In The Rough

 

Authors: Janet (SkyGirl5) and Katy (KrazyKaty57789)

 

Summary:  After the death of Agent Michael Vaughn, the love of her life, Sydney Bristow needs to move on away from the CIA and from LA.    

 

Disclaimer: Characters Sydney Bristow, Michael Vaughn, etc. belong to ABC, JJ Abrams.

 

[30 Chapters]

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Chapter 1

When she heard the news, everything stopped.  It was as if the world just hung still for a moment before proceeding again differently.  Nothing was the same; everything was... slower.  She was crashing, falling, burning and then.... nothing.  No emotions.  But for a moment she had a flash of two things: what could have been and now what could never be.

 

What could have been was love, safety, a family, a home, a husband, a lover, a normal life with three kids – two boys and a girl- all of them had piercing green eyes and dimpled smiles.  They would all go to the beach and run along the sand, splashing in the waves and building sand castles on the beach.  Then they would all go home, snuggle up on the couch with the kids all around them and watch a movie until they all fell asleep.  They would then carry them to bed, tucking them in and finally going to their own bed where they would hold each other tight and say how much they loved one another. 

 

Now, what could never be were all those things and more.  She could never touch him again.  She would never feel that electricity when his hand brushed against hers.  She could never see him again.  She could never see those amazing eyes or that smile that made her heart flutter uncontrollably.  She would never hear his calm, soothing voice again.  She would never get to feel his strong arms around her, hugging her and making her know that everything would be ok.  She would never kiss him.  She could never make love to him.  She could never tell him how she really felt.  It was all over now; gone. 

 

She was running now, winding her way through the twisting, turning corridors of the warehouse towards her car.  Behind her, Weiss was calling out.  He had been in tears when he told her but she hadn’t cried; not yet.  It was still too much of a shock to have really sunk in.  Weiss was telling her not to do something stupid but she had every intention of doing just that.

 

After finding Danny, she had gone to Sloane furious and full of rage but too distraught to act on those emotions.  But this, this was different.  He had taken Vaughn and he had to pay with a bullet between his eyes.  She sped down the street, only half paying attention to the traffic and driving more on autopilot than anything else.  Tears were streaming down her face now but she wasn’t crying.  Crying implied an emotion: joy, sadness, fear.  But she felt nothing.  After all how can you feel when you no longer have a heart? Her heart was shattered to pieces and ripped out the moment she heard the news. 

 

Suddenly she took a sharp right, turned into a parking lot and slammed her breaks at the gate.  This was dangerous.  This was foolish.  This was broad daylight but still she didn’t care.  She didn’t speak as she displayed her badge and the guard let her through.  She violently parked her SUV in a space and ran in through the building, demanding of the receptionist the location of the person she was seeking. 

 

Finding her answer, she took off up the stairs at full speed, knocking into two people without apologies on the way.  She burst through the doors of the roof and spotted her mother walking along the edge, peering out through the cage at the busy street below.

 

“YOU!” Sydney screamed, her voice shaking.  Irina turned around and smiled at her daughter.  “You! I’m sick of your games!  I’m sick of your bull shit.  I’m sick of you only telling us what we need to know!  I want Sloane gone and you’d better fucking help me!” Sydney shouted as she stomped towards her mother.

 

Irina was utterly stunned by her daughter’s outburst and language use.  “Sydney...” she began.

 

“Listen to me god damn it!” She screamed.

 

“Sydney, I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Irina said honestly.

 

“You don’t? Well let me tell you.  Vaughn is dead!” She hissed, her voice stringent.  Just saying those words made her want to retch right there.  “That sick bastard killed him.”

 

Irina’s face fell and her heart broke for her daughter.  “Oh Sydney... I’m so sorry.” Irina sighed. 

 

“No you’re not.”

 

“Yes, I am.” Irina said.

 

“NO! You wanted this all along didn’t you?  It was just part of your ... plan.” Sydney choked out, now unable to stop her sobs.

 

“Sydney, Sydney no.  Never.” Irina said as she now stood right next to her daughter.  “I want you to be happy.”

 

“Well I’m not.”  Sydney snapped defiantly.  “I... I’m....” But she broke.  Her knees buckled under her and she collapsed on the ground in sobs, burying her face in her hands. 

 

“Oh Sydney...” Irina sighed as she knelt down next to her daughter. 

 

“Mom.” Sydney whimpered as she fell into her mother’s lap, hugging her tightly. 

 

Immediately, guards trained their guns on them and told her to stand down. 

 

“She’s my mother damn it! Leave me alone!” Sydney screeched.  The guard backed off. 

 

“Sydney I’m so sorry.” Irina sighed as she hugged her sobbing daughter, rocking her gently. 

 

“I loved him.” Sydney sobbed.

 

“I know sweetheart.” Irina sighed.

 

“I loved him... I loved him...”

 

[Chapter 2]

 

Sydney had sobbed in her mother’s arms for hours, until she passed out in utter exhaustion. With the help of the guards, Irina took Sydney to the medical wing.

 

Irina carefully tucked her daughter into the hospital bed and kissed her daughter’s forehead. “We’ll get him. We will get that bastard for doing this to you.” She whispered softly, before the guard dragged her away.

 

When Sydney woke up, she was surprised to find someone else in the room, holding her hand. Her eyes slowly fluttered open to be greeted with her father’s.

 

“I talked to Sloane.” Jack said, getting straight to business, his hand holding his daughter’s conveying his concern.

 

Sydney nodded absently, not really caring what her father said; her only thoughts of the few words that completely destroyed her life.

 

Everything was normal as Sydney did the dead drop after her latest mission. She didn’t sense that anything was wrong until she got a phone call from ‘Joey’s Pizza’ and it wasn’t Vaughn’s sweet voice on the other end of her phone.

 

Worried, Sydney frantically drove to the warehouse and rushed inside. Weiss was there. Vaughn wasn’t. Her Vaughn wasn’t there for her. “Where is he?” She demanded, placing a hand on her hip.

 

“Sydney...” He said softly, turning to face her, unable to hide the tears in his eyes.

 

Her heart dropped. “What happened to him? He’s okay, right? He’ll be in the hospital a couple days, fighting with the nurses, because he hates the hospital. Then they’ll release him, and everything will go back to normal.”

 

Sydney noticed that Eric’s eyes were cast downward as she ranted. Grabbing the lapels of his jacket, she shook him, “Tell me that he’s coming back.”

 

“Sydney... He was on his way to work this morning, there was an accident. It was one of Sloane’s men. It... the impact... it killed him instantly.” Eric tried to wrap his arms around her, but she pushed him away.

 

“No. This is a joke. He’s going to come back. He has to.” With that, Sydney ran out of the warehouse, unable to remain in the place that held so many memories for the two of them.

 

“He didn’t mention it. He’s pretending it didn’t happen.” Jack stated. Sydney continued to stare out the window distantly.

 

“I’m going to go.” Jack told her. Sydney didn’t even acknowledge him. Instead she stared out the window; at the normal people who didn’t have to worry about the love of their life getting killed by their psycho boss, that didn’t have to worry about any of the shit that she went through everyday.

 

She didn’t pay any attention to the doctor who came and checked on her, or acknowledge when he told her that she was fine, but she needed to rest.

 

She didn’t care that she had been released.

 

Nothing mattered anymore; the man she loved was dead.

 

Eric walked into the room hours later, remembering what Jack told him about her. She didn’t even turn her head to see who entered the room. She continued to stare out that damn window.

 

“Syd...” Eric said softly.

 

He heard her sigh loudly, before saying, “He was my best friend.”

 

“He was my best friend, too.” Eric defended half-heartedly. He was more concerned about her finally opening up.

 

“Yeah, but he is... was... the only person I could trust. I’m waiting for him to walk through the door and tell me it was all a mistake and hold me - hold me like he used to and make everything better, at least for a minute.”

 

Sydney had tears running down her face as she confessed, “Eric, I can’t do this without him.”

 

“Sydney, you have to. You have to go back to Sd-6. You have to destroy them.”

 

“What’s the point? What is there to gain? Before... I knew that once Sd-6 was destroyed, that he was there. I would have him. We could finally be together. I could finally tell him how I felt. We would be happy. But he’s gone. I don’t have that anymore. I have no reason to go back to Sd-6.”

 

Eric gripped her shoulders and forced her to look at him. “Sydney, I know you loved him, but Mike would not want you acting like this. He would want you to get back up and destroy the Alliance. He always believed in you.

 

“He might not be here in person, but he will be here with you... in your heart every step of the way.” Eric told her.

 

“My Guardian Angel.” Sydney whispered softly.

 

They were silent for a minute before Eric told her. “He loved you so much, Sydney. He’ll be happy that you can move on and--.” Sydney interrupted him.

 

She shook her head before hissing, “I will never move on. I may go through each and every day and eventually get rid of Sd-6, but no one will ever replace him. There is no way that I could ever move on.” Sydney told him.

 

Eric nodded with a sigh and pulled her into a hug. He knew that this would be a hard and long journey for her, but he meant what he said to her. Vaughn would be with her every step of the way.

 

Chapter 3

Sydney knew that somehow she had gotten to her car and driven herself home but she wasn’t exactly sure how.  The second she walked into her apartment she made her way to the bathroom where she filled the tub full of warm water and bubbles.  She sank down deep into the water and just laid there remembering every wonderful thing about Vaughn. 

 

 I’ve got an instinct about you.

 

I’m your ally, never question that.

 

I got you a Christmas present.

 

I’m in, if you need me.

 

She was crying again.  This time, she was sobbing so hard she could barely move.  Fearing she could drown, she got out of the tub and put on her pajamas before shuffling to her way to her bed and crying herself to sleep; mourning the wonderful man that world had lost. 

 

~*~

 

The next morning Sydney felt horrible, having cried most of the night.  But she had to get up; she had to go on.  Slowly and painfully she stood and made her way to the kitchen, hoping there was coffee. 

 

“Hey.” Francie’s cheerful voice met her once she arrived.  Sydney didn’t respond except to smile weakly and reach for a mug.  “Syd, are you ok?”

 

“No.” She said honestly. 

 

“What’s wrong?  Are you sick?  You look like you’ve been crying...”

 

“I... I just had a rough day yesterday.” She said.  She wanted to scream.  She wanted to cry.  She wanted to tell her friend the truth.  But, she couldn’t.  She had to compartmentalize and burry everything deep inside.  “I’m fine... I guess.”

 

“You don’t sound fine Syd.  Do you want to talk about it?” Francie asked.

 

“Not really... maybe later.” Sydney sighed.

 

“Okay sweetie.” Francie said as she gave her friend a tight hug. 

 

~*~

 

Walking into SD-6 the next morning was the hardest thing Sydney had ever done.  With Danny, at least it was public knowledge.  She had gone to his funeral; she could mourn.  But with Vaughn... his funeral was that afternoon but she couldn’t go.  She couldn’t even go and watch from afar.  It wasn’t safe.  No, she had to hide it all inside.  Pretending nothing had happened, putting up a façade for that sick bastard and his wicked games. 

 

She slowly made her way through the halls.  Her thoughts drifting back to over a year earlier when she had lost Danny.  How could it be that she hadn’t felt this sad or lost when Danny, her fiancé, had died but she felt this way over Vaughn, a man she loved desperately but had never even kissed?  She wasn’t sure; she didn’t want to know.  She knew that she would have given her own life for just one kiss from him and that knowledge was almost more than her heart could take. 

 

“Sydney.” Dixon smiled at her.

 

“Hey.” She smiled fakely, hoping he wouldn’t see through.  He did. 

 

“What’s wrong?”

 

“Nothing.” She sighed.

 

“Sydney.” He said as he put a soft hand on her shoulder.  “I’m your partner.  You can tell me these things.”

 

“Well... it’s just... a family friend who I was close to – on my Mom’s side- died and... it’s sort of just loosing her all over again.  But please don’t tell anyone... I don’t....”

 

“Say no more.” Dixon smiled.  “And I’m sorry.”

 

“Thanks.” She sighed.  It felt good that at least Dixon knew what was wrong with her, even if it was mostly a lie. 

 

“Oh, we have a briefing with Sloane now.” Dixon said.  “You going to be ok?”

 

“Yeah.” She sighed.  That was a deep and utter lie.  Ok was no where in her vocabulary that morning.  The moment she saw him she knew she’d want to rip him limb from limb, making him pay for the things he had done to her, to Vaughn, to Danny, to everyone.  But she couldn’t’.  She had to stay in control.  She had to play him. 

 

Walking into the briefing room, seeing Sloane chatting with her father, everything went into slow motion.  Slowly, she turned the corner.  Slowly Sloane turned to face her with his hideous green circular glasses and his evil smile.  Slowly she pulled out her chair and slowly she sat down.  Slowly she tried to keep the bile from rising in her throat at the sound of his voice. 

 

“Sydney, how are you this morning?”

 

“Great.” She managed.  “You?”

 

“Wonderful.” He smiled.  “Let’s get down to business....”

 

Sydney was able to make it through the meeting but no more. She rushed to the bathroom and bent over the sink, taking deep calming breaths.  Yes, she would do this.  She would destroy Sd-6.  She would bring down Arvin Sloane.  But, not for herself or the CIA.  For Vaughn.  She would do it all for him because without him none of it would have been possible. 

 

For Vaughn. 

 

Chapter 4

 

It had been two weeks; two painstakingly long weeks of grieving and mourning in secret. Two weeks ago her world had been ripped apart and torn upside down. Such a short time and already that bastard was sending her on another mission.

 

The first week was spent in partial denial. She knew that there had been a funeral. She knew that he was gone, but she still half-expected him to come back into her life and hold her in his arms forever.

 

It wasn’t real until the six day anniversary of his death.

 

Francie was still curious about Sydney’s behavior, but Fran tried to act as normal as possible around her friend, even if Sydney did seem to always be crying and depressed.

 

Suggesting a movie night, like they oft did on Friday nights, Francie hoped it would snap her friend out of the funk she had been in. Instead, near the end of A Walk to Remember when Landon said the infamous quote, “Her love is like the wind; I can’t see it, but I can feel it,” Sydney burst in to tears.

 

Somehow the heartbreaking movie had broken her out of her denial and forced her to accept that he wasn’t coming back. She was going to be the miserably sad person who had to deal with their loved one’s death.

 

After sobbing in her best friend’s arms for what seemed like an eternity, Sydney blurted out everything; how Michael from the bank was in an accident, how she really loved him and never told him, how she would never get the chance to be with him.

 

Francie had nodded in understanding and even shed a few tears of her own at the loss of her friend’s love.

 

Now, Sydney felt like she was walking around in a shell. Her heart and soul were no longer existent. When he died, so did she on the inside.

 

So she continued to go through the daily motions, putting on her fake smile for Sloane and acting like she was okay in front her friends.

 

At night when she was alone in her room was the only time she was able to truly mourn for the man who had changed her life.

 

Sitting on a plane with Dixon, ignoring his sympathetic glares, she tried to forget that when she returned he wouldn’t be there to greet her with open arms and an ‘I’m so glad you’re okay.’ Instead, she would be forced to see Eric - who was the only person who felt a fraction of what she felt - wishing Vaughn was there for her.

 

The mission was simple, get in, get object, get out. She had done her job mechanically, going radio silent with Dixon to prepare for the dead drop with the CIA.

 

“Mountaineer, do you copy?” Eric’s voice filled her ear. She had to hold in a sob as she said yes. It was no longer his comforting voice asking if she was okay and whispering to be careful. It would never be his voice again.

 

“Are you okay?” Eric asked when he heard her choked reply.

 

She nodded, although he couldn’t see her and whispered another hoarse yes.

 

She finished the mission with ease and was looking forward to going home so she could crawl into her bed and sob for days on end.

 

When she returned to the van where Dixon was waiting, he asked with concern, “Syd, what’s wrong?”

 

She shook her head, “It’s nothing, it’s just... there was someone at the party that... that looked like the family friend that recently--” Sydney couldn’t finish, instead she turned away to hide her tears.

 

Dixon gently rubbed her back, before climbing into the driver’s seat to take them to the airport while Sydney composed herself in the back.

 

By the time she reached the airport, the only indicator that she had been upset was the sadness in her eyes - the sadness that over the past two weeks had taken permanent residence there.

 

The five hour flight home was incredibly too long for Sydney.

 

By the time she arrived home, sobs were already escaping her lips. Francie turned to the door when Sydney ran in, but before she even had the chance to say hi, Sydney’s door was slammed shut.

 

As Sydney sobbed, one thought raised through her mind: Sloane was going to pay.

 

Chapter 5

“Agent Bristow, on behalf of the US Government and the CIA I’d like to thank you for all the work you’ve done in helping us bring down SD-6 and all the SD cells.” Kendall told her. 

 

“Thanks.” She said quietly.  “But it really was a team effort.  I couldn’t have done it without the other agents or my mom’s intel or... him.” She added even quieter. 

 

“Still, congratulations.  And as part of our thank you, you’ll be receiving a week’s paid vacation, effective immediately.”

 

“Thank you.” She smiled as she left Kendall’s office.  She began walking slowly through the headquarters, people giving her smiles and congratulations on the way.  The whole thing was very bittersweet for Sydney; actually it was far more bitter than sweet.  It wasn’t that she didn’t appreciate their sentiments, she did but, it was just that... she would have traded everything for just one smile from him. 

 

Soon she felt her emotions taking the better of her and she began to walk quicker down the halls.  She reached the front entrance, which she had only used for the first time that morning and burst through the doors, out into the sunlight as she took deep ragged breaths.  She sat down on a bench and crammed her sun glasses over her eyes so passers by wouldn’t be able to see her tears. 

 

She had only been sitting there a few moments when someone else sat down beside her.  “Syd.” Eric said quietly.

 

“I’m ok.” She lied through he tears. 

 

“Syd.” Eric sighed as he put an arm around her shoulders and pulled her closer to him.  She rested her head on his shoulder and continued to sob as he tried to soot her.  “Syd it’s ok.”

 

“No, its not ok.  He should be here.” She cried.

 

“I know Syd, I know, but you did it.  You took down Sloane.  He’s gone and he can’t hurt any one else now all because of you.” Eric said. 

 

“I know but....”

 

“Syd listen to me.  Mike would be so proud of you; so, so proud of you for doing this.  It’s what you guys had been working for and you did it.” Eric said.

 

“But... but if it had been three months earlier... he would be here.” She choked out with a violent sob.

 

“Syd, hey don’t think that.  Don’t say that.  That’s not how it is.” Eric told her.

 

“I just... I miss him.” She sobbed.  “This is so god damn unfair!  If it wasn’t for Sloane, Vaughn and I could be together right now.”

 

“I know Syd.” Eric sighed. “But you know what, Vaughn’s here Syd, he’s here and he’s watching over you.  He’d be so happy for you Syd.  He’d want you to-”

 

“Don’t say it Eric.”  Sydney interrupted.  “Don’t you dare say move on.  You know that I can’t....”

 

“Alright Syd... is there anything I can do for you?” Eric offered.

 

“No... I’m just gonna get out of here.  A weeks vacation... I might as well use it huh?” She said with a half hearted smile.

 

“Yeah, ok Syd.  Call me if you need anything, ok?” Eric said.

 

“Yeah ok.”

 

~*~

 

Sydney wasn’t even sure what to do with herself; after all, she so rarely had vacation time.  What she wanted to do was curl up in bed, remember Vaughn, and cry.  But she knew that would gain her nothing but another broken heart and fifteen a year was more than enough.  So she packed up a bag and drove to the beach, Santa Barbara.  She hadn’t been there since she was a child and she simply needed an escape. 

 

She pulled her car up at a small motel and checked in.  Then she headed straight for the beach.  She began to walk along the beach, her toes squishing in the most, gritty sand.  In front of her children splashed through the water as they chased after a football; parents helped tiny children build sand castle; lovers walked hand in hand.  All of them normal people, unjaded by a world full of crime, terrorism, lies, deception and pain. 

 

Sydney longed to be one of those people.  Normal nine to five job, no crazy traveling, no guns, no death.  She wanted out....

 

“I don’t want this job anymore.”

 

“Sydney that’s what you’re doing.  You’re helping to bring an end to SD-6.”

 

“Not anymore.”

 

“Sydney-”

 

“I need someone in my life to be real.”  I need that person to be you....

 

 “This right here.  What we do is real.”

 

“I want out.”

 

She got her out; she was free, it just didn’t mean as much anymore.  Sure, she had avenged Vaughn’s death which is what she set out to do but it still didn’t bring him back. 

 

There on that beach, with the seagulls yelling, the waves crashing and the children laughing is where she made her decision.  She was out, forever. 

 

~*~

 

“Out?” Kendall asked in disbelief.

 

“Out.” Sydney repeated. “I’m done.”

 

“Miss Bristow you realize that you loose all clearance to see your mother if you leave.”

 

“Yes.” She said sadly. 

 

“Fine.  I want your ID card and your gun.” Kendall said.

 

“Could I say goodbye to her?” Sydney asked. 

 

Kendall sighed. “Make it quick.”

 

 

Sydney made her way though the gates to her mother’s cell, tears threatening to fall but she wouldn’t let them.  Her mother was smiling at her when she came around the corner. 

 

“Sydney, I’m so proud of you.” She smiled.

 

“Thanks Mom.” Sydney smiled.  “I... I’m leaving the CIA.”

