Notes: Big thanks to SB, who really helped me through this chapter, RED and the Sarkaholics at
SD-1, who helped with answering my questions. Thanks for the reviews. I look forward to
seeing them and it is nice to hear that people like the fic. The chapters are getting longer
therefore will take more time to do so you all will have to be a bit patient with the next
chapter.
~
On the first leg of the trip, they just got to be acquainted with one another. It had been over
two years since they had first known each other, first as enemies than as co-workers, but they
knew next to nothing about the small details of each other's life. Syd noticed that even with
the most insignificant of details Sark keep his voice low as though he thought someone might
be listening. She knew Sark was ever the professional, never letting his guard down and she
could not help but respect him for it. Syd still wanted to learn all she could about him though
so she bought up the details of her own life to get try to get Sark to open up.
"I was raised by a nanny. I don't know what I would have done without her. My father was
never around and well you know all about my mother. What about you, any details about your
family that are not top secret?"
"Some are dead and some are still around."
"Thanks, that is so informative," sarcastically Syd said.
Sark seemed reluctant to answer but almost inaudibly added, "I was raised by my mother and
have a brother. Anything else doesn't matter much."
Syd could tell Sark did not like talking about this so she changed the subject. After hours on
the plane and an awful complimentary meal, which Sark refused to eat, they finally had their
stop over in Germany. Tired, they went to the hotel next to the airport for a few hours of
sleep.
After waking up somewhat refreshed, they got right back on another plane. Syd had long ago
gotten used to this on the move life style but she never came to love it. She accepted it the
best that she could but even with Dixon and now Sark by her side, she could not help but feel
jaded.
This time though, she and Sark engaged in one of the best discussions they ever had. Things
were personal but not too personal and Syd really enjoyed herself.. It turned out Sark was an
ardent reader so they talked a great deal about books they had read or books that one of them
thought the other should read. They had has as much in common with one another's taste as
they had different but that just added to the talk. Secretly Syd preferred the differences
because she loved the debates they were having. It was a nice change for once.
As much as they spoke they always found they had so much more they could discuss given the
chance. Thoughts of SD-6 and being a double agent completely slipped away from Syd's mind
for the first time in over a year. Sark too seemed pleased with the conversation. For Syd to
see him relaxed and genuinely smiling was quite a sight. She was even for once sad to see the
plane ride end.
When they arrived at the hotel there was almost a whole day ahead of them. At Sark's
suggestion the early afternoon was spent checking out the area around the museum just in
case the mission went wrong and they needed to make a quick escape. After the final
preparations for the mission were made, they headed back to their rooms. For once they had
the rest of the day free. This was a rare thing before a mission so Syd wanted to take
advantage of it to continue forming a friendship with Sark.
"Sark," she said as she watched him trying to open the door to his room. Sark looked over and
Syd continued, "I was wondering if you would like to go out and do something for the rest of
the day. You know maybe some dinner and wandering around the area for a bit."
"Sure Sydney," he said with his voice laced with sarcasm. "Maybe we can find a field to frolic
in or if we are lucky even find a petting zoo."
Syd's heart ached for a second because she felt that they had truly connected on the plane.
Why was he back to being the old Sark again?
"Very funny," Syd said with a crack in her voice. She coughed the cover it up and unrelenting
went on, "I am glad you find yourself so amusing .No seriously do you want to do something?"
"Alright be ready in two hours." Sark's voice was abnormally soft. He went back to opening the
door and did not wait for a response as went into his room.
Two hours was far more time than she needed to get ready so she decided to lay down for a
bit. When she woke up, she went to go take a shower. This gave her time to think about that
last day and a half. As she felt the water running over her body, she started to question her
behavior towards Sark. Was she being too friendly with him? Her stomach was in knots and she
felt slightly dizzy. She took a few deep breaths and told herself that what she was doing was
ok. She had a greater purpose in befriending Sark and it did not matter that she was enjoying
the time she spent with him. What did it matter that she looked forward to being with him and
sort of in his company? It would just make the process go all the faster but she just had to
make sure it did not cross the line.
