Disclaimer First Chapter.
Chapter Two
Will and Francie laid next to each other. "So, you've known about this for a while?" Francie questioned.
"Sometime now. Sydney couldn't tell me most of it. It's classified."
"Classifed?" Francie pouted.
"You need to try and understand how hard a position Sydney was in."
"Why should I?"
"She needs us. For 8 years, she was fighting, being tortured, and trying to save us and our country."
"It sounds so heroic."
"It is."
Francie closed her eyes.
"Go talk to her, Fran."
"No."
"She needs both of us more than ever. Everything she's lived for is ruined right now. She lived to take SD-6 down, destroy Sloane, who killed Danny. Now it's gone, she can't take him down anymore."
Francie didn't reply.
"Talk to her." With that, Will turned on his side, closing any conversation.
Vaughn stared up at the ceiling. Alice looked over at him.
"What's wrong, Mike?"
"Nothing. I'm fine."
Alice rolled her eyes. He was like this some nights. He would be up all night, staring into space, pacing by the phone, tossing and turning. Alice suddenly knew why. It was because of her. She never knew the reason he couldn't sleep. She was aware that Mike worked for the CIA, but she didn't know any details. Now she knew. He worked with this girl named Sydney. Vaughn sighed loudly and kept glancing at the door. He was worried about her. She was in danger and all he could think about was her. Alice wondered how many times a day Michael thought about Sydney. Way more than she wanted him to, she was positive of that. Vaughn was in love, but it wasn't with her. But didn't she already know that? She had always suspected with all the sleepless nights and dreamed cries for Sydney. But she didn't know for sure.
"Go check on her, Mike."
"What?"
"You're worried about Sydney. You won't sleep until you know she's okay. Go."
Vaughn protested, "I'm fine. I'm just not tired tonight."
Alice smiled. He was still living in the land of denial.
"Michael, go."
He looked at Alice with those sparkling green eyes. He looked vulnerable.
"Don't be mad, Alice. She's my job. I'm her handler."
Aliced nodded. He knew she wasn't just a job. Heck, Sydney knew she wasn't just a job.
"Go."
Michael smiled, almost gratefully. Alice watched him leave, knowing she had just allowed Michael to walk out of her life.
Sydney was still staring at the picture. She hear him come in. She looked up at him, a little surprised to see him in sweat pants. She was used to suit and tie Vaughn. This was comfortable Michael.
"You're awake."
"I wasn't exactly in a sleeping mood."
"Me, either." Vaughn went into the kitchen and came back witha small tub of ice cream and two spoons.
"Feel like some of this?"
"Cookies and Cream. That's my favorite."
"I know."
Sydney blushed. Vaughn sat down next to her and flipped on the tv.
"Movie?"
"Yes. Please."
He handed Sydney a spoon and opened up the ice cream. Both dove in, neither speaking. It felt right, staying up at night together. Sydney laid back into Vaughn's arms. He smiled warmly. Sydney tried to keep her tears from falling, but couldn't. Vaughn felt the salty, wet drops fall.
"Sydney, don't cry."
"Everything had fallen apart. I can never take SD-6 or Sloane down. He knows."
"I know.'
"What am I going to do? I've destroyed my two best friends lives, endangered yours."
"How did you endanger mine?"
"Hello? Tai Pei, Dempessar. Sloane knows I work for the CIA. He probably knows who you are."
"Don't worry about me, Syd."
"I can't help it. I don't want you hurt. Or Will. Or Francie. I've brought all three of you nothing but trouble, including my mother. She killed your father and had Will tortured."
"Stop it, Sydney. Right now."
Sydney lifted her brown eyes that were glazed over by liquid drops. Vaughn lifted his hand and wiped away her tears. Both were unaware of the eyes, spying them. One set of blue, the other brown. Sydney buried herself in Vaughn's arms. He held her tightly, willing her hurt to go away. He wrapped blankets around the two of them, to keep them warm. He began to lightly stroke her head, her temples, her cheek, her jawbone, her delicate neck. Sydney closed her eyes, felling truly safe for the first time in 8 years. Vaughn felt like he could rest now, knowing Sydney was safe in his arms. He leaned his head on her forehead and the two fell asleep. Francie turned, deciding to wait to talk to Sydney until the morning. That man semed to be her rock, someone who understood her. He was being so tender and gentle with her, Francie knew the two were in love. Alice, on the opposite side, watched the tender scene that played out before her. Michael was sweet, but he had a special spot in his heart for Sydney. She could not hear the exchange, but from their body language, she could deduce how much the two cared for each other. Alice climbed back into bed, making a decision. She couldn't hold him back. He deserved better. She loved him too much to keep him from his happiness. She rolled over, sighing.