 

“That’s good sweetheart.  I want you to.” Irina said. 

 

“I can’t see you anymore.” She said, a single tear falling down her cheek.  After loosing so much, loosing her mother again was still much more painful that she had once thought it would be. 

 

“Sydney.” Irina said as she stepped up to the glass, putting her palm up against it.  “It’s ok.”

 

“But Mom...” She sniffed. 

 

Irina shook her head.  “I love you Sydney; always remember that.”

 

“Mom...” Sydney said putting her hand up against her mother’s though the glass.  “I love you too.”

 

With this a tear fell down Irina’s cheek as well.  “We’ll see each other again someday; I promise.”

 

 

[Chapter 6]

 

It had been two days since Sydney quit her job at the CIA; since she had said goodbye to the only life she knew.

 

She didn’t have it in her to look for a new job just yet. She had money saved, and Sydney wanted to spend some time mourn his death.

 

As she wondered around Los Angeles, she couldn’t help but feel emptiness. She visited their places, but the memories were now like a plague on her mind.

 

Everywhere she went, something reminded her of him and she had to fight an inner battle not to start sobbing violently.

 

Sydney knew what she needed. She needed to move. She needed to get away from LA; perhaps permanently. Of course, she would miss her friends and even her parents, but she truly felt a change of scene would help her get the closure that she needed.

 

So, making a decision, she called her dad and arranged a dinner where she could break the news to him.

 

Thursday night, at seven, she carefully walked the cobblestone path that led up to her childhood home.

 

Ringing the doorbell with her free hand and clutching to the bottle of wine in her left, she waited for the door to swing open.

 

She was shocked when her dad opened the door with a ‘Kiss the Cook’ apron on. Smiling - a rare occurrence as of late - and kissed his cheek as she handed him the bottle of wine.

 

Fifteen minutes later, they were sitting around the long dining room table, only taking up two of the ten chairs.

 

They were silent for a few minutes before Jack decided he needed to make a confession.

 

“What is it, Dad?” Sydney asked confused, as she took a bite of her dad’s specialty - pasta primavera.

 

Jack took a deep breath. “The day before... the day before Agent Vaughn was killed, Sloane approached me and said that there was a CIA agent that was jeopardizing our operation and he wanted him terminated.”

 

“Oh God.” Sydney gasped, covering her mouth with her hand as she felt tears prick her eyes.

 

Jack looked down, unable to meet her eyes. “He told me the name - it was Michael Vaughn - and he told me to get rid of him as quickly and efficiently as possible.”

 

Sydney stood up, unable to hear anymore.

 

“So you just listened to that bastard. You killed an innocent man. You are no better than Sloane.” Sydney shook her head, wiping furiously at the tears running down her cheeks. “I bet you enjoyed it. I bet you got some perverse thrill from killing the man that your daughter loved; the man that you didn’t think was good enough for her.”

 

Sydney took a deep, calming breath before angrily hissing, “I hope you’re happy. You ruined all my chances of having a happy life.”

 

Sydney angrily stormed out of the room. “I guess now is a good time to tell you that I’m moving and I never want to see you again.” She said, slamming the front door behind her as she ran out of her father’s house.

 

I deserved that. Jack concluded as he stared at the spot Sydney had just occupied. This is what I get for valuing my life over his.

 

Jack sighed, knowing he would have to live with his decision for the rest of his life. He knew that his daughter had taken her former handler’s death really hard. He had even heard her friend Will tell Agent Weiss that she cried herself to sleep every night... still. It had been four months. Jack had hoped that Sydney would have moved on by now.

 

She obviously hadn’t; there was nothing he could do about it now, though.

 

Like they say, hindsight is twenty/twenty.

 

~

 

Sydney slammed the door of her and Francie’s apartment with an angry hiss as she stomped into her bedroom and threw an assortment of clothes into her rolling suitcase.

 

She put some jewelry in her box and paused when she say the necklace hanging on a small hook in the box.

 

It was a gold chain with an angel hanging from it.

 

It was their second Christmas together, and this year Sydney had gotten him something. She wanted to make up for forgetting the year before and searched endlessly for something that he would like.

 

When she saw an auction selling LA King’s jerseys and such, she instantly knew she had to check it out.

 

“I got you something.” She told him with a bright smile. His mirrored hers as he took the bag with a large Santa decorating it.

 

He pulled out a jersey with ‘Vaughn’ written on the back and the number twenty-four, the number he had used in high school (He had told her that fact once, while telling her about his peewee team.) “Oh my god, Syd. This is amazing. I love it.”

 

“There’s something else in there.” She said with a gentle push, eager to see his reaction. He smiled curiously, raising an eyebrow as he dug through the tissue paper. He pulled out a hockey puck with a triumphant grin. Giving it a glance over, he recognized the signatures covering the black disk.

 

“Syd, wow. This is too much. I don’t know what to say.”

 

“Thank you is traditional.” She told him with a smirk.

 

Vaughn grinned. “Thank you. Wow.” He muttered, eyeing his gifts once more as he pulled Sydney into a hug.

 

“I got you something to, hold on. It’s in my car.” He said, running out of the warehouse and returning a moment later with a small, black velvet box.

 

Sydney gave him an inquisitive grin as he handed her the small box. She carefully undid the green and red bow, and opened the rectangular box.

 

She gasped when she saw the contents. It was a gold chained necklace. She lightly fingered the pendant; it was in the shape of an angel.

 

“Now your guardian angel can always be with you.” He told her.

 

Tears pricked Sydney’s eyes as she hugged Vaughn, embracing him tightly. “It’s gorgeous. Thank you.”

 

She kissed his cheek softly, leaving her lips burning as she pulled away. Before either could say anything, her pager went off, signaling that she was needed at Sd-6.

 

With a sympathetic grin, Sydney quickly said goodbye to her handler and cursed the damned beeper for ruining their moment.

 

Sydney had worn the cherished gift everyday. She always kept it with her, but four months earlier when she had heard the news, she couldn’t look at it without crying.

 

She had put it away in the back of her jewelry box, not needing another reminder of him.

 

Clasping the necklace around her neck and carefully placing the precious picture frame he had given her on top, she zipped the suitcase and said goodbye to the life she had known in LA.

 

Chapter 7

Brown, Maryland.  Not exciting, not big city, not fast pace, but an entire country away from her former home and memories of him.  She had chosen it simply for those reasons.  It was a very small town with just one main street, Brown Street, ironically enough.  Sydney found an ad in the local paper saying they were in need of a substitute English teacher for the remainder of the academic year and decided it would be a good idea to go to an interview at the least. 

 

Having completed her masters in literature months earlier she was more than qualified to teach English to 6th, 7th, and 8th graders but she needed to do something different.  She also knew that teaching would be challenging for her, not in the same was as being a spy of course but a different kind of challenge, one she was looking forward to. 

 

Sydney had to admit she was slightly nervous during the interview but it went very well. 

 

“So... when can you start?” Mrs. Ross, the middle school principle asked Sydney at the conclusion of the interview.

 

“Really?” Sydney almost laughed.  “Um, right away I guess.”

 

“Excellent, we’ll see you tomorrow.  Thank you so much Miss Bristow.” Mrs. Ross smiled.

 

“Thank you.” Sydney said as she shook the woman’s hand and then left the school.  “Well, now I have a job... I just need a place...” She muttered to herself as she got into her car and drove back to the motel where she was staying.  She quickly scanned the real estate section of the paper but found nothing to her liking.  “Oh well... this will do for a while...” She sighed. 

 

She heard sirens outside her window and she peered out to investigate.  Two police cruisers had pulled up to the business across the street and were now drawing their weapons and training them on the store’s front window.  This didn’t phase Sydney at all considering she was first, a spy and second, from LA, but it did seem to intrigue the people outside since there was a cluster of them forming on the sidewalk as they gawked and chattered, trying to discover what went wrong. 

 

“Small towns.” Sydney rolled her eyes.  That was one of the drawbacks of being there she supposed.  She would become subject to gossip but, then again, she could actually find some new, close friends who didn’t know about her past or... him.  That could be good, right?  Of course.....

 

She turned to her suitcase and decided that she need to figure out what she was going to wear the next day so she could hang it up in time for it to unwrinkled.  Once she unzipped the top and came face to face with the photo frame, tears began to burn her eyes and cloud her vision.  She only wished that she had one photo of them together so that she could put it in the frame and keep it for always.  But even that was a dream unfulfilled.  In the frame currently was a picture of herself, Will and Francie but somehow, that just didn’t do the frame justice.

 

Her hands traveled to the pendant around her neck and she clutched it tightly as she crawled in bed.  Dinner and her clothes were forgotten as she cried herself to sleep for the hundredth night in a row.  

 

~*~

 

“Good Morning Miss. Bristow.” Mrs. Ross smiled at her. 

 

“Hi.” Sydney said rather sleepily. 

 

“Are you alright?”

 

“Oh yes... just getting used to the time difference.  It feels like four am.” She said wearily.

 

Mrs. Ross laughed.  “Oh you poor thing.”

 

“It’s alright, I can adjust quickly.” Sydney smiled.  If there was one thing that being a spy for almost ten years had given her it was the ability to adapt quickly to many different time zones on very little sleep.

 

“Great.  Let me take you to your classroom.” Mrs. Ross smiled. 

 

Sydney entered the room and was overwhelmed by the feeling that she had traveled back in time.  Suddenly she was 13 again and it was her first day of 7th grade.  She was tall and gangly with her long limbs that her body hadn’t grown into yet.  That combined with her oversized glasses made her a very easy target for teasing and ridicule.  She shook her head, tossing the memory aside as she wondered how exactly that girl had morphed into the perfectly collected person she was today. 

 

“All the class lists and syllabi you need are in that folder on the top of the desk.  If you need anything I’d be happy to help you.” She smiled.

 

“No, I think I’ll be fine.  Thank you.” Sydney smiled.  Mrs. Ross nodded and then left.  Sydney took deep breath and sat down at the chair behind the desk, intending to look through the syllabi and class lists before the students arrived but she was interrupted only moments after sitting down. 

 

A sad little girl wearing large glasses, braces and a large pink clip in her hair shuffled into the classroom clutching her books tightly to her chest.  Sydney watched as the girl, who must have been in sixth grade judging by her age and appearance, sat down at a desk in the front row and stared down at her hands. 

 

“Hello.” Sydney said. 

 

“Hi.” The girl mumbled in a tiny voice. 

 

“What’s your name?” Sydney asked.

 

“Anne.” The girl said. 

 

Slowly Sydney opened the folder on her desk and found that first period she had a sixth grade class of students.  Upon scanning the roster she found a name: Anna Thompson.  “I’m Miss. Bristow.  I’ll be your new English teacher.”

 

“Hi.” The girl said again. 

 

“Listen I’ve never done this whole teaching thing before so um, is it correct that school doesn’t start for another half hour?” Sydney asked.

 

“Yeah, but my dad has to go to work so he drops me off now so I just sit here and wait.” She said. 

 

“Oh alright.”

 

“I can go someplace else...” The girl said as she went to stand.

 

“No! No it’s fine.  We can keep each other company.” Sydney smiled at her.  Anne didn’t smile back.  “So your Daddy goes to work early huh?”

 

“Yeah, ever since my mom died last year...” Anne said with her little voice trailing off. 

 

Sydney’s heart broke for the little girl, knowing exactly how that felt.  She got up and walked over to the desk beside the girl and sat down.  “You know, my mom died when I was just a little bit younger than you.  It’s really hard.”

 

“Yeah.” Anne sighed.

 

“If you want to talk to me about it you can.” Sydney added, trying to do anything she could to help Anne from looking any sadder than she already was.  But Anne didn’t say anything so Sydney just returned to her own desk and began to study her class roster once more.

 

~*~

After an incredibly long day all Sydney wanted to do was sink into a warm bath for a few hours and try to drown herself away from the world.  Unfortunately, the hotel bathtub looked less than appealing so she had to settle for a steaming hot shower.  After her shower, she crawled into bed with a carton of Chinese food and began to flick through the channels on the television. 

 

She passed ESPN and paused it for a moment when she saw a Kings game playing.  Naturally, her thoughts drifted to Vaughn.  For a moment she wondered what would have happened if she was just able to quit when she wanted.  Could they have been together?  Could they have been normal?  Would they have been happy? 

 

Of course, we would have been together, she answered her own question.  But then she second guessed it.  She had been basing her whole life around the fact that she and Vaughn were meant to spend the rest of their lives together.  But she hadn’t so much as kissed Vaughn let alone dated him.  What if they went on one day and found themselves completely incompatible?  What if...

 

No, she wouldn’t let herself think that.  She was only making it worse by confusing herself even more.  Vaughn was the man for her.  The only one for her.

 

 

 

[Chapter 8]

 

“Is something wrong?” the young student asked her teacher twenty minutes before class started. Sydney nodded absently, pushing her glasses farther up on her nose.

 

It had been a rough morning and by the time she got up, her eyes were too puffy to even bother putting her contacts in. So she found her old frames and decided they would have to do.

 

Sydney faced the board so Anne wouldn’t see the tears building in her eyes. She picked up a marker to write the date on the board, but her hand froze in midair unable to write the date - October first - on the door.

 

Tears fell freely down her face as she thought about how much her life had changed on that fateful day exactly two years ago.

 

She met the man that would change her life forever; the man that made her want to be a better person.

 

Sydney quickly brought her hand and used the edge of her sweater to wipe away the tears. “Ms. Bristow, are you sure you’re okay?”

 

Sydney nodded again, biting her bottom lip, trying to get the onslaught of tears to stop.

 

Sydney sighed, sitting on the edge of her desk and facing the twelve year old. “You know how you felt when your mom passed away, and you know how sometimes, certain times of the year, you miss her more than ever.” Anne nodded, her brow furrowed as she tried to figure out what Sydney was saying. “Well, before I moved her I had this friend; he was my best friend. He was the only person I could really trust. He was killed... it was a hit and run... but today... today is the anniversary of the day I met him and it’s hard.” Sydney told the young girl, taking off her glassed to wipe at her eyes.

 

Anne nodded, understanding what her teacher was saying. “I’ve never told anyone that... at least not anybody here.” Sydney commented aloud.

 

The young girl gave Sydney a half smile, standing up and giving her teacher a hug. Sydney closed her eyes as she embraced the girl that she had gotten to know so well during her month spent in Maryland.

 

The bell rang, signaling the start of school. Anne moved back to her seat, Sydney gave her a wink with a half smile as the rest of the class filed into the room.

 

Sydney was able to compose herself long enough to get through her first two classes. During her free period, she went to the bathroom to see how bad she looked. She let a hiss escape her pursed lips as she saw that her eyes were halfway swollen shut from all the crying she had been doing and her hair - well her hair was a different story. Sydney’s hair had yet to adapt to the humidity, even in the fall, on the east coast. It was curling in different directions and Sydney had to put it up in a ponytail to control it. Using a wet paper towel, she was able to rid of most of the tear stains.

 

She had told her class that her eyes were swollen from allergies, and gullibly, they believe her.

 

After her appearance was half decent, she returned to her classroom where she could grade papers. She knew she wouldn’t get any work done at home.

 

Home - it wasn’t really home without him there, but it had to due. Shortly after moving here, one of her fellow teachers found out that she was living in a hotel and told her that her husband was a real estate agent. He was able to find her a one story rancher that was perfect for her.

 

It was the type of home that she and Vaughn would have chosen for their first home together. The backyard had room for a pool and playground; the room she was using as an office was really a bedroom where their first child would have stayed in.

 

Sydney sighed in depression. There was another reason for her to drown her sorrows in a carton of coffee ice cream and a bottle of tequila later that night.

 

She stopped at the grocery store, the older lady eyeing her carefully when she saw the large bottle of alcohol. Sydney just shrugged and paid.

 

Before she could start getting completely wasted, Sydney noticed the steady blinking light from her answering machine.

 

That’s weird, Sydney thought. She never had messages. Pushing play, Francie’s voice filled her eyes.

 

“Hey Syd, it’s Francie. It’s been almost a month since I’ve seen you and I was wondering if it would be okay to come visit my best friend in the small-ass town that you left me for.” Sydney knew that Francie was smirking as she finished the message up. ”You better call me. Love ya. Bye.”

 

Sydney grinned; Francie always had a way to make her smile. Maybe talking to her could ease some of the excruciating pain she had been feeling all day.

 

Sydney pulled out her cell phone and pressed the number two speed dial. She had been unable to remove Vaughn from being her number one, even five months later.

 

“Hey Fran... I guess you don’t have you phone on...” Sydney began after the voice mail message picked up.

 

Sydney smiled when Francie frantically said, “I’m here. Don’t you dare hang up.”

 

“How are you?” Sydney asked Fran, taking off her shoes and socks and she walked towards her bedroom.

 

She juggled the phone between her ear and her shoulder as she somehow managed to change while Francie said, “I’m okay. More importantly, how are you? How are you holding up?”

 

“I’m fine.” She knew that Francie was eyeing the phone skeptically. “I will be fine.” Sydney corrected. “I wish you were here right now. We could have fun. You’re always a cheap drunk.”

 

Francie laughed. “Well, look out your window and wait... I resent that.” Sydney laughed.

 

Sydney threw on a tee shirt to cover her bra clad upper body as she walked towards the front of her house. Opening the blinds she saw Francie leaning against a rental car, phone in hand.

 

Sydney dropped the phone, running outside barefoot to greet her best friend. “Oh my god.” Sydney grinned, pulling Francie into a tight hug. “I’ve missed you so much.”

 

“You better have.” Francie mocked glared. “I missed you too.” Francie told her seriously.

 

“Where’s Will?”

 

Francie rolled her eyes. “Some emergency at work... he couldn’t come. Now are you going to tell my why you plan on getting drunk.”

 

Sydney looked down and shrugged her right shoulder. “Today’s October first. I met Michael exactly two years ago.”

 

“Oh Syd...” Francie exclaimed, wrapping a comforting arm around her friend as she led her inside.

 

“I still miss him so much.” Sydney sobbed as Francie got her to sit on the leather couch. “He was my everything and it still hurts to think that he is never coming back.” She cried into her friend’s shoulder.

 

Sydney wiped at her eyes as she let out a hiccup. “I’m sorry, I’m not usually like this, but...”

 

Francie shook her head. “Sydney, it’s fine. Today was special to you and you have every right to be upset.”

 

Sydney nodded, pulling a pillow to her chest as she continued to cry and continued to remember him.

 

Exactly two years ago she waltzed into his life with that bozo red hair and swollen jaw. She didn’t know that he would be such a big impact on her life.

 

That day - October first - she became alive. He brought her to life. When he died, her heart felt like it shattered. It shattered into millions of pieces and the only person who could put her heart back together was him, and he was never coming back.

 

She knew that he would want her to move on, but she couldn’t. She couldn’t stop herself from crying herself to sleep. She couldn’t help it. She needed him and he wasn’t there.

 

Grabbing the bottle of tequila, she took a long swig hoping the drink could ease the pain in her broken heart and troubled mind; at least for a little while.

 

Chapter 9

The next few months had been difficult for Sydney but somehow, she had made it through.  October and early November had gotten progressively easier.  She was busy with school and she loved all of her students.  She knew she could never find a job as exciting as being a spy but somehow the excitement just wasn’t worth it anymore.  Plus, it wasn’t that teaching was boring, it definitely had its moments.  Like when Andrew, one of her sixth grade students, smuggled his pet snake into the school in his back pack and somehow during the period it had slithered out and began roaming around the classroom causing mass pandemonium. 

 

As they holiday’s neared however, things became a little bit more difficult.  For the first time since moving to Maryland, Sydney missed LA.  Well it wasn’t so much LA that she missed, but Will and Francie and their Thanksgiving dinners together.  They had told her to fly out for Thanksgiving but she refused saying that she didn’t have enough time with work.  Again, they offered for Christmas dinner but again she refused.  Truthfully, she just wasn’t ready to go back and face LA without Vaughn. 

 

Francie had been to visit her one other time since October first and Weiss had visited as well.  Four times in fact.  Every time he had a meeting in Washington, DC, he’d drive up to see her since it was only an hour drive.  Sydney loved seeing Weiss because not only did he make her laugh, something quiet infrequent those days, but he reminded her of the good times with Vaughn.  He always told her that the agency wasn’t the same without her but she always refused to return.  She was done with that life and would never, ever go back. 

 

She didn’t cry over Vaughn as much anymore, only once in a while.  It wasn’t that she was over him; she most definitely was not.  It was more like she had cried all she could cry and she had simply run out of tears from a lifetime of pain.  But moving on was an incomprehensible concept to her.  Her heart would always lie with Vaughn no matter what anyone else said, she knew it was true. 

 

 

February 14th started out just like any other morning, well perhaps a bit gloomier than the others.  The sky was blue, birds were chirping, lovers where everywhere and Sydney felt nauseous.  She wasn’t sure how she was going to get through the day meant for lovers around the world when her heart was still broken herself, but she would surely try. 

 

She muttered bitterly to herself as she walked down the hallway to her classroom.  The school’s bulletin boards were littered with red and pink paper hearts as well as chubby cherubs and colorful confetti.  She walked into her classroom and found one peculiar thing and one thing not so peculiar. 