After toweling off and blow dying her hair, Syd put on the nicest outfit she had with her, a
knee length flowing shirt, which was a welcome change from the tight clothing she normally
wore, and a deep purple satin blouse. It was simple yet classy and she knew Sark would like
it. She put on a small amount of make up, did her hair and went to sit on her bed to sort
through the jewelry she had bought with her. As she did something caught her eye, a black
onyx necklace. She rarely wore it and did not know why she had packed it in the first place
but it seemed perfect for tonight. The onyx stone to some was a sign of protection and defense
from harm. Others felt it helped its wearer see clear and to have dignity. Either way she would
be needing both with Sark tonight so she added it as the final touch.
Sydney stood in front of the mirror for some time making sure her appearance was perfect. It
was only the knock at her door that startled her out of her inspection. He was right on time
as always. When the door opened, Syd saw Sark standing there wearing a grayish blue suit
with a white dress shirt and a blue tie. Sydney could not help but think about how
exceptionally attractive he truly was.
"Good Evening Sydney."
Sydney was drawn into his intense blue stare and only managed to say, "Evening," back.
Sark gave Syd a look that she knew meant 'lets go' and without a word they went down the
hall. They were in the hotel's lobby before Syd spoke up.
"Where are we going?"
"It's getting late so I thought we would start with dinner. Is that alright with you?"
"Of course," Syd said with a satisfied yet nervous smile.
It only took a few minutes for them to walk to the restaurant. Corinth is full of beaches so it
gave them a lovely view along the way. Once at the restaurant, Syd saw that it was not one of
the fancy establishments she would normally picture Sark in but a small charming yet tasteful
restaurant that served the local cuisine. They were seated off in a quiet candle lit corner
table and she had the aching feeling this dinner was too much like those dates she once went
on so long ago. This had not been quite what she had expected and Sydney decided she
needed to defuse the romantic overtones by dragging the mood as far away from that as
possible.
"How do you think business has being going of late?"
"I hope you don't mind but I for once would not like to think of work for a change."
"I'm sorry," Syd mumbled.
Sark who was obviously not liking her tone said, "Sydney you need to made your mind up for
once. This was your idea not mine and I was perfectly content remaining at the hotel."
"I know. Lets just forget it and enjoy the evening."
They looked at their menus in silence for a few minutes. Syd felt tense at the entire
circumstance and once again wondered what she was thinking by asking Sark to spend the
evening with her. She should have known it was going to be like this.
When she looked over to Sark she noticed he had been watching her. Without looking away
Sark said, "What do you think about having the roasted lamb and vegetables? It is what Greece
is know for after all."
"It sounds nice but I rather have the chicken if you don't mind."
"No of course not. I was just making a suggestion. Are you ready to order?"
With her affirmation Sark signaled the waiter over and they placed their orders. Along with
their entrees they were having a Choriatiki Salad and some select wine he required. Sark not
only seemed incredibly relaxed but far more eager than herself to keep conversation going.
"It is a shame we don't have more time here. We could go see some of those masterpieces this
country is so well known for."
"You have never seen Greece," Syd responded surprised that such a refined man as Sark
would not have seen a place so well known for its history, intellect, culture and
creativity.
"Yes and no. I have been here many times for short periods but have never been here long
enough to fully take it in, you?"
"No," Syd said shaking her head. "Maybe one day we'll find the time to get away from our
business and come see it."
"Are you saying we might see it together," Sark questioned with a smirk.
Shocked and blushing Sydney blurted out, "No! Um, well that is not what I meant. You know. I
meant in our lives we would find time, separately. Not that I would not love to see it with you
but," Syd shut up embarrassed.
Sark's eyes, which were now a deep blue, were once again burning into her. They were full of
amusement and what Syd thought might be desire.
"As would I," he knowingly replied.
~
Here I go and I don't know why
I spin so ceaselessly,
Could it be he's taking over me?
