Title: A New Life
©: Daphne Miles
Disclaimer: I don't own the show, the characters, (though I wouldn't mind owning a piece of Vaughn;)) Joey is the only one I made up. Don't sue me…I'm just a child!
Please R/R-I'd love to hear what you think(
Spoilers: None really.
Sydney groaned as the warm April sun beat down on her back. She opened her eyes, looking at the clock, *9:00*. She smiled and rest her head back on the pillow. She still relished in the free feeling she had been able to feel for the past year…since that day in Mid-March.
~*~
"Sydney?" Vaughn stood at the 'Credit Dauphine' sign. Sydney took in a deep breath. "Yea, I'm ready." "I'm here…I can hear everything that goes on…Don't be afraid, we have the team in place." Vaughn's heart beat faster as he worried for Sydney. Sydney nodded as the elevator doors opened. 'this is it' she thought. The doors leading into SD-6 opened and she walked in, giving a smile and a nod to Dixon. He nodded to her, giving her support. He had known for the last month and a half the truth about SD-6. Just in time to help take it down for good. Sydney dropped the pin where she was supposed to. The pin would allow the CIA team to over-ride any lock down procedures. She took a deep breath, and nodded to her dad, who stood from his desk, and fell in step with her as they made their way to Sloane's office.
They didn't knock, but walked in. Sydney's head was held high. Sloane looked up, with the same eerie look on his face.
"Its over Sloane." Sydney glared him right in the eye, to show she wasn't afraid of him. Sloane let an amused smile creep across his lips. "What is 'over'?" Sydney raised an eyebrow and took a step towards him. "In less than 30 seconds, a team of CIA agents will storm the building. There is nothing you can do to stop it." She clenched her jaw, and couldn't help adding; "All the hell that you have put me and other agents through, all the lives you have damaged…you will pay for it." For the first time ever, she could see a hint of fear flicker across his eyes. "Ok Syd…they are coming in." Vaughn had heard everything she said, and couldn't keep the proud smile from his face. Sydney Nodded. "You are over Sloane, you won't be able to hurt anyone ever again." The doors burst open behind them. Sydney didn't even flinch. She kept her eyes locked on Sloane in a defying glare. Four CIA agents burst in, grabbing Sloane. Jack reached out, and took Sydney's hand in hi. She squeezed his hand back, taking comfort that he was there. It was finally over.
The CIA had gotten the break three weeks ago, when they had gotten Intel that Sloane had been promoted to the highest position possible in SD- 6. The CIA had taken offices by storm, teams were sent out all over the world, bringing down every branch and contact. This was the final step.
Sydney felt tears sting her eyes. She turned around, dropping her dad's hand and throwing her arms around her, she cried openly, not afraid anymore. "We did it!!! Daddy we did it!" She felt like she was eight again, calling her father 'daddy' and hugging him. He smiled, hugging her back, he felt a tear roll down his face. "Sydney, I love you. I'm sorry…I'm sorry for everything I put you thr.." Sydney cut him off. "Dad…stop. You didn't PUT me through anything…I'm sorry for being such a brat…I love you too." After a long embrace, they walked out of Sloane's office. Dixon was helping the briefing of a few agents, including the thoroughly confused Marshall, who was getting an offer to work for the CIA. Sydney smiled a genuine smile, as her heart soared to a new height of freedom.
"You did it Sydney." Vaughn said once she had gotten out to the front where he was. "No Vaughn…we all did it." She smiled. He looked at her for a minute…and gently brushed her face with his hand. She knew it was coming, and she had never been ready for a kiss in her life. He bent down and kissed her, she greeted her with kissing him back, wrapping her arms around his shoulders. He smiled once they pulled apart. "I have wanted to do that since I first saw you…even with the pink hair." He smiled. She giggled back. "Yea…me too."
~*~
Sydney heard her front door open. She smiled, curling under the covers. Vaughn walked into her room, smiling at her. He walked over to her bedside and bent over, brushing hair from her face and kissing her forehead. "Morning angel." He said tenderly. She smiled, opening her eyes to Michael Vaughn was never a bad thing to do. She traced her hand down his face. "Mm…Morning." she grumbled. He sat down on the edge of her bed, waiting for her to fully wake up. Her eyes fluttered all the way open, she sighed, and pushed herself up to sit against her headboard. He took her hand in his, brushing his thumb over her engagement ring. "You ready for this?" He asked, smiling. She grinned back. "Of course! I have never been more ready for anything." Tomorrow was the day that they would start a new life…together. Sydney slid the covers aside and sat on the edge of the bed. "Be right back." She walked toward the bathroom. Vaughn took her spot against the headboard and started reading the sports section of the paper he had brought in.
Sydney rushed back out of the bathroom after a little over a minute, and quickly cupped his face in her hands, kissing him gently. He smiled, kissing her back. She pulled away and laughed. "I just had to brush my teeth before I did that." She smiled and sat next to him. "Well, thanks." He replied with a chuckle. She rest her head on his chest and he wrapped his arm around her.
Yesterday had been a busy day. They were getting all of the last- minute things done so that they would have a day to semi-relax before the wedding. Tomorrow would be so hectic, al of the people and the things that would evidently go wrong. Today was just a day to rest up for tomorrow.
Sydney sighed happily, nuzzling her head against Vaughn's chest. He kissed her forehead as he continued to read the newspaper. Sydney looked at her ring, and thought back to the day he had proposed to her. Everything had been so perfect and romantic…
~*~
Vaughn had spent hours getting everything ready. He had taken a long shower, trying to ease his anxieties. He had gone through his closet about five times, finally deciding on his nicest black slacks and a deep blue button up shirt. He splashed his best cologne on, the one Sydney liked the best. He ran some gel through his hair, and looked in the mirror, taking a deep breath he smiled. He reached into his top drawer, reaching behind his sox, he finally felt the small velvet box. He grinned and slid it into his pocket. He had everything else he needed in his car. He checked his watch. He was right on time. He grabbed his wallet and keys, going out to his car, and headed for Sydney's house.