 

Anne was sitting at her desk reading a large book with a bright read heart clip in her hair.  That was not peculiar. There was, however, a large vase of red roses sitting on her desk that hadn’t been there the day before.  Peculiar.  “Morning Anne.”

 

“Morning Miss Bristow.   Happy Valentine’s Day.” Anne smiled.

 

“Yes... Anne were these here when you got here?” Sydney asked, gesturing towards the flowers.

 

“Yeah, but I only walked in here a minute ago.  Who are they from?  A secret admirer?” Anne grinned.

 

Sydney laughed.  “I doubt it.”

 

“Well, is there a card?”

 

“Umm...” Sydney said as she peered into the top of the bunch of flowers and spotted a card.  She pulled it out, flipped it over and found nothing.  “It’s blank.”

 

“Ah too bad.” Anne sighed. 

 

Sydney shrugged, turned the card over and froze.  There was no writing on the card but the image depicted on one side was an angel high up in the heavens, looking down through the clouds.  Immediately Sydney’s skin began to prickle but she shook it off.  No.... it was simply... a coincidence. 

 

Sydney made it through the day without breaking down at all which she congratulated herself for.  But still, she couldn’t get that card or the roses out of her mind.  She blamed it on paranoia caused by years in the spying world.  It was nothing.

 

When she got home she went to the mail box and found another blank card, this one larger than the one in the flowers, but like the other had a picture of an angel; a guardian angel.  “Great, someone’s stalking me...” She muttered as she walked back into her house. 

 

Once inside she quickly changed into her sweats and tennis shoes.  She was in desperate need of a run to clear her mind.  As her feet pounded the pavement and the music blasted in her ears, she wondered who could have sent the card and the flowers.  Will or Francie?  No... they didn’t know about the guardian angel thing.  Her father?  No, he hadn’t even so much as attempted to contact her since she had stormed out of his house that night.  Good, she thought, otherwise I’d have to kill him.  Could Weiss have sent the flowers?  Maybe, he knew about Vaughn being her guardian angel and he did like jokes but... even Weiss wouldn’t be that cruel.  Finally, she just let it go and hoped it would go away. 

 

When she turned the corner on her block she could just barely see her house through the large evergreen trees and thought she saw a car pull up in the driveway.   She shook it off, knowing she hadn’t been expecting anyone not to mention the fact that she rarely, if ever, had any visitors.  Must have been the neighbors, she told herself.  But, as she neared her house she saw someone standing on her front porch.  This person began to pace the walk, with his hands in his pockets and Sydney nearly passed out. 

 

She knew that walk.  She had only dreamt about it for the past almost two and a half years of her life.  It was him.  Her pace quicken as she ran full speed toward her house, yanking her headphones out of her ears as he went.  She froze at the edge of her driveway and he looked up at her.  Their eyes locked; green meeting brown for the first time in nearly a year. 

 

Sydney let out the breath she had been holding and it came out more like a small sob.  She wouldn’t cry; no, she wouldn’t cry. 

 

“Syd...” He said quietly. 

 

She shook her head, now furious at him, as she stomped up her driveway.  “I got your flowers you big jerk.” She muttered as she shoved him out of her way.

 

“Jerk?!” He gasped in disbelief. 

 

“Yeah you, a jerk.” She told him. 

 

“Why?!”

 

“You died Vaughn, that’s why.” Sydney said. 

 

“Syd... I can explain.” He sighed. 

 

“Oh, this should be interesting.” She said with her arms folded across her chest.  He opened his mouth to speak but she cut him off.  “You know what, maybe I don’t want to hear it.  Maybe I’ve moved on.  Maybe I have a boyfriend inside this house waiting for me right now and maybe he’s wondering who the jerk is on the front porch.”

 

“You don’t.”

 

“Don’t what?”

 

“Don’t have a boyfriend.” He told her.

 

“How would you know?” Her eyes narrowed.  “Have you been stalking me Vaughn?!”

 

“No.” He said quickly.

 

“Whatever, you’re still a jerk.” She said as she opened the front door of her house and stepped inside.  She had only made it two steps past the door when her knees buckled and collapsed onto the floor in tears. 

 

“Syd...” Vaughn said quietly as he knelt down beside her.  He scooped her up into his arms and let her cry onto his shoulder.

 

“Jerk.” She mumbled again. 

 

Chapter 10

 

“You’re still a jerk.” Sydney stated as she wiped the last of her tears from her eyes. Vaughn sighed, cocking an eyebrow at her. Even after he had held her in his arms until she couldn’t cry anymore, she was still mad at him.

 

Sydney glared at him. Oh that Bristow Glare that he had missed so much in the nine months that he was ‘dead’.

 

“Are you going to let me explain?” Vaughn asked with a sigh.

 

She pushed herself out of his strong arms as she stood up and crossed her arms over her chest protectively. “No.”

 

“Syd... please listen to me.” He practically begged.

 

She shook her head. “Get out of my house.” She told him, ignoring that he was on his hands and knees and groveling and walking straight to the kitchen.

 

He got up and followed her.

 

“Sydney, please.”

 

“I said... get out of my house.” She hissed, getting a bottle of water to cool her down after her run.

 

Vaughn looked down sadly, “I’m not leaving until you listen to me.”

 

Sydney shook her head as she glared at him again. “You don’t deserve for me to listen to you. You listen to me.” She said, poking at his chest. “The last nine months have been some of the hardest of my life. Do you know how long it was before I could go to sleep without crying? It was almost six months. You should have just stayed away, because I have finally moved on. I’m over you and I don’t ever want to see you again.” Sydney said as tears flowed down her cheeks.

 

Vaughn looked down sadly. “Fine, I’ll leave, but you should know one thing. I love you. I love you so much. Everything that I have done since I met you was to protect you.” He told her honestly.

 

Sydney saw the sincerity in his eyes. She also saw the pain hidden behind his love for her. Without a second thought, Sydney wrapped her arms and legs around him and kissed him passionately.

 

“Syd...” He whispered into her lips. She didn’t say a word; instead she led him to her bedroom where she finally got the chance to make love to Michael Vaughn.

 

~

 

“So that was one hell of a first kiss.” Vaughn smirked, as he ran his hand up and down the smooth skin of Sydney’s bare back.

 

Sydney looked up at him from her position on his chest and playfully glared. “Shut up.” She muttered, laying her head back down, placing a soft kiss right about his heart.

 

“I used to think about this...” Sydney said softly.

 

Vaughn smirked again, “What, having fantasies about me Ms. Bristow?”

 

Sydney smacked his chest. “I’m being serious. I used to think about how we would never get the chance to be together. I’m glad that we did get the chance, even if I am still pissed at you.”

 

“So, do you have sex with every guy that pisses you off or just me?” Sydney rolled her eyes. Vaughn’s tone turned serious. “I’m glad we got a chance, too.” He said, kissing the top of her sweaty, matted down hair.

 

After a moment of silence Sydney asked, “Why didn’t you tell me?”

 

“Hmm?” Vaughn asked confused.

 

Sydney sighed. “Why didn’t you tell me that you were going to ‘die’?” She explained, as she rolled off of his chest and onto her back.

 

Vaughn turned on his side so he could look at her. “I didn’t really have a chance. I was driving to the Ops Center, and I got in an accident. When I woke up your dad was there.”

 

“My dad?” Sydney interrupted, turning to meet his green eyes that she loved so much.

 

Vaughn nodded. “He said that for some reason Sloane put a hit on my life, so he faked my death.”

 

Sydney shook her head at her own stupidity. “He was going to tell me. We had dinner and he started to tell me, but I didn’t listen. Instead I ran here.” Sydney laughed bitterly.

 

Vaughn leaned over and kissed her gently. “You took it a lot better than I would have. I’m proud of everything you did.”

 

Sydney grinned. “Eric said that you would be proud of me.”

 

Vaughn stroked her cheek with the palm of his hand. “I am.” He smiled.

 

Sydney kissed him, laying her head back on his chest. “Why did you wait until now to come out of hiding... wherever you were?”

 

“I had to live in a small cabin in Canada.” He told her. “And... before I left, your dad and I set up a protocol for contacting him once a year on February twelfth. I just found out about Sd-6 and the Alliance two days ago. Your dad told me where you were and this was the first place I came.”

 

Sydney grinned. “Really?” Sydney asked. Vaughn nodded. “I love you.” She stated. “I didn’t tell you earlier, but I do.”

 

“I love you, too” he smiled.

 

Sydney smirked seductively, leaning up to kiss him. Vaughn rolled on top of her, just as the doorbell rang.

 

Both groaned as Vaughn rolled to his back.

 

“I’ve gotta get that.” Syd stated.

 

Vaughn nodded. “Is it okay if I make a sandwich or something?” Sydney briefly touched her lips to his, giving him an ‘of course’ look.

 

Sydney threw on Michael’s tee shirt and a pair of his boxers as she went to open the door. She was surprised to see her neighbor - Mrs. Paxton - on the other side of her doorstep.

 

Sydney leaned against the frame of the door. “Hi.” She smiled.

 

“I was just making sure you were okay. I saw that you were yelling at that man on your porch yesterday, then y’all went inside and neither of you left this morning, so I was making sure he didn’t try to kill you or something, but you are obviously okay.” She smirked, her eyebrows shooting up, almost reaching her grey hairline.

 

Sydney blushed, when she heard Vaughn call from the kitchen, “Where’s the cheese?”

 

“So everything is okay?” Mrs. Paxton asked, reassuring herself.

 

Sydney nodded. “Everything is perfect.”

 

Chapter 11

“So you were looking for something?” Sydney smiled when she found Vaughn in the kitchen. 

 

“Only you.” He smiled.  “And maybe the cheese.”

 

Sydney rolled her eyes at him as she reached into the refrigerator and handed him the cheese.  “Here you go Agent Vaughn.” She grinned.

 

“Ooh call me Agent again.” He smiled. 

 

She giggled and kissed him.  “Agent Vaughn.”

 

“Mmmhmm.” He sighed as he lifted her up and set her on the kitchen counter.  “So tell me Agent Bristow, or should I say ex agent, how’d you end up in this small ass country town anyway?”

 

Sydney laughed.  “Have you been talking to Francie?”

 

“No, why?”

 

“Because she called it a small ass country town too!”

 

“Hey, I just call it like I see it.” He smiled. 

 

“Uh huh.  Well I quit the agency and I had to get away so....” She shrugged.  “It’s nice here, I like it.”

 

“And do you like being a middle school English teacher?” He smiled.

 

“You were stalking me!” She accused.

 

“No.” He laughed.  “Your father told me.”

 

“Oh... well yeah I do like it.  It’s fun.  It’s... normal.” She sighed.

 

“I think normal suits you.” He smiled.  “You’re looking extra radiant and beautiful.”

 

“Ahh, but that’s because of you.” She said. 

 

“Even better.” He grinned as he put his hands at her waist and pulled her into another kiss. 

 

She locked her heels around the back of his legs and sighed.  “Vaughn let’s go upstairs.”

 

“Why?” He asked into another kiss.

 

“Because we’re not having sex on my kitchen counter.” She said.

 

He laughed.  “And why not?”

 

“Because we have to eat here!” She exclaimed. 

 

“Oh, right.  Ohhh food...” He sighed as he looked down at his sandwich.  Then he looked back up to her.  “Food... or incredibly hot woman I’m in love with... choices, choices.”  She crossed her arms over her chest and pouted at him.  “Relax.  I’m not Weiss, I’d never chose food over a woman.” He smirked. 

 

She threw her head back and laughed.  “Good to know.”

 

~*~

 

“Vaughn.” Sydney said sweetly as she began running her hands across his chest.

 

“Bristow you’re trying to kill me.” He grunted. 

 

“Uh uh.” She shook her head.  

 

“Yes.  And if you kill me I can’t be here to be your boy toy.” He said.

 

Sydney snorted with laughter.  “Oh I know you did NOT just say ‘boy toy’.”

 

“Leave me alone I’m tired and hungry.” He whined. 

 

“Aww poor baby.  Let’s go get some food so you can regain your strength.” She smiled. 

 

“Okay.” He sighed as he slid of out bed.  “By the way, what time is it?  What day is it?”

 

Sydney laughed.  “I have no idea, nor do I care.”

 

“Just checking.” He smiled.  “But what about work?”

 

“Ugh, damn job.” She said bitterly.  “I just want to stay here with you.”

 

“I know me too.” He sighed.  “We’ve still got some catching up to do.”

 

She smiled broadly.  “Now who’s insatiable, hmm?”

 

“Insatiable?  Syd you’re just plain horny.” He laughed.  She gasped smacked his arm hard.  “Only teasing.”

 

“You’d better be.” She glared. 

 

“I am but seriously, we do have catching up to do.  Like me telling you how much I missed you.” He sighed as he kissed her neck.  “And how much I’ve loved you for two years.” He said as he kissed her collar bone.  “And how much I never want to be apart from you again.” He said as he kissed her –

 

“Vaughn!” She giggled.  “I thought you were hungry?”

 

“Oh right, yeah.  I forgot.” He winked. 

 

They both pulled on clothes and walked down to the kitchen together.  “Today’s Sunday by the way.” Sydney told him. 

 

“Ohh wow, Sunday, so... we basically spent 48 hours in your bed.” He said with a suggestive raise of his eyebrows.

 

“You’re complaining?”

 

“Never.” He smiled. “Simply making a mental note for later.”

 

“Good.” She smiled back.

 

“But... tomorrow I have to go back to LA.” He told her.

 

“What?  Why?” She asked.

 

“Well first, Kendall’s going to kill me.  And second... we have to figure everything out you know?  So you can come and-”

 

“Wait.” She cut him off.  “I’m not leaving.”

 

He looked over at her confused.  “What?”

 

“I’m not leaving.  I have a life here; a job.  I’m done with LA and the CIA.” She said.

 

“But I thought that was just because of-”

 

“Don’t flatter yourself.” She snapped.  “I’m not leaving.”

 

“Well I have to go.  We’ll just... figure something out after Kendall is done with me.”  He sighed.  Then he paused for a moment before continuing.  “I mean, you do want to figure us out, don’t you?” He asked. 

 

She looked away and didn’t answer.  “Or was I just some weekend fling for you?” He added.

 

Her eyes shot up at him and narrowed into a death glare.  Vaughn raised his hands in surrender. “I’m sorry, I take that back.”  He sighed as he walked over to her and put his arms around her waist.  “We’ll work it out I promise.  I love you.” He said as he leaned his nose up against her cheek. 

 

“Yeah, yeah, I love you too.” She grumbled. 

 

“That’s my girl.” He laughed.  “I’ll call you as soon as I can ok?”

 

“Fine.” She sighed.  Not like she had much of a choice anyway...

 

 

[Chapter 12]

 

The next morning, they parted with tearful goodbyes and promises to see each other soon. But the days turned to weeks and the weeks eventually turned into a month and Sydney was still awaiting a call, a visit, something, anything from Vaughn.

 

Three weeks after his departure, Sydney finally came to the sickening revelation that he wasn’t going to come after her.

 

Apparently - to him - it HAD been just a weekend fling. He just said all that shit to get into my pants.  Sydney decided bitterly, as she continued to go on like she did before she knew he was alive.

 

To her he was dead.

 

She didn’t want to hear his name mentioned ever again.

 

Of course, she had to deal with the occasional questioning from her neighbor, Mrs. Paxton, but aside from brushing off those questions, Sydney planned on never speaking about or to Michael Vaughn again.

 

Life went back to normal for Sydney, well, as normal as it could get for an ex-spy after finding out that the love of her life really isn’t dead, and he was just using her because he’s a sex-crazed jackass.

 

She taught everyday and spent the weekends grading papers or hanging out with a fellow teacher. Everything was going good.

 

But then the nausea started.

 

Then the dizziness happened.

 

And the weird cravings kept coming.

 

Before she knew what was happening, she was sitting in her bathroom floor sobbing over a positive pregnancy test.

 

But she couldn’t believe it. How could she be pregnant? She was on birth control; she took the pill religiously.

 

But for some reason fate decided to play another cruel joke on her, making her pregnant by the man that she absolutely loathed.

 

So she went to the doctors, hoping he would say that the test was wrong, but it wasn’t. She was definitely pregnant. A little over a month along.

 

Sydney let her bitterness show during the whole appointment. There was no way she could abort the baby, she felt that was murder, but she didn’t have to be happy about all of this.

 

But the second she heard the small thumping of her baby’s heartbeat, all the resentment towards Vaughn faded away. There was a life inside of her, a baby - at least on her part - created by love.

 

He may not know it, but during his ill-intentioned trip to Maryland, Michael Vaughn had given her one of the greatest gifts. 

 

She was going to have a baby, and he or she was going to be so incredibly loved, even without its father.

 

With a small ultrasound picture, Sydney went home from the doctor with a smile on her face and high hopes.

 

All the pain of the last month was all worth it, just to see the small grainy picture of the baby she was carrying inside of her.

 

So much was going to change in the next eight months.

 

It wasn’t until the next morning as she emptied the contents of her stomach into the porcelain toilet that she feared she couldn’t do it on her own.

 

She knew it was weak of her to feel, but she would give almost anything for Vaughn to be there, holding back her hair and rubbing her back as he told her that it would all be okay.

 

The second she stepped into the school’s office that morning, her friend and boss, Mary Ross, commented on the glow that Sydney now had.

 

One gentle smile from the middle aged woman and Sydney spilled everything about how she was pregnant and was expecting a baby.

 

Mary was of course thrilled and congratulated her friend.

 

The classes passed by quickly, and Sydney was able to go home. She attempted to grade papers, but found herself too tired and went to bed by eighty-thirty.

 

~

 

She awoke with a start the next morning, hitting the snooze button on her clock, she realized it wasn’t the persistent buzzing of her alarm - it was the doorbell.

 

Throwing a robe around her pajama clad body; she forced the bile rising in her throat to go back down, as she descended the stairs.

 

Opening the door with a yawn, she was shocked to see Vaughn standing there flowers in hand. “I’m sorry.” He stated.

 

“Don’t.” She hissed, attempting to slam the door in his face.

 

He was able to stop her and slid in the house behind her. “Sydney, I can explain.”

 

Sydney stuck her hand on her hip. “Fine, this should be interesting. Why did you leave and not even bother to call, then show up a month later, expecting me to forgive you?”

 

“I know this is going to sound childish.” He said, giving her one of his dazzling, boyish grins. “But... your dad, he, uh, threatened me. He told me to stay away from you and if I didn’t well, uh, that I wouldn’t be able to have children, ever.”

 

Vaughn paused, seeing her resolve weakening. “Stupidly, I listen to him. Syd, I love you so much. I want to be with you. I don’t care what he says.”

 

“Really?” She asked, her eyes clouding over with tears.

 

He nodded. Sydney smiled, wrapping her arms around him in a tight hug. “I have something to tell you.” She grinned.

 

“What?”

 

Sydney’s grin grew impossibly bigger. “We’re having a baby.”

 

“Really?” When Sydney nodded, he said, “That’s amazing. Oh my God. I love you.” He said, picking her up and spinning her around. Then he frantically sat her back down. “Oh God, did I hurt you? How are you feeling?”

 

Sydney grinned, “I’m feeling great.” She told him, using her right hand to grab the lapel of his leather jacket and pull him into a searing kiss.

 

“Syd?” He asked cautiously.

 

She cocked her eyebrow. “You don’t want to celebrate?” She asked with a laugh.

 

Michael chuckled, wrapping his arms around her waist and kissing her deeply.

 

~

 

Sydney awoke with a start. Looking over, her bed was empty and she felt the urge to throw up. That definitely wasn’t the first dream she had had since he had left, but this one left her mind reeling.

 

Preparing herself for work, she wondered: what happened to the Michael Vaughn she once knew?

 

 

Chapter 13

“Miss Bristow, are you ok?” Anne asked one morning. 

 

“Uh, yeah...” Sydney moaned.  The truth was, she was not even close to ‘ok’.  She was twelve weeks into her pregnancy and there was no sign of her morning sickness letting up. 

 

“Are you sure you’re ok?” Anne asked.  She sounded very concerned. 

 

Sydney sighed heavily and looked over towards her favorite student.  Sydney hadn’t informed anyone at the school besides Mary Ross about her pregnancy.  She didn’t want to have to explain to her sixth and seventh grade students why she was unmarried, boyfriendless and three months pregnant.  She also didn’t want them going home and telling their parents resulting in her receiving angry letters from parents accusing her of setting a poor example for her students. 

 

Screw it, she thought.  “I’m ok Anne.  I’m just pregnant.” She said rather gloomily. 

 

Anne’s face lit up.  “Pregnant?  Really?  Congratulations!”

 

“Thanks.”

 

“What’s the matter?  Aren’t you happy?  Isn’t your boyfriend happy?” Anne asked.

 

“That’s the problem.” Sydney sighed.

 

“Oh no! He left you.  Jerk.” Anne muttered.

 

Sydney smiled slightly.  “Thanks.”

 

“Well if you need anything...” Anne smiled.

 

“Thanks Anne, but I’m fine.  Really.” Sydney smiled.  She wanted to believe that, really, she did, but it was difficult. 

 

~*~

 

After a long day at work during which she was chewed out by a student for a poor grade on a test, Sydney wanted nothing more than to veg out on her couch for the next twenty years.  But after changing into her pjs she heard the doorbell ring.  She opened the door and smiled immediately.

