A/N: Hey, thought you deserved another chapter, so here ya go!!!

When She was Bad

Total Vaughn Lover

The Watch and The Ring

Michael stared at a paragraph out of the French version of The Tale of Two Cities, he had propped open on his lap. He knew he'd been starting at the same fifty words for probably five minutes but for the life of him, he couldn't seem to get any farther.

He finally closed the book and shoved it into his briefcase, which is when he noticed that the sun was going down. He sat back in his comfortable chair and checked his watch.

Five hours. They'd been grounded for five hours. He grimaced. The behavioral hearing had ended sooner than he'd expected and even though there'd been a briefing regarding Langley's stand on Sydney Bristow's cerebretolosis, they had headed into the air before noon. Now it was eight o'clock.

Vaughn laid back and sighed, feeling very alone. They'd made a pit stop to the naval hospital five hours ago so that Will could give Sydney the laptop and the disk containing all the information the CIA had on the cerebretolosis, tests, results..failed cases, ect.

In other words, his suggestion for regressional therapy had been completely overlooked and they'd instead decided to grant Sydney her "request."

It had turned out to be five hours of moping and reminiscing for him, because he realized, had he thought more deeply about Syd's situation, he wouldn't have ever brought up the cerebretolosis.

He put his hand into his pockets and his fingers brushed against something unexpected. It was an object he had left forgotten in his pants pocket and he knew it had to have been at least two years. He hadn't worn this particular suit ever since he'd married Viola, ever since he'd made Director…ever since he'd vowed to put Sydney behind him.

But somehow that morning, when he'd checked his suitcase, he hadn't been able to find a shirt or tie that he felt suited the mood, until he remembered he'd created a secret compartment in the main compartment. Inside he'd found the last suit he'd worn before taking Sydney to Santa Barbara and gotten rejected by her.

He swallowed back a cry as his fingers traced the outline of the object. He immediately knew what is was that he'd left there. Two things that used to mean a great deal to him, when life used to be fun despite being on call 24/7 because Sydney would be there by his side or be waiting for him with a smile when he finally came home after a day of saving the world.

Two things he'd swore he'd never think of again until maybe before the moment he knew he was going to die, if that.

But now that they were in his presence, he needed to see them. They served as reminders of happier times and Vaughn needed something positive now.

He could feel his heart slow down as he gradually regained control of his rapid breathing. He slowly drew out the first item.

Michael's heart wrenched in pain at the sight of the ornament, more specifically a special silver watch.

The one thing his father had bestowed to him during on of their very first father-son moment, that he could remember at least.

(flashback)

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"I got it! I got it dad," a six year-old Michael Vaughn squealed as he skated after the black puck, unlike most kids who were clutching onto their parents' hands, swearing they'd not like them anymore if they let them fall.

Michael's father, Will Vaughn was standing by the net, serving as goalie for their impromptu game. Agent William Vaughn, famous for the serious expression he was currently sporting still looked like he was having fun.

A little too intense maybe, but fun.

Michael paused about five feet from the net and then made to look like he would shoot from the left, but at the last second, he turned, kicked off to the right then shot for the goal.

Some miracle happened because the puck slid quietly to his father's feet. William flashed his "cursing," son a smile and shot the puck his way. "Nice try, Michael, but you're still to predictable. Remember, you can't hand away all your cards if you're expecting to win the game."

"I know, dad," Michael sighed in that, "geez," tone but then he got all excited when the puck was reachable with his stick. "Come on, dad, let's go again!"

"Maybe a little later. Let's take a break," Vaughn's father suggested as he took off his heavy gloves and then skated to the edge of the rink and sat down on a bench. "Come on, Michael, the ice is not going to melt. Besides, there's something I want to talk to you about."

William was sure he'd never seen his son so sulky. Michael look like he'd been told that he had to go the dentist.

After what felt like an eternity, Michael dragged his feet over to the bench and sat down, but instead of greeting his father, he pulled out his "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles," water bottle, took a few gulps then studied it as though it was the most interesting thing in the world.

"Son, you done with that bottle?"

William's voice was tender but there was a slight sternness that Michael could detect.

"Yeah," he answered then shoved the bottle back into his back pack and raised his clear emerald eyes to look at his dad.

William looked pleased and began the conversation. " Michael, you know how much I love your mom, right? And how much she loves me?"