Sydney pulled the rollers out of her hair and glanced at her watch. She cringed, she wanted to be ready on time tonight. Vaughn hadn't told her anything about tonight. Tonight was their two year anniversary, so she knew it would be special. She walked out of the bathroom, to her bedroom. She picked up the dress she had bought yesterday. She slide her hand over the soft red silk. It was the perfect dress. Red, one of her best colors, with no sleeves and a scoop neck. The dress went to her ankles, with a slit to just above her knee. It fit her perfectly, hugging her in all the right places. She slid it on, being careful not to smear any make up on it. Sliding her shoes on, she went into the bathroom, and ran her fingers through her hair, loosening her big curls. She put on her earrings and necklace, and inspected herself in the full length mirror, running her hands down her stomach to her hips. Her lips curved into a smile.
Vaughn strode up to her door and knocked. Sydney spun around and walked to the door. She was never self-conscious about seeming too eager or anything. She was never afraid that she would do something stupid around Vaughn. She opened the door and smiled. "Hi." Vaughn fumbled for words, he was surprised his jaw didn't hurt from what he expected had hit the floor. He managed a smile and finally got control of his words. "Hey. Sydney, you look beautiful." He smiled and stepped into her house, wrapping his arms around her waist and pulling her into a kiss. She wrapped her arms loosely around his neck, closing her eyes and getting lost in his kiss. After a few moments, she pulled her lips from his, opening her eyes and smiling. "Thank you…you don't look too shabby yourself!" She grinned. "Sydney, I got these for you." He held out a dozen deep red roses. "Michael they are beautiful! Thank you!" She smiled and kissed him. She took them into the kitchen and put them in a vase she had.
Walking back out, she asked "So, where are we going tonight?" She pleaded, trying to get at least a hint. "Not so fast miss Bristow. It's a surprise!" He smiled at her. "Oh fine then." She smiled. "Shall we go then?" "Wait…" He reached into his pocked and pulled out a blue bandana. She raised her eyebrow at him and crossed her arms. "And this is for…?" "So you won't see anything." She bit her lower lip in thought, trying to suppress a smile. "Well, whatever floats your boat I guess. You know, if this was with anyone else, I might be creeped out," She giggled slightly. "But with you, I'll take my chances." She smiled and stepped towards him. "All right, go ahead and blind me." She picked up her purse.
Vaughn grinned and gently tied the bandana around her eyes. "Here, take my hands." He slid both of his hands into hers and led her out the door, making sure to lock and close it behind them. "Ok…we are at the car, so I am just gonna help you..." he helped her into the car as he spoke. "slide in here…" He shut the door once she was in and walked around to the other side of the car. "Ready?" He asked as he started the car. "As I'll ever be!" She smiled, feeling slightly silly with the bandana over her eyes.
Vaughn pulled his car out of Sydney's driveway, heading for the main road. Sydney blindly reached out for his hand. He took her hand eagerly, bringing it to his lips gently. She smiled. "Hey, can we put on some music?" Vaughn smiled, slipping his hand from hers to press play on the CD they had put together of their songs. He again laced his fingers through hers. She grinned as 'Crazy for This Girl' came on.
* She rolls the window down
* And she talks over the sound*
* Of the cars that pass us by
* And I don't know why, but she's changed my mind*
~
* Would you look at her as she looks at me?*
*She's got me thinkin' about her constantly*
* but she don't know how I feel
*And she carries on without a doubt
*I wonder if she's figured out
* I'm Crazy for this girl*
*I'm Crazy for this girl*
~
*She was the one to hold me, the night the sky fell down.
*And what was I thinkin' when, the world didn't end?
*Why didn't I know what I know now?
~
*Would you look at her as she looks at me?*
*She's got me thinkin' about her constantly*
* but she don't know how I feel
*And she carries on without a doubt
*I wonder if she's figured out
* I'm Crazy for this girl*
*I'm Crazy for this girl*
~
*Right now. Face to face. All my fears. Pushed aside.
*And right now, I'm ready to spend the rest of my life, with you.
~
*Would you look at her as she looks at me?
*She's got me thinkin' about her constantly*
* but she don't know how I feel
*And she carries on without a doubt
*I wonder if she's figured out
* I'm Crazy for this girl*
*I'm Crazy for this girl*
Vaughn parked the car and slid out, walking around the car, and opening Sydney's door.
"That was fast!" Sydney said. She smiled and slid out of the car with the aid of Vaughn. He led her through a steel door, creating an echoing clanging noise. Sydney's shoes made a loud noise on cement floor…there was something that felt familiar about the place, but she couldn't put her finger on it.
"Just a little further now." Vaughn led her through what sounded like a metal gate. "Wait right here." He left her standing, she heard him walking away. "Uhm…Michael?" she wrapped her arms around herself, wanting to kick herself for leaving her jacket in the car. Wherever she was, it was cold. She heard a clunk sound and could tell lights had been turned on, making it just a little warmer.
Vaughn came up behind her, sliding his arms around her waist, and pulling her close to him, her back still turned to him. He gently kissed her shoulder and whispered, "Ok, you can take off the bandana now."
Sydney smiled and raised her hands to untie the bandana. It took a moment for her eyes to adjust to the lighting. She gasped when she saw where she was. "MICHAEL!!!!" She grinned, turning to wrap her arms around him in a tight hug. "Happy Anniversary Sydney. I thought this would be very appropriate."
She looked around, remembering all of the secret meetings they had had in this very spot. "The Warehouse! I never would have guessed! It's perfect!" she smiled at her, her eyes dancing in excitement, lighting up with pure joy. "I love you Sydney." He smiled, brushing a stray lock of hair that had fallen across her face. She grinned. "I love you too." She smiled, running her hand down the collar of his shirt to rest flat on his chest. "I love you so much!" She said, looking at him. Vaughn smiled. He ran his hand gently under her chin, tipping her head up and gently kissing her. She smiled against his lips and kissed him back, resting her other hand on his arm.
