Obey My Orders
Disclaimer – Don't own 'em. Wish to hell I did.
Summary – Zeus has had enough of seeing Archangel ignore Marella's feelings, and decides to do something about it...no matter the consequences.
A/N – This is an idea that was suggested to me by Sirius7.
Archangel...what am I going to do with you? Zeus, the head of the FIRM, had been asking himself that question more and more often the past few weeks, especially as it related to Archangel's aide Marella. I've seen the way she looks at you, Michael. And the way you constantly ignore her...in your own way, you're as bad as Stringfellow Hawke was. And, I'll be perfectly honest...I'm not sure who that insults more...you, or Hawke.
Of course, Zeus knew about Hawke's refusal to see Caitlin O'Shannessy as anything more than a good, close friend...at least, until recently, he smirked, and wondered if he could pull something similar off between Archangel and his number one aide.
You've always told me she's your right arm, Michael...and I'm not the only one who thinks that you belong with her, in more ways than just here. I just wonder...how to do it. Zeus calmly leaned back in his chair and began trying to figure a way to get Archangel and Marella together.
Michael...why can't you understand how I feel about you? Marella asked herself for probably the millionth time since she became Archangel's aide and number one confidant. You're just like Hawke was...ignorant to a fault. She couldn't help staring at a photograph on her desk, one that was taken on Caitlin and String's wedding day – it was of the four of them, together, and Michael was standing with his arm around her shoulders, and her arm was around his waist. And he acted like it didn't mean a thing. Just something he'd been told to do, Marella said to herself, frustration forcing tears to her eyes.
I feel just like Cait used to. I love Michael so much...but he doesn't...or won't love me back. And it's not like I haven't given him hints as to how I feel. Marella thought about the myriad of hints she had given Michael recently – from paying him more attention, personally, to subtly altering some of her outfits to make them a little more...suggestive, while still remaining within FIRM guidelines. Which do allow plenty of leeway, Marella said to herself.
But it doesn't seem to do any good. And I'm not sure how much more of this I can take. She knew she'd always love Michael, just like Cait knew she'd always love Stringfellow Hawke, even when he didn't love her back. But...just like Cait didn't know how long she'd be able to take Hawke ignoring her feelings...I don't know how much longer I can stay here...at least, being so close to Michael, and knowing how I feel about him. She tried to keep the tears from coming, but they eventually did, which necessitated a discrete trip to the restroom. She knew that her emotional state was causing problems with her work, which was just another reason Marella knew she had to get things with Michael figured out as soon as possible.
Why can't I get Marella out of my head? Michael asked himself for probably the thousandth time that day. It seemed like no matter where he turned, he saw Marella's face...her beautiful face. Not to mention her body...especially in those tight jumpsuits. Good grief...I'm starting to sound just like Stringfellow used to about Cait. Of course, I'll never admit that to him. If I ever did, he'd never let me live it down, after all the grief I gave him about Caitlin. I mean...he deserved every ounce of grief I gave him. But then again...I guess I would deserve the same amount about Marella.
Archangel knew there was something special about Marella...that was why he'd asked her to become part of his personal staff, shortly after he became Deputy Director of the FIRM. Her intelligence had gotten Michael's attention almost immediately, but when he first met her, he was struck by her sheer beauty, and had been even more shocked when he learned that she wasn't seeing anyone.
I can't believe she doesn't have a boyfriend. Actually, I can't believe there aren't several men around here who haven't asked her out. Of course...they might be afraid to, considering that she works with me...I seem to have that effect on people...scaring them, that is. They might think Marella's "off limits," or something.
But...I can't think of her like that! I mean, yes, she's a gorgeous woman...a very sexy woman, as a matter of fact...but we work together, for crying out loud! But, on the other hand...there's no regulations against employees dating each other...I know for a fact there are several couples here at Knightsbridge. Some married, some met here and are getting married...not to mention the fact that Hawke and Cait are finally married...and then, there's Marella and me. I almost thought...'and then, there's us.' But...there's never been an 'us.' Does...does she want there to be? Does she feel the same way about me...that I do about her? I need to know...I mean, it would seem a little weird...I am quite a bit older than Marella is...but if she does love me, we can make it work...despite the difference in our ages.
Michael finally forced himself to admit that yes, he loved Marella. Had loved her almost from the day he met her four years ago. That's why I can't stop thinking about her...especially since Hawke and Cait got married. But...how can I tell her? And...what am I going to do if she doesn't feel the same way about me that I do about her? She won't want to continue working with me if that happens...and...she's good for me. At least everyone thinks so...including Hawke, Cait, and Dominic.
