Nikita could tell that Michael wasn't pleased with the way the conversation was going. Finally, he snapped the cell phone shut and put it back in his jacket. He was just standing there looking around. Finally, she asked.
"Michael, what's wrong?" He turned to her and sighed.
"Our profile has been downgraded. Since the mission is finished, they aren't sending anyone to pick us up or to fix the van. We have to get it taken care of here ourselves. We are on inactive status until we return to Section. Of course, if we aren't back in two or three days, they will send half the Section out looking for us."
The mission had gone without a hitch. Right in, right out. Got the needed Intel and forwarded it on to Birkoff via the computer. Michael and Nikita had been the only Ops on the mission and were returning to Section when the van started acting up. Michael had gotten out and checked things over,and made some kind of temporary repair. It had seemed to work until they reached this little town in the middle of nowhere. Then the van had died.
And, it seemed, they were now stuck here until they could get it fixed. Nikita knew Michael wasn't thrilled with the situation, but she thought it had possibilities. The two of them, alone, away from Section, no one watching every move they made, every word they said. No missions. No one knew who they were. Yep, this had definite possibilities. Of course, there were a few problems as well. Nikita finally spoke up.
"Michael, do you think it's wise to have the locals fix the van? I mean, what if they look in it?"
Michael glanced at Nikita and then continued surveying the surrounding area. "We don't have any choice. Section is not going to come and fix it, and I can't do it. We will conceal the weapons and the computer equipment can stay where it is. If anyone asks, we'll tell them we are research scientists who were working over in those mountains."
Nikita nodded. She didn't know how he did it, but you could always count on Michael to come up with a plausible cover story in a few seconds. Nikita watched Michael pace around for a few more minutes and then asked "Okay, now what?"
Michael turned to her and then said, "You stay here with the van. I'll go and find a garage." Nikita nodded and watched him walk away. She didn't wander too far from the van, but she did pace up and down the sidewalk trying to see what there was in this town. She couldn't see very far, but she did notice a movie theater marquee in one direction and a McDonald's in the other direction.
"Oh great," she thought. "I'm starving and now I've gotta sit here and stare at a McDonald's sign while I wait for Michael to get back."
About 45 minutes later, a tow truck arrived. Nikita watched Michael get out of the truck and then she exited the van. Michael walked over to her and she saw that he wasn't a happy camper.
"What's up?" she asked.
"They can't fix it until at least tomorrow. He says they are backed up this week because one of the mechanics is on vacation. So I guess we're stuck here overnight." Nikita smiled at that, but made sure that Michael didn't see it.
Lou, the mechanic had just finished hooking up the van and was walking towards Michael and Nikita, giving Nikita a very thorough once-over as he did. Lou's actions, however, did not escape Michael's attention and he stepped slightly in front of Nikita as Lou approached.
"I can drop you and your ... wife somewhere if you like. The local Bed & Breakfast is about the only place to find a room. If you want, I'll drop you there."
Nikita smiled at being referred to as Michael's "wife" and decided to play along. She threaded her arm through Michael's and said "Actually, honey, could we get something to eat? I'm starving."
Lou laughed and said "Well, little lady, if that's what you want, I can drop you two off at McDonald's. Climb on in."
Michael looked at Nikita and saw the mischievous smile on her face and simply said "Fine."
Lou walked around the truck to get in and Nikita pulled open the passenger door. She was about to get in when Michael pulled her back. He then proceeded to get in the truck first and pull Nikita in after him. He had seen the looks Lou was tossing Nikita's way and he didn't want that grease monkey pawing her. Nikita hadn't missed what was going on either. Once again, she smiled to herself at Michael's actions. Yes, this trip definitely had possibilities.
Lou and Nikita exchanged small talk on the short trip to McDonald's. Michael remained silent, except to thank the mechanic for the ride once they had reached McDonald's.
Nikita grabbed Michael's arm and pulled him towards the door. When he didn't come readily, she stopped and looked at him. The look on his face was priceless. She laughed out loud and said,"Come on Michael, it's not that bad. You look like you're about to be cancelled rather than just eating a meal."
Michael looked at Nikita and replied "Well, with this 'food,' it's pretty much the same thing."
Nikita shook her head as Michael took her hand and they headed inside. They went straight to counter to order. Nikita noticed all the females in the place watching Michael. She knew what they were thinking ... he was certainly the best looking guy she had ever seen. Nikita stepped up to the counter and gave her order.
"I'll have a Big Mac, large fries, and a Diet Coke." Then she turned to Michael. "Sweety, what would you like?"
She saw that Michael was reading the menu off the wall and that he was having a very hard time deciding. She knew how he felt about fast food. He would sooner starve than eat at a place like this, but there was really nothing they could do about it now. She decided to take pity on him.
"He'll have a chicken salad, apple turnover and coffee." Michael was surprised and touched. Nikita was aware of his feelings about fast food, and she had ordered him what she thought to be the healthiest thing on the menu.
Michael paid the bill and Nikita led him to a booth in the back corner of the restaurant. The place wasn't very busy yet since it was only 4:00 in the afternoon, so they had lots of privacy. Not that they really needed it. They both avoided talking about anything Section related. They discussed music, movies, news ... just normal everyday things.
