ELEVEN





Vaughn thought for a moment, still sitting on the table. An idea came into his head and he stood up quickly and ran for the warehouse door. He hoped Sydney wasn't already gone.

The door opened and he jogged out, looking for Sydney's car. He spotted it about thirty feet in front of him and heard the engine start up.

he muttered, and starting running full speed towards the car which had just started to pull away. he yelled as he leaped to clear a rather large puddle that was formed the previous night from the rain.

Sydney looked out the window just in time to see Vaughn get splashed as his left shoe touched down into the puddle just inches from the safety of dry concrete. Despite her anger at him just a few minutes ago, she managed a small giggle. She rolled down the window as Vaughn walked quickly up to the car.

She smirked and stole a glance at Vaughn's soaked slacks. Nice pants, splashboy, she said dryly.

Vaughn looked down at his slacks as well.

Sydney, unamused by Vaughn's sarcasm, started to drive away again.

Vaughn said quickly.

Sydney asked, glancing at him.

I need to talk to you, he said quietly. Can we go back inside for a couple minutes, please?

We did talk, Sydney told him, irritation in her voice. Vaughn sighed. she continued, what more is there to say?

Silence ensued for a few moments while Vaughn thought of his next sentence. I just want to know why, he said softly, his green eyes showing his despair.

Like I said, Sydney started, turning to face him, it's none of your business anyway. I said no,' and that should be it. I shouldn't have to explain myself just so you can be satisfied.

Vaughn was silent for a moment. Look, I'm aware that it's none of my business, but it's likely I'll never see you again after this last mission, he said, his voice rising in volume. Frankly, I can't let you slip through my fingers without knowing exactly why things couldn't work between us.

Sydney sighed deeply. I have a boyfriend, she stated simply.

Vaughn leaned his forearms on the door. So that's it?

Sydney raised an eyebrow at his comment, but decided she didn't want to argue anymore. she said, glancing at him.

Vaughn stood up straight and shoved his hands into his pockets. So this guy is the only thing keeping us from being a couple. He was suddenly annoyed.

Sydney muttered under her breath. she trailed off.

Vaughn leaned back on the car and gazed at her expectantly.

Sydney glanced at the dashboard, avoiding his eyes. Vaughn, I love him.

Vaughn nodded slightly and tapped her arm. Sydney looked over at him. Look me in my eyes and tell me that.

Sighing again, Sydney narrowed her eyes at him. I love him.

Vaughn nodded and again stepped back from the car. All right, he said. he said dejectedly, —that's all I wanted to know.

They were both silent for a moment, then Sydney began to roll up the window.

Vaughn said in a hoarse voice.

Sydney stopped and looked in his direction. Vaughn walked quickly up to the car and roughly grabbed her face with both hands to plant a kiss on her lips. He pulled back before she had any chance to resist, subsequently leaving the ball in her court.

Sydney looked at him for a few moments, her expression a mixture of confusion and—in Vaughn's opinion—delight. She finally decided to drive off without rolling up the window first.

Vaughn stared after her, keeping his focus on the driver's side mirror to see if she would look back at him.

She didn't.