Arvin Sloane pulled up in front of Sydney's house. He sat in his car for a while. He couldn't believe Sydney had betrayed him. She had so much promise. She was a brilliant agent. Obviously. She had been a double for a year without being caught. But she had started leaving clues behind. She was unaware, of course, but these little things added up. This man she met with. He never looked at her, she never looked him, but they talked to each other. She would drive crazy. The tail figured out she was trying to shake him. So he acted like she did, but he still had a hold of her. He followed her to a warehouse, the pier, the observatory, anywhere. They realized Sydney was a double and something had to be done. So, he would kill Sydney, Francie, and Will, making it look like a robbery gone wrong. He loaded his gun and stuck it in his pocket. He walked quietly up to the door and picked the lock. She was to be with her friends tonight. All three cars were here. He searched from room to room, shooting everything up. The rooms were destroyed, but Sydney was no where to be seen. She'd been tipped off. He knew it. He let out a yell and took another shot at a photo of her before stomping away from the house.
Sydney woke up and saw Vaughn staring down at her. He loved wtaching her sleep. She looked like she was peaceful, without pain or sorrow. She smiled a little, trying to be brave.
"You're beautiful when you sleep."
Vaughn stopped. "I just said that out loud."
Sydney laughed her first laugh in a while.
"Yeah."
Vaughn looked away, blushing. Sydney shifted.
"Thanks for staying with me last night."
"No problem."
"Alice won't be mad, will she?"
"She'll understand."
"What are we going to do today?"
"I'm going to talk to Devlin and find out the plan."
"Okay."
"We can have food first. I'll cook breakfast for you all."
"You cook?"
"Sometimes."
Sydney smiled. Francie and Will came out. Sydney sprang away from Vaughn and he jumped up. Francie smiled and Will looked at her, questioningly. "Breakfast. I'll go make it." Vaughn left the room, feeling like he had done something wrong.
Francie sat next to Sydney.
"I think we need to talk, Sweetie."
Sydney nodded in agreement. Alice came out of the bedroom.
"Vaughn's in the kitchen."
"Thanks." Alice said as she left.
Francie turned back to Sydney.
"I'm trying to understand what you've told me. It's just hard to believe you've been leading this totally secret, dangerous life. I never even guessed."
"You have no idea how many times I wanted to tell you. I just didn't want you to be put in danger."
"I know. I do appreciate that."
Sydney and Francie hugged.
"So, Mr. Vaughn, he takes care of you."
"Yeah. He does." Sydney stood up, wanting to end the conversation. Francie knew and let her go.
"Vaughn! I want to take a shower..."
"In my bedroom, to the right!"
"Thanks."
Sydney disappeared into the bedroom.
Alice came into the kitchen. Michael was hustling, making waffles. She smiled.
"Morning, Alice."
"Good morning, Mike."
She pauses.
"I need to talk to you, Michael."
"What is it?"
"I think we should break up."
"What?"
"You're in love with this Sydney."
Michael's green eyes flickered.
"I'm her handler."
"You still love her. I don't want to hold you back."
"You're not. I love you, Alice."
"I know. But you love her more. She makes you happy..."
"She worries me."
"She makes you happier than I've seen you in a very long time. She makes you happier than I ever could. You deserve to be happy. You've been so sad..."
"Hey, Vaughn! Do you have anything else I can wear besides my pajamas?"
Sydney entered the kitchen, wearing Vaughn's robe. He looked at her and knew Alice was right.
"Oh, yeah, let me go look."
He looked at Alice.
"Oh, I have something you can borrow. You can let her pick anything of mine."
"Thank you."
"No problem. Friends, Mike."
He nodded.
"Friends."
Sydney glanced up at him. "Did I interrupt something?"
"Naw. Come on. I'll see what I can do about getting you three some new clothes."
Sydney smiled slightly.
"Thanks, Vaughn. For everything."
"It's not a problem, Sydney. I'm just glad you're alive."
He handed her some clothes. "I'll be out there if you need anything." Sydney nodded.
Vaughn went back in the kitchen to find Alice pouring juice. She looked up. "I'll be packing all day today. I'll try to be out of here tonight."
"You can stay as long as you need to."
"I think it would be best if I left tonight."
"I'm so sorry, Alice."
"You can't help who you fall for."
"I...stay for breakfast."
