This update is so unpardonably late, I can't even begin to apologize or
excuse it. I'd like to blame it on the trauma of the finale. I will not
believe anything until JJ's explained himself in September. Instead, I want
to thank all of you who have stayed interested in this little story and
promise more to come. I compiled everything I've written thus far into a
single word document, so if anyone's new to the party and wants to get it
in one lump, let me know and I'll pass it along. This isn't betad, so bear
with me as I get back into writing again. Chapter eleven is half done, but
I'm going to a Daniel Bendingfield concert tonight, so chances are it will
be up sometime Saturday afternoon.
Okay, on with the 'Perfect Moments' (spiked with a bit of angst!)
~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~* Sydney's book lay open on the blanket beside her, but her attention had long been captivated by Teddy and Craig trying to fly a fish-shaped kite in the late afternoon sun. She shared the blanket with Nenet and Marguerite, as well as a large picnic basket and cooler. They had been their most of the afternoon, Craig intent on "staking out a good spot" from which to see the 4th of July fireworks.
Michael, Eric, Jack and Will should be joining them, but they wouldn't be there for at least another hour since "there are no holidays in intelligence," as Kendall had so feelingly remarked. Will was picking up Sherry on his way over, and Sydney had convinced Lisa to come join them after lunch at her parent's house a few hours away. Annie was going to her new boyfriend's cabin with his family, but otherwise Sydney's whole circle of friends and family would be there to have a picnic dinner as they listened to the band in Bellis Park.
Sydney laughed as she watched her nephew tangle himself so thoroughly in kite string that he ended up plopping down on his bottom, the fish landing with equal grace beside him. Craig helped unwind him and the two walked back toward the blanket.
"Your son is all coordination," Nenet teased as Craig came within earshot.
"Hey, he had it up there for a bit," Craig defended.
"Di'ya see? I flewed it!" Teddy said, letting go of his dad's hand to run onto the blanket.
"Yes you did, Theodore," his grandmother agreed. "You're almost as good as your uncle Michael."
"Michael likes kites?" this was new information to Sydney.
"Oh, he would fly them all the time in the field near our house when he was younger. He even made one as a science project in second or third grade. I helped him with the fabric and William and Michael spent hours gluing the wood frame together," Marguerite smiled at the memory. It was one of the last projects that the two had collaborated on.
"Will Uncle Mike fly with me?" Teddy said, holding up his kite to emphasize his point.
"He will," Nenet asserted. "It's payback for all the times he made me hold the kite while he would run to get it started."
Sydney smiled at the image of a young Michael and Nenet running in the sunshine of an open field, kite high in the air. She put a hand over her abdomen as she thought about this baby someday playing with a sibling. As an only child, it was an experience she could only imagine, but she hoped their family would grow to reflect the incredible love she and Michael shared.
~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~* The sun was just beginning to sink lower in the afternoon sky when the trio of CIA agents, no longer dressed in their suits, made their way across the grass. Music was drifting on the cooling air and the sounds of laughter and cheerful voices mixed with it to form an energized hum throughout the park. Michael had driven Eric and Jack over to avoid having to maneuver three cars through the crowded streets around Bellis Park. Sydney was now engrossed in her book, so she didn't notice their approach until Teddy cried out.
"Uncle Mike!" the little boy ran towards them. "Can we fly kites now?" he had a hold on Michael's arm and was dragging him towards the fish.
"Just a minute," Michael said with a chuckle. "I have to say hi to Auntie Sydney first." Teddy glanced over at Sydney, trying to decide if that would take long, and decided to agree.
"Okay. But I get the string. Mommy said it's your turn to hold it."
"Oh really?" Michael eyed his sister.
"My son doesn't lie, Mikey. I spent far too many hours holding strings for you in that wheat field." Her gaze shifted and her hostess gear kicked in. "Hi Jack, Will. Would you like anything to drink?" Nenet indicated the large cooler. The three of them went to sort through the options while Michael came over to Sydney, sitting beside her on the blanket.
"Hi," she smiled at him from behind her sunglasses. "How was your day?"
