Chapter 17: True Love Island

A/n: Three warnings:
1. There is some Syd-Irina randomness in this chapter that I was most definitely not expecting.
2. Also some Weiss weirdness.
3. LOTS OF FLUFF! Welcome to Fluffland, I hope you enjoy your stay.

And one notice:
There are only one or two chapters left, the way I have it set up. It depends on how long I decide to make the next chapter, but only one or two.

Disclaimer: I don't own Alias. JJ Abrams sure does. Nor do I own Jell-O. But I can make it.

* * * * * * *

Vaughn's eyes peeled open to greet the morning light that shone through the Venetian blinds. Sydney was still settled in his lap, mascara trails leading down her cheeks. He leaned down to kiss her head. God, what a night, last night, he thought, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. A small grumble was heard from Sydney's throat as she shifted her weight but remained asleep. Donavon jumped off the couch, stretched out his legs, and gave his body a shake before finding a new spot on the floor to curl up on. Vaughn finally heard a sigh from the woman in front of him.

He wasn't sure if he should speak to her. How should he approach this? He didn't want to push her to talk, but he knew they would have to eventually. Sydney turned her head and stared directly into her husbands eyes. she said dully, beginning to rub away the mascara paths. Vaughn couldn't help looking at her with empathy, but he still wanted to make everything better.

he replied, giving her an extra squeeze, also unsure where the conversation was going.

Did the hospital call last night? About my dad? Sydney asked.

Yeah, they, uh, called while you were sleeping. Your dad's fine.

Sydney nodded. Good. That's good...

Vaughn couldn't take it anymore. Syd, we're going to be all right, you know.

Sydney's reply was silent at first, and Vaughn regretted speaking too soon. Syd finally chuckled nervously to herself. It's a lot to take in, all in one day. A surgery and a ... miscarriage, she spat the last word. And I can't help but think, that I failed you both... You and Dad.

Syd, you never failed anyone –

No, Vaughn. I got pregnant so I couldn't help my dad, then on the day of his surgery I'm suddenly not pregnant anymore. It's like I cheated both of you. Now were just back where we started. She sniffed. God, how did I have this much mascara?

The line in Vaughn's forehead creased deeply. he said, taking her hands in his and waiting until he caught her eye. We are back where we started. But it's a second chance, not backtracking. And your dad! He's been given a second chance too, thanks to your mother. You didn't fail and you didn't cheat us. You never could.

It still feels that way. She pulled away from Vaughn, curling herself up in the other corner of the couch, staring at a spot on the floor.

Vaughn sighed. Are you hungry? Does your stomach still hurt? If she wouldn't communicate with him verbally, then maybe they could communicate through food.

No, I'm not hungry. And my stomach stopped hurting last night. Okay, so his plan backfired. But it still hurts. Perhaps not. I'll admit, at first I wasn't ready for this baby. Now, it's a whole person that I'll never know; never teach to ice skate; never get to say how much I loved him or her already. That's what hurts. She turned her head to face Vaughn, and eventually her eyes followed. I think I could go for some toast.

* * * * * * *

After a few days, both returned to work. All of the agents were especially friendly and warm towards both of them. Weiss, though disappointed that he wouldn't be Uncle Weasley,' refrained from making too many inappropriate wisecracks when Sydney was around.

One day Sydney decided to take a nonbusiness related trip to see her mother. Briskly she walked down the dark hallway, only pausing for for the barred gates to crank aside.

her mother sighed contentedly. It's... good, to see you back at work. Sydney assumed her mother had to know. The doctor must have told her when she was discharged from the hospital.

she replied hesitantly. Look, Mom, I didn't come here to talk about, well, that, or work, even. I... Okay, this might sound a little strange, but I just came here to talk with you. Irina raised an eyebrow. Francie's out of town, Will and Michael just look at me and it makes me want to cry, and Dad's, well... in ICU. So that leaves you. Is that okay?

Of course, sweetie. She smiled. What's on your mind?

Only things that I'd rather not talk about. What's on yours?

Irina looked at the floor for a moment, then returned her gaze to Sydney with a smirk on her face. You don't want to know.

Come on, Sydney grinned. Tell me.

Irina sat down on her bed, curling her right foot under her left thigh. All right. Ducks. And... Jell-O.

Ducks and Jell-O?

Irina nodded. I don't think I've had Jell-O since you were four. I think you saw this commercial that made it look tasty, or something, and you insisted that we make some. It was cherry, and really... jiggly, if I remember correctly.

Sydney and her mother making cherry Jell-O. Who'd of thought? And the ducks?

I don't know, Irina blushed, I guess it's just one of those things you miss while you're in prison. She licked her lips. You used to love ducks.

I did? Sydney asked.

