Disclaimer: Alias is not owned by me. If it was, this wouldn't really be fan fiction would it? Lol

Archive: Sure. Just send me a link

A/N: Ok, ok. So there are still no hints about the prologue. Honestly. There won't be till like chap. 5. But I needed a few chapters to build the story up, you know/ And I especially needed a sappy s/v chap. I mean, if you though I was physically capable to write an Alias fic w/ no s/v sap, you're sadly mistaken. Lol.

Thank yous: Thanx so much to Yana for letting me base a character on her when I know she didn't want me to and Shannon (Aliasangel) for reading and correcting this story so I wouldn't look stupid. Lol. Everyone read her stuff, it's good! :-) Thanks!! Also, to everyone who's been reviewing. This is my first Alias fic and it's really great to know that people are enjoying it. :-)

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Chapter Two

            The air was beginning to warm up as I pounded through the streets towards the warehouse. The rain had stopped but the wind was still howling. It was strange weather for Los Angeles, especially in spring. But since when did my life make any sense?

Though the cool puddles in the dark streets were causing me to slip and me heart was pounding furiously, I kept on running. Soon, my environment faded and all that was left was the road, the thought of the warehouse, and the soft, warm voice humming over and over in my head like a broken record. "Joey's Pizza…Joey's Pizza…Joey's Pizza…"

Could Vaughn really be alive?

Nearing the warehouse, my steps slowed and my heartbeat quickened. I could hear the blood rushing through my ears as I approached the metal fence. I took a few deep, shaking breaths and pulled open the creaking gate. Looking at my feet, I willed myself to stay calm.

"Sydney," a soft, familiar voice breathed.

I didn't recall my eyes welling up, but they must have been because at that moment, a teardrop rolled off my bottom eyelash and dripped, almost artistically, onto the cement floor. My eyes remained locked on that teardrop stain, for fear that if I looked up I'd find nothing, only that my mind had been playing tricks on me.

"Sydney?" the voice repeated.

This time, unwillingly, I looked up.

There he was. Bound in leather trench coat, dark blonde, sun streaked hair, emerald green eyes.

Michael Vaughn.

"Vaughn!" I never knew how many emotions could shine through in just one word until right then.

Before I knew what I was doing, I found myself hugging him. We didn't say anything, but a moment later, we pulled away self- consciously.

"I thought you were dead…" my voice trailed off.

"So did I, for a few minutes. I…I got out. The door broke. I couldn't contact you. Devlin's already getting suspicious of us getting too… too emotionally attached. I didn't want to call unless I was sure it was safe. That, and the fact that I couldn't get a flight back until yesterday. I'm so sorry I made you worry…"

I sighed and looked up at him, sitting down on a crate. "I'd be lying if I said I didn't worry. I don't think I've ever been more depressed for a week in my entire life."

His sparkling emerald eyes locked onto mine. It was amazing how they shone so brightly, even in the dark and musty room. "You cared that much?"

I could've kicked myself right then. How had I gotten to this topic? But I couldn't stray away from it now. "Vaughn…I care more about you than I care about myself. Or my life. Or my job. Hell, even my own parents. I would've taken your place behind that door in a heartbeat."

Those eyes again. They were so captivating. I found myself staring into them when I hadn't even told myself to.

"Don't say that, Syd…"

"It's true," I confirmed simply.

He got off his crate and came over to me, putting his hand on my shoulder. "I care about you, too, Sydney. Which is why I'd never—never—want you dying for me. Got it?"

I tried to ignore the electrical buzz pulsating through my shoulder. "Yeah. Thanks, Vaughn."

He gave me one of hi amazing, rare smiles. "Is there a law against calling me by my first name? My name is Michael."

I smiled back and replied sadly, "Yeah. It's called protocol."

"Well, screw protocol, Sydney."

As if to prove what he was saying, he took my hand and laced his fingers through mine.

I smiled through the tears I had been crying. I felt like I could stand in that warehouse forever, fingers intertwined with Vaughn's. But it had to end at some point. So, despite myself, I looked up and said "I think I have to go. Will is going to worry about where I ran to."

He flinched slightly at the mention of Will, but nodded understandingly. "You're probably right."

I let go of his hand gently. "See you tomorrow…Michael."

"Bye, Sydney," he called after me. I could feel his eyes upon me as I stepped out of the warehouse and back into the warm, moist night.

A/N- Short chapter but sweet. That's how I like it. Lol. Next chapter I think starts leading a little more into the plot. Review please, it really boosts my confidence and helps me write :-)