Wings to Fly

Author: Janet (SkyGirl5)

Genre: S/V, AU

Summary: After dating throughout their senior year of high school, Sydney and Michael broke up in college and haven't spoken since. Now Sydney is in an abusive relationship that she can't get out of. She runs into Michael by chance and wonders, could he be the one to save her?

Disclaimer: Sydney, Vaughn, etc are properties of JJ Abrams and ABC.

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Chapters 1-10 // Chapters 11 - 20 // Chapters 21-30 // Chapters 31-40 // Chapters 41-50

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Chapter 41

“So are you ready to go see the apartment?” Michael asked Sydney the Saturday after Thanksgiving.

“Absolutely, I need to get out of the house” Sydney groaned, thinking of how her mother hadn’t spoken to her since Thanksgiving.

“You’re mom huh?” Michael asked as they got in the car.

“Yeah” Sydney sighed. “I dunno why but she’s just furious with me...”

“That really sucks, I’m sorry”

“Thanks but... oh well. What about your mom? Is she still upset with you?” Sydney asked.

“Um I don’t think so. I think she’s accepted that she can’t change the fact that we’re going to live together plus... it’s you and she loves you so she’d never stay mad for long” Michael smiled.

“Yeah...” Sydney smiled back. “So where is this place anyway?”

“Umm its about twenty minutes from my work about twenty five from yours... I know its kinda a pain but when you see it I hope you’ll agree its worth it” He smiled.

“I’m sure I will” She smiled.

Twenty minutes of driving later Michael said “Ok close your eyes”

“What? Why?” Sydney asked.

“We’re almost there and I want you to be surprised.”

“Michael if I’m going to live there how am I going to know how to GET there?”

“You’ll see” He winked. “Just close your eyes”

“Fine” She sighed as she closed her eyes.

A few minutes later Michael parked their car in front of a large gray stone town house. “Ok you can open your eyes now”

“Are we there?”

“Yes” He laughed.

Sydney opened her eyes and looked at him. Michael pointed out the window to her right and she followed his gesture. “Oh my GOD” She gasped. Michael just laughed. Sydney looked at him in utter shock. “We live here?”

“Yup” he laughed.

“No way!” She gasped childishly.

“YES WAY!” He laughed.

“OH MY GOD” She shouted as she jumped out of the car. Michael laughed as he got out of the car too and walked over to Sydney who was admiring her new dwelling.

“We really live here?”

“Yes” Michael laughed. Sydney squealed and jumped in his arms giving him a giant hug and kiss. “So I guess you like it”

“YES!” She screamed. “I’ve always loved these places you know that”

“Yes I do” He smiled. “When I drove past it and saw it on the market I just couldn’t resist”

“Uhhh you are too perfect you know that?” She smiled.

“Well yeah” He shrugged. She laughed.

“So can we go in?”

“Of course” Michael said as he pulled keys from his pocket. Sydney squealed giddily and grabbed on to his arm as they walked up the front steps. He unlocked the front door letting them into the small atrium just inside the door. There were steps leading to the upstairs half and a door leading to the first floor. “This is us” He said when he stood at the door on the first floor, fumbling with his keys. He swung open the door and Sydney gasped but as she was stepping inside he stopped her.

“Wait” Michael said as he picked her up over his shoulder, carrying her into the apartment.

“Aww you’re so sweet” Sydney mumbled as she was upside down over his shoulder.

“Yep” Michael laughed as he shut the door behind him. “But wait... where did Sydney go? I can’t find her!” He teased.

“I’m right here goof ball” She laughed as she smacked his butt playfully.

“Hey watch it” Michael laughed.

“Put me down please”

“Ok but only because you asked nicely” Michael said.

“Thank you” She said as she stood up straight and fixed her hair. It was then that she took her first look around her new home. “Oh Michael this place is fabulous” She sighed.

“You like it?”

“I LOVE it” She smiled. “Oh! And it has a fireplace!”

“Yep”

“And the kitchen is so cute and... oh! Two bedrooms!” She said as she walked around the rest of the apartment.

“Yep” Michael smiled at her excitement.

“There is already furniture here” Sydney said.

“Yeah well its my stuff from Pittsburgh. I figured you wouldn’t mind since... you have no furniture” He said with a small laugh.

“Yeah...” She sighed. “Oh well I like your stuff and then maybe we can get some more stuff that’s our stuff.”

“Absolutely” He smiled.

“Oh this is so great! Thank you so much! I love you so much Michael” She said as she came over to him, wrapping her arms around his neck.

“I love you to and you’re welcome” He smiled, leaning down and kissing her gently. When he went to pull away she only pulled him deeper into the kiss.

“Syd,” Michael mumbled through their kiss.

“hmm”

“Don’t you wanna go get your stuff?”

“We have plenty of time” She smiled as she pulled him towards their new bedroom. “Besides we have to christen the apartment” She winked.

“Syd” Michael laughed.

“What? At least there is a bed – otherwise we’d do it on the floor” She laughed.

“You’re bad” Michael laughed.

“Yep” She smiled.



Chapter 42

Two hours later Sydney and Michael finally made it back to Sydney’s parent’s house to pack up her belongings. Sydney’s parents didn’t speak to her at all as she and Michael made trips to the car with her clothes and other accessories.

“So is that everything?” Michael asked as he saw Sydney staring at her now empty pink room.

“Yeah I think so” She sighed.

“What’s wrong?” Michael asked.

“Nothing... really it’s nothing” Sydney told him. He raised an eyebrow at her. “I’m serious!” She laughed.