After a few moments, Vaughn pulled away smiling. "I love being able to do that." He grinned, brushing his thumb across her cheek. "Well, Shall we eat?" Sydney turned around at his comment, in her excitement she hadn't even seen the candle-lit picnic set up on the floor.
"Aww honey! You cooked!" She giggled and followed him over to the blanket that was set up on the floor. He smiled and put a more than half full glass of wine in front of her.
"Well, I didn't watch over 50 hours of 'From Martha's Kitchen' with you for nothing!" He gave her a wry smile. She laughed and sat down, picking up the glass.
"Here's to the best 2 years of my life, and to the most beautiful woman in the world." He smiled at her. Sydney felt her cheeks flush with color. "Well, here is to you Michael, the most…perfect man I have ever met." She smiled and they clinked their glasses.
All through dinner, Vaughn had seemed anxious, like he was nervous about something. When she had asked him if something was wrong, he would just smile and tell her that 'everything was perfect'.
"Michael, I have made a very important decision." He looked up at her from his plate. "You are now the official cook." She grinned, putting her fork down on their cleaned dessert plate. Vaughn laughed and watched her as she stood up to stretch.
He took a deep breath and thought 'its now or never'. He reached over to her and took her hand in his, pulling himself to his knees.
"Michael…what…?" She gave him a confused look. He took a deep breath.
"Sydney, I love you. I love you more than you could ever know. I love you more than I have ever loved anyone before. You are my heart, my soul…and my life. I would be honored…I would be the luckiest man in the world.." He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small black box and opened it. "If you will marry me…and be my wife. I promise you, I will love you, and never leave you. That I will make you as happy as I can." He nervously smiled at her.
Sydney gasped, staring at him for a moment. She felt the tears welling up in her eyes. Her face lit up with a huge smile. "Yes!" She crouched down, her form-fitting dress tugging in protest. She kissed him, wrapping her arms around him tightly. "yes!" she squealed again, praying she wasn't dreaming. Vaughn laughed, tears filling his own eyes.
The ring was beautiful. It had white gold, and 24 caret genuine gold twined together in a thin twist. A large diamond in the center, and two much smaller on either side. It was the most beautiful ring she had ever seen. She ran a finger across it and smiled at him.
"Michael, it's beautiful!" she exclaimed in awe. He smiled and took it out, and gently slid it on her ring finger. He ran his hand up to her face, brushing his hand softly across her cheek. "You're beautiful."
"I love you." She smiled, and kissed him again. "I love YOU!" he smiled, kissing her passionately. Sydney, wrapped up in the kiss, lost her balance and toppled over onto the ground, Vaughn crashing down next to her. They both paused a moment, and broke out into hysterical laughter. Sydney loved that about them. That one minute they could be all serious and romantic, then the next one of them would do something incredibly klutzy and they could be laughing.
Vaughn reached over, pulled a blanket over them, and wrapped his arms around her. He brushed one hand over her face and smiled, leaning in and kissing her on the forehead, then the tip of her nose, then her lips. She smiled and kissed him back, snuggling with him.
"You know, this is probably not the best outfit to be snuggling in." She laughed, sitting up, checking over her dress. He smiled. "Want to go?"
She glanced around, looking around at the place she once drove the fastest to come to, because she knew he would be waiting here for her. The place where they shared their first kiss…even though if anyone had found out, they would have been in big trouble. It was the place where he comforted her when she needed a friend, where she apologized for her mother's mistakes.
"Sure…lets go. But lets have more picnics here. I kind of miss it." She grinned, standing up.
"Yea me too." He stood up and put on his most serious face, and as officially as he could make it sound said, "Lets go Agent Bristow."
She giggled and pushed him playfully. "You know…Agent Vaughn…you might not want to call me that, cause hearing it again gets me into the 'mess with me and I'll kick your butt' mode." She laughed, gathering the basket, now full of left over food and dishes.
Vaughn laughed "I guess I won't be messing with you then!" He grinned and gathered up everything else. He glanced around. "Allright, that's everything." He took her hand in his, running his thumb over the ring. They walked out to the car and drove off toward Sydney's house. Nothing could have smacked the grins off their faces.
They reached Sydney's house and went in. She brought in the dishes so she could wash them.
"Let me take those hon." Vaughn reached over and took the basket from her, wrapping his arm around her waist as they walked into her house. She unlocked it and walked in with him.
"I'm going to go change, I'll be right back." She said as she started down the hall.
Vaughn grabbed her hand and pulled her back into a kiss. "Don't change too much, 'cause I kinda like ya the way you are." He grinned, satisfied with his joke.
Sydney laughed. "Very clever Mr. Vaughn." She giggled and kissed him before heading down the hall to her room.
Vaughn walked into the kitchen, putting the leftover food in the fridge and the dishes in the dishwasher. Sydney changed into her silky pink pj pants and a white shirt. She pulled her hair back into a ponytail and walked back out to the kitchen.
"Honey, I put your clean laundry on the dresser in the guest bedroom. There are some of your pj's in there." She smiled and pushed herself onto the kitchen counter.
"Thanks sweetheart." He walked over to her, wiping the water from his hands with a towel. He tossed the towel on the counter, and rested his hands on her knees. He kissed her. "What would I ever do without you?" He asked rhetorically, but she felt the urge to answer.
"Probably lead a horribly dramatic life where you, and yes, only you would have to do laundry and clean!" She added a fake scared face. He gasped and smiled, leaning his forehead against hers. "You are an angel!" He kissed her quickly before going down the hall into the guest bedroom that he sometimes slept in when he was over late. He didn't live there, but he might as well have. Half of his stuff was there, and he was almost always over there. He did everything but sleep there. He changed into his red flannel pajama pants and a grey t-shirt.