"I think I will, Mike."
Vaughn nodded. Will and Francie came in.
"Syd said she'd be here in a second and that we could start without her."
So, the four sat at the table. Sydney came in, her hair brushed out, but still wet. "Hi."
She sat next to Francie. Vaughn could hardly tear his eyes away from her. Even though she was hardly even made up, she was gorgeous. Sydney could feel Vaughn's eyes on her. She began to blush profusely, an action not unnoticed by the other three. Vaughn stood up. "I'm going to go talk to Devlin. I'll call here in exactly two hours, asking for Alice, but I really need to talk to Sydney. It's just a precaution, if the phone lines are tapped."
Vaughn took one last look at Sydney.
"Don't worry, Syd. All three of you will be fine. Jack, too. He's supposed to make contact in an hour to see if he's still safe."
"I hope so."
"He is."
Sydney and Vaughn's eyes connected and an understanding was met. He walked to the door. She called out, "Vaughn?!"
"Yeah?"
"Be careful."
Vaughn grinned a little, thinking about their role reversals.
He answered back, "Always."
This sent Sydney into a fit a giggles, that none of the others understood.
Sloane called Dixon and Marshall into his office. Marshall was quite nervous. He hated being called into Mr. Sloane's office. Dixon, on the other hand, didn't really mind. He slouched into one of the leather chairs and Marshall fidgeted in his own. Sloane clasped his hands together.
"I am deeply saddened to inform you that Sydney Bristow is a double agent for K-Directorate."
"What?" Dixon asked, outraged.
"For the last year, she had been leaking information to K-Directorate. We intend to make an example of her. We went to her home, but both she, her two friends, Will Tippin and Francie Calfo, are missing. Marshall, I need you to see if you can locate the missing traitors. Dixon, I expect you will help me when the time comes to capture Miss Bristow."
"Yes. Anything for the country."
Sloane nodded. "I appreciate this. It was a huge shock to find this out about Sydney."
"I never suspected."
"It's not your fault, Dixon."
Marshall was shaking his leg.
"Marshall, Dixon, you are dismissed."
The two stood up and disappeared. Sloane picked up the phone. "Yes, I need you to find a Michael Vaughn and bring him to me. I'm sure. As soon as possible."
Sloane hung up the phone grimly.
Chapter Two
Will and Francie laid next to each other. "So, you've known about this for a while?" Francie questioned.
"Sometime now. Sydney couldn't tell me most of it. It's classified."
"Classifed?" Francie pouted.
"You need to try and understand how hard a position Sydney was in."
"Why should I?"
"She needs us. For 8 years, she was fighting, being tortured, and trying to save us and our country."
"It sounds so heroic."
"It is."
Francie closed her eyes.
"Go talk to her, Fran."
"No."
"She needs both of us more than ever. Everything she's lived for is ruined right now. She lived to take SD-6 down, destroy Sloane, who killed Danny. Now it's gone, she can't take him down anymore."
Francie didn't reply.
"Talk to her." With that, Will turned on his side, closing any conversation.
Vaughn stared up at the ceiling. Alice looked over at him.
"What's wrong, Mike?"
"Nothing. I'm fine."
Alice rolled her eyes. He was like this some nights. He would be up all night, staring into space, pacing by the phone, tossing and turning. Alice suddenly knew why. It was because of her. She never knew the reason he couldn't sleep. She was aware that Mike worked for the CIA, but she didn't know any details. Now she knew. He worked with this girl named Sydney. Vaughn sighed loudly and kept glancing at the door. He was worried about her. She was in danger and all he could think about was her. Alice wondered how many times a day Michael thought about Sydney. Way more than she wanted him to, she was positive of that. Vaughn was in love, but it wasn't with her. But didn't she already know that? She had always suspected with all the sleepless nights and dreamed cries for Sydney. But she didn't know for sure.
"Go check on her, Mike."
"What?"
"You're worried about Sydney. You won't sleep until you know she's okay. Go."
Vaughn protested, "I'm fine. I'm just not tired tonight."
Alice smiled. He was still living in the land of denial.
"Michael, go."
He looked at Alice with those sparkling green eyes. He looked vulnerable.
"Don't be mad, Alice. She's my job. I'm her handler."
Aliced nodded. He knew she wasn't just a job. Heck, Sydney knew she wasn't just a job.
"Go."
Michael smiled, almost gratefully. Alice watched him leave, knowing she had just allowed Michael to walk out of her life.