Jack took you to this carnival when you were probably three. You were too short to ride the rides, so you two played all those cheesy games until he won you a duck stuffed animal. I think you named it Popcorn, Irina laughed. You and Popcorn were inseparable for a long time.

Sydney's cheeks turned a darker shade of pink. I remember that duck. I really named it Popcorn?

Irina nodded and closed her eyes, leaning her head back against the wall, taking relish in the memory. You loved to feed the ducks, too, she said, opening her eyes. Are you sure this is what you want to talk about? Ducks and Jell-O?

I don't know anymore, she sighed.

* * * * * * *

The next day had been a steady, slow day at work, yet both Sydney and Vaughn were exhausted and fell asleep very quickly. It was finally around three A.M. when the phone rang and woke them from their peaceful slumbers.

a very groggy and confused Sydney answered the phone, while Vaughn turned towards her, rambling tiredly to himself.

This is Kendall. You and Agent Vaughn get down to HQ – we've got something big. The phone clicked and Sydney had barely enough energy to comprehend his words.

Who... What... Why? was all Vaughn could manage to say.

Sydney yawned. Something big. We need to get down to HQ. She rubbed her eyes and yawned once again. God, what time is it? She paused. Michael? Michael?

I'm awake! he shot up in the air. I really am. He sniffed. They rolled hazily out of bed and put on some real clothes (after accidentally putting them on backwards, of course) and made it to the car without falling back asleep. Vaughn, who was told by Sydney that he was driving, had splashed cold water on his face to help him wake up.

Finally, they arrived at Headquarters. Sydney and Vaughn, each with a steaming mug of coffee in hand, marched into the meeting room where many other agents were already babbling away. It seemed no one knew what this meeting was called for, or rather why it was called at such an abominable hour. Finally the eminent Kendall stood in front of them and issued a tired silence. Weiss looked as if he might fall out of his chair asleep.

This is big, wake up, were Kendall first words, startling Weiss to the point where he did fall out of his chair. He speedily picked himself off the ground and back into his seat, a slight blush enveloping his face. Sydney wiped the remaining sleep from her eyes as the high ranking officer ravaged through he folder of papers in front of him. Are all of you familiar with the island that the agents Vaughn visited approximately 23 months ago?

Finally Sydney and Vaughn's full attention was caught. Each exchanged a quick glance while Marshall nervously raised his hand. Uh, sir? he said. I like your tie... Nice red, stripy things. But, uh, I don't think Agent Dixon and I are familiar because we were both working for SD-6 and we weren't involved in real CIA affairs. Of course, we thought we were involved in CIA affairs but –

No, we aren't familiar, Dixon finished.

Kendall nodded. The agents went to this island to retrieve the cure for Irina Derevko's illness. While infiltrating a building, it was brought to their attention that Arvin Sloane was present inside. Marshall and Dixon nodded in understanding. We have just received intel that Sark is now on the island.

Sydney practically spat her coffee across the table, but instead dribbled it back into her cup, choking a little. He's what!? she exclaimed, wiping off her wet chin.

He is on the island as we speak, and if we move fast, we might be able to catch him. There's a jet leaving in twenty minutes that will take us to the mainland, and from there a boat will be waiting for us. He gathered his papers together. We'll need a team. Go. He left the room in a hurry.

Come on, Vaughn, let's go, Sydney said, downing the rest of her coffee.

Syd, I don't know, he said timidly, standing up and crossing his arms.

You don't know? What do you mean? We're going. Come on, we need to call my dad and tell him. He's in ICU, right?

No, Syd... he said, grabbing hold of her arm and pulling her back towards him. I mean, I don't know if you should go.

Sydney's eyes widened. She didn't know where to begin; his last statement echoed in her head. Why shouldn't she go?

It's just that, you know, you just had a... miscarriage... he said the last word softly, and your dad just had his surgery, and I don't know if you're ready to go back in the field. Mentally, I mean.

She was at a loss for words. He had a point, but she could still counter it. Yes, I'm still hurt because of it, but we said we'd try again. And I'm okay, Michael, really. And besides, what happened the last time we decided I couldn't participate in an important mission?



You were shot?

He bit his lip. He still, however, wasn't convinced she was ready for the field. He looked deeply in her eyes, hoping his eyes would sway her as they often did. She stared back strongly with a look of defiance and determination reflecting in her brown orbs, and instead she was beginning to sway him. I just don't know –

Vaughn! This is Sark! Don't you see? The whole point to my life in the CIA was to bring Sloane down. You wouldn't let me do that. Please, let me bring down his number one man, she attempted as a last plea.

He saw the desire in his wife's face, yet it really pained him if she would go. After a long moment of deep thought, and a heavy sigh, he said, Fine. But please, please, be careful.

I will. Really, Vaughn, I've been doing this for so many years... I think I know what I'm doing. She grabbed hold of his hand. Now let's go catch that plane.

