Afterthoughts




Sydney got into her car and drove to the CIA. She was so incredibly giddy she could hardly contain herself and she desperately wanted to let her mother know what had happened.

She parked and went inside, swiftly walking past all the people. She hoped to get to her mother's cell without having to confront anyone. Unfortunately, she wouldn't have such luck. Vaughn gently grabbed her arm and pulled her off to the side.

I haven't seen much of you lately, he told her.

Well, I did just get back today, Sydney said with a chuckle.

That's true. But, I haven't seen much of you, period. I mean, it just seems like it's been a while since we've talked.

Sydney said quietly.

I understand if— Vaughn stopped himself and shook his head, He smiled at her.

Sydney nodded slightly and crossed her arms over her chest. Sorry to cut this short, but I wanted to go talk to my mother, then go home. She smiled and tilted her head to one side. I'm a bit tired.

Vaughn said with a nod, I won't keep you. But, the mission—with Sark—it went all right?

Sydney nodded and looked far into his eyes. It went well, she paused for effect, very well.

Vaughn pursed his lips. I'm glad. I guess I'll see you later.

Yeah. Later.

Vaughn walked off and Sydney made her way to her mother's cell. With a smile and a flash of her badge, the guard let her through.

She knocked lightly on the glass and her mother awoke from her nap and came to greet her. Irina yawned audibly and Sydney hid a grin. Irina smiled back at her and gazed into her eyes. Something sparkled in them and she could tell her daughter was happy. She wasn't sure what Sydney was happy about, but she definitely wanted to know. She smiled warmly at her.

You're glowing, Irina said, tilting her head to the side a bit.

Sydney grinned, her dimples prominent. Her chocolate doe eyes were bright, and she suddenly averted her gaze to the floor. Am I? she asked, blushing.

Irina nodded and smiled at her and chuckled a bit. What are you so giddy about, babe?

I told Andrew how I feel about him, Sydney said, grinning broadly, and he feels the same way.

I'm happy for you, sweetheart, Irina told her, I just worry that you may be getting in a bit deep.

I'm assuming you mean with SD-6, Sydney said.

Yes, like I said, you should focus on destroying them first, then going after love later.

Well, we're a step ahead, Mom. We decided to hold off until SD-6 is gone before we leap into a real relationship, Sydney told her.

Irina said approvingly, and I'm glad you found someone.

Sydney sighed with content and smiled. Me too. Me too. She looked down at the floor for a moment then back up. I should get going.

Of course. Have a good night, Irina said.

You too, Mom. Sydney started to walk off down the hall before she stopped and turned around.



I love you.

Irina felt tears flood into her eyes suddenly, and she nodded. I love you too, babe.

Sydney blinked and a tear fell from her eye and onto her cheek. She turned around again and walked down the hall and out of the building to her car.


A few minutes later, Sydney arrived home. To her delight, Francie was at work and Will was home. She gave him a smile as she walked in the door.

Hey you, she said, hanging up her coat.

Will wandered over to her from the kitchen and wrapped her up in a brief embrace. He led her over to the couch after a moment and sat down with her. How did it go?

Very well, Sydney said, still grinning, I told him how I felt, and we were able to work past the whole Paris incident.

That's great, Will said, squeezing her shoulder. So he feels the same way and all?

Yes, totally. We're also going to wait a bit until SD-6 is taken down before we get ahead of ourselves. Just in case something happens, Sydney told him.

Yeah, that's a smart move, Will said, nodding.

We think so too, Sydney said with a smile.

You're amazing, Will said after a moment.

How so? Sydney asked curiously, raising an eyebrow at him.

It's just—I love to see you like this. When you're happy. You have this—glow—and everything's right in the world of Sydney. You have no idea how much it means to me for you to be happy, Will said, kissing the top of her head and pulling her into a one-armed hug.

But I do. Sydney grinned at him and stayed there for a moment. Hey, I think I'm going to take a bath and go to bed.

Will said, releasing her from his embrace as she stood up.

Sydney gave him a lopsided grin. I know I said it before, but, I really want to thank you for everything you've done for me.

You know, this may sound cheesy, but your happiness is all that matters to me. Seeing you happy more than suffices, he said, his blue eyes shining.

Sydney rumpled his hair a bit and kissed his cheek. Good night.

Good night.

Sydney sighed contentedly and made her way to the bathroom.