Sydney was crouched beside the tv, looking at movies. Vaughn came up behind her, grabbing her waist and kissing the top of her head. "What movie tonight?" He asked, knowing they would do their ritual of watching a movie. "I was thinking Moulin Rouge or Practical Magic. What do you think?" She handed him both DVDs. He looked over both of them. "I'm up for a singing and dancing movie." He smiled. She grinned at him. "And you don't mind the half naked Nicole Kidman either huh?" she giggled and put the DVD in. "She gets half naked? Whoa…didn't know that!" He laughed at the face she gave him and sat on the couch.
he walked over and sat in his lap, leaning her back against his chest and her arms on his knees. He wrapped his hands around her stomach, and she rested one of her hands on top of his. He smiled and kissed the soft spot behind her ear. "I love you." He whispered to her. "I love you too." She smiled, resting her head at the base of his neck. She pulled a blanket off the back of the couch and covered them with it. She fell asleep to the song 'Come What May'. Sydney knew it was one of the best nights they would ever have.
~*~
"Syd? What do you want to do today?" Vaughn asked as he tossed the newspaper onto her nightstand. Sydney was snapped out of her memory and smiled, she had been daydreaming. "Well, I just feel like taking the day…be lazy. That kind of thing. Tomorrow will be so busy," She said with a grin, "Want to go for a run?" She sat up and turned to face him.
He chuckled. "Running is your idea of a lazy day?" He smiled "Whatever you want sweetie." He kissed her forehead and stood up. "I'll get changed." He walked to the dresser, which they were now sharing. Yesterday they had finished moving all of his stuff from his apartment to her place. He grabbed his blue running pants and a white –shirt.
Sydney smiled, getting up and brushed her hair into a ponytail. It would be weird having him live here full time…not weird, different, but it would be the best 'different' she would ever have to live with. "Want to go to the pier?" She called to the bathroom where Vaughn was.
"Yea, sounds good!" He called back.
Sydney pulled out her black Capri sweats and a red tank top. She changed quickly, and grabbed her running shoes as Vaughn came out of the bathroom.
After stretching they headed out for a jog. He reached for her hand and took it loosely in his. They jogged for the mile and a half it took to get to the pier, and stopped to get water and look out at the ocean. They laughed as a little girl tried to keep up with her melting ice cream, which left her face a huge chocolate mess. Vaughn slid his arm around Sydney's waist. She smiled, leaning her head on his shoulder.
"I can't wait until we have children of our own." She smiled, imagining the little girl was theirs. Three years ago, she would have never thought she would be able to have children.
Vaughn grinned "Me too. You will be a fabulous mother Syd."
She smiled, it had taken her so long to get over her mother, and the things she did. She was still not convinced that her mother actually loved her, actually wanted a family. It still hurt to think about her mom, and there was a deep hatred that she had tried to get rid of, but she couldn't help feeling it when thoughts were re-called of her mother.
"Ready to go home?" Vaughn asked, sensing her tension. He slid his arm from around her.
"Yea, lets go." She stretched her legs out.
They jogged home, totally tired by the time they got there.
"I'm gonna take a shower…then…" Sydney was cut off by her phone ringing. She picked it up, still a little out of breath.
"Hello?"
"Syd! Hey!" Francie answered.
"Hey Fran, what's up?"
"Nothing now. I picked up the dresses for you."
"Oh thank you so much! How did the alterations turn out?"
"Sydney, they are beautiful. You will look like a princess in yours. I'm glad you didn't take my advice on the lime green for bridesmaids." She laughed "So are you busy now?"
Sydney laughed "um…Not really. Michael and I just had a run and I need to shower, why?"
"Well, I thought I'd bring your dress by and I'll show you mine too."
"Sounds good!"
Sydney heard a baby wail in the back round and Sydney smiled.
"AH! Syd I have to go. Charlie is making Joey cry again." Sydney could hear the grin in Francie's voice, Charlie was obviously in listening range.
"Ok, you bring that little angel with you ok?"
"You got it! See you later babe."
"Ok. Bye!"
"Bye."
Sydney hung up the phone and walked into the family room where Vaughn was lounging on the couch drinking water and watching baseball. She walked over, leaning over the back of the couch and kissed him. "Who's winning?" "Mets are up two runs to the Giants." "Good stuff!" She smiled "I'll be back."
She walked into her room and took a long shower. Getting out, she changed into jeans and a black shirt. She walked back into the family room hair still damp, and hopped over the back of the couch, landing next to Vaughn.
"Francie is coming over in a few. She is bringing Joey with her." She smiled, Vaughn laughed. "Awesome! I love that little kid. He is so cute." Sydney laughed, thinking of Francie and Charlie's one and a half year old baby. "Yea, he's adorable."
Two hours later, Vaughn had the crying baby in his arms. He was standing outside Sydney's door whining for one of them to rescue him. He had been put on baby duty when Sydney and Francie locked themselves in Syd's room nearly 45 minutes ago. They wouldn't let him in because Sydney was trying on her wedding dress.
"Giiiiirls! Please! I he won't stop crying! I think he's hungry…or…something!" Vaughn paced back and forth, bouncing the baby in his arms, which did no good. Francie finally came out and popped a pacifier in Joey's mouth, and took him in her arms.
"You're getting the hang of it Michael." She smiled, "You can go in now. We're done. I'll see you tomorrow bud." She winked.
"All right, Thanks Francie." He smiled and gave her a hug before she walked out.
He walked into Sydney's room, seeing her standing next to her bed, packing her suitcase for their trip tomorrow night. He smiled and walked over to her and pulled her into a hug.
"I'm gonna head on over to Eric's now ok babe?"
"All right." Sydney smiled, hugging him back, "Love you." She smiled up at him.
"I love you too. I'll see you tomorrow. I'll be the one in the penguin suit at the end of the isle." He said with a grin and a wink.
Sydney giggled "I'll see you tomorrow…I'll be the one with a big smile on my face walking towards you." Her eyes danced at the thought. The kissed and he headed out.
After she packed, she climbed into bed and tried to calm her already rapidly beating heart. She had the strangest feeling…she couldn't quite put her finger on it…it was kind of a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach…she tried to focus her thoughts on the wedding and how in love she was with Vaughn, and as she finally drifted off to sleep, the feeling turned into something dark nagging at her.
