Chapter 5: From Paradise, to Hell

A/N: Sorry I haven't updated in a while – I had a little writer's block. But then suddenly on my *last* day of the long weekend late at night I got unstuck and, well, let's just say my teachers weren't generous about the amount of homework they gave us. Anywho...

Disclaimer: JJ Abrams is a genius. I think I also used a line or two from JAG because my mom and I were watching it to avoid seeing MSU's horrible loss.

I know Vaughn's little speech later on has been done before, but frankly the idea behind it works. So sue me. Wait, don't. I haven't copied anything word for word. (But wouldn't that be one hell of a coincidence if we found the same speech?)

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Recap:

Vaughn' s love for her was building moment by moment until he couldn't contain it any longer. He broke the kiss, and looked deeply into her eyes.

I love you.
* * * * * * *

Sydney froze at his words. Her heart raced and beat heavily in her chest. Did he say what I think he just said?

Many prolonged seconds passed. Too many. Do I need to repeat myself? he asked, scared of her reaction. She nodded faintly. Her eyes seemed to have somehow averted away from his own. He leaned his forehead against her temple and whispered softly into her ear, I love you. He said it slower this time, thinking it would be easy to register.

Her eyes suddenly came to life. I... think the water is boiling. She stood up quickly and walked briskly back into the kitchen.

Vaughn let out a deep breath, and rubbed his hand down his face. No, this wasn't how she was supposed to react. He had to get the answer he was looking for. He wouldn't let her go. He knew she loved him.

He stood up and followed her to the kitchen. He saw her standing by the stove (which he noticed she had turned off), her hands covering her face. You can't hide from your feelings forever. He knew she had to truly love him back. I tried. I've been trying for two years. Dammit, Sydney, I've loved you ever since you stepped foot in the CIA Headquarters and you walked into my life. I've had sleepless nights worrying about you while you were on missions. I got so angry when I saw you with Will. I am jealous of him, I am. I hate it that he can see you whenever he wants to, talk to you, anything. I can't Syd. That is how I know. You can't hide from your feelings.

She turned to face him, tears threatening to spill. Why not? And watch one, or even both of us get killed? Can we risk ourselves?

Vaughn stepped in closer. It's worth the risk.

Sydney had to look down at her feet for a few seconds to try to regain control over her emotions. It wasn't working. I don't want to love you only... only to lose you so quickly, she said. Suddenly, everything hit Sydney like a brick wall, and a tear finally let loose, streaming down her face. I can't lose someone again. More tears came.

Vaughn came close enough to wrap his arms around her and have her cry on his shoulder. he said. I will wait. I will wait forever for you. He paused, and kissed her head gently. Look at it as a stronger motivator to bring down SD-6. Was that the right time to say that? Crap. I took advantage of this mission. One time we're alone together with a very little chance of being caught and I blew it. I should have waited until SD-6 was gone. Could I have waited that long though?

Sydney let go of him and edged back just slightly. I know that I can't hide my feelings forever. Especially with the circumstances the way they are; you and me alone on a remote island. She wiped tears away from her cheeks.

Michael Vaughn. I do love you with all of my heart. I have been in love with you since I saw you, since we've been working together. Vaughn relaxed. But, I don't think I know how we can do this and not get caught. Her tears slowed.

We'll find a way, he promised. We can make this work. She grabbed him and held him more tightly than before.

I'm scared. Her voice was barely louder than a breath. Vaughn had never seen her like this, so... vulnerable. On her missions she was so confident and calm, but now she was crying in his arms. He held her tighter. He couldn't believe how something as simple as love could make her crash. But love wasn't simple to Sydney; not with her life. Not with all the lies and deceit, and definitely with her father. Her job did not allow her to love. And for this reason, Vaughn wanted nothing more than to kill Sloane and give her a chance to.

We'll make this work, he reiterated. He began to gently sway side to side as he held her close.

He kissed her temple, and he felt a sudden rush of energy. He picked her up and cradled her in his arms, forcing her to lift her head from his shoulder. Where are you taking me? she asked, after he managed to open, and close, the front door. He led her around the cottage to the beach, where they stood near the lapping tide.

he said, pointing towards the sky. They had missed the end of the sunset, and the stars had poured out into the vast open sky.

Sydney looked up. she gasped. She and Vaughn were staring at a gorgeous view of the Milky Way, the warm air caressing their skin. The full moon illuminated the stretch of beach for miles. That's amazing.

It's incredible, Vaughn replied. He brought his hand and laid it on her cheek, bringing her eyes back to his face. He brought his lips to hers, softly at first, but harder as it lingered. They only broke when oxygen had emptied from their lungs. What would you say to a moonlit walk along the beach? he grinned.

I wouldn't object, my love.

They walked along the beach, hand in hand, allowing the small waves to lap against their bare feet.

I've just realized that I really don't know that much about you, Vaughn said, out of the blue. I know about your family and friends, sure. But I don't know your favorite color, your dreams, you fears, anything.

Sydney thought for a moment. I love the color green, she said as gazed into his emerald eyes. And I've always wanted to go somewhere for a vacation; not a mission. Like Italy, or France. I've never been there on my own.