Two sarcastic responses formed in six year-old Vaughn's head. Not again, since I'm the center of humiliation every time you kiss mommy when you actually pick me up from school and, she must to deal with your leaving all the time.

But then another horrible thought stuck when he saw a seriousness that was deeper than usual hung in his father deep stare.

"Aw man, you're taking mom out to dinner tonight aren't you and you're going to leave me with a babysitter," Vaughn grumbled. "Da-ad, I'm six years-old! I'm practically all growed up!"

William just stared wide-eyed at his son and chuckled. "Actually, that wasn't my plan but thanks, Mike. That's not a bad idea," he agreed. "And you're right, you are a big boy, dealing with my never being home and I appreciate you always taking care of mommy."

"How do you know what I do when you're away," Michael demanded. There were a few times when he'd gotten into the cookie jar that even mommy didn't know about and he wanted to keep it that way.

"Like Santa Claus," his father replied matter-of-factly and then he reached into the pocket of his heavy winter coat and pulled out a shiny silver watch. "And since you're doing such a good job, I wanted to officially appoint you as mommy's protector. This is for you."

Michael's green eyes grew wider than the first time he'd ever seen a hypodermic needle as his father placed the watch with it's own wrist band into his hand. It looked so big and important in his small palm. "Wow, thanks Dad! I bet no one at school has one and now that we're learning how to read time, I'll be able to read what the numbers say!" Michael cried excitedly that he almost dropped the precious gift. But William saved it from sliding out and then curled Michael's fingers tightly around it.

"Michael, take care not to break this watch. You can set your heart by this watch and it's not meant to stop till that time," Michael's father explained in an almost grave tone.

"What do you mean by that, dad? Does that mean my heart will know to stop going when the watch doesn't work anymore?" he asked worriedly and subconsciously put a hand to his heart, wondering whether his heart knew he'd almost dropped the watch.

"No, no, that's not what I meant," William assured him and took his son's hand away from his chest. "I'm talking about like what I found with your mom. When you meet someone you're supposed to spend the rest of your life with. Someone your heart will tell you is the one for you."

"Y-you mean…girls?" Michael groaned, looking disgusted. "You're telling me you think there's a girl for me? Ugh! They have germs! I mean, all of us guys steer clear of any girls except our mommies."

"That may be true now. But it's not that I think there is, I know there is. Even I started that way, but look at how happy I am now that I've met your mother."

Yeah, Michael couldn't deny that.

"I'll have to take your word for it dad, but…even if I'm six, I'm not old enough for girls."

"Yeah, you're probably not," William chuckled. "But…my job, even if I can't tell you everything I do…you know it's dangerous and I…I don't' know. I wanted to give you this watch now and that comment came along with it. Don't think I expect you to suddenly go to school and fall in love with somebody….but when that girl holds your hand or takes her seat across from you at the table and you feel that second hand stop ticking, you'll probably know. If you're lucky, your heart will tell you first."

Michael probably didn't believe him at the moment but he said, "Okay dad, if that's true, the moment it happens…I'll let you know."

(end of flasback)

Michael felt tears rolling down his cheeks the way they always did when he reminisced his father. But immediately after that, he found his lips pull into a tense smile as he went into another flashback.

Fortunately, this wasn't as intense, but equally memorable.

(Flashback)

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Michael left his car and then, after making sure no one was around, he slipped into the warehouse.

He took a handkerchief out of his pocket and dabbed his sweating and creased forehead. He was just a short distance away from Sydney. His asset. The one he would create a countermission for so that SD-6 would feel like they accomplished something when it would really be the CIA who did.

And it had been hard enough to look into her fresh, beautiful face and talk business, but he knew it was going to be harder now since Sydney had learned of his reunion with who she knew to be his ex-, Alice.

No, it was hard because he was her handler and he was falling for her, hard. And not being able to say anything was absolutely killing him!

So today, he was certainly going to hint.

If only his heart would stop beating so rapidly he might survive this meeting without embarrassing himself.

He finally reached a fence and he could see Sydney in her casual work fashion, her arms folded. He hoped he hadn't made her wait long.

When he could finally catch his breath, he pushed the rattling fence open and Sydney turned around and gave him a smile before he was prepared for it.

"Hey," he said, wishing he didn't sound out of breath.

"Hi," she returned, as calmly and gracefully as always The look she gave him was definitely questioning why he sounded like he'd run here.

