Chapter 14
Two days later

Well thanks Jack... I'll tell her... As well as can be expected... I'm going to stay here, I'll call when I'm coming in... I'm not sure... Alright, bye. Vaughn hung up his cell phone as he finished his conversation with Jack. He ran a hand through his hair as he sighed.

What did he say? Sydney asked from the living room into the kitchen where Vaughn was.

After the CIA team landed in Florence, they decided containment was the best course of action. The four bodies, Sloane's, Derevko's, the older Vaughn's, and the older Sydney's, were placed on a plane back to L.A. They managed to keep the local authorities out of the situation.

Sydney and Vaughn had gone back to L.A. on a commercial flight the next day. They then spent the day in briefings, explaining to the best of their ability what had occurred. Both Kendall and Jack were suspicious of the counterparts, but DNA had confirmed their identities. Sydney and Vaughn were now at her place, just beginning to make sense of everything.

Vaughn shook his had of the past two days and answered, Jack said that they just confirmed that Sark is still alive. Derevko had hired someone to bomb a building he was in, but the hit man never received her call to execute their plan.

Just when we thought everything was perfect, Sydney muttered to herself. She looked up as Vaughn sat down beside her on the couch.

Syd, how are you doing?

Besides killing my mother and seeing your older self die, I'm doing great.

Syd, talk to me, Vaughn said as he took her hand and intertwined his fingers with hers.

I guess I just keep trying to tell myself she was the bad guy. I know I did the right thing. She only would have caused grief and destruction if she hadn't died. But... Sydney trailed off.

But you still killed your mother, Vaughn finished for her.

Yeah, I suppose that's it. Even though she was the worst mother of all time. I mean she could could of won a contest for it, Sydney smirked. The fact of the matter is I lost my mother, my mom, when I was six. That was the woman I loved, not Derevko.

Do you think they were right? Vaughn asked.

Sydney didn't need to ask who they' were. They' were the ones who put all of this into motion. Sydney and Vaughn had yet to talk about them or what they had suggested. She answered simply,



He wasn't lying. His eyes said it all. And... Derevko said everything I've ever wanted to hear from her. I could see, if he hadn't told me about the consequences, I could see where I would have let her go.

Vaughn asked as his forehead wrinkles multiplied.

The part of me that wants my mother would have let her go. But then I looked at him, and I knew that what he said happen, would happen. He felt so betrayed, Sydney stated, then added quickly, with good reason. But that betrayal ate him up inside. There's no way he could live a normal life carrying that around.

The same was true of her, with her guilt, added Vaughn. I'm not sure if there wasn't a step she took in those fifteen years that wasn't made heavier with her guilt. But, it would have been so much easier for them, if he had just forgiven her.

He couldn't do that. Come on Vaughn, she let his father's murderer go, with only an I.O.U. of a promise to come back. The betrayal was just too deep.

I guess, but look at what lengths they both took to get back what they lost. There had to be easier ways to get that back.

I think this was the only way, at least for them, Sydney said. And I have to say that I'm glad we were given a second chance.

Me too.

Sydney started as she bit her lip, I promised something to Vaughn, and it's important that I keep it.

What is it? Vaughn asked.

I've wanted to say this to you for awhile, but I was afraid to make a big deal out of it. But if I've learned nothing from our older selves' situation, it is that this is a big deal and it should be.

Are you going to start babbling like Marshall?

Will you just let me talk? Sydney asked, but didn't wait for his answer, Thank you. Where was I? Oh, big deal, right. You have been my rock over the past two years, and I have no idea where I'd be now if you hadn't been there. I now have an idea what my life would be like if you were to leave and I'm not sure if I could survive.

Syd, I'm sorry to interrupt, but what did you promise Vaughn?

Sydney sighed, You're rushing me.

This is you rushing?

Well if you would stop interrupting, it would be faster.

I'm not sure, Vaughn said, trying not to laugh. I don't think you're getting any closer to your point.

Sydney said exasperated. I promised Vaughn that I would tell you how I feel about you. And even though you are interrupting and rushing me, Sydney took a pause and looked into Vaughn's eyes, I love you Michael.

Vaughn looked back into Sydney's eyes and saw the truth in her statement. He began to smile, which grew wider and wider revealing his dimples. Though he often felt her love for him, he was never quite sure. She always seemed to hold back a part of herself. Hearing how Sydney felt for him made Vaughn feel like he was in heaven.

Vaughn, I can't just tell you that and have you just stare at me with that stupid grin on your face.

Sorry, it's just, Vaughn stuttered, I... I wasn't expecting that.



And it's made me really happy.



And I'm the luckiest man in the world to have the most amazing woman ever love me. I don't know what I did to deserve you. I must have been a saint in a previous life.

That's sweet Vaughn. Thank you, Sydney replied trying not to be disappointed that he hadn't said he loved her in return. She guessed he wasn't ready yet, but she could wait. She could wait forever for him.

Vaughn smiled and decided to end her torture, I love you too. I always will.

It was Sydney's turn to smile, her own dimples blaring. In her heart of hearts she had known what Vaughn felt for her, but she was so afraid of losing everything that she shut him out. But hearing those three words from him crumbled whatever was left of the walls she built around her heart.

Sydney moved in closer to Vaughn and gently kissed his lips. He responded eagerly and quickly deepened the kiss. Soon the need for air forced them to separate.

Do you think we'll be alright? Sydney asked.

Yeah, I do. Vaughn replied. The two stared into each other's eyes and they both saw love and happiness reflected in them. Sydney sank into Vaughn's arms, placed her head on his chest, and contentedly listened to his beating heart.