He leaned in and gave her a kiss. "It just got a lot better." The brightness of his smile matched her own as he leaned down to also kiss her stomach. "How were the two of you?"
"Hungry. We've had two hotdogs and an ice cream cone already this afternoon, and the chicken Nenet has stashed in that cooler is starting to seem very appealing."
"Well, I'll be quick with the kite so we can eat soon," he offered, looking over at where Teddy stood holding the fish that was almost as big as he was.
"That's okay Mike, I'll keep her company," Eric said coming to sit with them, beer in hand. "I've got a great new joke."
Michael groaned as he stood up. "I'll be really quick with the kite, Syd. This comedian isn't on his best material."
Eric affected a hurt look. "Hey, you were laughing at lunch."
"In pain, Weiss, pure pain," Michael called over his shoulder as he and Teddy walked towards the open grass across the park. Sydney just laughed at them both.
Eric leaned back and took a long swallow of beer. "No respect. I get no respect. It's not like he's funny."
"True," Sydney agreed. Michael's few attempts at jokes were rarely successful. She was about comment further when she noticed Eric's face. His eyes were wide and his jaw was slack as he watched something over her shoulder. "Eric? Weiss?" She said his name as she turned to see what he was looking at. His gaze was fixed on Lisa, in a red tank top and cut-offs, weaving her way among picnic blankets and chairs as she searched for Sydney. Lisa hadn't located them yet and Sydney leaned towards Eric.
"Do you want to meet her?"
Eric's eyes glanced at Sydney quickly before finding Lisa again. "How?"
Sydney just laughed as she stood up. "Lis, honey, over here!" Lisa turned, spotted them and waved, side stepping a mini-barbeque and two lawn chairs as she walked over to meet the group. Eric had stood up behind Sydney and leaned forward to whisper in her ear.
"You know her?" His voice was all wonder.
"Yep," came the reply as she stepped forward to give Lisa a hug. "I can't believe you found us. This place is becoming a zoo."
"I know! It took me thirty minutes just to park!" Lisa shook her auburn curls, as to exorcise the memory. She pushed her sunglasses up on top of her head as she noticed Eric. "Hi, I'm Lisa Montgomery." She offered her hand. Eric swallowed hard and stared at her hand for a moment before taking it in both of his own.
"Pleasure. I'm Eric Weiss. I work with Michael." He still looked slightly dazed and held her hand just a beat longer than normal before releasing it. Sydney took it all in with a smile and turned to study Lisa's reaction.
"Eric is a senior analyst and saved Michael's and my butt's several times when we were still trying to hide our relationship at the CIA. He's a great friend." Lisa was studying Eric as she tugged on a curl at the nape of her neck, a sign Sydney knew that indicated her nervousness. "Lisa and I teach together, Eric. She's biology and health and graduated last year from USC's masters in teaching program." The two continued to gape at each other a bit, but Lisa shifted her attention to Sydney for a minute as they sat down on the blanket, Eric carefully sitting next to Lisa. Sydney wanted to laugh because she couldn't remember seeing him this nervous before. Just wait until Michael got back. She had never played matchmaker before, and she found the impromptu experience rather fun.
"Syd, how's summer going?" Lisa asked.
"Good. We've gotten the paint for the nursery and Michael has some time off next week, so we'll probably do a bit of work on that. Other than those preparations, I'm learning to work in the garden and reading tons about 'baby-life'." Sydney patted her stomach for emphasis.
"We'll have to go shopping soon-you'll be showing in no time." Lisa offered before she switched her attention back to Eric. "So, can you tell me what do you do as a senior analyst or would you have to shoot me?" They both laughed, a conversation begun and Sydney excused herself after a few minutes, going over to join Michael and Teddy.
"That fish gets good air," she commented, walking up behind Michael to rest her head against his shoulder.
"Yep, Teddy's a natural." He grinned at the little boy.
"Guess what just happened?" Sydney offered, moving to stand next to him.
"Your dad sang 'America the Beautiful'?" Michael suggested with a grin.