France is great, Vaughn said.

Of course you think it's great; you grew up there! she chuckled.

He smiled back at her. What are you afraid of?

Now... us getting caught. And someone exposing me to Sloane. How about you?

Your dad, for one.

My dad? Is he really that scary? she asked.

Are you kidding? He's terrifying. Especially when you're in love with his daughter.

Of all the things I've been afraid of throughout my life, my father has never been one of them.

Vaughn stopped walking for a moment, and pulled Sydney in, suddenly. She wrapped her arms around his neck, and he placed his hands at her waist and he began to dance with her.

I love you, he tried again, this time dancing on a moonlit beach.

I love you, too, she replied with the answer he was hoping for, causing him to smile.

He began to gently hum a slow peaceful song that lulled Sydney into a wonderful sense of security. She closed her eyes and leaned her head against his chest.

* * * * * * *

She couldn't remember the rest of the evening, or how they even got back to the cottage. It was all a dream to her. All she knew was that she was lying in the same bed as the man she loved more than anything.

Sydney couldn't believe the turn her life had taken in the past few hours. She had gone from lonely lying Sydney to lover of Vaughn in a matter of minutes. She hadn't been more happy that they had finally both poured their feelings out to each other. And she never wanted that to change.

If she could have her way, she would stay on this no named island with the man of her dreams. She would stay in this bed, wrapped in his arms, feeling his warm presence beside her.

She checked her watch. It was a little after six, meaning she would have to leave her dream life for a boat back to reality. From there she would lie her way around the rest of the world. She decided that if she didn't get up to take a shower now, she would never be able to leave Vaughn, not that that was entirely bad. Of course, being stuck to a man working for the CIA would probably get them killed.

She reluctantly picked her head off the pillow and adjusted her body so she could get one last look at sleeping Vaughn before she would have to go. Slowly, she leaned in a gently kiss his temple. Finally she did get out of bed and to the bathroom for a shower.



When she stepped out of the shower, she felt fresh and renewed. She was proud that she finally admitted her feelings to Vaughn, and thankful that he felt the same way.

She put her clothes on, and rubbed the tips of her wet hair with a towel. She walked out of the bathroom to find the man of her dreams with a bottle of water sitting on the couch.

he said, putting the water down. At first when I woke up I thought you had already left.

Oh, no, she said. I would have woken you up to tell you I was leaving.

Yeah, then I heard the shower... It created a nice visual. He grinned slyly. Sydney blushed and hit him playfully in the arm. He smiled, then looked at her seriously. I wish you didn't have to go. He lifted his hand and brushed it against her cheek. If only we could stay in paradise forever.

If only. Syd closed her eyes. Maybe my dad will have gotten the boat schedule wrong again, and I'll have to wait for your boat.

I doubt it. Jack isn't wrong very often. Although, that sounds wonderful hypothetically speaking. Sydney opened her eyes and leaned into Vaughn. She checked her watch. It was nearly seven.

She sighed deeply. I have to leave soon. Better go get my bag, she said, sounding thoroughly depressed. She pulled herself off of Vaughn, and made her way into the bedroom to grab her things. She looked that their bed one last time. *Their* bed. How long would it be before they could be like this again?

If this was paradise, which indeed it was, then she would be returning to a place that would have to be considered as Hell.

She walked back around the hall to the couch where Vaughn sat. Do you think it's safe for you to come to the dock with me?

I hope so, because I'm coming, whether the CIA wants me to, or not. Just to be on the safe side, I'll wear a hat and sunglasses.

Ooh, a hat and sunglasses. They'll never recognize you! she said sarcastically.

I better get dressed, then. Just showing up in my boxers won't do any good.

... Although I wouldn't mind, she replied flirtatiously. She giggled. Ok, seriously, we should get going soon.

* * * * * * *

Vaughn got up and got dressed, and met Sydney by the door. He had put on a baseball cap (that said Kings' on it) and dark sunglasses that covered his eyes.

If I didn't know any better, I wouldn't guess that was you under there, Sydney joked.

They walked outside and down the to dirt road. Already the sun had warmed up much of the area. She held her bag in one hand, and Vaughn's hand in the other. His firm grasp only made Sydney want to stay with him.

When they arrived at the dock, Sydney turned to Vaughn. I love you, she said quietly before kissing him good-bye.

I love you, too. He took off his hat suddenly.

Vaughn, what if someone sees...

It's ok, he said, putting the hat on her head. It was too loose and fell slightly sideways on her head, causing him to smile. See you back in L.A. What he felt like saying was See you back in Hell.

She let go of his warm embrace and walked up to the boat, turning back to look at her love one last time. But soon she would have to think of other things.

She still had to save her mother.




A/N: Yeah, kinda (.....). Again, sorry I took so long updated, it's just that I had writer's block spasms, and if you ask me, those are worse than writer's block.

Things to think about:
~ Does anyone else think Will needs to shave?
~ OMG Francie is so evil!
~ Is anyone else mad that Irina took advantage of Jack?
~ Poor Jack : (
~ Vaughn is foxy

REVIEW!
~Whitelighter Enchantress