“Okay...” He said as he grabbed the final box and began to carry it out to the car.

“I’ll be right there I’m just gonna say goodbye to my parents” Sydney whispered to him.

“Take your time” He whispered back as he walked out the front door.

Sydney walked slowly back to where her parents were sitting reading in the family room.

“Well I have all my stuff...”

“Ok” Her mother said without looking up from her book.

“I’m going to go then” She said.

“Bye sweetheart” Jack smiled at her. Sydney turned to her mother who still hadn’t looked up from her book.

“Whatever” She groaned. “See you at Christmas” Then she walked out to find Michael leaning against her car.

“How’d it go?”

“Horrible but I didn’t expect any less” She sighed.

“Aw babe” He sighed as he pulled her toward him.

“I’m ok” She said as she hugged him. “Do you have all your stuff?”

“Umm no I think I still have a few boxes... come on let’s look.” He said as they both walked towards his house.

Up in his room they picked up the last two boxes and carried them downstairs where they were met by Michael’s mother who was on the verge of tears.

“Mom” Michael groaned.

“I can cry; my baby’s moving out” She sobbed.

“Mom I already moved out” Michael sighed.

“Yeah but then you came back!”

“It will be fine Mom” Michael said as he kissed her cheek. His mother smiled fleetingly, and then she turned to Sydney.

“Take good care of him” she said to her.

“I will” Sydney smiled. His mother pulled Sydney into a tight hug.

“I’m glad it’s you” Mrs. Vaughn whispered into Sydney’s ear.

“Me too” Sydney whispered back with a smile.

“Come on” Michael said as he took Sydney’s hand, pulling her out of his mother’s embrace.

“Honestly she didn’t cry that much when I moved to Pittsburgh” Michael sighed as he put the boxes in the back of his car.

“Well that was different. Now you’re moving in with a girl. Her little baby’s all grown up” Sydney teased as she pinched one of his cheeks.

“Thanks” he mumbled.

“Come on let’s go” Sydney laughed as she walked to her own car and they drove off.

By 6 pm they had most of their things unpacked and set up around their new place.

“Ugh I’m starving” Sydney groaned, clutching her growling stomach.

“Let’s order pizza” Michael said picking up the phone.

“Ok” She said.

Later as they ate they discussed the new things they would need for their apartment.

“Well we definitely need a kitchen table” Sydney said.

“What’s wrong with this one?” Michael said tapping the one they were using with his glass.

“Michael its white plastic lawn furniture” Sydney gasped.

“So? It’s a table, it serves its purpose” He said.

“MICHAEL!”

“SYDNEY!” he laughed.

“We cannot have plastic lawn furniture – that’s so ghetto!”

“So we’re ghetto now. ‘Sup playah” he teased.

She burst out hysterical laughing. “Oh my god you are too much”

“So we’re keeping the table?”

“Nope” She smiled.

“Fine... do we need anything else?”

“ummm more chairs... perhaps an end table... I’m not sure yet” She smiled.

“You’re having way too much fun” Michael laughed.

“Aren’t you? This is so exciting... its like playing house for real!” She giggled.

“Yes” Michael smiled. “I’m glad you’re happy”

“I AM happy! I’m so SO happy. Deliriously elated.”

“Good” Michael laughed.

“But this is the first time I’m living with a guy... so it’s gonna be weird at first... I’m just pointing out the obvious so we don’t feel all awkward later”

“Yeah I know. I’ve never lived with a girl and I know there are will be a lot of stuff I don’t want to know about” Michael shuddered.

“Michael!” Sydney gasped as she threw a napkin at him.

“Kidding... well kinda” He smiled.

“This is going to be fun” Sydney smiled.

“Definitely” Michael smiled back.



Chapter 43

“Good afternoon my darling” Michael grinned when he came to Sydney’s office the next week at lunchtime.

“Michael! Hey! What are you doing here?”

“Well I had some time and thought maybe you’d be interested in lunch?” He asked.

“Can’t, SOOOOOOOOO busy” She groaned pointing to the stack of papers on her desk.

“Oh that sucks, sorry... hey where is everyone? Its kinda dead around here...”

“yeah well they all went out to lunch but I had to stay since I’m so swamped.”

“Aww... what’s with all the work?”

“End of the year stuff” Sydney shrugged.

“Oh ok well I’ll let you get back to work then, see you at home” He said as he went to leave.

“Wait! I can have like a ... five minute break” She smiled.

“Okay” Michael laughed as he came back in her office.

“Shut the door” Sydney smiled. Michael raised his eyebrow at her but did as she commanded. She walked over to him and kissed him passionately.

“Syd” He moaned. “I thought you had to work”

“I’m on a break” She smiled as she began to loosen his tie.

“Syd we’re at your office” Michael laughed.

“I know” She laughed as she continued to kiss him.

“Syd someone could come back at any time”

“I know... we’ll just have to be fast then – but not too fast” She laughed.

“You are so bad you know that”

“Don’t you want to be bad too?” She pouted.

“Yes” He laughed

“Good” She smiled as she pulled him by the tie into the tiny closet that was in her room.

“Syd we’re in the closet” Michael said.

“I know” She giggled.

“Why are we in the closet?”

“Because there are very important papers on the desk” She laughed as she shoved him up against the back of the door and kissed him again.

~*~

Fifteen minutes later Sydney and Michael emerged from the closet looking slightly more disheveled but fully clothed. Sydney tried to compose herself and sat down at her desk to begin working. Michael sighed as he flopped down in one of the chairs in her office. Sydney looked up at him.

