“Michael.” Nikita calls out and Michael turns from the window and looks at Nikita. He was waiting to see the van arriving, or at least people. So far, in the hour and fifteen minutes that had passed, there had been no more information. Nikita had been sleeping, not peacefully, but almost comfortably.

“What is it, Nikita?” Michael asks as he moves back over to her side. He pushes her hair back, as the fever was starting to rage on more. Nikita grabbed Michael’s hand and kissed his palm.

“Thanks for saving me.” Nikita says and Michael expels a large puff of air. He could not believe that Nikita still did not know.

“Nikita, I had to save you.” Michael says as he bends down, and then slides his butt back down onto the hard wooden floor.

“No, you didn’t.” Nikita says as she looks at the Christmas tree. She smiles and drops her head again.

“You finished decorating it.” Nikita says and Michael nods his head and strokes the underside of Nikita’s chin.

“Yes. I thought you would like to see it.” Michael says and Nikita nods her head.

“It is so beautiful.” Nikita says and Michael lets out a little grunt of laughter. He had seen trees that were a hundred times as pretty.

“It is. Because you did it for me.. And you didn’t have too.” Nikita explains and coughs dryly. Michael looks at Nikita’s blue eyes and smiles.

“Nikita, I know that this is not the Christmas that you planned, but I will make it up to you.” Michael says and Nikita laughs softly.

“What more would I want from Christmas that to be with you and to have you waiting on me hand and foot?” Nikita asks with some laughter of her own. Michael leans in and places his face against hers. She was just a gentle person that wanted to be loved. Michael could only hope that he could give her that.

“Nikita, it is going to hurt when they move you….” Michael says softly and Nikita holds Michael’s hand tightly.

“Worry about that when they get here.” Nikita says softly. Michael nods his head and cups his hand against Nikita’s face. He can’t get enough of her strength, and her love. He searched her blue eyes intensely, and smiled broadly at her.

“I don’t think I have ever seen you smile like that.” Nikita comments and Michael strokes her head softly.

“It is for all the smiles you gave me. I want you to know that I will watch over you.” Michael says, as there is noise from outside.

“Damn it’s cold out there!” A male operatives yells as he enters the cabin, and Michael stands up.

“Nikita and Michael are saved!” some of the kids yells, but Belinda continues to sit. She looks at Madeline and folds her hands. Madeline raises her eyebrow at Belinda.

“The End.” Madeline says, but it gets no response out of Belinda. She calmly tilts her head and stares at Madeline.

“Santa Claus doesn’t come for a while, Madeline. Why don’t you tell us the ending?” Belinda asks and Madeline raises an eyebrow again at the girl. Madeline did not understand how Belinda knew that there was more.

“Yes, Madeline. The ending.” Operations calls out from his corner. Madeline looks at him and then at Belinda.

“My daddy told me more. I want to hear you tell it.” Belinda says and Madeline brushes little Walter’s face softly.

“Belinda, most of the children here are tired. You are right… Santa Claus is still not here for a while.. But he is coming.” Madeline says and Belinda raises her head softly.

“I WANT MORE!” Belinda whines out. Madeline closes her eyes and stares at Operations. She watches someone walk in and tap him on the shoulder. Operations nods to Madeline and steps out. Madeline gives a silent prayer that they don’t have to send a mission out on Christmas Eve.

“OK! I will tell you more!” Madeline says, giving into Belinda. The children sit down happily and wait for Madeline to continue.

“Michael…. Look at that Christmas tree. The lights have smiley faces!” Nikita says as Michael holds Nikita’s hand as the operatives push the gurney towards Medlab. Birkoff stands up and walks over to the gurney, as they stop for Operations to see Nikita, before continuing.

“Nikita!” Birkoff cries out and Nikita tilts her head and smiles.

“Birkoff… your hair is red.” Nikita says. Michael blinks and sees the Santa Hat on Birkoff’s head. Michael touches Nikita head softly and looks at Birkoff.

“She is on a lot of pain medication. The trip was bad.” Michael says and Birkoff nods his head, as he sees the massive wrapping on Nikita’s leg. Birkoff swallows and smiles back at Nikita again.

“Operations just wants to see you before you go into Medlab. They are waiting for you… with bells on their feet.” Birkoff says as he touches Nikita’s hand and then turns away.

