Hey everyone!

UPDAAATE TIIIIME! Hahahaha!

Sorry, I'm a bit hyper right now. Probably because I'm so giddy. With all the absolutely fun spoilers from Comic Con, the first day of taping for the show, the casts' tweeted pics, the sweet, kind, and awesome reviews for the story, my excitement for you guys to read this chapter… Ohh, Lordy.

Okay, I'll keep it short.

Readers and Reviewers, I cannot thank you enough. You are one reason I am able to continue with this story. You guys rock! This chapter is dedicated to each and every one of you.

Hopefully you'll all enjoy reading it as much as I did writing it. ;)

Chapter 9: Rekindled

"You have a family, right here." – 2x05

It was hot.

Her skin was slick with sweat.

Her breath came out in ragged pants.

Her heart was beating hard against her chest.

Her ponytailed-hair swung back and forth.

Every muscle in her lithe body contracted and stretched every time she moved. A resounding thud echoed in the room each time her powerful fists connected with the punching bag. The chains creaked, straining to support the object as it was being violently bombarded with physical assaults.

Nikita was tense, and she needed an outlet to expend all the unwanted energy. So with every hit, she concentrated all her being into it. It was also a form of distraction, something she could focus on instead of replaying in her mind the things that happened earlier that day.

That Sunday morning, the day after Ilya's birthday, they drove to Bridgetown for the farmer's market. It was just her, Michael, and their daughter because the others wanted to give them this time alone together – as a family.

Skipping alongside them while they walked, it was clear that Ilya was happily enjoying the bonding time. She was certainly having no problem transitioning into a child that finally had a set of complete parents. Bringing their hands together, the young girl would let out a giggle whenever Michael and Nikita's hands touched.

What Ilya didn't know was that at every skin contact, it made her mother feel a bit warmer. She was still trying to get acquainted with the notion and the sight of the three of them walking around town like a real… family. It was sort of strange somehow. But Nikita just hid what she felt with a few glances to Michael. When they'd catch each other's gaze, they'd just smile and keep walking.

At some point, the young girl got tired of strolling and asked her father to carry her on his shoulders – something 'Uncle Owen did all the time' she told him. She really had a gift of knowing what buttons to press.

So as Ilya happily got what she wanted, Nikita chuckled and commented to Michael, "Alex is right, you are so whipped."

He gladly answered her with a smirk, and then proceeded to link her hand with his.

Nikita smiled – a veneer she kept coolly as inside her was a different story. It was definitely getting warmer. And her heart might have just skipped a beat right then.

She didn't know what the hell was going on with her.

Having bought everything they needed at the farmer's market, they went to have lunch in this small yet quaint restaurant Nikita and Ilya knew after their many visits to the area. It was off the beaten track so very few tourists know about it. And the charming and courteous staffs also added to the rustic atmosphere that made them love the place.

After lunch, they went around town some more before heading to the beach. Along the way, Ilya pointed to a flower shop that displayed a collection of assorted-colored blossoms on their window. The child begged Michael to buy her a daisy (because they were really so pretty), and the indulgent father just couldn't say no. Nikita rolled her eyes and laughed as she teased Michael on how she never knew him as being so pliant.

But her words lodged in her throat when he gave her a beautiful, long-stemmed white rose – her favorite.

A smile graced Nikita's lips. It was such a long time ago, back in her Division days, when she told him this little tidbit of information about what she liked. She couldn't believe it. All this time… Not hiding the appreciation, she told him, "You remembered."

Michael glanced at the blooming flower then back to her and gave that half-smile she always liked. "I remember a lot of things."

Nikita could feel her heart expand in her chest. Raising her hand, she placed it against the side of Michael's face and ran her thumb against his cheek. Her brown eyes were soft as she stared into his. She didn't know if she was going to smile or cry. Maybe both.

They stared at one another for a moment.

A heartbeat.

Clearing her throat, Nikita turned and left the store. When Michael followed shortly, there was definitely a new feeling and some slight tension that settled over them.

At the beach, both parents had a hard time preventing their daughter from running into the water. She wanted to go for a swim so much but they weren't able to bring any extra clothes. Ilya pouted and sulked but Nikita managed to convince her that she can go for a swim back at the house any time she wanted. Satisfied with that, the little girl settled to playing in the sand with her parents. As the afternoon went by, Ilya drifted off to play tag with other children her own age. Under the supervision of her parents, of course.