Somehow, he was able to remain professional enough to listen to Sydney's complain on the CIA not using Will for further employment and then of course, what that sick bastard Arvin Sloane wanted her to accomplish for them this weeks. And more amazingly, Vaughn managed to stay on task and empathize with her on the uncomfortable subject of her best friend when what he really wanted to do was tell her how badly he had it for her. No offense to Alice, and let her in on the genius get away plan he'd started planning since he'd watched her leave in her bozo red hair the first day they'd met.

As usual Sydney turned to leave but today, Vaughn didn't let her. In fact, he called out to her in a tone that would suggest to Syd, what he was about to say wasn't about the missions or furthering Will's employment, or any lame good luck comments. No, he was going to break protocol and because of the apparent awkwardness, Sydney paused and was hesitant to look at him. She thought he was going to say sorry about Alice…again, which would just compound the face that he couldn't help out her best friend's lack of job.

"Syd?"

Sydney paused and slowly turned to glance at him. Her eyes were wide and innocent…and maybe a tad scared because his voice was timid and low and of course, it only got that way when he was about to say something he felt could be inapproriate or something he knew he had to say, but didn't know how to say.

Sydney was silent but her doe-like eyes said enough.

Vaughn reached into the pocket of his gray suit jacket and grasped a very important looking silver watch, and after squeezing it for good luck, brought it out.

Vaughn half-expected her to gasp. The way he was presenting it could be an interlude to a marriage proposal.

Oh yeah, except he'd made that big mistake of not telling Sydney that he was back with his ex. Instead she'd found out through his girlfriend herself when she'd arrived at the hospital as his emergency contact.

But didn't Sydney know how he felt.

Weren't soulmates just supposed to know?

Now don't get him wrong, he was thankful if he didn't let her get away, maybe for the first time in two years, he could imply he had feelings for her if she really didn't know it already.

"This watch belonged to my father," he began, pausing at the word, "father," to prevent the tears from coming out any farther than right behind his eyes.

She just gave him that thoughtful, "I'm listening," glance, which was the only thing he needed to urge him to continue on with the story.

"It's broken now," he added a bit hurridely as though he knew Sydney would want to look at the time, as though he thought that would curb her curiosity.

Sydney must have noticed it and backed off.

Vaughn seemed to feel a little more comfortable so continued. "But it used to keep perfect time. He said," there was that pause again," you could set your heart by this watch."

Now Sydney was giving him that, "oh come on, Vaughn, that was years ago," expression.

"It stopped October 1st," He stated, studying her expression, hoping that the date would register. When it didn't, he added, "the date we met."

He looked at Sydney who had that look of realization coming over her strong face, more importantly, he could tell that she was touched.

They were able to share probably a millisecond to exchange a smile before the CIA reminded them of how much controls they always had on their lives in the forms of their beepers going off.

Vaughn reached into his pocket and sighed.

"Kendall."

Sydney had reached into her pocket and gotten the same message. "Me too."

(End of Flashback)

At that second, Michael certainly hadn't known whether she'd meant that comment to mirror the fact that she'd gotten the same annoying message of if it was to say had she received a watch from her father, it would have stopped on the same day.

Now, though, everyone knew where that had led, and now it served as one of his first mistakes. He put the watch back into his pocket, mentally making a note to get it fixed. Maybe dad would send someone who wasn't out to break his heart this time.

His palm now felt a velvety box and though he wasn't sure why, he pulled it out.

As he'd suspected, it turned out to be the first and most precious jewelry box he'd purchased because of what was contained in it.

He opened it up and gazed at the delicate canary diamond set between two diamonds of equal size, all set in a simple but stunning silver band.

Simple and stunning, just like Sydney Bristow.

This flashback, he knew, was going to be the worst, but if it was going to come, he couldn't stop it. So he closed his eyes and prepared for the worst. Which he always found ironic. It was supposed to have been the happiest day of his life.

(Flashback)

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Vaughn opened his eyes as their plane landed and looked over at Sydney who was sleeping somewhat peacefully on his shoulder.

He swallowed when he heard her breath, "Fran," in her sleep. He knew how painful it had to be for her to lost her best friend and then find out she'd been doubled. That was why he'd post-poned his plans to propose to the lady in his life.

The original plan had been to drop her off at home after getting Sark into CIA custody, let her pack and then he was going to pick her up, assuming he survived the debrief. Then he was going to take her on a vacation to Santa Barbara and surprise her with a marriage proposal.