 

“Break out the tequila because the party is here!” Francie grinned. 

 

“Fran! Oh my god!” Sydney grinned as she hugged her friend. 

 

“Syd! How are you?  It’s been way too long.” Francie giggled.

 

“I’m... alright.” Sydney sighed. 

 

“Uh oh... that doesn’t sound good.  Spill girl.” Francie said.

 

Sydney shook her head.  “It’s fine really.”

 

“Liar.  But no worries.  A few of my infamous margaritas and you’ll be telling me everything.” Francie winked. 

 

“Fran...” Sydney sighed.  “I really wish I could, believe me but... I can’t.”

 

“Why not?” Francie asked.

 

“Fran I’m pregnant.” Sydney said quickly. 

 

Francie looked at her friend, jaw agape, eyes wide.  “WHAT?!  WHEN! WHY DIDN’T YOU TELL ME YOU MET SOMEONE?!”

 

“I didn’t meet someone... I .... god, it’s so stupid.” Sydney said, her jaw wavering.  “These stupid hormones.”

 

“Aw, Syd, honey come here.” Francie said as she pulled her friend towards the couch.  “What happened?”

 

Sydney looked up at her friend.  Francie’s eyes were full of worry and concern.  That’s when it happened.  Sydney was sick of the lies, her brain just couldn’t take anymore so it all spilled out.  “Fran, I have to tell you something.” Sydney sniffed.  “I never worked for a bank.”

 

“What?” Francie asked sounding confused.

 

Sydney told her everything about the CIA, SD-6, her father, meeting Vaughn.  Everything.  Vaughn’s death.  Everything. 

 

“Oh god Syd.  I’m so sorry.” Francie said as she hugged her friend and rubbed her back. 

 

“But the thing is... Vaughn didn’t die.  His death was faked and he came back on Valentine’s Day and told me that he loved me.”

 

“Really?” Francie smiled. 

 

“Yeah... and then we spent these three amazing days... but it turns out he was just an asshole looking for a good time in bed apparently...” She said bitterly.

 

“What?  Why?” Francie asked.

 

“Because he had to go back to LA.  He promised he’d call but he never called.  He never came back... nothing.  He’s just a jerk who said all that shit so he could get some.”

 

“Oh Syd,” Francie sighed as she stroked her friend’s hair. “DO you really believe that?”

 

“What do you mean?” Sydney asked.

 

“Syd, I’ve listened to you talk about this Michael Vaughn guy for almost a year now.  He sounded like the most amazing guy in the world who would in no way ever, ever do that to you let alone anyone.  Don’t you think it’s possible that there is a more logical explanation for it?”

 

“Maybe.” Sydney said reluctantly.  “But it’d better be a damn good one.”

 

“I’m sure it is.” Francie said. “He’s one of the good ones Syd, I know it.  I’m sure he has a good explanation; you just have to find it out.  Who knows... maybe he’s in jail or something.”

 

“Yeah, maybe.” Sydney muttered. 

 

“But the most important thing is you’re going to have a baby.” Francie grinned.

 

“Yeah.” Sydney smiled. 

 

“Which is great even if the poor kid has to grow up in this country ass town.”

 

“Fran!” Sydney laughed. 

 

“What?  I’m serious.” She smiled.  “We miss you out in LA Syd.”

 

“I know.” She sighed.  “But going back means... well the CIA would try to recruit me again and now that I have this.” She said with a hand over her stomach.  “That’s not an option.”

 

“Damn you must have been a good agent.” Francie smiled. 

 

Sydney just laughed slightly.  “Something like that...”

 

[Chapter 14]

 

Sydney thought about what Francie had said a lot over the next month. Maybe she was right; perhaps there was a good reason that Vaughn didn’t call or visit her.

 

Running her hand over the growing bump on her stomach, she smiled, glad that shortly after Francie left, the morning sickness did too.

 

Sitting in bed flipping through the channels, trying to find something besides soap operas and talk shows, Sydney decided she needed to do something with her summer vacation.

 

Luckily, the school year ended before she really started showing and she could put off telling everyone about the baby. She wasn’t ashamed, but she wasn’t ready to handle all the angry parents and never ending questions.

 

But even though she was relieved, she missed her job. Knowing that in five months she wouldn’t have moments like this to herself, she smiled. She would have a baby.

 

As much as she tried to forget everything by drowning her thoughts out with the television, what Francie said resonated in her mind.

 

“He’s one of the good ones Syd, I know it. I’m sure he has a good explanation; you just have to find it out.”

 

She was probably right, Sydney decided, but she was too damn stubborn to fly to LA and find out for herself.

 

Wondering around the empty house, Sydney sighed. She had three months off, she could take a week’s vacation to go visit her best friends.

 

Just because she went to LA didn’t mean that she had to see Vaughn.

 

The more she thought about, the more convinced she was that she should go visit LA.

 

Packing her bags, she told her neighbors that she was going on vacation and not to worry about her, and ordered the first available ticket to California.

 

The moment she stepped out of the airport, she remembered all the reasons she loved Los Angeles in the first place.

 

She smiled slightly, hailing a cab and rattling off directions to her old home.

 

Sydney laughed when Francie distractedly answered the door - telephone stuck to her ear - and didn’t even pay attention to who was on her doorstep as she said, “Come in.”

 

Sydney set her bag down by the couch and wondered into the kitchen where Fran had Will cutting up vegetables. He looked up, his eyes widening. “Sydney! Oh my god.” He said, pulling her into a hug.

 

Francie ran into the kitchen, hanging up the phone. “What about Sydney?” Francie asked, her eyes lighting up when they settled on her friend. “Syd! You took my advice.” Fran exclaimed, pulling Syd away from Will so she could embrace her.

 

After the best friends broke apart, Francie playfully rubbed Sydney’s expanding belly. “And how is my niece?”

 

“Or nephew.” Sydney corrected with a laugh. “The baby is fine, except it likes to use my bladder as a play toy.” Sydney rolled her eyes with a loud sigh.

 

“You know, I didn’t believe Francie when she told me.” Will told Syd.

 

Francie rolled her eyes. “He made me swear that I was telling him the truth, even after I showed him that picture you gave me.”

 

Sydney laughed. “It’s that unbelievable, Will?” Syd asked.

 

He shrugged, “I don’t know, but I am happy for you.” He grinned, kissing Sydney’s cheek softly.

 

After spending the evening catching up with Will and Francie over dinner, Sydney was pleasantly surprised when Francie led her to Syd’s old room that was exactly the same.

 

Sydney happily sunk into the worn mattress and slept soundly for the first time in over four months.

 

~

 

After breakfast the next morning, Sydney decided to pay her dad a visit; it had been ten months she had last seen him.

 

She called him and told him that she was in town and he asked her if she wanted to meet for lunch that day.

 

Pleasantly surprised, they arranged for them to meet at a small café just a few short miles away from the JTF.

 

She nervously fidgeted in her chair as she waited for her dad; she was waiting for the call telling her that he couldn’t come and that he was sorry.

 

But the call never came; instead her dad approached her from behind and softly tapped her shoulder.

 

“Daddy!” Sydney smiled, hugging her father tightly.

 

Jack hugged her back awkwardly, but gave her a small smile when they broke apart. He looked at his daughter’s glowing face and stepped away to take his seat.

 

One look at his daughter and his eyes widened. “Sydney, did you gain weight?”

 

Sydney sighed loudly. “You haven’t seen your daughter in ten months and that’s the first thing you say. ‘Have you gain weight.’ How about, I’ve missed you or how have you been?” Sydney said, her eyes filling to the brim with tears. “Pregnant women get fat, I can’t help it daddy.” Sydney cried.

 

Jack’s eyes widened again at the word pregnant. Forgetting his initial reaction to scream, he pulled his crying daughter into a hug. “I’m sorry. I was surprised, that’s all.”

 

Sydney nodded into his neck. “Are you mad at me?” She asked him.

 

“Why would I be mad?” He asked as they broke apart.

 

“Because I got pregnant and I didn’t get married.”

 

Jack shook his head. “No, I’m not mad.” Lightly touching her hand and giving it a squeeze.

 

“And you don’t want to kill Vaughn?” She asked with a raised eyebrow, as she browsed through the menu.

 

Jack’s eyes narrowed. “Vaughn did this to you. I’m going to kill that son of a bitch.”

 

“Get in line.” She muttered, taking a sip of her water.

 

 

Chapter 15

“By the way, where is Vaughn?” Sydney asked at the conclusion of her meal with her father. 

 

Jack hesitated.  “Um...”

 

“You know what, never mind.” Sydney cut him off.  “I don’t want to know.”

 

“Alright...” Jack said unsurely. 

 

“How’s Mom?”

 

“Oh she’s... your mother...” Jack said with a slight roll of his eyes.

 

Sydney couldn’t help but giggle.  “Yeah... I kinda miss her.”

 

“Well you know, I might be able to talk Kendall into letting you visit her.” Jack said.

 

“Really? I’d love that!” Sydney exclaimed. 

 

“I’ll see what I can do.” Jack smiled. 

 

~*~

 

After leaving her father Sydney returned home to Will and Francie and much to her surprise she found them making out on the couch.  She cleared her throat.  “Well this is new.”

 

“Syd!” Francie gasped as she pulled her lips off of Will’s.  “How are you?” She smiled innocently.

 

“Nice try.” Sydney said with her arms folded over her chest. 

 

“Oh uh, this, um... it sort of just happened.” Francie said nervously.

 

“And you didn’t tell me?!” Sydney gasped.

 

“You didn’t tell us you were pregnant!” Francie defended.

 

“Good point.” Sydney laughed.  “Ugh... I’m a horrible friend.  I’ve missed so much.” Sydney sighed. 

 

“We’ve missed you so much Syd.” Will smiled. 

 

“Yeah...” Sydney said.  She was interrupted by her cell phone ringing.  She excused herself as she disappeared into her bedroom to take the call.  “Hello?”

 

“Sydney it’s your father.”

 

Sydney rolled her eyes slightly at her fathers never ending formality.  “Hi Dad.” She said lightly.  “How are you?”

 

“Fine.  Listen, the reason I’m calling is because after some persuasion I was able to clear your meeting with your mother with Director Dixon.”

 

“Dixon?  He’s the Director now?” Sydney asked.

 

“Oh, uh, yes.  For a few months now in fact.” Jack said. 

 

“Oh that’s wonderful.” Sydney said. 

 

“Yes.  The meeting is at 9 tomorrow morning.  I assume you remember how to get there?” Jack said.

 

“Yes.  I’ll see you then Dad.  Bye.”

 

~*~

 

Sydney had to admit she was slightly nervous as she drove the familiar route to where her mother was being held.  She wasn’t quite sure why though.  After all her father had actually had a positive reaction to her pregnancy and she knew her mother’s couldn’t possibly be any worse. 

 

“Sydney!” Dixon greeted her with a large grin.

 

“Dixon! How have you been?” Sydney asked as she gave him a hug.

 

“Wonderful, and you?”

 

“Pregnant.” She laughed. 

 

“You’re kidding?!” Dixon gasped.

 

“Nope.” Sydney smiled. 

 

“Well congratulations!”

 

“Congratulations yourself on being the director.” Sydney grinned. 

 

“Thank you.” Dixon nodded.  “Well, your mother is waiting.  Here.” He said as he handed her a security pass.

 

“Thanks so much.” She smiled.  Then she began her walk down the various security check points on the way to her mother’s cell.  When she walked through the final set of gates she was met with her mother’s never ending smile.  “Hi Mom.”

 

“Sydney!” Irina grinned.  “Oh my god, you’re pregnant!”

 

Sydney laughed as she put her hand over her stomach.  “HOW did you know that?!”

 

“Because.” Irina smiled.  “Sydney that’s wonderful.  How far along are you?”

 

“Seventeen weeks.” She said.  “I’m already starting to get fat.”

 

Irina just smiled.  “You look lovely.”

 

“Thanks Mom.  It’s really great to see you.” Sydney said, a tear forming in her eyes.  She tried to wipe it away quickly while muttering “stupid hormones.”

 

“Oh sweetheart.” Irina sighed.  “Your father tells me you took a job as a teacher.”

 

“Yeah I did.  Everything was going well you know?  I was trying to move on from everything... until Valentine’s Day... when Vaughn showed up....” Sydney sighed.  Irina just nodded for her daughter to continue.  “I was mad at him, you know?  I wouldn’t even let him explain but then... stuff happened.” Sydney laughed as she touched her belly.  “And the stupid jerk left me and never came back.”

 

“Sydney.” Irina said but her daughter continued anyway.

 

“I mean I just don’t get it!  I thought he loved me!  Why didn’t he come back for me?  Didn’t he want me enough?...”

 

“Sydney.” Her mother tried again.

 

“He’s such a jerk, I mean god! I could just-“

 

“SYDNEY!” Her mother shouted, finally getting her daughter’s attention. 

 

“What?” Sydney asked.  “Hey, how come you’re not surprised to hear Vaughn’s alive?  Did Dad tell you? Or...”

 

“Sydney, look over there.” Irina said as she gestured to the left. 

 

Sydney looked left and then back at her mother.  “Over where?”

 

“Over there.” Irina gestured again, this time more dramatically. 

 

Sydney was confused but she walked a few steps to the left towards the next cell.  The cells in that block shared a common solid wall so that prisoners couldn’t see or harm the person in the next cell over.  Sydney walked far enough over to catch a glimpse of the person in the next cell and gasped.  “Oh my god Vaughn!”

 

“Yeah, hi.” He said timidly. 

 

“Why didn’t you say something!” She gasped.

 

“Well you were busy ranting I didn’t want to interrupt you.” He smiled. 

 

“You heard me?” She asked as she took a step closer to the bars on his cell.

 

His eyes traveled down to the bump in her belly and then back up to her eyes that were filling with tears.  “Yeah.”

 

“Oh my god Vaughn, I’m so sorry I thought you were a jackass who just wanted to screw me.” She sniffed as she reached out for his hand that was hanging out of the bars of his cell.

 

“And I’m really sorry I didn’t call you.  But... I only got one phone call and I REALLY needed a lawyer.” He smiled.  She laughed slightly through her tears.  “Hey Syd, we’re having a baby.” He said, some emotion evident in his voice.

 

“Yeah.” She giggled.  “Are you ok with that?”

 

“Oh god Syd of course!  You’re the only one I’ve ever wanted to have babies with.” He smiled. 

 

“Good.” She smiled a she leaned over and kissed him softly through the bars.  “I love you.”

 

“I love you too Syd.” Vaughn grinned.

 

Sydney smiled back until she heard a tiny sniff from the cell beside them.  She had momentarily forgotten about her mother.  “Oh god!  You’re practically cell mates with my mother.”

 

“Yeah, don’t remind me.” Vaughn muttered.

 

“I heard that.” Irina called.  Sydney looked over at her mother.  “Agent Vaughn and I have had some lovely chats haven’t we?”

 

Sydney knew her mother was teasing him or mocking him or something but either way she couldn’t help but laugh softly at the look on his face. 

 

“Oh yeah, they were... lovely.”  Vaughn sighed. 

 

“I’m gonna get you out of here I promise.” Sydney smiled. 

 

“I know you will.” Vaughn smiled back.  She went to leave but he pulled her back and put his hand on her stomach.  “Sorry I just...” he said quietly.

 

Sydney smiled and kissed him again.  “I’ll be back as soon as I can.”

 

“Okay.” Vaughn nodded. 

 

“Okay.  Bye.  Bye Mom.” Sydney said as she went to leave their cell area. 

 

“I love you.” Both Irina and Vaughn said in unison to which Vaughn gained an immediately look of disgust.

 

Sydney snorted with laughter and smiled at them.  “I love you both too.”

 

 

[Chapter 16]

 

“Why is he in jail?” Sydney demanded, storming into her father’s office, ignoring his secretary’s protest.

 

“Sydney...” Jack said softly, trying to calm her down.

 

Sydney crossed her arms over her chest. “I want to know why he’s in jail. He hasn’t done anything wrong. He doesn’t deserve to be down there.” Sydney stated.

 

Jack nodded, motioning to a chair. He sat down across from her and began. “When Vaughn came back to LA... Kendall took him into custody at LAX.” Jack told her. “He’s claiming that Vaughn betrayed the US Government when he faked his death and went into hiding.”

 

“What!?” Sydney exclaimed.

 

Jack shrugged. “His trial is in two months; until then he has to stay in that cell.”

 

“That’s completely unfair.”

 

“I know.” Jack told her.

 

“Why didn’t you tell me?” Sydney hissed, glaring at her father.

 

Jack raised an eyebrow. “You wouldn’t let me.”

 

“You should have told me anyways.” Sydney pouted, causing Jack to lose his stoic façade and roll his eyes.

 

Jack lightly patted his daughter’s knee.

 

Changing the subject, Sydney asked, “How are we going to get him out of there? There has to be someway.”

 

Jack sighed. “Sydney, Dixon and I have been fighting with Kendall over this for the past four months. We haven’t found a way to get him out.”

 

“I need him, Daddy. We have to find a way.” Sydney said, trying to - unsuccessfully - force the emotion out of her voice.

 

Jack nodded, pulling his baby girl into a hug.

 

~

 

After her visit with Jack, Sydney went back to the cells to see her mom and Vaughn again.

 

She was shocked when she saw that her mother’s cell was empty. With a raised eyebrow, she walked over to Vaughn. “Hey baby.” She said, getting his attention.

 

He grinned, as he walked over to her and reached for her hand between the cell bars. With his other hand, he gently rubbed Sydney’s swollen stomach.

 

“Where’s my mom?” Sydney asked curiously.

 

“She’s on the roof.” He sighed. “You know, I don’t even get roof visits. It’s not fair.” He pouted.

 

Sydney giggled, leaning in to kiss his pouty lip through the bars. “Poor baby.” She muttered.

 

“I know.” He whispered, deepening the kiss. By the time they broke apart, Sydney was ready to rip all of their clothes off and go at it with the cell bars inbetween them.

 

Her heavy breaths finally evened out as she whispered, “We almost gave the security guard a show right there.”

 

Vaughn laughed. “Yeah.”

 

“I have to get you out of the cell soon.” She stated. She gently kissed his cheek, “I’m going to go see my mom really quick before I leave.”

 

Vaughn nodded, leaning in for one last kiss. Then, stopping her from moving away, he dropped to his knees and softly kissed her growing stomach. “I love you little baby.” He muttered, rubbing the soft skin right above Sydney’s belly button.

 

~

 

Irina greeted Sydney on the roof with a motherly hug. Noticing her daughter’s unwavering dimpled grin, she asked, “Did you visit Vaughn?”

 

Sydney nodded and dreamily said, “Yeah.”

 

After a moment of silence and a gentle but probing look from her mother, Sydney broke down. “I don’t know how to do this. I need him with me. I can’t handle him seeing in that small cell when he doesn’t deserve to be there.”

 

As soon as the words had spilled from her mouth, her mother’s arms are around her; comforting her.

 

“Sydney, I know how we can get him out.” Irina said softly when they broke apart.

 

Sydney’s eyes widened. “Why did you wait until now to tell someone? He could have been free months ago.”

 

“Who was I going to tell? Your father?” Irina laughed sarcastically. “He still doesn’t believe a word I say.”

 

Sydney nodded, knowing what her mother said was true.

 

“So how do we get him out of there?” Sydney asked curiosity and excitement mixing together in her voice.

 

Irina smiled, knowing her daughter was happy and that she was going to get the normal life she deserved.

 

“I know where Sark is.” Irina told her.

 

Sydney smile was one of confusion. “Why didn’t you tell the CIA?” Irina just shrugged.

 

Irina whispered the location in Sydney’s ear, so the guards and video cameras could not pick up the site.

 

Sydney hugged her mother. “Thank you so much.” Sydney sighed a breath of relief. “Do you think it will work?”

 

Irina nodded, as a guard walked over and dragged Irina back downstairs.

 

Sydney smiled, standing on the rooftop, knowing that soon, her life would be good again.

 

~

 

Walking briskly into Director Kendall’s office, the smile that was on her face turned into a stoic frown.

 

“Ms. Bristow, you no longer work for this agency. What are you doing in my office?”

 

Sydney let her lips twitch upwards. “Director Kendall, I have a proposition for you.”

 

Chapter 17

“SYD!” Eric called across the CIA main room. 

 

“Eric!” She screamed as she rushed over to hug him.  “How are you?  How come I haven’t seen you?”

 

“I’ve been out on missions which rumor has it – you sanctioned.” He said.

 

“Well...” She smiled slightly as she looked down to her feet. 

 

“Rumor also has it you and Vaughn are expecting a baby but I don’t believe everything I hear.” He winked.

 

“Well I guess the rumor mill can be accurate because... yeah, I’m pregnant.” Sydney smiled. 

 

“That’s great Syd, congratulations.” Eric said as he hugged her once more.

 

“Thanks Eric.”

 

“So what are you doing here anyway?” Eric asked.

 

“I’m waiting for Kendall to sign Vaughn’s release papers and then I’m going to take him home and-”

 

Eric held up his hand. “Don’t finish that sentence, I beg of you.”

 

Sydney blushed dramatically.  “Eric...”

 

“Kidding.” He laughed.  “Sort of... But seriously, it’s great to have you back Syd, even if it is temporary.  You’re so... refreshing.”

