AN: Hey guys! Thanks for all of you that reviewed my story. It keeps my fan fic mind a whirl. So please, please continue with the feedback. I really appreciate it! I decided to do less dialogue and more of Vaughn's thoughts. What do you think? Is this way better or the other way?

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Chapter 4

Vaughn woke up the next morning feeling somewhat more refreshed. He was surprised considering the little amounts of sleep he had gotten. After changing into a white shirt and dark blue jeans, he went into the kitchen and started breakfast.

Usually, breakfast consisted of toast and coffee, but he had gotten up earlier today. Vaughn started grabbing stuff out of the refrigerator and ended up with eggs, French toast, an orange, and bacon. He slowly ate his breakfast as he stare out his living room window. Since it was June, the sun was already up and shining. The sky was an amazingly clear blue and there was little wind to be seen. Vaughn took a sip of coffee and glanced at the clock. It was almost 9 am. He decided a good a time as any to call Sydney. Vaughn sighed and picked up the phone. He dialed the phone number she had given him and heard 2 rings. Vaughn was about to hang up out of nervousness, but Sydney picked up the phone on the third ring.

"Hmm...Hello?" Sydney answered in a sleepy voice.

Had Sydney been sleeping? The image of Sydney Bristow sleeping soundly in her bed invaded his mind caused him almost not to answer. Vaughn scolded himself for thinking about her in that way after all these years. He quickly planned where and when they were going to meet with Sydney and said bye before something stupid would come out of his mouth. He hated the fact that she still has this kind of effect on him after all these years. Vaughn felt like some adolescent teenager calling up his crush. He groaned and ran a hand through his hair. *That's it! I'm going to stop thinking about her. (Sigh) Easier said than done. * Vaughn thought.

He decided to take Donovan for a walk to clear his mind of Sydney. Putting a leash on the bulldog, Vaughn headed out the door and towards the park. As he reached the park, he saw a young couple having a picnic at a nearby tree and smiled sadly. That could have been him and Sydney at one time. Now it seemed like they would never get there. Vaughn sighed as he realized his thoughts had come back to her once again. He thought back to the last time they had met in the warehouse.

Vaughn was so excited. SD-6 was finally gone. He no longer had to hide his feelings for Sydney any longer. He could finally tell her how he felt even though he suspected she already knew. Sydney could now introduce him to Francie and Will, and they would be able to do normal couple things together. Vaughn would be able to introduce Sydney to his mother and sister who he knew would be delighted to meet her. They would love her immediately. That's just how Sydney was. She could make anyone love her if she wanted to. He fingered the box in his pocket, hoping he would have the chance to give it to Sydney today.

Vaughn was interrupted from his thoughts by familiar footsteps entering the warehouse. After all this time, he could now recognize the sound of her footsteps. They were soft yet deliberate. Fast paced, yet seemed to be taking their time. Since his back to her, Vaughn turned around and offered her a big smile.

"Hey."

"Hi." Sydney said, giving him a small smile. *There was something different about her smile* Vaughn thought, but quickly put it out of his thoughts because of his happiness.

He asked her if she could believe SD-6 was actually gone. It had taken them such a long time to finally destroy the secret organization, but in the end it was worth it. All the pain, heartache, and longing looks were worth his standing here with her.

"No, I can't. I'm glad it's over though," Sydney replied with a faraway look in her eyes.

Vaughn raised his eyebrow slightly. Something was bothering her. He could tell.

"What's wrong, Syd?"

"I have to tell you something, Vaughn," Sydney replied, looking nervous and sad at the same time. Vaughn was confused. What could she possibly have to tell him?

"What is it?" Vaughn asked as those ever present wrinkle lines started to appear on his forehead once again. He had a feeling that this was not good news since Sydney was so reluctant to tell him. He looked intently at her as she began speaking once more.

"Since SD-6 is now gone, I've decided to quit the CIA. (Pause) That's not what I wanted to tell you though. I've been offered a teaching position at Columbia University in New York and I've decided to take it," Sydney told him. Vaughn felt like a wall had slammed into him. Sydney was moving away? Away from him? Why? He realized that maybe she didn't feel the same way about him as he felt about her. *Fine. If she feels this way, she can go ahead and leave. See if I care. * Vaughn thought angrily.

"Well, thank you for all your help, Agent Bristow. Good luck in New York," Vaughn replied in an all-business tone. He looked at Sydney and saw a flash of emotion go through her eyes before they were cold once more. He kept his composure, determined not to let the woman who had stole his heart see what he was really feeling. Vaughn knew she would just pity him and he couldn't stand that. He heard Sydney say something about going to pack and goodbye. Vaughn heard himself say goodbye back before he could stop himself. He stared at her retreating back as she started to leave. Tears and pain were reflected in his eyes as he saw the woman he loved walk out of his life. Vaughn never thought it would end this way. He thought if Sydney ever left him, she would have been killed or something. Obviously he was wrong. Maybe it was better this way. This way, they wouldn't get too attached and end up hurting more. Vaughn sighed. It was too late. He was already too attached to Sydney. He fingered the soft blue velvet of the small jewelry box in his pocket, as he stood there trapped in his sorrow.

Vaughn sighed and sat down on a nearby bench. He put his head in his hands and wondered what had become of his life. To an outsider, Vaughn would seem like he had everything. A good flexible job, loving family, great friends, and good health. In truth, he was missing something, something Sydney Bristow had taken away from him. His heart.

*So was it good? Sorry for the many mindless chattering but I can't help it. It keeps me sane. Just ignore them if they annoy you. I'm not sure how many chapters this will be. Probably a little more or a little less than Fate Intervenes. We'll see.