Author's Note: This story was written in response to a fantastic tumblr prompt, asking for how Jack and Irina started working together after Sydney's 'death.' As I was writing, I kept getting more and more ideas, so this will most definitely be a continuing story. Review, and the next part will come sooner!

Setting the Scene

Jack sat down at his secured laptop and logged in to messaging service that he and Irina had been using for the last few months, ever since Sydney's supposed death. As her parents, they had supported each other through this difficult time, though neither one truly opened up. Jack was about to change that. He began to type.

I hate to admit it-you know I do-but you're the only one I can trust.

She responded right away, almost as if she had been waiting for him. How so?

Jack threw caution to the wind. He didn't even try to beat around the bush. No one else will believe me. Hell, I barely believe me.

Irina knew exactly what he was getting at. You really think she could be alive?

I don't know. I don't want to have false hope, but I simply cannot believe that she's gone. Forget the dental records, forget the fire, forget the evidence, Sydney can't be dead.

There was a long pause before she responded. Are you sure you aren't clouded by your emotions as a guilty parent?

In typical Bristow fashion, he flipped it on her. Aren't you?

A guilty parent or clouded by those feelings?

Both.

Surprisingly, Irina answered honestly. Yes to both. I want more than anything else to believe that our little girl is still out there. That I can somehow even begin to help her see the truth. Don't you think I don't hate that she died believing me to be nothing more than a villain and a traitor?

Jack continued his favorite role as devil's advocate. Aren't you those things?

Yes, but you know I'm more. Jack could almost see her eyes rolling on the other side of the computer.

Do I? He replied with a smirk.

I hope so. And maybe a part of Sydney knows it too.

Jack jumped on her phrasing, using her words to his advantage. You see? You don't really believe she's gone.

That was a typo, she defended.

That's not true but nevertheless...

Irina gave up the feigning act. Honestly, I still can't really get my head around it. I can't believe it.

Exactly. And we have both lost enough people to know how true death feels. I feel now exactly as I did when my wife died.

But I'm right here, she shot back, surely grinning as she did so.

That's just what I mean. You weren't really gone. I felt like I was being lied to by the world. Like there was so much unfinished. Like I could find you if anyone would just let me.

Irina paused again. You need someone to let you find Sydney?

I need someone to help me. I can't do this alone, Jack admitted reluctantly.

How can I help?

To Be Continued