--- Dancing Barefoot by Patti Smith
End of chapter 6
SD-1, who helped with answering my questions. Thanks for the reviews. I look forward to
seeing them and it is nice to hear that people like the fic. The chapters are getting longer
therefore will take more time to do so you all will have to be a bit patient with the next
chapter.
~
On the first leg of the trip, they just got to be acquainted with one another. It had been over
two years since they had first known each other, first as enemies than as co-workers, but they
knew next to nothing about the small details of each other's life. Syd noticed that even with
the most insignificant of details Sark keep his voice low as though he thought someone might
be listening. She knew Sark was ever the professional, never letting his guard down and she
could not help but respect him for it. Syd still wanted to learn all she could about him though
so she bought up the details of her own life to get try to get Sark to open up.
"I was raised by a nanny. I don't know what I would have done without her. My father was
never around and well you know all about my mother. What about you, any details about your
family that are not top secret?"
"Some are dead and some are still around."
"Thanks, that is so informative," sarcastically Syd said.
Sark seemed reluctant to answer but almost inaudibly added, "I was raised by my mother and
have a brother. Anything else doesn't matter much."
Syd could tell Sark did not like talking about this so she changed the subject. After hours on
the plane and an awful complimentary meal, which Sark refused to eat, they finally had their
stop over in Germany. Tired, they went to the hotel next to the airport for a few hours of
sleep.
After waking up somewhat refreshed, they got right back on another plane. Syd had long ago
gotten used to this on the move life style but she never came to love it. She accepted it the
best that she could but even with Dixon and now Sark by her side, she could not help but feel
jaded.
This time though, she and Sark engaged in one of the best discussions they ever had. Things
were personal but not too personal and Syd really enjoyed herself.. It turned out Sark was an
ardent reader so they talked a great deal about books they had read or books that one of them
thought the other should read. They had has as much in common with one another's taste as
they had different but that just added to the talk. Secretly Syd preferred the differences
because she loved the debates they were having. It was a nice change for once.
As much as they spoke they always found they had so much more they could discuss given the
chance. Thoughts of SD-6 and being a double agent completely slipped away from Syd's mind
for the first time in over a year. Sark too seemed pleased with the conversation. For Syd to
see him relaxed and genuinely smiling was quite a sight. She was even for once sad to see the
plane ride end.
When they arrived at the hotel there was almost a whole day ahead of them. At Sark's
suggestion the early afternoon was spent checking out the area around the museum just in
case the mission went wrong and they needed to make a quick escape. After the final
preparations for the mission were made, they headed back to their rooms. For once they had
the rest of the day free. This was a rare thing before a mission so Syd wanted to take
advantage of it to continue forming a friendship with Sark.
"Sark," she said as she watched him trying to open the door to his room. Sark looked over and
Syd continued, "I was wondering if you would like to go out and do something for the rest of
the day. You know maybe some dinner and wandering around the area for a bit."
"Sure Sydney," he said with his voice laced with sarcasm. "Maybe we can find a field to frolic
in or if we are lucky even find a petting zoo."
Syd's heart ached for a second because she felt that they had truly connected on the plane.
Why was he back to being the old Sark again?
"Very funny," Syd said with a crack in her voice. She coughed the cover it up and unrelenting
went on, "I am glad you find yourself so amusing .No seriously do you want to do something?"
"Alright be ready in two hours." Sark's voice was abnormally soft. He went back to opening the
door and did not wait for a response as went into his room.
Two hours was far more time than she needed to get ready so she decided to lay down for a
bit. When she woke up, she went to go take a shower. This gave her time to think about that
last day and a half. As she felt the water running over her body, she started to question her
behavior towards Sark. Was she being too friendly with him? Her stomach was in knots and she
felt slightly dizzy. She took a few deep breaths and told herself that what she was doing was
ok. She had a greater purpose in befriending Sark and it did not matter that she was enjoying
the time she spent with him. What did it matter that she looked forward to being with him and
sort of in his company? It would just make the process go all the faster but she just had to
make sure it did not cross the line.