“I’m leaving I just need a minute” He sighed. Sydney stifled a laugh.

“So... top five?” She said nonchalantly, glancing up at him from the papers on her desk.

Michael looked at her. “Top three” He grinned slyly.

Sydney laughed slightly. “Agreed”

“Ok, I’m going... see you at home” Michael said.

“Bye, love you”

“Love you” Michael called as he left her office.



Chapter 44

One evening a little over a week after Sydney and Michael had moved in, Michael came home with a case of beer and a pizza box.

“Hockey time!” He grinned as he set the food down on the table.

Sydney laughed at him. “I don’t know how long its been since I’ve seen a hockey game”

“You mean, sniff, you didn’t watch it in my absence?” He teased.

“No sorry” She laughed. “But I’ll watch it with you”

“Good” He smiled as he handed her a slice of pizza on a plate. “You want one?” He asked holding up a beer.

“No thanks; I’ll just get water” She sighed as she went to the refrigerator.

“I noticed something” Michael said.

“Oh?”

“You don’t drink anymore”

“Don’t I?”

“No, you don’t. You never drink beer and even at dinner in restaurants you just have water, not wine”

“You want me to be an alcoholic huh?”

“No” he laughed. “I was just pointing it out” He said as he took a beer for himself and put the rest in the fridge. Sydney unconsciously watched him cautiously. “Come on beautiful the game’s on” Michael smiled at her. She smiled back and then followed him to the family room sofa.

At the end of the first period Michael went and got a second beer. “Want anything?” He called from the kitchen.

“Nope thanks” Sydney sighed.

Half way through the second period the ref made a bad call against the Kings. Michael started screaming at the TV.

“NO! What the hell was that ref?! Don’t put him in the penalty box! Damn!” He shouted as he slammed his beer down on the table causing a loud noise. Sydney jumped and recoiled back on the sofa, farther away from Michael.

Michael looked at her briefly, mumbling to himself and then quickly looked back to the TV, but only for a moment. Then he turned his full attention back to Sydney who was looking horrified.

“Syd? What’s wrong?” He asked in a concerned tone. She didn’t respond. “Syd?” Michael asked again. Then as if she snapped out of a trace she looked at him.

“Huh?” She said quietly.

“Syd what’s wrong? Are you ok?” He asked.

“Yeah... uh huh I’m fine” She said distantly.

Michael switched off the TV and turned to face her. “You’re not fine... what just happened?”

“Nothing... it’s nothing” She sighed.

“Sydney...”

“Ok well.... you just scared me that’s all.... when you yelled...” She admitted.

It took Michael a minute to understand what she was saying, and then it hit him. Jason. “Syd, baby” He said in a calm voice as he placed a gentle hand on her knee. “I would never hit you”

“NO! God yes I know you wouldn’t” She said. “I’m sorry you must thing I’m stupid” She said as she covered her face with her hands.

“Never – tell me what happened.”

“Well... I don’t know really... I mean I guess it’s just this same scenario happened a million times... Jason would have a beer – of course it would be his sixth not second... – but he’d be upset at something on the TV and take it out on me... Michael I’m so sorry I know you would never hurt me, I KNOW that but... I don’t know... I don’t know why” She said, beginning to cry.

“Hey, hey it’s ok” He said bringing her close to him and kissing her head gently.

“I’m sorry” She sobbed.

“Don’t be. Look you’re still seeing that therapist right?” Michael asked.

“Yes... tomorrow” She said quietly.

“Ok so then talk to her about it... or me whatever you want; I’ll always listen”

“Thank you”



Chapter 45

“Sydney, its nice to see you” Dr. Brown smiled. “How have you been?”

“Alright I guess” Sydney sighed.

“Just alright?”

“Yeah... something happened last night....” Sydney sighed.

“With Michael?”

“Kind of...” Sydney said.

“Tell me what happened.”

“Well it was really weird... Michael and I were sitting there just watching TV and Michael was drinking a beer and then he started yelling at the ref – we were watching a hockey game- and then I just freaked out.”

“Freaked out how?”

“Well in my mind I thought I saw Jason... like he would hit me like he did” Sydney sighed as she rubbed her forehead.

“That’s not uncommon.” The doctor said. “Are you afraid Michael will hit you?”

“No” She said firmly. “Michael would never hit me.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes I’m positive. He would never hurt me”

“Are you sure you’re not just saying that but deep down you are unsure of that...”

“No, Michael would never EVER hurt me” Sydney said almost threateningly.

“Good” The doctor smiled. Sydney gave her a confused look. “If you cannot be persuaded into the slightest bit of doubt then you truly believe that – that’s good”

“Oh...” Sydney sighed. “But what about what happened? I mean I freaked Michael out; I freaked myself out...”

“Sydney that’s going to happen. You’ve been through a traumatic experience causing some scars that may just never leave. But you need to talk to Michael about it. Make him understand why you were afraid”

“But that’s the thing – I don’t know.” Sydney sighed.

“Well what about it reminded you of Jason?”

“I don’t know... it was like déjà vu almost... sort of... I don’t know!” Sydney screamed out in frustration. “Sorry...” She apologized.

“That’s aright... it will take time”

“Okay...” Sydney sighed.

~*~

“Hey” Sydney sighed to Michael when she came home after her therapy appointment.

“Hey, how’d it go?” Michael asked.

“Alright... can we talk for a sec?” Sydney asked.