 

“Refreshing?” She raised an eyebrow at him. 

 

“Well... it’s just that some of the new agents... well, they suck Syd.  And you... you’re awesome.”

 

Sydney giggled. “Thanks Eric.”

 

“Miss Bristow.”  Kendall called.  Sydney spun around to face him.  “Here are your papers now please, unless you miraculously have an intention of returning to your status as an agent, leave my office and never come back.  Oh, and I do mean that in the nicest way possible.”

 

“Thank you.” Sydney smiled.  Then she turned back to Eric.  “I’ll see you around ok?”

 

“Absolutely.” He smiled.  “We should have dinner.  You, Vaughn me and Kathy.”

 

“Kathy?” Sydney grinned.

 

“Oh yeah... my girlfriend.  We’ve been going out for three months now.” He smiled.

 

“That’s great Eric, really great.” Sydney smiled. 

 

“Thanks Syd.” He smiled.  “Well, go on then.  Get your man!”

 

Sydney giggled.  “Alright.”

 

 

Once she arrived at the prison block she handed the guard the release papers and he let her walk through to Vaughn and her mother’s cell area. 

 

“Syd!” Vaughn exclaimed when he saw her coming. “It’s been three days.  I was getting worried.”

 

“Ah well, Kendall needed some persuasion.” She winked as the guard was unlocking his cell.

 

“You’re free to go Agent Vaughn.” The guard said. 

 

“Really?!  Oh my god Syd you’re amazing!” Vaughn said as he ran out of the cell and hugged her tightly, lifting her off the ground.  Tears came to Sydney’s eyes as she clung to the man she loved tighter than ever before.  “I love you so much.” He whispered in her ear. 

 

“I love you too.” She sighed as she kissed him sweetly.  “Let’s go home.”  She said as she took his hand and squeezed it tight.  As they were leaving she paused in front of her mother’s cell.  Irina was standing there smiled at her.  “Thanks Mom.”

 

“Anytime sweetheart.” Irina smiled back. 

 

“I’ll see you soon and I’ll bring you an ultrasound of the baby.” Sydney smiled.

 

“I can’t wait.” Irina grinned.  Then Irina looked up at Vaughn.  “Goodbye Agent Vaughn.” She said in a rather sing-song voice.

 

“Yeah... bye.” He muttered.

 

Sydney locked her arm around Vaughn’s waist as they made their way out of the prison and onto the hot pavement of Los Angels.  Vaughn took a deep breath and sighed. “Fresh air is good.”

 

Sydney laughed.  “Yes.  Come on I’m taking you home.”

 

“Where’s home?” He asked.

 

“My old place.  Francie and Will went away for the weekend.”  She smiled.

 

“Ah I see how it is.” He grinned.  “So tell me, how did you do it?”

 

“Do what?” She asked.  “Oh get you out you mean?”

 

“Yes.” He laughed. 

 

“Well I traded you for Sark.” She smiled.

 

“Good that cocky son of a bitch deserves to be in that cell with your mother.” Vaughn said bitterly. 

 

“Come on, how bad was it really?” She smiled.

 

“Syd.”  He sighed.

 

“Vaughn.” She mimicked his tone.

 

“It was... I don’t know like... the worst thing ever.”

 

“Ever?”

 

“Ok not ever.  But it was bad.  I was just like... my god if I don’t get out of here I have to spend the rest of my life with the woman who killed my father.  And then all these Weiss-like mother-in-law jokes popped into my head which made the whole thing even worse.” Vaughn groaned as he rubbed his forehead, which was covered with his infamous wrinkles. 

 

Sydney smiled softly at the ‘mother-in-law’ comment.  For a moment she debated calling him out on it or simply teasing him about it but then she decided to let it go, not wanting to scare him away from that thought just in case.  “I see.” She sighed. 

 

“Yeah well... its behind me now.” Vaughn smiled.

 

“Behind us.” She corrected. 

 

“Right.  Us.” He smiled as he reached over and took her hand.  “I liked that. Us.... Us....” He repeated. 

 

“Me too.” She smiled. 

 

 

A few minutes later they arrived at Francie and Will’s and Sydney led Vaughn inside.  “Wow this is a great place.” He said as he looked around, having never been there before. 

 

“Yeah, I loved it.” Sydney sighed.  Then they were silent for a minute before Sydney pulled Vaughn towards her in a passionate kiss. 

 

“Mm Syd wait.”  Vaughn said in between her kisses.

 

“Wait?  Why?!” She asked impatiently. 

 

“Because I haven’t had a decent shower in four months that’s why.” He sighed.

 

“Well, believe it or not I really, really don’t actually care about that right now.” She said kissing him once more and tugging at the button on his pants. 

 

Vaughn laughed slightly.  “Syd, while I appreciate those sentiments, I really need a shower.  Really quick, five minutes or less I swear.”

 

She shook her head while continuing to place light kisses along his jaw.  “Five minutes is too long.  I’m coming with you.”

 

Vaughn laughed again.  “Have I mentioned that I missed you?”

 

“Nah, but I kinda got that.” She smiled.

 

“Well I missed you.”

 

“Yeah I kinda missed you too.” She said as she quickly unzipped her own jeans and let them fall to the floor as they entered the bathroom. 

 

“Yeah, somehow, I sensed that.”

 

[Chapter 18]

 

Sydney and Vaughn lay in bed a while later as Vaughn rested his head against her chest and lightly stroked her stomach.

 

“This is just so incredible.” He said in awe.

 

Sydney laughed. “It’s not incredible. Look, your touching those nasty stretch marks!” Sydney exclaimed.

 

Vaughn rolled his eyes as they fell into a comfortable silence.

 

Sydney eyes fluttered shut and she was almost asleep when Vaughn abruptly sat up and rested his head on his closed fist, the other hand never leaving her stomach.

 

“What’s wrong, baby?” Sydney asked, her eyes remaining shut.

 

She could sense his grin, without even looking. “Nothing’s wrong... it’s just...” Vaughn paused, “Syd... marry me.”

 

Sydney’s eyes flew open. “What?” She asked, turning to look at him, curiosity filling her eyes.

 

“It’s just... I love you and the baby so much and I know we haven’t even been on a first date, but I want to spend forever with --” Sydney cut off his ramblings with a firm kiss.

 

“Is that a yes?” He asked with a smirk.

 

Sydney smiled. “Yes,” She said as she leaned over to kiss him soundly. “You’re finally making an honest woman out of me.” She laughed when the broke apart. “And about that first date...”

 

“We’re going out tonight.” He stated.

 

“I would love nothing more.”

 

Vaughn rolled on top of her. “Is that so?” He asked, bringing their twined hands to rest on the pillow above Sydney’s head.

 

“Uh huh.” Sydney said, leaning up to kiss him passionately.

 

They both groaned loudly when the sound of the doorbell resonated throughout the house. “That’s the UPS guy. Francie said he’d be coming by with a package for the restaurant.” Sydney stated with a sigh.

 

“I’ll answer it.” Vaughn said, as the doorbell rang again. “But when I get back, I am going to make love to my fiancé.”

 

 “You better.” Sydney laughed.

 

 

Throwing on boxers, he swung open the door, shocked to be greeted with the stern face of Jack Bristow.

 

“Uh, hi Jack, what are you, uh, doing here?” Vaughn stuttered.

 

“I came to check on my daughter.” Jack stated, glaring at the younger man.

 

Vaughn gulped as he said, “I’ll go get her.”

 

“Good” Jack told him. Vaughn nodded, turning around and walking back down the hall. “Vaughn,” Jack called out. Vaughn looked over his shoulder. “Put some clothes on.” Jack smirked.

 

Vaughn felt a blush rise up the back of his neck as he walked into Syd’s bedroom and shut the door behind him with a loud sigh.

 

“That was your dad.” Vaughn said, his face expressing his horror.

 

Sydney giggled. “And you were dressed like that.”

 

Vaughn glared at her. “Yes, I was dressed like this.”

 

Sydney giggled again as she got out of bed and began to dress in a tank top and flannel pajama pants.

 

Vaughn dressed in a tee shirt and a pair of sweatpants as they went to greet Jack. “I guess making love will have to wait until later.” Sydney whispered in his ear, causing Vaughn to bite his lip hard not to moan.

 

They found Jack sitting on the love seat, waiting for them. The couple sat down on the couch across from him.

 

“I came to make sure you were alright, but apparently Agent Vaughn is, uh, taking care of you.” Jack said, a slight smirk on his face.

 

Sydney grinned, putting her hand on Vaughn’s knee. “He’s taking very good care of me.” Sydney stated, resisting the urge to lean over and kiss his pouty lip.

 

After a minute of silence Sydney asked “So, Vaughn was just telling me how hungry he was, so I’m going to fix lunch, would you like a sandwich, daddy?” as she stood up.

 

“That would be nice.”

 

Sydney was placing the cheese on Vaughn’s sandwich when she felt a strong arm around you. “I wasn’t hungry for food.” He mumbled in her ear.

 

Sydney grinned, turning her head and pecking his lips. “Since you’re here, you can finish making the sandwiches for me.” She smirked, strutting out of the room.

 

She sat down next to her dad who was sitting alone on the love seat. “I didn’t know Vaughn would be here, with you.” Jack said with a raised eyebrow.

 

“Dad, you had to know that he and I have, you know...” She said, patting her growing belly for emphasis.

 

“I’ve been trying to forget how babies are made.” Jack stated seriously.

 

Sydney hid her grin and fought the urge to giggle as Vaughn walked back in the living room with three plates.

 

The threesome ate in a silence, that was oddly, not uncomfortable.

 

“Vaughn...” Jack said, breaking the silence that had filled the room.

 

“Hmm?” Vaughn mumbled, in between bites of his sandwich.

 

Jack faced the younger man, and decided not to glare at Vaughn’s hand that was placed a little too high on his daughter’s thigh, as he asked, “When were you planning on telling your mom that you are, well, alive?”

 

Vaughn smacked his forehead, completely forgetting about his mother in the excitement of getting Sydney back. “It’s slipped my mind with the engagement and all, I’ll have to go see her later.”

 

Jack froze in mid-bite. “Engagement?” Sydney and Vaughn both looked down guiltily. “How long?”

 

“Well, it happened about ten minutes before you got here, so... not long.” Sydney said.

 

“Oh.” Jack said, eyeing the couple curiously. No wonder they had been so... cuddly this afternoon. Too cuddly for Jack Bristow’s liking, but he couldn’t stop them.

 

His infamous glares no longer fazed his daughter or her new fiancé.

 

“Well, congratulations are in order, I suppose.” Jack said, surprising both of the younger adults when he didn’t yell or scream or storm out of the house in a hissy-fit.

 

“Thank you, Daddy” Sydney grinned, getting up to hug him tightly. “That means a lot to me.” She stated.

 

Jack leaned over and shook Vaughn’s hand. Over the years, he had accepted Vaughn and was actually - shockingly - happy to welcome the younger man into the family.

 

Sydney and Vaughn returned to their seats, one question on their mind: What the hell happened to the menacing Jack Bristow they used to know?

 

Chapter 19

“So that was weird.” Vaughn said as soon as Jack left. 

 

“Yeah I know... a week ago he was ready to dismember you.” Sydney smiled.

 

“Oh well I’m glad he had a change of heart then.” Vaughn rolled his eyes. 

 

“Don’t worry.” Sydney smiled as she walked over to him and put both her palms flat against his chest.  “I would have stopped him before he cut off anything important.”

 

“Thanks babe.” Vaughn rolled his eyes as he kissed her softly. 

 

Sydney giggled.  “You just called me babe.”

 

“Yeah... is that bad?” he asked unsurely. 

 

“No, I loved it.” She smiled as she kissed him once more.  “So... where were we?”

 

“I think I was going to take my fiancé into the bedroom and make love to her.” Vaughn smiled.

 

“Oh yeah I remember now.” She grinned as she threw her arms around his neck and wrapped her legs around his waist. 

 

~*~

 

An hour later they were lying in bed once more and Vaughn was stroking Sydney’s stomach, a fascination he couldn’t seem to get over. 

 

“Vaughn stop.” Sydney giggled. 

 

“I can’t help it.” Vaughn sighed as he leaned over and kissed her tiny bump. 

 

“So listen.” Sydney said as she propped herself up on her elbow.  “How is all this going to work now?  I mean... I’m here for the summer but I shouldn’t be staying with Will and Francie... and then in the fall I go back to my small ass country town and...”

 

Vaughn cut her off with a kiss.  “Why don’t we take it one step at a time considering I only got out of federal prison seven hours ago?”

 

“Okay.” Sydney smiled.  “I just don’t want to spend any more time away from you if I can help it.”

 

“Well lucky for you missy I happen to agree with that.” Vaughn said as he kissed her.  A few minutes later they heard the front door slam shut. “I thought Will and Francie went away for the weekend?”

 

“So did I.” Sydney sighed as she got up and threw on her pj’s once more.  She poked her head out of her room and saw Francie stomping around the kitchen making far too much noise than any normal person should.  “Fran, what’s up?”

 

“Will’s a jerk!” Francie sniffed.

 

“What? Why?” Sydney asked.

 

“Because he called me fat!”

 

“He called you fat?!” Sydney gasped in shock.

 

“Yes.” Francie sniffed.

 

“He actually said those words?” Sydney asked.

 

“Well... no...” Francie said quietly.

 

“What did he say?”

 

“That he liked the red dress better!” Francie said.

 

Sydney sighed.  “Francie, sweetie, do you think it’s possible you over reacted just a little.”

 

“Maybe...” Francie said.  Then she looked up and saw Vaughn standing behind Sydney looking curious.  “Oh... hi?”

 

“Hi.” Vaughn said quietly.

 

“Oh! Francie, sorry this is Michael Vaughn my... fiancé.”

 

“Fiancé?!” Francie gasped.

 

“Yeah... but only for like three hours.” Sydney smiled slightly. 

 

“Well congratulations!  And it’s great to finally meet you Michael.  I’m just gonna go... apologize to Will...” Francie said as she backed out of the house. 

 

“So... she seems nice.” Vaughn smiled.

 

“Yeah I promise she’s usually sane.” Sydney sighed as she shook her head. 

 

“So... you wanna come with me tomorrow to meet my mom?” Vaughn smiled.

 

“Sure but... aww you’re poor Mom... we’re going to spring you being alive, me, our baby and our engagement on her all at once.”

 

“Yeah but she’ll be ok.” Vaughn said. 

 

“Good...oh! Oh god... does she know about my mom and that whole thing...” Sydney asked cautiously.

 

“No... and I figure its kinda best to keep her in the dark about it I mean... why dig it up again, you know?”

 

“Right.” Sydney sighed.  “I’m sorry Vaughn.” She said into his chest.

 

“Sorry? Why?”

 

“For my mom and everything she did to your family.” Sydney said quietly.

 

“Syd, don’t.  It’s behind us; we’ve moved on.” Vaughn said as he kissed her gently.  She smiled up at him and nodded.

 

~*~

 

The next day Sydney spent almost an hour picking out the perfect outfit to meet Vaughn’s mother in.  She settled on khacki pants and a form fitting button up shirt which she knew wouldn’t fit her for much longer. 

 

“You look perfect.” Vaughn said as he kissed her neck from behind while she was looking in the mirror. 

 

“You think?  It’s not too...”

 

“Perfect.” Vaughn smiled. 

 

“Okay.” Sydney smiled back. 

 

~*~

 

“Oh, I’d just like to say I apologize in advance for whatever her reaction is when she sees me.” Vaughn said once they pulled into the driveway of his mother’s Santa Monica home.

 

“It’s ok, I expect something fairly drastic.” Sydney smiled. 

 

“Yeah... I’m actually kinda afraid.” Vaughn grimaced. 

 

“Aww.” Sydney sighed as she reached over and combed her fingers through his hair. 

 

Vaughn grabbed Sydney’s hand, walked up the front walk and took a deep breath before he rang the doorbell.  “Hello Maman.”  Vaughn said sheepishly once she opened the door.  Then Mrs. Vaughn fainted dead. 

 

“Oh god!” Sydney gasped as she rushed to help Vaughn pick up his mother from the doorframe. 

 

“Maman!  Maman wake up!” Vaughn said as he shook her lightly. 

 

The brown haired woman awoke and shrieked loudly.  “Michael! Michael is it you, really?”

 

“Yes, Maman.  I’m sorry.” Vaughn sighed. 

 

“Oh Michael.” She said as she threw her arms around her son’s neck and hugged him tightly for a moment before pulling back and smacking his head.  Vaughn moaned and recoiled from her.  “How dare you scare your mother that way!”

 

“I’m sorry Maman but I had to fake my death in order to save my life.” Vaughn told her.  “Everyone thought I was dead, even Sydney.  Though your reaction was a bit nicer than hers.”

 

Sydney blushed slightly and looked down towards her feet at this comment.

 

“Sydney?  This is the Sydney you told me about?” She asked.  Vaughn to Sydney and smiled then back to his mother and nodded.  “Oh Michael she’s beautiful.”

 

“I know.” Michael smiled. 

 

Sydney, who had turned five shades of red from blushing, mumbled a hello to Mrs. Vaughn. 

 

“Please, call me Amelia and it is fantastic to finally meet you. Michael has told me only the most wonderful things about you.”

 

“Maman...” Michael warned. 

 

“And I’m terribly sorry I fainted...” Amelia sighed as she took Sydney’s hand and led her to the couch in her sitting room.

 

“It’s alright.  When I saw your son alive I hit him and tried to slam a door in his face.”  Sydney said.

 

Amelia laughed.  “That’s fantastic.  Michael I love her already.”

 

“So do I.” Michael smiled. 

 

“So tell me Michael, how has it been since you returned to the world of the living and failed to visit your poor, lonely, mother?” She asked sweetly.

 

“Umm Valentine’s Day....” He said quietly.

 

Just when Amelia was about to verbally lash out at her son once more Sydney interrupted.  “But he’s been in federal prison until yesterday.”

 

“Federal prison!?” Amelia’s eyes widened. 

 

“It’s a long story Maman but... we need to tell you something and it’s really good you’re sitting down... um, well, see, the thing is...”

 

“Michael.” Amelia cut off her son’s stuttering.

 

“Yes um Sydney’s pregnant and we’re getting married.” Michael said.

 

Amelia slowly turned her glance to Sydney who was smiling slightly. Then suddenly Amelia pulled Sydney into a tight, motherly hug.  “That’s fantastic!  Oh I’m so happy for you both!”

 

“Really?!” Michael asked in disbelief.

 

“Yes of course!  Michael you’ve only talked about this girl for years.  I knew you loved her and its about damn time you did something about it.” Amelia said to her son.  Then she looked to Sydney.  “Wait, if he’s been in prison how pregnant are you?”

 

“Since Valentines Day...” Sydney said quietly. 

 

“Oh! How romantic a Valentines Day baby!” Amelia grinned.  “Now if you’re going to have a wedding we’re going to-”

 

“Maman, slow down.  We just got engaged yesterday. As a matter of fact our first date was last night.  Sydney and I aren’t rushing into this.”

 

“You got engaged on your first date?” Amelia asked in surprise.

 

“Well... technically we got engaged before the date...”

 

“That works.” Amelia laughed.  “Oh! My goodness you two must be starving.  Come I’ll fix you lunch.”

 

“Oh you don’t have to-” Sydney began but Amelia held up her hands in protest.

 

“I insist.  Plus Michael has to tell me everything that’s happened in the year he’s been dead.  Come, eat!” Amelia said as she got up and disappeared into the kitchen. 

 

Sydney smiled as she walked over to Vaughn and put her arm around his waist.  “I think she likes me.” She whispered.

 

“Of course she does.  You’re wonderful.” Vaughn said as he kissed her softly. 

 

[Chapter 20]

 

The next two days were spent in bed. Sydney and Vaughn had an insatiable desire for each other and now that they were engaged that desire only increased.

 

Vaughn grumbled sleepily, rolling over so he could see his fiancé’s face, but was greeted with a used pillow and crumpled sheets.

 

“Syd?” He called out groggily, looking around the room. He found her throwing clothes into a suitcase hurriedly. “What are you doing?”

 

“I forgot that I had to go home today. My plane leaves in an hour and a half.”

 

“And when were you planning on telling me?” Vaughn hissed, sitting up in bed.

 

Sydney’s hand stopped in mid-air. “I told you. I forgot, okay? Don’t start getting pissy with me.” She hissed back.

 

Vaughn glared at her, silently sulking as she continued to pack.

 

She disappeared into the bathroom for a moment before she slipped on her worn Nike’s. “I’m leaving now, if you even care.” She whispered.

 

Vaughn couldn’t ignore the tears in her eyes as she zipped up her suitcase. “Sweetie, come here.” He softly demanded, opening his arms up for her.

 

She tearfully fell into his arms, burying her head in the crook of her neck. “I don’t want to leave you, Michael. I just got you back.” She cried into his chest.

 

He soothing rubbed her back. “I don’t want you to go either.” He told her, kissing the top of her head lovingly a couple of times.

 

“You have to go though.” He sadly said. “But as soon as you get there, I want you to call me and we’ll arrange when we can see each other again. Okay?”

 

She nodded, wiping away the tears that still clouded her vision. “I love you.”

