Title: Shaant
Author: Annie
Rating: G
Timeline: Sometimes after "the Coup" but no real knowledge necessary. Just vague references. Anytime in Season One, I suppose.
Summary: "If she wasn't going to fight for love, then what were her grounds for wanting Vaughn in her life?" Sydney realizes some things are for secure, no matter what. S/V
Disclaimer: I seriously own nothing. Like seriously. You wouldn't believe.
Distribution: I'd be more than honored to have this anywhere. Just drop me a note.
Genre: Drama/ Romance It's not angst-y, but it's not fluff, I guess.
Author's Note: I suppose this is PG. But nothing big. Just a nice... kiss. (I hear you all cheer... but it could be between someone else! Not neccessarily Syd and Vaughn!) So anyway... this is it. The final Syd and Vaughn reunion... no more delays. I hope it's worth the time is as special as I hoped it'd be. Enjoy!
********************
"Okay, well I think it's about time the guest of honor met the actual host of the party," she said, and gave Sydney a slight push in Vaughn's direction.
***************
She looked at space between her and Vaughn-- almost the entire restaurant and a majority of its guests seperated them. All of a sudden she felt weak and weary, and it hit her that she'd had the world's longest day. She suddenly got the feeling she wouldn't make it all the way across the restaurant-- and the more irrational, frightening feeling, that now they'd crossed all their bridges, space would still keep Vaughn away from her.
----- Come on, Syd. He's right there for the taking.-----
She slowly stepped forward, approaching him from behind. He was talking to someone and he looked fresh, relaxed. She wondered what she was going to say to him, and found herself having to play it by ear as she got closer to him.
----- This is Vaughn. Amazing, gorgeous, sweet, devoted Vaughn... who told me he was in love with me the last time I saw him.----- She felt anticipation, anxiousness, excited, apprehensive, but as she finally approached him, it all faded. She felt one thing-- a mixture of relief, calmness and elation.
Love.
She was less than an arm's length behind him, but he hadn't noticed she was there. She watched through a haze as the person who was engaged in a conversation with him, excused themselves. Wanting to alert him to her presence, but unable to find words in her brain, she reached a hand out just as he began to turn. She meant to place her hand on his shoulder, but instead she caught the crook of his neck.
Both feeling the electricity of each other's skin, Vaughn turned around faster. His expression was surprised at first, quickly turning into recognition, before he settled down into the comforting gaze he always looked at her through, reading her every thought. The moment was just that-- a single second if not less, but it was the first time she'd been close to him in such a long while that for once, time had listened to her and slowed down so she could drink all of him in.
"Hey..." she began softly. She wondered what to say next, but she shouldn't have bothered. Vaughn took care of that for her.
Before she could get the whole word out, he closed the distance between them, pulling her into a long, sweet kiss. Surprise grasped her at first, but it was quickly replaced by an emotional and physical high she had never felt before, and kissing him back came naturally.
He moved his lips, slowly, memorizing every curve in hers until his lips parted, parting hers immediately. His hands were on her face, one on her left side, back behind her ear, thumb slowly stroking her face. His other hand was tangled in her hair, his thumb playing with her earlobe, while his mouth worked magic. He was tantalizingly gentle, and she realized none of her senses ever felt this good. He smelt masculine, a midnight blue aroma, filling her brain with images of a moonlit bedroom, blue light streaming. He tasted like mint, vanilla and alcohol, sweet and drugging, leaving her satiated enough to just keep on wanting more. Finally there was his touch, his lips, his hands, alighting her skin with sensory overload, her nerves dancing, skin burning and cool, leaving a satisfying buzz everywhere he touched her, and bareness everywhere he didn't.
He pulled away slowly, disconnecting his mouth from hers, but not before placing a small peck on her lips.
He looked at her, eyes full, green blazing with a fiery warmth-- more than happiness, more than passion. She looked at him, overwhelming her fourth sense, sight. He look as amazing as ever, perfectly etched jaw, cliffface cheekbones, and thin inviting lips...----- Ohhh, those lips.----- And then he smiled.
It wasn't even the biggest smile he had ever given her, but it reached his eyes, his lips stretching out contently. It was a greeting, an acknowledgement, an announcement, and a promise of much more than that one kiss had delivered.