“Sure absolutely.” Michael said as they both sat on the couch.

“Well I guess what happened was... stuff like that happened with Jason all the time... he’d be drinking and yelling at the TV and then hit me... I sort of had a flashback to it... I never thought it was you that was going to hit me... I thought it was him... does that make sense?” She asked.

“Yeah... I guess it does” He said.

“I want you to know that I know that you would never hurt me and that I trust you more than I’ve ever trusted anyone in my whole life.... but I’m trying to work through this... and its hard... maybe there are some parts of it I’ll never get over and I’m sorry for that but... I’m trying” She sighed.

“Syd it’s ok,” Michael said as he stroked her face. “And I’ll do anything I can to help.”

“I know, I know you will” She said as she kissed his hand. “Thank you... I know I keep saying that... it’s not enough... there are no words to express how much I want to thank you for everything you’ve done”

“You don’t have to – I already know” He smiled and then kissed her gently.

“Come on let’s watch the hockey game” She said as she grabbed the remote.

“How do you know hockey is on tonight?” Michael asked in surprise.

“I can read a TV guide you know” She laughed.

“Ok” He laughed. “I’m getting a drink do you want anything?”

“No, thanks” She said. A minute later Michael returned with a soda for himself. “No beer?” She asked.

“Nope, I’m giving them up”

“What? Why?”

“You don’t drink, neither do I” He said to her.

“Michael...” She sighed as she looked at him. Then she saw in his eyes the reasoning. He didn’t want to do anything that reminded her of Jason EVER. She smiled slightly and kissed him again. “I love you” She whispered as she leaned her forehead against his.



Chapter 46

The next Saturday Sydney and Michael went out and bought some tables for their house after Sydney had finally gotten Michael to get rid of their plastic kitchen table.

“Syd” Michael whined. “Why did we have to get furniture that’s not assembled yet?”

“First, because it’s cheaper. Second because its fun” She smiled as she helped him carry in a box.

“Fun?” Michael asked.

“Yes fun. We get to hang out and put it together” She smiled.

“Okay...” He sighed.

“Michael Vaughn do you have something better to do than hang out with your girlfriend?”

“No of course not... well I mean except I guess my OTHER girlfriend might get pissed I’m not with her” He smiled.

“Other girlfriend huh?”

“Yep – she’s a Playboy bunny” He said, barely able to keep a straight face.

Sydney snorted with laughter. “In your dreams”

“Nope” Michael shook his head. “I only dream about you”

“Ooo trying to suck up are we?” Sydney asked.

“Yep”

“It’s working” She smiled.

“Good” Michael laughed as he kissed her gently. “Now we need... a screwdriver”

“Philips head or not?” She asked. Michael looked at her surprised. “I know stuff” She smiled.

“Philips” He laughed.

“Got it” She said as she grabbed the screwdriver from a kitchen drawer. “What are we putting together first?”

“Bookshelf” Michael said as he cut open one of the boxes. “We don’t want your precious Harry Potter books on the floor”

“Hey shut up Harry Potter is cool” She said as she hit is head lightly.

“Sure...” He teased.

“It’s better than your thousand back issues of engineering magazines...” Sydney rolled her eyes.

“Which I have JUST for the articles” He winked. She laughed.

“Ok so I think this goes here” Michael said.

“Where are the instructions?” Sydney asked.

He shrugged. “Dunno”

Sydney rolled her eyes. “Honestly....” After retrieving the instructions from the box Sydney began to skim through them. “Ok we have to put these little plastic thingies into the holes... do we have a mallet?”

“Ummm maybe” Michael said as he got up and went to look for one. “Awesome found it”

“Cool ok here I’ll take it” She said. He handed her the mallet. She tried unsuccessfully to pound the plastic piece in its hole. “Okay...” She groaned in frustration.

“Let me see” Michael said. Then he pounded the plastic piece in with ease. “There” He smiled.

“Uh huh” Sydney said, and then she examined it closer. “Michael you did it wrong”

“Did not” He said.

“Yeah you did – it’s crooked.”

“No...” He said. Then he looked down at it. “Crap...” he mumbled. Sydney laughed. “Oh that’s funny is it?” Michael asked. She nodded. “Maybe I should hit you with this” He said as he tapped her foot with it lightly.

“No” She said taking it from him. “Hand me one of those screws please” Michael tossed it at her and it landed in her hair. “OK see I said HAND me the screw not throw” She sighed as she sat up to look at him. Michael tossed another one at her and it went down her shirt.

“Oops” he laughed.

Sydney laughed harder. “Now what?”

“I’ll get it” He said as he reached for her top. He had his hand against her chest when she pushed it away.

“You will not!” She gasped. Then she looked down her own shirt in search of the screw. “I can’t find it” She groaned. Then she stood up and shook out her shirt causing the screw to bounce to the floor. “There it is” She sighed. Michael picked it up and put it in the wood.

They continued half playing, half working for the next hour.

“Ugh look at me” Sydney groaned.

“What?” Michael asked.

“Look I have grease or something all over my shirt” She groaned. “I have to go soak it. I’ll be right back”

“Kay” Michael said as he continued to work on the book shelf. He tried to pick it up but the back fell off it. “Crap” he said as it fell to the floor with a thud.

“What was that?” Sydney asked.

“Uhh nothing.... just come back here then when you get a chance” Michael said as he tried to hold the remainder of the bookshelf together.

“What is it?” Sydney said as she came rushing back out to him, not wearing a shirt.

“What are you doing?” Michael laughed.