End 1/?
©: Daphne Miles
Disclaimer: I don't own the show, the characters, (though I wouldn't mind owning a piece of Vaughn;)) Joey is the only one I made up. Don't sue me…I'm just a child!
Please R/R-I'd love to hear what you think(
Spoilers: None really.
Sydney groaned as the warm April sun beat down on her back. She opened her eyes, looking at the clock, *9:00*. She smiled and rest her head back on the pillow. She still relished in the free feeling she had been able to feel for the past year…since that day in Mid-March.
~*~
"Sydney?" Vaughn stood at the 'Credit Dauphine' sign. Sydney took in a deep breath. "Yea, I'm ready." "I'm here…I can hear everything that goes on…Don't be afraid, we have the team in place." Vaughn's heart beat faster as he worried for Sydney. Sydney nodded as the elevator doors opened. 'this is it' she thought. The doors leading into SD-6 opened and she walked in, giving a smile and a nod to Dixon. He nodded to her, giving her support. He had known for the last month and a half the truth about SD-6. Just in time to help take it down for good. Sydney dropped the pin where she was supposed to. The pin would allow the CIA team to over-ride any lock down procedures. She took a deep breath, and nodded to her dad, who stood from his desk, and fell in step with her as they made their way to Sloane's office.
They didn't knock, but walked in. Sydney's head was held high. Sloane looked up, with the same eerie look on his face.
"Its over Sloane." Sydney glared him right in the eye, to show she wasn't afraid of him. Sloane let an amused smile creep across his lips. "What is 'over'?" Sydney raised an eyebrow and took a step towards him. "In less than 30 seconds, a team of CIA agents will storm the building. There is nothing you can do to stop it." She clenched her jaw, and couldn't help adding; "All the hell that you have put me and other agents through, all the lives you have damaged…you will pay for it." For the first time ever, she could see a hint of fear flicker across his eyes. "Ok Syd…they are coming in." Vaughn had heard everything she said, and couldn't keep the proud smile from his face. Sydney Nodded. "You are over Sloane, you won't be able to hurt anyone ever again." The doors burst open behind them. Sydney didn't even flinch. She kept her eyes locked on Sloane in a defying glare. Four CIA agents burst in, grabbing Sloane. Jack reached out, and took Sydney's hand in hi. She squeezed his hand back, taking comfort that he was there. It was finally over.
The CIA had gotten the break three weeks ago, when they had gotten Intel that Sloane had been promoted to the highest position possible in SD- 6. The CIA had taken offices by storm, teams were sent out all over the world, bringing down every branch and contact. This was the final step.
Sydney felt tears sting her eyes. She turned around, dropping her dad's hand and throwing her arms around her, she cried openly, not afraid anymore. "We did it!!! Daddy we did it!" She felt like she was eight again, calling her father 'daddy' and hugging him. He smiled, hugging her back, he felt a tear roll down his face. "Sydney, I love you. I'm sorry…I'm sorry for everything I put you thr.." Sydney cut him off. "Dad…stop. You didn't PUT me through anything…I'm sorry for being such a brat…I love you too." After a long embrace, they walked out of Sloane's office. Dixon was helping the briefing of a few agents, including the thoroughly confused Marshall, who was getting an offer to work for the CIA. Sydney smiled a genuine smile, as her heart soared to a new height of freedom.
"You did it Sydney." Vaughn said once she had gotten out to the front where he was. "No Vaughn…we all did it." She smiled. He looked at her for a minute…and gently brushed her face with his hand. She knew it was coming, and she had never been ready for a kiss in her life. He bent down and kissed her, she greeted her with kissing him back, wrapping her arms around his shoulders. He smiled once they pulled apart. "I have wanted to do that since I first saw you…even with the pink hair." He smiled. She giggled back. "Yea…me too."
~*~
Sydney heard her front door open. She smiled, curling under the covers. Vaughn walked into her room, smiling at her. He walked over to her bedside and bent over, brushing hair from her face and kissing her forehead. "Morning angel." He said tenderly. She smiled, opening her eyes to Michael Vaughn was never a bad thing to do. She traced her hand down his face. "Mm…Morning." she grumbled. He sat down on the edge of her bed, waiting for her to fully wake up. Her eyes fluttered all the way open, she sighed, and pushed herself up to sit against her headboard. He took her hand in his, brushing his thumb over her engagement ring. "You ready for this?" He asked, smiling. She grinned back. "Of course! I have never been more ready for anything." Tomorrow was the day that they would start a new life…together. Sydney slid the covers aside and sat on the edge of the bed. "Be right back." She walked toward the bathroom. Vaughn took her spot against the headboard and started reading the sports section of the paper he had brought in.
Sydney rushed back out of the bathroom after a little over a minute, and quickly cupped his face in her hands, kissing him gently. He smiled, kissing her back. She pulled away and laughed. "I just had to brush my teeth before I did that." She smiled and sat next to him. "Well, thanks." He replied with a chuckle. She rest her head on his chest and he wrapped his arm around her.
Yesterday had been a busy day. They were getting all of the last- minute things done so that they would have a day to semi-relax before the wedding. Tomorrow would be so hectic, al of the people and the things that would evidently go wrong. Today was just a day to rest up for tomorrow.
Sydney sighed happily, nuzzling her head against Vaughn's chest. He kissed her forehead as he continued to read the newspaper. Sydney looked at her ring, and thought back to the day he had proposed to her. Everything had been so perfect and romantic…
~*~
Vaughn had spent hours getting everything ready. He had taken a long shower, trying to ease his anxieties. He had gone through his closet about five times, finally deciding on his nicest black slacks and a deep blue button up shirt. He splashed his best cologne on, the one Sydney liked the best. He ran some gel through his hair, and looked in the mirror, taking a deep breath he smiled. He reached into his top drawer, reaching behind his sox, he finally felt the small velvet box. He grinned and slid it into his pocket. He had everything else he needed in his car. He checked his watch. He was right on time. He grabbed his wallet and keys, going out to his car, and headed for Sydney's house.
