FOUR





Sydney was dressing when she heard a knock at the door. She smiled because she knew it was Will and because she knew that he truly cared about her and would probably want to help when she told him what was happening.

Will knocked again. It was a soothing sound, rather than a harsh banging sound.

I'll be out in a minute! Sydney called.

Will called back. I'll just wait here!

Sydney cracked up and wondered if the Titanic allusion was an accident or intentional. She finished towel-drying her hair and walked out into the living room. She opened the door and saw Will standing there and smiling warmly at her. She smiled back and welcomed him inside.

He stepped inside, shed his coat and hung it neatly on one of the hooks of the coat rack. As Sydney was closing the door, Will took the opportunity to examine what she was wearing. She was sporting a tight black tank top and dark (relaxed fit, Will decided) jeans, along with white (possibly new, Will thought) K-Swiss shoes.

Sydney turned around after shutting the door and Will looked up to meet her gaze. They smiled at each other, and Sydney motioned in the direction of the couch. They sat down at the same time, with one's arm or leg brushing against the other's arm or leg.

Will clasped his hands in his lap and looked around to get his mind off the electricity that had just passed between them. Likewise, Sydney tried to ignore the shivers that ran through her body. She sucked in a breath.

So what did you need to tell me? Will asked casually.

What? Oh, right, um... Sydney swallowed and for a second wondered if the reason she had needed to talk to Will had changed since she had originally decided to call him. She bit her lip. Well, I got a call from the CIA this morning—even though I resigned two years ago—and I went to see—uh—Agent Vaughn and—

Will interrupted her. Is this the same Vaughn that I met a while back?

Sydney said slowly.

Will said thoughtfully.

Sydney gently elbowed him. She grinned.

Will gently elbowed her back.

Sydney chuckled a little, finally feeling relaxed. So anyway, he told me that Sloane is still alive and they called on me because they figured I would want to be the one to kill him. A vendetta thing, I guess.

Will's mouth dropped open. You mean that bastard is still alive?

Sydney nodded without looking at him.

I thought he died in the explosion, Will said.

We all did, until just a little while ago, Sydney said quietly.

Will looked at Sydney who was staring straight ahead into space. He saw her eyes start to glisten and he grasped her hand. The tears spilled out of Sydney's eyes at this action and she put a hand to her face to wipe the tears away and cover her eyes. Will wrapped an arm around her shoulders and she was able to control herself a little. She laughed nervously through her tears. It's just— she said with a sniffle, —it's just that I want this all to end so fucking bad. And I thought it was over, and then this happens... She started sobbing again.

It will end, Will said reassuringly. Everything comes to an end.

Sydney nodded and wiped her eyes. Will squeezed her shoulder. Sydney stood up suddenly. Will stood up as well.

Laughing a little, Sydney said, I need a tissue. Or a few dozen.

Will laughed with her and kissed her forehead. I'll be right back, he told her as he went to the bathroom to retrieve a box of tissues.

Sydney smiled and sat back down. A minute later, Will came back with a box of Kleenex. He handed Sydney a couple and set the box on the coffee table.

Sydney said with a small smile as Will sat down next to her. She blew her nose and dabbed at her eyes. She crumpled up the tissues and laid them on the table. She sighed heavily and swallowed. She reached for Will's hand just as he was reaching for hers. She sucked in a breath and suddenly felt ridiculously nervous. She could feel Will's gaze on her back but somehow she couldn't bring herself to make eye contact with him.

Will gently turned Sydney's face toward him and leaned forward, intending to kiss her. At the last second, Sydney turned her head and Will connected with her cheek.

Will cleared his throat. Did I—misread—something there?

Tears started to fill Sydney's eyes again. It's not you. I'm just— she shook her head, —afraid, I guess. I don't know what's wrong with me. But it's not your fault.

Will nodded and stood up. I should probably go...

Sydney nodded and wiped her eyes. I'm sorry, she whispered.

Will ran a hand through Sydney's hair. It's okay. Things might work out someday.

Sydney agreed.

Will kissed the top of Sydney's head and went to the door to retrieve his coat. He opened the door and walked out.

Sydney sighed.