Michael noticed how happy Nikita seemed to be. Just being away from the prying eyes of Section for a few hours did a lot for her. At the same time, Nikita was noticing how relaxed Michael had become. It wasn't often that he really relaxed and it was wonderful to watch. He was much more open to her. Not that he spilled his life story, but he wasn't purposefully holding anything back from her like he always did in Section.
When they had finished eating, Nikita went to the clerk that had waited on them and asked how to get to the local bed & breakfast. The girl gave them the directions and as Nikita was thanking her the girl leaned over and said "You're one lucky lady. You're husband is sooo gorgeous." ,p> Nikita laughed and said "Yeah, I know. He is, isn't he." Nikita turned away and Michael placed his hand on her lower back and lead her out the door. All the female McDonald's employees let out a collective sigh and wished they were in Nikita's shoes.
Michael and Nikita headed down the street hand-in-hand. Nikita was pointing out all the little squirrels, kittens and birds and having a wonderful time. Michael, watching her, was suddenly very glad that the van had broken down. To have this time alone with her, away from Section and all it's lies, secrets, listening devices and video cameras was like a dream come true. And Nikita was simply ecstatic. He didn't know if he would ever see her this happy again. He made up his mind then andthere to do everything in his power to keep that smile on her face as long as he could.
A short while later they arrived at the B&B and knocked on the door. A short, slightly graying woman answered and invited them in. "Hello, I'm Alice Stone, owner of this bed and breakfast. Let me guess ... you need a room." Nikita and Alice laughed together.
Michael smiled and explained their situation to the owner. Alice listened patiently and then replied, "Actually, I already have a room made up for you."
Nikita's eyebrow lifted at hearing this. Alice noticed and explained. "Lou called and said I should be on the lookout for a young married couple. That you'd be looking for a room. Then my daughter called and said that was a gorgeous couple headed this way. She works at McDonalds ... she's the one who gave you directions on how to get here. If you follow me, I'll show you to your room."
Michael and Nikita followed Alice up the stairs and to the back of the house. Alice opened a door and Nikita and Michael followed her into the most beautiful room Nikita had ever seen. It was a large room with a fireplace on one wall.
Alice explained where they could find everything and then as she was about to leave the room she said, "I hope you don't mind my saying so, but it's so nice to see a couple so much in love. I can see the love you have for each other shining from your eyes. I was actually going to put you in another room down the hall, but when I met you, I knew I had to put you in the 'honeymoon suite.' As you can see, it's not really a suite, but that's what I call it."
Nikita was blushing and Michael walked up and put his arm around her.
"Thank you," he said.
Nikita flopped down on the sofa and watched Michael walk over to the window and look out. She got a wicked glint in her eye and then asked "So Michael what do you say? Should we go bowling?"
Michael turned towards her and gave her a look that would make anyone shake in their shoes. Anyone, that is, but Nikita. She just looked at him and laughed.
"Well, what do you want to do? Just hang out here?"
Just then Nikita heard a noise she had never heard before. She stopped talking and looked up. Michael was laughing. He was actually laughing!
About two hours later, Nikita said "Hey Michael, why
don't we go see a movie. I haven't been to a movie in ages." Michael, not wanting to dampen her spirits, readily agreed. They walked to the movie theater and noticed that it was a small complex with three theaters.
"So what do you want to see?" Nikita turned to Michael and asked. Then
they both looked at the movies that were playing. "Bambi," "Superman" and "Terminator II".
Michael stared at the names of the movies. There was absolutely nothing here he wanted to see. But he was determined to make
the most of this for Nikita so he tried to make up his mind.
Nikita spoke first. "How about we go see Bambi?"
Michael looked at her as if she had grown two heads. He definitely didn't want to see some kids' movie ... besides, he knew how the movie would affect Nikita. The little deer losing it's mother ... nope that was definitely out!
"No way, Nikita. I'm not going to a kids' movie without any kids! Let's see Terminator II." Michael was now on the receiving end of the "two heads" look.
"Michael, we get enough "Terminator" crap everyday ... I'm not gonna spend two hours watching it when I'm trying to enjoy myself...
Well, I guess that leaves Superman!"
As they were leaving the movie theater, Nikita couldn't help but laugh.
Michael asked her what was so funny. "Well, here we are in a small town in the middle of nowhere, which I've personally dubbed "Smalltown" and these people have no idea who we really are. If they'd ever seen some of the things I've seen you do ... repelling down buildings, flying through the night sky, shooting targets without even looking at them, ignoring pain that would bring down the toughest marines ... they'd probably dub YOU Superman!"
Nikita was starting to lose it ... was just too funny a picture
... Michael in that form-fitting Superman suit with a cape flying out behind him!
Not to be outdone, Michael pulled her close to him, kissed her on the cheek and then whispered in her ear, "Well, if I'm Superman, then I guess that makes you Lois Lane." They stopped right where they were on the street and stared into each other's eyes for what seemed like ages. Then Michael took her hand and they headed back to the B&B.