This story is an original creation, though some elements and characters were borrowed from the original television show's creators.

Copyright 2002 Alias Elle

A/N- The chaps are kinda long, but y'all have read this before, so it should be nothing new.

Alright... Here it goes.

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Ch. 1

Vaughn POV
I woke up with a start. All I could remember was that once again, I had dreamt about her. She was my forbidden fruit, even though she didn't know it. I glanced over at my clock. 5 A.M. Suddenly, my cell rang.

"Vaughn," I said as usual.
"Joey's pizza?" said the questioning voice.
"Sorry, you must be trying to reach the place down by the ocean. Wrong number."
"Sorry for the interruption." [Click]

I wondered why she wanted to talk. She wasn't my agent anymore, since SD-6 fell along with SD-1, so she didn't have any reason to talk to me. Then why...?

Sydney POV
I don't know why exactly I just called him. But that dream, the dream I had been having more and moe lately, drove me to do it. So I just picked up the phone and dialed the number I knew so well.

"Vaughn," I heard on the other line.
"Joey's Pizza?" I said uncertainly.
"Sorry, you must be trying to reach the place down by the ocean. Wrong number."
"Sorry for the interruption." I hung up and went to pull some clothes on. He wasn't my handler anymore, so why was I still thinking about him?

At the Pier
For once, they arrived at the same time. She hurried over to him as he got out of his SUV and hugged him. Sydney wasn't an overly touchy feely kind of person, but this was different. She had missed the man who used to be her best friend.

"Hi!" she said as he returned her hug.
"Hey! Glad to see you alive! I thought the new assignment would be hell," he exclaimed jokingly.
"It's okay. So, what's new with you?"
"Oh, nothing. They keep assigning me rookies to handle. They all end up quitting. You?"
"The new handler is definitely not you. He is so by-the-book."
"Sounds like he takes his job seriously."
"Too seriously. I really miss you."
"I miss you too. In tough situations, I always think "What would Sydney do?" and then I realize you aren't there to answer that question."
"I thought you forgot about me after I was transferred."
"Never. How could I forget you?"
"Vaughn, there's something I need to tell you. Don't interrupt until I am finished, then you can say something."
"Alright."
"Okay, here it goes. Ever since you became my handler, we've had a special kind of relationship. As the months passed, I became more and more aware of this funny feeling in my stomach. I can't describe it. Finally, I realized what it was. I have feelings for you. In fact, I think I'm in love with you."

They stood there in a silence that fell after she said those words. He stood there dumbfounded, not believing after all this time she had feelings for him.

"You... have feelings for me?"
"Isn't that what I just said?"
"I just can't believe it. While you've had feelings for me, I haven't been able to get my mind off of you."
"I didn't think you cared about me."
"That seems to be a misunderstanding. I think I've been in love with you ever since before Taipei. When I saw you on the other side of that door getting tackled by those guards, I thought I would never see you again and never get a chance to tell you how I feel. And that scared me."
"That day I thought I had lost the one person I care about the most. I thought I was watching my future die."
"Do you think we even have a future? I mean, it is going against CIA protocol."
"I don't know, but I would be willing to try, if you would."

He stood there for a moment, flabbergasted. He had wanted to be with her so badly he could taste it, and here she was, suggesting they give a relationship between them a chance.

"Sydney, are you sure about this? Because once we get in, we can't get back out without one of us or both of us getting hurt."
"Trust me, I've thought about the consequences. And, quite frankly, I don't care."

Sydney hugged him again, this time not letting go as easily. When she pulled back, she still held onto him, and he to her. Then it happened. The love they saw in each other's eyes was overwhelming, and their lips met in at first a light graze, then a kiss that swept through them both like a hurricane. Sydney knew this was the man she dreamed of all her life, and now that she had him, even the gods of the CIA couldn't take him away. At that moment, Sydney felt like she could handle anything as long as Michael, her beloved, was beside her. For the moment, though, they had to stay away a little longer.

"Sydney, I think we should go."
"You're right. Vaughn?"
"Yes?"
"Can you ask to be my han- um, advisor, again?"
"I'll see what I can do. And, Sydney?"
"Yes?"
"I love you."
"I love you too."

Sydney POV
He said it. Just like that, he blurted out, "I love you." And I said it back. Oh no, it's 7 A.M. Just two hours ago I shared my first kiss with the man I love and everything seemed right in the world. I should get down to CIA headquarters. I want to see him. I hope he doesn't think this morning was a mistake, because I don't.

Vaughn POV
What was I thinking? I said, "We have to go, oh, by the way, I love you?" I mean, usually in cases like these, I think with my head, not my heart. But this morning was so perfect. Devlin had a worried look on his face when I asked to be transferred back to the Bristow case. He said I can start tomorrow, that I just need an update debriefing which he said could be done today. By Agent Bristow. I could hardly wait to tell her the good news. I decided to call her and let her know to meet me at the warehouse.

"Bristow."
"Is this the warehouse?" I asked, knowing she would pick up on my voice and choice of words.
"No, I'm sorry, wrong number." [Click]

From the sound of that, she picked up on it. I better get over there.

Sydney POV

"Bristow," I said, not even checking who called.
"Is this the warehouse?" I immediately knew Vaughn wanted to talk to me.
"No, I'm sorry, wrong number." I hung up.

Why would he need to talk to me? Unless he had had second thoughts. Or he had to tell me something work-related. Well, I have to get over to that warehouse. My beloved Michael awaits. Wait, is that really what I am calling him? I kinda like the sound of that.

At the Warehouse (More POV's later!)
When Vaughn walked in, someone was already there. Jack. What was he doing there?

"Agent Vaughn, can I talk to you for a minute before Sydney gets here?"
"Absolutely."
"I know what happened this morning. I also know you two don't know what you are doing. I am just here to warn you if she gets hurt, you will pay dearly."
"Well, sir, I don't know how you found out, however, I have no intention of letting her get hurt."
"Good. Then I have no more business here. However, it's about time you two were together. Sydney needs someone like you."

As Jack left through a side door, Vaughn could hear Sydney's heels clicking on the hard cement floor.

"Vaughn!" she exclaimed as she gave him a hug.
"Hey, I have something to tell you."
"Okay, go ahead."
"First of all, I have no regrets about this morning. And my feelings and words still stand. Also, I talked to Devlin."
"And...?"
"I'm your new handler effective tomorrow."
"Oh that's wonderful!" She hugged him again, this time giving him a small peck on the cheek. He glowed with pleasure.
"All I need you to do is update me on the progress of your mission."

At that, Sydney launched into everything that had happened since he was taken off her case. After she was finished, he sat there meditating a moment.

"So this is how far you've gotten in the past few months?"
"I'm afraid that's all."
"Well, at least it's a start. Have you been given a new mission at SD-3 yet?"
"No, not yet. Hey, why don't you come over to my place for dinner tonight as a little reunion celebration? Will is out of the country and Francie is at the restaurant till 5 in the morning. What do you say?"
"Well... does 7 o'clock work for you?"
"Perfect. See you then."

Sydney POV
Alright, tonight's dinner had to be perfect. I actually had to cook. I can do this. God, I hope he likes this. I'm happy he's my new handler but I wonder how our relationship will affect our work. After all, agents weren't supposed to be in love with their handlers. It could be distracting. After setting the table with my nicest plates and some red and white roses in a blue vase, I got myself ready. My dress was a coral pink that fell to my knees in light ripples at the bottom. It had straps, but they were spaghetti straps and it was cool that night, so I put a black sweater on over it. My hair was curled, makeup was perfect, and I had found the perfect card. I set everything out in a nice arrangement and I waited by the door. God, I'm nervous.
Vaughn POV
She wants me to have dinner with her, which is what I have wanted so much since I met her. Why am I wearing this burgundy tie? Green would look so much better. Forest green. I got her a dozen red and white roses, which are her favorites. I borrowed Weiss's car because it was nicer and not recognizable if I drove. I walked up, rang the doorbell, and took a deep breath. This was going to be an interesting night.
At Dinner (I'm beginning to think I suck at POV's!)
Sydney rushed to the door when she heard the bell. As she passed by the hallway mirror, she gave herself one more look. Perfect.
"Hey Syd!" Vaughn said as he walked in. "You look beautiful!"
"Hi and thank you!" she said breathlessly as she closed the door after him.
She hugged him, then, pulling away, gently kissed him, a kiss he returned which she greedily took in. Sydney was so happy they were together.
"Here, these are for you," he said as he handed her the flowers.
"Oh, my favorites. I'll put them in the vase on the table."
"Alright. Hey Syd, did you tell your dad about... us?"
"Are you kidding? I would never tell my dad something that isn't work related. He doesn't deserve to know. Why?"
"I was just curious."
"He talked to you, didn't he? darn it, I knew he was going behind my back."
"You know what? Let's just forget about your dad. So, what's for dinner?"
"Spaghetti and meatballs. My specialty."
"Sounds great! Where do I sit?"
"Oh, over there," she said, pointing to the chair to the right of the head of the table.
As he sat down, he noticed a card on his plate. It had a red rose on it. In the upper left-hand corner, it said in gold, swirling letters
Thank You.
He was touched. Inside was the poem in gold letters;
You were always there for me
Even when I fell
All I can call you is my one-and-only
My Guardian Angel.
Love,
Sydney
"Dinner's ready!" she said as she brought out two steaming plates. He quickly wiped away the tear that had rolled half way down his cheek.
"Wow, this looks delicious!"
"Well, I hope you like it. Dig in."
They sat in silence until both plates had been cleared. Then they went and sat in the living room.
"Syd, that card was beautiful."
"Well, I meant it, every word." She leaned over and kissed him, putting her arms around his neck. He put his hands around her waist. The moment was perfect, and Sydney knew he was hers completely, and vice versa. As much as he didn't want to, he had to stop before things went too far.
"Syd, maybe I should go."
"No, please don't. I can't lose you again."
"You won't lose me again. I just don't want you to do something you might end up regretting."
"I guess you're right. Like always. Well, I guess I'll see you tomorrow."
"I guess so. Syd, please don't be mad at me."
"Mike, I love you."
"I love you too. Bye."
"Bye." With that, he walked out the door.
Sydney POV
I know in my head he was right but my heart was telling me something different. I have a war raging inside me right now between the two. I haven't seen him today, but I know I will because SD-3 gave me a new mission. It's a big one, because it'll find the last piece of the Rambaldi puzzle. After that, the CIA can use the weapon against SD-3 and destroy them. I had so many thoughts running through my head that I collided with Weiss.
"Whoa, better be careful there, Syd."
"Sorry. I guess I wasn't looking where I was going. Bye."
"Wait a sec, Syd. Is there anything wrong?"
"No," I said with a fake smile.
"So then why are you walking around like you're in a haze... or a fog. From the looks of it, a relationship fog."
"What are you talking about?"
"Oh, come on Syd. You and your new... handler. It was only a matter of time until you two got together."
"Agent Weiss, I assure you, the only reason Mi- Agent Vaughn was placed as my handler is because we work well together."
"Uh-huh. Whatever you say."
"I'm telling the truth. Vaughn and I are strictly professional."
I walked away, wondering who else knew about Vaughn and I. If it got back to Devlin, I was in trouble. So was Vaughn.
Vaughn POV
Wow. That is the only way I can describe last night. I have wanted that to happen for so long, and now it finally has. OOF!
"Watch where you're going, man!" said one of the agent interns.
"Sorry, man, I guess I didn't see you."
Now I am running into people because of her. I guess there is a reason for protocol. I'm distracted by the very thought of her. But if she succeeds on this next mission, SD-3 will fall. Since they are the only other SD in the Los Angeles area, she'll probably not have to do this work anymore. And that means she and I might be together. As... dare I even say... as a couple? It might be a possibility. Well, I have to talk to her about her counter mission. I can't wait.
At CIA Headquarters
"Bristow."
"Dad, we need to talk. Meet me at the warehouse in half an hour."
"Alright." Click.
Ring.
"Bristow."
"Joey's Pizza."
"I'm sorry, you must have been trying to reach the place next to the Warehouse music store. They'll be open in an hour."
"Thanks." Click.
Sydney went to the garage. As she was getting out her car keys, a gloved hand came up behind her, forcing a alcohol-filled pad over her mouth. Sydney passed out, hitting her head on the hard concrete floor.

At the Warehouse
"Agent Vaughn, what are you doing here?"
"Sydney. And you?"
"Sydney. I was supposed to meet her here twenty minutes ago. I have a feeling there's something wrong."
"Why do you say that?"
"She would have called or been here. There's no other explanation."
They stood there in silence for a minute. When it was clear to Vaughn that Sydney wasn't coming, he turned to leave. He felt Jack's hand come down on his shoulder.
"Vaughn, you can't save her. I think her captor has her for other purposes."
"And what might those be?"
"If it is who I think it is, questioning. If not, then I honestly don't know."
"What if she wasn't kidnapped? Then what?"
"She's either dead or captured. I found this."
He held up a note with this typed message on it:
Bristow:
You want Your Daughter Back? Come to the Queen Mary with fifty million dollars. Otherwise she'll be a fish in water.
"Are you going to go?" asked Vaughn, slightly hysterical by now.
"We won't be any help to Sydney unless you calm down. Yes, I will go, but we need a plan."
"Alright. The person could also be lying. If they're not, they'll be ready for us."
"Get Agent Weiss and the others to meet you here at 6:30 sharp. I'll meet you at the docks."
"Be careful, Jack."
Jack walked out of the warehouse, formulating a plan. He hoped to catch Sark off guard if that was who kidnapped Sydney.
Vaughn sat down on a crate just to get things in perspective. Sydney was kidnapped and he had to work with her father. Sydney may not be alive. That was the worst part. He didn't even know if the woman he loved was alive or not. Something in his gut told him she was.

At CIA Headquarters
"Eric, can I talk to you for a sec?"
"Sure, Mike. What's up?"
"Sydney has disappeared. I need you and the other guys to help save her."
"Mike, are you sure? We could get in major trouble for this."
"I don't care, Eric. She'll be killed if Jack doesn't pay fifty million dollars. He's never going to get that kind of money, so we have to save her."
"Alright, man, calm down. I'll get the guys together."
"Eric? Keep this confidential. Don't tell the guys her name."
"Sure."
Vaughn went back to his office. This was going to be a long day.
Sydney POV
I'm still in shock. I mean, when I found out who did this to me. My wrists are bloody from frayed rope, and my neck is sore from a choke-hold. All this he did just so she could ask me some questions.
Sark and Irina.
Apparently, Sark is her right-hand man. He kidnapped me so she could "get to know me." She wanted to know everything that had happened in my life since she left; was I in a relationship, what I liked to eat, wear, what my favorite color was, etc. Then...
"Sydney, how is your father?"
"What?"
"You heard me."
"I thought you didn't care about him. After all, you hated him."
"I did at one time love him."
"He's... fine. He's worried about you."
"Fool. He hasn't changed at all."
After that, she left. I hadn't told her about Mike for fear she would go after him next.
Vaughn POV
Why haven't I heard from Jack yet? We're heading over to the docks in a black van outfitted with enough tech to cause a nuclear pulse and we can't even get a phone call from him. I miss Sydney so much and all I keep thinking is what will happen if we can't pull this off. Where is Jack when you need him?
"Mike, it's alright. We'll get her back."
"I know. I just can't help feeling like she is in pain. Or danger."
"Don't worry. Sydney can take care of herself. You just have to focus."
"I'll try."
"You don't try, you do."
"Thank you, Eric."
I felt a little better after that. Having my best friend there kept me focused and clear-headed. It was good to know he had that kind of confidence in the mission.