And, I know I always said I was better off alone...especially early in my career. But...haven't I been alone long enough? Good grief, I am starting to sound like Hawke. I wonder, though...is that so bad? I mean...for the first time since I've known Stringfellow Hawke, he's genuinely happy. Or at least, happier than I've ever known him to be...and I think being married to Caitlin is a big part of the reason why. And I'd never admit this to Hawke, Michael said to himself grudgingly, but maybe...maybe he could give me some advice about all this. Unless I take the bull by the horns, as Caitlin might say, and do something about it. Michael's only question then was – What?
I guess...I guess I have to face it. Michael doesn't care about me...at least, not the way I care about him. And I know something else – I can't change the way he feels about me, or the way I feel about him. So...I guess I have to figure out what I'm going to do. Both work-wise and personally. Marella knew she shouldn't have allowed herself to become so upset, especially at the office. But I can't help it sometimes. I love Michael so much...and it hurts to think of possibly spending the rest of my life without him. I guess now I know how Caitlin felt. Too bad she's not around...might be nice to talk to her about all this.
I think I have an idea, Zeus said to himself. If it works...things will undoubtedly be better around here. Zeus had noticed a definite increase in the tension between Michael and Marella, and that tension was affecting Michael's attitude, as well as Marella's performance. Which means, it's up to me to fix it. After all, I am head of the FIRM, no matter what Michael might think.
Zeus stopped, however, and considered what would happen if his idea to get Michael and Marella to face their feelings backfired. I could lose a DD...not to mention Marella. Of course... He finally decided he had to do something, and punched his intercom button.
"Yes?" Marella's voice came over the speaker.
"Marella, please report to my office...immediately."
"Yes, sir."
A few seconds later, Zeus punched another button.
"Yes, Zeus?" Michael's voice echoed out.
"Michael...report to my office...immediately."
"Yes, sir."
A few moments later, Michael and Marella both stood in Zeus' empty office.
"He called you, too?" Marella asked.
"Yes," Michael replied, "I wonder why he called us both in here? And where the hell he is."
"Michael? Marella?" They both heard Zeus' voice.
"Zeus?" Michael called, and he and Marella walked towards where the voice came from, and were surprised to find it had come from a walk-in storage closet. They looked at each other, shrugged, and walked in, then were surprised again when the door swung closed behind them, and they heard a soft click. Michael limped over and tried the door.
"Locked," Michael muttered, then he shouted into the air, "Zeus! If this is your idea of a joke, it's not very funny...let us out of here, now!"
"Certainly, Michael," Zeus' voice boomed through the loudspeaker. "You can come out as soon as you and Marella have a serious conversation. And you know which one I mean. In the words of Sgt. Slaughter, the pro wrestler, "And that's...AN ORDER!" And I expect you to obey my orders. Do you both understand?"
"Yes, sir," Marella stated clearly.
"Yes, Zeus," Archangel muttered.
"So, Michael," Marella said, walking closer to him, "what 'conversation' do you think Zeus was referring to?" Her eyes betrayed her feelings. I know exactly what conversation Zeus was talking about...I just hope Michael does.
"I don't think it's a big mystery, Marella," Michael said, sighing. "He wants us to talk about...us. Us getting together..." Michael couldn't finish his sentence.
Zeus, I could kiss you! Marella thought to herself, ecstatic. But, if things go the way I hope they do, I'll probably just kiss Michael. And...there's a lot more I'd like to do with Michael...but that can wait until we're away from the office. But...what if Michael doesn't feel the way I do? Marella worried again about Archangel's feelings towards her. I mean, he's never indicated that he's interested in me...so maybe...maybe we're going to be stuck in here for a long time. Marella tried to stop the tears from falling, but she failed, and turned away from Michael, so he would not see her crying.
Oh, Marella, Michael said to himself as she turned away from him. I'm so sorry. I never knew... He walked over to the corner where Marella stood, hesitated, then reached out and put his hand on her shoulder. Of course you never knew, Michael, you stupid ass...because you never asked her. "Marella...I'm sorry. And...there's something I need to say to you. Please, Marella...look at me," he continued, but knew he would not force her to do anything.
Slowly, Marella turned around, taking deep breaths to try to control her emotions even as she wiped at her eyes. "I'm...I'm sorry, Michael...I don't know what came over me."
"You really don't expect me to believe that, do you, Marella?" Michael asked. "I know exactly what came over you."