"Happy Birthday," he said. She smiled. ----- Best birthday gift, I ever recieved.----- Suddenly overwhelmed, she pulled herself into his arms, holding him tightly to her, arms clasped around his neck.
"I've missed you so much," she whispered, almost close to tears.
"God, I missed you too," he said. His breath tickled her ears, making her recall his mouth and the sensation of it on hers. He pulled away, so that he could look at her, smile growing in radiance. "I have to ask you something before I forget." She looked at him, scrutinizingly.
"What is it?" she said.
"I have hockey, with the kids tomorrow at noon. Will you come with me?" he asked. Her smile grew as to match his.
"Yes. But I don't know how much you want me there-- I can barely skate," she said. He grinned.
"I don't mind. One more pupil brightens up my day," he said. She beamed back at him, dropping a quick kiss on his lips. At least it was meant to be a quick kiss, but as soon as she touched his lips, she knew, that she could have a lifetime of kisses, and still not have it be enough. He smiled at her wickedly as they pulled apart. "Especially a pupil who can do that." She giggled.
"I've been wanting to see you in action on the ice, for so long. You wouldn't believe how bad," she said. He grinned. She looked around, realizing where she was and giggled. "Vaughn, this is too much."
"I told you we'd party," he said, smiling. After two long years, everything she wanted was standing in front of her. A pair of green eyes, along with the rest of his face and body in all it's 6-foot glory, was she needed anymore. She pulled him in for another kiss, revelling in the fact that she could do this whenever she wanted. She pulled away a few minutes later and told him exactly what was on her mind.
"I can do this... kiss you, hug you, be with you, anytime I want," she said, still not fully believing the words, even as she spoke them. His eyes twinkled and glinted.
"Yes. You can," he said, simply. She leaned in and kissed once more, wanting to lose count of the number of times she'd kissed him. She could still count them on one hand.
"And I plan to. Anytime I want. And that's a lot, by the way," she said, leaning in once more.
"Really? I couldn't tell," he said, amusedly. He dipped in for a quick kiss, but Sydney pulled him back in, letting her lips meander along every crevice of his mouth. "My lord, Sydney," he muttered, quietly. It came out pleadingly, almost like a moan.
"I meant it when I said I missed you. And I've never gotten to do this," she replied. ----- Because if I ever had, I would have never stopped.------ She sobered, slightly. "You never let me respond. To what you said, the last time I saw you." Vaughn stiffened, almost imperceptibly, anticipating her response.
"Well..." he began, but she silenced him with a look.
"You told me nine months ago that you were in love with me, and I have to tell you now, Vaughn. That's what has gotten me through this time. And though now, it feels like I can't go a moment longer without being like this with you, I know that if this had taken longer... it would have gotten me through," she said, sincerely. He smiled and leaned in to kiss her. She had only a minute to wonder why he wasn't letting her respond to his confession of love, before letting her lips linger and pulling back so that he leaned forward. Finally, she gently pushed him away, remembering that they were in a restaurant full of people-- tucked away in a corner, albeit but in public, nonetheless. "There's people," she murmured. His eyes lit with a fire, and he leaned in, so that his entire body was pressed against her. He leaned past her mouth, holding her even more tightly to him and breathed into her ear.
"You started it, Syd," he said, his breath tickling her ear and neck. His lips brushed the tips of her ears slightly, barely so that the sensation was heightened by anticipation. He pulled away from her completely, eyes glinting mischeviously, leaving her body longing for the contact there had been a few seconds ago. "I think you're being called."
"Syd," Will was calling eagerly. He had an earnest expression on his face, and Sydney suspected he hadn't seen Vaughn and her. ----- Francie, on the other hand, might not be so unaware.---- She was grinning like a chesire cat. "Come cut your cake." She looked up at Vaughn, who was now an appropriate distance away. He took her hand and they walked towards the rapidly gathering crowd.
"Hi Mike," Francie smirked. Vaughn leaned over and kissed Francie on the cheek, offering her a friendly smile.
