Author's Note: I just got back from Pirates of the Caribbean and I am so tired. (GOOD movie!) As a result, I'm sorry (very!) but I'll do have to do review responses next time, okay?

Chapter Nine - Reconnected (Jack and Vaughn)

Vaughn closes his eyes, mentally resisting the urge to slam his head against something. Repeatedly. Of course, if he doesn't come up with something, his father-in-law will doubtlessly do so for him. And enjoy it. Come on Mike, think!

"Jack, what I meant was-"

A cell phone rang, startling him so much he stumbles a few steps. Jack, however, simply looks amused as he leisurely reaches for his.

"Mine," he says quickly, snatching the phone off his belt and groaning when he recognizes the number.

"Mine too," Jack replies dryly.

They both turn away, phones glued to their ears.


"Yes?"

"Dad?"

"Yes, Sydney."

"Dad, what're you doing to him?

"I beg your pardon?"

"I swear to God if you break his nose I will never forgive you! My kids are gonna see those pictures!"

He resolutely ignores that last sentence. For his sanity's sake.

"Sydney, take a breath. I can assure you that I have done nothing to Mr. Vaughn."

Besides aim a gun at him, but he did it first. Besides, it was reflex.

"Promise?"

"Yes, Sydney. I promise. We were just talking."

"Just talking."

"Yes."

"Then why aren't you here? We have two hours left! Vaughn - Michael - isn't even dressed!"

She takes a breath, one so loud he can hear it. She's inherited Irina's temper, I see.

"I was prepared to possibly excuse you if you were actually doing something," she barks. "But you're not. Get here. Now. Or you two will be the ones with broken noses!"


"Michael Vaughn."

"Dude Mike, where are you? Sydney's about ready to blow a gasket."

"I told you to stall her!"

"Hey, I may be all-knowing and the damn best yo yo handler in the West, but I ain't gonna go anywhere near Sydney Bristow today. She'll either kick my ass or put me to work, and I don't know what's worse."

"Thanks, Weiss."

"And besides, I had to practice my Best Man speech!"

"You think I'd let you give a speech after the bachelor party disaster?"

He snickers. "Oh lighten up, Mike. I thought Devlin and Kendall would enjoy seeing such a casual environment."

"You sent them to a strip club! Two blocks away from where we actually were! I thought they were gonna demote me!"

"Like I said, casual."

"Listen, Weiss…"

He freezes, hearing another voice join in.

"Weiss? Who are you talking to?"

"No one, Sydney. My mother."

I've been made.

"Very slick there, Weiss." Weiss, you idiot!

"Shut up, Mike."

"Weiss!" Please, speak my name when you're standing right next to her! He could practically hear the lightbulb in Sydney's pretty head turn on.

"Sorry! Hey, give me that!"

Sounds of a scuffle were undeniable. And then…

"Vaughn?"

He sighs deeply. "Yes, sweetheart?"

"Are you having fun?"

Her voice is sugary sweet. He can't help but flinch, chances are currently very strong he'll be spending his first night as a married man on the couch. Come on Mike, save yourself!

"No moment is fun when it's not with you."

Somewhere by Syd and the phone, Weiss bursts out laughing. Vaughn glares at his cell phone. Weiss! That would've worked!

"Well Michael honey, I can assure in many ways your life will never be fun again if you don't wander over right now. I can understand why you're there, but we're getting married in less than two hours! Here! Now! Understood?"

He gulps. "Oui, mon chérie." ("Yes, my love.")

"Bon garçon!" ("Good boy!")

The dial tone rings in his ear after his mariée obsessionnelle somehow manages to slam a cell phone while hanging it up. Jack pats him on the head, much as he himself would typically pet Donovan. "She's going to make you very happy, Mr. Vaughn."

He sighs, pocketing the phone. And he's willingly marrying into this family? "Michael."

Jack merely smiles innocently at him. "Considering Sydney just called you Michael with that special charm she inherited from me, I can assure you, Mr. Vaughn, you don't want to hear me do the same."

He pauses, considering. True.

"I'll stall Sydney for a few more minutes," he continues, striding out of the cemetary to grant Vaughn privacy.

Now alone once more, Vaughn turns back to his father's grave, grinning to himself as he does so.

"Thanks, Dad," he murmurs, reaching out for a moment to rest his hand on the smooth white stone.

And then he squares his shoulders and leaves as well, mentally preparing himself for the terrifying sight of Sydney in panic-control mode.

- to be continued -