A/N: Okay so some people may not like what happens in this chapter, but let me assure you it is not permanant, in the next 3 or 4 chapters after this one it will change and then everyone will like how it changes, so I just wanted you to know that it had to happen and I will explain why it had to happen at the end after you know what actually happens... so enjoy and please don't be too upset with me it's only temporary.
Chapter Nine - Part II
Francie and Sydney walked into the club dressed to kill. Sydney just wanted to forget Michael for one night - that's all she was asking for was one simple night. She immediately walked to the bar and ordered herself a coke as she stood with her back to the bar, scanning the club.
Her gaze swept past Francie who was chatting up some guys near the bar. She looked around her and noticed there was a guy walking her way, she feigned inoccence as if she didn't realize he was coming her way.
He walked up to the side of her and noticed that her drink was gone. "Mind if I buy you another drink?" he asked.
She shook her head. "That would be lovely."
He turned his gaze from her to the bartender and said, "another drink for the absolutely beautiful woman right here."
The bartender nodded his head and set another coke in front of Sydney. She smiled at the bartender and then turned a dimpled grin toward the man, "thank you," she said taking a sip.
"No problem," he replied giving her a smile of his own, "oh by the way my name's Danny Hecht." (A/N: Oh god! I can already see the tomatoes and other assorted vegetables and fruits people are throwing at me right now. I'm so sorry I had to do this but I'll explain at the end why) He put his hand out for her to shake.
"Sydney Bristow," she told him, shaking his hand that was offered. After a couple minutes of tense silence he finally go the nerve to ask her the question he had wanted to ask her ten minutes ago, "Would you like to dance?"
After she just stared back at him blankly he added, "that's if you want to of course, but you don't have to, it's up to you."
She smiled, "oh sorry, of course I would love to dance." He grabbed her hand and led her to the dance floor. They started off kind of far apart, seeing as they had just met each other, but as song after song passed they gradually got more and more comfortable with each other. They danced, just danced, for close to two hours before he made a move for something more. He gradually moved his head closer and smiled when he saw her do the same.
The first kiss was a slow and quick kiss, but the first kiss of many that evening. Even if they weren't making out like crazt, hormonal teenagers, every once in a while Sydney would give Danny a quick kiss on the lips while they were dancing or resting. It didn't feel as natural as with Michael but it wasn't that bad. After what seemed like so little time but was reall 5 or 6 hours, she stifled a yawn.
Danny saw this and kissed her again. She continued to dance with him, forgetting she was tired or better yet exhausted.
She was dancing with Danny and kissing Danny, when all of a sudden Danny said, "Let's go." Instantly her mind went back to the night only a couple nights ago when Michael had said the same thing. "I can't," she replied, "but you can call me tomorrow." She handed him a piece of paper with her number on it and after giving him a quick goodnight kiss, she went to find Francie to go home.
Chapter Ten - Part I
It had been two days since Sydney had seen Michael, and truthfully she didn't know how to feel. She was happy because she didn't want to see him after what he did to her. But on the other hand, she wanted to see him, she especially wanted him to see her with Danny. She wanted him to feel what it felt like to get your heart ripped out and stomped on. She knew that that made her sound really vindictive and vengeful, but she didn't care, at least she wasn't in denial.
Just then the phone rang. "Hello?" she answered.
"Hey sweetie," Danny replied.
"Hey," she said, her smile growing a little wider.
"Do you want to go to lunch?" he asked.
"Sure," she told him, "the dining hall?"
"Yeah," he replied, "how about I pick you up?"
"Okay," she said, "pick me up in a half hour?"
"I'll be there," he replied happily, "okay bye."
"Bye." She hung up and went to get ready, she had a date with Danny to go to.
* * * *
A half hour later Sydney's doorbell rang and she ran to grab it, only pausing to grab her purse off the end of the couch.
She opened her door not surprised to see Danny standing on her doorstep. She grabbed his hand and dragged him to his SUV.
"Hungry?" he asked.
"Yep," she replied, "I haven't eaten all day."
"Well then," he told her, " we had better hurry. Wouldn't want my sweet little girlfriend
here to starve to death." He gave her a charming smile.