“I thought you needed help and my shirt was wet...” She shrugged.

“Okay” He laughed.

“What? It’s my house I can walk around in my bra if I want, right?” She asked with a raised eye brow.

“You won’t hear me complaining” Michael said quickly.

“I didn’t think so” She smiled. “Just let me get a shirt.” She sighed as she disappeared once again. “OK now let’s nail the back on better this time” She laughed when she came back and picked up the hammer.

“Syd is that my shirt?” Michael asked.

Sydney looked down. “Yeah why?”

“You’re wearing my shirt”

“It was the first thing I grabbed... why do you have a problem with it?”

“Yes, yes I do” he said.

Sydney looked up at him, trying to determine if he was serious or teasing. By the smirk on his face she deduced he was in a playful mood so she decided to play along.

“Well I’m wearing it whether you like it or not” She smirked.

“We’ll see about that” Michael said as he reached out and grabbed her by the edge of the shirt and tried to tickle her.

“Michael!” She squealed as she got up and tried to run away but Michael tackled her onto the couch and began to kiss her.

“Ooo what about the bookshelf?” She asked when he pulled out of their kiss. They both looked over at it. It was partially crooked and the back was only half on; it looked pathetic.

“Look’s good to me” Michael smiled. Sydney laughed and then kissed him.



Chapter 47

“Are you ready yet?!” Michael groaned as he looked at his watch.

“Almost” Sydney called from their bedroom.

“Syd this is your work’s Christmas party and in five minutes we’ll be late” he sighed.

“I know, I know I’m coming” She said as she stumbled out of the bedroom, still trying to buckle her shoes.

“Wow, you look great” Michael gasped as he saw her stand up straight. Her hair was up, but in a messy fashion, letting a few loose strands frame her face. She had on a knee length, sparkly dark green dress with a green necklace and black heels.

“Thanks, you don’t look bad yourself, sexy” She smiled as she saw his black pants and blazer with his white button down shirt that had the top few buttons undone.

“Come on let’s go” he laughed.

When they walked into Sydney’s office the atmosphere was filled with bad Christmas music and liquor.

“Hey SYD!” Coop said when he came over to her.

“Hey Coop, you remember Michael right?” Sydney smiled.

“Sure” Coop said as he sloppily reached out his hand to shake Michael’s, clearly intoxicated.

“Hi...” Michael said, shaking Coop’s hand.

“Well go get a drink guys” Coop said pointing towards a table in the corner of the office. Sydney and Michael walked over and examined the drinks.

“Is anything not spiked?” Michael whispered to Sydney.

“I don’t think so...” She sighed. “I have water in my office if you want”

“No I’m good thanks”

“Ok then... I guess we should mingle” Sydney sighed.

“Lead the way” Michael laughed.

An hour later Sydney could tell that Michael was bored to tears. She was bored too but she couldn’t leave yet. Although she was sure that if she did leave, everyone would be too hung over to remember that she wasn’t there.

“Half an hour” She whispered to him with a smile.

“What me? I’m good” He said quickly.

“Liar” Sydney laughed as she kissed his cheek gently.

“I’m going to run to the bathroom – be right back” He smiled.

“Okay” Sydney said.

Once he had left Coop came up to Sydney.

“Hey Syd” He said, practically slurring.

“Hey Coop” She said.

“Having fun?” He asked.

“Umm yea I guess” She smiled.

“You look really nice tonight Sydney” Coop smiled.

“Oh... thanks” Sydney said as she nervously tucked her hair behind her ear.

“You’re dress is so... nice” Coop said as he put his hand dangerously low on her hip.

“Coop” Sydney sighed as she pushed his hand away. “You’re drunk”

“No. You’re so sexy Sydney. I love you” He said as he ran his finger down her cheek.

“Coop stop” Sydney sighed taking a step backwards from him. Coop pulled her close to him and forced his lips up to hers. Sydney tried to pull back but he was holding her too tight. Finally she was able to shove him off, gasping for air. “COOP” She yelled.

Then Sydney turned to her left and saw Michael gaping at them, mouth open, looking completely stunned and horrified.

“Michael...” Sydney sighed as she took a step toward him.

“Don’t” he said walking away.

“Michael no wait” Sydney said trying to follow him but Coop still held tightly to her arm. “Get off Coop” She said smacking his hand away and then racing after Michael.

“Michael wait!” Sydney called. She reached the car just as he was turning on the engine. She tugged on the passenger side door, finding it locked. “Michael Vaughn you will not leave me here without giving me a chance to explain!”

Michael stared straight ahead for a few moments before finally unlocking her door.

“Thank you” She groaned as she climbed into the car. As soon as she did Michael drove off.

“Michael! I didn’t kiss him! He kissed me – he was completely drunk!”

“Syd it’s obvious he loves you” Michael sighed.

“No” She said.

“Yes! Don’t you see the way he looks at you?”

“No...” She said, trying to remember if Coop had ever given her any strange looks.

“Well he looks at you with complete love, desire, and longing. I would know – it’s the same way I look at you...” Michael sighed.

“Oh Michael...” Sydney sighed. “It doesn’t matter because I don’t have feelings for Coop. I love you”

“Look just... I don’t want to talk about this tonight”

“Okay...” Sydney said unsurely.

They drove the rest of the way in silence to their apartment. When Michael stopped the car Sydney got out immediately but Michael didn’t turn off the engine.

“What are you doing?”

