ECBT-The Visit

Disclaimer: I don't own Alias or any of the characters affiliated with the show.

A/N: Here's the next chapter, I hope you like it!

-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

My secure cell wakes me up. I automatically reach for and answer it, "Yeah?"

"Michael, it's Jack. I told her. She understands, and I'm hoping you will go see her tomorrow."

I bring myself fully awake and reorient myself with the living room. I'm sleeping on the couch. I managed to make Jocelyn mad at me, like I care, so I was banished to the living room.

"I'll go in before I go to the bookstore. It won't open until I get there. Is she still in medical services?"

"She had tests taken all day; we won't know the results until late tomorrow. She's in a holding cell until then. She is being treated kindly and has most the comforts of home. I placed you on the list of people who are allowed to visit. At the moment the list includes you, myself, Kendall, Marshall, Dixon, Weiss and Will."

"Alright, I'll go see her about 8 in the morning. Thanks Jack."

"No problem"

I disconnect the call and look at the clock. The bright red numbers tell me it is 4:30 in the morning. I might as well get up and do something, because I won't go back to sleep after a phone call like that.

I pull on some running shorts and a t-shirt and head out for a mind clearing run.

-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

At 8 sharp I am standing outside Syd's cell. She hasn't woken up yet and I'm enjoying the freedom of watching her sleep.

Her eyes slowly open and focus on me standing outside her cell. Once she recognizes me a slow grin spreads across her face.

*Begin Syd's POV* ((How can I be mad at someone who looks that good? He's standing there with his hands in the pockets of his khakis, looking like he's not sure how I'm going to react. This has got to be the most casual I've ever seen him, his polo is untucked and the same shade of his eyes.)) *End Syd's POV*

She slowly sits up and she looks more adorable than I can ever remember. I open the door and walk into her cell. She doesn't give me any clue to how she feels, just continues to watch me.

I slowly walk towards her. When I'm about a foot away from her, I stop and she stands. My green eyes meet and hold her brown ones. Her eyes, which used to be so full of life, have become dull. Behind the dullness, though, I can see some of the life coming back. I reach out to tuck a lock of her hair behind her ear. The moment my finger grazes her face, she breathes out my name.

"Vaughn."

I drop my hand from her face and pick up her hands in mine. We stare at each other like we are memorizing one another, vowing never to forget.

"Sydney, I love you," I tell her in a whispered voice. I feel her hands grip mine tightly at my declaration.

"Michael, I love you too."

I pull her into my arms and revel in the fact that after 2 years she still fits my body like she was made for it. We stand there hugging each other in the middle of her cell for what seems like hours, but must be just a few minutes.

"I'm sorry for the way I treated you in Hong Kong and on the flight back," she says, her voice muffled because her mouth is against my shoulder.

"Sydney, shhh. I forgive you and I hope and pray you forgive me for what I had to do after you went missing."

"Vaughn, of course I forgive you. My dad told me everything last night, and I do remember how big of a pain and how insufferable Kendall can be at times."

"I have to ask though.do you have feelings for her. Do you know when this 'mission' will end?" she asks me softly.

"I don't have feelings for her, I promise you I don't. Unfortunately I don't know when it will be over. I'm going to work my butt off to have it over with in another 6 months."

"I will wait for you. Six months, a year, it doesn't matter. I'll wait. I know you are the one I'm supposed to spend the rest of my life with. If Sloane couldn't change that, then this mission or anything else won't change it either."

"There may be ways that we could see each other while I'm still on this 'mission'. We'll have to hide, so my 'wife' doesn't get suspicious, but I'll take as much time as I can with you."

I hand her a piece of paper with my secure email written on it, "this is my secure email, use it whenever you need to talk to me. No one else checks this account, though the CIA monitors its use."

"Syd, I don't want to go, but I need to get to my store. Even though it is just a cover, I do have customers, book orders, and shipments. I'll come see you again tomorrow morning, or maybe during my lunch hour"

"If you must go, then you must. I understand your position, and I hope this situation can be cleared up soon. If anything changes, like if they let me go home with my dad, I'll be sure to let you know. My dad will contact you if I can't."

"Okay, I'll see you soon then."

We embrace again, this time letting our lips meet in a sweet, tender kiss. She walks me to the door of her cell, causing one of the guards to begin to walk towards us. I shake my head at him and he stops where he is. I give Sydney one last kiss on her cheek and tell her I'll see her again soon.

-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

Thanks to everyone who reviewed. I really appreciate it! It may be awhile till the next update, my schedule is going to be really hectic for the next few weeks. I'll get the next update up as soon as I can! Thanks!!!!