At the Queen Mary
Sydney slowly opened her eyes. After her mother had interrogated her, Sark hit her over the head with a wrench. He loved causing her physical pain.
She looked around at her surroundings. She was on a ship, by the looks of things. She was strapped to an upright table. She assumed they had given her something for paralyzation, because she could only move her head. Then she looked to her left.
"Dad!"
There he was, strapped to another upright table, unconscious. He looked pretty beat up, though.
"Dad! Wake up!" she said urgently.
"Uh... Sydney? Is that you?" he said groggily.
"Yes, it's me. What are you doing here?"
"They... uh... got to me before I got to you."
"Dad, we have to get out of here."
"We can't. They paralyzed all three of us."
"All three of us...?" then Sydney looked over to her right. There was a young woman, blonde, probably in her mid twenties. She was pretty, and she looked relatively unharmed. Alice.
"What is she doing here, Sydney? I heard someone call her bait, but that's all. Do you know her?"
No, this can't be happening. The only other woman Mike had ever truly loved was here. Now I understood.
"Dad, mom knows about Vaughn. This is a trap for him."
He went pale.
"Did you tell her?"
"No, of course not. She must either have me wired or has been following me."
"From the looks of things, if Vaughn does come to save you, most likely he will have to choose between the three of us."
"Why would mom do this to him, though?"
"To hurt you. And him. Tonight won't end without at least one death."
"Very good, Jack. I was hoping someone would die tonight."
He closed his eyes and gritted his teeth.
"Laura," he said in disgust.
"Call me Irina."
"Not until hell freezes over, Derevko."
"Well, Sydney, Jack, and, ugh, Alice, I have a surprise for you three."
It was then that Sydney realized Alice was awake, thoroughly terrified.
"What am I doing here?" she asked timidly.
"Oh, shut up, you silly girl. You're contestant number one."
Alice slightly whimpered. Sydney wondered how Mike could date a wimp like that.
"Sydney, I believe your Agent should be here in a moment."
"Leave her alone, Derevko."
She ignored him. "If you'll look down at your feet, you'll notice an awfully large fish tank. It's filled with some pretty deadly fish, too. With the press of a button, the grates your surgical tables stand upon will fall away, letting your table drop into that tank."
"Sydney!" came a familiar, far-away voice.
"Vaughn, it's a trap! Get out now!" she yelled too late. He was on the ship before she was finished.
"Agent Vaughn, welcome. Have a look at our three contestants. There's the woman you used to love, the woman you currently love, and a key player in the U.S. government. Choose the two you want to keep alive."
Vaughn POV
Dear God. She was asking me to kill one of the people I care about. I couldn't let Jack die, because Sydney would never forgive me, I couldn't let Alice die, because she was one of my closest friends, and I couldn't let Sydney die because I couldn't bear to lose her again.
"Why are you doing this Derevko?"
"To secure my daughter's future. Come on, this should be easy."
"Why?"
"Do you always ask this many questions? I want to see if you really love Sydney or if you'll forsake her for an old flame."
"Can I talk to each one individually?"
"Two minutes apiece. Make it quick."
I ran over to Alice.
"Alice, I'm so sorry you got tangled up in this. I never meant for you to go through this."
"Michael, pick Sydney. I know we are only friends, but she is what makes you complete. Just let go of me."
"I can't do that. You are someone I hold dear, just like Sydney."
"Time's up, Agent Vaughn. Move on."
I moved over to Jack's table.
"Vaughn, get the girls out of here. They can replace me. Just save Sydney."
"Jack, Sydney wouldn't want me to leave you. You're her father!"
"Choose the girls, you fool. Your time is up. Tell Sydney you're going to choose her and Alice."
I nodded and went over to Sydney.
"Hey, how are you doing?" I said.
"Better than you are, I imagine. So, is this your rescue attempt?" she said jokingly.
"I guess so. Jack told me to pick the two of you. I can't leave him behind, though."
"Vaughn, I want you to pick whoever you think is right; for all we know, she could be bluffing. Call her bluff and if she isn't lying, follow your heart."
Just like that, she kissed me. It was intense, and true, and I knew I would love her until the day I died. There was no way I could leave her like this.
"I'm not leaving you. I love you."
"I love you too." Tears started forming in her eyes.
"Agent Vaughn, time's up. Make your decision."
"Release all three, Derevko. You would never put your own daughter in this kind of jeopardy."
"No, I guess I wouldn't."
"Release them. You know you wouldn't want to do this."
"Guards... release them. Very good, Agent Vaughn. Hopefully this little exercise has put things in perspective for you." With that, she disappeared into the shadows with Sark following close behind.
Sydney POV
She was lying. Mike called her bluff and she retreated. God, I love that man.
"Vaughn! You did it!" I ran up to him and hugged him as tightly as possible. The paralyzation had worn off by then.
"I thought I was going to lose you!" he said as he looked at me and smiled.
"Come on, let's get my dad and Alice out of here."
"Alright. There's someone already waiting for us."
I went over and unbuckled my dad's bindings as Mike undid Alice's. She collapsed in his arms.
"Here, Vaughn, I'll take her and leave you two alone." My dad was a god at that moment.
"Thanks, dad," I said in a quiet voice.
I looked at Vaughn. He was smiling at me in a way that made my heart melt. He was so good.
"Well, you did it. You saved the day."
"Are you hurt or anything? God, I couldn't have done that without you Syd. I got so scared when I saw you strapped to that table."
"You idiot! I told you not to come up here!" I smiled, happy for the first time in a long time. We walked off the boat, holding hands like we didn't have any cares in the world. Then he looked at me and took both of my hands. I could get lost in those green eyes.
"Sydney, when I saw you and Alice on those tables, I knew your mother wanted me to choose between the two of you. And I did."
"And...?" I said nervously.
"I chose you. Alice is my past. You are my future."
I suddenly started crying. Not sad tears, but joyful tears. He pulled me into a hug and I clung to him, smiling and crying at the same time.
"I think this is one of the best days of my life. You have no idea how happy I am."
"I know, Sydney. I know."

Ch. 2

At SD-3 Headquarters
"So, any questions?" Finchley asked after detailing Sydney's and Dixon's mission to Aruba. Sydney and Dixon shook their heads.
"Alright. You are to leave in an hour. Go to Marshall to get outfitted."
Sydney and Dixon went down the brick hallway until they reached Marshall's office.
"Hey Marshall, what's up?"
"Oh, hi, Sydney, Dixon. Okay, this is the coolest thing ever. Designed by yours truly through the guys higher up, this machine will make an exact replica of the original Rambaldi device, only it won't work. The replica, I mean."
He launched into the different gadgets he was giving them. Then...
"Any questions?"
Sydney and Dixon once again shook their heads. It was nice to know Marshall and Dixon were on her side. She needed friendly faces in a place like this.
Background Info
After the fall of SD-6, Dixon and Marshall were recruited as CIA agents. They went with Sydney to work undercover at SD-3, Dixon being her partner and Marshall, her inside link to the CIA.
Sydney POV
I can't wait for this mission to be over. After that, Vaughn and I will leave this life behind and start a new one together. I hope. I hope that's what he wants at least.
Vaughn POV
I think a week apart has been good for both of us. After that ordeal with her mother, I think Syd needed a little alone time. But I'll be helping her the entire time during the Aruba mission. Dixon has a satellite feed hooked up to our computers so we'll be able to talk with Sydney and see what she sees.
Aruba (no more POV's for a while now!)
They landed two hours before this was going down. They had to break into a museum which believed they held a priceless, old artifact. The curators had no idea what exactly they had there.
"So, tonight, when business meetings are going on, I'll go in, knock the curator out who is showing me around, and go to the roof and in through the skylight."
"Just be careful. There's lasers crisscrossing the entire room. Here." Dixon gave her a pen. "Just point this at the security pad while you're hanging from the roof and it will descramble the security code for you. Oh, one more thing. Don't be seen by the security cameras. They more around, so just time your moves right and you'll be fine."
"Thank you, Dixon."
"Let's just get this done and over with so you can get back to your, "handler"," he said with a grin.
Sydney hugged Dixon. He always knew what to do.
At the Museum
Sydney walked in wearing a long, black wig tied back into a knot at the base of her neck. She had on a business suit, (pants and a jacket,) and stiletto heels.
"Pioneer, do you copy?" Dixon asked.
"Loud and clear, chipmunk," she said with confidence.
"Good luck, Pioneer," said another, reassuring voice.
"Thanks Alpha base," she said with a smile."
Sydney walked up to one of the curators.
**"Bonjour. Je m'appelle Felicity Du Poir."
"Ah, mademoiselle Du Poir. Bonjour. Vien avec moi, s'il vous plait."
"Merci."
"Parlez vous anglais?"
"A petit peut. Juste a little."
"Ah, trés bien."**
They got into an elevator. Sydney knocked out the curator with sleeping gas, stopped the elevator, and shed her business suit. Underneath, she was wearing a black jumpsuit. She opened the top of the elevator and shimmied up the cable to the roof. From there, she ran over to the large domed skylight.
"I'm at the skylight."
"You know what to do, Pioneer."
Sydney pulled out a metal tube of lip-gloss and drew a circle large enough for her hand to pass through on the glass. Instantly, the glass started to sizzle and burned away until it was only a little chip of glass, which Sydney let fall to the floor far below. She then repeated the process, only with a hole big enough for her to go through, this time putting her hand through to catch whatever glass fell through. After that, she hooked up climbing equipment to some valves on the roof. Sydney lowered herself just inside the skylight, found the alarm pad, and aimed the descrambling pen at it. It beeped and Sydney saw the lasers turn off. She dropped to the floor and narrowly avoided the stare of the cameras by rolling to the side.
"Alright, I'm in and behind the artifact's case."
"Use the lip-gloss and burn a circle in the back of the case."
"Alright."
She repeated the process.
"Hold on, Pioneer!"
"What is it?"
"Take out your loose powder compact and blow it into the case."
As she did this, Sydney saw smaller lasers inside the case.
"I can navigate them. Just give me a sec."
"Just watch out for the cameras."
"I understand."
Sydney slowly moved her hand through the case.
"Don't forget the pressure switch!"
At that, Sydney slid her finger under the cloth-covered bundle and replaced it with a stone of equal weight that she had picked up on the roof.
"Pioneer, watch it, there's guards coming."
"Where is the guy?" said a far-off voice.
"He's in there! Hurry!"
All the guards saw when they got in the room was an empty case and a hold in the skylight. No one else was there.

"Good work, Sydney," said Dixon. "Let's duplicate this thing."
Dixon unwrapped the bundle, which turned out to be a perfectly smooth, spherical ball about the size of a tennis ball with only one visible marking;
<O>
"The Magnific Order of Rambaldi," she said quietly.
After Dixon put the "ball" in, the machine glowed, then hummed, then gave a great shudder. Suddenly, everything went quiet.
"Do you think it worked?" Sydney said in a whisper.
"I don't know. Let's check."
Dixon put his hand in the machine and pulled out the original first, which he put in a bag labeled, "original." Then he pulled out the copy. It was a perfect replica, except for one thing. The symbol of Rambaldi was missing.
"Alright, let's go home," Sydney said with relief.

Ch. 3

At CIA Headquarters
"Good work, Agent Bristow," said Devlin.
"Thanks. Where is my handler?"
"You'll see him later. Here, come with me."
They went inside the bunker where the Rambaldi device had been put together by a team of specialists. There were Marshall and Dixon.
"Would you like to watch the destruction of SD-3?"
"Very much. So, how exactly does this thing work?"
"Oh, I can answer that," said Marshall. "This machine will cause a pulse to go through every fiber of the SD-3 building causing everyone inside to instantly suffer from the virus Agent Vaughn had. That's why we needed the metal ball, because it has the virus and, yeah, but anyways, you remember how Agent Vaughn had three days before he died? Well, the people at SD-3 will have about a minute before they die. You see, because of the metal ball, their symptoms will be accelerated so they will die almost instantly. Oh, and, uh, the technology inside will be fried due to the pulse. Zip. Gone. No more SD-3. That's it."
"Good. Do it," she said without emotion. "But are you sure this will work?"
"Positive."
"Good."
The machine was hooked up to computers so they could see what was going on over at the SD-3 building.
"5, 4, 3, 2, 1, fire."
As everyone watched the TV screens, people on the monitors started screaming and running out of the building, dying and falling everywhere. Sydney swallowed her horror.
"We'll have a haz-mat team go in and destroy any other evidence, Sydney."
"Alright. Excuse me, I've got to make a call."

"Vaughn," said the voice she loved.
"Joey's Pizza?" she said.
"Wrong number. Sorry." He hung up.

At the Warehouse
"MIKE!" she screamed as she rushed up to him to give him a hug.
"You did it!" he exclaimed as he returned her hug.
"It's over. I'm free!" she said as she put her arms out and flopped down on a cushioned crate.
"I know. So, what does this mean? Where do we go from here?"
"Where do you want to go from here? I've got to leave town, probably the country. You are welcome to come. What do you say?"
"I... don't know. I mean, do you think we are ready for that kind of step?"
"Definitely."
She kissed him, and he thanked god no one had thought to put cameras or bugs in that warehouse.
"Come by my place tonight, Sydney. We'll talk then."
"Okay," she said quizzically. "See you at 7:30."
"Alright." With that, she walked out.

At Vaughn's Apartment
"Sorry I was late, the traffic was murder."
"It's alright. Come in, let me take your coat."
Sydney glanced over her shoulder and smiled as his hand grazed her shoulder.
"So, Syd, have you decided where you are going yet?"
"Maybe France. I'm not really sure yet."
"Look, Sydney, if I was to go with you, wherever you went, I would be leaving behind people I have known ever since I was little. People I care about."
"I understand. It would be hard to break ties with people you've known for a long time, especially someone like Weiss."
"Good, I'm glad you understand."
"No, if you were to leave with me, you would be leaving behind people you've known your whole life. And I respect that."
"Well, I've done some thinking. How long have we been together now, four months?"
"I think so."
"Those four months have been incredible. And we've stuck together through it all. I've come up with three solutions to our current dilemma; 1.) we break up, 2.) I go with you, and 3.) we get married."
Sydney sat in a stunned silence.
"What... did... you... just...say?"
"Sydney, ever since we became a couple, you've changed my life. You've helped me live life without rules or boundaries, and you've opened my eyes to how I can be as a person. Will you keep changing my life by marrying me?"
"I have to sit down."
"Sydney, you are sitting down. So, what do you say?" he said as he held out a small box.
Sydney took the box.
"At this moment, I wish time could stand still. Then again, if time did stand still, I would never get a chance to become Mrs. Michael Vaughn or plan our wedding or..." she rambled and trailed off with a smile and tears in her eyes.
"Does that mean yes?" he said with apprehension.
"Of course it means yes!" She jumped up and hugged him. Pulling back, she showered him with kisses.
"I love you, Michael Vaughn. And I will take thee to be my wedded husband."
"And I love you, Sydney Bristow. I take thee to be my wedded wife. Sounds pretty good, doesn't it?"
"You bet it does."
They kissed again. A long, deep kiss that ran through Sydney's very soul right down to her toes.
"Do you want to...?"
"Let's save it for the wedding night." Sydney wanted their first time to be special.
"Okay. I understand."
They sat there talking for a while. Then...
"So, does this mean you're not leaving?"
"I guess not. Hey, I have to put on my ring. So, when should we have the wedding? Who should we invite? God, there's so many things to do in preparation."
"Let's worry about those things tomorrow. I want you to go home and get a good night's rest."
"Alright. See you tomorrow."
Sydney got into her car and smiled to herself as she gazed at her engagement ring. She hadn't gotten this great a feeling when she had said yes to Danny. She knew in her heart this was right. Then, she turned the key in the ignition.
BOOM!
Vaughn looked out his window just in time to see an SUV go up in fiery flames.
"Sydney," he said in a terrified whisper.
He ran out his door, horrified.
"SYDNEY!" he yelled with hopelessness, not wanting to believe that was her car. Then, after watching the flaming fireball for a few minutes in terror, he looked down at his feet.
SB
Sydney's license plate. That seemed to confirm his worst fears.
"No," he said as he collapsed, forlorn and mortified at the thought of watching his fiancee die before his very eyes.