"You know it," she said smiling back at him. They jumped into his SUV and drove off in the direction of the college, the dining hall, and one of her afternoon classes.
* * * *
After 20 long and torturous minutes of stomach rumbling for Sydney they were finally
walking across campus hand-in-hand towards the dining hall. All of a sudden Danny said, "Hold on, there's one of my best friends and his girlfriend, let's go say hi." Truthfully he really didn't want to go say hi, he didn't like the guys girlfriend, she was really annoying and clingy, he just wanted to show Sydney off to as many people as possible.
"Okay," Sydney replied. He dragged her over to a couple sitting on a bench. When she was within ten feet she instantly recognized the couple. 'Danny's best friend is Michael?' Sydney asked herself.
"Hey Mike," Danny called, "this is the girlfriend I've been raving about."
Michael turned around as did Alice and Sydney saw a gleam of triumph flood Alice's
eyes. 'She knows who I am,' she thought, 'and she thinks she won Michael because I'm with Danny. Yeah right, Danny's just my rebound guy.'
"Sydney this is one of my best friends Michael Vaughn and his girlfriend Alice Gibson,
Mike and Alice this is Sydney Bristow my girlfriend," Danny made the introductions.
Michael looked at Sydney and Danny's entwined hands. So Sydney was Danny's new
girlfriend, the one he had been talking non-stop about for the last two days. 'Well at least he had good tastes,' Michael thought.
"Nice to meet you," he said politely, even though Sydney and him had already met.
"You too," she told him.
Now it was Alice's turn to join the pow-wow. 'Haha, I know the perfect thing to say to
make them both uncomfortable,' she schemed in her head.
"It really is nice to meet you. Danny's been talking about you non-stop the last couple of days," she said, "you know, you two make a really cute couple."
Michael visibly winced. 'And so I suceeded,' she thought.
Sydney on the other hand, was beginning to think herself, 'There's definitely something going on with Alice. The glint of triumph in her eyes, the vindictive smile on her face, something's definitely up. I'll have to keep my eye on her.'
"Thanks," Sydney and Danny replied together, then smiled at each other.
'And today the wheels of ideas are just turning in my head,' Alice thought, 'I've got another idea that will totally make them both uncomfortable. My mission for the week: make Michael regret he cheated on me and make Sydney regret she ever layed a hand on my man.'
"I just got a perfect idea," Alice said, "how about the four of us go on a double date
sometime?"
"Absolutely," Danny enthusiastically said, "that'd be wonderful."
So the decision and date was made. "Sure," Sydney and Michael said dreadfully together.
"When?" Danny asked anxiously.
"How about tomorrow?" Alice questioned.
"Okay," Danny replied, "but we were on our way to lunch so we're going to go."
"Well we were heading that way too, so why don't we eat lunch together?" Alice said.
"Come on," Danny told them, "that'd be wonderful." And off they were to lunch, Sydney and Michael not knowing what was going to happen next.
Chapter Ten - Part II
Michael dazily walked into the apartment stumbling into Eric who had been standing in the doorway. They both ended up sprawled out on the floor. Eric looked at him and saw his far-off look. "Mike?" he asked, "hey man what's wrong?"
Michael just kept walking past him and practically flung himself on the couch. He knew he had messed up and that he had hurt Sydney, but he didn't think she would get over him that quickly, and if she did why with Danny? Danny was one of his best friends.
He knew that Danny must not have known about Sydney and himself because he didn't think someone would betray one of their best friends like that. (A/N: There, now I cleared up the question of whether or not Danny knew about Mike/Syd, he didn't, I'm trying not to make Danny, at least not yet)
Then he thought about tomorrow night: that was going to be a disaster. He would never be able to get Sydney out of his head, which ultimately would end in heartbreak for him because Sydney had Danny now. And you have Alice,' he reminded himself sarcastically. Ha, that was a joke - he would never feel for Alice what he had felt for Sydney so soon after meeting her.
Eric decided to try again, "Mike what's wrong?"
Michael looked up at him sadly, "Sydney got over me."