When it was time to go home, Ilya was so exhausted that she fell asleep in her father's arms on their way back to the car.

As Michael unloaded their child into her car seat, Nikita proudly and fondly watched them. He was really great with children.

She took a deep breath.

Leaning against the hood of the Range Rover, she stared at the rose she held in her hand. There was just something in its appearance that she always admired. The pureness and innocence – like a child. Maybe that's why she always loved it.

"Well, Ilya's out like a light," Michael said, as he came up beside her.

Nikita smiled at his choice of words.

Gazing over to the horizon, they both took in the scene before them. In silence, they watched how the yellow-orange rays of the setting sun were getting smaller beyond the ocean in the distance. And how the blue of the night was already trying to claim its time on the skyline. It had been a long time since they have done this together, watching as another day has passed.

It should have been a romantic sight really. If not for the tension that was building between them.

"Hey," Michael said, breaking the silence. His gaze was soft as he looked at her, "What's the matter? You've been acting strange the whole day."

She shook her head lightly. "It's nothing."

"Nikita," he went up to stand in front of her. Closing his hands around her arms, he pressed, "What is it?"

She looked up to him. His green eyes were searching. He was truly concerned for her.

With a resigned smile, Nikita sighed and told him, "It's just, you're here... I never dreamed we'd be able to spend a day like this."

Michael was just silent, waiting for her to say more.

"To tell you the truth," she continued. Looking down at the rose he had given her, it gave Nikita some courage. So before she lost it, she expressed the thoughts she had been harboring, "I never believed the others when they said you'd come back. I mean, why would you? With Cassandra, you had Max. You had what you wanted again – a family… But with me, as far as you knew, it was just the two of us. You had no reason to come back–"

Her words were cut as she was pulled into Michael's arms then. He held her tight. Wrapping her arms around his waist, she held him close, burying her face into his neck. She closed her eyes and breathed deeply.

She had to remind herself that this was really happening. That he was really here with her.

"Nikita," he breathed, tightening his hold on her just a bit more, "how can I ever show you… you've always underestimated how much you mean to me."

Shaking her head softly, she said, "Michael, I know–"

"No, you don't. Listen to me," he interrupted her, pulling away so he can look into her glistening brown eyes. His voice was firm as he told her, "When I was with Max, whether it was kicking a ball in the park or driving him to school, I'd always look over my shoulder half-expecting you were there."

Nikita swallowed and looked away, not bearing to look into Michael's intense green eyes.

"When you left the safe house and I didn't hear from you, I was worried out of my mind," He said, "I even had to bring in MI6's help just to find you – even though it took longer than I imagined–"

"Well, you were up against Shadow Walker." Nikita chuckled softly.

"Yeah," Michael smirked. He pushed a strand of hair behind her ear, letting his hand linger on her slender neck. He made her look up to him, "But I never gave up on you… Even if it wasn't for Ilya, I still had a reason to come back – you. Because you are my family, Nikita. Didn't you tell me that once?"

Her heart fluttered.

"But that was before you knew about Max," she whispered, looking away from him again. "And that was a long time ago."

"It doesn't change a thing. I love you and I want to spend the rest of my life with you. That's all that matters." He told her, rubbing a calloused thumb across her cheek. He closed his eyes briefly before admitting, "I'm just scared."

A frown crossed her features as she gazed back to him. She echoed, "Scared?"

"Terrified," he joked weakly. His green eyes somewhat apologetic, he continued, "I've hurt you so many times. It seems that every time I get close to you that's what happens. And I don't want to do that to you anymore. I don't want to see you get hurt, Nikita. But I can't lose you either."

Nikita couldn't help it anymore. She reached up and pressed her lips against his. It was a firm yet gentle kiss. And it was one full of profound feelings.

Pulling away gently, she smiled up to him and said, "You're not gonna lose me. Never again."

Cupping her face in his hand, Michael closed the distance between them once more.

Nikita blinked as her focus faltered and her fist slid sideways from its marker. Regaining her balance, she stepped away to take a quick breather. She paced around the punching bag as she readjusted her training gloves and her gray sports bra.

She shook her head. So much for keeping her thoughts in order.

But the memory of the kiss, the feel of Michael's lips on hers again after so many years, the way they moved against each other… it was all so achingly familiar, and she missed it so much. It was all she could think about.