"What the hell is going on out here?" yelled one of his neighbors, coming out in a bathrobe and slippers.
"An... SUV... blew up..." said Vaughn in despair.
"What did it look like? Did you see the license plates?"
"Yeah... SB" Vaughn said as he held up the still-hot license plate.
"Damn it. That was my wife's car."
"Are you sure?" Vaughn asked with a glimmer of hope.
"Yeah. Stella Bellangio. We just got married, and Bellangio was her maiden name, so she hasn't had a chance to change her license plate yet."
"You're kidding," Vaughn said in disbelief.
"Nope. I just thank God she's safe inside asleep."
"Thank you sir! Thank you," Vaughn said as he hurried back inside.
"Glad I could help, " said the man, puzzled.

At the Warehouse (5:30 A.M.)
"Vaughn, I got your call. What's up?"
"Sydney, we need to get you out of the country. I'm guessing shortly after you left, a bomb was rigged to explode under a car identical to yours and someone just screwed up and got the cars confused. I was so scared I had watched you die."
"It's alright, I'm here. Everything is okay, now," she said as she hugged him.
"Look, I booked a flight for you, myself, and a few other agents. We need to get you out of the country tonight."
"Alright."
"Okay, we're going to... well, just pack for warm climates and meet me at the airport in half and hour."
"See you then. Bye." She walked away, puzzled. Who could possibly be after her? Her mother? Sark? Someone from SD-3? She didn't have time to ponder this, though. She needed to go home and pack.
Vaughn POV
Every time things are going well, something like this happens. Someone goes and messes everything up. It would be just like Sark to do this. I've got to give Sydney a new change of scenery, and get her out of danger.
Sydney POV
What should I pack again? Should I wear a wig? Probably. I don't even know where I am being shipped off to. Although I have a good idea who is coming with us; Dixon and his family, Marshall, Vaughn, and guards dressed as civilians. Anyone who could be even remotely affiliated with SD-3. God, this sucks.

At the Airport
"Over here, Felicity," he said, using her most recent alias.
"Oh, hi, Fernando," she said as she walked towards him, using his familiar alias.
"Come on, let's get on the plane. Our friends are waiting for us."
"Alright."
He led her over to a door that said;
SECURITY: KEEP OUT
They casually leaned against the door, glancing around to make sure they weren't being followed, then quickly got inside. Sydney took a quick note of the men standing on either side of the door. "Guards," she thought to herself.
"This tunnel will lead us to a hanger where a plane will be waiting to take us to our destination."
"Is my dad coming?" she asked tentatively.
"Yes. He's already on the plane. Guards are all over the place dressed as civilians to make sure Sark or someone from SD-3 doesn't try to hi-jack our plane."
"Okay. Vaughn, thank you for doing this."
"It's my job. To protect you."
She smiled at him as they hurried down the dimly lit tunnel. There were so many twists and turns down there it would be impossible for someone to follow them.
"Almost there," Sydney said as the plane came within sight. Suddenly...
"Sydney! Run for the plane! We've been discovered!"
Sydney started running with Vaughn, holding his hand as she ran.
"Go, go, get in the plane!" He pushed her in and fell forward, shuddering as he fell.
"I'm alright, just go. Go!"
She pulled him in just as the plane started to pull away and closed the door behind him.
"Sydney- ugh, what happened?"
"I don't know. What's wrong?" she said, panicked, as he closed his eyes and grimaced.
"Oh nothing. It's nothing."
Then she saw it. A puddle of blood slowly spreading underneath him, coming from his back.
"Vaughn, you were shot! Someone, give me a towel or something to stop the bleeding!"
"Here, Sydney," said Dixon as he handed her a towel. "Turn him over so you can get to the wound."
As she turned him over, she saw a bullet hole in his upper left shoulder.
"Just a skin wound. It wasn't low enough to puncture anything," Dixon said as Sydney breathed a sigh of relief.
Vaughn glanced over his shoulder.
"You'll be okay, Agent Vaughn. Everything is okay now," she told him with a small smile. He smiled back and fell asleep.
Later On...
"Vaughn, wake up."
"Huh?" he said vaguely.
"We're almost there."
"Okay," he said, trying to sit up.
He felt her hand on his chest.
"Sh, lie back down. You're in no condition to be sitting up yet. Once we get to the safehouse, we'll have one of the doctors look you over."
"That's not necessary," he started with a grunt.
"Vaughn, you saved my life. The least I could do is get you proper medical attention."
He laid back down, disgruntled. He didn't want to be a burden to Sydney.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
"Dad, will he be okay?"
"Yes, honey. It's just a flesh wound. Just make sure he's ready to go when he needs to."
"Alright."
Sydney POV
Vaughn does so much for me, and I'm trying to do the same for him. But I don't think he likes accepting help. I guess he thinks he can't be a little weak in front of me. But I don't care. I'll help him get through this, like everything else.
Vaughn POV
I don't know what I would do without Sydney. She's so good to me, and I feel so guilty. I should be taking care of her, not the other way around. I just hope she'll be safe where we are going. I don't want to lose my bride before her wedding day. I don't think I could bear to lose her ever again.

At the Safehouse
Vaughn woke up in a soft bed. Sunlight was filtering into his room.
"Good morning, sunshine. Or should I say, good afternoon. You've been asleep for two days."
"Really?" he said groggily.
"Yep. I guess after you punched him, that doctor gave you a pretty strong sedative. Plus, you've revealed a lot about yourself in the past two days. You talk in your sleep."
"I didn't say anything too embarrassing, did I?" he said with a worried look on his face.
"We all got a pretty good laugh out of, 'The peaches and monkeys are on fire,' and I just figured you had had an extremely rough childhood."
As he sat up, she smiled and handed him a turkey sandwich. He ate it quickly.
"I figured you were hungry. Come on, you need some exercise."
"Where are we going?"
"You'll see. Just get dressed and be ready in ten minutes."
He got out of bed as she hurried out of the room. He found a shirt and some casual jeans to wear because Sydney hadn't looked like she was wearing anything fancy, just casual, although she would look great no matter what she wore. He pulled his clothes on and went outside.
What he saw took his breath away. He was on a balcony overlooking the clearest blue ocean he had ever seen. It was right at sunset, and an orange-pink glow was in the sky around the bright orange sun. The whole picture was framed by red orchids on bright green stems climbing up the aged pillars running up the building and along the two sides of the balcony. And there was Sydney.
She was smiling at him with her back to the sun so it made her glow with a pink light. Her hair was softly blowing around her face and the sundress that just kind of clung to her every curve swayed softly in the breeze.
"Pretty neat, huh?" she said happily.
"Beautiful," he said, going over and taking her in his arms. He kissed her, and she was reminded of why she loved him so much.
"So, is this what you wanted to show me?" he asked with a smile.
"Part of it. Come on, there's something else."
They went downstairs and stopped when they saw Weiss and Francie coming towards them.
"Hey, Mike, good to see you out and about," Weiss said with a grin.
"Come on, you two. Dinner is getting cold," Francie said. Vaughn looked over his shoulder at Sydney as Francie took his hand and led him to a pair of saloon-style doors. She just shrugged her shoulders and smiled.
They walked out onto the patio as a purple pink sky littered with stars looked over the ocean and a table full of food with candles lighting the table and lanterns hanging from the trees. Suddenly...
"SURPRISE!" yelled Francie, Weiss, Will, Dixon and his wife Diane, Marshall, and Jack.
"What is this all about?" Sydney said in a bewildered delight.
"This is your engagement party," Will said as he came up to her and hugged her.
"But how did you guys know?" Vaughn asked, shocked.
"Sydney doesn't wear an ice-skating rink on her left hand every day, now does she?" Francie said, crossing her arms and glaring at him. Luckily, he was saved.
"Congratulations, Vaughn," Jack said. "You are getting the best girl in the whole wide world. You know that, right?"
"Yes sir, I certainly do. I plan on taking very good care of her."
"Good." He turned to Sydney and hugged her. "I expect grandchildren, you know."
She blushed. "I'll try my best, Dad. Thank you. For everything."
"Don't mention it." He quickly turned away, and she knew he was on the virge of tears.
At that, everyone sat down to eat. There was happy laughter and chatter as knives and forks clanked noisily against emptying plates.
Ding-Ding- Crash (sound of shattering glass)
"Oops," said Marshall as he pushed aside the broken glass and the knife he had used. He stood up, and everyone quieted.
"Well, Sydney, Vaughn, I never really got to know either of you that well, but I know how much you two changed my life and you two belong together. Good luck whenever you get a chance to enter into wedded bliss."
All the women "oh-ed" as Marshall sat down, his ears crimson. The men all had stony looks on their faces.
"Thank you, Marshall," Sydney said as she flashed a smile at him.
Vaughn leaned over to Sydney.
"So, is this normal enough for you?" he said in a whisper.
"It's perfect," she said as she kissed his cheek.
As dinner ended, everyone slowly started migrating to their rooms with yawns as they wished Sydney and Vaughn all the best. Finally, they were the only two left.
"So, Agent Vaughn, would you favor me with a dance?"
"Certainly, Agent Bristow. But there's no music."
As if on cue, one of Sydney's favorite songs started wafting out of the hallway.
"Francie. She knows 'Unforgettable' is one of my favorites."
They slow danced as the song played through;

That's why, darling,
It's incredible,
That someone so Unforgettable
Thinks that I am Unforgettable too.

As the song ended, Sydney and Vaughn kissed.
"Good night," she said with a small wave, leaving him smiling there by himself.

At Breakfast
"So, Sydney, have you two set a date yet?" Diane said with interest.
"Well, um.... I.... well- we really haven't thought about that yet."
"Since it's October back home," Francie started, "you could do a Christmas wedding. That would be beautiful."
"I agree," Diane said.
Sydney nodded thoughtfully over her bowl of fruit.
"Maybe. I'll think about it."
Just then, Weiss came in.
"I'm afraid we'll have to cut breakfast short, girls. We're all needed. Except you, Diane." Diane had a startled look on her face.
"Um, al- alright. Then I guess I'll help clean up."
"Thank you, Diane," Francie said as she and Sydney got up and left.

Debriefing room
Vaughn was looking over the details of the mission. He was going to need everyone's cooperation if this was going to work.
"Morning," Sydney said as she, Francie, Will, Dixon, Weiss, Marshall, and Jack walked in.
"Everyone, please take your seats. We need to begin immediately. "
Francie was looking around in astonishment and awe. So this was what Sydney's life was like at work? Wow.
Will was trying to look bored. Ever since he found out Sydney and Vaughn were engaged, he had realized he hadn't had a prayer of getting her to like him.
Dixon and Jack were suspicious. They hadn't been called into a meeting like this since the SD-3 takedown. What was going on here?
Sydney was worried. Had they found something? Maybe the person who was after her? She was starting to think she didn't want to know.
"Okay, we were all brought here to this island for one purpose; to be out of harm's way. However, we have discovered something about this island. It may play host to artifacts that could prove the reality of our worst fears."
"And, what exactly might those be, Agent Vaughn?" Jack said in a sarcastic tone.
"That Rambaldi's ultimate prophecy will come to pass in the next five years."
"You mean, the one about my mom?" Sydney said with apprehension.
"No. The Ultimate Prophecy. It states-"
"It states exactly how armageddon will occur and when," Dixon said, cutting Vaughn off.
"You're not serious?" Francie said, her jaw dropping.
"Actually, Ms. Calfo, we're quite serious. And we need your help. As well as Mr. Tippin's aid," Weiss said.
"ME?" they both said at the same time.
"Yes. You two will play a vital role in assisting Agent Bristow and myself in retrieving these artifacts. You two will go to the mansion tomorrow where the artifacts are as a poor couple looking for a butler's and maid's postions. You will have excellent references, and their main cook and butler "disappeared" two weeks ago, so you don't have to worry about that. Your jobs will be to get all around the mansion and have over twenty security cameras planted by the time we are ready to make our move. Understand?"
"I think so," Francie said, totally overwhelmed.
"Good. The rest of you will receive your assignments in a moment. Mr. Tippin, Ms. Calfo, go with Marshall and one of our guards. They'll show you where all the tech is, and Marshall, explain to them how everything works."
"Yes sir," Marshall said as he, Francie and Will were led out of the room.

"Alright, now, down to business," Vaughn said, leaning against the desk. "If you'll all take a look at what you have in front of you, it's the outline of the mission complete w/ full details. Agent Dixon, you will be going in as a peace ambassador from the UN. Agent, um, Jack, you will be going in as the other Agent Bristow's crippled, wealthy father. Weiss, you'll be dealing w/ security and the tech with Marshall, and Sydney, you and I will be going in as a wealthy, married couple. Review your assignments, the party is in ten days, and get outfitted by Marshall. If there are no further questions, then that is all."

Slowly everyone started filtering out. As Sydney got up to leave, Vaughn caught her hand and held her back.
"Agent Bristow, can I talk to you for a minute?"
"Certainly. What's up?"
"You and I are going to have the hardest jobs on this mission," he said with a worried look on his face.
"I know. Nothing I can't handle."
"Are you sure we can do this? Because Dixon can replace me as your partner for this one if you think I might distract you."
She kissed him, then pulled away.
"I think I can restrain myself. Besides, I honestly think I can keep my mind focused on an important mission like this one rather than you, lover. Come on, I have something to ask you."
She led him out the back door and down towards the beach which was well hidden from onlookers and securely guarded.
"What would you think about a Christmas wedding?"
"Well, since the wedding day is usually planned by the girl, it's completely up to you. I know how girls like to do the planning and just let the guy go along for the ride."
"Stop it, meanie. Come one, seriously. Would that be rushing it to much or would it be okay? Because Francie, Diane and I have some good ideas if you say yes. Would you like to hear them?"
"Do I really have a choice?"
"That was low. Okay, we have a small wedding party and go up to Tahoe or somewhere w/ A LOT of snow, because I think it would be beautiful if we had a snow-white wedding. Francie will probably be my maid of honor, Weiss will probably be your best man, and... what are you laughing at?"
"It's just, you've already thought about where we would hold it. Have you also thought about your dress, the flowers, and the kind of food?"
"Listen, mister, a little girl always dreams about her wedding from the time she is four or five, depending on how active her imagination is. I've been planning A wedding since I was little, not just OURS, and this is how I imagined it. The walkway would be lined with pointsettias, snow on the ground of course, Dad would be in a gray tux, or suit, I haven't decided yet, and, what now?"
"Well, it's just, won't we all be a LITTLE bit cold? Or have you thought about a solution to that?"
"Fine, if you want to mock my ideas, then go ahead. I'll plan this wedding w/out your help. All you have to do is show up for the rehearsal dinner."
"Sydney, I didn't want this to end in a fight. I'm just amazed at how much detail you already have covered. I think, with you at the helm, this wedding will be incredible. Because I have an incredible bride."
"I have to warn you, sir, flattery will get you almost anywhere."
"Almost?"
"I told you, not until the wedding." With that, she disentangled herself from his arms, got up, and dusted her dress free of sand.
"Since everyone is skipping lunch, I think we are going to have a big dinner. So we better dress a little nicer tonight."
"Okay. When is dinner, by the way?"
"Isn't it ALWAYS seven o'clock? Be there or be square," she said with a mischievous smile.
"Alright." They both returned to their rooms.

Later On
"Sydney, we need to get you outfitted for the mission. Why haven't you talked to Marshall yet?"
"I had to talk to someone," she said irritably.
"Look, you and Vaughn have got to get your heads out of pre-marital happiness otherwise we won't succeed on this mission. And that won't be good for ANY of us," Weiss said with a hint of a threat.
"You know what? I think I'll go see Marshall. His lab probably doesn't have quite as much foul air as there is up here," she said in a deathly whisper.
"Do not mess with me, Agent Bristow. If I find out you are playing some kind of game with my best friend, Devlin is going to find out real fast just what kind of an agent you are."
"Get the hell away from me," Sydney said as she walked down the stairs.

