Set after 1x18: How Alex finds out about Nikita and Michael
This past week Michael was barely able to hide the huge smile on his face. Even Birkhoff made a comment about how unusually nice he was to him. That didn't concern Michael. He was still his serious self at work. He just had other more pleasant things on his mind than thinking of how to taunt the hacker. He had her on his mind.
They returned from London on different flights (for obvious reasons). Nikita took a later flight which ended up working out perfectly for them. Michael had to debrief when he returned and by the time he was finished, she had just gotten home. He spent the night as he had done every night since they got together. Nikita loved every second of it even though a voice in her head was screaming at her that they weren't being careful. Her heart won over it easily.
Nikita and Michael deserved to be together after so many years of dancing around each other and being on opposite sides. They had so much to catch up on and make up for the time they had missed. Nikita also made sure his tracker was showing that he was in his apartment when he was at the loft. Michael wasn't tracked as closely so as long as she had the signal jammer working they could be together.
So he had her in his arms every night and every morning. Michael didn't know how long that would last when he had more active missions on his hands but for now, he would fully enjoy this time with her. He regretfully said goodbye to her that morning, wanting to just shut the whole world and stay in their little happy bubble. One day (and it better be in the near future) he told himself.
He finished surprisingly early that day. Percy had locked himself up in his office and didn't want to be disturbed by anyone. His training with the recruits was done for the day and he had no more business in the underground bunker. "Michael, I was just looking for you. I expected you at my office at some point today." Amanda stopped Michael just as he was about to get in the elevator.
"I didn't know you had requested me in your office" He turned around and replied. He could see the coldness and irritation in Amanda's eyes. She tried to mask it with a smile but they had worked together long enough. That trick only worked on recruits and maybe some agents.
"I hadn't. I expected you to follow up on our conversation from yesterday about Thom. That was a pretty serious thing not to mention. You have always tried to help recruits and get them on the right paths but that is what I'm here for. " Amanda remained cold and at the last sentence, he sensed anger even. She was usually always well-composed and that concerned Michael. There was something more there.
"As I said, I made the wrong call and I'm sorry to hear that Alex had to face the consequences of it. It was my responsibility to handle the situation." Birkhoff had caught up with Michael on Amanda's latest interrogation. Her phone call made more sense to him after. He promised Nikita to help Alex but she was getting herself into big trouble. Amanda digging this much was not good.
"Percy hasn't supported my recommendation for cancellation. I already know what your answer will be as well. I will leave that matter to rest for now. I do, however, want a full report on everything you know about Alex and Thom and your involvement. It will be a great learning experience for you as well. And I don't think I should say this, but I trust you to remember next time to come to me before doing anything like that." Amanda was not smiling anymore. She was studying Michael trying to read every little expression on his face.
Michael knew not to disagree or retaliate in any way. The sooner he got Amanda to leave him the better. "You will have it on your desk tomorrow and I will be sure to report if I see something like that again" with that Amanda seemed to be satisfied and left. Michael got in his car and took a deep breath. Unfortunately, it was not going to be a peaceful evening with his love (that sounded amazing and it even made him smile from ear to ear) he had to deal with this mess first.
Michael unlocked the front door. Nikita had given him a key last night so he could come in easily. Nikita must have heard him because she was by the door in an instant. "Look who's not breaking in anymore" she grinned widely. Michael chuckled and scooped her in his arms in retaliation. She giggled, wrapping her legs around his waist. He kissed her sweetly and said "You're wrong. I am breaking in and taking you far away from here where nobody is going to find us" she kissed him back and husked over his lips "Sounds perfect. When are we leaving?" They both laughed brightly and held each other tight for a few more moments.
Nikita soon dropped to her feet and pulled him inside. "I was just about to work out but I wouldn't mind sparring as well" she smirked at him. He gave her a half-smile and she knew something was up "Is everything okay?" she came in front of him and took a hold of his hands.
"Yeah, It's nothing serious. I'm okay. We just need to sort some things out" he explained. He would have loved to spar with her but he had a job to do first.
"Okay." she nodded. Something was bothering him, but she didn't want to push him. He was going to tell her. In the meantime, she could make him relax. "Have you eaten anything?"
"Who eats at Division voluntarily?" she laughed. He had a point. The food was plain with almost no taste. Only the recruits ate it. Anyone else who had access to the outside world prefered to just eat when they got off work.
"I have lots of food left from lunch, come on" Nikita pulled him by his hand towards the kitchen. She warmed up the plate of food and they sat at the kitchen counter. "You are not hungry?" Michael murmured around a bite of food. She giggled "No, my love. I ate not too long ago" she watched him finish and clean up. He, of course, had to thank her with a kiss or two for the delicious food.
"Now, what do we need to resolve?" Nikita didn't lose time and asked.
"Alex. Have you talked to her and does she know about us?" Michael followed her lead and was direct as well.