Nikita turns her head and looks up at the glass office. She shuts her eyes and grabs for Michael’s hand. Michael bends down and wipes away her tears.

“Nikita, what is wrong?” Michael asks as a technician checks the IV bag.

“I don’t want anymore medication. Now I’m seeing Christmas decorations in Operation’s office.” Nikita says and Michael smiles broadly.

“That is because there is.” Michael says and Nikita turns her head sharply. She shakes her head as Madeline walks down the hallway.

“Why isn’t she in Medlab?” Madeline asks Michael and he shrugs his shoulders. Madeline walks over and Nikita looks up to her eyes.

“Why are you dressed as Mrs. Santa Claus?” Nikita asks and Madeline smiles and looks to the waiting operatives.

“Take her now.” Madeline orders. She grabs Michael to the side and they rush Nikita down to the waiting surgery room to put her leg back together again.

“You will be vital to her recovery.” Madeline says and Michael nods his head. Michael waits as he hears loud jingle bells.

“HO! HO! HO!” Operations calls out, and Madeline, Michael, and Birkoff stare at the man. He looks at the three operatives and then at the empty hallway.

“Where is Nikita?” Operations asks and Michael and Madeline only blink their eyes.

“Madeline sent her down for surgery.” Birkoff says and Operations pulls the beard off and frowns.

“I told you to keep her here!” Operations yells at Michael. Michael blinks his eyes and looks at the red suit on Operations.

“Where did you get that?” Madeline asks firmly.

“I borrowed it from Walter. I heard that the drugs where making Nikita a little loony.. And I thought I would give her a Christmas she would never forget!” Operations says. He shrugs his shoulders and then goes to the computers.

“Time to hand out some coal with cancellation notices.” Operations says and he walks away. Michael stares at Madeline and sits down. The stress of the past few days weigh on his shoulders. Michael rolls his head back, knowing that Nikita was going to need constant care as the leg healed. He knew that he was already slated for that job.

“It is already a Christmas she won’t forget. She was going to buy her own Christmas tree… and she bought me a special gift.” Michael says and Birkoff touches Michael’s hand.

“Christmas doesn’t have to be December 25th, Michael. It can be when you want it to be, as long as you have the Christmas spirit.” Birkoff says and Michael looks at Birkoff and then stands up to go wait in Medlab for Nikita’s surgery to end.

Nikita’s eyes fluttered open, and she looked into the soft light. She rolled her head to the side, feeling weighted down. She struggles to keep her eyes open and to wet her lips to speak.

“Michael.” Nikita whispers out, and Michael pulls his head up from the chair and smiles at Nikita as he leans in towards her. He rubs her forehead softly as chains hold up her leg, as it is in a cast from hip to toe.

“How do you feel?” Michael asks and Nikita blinks her eyes and shrugs her shoulders. She looks around and then to Michael.

“What time is it?” Nikita asks and Michael glances at his watch and then back up to Nikita.

“About five minutes before midnight.” Michael says and Nikita looks at him and Michael watches the thought being formed in his head.

“Is it still Christmas?” Nikita asks and Michael nods his head sadly. It might have been better had Nikita was still sleep. It was hard enough for her now.

“Yes, Nikita.” Michael says and Nikita nods her head and kisses Michael’s hand softly.

“One more song, please?” Nikita asks and Michael rubs her forehead softly.

“Nikita, you need your sleep.” Michael protests and Nikita shakes her head back and forth.

“Please, Michael…. I missed most of Christmas. One more song. For me?” Nikita says and Michael leans back and kisses Nikita’s own hand.

“Silent night…. Holy night.. all is calm.. all is bright…” Michael sings out as he watches Nikita cry softly. Michael’s own voice trembles as he continues on, well into the next day.

“That is so sweet.” One of the girls says softly and Madeline looks up at the door. She missed Michael and Nikita more and more by telling this story. She wish she knew where they were. Madeline watches the door open and Operations step back in.

“Michael was singing to Nikita?” Belinda asks loudly and Madeline raises an eyebrow.

“Yes, he did.” Madeline says and Belinda starts to laugh loudly. Operations walks over and whispers something into Belinda’s ear. She laughs and turns back to Madeline.

“So.. what happened next?” Belinda asks and Madeline smiles softly.

“Well… I had the pleasure of trying to get Nikita to use a wheelchair.” Madeline says and Operations starts to bellow loudly.