"Oh, hi Sydney. Okay, I want you to go over to that rack over there, pick out the dress you want to where for the party, and I'll hook it up with the comm. tech you'll need for this mission, plus a camera, and anything else I find neccesary."
"Thanks, Marshall." Sydney went over to the rack. There were between eight and ten dresses there, all her size. She slightly gasped.
They were some of the most beautiful dresses she had ever seen. However, her eyes fell upon a red and silver number. It was covered in sequins and beads from head to toe. The top was halter style in the bright fire engine red which met with the silver in red-orange flames and the silver continued its way down, with it ending in a slight flare at the bottom. There was a LARGE drop in the back, and the dress (in the back) actually began at the small of her back, leaving from her neck to that point completely bare.
"Ah, nice choice. Is this the one you, um, want to wear?"
"Yes," she said a little breathlessly.
"Okay, I'll have it sent up to your...well... your, um, the room where you rest."
"My bedroom?" she said with a small smile, knowing Marshall was uncomfortable w/ the subject.
"Um, well, yeah."
"Thanks again, Marshall." With that, she walked out.
At Dinner
"Sydney, what's wrong? You look like you're trying to avoid someone," Jack said with a worried look.
"I'm just great, Dad. Just give me a bottle of wine and I'll be just fine."
"Sydney, you are in no condition to be drinking. No, scratch that, you're already drunk. Why don't we get you some aspirin, and you go upstairs and get a good night's rest."
"Look, Daddy, I'm not five-" she stopped to count on her fingers "- or six years old. I can take care of meself," she said, wobbling slightly, glaring at him.
He caught a whiff of her breath, and knew she was already way past gone. He decided to let Vaughn handle the situation.
"Agent Vaughn, get over here." Vaughn trotted over with a grin on his face.
"Hey, Jack, how are you doing?"
"Better than your fiancée," Jack said grimly, pointing at Sydney.
Vaughn looked at her. She was swaying slightly with her eyes closed and her hand up to her head.
"I'll take her upstairs. She needs to sleep this off."
"No, we no mant to leep," Sydney slurred like a two-year-old.
"Give her some water then get her to bed before she passes out," Jack said.
Just like that, Sydney collapsed in Vaughn's arms.
"Now here's a girl who can't handle her liquor," Vaughn said as he picked her up in his arms. He carried her upstairs and set her down in a hallway chair, kneeling before her.
"Sydney, are you coherent enough to tell me where your room is?"
She looked at him, her eyes glazed over. She looked around for a moment, shrugged her shoulders, then fell back asleep.
"You're a big help," Vaughn said as he lifted her again and took her to his room.
"Where is me?" she asked groggily.
"You are in my room," he said as he poured water into a glass from a pitcher. "Here, take this."
He offered her the water, which she drank greedily. She seemed a little refreshed.
"You can sleep here tonight. I'll sleep on the floor."
"No, Vaughn, Michael," she said in a slightly coherent whisper. "Stay with me, please?"
"Alright. Just try to get some rest."
With that, he laid down beside her, wrapped his arms around her waist, and they went to sleep in peaceful bliss.

Ch. 4

Sydney POV
I had the strangest dream. I got slightly drunk one night and Mike brought me to his room and just laid down with me. Fully clothed, just to let you know. But in the morning, when I woke up, I was back in my own bed and he was gone. No, wait, that wasn't a dream. That was last night. I remember early this morning he left me, found my room, came back to me and carried me to my room. Then he kissed me on my forehead and went back to his own room. And now my head feels like it was cracked open with a dull machete. Ow. Now my head really hurts.
Vaughn POV
Just laying with Sydney felt so good last night. We fit together perfectly. Like two pieces of a puzzle that have just connected.
However, one piece of my life doesn't currently seem to be fitting right now. Weiss. Ever since last night, he's been acting really odd. It's like he doesn't want anything to do with me... or Sydney. That's got to be it. They must've seen each other some time between the time I talked with her on the beach and dinner. But what happened between them?
At the Party (8 Days Later)
Sydney and Vaughn got out of their limo and went up the stairs to the house. It was an old colonial, similar to Mt. Vernon. She tucked a stray piece of hair behind her left ear.
"Entering the house. How are we doing, Code checkers?" she said.
Marshall glanced at Weiss. They were in a van just outside the grounds, monitoring.
"You're, um, all clear-" Marshall said nervously "-Freelancer." He threw a glare at Weiss.
Weiss shrugged. "I can't help it my best friend's fiancée is a lying sl-"
"Don't you even..." Marshall cut him off. "Well, just don't say that about Agent Bristow in front of me ever again. Otherwise she might not be around to save the U.S. government the next time you guys are in trouble, thanks to you. Got it?"
Weiss nodded. He was suddenly intimidated by this tiny technological supergenius. Actually, what scared him was the thought of what Marshall could do to him, a technology idiot, if he got his hands on anything... dangerous. He knew it was going to be a long night.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Well, sweetheart," Sydney said in a Southern drawl. "Why don't you talk to some people? I'll go get us some drinks."
As Sydney headed for the punch bowl, she noted a hallway to the left of the grand ballroom, and a door just beyond. That was all well and good, but there were guards standing all around it. She knew she would need help to get past them.
"Marshall, please tell me you supplied me with tranqs?"
"As a matter of fact, yes. How many guards are there?"
"Um..." she counted "...one, two... six, altogether."
"Shoot. There's only enough tranqs for six people. That means if you take out, um, well, all six of these guys now w/ the tranq gun, you won't have any more in case you stumble upon some other, well, um, you know. Unfriendly characters."
"Just tell me where the tranqs are and I'll handle the rest."
"Get to a room where you can take off your shoes. You'll see the heels are pretty thick, right? There's a button on each shoe strap, you know, the thick one near your toes, and if you press that on each shoe, you'll find five little tranqs in one, then the gun already loaded with the last tranq in the other heel."
Sydney headed to the bathroom. Marshall was right. All she had to do was lure the guards one by one outside behind the house then take each out with the gun. No problem. Yeah, right.
Her hands concealing the tranqs, she went over to Vaughn.
"Hey, sweetie, why don't we take a little look around?"
"Sure, dear, anything you say," he said, taking his cue to go turn off the security equipment.
"Oh, you know what? I need a little fresh air. You go on ahead and I'll just head on outside. I'll catch up." She winked at him, and he was off.
"Now, if Agent Vaughn does his job right," Marshall started, "all you have to do is take out the guards w/ out having the other guests see you do it and you'll be fine."
Sydney slowly made her way over to where the guards were. Luckily, there was a door leading to the outside right near there, so she just stood there and whistled to the nearest guard. He smiled thuggishly as she gestured for him to follow her. Obviously, he was all brawn and no brain.
"Hey, big boy, how's it going?" she said sexily.
"He, he," he said as he came towards her. She shot the first tranq into his neck. He slumped to the ground, sleeping like a baby.
"One down, five to go," she thought grimly. She ran back to where the rest of the guards were.
"Sirs, please, this man out here needs help!" she said in a panicked voice. Four of them followed her, while one stayed behind.
"Boy, they really are stupid," Sydney thought as she ran outside with them.
"What happened?" one of them asked.
"I don't know, I just... I just..." They never got to hear what she just did because by the second just they were all out cold, piled on top of one another.
"Now, if I take the last one out in hand to hand, then I'll be fine," she thought as she headed back inside. Luckily, he didn't see her come back in. She watched him for a moment before his attention was distracted by something outside. She followed him, fought him, and came out victorious, thought boasting quite a few black-and-blue marks.
"Man, did he put up a fight," she said to herself as she quietly came back inside.
She saw Dixon running towards her.
"Sorry I'm late. Someone wanted to talk."
"Where's my dad? That wheelchair of his has some of the gear we need."
"Don't worry, he'll be here in a minute."
Jack came around the corner carrying the gear. Obviously, he had gotten rid of the wheelchair.
"Hey, honey. Did everything go well with the guards?"
"Yeah, Dad. Where were you?"
"I had a few problems of my own to take care of."
"Alright, Marshall, what's the code?" she said, knowing fully well he knew the code.
"Oh, okay, it's, um... oh, here it is. Okay, it's 6424235828446."
She quickly typed it into the code pad and they slipped in as quietly as possible.
"That was easy enough," she thought, knowing this was too easy.
They heard voices coming from down the hall. They went down a long staircase, which ended at a metal door. Sydney examined the metal door.
"Uh, guys? There's no door handle and no security pad. What do we do now?"
"Just start pressing different parts of the door. It must be a spring contraption."
Just then, Sydney heard Vaughn's voice come out of her comm. "Sydney? It's Vaughn. Look at the top left corner. Just press in that area, and there should be a spring that will open the door."
Sydney smiled to herself. It was nice to know Vaughn was playing "Guardian Angel" again. She pressed the entire left corner as high as she could go.
"Nothing," she said to her Dad and Dixon.
"Al-righ-(crackle) Syd- ey, -an you sti- -ear me?"
"Just barely. What's going on?"
"Just -ad recepti-n. Li-ten, try to -et some-ing to stand on. The -itch is wa- up hi-."
"Oh, Vaughn, I hope I just heard you right," she whispered.
"Okay, Dad, Dixon, you two are taller than me. The switch is higher than I can reach in the top left-hand corner, so see if you two can reach it."
The two men tried for two or three minutes. Finally, she heard something click and smoke billowed out as the door swung open. Her mouth fell open in shock.
What they saw before them was a vast warehouse, not quite as large as most, but big enough to hide a nuclear arsenal.
"Um, this might take a little longer than expected," Sydney said without relish.
"Okay, Agents, you are looking for box #08181987. It should be near the middle of all the stacks, to your right."
"Since you guys are watching all of this, can you please direct us here?"
"Alright, Sydney, now just keep calm," Vaughn said in a reassuring voice. "Okay, once you reach the stack closest to your right, take a right turn. After that, it should be pretty easy to spot."
As they rounded the corner, she saw something that made her mouth drop. Box #08181987 was the size of a Jetta™. And they didn't even want to guess how much it weighed."Okay... where's a crowbar when you need one?" she thought to herself.
"Dad, you've got the tools with you, right?" she demanded.
"Yes. Here," he said, handing her a crowbar.
"Thanks." She spent the next few minutes trying to pry open the box while Dixon watched out for guards and Jack stood there waiting to help.
"Vaughn, you disabled the security system, right?" she asked in a worried tone.
"Yes. Just get the box open," he said, slightly frustrated. Just then, she got the lid off the box.
"Uh... guys? I think I'm going to need some help here."

Ch. 5

"Sydney, what is it?" Dixon said from across the room.
"I don't know. It's just so..." she couldn't describe it. "...square."
What she saw was a large square metal... cube? The mark of Rambaldi was on one side, and engravings covered the other five sides.
"Sydney, do you have your purse with you?" Jack asked.
"Yeah. Why?"
"Your blusher is a camera. Just take pictures. There's no way we are going to get that thing out of here without anyone noticing."
"Alright. Then help me break the rest of the box apart," she said in a hurried voice.
Sydney and Jack worked for several minutes at breaking it apart the box. The pieces fell away, and they saw the cube in almost all of its entirety. She took as many pictures as she could.
"How do we take a picture of the last side?" she said.
"Let's see if we can get this thing to roll over," Jack said.
"Sydney, abort! I repeat, abort the mission!" Dixon said urgently.
"But we are so close!" she said through gritted teeth as she and Jack tried to tip the cube sideways.
"Guards, Sydney! Come on, abort!"
"Almost there," she said as she closed her eyes in pain. The cube tipped over, leaving just enough space for her to crawl under and take five or six pictures.
"Alright, let's move!" Jack shouted as they made their way to the back door.
"Marshall, the code!" Sydney shouted as they neared the door. She saw a codepad next to the door.
"Okay, it's... um..." Marshall stuttered.
"Come on, Marshall!" Jack growled as he, Dixon and Sydney stood on either side of the door.
"Alright, it's... um... okay, it's 7830101293838," he said, nearly fainting from the strain.
"Thanks, Marshall," Dixon said sarcastically as they got away.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Good job, Agents," Weiss said as they climbed in the back of the van. "We'll send an extraction team in for Tippin and Calfo. Without their good work, we would've never known there were guards headed your way. The cameras were planted in good places."
"Well, I hope the pictures help," Dixon said as he took a breather. They had run all the way from the mansion to the van.

At the Safe House (the next morning!)
Sydney lay on her bed staring up at the ceiling.
"Vaughn?"
"Hmm...Syd?" he said, still half-asleep.
"Today's our last day here. Anything special you want to do?"
"Spend it with you." He smiled and sat up. They had made their way back to her room last night after they got back from the mission and just flopped down on the bed, thoroughly exhausted (though fully clothed).
"Are you sure? Because you were pretty interested in those 'egg babes' you were talking about last night. So if you want to spend the day with them, then you can just go ahead," she said in mock indignation.
He put his arms around her. "I was talking in my sleep again?"
"I swear, it gets funnier every time you do it," she said with a giggle.
"Hey, I'm not the only one. Remember that time we were quarantined for that Taipei virus and you said, 'Don't frost the pie'? That, I think was classic."
"You had to bring that up?" She smiled.
**"Mais bien sûr," he said in French.
"Oui oui, mon cherie,"** she replied.
"So, back to the previous question. What should we do today?" he asked.
"Have you seen the beach yet?"
"Yes," he said with a smile. "But I didn't really get to see it. I was too distracted."
"By what?" she asked, worried.
"You," he said, lightly kissing her nose. "I'm going to change my clothes. I'll meet you in the foyer in fifteen minutes."
"Okay." With that, he left her room.

"Hey Francie, wait up," Sydney called from upstairs.
"Hey Sydney," she said with a smile.
"I assume you and Will are alright after the mission?"
"Yeah. We were never suspected. It was pretty interesting when we were trying to plant the cameras, though. Every time we would plant one someone would come around a corner and we would have to pretend to make out and... ugh, not an experience I will soon forget."
"Oh yeah, you guys had to be a married couple, right?" Sydney joked.
"Yeah, you just go ahead and laugh. So what's up?"
"Do you want to go down to the beach with Vaughn and I? We were down there once before, and I figured having you along would lighten the mood."
"Are you two in a fight, sweetie?" Francie asked, worried.
"No, it's just... he seems a little... I don't know, distant, after the mission," Sydney mused.
"Well, do you want me to bring Will along?"
"No... I don't want him asking too many questions," Sydney said, hurriedly. "Just you."
"Hey girls," they heard Vaughn call from the connecting walkway/ balcony overlooking the foyer.
"Hey, Mike, um... Vaughn, um... well, Francie is going to go with us down to the beach," Sydney informed him.
"Oh, alright." He seemed a little crestfallen. He needed to talk with Sydney. Something had been wrong with him since last night.
At the Beach
"So what exactly did you two have to do while you were at the mansion?" Sydney asked as the three of them walked down the beach barefoot.
"Basically, I was a cook/ maid. If there wasn't any cooking to be done, I helped clean." Francie grimaced.
"And Will? I'm sure he hated doing housework," Sydney laughed.
"He loathed it. I mean, he would come into the kitchen every chance he got and just moan about how much his feet hurt and how he hated being pushed around by someone else," Francie exclaimed with a smile.
"Well, I'm just glad you two accomplished everything you set out to do," Sydney said approvingly. "You two were definitely an asset to our advantage."
"Well, I'll tell Will all his hard work was appreciated," Francie said.
"You do that. He needs to hear something like that after all the cleaning he probably had to do," Sydney said.
"Say, Francie, I just remembered. Weiss, um, he... wanted to talk to you about everything. The mission, I mean," Vaughn said with a confused looked on his face.
"I get it. You want me gone. What should I call you by the way?" she asked.
"Oh, you can call me... you can call me Mike," he said, closing his eyes.
Francie walked away, looking hurt.
"Vaughn, that was mean. How could you do that to Francie?" Sydney said, hurt and annoyed.
"Sydney, we need to talk..." he started.
"Oh no, this can't be good. What is it, someone else? Is protocol actually getting in the way now?" she said, puzzled.
"What are you talking about? This has nothing to do with us," he said, knowing what was going through her mind.
"Then what is it? What do you have to tell me that can be this important?"
"Sydney... I don't know how to tell you this. I just... well, do you remember the first time we met?"
"Of course I do. Why?"
"I don't."
She stood there in a stunned silence.
"What?" she said in a deadly whisper.
"I can't remember anything of our relationship except the past two weeks. I remember waking up and seeing that incredible sunset and I remember you and our party and the mission. But I don't remember how or when we got... I don't remember the takedown of whatever the name of the organization was that you used to work for."
"Which one?"
"There was more than one? I didn't even know."
As far as Sydney could tell, he was telling the truth. Then why was it hurting so badly?
"Vaughn, are you sure?"
"Positive. Ever since this morning, it's like my life since you came into it has been erased. I can remember my childhood, what I wore my first day of school, everything. Except you. I don't know, it's just this feeling of déja vu that I'm getting, except I can't remember the event bringing up the déja vu."
"Let me talk to someone. I'm sure he'll be able to help us once we get back in the states."
"I hope so. Because if this keeps up, I won't be able to remember you."