"I talked to her yesterday. She was surprised that you backed her up. I mentioned that we needed to talk but we agreed to meet in person when I got back. Why?" Nikita wanted to tell Alex in person. It felt wrong to share something like that over the phone. She wanted to see her real reaction and erase any worries that may arise.
"Did she tell you for what I backed her up? "
"Not really. She just said that Amanda was onto her about something and that she recommended her cancellation and that you saved her ass" The phone call was brief. It gave enough information to Nikita that she really needed to get Alex out of Division as soon as possible.
"Amanda had Birkhoff bring the FMRI machine to her and use it on Alex. She questioned her about breaking into Percy's office with a thumbprint?" Michael looked at Nikita expecting an explanation.
"Yeah that might be my doing, but didn't she pin it on Thom?"
"There is a whole thing with Jaden there that I have no clue about. She also asked her about the air vents and more about Thom. She managed to create some story based around the truth to fool the machine. She eventually passed the test." Michael explained. It was pretty impressive. That test was not easy to fool.
"That's good, right? It means she is in the clear." Nikita thought that was it.
"Not exactly. Amanda has backed off with the cancellation for now at least. Percy hasn't supported it and I won't obviously but she is not convinced with her story. From what I understood from Birkhoff and Amanda, Alex said that Thom was in love with her but she apparently wasn't and pushed him away. Do you know anything about that?" Michael assumed Nikita would be able to clear things up more for him. He really had no idea about that.
"I learned about it after he died. Alex didn't mention anything about him like that while she was inside Division. I figured something had happened there and asked her. From what I gathered they both had feelings for each other and nothing happened beyond a kiss or two. Were they that good at hiding it?" Alex was still hurting and Nikita didn't press too much at the time. It wasn't important. She just wanted to help her friend process the loss. She was surprised Michael hadn't picked up on it. He was pretty good at sensing those things.
"I mean Thom was nice to everyone. Jaden showed some liking to him but he always dismissed her so I didn't pay much attention to that. When Alex came he got close to her. I thought that was the reason why Jaden and Alex wouldn't stop beating the shit out of each other."
"Wait, what?" The only thing Nikita knew about Jaden is that Alex didn't like her and vice versa.
"Oh, don't even get me started on that one. Despite all of that though I never saw anything more between them" Michael had gotten so exhausted from that situation. There were always two or three people at each other's throats in every group of recruits but Jaden and Alex were something else.
"So, anyway, because I backed up her story in Amanda's eyes I'm responsible for not bringing that up to her attention and she wants a full report by tomorrow on the situation and I can't do it without Alex." Michael returned back to his point.
"Okay" Nikita scratched at the back of her head nervously "I will tell her to come over then." It was inevitable. She had to tell Alex today.
"Should I leave and come back later or?" Michael didn't know how Nikita was planning on doing it. He assumed she would have wanted to be alone with the young woman.
"No, we don't have a whole day for this. I will talk to her alone. You can hide in here and I will call you over eventually." Michael needed the report for tomorrow and Nikita also wanted to smooth things over between them. They weren't enemies anymore and they were also the closest people she had.
"Hide? Why?"
"Michael, you don't know Alex outside from what you have seen in Division. She doesn't trust easily. The second she sees you near me she will attack you thinking I'm in danger" Nikita wouldn't have another situation of guns being drawn and her being a referee.
"Okay, you're right. You know her better. I'll do whatever I have to'' Michael complied. He had to agree with Nikita on this one. It was understandable why Alex would want to shoot him the minute she saw him in here. Nikita left Alex a message and they waited. Nikita saw Alex on her security cameras outside and left Michael to wait in the kitchen for her to call him.
"Is everything okay? You sounded urgent." As soon as Alex walked in she headed towards Nikita and gave her a hug.
"Let's sit down first. How are you?" Nikita didn't want to tell her straight away like that out of the blue. She needed Alex to settle first.
Alex told her about the last couple of days and her concerns about Amanda. Nikita thought that was a good moment to bring up the topic.
"About that, I have some news that will change things and I need you to listen and trust me for this one. "
"Nikita, whatever it is you can tell me" Alex didn't like that Nikita was holding back from her. She was always going to support her no matter what.
"You know how I said that we needed to talk about Michael." she tried to hide the smile from even mentioning his name.
"Yeah, what about him?"
"The reason he verified your story in front of Amanda was because I asked him to. He was with me in London when she called him. And the reason he was with me was because since last week Michael is on our side" Nikita started with that first. The first shock would be out of the way.
"What do you mean he is on our side?" Alex almost screamed "Nikita he is Division through and through. He is Percy's right-hand man. How can you trust that it's not a trap" Alex couldn't believe what she just heard. It didn't make any sense.
"Well, there is another aspect to it. He and I are kind of also together." Nikita decided to just rip the bandaid off and hope for the best.