 

“I love you, Syd.” He said. They shared a series of gentle, caring kisses before she reluctantly pulled away.

 

“Bye” She mumbled.

 

He waved. “See you soon.”

 

Sydney wiped tears away the whole cab ride to the airport and most of the airplane ride home, but she wouldn’t allow herself to cry. She would not cry. She would not cry. She repeated that over and over again in her head.

 

Before she knew it, the plane landed at Dulles Airport in DC, just a short forty-five minute to an hours drive away from Brown, Maryland.

 

She called Vaughn’s cell on her way home, but - strangely - it went straight to his voicemail.

 

“Hey, it’s Mike. I’m not answering my phone right now, but leave me one and I’ll call you back.”

 

His sweet voice lulled her and she allowed herself to smile. “Hey baby, I just got home. I miss you already.” She confessed. “Call me when you get this message.” She added with a soft tone, “I love you.” Before she hung up.

 

Once she pulled into her driveway, she carefully rolled her suitcase along the sidewalk and up the steps as she got ready to return home for the first time in over a week.

 

She stepped inside, glad to see that everything looked the same - aside from a little dust - as it did when she left.

 

Sydney unpacked her bag and went into the kitchen to find something to eat when her phone finally rang.

 

A full blown smile covered her face as she looked at the caller id. She quickly answered with a happy, “Hello.”

 

“Hey... sorry I didn’t answer my phone earlier.”

 

Sydney smiled, as she examined her empty refrigerator and made a mental note that she had to go to the store. “It’s okay. I figured you were in a meeting or something.” She shrugged.

 

“Well, actually the CIA gave me two weeks off.”

 

Sydney smiled. “That’s nice of them considering what they put you through.” She said, as she slammed the ‘fridge door shut.

 

“Yeah.” Vaughn agreed.

 

Sydney sighed as her doorbell rang. “Hold on, I have to answer the door.”

 

Vaughn repeated, “Yeah.” As she went quiet.

 

Sydney swung her front door open to be greeted with her fiancé talking on the phone.

 

“Michael!” She squealed. They simultaneously hung up their phones as they held each other tightly. “What are you doing here?” She asked with a grin.

 

“As soon as you left, I got dressed, did a little shopping, then hopped on a plane here.” He told her, following her inside with an arm around her waist.

 

“You went shopping? Without me?” She asked with mock hurt lacing her voice.

 

He shrugged, as he pulled the velvet box out of his pocket. She gasped when he opened it to reveal a platinum ring with a solitaire diamond sparkling in the middle.

 

“It’s beautiful.” She whispered as he slipped it on her finger.

 

“You’re beautiful.” He said, kissing her lips softly.

 

Sydney blushed slightly as she took his bag to her bedroom. Pulling him into a searing kiss, she pushed him onto the bed. “Syd it’s only been like 5 hours...” He told her, a smile playing on his lips.

 

She shrugs her shoulder as if to say ‘so’ and moves to straddle him. Before they even have the time to undress each other her stomach rumbles, ruining the moment.

 

“I have to go the store.” She told him, as she stood in front of him. She held out her hands and he gratefully took them to help pull him up.

 

“We can go.”

 

Sydney looked at him incredulously. “You want to go shopping with me.”

 

Vaughn shrugged. “Why not?” Sydney grinned at him as they smoothed the wrinkles in their clothing and joined hands as she grabbed her pocketbook and cell phone.

 

 

They giggled together as they pushed the cart down all the aisles, their hands never breaking their connection.

 

“How about some wiped cream?” Vaughn suggested, stopping in front of the cool wipe.

 

Sydney raised an eyebrow. “What did you want to do with the wiped cream, Mr. Vaughn?” Sydney smirked.

 

“You are horny. I meant that in a non-sexual way.” He teased. “It’s for the strawberries.” He stated, rolling his eyes.

 

Sydney laughed, putting the container into the cart.

 

They were headed towards the ice cream to get plain vanilla for Vaughn. (“You are just not normal. There are so many good flavors and you only eat vanilla.” Sydney had told him.) Without warning, their cart crashed into someone else’s and Sydney yelped in surprise.

 

“I’m so sorry.” She apologized, looking up to see her favorite student. “Anne, Hi!” She smiled brightly.

 

“Hi Ms. Bristow.” Anne returned the smile. “This is my dad.” She pointed to the man beside her.

 

“Frank Thompson.” He said, shaking Sydney’s hand.

 

“Sydney Bristow.” Sydney told him. “This is my fiancé, Michael Vaughn.”

 

Anne eyed her curiously and Sydney explained, “We just got engaged a couple days ago while I was in LA.” She grinned, turning to smile at Vaughn.

 

“Congratulations.” Anne and Frank both told them.

 

Sydney hugged the younger girl quickly when Frank said that they had to go. “Bye Ms. Bristow.” Anne waved as she left.

 

“She was nice.”

 

Sydney grinned. “Yeah, she’s a sweetheart.”

 

Vaughn placed a chaste kiss on the side of her head as they continued walking. So this is what perfection feels like. Sydney thought with a smile.

 

Chapter 21

Once they were home and the groceries were unpacked, Sydney and Vaughn settled onto the couch to continue their previous activities of making out.  “What was that?” Vaughn asked suddenly. Sydney looked confused.  “Your stomach...”

 

“Oh the baby kicked.” She smiled. 

 

“Really?” Vaughn asked excitedly.

 

“Yeah.” She laughed.  Vaughn smiled and placed his hand on her stomach.

 

“It’s not doing it...” He said rather sadly.

 

Sydney laughed at this.  “Well it doesn’t do it all the time... just occasionally.”

 

“Oh...ok” He said as he lowered his lips to her belly and kissed it lightly.  “Hey baby, kick so I can feel it ok?”

 

“Vaughn!” Sydney giggled.  “You’re such a retard.”

 

He raised his head and looked her in the eye.   “Did you just call me a retard?”

 

“Yes.” She giggled harder.

 

“I cannot believe you said that.”

 

“Why?”

 

“Because that’s so... abnormal.” He laughed. 

 

“I’m not abnormal.” She pouted.

 

“Yes you are.” He smiled.  “But I love you for it.”

 

“Okay.” She grinned.  “Where were we again?”

 

“Right here.” He said as he pulled her into his lap and kissed her passionately.  The baby kicked again.  “Wait a second...” Vaughn said suspiciously.

 

Sydney laughed hysterically.  “Maybe baby doesn’t like it when Mommy and Daddy are horny.”

 

“I guess not.” Vaughn laughed.  “Maybe we should just watch a movie for a while.”

 

“Okay...” Sydney reluctantly agreed.  Vaughn slid off the couch, went to the TV and inserted a DVD and then returned to his seat, nestled beside Sydney.  “This is nice.” She sighed contently. 

 

“Yep.” He said as he kissed her head softly. 

 

“Do you ever think about what it will be like once the baby is born?”  She asked.  “Like the three of us together.”

 

“Yeah I do actually.  A lot.” He said.

 

“Yeah?  What do you think about?”

 

“Well I think about marring you... being in the room when the baby’s born... you screaming at the top of your lungs.” He smirked.  She laughed.  “Then holding the baby... feeding, changing, bathing, everything.  I can’t wait.” He smiled.

 

“Me neither.” She said.  “God, I just... I can’t believe it.”

 

“Believe what?”

 

“This... us... everything.” Sydney sighed.  “I never would have thought this was possible.” She sniffed, tears now coming to her eyes.

 

“Syd don’t cry.” Vaughn said.

 

“I’m not.” She sniffed.  He looked at her.  “It’s hormones!”

 

“Okay.” He laughed softly as he wiped the tears from her cheeks. 

 

“I love you, so much.” Sydney sighed.

 

“I love you too.” He smiled. 

 

~*~

 

“Syyyyyyd.” Vaughn whined.

 

“Vaughn you promised.” Sydney said warningly.

 

“But this is boring.” He groaned. 

 

“Michael Vaughn we are picking out a crib for your child.  Act interested!” She told him.

 

“Syd, I was interested – FOUR HOURS AGO.  Good lord it’s just a crib.” He sighed.

 

“No, it’s not.  How would you feel if the crib collapsed!  Then you’d feel awful for not checking out all the possibilities wouldn’t you?!”

 

“Yes...” He admitted dully. 

 

“Good, now this is the last store and then we’ll buy one, I promise.” She smiled.

 

“Thank god.” He sighed.  “Then can we go home?!”

 

“Good lord you’re like a toddler.” She laughed.

 

“I’m just getting you used to the whining.” He winked.

 

“Oh so you’re being this way on purpose?” She smiled.

 

“Sorta.” He shrugged.

 

“Uhhh huh, I see how it is.” She laughed. 

 

“Come on let’s go.” He said as he put an arm around her shoulders. 

 

Yep, perfect, she thought contently. .

 

 

[Chapter 22]

 

“Vaughnnie... are you done yet?” Sydney asked impatiently, leaning against the doorframe; her left hand resting on her stomach.

 

Vaughn sighed. “No.” He stated simply.

 

“But I’m hungry... I want to go out.” She whined.

 

“It’s not my fault the instructions for the crib are so damn complicated.” He told her apologetically. “Plus, you’re the one who begged me to put it together.” He said, standing up to take off his sweaty shirt. He wiped the sweat off of his brow as he went back to work on the crib.

 

“I didn’t say you had to do it now.” Sydney laughed.

 

Vaughn shrugged, “I wanted to get it done before I go back to LA tomorrow night.” He stated. Both turned serious, wanting to avoid the conversation a little longer.

 

“Well, finish soon.” Sydney told him with a nearly inaudible sigh as she walked out of the room.

 

Vaughn groaned, moving to lie down on the floor so he could put the screws into the bottom of the crib.

 

 

Forty-five minutes later, he finally finished putting together the pale white crib. “Syd, I’m done.” He told her, walking into the living room where she was sitting on the couch reading. “I’m going to take a shower.”

 

“Okay.” She said softly, instead of her usual witty remark before she joined him.

 

He sighed loudly, “God damnit Sydney, we have to talk about this.” He told her, his voice louder than normal.

 

“What is there to say? You live in LA. I live here. Neither of us wants to move.” She yelled back.

 

“Well, we have to work something out. The best thing would be for you to stop being so fucking stubborn and just move back to LA. Your parents are there, Will and Francie are there.”

 

Sydney glared at him. “So all of this is my fault?” She hissed.

 

“Yes!” He said. “Yes, it is.”

 

“Fuck you.” Michael ignored her comment and walked away. “Fine, walk away.” She muttered, “Bastard.”

 

Michael turned around and eyed her angrily. “I’m just walking away before I say something else I’m going to regret. Someone has to be mature in this relationship.” He stated, knowing it was a low blow, before he turned on his heel and stormed upstairs.

 

Sydney couldn’t sit down, she was so mad. Instead, she paced the living room. The same living room where - just the night before - they had cuddled, watching a movie, until their desire overtook them and they made love on the couch.

 

Sydney couldn’t take it. She had to get out of this house. She slipped out of the house, resisting the urge of slamming the door (She didn’t want Vaughn to know she was leaving) and went for a walk.

 

Vaughn took a shower, the warm water beating against his back soothingly, finally calmed him down. He admitted, he had been a jerk, but Syd wasn’t completely innocent either. They were both to blame.

 

After he finished showering, he quickly dressed in jeans and a tee shirt and went downstairs to apologize to Syd.

 

“Sydney...” He called out when she was no where in sight. “Damnit, Syd, where are you?” He yelled.

 

He looked around and noticed that her shoes were no longer by the door.

 

“Shit.” He exclaimed, putting on his worn Nike’s and grabbing his keys, he locked the door behind him and went to look for his pregnant fiancé.

 

He saw Mrs. Paxton working in her garden and frantically asked which way Sydney went. “She went that way--” The elderly lady told him, pointing to the right, “--But I don’t think she wants to talk to you right now, dear.”

 

Vaughn smiled his thanks. “I know, but I have to make sure she’s okay.”

 

“Good luck.” Mrs. Paxton called after Vaughn as he began to jog in the direction she had pointed him.

 

He had to stop after a couple miles. Bending over, he took in a few greedy breathes of air as he looked around. Sydney was no where in sight.

 

 

Walking around the small neighborhood for another thirty minutes, Vaughn noticed the sky getting dark. “Fan-fucking-tastic.” He muttered.

 

He turned around and began to heading home. He was still three miles away when the sky opened up and it began to pour.

 

Vaughn finally made it home thirty minutes later, his wet clothes sticking to his skin. He immediately noticed Syd sitting on the porch swing, one leg resting underneath her and she was softly rubbing the bump on her stomach.

 

“I forgot my key.” She told him.

 

He shook his head. “Oh my god, Sydney, you had me worried sick.” He told her, pulling her into his arms and tangling his fingers in her wet, brown hair.

 

“I’m sorry.” She whispered. “I’m sorry about everything.”

 

Vaughn kissed the top of her head. “I’m sorry too.”

 

“How about we never fight again?” Sydney suggested with a half smile.

 

Vaughn laughed slightly. “That sounds nice, but I doubt that will ever happen. We’re both too stubborn for our own good.” He said.

 

She shivered in his arms and Vaughn gasped. “Syd, you’re soaked. You need to go change. This can’t be good for the baby.”

 

He quickly unlocked the door and practically pushed her upstairs and told her to strip - in a non-sexual way - while he started the bathwater.

 

Vaughn got her into the warm water where she quickly got comfortable and closed her eyes in relaxation. “Thank you.” She mumbled.

 

He gently stroked her cheek with the palm of his hand. “I love you.”

 

“I love you too.” She told him.

 

“I’m going to go change.” Vaughn told her. She nodded slowly, opening her eyes to watch him leave.

 

He came back a minute later in a pair of sweatpants and his old, worn Mets’ tee-shirt.

 

“Michael...” She said quietly after a few minutes.

 

“Hmmm?” He asked.

 

She sighed softly. “I don’t want you to leave tomorrow.”

 

“I don’t want to leave, either.” He told her honestly.

 

“Can’t you stay? Please.” She practically begged.

 

He moved his hand to cup her cheek. “I have to go back to LA.” He stated with a sigh.

 

“But why? You don’t have an apartment; it was sold when you ‘died’. Your mom is in Paris half the time... plus...” She whispered softly, “I’m here.”

 

He didn’t respond with words, instead he leaned down and touched his lips to hers. “I don't know, Syd. I love LA and this is a life-changing decision.”

 

She nodded, resting her head against the edge of the bathtub as they sat in silence.

 

Chapter 23

Leaving Sydney broke Vaughn’s heart.  It wasn’t just that he would miss her, because he would, but mostly it was the look of abandonment she had on her face.  I’m scum, he thought.  But he got on the plane anyway.  He definitely did not need to be in any more trouble with Kendall, lest he be sent back to prison. 

 

“Hey man, how are you?” Eric grinned when he saw his friend enter the ops center. 

 

“Ohh I’ve been better.” Vaughn sighed.

 

“Fight with Syd?”

 

“Sort of... hey, can I crash on your couch tonight?” He asked.

 

“Sure, but what about Syd?”

 

“Uhh she’s back in Maryland.” Vaughn said quietly.

 

“Dude what the hell?  You LEFT her there?!” Eric gasped. 

 

“Umm sort of... well she didn’t want to come back here and I had to!” He insisted noting the look on Eric’s face.

 

“Dude are you stupid?!  Well clearly....” He sighed.

 

“What are you talking about?”

 

“Ok just go with me here for a second.” Eric said as he rubbed his temples.  “Who have you loved since the moment you met her three years ago? Sydney.  Who was the first person you went to when you came back from the dead?  Sydney.  Who are you engaged to? Sydney.  Who is carrying your child?  Sydney.  DO YOU SEE THE COMMON THEME HERE?!” he shouted.

 

“Chill out I get it.” Vaughn sighed.  “But it’s not that easy.”

 

“What’s not that easy?!”

 

“It’s complicated.”

 

“Really?  Because I think its pretty simple.” Eric said.  “You love her; you want to be with her forever.  Where is the complexity I that?!”

 

“Well it’s just.... I love LA.  Everyone’s here.”

 

“No, Sydney’s not.”

 

“I know but... maybe Syd will change her mind.”  Vaughn said hopefully.  Eric tilted his head to the side and gave his friend a ‘seriously you’re joking right?’ look.  “Yeah yeah...”

 

 

That morning Vaughn could hardly focus on his work at all.  He noticed the light on his cell phone blinking which meant he had a message so he dialed his voicemail and listened.  Vaughn it’s me... I was just wondering how your flight was... call me, bye.  “Shit, I’m an asshole.” He grumbled.

 

“Of course you are.” Eric said.  “Why though?”

 

“Listen to this message from Syd.” Vaughn said as he handed Eric his phone. 

 

“Aww she’s crying.  You meanie.” Eric said as he smacked Vaughn’s arm. 

 

“Damn it!” He cursed as he rubbed his forehead wrinkles. 

 

“You’re such a moron.”

 

“Yeah...”

 

“Seriously.  You’re here and miserable, barely able to get any work done because you miss her so much and she’s there crying because she misses you.  How am I the only one who sees the solution to this problem?!!” Eric groaned. 

 

“You’re right Eric.” Vaughn said as he got up from his desk.

 

“Now where are you going?” Eric asked.

 

“Kendall.  I want to transfer to the DC office.” Vaughn said.  Eric just smiled and nodded at him. 

 

 

“Sir, I was wondering.” Vaughn began nervously due to the impatient and already angry look on Kendall’s face.  “Um, would it be possible for me to transfer to the DC office.”

 

“No, I don’t think so.” Kendall said as he looked back at the papers on his desk.

 

“Why not?” Vaughn asked. 

 

“Why do you want to move?”

 

“Well, Sydney’s living in Maryland now and considering that we’re getting married it would be nice if we lived in the same state.” Vaughn said.

 

“Why doesn’t Miss Bristow move out here?” Kendall asked.

 

“Will all due respect sir, think about what you just said.” Vaughn said quietly.

 

“Right well... sorry, my answer is no.” Kendall told him. 

 

“Great... juuuust great.” Vaughn muttered as he made his way back to his desk. 

 

“What happened?” Eric asked.

 

“He won’t let me transfer...” Vaughn groaned.

 

“No! What an ass... oh! You should talk to Jack.”  Eric suggested.

 

“Yeah because I’m his favorite person right now.” Vaughn said. 

 

“Well no but Jack does care about Sydney’s happiness plus if you’re going to marry her...”  Eric said.

 

“Ok that’s not bad... but if I’m not back in twenty minutes send out a search team.” Vaughn said as he got up and headed towards Jack’s office.  He knocked on the door.  “Jack, do you have a minute?”

 

“Yes, Agent Vaughn?” Jack asked impatiently.

 

“Well, sir, I um, spoke to Kendall about transferring to the DC office-”

 

“Why would you want to do that?” Jack interrupted.

 

“Well, Sydney lives in Maryland now so...” Vaughn began.

 

“So, you would be moving out there to marry her?”

 

“Yes.” Vaughn said.

 

“And what did Kendall say?”

 

“He wasn’t exactly open to the idea.” Vaughn sighed.

 

“I’ll take care of it.” Jack said. 

 

“Thanks.” Vaughn smiled.

 

“Oh and, Mr. Vaughn, just so you know.  If you do anything to hurt my daughter or my grandchild, I’ll kill you myself.” He said menacingly. 

 

“Yes sir.” Vaughn croaked.

 

“Good.” Jack nodded.  “Take care of her.”

 

“I will.” Vaughn said. 

 

 

“Soo...” Weiss asked.

 

“He’s going to help me... after he threatened my life of course.”

 

“Naturally... it’s Jack; I’d expect no less.” Weiss said.

 

“Right.” Vaughn laughed. 

 

“I’m gonna miss you man.” He smiled.

 

“Me too but you can always come visit.”

 

“Yeah, I will.  Syd’s cooking is pretty good to.” He smiled.  Vaughn just laughed. 

 

[Chapter 24]

 

“For some strange reason, Jack Bristow agrees with you.” Kendall looked at Vaughn, who was anxiously sitting in a seat across from Kendall. “You start in DC next week. Don’t make me regret this.” The director told Vaughn.

 

Vaughn jumped up and had to resist the urge to hug Kendall. “Thank you, Sir. You will not regret this.” Vaughn shook his hand, then practically skipped out of Kendall’s office.

 

Not even a brief run-in with Jack brought down his good mood, as he rushed to Weiss’s place to pack up the few belongings he had.

 

Four hours after Kendall gave Vaughn the news, he was on a plane to Dulles International Airport.

 

The almost four hour plane ride was torturously long for Vaughn (He knew for a fact that the flight attendants were avoiding him after he snapped at one who asked if he wanted a drink).

 

He finally arrived in DC and practically pushed a business man out of the way so he could get the first taxi available.

 

Forty agonizing minutes later, Vaughn finally arrived at Sydney’s house... their house. The thought made him giddy as he bounded up the steps and anxiously knocked on the door.

 

“Michael.” Sydney gasped when she swung open the door.

 

Vaughn grinned, wrapping his arms around Sydney and pulling her into a tight embrace. He showered the top of her head with kisses before they broke apart.

 

She smiled at him for a second before smacking his arm. Hard.

 

“Ow, what the hell was that for? I transfer to DC so I can be here with you and the thanks I get is a slap.”

