Hoping



Sydney walked into the warehouse all smiles. Vaughn was seated on a table and he looked at his watch when she came in.

You're early, he commented.

I know, she said with a grin.

I guess something came up and you wanted to get this over quickly, so I won't waste your time, Vaughn said and cleared his throat as he directed his attention to a manila folder on the table.

Sydney opened her mouth to explain, but was suddenly overcome by fear. It all seemed so easy when she was thinking about it on the drive to the warehouse. But now, getting a root canal sounded more appealing when compared with proposing her idea to Vaughn. She swallowed hard.

Vaughn started explaining her countermission. She suddenly realized she was bored, standing here listening to him go on about something that didn't even seem to matter all that much.

So that's it, Vaughn stated with a half-smile.

Sydney nodded and pretended to busy herself by looking through the folder. In truth, she was trying to figure out how she should address the topic. She hopped up onto the table. Vaughn glanced at her as she continued to rifle through the papers.

Can I ask you something? Sydney asked, looking up to meet Vaughn's gaze.



I've been thinking. Well, I was just—um— She shook her head. On the way over here, well— She sighed.

Vaughn gently elbowed her. Whatever it is, you can tell me.

Okay. Well, first off, Sydney started, slowly regaining her confidence, I know that you—uh—like me. Like

Vaughn frowned a little and looked straight ahead.

It's true, isn't it?

Vaughn nodded.

Sydney sighed. Well, I don't know how to tell you this, but—

Vaughn interrupted her. Don't finish that sentence. Please. Just don't. He stood up and started to walk away from her.

Sydney got up and followed him. I want to, she told him. I need to. Trust me.

Vaughn sighed and nodded slightly for her to continue.

Sydney took a deep breath. I—I'm not sure if—if I feel the same way that you feel about me.

Vaughn gently took her by the shoulders and leaned close. It's okay, Syd. I didn't expect you to, and—it's okay.

Sydney looked down to avoid his gaze.

he continued, we couldn't do anything about it anyway.

Sydney shrugged his hands off her shoulders and stepped back. Why not?

Vaughn sighed impatiently and paced. Rules, Sydney.

she scoffed. You're going to just stand there and let rules keep you from confessing your feelings for me and then doing something about them.

Vaughn was suddenly angry. Damn it, Sydney, we don't have a choice. If anyone finds out that we have any kind of relationship beyond agent and handler, we're both finished.

I have a proposal, Sydney told him.

A proposal'? What kind of Vaughn inquired.

I was thinking about it on the drive here. I was thinking that maybe—I mean—we're already friends, and a real relationship would be out of the question, but I was thinking that maybe— Sydney sighed. It's stupid. Forget it. She turned around and started to walk away.

Vaughn stopped her. I think I know where you were going with that. He looked deep into her eyes and smiled.

Sydney smiled back. You think so?

I do, Vaughn replied. That kind of relationship would open a door.

Sydney's breath caught in her throat. That was what she had been thinking. Yeah, and—you know—if we wanted to take the physical relationship to the next level, provided things change, then we—

We would have that option. Vaughn smiled.

Sydney laughed nervously. So this isn't too crazy? I mean, I just thought of it on the way over here. I know you have feelings for me and all, and I'd love to try and see if I could feel the same way. Given our current situation, this seems like the only possibility.

I understand, Vaughn told her. Plus, we can't be seen in public, so this is pretty much our only choice unless we wait, right?

Sydney nodded and smiled. She had thought of that, too. Vaughn smiled back and once again grasped her shoulders as he leaned in to kiss her. Sydney pulled back.

What's the matter? he asked.

Just that...my idea just consisted of—well—sex. Kissing is personal. We'll want to do the full-blown relationship thing and we know we can't.

Vaughn stepped back a little. Sydney laughed nervously as she tried to ease the tension. I mean, you've seen Pretty Woman, right?

It had a happy ending, though, Vaughn reminded her.

Sydney frowned a little. I know, but—you know we can't do that right now.

I know, Vaughn said dismally.

Plus, I don't even know if I like you like you like me, Sydney blurted.

Vaughn looked hurt. I guess that's true, he mumbled as he scuffed his shoe.

I—I mean, I would like to, but, there's so much going on right now, Sydney said, trying to explain.

No, no, I get it, Syd, Vaughn told her.

Sydney breathed deeply. I feel like a fish out of water here...uh...it's just that I don't even know if I'm ready for a romantic relationship right now. She sighed with relief. That was the point she had been trying to make from the beginning, and it taken her forever to finally figure it out. But at least now her thoughts and ramblings finally made sense.

Vaughn nodded and smiled a little. It seemed like he understood. Sydney took a deep breath and exhaled slowly.

So do you want to give this a shot, then try something later on, if it looks like it'll go that way? she asked.

Yeah. It's a good idea.

Sydney said with a smile. But listen, I have to go. I'll see you when I get back.

I look forward to it, Vaughn said, smiling back.

Sydney nodded and turned to leave. She stopped and whipped back around. When exactly should we meet? When my flight gets in?

Vaughn pondered this for a moment. What time are you due to land?

Sydney pulled her ticket from her pocket, checked the departure time for the flight back, and did some quick calculations. Around six, she concluded.

And that's Saturday night? Vaughn asked.

she confirmed.

All right, so maybe around...seven? he suggested.

Seven it is, she agreed.

Vaughn nodded. Good luck, he added.

Sydney nodded her thanks and left.