"You look great, Francie. You really are amazing. All this in one afternoon," Vaughn said, appreciatingly as Francie moved next to them. She glanced briefly at their clasped hands, as Vaughn let go so that Sydney could cut the cake. Everyone launched into "Happy Birthday" and Francie happily caught the looks that went between Vaughn and Sydney.
**********
It was finally a little past midnight when the last guest cleared out, leaving Vaughn and Francie exhausted in one corner, while Syd and Will cleaned up the obvious messes. She was tired, too, but then again, she was used to running on empty. Althought today she was hardly empty. She was free, she was done being a spy-- if she wanted, and the fact that she had a choice was better than either option--- but she still had the sneaking suspicion that the only reason she hadn't collapsed-- and had no desire to collapse-- was a handsome man talking animatedly with her best friend.
----- Well they certainly get along. That's one out of the way.----- She glanced at Will who was pilling leftover dishes into a large sink.
"So is that picture frame guy?" Will asked. Sydney giggled.
"Yeah. That's Vaughn," she said, grinning.
"His name is Vaughn? Is he European or something?" Will asked. Sydney smiled.
"His name's actually Michael. Vaughn's his last name, it's just a force of habit. Though, I think he's got some French blood in him," she said, remembering hearing Vaughn once talk about spending Christmas with his family in France.
"I see. So are you two together?" Will asked. She looked at him, and without control blurted it out.
"I'm in love with him," she said, shocking herself as much as him.
"You're what?" Will said, wide-eyed. But he had an amused smile.
"I'm in love with him," she said. She'd wanted to say it for so long, and even though she hadn't been able to tell Vaughn yet, the potential for that perfect moment was gigantic, and she wasn't going to stop at him. -----I'm going to tell whoever will listen.-----
"Wow... I had no idea that... we were just talking about him this morning and you didn't say a word!" Will said, accussingly. His face still wore that amused smile and she realized that Will's words had nothing but friendly affection behind them.
"I didn't know what was going to happen Will. Today was a huge day at the bank, everything changed for me. And he's finally back in my life... I didn't want to jinx it this morning. But now... there's nothing to jinx. Everything I wanted to happen, has," she said. ----- I've seen Vaughn. Hell, I've kissed Vaughn, something I've thought about doing since I held his hand at the pier so many months ago.-----
"Well as much as can happen in the exciting world of internation finance," Will quipped. Sydney shot him a bemused look, and lightly punched his arm. ----- If only you knew, Will. My life is the stuff Pulitzer Prizes are made of.-----
"If you want to think of it like that," she said, snottily but her grin assured Will that she didn't mean anything by her tone. Will took a moment to study her. He had loved her once, and sometimes he was so afraid that she would just pull him into her spell again-- he could feel the sheer momentum of her gentle moves draw him in. But she had a life, very much seperated from his and he realized that it wasn't a matter of her being too far from him or ever too good for him. She simply wasn't for him. And once he'd realized that, he seen that he couldn't waste his life over someone who'd never be right for him.
He studied her carefully now, washing over the features he noticed normally, fixating on the emotion that brightened them. Her smile was radiant, and her eyes glinted. Her shoulders, rather than being stick straight and alert like usual, had relaxed, making her posture seem less guarded. She really was in love, he realized, and every single thing about her was screaming it.
"I have a question for you," Will said. Sydney turned to look him.
"Shoot."
"You've had this amazing, perfect day and you're in love with what I'm assuming is an amazing guy. What are you doing in here washing dishes with me, when he's right out there, all yours?" Will said, smile turning up at the conclusion of his question. Sydney's dubious expression added to his amusement, and her eyes twinkled.
"That is an excellent question Will. And I'm afraid there's no suitable answer, so I'll just have to leave you with these dishes," she said, teasingly. Will feigned disappointment.
"Well I didn't mean that as a reason for you to leave..." he said. She grinned at him and he beamed back, enjoying the moment. His eyes softened, and quietly but firmly he said, "Go on Syd." He hadn't thought it possible but her smile grew and she turned to leave.
"Tell Francie to get her butt in here!" she heard him call as she approached Francie and Vaughn.