A small laugh escaped as Sydney answered, "No, but this is equally unlikely according to some."
Now he was really interested, "What?"
"Eric made a 'love connection' of sorts." Sydney smiled at Michael's look of amazement as he studied the group back at the blanket, squinting against the sun. His eyes widened as he realized who Eric was talking too.
"With Lisa?" He looked back at Sydney. She nodded.
"Who's Lisa?" Teddy's small voice questioned.
"Auntie Sydney's friend," Michael answered, noticing the crumpled kite. "Are you done flying? You can go meet her."
"Yup, done flyin'," Teddy declared, "let's go!"
Michael picked the flag up from him and grabbed a small hand. Sydney took the other and the trio started across the park, Teddy lifting his legs to swing between their arms every few steps.
~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~ Alek liked the casual atmosphere of Bellis Park. The crowd of people made it easier for him to be inconspicuous as he tracked Sydney, but it also meant he had to be more alert for any of Sloane's cronies in the area. For that reason, he had one of his operatives with him that evening, stationed near the entrance to bio scan people as they entered the park. It wasn't foolproof, but it allowed some screening of any weapons that might be brought in. Alek sighed and tugged his baseball cap lower, leaning back in his chair and turning the page in a book he wasn't reading. The sun would be setting soon. The glasses in his pocket would provide night vision, but it would still be difficult to monitor well after darkness descended. All he could hope was that surrounded by four CIA agents, in a crowd of people, Sydney would be safe.
~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~
Sydney leaned against Michael's chest as the first fireworks lit up the night sky. He wrapped his arms around her and they snuggled closer. She turned her head so her mouth was next to his ear, allowing him to hear her over the booms of the fireworks that seemed to be exploding right over their heads. "So, what do you think of Eric and Lisa?" Their friends had been inseparable all evening, talking all through dinner and the sunset concert. Even Will had noticed, commenting to Sydney as he walked with her and Sherry after dinner to find the bathrooms.
"They seem to have a lot in common. And I've never seen Eric like this before. He's taken with her." Michael's voice was soft against her ear as Sydney smiled happily.
"From what I've gathered, they share a wild sense of humor and strong sweet tooth. Plus, I overheard something about fishing. I didn't realize until today that Lisa was a champion fly-fisher back in Idaho."
"Eric used to fish with his grandpa all the time. This could be very interesting." Michael replied. The boom of a particularly loud rocket suspended their conversation, so instead they 'oohed' and 'ahhed' along with the rest of the crowd. When the display finally came to an end Sydney and Michael helped pack up the picnic site. Nenet and Craig were taking Marguerite home, along with a very sleepy Teddy. Will and Sherry had driven together, which left Jack, Eric, and Lisa to be split between either Michael and Sydney's car or Lisa's SUV.
"So Weiss, you riding with us?" Michael asked, coming up with Sydney to where Eric and Lisa were still wrapped in conversation.
Eric looked a Michael and Sydney, then back at Lisa, "Umm.sure."
"You could come with me," Lisa suggested. "I'd appreciate the company now that it's dark." That was all it took to send Eric into protective mode.
"Hey, that'd be great. My building's not far from your neighborhood. And you could finish telling me about that huge rainbow trout you caught last summer."
"Well then," Sydney said. "Eric, we'll see you Sunday to watch the Met's game. Lisa, I'll give you a call tomorrow about shopping."
"Okay" came their replies as the new friends headed toward the exit.
"So dad," Sydney said, linking arms with Jack. "How did you enjoy the Fourth?"
"I had a good time. I got to know Teddy a bit and the food your sister brought was excellent, Michael."
"Nenny has always been a great cook," Michael agreed. "Craig sure is lucky."
"Hey, I make a mean baked potato!" Sydney countered in mock indignation, evoking laughter from Michael and Jack as the three made their way to the car.
~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~
Alek gave a soft chuckle too as he overheard the conversation of the trio he was following. Irina had recounted stories of Sydney's early cooking attempts, and the often messy disasters that resulted. Well, he may not be a chef, but when the schedule allowed him the time to prepare meals himself, Alek had obvious talent in the kitchen.