At CIA Headquarters
"Hey, Marshall, can I talk to you a minute. I need to ask you something."
"Sh- shoot, Sydney."
"Is there a way for an agent to be reprogrammed simply by going through a familiar event?"
"Of course. If the agent was programmed in the first place, and if someone close to the agent went through the event and came out tragically, then sure, it could happen."
"I need you to tell me something, then. How did Vaughn's father die?"
"Well, I think we all know how he died. Esp-p-pecially you, Sydney."
"I know that part. I need to know the events that lead up to his death, though."
"Well, those are in classified CIA files that I wouldn't have access to," he said nervously.
"I know. That's why I need you to get the file without access."
"You mean-" [gulp] "-you, you, you... want me to hack into the server?" he squeaked.
"I won't find out what's wrong with Vaughn until I know how exactly his father died. Just do your best, Marshall. I'll be in my office if you need me."
"Oh-oh-oh kay," he stuttered as she walked out the door.
Sydney's Office (two hours later...)
Tick tock tick tock tick tock tick tock....
Sydney wanted to shoot that damn clock. She had been listening to it tick and tock for the past two hours and it was starting to get to her. She was going to stay here until she was sure Marshall had gotten the files for her from the server. Just then, as if her prayers had been answered, Marshall lightly knocked on the door.
"I gotta tell you, S-Sydney, I honestly thought the CIA files would, would be a lot tougher to crack than they were."
"So you obtained the files, then?"
"Yep." He held up a thin manila envelope. "Signed, sealed, delivered, he's yours."
"Thanks, Marshall. I owe you one," she said as he started to walk out.
"No need. I know how important Agent V-Vaughn is to you, and well, um, yeah. See ya later," he said.
"Okay, Mr. Vaughn, how exactly did you die?" she said to herself as she opened up the file and began to pore over it.

Ch. 6

"Sydney... Sydney, wake up."
She picked her head up off her desk with a jolt, one of the papers from the file folder sticking to her face.
"Huh? What? Where am I?"
"Sydney, you're in your office. It's your father."
"Oh, hi Dad," she said, pulling the paper off her face and gaining her composure.
"Sydney, what are you doing here so late? You should be in bed."
"So should you," she retorted.
"I always work late. What was so important that you're here until midnight for?" he questioned her, puzzled.
"This thing... it's... oh, I'll just tell you."
She launched into the story of how Vaughn lost his memory of their relationship since the first day they met. Then he sat there in silent thought for a few minutes.
"Hmmm... it seems to me something about your latest mission triggered something in his memory and he has regressed back to his original life without you. Except he has you, and is finding it hard to deal with something like that. He probably cannot even remember that he... well, that he loves you."
"Then why could he remember the last couple of weeks, but nothing of our relationship... first as handler and agent, then... well, you get the idea."
"I honestly don't know. If whatever triggered this has something to do with you, then it should have erased any of his memories of you, not just the ones he has already lost."
"Well, I've been reviewing how exactly his father died and..."
"Sydney, those are classified files that even I haven't seen. How did you get them?"
"I have a computer nerd for a friend," she said with a sly smile.
"Marshall. I should have known."
"Anyways, back to the previous topic. This file says Vaughn's father was on a mission when he died. It was made to look like an accident. And do you know who his mission partner was?"
"I don't know. But I'm going to take a guess and say it was your mother."
"Bingo. Apparently, unbeknownst to you, she joined the CIA as an active agent and was placed as Mr. William Vaughn's partner by his request. Use your imagination why. Anyways, they were sent to the Bermuda Triangle to research an unknown object hidden there. Rambaldi, apparently. Their plane went down, however, they survived the crash and apparently everything was going fine until they infiltrated the base. She never obtained the artifact and never went back to the CIA, mailing in her report that he was caught in the crossfire between them and the guards and was shot and killed almost instantly."
"So what does this have to do with you?"
"Apparently Vaughn and I went along for the ride. Mom took me and Mr. Vaughn took his wife and Michael and made it look like a family vacation. After the plane went down, Mom and William couldn't find his family or me. What she didn't know was that William's wife followed them to a hotel located near the base with Michael and I in tow. She saw... them, and left the island immediately with Michael and I. However, not before following them to the base. Mom and William went in as a loving, American couple. And they were going after the same box you and I got pictures of. They didn't know its size either, though, and didn't come equipped with a camera. That's why we've never seen a picture of it before. So, like I was saying, about thirty years ago, after Mom faked her death, they revealed the truth about William's death. She shot him. When they analyzed the forensics, they realized it was a close-range shot with a bullet from Mom's old gun. Unfortunately, no one ever told Mrs. Vaughn what really happened. All she was told was her husband died in a plane crash on a business trip. She had returned to the States, gave me back to you, and took off. That's it."
"So, you and Vaughn have known each other since you were five years old? That explains a lot. When you were just approaching your sixth birthday, your mother told me she was going to take you somewhere special, girls only. Not suspecting anything, I let her take you. When you came back two weeks later with a total stranger who told me you had been... lost, the dawning realization of your mother's deception came upon me. After she came back, I never trusted her again."
"So the fall of your relationship was because of me, wasn't it?" she asked in terror.
"No, Sydney. It was your mother's betrayal and all of her lies that ended her life with me, not you. And I don't ever want you to think that." He got up and pulled her into a hug.
"Thank you, Daddy."
"No problem. I think you need to go talk to Agent Vaughn, though."
"I think so too."

*Flashback (on the plane coming back to the states)*

“Dad, I’m going to use the restroom. I’ll be right back.” Sydney got up and made her way to the back of the plane. The people who had been at the safehouse were riding back on a commercial flight as a test to see if anyone was still after them. So far, so good.

Jack leaned his head back against the seat. When he looked up, he saw a note lying on his released tray table in front of him. Just then, Sydney came back.

“Hey, what’s that?” she said with peaked interest.
“Oh, nothing, I think one of the stewardesses wanted to bring me a napkin and instead brought me a note from one of her friends.”
“Oh, okay,” Sydney said as she leaned back and went to sleep.

He opened the note cautiously so as not to wake Sydney. His jaw dropped as he recognized the handwriting.
25385 Orange Grove
Meet me there as soon as you land.

“What the hell do you want this time Derevko?” Jack muttered to himself as Sydney mumbled in her sleep.
“Mommy, daddy, please don’t let me go yet.”
“I have no intention of it,” he whispered as he pulled a blanket over her.

An Hour Later
“Show yourself, Derevko,” Jack yelled as he stepped into the building. It had once been a cozy home, but after years of abandonment it had turned into a place of rubble and dust.
“Did you get my note?” He heard a musical voice coming from his right.
“Were you on that plane?” he asked, slightly amused that she would choose this place to confront him.
“Let’s just say I have friends in…” she smiled “… high places, shall we say.”
“Why go to all the trouble of setting up this meeting if all you wanted to do was play mind games?”
“I wanted to see you one last time.”
“What do you mean?”
“Well, you see, I’ve seen the error of my ways. I’ve decided to turn myself in for the betterment of mankind.”
“How touching. And why, exactly, would you want to hand yourself over to your enemies?”
“For one simple reason.”
“And what is that?”
“You.” She stepped out of the shadows, just far enough so he could see her face.
“Why do I have anything to do with it?” he asked, puzzled.
“Everything. I haven’t stopped thinking about you since that night on the Queen Mary when you were apprehended. I told them to do it gently, but apparently they hit you harder than I thought. Anyways, I wanted to see how you have been since then."
"Fine." He didn't want to stay too long in case this was a trap, and he didn't feel he owed this woman any courtesies.
"That's good. You see, ever since that day I ran my car off that bridge, I have wanted so badly to come back and say 'I'm alive, don't you see?' but I knew that was impossible. I have wanted to see you everyday of my life and if I turn myself in, I know I'll get to see more of you... and Sydney."
"I know you too well, Derevko. You've got another plan, don't you?"
"Jack, after eight years of marriage, you still don't trust me? I'm simply doing what I believe is best for all of us. Can't you believe that?"
"I will never believe a word that comes out of your mouth. And why bring Sydney into this? She doesn't deserve to be tortured like this, especially if you turn yourself in. You will be dangling the prospect of a real mother in front of her and I don't think she would be able to handle that, do you?" he said with an icy glare.
"Sydney is a big girl, Jack. You can't protect her forever."
"I can protect her from you."
During the time they had been talking, Irina had been moving steadily closer to him. Now, they were actually two feet apart.
"You know, we haven't been this close since the night I left."
"Do you think that is a coincidence? Just the sound of your name makes me sick."
"Did I honestly deserve that?"
"Yes."
"Well I see I'm not going to win here. Jack, can you do me one favor before you leave?"
"Never," he growled as he turned on his heel and walked out the door.
"Jack, wait!" Suddenly, Irina came up behind him and hugged him. At first he tensed, then he let his shoulders relax a little.
"I still love you."

*End Flashback*

At CIA Headquarters
Devlin sat at his desk reading over Agent Vaughn's report from the latest mission. Just then, his phone rang.

"Um, Mr. Devlin, you might want to come down here," came the receptionists' voice.

"Why? What is it?" he barked, being in a particularly bad mood.

"Well, someone just walked in claiming they want to be held in custody."

"Oh, and who would that be?" he said losing patience.

"Irina Derevko, sir."

He dropped the phone, regained his composure, and quickly picked it up again.

"Get security, get her restrained, and I'll be down there in two minutes." He grabbed his jacket and hurried over to his secretary.

"Irina Derevko was just taken into custody. Get the Bristows over here immediately."

"Yes sir," she said, watching him jog out of the office.

At the Warehouse (Alright, I'll give you guys a POV- Sydney)
I do not want to do this. He has to know this, but I still don't want to go into the details of how his father died to relate to his little episode. I guess I'm trying to protect him. But then again, if I had told someone that, they would say, 'He's a big boy, he can handle it.' But he can't. When the subject matter concerns my mother, he shuts down. He becomes a shell, empty and full of hatred. I know he tries to mask it for my sake, but I can see it in his eyes. He wants to kill her.

"Mike," I call as I see him in the dim shadows of the warehouse.

"Hey, Syd," he says as he pulls me into a hug. "I feel like I haven't seen you in so long."

"Join the club. Listen, I need to tell you something that you are probably not going to want to hear," I say as I break away from him.

"Okay. Shoot."

"Wow, this is harder than I thought it would be. Alright, here it goes. When your father was still CIA, he was assigned a partner to go retrieve a Rambaldi artifact. They went, and your father supposedly died in the crossfire between him, his partner and the guards. This is what the CIA believed until they did the forensics and realized it wasn't the guards bullets that had killed him. The shooter was too close to him for it to be shot from far away and they were able to match up the bullet with the gun."

I have to take a deep breath. After I'm done with my little schpiel, he just sits there in silence for a few minutes with his arms crossed looking down at the floor.

"And... I assume his partner was... Derevko?"

"Yes. But wait, I haven't told you the strangest part yet. We as kids were taken on what they claimed to be a vacation. However, on the plane ride over, the plane crashed and my mom and your dad couldn't find us or your mother. They gave up hope and figured we had died. What they didn't know was that your mother had hid us, having suspicions your dad was... well, under my mother's spell. She followed them with us in tow, wanting to find out for herself if your dad was being, well, untrue to her. She followed them right down to the Rambaldi artifact, saw it, and left. She had gotten all the information she needed and flew back with us to the States. She gave me back to my dad and went into hiding with you for a while."

"What was the Rambaldi artifact?"

"The exact same cube Dad, Dixon and I got pictures of. We haven't seen it until now because your Dad and my mom weren't sucessful on their mission."

"Wow. So basically, we reenacted their mission?"

"Exactly. And apparently when you were in your teens you were programmed as an agent and forgot most of your father except that he was a loving dad. You forgot his job, everything that had to do with espionage. But when you just heard my Dad and I going through the same thing, it triggered those memories and sent you into temporary shock. And I guess because it was my mother, and I was the one who did the mission, the memories of me as a spy were erased from your memory."

"Syd, I think I need to go home and just... sleep. I have to think this over."

"Do you remember anything about our relationship as agent and handler before we left the States?"

"No... well... I remember you walking into the CIA offices with that ridiculous hair of yours. And while you wrote your statement, I was watching you from another room... and I think that is when I became attracted to you."

"That's a good start."

"But there's so much more. I know I almost died, but from what? When? This is so frustrating. You telling me all of this information about my dad should have made me remember... something. Anything! Damn it, Syd, I can't even remember when we finally told each other we were in love."

He pulled me into a rough hug and just softly sobbed on my shoulder. Now, our roles had been switched. He was clinging to me is if I was his last lifeline and I was the one giving support. He needed it. I can't empathize with him about losing important memories, but I can certainly try to sympathize.

*Ring ring*

"Hold on, Mike. My cell is ringing."

"Okay." He sat there in the same position as before, except his arms hung loosely at his sides.

"Hello?"

"Ms. Smith? Ender Bank."

"I'm sorry, you must have the wrong number."

"Mike? There's an emergency at JTF. Do you want to come, get your mind off things?"

"Yeah." We walked out of the warehouse hand in hand. It was dark, but I would not have cared if anyone saw us. I drove since he was in no condition to be driving, and on the way there he fell asleep in the car. This has got to be rough on him.

At JTF (Weiss POV)
I've reconciled myself to the fact that they are in love. Hell, I've been seeing it happen. But it always feels like she pulls him away from me. And he is my best friend. All I've got left now is my dear little yo-yo...

"Agent Weiss!" Kendall barked at me.

"Yes sir," I said with a small salute after wavering slightly. Hey, no one ever said you can't keep a little pick-me-up in your drawer, especially when you need it.

"Agent, are you intoxicated? Because god damn it, Agent, we just had a serious breach of security enter the CIA offices and is being brought over here even as we speak. I want you to debrief the Bristows about the situation. Got it?"

"Yes sir. But what exactly is going on?"

"Irina Derevko just turned herself in."

"Yes sir." Damn, now I have to see the happy couple. Why me? Oh, I know why. Kendall hates any man on this planet who has any... b***s.

Jack POV
Getting that conversation out of my head is like trying to put a square peg into a round hole. It's just not working. She still loves me? And what do I do? Stand there as silent as a piece of wood. I walked out and didn't look back, knowing she was silently crying, watching me leave. I broke her heart like she broke mine. And now, here comes the final blow.

"Agent Bristow, and Sydney, please have a seat," Weiss directed us to some chairs in a sound-proof room.

"As you know Irina Derevko has been an enemy of the United States for almost thirty years," he started in a quiet voice. I raised my eyebrow at him, and he went on hurriedly.

"She has destroyed more lives than any one human being in the history of our country. And now... she's ours."

"What do you mean, 'she's ours'?" Sydney said in a scared voice. I knew this was going to be hard on her.

"She turned herself in to custody this morning. She was apprehended, and has agreed to cooperate with our terms."

"You mean, she will give us information?" I said in a quiet, deadly voice.

"No, actually... she will give Sydney information. She has agreed to be held by us in a cell here at JTF... however... she refuses to talk to anyone but you, Sydney."

"No."

"What? Ms. Bristow, may I remind you how valuable your mother could be to us?"

"That creature in there is not my mother. And there is no way I will talk to that thing."

"Sydney, I didn't want to bring this up, but Kendall knows about how Vaughn and you, Mr. Bristow, sprung her from FBI custody. If you don't talk to your mother, he will press charges against the two of you."

Silence. It was never more deadly, more threatening than after Weiss said those words. She glared at him, and I recognized the glare. It was the one I had perfected that my daughter had inherited.