"Together? Like in a relationship kind of together or?" Alex chuckled thinking she was making some joke. Nikita didn't laugh though
"Yeah, we are in a relationship"
"Like in a relationship relationship, like me and Nate kind of thing?" Alex still couldn't wrap her head around what her best friend was saying. So all of the sudden Michale was on their side and not only that but they were together?
Nikita tried to explain the situation as best as she could. She gave a little run down of the history between her and Michael and what had happened the last week that ultimately led to all of this. She left some things out like Michael's family. That was a story that only he had the right to share when he wanted to. Alex listened. She was starting to take it all in but something didn't sit right with her.
"Wait? Was he the one that blew up your computer and left you like that when I came by around that time? Nikita?!" The young woman started putting the pieces together. She had never seen her mentor so broken down before that moment. She wasn't going to let it slide.
"Hey, no that was before. I'm okay. We have worked it out and everything is alright. I know it sounds crazy right now." Nikita reassured her. All of that was already resolved between her and Michael and Alex didn't need to worry about it.
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, really. I'm okay. I'm happy and well taken care of" Nikita tried to lighten up the mood a little bit but she barely got a smile from Alex.
"I want you to do something for me now" It was time for the real deal.
"What is it?" Alex wasn't sure she could handle more surprises but they were already on that train so might as well.
"Michael is here. I would have loved to bring you together in other circumstances but Amanda wants a report on the story with Thom. It needs to match with yours so she lets you off for a little bit until we can get you out"
"So we have to work together and you want me to be nice" Alex knew what Nikita was really asking of her. She didn't trust people easily and especially ones she considered an enemy days ago.
Nikita smiled softly at her and she just rolled her eyes stifling a laugh. "Okay, fine. Where is he?"
Nikita went back to the kitchen to get Michael. He had gotten worried for a second that things were not going great. Nikita looked calm and okay so that was some relief. Alex was sitting on one of the armchairs Nikita had around the loft. Nikita nudged Michael to sit on the other one while she took a chair and sat across from them. Alex studied Michael very well while he walked in. She trusted Nikita, she really did, but it was going to take a while for Alex to trust and see Michael as a part of their team. She also wanted to have a few words with him on the fact he is apparently her best friend's boyfriend now.
"So since we've got lots of work to do I would like to eat first. Mac and cheese?" Alex put on a friendly smile and looked towards her mentor. Nikita rolled her eyes and muttered "seriously". Back in the days when Nikita was training Alex, she would always want Mac and cheese as a reward for good behaviour. So that was both a nod to her trying to be nice but also Nikita sensed she wanted to talk with Michael without her present. It worried her a little but Alex always kept her word. She said she would be right back and left them.
Michael didn't know why Nikita agreed just like that and was gone in an instant. She left him to face Alex alone. He didn't know how their conversation went and what was said, he was going in blind.
"I want to make a few points" before he could say anything Alex turned towards him and stated.
"Okay" he nodded.
"We are going to be a team. That's fine with me. I look out for you and you look out for me. We are good on that front."
"I'm happy to hear that" Michel replied. He had never seen Alex so serious. Nikita was maybe right. He really didn't know the girl behind the Division recruit/agent.
"In terms of you guys being together...She is the closest person I have and I would tear the world apart for her and any person that tries to harm her in any way. I don't know what the deal was with you coming in here shooting stuff and I don't want to know but if I ever see her so hurt again and you are the reason I promise you I would ditch everything just to hunt you down."
Now that was something, Michael thought. It was understandable where Alex was coming from. He would beat himself up personally for what he did to Nikita. He reached out his hand to shake hers and said "I will personally send you my location if it ever comes to it which I promise you it won't but I understand so.."
Alex was taken back but didn't show it and shook his hand. "So let's start this report then, shall we?"
By the time Nikita returned with Alex's food. Alex and Michael had the story down and were working out any questions that might come up and any details they had missed. Nikita stopped in her tracks for a second and just observed them from afar. She was nervous about leaving them alone or actually more nervous to leave Michael in the hands of Alex. That looked to have turned out well, though if they were already working together without her having to step in.
"There you go and this was the last box so congratulations on burning right through my supply of lazy dinners" Nikita handed the bowl to Alex who ignored her comment and dug right in. She was starving.
Nikita nestled into Michael's side on the armchair. He happily welcomed her and wrapped an arm around her waist. "I'm happy to see that you're still alive" she whispered in his ear. He kissed her hair "She is tough but fair, we got along"
Nikita was very happy to hear that. Michael and Alex were the most important people in her life right now and she loved both of them so much. For the rest of the night, she let them work on the report and just enjoyed watching them. They got a bit more comfortable with each other so they even had some laughs in between. Nikita was excited about this new chapter.
Note: In my head, there was at least a week between episodes 17 and 18 so that's how I have worked it out in the story in case it confused you. Thank you for reading and if you have your own ideas for how Alex found out I would love to read them xx (a bit of a longer chapter but I hope you enjoyed it!)