Especially since it ended so abruptly because of a call from Birkhoff ordering them to buy popcorn and a pack of beer.

Letting out her breath in a puff, Nikita resumed her attack on the bag. She had to focus on her training, or else she just might have to go under an ice cold shower later. Though she was wishing she wouldn't have to reach the latter because that really wouldn't help with her insomnia. It's already been a little over a week since she's last had a good night's sleep, and she really needed one or she might as well go crazy. Hopefully, exhaustion would be the cure.

With her focus being lost in her thoughts, Nikita didn't hear when the door opened. She also didn't hear when someone walked up behind her and called her name. The only time she knew that Michael was in the room was when one of her fists landed on his open hand.

"God, Michael!" she exclaimed, jerking in surprise. Her other gloved-hand flew to her chest to calm her racing heart. "Don't creep up on me like that!"

He smirked and raised an eyebrow at her, amused. It was not very spy-like of her to be caught unawares.

Nikita closed her eyes briefly, placed her hands on her hips and took a deep breath. Her heart still hadn't calmed down yet. Though she had a feeling it wasn't going to anytime soon.

"Alex said you were in the gym, uhh…" Michael trailed off after looking around the room. He looked at her and said, "Great place."

She gave him a sideward glance. 'Great' was just an understatement. But since it was his first time inside the area, it was quite understandable to be in awe.

If there was one instance Birkhoff didn't grumble about the expenses spent, it would be for this place. Nikita and the others were quite proud of the area. The huge training room doubled as an armory that would've put any military base to shame. One reinforced-concrete wall displayed all kinds of firearms, from simple handguns to high caliber rifles, complete with fully-loaded long and short clips, and boxes of gleaming bullets, both frangible and hollow-point rounds. Another wall was covered with Kevlar vests, dozens of knives, grenades, C4s, tear gas, first aid kits, and all other kinds of tactical and survival equipment.

And everything was even enclosed in a safe, child-proof glass case because Ilya usually ventured into the room whenever a sparring session went on during the day. Somehow the child enjoyed watching her mother, her aunt, or her uncles trying to take down one another (she even cheered for Nikita many times, knowing that she was almost always the better fighter).

There were also 2 other doors at the end of the room, leading to an underground passage away from the house.

The center of the room was dedicated to a training area similar to that of Division's. Except for some areas, almost the whole floor was covered with mats. Treadmills, other cardio and resistance machines lined unobtrusively by the side. There were also punching bags and dummies in one corner. It was enough to keep any spy in the top of their game.

Nikita just smiled and shrugged. Letting her ponytail loose, she walked over to the side to take a swig from her water bottle. She didn't feel like working out anymore, now that Michael was in the room watching her. His presence was somehow… distracting. Especially when the thought of their kiss kept popping up in her head.

But even while she was drinking, instincts made her surreptitiously watch Michael out of the corner of her eye. When he took some training gloves and quietly strapped them on, Nikita's lips pulled into a rather patronizing smirk.

It was suddenly there. That familiar, playful vibe, quickly filling the room with an excited and palpable tension as everything turned into a waiting game.

In almost a split second after he was done with the gloves, Michael lunged for Nikita. But she had anticipated his move and defended herself by squirting water from her bottle to his face. Hit squarely in the eyes, Michael had to stop and clear his vision. Nikita took this opportunity to flit away from his reach.

She laughed softly. "Really think you could take me by surprise, huh?"

He turned to her, his hair dripping wet. A brief smile passed his lips, "Worth the try, right?"

"Twelve years ago that probably would've worked. But I'm not falling for that again." She remarked. Her eyes glinted as she tossed her now-empty water bottle. If Michael wanted to spar, she'd give it to him. She wouldn't mind having some hand-to-hand. Maybe that was what she needed (though she really wouldn't mind the physical contact too). And honestly, it's been a long time since she's met her match.

She rushed over and threw a series of coordinated hits, all of which Michael was able to divert or block. But, as he made the small mistake of an overcompensating step, turning his body fully towards her, Nikita got him with a kidney punch. He flinched, and she turned rapidly on her heel to elbow him in the abdomen.

Stepping away to give some breathing room, she taunted, "You're a bit slower than I remember, Michael. You sure you still want to take me on?"

Flexing his fingers, he smirked. He was never one to take her goading lightly. His green eyes were bright and vivid as he said, "Always."