"If anything.... *anything* happens to Agent Vaughn, anyone who even thinks about getting in my way will be sorry. We are through here."

After she walked out, I started on Weiss.

"Listen, you may be able to scare Sydney and Agent Vaughn, but don't even think of trying to scare me. There is nothing... *nothing* more deadly on this planet than my... temper. Think about it." And with that, I walked out. I think I got my point across.

Weiss POV
Wow, I've had my life threatened by two of the deadliest agents here on the same day. I think that is a record. At least Sydney and I are relatively back to normal.

Ch. 7

At JTF (Christmas Eve)
"I want to see the prisoner please," Jack said as he raised his badge.

"Yes sir, Agent Bristow," the guard said as he put his hand to the plate and the gates started moving, opening to the mouth of blackness where her cell was located.

"Jack... why aren't you with Sydney? She is getting married in two days, you know," Irina said with a small smile.

"I came to get you. Sydney... and I can be very persuasive when we want to be, especially when it comes to you. Sydney wants you there."

"And you? Do you want me there?"

"Don't try to twist this on me. My little girl is getting married and I want her to be happy. She wants Laura Bristow at her wedding, I bring the woman who used to be Laura Bristow."

"Does her fiancee know I might be there?"

"He... doesn't really have much say in the matter. He'll jump through fire for Sydney. He compartmentalizes his feelings when it comes to you. If you do decide to come, however, don't try to torture him for your sick pleasure."

"Of course I want to come. But I don't have anything to give her."

"That can be dealt with. Our flight is in two hours. Follow me."

He unlocked her cell and stepped inside, holding out handcuffs. She gracefully slided her petite wrists inside of them, looking at Jack the whole time. The look in her eyes... it was too much for him to bear.

"Why do you insist on tormenting me?"

"I don't, Jack. You do it to yourself."

"This was a mistake. Just pray to god I don't decide to tell Sydney her mother couldn't come-"

"Jack, no! You would never do that to me. Sydney is the most important person in my life besides you, and if you try to keep me from seeing my- no, our daughter be married, I don't think I could live with that knowledge."

"Fine. But just remember, one false move and you will wish you had never been born. If you destroy this day for Sydney, I will *never* forgive you."

"Fine." The icy stare he had become so familiar with lately was turned on him, and he turned away quickly to lead her out of the cell.

At Lake Tahoe (Vaughn POV)
"Eric, I, I can't do this," I said, my breathing becoming very shallow.

"What, dedicate yourself to the woman you've loved so long? No, Mike, you can do this. You've been wanting to do this, and you're ready to do this."

"What if I don't live up to her expectations?"

"Quite honestly, I don't think Sydney has any 'expectations' except that you love her as much as she loves you."

"Do you really think loves me?" I said questioningly.

"Oh, my god, Mike, how many times has she told you she loves you? A couple hundred? Maybe a thousand times. And that was only in the last week. She wouldn't say it unless she meant it, Mike. Just take a deep breath. Plus, this isn't going to happen for another day and a half. Just try to take it easy, have fun tomorrow, then the next day you'll be married. That's it."

"Okay," I say, taking a deep breath. We were sitting in the lodge lounge. We had rented the lodge for the week, so no one except wedding guests were there. I hadn't seen Sydney since the ride up here, though. She and Francie were probably off finalizing preparations.

"Mike? Can you come out here a minute?" I heard her call.

"Sure. I'll be out in a sec, Syd." She and I never really got into pet names, so now I'm Mike to her and she's Syd to me. They sound really good together. I grabbed my coat and ran around to the back of the lodge where the ceremony would take place.

"What do you think?" She was standing there wearing a white ski jacket, her cheeks pink from the wind. She was standing in front of what looked like a sculpture of diamonds, but was really the altar carved out of ice. It had a red bow at the top with the each hanging piece stretching across the top, and a little piece of mistletoe tied with a silver-white ribbon hanging from the middle of the red bow.

"It's... so beautiful," I said, pulling her into a kiss.

"Well, we're not done yet. We still have a little more work to do before Thursday," she said *after* the kiss.

"Sydney, I have a surprise for you," we heard Jack call from the doorway of the lodge. Behind him appeared the very woman I had hoped wouldn't be there. Sydney caught her breath and hurried over to them.

"Mom! You're here!" She threw her arms around her mother in joyous tears.

"Of course, darling. I wouldn't miss this for the world," Irina said quietly.

Sydney POV
She came. I can' t believe it. My... Laura Bristow came to my wedding. I'm ecstatic, elated, and at the same time, mortified. Mike can't be happy about this. I know he tries to mask his feelings about my mother for my sake, but he doesn't do it very well. I know him too well for that. Mike's eyes are truly the windows to his soul, a soul that has been tormented ever since I told him how his father died. He has pieced together most of the memories he has lost, but he is still having a hard time remembering our earliest times together. We've talked, and worked out every problem a new couple could possibly have- except my mother.

"So, was Dad able to persuade you to come?"

"Oh, my Sydney. There was *no* way anyone was going to make me miss this. How are you feeling?"

"You know what? Let's go upstairs. I'm getting a little cold and I'm sure you want to settle down. Come on, after we get you in a room I'll show you my dress and we'll talk."

"Alright." We headed inside.

Jack POV
"Vaughn. I need to talk to you for a minute."

"Alright."

"How is Sydney doing?"

"She's... excited. I've never seen her this happy."

"And, how are you doing?" I asked tentatively.

"I'm... fine." His eyes immediately left mine to look down at the floor. He knew I could tell when someone was lying, and he was lying.

"Look. I know Irina isn't your favorite person. She's the one you want dead most of all. I also know if you ever told Sydney that it would break her heart. But you need to confide in her. If you two haven't talked about her mother and your relationship with Irina two days before your wedding then your marriage will be doomed to a life of secrets and lies. Talk to Sydney."

"Yes sir." He turned and walked out. How could my wife have such an impact on the son of a man she killed almost thirty years ago? I know the answer. She took away the loving father he had as a little boy. He could not forgive her for that. He probably never would.

Christmas Day
"Merry Christmas, Sydney!" Vaughn whispered into her ear.

"Hmm, merry Christmas," she giggled as she rolled over to face him. It was 7 o'clock. He was already dressed in khakis and a green sweater.

"Come downstairs. Santa left you a few surprises," he said with a smile.

She followed him down the wide wooden staircase. She was still dressed in her pajamas, but she didn't care. As they turned the corner into the lounge, she saw something that she hadn't seen since she was five years old.

A Christmas tree stood in front of the window that revealed there was a snow storm outside. The tree was lit with colored ornaments and beautiful red, green, blue, and yellow lights. There were hundreds of presents, big and small, under the tree. And there were her mother, father, Francie, Will, and the rest of their friends sitting around and having a good time. It was a dream come true.

"Just like when I was little," she whispered through tears.

"I know. Your mother and father helped put this together. Do you like it?"

"Like it? Oh, Vaughn, this is the best Christmas I've ever had," she said, hugging him and crying joyous tears.

"Sydney! You finally woke up," Will said in his usual humorous manner.

"Hey! Oh, hold on, I'll be right back," she said, turning on her heel and jogging upstairs. She came back down a few minutes later, carrying an armload of presents.

"Here! I think there's one here for everyone," she said, holding them out to everyone with a big smile on her face. "Uh, mom, I've got a special one for you." She held out a small, rectangular box. Irina looked at her with shining eyes.

"Thank you, Sydney. Thank you." She pulled her into a hug, and Sydney realized just how lucky she was.

"Sydney, can you come over here?" Francie called from a corner, holding an open box.

"Sure."

"I noticed there was no present for your fiancee there. Did you two already exchange gifts?" Francie said with a secret smile.

"Francie! No, actually, I've got something better for him. I hope you can use that in your restaurant," Sydney said, gesturing to the vase Francie was holding.

"Oh, it'll go perfectly. Thank you," she said, pulling Sydney into a hug.

"You're welcome. Well, I've got to give Mike his present," Sydney said with a small smile and a laugh. "See you later."

Sydney went over to Vaughn, took his hand, and lead him out into the hallway.

"What are you up to?" he said knowingly.

"Oh, just giving you your present," she said, taking both of his hands in hers.

"And what would that be? I haven't even given you your presents yet," he said with a smile.

"Look up."

He did. And Sydney never ceased to amaze him. There was a sprig of mistletoe hanging in the doorway where they were standing and a key chain tied to it with ribbon.

"What's that?" he mused as he reached up and pulled it down. He opened it and he found inside a picture of him and Sydney right before the Rambaldi mission during their engagement party.

"I don't remember this being taken."

"That's because Francie took it when you weren't watching. Now we have a picture of us," she said with a smile.

"Why don't we put that mistletoe to good use?"

"Be my guest," she said as he backed her up against the doorpost and kissed her. Sydney was breathless when he pulled away.

"Hey, look. We weren't under the mistletoe. Looks like we have to do it over again."

"I have no objection to that," he said as he moved back a little and they repeated the process. Finally, they heard some *inappropriate* shouts behind them.

"Woohoohoo! Three minutes and twenty nine seconds! Geez, don't you guys ever come up for air?" Will yelled, standing there holding the stopwatch Francie had given him for Christmas. He, Francie, Dixon, and Weiss had been standing in the hallway watching Sydney and Vaughn. They both flushed crimson.

"Come on, you two! The party can't start without you," Weiss said, gesturing for them to follow him. The rest of the day was spent having snow fights, drinking hot chocolate, and opening gifts. Jack and Irina even seemed to enjoy each other's company, sharing past memories of Christmas with their daughter. Jack realized he had let his guard down, however, and was the first one to proclaim the party over.

"Sydney, Vaughn, you two need to get your rest. Say goodnight, because this is the last time you will see each other until you walk down the aisle tomorrow."

"Oh, all good things must come to an end, I suppose. Well, good night everyone. Especially to you." Sydney climbed the stairs after lightly kissing Vaughn. Everyone else replied good night, then headed off to bed as well.

Ch. 8

At the Wedding
Sydney walked down the aisle, positively glowing. He was standing under the ice sculpture, the bright green leaves on the red rose in his pocket bringing out the green in his eyes. The service seemed longer than they had rehearsed.

"Do you, Sydney Anne Bristow, take Michael Vaughn to be your husband?"

"I do."

"And do you, Michael William Vaughn take Sydney Bristow to be your wife?"

"I do."

"You may now kiss the bride."

Sydney and Vaughn leaned in, and suddenly he collapsed in her arms. She fell to the snow, his head resting in her lap. There was a puddle of blood forming on her silver white dress, and he was stuttering something she could barely hear.

"I.... love... you. Don't *ugh* ever... forget that."

Then he died. She looked around in panic and saw her mother standing there in the same black jumpsuit she was wearing when she had shot Weiss all those years ago. She was holding the same gun she had used as a CIA agent. But what sent Sydney over the edge was seeing her father wrap his arms around her and kiss her. When they broke apart, he spoke to her in a chillingly deadly voice.

"You didn't honestly think you would be happy, did you?"

Suddenly, Sydney looked up and screamed.

At Lake Tahoe (Sydney POV)
"Sydney!"

I bolted up, screaming. Dad was sitting on the edge of my bed shaking me gently. Mom was standing behind him.

"Get away from me!" I scream at her, unaware everything I had just seen was a dream.

"Sydney, darling, what is wrong?"

"You... you, you, you... you killed him!" I shout. I wanted to strangle her with my bare hands for what had happened.

"Who did I kill?"

"Mike... you killed him. Then you go and kiss her?" I ask my dad, giving him my disgusted look.

"Sydney, it must have been a dream. I haven't killed anyone lately, and Vaughn is downstairs having breakfast with Francie and Will. Come on, we brought you your breakfast since you and Vaughn aren't allowed to see each other until the ceremony," Irina said in a soothing voice.

She held out a silver tray which held a plate of pancakes, egg, and bacon, with toast, orange juice, and tea on the side. There was also a red rose laying next to the plate with a note attached to it;

'I love you- V'

"Well, thank you. What time is it?"

"It's 8:30 in the morning. You have five and a half hours until the ceremony."

Sydney sat eating a few moments in silence. She looked at her parents, who were watching her with glowing smiles.

"Are you two back together?"

They looked at each other, then her, stunned. Her mother spoke first.

"Sydney, whatever gave you that idea?"

"You just seem so... happy. You two aren't going at each other's throats and you are actually sitting here in a comfortable silence.

"Sydney, your mother and I... well, we have a very unique relationship. Somewhat like the one you and Vaughn used to have. And there's one word for it-"

"Protocol," Irina said with a soft whisper. "Now that I am a prisoner of the United States FBI, I'm not allowed to have any intimate personal relationships with anyone except you."

"Even if your mother and I wanted to get back together, which at this point in time isn't a possibility, we couldn't. Do you understand?"

"Protocol never stopped Vaughn and I from falling in love. And you two are seriously going to sit there telling me something as petty as protocol is going to stop two people who have broken rules and crossed lines before?"

"Sydney, if we were- emotionally involved, they would transfer me to another facility in Nevada. You and your father would probably never see me again."

"Oh." All this time, tears had been forming in Sydney's eyes. At that moment, she let them flow freely. Her parents hugged her, and she knew they loved her.

Vaughn POV
I can do this. There hasn't been a time in my life where I've been so happy and so nervous at the same time. I slept surprisingly well last night, although I heard Sydney scream in her sleep. I ran in there, only to discover Jack and Irina had beat me to the punch. Irina came in the hallway and practically forced me back to my own room, telling me Sydney had just had a nightmare. I felt oddly better knowing she was probably right, so I went back to my own room and tried to get back to sleep. Then I made the mistake of going down to breakfast.

"Hey, man, you nervous about today?" Weiss asked, holding a piece of toast.

"Thank you. I had all but forgotten about the wedding until you had to bring it up."

"Don't be ashamed. Every groom gets nervous on his wedding day," Francie said warmly. Now I understood why she and Sydney were such good friends.

"What time is the ceremony again?" Will asked between chews of his pancake.

"Oh... two o'clock. Which reminds me, I need to go to the post office before Sydney and I leave for the hair salon and nail place."

"Why would you need to go to the post office, Francie?"

"I ordered something for Syd and had it sent here," she said in a half whisper.

"Oh, alright then," Will said, looking abashed. I smiled.

"Oh, by the way, Mike, have you gotten any more of you memories back?"

"Some, Eric. It's like... I don't know. It's like I've forgotten the most important memories, but I remember all the little things. Sydney told me I almost died when I went with her on a mission to Taipei- but I don't remember it. Yet I remember Project Christmas, and all those times she needed me, and- the first time I set eyes on her, how I fell in love with her immediately," I said looking down at my plate of food, my cheeks crimson.

"I don't think Syd cares if you remember any of that stuff, just as long as you remember how much you two care about each other," Will said quietly.

"I guess you're right. Well, Eric, I think we should go pick up the tuxes," I said getting up quickly.

"Sure, man. Hey Francie, do you want me to walk you to your car?" Weiss said as she got up with us.

"Sure," she said with a quizzical smile. They walked out and I followed, not looking back at Will.

Jack POV
"Sydney, we'll just be downstairs if you need us," Irina said as we left, closing the door behind her. We went downstairs to the lounge where we each had a cup of coffee. Then I confronted her.

"Are you happy for Sydney?"

"What kind of question is that? Of course I'm happy for her. She is, after all, my daughter. And there is no one I'd rather see her with than Agent Vaughn."

"Since you are so happy, then let me tell you this- that dream scared Sydney. She's expecting you to do something like that. And I'm just here to tell you, if you do anything to compromise the happiest day of our daughter's life, I will kill you myself. Here."

I held out a small diamond ring. Marshall had done an exquisite job on it. The diamonds looked so real, even I couldn't tell they were small vials of nitric acid and iodine. I didn't know (astoundingly) the two were lethal together, but then again, Marshall is a... well, he knows this type of thing.

"What is it, Jack? Another piece of jewelry where the stones are small charges of C-4? Or is it something else to ensure your complete control over me?" she said with a seductive smile.

"It contains two compounds which, if brought to close to a heated metal object, will mix and be injected into your body. You will die almost instantly, but not without pain."