Eric looked surprised, "But I thought you guys were going to break up with Alice and Josh and get together?"
"That's a long story," Michael replied.
"I've got time," Eric said.
Michael sighed and told Eric the tale of what had happened since he decided he was going to call Sydney days ago.
* * * *
"And then I had forgotten about our lunch date and Alice took me to the dining hall to have lunch. I was preparing myself to break up with Alice right then and there. Well apparently Sydney hadn't forgotten about our lunch date because she walked in just ad Alice grabbed my head and kissed me, only she didn't stick around long enough to see me push Alice away," Michael explained.
"You screwed up man," Eric said.
"Yeah I did," Michael replied.
"But what was this you were saying about her getting over you?" Eric asked.
"Oh yeah, well I guess that same night her friend dragged her to a club, she met someone there," he told Eric, "remember that girlfriend Danny's been raving about?"
"Of course," Eric replied, "that's all he talks about."
"It's Sydney," Michael said sadly.
"Oh," Eric said, all he could come up with.
"Yeah, and tomorrow night Alice and I are going on a double date with them"
"Ouch man," Eric said, "have fun."
"Oh I will."
Chapter 11
Michael looked at his watch, 6:30, Alice would be there any minute to pick him up, for some reason she had some sort of fascination with driving him places. They were meeting Danny and Sydney at the Italian Restaurant on 3rd street (sorry never been to LA, don't know if that exists) at 7:00.
Michael had an uneasy feeling in the pit of his stomach, but he pushed it away when Alice pulled up to the building. This definitely was going to be a long night.
* * * *
A half hour later, the four of them were being led to their table. "The waiter will be with you soon."
"Thanks," Michael said smiling.
They all sat down, Sydney and Michael rather uneasily.
Danny put his arm around Sydney, "This place is really nice, I've never been here before," he said, "we should come back again some other time."
Michael noticed that Sydney hadn't looked at him all night, 'God damn it,' he thought, 'she must still be mad at me.' But he did notice the looks she was giving Alice. 'Something's definitely up,' he concluded.
After the waiter had come and taken their orders, Sydney pushed out her chair and said, "I've got to go to the restroom."
Michael watched her walk away and decided now was the time to confront her and clear things up. "Yeah I think I have to go to the bathroom too," he replied, not even waiting for anyone's answer, just getting up and heading towards the bathrooms.
He stood outside the women's restrooms waiting for Sydney to come out. About a minute later she emerged and he grabbed her elbow and took her down the hall a little farther. "What do you want?" she asked bitterly.
"To say I'm sorry," he replied, "and do this." He grabbed her head and pulled it towards his, capturing her lips in a kiss. She didn't push him away, which to him was a good sign. "I also wanted to tell you that the other day, in the dining hall, you didn't stay long enough to see me push Alice away, she just surprised me."
Sydney nodded, "We need to talk," she said, "later."
He nodded back, "We had better get back."
Sydney and Michael started to head back to the table just in time to hear, "Tell your girlfriend to keep her hands off my man," Alice screamed at Danny.
"Excuse me?" Danny asked angrily.
"You heard me," Alice replied, not knowing Michael and Sydney were standing behind her.
"You want to know what Alice?" Michael asked, Alice looked up stunned, "it's over."
Alice's face turned so red Sydney thought she might burst. Alice got out of her seat and lunged at Sydney.
Sydney saw her coming and moved out of the way and Alice smacked the ground. Alice grabbed Sydney's ankles and pulled her down on the floor with her. Next thing Sydney knew Alice was pulling her hair. It almost made Sydney want to laugh, that was until Alice came at her with her fingers, attempting to gouge her eyes out. "This will teach you to keep your hands off my man," she said devilishly.
"Are you so sure he's your man anymore?" Sydney asked evily. Alice wanted to play dirty? She didn't know what fighting dirty was. Sydney slapped Alice, leaving a red handprint on Alice's perfect face, that wasn't so perfect anymore. Alice looked stunned, she actually didn't think Sydney would hit her.
Michael also looked stunned, "But Alice how did you find out?" he stumbled out.