Sydney was still staring at the picture. She hear him come in. She looked up at him, a little surprised to see him in sweat pants. She was used to suit and tie Vaughn. This was comfortable Michael.
"You're awake."
"I wasn't exactly in a sleeping mood."
"Me, either." Vaughn went into the kitchen and came back witha small tub of ice cream and two spoons.
"Feel like some of this?"
"Cookies and Cream. That's my favorite."
"I know."
Sydney blushed. Vaughn sat down next to her and flipped on the tv.
"Movie?"
"Yes. Please."
He handed Sydney a spoon and opened up the ice cream. Both dove in, neither speaking. It felt right, staying up at night together. Sydney laid back into Vaughn's arms. He smiled warmly. Sydney tried to keep her tears from falling, but couldn't. Vaughn felt the salty, wet drops fall.
"Sydney, don't cry."
"Everything had fallen apart. I can never take SD-6 or Sloane down. He knows."
"I know.'
"What am I going to do? I've destroyed my two best friends lives, endangered yours."
"How did you endanger mine?"
"Hello? Tai Pei, Dempessar. Sloane knows I work for the CIA. He probably knows who you are."
"Don't worry about me, Syd."
"I can't help it. I don't want you hurt. Or Will. Or Francie. I've brought all three of you nothing but trouble, including my mother. She killed your father and had Will tortured."
"Stop it, Sydney. Right now."
Sydney lifted her brown eyes that were glazed over by liquid drops. Vaughn lifted his hand and wiped away her tears. Both were unaware of the eyes, spying them. One set of blue, the other brown. Sydney buried herself in Vaughn's arms. He held her tightly, willing her hurt to go away. He wrapped blankets around the two of them, to keep them warm. He began to lightly stroke her head, her temples, her cheek, her jawbone, her delicate neck. Sydney closed her eyes, felling truly safe for the first time in 8 years. Vaughn felt like he could rest now, knowing Sydney was safe in his arms. He leaned his head on her forehead and the two fell asleep. Francie turned, deciding to wait to talk to Sydney until the morning. That man semed to be her rock, someone who understood her. He was being so tender and gentle with her, Francie knew the two were in love. Alice, on the opposite side, watched the tender scene that played out before her. Michael was sweet, but he had a special spot in his heart for Sydney. She could not hear the exchange, but from their body language, she could deduce how much the two cared for each other. Alice climbed back into bed, making a decision. She couldn't hold him back. He deserved better. She loved him too much to keep him from his happiness. She rolled over, sighing.
Arvin Sloane pulled up in front of Sydney's house. He sat in his car for a while. He couldn't believe Sydney had betrayed him. She had so much promise. She was a brilliant agent. Obviously. She had been a double for a year without being caught. But she had started leaving clues behind. She was unaware, of course, but these little things added up. This man she met with. He never looked at her, she never looked him, but they talked to each other. She would drive crazy. The tail figured out she was trying to shake him. So he acted like she did, but he still had a hold of her. He followed her to a warehouse, the pier, the observatory, anywhere. They realized Sydney was a double and something had to be done. So, he would kill Sydney, Francie, and Will, making it look like a robbery gone wrong. He loaded his gun and stuck it in his pocket. He walked quietly up to the door and picked the lock. She was to be with her friends tonight. All three cars were here. He searched from room to room, shooting everything up. The rooms were destroyed, but Sydney was no where to be seen. She'd been tipped off. He knew it. He let out a yell and took another shot at a photo of her before stomping away from the house.
Sydney woke up and saw Vaughn staring down at her. He loved wtaching her sleep. She looked like she was peaceful, without pain or sorrow. She smiled a little, trying to be brave.
"You're beautiful when you sleep."
Vaughn stopped. "I just said that out loud."
Sydney laughed her first laugh in a while.
"Yeah."
Vaughn looked away, blushing. Sydney shifted.
"Thanks for staying with me last night."
"No problem."
"Alice won't be mad, will she?"
"She'll understand."
"What are we going to do today?"
"I'm going to talk to Devlin and find out the plan."
"Okay."
"We can have food first. I'll cook breakfast for you all."
"You cook?"
"Sometimes."
Sydney smiled. Francie and Will came out. Sydney sprang away from Vaughn and he jumped up. Francie smiled and Will looked at her, questioningly. "Breakfast. I'll go make it." Vaughn left the room, feeling like he had done something wrong.
Francie sat next to Sydney.
"I think we need to talk, Sweetie."
Sydney nodded in agreement. Alice came out of the bedroom.
"Vaughn's in the kitchen."