Sydney pulled the rollers out of her hair and glanced at her watch. She cringed, she wanted to be ready on time tonight. Vaughn hadn't told her anything about tonight. Tonight was their two year anniversary, so she knew it would be special. She walked out of the bathroom, to her bedroom. She picked up the dress she had bought yesterday. She slide her hand over the soft red silk. It was the perfect dress. Red, one of her best colors, with no sleeves and a scoop neck. The dress went to her ankles, with a slit to just above her knee. It fit her perfectly, hugging her in all the right places. She slid it on, being careful not to smear any make up on it. Sliding her shoes on, she went into the bathroom, and ran her fingers through her hair, loosening her big curls. She put on her earrings and necklace, and inspected herself in the full length mirror, running her hands down her stomach to her hips. Her lips curved into a smile.
Vaughn strode up to her door and knocked. Sydney spun around and walked to the door. She was never self-conscious about seeming too eager or anything. She was never afraid that she would do something stupid around Vaughn. She opened the door and smiled. "Hi." Vaughn fumbled for words, he was surprised his jaw didn't hurt from what he expected had hit the floor. He managed a smile and finally got control of his words. "Hey. Sydney, you look beautiful." He smiled and stepped into her house, wrapping his arms around her waist and pulling her into a kiss. She wrapped her arms loosely around his neck, closing her eyes and getting lost in his kiss. After a few moments, she pulled her lips from his, opening her eyes and smiling. "Thank you…you don't look too shabby yourself!" She grinned. "Sydney, I got these for you." He held out a dozen deep red roses. "Michael they are beautiful! Thank you!" She smiled and kissed him. She took them into the kitchen and put them in a vase she had.
Walking back out, she asked "So, where are we going tonight?" She pleaded, trying to get at least a hint. "Not so fast miss Bristow. It's a surprise!" He smiled at her. "Oh fine then." She smiled. "Shall we go then?" "Wait…" He reached into his pocked and pulled out a blue bandana. She raised her eyebrow at him and crossed her arms. "And this is for…?" "So you won't see anything." She bit her lower lip in thought, trying to suppress a smile. "Well, whatever floats your boat I guess. You know, if this was with anyone else, I might be creeped out," She giggled slightly. "But with you, I'll take my chances." She smiled and stepped towards him. "All right, go ahead and blind me." She picked up her purse.
Vaughn grinned and gently tied the bandana around her eyes. "Here, take my hands." He slid both of his hands into hers and led her out the door, making sure to lock and close it behind them. "Ok…we are at the car, so I am just gonna help you..." he helped her into the car as he spoke. "slide in here…" He shut the door once she was in and walked around to the other side of the car. "Ready?" He asked as he started the car. "As I'll ever be!" She smiled, feeling slightly silly with the bandana over her eyes.
Vaughn pulled his car out of Sydney's driveway, heading for the main road. Sydney blindly reached out for his hand. He took her hand eagerly, bringing it to his lips gently. She smiled. "Hey, can we put on some music?" Vaughn smiled, slipping his hand from hers to press play on the CD they had put together of their songs. He again laced his fingers through hers. She grinned as 'Crazy for This Girl' came on.
* She rolls the window down
* And she talks over the sound*
* Of the cars that pass us by
* And I don't know why, but she's changed my mind*
~
* Would you look at her as she looks at me?*
*She's got me thinkin' about her constantly*
* but she don't know how I feel
*And she carries on without a doubt
*I wonder if she's figured out
* I'm Crazy for this girl*
*I'm Crazy for this girl*
~
*She was the one to hold me, the night the sky fell down.
*And what was I thinkin' when, the world didn't end?
*Why didn't I know what I know now?
~
*Would you look at her as she looks at me?*
*She's got me thinkin' about her constantly*
* but she don't know how I feel
*And she carries on without a doubt
*I wonder if she's figured out
* I'm Crazy for this girl*
*I'm Crazy for this girl*
~
*Right now. Face to face. All my fears. Pushed aside.
*And right now, I'm ready to spend the rest of my life, with you.
~
*Would you look at her as she looks at me?
*She's got me thinkin' about her constantly*
* but she don't know how I feel
*And she carries on without a doubt
*I wonder if she's figured out
* I'm Crazy for this girl*
*I'm Crazy for this girl*
Vaughn parked the car and slid out, walking around the car, and opening Sydney's door.
"That was fast!" Sydney said. She smiled and slid out of the car with the aid of Vaughn. He led her through a steel door, creating an echoing clanging noise. Sydney's shoes made a loud noise on cement floor…there was something that felt familiar about the place, but she couldn't put her finger on it.
"Just a little further now." Vaughn led her through what sounded like a metal gate. "Wait right here." He left her standing, she heard him walking away. "Uhm…Michael?" she wrapped her arms around herself, wanting to kick herself for leaving her jacket in the car. Wherever she was, it was cold. She heard a clunk sound and could tell lights had been turned on, making it just a little warmer.
Vaughn came up behind her, sliding his arms around her waist, and pulling her close to him, her back still turned to him. He gently kissed her shoulder and whispered, "Ok, you can take off the bandana now."
Sydney smiled and raised her hands to untie the bandana. It took a moment for her eyes to adjust to the lighting. She gasped when she saw where she was. "MICHAEL!!!!" She grinned, turning to wrap her arms around him in a tight hug. "Happy Anniversary Sydney. I thought this would be very appropriate."
She looked around, remembering all of the secret meetings they had had in this very spot. "The Warehouse! I never would have guessed! It's perfect!" she smiled at her, her eyes dancing in excitement, lighting up with pure joy. "I love you Sydney." He smiled, brushing a stray lock of hair that had fallen across her face. She grinned. "I love you too." She smiled, running her hand down the collar of his shirt to rest flat on his chest. "I love you so much!" She said, looking at him. Vaughn smiled. He ran his hand gently under her chin, tipping her head up and gently kissing her. She smiled against his lips and kissed him back, resting her other hand on his arm.
