Author's Note: Thank you for all the reviews, you guys rock:) Also, my best friend and beta Ash told me I'm a review whore.' She's absolutely right;)
Where There's a Will...
Sydney left Sark at the airport and drove to SD-6 to give Sloane the fake mechanism. Sark went to the CIA to drop off the real one.
When Sydney walked into Sloane's office, Sloane knew immediately that there was something different about her. Sydney handed him the fake mechanism and turned to leave when he called her back.
she asked, putting on a full-fledged, dimpled smile.
Sloane looked at her curiously, one side of his mouth turned down in a frown as he tried to put his finger on what was different. How did the mission go?
It went well, Sydney replied with another smile.
Sloane pursed his lips and formed his fingers into a tepee as he rested his elbows on his desk. You don't look well.
Sydney's stomach twisted into a knot and a headache suddenly surged into her temples. I have the remains of a hangover and ridiculous jet lag and major guilt stemming from a stupid mistake. I'm a little tired.
Are you sure that's all it is? Sloane looked into her eyes for a moment before directing his gaze to her casual attire. Much too casual for his tastes in an organization such as this.
Sydney caught him staring and quickly tried to explain herself without going into details which she did not care to divulge. I actually forgot to set my alarm, she said with a nervous laugh, so when Mr. Sark came to retrieve me, I just threw on the first thing in my suitcase.
Wait, he came to retrieve' you? You were staying in the same room.
Oh, well, we were, but the reservations got mixed up somehow because we ended up with a room with only one bed. The front desk called and apologized, and gave us a second room, Sydney explained.
Sloane nodded and Sydney felt the knot in her stomach tighten even more as she grew increasingly uncomfortable.
Excuse me if this sounds rude, but is that all? I'd really like to—catch up on some sleep, Sydney said, tilting her head to one side.
Sloane gave her a smile and nodded for her to go. Sydney said her thanks and left.
Sydney drove home and parked in the driveway. She grabbed her suitcase and trudged up to the house. She opened the door and found Will in the kitchen and Francie on the couch. Sydney set her suitcase by the door and hung up her coat.
Francie raised an eyebrow at Sydney as she walked over to the couch and flopped down on it. Sydney chuckled a bit at Francie's odd look.
What's the matter? she asked, the knot in her stomach still there and worse than ever.
Did you—nah—nevermind, Francie said with a grin.
Sydney poked Francie in the arm and returned the grin. What? What were you going to ask?
Francie leaned in close and glanced quickly to the kitchen to see that Will had his back turned. She whispered, You had sex, didn't you?
No, no, I didn't, Sydney insisted, shaking her head and avoiding Francie's gaze. Her cheeks were a deep crimson.
Will chose that moment to wander over to the couch. What are you guys talking about?
Sydney said quickly, her cheeks reddening even more.
Francie grinned at Sydney then at Will. She's just annoyed that I see right through her on certain things.
Will touched Sydney's shoulder and grinned back at Francie. What kind of certain things'?
Sydney sighed heavily and got up from the couch. Before you guys gang up on me any more, I'm going to go take a nap. She grabbed her suitcase and began walking to her room.
All right, sweetie, but I want details later! Francie called after her.
Yeah right, Sydney muttered, entering her room and all but slamming the door behind her.
Will frowned at Francie and made his way to Sydney's room. He knocked once and went in, finding Sydney clad in panties and a top that rested just above her navel. Will raised his hands in embarrassment and turned around. Sydney grabbed a pair of sweats and tugged them on then cleared her throat. Will turned back around.
Sorry, I should have knocked more than once, or waited or something, he mumbled, his cheeks reddening a bit.
Sydney gave him a small smile. It's okay.
So—uh—I know it's none of my business, but what were you and Francie talking about a minute ago?
Sydney said firmly, desperately trying to pull her shirt down over her stomach.
Will frowned a bit and nodded. How did the mission with Sark go?
It was fine, Sydney said with an edge of irritation in her voice.
Syd, what's wrong? Will stepped closer to her.
Nothing, okay? I-I just want to take a nap. I'm tired. Sydney's lower lip trembled and she struggled with the shirt again.
Will took another couple steps closer to her and stood about a foot in front of her. He examined her closely and noticed that her shoulders were shaking ever so slightly. Whatever it is, you can tell me. He grasped her shoulders gently and ran his hands over her arms, as if trying to warm them.
It's not important, Sydney said quietly, quickly averting her gaze to the floor when she felt her eyes begin to tear up. She wasn't quick enough and Will saw the tears.
he began soothingly, wrapping his arms around her, it's all right.
Sydney pushed him away. No, it's not all right, she said in a shaky voice, I may have screwed up any chance I had for a relationship with Andrew. She was surprised at herself for her use of Sark's first name. Will looked at her curiously.
Who's Andrew? When Sydney didn't answer, he knew automatically.
Sydney nodded and wiped a few tears from her eyes. She didn't resist when Will took her into his arms again, gently stroking her hair, trying to soothe her.
What happened? he asked softly.
I had a one night stand in Paris, Sydney told him. The previous circumstances indicated that he didn't feel the same way I did about him, and I was feeling really down, and I had too much to drink and went to a café and found someone.
Will said nothing, only continued to stroke her hair. And Sark found out.
Sydney mumbled, and he seemed so upset, almost like I had cheated on him.
Will murmured, still holding her.
What should I do? Sydney whispered.
Tell him exactly what you told me, Will said, that you have feelings for him, and that you didn't think he did, and that you were subsequently crushed and needed a pick-me-up.
Do you think he'll believe me? Sydney asked, pulling back slightly, to look into Will's eyes.
Will smiled at her. If you're saying he seemed upset that you were with another guy, then that must mean he has feelings for you. Otherwise, he has no reason to be jealous, it wouldn't be his place. He's probably afraid to tell you how he feels because of the nature of the job. Anything could happen to mess things up for you guys. He brushed a few strands of her hair out of her face and lifted her chin. Tell him how you feel.
Sydney smiled. He's right. He's absolutely right. Since Sa—Andrew—was pissed that I had a one night stand, then he must feel something for me. Thank you. She kissed his cheek.
No problem, Will said, grinning at her. He hugged her again and kissed the top of her head. You should get going.
Sydney nodded and smiled. Will kissed the top of her head again and left her so she could get dressed.