“I need to... drive around for a bit” He said. “I’ll be back later”

“Okay...” Sydney said. As soon as she slammed the door, Michael sped off. As soon as Sydney unlocked the front door tears began spilling from her eyes. She sobbed the whole time she changed into her pjs and then crawled into bed and cried herself to sleep.



Chapter 48

When Sydney woke up Sunday morning Michael wasn’t in bed beside her. She slowly slid out of bed and shuffled to the kitchen where she found him reading the paper and sipping coffee.

“Morning” She said quietly as she grabbed a cup from the cabinet.

“Hi” he said shortly.

“Michael we have to talk about this! I told you I don’t have any feelings at all for Coop – NONE at all!”

“I know” He sighed.

“You know?! Then where the hell were you last night?”

“I’m sorry I just... freaked out”

“I noticed” Sydney sighed.

“Look when I saw him kiss you... I dunno I just thought ‘oh god I’m going to lose her’ and I just ... I couldn’t take that” Michael sighed.

Sydney reached across the table and grabbed his hand. “You’re not going to lose me – not ever”

“I know.... I don’t like it when we fight” Michael said with a smiled.

“Me neither” She smiled back. “Did you sleep on the couch last night?”

Michael nodded. “Well ‘sleep’ is a bit strong of a word”

“Yeah I know... I didn’t sleep either” She sighed. “But it’s Sunday... let’s go back to bed”

“Okay... but we won’t really be sleeping will we?” He laughed.

“No... well maybe” She smiled.

~*~

Later that morning, after some sleep, Sydney and Michael were lying peacefully in each other’s arms.

“Christmas is coming up” Michael said as he stroked Sydney’s arm.

“Yeah... only like... fifteen days right?” Sydney asked.

“Yep... got all your shopping done?”

“Umm not really” She laughed.

“At least I’m not the only one” He laughed as well.

“So do you think our parents will be civil over the holidays? Wait let me rephrase that – do you think my mother will be civil?”

“She’ll come around Syd” Michael sighed.

“I know... I hope she does. I hate her being mad at me...”

“She’s not mad”

“No worse – disappointed” Sydney sighed.

“Awww” Michael said as he kissed her head.

“This is good” Sydney sighed.

“What is?”

“Us... everything... life”

“Yes” He smiled.

“I mean I know that I’m still messed up because of... Jason” She said with a tone of disgust. “But... this is it you know? This is perfect.”

“You’re right it is” Michael sighed contently.



Chapter 49

~May – Five month’s later~

“Michael! Did you buy new toothpaste at the store like I asked?” Sydney called from the bathroom.

“Yes” He sighed.

“Where is it?”

“In the drawer”

“Which drawer I can’t find it?”

“It’s there”

“Never mind found it” Sydney called. Michael laughed slightly.

“What would you do without me?”

“Die” She sighed, her mouth full of the toothbrush.

“Probably” He laughed. Finally she emerged from the bathroom grinning at him.

“Ok I gotta go babe, remember I’m meeting Eric so I probably won’t be here when you get home” Michael said.

“Yeah ok I’ll just spend my Friday evening watching sad movies and eating chocolate like the single women” She shrugged. Michael laughed. “Oh and tell Eric that he better stop trying to talk us into going to the reunion”

“Syd he still has two months to attempt to convince us – what makes you think he’ll stop now?” Michael laughed.

“True” She smiled. “Have a nice day”

“You too” He said as he kissed her. “Ohhh minty fresh”

Sydney laughed. “Bye”

~*~

That evening when Sydney arrived home from work she found a note taped to her front door with her name on it. Perplexed, she picked up the note and unfolded it. Solve the puzzle it said. She noticed it was in Michael’s handwriting. “Okay...” She wondered aloud. Then she unlocked her apartment door and went inside. What she found made her gasp.

The lights were all out and a few candles burned at strategic locations around the home. “Michael...” She sighed with a smile. She saw a candle with an envelope that had “#1” on it on the table next to the door. She picked up the envelope and opened it. She emptied the contents onto the table. Inside were a few clippings from a magazine. They were pictures of a refrigerator, microwave and toaster.

She took that as a sign to go to the kitchen so she kicked off her shoes and walked to the kitchen table where she found another envelope labeled “#2”. Again she emptied the envelope onto the table. This time a few pieces of cardboard that were cut up into puzzle pieces tumbled out. It took her a few moments to put them together but when she did there was the letters ‘VCR’ written in black marker.

Sydney smiled as she walked over and sat on the couch. She found the remote with a stickie note that said “press play” on it. She turned on the TV and pressed the play button. On the screen appeared a video that was liney at first but then it grew clearer. Sydney gasped at what she saw. She immediately recognized the video. It was from a play she had done in third grade. The play involved a mixture of many different fairytales acted out by their classmates. Sydney had played Cinderella; Michael had been Prince Charming.

She watched in awe as her eight year old self walked on screen in a blue ball gown. She giggled as an eight year old Michael walked on to the opposite side of the stage in a tuxedo. Then the two of them began to dance awkwardly through the aww’s from the audience. After their dancing scene the tape cut off and switched to a new event.

Sydney saw herself and Michael at the age of 10. It was their ‘graduation’ from fifth grade. She turned up the volume on the tape so she could hear.

“Sydney look over here” Her father said.

“Dad! No” She whined.

“Yes sweetie over here” Her mother said. Little Sydney looked towards the camera after straightening her cardboard hat. Just then little Michael walked over and twisted the hat on her head.

