Author: Edele Lane
E-mail: Edyn04@aol.com
Rating: PG-13/R (possibly)
Disclaimer: Everything "Alias"-related does not belong to me. It belongs to J.J. Abrams and probably 900 other people associated with him. Although I must admit that I'm a tad bitter that my idea for something Sydney is sent to retrieve in this story was used in Passage: Part 2. Believe me, I had the idea before I saw the ep, so don't roll your eyes.
Archive: Nowhere yet, but if you want it, take it and then e-mail me so I'll know.
Feedback: Please;x
Summary: (Title is tentative) Set after Passage: Part 1. Sydney goes on a mission. Okay, that was boring. There's romance as well, and Sydney has with Will, Sark, and Vaughn. I'm toying with the idea of four different endings. Yes—four. You can probably guess three, but the fourth will probably shock you should I decide to do it. (S/W, S/S, S/V)
Dedication: This is for Ash who reads each part before it is posted here and is undoubtedly my best (and favorite) critic.




Chapter One



Sydney turned over in her bed, still half-asleep. As she was getting comfortable, the alarm on the clock sitting on the bedside table went off.

she groaned. How dare this cheap piece of plastic interrupt my slumber?

Keeping her eyes closed, she reached a lazy hand out from underneath the covers to fumble around for the off' button. She finally found it, only to discover that it was already off. Confused, she sleepily forced one eye open.

Will greeted her.

Yawning loudly, Sydney sat up. She rubbed the sleep out of her eyes and squinted. What are you doing up so early? She yawned again and raised her arms above her head to stretch.

Will raised an eyebrow. Early? Syd, it's 8:30.

Sydney's eyes widened. It's—it's what? she sputtered.

Will repeated, taking the tiny clock into his hands.

Sydney muttered as she scrambled out of bed. I could swear I set my alarm for seven. She ran to her closet and started rummaging through it for something to wear. Sloane's going to be pissed, she mumbled to herself, as she continued to search. She whipped back around suddenly. Are you sure that— She stopped when she noticed Will was laughing at her.

He held up the clock. It was 7:02. Sydney cursed in disgust and smacked the back of Will's head. Will stood up, still laughing.

I'm sorry but I couldn't resist, he told her, grinning.

Sydney crossed her arms over her chest and shot Will an icy glare. Will smiled again and rolled his eyes playfully as Sydney continued to stare.

How long are you planning on standing there like that? If you don't get going soon, then—

Sydney cut him off with a light punch to his arm. Will clutched his arm and pretended to be in serious pain.

she said with a grin as she marched back over to her closet. She looked back over her shoulder at Will. I still can't believe you did that, though.

I can't believe you fell for it, Will said with a chuckle.

Sydney started laughing. I'm still mad at you, she said after a moment. She giggled at the statement and smiled warmly.

It's been a long time since I've seen you smile like that. Will's expression was serious.

Sydney was silent as she went over Will's words in her mind. He was right—but it had been a long time since she had had something to smile about. She stepped forward and hugged him.

I have to get dressed, she said after the hug, cocking her head to one side in apology for having to bring their conversation to a close.

Will said, mimicking Sydney's action of the head tilt. See you later. He pressed his lips to the top of her head then left the room.

Sydney dug around in her closet some more and pulled out a skirt, blouse, and accompanying jacket.