But when he'd found Sydney passed out o the floor with a bullet in her shoulder, it had been straight to the hospital for Sydney.

Then of course, he'd had to spend the next few months being the understanding boyfriend and give her adequate time to mourn her best friend's death as well as wondering if Will would come out of his coma, while the ring continued to burn a hold in his pocket. He had to have loved her a lot for him to let Sydney disappear for weeks at a time so she could try and find some normalcy in her life without asking where she was headed or when she would be coming home.

As long as when she returned, she headed straight for him, that was enough for Vaughn.

Six months and Michael could wait no longer. He booked the same room in Santa Barbara like he'd done that milestone of an evening, swearing that it he didn't make it this time, he would never ask Syd to marry him again.

Hence the reason why they were currently sitting on a plane, just grounded in Santa Barbara island.

"Syd? Baby? The plane's landed," he whispered then kissed her on the cheek. He pulled back to see her reaction.

Her eyes were opened and she smiled, but Vaughn felt there was something missing behind the dimples and the crinkles at the edges of her youthfully bright eyes. Something he hoped to regain when he asked her to be the companion for the rest of his days and if possible, make him the chance to the father he wished he'd had one day longer since he'd died.

"Well come on, Syd. Our vacation is only a week long. I hope you're planning to spend the majority of it doing stuff with me and not sit on this boring plane," Vaughn joked as he leaned in to nibble on her ear.

Then he stood up and reached his hand to tired-looking Sydney and pulled her up, all the while convincing himself that her weakness was due in fact to jet lag and that as soon as he got to the huge balcony at the top floor of La Superica, and let her breathe in the salty air, she would perk up and be the Sydney he'd loved since the day they'd met.

Within a few hours, Vaughn and Sydney made it to the hotel after telling the driver the wrong direction eight times just to be funny.

"After you, Ms. Bristow," he said cheerily after slipping the card in to unlock the door.

"Thank you, Mr. Vaughn," she said sweetly and then kissed him till he lost all balance then opened the door. But then all he heard was a gasped, "V-Vaughn!"

Exactly the reaction he'd been looking for. He came through into the room and was pleased beyond reason. It was just like he'd wanted. He'd called ahead to make preparations for the room to set the mood since he hadn't been confident he could do it all himself.

And looking at it all now, it seemed that the four credit card charges he'd allowed a week ago had paid off.

There were many candles lit, giving it all a soft glow and a trail of rose petals led to the balcony where waited a small table and two chairs. A basket sat on top with his favorite wine and two passes to the best restaurant in Santa Barbara.

But what was most beautiful of course was Sydney, who stood in the middle of it all, with wide eyes, her slender figure bending and turning every which way to look at every last detail. She was wearing just a plain tank and beige pants but she looked perfect and the way her hair cascaded around her face that was glowing because of the candles made her look like an angel.

Vaughn was just glad this was his angel.

"Syd, would you come with me for a sec?" he asked her and took her hand before she could protest and led her out onto the balcony.

He gently sat a shocked Sydney down onto one of the red cushioned chairs and then before he lost his nerve, he unbuttoned the top of his shirt and then pulled her face to his and gave her an intense kiss, aimed to make her incoherent for a moment so that when she looked down, he would already be down on his knees, ready to make his proposal.

And that was exactly how it happened.

While she reeled from the taste of his lips on hers, Michael had gotten down on one knee. In his trembling hands was an open blue jewelry box. Sitting inside was the most beautiful engagement ring in the world.

He looked at her with green eyes, glistening with tears and Michael was sure Sydney's heart had skipped a beat. Why not, he'd never looked so happy.

"V-Vaughn?" she asked tearfully, "what are you doing?"

"I thought it was obvious," he said with a white grin, trying not to be discouraged by that question. "But if it wasn't, that's okay. It will be. Here goes nothing." He then closed his eyes for a moment then when he opened them, it was like a new man was kneeling there, a most romantic man who was ready to do what men feared most.

"Sydney A. Bristow, your entering my life made my life that much more difficult and I'm not talking just about cause we are agents, though that probably didn't make anything easier. I assume I had the same effect on you. Yet, I think we complement each other in our work so naturally, I know you're the one Syd, my soul mate. My dad was right. I was able to set my heart by this watch. It led me to you, the most amazing person in the world."

