards his mouth. Reclaiming his original position, Tony slid into her forcefully, hearing Michelle gasp hard, and feeling her teeth nip at his earlobe as he delved a little deeper.
As they began to move, Michelle's tension built quickly, and she clung to him more tightly when his lips latched on to her neck. Tony's own muscles strained for control, holding out for as long as he could, which became more and more difficult when Michelle's hips mashed into his own harder with every pulsation. Her moans increased in frequency and it wasn't long before she was gone, encouraging Tony to follow suit.
They collapsed back on the mattress, breathing heavy.
Rolling on to her side, Michelle turned back to Tony as he leaned against the mattress, eyes closed.
"We have to tell everyone tomorrow..." she quietly reminded him after a few minutes of nothing.
Tony peered through his lids and turned onto his side to face her. "Worried?" he asked, eyeing her carefully.
Michelle blushed. "A little." she admitted.
Tony laughed softly and moved onto her pillow.
"At least they can't cause problems…" His thumb delicately traced her cheek. "We outrank pretty much everyone there..."
Michelle smiled and pushed further against him.
"I love you." she whispered, eyelids becoming heavy.
They kissed gently.
"I love you." he replied as his warmth eased her into a dream.
"Tony?" Jack's voice came from the door of his office. Tony looked up from the computer.
"What's up?"
Jack moved towards him. "Nothing, just wanted to make sure you got the work Chappelle left...he'll probably be calling shortly but..."
Tony nodded. "Thanks, I got it."
"How was your Christmas?" Jack settled himself so he was leaning against the arm of the couch. A small smirk crossed Tony's lips but he quickly got it under control.
"Great, I uh...I ended up proposing..."
Jack raised an eyebrow.
"Yeah, well, with Chappelle knowing I didn't really have to wait any longer..."
A strange look cropped over Jack's face and he hesitated a little before responding.
"Congratulations."
Tony grinned and nodded. "Thanks."
Everyone flooded into the conference room for the morning briefing. Michelle had situated herself at the far end of the table, ironically as far away from Tony as possible, in between Chloe and Baker.
"Alright," Tony rose and made his way to Adam who was running the computer. "Listen up..."
Heads that had been shuffling papers stopped. Jack entered the room just at that moment and took a seat next to Tony.
"Told Hammond."
"Thanks."
Michelle crossed her legs nervously and tugged at her skirt. Something was up.
"A few hours ago," Tony began. "A Vietnamese militia group took control of a warehouse in Hanoi. The warehouse is located right beside the US embassy and employs many American-born workers...Meaning we're looking at a potential terrorist attack on American citizens..."
As Tony spoke satellite images of a nighttime Vietnam sky flashed on the screen and the specific warehouse, along with the embassy were pointed out to the staff.
"I want my people processing any Intel we've got on these guys; we need to find out why they're doing this and any possible weak links in their operation."
He looked at Jack expectantly.
"My people will be working field Intel for the ground teams in place, in case they decide to take out the hostiles. Chloe I want you coordinating anything either department has with Division..."
"Michelle will get you set up with her access code." Tony chimed in.
"Understood?"
Chloe, who had been fidgeting with her pen impatiently nodded.
"Good, now get to work."
Everyone rose simultaneously and Chloe looked to Michelle.
Michelle scribbled her access code down and quickly transferred the paper into her left hand, holding it out.
"Here Chloe..." Michelle waved the paper in front of her nose. Chloe's eyes did not move from her hand.
"What's that on your finger?"
Michelle felt like she was hit with a ton of bricks. She'd stupidly forgotten to take off her ring on the way in this morning and was mentally kicking herself for being so irresponsible.
"Mind your own business." she snapped, hoping that would be enough to deter Chloe for the time being.
"Are you engaged, Michelle?" She asked, leaning in for a closer look.
"I told you to mind your own business."
"Does Tony know?"
Michelle turned to face her squarely as Chloe's eyes squinted.
"How is that relevant?"
"Well seeing as that he is your boss he kinda does have a right to know if you're involved in a relationship that might be compromising your effectiveness at - "
"Get to work, Chloe."