"Tommy," she replied simply and the fight was on again, Alice grabbed Sydney and the two started rolling around on the floor, wrestling. The other customers all looked on with horrified looks on their faces. They were rolling around until Sydney got the upper hand and pinned Alice on the floor.
Alice decided the only way to get Sydney off her was to grab her hair, but from her position on the floor she couldn't reach Sydney's hair so she just dug her teeth into Sydney's arm.
Sydney started to laugh, "I haven't bit someone or been bit by someone since like 2nd grade." Then she slapped Alice again.
Danny had been watching this whole scene in surprise, he didn't know what was going on. "Find out what?" he asked.
"He," Alice pointed at Michael, "cheated on me with her," she pointed at Sydney and said this vehemently.
Sydney decided she had the upper hand and got up, leaving Alice laying on the ground embarassed. Alice got up and stormed out of the restaurant, looking like she had just gotten in a fight with a lawnmower.
Sydney looked at Danny who was fully digesting what he had been told. "Danny?" she asked.
"I don't want to talk to either of you ever again," Danny screamed at them. He stormed out of the restaurant.
Sydney made a move to go after him but Michael caught her arm, "Just give him some time."
They walked out together, although they weren't technically together yet, it was still better than being apart.
They didn't remember that Alice and Danny had drove them there, and once they reached the parking lot, they realized they were stranded.
He was right, it had been a disastrous night.
A/N: Okay so here's the new one, it's kinda boring compared to the one last night, but there is an argument in it, Enjoy! Oh yeah and Syd and Danny aren't technically broken up yet, just remember that
Chapter 12
Sydney and Michael sat there looking at the parking lot. Michael was the first to speak up, "I forgot Alice drove me here."
"Yeah and Danny drove me here," Sydney replied. "I could call Francie to come pisk us up."
"No that's okay, I'll have Eric come pick me up, that way it's not out of your way," he said.
She nodded and they both pulled out their phones to make the calls. Once they got off the phone they just stood there enjoying each other's company. About 10 minutes later Francie pulled into the parking lot. "I've got to go," she said regretfully.
"Yeah," he replied pulling her towards him and kissing her gently, "you do. You should probably go now before I don't let you go." He gave her another quick kiss.
"Yeah I should, shouldn't I?" she asked leaning up for another quick kiss.
"I'll call you tomorrow and we'll talk this out," he said.
"I've got to break up with Danny before that," she replied.
"And I've got to have a little talk with Tommy," he told her, giving her another quick kiss before pushing her towards Francie's car. He opened the door and made her get in the car before he grabbed the seat belt and buckled her in. He gave her one more quick kiss, the last one he promised himself. "Bye."
"Bye," she replied waving as they pulled out of the parking lot.
After they were down the street a little Francie looked at her, "You come here with Danny and I come here to pick you up and you're kissing Michael. What's going on?" she asked.
"Long story," Sydney replied, "I'll let you know what's going on once I figure it out for myself." Her life couldn't get any better.
* * * *
The Next Morning, 10:00am, Danny's apartment
Sydney was standing outside Danny's apartment, she had decided that it had gone on long enough, she didn't want to hurt Danny any more than she had to. He answered the door with a smile on his face, that was until he saw her and the smile was replaced by a scowl as he attempted to shut the door in her face. She planted a firm hand on the door keeping it from shutting. He gave her an evil look and tried to move her hand out of the way.
She pushed the door open and waltzed into his apartment before she turned and said, "Danny just listen."
"Why so I can hear you cheated on me?" he asked.
"It happened the day before I even met you," she replied.
"So what am I your REBOUND GUY?" he screamed.
"No, of course not," she lied.
He was quick to call her on it. "You're such a LIAR!! So I was your rebound guy, wonderful," he angrily exclaimed.
"Danny you've got it all wrong," Sydney replied.
"The hell that I do," he said, he grabbed her arm and lead her over to the door, "GET OUT!! And I hope you and Mike have a nice life together," he told her sarcastically.
Sydney watched as the door slammed shut in her face before she got in her car and headed home.
* * * *
An hour after Sydney got home the phone rang. "Hello?" she asked.