Before they knew it a team of about forty agents had assembled, loaded the jet, and began to board the boat on the mainland (A/n: I really didn't feel like writing the boring plane ride). Sydney sighed to herself as she stepped out into the midmorning sun. She wished they could have landed to greet the many colors and cheerfulness of the sunrises, and especially sunsets, though the beach still looked warm and inviting during the day. Just as she walked onto the boat with Vaughn behind her, she allowed her eyes to wander up the shore. They finally settled on a semi-large ferry off to the distance; the very boat on which she and Vaughn spent their first night together, completely alone and free from the CIA, SD-6, KGB, or any other organizations wanting to ruin someone's life. She elbowed Vaughn and pointed towards it. she whispered,

Of course he remembered. How could he forget...?

Their eyes met. Sydney felt a strange feeling, but still good. She couldn't pull away; his eyes were so... breathtaking. She could feel her face turning red, but she didn't care. Vaughn stared intently back. Her eyes, though beautiful, seemed guarded. He leaned in just barely, and Sydney's eyes fluttered away back to the ocean.


It had been an incredible journey that their relationship had been, Sydney finally thought. Beginning with very subtle flirting with Joey's Pizza' calls, simple looks at each other in an empty warehouse or during meetings; to learning to trust each other on missions, the little touches here and there, exploring the boat just as an excuse to be together; and ending with sleeping side by side on the only mattress, sharing their first kiss in the rain, admitting their love to one another...

She continued to think about the turn of events in her life lately, from a year ago, even things that happened two years ago as she changed into an all camouflage outfit, and found places to hide her gun. She stepped out of the bathroom to find Vaughn and Weiss sitting on the couch, both already clad in all cam.

Guess what, Sydney? I get to room with you guys! Weiss announced with too much enthusiasm.



Yeah, isn't it great?

Actually –

Shut-up, Mike.

Um, Weiss, I don't mean to sound rude, but Michael and I would really like to have our own room. If it's not too much trouble, could you stay with Marshall and Dixon? Sydney bit her lip. She was on a boat. With Vaughn. Headed to the infamous island. She damn well wanted to be alone with her husband.

I can tell when I'm not wanted... Weiss said, pouting and turning away to face the wall.

It's not that, Eric, Vaughn said soothingly, causing Weiss to turn back around, it's just Sydney and I... well...

I get it. Should I bring out my box of foreign condoms or are we trying to get pregnant again? Vaughn glared daggers at Weiss. Fine, fine, I'll save em for me and Francie. Oh shit –

You and Francie!? Sydney asked. Oh my gosh! I knew she had a thing for you but I didn't know you guys were dating.

Yeah, a few months now, I guess, Weiss said, slightly paler. Look, could you not tell anyone? Francie didn't want you guys to know because she knew you'd make it a big deal.

Wow, you must be the worst secret keeper ever. How can you work for the CIA? Vaughn asked.

That just slipped. And if people know you work for the CIA they automatically torture it out of you. And if you're being tortured you don't let things just slip. Big difference, buddy. Well, see you, kids. Try not to be too loud, he added with a wink before leaving the room and shutting the door.

Sydney fell onto the bed. It's so strange to think it's not even noon yet. Eight hours on a plane is just too long.

We've been on longer flights.

I know... But the whole flight was instructions and handing out weapons. We didn't even get a chance to sleep. Or in our case cuddle...

That's my cue. Vaughn made his way over to the bed and wrapped his arms around his wife. I love you so much.

I love you too. She settled her head into his chest and breathed in his scent (because, as Weiss once put it, no man naturally smells as good as he does'). Can you believe we're going back to the island?

No. It's kind of strange.

We should name the island! Hm... How about True Love Island?

Vaughn smiled. It's perfect. There was a knock at the door. Vaughn rolled his eyes at Sydney and went to open it, and found a distraught Weiss.

They didn't want me either. Vaughn shut the door on him.



Fine, fine. He reopened the door.

I'm not going to have to sleep in the hallway, am I?

No, you can sleep in here, Sydney said, sighing.

Weiss grinned. Good! We'll have us a sleep over. Oh my God, we can paint each other's toenails and tell ghost stories!

Sydney grimaced. What are you, a twelve year old girl?

... Or we can have that three way I was talking about in that van.

There's Weiss. Sorry, no three way tonight, no three way ever, Vaughn said, shutting the door. There went his romantic night with his wife. It was all about the boat, it really was.

You guys didn't really want to have sex anyway, Weiss said.

He should really buy a boat...

I mean with Kendall here and all. That just seems weird. Especially cause he's in the room right next door.

Yes. He was definitely buying a boat.

Well, I'm tired. Can I have the bed? I didn't think so. Thanks for that look, Sydney, it looked very... eyebrow-raisy. Night, kids, er, morning.