He climbed into his car, pulling out to follow Vaughn's sedan out of the parking lot. As they pulled onto the street, Alek smiled at the thought that came to mind. It's pretty clear who got the culinary abilities in this family.
Okay, on with the 'Perfect Moments' (spiked with a bit of angst!)
~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~* Sydney's book lay open on the blanket beside her, but her attention had long been captivated by Teddy and Craig trying to fly a fish-shaped kite in the late afternoon sun. She shared the blanket with Nenet and Marguerite, as well as a large picnic basket and cooler. They had been their most of the afternoon, Craig intent on "staking out a good spot" from which to see the 4th of July fireworks.
Michael, Eric, Jack and Will should be joining them, but they wouldn't be there for at least another hour since "there are no holidays in intelligence," as Kendall had so feelingly remarked. Will was picking up Sherry on his way over, and Sydney had convinced Lisa to come join them after lunch at her parent's house a few hours away. Annie was going to her new boyfriend's cabin with his family, but otherwise Sydney's whole circle of friends and family would be there to have a picnic dinner as they listened to the band in Bellis Park.
Sydney laughed as she watched her nephew tangle himself so thoroughly in kite string that he ended up plopping down on his bottom, the fish landing with equal grace beside him. Craig helped unwind him and the two walked back toward the blanket.
"Your son is all coordination," Nenet teased as Craig came within earshot.
"Hey, he had it up there for a bit," Craig defended.
"Di'ya see? I flewed it!" Teddy said, letting go of his dad's hand to run onto the blanket.
"Yes you did, Theodore," his grandmother agreed. "You're almost as good as your uncle Michael."
"Michael likes kites?" this was new information to Sydney.
"Oh, he would fly them all the time in the field near our house when he was younger. He even made one as a science project in second or third grade. I helped him with the fabric and William and Michael spent hours gluing the wood frame together," Marguerite smiled at the memory. It was one of the last projects that the two had collaborated on.
"Will Uncle Mike fly with me?" Teddy said, holding up his kite to emphasize his point.
"He will," Nenet asserted. "It's payback for all the times he made me hold the kite while he would run to get it started."
Sydney smiled at the image of a young Michael and Nenet running in the sunshine of an open field, kite high in the air. She put a hand over her abdomen as she thought about this baby someday playing with a sibling. As an only child, it was an experience she could only imagine, but she hoped their family would grow to reflect the incredible love she and Michael shared.
~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~* The sun was just beginning to sink lower in the afternoon sky when the trio of CIA agents, no longer dressed in their suits, made their way across the grass. Music was drifting on the cooling air and the sounds of laughter and cheerful voices mixed with it to form an energized hum throughout the park. Michael had driven Eric and Jack over to avoid having to maneuver three cars through the crowded streets around Bellis Park. Sydney was now engrossed in her book, so she didn't notice their approach until Teddy cried out.
"Uncle Mike!" the little boy ran towards them. "Can we fly kites now?" he had a hold on Michael's arm and was dragging him towards the fish.
"Just a minute," Michael said with a chuckle. "I have to say hi to Auntie Sydney first." Teddy glanced over at Sydney, trying to decide if that would take long, and decided to agree.
"Okay. But I get the string. Mommy said it's your turn to hold it."
"Oh really?" Michael eyed his sister.
"My son doesn't lie, Mikey. I spent far too many hours holding strings for you in that wheat field." Her gaze shifted and her hostess gear kicked in. "Hi Jack, Will. Would you like anything to drink?" Nenet indicated the large cooler. The three of them went to sort through the options while Michael came over to Sydney, sitting beside her on the blanket.
"Hi," she smiled at him from behind her sunglasses. "How was your day?"
He leaned in and gave her a kiss. "It just got a lot better." The brightness of his smile matched her own as he leaned down to also kiss her stomach. "How were the two of you?"
"Hungry. We've had two hotdogs and an ice cream cone already this afternoon, and the chicken Nenet has stashed in that cooler is starting to seem very appealing."