Sydney remained silent but something flickered within her eyes that made Vaughn's heart leap with joy but it wasn't enough. He was expecting a bigger reaction so he continued.

"I know that after you joined the CIA, you've realized that everyone you've put your trust in has betrayed you. Sd-6 was not a black op division of the CIA, they were actually the enemy. Your dad is the reason you even lead this spy life and your mother was not only dead but maybe a traitor to the U.S, and of course…she killed my dad." He paused and grabbed for her hand and made her look at him. "Yet I have been there through it all, and though I'll never say I'm perfect, not even close, I have tried to be the one constant in your life. And I think…I mean, I hope after all we've gone through, you know you can put all your faith in me and not only will I take care o you, but I will make you the happiest woman for the rest of your life."

"God V…Vaughn…please."

"S…Sydney…and I know you're hurting these last six months with all the Will and Francie stuff but I'm think this is the right time. I'm here to tell you you no longer have to hurt by yourself and you don't have to ever think you have to hide your problems from me. They'll be our problems. I'm going to be your home, Syd. All you have to do is answer one simple question…"

(Can everyone guess what that is? ) )

"Will you marry me…Sydney Bristow?"

There…it was out.

And now Sydney could either break his heart or make him the happiest man in the world with what she said next. Michael wondered if she was aware of just how much power she had right now?

"Vaughn….you want to…marry me? After all we've gone through you know I'm not easy girlfriend, not to mention I've been so distant recently," she whispered as she squeezed his shaking hands with hers, tears of fright clear in her big brown irises.

"Yes Sydney, I do. Now it's all up to you to decide what our future is going to be. Please Syd, just say yes."

Sydney just stared at him and Vaughn couldn't understand what was keeping her from saying, "yes!" Wasn't this what they both wanted?

"S-Syd? Sydney, what are you waiting for?" he chuckled nervously. "I mean I can understand if you want to let this moment ride out like some scene from a romantic comedy but…can you go about it more quickly. Y-you're killing me, Syd."

"Vaughn….no…I'm sorry."

"SYDNEY! I knew it! Oh baby, we are going to be so…." But then Michael paused when he realized she wasn't in his arms and they weren't kissing like no tomorrow. "Wait…what did you say?"

"No, Michael…I won't marry you," she repeated, sounding more strong about it this time.

Those words stabbed him deeply in the heart and made him feel numb. He wasn't sure if he should be angry with her, or if it should be with himself for pushing her too early. Or maybe he still didn't believe her, maybe he didn't want to believe her. "What? Syd…I don't understand," he stammered, his body trembling violently. "I mean…we live together…we always talk about how we can't be away from each other…you…YOU GAVE ME A DRAWER!"

Michael knew it was lame but he didn't know how to react.

Sydney didn't say anything. Instead, she stood up, dropping his hand like his touch meant nothing to her. Vaughn didn't even have the strength to look at her. This was so embarrassing for him. He'd been so sure!

"Wait…where are you going?"

"I…I'm sorry, Vaughn," he heard Sydney say from the other edge of the room.

"Yeah, she better damn well be sorry," he thought brokenly.

"I should have told you but there's…there's someone I have to meet. I'll just make the plane if I leave now."

Wait, Plane? What the hell was going on?

"Sydney, but you're on vacation, with me, for a week. It's illegal for them to send you on a mission," Vaughn argued, trying to make sense of everything. "Unless you're not going on a mission…"

"No, not sanctioned by the CIA anyway," Sydney said hurridely and by the time Vaughn looked up, he saw that she'd changed into a red wig with cascading curls and a very tasteful cocktail dress.

No way.

"Vaughn, I don't know how to say this but the only reason I came with you on this little trip was because this was the only way I could get away from the CIA. I…I never intended to spend the week with you."

Okay, Vaughn was sure she'd just shot him, that was how badly he was pained. She'd used him. She'd used his happiness and turned it into his worst nightmare. She'd never intended to spend the week with him.

"SYDNEY BRISTOW!! YOU…CAN'T BE…SERIOUS!" he huffed as he got to his feet while Sydney just watched, as though wondering why he was being so ridiculous. " I just poured my heart out to you and all you have to say is YOU HAVE TO GO?"

"Vaughn, please, I'll just make the plane…."

"SCREW THE PLANE!" Vaughn screamed, shocking even rebellious Sydney. "What does this mean? Have you been having an affair with someone else? Is this the thank you for my trusting you, back stabbing me in the back? Is that what you've been doing while I've been wondering when you're coming back, dating someone else!"