"Basically, if I fire a gun," she said without the smile this time.

"Exactly. Any questions?"

"Yes. Where will I be during the ceremony?"

"I beg your pardon?"

"I mean, will I get to be at the altar with Sydney or will you make me sit in the midst of twenty armed CIA agents?" she said quietly.

"I will be your escort. When I give Sydney away, you will be sitting in the front row. Everything will be normal, unless you decide to ruin this for everyone, including your daughter." I took a deep breath and sat back on the couch, waiting for an answer.

"Good. And one more thing... will you dance with me?"

"I... what do you mean?" I said, completely taken off guard.

"You know how much I love to dance with you. I was hoping you could give me that same honor again. At the reception, I mean. If I'm even allowed to attend the reception."

"Of course you are. As long as you are wearing that ring, you can attend the ceremony and the reception."

"You didn't answer my question. Will you dance with me at the reception? You are, after all, my escort."

"It will depend upon your behavior. If this day is pleasant enough for everyone, then I suppose I can bring myself to be pleasant."

"Thank you, Jack." She slipped the ring on and went out to where Mr. Tippin was sitting. I followed her, wary of her every move. Nothing was going to go wrong today. Nothing.

At the Hair Salon (later that day- 12:00)
"So, Sydney, how are you holding up?" Francie said with that Barbara Walters look in her eye.

"Just fine. Can you believe I almost forgot to wear a button-up shirt here? If I would have, then my hair would be ruined by the time I would go to put my dress on," Sydney said, trying to lighten the mood.

"I forgot. Where are you two going for your honeymoon?"

"We're going to stay here for a week then off to Paris for a week with his family, then down to Hawaii. We'll be quite the busy little bees," she said, impersonating a proper Englishwoman.

"Are you nervous...about the honey- OUCH!" Francie screeched as she turned around and glared at her hairstylist.

"I... am so sorry, miss. The curling iron slipped from my hand. Hold on, let me go get you some cooling cream," the girl said, hurrying off to the back room.

"Francie, all you said was 'ouch' and you had the girl terrified. Is this how you treat your employees?" Sydney said, only glancing over at her friend since she had to sit still. Her nails and hair were being done at the same time. She had already seen the waxer, which had been an interesting experience. Especially the bikini wax. That was something she swore she would never do again.

"You should talk. Anyone who used to work with you prostrated themselves before you just so you wouldn't hurt them," Francie said delicately, choosing her words wisely.

"Well, about the honeymoon. I guess I am a little nervous. I mean, after all, I haven't- you know- been with anyone since Danny. I think Vaughn is more nervous than I am, though. Which I guess is a good thing," she said with a sigh of delight as her manicurist proclaimed her done. She had white tip acrylics put on with snowflakes air brushed on with little rhinestones in the center of each snowflake. Perfect.

"Sydney, at least tell me what your dress looks like," Francie said exasperated. Sydney had not allowed her to see even a picture of the dress, which she was not allowed to even help pick out.

"Alright. But promise you won't tell Mike," she started. Francie nodded. "Okay. It's made of this light material- really light- with silver threads running through it. Basically, it looks like a silver-white dress. It's strapless, with a little light blue turn at the top measuring only about an inch and a half wide. It's basically A-line, with a drop waist and..."

Ten minutes later, after Sydney had finally finished describing her dress, Francie's jaw dropped. "Wow, Syd- did you design it?"

"Yeah, actually, I've had the design since I was twelve years old," Sydney said as she tucked a stray piece of hair behind her left ear. "In art class, we were told to design our dream outfit. I designed my wedding dress, knowing some day I would have a winter wedding and wear it."

"Both of you are done," said Sydney's hairstylist.

"Oh, good. It's already one o'clock," Francie said with a sigh of relief. They went up to the desk, paid, and left. Sydney was getting really excited, though extremely nervous.

Back at the Lodge
"Are you sure he's not around?" Sydney called from behind a tree.

"Positive. Just make a dash for our room," Francie said, waving her inside. Sydney sprinted inside and upstairs and slammed the door shut just as Francie made it inside.

"Whew, that was fun," Francie said with a smile. "Come on, let's get our faces on."

For the next half hour, they helped each other put on make up and liberal amounts of hairspray. Even though their hair was supposed to last six hours, they didn't want to take any chances. Finally, they were ready to get dressed. Sydney had frosted her eyes with silver cream eyeshadows, black liner, and light black (almost brown) mascara. Her cheeks were a bright pink, not all from blush, and her lips were a steely pink, almost silver.

She and Francie tiptoed to the empty room next door where their dresses hung. Mirrors lined the walls from floor to ceiling at certain points, and there in the *gigantic* walk-in closet stood the two dresses. Francie's was a cranberry color with an empire waist, although fitted throughout the body, where a little sprout of holly berries was placed strategically. She had off-the-shoulder sleeves that fitted her arms down to her wrists, and a deep red fur wrap for warmth. She and Sydney had designed it, then a friend of theirs had it special made.

When Sydney came out of the closet (pardon the pun; that was where they were changing) into the mirror room, Francie gasped; Sydney looked like an ice queen;her dress lingered in all the right places, puddling at her feet. She was wearing silver-white shoes (dyed to match) which looked perfect with the dress. The most incredible thing about her attire was her cape; it was the same color blue as the piece right above her breast, with silver-white fur running down the sides and around the edge of the hood. It also lined the inside, since Sydney's dress didn't have any sleeves. On her head was perched a diamond tiara. She smiled.

"Do I look alright?"

"Sydney- I wish I could look that good. Hold on one sec." Francie scuddled out of the room, knowing exactly who to find.

"Miss Bristow, could you come here a moment?" Francie motioned to her from the doorway of the lodge.

"Sure. Is everything alright?"

"I think you need to see this," she said, leading Irina up the wooden staircase to the room where Sydney was.

"Oh my... Sydney. You look lovely as ever." Irina could feel the tears coming to her eyes as she hugged Sydney.

"It's alright, mom. Everything is alright now," Sydney said as she took in her mother's perfume.

"You should go downstairs. You have a very impatient groom waiting down there," Irina said, pulling away but holding her daughter's hands in her own.

"Okay." Together, the three of them made their way down the stairs as the music began to play.

Outside
"Okay, let's do this," Weiss said as he positioned Vaughn into place. Vaughn had practically frozen up, and he had an idea it had nothing to do with the cold.

"Here comes the bride," he whispered with a smile.

Irina came down the aisle and took her seat. Jack hurried around to the side door of the lodge. The area where the ceremony would take place was facing Lake Tahoe, the sun sparkling on the crystal clear blue water. The music started, and Francie came down the aisle, radiant. Weiss seemed close to hyperventilating- this was the first time he had noticed how truly beautiful she was. She came up in front of Vaughn.

"Prepare yourself for a bit of a shock," she whispered as her best friend slowly came into view and the song changed.

To Vaughn, everything else disappeared except his beloved. He didn't think she could possibly be any more beautiful, and yet again she had surprised him. Curls framed her face as she beamed at him from the other end of the silver pathway which was the aisle. Slowly she made her way down to him with Jack on her arm. When they reached Vaughn, Jack held her hand out to him and he took it, shaking. She smiled at him and they faced the priest. They went through the usual proceedings, then came the part they were both the most nervous about.

"I, Michael Vaughn, take you, Sydney Anne Bristow, to be my cherished wife. Through richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, all the days of my life."

"I, Sydney Bristow, take you, Michael William Vaughn, to be my loving husband. Through richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, all the days of my life."

"You may now kiss the bride."

Sydney pulled him to her before any more time was wasted. She did not want her dream to become a reality, and kissed him with such passion and intensity that he never wanted to let go of her. When she heard people cheering, she knew they had done it, and they ran down the aisle hand in hand, smiling like two people very much in love.

Ch. 9

At Lake Tahoe (one week later)
"Hmmm...happy New Year," Sydney sighed, laying next to Vaughn. They had been married for six days (five days and twelve hours, to be exact) and they were finding out what married life was like. They had been cuddled up in front of the T.V. watching Dick Clark's Rockin' New Year's Eve with their friends since everyone had stayed in Tahoe an extra week and were having a big blowout. While everyone else was laughing and getting drunk, they were focused on nothing but each other.

"So... what do you think of last year?" he asked her sleepily.

"I got what I wanted so... I guess it was pretty good to me. You?"

"Well... since you promised tonight I would get what I wanted, I guess I could say it was good. The best part was the Kings had a great season."

"That was the best part?" she said in mock indignation.

"Of course not. Realizing we were in love was the best part," he said, kissing the top of her head.

"Mike... let's go upstairs. It's time we got started on those kids you want so much."

"Seriously? I thought we were waiting until we were ready to do that," he said in disbelief.

"I'm ready."

Silently they crept upstairs and... well... use your imagination. No, scratch that. *Get you minds out of the gutter!*

"Sydney... I love you so much."

"I know."

Downstairs (away from the action *upstairs*)
Irina led Jack outside by the hand.

"So, Jack, what was your New Year's resolution?" she said innocently.

"To find out your true motive in turning yourself in. Yours?"

"Get to know my daughter and my husband better." She emphasized the word husband.

"How do you plan on doing that?" he asked uncertainly.

"Like this." She put her hand up to his cheek and gently kissed him. What surprised both of them was that he didn't pull away, just put his arms around her waist. As Will might say, there was some serious kissing action going on. (*Okay, I don't know if Will would actually say that, but it just sounds like his character!*)

"We can't do this. You know that," he said, breaking the kiss but not his hold on her.

"Jack. It's New Year's Day. We've spent it together, with our daughter and son-in-law, and had a good time. Let's not ruin that good time just yet. And wasn't there some myth about kissing the one you love on New Year's Eve, that if you are with them at midnight, you're supposed to be together forever?"

"We should have been together forever. You were the one who ended Camelot, remember?" he said, turning his deathly stare on her.

"Jack, you will never change," Irina said, turning her back on him to lean on the handrail and look at Lake Tahoe.

Inside (at the party; *I told you to get your mind out of the gutter!*)
"Wow...the New Year. Can you believe it, Francie? That we have made it this far?" Will said, looking over at her. They were sitting on the couch which had previously been occupied by Sydney and Vaughn. (**!*)

"No. Quite honestly, I don't know how we've stayed alive this long." She smiled and looked down at her hands.

"You look... great tonight. Do you remember when we danced at the reception, what happened?"

"Oh, Will, honey, you are asking me to remember something that happened the day before I nursed a major hangover. I was so out of it that night, I could have slept with a male prostitute and not even known it. Not that I did," she added hastily.

"Oh, okay." He wasn't sure he should remind her of what happened between them that night. She had asked him to dance, and on the floor he had asked her... something, something he couldn't remember, then they kissed. There seemed to be a lot of that going on lately, though. Upon relfection, he decided not to tell her. Also, he had noticed how Vaughn's- or, Mike's friend, Weiss, had significantly noticed Francie since he had seen her in her bridesmaid's dress at the wedding. Oh well, he knew what his New Year's resolution was- stop going after his best friends. They would eventually choose someone else over him.


Some people wait a lifetime for a moment like this
some people search forever for that one special kiss
oh I cant believe its happeneing to me
some people wait a lifetime for a moment like this
Everything changes but beauty remains
something so tender i cant explain
I may be dreaming but until I awake cant we make this dream last forever?
and I'll cherish all the love we share
a moment like this

"Sydney... Sydney, are you awake?"

"No."

"Are you sure? We do have a flight to catch in four hours and we still need to pack."

"Can't we just stay here forever?"

"My family does need to meet you at some point. Aunt Trish just can't contain herself."

She rolled over to face him. Wow, and she thought he was a good kisser!
(*Alright, this is fictitious, so there is no need for fantasizing!*) He put his thumb up to her cheek and rubbed it gently.

"What are you thinking about?" he asked her as she closed her eyes and prentended to go back to sleep.

"Well, I was thinking about what the rest of the honeymoon would be like. I mean, can you top last night? Or was it this morning?" she mused, talking to herself.

"Well, mon amie, we'll just have to wait and see," he said, kissing her softly. "Come on, let's grab some breakfast then we have to pack."

"Oh, alright," she grumbled as she got out of bed and pulled on some clothes. She could get some *actual* sleep on the plane.

Downstairs At Breakfast
"So, Francie, Sydney told me you run a restaurant?" Weiss asked her over scrambled eggs.

"Yeah. Once we get back to Los Angeles, you should try it. The food is great, if I don't say so myself," she said, trying to act snooty acting modest.

"Maybe I could take you out when we get back to Los Angeles."

"What, like a date?" she asked, dumbfounded.

"Yeah. What do you say?" he said, flashing the smile he learned from Mike. It usually seemed to work.

"Uh... oh, hi, Sydney. Come here and have breakfast, please," Francie said, her eyes desperately saying 'Save me!'

"Eric, man, not every woman you hit on will actually say yes to a date," Vaughn said, sitting to Weiss' left.

"Sydney, how was your night?" Francie asked hopelessly trying to change the subject.

Sydney decided not to put her friend through any more torment. "Oh, it was... good. You?"

"No way. I need details," Francie said slyly, looking over at Vaughn who had blushed bright red. He seemed to be doing that a lot lately.

"Maybe later. Come on, Mike, we should pack," she said quickly, gulping down orange juice.

"Sure." They both jogged upstairs,hand in hand, smiling like a couple of idiots.

"Thanks a million, Syd," Francie said sarcastically as her attention had to be forced back to Weiss.

Outside (on the deck)
"Exactly how drunk was I, last night?" Jack asked Irina as she came out onto the deck holding two cups of coffee. She handed one of them to him, then thought for a moment.

"You were far enough gone... that you allowed me to kiss you," she said slowly, choosing her words carefully.

"And... did I kiss you back?" he said almost fearfully.

"Hmm... yes. At least, I think so. If it makes you feel any better, we argued afterwards."

"Yes. And today you have to go back to Joint Task Forces," he said almost regretfully.

"I suppose so. Are you packed?" she asked him, trying to make the subject matter light.

"As a matter of fact, yes. I always live out of a suitcase. Habit," he said shortly.

"When do we leave?"

"Two hours. Gives you enough time to say goodbye to Sydney and get your affairs in order. Packing, I mean," he said hastily. He didn't want to give her any ideas.

"Alright. Jack, were you coherent enough last night that you remember the kiss?"

"Y-es," he said slowly. "I just wanted to make sure it wasn't a dream. I don't know what I would have done if it had been."

"Well, then, let's make it a reality." She kissed him again, not quite so passionately as last night but softly, tenderly, like she did when they were married. Once again, he didn't pull away.

"I'll meet you in the lounge in an hour," she said, breaking the kiss and leaving him there to mull over everything that had happened in the past week. Did this mean they were still in love?

"AHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" He recognized the scream as Sydney's and ran up the stairs four at a time. When he got to her room, he saw something that made his heart stop. Sark. He had a gun pointed at her head, moving towards the window. Irina was standing there trying to talk him down while giving instructions to Sydney.

"Shut up you traitor!" he shouted at her as he momentarily lost his focus on Sydney for a second. That gave her enough time to spin around and throw him to the floor.

But not before the gun went off.

Ch. 10

Spend all your time waiting
for that second chance
for a break that would make it okay
there's always one reason
to feel not good enough
and it's hard at the end of the day
I need some distraction
oh beautiful release
memory seeps from my veins
let me be empty

"No! NOOO!" She lunged forward, trying to get to him, but someone held her back. Vaughn.

"Come on, we need to get you out of here. Sark came after you, and only you, and we can't let him succeed. Let's go!" He dragged her out of the room, screaming and crying. After a few minutes, Sark was laying unconsciously on the floor. Vaughn came back in.

"We got her calmed down, but I think she's in a state of shock right now." He kneeled down next to her and put an arm around her shoulders.

"Why did it have to be him? Why not me?" Once again, she had reverted to blaming herself. Vaughn knew this was going to be tough. "If I hadn't distracted Sark and moved his arms, maybe the gun wouldn't have gone off." She sobbed softly, refusing to leave the room. Vaughn got up and left her, knowing she need some time alone.