“It was a game of Bowling Madeline over!!!” Operations laughs. He remembers the sight so much. Nikita had insisted on using crutches, but Madeline informed Nikita that around Section she would have to use the wheelchair until cast got cut down some. Madeline had put Nikita into the hallway with the wheelchair and showed Nikita how to push herself forward. What Madeline had neglected was to tell Nikita how to stop. Needless to say, after Madeline pulled her bruised body up off of the floor, Nikita was handed the crutches.

“Enough, Paul!” Madeline says tensely and he nods his head and walks back to his corner.

“When did Nikita have her Christmas?” Sandra politely asks and Madeline smiles. So the girl had learned. Maybe it was just for one day, but it was a beginning.

“About four weeks later…. But it is getting late…” Madeline says and Operations looks at his watch and then to Madeline.

“Not too late. Plus Birkoff has got a tracking device on Santa Claus this year, and he isn’t around us yet.” Operations says and Madeline nods her head. She was ordered to continue. The children moved closer and little Walter on her lap started to yawn.

Madeline had just turned back to the children, when Operations turned to the opening door. He nodded his head and let a figure slip into the room.

Nikita carefully stepped off of the elevator and started down the hallway. She was wearing a mini skirt, because with the large cast to her hip, not a lot could be worn. Nikita couldn’t wait to sit down on her couch and strip the skirt off. Her arms ached from the entire day of moving around Section One.

Michael stepped out in front of her and walked to Nikita’s door. He had a backpack slung over his shoulder and pulled out the key to Nikita’s apartment. Nikita looked at the wreath still on the door and shook her head. She turned her head to look down the hallway.

“I asked you to take that down.” Nikita comments and Michael looks at Nikita and nods his head.

“I haven’t had a chance to get over here. I will do it sometime during this week.” Michael says and Nikita stares at Michael and rolls her eyes. This was going to be a different kind of experience. Michael and Nikita, in Nikita’s apartment, for a week. Nikita closed her eyes as she hands ached from the pressure of her body weight.

“Will you hurry up?” Nikita says, as the aches are starting to wear at her last nerve. Michael pushes the door open and steps back into the hallway. Nikita turns and looks into her apartment.

There was a large and fully Christmas tree with brightly colored Christmas gifts underneath the dark evergreen needles. It twinkled and Nikita started to cry. Michael stepped in behind her, not sure if she would continue to hold her strength.

“MERRY CHRISTMAS!” Walter and Birkoff cry out as they walk out from the bathroom, and then Nikita leans back on Michael. Michael kisses her ear softly, and carefully picks her up. He places her down on the couch and closes the apartment door.

“It’s so pretty…. When did you have the time?” Nikita asks and Michael rubs her face softly.

“I’ve had a lot of time.” Michael says and Nikita tries to rub her tears away. Birkoff sits down on the floor and hands Nikita a box up from underneath the tree. Michael winks at Birkoff and Nikita opens the gift.

It is a large red pillow, laced with gold trimming and jewels. Nikita runs her fingers against the trim and nods her head.

“I love it, Birkoff.” Nikita says and Birkoff laughs.

“Michael said you would need it.” Birkoff says and Nikita looks at Michael. She has that half puzzled and half amazed look on her face.

“Nikita… you need to put your foot up. You have a small pillow for foot, but not one for underneath your bent knee.” Michael says as he takes the pillow out of Nikita’s hands and demonstrates. Nikita giggles and nods her head.

“Yes… I needed that.” Nikita comments and Walter leans over Birkoff and hands Nikita another gift. Nikita carefully opens it and starts to laugh.

“Markers? Where are the coloring books?” Nikita laughs and Walter looks at Nikita’s white cast. Nikita starts to shakes her head.

“Madeline told me to keep it white!” Nikita says and Walter laughs loudly, which soon spreads across the room, and soon Nikita is laughing.

“I know.. When was the last time I listened to Madeline!” Nikita laughs as she opens the box and starts to give Walter and Birkoff some markers. Nikita looks at Michael and raises an eyebrow. Michael takes the dark green marker and smiles.

Nikita laughs as Birkoff draws a computer face and then signs it. Walter was coloring in a smiley face and then putting stripes on “SUGAR”. Nikita looks at Michael, who has not moved and looks at him puzzled again. Walter puts the cap on his marker and hands it back to Nikita. Michael smiles at Nikita and places is hand on Nikita’s waist.