After a few moments, Vaughn pulled away smiling. "I love being able to do that." He grinned, brushing his thumb across her cheek. "Well, Shall we eat?" Sydney turned around at his comment, in her excitement she hadn't even seen the candle-lit picnic set up on the floor.
"Aww honey! You cooked!" She giggled and followed him over to the blanket that was set up on the floor. He smiled and put a more than half full glass of wine in front of her.
"Well, I didn't watch over 50 hours of 'From Martha's Kitchen' with you for nothing!" He gave her a wry smile. She laughed and sat down, picking up the glass.
"Here's to the best 2 years of my life, and to the most beautiful woman in the world." He smiled at her. Sydney felt her cheeks flush with color. "Well, here is to you Michael, the most…perfect man I have ever met." She smiled and they clinked their glasses.
All through dinner, Vaughn had seemed anxious, like he was nervous about something. When she had asked him if something was wrong, he would just smile and tell her that 'everything was perfect'.
"Michael, I have made a very important decision." He looked up at her from his plate. "You are now the official cook." She grinned, putting her fork down on their cleaned dessert plate. Vaughn laughed and watched her as she stood up to stretch.
He took a deep breath and thought 'its now or never'. He reached over to her and took her hand in his, pulling himself to his knees.
"Michael…what…?" She gave him a confused look. He took a deep breath.
"Sydney, I love you. I love you more than you could ever know. I love you more than I have ever loved anyone before. You are my heart, my soul…and my life. I would be honored…I would be the luckiest man in the world.." He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small black box and opened it. "If you will marry me…and be my wife. I promise you, I will love you, and never leave you. That I will make you as happy as I can." He nervously smiled at her.
Sydney gasped, staring at him for a moment. She felt the tears welling up in her eyes. Her face lit up with a huge smile. "Yes!" She crouched down, her form-fitting dress tugging in protest. She kissed him, wrapping her arms around him tightly. "yes!" she squealed again, praying she wasn't dreaming. Vaughn laughed, tears filling his own eyes.
The ring was beautiful. It had white gold, and 24 caret genuine gold twined together in a thin twist. A large diamond in the center, and two much smaller on either side. It was the most beautiful ring she had ever seen. She ran a finger across it and smiled at him.
"Michael, it's beautiful!" she exclaimed in awe. He smiled and took it out, and gently slid it on her ring finger. He ran his hand up to her face, brushing his hand softly across her cheek. "You're beautiful."
"I love you." She smiled, and kissed him again. "I love YOU!" he smiled, kissing her passionately. Sydney, wrapped up in the kiss, lost her balance and toppled over onto the ground, Vaughn crashing down next to her. They both paused a moment, and broke out into hysterical laughter. Sydney loved that about them. That one minute they could be all serious and romantic, then the next one of them would do something incredibly klutzy and they could be laughing.
Vaughn reached over, pulled a blanket over them, and wrapped his arms around her. He brushed one hand over her face and smiled, leaning in and kissing her on the forehead, then the tip of her nose, then her lips. She smiled and kissed him back, snuggling with him.
"You know, this is probably not the best outfit to be snuggling in." She laughed, sitting up, checking over her dress. He smiled. "Want to go?"
She glanced around, looking around at the place she once drove the fastest to come to, because she knew he would be waiting here for her. The place where they shared their first kiss…even though if anyone had found out, they would have been in big trouble. It was the place where he comforted her when she needed a friend, where she apologized for her mother's mistakes.
"Sure…lets go. But lets have more picnics here. I kind of miss it." She grinned, standing up.
"Yea me too." He stood up and put on his most serious face, and as officially as he could make it sound said, "Lets go Agent Bristow."
She giggled and pushed him playfully. "You know…Agent Vaughn…you might not want to call me that, cause hearing it again gets me into the 'mess with me and I'll kick your butt' mode." She laughed, gathering the basket, now full of left over food and dishes.
Vaughn laughed "I guess I won't be messing with you then!" He grinned and gathered up everything else. He glanced around. "Allright, that's everything." He took her hand in his, running his thumb over the ring. They walked out to the car and drove off toward Sydney's house. Nothing could have smacked the grins off their faces.
They reached Sydney's house and went in. She brought in the dishes so she could wash them.
"Let me take those hon." Vaughn reached over and took the basket from her, wrapping his arm around her waist as they walked into her house. She unlocked it and walked in with him.
"I'm going to go change, I'll be right back." She said as she started down the hall.
Vaughn grabbed her hand and pulled her back into a kiss. "Don't change too much, 'cause I kinda like ya the way you are." He grinned, satisfied with his joke.
Sydney laughed. "Very clever Mr. Vaughn." She giggled and kissed him before heading down the hall to her room.
Vaughn walked into the kitchen, putting the leftover food in the fridge and the dishes in the dishwasher. Sydney changed into her silky pink pj pants and a white shirt. She pulled her hair back into a ponytail and walked back out to the kitchen.
"Honey, I put your clean laundry on the dresser in the guest bedroom. There are some of your pj's in there." She smiled and pushed herself onto the kitchen counter.
"Thanks sweetheart." He walked over to her, wiping the water from his hands with a towel. He tossed the towel on the counter, and rested his hands on her knees. He kissed her. "What would I ever do without you?" He asked rhetorically, but she felt the urge to answer.
"Probably lead a horribly dramatic life where you, and yes, only you would have to do laundry and clean!" She added a fake scared face. He gasped and smiled, leaning his forehead against hers. "You are an angel!" He kissed her quickly before going down the hall into the guest bedroom that he sometimes slept in when he was over late. He didn't live there, but he might as well have. Half of his stuff was there, and he was almost always over there. He did everything but sleep there. He changed into his red flannel pajama pants and a grey t-shirt.