"Well, I'll be quick with the kite so we can eat soon," he offered, looking over at where Teddy stood holding the fish that was almost as big as he was.
"That's okay Mike, I'll keep her company," Eric said coming to sit with them, beer in hand. "I've got a great new joke."
Michael groaned as he stood up. "I'll be really quick with the kite, Syd. This comedian isn't on his best material."
Eric affected a hurt look. "Hey, you were laughing at lunch."
"In pain, Weiss, pure pain," Michael called over his shoulder as he and Teddy walked towards the open grass across the park. Sydney just laughed at them both.
Eric leaned back and took a long swallow of beer. "No respect. I get no respect. It's not like he's funny."
"True," Sydney agreed. Michael's few attempts at jokes were rarely successful. She was about comment further when she noticed Eric's face. His eyes were wide and his jaw was slack as he watched something over her shoulder. "Eric? Weiss?" She said his name as she turned to see what he was looking at. His gaze was fixed on Lisa, in a red tank top and cut-offs, weaving her way among picnic blankets and chairs as she searched for Sydney. Lisa hadn't located them yet and Sydney leaned towards Eric.
"Do you want to meet her?"
Eric's eyes glanced at Sydney quickly before finding Lisa again. "How?"
Sydney just laughed as she stood up. "Lis, honey, over here!" Lisa turned, spotted them and waved, side stepping a mini-barbeque and two lawn chairs as she walked over to meet the group. Eric had stood up behind Sydney and leaned forward to whisper in her ear.
"You know her?" His voice was all wonder.
"Yep," came the reply as she stepped forward to give Lisa a hug. "I can't believe you found us. This place is becoming a zoo."
"I know! It took me thirty minutes just to park!" Lisa shook her auburn curls, as to exorcise the memory. She pushed her sunglasses up on top of her head as she noticed Eric. "Hi, I'm Lisa Montgomery." She offered her hand. Eric swallowed hard and stared at her hand for a moment before taking it in both of his own.
"Pleasure. I'm Eric Weiss. I work with Michael." He still looked slightly dazed and held her hand just a beat longer than normal before releasing it. Sydney took it all in with a smile and turned to study Lisa's reaction.
"Eric is a senior analyst and saved Michael's and my butt's several times when we were still trying to hide our relationship at the CIA. He's a great friend." Lisa was studying Eric as she tugged on a curl at the nape of her neck, a sign Sydney knew that indicated her nervousness. "Lisa and I teach together, Eric. She's biology and health and graduated last year from USC's masters in teaching program." The two continued to gape at each other a bit, but Lisa shifted her attention to Sydney for a minute as they sat down on the blanket, Eric carefully sitting next to Lisa. Sydney wanted to laugh because she couldn't remember seeing him this nervous before. Just wait until Michael got back. She had never played matchmaker before, and she found the impromptu experience rather fun.
"Syd, how's summer going?" Lisa asked.
"Good. We've gotten the paint for the nursery and Michael has some time off next week, so we'll probably do a bit of work on that. Other than those preparations, I'm learning to work in the garden and reading tons about 'baby-life'." Sydney patted her stomach for emphasis.
"We'll have to go shopping soon-you'll be showing in no time." Lisa offered before she switched her attention back to Eric. "So, can you tell me what do you do as a senior analyst or would you have to shoot me?" They both laughed, a conversation begun and Sydney excused herself after a few minutes, going over to join Michael and Teddy.
"That fish gets good air," she commented, walking up behind Michael to rest her head against his shoulder.
"Yep, Teddy's a natural." He grinned at the little boy.
"Guess what just happened?" Sydney offered, moving to stand next to him.
"Your dad sang 'America the Beautiful'?" Michael suggested with a grin.
A small laugh escaped as Sydney answered, "No, but this is equally unlikely according to some."
Now he was really interested, "What?"
"Eric made a 'love connection' of sorts." Sydney smiled at Michael's look of amazement as he studied the group back at the blanket, squinting against the sun. His eyes widened as he realized who Eric was talking too.