"Thanks." Alice said as she left.
Francie turned back to Sydney.
"I'm trying to understand what you've told me. It's just hard to believe you've been leading this totally secret, dangerous life. I never even guessed."
"You have no idea how many times I wanted to tell you. I just didn't want you to be put in danger."
"I know. I do appreciate that."
Sydney and Francie hugged.
"So, Mr. Vaughn, he takes care of you."
"Yeah. He does." Sydney stood up, wanting to end the conversation. Francie knew and let her go.
"Vaughn! I want to take a shower..."
"In my bedroom, to the right!"
"Thanks."
Sydney disappeared into the bedroom.
Alice came into the kitchen. Michael was hustling, making waffles. She smiled.
"Morning, Alice."
"Good morning, Mike."
She pauses.
"I need to talk to you, Michael."
"What is it?"
"I think we should break up."
"What?"
"You're in love with this Sydney."
Michael's green eyes flickered.
"I'm her handler."
"You still love her. I don't want to hold you back."
"You're not. I love you, Alice."
"I know. But you love her more. She makes you happy..."
"She worries me."
"She makes you happier than I've seen you in a very long time. She makes you happier than I ever could. You deserve to be happy. You've been so sad..."
"Hey, Vaughn! Do you have anything else I can wear besides my pajamas?"
Sydney entered the kitchen, wearing Vaughn's robe. He looked at her and knew Alice was right.
"Oh, yeah, let me go look."
He looked at Alice.
"Oh, I have something you can borrow. You can let her pick anything of mine."
"Thank you."
"No problem. Friends, Mike."
He nodded.
"Friends."
Sydney glanced up at him. "Did I interrupt something?"
"Naw. Come on. I'll see what I can do about getting you three some new clothes."
Sydney smiled slightly.
"Thanks, Vaughn. For everything."
"It's not a problem, Sydney. I'm just glad you're alive."
He handed her some clothes. "I'll be out there if you need anything." Sydney nodded.
Vaughn went back in the kitchen to find Alice pouring juice. She looked up. "I'll be packing all day today. I'll try to be out of here tonight."
"You can stay as long as you need to."
"I think it would be best if I left tonight."
"I'm so sorry, Alice."
"You can't help who you fall for."
"I...stay for breakfast."
"I think I will, Mike."
Vaughn nodded. Will and Francie came in.
"Syd said she'd be here in a second and that we could start without her."
So, the four sat at the table. Sydney came in, her hair brushed out, but still wet. "Hi."
She sat next to Francie. Vaughn could hardly tear his eyes away from her. Even though she was hardly even made up, she was gorgeous. Sydney could feel Vaughn's eyes on her. She began to blush profusely, an action not unnoticed by the other three. Vaughn stood up. "I'm going to go talk to Devlin. I'll call here in exactly two hours, asking for Alice, but I really need to talk to Sydney. It's just a precaution, if the phone lines are tapped."
Vaughn took one last look at Sydney.
"Don't worry, Syd. All three of you will be fine. Jack, too. He's supposed to make contact in an hour to see if he's still safe."
"I hope so."
"He is."
Sydney and Vaughn's eyes connected and an understanding was met. He walked to the door. She called out, "Vaughn?!"
"Yeah?"
"Be careful."
Vaughn grinned a little, thinking about their role reversals.
He answered back, "Always."
This sent Sydney into a fit a giggles, that none of the others understood.
Sloane called Dixon and Marshall into his office. Marshall was quite nervous. He hated being called into Mr. Sloane's office. Dixon, on the other hand, didn't really mind. He slouched into one of the leather chairs and Marshall fidgeted in his own. Sloane clasped his hands together.
"I am deeply saddened to inform you that Sydney Bristow is a double agent for K-Directorate."
"What?" Dixon asked, outraged.
"For the last year, she had been leaking information to K-Directorate. We intend to make an example of her. We went to her home, but both she, her two friends, Will Tippin and Francie Calfo, are missing. Marshall, I need you to see if you can locate the missing traitors. Dixon, I expect you will help me when the time comes to capture Miss Bristow."
"Yes. Anything for the country."
Sloane nodded. "I appreciate this. It was a huge shock to find this out about Sydney."
"I never suspected."
"It's not your fault, Dixon."
Marshall was shaking his leg.
"Marshall, Dixon, you are dismissed."
The two stood up and disappeared. Sloane picked up the phone. "Yes, I need you to find a Michael Vaughn and bring him to me. I'm sure. As soon as possible."
Sloane hung up the phone grimly.