Sydney was crouched beside the tv, looking at movies. Vaughn came up behind her, grabbing her waist and kissing the top of her head. "What movie tonight?" He asked, knowing they would do their ritual of watching a movie. "I was thinking Moulin Rouge or Practical Magic. What do you think?" She handed him both DVDs. He looked over both of them. "I'm up for a singing and dancing movie." He smiled. She grinned at him. "And you don't mind the half naked Nicole Kidman either huh?" she giggled and put the DVD in. "She gets half naked? Whoa…didn't know that!" He laughed at the face she gave him and sat on the couch.
he walked over and sat in his lap, leaning her back against his chest and her arms on his knees. He wrapped his hands around her stomach, and she rested one of her hands on top of his. He smiled and kissed the soft spot behind her ear. "I love you." He whispered to her. "I love you too." She smiled, resting her head at the base of his neck. She pulled a blanket off the back of the couch and covered them with it. She fell asleep to the song 'Come What May'. Sydney knew it was one of the best nights they would ever have.
~*~
"Syd? What do you want to do today?" Vaughn asked as he tossed the newspaper onto her nightstand. Sydney was snapped out of her memory and smiled, she had been daydreaming. "Well, I just feel like taking the day…be lazy. That kind of thing. Tomorrow will be so busy," She said with a grin, "Want to go for a run?" She sat up and turned to face him.
He chuckled. "Running is your idea of a lazy day?" He smiled "Whatever you want sweetie." He kissed her forehead and stood up. "I'll get changed." He walked to the dresser, which they were now sharing. Yesterday they had finished moving all of his stuff from his apartment to her place. He grabbed his blue running pants and a white –shirt.
Sydney smiled, getting up and brushed her hair into a ponytail. It would be weird having him live here full time…not weird, different, but it would be the best 'different' she would ever have to live with. "Want to go to the pier?" She called to the bathroom where Vaughn was.
"Yea, sounds good!" He called back.
Sydney pulled out her black Capri sweats and a red tank top. She changed quickly, and grabbed her running shoes as Vaughn came out of the bathroom.
After stretching they headed out for a jog. He reached for her hand and took it loosely in his. They jogged for the mile and a half it took to get to the pier, and stopped to get water and look out at the ocean. They laughed as a little girl tried to keep up with her melting ice cream, which left her face a huge chocolate mess. Vaughn slid his arm around Sydney's waist. She smiled, leaning her head on his shoulder.
"I can't wait until we have children of our own." She smiled, imagining the little girl was theirs. Three years ago, she would have never thought she would be able to have children.
Vaughn grinned "Me too. You will be a fabulous mother Syd."
She smiled, it had taken her so long to get over her mother, and the things she did. She was still not convinced that her mother actually loved her, actually wanted a family. It still hurt to think about her mom, and there was a deep hatred that she had tried to get rid of, but she couldn't help feeling it when thoughts were re-called of her mother.
"Ready to go home?" Vaughn asked, sensing her tension. He slid his arm from around her.
"Yea, lets go." She stretched her legs out.
They jogged home, totally tired by the time they got there.
"I'm gonna take a shower…then…" Sydney was cut off by her phone ringing. She picked it up, still a little out of breath.
"Hello?"
"Syd! Hey!" Francie answered.
"Hey Fran, what's up?"
"Nothing now. I picked up the dresses for you."
"Oh thank you so much! How did the alterations turn out?"
"Sydney, they are beautiful. You will look like a princess in yours. I'm glad you didn't take my advice on the lime green for bridesmaids." She laughed "So are you busy now?"
Sydney laughed "um…Not really. Michael and I just had a run and I need to shower, why?"
"Well, I thought I'd bring your dress by and I'll show you mine too."
"Sounds good!"
Sydney heard a baby wail in the back round and Sydney smiled.
"AH! Syd I have to go. Charlie is making Joey cry again." Sydney could hear the grin in Francie's voice, Charlie was obviously in listening range.
"Ok, you bring that little angel with you ok?"
"You got it! See you later babe."
"Ok. Bye!"
"Bye."
Sydney hung up the phone and walked into the family room where Vaughn was lounging on the couch drinking water and watching baseball. She walked over, leaning over the back of the couch and kissed him. "Who's winning?" "Mets are up two runs to the Giants." "Good stuff!" She smiled "I'll be back."
She walked into her room and took a long shower. Getting out, she changed into jeans and a black shirt. She walked back into the family room hair still damp, and hopped over the back of the couch, landing next to Vaughn.
"Francie is coming over in a few. She is bringing Joey with her." She smiled, Vaughn laughed. "Awesome! I love that little kid. He is so cute." Sydney laughed, thinking of Francie and Charlie's one and a half year old baby. "Yea, he's adorable."
Two hours later, Vaughn had the crying baby in his arms. He was standing outside Sydney's door whining for one of them to rescue him. He had been put on baby duty when Sydney and Francie locked themselves in Syd's room nearly 45 minutes ago. They wouldn't let him in because Sydney was trying on her wedding dress.
"Giiiiirls! Please! I he won't stop crying! I think he's hungry…or…something!" Vaughn paced back and forth, bouncing the baby in his arms, which did no good. Francie finally came out and popped a pacifier in Joey's mouth, and took him in her arms.
"You're getting the hang of it Michael." She smiled, "You can go in now. We're done. I'll see you tomorrow bud." She winked.
"All right, Thanks Francie." He smiled and gave her a hug before she walked out.
He walked into Sydney's room, seeing her standing next to her bed, packing her suitcase for their trip tomorrow night. He smiled and walked over to her and pulled her into a hug.
"I'm gonna head on over to Eric's now ok babe?"
"All right." Sydney smiled, hugging him back, "Love you." She smiled up at him.
"I love you too. I'll see you tomorrow. I'll be the one in the penguin suit at the end of the isle." He said with a grin and a wink.
Sydney giggled "I'll see you tomorrow…I'll be the one with a big smile on my face walking towards you." Her eyes danced at the thought. The kissed and he headed out.
After she packed, she climbed into bed and tried to calm her already rapidly beating heart. She had the strangest feeling…she couldn't quite put her finger on it…it was kind of a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach…she tried to focus her thoughts on the wedding and how in love she was with Vaughn, and as she finally drifted off to sleep, the feeling turned into something dark nagging at her.
End 1/?