"You do?" Marella asked, hesitant.
"Yes, Marella, I do," Michael replied, growing stronger in his conviction. "I think...I think I started realizing it when I heard how you evaded the tail when you went to get Hawke and Santini when I was captured in East Germany." Marella smiled as she remembered telling Hawke and Dom "I lost them in a porno house."
Michael continued, "When I heard about you doing...what you did to get me back, I realized a few things about you. And, about me, too. And...there's...something I've wanted to tell you for a long time, Marella...I just never felt like it was the right thing to do."
"Yes, Michael?" Marella replied, not sure what he was thinking, although she knew what she hoped he meant.
"Marella," Michael said, lifting her face to his so he could look into her eyes, "I...I love you. I have loved you for a long time...I just never knew how to..." He was suddenly interrupted when Marella threw her arms around his neck, and her lips crashed onto his. The kiss started out slowly, then built in passion quickly, until finally, Marella felt Michael begin to pull away.
"Michael? What..."
"Marella," Michael began, catching his breath quickly, "If this isn't what you want, you tell me...you tell me right now."
"Michael, don't." Marella whispered.
"Don't what?" Michael demanded.
"Don't...stop," Marella replied, gazing lovingly into Michael's good eye. "This is what I want...I want you...and, I love you. I love you so much, Michael...I have ever since I met you. And," she said, her expression becoming downright sultry, "if I thought we could get away with it...I'd tell you to take me, right here, and right now. But...that can wait." She felt herself melt into Michael's arms again, and when they separated from each other this time, they both knew their lives would never be the same again.
"Michael," Marella murmured, as she snuggled into his arms, "do you know how long I have waited for you to say that?"
"Probably as long as Cait waited for Hawke," Michael said with a slight chuckle. "I'm sorry, Marella...I know you probably felt a lot like Caitlin...and, I'm sure that if Hawke ever hears about this, I'll never hear the end of it," he continued, gazing into Marella's eyes. "But I suppose I would deserve it, after all the grief I gave him about Caitlin."
"Yes, Michael...you would deserve it," Marella replied, "but then again...I'll probably get an earful from Cait, too...you know I talked to her about Hawke a lot before they got together...and, I'll bet Dom will never let us hear the end of it, either."
"I forgot about Dom," Michael said with a shake of his head. "Between Dom, Hawke, and Cait, I would just bet that we'll never hear the end of it. But, we'll face them...together." He noticed Marella's smile at the word "together," and nodded.
"Michael...you've made me very happy today," Marella said, then added, "and I hope I can make you feel as happy as I do, right now."
"You already have, Marella," Michael answered her as he heard the closet door open. They both quickly straightened their clothing and walked out, to find Zeus and the Admiral waiting for them. Michael decided not to ask how Zeus and the Admiral knew what had gone on in that closet. Something tells me...I don't want to know, Michael said to himself, then added, but, I think I already do. After all, if Zeus could communicate to us in there, there's no reason to believe he couldn't hear what went on in there.
"Nice job, kid!" The Admiral shouted, smiling. He'd been wanting Marella and Michael to get together almost as much as he had wanted Hawke and Caitlin to. "I was beginning to think you'd never tell Marella about your feelings, Michael!"
"You're not the only one, Admiral," Zeus said with a rare smile. "I figured the only way I'd get those two to acknowledge their feelings would be to lock them in a closet, and order them to face those feelings...Michael, I hope you understand. And yes, Michael...we could hear every word you said in there. That's how I knew when to let you out," Zeus admitted with a rare smile.
"How did you know what I was...?" Archangel demanded. "Zeus," Michael replied with a shake of his head, "just like I once told Stringfellow Hawke, sometimes you amaze even me. As far as what happened just now, it's all right. I understand...and, on behalf of both of us, thank you."
"Yes, Zeus," Marella replied, "Thank you."
"You're both welcome," Zeus said, then added, "now, get back to work!"
Marella and Archangel straightened up immediately. "Yes, SIR!" They both responded, then left Zeus' office.
Once they were back in Michael's office, Michael turned to Marella and said, "Well, Marella...we'll definitely have to be business like around the office...but, what do you say to coming to my house for dinner when we're finished here?"
"I say...yes, Michael," Marella replied, her eyes shining with tears of joy and love. "I'd love to have dinner with you tonight." She smiled and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek, then went back to work. They both knew their lives would never be the same, and Michael made a note to thank Zeus for getting him to realize his feelings for Marella. I owe you one, Zeus. Michael said to himself with a smile. A BIG one.