It was as if Sydney had not heard him as she only grabbed the handle to her suitcase and rolled it to the door without a glance of apology to Vaughn.

"WAIT SYD! Before you go out that door, answer this one damn question…are you seeing someone else?" He demanded then in a defeated tone he added, "have you fallen in love with someone else?" as he got his feet and then went to bar the doorway with his body.

"Michael, please…you don't understand," she whined then when Michael didn't move, she shoved him away the way she did with any goons that got in her way. Vaughn landed on the floor and didn't move, he just stared at her with loathing. He looked ready to say, "oh hell no!" and punch the daylight out of her. Obviously he didn't deal with heartbreak well.

"Vaughn, I know you're upset but…these six months have been…like you said…hard. So hard that it's changed me. I'm a different person now, Vaughn and that's not your fault at all. But…I can't do this. Had you told me this was your plan…I would have saved you the trouble."

He knew this couldn't be what Sydney would say even though he was seeing her full lips move with his own two eyes. "Syd…what's going on?"

"Excuse me…I don't have time for this."

"I'm giving you a chance to come clean, Syd. I mean did you get yourself into trouble? Is someone watching you right now…is that why you're saying these things? Who's making you say these things Syd?"

"Vaughn, you're crazy, no one's making me say anything," Sydney stated firmly. "I just won't do this. We were both wrong, you're not my soul mate and…you'll be better off forgetting about me."

Sometime during that time Sydney must have looked away because she was not prepared for what she saw when she looked back at her distraught boyfriend, Vaughn had pulled out a gun and he was pointing it at her. She gasped.

"Syd…don't make me have to tranquilize you. You know I don't want to, but you know I will."

"Vaughn, stop joking. I know this is coming off as a shock but…"

"Syd, one last chance. Tell me what's going on," he threatened her, his green eyes narrowing. "Or I'll phone your father and have him get permission from Langley to bring you in."

And Vaughn pulled out his cell phone with his free hand to make sure Sydney knew he wasn't playing around.

"VVaughn, y…you wouldn't tranquilize a pregnant woman would you?" Sydney demanded suddenly, giving him her best mournful look.

And sensitive Vaughn gave her the reaction she expected. "You're pregnant, Sydney?"

"Yes," she replied, not sounding at all enthusiastic about it, but her hand did go to her stomach, perhaps to look as though she cared about motherhood.

There was an awkward silence. Vaughn finally put them out of their misery by saying," uh no…I guess I wouldn't." He just continued to gape at her in shock, and the weight of his hand became so heavy he could no longer hold his gun up. He couldn't believe what he was about to say. "So, this is it, then? Is this what you really want? Me…out of your life? Because if we break up now…like this, I don't know if I even want to stay friends with you."

Michael wished he wasn't crying while he looked into the eyes of the woman he would give his life for, his heart breaking more with every passing second. "Syd?"

"Yes," she said after a beat. "I think it'd be better if we…broke up."

"Oh?" That just sounded too easy and heartless for Vaughn. "And do I get a say in this?"

Sydney just stood with her arms folded over her non-existent bulge.

"No. Okay…it doesn't surprise me. I'm not successfully getting any answers out of you today," Vaughn shrugged, rubbing his hands together, not sure what to do, afraid of tomorrow when he'd be alone and worrying about Sydney would no longer be his concern.

Then it suddenly hit him. He only hoped Sydney didn't notice.

"Syd…so, speaking from a fellow agent point of view, are you leaving forever?"

No answer.

"Okay. When are you coming back then?"

The same.

"Well…what do you expect the CIA to think? If you leave like this, you know what they're going to think Agent Bristow," he reminded her as though he were still her handler, giving her guidance even though there was only a very slim chance she would listen.

"Whatever you tell them," she replied with the first trustful glance of the evening, as though believing Vaughn would cover her butt after what she'd just done to him. As though she still thought it was right.

"Syd," he began with difficulty, lowering his gaze to the floor. "I…I can't cover you." But then somehow he got the strength to lift his face and look into her eyes as he said, "No…I won't cover you," he said more firmly, the two distinct creases forming on his forehead.

There was another awkward silence and Vaughn expected her to call him a wimp, or a loser or something of that sort.