"So Eric turns around, and there's his date... but he forgets about the stupid walrus impression and that this two chopsticks are still in his nose, while Craig and I are cracking up and cringing at the same time..." Vaughn said. Sydney watch him trail off as laughter captured both her lover and her best friend, and she had never felt lighter before. He noticed her as she approached the table. He took her hand and smiled up at her. "Hey Syd."
"Oh my god Sydney. I can't believe you haven't told me about this Eric guy! Mike says you worked with him quite a bit... he sounds like the biggest goofball," Francie said. It took Sydney a minute to realize Francie was reffering to Weiss, but she grins when she puts the two names together.
"Where is he today? You should have dragged him along," Sydney said. Vaughn shook his head.
"Couldn't. He had to take over for me after I took off to come here. Poor guy probably just got off," Vaughn said, laughing evilly. The three fell into a happy, but slightly incomfortable silence. Sydney wanted to suggest to Vaughn that they get sometime together, but she didn't want to insult Francie. Luckily, Will comes in at the nick of time.
"Fran? Francie! FRANCIE!" Will yells, frantically. "I need more soap, it all just fell down the sink!" At this, all three outside, giddy from alcohol and probably a sugar overdose, burst into laughter.
"I better go help him," Francie said. Sydney nodded at Vaughn who seemed to understand what she was going to say.
"Fran, I think Vaughn and I are going to get out of here," Sydney said. Francie nodded.
"Okay, I'll see you later. And Mike, I better be seeing you around," Francie replied. Vaughn grinned.
"Definitely. And I'll try at bring Eric one of these days too," he said. He looked at Sydney at the idea, and she beamed. She definitely wanted her best friend to meet his. He stood up, and still holding her hand, they walked out as Francie head into the kitchen.
"So where do you want to go?" Vaughn asked. Sydney looked at him, smiling.
"Where's your favorite place?" Sydney asked. Vaughn grinned at her.
"There's this coffee shop actually, that'd be perfect. It's open all night," he said, eyes dancing. She beamed back at him.
"Let's go there then," she said.
"But I have to stop by and let Donovan into my house. I left him with my neighbor so that he could be taken for a walk, but I promised I wouldn't leave him overnight," Vaughn said. Sydney nodded and they walked towards his car, as he told her about his version of their mutually favorite day.
"I mean, I was nervous," he said. She smiled softly, as he seemed to recapture that nervousness.
"Yeah?" she said. He nodded, enthusiastically.
"Yeah. Like you have no idea how nervous. Sweaty palm nervous. Sweaty palm, stage fright nervous," he said. She giggled.
"I love that," she said, quietly. He looked at her sharply. They had reached his car, and stopped abruptly.
"What?" he said. She looked at him, hoping for her chance.
"I love that... you got nervous over me. That you threw a party for me. That you charmed my best friend in a matter of minutes," she said. She waited for his smile and it came quickly. "I love that nine months ago, you told me exactly what I needed to hear." He looked at her intensely, and her breath caught in her throat, before she continued.
'I hate that you never let me respond," she said, smiling. He broke their gaze, staring bashfully at his shoes. "But it stops there." He grinned up at her, and reached behind, opening the passenger door for her. He sat her inside, before closing the door and making his way into the car. They drove to his house, pulling up at the pavement outside what seemed like a beautiful neighborhood. Sydney turned to look at him.
As he stopped the engine, the moonlight caught his face, making his eyes shine and illuminating his whole face. She'd never seen him look better.
"I'm in love with you. And I think I will be for a long time now," she said. He turned to look at her, and smiled. Pulling her to him, he brought his lips to her, kissing her sweetly, gently, driving her crazy with the building momentum of pleasure he was giving her. She pulled him closer, running her hands through his hair and their kiss deepened, crossing the line that would have been inappropriate in front of all those people. Their mouths explored each other, tongues and lips crashing against each other.
They never made it to that coffee shop.
Author's note: Okay. So it's done... ALMOST! I'm thinking of an epilogue... please tell me if you want one, cos I've really enjoyed writing this, and I kinda don't wanna stop!!! Hope you liked it... tell me if you want another chapter. I hope the ending was as good as you hoped it would be, just gimme a review and tell me WHATEVER is on your mind. Thank you guys for reading and to EVERY SINGLE REVIEWER OUT THERE. you guys are great.