"With Lisa?" He looked back at Sydney. She nodded.
"Who's Lisa?" Teddy's small voice questioned.
"Auntie Sydney's friend," Michael answered, noticing the crumpled kite. "Are you done flying? You can go meet her."
"Yup, done flyin'," Teddy declared, "let's go!"
Michael picked the flag up from him and grabbed a small hand. Sydney took the other and the trio started across the park, Teddy lifting his legs to swing between their arms every few steps.
~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~ Alek liked the casual atmosphere of Bellis Park. The crowd of people made it easier for him to be inconspicuous as he tracked Sydney, but it also meant he had to be more alert for any of Sloane's cronies in the area. For that reason, he had one of his operatives with him that evening, stationed near the entrance to bio scan people as they entered the park. It wasn't foolproof, but it allowed some screening of any weapons that might be brought in. Alek sighed and tugged his baseball cap lower, leaning back in his chair and turning the page in a book he wasn't reading. The sun would be setting soon. The glasses in his pocket would provide night vision, but it would still be difficult to monitor well after darkness descended. All he could hope was that surrounded by four CIA agents, in a crowd of people, Sydney would be safe.
~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~
Sydney leaned against Michael's chest as the first fireworks lit up the night sky. He wrapped his arms around her and they snuggled closer. She turned her head so her mouth was next to his ear, allowing him to hear her over the booms of the fireworks that seemed to be exploding right over their heads. "So, what do you think of Eric and Lisa?" Their friends had been inseparable all evening, talking all through dinner and the sunset concert. Even Will had noticed, commenting to Sydney as he walked with her and Sherry after dinner to find the bathrooms.
"They seem to have a lot in common. And I've never seen Eric like this before. He's taken with her." Michael's voice was soft against her ear as Sydney smiled happily.
"From what I've gathered, they share a wild sense of humor and strong sweet tooth. Plus, I overheard something about fishing. I didn't realize until today that Lisa was a champion fly-fisher back in Idaho."
"Eric used to fish with his grandpa all the time. This could be very interesting." Michael replied. The boom of a particularly loud rocket suspended their conversation, so instead they 'oohed' and 'ahhed' along with the rest of the crowd. When the display finally came to an end Sydney and Michael helped pack up the picnic site. Nenet and Craig were taking Marguerite home, along with a very sleepy Teddy. Will and Sherry had driven together, which left Jack, Eric, and Lisa to be split between either Michael and Sydney's car or Lisa's SUV.
"So Weiss, you riding with us?" Michael asked, coming up with Sydney to where Eric and Lisa were still wrapped in conversation.
Eric looked a Michael and Sydney, then back at Lisa, "Umm.sure."
"You could come with me," Lisa suggested. "I'd appreciate the company now that it's dark." That was all it took to send Eric into protective mode.
"Hey, that'd be great. My building's not far from your neighborhood. And you could finish telling me about that huge rainbow trout you caught last summer."
"Well then," Sydney said. "Eric, we'll see you Sunday to watch the Met's game. Lisa, I'll give you a call tomorrow about shopping."
"Okay" came their replies as the new friends headed toward the exit.
"So dad," Sydney said, linking arms with Jack. "How did you enjoy the Fourth?"
"I had a good time. I got to know Teddy a bit and the food your sister brought was excellent, Michael."
"Nenny has always been a great cook," Michael agreed. "Craig sure is lucky."
"Hey, I make a mean baked potato!" Sydney countered in mock indignation, evoking laughter from Michael and Jack as the three made their way to the car.
~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~
Alek gave a soft chuckle too as he overheard the conversation of the trio he was following. Irina had recounted stories of Sydney's early cooking attempts, and the often messy disasters that resulted. Well, he may not be a chef, but when the schedule allowed him the time to prepare meals himself, Alek had obvious talent in the kitchen.
He climbed into his car, pulling out to follow Vaughn's sedan out of the parking lot. As they pulled onto the street, Alek smiled at the thought that came to mind. It's pretty clear who got the culinary abilities in this family.