Vaughn lay down on the bed again with Sydney while Weiss flopped onto the couch. The next thing Vaughn knew, he was being shaken awake by Sydney. It was just before sunset. Come on, she whispered. And try not to wake Weiss. He grabbed hold of her hand as she led him out of their room and up to the deck. she whispered into his ear. All around him he could see nothing but water, and above it nothing but colors. The sun was lowering into the horizon, letting it's iridescence reflect off every mist and shadow; undulation and tide. Isn't it gorgeous?

You are. Sydney blushed. But best of all... We're alone.

she said, smiling, and wrapping her arms around her husband's neck. Can you believe it's been almost two years?

It's amazing.

That first sunset... I was sitting there at the dock thinking about you, wishing you could be there with me, and then there you were. And spending the rest of the sunset on a couch together. Was that the first time we ever sat on a couch together? It's weird. How much everything has changed.

I know. Just as we were boarding I started thinking about that little cottage we stayed at on the island, well... on True Love Island, now that it has a name.

Sydney smiled into Vaughn's chest. This really feels like one of those champagne moments. Got any on you?

Vaughn laughed in response. Sorry, I left it in my other suit. But I know what you mean. he paused, and thought for a long time before speaking again. Very hesitantly, he asked, Are you sure you're okay?

Sydney didn't have the heart to yell at him again. Her act was becoming old anyway. There's an emptiness inside of me tha wasn't there before. But, really, Michael, I'll be just fine.

Neither was sure if she was lying or telling the truth. But they stayed in each other's arms until long after the sun had gone down, enjoying one another's company, on an empty deck of a boat, in the Pacific Ocean, heading towards True Love Island.

* * * * * * *

Damn, I was expecting to find you both naked anyway, Weiss said after finding a fully clothed couple in the bed of their room. Anyway, it's time to get up guys. Show time...

Sydney was awake already. She could barely sleep. After she and Vaughn returned to their room last night, she was awake. Something had energized in her as the thought about what the next day would bring her.

Revenge.

Was it ever about anything else? The truth was, it had always been about revenge. It started when she joined the CIA, avenging Danny's death to get back at Sloane. Now Sark had been thrown into the picture, and Sloane had been taken out, or so physically. She still was avenging her father's leukemia, Sark's fault, and there was Sloane's Master Plan' threat.

Always about revenge; still about revenge.

What time is it? Vaughn asked.

Weiss checked his watch. Almost seven. And hurry up, we just docked a few minutes ago.

Vaughn swore sharply and jumped out of bed, grabbing everything of his that he needed. Finally he rushed Sydney and Weiss out the door and greeted the rest of the eager agents waiting for them just outside the boat.

Well, thank you for joining us Agents Vaughn and Weiss, Kendall said dryly. Okay, I'm only going over these instructions one more time. We get the Alpha and Beta teams in place at the entrances, wait for my signal before moving in. When we do move in, we're going to need some way of getting past the alarm without it sounding. Marshall, as fast as you can, hack into their system and take control of the alarms. Again, wait for my signal before moving further. Then, we've already assigned the agents guarding the doors and agents going into the premises. Door agents: no one leaves. Field agents: the goal is to capture Mr. Sark and to destroy any equipment of his. Are we ready? Move out.

The agents were all armed as they traveled swiftly through the thick forest, creating as little noise as they possibly could. After forty-five minutes of marching, they could finally see the walls of a two story building through cracks in the trees. Kendall signaled for the two teams to split up, sending Weiss and Marshall to the north entrance; Vaughn, Sydney, and Dixon to the west.

The Beta team, Sydney's team, waited rather impatiently while Marshall hacked into their computer system, shutting down the alarm without anyone inside the building knowing he did so. Kendall sent out another signal, letting all the teams enter. The specified agents stood guard at the door, yet Dixon, Sydney, and Vaughn were all field agents. So far the building seemed to be empty. Sydney alerted for some other field agents to check the vents for any people. Sydney held her gun cocked and in front of her, as did Dixon. Vaughn had been one of the agents to check the vents. Finally, Dixon and Sydney came to two doors. Sydney went to the right, opening the door and quietly shutting it.

She found herself in a hallway with two doors on the left, one on the right, and one at the end of the corridor. First she turned to the door on the right, kicking it open. She found a small, windowless room with a flickering fluorescent light, a sturdy chair with thick, leather straps, and various machinery. Yet there were no people in it.

She went to the door across from it, kicking it open. It was the office that she and Vaughn found the codes for the safe in, the room which Sloane had been in. However, it was also empty. She went back out into the hallway, ready to kick open the next door, but stopped dead in her tracks.

Sydney narrowed her eyes.



A/n: BOOYAH!

Been waiting so long to do that. Review!
~Whitelighter Enchantress