"Breaking up is a bitch, isn't it?" Sydney sighed, cocking her head to the side, half laughing, if that was even possible. "If you're really intent on telling them the truth, Agent Vaughn, you'll probably not get very far as you don't know anything other than that I'm leaving. But be fair…give me a ten minute head start."

Be fair? Yeah, like Vaughn was give her that. A normal person would probably not get away in ten minutes but Sydney was a spy and an excellent one at that who was the master of improvisation and thrived on the challenge of talking herself out of any situation. Who knew where she could be? She'd definitely get away if that someone were planning to extract her.

"Fine," Vaughn huffed, the wheels still turning in his head from minutes ago. "This will be the last nice thing I'll do for you since I don't want to be the bad guy. But…"

Sydney looked at him uncomfortably, she knew what he was going to ask for.

"Yes, Michael?"

"Can you…kiss me? One last time," Vaughn pleaded but it came off more as a won't take no for an answer situation as he'd already gotten to his feet and then in seconds he'd walked over to her and laid his rough palm on her smooth and definite cheekbone.

Michael almost smiled when he saw how willing Sydney was to do it. Maybe his plan was going to work. Maybe something was going on and it wasn't that she didn't want him. He could only hope one thing would go right tonight.

"Ok…one last time."

And Vaughn took advantage of the situation, kissing her deer than she wanted, pushed his body against her harder than was comfortable for two exes and he probably provided more enjoyment than she'd expected, more than she'd be able to handle.

"Oh Michael."

But Michael pretended like he didn't hear her. Instead, he pushed his hand into his pocket and then grabbed her behind her neck and pressed his palm into her skin until his mouth was right next to her ear. "Syd, I don't know what's going on…but I am your one constant. I'll save you Sydney, whether you want me to or not."

And Sydney miraculously squeezed him back as if to say, "I know you will."

(interruption of flashback)

Vaughn blinked his eyes till he could see clearly again and immediately realized that they were in the air. It was the turbulence that had woken him. He loosened the hand from the arm rest he was holding on for dear life and flexed his fingers.

"So, you're finally awake, Director Vaughn?"

Michael's eyes immediately focused to that who was in front of him and gasped when he saw Will. He swiftly closed the fist he had the ring in and nonchalantly placed it back into it's box and shoved it back into it's previous location. "I guess so, Tippin," he replied pleasantly, "how long have we been in the air?"

"Three hours. ETA to L.A, an hour and thirty minutes," Will replied while he sorted through some paperwork on his lap. Vaughn was about to say something friendly but Will cut in with, "so I'd suppose you'd want someone to interrogate Tobias Seacrest when we get back to headquarters. I assume you'd want to as it's Sydney's ex or accomplice but I think you'd do better to stay away from the case as much as possible."

Ah, directly to business and directly to bashing the Director. Nice.

"Yes. I agree with you and therefore, I would like it if you'd let Jack Bristow know I would like to appoint Agent Dixon to do that since we don't know whether the man in our custody is guilty or not," Vaughn agreed without attitude. "I don't want anyone to think we aren't being somewhat hospitable. After all, he did not resist arrest when he caught him in Marseilles," Vaughn pointed out and started writing with an electronic pen on his personal pda.

"Done," Will stated, typing onto his open laptop on his table and the added. "I suppose after writing your operation report you will be heading home. I'll make sure no one contacts you unless there is a dire emergency."

Since when had Will appointed himself Vaughn's right hand man, or no…Vaughn's boss?

"More and likely. I appreciate that, Will."

Vaughn saw Will's hand tighten and he knew it was because he was acting friendly towards him. Fortunate for Vaughn, Will didn't deck him, not physically at least.

"So… "Mike," I'm curious."

Vaughn gulped, this could not be good.

"All that stuff they covered, all the rules you broke and then going far as to get demoted because of Sydney, is that all true? I mean, you've got an excellent record. You really want me to believe that you basically trashed all that for my best friend?"

After the recent flashbacks, Vaughn was not ready to answer any Vaughn/Syd questions but he replied with a short, "yes." Even though he didn't care what Will thought he wanted him to believe.

After a beat Will said, "I asked Sydney the same question. She confirmed it all too, which is why I can't believe you can hate her so. Then of course, she started crying, wondering where she'd gone wrong. And you…you've taken such a deep place in her heart, she doesn't even listen to her best friend anymore. I told her you're a jerk, that she should detest you but…she cries."