Michelle was exiting the room before Chloe had time to respond.
"Almeida."
"It's me." Michelle breathed quietly. "Do you have a second?"
Tony checked his computer screen. "Yeah, we can't do anything until we get some more Intel...what's up?"
"Chloe saw the ring."
Tony sighed and his head fell into his hands. "What'd she say?"
Michelle, despite the seriousness of the situation, suppressed a laugh.
"Asked me if I'd told you yet..."
Tony grinned and leaned back in his chair. The look on Chloe, and everyone else's face for that matter, when they finally found out what was going on, would be priceless.
"Do you think she'll cause problems? I mean...there's so much going on today..."
Snickering, Tony covered the receiver. "What's she gonna do, tell me? I happen to be very understanding when it comes to these kinds of things..."
The corners of Michelle's lips twitched.
"I doubt we'll have time to tell them today, it's not important now anyway...Jack knows...let Chloe think what she wants..."
"What if she asks you about it?"
Tony considered this. "I'll just play it off like you already told me, alright?"
"Alright."
"Just leave it to me; I'll take care of Chloe..."
Michelle smiled as she knew Tony must be doing on his end of the phone too.
Two hours later Tony's phone was ringing again... Though, this time, the person on the other end left him a lot more irritated than endeared.
"Tony I need to talk to you."
Scratching the side of his face, Tony responded. "Aren't you supposed to be coordinating with Division? We just uploaded a bunch more Intel on these guys - "
"The server's synchronizing; it'll be another ten minutes. It's important or I wouldn't be asking."
"Fine..." might as well get it over with. "Come on up."
Less than a minute later Chloe was entering Tony's office and planting herself firmly across from his chair.
"What's up?"
Tony sat back, and folded his arms, trying to keep his expression and voice monotonous.
"It's Michelle." She stated unequivocally.
No kidding...
He nodded for her to continue.
"She's withholding information from you."
"About what?"
Chloe fingered the end of one sleeve nervously.
"After the briefing I saw her wearing a ring...an engagement ring. And when I asked her about it she got really defensive and - "
"What exactly did she tell you?"
Rolling her eyes Chloe looked up from her hands. "To mind my own business." She told him bitterly.
The sheer thought of Michelle telling off Chloe almost had him in convulsions of laughter.
"So why are you here then?"
Again, Chloe rolled her eyes. "Well I thought you'd want to know!" she defended. "What if Michelle can't focus or she tries to call home or it affects her work somehow..." she said all of this very quickly, agitation growing.
"Have you noticed any problems with Michelle since you started working here...?"
"No but - "
"I already know Chloe." he cut her off. "I've known since the beginning...Next time, stay out of Michelle's business and just do your job, got it?"
Chloe was livid but she stood to leave, shaking her head.
Michelle bolted up the stairs to Tony's office, where Jack was already discussing something with him.
"Tony! Adam's got something!"
They were following Michelle towards Adam's station seconds later.
"When I cross referenced the militia group with the workers believed to be inside the factory a match showed up."
He pulled up a screen.
"Walker Marlow." Adam explained as the man's picture flashed. "American born, mother was South Vietnamese. Has had a rift with the States ever since she died when he was a kid."
"South?" Michelle raised an eyebrow.
"She went back a few years after Marlow was born to visit some sick relative. Their whole village was obliterated when guerillas attacked. Marlow blames the US government."
"What's the connection?" Jack probed.
"He's in the States somewhere, hiding. He was suspected of conspiring against the government and went underground. I don't know why he wouldn't leave the country..."
Tony sighed. "Because he knew it'd be a hell of a lot easier to trace him if he tried to cross the border. Probably wanted to bide his time."
"Well," Adam continued. "Chloe was able to analyze some cell phone signals the CIA was tracking from Hanoi to California. They were made by the commander of the militia group who went to grad school with Marlow..."
"So he's the connection in the States..." Tony turned to Jack who nodded.
"Michelle see what else you can dig up on Marlow for me, I want to know the last place he was seen."
Michelle nodded and was gone.
There was little anyone on CTU's end could do to assist the captured workers until the American forces could mobilize in Hanoi. Michelle was having virtually no luck finding any trace of Marlow. She sighed, frustrated at how little they'd been able to come up with in the last few hours.