"Why did you have to leave me? Why did you have to leave her?" she asked through sobs, holding his cold hand. She reached over and closed his eyelids, not wanting to look at the horror being reflected in them. The bullet had hit his heart. Wait, she thought a moment- he's survived all the missions SD-6 and the CIA sent him on, and yet he couldn't survive something that could have been avoided? After all the times he threatened to kill her, he jumped in front of her to deter the bullet from hitting her.

"Mike, can you come here?"

"Sure, Syd. What do you need?"

"Where's my mom?"

"She's in the room two doors away. All she is saying is how sorry she is and keeps rocking back and forth. Brace yourself. I'll take care of this... mess," he said, grimacing at Sark.

"Thank you. I'm going to talk to my mother," she said quietly through her tears.

"Alright."


"Mom?"

"I'm so sorry... I'm so sorry... It's all my fault."

"What's your fault mom? You couldn't have done anything."

"It's my fault. Sark was looking for me, for revenge. I'm so sorry."

"You did nothing wrong," Sydney said emotionally.

"I'm so sorry. It's all my fault," she continued to sob, collapsing in Sydney's arms. Together, they sobbed in a muddled heap.

Vaughn watch the scene unnoticed in the hallway. History sure repeats itself. Now Sydney could relate to him- they had both lost their father due to the same woman. Except Jack had had some closure before he died. History really does repeat itself.

In the arms of an angel
fly away from here
from this dark cold hotel room
and the endlessness that you fear
you are pulled from the wreckage
of your silent reverie
you're in the arms of the angel
may you find some comfort there

Angel By Sarah McLachlan

Los Angeles (a week later)
"Jack Bristow was the best agent we have ever had. His methods were a little extreme, but he got the job done. What he provided us with was invaluable. He was also a great friend. Jack, we will never forget you." Devlin set a white carnation down on the coffin and took his seat. Sydney got up next.

"Jack Bristow was my father. He was also a dedicated CIA agent. He was a loving husband. He was a man who lived a life of secrets. He and I had been estranged ever since my mother's disappearance, and about three years ago we reconciled our differences. We got along, he approved of my marriage, and did things for me I never thought he would do, like talk to my mother and bring her to my wedding. He walked me down the aisle. He told me that day he would always be there for me and my mother. Thank you for being here for us. Even in spirit, you're still here for us." She sat down, thankful her sunglasses hid the tears that were welling up in her eyes. Vaughn slid an arm around her shoulders comfortingly.

"Lord, we now give you Jack Bristow. May your spirit watch over him and guide him always. Amen."

"Amen," the crowd murmured, all with heads down and silent tears. One by one, they each went up to the coffin, put a flower on it, and left. Finally, only Sydney, Vaughn, and Irina were left standing there.

"Well, dad. Here you go. Maybe you can piss off someone up there," Sydney said with a small smile, knowing her father would appreciate that. She placed a single yellow rose on the coffin and stepped back, letting Vaughn go up.

"Well, Jack, you certainly were one-of-a-kind. You let me have your greatest treasure, without question. Thank you. You were the one who has been helping us all the way. I always meant to ask why, but I never got the chance. Again, thank you. We'll be back in a few weeks with Syd's pregnancy test." He placed a white rose on the coffin and guided Irina towards the coffin. She still hadn't come out of her state , so he wasn't exactly sure what she was going to do.

"I'm so sorry... it's all my fault... damn it, why did you have to leave me? We were good together, and you left me. Just when we were getting to know each other again. Damn it, why did you have to leave me?" she said, collapsing to her knees, banging her fist on the coffin. Sydney knelt down to comfort her mother.

"Come on, mom. We should get you back to JTF. Kendall will be worried," Sydney said, trying to pull her mother up.

"I'm so sorry... it's all my fault... it's all my fault." She sobbed as Sydney led her away, leaving Vaughn standing there. He looked back at the coffin.

"You son of a -----. How dare you leave the two women most prominent in my life? They are both dying inside right now because you had to act the hero and die. And you left me without the father I almost had. You have no idea how badly I wanted to get to know you. I know you weren't the warmest man, but god damn it, you sure chose a hell of an inconvienient time to up and die. Why did you have to go so soon," Vaughn sobbed, reenacting (not intentionally) what Irina just went through. "Now I promise to take care of them, but it's going to be hard without you. Especially since Sydney thinks she's pregnant. Till next time." He got up and walked away without looking back, climbing into the limo waiting to take he and Sydney to the airport.

"Yes. Till next time." He had been watching everything from behind a tree. The man walked away, camera in hand.

Ch. 11

In France (three days later; Syd POV)
"Michael, nous allons au dîner. Voulez-vous venir?" Vaughn's mother asked him, looking over her shoulder. She was asking us if we wanted to go to dinner with them.

"Aucun merci, mère. Nous voudrions juste au séjour ici ce soir," he said, slightly irritated. He told her we were just going to stay here tonight, which was fine by me. I hadn't really been much of a daughter-in-law the past three days, even though his family has just been terrific. They are all such great people, greeting the two of us as if we'd been gone forever. His mother is such a warm, caring woman. Except she only speaks French. She speaks very little English (as in 'hello' and 'where's the bathroom?') and although I am fluent in French, it is slightly difficult to understand her at times. I don't mind, though. Just being around a normal family is fine.

"Est-ce que Michael, voulez-vous que je reste? Qu'êtes-vous deux allant faire ce soir?" Mike's uncle asked him what we were going to do tonight and if we wanted him to stay with us. The guy gave me the creeps, especially since he was Mike's dad's twin brother. I didn't especially like him, and I think the feeling was mutual.

"Peut-être nous irons à un film. Ne vous inquiétez pas, vous devrait aller mangent le dîner avec la famille. Nous irons bien," I said hurriedly, telling him we would probably go watch a movie and that he didn't have to stay, that he should go with the family to dinner. He turned on his heel and walked out.

"Syd, that wasn't very- polite. You know how touchy the French can be. Especially my family," he said as an afterthought.

"Mike, something about your uncle gives me the creeps. He just doesn't seem legit to me. I think we should check him out." He sat there in silent thought for a moment.

"I agree."

"You do?" I said, flabbergasted.

"I trust your instincts, Syd. And if they are telling you there's something not right here, then we'll act on them."

"Thank you, Michael." I put my arms around him and hugged him. Who could have asked for a better husband?

"Alright, where do we start? I mean, he could be using an alias, or he could be real."

"Well... how about running a description match?" I suggest, suddenly realizing what I just said. Vaughn looked down at the ground.

"Oh Mike... I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to-"

"It's okay. You just- you don't know how much they looked alike. Green eyes, brown-blonde hair, and exceptional height. Both of them were 6'5 before my uncle got older. He's changed, obviously..."

"Mike? I've just had a thought. Hear me out before you say anything."

"Alright. What is this idea you've had?"

"Well, I know it sounds incredible, but- could your dad be your uncle?"

"Sydney, what are you talking about?"

"Think about it. What if your dad never died? What if he found out about Iri- my mother's plan for him ahead of time and sent in a double? You said it yourself, they were almost identical."

"Yeah, but... he was too infatuated with Irina. I think she would have been able to tell the difference, especially since they were having an affair. Don't you?"

"I don't know. Maybe she wasn't concentrating- or maybe she actually bought it. Who knows?" I asked, shrugging my shoulders.

"We'll check it out first thing in the morning. Let's just try to spend a relaxing night together, okay? We haven't really had many in a while."

"Alright." Damn, that man knows how to get to me. We turn to go into the living room for a night of movies and popcorn (we brought our own). That's when we saw him- Vaughn's "uncle" sitting on the couch.

"Sydney.... Michael. Please, sit down," he said in perfect English w/ out a trace of an accent. "I heard you two talking in there. I didn't think you would ever make it out here. Now, if you two would please kindly sit..." (we were still standing) "... then I can ask you some questions."

"No thanks. We're not interested." I turned to leave, but he held a gun at us.

"Oh, come on. We need to do a little family bonding. And I really don't want to hurt you, my dear- especially with a little one on the way."

"How did you know?" Now it was Mike's turn to cut in.

"I was at Jack's funeral. Didn't you wonder why I wasn't there to meet you at the airport?" he said, half accusing, half mocking.

"Who are you?" I demanded, having a very good guess.

"Who do you think I am, Sydney?" He spoke to me directly as if Mike wasn't there.

"I don't think you are who you claim to be. I think you are someone who should have died a long time ago."

"You are absolutely right. I should have died a long time ago."

"So then why didn't you?" It was Mike's turn to cut in and get angry.

"Would you really like me to tell you?" He took the stony expression from Mike's face as a yes and continued. "Almost thirty years ago, twenty- oh well, who can remember dates, huh? I joined the CIA in hopes of obtaining certain information. I knew my twin brother wouldn't be willing to show and tell, so I had to do the dirty work myself. I started an affair with a young woman- I knew she was a member of the CIA at the time so we were assigned to be each other's mission partners. By request, of course. She called me Agent Vaughn as did everyone else. Only, there seemed to be a problem- they thought I was your father, Michael."

"So what?" I was getting tired of standing, so I slid into the nearest chair and listened intently.

"I'm getting there. Anyways, I discovered an artifact- extraordinary, really- so I put it up as a mission that it would be beneficial to the CIA to go and retrieve this artifact. They bought it, and the young woman and I were sent to go get it. Sound familiar?"

"What does my father have to do with any of this? I thought that was his mission." Mike was starting to get angry, so I decided (wisely) to keep quiet.

"Well, you see, that's where this gets interesting. Apparently your father found out about my little- charade, shall we call it. He was going to stop the young woman and I from doing this mission. Knowing my cover would be blown since I was already working for another agency and that the CIA was undercover work for me, I decided to get him off our tail. I threatened to have you, Michael, Sydney, and your mother killed if your father did not back down. He did, of course. Just to make sure, I told my partner a little white lie and we decided to take our dear children and my "wife" on a little family vacation. What I did not know was that your father went to the CIA right before our plane departed and told them everything. He was allowed to stow away on the plane with us. Unbeknownst to me, he set up the plane crash so he could get you three out of there without getting hurt. He hid the three of you in a hotel until he could return. That's why your mother thought he was having an affair, Michael."

"Because she saw you and Derevko in the hotel?" Mike asked, knowing the answer.

"Yes, as a matter of fact. Your father then proceeded to follow us to the location of the artifact in question. He knew another little tidbit of information which had been kept from me- apparently, your mother, Sydney, was planning my assasination, thinking I was the other Agent Vaughn. Well, by the time your father got in the building, Michael, the lady and I were exchanging fire with the guards of the building. We hadn't known the artifact would be so big, so we had to leave it and tripped an alarm on the way out. It was twenty to two, however, we were winning, when she ducked lower behind the crates she was using as cover and pointed her semis towards me. She smiled and said, 'Say goodbye.' Your father came running in like the idiot hero he was, took the bullet in the chest, and died immediately. I made a run for it, and since the woman knew I was going back to the CIA or would try to, she made up some phoney story and I could never show my face at the CIA again. That's it."

"So why are you telling us this now? Why not twenty years ago?" I stammered out, not knowing where I was making coherent sentences.

"I was, at the time, a traitor to the U.S. government. Resurfacing without help would have meant serious implications. I just couldn't take that risk." He sat back with a small smile, wonderingly looking around the room. Then his focus turned back to us; he leaned forward slightly, unlocked the hammer, and flipped the gun around so it was facing us. Mike snatched it from him, locked the hammer, and held it pointed at his so-called "uncle."

"You... were the reason my father now lies dead in a grave. I would tell you to rot in hell, but I know my father wouldn't want me to. He wouldn't want to see me become a murderer like his... his dear twin brother. Now I better have to ask this one time and one time only. Leave this house, leave this country, and never return. If I ever hear of your reappearance, you will have to answer to my father's trigger-happy replacement, my beautiful wife who through self defense has killed men three times bigger than you, and the Central Intelligence Agency of the United States. Now get out." If Mike would have ever talked to me like that, I would be running with my tail between my legs. I felt so much pride for him at that moment, I could have kissed him. Instead I kept my eyes on the slime in front of us.

"I just came to tell you the truth, Michael. If this is the way you want it, that's fine by me." Without another word he turned on his heel and we heard the door slam behind him.

"Syd..." Mike collapsed on the couch, dropping the gun and unlocking the hammer. I just hugged him, knowing he needed me right now.

"What did I ever do to deserve someone like you, Mike?" I asked him, my eyes shining with tears.

"I should be the one asking that question, Syd."

Vaughn POV
My father died at the hands of his treacherous brother. His cowardly brother who didn't even have the nerve to face Derevko and avenge his brother's death. My legs give out from under me and I collapse on the couch, thoroughly absolved in my thoughts. Sydney hugged me.

"What did I ever do to deserve someone like you, Mike?" she asked me, her eyes brimming with tears.

"I should be the one asking that question, Syd." I know I should. She was so strong through that whole conversation, and she continues to be strong. When she married me, I guess she was married to my problems.

"Why did you say yes if you knew something like this might be coming?" I asked her.

"Because I love you and would stand by you and help you get through this, if you'll let me." She let the tears flow freely now, and we sat there in each other's arms, just letting everything sink in. I only prayed tomorrow would bring a new day. A new hope.

This is one of my all-time favorite fanfics! Thanks for posting it!

You're welcome! I still have to post the epilogue and the sequel, but it's getting there. Slowly but surely.

~Me :wub:

Alright, here's my sorry attempt at an epilogue. And make sure to go visit Happily Ever After, this story's sequel. Alright, here it goes...
*************************
Los Angeles (eight months, two weeks, three days, fourteen hours...)

"I'd like to see the prisoner please."

"Certainly, Agent Bristow."

The gates slowly creaked open as she walked down the dark, cold hallway to the single glass panel separating them.

"Sydney, what are you doing here? You should be at home resting."

"I wanted to see you before I have the baby."

"Hmm... go on."

"Have you ever been to 25385 Orange Grove? That is the house Mike and I bought, and for some reason the house is just... giving me a sense of deja vu. Like I have been there before."

"What was the address?"

"25385 Orange Grove.... You have been there before, haven't you?"

"Yes... that was where we lived until you were three, then we moved to another house. We.... we..." She froze up after that, and sat down on the cot, tears rolling down her cheeks. Sydney instantly regretted her question.

"I'm sorry. I'll make sure to have them let you stop by to spend time with the baby."

"Yes... thank you... yes..." The stable condition of Laura Bristow had gone off the deep end every time something could be related to him. And this had done it.

Syd's House

"Just forget all of this. Leave it behind. We have a new life to start here, a new family," he said comfortingly. He always knew what to say when she was having a difficult time.

"Thanks. Mike, I don't know what I would do without...." she stopped mid-sentence. Her seat was damp and there was a drip-drip-drip sound coming from her chair. "Mike...?"

"What is it, Sydney?"

"I think my water just broke."

"Come on, let's get you to the hospital."

The rest of the night was spent waiting, screaming, yelling, and crying. Occasionally, ice chips (or pellets, we should appropriately call them here) went flying towards the assistant nurses and doctors, hurled lovingly by Sydney as she squeezed the blood out of Vaughn's hand. After hearing, "Push!" fifty times over and all those lamas lessons left forgotten, there was a piercing cry heard in the delivery room.

"Mrs. Vaughn, it's a girl."

"Oh that's good. Can I get some drugs?"

"Sure."

Sydney looked at Vaughn, a tired smile spreading across her face.

"We did it. We actually did it," he whispered, flashing that famous smile.

"Yes we did." She kissed him and layed back on the pillow, falling asleep rapidly.

Jacklyn Grace Vaughn. Or as his relatives liked to call her, Jacklyn Belle Vaughn. She became their inspiration, their will to carry on. Their everything, their new hope.
*****************************
Okay, I don't know if this is an actual epilogue or just an ending chap, but I'm calling it an epilogue. I also know the ending was a little repetitive (and pretty funny, especially contrasting the above scene w/ Irina) but it kinda fit. Especially if you read Happily Ever After.

~Me

This is such a good story!!!! You are a VERY good writer!!! :D