Vaughn's heart wrenched painfully within his chest after hearing that revelation. "How is she? How is Sydney? Were you able to get her to take the laptop and the…the disk?"

"Of course she did," Will replied shortly and his gaze answered the question with, "what do you think?" "She's physically looking better each day, regaining her color, if that's what you're asking."

Actually, it wasn't but he didn't bother elaborating. He instead nodded, pretending to be satisfied and went back to his Tale of Two Cities, trying to look as though he didn't care what he had done with Sydney for him to stay five hours.

"Vaughn, just so you know," Will began and when Vaughn looked up, he saw Will had shut down his laptop and was currently shoving paper back into his briefcase. "If you ever…EVER, pull that stupid stunt with Sydney, breaking her down till she's unrecognizable…you will not LIVE to see another behavioral hearing. Am I clear, Director Vaughn?"

Michael raised his eyes to see Will's clear blue ones were only inches away from his. "Yes, Agent Tippin. You've made yourself perfectly clear."

Will looked as satisfied as he was going to get and then without another glance he headed picked up his stuff and headed to another seat clearly to get away from him.

Vaughn didn't fight him. Hey, it was probably better for the both of them.

Michael had to take a minute to adjust to the silence and to refocus on the small print in his book, but the end of that last flashback was forcing itself back and he just let it come.

(continuation to flashback)

000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000

Michael released Sydney then stepped back to gaze at her beautiful flushed face, trying to figure out if she had felt something. She was red, but then, she was always pretty rosy. "I..I don't know what else to say. I don't think there's anything else to say except…you take care of yourself Sydney." He then looked down at his watch. "Ten minutes, I hope you know what you're doing."

"I do," she had replied as she pulled her coat on and then she turned the doorknob and slipped through the door without looking at him. But something slipped to the floor, a little sheet of paper.

Michael leaned against the door to hear her footsteps were walking away. He locked the door then immediately dialed Jack Bristow, asking him for assistance and surprisingly he complied without demanding what he was doing in Santa Barbara with his precious daughter. He clicked off and pushed on his headphones, impatiently waiting for it to connect to genius of the CIA, good o'l Marshall. While waiting for the connection he went over to the floor and picked up the piece of paper.

It smelled of Sydney's perfume. He remembered smelling something distinctly different on the plane ride over. She had planed this whole thing. He immediately unfolded it, written clearly on one side was, "Michael. I'm surprised you didn't ask. I know you wanted to know so I'll tell you. The baby I'm carrying…it's yours, not that she'll ever know. I'll make sure of it. The only way you can do that is if you catch me but…we both know you won't do that. You still love me. Sydney."

Though the revelation itself was shocking, it was what Vaughn had expected. Which was the ONLY reason he had requested to get a kiss from the girl who'd completely torn him apart.

"MMarshall Flinkman…CIA resident genius."

You had to love him.

"Marshall, it's Agent Vaughn. Listen, I just used that stuff on Sydney. She did pull her move tonight and I want to make sure it's working. Tell me we're tracking her."

"Okay, One second Agent Vaughn."

Vaughn waited and while he did, he pulled out a mysterious bottle of liquid of out his pocket. To anyone else, it would have been mistaken for perfume. Had anyone found it and used it, that would be all it would be.

But Michael knew what it was, a bug, and the cleverest one Marshall had ever engineered. And he'd just pressed it into the back of Sydney's neck. Course he loved her, and of course he had really proposed to her and had really gotten his heart broken. And it wasn't that he didn't believe Sydney didn't want him.

But he also knew that Sydney was lying to him.

"Okay, establishing connection. Sending info to your e-mail Boy Scout."

"Copy that," he stammered as he hurridely walked over to his suitcase and set up his laptop. Within moments he was logged onto the CIA web site and he had received the information Marshall had relayed to him.

Now all he had to was watch…and wait.

(End of Flashback)

YO YO YO! Enjoy that much ? I sure hope you did! Please review and I'll update faster, my new years resolution.You'll see little by little why Vaughn and Syd went wrong and what happened during my version of the missing years. Please review my other fics if you can, I'd appreciate it! OH and just had to say Vaughn was sexy as the British guy trying to do business. "And I'm not your brother so you need to shove off." And then how about MARHSALL. "It's like finding a pin within a country of haystacks. But I know what I have to do so, SHUT UP!"

Lataz,

Total Vaughn Lover.