"Hey," Michael replied, "how are you?"
"I'm good," she said, "how about you?" The minute she heard Michael's voice on the phone she wasn't depressed anymore.
"I'm good too," he told her, "how did things go with Danny?"
"He kicked me out," she replied sadly, "what did Tommy have to say?"
"He wasn't home and I couldn't find him anywhere," Michael explained, "and Syd, I am really sorry about Danny."
"Thanks," she replied, "so what's up?"
"I wanted to check on you," he said, "and see if you wanted to go to dinner and a movie Saturday night."
"I'd love to," she told him excitedly.
"Good, but maybe we could do something tonight, nothing fancy, just hang out," he said.
"Yeah, sounds like fun," she replied, "pick me up at 7:00 and then we'll do whatever."
"Okay," he excitedly told her, "see you tonight."
"Yeah, tonight," she sighed contently. And the first date was set.
Chapter Twelve - Part II
The days went by until it was finally Saturday. Sydney and Michael had been together every second they had free. When they hung out with their friends, they mostly hung out with Sydney's because most of Michael's friends were mad at him. The only exception was Eric, he wasn't mad at Michael and he hung out with them a lot.
Michael, Eric, and Brian (finally bringing him back in the story, took long enough) had realized that they had many interests and things in common and had instantly become friends. Now they would get into conversations and would completely forget about their girlfriends. That was until Sydney or Sophie would remind them they were there.
They had even had a few run-ins with Michael's friends who were still mad at him. Walking across campus going nowhere in particular, Sydney and Michael were holding hands when they had a run-in with Tommy, Alice, Danny, and surprisedly Josh had become friends with them.
There were glares shot their way, and out of the corner of her eye Sydney saw Tommy starting to head their way, fists clenched. Sydney tightened her grip on Michael's hand just as they saw Danny grab Tommy's elbow and pull him back.
Walking away they looked back and began laughing, they saw Alice and Josh also walking away with Tommy and Danny, holding hands. "If they get married, it will be thanks to us that they met," Sydney said.
"Yeah," Michael replied, "we'll be watching for the invitation."
They continued walking, happy that one thing besides them getting together, came out of the last couple of screwed up weeks.
* * * *
It ended up that around 2 days after the restaurant fiasco, Alice had been walking around campus still fuming about the events. Josh had seen her and said hi, and that was that. They had begun hanging out with Tommy and Danny at first before finally venturing out on their own.
And the rest was history. It wasn't anything serious as of yet, but it had the potential to be. And they both knew who they had to thank for bringing them together: Sydney and Michael.
* * * *
It was time for Sydney to make her weekly call home to her father. She decided that since she still had an hour until Michael was picking her up she would call him now. He still thought she was dating Josh, he had no idea about Danny or Michael. But he would find out tonight.
She dialed the number, relieved to hear the hurried, "Hello?"
"Hey dad," she replied.
"Oh hey sweetie," he said, "I wasn't expecting to hear from you tonight."
"Why?" she asked.
"Oh, I just thought that maybe you would probably have plans tonight," he explained.
"Oh I have a date in about an hour," she told him.
"How is Josh by the way?" he questioned.
"Oh," Sydney replied, "Josh and I aren't together anymore."
"Well then who are you seeing?" he asked confused.
"Oh, Michael, I'll have to bring him to meet you sometime," she replied.
"When did you meet him?" he grilled her.
"First day of school," she told him, "and dad I would answer all your questions but I've got to get ready for my date. Maybe sometime next week Michael, you, and I can have lunch."
"Okay that sounds good," he said, "just call me and let me know."
"Okay, bye dad," Sydney replied.
"Bye sweetheart."
Sydney hung up and went to get ready for her date.
Chapter Thirteen
Sydney still hadn't picked out her outfit yet, she didn't even know where they were going, but she didn't care. She was determined to have fun - and she didn't think there was any way she wouldn't have fun.
She looked in the mirror and she knew she looked killer. The black spaghetti strapped dress fell mid-thigh and hugged her curves snuggly.
She swept her hair up in a ponytail with tendrils hanging lightly around her neck.