Author: Annie
Rating: G
Timeline: Sometimes after "the Coup" but no real knowledge necessary. Just vague references. Anytime in Season One, I suppose.
Summary: "If she wasn't going to fight for love, then what were her grounds for wanting Vaughn in her life?" Sydney realizes some things are for secure, no matter what. S/V
Disclaimer: I seriously own nothing. Like seriously. You wouldn't believe.
Distribution: I'd be more than honored to have this anywhere. Just drop me a note.
Genre: Drama/ Romance It's not angst-y, but it's not fluff, I guess.
Author's Note: I suppose this is PG. But nothing big. Just a nice... kiss. (I hear you all cheer... but it could be between someone else! Not neccessarily Syd and Vaughn!) So anyway... this is it. The final Syd and Vaughn reunion... no more delays. I hope it's worth the time is as special as I hoped it'd be. Enjoy!
********************
"Okay, well I think it's about time the guest of honor met the actual host of the party," she said, and gave Sydney a slight push in Vaughn's direction.
***************
She looked at space between her and Vaughn-- almost the entire restaurant and a majority of its guests seperated them. All of a sudden she felt weak and weary, and it hit her that she'd had the world's longest day. She suddenly got the feeling she wouldn't make it all the way across the restaurant-- and the more irrational, frightening feeling, that now they'd crossed all their bridges, space would still keep Vaughn away from her.
----- Come on, Syd. He's right there for the taking.-----
She slowly stepped forward, approaching him from behind. He was talking to someone and he looked fresh, relaxed. She wondered what she was going to say to him, and found herself having to play it by ear as she got closer to him.
----- This is Vaughn. Amazing, gorgeous, sweet, devoted Vaughn... who told me he was in love with me the last time I saw him.----- She felt anticipation, anxiousness, excited, apprehensive, but as she finally approached him, it all faded. She felt one thing-- a mixture of relief, calmness and elation.
Love.
She was less than an arm's length behind him, but he hadn't noticed she was there. She watched through a haze as the person who was engaged in a conversation with him, excused themselves. Wanting to alert him to her presence, but unable to find words in her brain, she reached a hand out just as he began to turn. She meant to place her hand on his shoulder, but instead she caught the crook of his neck.
Both feeling the electricity of each other's skin, Vaughn turned around faster. His expression was surprised at first, quickly turning into recognition, before he settled down into the comforting gaze he always looked at her through, reading her every thought. The moment was just that-- a single second if not less, but it was the first time she'd been close to him in such a long while that for once, time had listened to her and slowed down so she could drink all of him in.
"Hey..." she began softly. She wondered what to say next, but she shouldn't have bothered. Vaughn took care of that for her.
Before she could get the whole word out, he closed the distance between them, pulling her into a long, sweet kiss. Surprise grasped her at first, but it was quickly replaced by an emotional and physical high she had never felt before, and kissing him back came naturally.
He moved his lips, slowly, memorizing every curve in hers until his lips parted, parting hers immediately. His hands were on her face, one on her left side, back behind her ear, thumb slowly stroking her face. His other hand was tangled in her hair, his thumb playing with her earlobe, while his mouth worked magic. He was tantalizingly gentle, and she realized none of her senses ever felt this good. He smelt masculine, a midnight blue aroma, filling her brain with images of a moonlit bedroom, blue light streaming. He tasted like mint, vanilla and alcohol, sweet and drugging, leaving her satiated enough to just keep on wanting more. Finally there was his touch, his lips, his hands, alighting her skin with sensory overload, her nerves dancing, skin burning and cool, leaving a satisfying buzz everywhere he touched her, and bareness everywhere he didn't.
He pulled away slowly, disconnecting his mouth from hers, but not before placing a small peck on her lips.
He looked at her, eyes full, green blazing with a fiery warmth-- more than happiness, more than passion. She looked at him, overwhelming her fourth sense, sight. He look as amazing as ever, perfectly etched jaw, cliffface cheekbones, and thin inviting lips...----- Ohhh, those lips.----- And then he smiled.
It wasn't even the biggest smile he had ever given her, but it reached his eyes, his lips stretching out contently. It was a greeting, an acknowledgement, an announcement, and a promise of much more than that one kiss had delivered.