 

Sydney’s grin grew when she heard what he said. “That was for not calling me.” She cupped his cheeks and roughly pulled his head to hers as their lips met in a sense-shattering kiss. When they broke apart, breathing heavy, she whispered, “That was for moving her for me.”

 

“I love you,” he grinned, as they made their way inside, his arm wrapped securely around hers.

 

Sydney laid her head on his shoulder. “I love you, too.”

 

After a moment she beamed. “Did you really transfer to DC?”

 

He nodded, “Now I just have to find a place to stay.” He joked.

 

“You,” She told him, “you are not going anywhere.”

 

“Good.” He responded, wrapping both arms around her expanding stomach. “Because there is no place else I would rather be.” He told her honestly

 

With a smile he added, “I was an idiot. I never should have left in the first place.”

 

“What changed your mind?” She asked curiously.

 

“Weiss did actually, well, him and that message you left on my phone. I felt like the biggest jackass on the planet.” He told her honestly. “And I am never, EVER leaving you again.”

 

After a few minutes, Vaughn observed that Sydney was more dressed up than normal. “Syd, were you planning on going somewhere?”

 

“Oh shit... I have a doctor’s appointment. I’m going to be late.” She told him as she frantically grabbed for her purse.

 

“Can I come?” Vaughn asked with a bashful grin.

 

Sydney cocked an eyebrow. “You want to come?” She asked him.

 

Vaughn nodded enthusiastically. “Of course I want to come.” He paused. “I wish I had been here for all the other appointments. I should have been here.” He said with a slight frown. 

 

Sydney softly touched his jaw, getting his attention. “It isn’t your fault that Kendall is an asshole and put you in jail.”

 

“I know.” Vaughn sighed, “I’m here now and I plan on going to all the other doctor’s appointments.”

 

Sydney took his hand and led him to her car.

 

 

Twenty minutes later they pulled into the parking lot of a small complex. Sydney signed in and they patiently waited until she was called back.

 

A nurse took all of Sydney’s weight and measurements and led them to an exam room. Sydney could tell Vaughn was excited as she changed into the hospital like gown.

 

The doctor poked his head in and said, “I’ll be with you in a minute.”

 

Vaughn looked at Sydney incredulously. “You’re doctor is a MAN!!” He exclaimed.

 

Sydney rolled her eyes. “Yeah, and?”

 

“I thought you had some nice, middle aged woman doctor!!” He said, franticness in his voice.

 

“Michael, you are COMPLETELY overreacting.” Sydney stated, taking his hand into hers. “He is the best doctor in this area and I only wanted the best for our baby.” Vaughn nodded absently. “If it makes you feel any better, he’s married and has four daughters.”

 

Vaughn cracked a smile. “That does make me feel better.”

 

“Good.” She said, just as the doctor was in.

 

“How are you feeling Sydney?” He - Doctor Bryan, Vaughn read from his nametag - asked.

 

Sydney smiled. “Great.”

 

“And you are twenty-one weeks along, correct?” Sydney nodded. Dr. Bryan turned to Vaughn, “Hello.”

 

“Oh! Doctor Bryan, this is Michael Vaughn.” Sydney introduced him.

 

“The jackass?” He asked with a quirked eyebrow.

 

Vaughn gave Sydney a look saying ‘you talked about me?’ She just shrugged, turning back to the doctor. “Well, I found out that he’s not really an ass, he was in jail!” Sydney told him.

 

“But he was completely innocent and they let him go.” Sydney quickly added when she noted the doctor’s horrified look.

 

“Oh, well, nice to meet you Michael.” The doctor said, shaking Vaughn’s hand.

 

“You too.” Vaughn smiled politely.

 

“So, Michael, this is the first time you’re seeing the baby, correct?” Vaughn nodded enthusiastically.

 

The doctor moved to put the gel on Sydney’s stomach, she winced slightly. “It’s cold.” She told Vaughn who was starting to look panicky.

 

“Okay...” Dr. Bryan said as he moved the wand over Sydney’s stomach, “There.” He stated as a small grainy image came onto the screen and a fast heartbeat came over the speakers.

 

Vaughn’s smile grew impossibly bigger as he looked from Sydney to the blurry image on the screen.

 

“Do you want to know whether it’s a boy or a girl?” The doctor asked them as he printed out the image that they had just seen on the screen.

 

Vaughn and Sydney looked at each other and nodded. “Yeah...” Sydney said with a grin.

 

Doctor Bryan looked at the picture and said, “It looks like you’re going to have a baby girl. Congratulations.” He told them.

 

Sydney and Vaughn both grinned largely. “We’re having a girl!” They both exclaimed, a few giggles escaping Sydney’s lips.

 

 

On the way home, Vaughn still had that boyish grin on his face. It seemed to have taken a permanent residence on his face.

 

“I can’t believe we’re having a little girl.” Vaughn said in awe.

 

“I know!” Sydney sighed happily.

 

Vaughn squeezed Sydney’s hand. “I hope she has your dimples.”

 

“And your eyes.”

 

“Your hair.” He retorted. 

 

“My nose.”

 

“Hey!” Vaughn said with mock hurt lacing his voice. 

 

Sydney looked at him apologetically. “I think your nose is sexy.” She stated, “But our little girl would be teased if she had a nose like that. Plus, we don’t want a huge nosed baby.”

 

“I resent that.” Vaughn stated, but couldn’t hide his grin as they drove the rest of the way home, talking about what they thought the baby would look like.

 

Chapter 25

“Vaughn.” Sydney smiled sweetly. 

 

Vaughn groaned immediately.  Whenever Sydney used her extra sweet tone it meant she wanted something and she had been abusing his generosity frequently in the past few weeks, usually because she wanted him to get her food.  “Yes?” He said in a forced tone of politeness.

 

“I was thinkin.” She smiled as she walked over and plopped into the sofa next to him as she stroked her ever growing belly.  “We should elope.”

 

“Should we?” He smiled.

 

“Vaaaaaughn.” She wined.  “Don’t you want to marry me?”

 

“Of course.  I wouldn’t have asked if I didn’t want to.” He smiled.

 

“So then let’s elope.  I mean I know we’ve only been engaged for a few months... and we’ve only been technically together for that long but... it’s you and me Vaughn.” She smiled. 

 

“You’re not gonna get sick of me?”

 

“Never.” She smiled and kissed him. “Are you gonna get sick of me?”

 

“Maybe.” He said.  She gave him an offended look. “Kidding.”

 

“You’d better be Vaughn because pregnant or not I can still kick your ass.” She said with narrowed eyes.

 

“I know you can.  SO when do you want to elope?”

 

“Let’s fly to Vegas this weekend.” She suggested. 

 

Vaughn laughed loudly. “Wait, you’re serious?”

 

“Why not?” She asked.

 

“Well... I never pegged you as the marry in Vegas type.” He said.

“I’m not.” She said.  “But Vegas is the only place you can get married right away without a waiting period on a marriage license.  Besides... I don’t want a big deal wedding, I just want us.  AND I definitely don’t want a dress because I’ll look like a big white cow.” She groaned.

 

He laughed.  “Aww but you’d make a beautiful cow.”

 

“Are you calling me fat?!” She said accusingly.

 

“No, never.  You’re the thinnest most beautiful pregnant woman there ever was.”

 

“You’re just saying that...” She sighed. 

 

“No, I’m not, its true.” He smiled.  She smiled back.  “So Vegas huh?  Wait, I thought you couldn’t fly.”

 

“Ah, no, I can’t fly in my third trimester which starts next week so this weekend I can still fly.” She grinned proudly.

 

“Technicality I love it.” He laughed.

 

“So Vegas?  We’re getting married?”

 

“Yep.” He smiled.

 

“YAY!” She cheered.  “Now, will you go get me a taco please?”

 

~*~

 

Sydney and Vaughn flew out to Vegas on Friday night and got a room at the Bellagio hotel for one night.  Around 7 then headed to the chapel in the Bellagio and by 7:30 they were husband and wife.  They spent the rest of the evening walking around the casino floor, playing a few games and observing the crowd.  They ended up winning over a hundred dollars before they finally went to bed. 

 

In the morning, they woke up and walked around a bit before catching a flight to LA.  Sydney had told Vaughn that she wanted to tell their parents in person and since she couldn’t fly after that weekend it would be her last chance to go back to LA for quite some time. 

 

After they arrived Sydney went to visit her mother while Vaughn went to see Weiss.  When she walked into view of her mother’s cell, Irina immediately bolted off her chair and rushed to the window.  “Sydney!  Oh you look wonderful.” She smiled.

 

“Thanks Mom.” Sydney smiled.  “How are you?”

 

“Oh I’m fine.  How about you?” Irina asked.

 

“Good.” She said as she stroked her belly.  “Vaughn and I got married last night... in Vegas.”

 

“Oh that’s wonderful.”  Irina sighed. 

 

“Yeah.... I just hope Dad thinks so.”

 

“He will, seeing how happy you are.” Irina said.

 

“Yeah... well next week I start my third trimester so I wanted to see you before I... couldn’t.”  Sydney said.  “Oh! And I brought you this.” She said as she held up a tiny sonogram picture.  “It was taken last week.”

 

“Thank you so much.” Irina said as she admired the picture.  “The baby looks perfect.”

 

“Yeah... it’s a girl, did you know?”

 

Irina nodded.  “Your father told me.”

 

“Oh good.” Sydney smiled. 

 

~*~

 

After visiting with her mother Sydney joined Eric and Vaughn for a bit before they drove out to see Vaughn’s mother.  They had decided it best to save the least likely acceptor of their sudden nuptials until last. 

 

Amelia was ecstatic about her new daughter-in-law to say the least.  She wouldn’t stop hugging Sydney the entire time they were there.  Finally, Vaughn seeing that his new wife was about to be smothered, they decided to leave.  Which meant that they had no other choice but to go and see Jack. 

 

“Hi Daddy.” Sydney smiled when Jack answered his front door.

 

“Sydney, this is a surprise.” Jack smiled.

 

“Well... this is my last week to be able to fly so we sort of decided to come out here and see everyone.” Sydney said. “Plus school starts up again next week so...”

 

“Of course, come on in.” Jack smiled.  “How are you?”

 

“I’m good.” She smiled as she walked into his family room, clutching Vaughn’s hand tightly.  “Big, but good.”

 

“You look wonderful.” He said.

 

“Thanks... well... we wanted to tell you... Dad, Vaughn and I eloped last night.” She said. 

 

Jack’s face fell and he looked towards the ground.  He didn’t speak for a moment or so but when he looked back up at them he actually looked hurt.  Sydney’s heart broke.  “Oh...” Jack said quietly.

 

Sydney glanced over at Vaughn who was looking very unsure and then she looked back to her father.  “Dad, I’m so sorry, I didn’t want to upset you.  We just... did it.  It was spur of the moment.”

 

“No, it’s alright, I understand...” Jack said distantly. 

 

Sydney felt horrible.  She looked at Vaughn once more who just gave her a sympathetic glance and shrugged slightly.  “We can do it again!” Sydney said quickly.

 

“What?” Vaughn and Jack asked in unison. 

 

“Yeah... after the baby’s born and I’m all thin again.  We can have a wedding in a church... and you can walk me down the isle and Vaughn’s mom will be there and Eric and Francie and Will and... everyone.  That sounds nice right?” Sydney asked as she looked at Vaughn, who had a very confused look on his face, and nodded encouragingly.  

 

“Oh... yeah that sounds... really nice.” Vaughn said quickly when he noticed her encouraging nod turn into a scowl.  “What do you think Jack?”

 

“That... that could be ok.” Jack said slowly.

 

“Good.” Sydney smiled.

 

~*~

 

“Another wedding?!”  Vaughn asked quietly as they were leaving Jack’s house.

 

“Well you saw him!  He looked so sad!! I’ve never seen my dad actually look sad before.” Sydney said.

 

“Yeah... he did look kinda sad.”  Vaughn said.

 

“Yes.  Besides, who knows if sad would have converted to anger and then we would have all been in trouble.  Except for little Mazie because I don’t think he’d hurt her.”

 

“Whoa, whoa, whoa back up.  Mazie?!” Vaughn asked.

 

“Yeha, I was thinking of baby names and-”

 

“No, no, no, NO.  Our baby is not being called Mazie... it sounds like something you name your cow.” He said. 

 

“But...”

 

“NO.” He said firmly. 

 

“Fine... Robin then.”

 

“Better but no.” he said.

 

“What do you like then Mr. name-vetoer.” She pouted.

 

“Ashely.” He suggested.

 

“Not bad but... I dunno.” She said. 

 

“Well luckily we have plenty of time to think about it.”  He smiled.

 

“Think... argue... yeah same difference.” She laughed. 

 

 

[Chapter 26]

 

“God damnit. I hate this Vaughn.” Sydney yelled, referring to the fact that this was the sixth mission the CIA had sent him on during the last three months.

 

Vaughn - tired of her attitude - fought back, “What the hell do you want me to do? Quit? Somebody has to support this family.”

 

“For your information, I was doing fine before you came out here. I don’t need you to support me.” She bellowed, placing a hand on her stomach where their baby girl was kicking furiously.

 

Vaughn took a deep breathe, hoping to calm himself, but was unsuccessful. “I don’t have time to deal with this shit right now. I’ll be back in three or four days.”

 

“That’s right! Just leave when life gets shitty.” She screamed at her husband to be, both glaring evilly at the other before stalking in different directions.

 

Sydney sat down on the bed - the bed they shared - and tried to calm herself. She was way too stressed, especially in her condition.

 

The doctor had reminded her at her appointment the previous week to take it easy, but did she ever listen?

 

Resting a hand on her large stomach - she was now thirty eight weeks along and due in two weeks - she continued to take deep breathes. She cringed when she heard the front door slam shut.

 

 

After the couple had returned from LA and from their impromptu wedding, everything seemed perfect.

 

They both had jobs they loved, a house that was perfect for them, and a baby on the way.

 

But then the CIA started sending Vaughn on missions. Nothing too life threatening. Usually, he just went as backup, but it didn’t keep Sydney from worrying.

 

He refused to give up his agent status, though, resulting in fights between the married couple.

 

Syd knew he was just acting like a man with too much testosterone raging through his body. Normally, she thoroughly enjoyed how much testosterone Vaughn had, but when he stubbornly refused to get a desk job, she cursed it.

 

She didn’t know what he was trying to prove.

 

Sydney had even gone as far as to ask him why he wanted to go out on missions and he wouldn’t tell her.

 

Instead, he let it cause a riff in their marriage.

 

They had fought more and more about it, especially in the previous few weeks because of Sydney’s raging hormones and out of control emotions.

 

 

Sighing to herself, Sydney moved to lie down on the empty bed. She knew she wouldn’t be getting any sleep until he got home. She remembered him once telling her that when she went on missions that he couldn’t sleep, now it was her turn to stay awake with worry.

 

What goes around comes around, she though wryly.

 

To make matters worse, she hated sleeping alone. Even after a fight and going to bed angry, she still ended up cuddled up next to him or according to Vaughn ‘laying on top of him and smothering him to death’.

 

He had barely been gone half an hour, not even long enough to get to the airport, before the phone started ringing.

 

Sydney recognized the caller id immediately and she answered with a cautious, “Hi.”

 

“Baby, I’m sorry.” He apologized, his voice full of conflicting pain and sorrow. “I hate it when we fight.” He told her.

 

“I’m sorry, too.” She stated, smiling as she felt the baby kick once more. “I think the baby knows I’m talking to you.” She added, knowing it would cause him to grin.

 

“Really?” He asked excitedly.

 

“MmmHmm, she keeps kicking.” Sydney told him.

 

Vaughn grinned. “That’s my girl.”

 

“You say that until she starts kicking while we’re having sex and you end up taking a cold shower.” Sydney smirked, sitting up and leaning against the mahogany head board.

 

Sydney switched the phone to the other ear, as she gently rubbed the mound on her stomach. Vaughn’s voice flowing into her ear, “True. I think little Bertha has a conspiracy against me. She doesn’t want us me to have sex and I just don’t understand it.”

 

“Bertha? Have you been smokin’ something?” Sydney snorted with laughter. “And honey, you aren’t the only one who suffers.” She reminded him.

 

“Yeah, well, when I get home, me and you are having make up sex and I don’t care whether or not the baby is happy about it.” He told her firmly.

 

“I’m going to hold you to that.” She said with a slight giggle.

 

Vaughn groaned, “Sweetie, I have to go, but I will call you as soon as I land in Stockholm.” He told her.

 

“I love you. Be safe.” She told him, sadness creeping into her voice.

 

“I love you too. So much. Bye.” He said, hanging up.

 

Sydney hung up the phone after listening to the dull dial tone for a moment. Putting the phone back on the cradle, she changed into a pair of cotton shorts and a tank top to deal with the unusual heat wave they were experiencing in the beginning of November and prepared herself for a nap.

 

~

 

The next three days passed by slowly. Sydney worked at the school in the mornings then spent her evenings with a baby book such as What to Expect When You’re Expecting for the dozen time or talking on the phone with Vaughn.

 

He had told her the night before that he should be leaving that night, arriving in Maryland around noon the next day.

 

 

Slowly getting up off the couch, she waddle towards the kitchen, but froze in horror as a puddle formed around her feet. “Oh shit.” She muttered. “This is bad, very bad.” She told herself. She was home alone, Vaughn was away, and her water had just broken.

 

Frantically picking up the phone, she dialed Vaughn’s number to be immediately directed towards his voicemail. “You better hurry up and get your ass home unless you want this baby to be born without you.” She hissed into the phone, her voice suddenly turned soft as she said, “Love you. Call my soon.”

 

She felt a contraction rip through her body and breathed through it. God damnit. Why did he have to go on this mission? She thought bitterly, as she quickly called the number of her always helpful neighbor.

 

“Mrs. Paxton, I need your help.” She rambled into the phone.

 

~

 

“I’m going to kill you, Michael Vaughn.” Sydney said through clenched teeth as she breathed through a contraction. She had attempted to call his cell for the hundredth time and still got no answer.

 

“Mrs. Vaughn, we’re ready to take you into the delivery room.” The doctor told her.

 

Sydney shook her head. “No, I refuse to go.”

 

Dr. Bryan eyed the stubborn woman curiously. “I understand--”

 

Sydney cut him off before he could say anything, “I want my husband to be here for this. I’m not pushing until he gets her.”

 

“Well, he needs to get here within the next hour or you’re going to have this baby without him.” He told her.

 

She nodded as another contraction hit her and she began breathing through it like they had taught her.

 

Sydney wiped at her sweaty forehead as the door burst open, “Vaughn!?” She asked hopefully.

 

She was disappointed when she saw her dad walk to her bedside. “I got the first plane I could. Wait, where’s Vaughn?”

 

Sydney pouted, “He’s on his way home from a mission and he’s not answering my calls.”

 

Jack grabbed his daughter’s hand, “I’ll go try to call him.” Jack said. Sydney nodded. Jack kissed his daughter’s forehead, before walking out of the room and using the payphone to dial his son-in-law’s number.

 

“Hello?” A slightly confused Vaughn asked.

 

Jack breathed a sigh of relief. “It’s Jack. Why the hell weren’t you answered you phone?”

 

“I just got off the plane. Why do I have thirty-six messages on my phone? Is everything okay?” Vaughn rambled nervously.

 

“Sydney’s in labor.” Jack told him, he heard the phone drop and hit the floor with a loud thud.

 

A second later, Vaughn’s voice came back on, “Sorry, She WHAT!? I’ll be there... soon.”

 

~

 

An hour later, Vaughn still hadn’t arrived at the hospital and Sydney yelled, “Where the fuck is he? He’s supposed to be here by now.” As the nurse wheeled her towards the delivery room.

 

Jack just shrugged, saying a quick, “Good luck, sweetheart” unable to follow her into the room.

 

 

Sydney quickly settled into her new room, and got as comfortable as she could with the contractions ripping through her.

 

“Sydney, I need you to push.” Dr. Bryan told Sydney.

 

She groaned loudly, reluctantly pushing.

 

“Good Sydney. During the next contraction, I need you to push as hard as you can.”

 

“WAIT!!!” Vaughn yelled, skidding into the room at the last minute. Prompted by Sydney’s glare he explained, “Traffic was a bitch. I nearly got arrested, but I made it.” He frantically told her, moving to her side and grabbing her hand.

 

“We’re about to have a baby.” He said, leaning up and kissing her forehead.

 

Sydney smiled slightly, but began to scream as a contraction came and she started to push again.

 

Ten minutes later, the cries of their baby girl could be heard all around the room.

 

Chapter 27

“Isn’t she pretty?” Sydney cooed over her little baby girl who she was cradling tightly.

 

“Beautiful, just like her mommy.”  Vaughn said as he pressed a kiss into her damp forehead.

 

“I’m still pissed at you, you know?” Sydney said to him.

 

“I know, but be pissed later.  We have to come up with a name now.” He said.

 

“Okay.” She sighed.  They had yet to agree on a name for their child.  Every time one of them came up with a name the other hated it. 

 

“Alright,” Vaughn said as he broke out his pocket baby name book from his back pocket.  He had been carrying that book with him everywhere he went in the past month, trying desperately to pick a name.  Mostly though, he and Sydney just mocked the awful names they found.  “Oh my god Syd they actually have the name ‘Ova’ suggested.”