“MICHAEL!” Sydney whined. Little Michael just laughed. Then little Sydney grabbed him around the neck and hugged him tight

Sydney felt herself beginning to tear up at the memories. She wondered what exactly could be next on the tape. Soon her thoughts were answered by a large jump in time to her actual high school graduation.

“Dad put the camera down” Sydney groaned as she took off her cap and tried to fix her hair.

“Sydney you only graduate from high school once” Her father said.

“Yeah I know but – MICHAEL come save me” Sydney said as she disappeared from sighted and then reappeared pulling Michael with her.

“Ok fine” Her father sighed.

“Syd you took your hat off” Michael said as he took it from her hands and tried to shove it back on her head.

“Michael stop! It’s messing up my hair” She groaned as she tried to take it off once again.

“But it looks cuuuuuuute” He teased. She reached up and took his own cap off then bopped him on the head with it before replacing it.

“HA!” She laughed.

“Come here” Michael groaned as he gave her a loud kiss on her cheek.

“Michael!” She giggled.

Sydney giggled too as she watched the tape. Then all of a sudden the tape stopped and the screen turned to fuzz. Sydney pressed the stop button and turned off the TV. “Now what?” She asked aloud rather loudly hoping that Michael was somewhere in their house listening to her. Just then a crumpled up paper ball landed in her lap. She screamed in surprise and jumped slightly. Then she laughed and smoothed out the piece of paper. Bedroom, it read.

“Uh huh and what’s happening there....” Sydney said aloud as she got off the couch and went to investigate. She found their bedroom door mostly closed and pushed it open slowly. The entire room held a red glow and was illuminated by a hundred lit candles.

“Oh my GOD you are too much!” Sydney grinned as she walked further into the room. “But where are you...?” She asked. She turned around and saw him emerging from their bathroom dressed still in his work suit. He pressed a button on the CD player as he walked slowly towards her.

“What is this?” She smiled at him.

“Syd, I’ve loved you since we were kids. We’ve known each other our whole lives and I’ve loved you always. I never thought it was possible to love someone like I love you...” Michael said. Then he walked forward, took her hand and got down on his knee.

“I want to be with you every day now until forever. Sydney, will you marry me?” Michael asked.

“Oh Michael yes! Yes!” She said. Michael beamed and jumped up, pulling her into a kiss.

“Oh my god I love you so much!! How did you get those videos?!” Sydney asked when they broke their embrace.

“Our parents” He smiled. She sighed and kissed him again. “I love you” He said to her.

“OH! I love you and we’re getting married!” She squealed.

“Yes” he laughed. “As Eric puts it ‘finally after 25 years!’”

Sydney laughed. “Better late than never”

“True” He said as he swept her into a kiss again.



Chapter 50

“Remind me again how Eric conned us into this?” Sydney groaned as she searched for her sandals.

“Because he harassed us until we were ready to kill him so we gave in for our own sanity” Michael laughed.

“Yeah” She laughed. “But I don’t wanna go!” She said with a pouty lip.

“Aww baby it will be fine I swear” Michael said as he put an arm around her waist. “Besides its just a reunion picnic on the beach – if it gets real bad we can leave... or swim away”

“Ok” She laughed.

“Plus we’ll just be hanging out with Joe, Sarah, Eric and Nadia the whole time anyway” Michael said.

“Are Joe and Sarah brining the baby?”

“I think so” Michael said.

“That’s good.” Sydney said.

“So how do I look?” She said as she spun around. She was wearing her bikini under a wrap skirt and a white tank top.

“I think my fiancée looks fantastic” Michael smiled, kissing her.

“Good” She giggled. “Let’s go then”

“Do you have your little bucket and shovel for the sand castles?” He teased.

“Haha you’re soooooooo funny”

“I know I am” He grinned.

Twenty minutes later they arrived at the beach where the reunion was being held. They parked their car and walked over to the welcome table.

“Names?” The girl sitting behind the table asked.

“Sydney Bristow”

“Michael Vaughn”

“Here you go” The girl said as she handed them their respective name tag.

“Thanks” They both said as they headed out towards the sand. They saw about half the people already there chatting and walking around the beach.

“Wow everyone got fat” Sydney whispered to Michael.

“So loving Syd” He laughed.

“It’s true”

“I know” he laughed.

“Hey guys!” Eric shouted.

“Hey” Sydney smiled. “Nadia its so nice to see you again”

“You too” Nadia smiled at Sydney.

“Do you know where Joe and Sarah are?” Michael asked.

“Yeah they just got here but I think they forgot something in the car for Megan” Eric said.

“So...” Sydney sighed as she looked around nervously.

“What’s wrong?” Nadia asked.

“She doesn’t want to be here” Eric sighed.

“It’s just... everyone hates me” Sydney sighed.

“They do not” Michael said.

“Yeah even if they did hate you, high school was 10 years ago – I’m sure they’re over it” Eric told her.

“Thanks...” She sighed.

“Sydney? Sydney Bristow?” A female voice called.

“Yes?” Sydney asked turning around.

“It’s me Jessica – Jessica Jamison”

“Oh hi Jessica” Sydney smiled. “How are you?”

“I’m good, married” She laughed. “How about you”

“Engaged” Sydney smiled, flashing the diamond on her left hand.

“To who?”

“Me” Michael laughed.

“Michael Vaughn?!” Jessica asked.

“Yep” He smiled.

“You two are STILL together?” Jessica asked in shock.

“Well yes...” Sydney sighed, deciding to avoid the complicated details of her and Michael’s past.

“Aw that’s sweet. Well it was nice seeing you again”

“Yeah...” Sydney smiled.