Minimizing their distance, it was Michael's turn to go on offense. He delivered his strikes in his own signature, direct and brawnier style. Though Nikita didn't have the strength to block each hit fully, she was agile enough to evade it.

She ducked just in time to avoid a swipe near her head. Michael was definitely giving her a great but hard time. He even had some new moves. Maybe his time in London had also been spent sparring with some MI6 recruits and agents. There have already been a few instances when he almost had her but she still somehow managed to maneuver her way out in the last second.

Darting out of his attack zone yet again, Nikita smiled as she took in deep breaths. Her cheeks were flushed. She gazed at Michael, thrill and exhilaration clear in their faces.

"S'that all you got?" she razzed at him. They circled around the mat, waiting for the other to make a move.

Lips curving upward, he stated, "I'm just getting started."

And they went at it again.

It was like they've fallen into their pattern, as if time apart were nothing.

The whole thing was like a sensual dance. It was so synchronized, that it almost seemed choreographed. Maybe it was, taking years in the making. They both moved so fast and so beautifully that it was sometimes hard to perceive that they were actually two forces moving against each other, instead of together. Though either way, they were still at their best.

But with every hit, every punch, every kick they made, it transported them back to a time so many years ago. It brought up memories of things they used to do, and had missed doing when they were apart. It gave them a sense of sweet nostalgia of how everything all began.

Every block they made against their partner's move was proof of just how well they still knew each other. Despite the lost time, they still matched the other's intensity, ability, feeling…

They were still two pieces of the same puzzle no matter what.

When Michael had Nikita pinned to the mat, she couldn't help but smile.

The heated tension that crackled in the air, the sense of not knowing what to do next, the quick glances at each other's lips… It was all so déjà vu.

Just like old times.

"Well, isn't this familiar," he said to her, his uneven breath brushing against her face. Though whether it was from exhaustion or exertion or something else, she really didn't know.

Brown eyes flashing roguishly, Nikita jabbed Michael hard in the solar plexus. He grimaced at the contact and recoiled slightly for a second. But it was long enough for her to take the opportunity to turn him over onto his back and straddle his waist.

Smirking triumphantly, Nikita splayed a hand onto Michael's chest and leaned close to his face. She flipped her long, dark hair to one side as she whispered in his ear, "Now this is definitely familiar."

As his taut chest visibly rose and fell against his black shirt, his heartbeat thrummed evenly under her fingers. Michael had instinctively placed his warm hands on her bare waist to keep her steady. Grinning enticingly, he suggested, "Care to continue where we left off earlier?"

She pulled away slightly, to look into Michael's green eyes. They were soft and affectionate, maybe a bit lascivious and naughty even, but she easily got lost in them. She bit the inside of her lower lip. It was really getting unbearably warm around the room. Or maybe it was just her. And her heart had definitely picked up its pace, making her wonder if he could hear it.

But they were somehow a bit hesitant and uncertain.

They had never been this physically close to one another (or any other person) in a long time.

They did know what they both wanted though – each other. Body, heart, and soul. They always had. And probably always will.

It's just been a long time.

But after everything…

After all she's done, he still loved her.

And even if she tried to deny it many times before, she still loved him too.

They just had to take a chance. Again.

Because sometimes they just need to be reminded that they'll always have each other.

Nikita blinked. She then chuckled softly, her breath brushing teasingly along his lips and strong jaw. "Not so fast."

Bringing her free hand up, she ran it through Michael's crisp, dark hair and then tapped his cheek lightly. When his warm hands squeezed her waist, a shiver ran down Nikita's spine. The feel of his skin against hers made her body flush feverishly.

Distancing her self before she got too lost in that, Nikita climbed off of Michael, despite the tightening of his grip on her in protest. Winking coyly at him still laying on the mat, she tugged off her sparring gloves and walked away.

Well, at least she was about to saunter off when her legs were suddenly swiped out from under her.

Landing flat on her back, Nikita got slightly dazed at her rough impact on the mat. When she got her bearings straight a second later, she saw that Michael had trapped her beneath him yet again, emerald eyes glittering mischievously. She couldn't help but grin when she felt that both of her hands were pinned just above her head.

"Nice try," Michael told her, smirking as he was catching his breath. His gaze travelled slowly downward to her slightly parted, rosy lips then back up to her soulful brown eyes, as if memorizing her features. His smoky voice became rougher and huskier as he remarked, "Honestly, I've always liked this better."

Nikita let out a breathless laugh. "And you were always such a tease."