After toweling off and blow dying her hair, Syd put on the nicest outfit she had with her, a
knee length flowing shirt, which was a welcome change from the tight clothing she normally
wore, and a deep purple satin blouse. It was simple yet classy and she knew Sark would like
it. She put on a small amount of make up, did her hair and went to sit on her bed to sort
through the jewelry she had bought with her. As she did something caught her eye, a black
onyx necklace. She rarely wore it and did not know why she had packed it in the first place
but it seemed perfect for tonight. The onyx stone to some was a sign of protection and defense
from harm. Others felt it helped its wearer see clear and to have dignity. Either way she would
be needing both with Sark tonight so she added it as the final touch.
Sydney stood in front of the mirror for some time making sure her appearance was perfect. It
was only the knock at her door that startled her out of her inspection. He was right on time
as always. When the door opened, Syd saw Sark standing there wearing a grayish blue suit
with a white dress shirt and a blue tie. Sydney could not help but think about how
exceptionally attractive he truly was.
"Good Evening Sydney."
Sydney was drawn into his intense blue stare and only managed to say, "Evening," back.
Sark gave Syd a look that she knew meant 'lets go' and without a word they went down the
hall. They were in the hotel's lobby before Syd spoke up.
"Where are we going?"
"It's getting late so I thought we would start with dinner. Is that alright with you?"
"Of course," Syd said with a satisfied yet nervous smile.
It only took a few minutes for them to walk to the restaurant. Corinth is full of beaches so it
gave them a lovely view along the way. Once at the restaurant, Syd saw that it was not one of
the fancy establishments she would normally picture Sark in but a small charming yet tasteful
restaurant that served the local cuisine. They were seated off in a quiet candle lit corner
table and she had the aching feeling this dinner was too much like those dates she once went
on so long ago. This had not been quite what she had expected and Sydney decided she
needed to defuse the romantic overtones by dragging the mood as far away from that as
possible.
"How do you think business has being going of late?"
"I hope you don't mind but I for once would not like to think of work for a change."
"I'm sorry," Syd mumbled.
Sark who was obviously not liking her tone said, "Sydney you need to made your mind up for
once. This was your idea not mine and I was perfectly content remaining at the hotel."
"I know. Lets just forget it and enjoy the evening."
They looked at their menus in silence for a few minutes. Syd felt tense at the entire
circumstance and once again wondered what she was thinking by asking Sark to spend the
evening with her. She should have known it was going to be like this.
When she looked over to Sark she noticed he had been watching her. Without looking away
Sark said, "What do you think about having the roasted lamb and vegetables? It is what Greece
is know for after all."
"It sounds nice but I rather have the chicken if you don't mind."
"No of course not. I was just making a suggestion. Are you ready to order?"
With her affirmation Sark signaled the waiter over and they placed their orders. Along with
their entrees they were having a Choriatiki Salad and some select wine he required. Sark not
only seemed incredibly relaxed but far more eager than herself to keep conversation going.
"It is a shame we don't have more time here. We could go see some of those masterpieces this
country is so well known for."
"You have never seen Greece," Syd responded surprised that such a refined man as Sark
would not have seen a place so well known for its history, intellect, culture and
creativity.
"Yes and no. I have been here many times for short periods but have never been here long
enough to fully take it in, you?"
"No," Syd said shaking her head. "Maybe one day we'll find the time to get away from our
business and come see it."
"Are you saying we might see it together," Sark questioned with a smirk.
Shocked and blushing Sydney blurted out, "No! Um, well that is not what I meant. You know. I
meant in our lives we would find time, separately. Not that I would not love to see it with you
but," Syd shut up embarrassed.
Sark's eyes, which were now a deep blue, were once again burning into her. They were full of
amusement and what Syd thought might be desire.
"As would I," he knowingly replied.
~
Here I go and I don't know why
I spin so ceaselessly,
Could it be he's taking over me?
--- Dancing Barefoot by Patti Smith
End of chapter 6