"Happy Birthday," he said. She smiled. ----- Best birthday gift, I ever recieved.----- Suddenly overwhelmed, she pulled herself into his arms, holding him tightly to her, arms clasped around his neck.
"I've missed you so much," she whispered, almost close to tears.
"God, I missed you too," he said. His breath tickled her ears, making her recall his mouth and the sensation of it on hers. He pulled away, so that he could look at her, smile growing in radiance. "I have to ask you something before I forget." She looked at him, scrutinizingly.
"What is it?" she said.
"I have hockey, with the kids tomorrow at noon. Will you come with me?" he asked. Her smile grew as to match his.
"Yes. But I don't know how much you want me there-- I can barely skate," she said. He grinned.
"I don't mind. One more pupil brightens up my day," he said. She beamed back at him, dropping a quick kiss on his lips. At least it was meant to be a quick kiss, but as soon as she touched his lips, she knew, that she could have a lifetime of kisses, and still not have it be enough. He smiled at her wickedly as they pulled apart. "Especially a pupil who can do that." She giggled.
"I've been wanting to see you in action on the ice, for so long. You wouldn't believe how bad," she said. He grinned. She looked around, realizing where she was and giggled. "Vaughn, this is too much."
"I told you we'd party," he said, smiling. After two long years, everything she wanted was standing in front of her. A pair of green eyes, along with the rest of his face and body in all it's 6-foot glory, was she needed anymore. She pulled him in for another kiss, revelling in the fact that she could do this whenever she wanted. She pulled away a few minutes later and told him exactly what was on her mind.
"I can do this... kiss you, hug you, be with you, anytime I want," she said, still not fully believing the words, even as she spoke them. His eyes twinkled and glinted.
"Yes. You can," he said, simply. She leaned in and kissed once more, wanting to lose count of the number of times she'd kissed him. She could still count them on one hand.
"And I plan to. Anytime I want. And that's a lot, by the way," she said, leaning in once more.
"Really? I couldn't tell," he said, amusedly. He dipped in for a quick kiss, but Sydney pulled him back in, letting her lips meander along every crevice of his mouth. "My lord, Sydney," he muttered, quietly. It came out pleadingly, almost like a moan.
"I meant it when I said I missed you. And I've never gotten to do this," she replied. ----- Because if I ever had, I would have never stopped.------ She sobered, slightly. "You never let me respond. To what you said, the last time I saw you." Vaughn stiffened, almost imperceptibly, anticipating her response.
"Well..." he began, but she silenced him with a look.
"You told me nine months ago that you were in love with me, and I have to tell you now, Vaughn. That's what has gotten me through this time. And though now, it feels like I can't go a moment longer without being like this with you, I know that if this had taken longer... it would have gotten me through," she said, sincerely. He smiled and leaned in to kiss her. She had only a minute to wonder why he wasn't letting her respond to his confession of love, before letting her lips linger and pulling back so that he leaned forward. Finally, she gently pushed him away, remembering that they were in a restaurant full of people-- tucked away in a corner, albeit but in public, nonetheless. "There's people," she murmured. His eyes lit with a fire, and he leaned in, so that his entire body was pressed against her. He leaned past her mouth, holding her even more tightly to him and breathed into her ear.
"You started it, Syd," he said, his breath tickling her ear and neck. His lips brushed the tips of her ears slightly, barely so that the sensation was heightened by anticipation. He pulled away from her completely, eyes glinting mischeviously, leaving her body longing for the contact there had been a few seconds ago. "I think you're being called."
"Syd," Will was calling eagerly. He had an earnest expression on his face, and Sydney suspected he hadn't seen Vaughn and her. ----- Francie, on the other hand, might not be so unaware.---- She was grinning like a chesire cat. "Come cut your cake." She looked up at Vaughn, who was now an appropriate distance away. He took her hand and they walked towards the rapidly gathering crowd.
"Hi Mike," Francie smirked. Vaughn leaned over and kissed Francie on the cheek, offering her a friendly smile.