He chuckled, releasing her hands so that he can brace them on either side of her body.

They gazed at each other for a couple of heartbeats, eyes darkening at each pulse. Their ragged breaths mingled and lightly caressed their faces. The space between them was dangerously small. The air suffocatingly thick. And the tension around them had been escalating, gravitating one to the other.

It didn't take long for it to be overwhelming, all-consuming.

They didn't know who moved first.

As Nikita reached up, Michael just simultaneously lowered himself until their lips met.

It was slow, deliberate, unhurried. Like getting reacquainted after such a long time. The feel of the other's warm lips on theirs, firm yet gentle, affectionate but demanding at the same time. The current that flowed between them heated their breaths, making their hearts race at the contact.

Even after their previous kiss earlier that day, everything still seemed new. But at the same time, it also wasn't.

Just realizing that her hands were free, Nikita snaked her arms around Michael's neck to pull him closer. She wanted – no, she needed him. The time apart had left her lonely, broken, and neglected in more ways than she could ever imagine. And Michael was always the only one who had the capacity to fill up that void.

She needed to be loved.

The feel of his hands caressing her body like she was the most fragile thing in the world, the way his lips melted and molded against hers, getting what he needed while giving her what she wanted, the domineering and possessive control he had that allowed her to lower her guard, let go, and surrender to his claiming touch… It made her need him all the more.

And, although it may have surprised her a bit, he actually needed her too.

So it didn't really take that long for the kiss to progress into something rougher, and more intense.

And suddenly a kiss was just not enough.

Raw and passionate hunger getting the best of them, they needed the feel of each other's bare skin on theirs.

Hands roaming, Nikita groaned in annoyance when all she felt were clothes. Michael smirked against her lips as she struggled to lift his shirt. Briefly pulling away from their kiss, he peeled off his gloves and his tee himself and tossed it haphazardly to the side.

She sighed as their lips met again, his body pressed up against hers once more.

They kissed for whatever they craved.

For their pain, their hurt, and their anger…

For time lost...

For forgiveness and acceptance...

For desire…

For love…

They kissed until their lungs burned for air.

Pulling away, they gasped for breath. Michael then moved to trail kisses along Nikita's jaw until finally settling on the spot where her neck and shoulder met. Her breathing hitched at the feel of his hot lips closing on her skin. She closed her eyes and arched her back, succumbing to the fiery and unbridled sensations that surged throughout her body.

Nikita ran her hands along the planes of Michael's chest, tracing the contours of his lean physique, relishing the feel of the ripple of muscles that have heated her senses to a boiling point. She sighed his name and dug her nails into his back when he shifted to kiss the V of her neck.

But when her slender fingers found their way near the waistband of Michael's pants, he suddenly pried her hands off of him and pinned them to her side. Nikita's eyes snapped open, surprised at the rough movement. He laughed softly as he looked at her, green eyes gleaming, smolderingly dark. She glared at him, almost warningly, but he just smirked before smashing his lips against hers again.

Pulling away only for oxygen, they took time to gaze at each other.

Oh, it was going to be a long night.

Hopefully no one would bother to check where they were.

Whew. Rawr.

I know some of you may have wanted other scenes but since I wanted to stay within the T-rated zone, I couldn't really put much more details into this. Sorry about that. Haha!

But the rest is up to your vivid imaginations! Be as graphic and explicit as you can be. *wink*

Well, I think this must have been one of the most anticipated chapters yet, right?

So, did it live up to your expectations? Is everyone satisfied?

Leave a Review and let me know, okay? I'd LOVE to read everyone's reactions.

Okay, here are my special mentions to those who really requested for the Mikita reunion from like, waaay before, up to the last chapter: Lilyx1021, uselesswriter23, Hp-Nikita, Mochi-girl, tirzahrae, Kia, unrequitedlove1, nikitafan4ever, Wholives4Eva, Emmachen1312.

Terribly sorry if I may have missed a name. Just let me know and I'll edit to include you. ;D

Okay! So I'll give you all a little glimpse on what to expect in the upcoming chapters. It'll be a bit light and easy - possibly fluffy - in, umm, around 2 more chapters before things, uhh… how should I put it?

Go downhill. Become a nightmare. Haha.

So enjoy everything while you can. :]

And, once again, thank you for taking time to read (and review!).

'Til the next update then. Stay awesome and completely badass.

xx Dani