 

She looked up at him almost glaring.  “That’s sick.”

 

“I know, I wasn’t suggesting it.” He defended. 

 

“Good because we’re not naming our daughter after a female body part.  Good lord she wouldn’t make it out of school alive...”

 

“Yeah...” he sighed.  “Ok what about Hannah?”

 

“Hannah.... Hannah....” Sydney repeated as she looked down at the infant in her arms.  Then she looked up at Vaughn and smiled.  “I like it.”

 

“Me too.” He smiled back.  Then he reached out a hand and stroked his daughter’s tiny head.  “Hey Hannah.”

 

“How about Elizabeth for her middle name.  Hanna Elizabeth Vaughn?” She asked.

 

“Perfect.” He smiled.  “Can I hold her?”

 

“No.” Sydney said defiantly as she pulled Hannah away from Vaughn. 

 

“NO?!” He gasped.

 

“No.” She repeated.

 

“You’re not going to let me hold my daughter?” He asked in disbelief.

 

“No, I’m not.  Not until you say that you’re going to quit the CIA.” She said firmly.

 

“Syyyyyd.” He whined. 

 

“Michael,” She said putting extra emphasis on his first name.  “I’m serious.  You almost missed your own daughter’s birth for Christ sakes!”

 

“I know but what am I supposed to do if I quit? Stay at home Dad?!” He asked.

 

“Actually... that’s not a bad idea.” Sydney smiled. 

 

“Sydney.” He whined.

 

“What?  Vaughn, what?” She said, practically shouting.  “You want to be an agent forever?  What happens when you get hurt or god forbid captured?  What if something worse happens and you don’t come home?  What should it tell Hannah then when she asks where her daddy is?  Maybe I’ll tell her that her Daddy didn’t love her enough to make sure that he would be around for every soccer game, every dance recital, every school play and every single event in her life.” Sydney said harshly. 

 

Vaughn just glared at her before storming out of her hospital room.  He was angry at Sydney for blackmailing him that way but he begrudgingly had to admit that she had a point.  He didn’t want to miss anything in Hannah’s life but there were obvious risks to his job.  He had already put Sydney and his mother through hell when he had ‘died’ and he wasn’t even really dead.  He shuddered to think what would happen if he truly died. 

 

Soon he began to pace up and down the halls, thinking about what to do when he practically ran smack into Jack. 

 

“Vaughn, what are you doing?” Jack asked.

 

“Pacing.” Vaughn muttered. 

 

“Why?  Shouldn’t you be with your wife?”

 

“Yes but she’s blackmailing me.  She won’t even let me hold Hannah.” He sighed.

 

“Hannah?” Jack asked.

 

Vaughn nodded.  “We decided on Hannah Elizabeth.”

 

“I like that.” Jack smiled.  “Why is she blackmailing you?”

 

“She wants me to quit the CIA and become a stay at home dad.” Vaughn sighed. 

 

“And I take it you’re not too fond of this idea?”  Jack asked.

 

“Well...” Vaughn sighed.

 

“Listen to me Mr. Vaughn.” Jack began in one of his infamous stern tones.  Vaughn gulped slightly and focused on Jack.  “As you may recall, I was not a very present figure in my daughter’s childhood because of my involvement in the CIA.  That is something I very much regret to this day.  So it would be my advice to you: don’t make the same mistake I do.  I’m sure you don’t want Hannah growing up to resent you.”

 

“You’re right.” Vaughn nodded. 

 

“Of course I am.” Jack smiled.  Vaughn laughed slightly.  “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go see my granddaughter before I leave.”

 

“You’re leaving?” Vaughn asked.

 

“Yes, I’m needed back in LA but I’m coming back next week for Thanksgiving anyway.” Jack said.

 

“Alright,” Vaughn nodded.

 

~*~

 

After Jack had left, Vaughn went into grovel from his wife.  He found her asleep with Hannah in the bassinet at the foot of her bed, also sleeping.  “Hey baby.” Vaughn whispered as he gingerly picked up the tiny infant.  He was able to lift her from the bed but couldn’t quite figure out how to cradle her as nicely as Sydney had been, this being his first time actually holding a baby.  So he sat down and used his lap to shift her into a comfortable position.  She fit perfectly across his forearm.  Just then she awoke and yawned.  Vaughn’s heart melted then and there at how adorable she was. 

 

“You’re just perfect aren’t you Hannah.” He sighed as he stroked her little cheeks.  “Hey Hannah, I’m your Daddy and I love you so much.  Yes I do.  And me you and your mommy we’re going to be the best family because I love you both so much.”

 

Sydney, who had woken up when Vaughn began talking, was watching this whole scene with tears in here eyes before she sniffed slightly to regain her composure.  “I thought I told you that you weren’t allowed to hold her.” She said quietly.  

 

Vaughn got up and walked over to her, sitting on the edge of her bed.  “Syd I’m sorry, you were right.”

 

“I was?!” She smiled.

 

“Yes, you were.  I don’t want Hannah to grow up with out me.” He said.  Sydney leaned in and kissed him sweetly. 

 

“Thank you.” She whispered. 

 

“You’re welcome but I’m not sure if I’m exactly fond of the stay at home dad idea... I mean....I think I’d suck at it.”

 

Sydney laughed.  “I don’t think you would but we can talk about it later ok?”

 

“Okay.” He smiled.  “I love you.”

 

“I love you too.” She smiled as she kissed him again. 

 

Chapter 28

 

“Hannah, this is our home.” Vaughn told the infant, as they walked through the front door of their house. The baby was cradled in Vaughn’s arms while Sydney carried the diaper bag and her duffle bag.

 

Hannah’s closed eyes blinked open for a second before shutting again. Vaughn grinned at his baby girl.

 

“Let’s show her, her new room!” Sydney exclaimed, setting the two bags down. Vaughn agreed.

 

They walked upstairs and into the office that had now been painted a pale pink with white furniture.

 

Sydney’s arms wrapped around Vaughn’s waist as they stood by the doorway of Hannah’s nursery.

 

“It’s perfect.” Sydney whispered. “She’s perfect.” She reached over and lightly ran a hand through the dark brown wisp of her daughter’s hair.

 

Vaughn smiled his agreement as they carefully placed Hannah into her crib. Her fist moved to her mouth where she sucked on her thumb.

 

Sydney carefully removed her hand and put in a pacifier.

 

The couple watched their new baby for a few minutes, in awe at the child they created. “It’s still hard to believe that we made her.” Vaughn said incredulously. “It’s just amazing.”

 

“I know. She’s only two days old, but I already can’t imagine our lives without her.” Sydney told him.

 

He leaned down and gently kissed the top of her head. “I love you.” Vaughn told his wife.

 

She smiled at him. “I love you too.” She said. After another moment, Sydney said, “I’m going to go take a shower while she’s asleep.”

 

Vaughn bobbed his head. “I’m just going to watch her for a few more minutes.” He said. Sydney kissed his lips quickly, before walking out of the room.

 

Vaughn sat down in the rocking chair and watched the soft rise and fall of his daughter’s chest.

 

When Sydney got out of the shower, Vaughn was still in Hannah’s nursery. She came in and gently sat in his lap. He wrapped his arms around her waist and kissed her bare neck.

 

“Ya know...” Vaughn started, “Now we have to wait another five or six weeks before we can make up. Hannah really doesn’t want us having sex. You had to go in labor before we could make up.” Vaughn chuckled quietly, mindful of the sleeping infant.

 

“I think you’ll survive.” Sydney rolled her eyes, leaning her forehead against his.

 

Vaughn sighed dramatically. “It’ll be tough, but I think I can make it.” He told her, a smile telling her that he wasn’t serious.

 

The doorbell interrupted their moment. “I’ll get it.” Vaughn volunteered, gently pushing Syd out of his lap.

 

Mrs. Paxton was on the other side of the door with a large picnic basket. “Hi.” Vaughn smiled, inviting the older woman in.

 

“I figured you and Sydney would be exhausted, so I made you lasagna, some fried chicken, and vegetable soup, along with some vegetables. All you have to do it heat them up.”

 

Vaughn’s eyes widened, “Wow! Thank you so much. I don’t know what to say.” Vaughn told the older woman.

 

“It’s not a problem, dear. Oh! I also made a blanket for the baby. What’s her name!?” The neighbor asked excitedly.

 

“Hannah Elizabeth.” Vaughn answered proudly.

 

Mrs. Paxton smiled. “That’s so adorable.”

 

“Do you want to see her? She’s sleeping, but...” Vaughn trailed off.

 

“I’d like that.”

 

Vaughn led her upstairs and into the nursery where Syd was still sitting with the baby. “Hey Mrs. Paxton.” Sydney grinned.

 

The elderly lady looked over the edge of the crib at the sleeping infant. “She’s adorable. Little Hannah is the spitting image of Sydney.” She commented, “But she does have Michael’s chin dimple.”

 

The proud parents smiled at her. “Well, I’m going to go now, but she’s perfect. And I left your food and her blanket by the door.” Mrs. Paxton told them.

 

“Okay, thank you so much.” Sydney and Vaughn both told her.

 

She smiled as she descended down the stairs and closed the front door behind her.

 

“Food?” Sydney raised an eyebrow.

 

Vaughn nodded. “Yup, she brought enough food to feed a small army.” He stated with a smirk. Sydney gave him a look that he had become very familiar with over the last few months. “Chicken, lasagna, or soup?” He asked.

 

Sydney thought for a minute before answering, “Soup.”

 

“I’ll go heat it up.” Vaughn said, walking downstairs and carrying the basket into the kitchen.

 

While removing the soup, he found the carefully knitted pink blanket that their neighbor had made for them. He grinned. They really had great neighbors in Brown, Maryland. Definitely different then in LA.

 

Right now, Vaughn’s neighbors would be stopping by to yell at them for not keeping the baby quiet. Here, their neighbors went out of their way to help Sydney and him.

 

Sydney came down after a minute while the soup was heating and got two bowls and spoons for them.

 

Sydney noticed the blanket on the counter and smiled. “She made that?” Sydney questioned. Vaughn nodded.

 

Sydney picked it up and stated, “It’s beautiful.” Vaughn agreed, taking the soup out of the microwave and pouring it into the two bowls.

 

The couple sat down around the small kitchen table and began to eat. “I can’t believe Thanksgiving is in four days.” Sydney exclaimed, thinking of all she had to do before then.

 

“I know.” Vaughn said with a mouthful of soup.

 

Sydney rolled her eyes. “And it’s your birthday.” She grinned.

 

He groaned, “Don’t remind me. I’m so old.” He said.

 

“Michael, you’re only going to be 34. That’s not old.” Sydney told him.

 

Vaughn sighed, “Yeah, but you’re only 28. You’re so young.” Sydney rolled her eyes again.

 

“What do you want?” Sydney asked, changing the subject away from their ages.

 

Vaughn shook his head. “I don’t want anything. Just having you and Hannah with me is enough. That’s all I’ll ever need.”

 

Sydney smiled at him, taking his hand into hers. “I love you.” She stated.

 

“I love you, too.”

 

They grinned at each other. “But you have to want something.” Sydney sighed.

 

Vaughn shrugged, “I don’t.”

 

“Well, I’m buying you something anyway.” Sydney stated. Vaughn just laughed.

 

Chapter 29

Before they knew it Thanksgiving had arrived, their relatives were on their way and Sydney and Vaughn weren’t prepared at all.  Hannah was keeping them busy during the hours she was awake and when she was asleep they barely had enough energy to do anything but sleep themselves. 

 

The day before Thanksgiving Vaughn’s mother arrived and it was her first time seeing Hannah since she had been born almost two weeks before. 

 

“Hey Mom.” Vaughn greeted his mother with a kiss on the cheek and a smile. 

 

“Michael you look tired.” Amelia sighed.  “And oh! Sydney you poor dear you look exhausted.”

 

“I know.” Sydney sighed weakly as she hugged her mother-in-law.

 

“Is she giving you that much trouble?” Amelia asked in a concerned, motherly tone.

 

“No... not exactly... it’s just all very new.” Sydney sighed. 

 

“Of course.” Amelia nodded.  “So where is she?”

 

Almost as if it was on cue, Hannah’s cries began emanating from the baby monitor in Sydney’s hand.  Sydney laughed weakly and ushered Amelia up the stairs towards Hannah’s room.  Sydney took a step towards the crib but Amelia said, “Let me.” And then she stepped over to the crib.  “Ohh she is just so precious.” Amelia sighed as she lifted up her crying granddaughter and kissed her forehead. 

 

Sydney sighed and leaned back into Vaughn’s arms when he wrapped them around her waist. 

 

“Why are you crying Hannah hmm?” Amelia said in a baby-fied tone as she rocked the baby gently. 

 

“She wants fed.” Sydney sighed. 

 

“Are you nursing or using formula?” Amelia asked.

 

“We had to switch to formula... long story.” Sydney shook her head.

 

“I’ll do it.” Amelia told them.

 

“Are you sure because-”

 

“I’m sure.” Amelia cut Sydney off with a smile.  “Go take a nap, both of you.”

 

“Thank you so much.” Sydney sighed with tears of relief in her eyes.  Amelia just smiled and nodded and waved them away. 

 

~*~

 

“Hey.” Sydney sighed as she rolled over and saw Vaughn smiling at her.

 

“You’re so beautiful when you sleep, you know?” He smiled at her. 

 

She giggled and smiled.  “How long were you watching me?”  He shrugged. “How long have we been here?”

 

“Bout an hour and a half.” He yawned. 

 

“Ohh we should get up.” She sighed as she tried to slide out of bed but Vaughn held her back. 

 

“Nooo stay.” He sighed.

 

“Vaughn we have to get Hannah.  Besides its not like we can do anything if we stay here.”

 

“Right.” He groaned as he made a disgusted face.  “Best if we get up then.”

 

“Yes.” Sydney laughed.  They went downstairs and found Amelia fussing over Hannah. 

 

“Ohh you guys she’s perfect.” Amelia smiled. 

 

“Thanks.” They both smiled.

 

“Oh and look who showed up while you were sleeping.” Amelia said as she gestured towards the kitchen.

 

“Dad hi!” Sydney smiled as she saw her father come out of their kitchen with a bottle of water.

 

“Hello sweetheart.” Jack smiled. 

 

“Ohh you guys, I’m glad you’re here but... we don’t have any food.  I mean we have food but we have no Thanksgiving food.  With Hannah and everything... I wasn’t able to... and I ruined our first Thanksgiving...” Sydney said as she broke down into tears.

 

“Syd it’s ok.” Vaughn said as he pulled her into a hug.  She cried into his chest as Vaughn cast weary glances at his mother and father-in-law. 

 

“No.  I ruined it.  Hannah is going to hate me.” She sobbed.

 

“No she won’t.” Jack told her.

 

“Sydney, honey, Hannah won’t even remember.” Amelia told her.  “Besides its not ruined.  We’re all here together right?  And I can go out and get turkey or something.”

 

“No you’re a guest.”  Sydney said.

 

“It’s fine really, I want to.” Amelia said. 

 

“You sure?” Sydney sniffed as she looked over at Amelia.  Amelia smiled and nodded. “Thank you.”

 

“It’s no problem at all.  Really.” She smiled. 

 

~*~

 

After a rather tearful Thanksgiving where Sydney cried because ‘it was so beautiful to have family together’ and Hannah cried because...well they weren’t sure why, Amelia and Jack left Maryland with the promise to return if their help was needed.  Vaughn managed to have a rather subdued birthday celebration since Sydney was too exhausted to plan a major blowout. 

 

The Monday after Thanksgiving Vaughn went into the office prepared with his ‘quitting’ speech.  He and Sydney had discussed it and he was going to be a stay at home dad.  He was terrified out of his mind to do it but he loved Hannah so much he definitely wanted to try.  Besides, Sydney wasn’t going back to school until January so he had another full month to get used to it before she left. 

 

“So?” Sydney asked excitedly when Vaughn got home.

 

“I’m no longer an employee of the Central Intelligence Agency.” He smiled.

 

“Yay.” She grinned.  “This is so exciting!  Right?  This is exciting right?”

 

“Very exciting.” Vaughn smiled as he kissed her softly. 

 

Chapter 30

 

“Are you sure that you’ll be okay?” Sydney asked for the thousandth time that morning. It was her first day back to school since she had Hannah and Vaughn’s first day as a stay-at-home dad.

 

Vaughn laughed, kissing her forehead softly. “Syd, it’s not like I’ve never been alone with her before. She is my daughter. We’ll be fine.” She still looked unconvinced so he added, “I promise.”

 

“I don’t think Hannah is ready for me to be away from her.” Sydney said, picking up her cooing daughter out of her high chair.

 

Vaughn smiled, “I think it’s the other way around.” Vaughn told her. “Everything will be okay. You’ll have a great day at work and forget about your husband and daughter.”

 

“I doubt that.” Sydney sighed, resting her head on Vaughn’s shoulder.

 

Glancing at the clock, Vaughn Syd was going to be late. “Honey, you have to go. You don’t want to be late for your first day back.”

 

Sydney let out another loud sigh, her shoulders shrugging slightly. “Fine.” She mumbled, reluctantly handing Hannah to her father.

 

Vaughn used his free arm to hug his wife. Leaning down, he touched his lips to hers briefly. Sydney moved her hand to the back of his head and pulled him closer and she plunged her tongue into his mouth.

 

When they broke apart, Syd smiled seductively, “Hannah will be okay for a half an hour.”

 

Vaughn shook his head, knowing what she was doing. “Syd... Go to work.” He demanded with a somewhat teasing tone.

 

She huffed, grabbing her briefcase, mumbling a few choice words. Taking on last sip of her coffee, she turned to the baby. “Hannah, mommy loves you so much.” She said as she kissed her daughter’s head. “I’ll be home later. Don’t do anything cute while I’m gone.” Syd said, kissing her daughter one last time.

 

After sharing a quick kiss with Vaughn, she called out “I love you” to her family and finally left for work.

 

“It’s just you and me now, Sweat pea.” Michael cooed blowing a raspberry on the two month old’s stomach.

 

She giggled and kicked her little legs excitedly.

 

Vaughn laughed slightly, taking the dishes from breakfast to the sink and getting a pacifier for Hannah so she would stop sucking her thumb.

 

“Baby, you want your paccy?” Vaughn asked, sticking the pacifier into his daughter’s mouth.

 

Walking into the living room and sitting down on the couch - Hannah in his lap - he wondered aloud, “What are we supposed to do all day? Am I supposed to like clean?” He asked the baby.

 

She just stared back at him with her big brown eyes.

 

“We’ll just have to figure something out.” Vaughn said after a few minutes. He looked at Hannah expectedly, but realized she wasn’t going to say anything back.

 

Rolling his eyes, Vaughn carried Hannah upstairs where he changed her from her pink pajamas into a pale yellow outfit; consisting of a onesie decorated with butterflies along with stretchy pants and a sweater.

 

Walking to the bedroom he shared with Syd, he put Hannah in the bassinet in corner and went to the bathroom to change into jeans and a green sweater that Sydney had bought for him for Christmas.

 

Satisfied with what they were wearing, he took the baby back downstairs.

 

They father-daughter pair ended up watching a repeat of Dr. Phil before an early lunch; then they both took a nap.

 

When Vaughn woke up it was nearly one. The first thing he saw was his daughter curled up on his chest still sleeping.

 

She was the spitting image of Sydney, with dark brown hair and chocolate doe-like eyes. Even in her sleep, you could see the cavern like indentions in her face. Getting an idea, Vaughn cradled the two month old against his chest and carefully set her in the carrier slash car seat. After putting on his shoes and grabbing his wallet and keys, he bundled the baby up in her winter coat.

 

He threw on his own coat, before grabbing the baby and diaper bag and walking to the garage.

 

It was only a five minute drive, even with the snow they had received the night before.

 

Pulling into the parking lot, he found a spot right next to his wife’s Land Rover.

 

“Mommy’s going to be so happy to see you.” Vaughn told his daughter, as he picked her up out of her car seat and grabbed her diaper bag.

 

Vaughn adjusted the cap on top of Hannah’s head as they walked through the frigid air. The halls were empty as they walked to Sydney’s room.

 

Her room was also empty, so Vaughn made himself comfortable in her computer chair.

 

The door opened and he spun around. “You’re not Mrs. Vaughn.” Anne stated, seeing Vaughn there.

 

“No I’m not.” He laughed. “How are you Anne?”

 

She shrugged. “Okay. I’m at school, how good can I be?” Vaughn laughed again as he bounced the cooing baby in his lap. “Is that Hannah?” Anne asked, excitement in the seventh grader’s voice.

 

“Do you want to hold her?” Vaughn asked, while watching as Anne took one of Hannah’s chubby hands into her own.

 

“Can I?” Anne exclaimed. Vaughn nodded, getting out of the chair so Anne could sit down. Anne held her arms out and Vaughn carefully placed the baby in her arms, careful to make sure Anne was supporting Hannah’s head.

 

That was what Sydney saw when she walked into her classroom; her husband and her favorite student holding her daughter.

 

“What are you doing her honey?” Sydney asked her husband, pecking his lips quickly.

 

Vaughn shrugged. “I came to surprise you.”

 

Sydney grinned, knowing she had the best husband a woman could ask for. They may not be the most ordinary family, but they were happy and after everything they had been through that was more than enough.