"You look great, Francie. You really are amazing. All this in one afternoon," Vaughn said, appreciatingly as Francie moved next to them. She glanced briefly at their clasped hands, as Vaughn let go so that Sydney could cut the cake. Everyone launched into "Happy Birthday" and Francie happily caught the looks that went between Vaughn and Sydney.
**********
It was finally a little past midnight when the last guest cleared out, leaving Vaughn and Francie exhausted in one corner, while Syd and Will cleaned up the obvious messes. She was tired, too, but then again, she was used to running on empty. Althought today she was hardly empty. She was free, she was done being a spy-- if she wanted, and the fact that she had a choice was better than either option--- but she still had the sneaking suspicion that the only reason she hadn't collapsed-- and had no desire to collapse-- was a handsome man talking animatedly with her best friend.
----- Well they certainly get along. That's one out of the way.----- She glanced at Will who was pilling leftover dishes into a large sink.
"So is that picture frame guy?" Will asked. Sydney giggled.
"Yeah. That's Vaughn," she said, grinning.
"His name is Vaughn? Is he European or something?" Will asked. Sydney smiled.
"His name's actually Michael. Vaughn's his last name, it's just a force of habit. Though, I think he's got some French blood in him," she said, remembering hearing Vaughn once talk about spending Christmas with his family in France.
"I see. So are you two together?" Will asked. She looked at him, and without control blurted it out.
"I'm in love with him," she said, shocking herself as much as him.
"You're what?" Will said, wide-eyed. But he had an amused smile.
"I'm in love with him," she said. She'd wanted to say it for so long, and even though she hadn't been able to tell Vaughn yet, the potential for that perfect moment was gigantic, and she wasn't going to stop at him. -----I'm going to tell whoever will listen.-----
"Wow... I had no idea that... we were just talking about him this morning and you didn't say a word!" Will said, accussingly. His face still wore that amused smile and she realized that Will's words had nothing but friendly affection behind them.
"I didn't know what was going to happen Will. Today was a huge day at the bank, everything changed for me. And he's finally back in my life... I didn't want to jinx it this morning. But now... there's nothing to jinx. Everything I wanted to happen, has," she said. ----- I've seen Vaughn. Hell, I've kissed Vaughn, something I've thought about doing since I held his hand at the pier so many months ago.-----
"Well as much as can happen in the exciting world of internation finance," Will quipped. Sydney shot him a bemused look, and lightly punched his arm. ----- If only you knew, Will. My life is the stuff Pulitzer Prizes are made of.-----
"If you want to think of it like that," she said, snottily but her grin assured Will that she didn't mean anything by her tone. Will took a moment to study her. He had loved her once, and sometimes he was so afraid that she would just pull him into her spell again-- he could feel the sheer momentum of her gentle moves draw him in. But she had a life, very much seperated from his and he realized that it wasn't a matter of her being too far from him or ever too good for him. She simply wasn't for him. And once he'd realized that, he seen that he couldn't waste his life over someone who'd never be right for him.
He studied her carefully now, washing over the features he noticed normally, fixating on the emotion that brightened them. Her smile was radiant, and her eyes glinted. Her shoulders, rather than being stick straight and alert like usual, had relaxed, making her posture seem less guarded. She really was in love, he realized, and every single thing about her was screaming it.
"I have a question for you," Will said. Sydney turned to look him.
"Shoot."
"You've had this amazing, perfect day and you're in love with what I'm assuming is an amazing guy. What are you doing in here washing dishes with me, when he's right out there, all yours?" Will said, smile turning up at the conclusion of his question. Sydney's dubious expression added to his amusement, and her eyes twinkled.
"That is an excellent question Will. And I'm afraid there's no suitable answer, so I'll just have to leave you with these dishes," she said, teasingly. Will feigned disappointment.
"Well I didn't mean that as a reason for you to leave..." he said. She grinned at him and he beamed back, enjoying the moment. His eyes softened, and quietly but firmly he said, "Go on Syd." He hadn't thought it possible but her smile grew and she turned to leave.
"Tell Francie to get her butt in here!" she heard him call as she approached Francie and Vaughn.