“Can you roll over some?” Michael asks and Nikita does so. Nikita turns her head around over her shoulder to watch Michael start to write on the topmost part of her cast “Property of Michael’s. Hands off.” Michael smiles and then signs it.

“We can draw and create some more later….. Where are my gifts!” Walter calls out and Nikita laughs as she rolls back and blushes as she looks at Michael.

“Good night, Nikita.” Walter says softly as he bends down and kisses Nikita’s cheek. Nikita nods her head and holds onto Walter’s hand for several seconds. Walter squeezes it and then moves on out of the apartment.

Michael closes the apartment door and walks back to Nikita. He looks underneath the tree and motions towards two gifts. He pulls them out and looks at Nikita.

“Open yours.” Nikita says and Michael opens it quickly. Although on that real Christmas Eve, Nikita had told him what she had bought him, he as stunned by the sight of the gift. He had tried to find the clock for months, and Nikita somehow continued to search for it. Michael took a deep breath to maintain his composure and he turns to Nikita and motions to her last gift.

“Michael…. You have done so much all ready.” Nikita says and Michael looks around and shrugs his shoulders.

“We all need Christmas.” Michael says as he touches the gift and looks at Nikita with his green eyes glowing back at her.

Nikita pulled at the wrapping paper and opened the box. Within the box, was another box, wrapped up tightly. Nikita went through three boxes before out emerged a small black velvet box.

Michael heard Nikita suck in the air and he took the box and opened it for her. Nikita’s eyes sparkled like the diamond earrings that twinkled at her from the box, as tears ran down her face. Nikita touched them quickly with her finger and then pulled her finger away.

“Michael….” Nikita says and he places two fingers on her lips.

“Merry Christmas, Nikita.” Michael says and he then moves his fingers and kisses him softly.

“The END.” Madeline pronounces and Belinda stands up and twirls around.

“I want to be like Nikita. Grow up tall and blonde, and with a bubbly smile!” Belinda says and Madeline laughs.

“But you have never met Nikita, darling.” Madeline says and Belinda sits down quickly, as if she was guilty of doing something wrong. Madeline shakes her head lightly as Sandra raises her hand. Madeline is shocked by the politeness of the move.

“Where are Michael and Nikita now?” Sandra asks and Madeline nods her head.

“I believe they are together.” Madeline says and the figure that was standing close to Operations starts to move away slightly.

“They were in Paris for a long time… Paul, are they still in Paris?” Madeline asks as she looks up at Operations. He shakes his head.

“I can’t tell you.” Operations says and Madeline nods her head.

“But are they together? Like my mom and dad are?” Sandra asks and Madeline stops herself from rolling her eyes. Gail was a good mother, don’t get Madeline wrong, but she did not tone down her wild side yet.

“Yes. As much as they can be.” Madeline says as she drops her head and then rubs her lip.

“ I use to have tea with Nikita every other week, if she was around. I can not describe her well enough to you. You just have to meet her.” Madeline says and Belinda smiles.

“She is like a fireball!” Belinda says.

“Belinda.” Operations says and Belinda smiles and drops her head. Madeline shakes her head, not understanding what was going on there.

“I think of them every Christmas because of this story.” Madeline says. Madeline looks down at little Walter. He is pointing behind Madeline’s shoulder. Madeline looks at him and laughs slightly.

“What? Do you see an elf?” Madeline asks and little Walter shakes his head no.

“Sugar.” Little Walter says and Madeline turns her head. There in the corner, stood a smiling Nikita waving at little Walter. Little Walter jumped off of Madeline’s lap and ran to Nikita. Nikita picked him up and moved closer to Madeline.

“So what wild stories have you been telling them about me?” Nikita asks as she sets little Walter back down and Madeline stands up. She can not contain her emotions. She wraps her arms around Nikita and hugs her tightly.

“I have missed you.” Madeline states and Nikita smiles and nods her head.

“I have missed you too.” Nikita says and she steps back.

“And, I’ve brought a Christmas gift… or two.” Nikita says with a smile and Madeline looks at her and then smiles.

“So, Michael is with you.” Madeline says and Nikita drops a patent Michael blank stare down and looks at Madeline.

“Who said that?” Nikita asks and Madeline watches as Nikita walks back to the door. Madeline looks at Operations, and he smiles broadly at her.

“Merry Christmas” Operations mouths out and winks at her.