“See Syd – it wasn’t that bad” Michael said.

“I guess not” She shrugged.

~*~

“Guys, Guys could I have your attention please?” A voice spoke into the microphone that was set up. The crowd quieted down and focused their attention on the speaker.

“Remember me? Class president Marshall Flinkman” he laughed. “Well anyway I don’t know if you all remember this but senior year we had you all fill out papers on what you thought everyone and everything would be like ten years later. Well I’m here to read the results”

“Do you remember that?” Michael whispered to Sydney.

“Vaguely” She sighed.

“Ok so for funniest classmate the highest vote receiver was... John Daniels... is John here?” Marshall asked. Soon another man joined him on stage. “So John what do you do now?”

“I work at a funeral parlor” John said.

“Um... seriously?” Marshall asked.

“Yes, I’m an undertaker” John said sincerely.

“Okay then...” Marshall sighed. “Moving on... oh yes class couple. This could be awkward... so the couple you voted most likely to sill be together are... Sydney Bristow and Michael Vaughn. Where are they?”

Sydney nearly collapsed. “You’re kidding” She groaned.

“Uh oh...” Michael sighed.

“Go on” Eric laughed.

Sydney and Michael groaned as they made their way to the stage.

“Oh excellent there they are” Marshall said.

“Hi...” Sydney said nervously.

“So what about you two? Still together?” Marshall asked.

“Yes actually” Michael smiled.

“You’re kidding?” Marshall gasped.

“Um... no...” Sydney said.

“We’re engaged” Michael said, putting an arm around Sydney’s shoulders.

“That’s excellent!” Marshal said. “It’s nice to see that some things never change. Great well moving on....”

Taking that opportunity Sydney and Michael bolted from the stage. They made their way back to Eric who was laughing hysterically.

“Oh man you guys should have seen yourselves” Eric gasped in between laughter. “You looked like deer frozen in headlights”

“Thanks a lot Eric” Michael groaned.

“Ugh that was horrible” Sydney shuddered.

“You know for a girl who used to be the most popular girl in school you sure don’t like the spotlight anymore” Joe said.

“I never did... it just ... happened...” She sighed.

“Come on let’s walk” Michael said as he took her hand. They began to walk down the beach, away from the crowd of their former classmates.

“You know that Marshall guy did have a point though” Michael sighed.

“What’s that?” Sydney asked curiously.

“Some thing’s never change.... I’ll always love you Sydney, forever and always” Michael smiled.

“I’ll love you forever and always too” She smiled as she kissed him.



Epilogue

Sydney smiled as she admired her reflection in the mirror as she adjusted her white veil. This was her wedding day and it was truly the happiest day of her life. She was about to marry the man she loved. They would soon be together forever and nothing could stop them.

As she thought about how happy she was tears came to her eyes. She grabbed her white handkerchief, her something old, and wiped them away.

“Sweetheart you look so beautiful” Irina smiled at her.

“Thanks Mom” Sydney smiled.

“Oh you look perfect” Irina said, tears coming to her eyes as well as she hugged her daughter.

“I’m getting married!” Sydney giggled.

“Yes you are” Irina smiled. “Sydney... I wanted to say... that I was sorry again”

“Mom, its ok you already apologized” Sydney said.

“Yes but ... I didn’t get to fully explain... Sydney I was upset... worried... I was convinced that it was impossible for someone to meet their soul mate at the age of five”

“Mom...” Sydney sighed, looking down slightly.

“No Sydney... I was WRONG. I was wrong and I’m sorry... I thought that meeting so young meant you were doomed for divorce but you’re not”

“How do you know?” Sydney asked.

“I just do. Sydney its rare that people are able to find something so good and true like what you and Michael have but what you have – it’s real, its true – don’t doubt it, not ever” Irina smiled.

“Thanks Mom” Sydney said, trying to contain her emotions. “I love you”

“I love you too Sydney”

Just then there was a knock at the door. Michael’s mother popped her head in. “Are you ready?”

“Yes” Irina smiled.

“Good because I can’t wait to have this one as a daughter too. You’ve had her for too long Irina – it’s time to share” She laughed.

“Oh my” Sydney blushed slightly.

“Come on” Irina smiled.

“Ok, ok I think I’m ready” Sydney said, trying to calm the butterflies in her stomach.

“You have your something old?”

“Yes” Sydney said holding up her handkerchief.

“Something borrowed?”

“Yes” she said tugging on her mother’s earrings.

“Something new?”

“Yes” She smiled pointing to her necklace

“And something blue?”

“Yes,” She giggled.

“What’s blue?” her mother asked.

“You can’t see it” She laughed.

“Oh” Irina laughed too.

“OK I’m ready” Sydney smiled as she picked up her bouquet of red roses. Both her mother and Michael’s mother gave her a kiss on the cheek before leaving her to go sit in their seats.

Sydney took a few deep breaths before going out to the entrance of the church where her father was waiting to walk her down the isle.

“You look beautiful sweetheart” Jack smiled.

“Thanks Daddy”

“You ready?” Jack said as he held out his arm.

“Yes” She smiled as she took it.

The church doors opened and the music began to play. Sydney couldn’t have smiled broader when she saw Michael waiting for her at the alter. He looked fabulous in his tuxedo. As she walked toward him she saw in his eyes that he was just as nervous and excited as she was, this made her smile even more.

As she walked down the isle toward her love; her life; her soul mate she could help but believe that she had finally landed exactly were she belonged.

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