"So Eric turns around, and there's his date... but he forgets about the stupid walrus impression and that this two chopsticks are still in his nose, while Craig and I are cracking up and cringing at the same time..." Vaughn said. Sydney watch him trail off as laughter captured both her lover and her best friend, and she had never felt lighter before. He noticed her as she approached the table. He took her hand and smiled up at her. "Hey Syd."
"Oh my god Sydney. I can't believe you haven't told me about this Eric guy! Mike says you worked with him quite a bit... he sounds like the biggest goofball," Francie said. It took Sydney a minute to realize Francie was reffering to Weiss, but she grins when she puts the two names together.
"Where is he today? You should have dragged him along," Sydney said. Vaughn shook his head.
"Couldn't. He had to take over for me after I took off to come here. Poor guy probably just got off," Vaughn said, laughing evilly. The three fell into a happy, but slightly incomfortable silence. Sydney wanted to suggest to Vaughn that they get sometime together, but she didn't want to insult Francie. Luckily, Will comes in at the nick of time.
"Fran? Francie! FRANCIE!" Will yells, frantically. "I need more soap, it all just fell down the sink!" At this, all three outside, giddy from alcohol and probably a sugar overdose, burst into laughter.
"I better go help him," Francie said. Sydney nodded at Vaughn who seemed to understand what she was going to say.
"Fran, I think Vaughn and I are going to get out of here," Sydney said. Francie nodded.
"Okay, I'll see you later. And Mike, I better be seeing you around," Francie replied. Vaughn grinned.
"Definitely. And I'll try at bring Eric one of these days too," he said. He looked at Sydney at the idea, and she beamed. She definitely wanted her best friend to meet his. He stood up, and still holding her hand, they walked out as Francie head into the kitchen.
"So where do you want to go?" Vaughn asked. Sydney looked at him, smiling.
"Where's your favorite place?" Sydney asked. Vaughn grinned at her.
"There's this coffee shop actually, that'd be perfect. It's open all night," he said, eyes dancing. She beamed back at him.
"Let's go there then," she said.
"But I have to stop by and let Donovan into my house. I left him with my neighbor so that he could be taken for a walk, but I promised I wouldn't leave him overnight," Vaughn said. Sydney nodded and they walked towards his car, as he told her about his version of their mutually favorite day.
"I mean, I was nervous," he said. She smiled softly, as he seemed to recapture that nervousness.
"Yeah?" she said. He nodded, enthusiastically.
"Yeah. Like you have no idea how nervous. Sweaty palm nervous. Sweaty palm, stage fright nervous," he said. She giggled.
"I love that," she said, quietly. He looked at her sharply. They had reached his car, and stopped abruptly.
"What?" he said. She looked at him, hoping for her chance.
"I love that... you got nervous over me. That you threw a party for me. That you charmed my best friend in a matter of minutes," she said. She waited for his smile and it came quickly. "I love that nine months ago, you told me exactly what I needed to hear." He looked at her intensely, and her breath caught in her throat, before she continued.
'I hate that you never let me respond," she said, smiling. He broke their gaze, staring bashfully at his shoes. "But it stops there." He grinned up at her, and reached behind, opening the passenger door for her. He sat her inside, before closing the door and making his way into the car. They drove to his house, pulling up at the pavement outside what seemed like a beautiful neighborhood. Sydney turned to look at him.
As he stopped the engine, the moonlight caught his face, making his eyes shine and illuminating his whole face. She'd never seen him look better.
"I'm in love with you. And I think I will be for a long time now," she said. He turned to look at her, and smiled. Pulling her to him, he brought his lips to her, kissing her sweetly, gently, driving her crazy with the building momentum of pleasure he was giving her. She pulled him closer, running her hands through his hair and their kiss deepened, crossing the line that would have been inappropriate in front of all those people. Their mouths explored each other, tongues and lips crashing against each other.
They never made it to that coffee shop.
Author's note: Okay. So it's done... ALMOST! I'm thinking of an epilogue... please tell me if you want one, cos I've really enjoyed writing this, and I kinda don't wanna stop!!! Hope you liked it... tell me if you want another chapter. I hope the ending was as good as you hoped it would be, just gimme a review and tell me WHATEVER is on your mind. Thank you guys for reading and to EVERY SINGLE REVIEWER OUT THERE. you guys are great.