SIX





It was not more than a few minutes later when Sydney arrived at the warehouse. She got out and swiftly walked to the entrance. Before going in, she looked up at the sky and noticed that it was cloudy, as if it might rain soon. Sighing, she walked inside and got a strange sense of dejà vu when she glimpsed Vaughn seated on a table exactly as he had been earlier that day. She shook off the feeling and walked over to him.

she said cheerfully.

Vaughn said, smiling, sliding off the table. We investigated the premises. It looks like he has no security system of any kind.

Sydney asked, surprised. That doesn't even make sense.

I know, but it looks like maybe he wanted to end the complicated part of his life too. He gave Sydney a look as if maybe he was hoping she would shed more light on why she wanted to avoid a relationship.

Sydney raised an eyebrow. Why are you looking at me like that?

Vaughn turned and grabbed a laptop from the table. He opened it and handed it to her. Here's a floorplan of his house. We're leaving it up to you to decide which way you want to enter. Although, we do suggest you avoid picking the lock on the front door to enter there, and instead go through the backyard and enter through this door, he said, indicating on the screen with his index finger.

Sydney agreed, nodding. She hopped up on the table and stared intently at the floorplan as she tried to determine whether or not there were other—possibly easier—ways to enter the building and complete her task. She took in a breath and blew it out slowly.

Vaughn leaned against the table and sighed. So—uh—how have you been these last couple of years? He turned his head to look at Sydney, who was still staring at the screen.

she asked, looking away from the computer to meet Vaughn's gaze.

Vaughn smiled and realized how easily Sydney's spy traits had returned and wondered if he should try to convince her to rejoin the CIA. He pushed the thought out of his mind and repeated his question. I asked how you've been doing.

Sydney said. Well, pretty good, I guess. I mean, I finally have the she raised her hands to finger quote, —life I've been after for so many years. She smiled. It's nice to be normal.

Vaughn nodded and looked at his feet. Do you still live with—uh—Francie?

Yeah. In fact—it's kind of odd you bring her up—because earlier tonight, she was grilling me about how she says I've been acting strange today.

Vaughn remarked.

Yeah, and I never had to tell her about SD-6 and the CIA. I mean, when we demolished SD-6, she just thought that someone had blown up a bank. She shrugged. So it was kind of tough, because when we were in the middle of the discussion, you called, and she remembered the whole Joey's Pizza' thing.

Wow. So how did you escape that?

I was able to convince her that it was just a coincidence.

Vaughn said with a nod.

Sydney sighed. It's just so hard to believe that with this happening now that I've had to lie to my best friend all over again. She looked down and noticed a tear had formed in the corner of her eye. She sniffed and set the laptop back down on the table.

Vaughn straightened himself up then seated himself next to Sydney. They sat there for a few minutes, neither one speaking. Finally Vaughn worked up the courage to wrap his arm around her shoulders. She didn't resist, but she didn't automatically rest her head in the crook of his neck either. He slowly moved his hand up and ran his fingers through her hair. She took in a breath and stared at her feet. She shivered a little and Vaughn returned his hand to her arm.

They both jumped when a loud clap of thunder invaded their ears. They both laughed a little and Vaughn moved his other hand up to Sydney's chin and gently turned her head towards him. He closed his eyes and leaned towards her. His lips brushed lightly against hers and he opened his eyes to see if she would accept. Sydney seemed to want what he did so he leaned in again. This time, the kiss was longer and more intense. He gently started to lean back with her when she suddenly bolted from the table.

What's wrong? he asked softly, sitting up.

Sydney stammered, —I can't do this. I just—can't. I'm sorry.

Is it me? Vaughn asked. Then he was suddenly angry. Or is it just your—as you call it—ridiculous reasoning for all of this'?

Sydney started to reply but Vaughn interrupted her.

Or are you just afraid that you might fall in love and that something might happen to me? Like with Danny—or even Noah.

Sydney struggled to fight the feeling of anger rising in her throat. You know what, Vaughn? I think it's neither the reasoning I mentioned in the first place nor my fear of losing someone I love. In fact, I think you were correct with your first rationale: that it's you. I know that you had feelings for me a few years ago and I know that you're obviously still in that place. But guess what? I'm not in that place, and to tell you the truth, I don't think I ever was.

Vaughn sighed and watched as Sydney left the warehouse. He knew he came on too strong and wondered if she would ever be able to forgive him or if that was his last chance.

Sydney was crying when she got to her SUV. The fact that Vaughn had no idea what was going on in her mind but was still able to make accusations just floored her. But she realized that what she had said was the truth: she wasn't in the same place as he was. She felt bad in a way, but she wasn't about to live a lie and pretend that she loved him.

Rain fell down on her and she finally opened the car door and got inside. She started the engine and let it idle for a moment. She wiped her eyes and smiled. She realized that there was someone she loved. He was her best friend and was more than willing to risk his life for her. Not only that, but she knew he loved her and had been loving her for years. She smiled again and drove in the direction of Will's house.