Tony, who was on a status call with Hammond at the time, saw Michelle slump in her chair. What a day to come back to...They'd already been at it for almost twelve hours.
Jack entered his office just as he hung up.
"I just heard someone from IT talking to Chloe...something about Michelle?"
Tony's eyes narrowed. "What?"
"Apparently she's acting strange...really defensive..."
"That's it..." Throwing his hands up in defeat, Tony stalked out of the room towards Michelle's station.
"Hey..." he leaned over closely while Jack approached her too, with caution.
Michelle looked up at him.
"What do you need?"
He pulled back her chair.
"C'mon...we're getting this over with..."
However reluctantly, Michelle followed him as he turned around and walked to the center of the bullpen.
"Listen up everyone, this won't take long."
Individuals who had been moving from one place to another stopped in mid-stride, everyone else looked up from their computer monitors.
"There's a lot going on today and I don't want anymore distractions. I'm telling you this now so that I hear of no more discussion or speculation for the rest of the day...understood?"
His eyes landed on Chloe when he stopped speaking. She looked irritated but intrigued at the same time. Those who had been involved in the discussion looked just as interested. Everyone else was wondering what on earth could be so important that wasn't pertaining to their current protocols.
Tony took a deep breath and he felt Michelle's arm brush against his as she came and stood beside him.
"Michelle and I are engaged. We got engaged over Christmas." He paused to let the words sink in.
The clicking of keyboards stopped immediately. You could've heard a pin drop echo throughout the whole office.
"We thought you should know…" Another pause... "Now get back to work." he finished dryly before turning on his heel and heading upstairs. Michelle took that as her cue to follow.
Hours later, everyone at CTU stood around the bullpen, watching US marines force their way into the warehouse. The hostiles, including their commander, were quickly incapacitated, thanks to the sheer difference in numbers of the two groups.
"It's over," Tony sighed and threw down his headset. He checked his watch. 2am. With any luck they'd be out of here in an hour.
"I just talked the lieutenant who led the raid." Jack informed Tony as he entered his office. "They have orders from District to send the prisoners to LA for interrogation."
"When are they getting here?"
"Tomorrow afternoon..." Jack paused. "I'm gonna head home, get some sleep before tomorrow, alright?"
Tony nodded. "Yeah, I'm gonna take Michelle home now too...there's nothing we can do anyway..."
Jack nodded and made his way down into the bullpen. Michelle was sitting at her station, scrolling through something on the computer screen. Jack veered off course towards her.
"Michelle?"
She looked up tiredly.
Jack leaned over and touched her shoulder gently.
"Congratulations."
This elicited both a blush and a grin.
"Thanks Jack."
He responded with a small, very discrete smile, and then a curt nod, before turning to leave.
Tony was down at Michelle's station a minute later.
"Hey, you ready?"
She nodded. "Just let me shut down my system."
As he leaned back against her desk to wait, Tony noticed a few pairs of eyes shift away quickly from their direction. More than a few pairs of eyes really, something a lot closer to every pair of eyes in the room...
He leaned down a little to whisper this to Michelle.
"I think we have an audience."
Pursing her lips together to mask a smile Michelle turned to him.
"I'm done." she told him quietly, before scooping up her bag. "Let's get out here, huh?"
They walked slowly across the bullpen, exhausted, eyes focused straight ahead, and fully aware they were acquiring more glances with each step they took. Michelle made a point to keep her distance as they moved, much as she would've if no one were any the wiser about their relationship. Tony noticed this, but did not do anything. When they reached the doors to the elevator, he did one final scan of the room before feeling for Michelle's hand with his fingers and subtly slipping it into his. Michelle's lips curved a little at the corners and she reaffirmed the contact with a gentle squeeze, eyes still staring ahead. A split second before they turned the corner and were about to be completely out of sight of everyone, Tony pulled the hand laced through his to his mouth and kissed the back gently.
"Ya gotta give 'em something..." he joked when they were settled inside the elevator.
Michelle grinned.
"Otherwise they'd never leave us alone…"
