Just Friends



Sydney had driven over to Michael's apartment and was sitting on his couch crying into his shoulder. She had told him everything and he had listened, muttering a few curses under his breath about Will.

At one point during the conversation, he had turned Sydney's face towards him and given her a kiss. Sydney returned it reluctantly then pulled away after a moment. I'm not sure I can do this, she said, standing up and beginning to pace.

Michael stood up and laid a hand on her shoulder. I think you can. He ran a hand through her hair then took her face in his hands and kissed her once again. This time, there wasn't a shadow of a doubt in Sydney's mind and she wrapped her arms around Michael's neck.

The phone rang. I'll get it, Michael whispered softly in Sydney's ear.

Sydney whispered back, sitting back down on the couch. As Michael went to answer the phone, Sydney thought about what she was doing. Her relationship with Will was seemingly dead and her friendship with Michael seemed to be turning into something more. She decided to go for it and think about rekindling the Will relationship later. After all, she had gone to reconcile with him and she had found him in bed with someone else. It was true that they had broken up, but to sleep with someone only an hour after was disgusting.

Michael answered the phone in the kitchen.

Michael, it's Will—Will Tippin. Is Sydney there? I really need to talk to her. It's absolutely imperative that I talk to her.

Sydney was so lost in thought that she missed Michael's reply of No, she's not here.

Michael hung up the phone and went back to the couch. He plopped down beside Sydney and wrapped an arm around her shoulders. He kissed her cheek.

Who was that? Sydney asked, smiling from the kiss.

Wrong number, he lied.

Sydney said sadly. She folded her hands in her lap and turned away from Michael to focus her attention on the curtains hiding the front window.

Michael swallowed. Were you— he cleared his throat, —were you expecting someone to call?

No, not really, Sydney said softly, shaking her head.

Michael smoothed Sydney's hair. You were thinking Will might call.

I guess, Sydney said. I miss him.

The asshole cheated on you, Michael reminded her.

Technically he didn't cheat on me, he just slept with someone too soon after our break-up. It's different, Sydney explained.

Sydney, this is pathetic. He broke up with you and then he goes and sleeps with some an hour after like it's no big deal. Is this someone you want to spend your life with?

I broke up with him. It was my idea, Sydney told him. She thought about what Will had said about the attic and wondered for a brief moment what he was hiding in it.

Michael sighed. Do you love him?

Sydney narrowed her eyes at him. Of course I love him, what kind of a question is that?

I don't know, Michael admitted. But do you think you could move on? And maybe try something with us? We've been—just friends—for quite a while now.

Sydney said with a small smile playing on her lips.

Michael kissed her and carefully started to undress her. Sydney stood up quickly, her shirt half unbuttoned.

This is too soon, she said. Developing a relationship is one thing, but if I have sex with you now, I'll just be doing the same thing Will did to me. I'm sorry, but I can't.

Okay—you're right, Michael agreed, patting the couch cushion so she'd sit back down.

Sydney sat down again and rebuttoned her shirt. Michael took her hand in his and they sat in silence.

What do you want to talk about? Michael asked gently.

Sydney shrugged.

Can I tell you something? Michael asked, massaging Sydney's hand.

Sydney said, avoiding his gaze.

I think I might be falling in love with you.

Sydney snapped her head back to look at Michael, who focused his green eyes on her brown ones.

Do you?

Michael stood up suddenly. You mean you have no idea?

Ab—about you—falling in love—with me? Sydney sputtered.

Michael replied.

Sydney was silent for a moment. She never realized that he actually loved her. She had always viewed his behavior as either that of a good handler or of an obsessed one. The word had never crossed her mind and didn't seem to fit. She shook her head slightly, still in shock.

Sighing, Michael sat down again. So you honestly had no idea—until now? he asked in disbelief.

No. No, I didn't, she said quietly. How long has this been going on?

Since the day I met you, Michael admitted bluntly.

Sydney's eyes widened. How come you never said anything?

Michael frowned slightly.

Fuck the rules. That can't be the only reason, Sydney said, growing frustrated.

Well it was, Michael insisted.

Can't be, Sydney argued.

Michael sighed. Okay. I guess I was afraid you wouldn't feel the same way—

You got that right, Sydney interrupted silently.

—And that it would wreck our friendship and relationship as handler and agent. Do you think things have hanged now, maybe? he asked suddenly, catching Sydney off-guard.

Sydney tried to think. Her heart still ached over Will and she wasn't certain that conjuring up some feelings for Michael would help her move past. I'm not sure, she decided.

Michael said, nodding. But—do you think we could—rewind a little? With the last kiss we had? And maybe—see what happens?

Sydney shivered involuntarily. Maybe there was something that could be developed into a relationship. She sighed and decided to try. Whatever happened...

So be it.