She scarcely applied make-up, just enough to show it, but still going for the natural, flawless look.
Francie walked in just as she finished up and gasped. "Oh my god Syd, you look so - amazing, perfect," Francie said, "I don't know, you look awesome."
"Thanks," Sydney replied and smiled at Francie, she quickly walked across the room and gave Francie a quick hug. Just then the doorbell rang, Sydney gave Francie a pleading look.
"I'll go get it," Francie told her, "but don't take too long."
"I won't, I promise," she replied.
Francie walked out of the room and quickly walked to the door. She opened it and was taken by shock. She opened the door wider and let him in the living room. He looked really hot (when doesn't he?), he was wearing black dress pants and a light long-sleeve button up blue shirt.
She smiled and said, "Sydney should be out in a little while, she was almost done."
"Thanks," he replied and smiled back.
Sydney was getting ready to come out, she grabbed her purse and walked out of her room. The minute she turned the corner, a smile instantly appeared on her face.
Michael too was smiling.
"You look amazing Syd," he said.
"Thanks," she replied, then grinned, "you don't look half bad yourself."
"Should we get going?" he asked.
"Sure," she told him, "where exactly are we going?"
"We're going to go see a movie - your choice - and then we're going to go to dinner, I was thinking maybe that little Mexican Restaurant on LA Ave.," he replied.
"Okay, that sounds good," she said.
As they were walking out the door, hand-in-hand, Francie heard Michael ask, "What movie do you want to see?"
"How about that new Vin Diesel movie, A Man Apart?" she questioned.
"That sounds perfect to me," he replied, giving her a light kiss on the lips.
They got into his car and drove off into the night on their first date - not knowing who or what they were going to encounter - and definitely not knowing that tonight could be even more disastrous than that night that would forever be ingrained in their brains - the last time they were in a restaurant together.
Chapter Thirteen - Part II
Incidently, Josh and Alice had the same idea as Sydney and Michael. They too were going to the movies and out to dinner.
What they didn't know was what would happen whent they ran into each other after the movie.
* * * *
Sydney and Michael were to the movie theater almost twenty minutes early. They walked into the lobby and got their tickets, a large Pepsi, and a large popcorn.
They were in the theater with fifteen minutes left to spare, which was good because it gave them a chance to get good seats instead of having to sit too close to the front or too far in the back.
With the remaining time they just talked about the most randon subjects, never staying on one subject for too long.
It felt good to be able to talk about everything and at the same time nothing at all.
They were so entranced in their intriguing conversation that they didn't see or hear Josh and Alice walk in the theater or didn't hear them whispering suspiciously before they walked down and sat in the two seats directly behind Sydney and Michael. Then they began making out like hormonal teenagers, figuring if they made enough noise Sydney and Michael would turn around and see them and then they would be jealous.
They really did like each other and were glad to be in a relationship, but if they were telling the truth why lie? They honestly both wanted Sydney and Michael back, and they would do anything to get them back. What they didn't know was that Sydney and Michael were in love, and not with them, with each other.
They also didn't know that no one or no thing were going to break Sydney and Michael up, they were destined for each other. No matter the hardships they would go through, and there would be many, nothing was going to come between them.
But Alice and Josh didn't know that yet, and they thought they still had a chance, how long was it going to take to get through their thick skulls?
At the sound coming from behind them, Sydney and Michael turned around and saw Josh and Alice. "Hey Josh, Alice," Sydney said,
"Hey," they replied.
"Funny seeing you here," Michael told them.
"Yeah, just a big coincidence I guess," Josh explained.
"Yeah I guess so," Sydney replied.
"Okay so the movie's about to start," Michael said, "we'll let you guys get back to your fun."
"Yeah, you have fun too," Alice told them, while thinking, 'Not!'
Sydney and Michael turned around and Michael whispered huskily in her ear, "How about we give them a little show?"
After whispering that in her ear he looked in her eyes and saw the slight nod of her head.
They started off slowly and gentle, but each time they went back for more it became more heated and passionate. After a few moments, their lips were savagely attacking each other's, their hands roaming, his beginning to glide through her long hair and hers going through his hair, making it even more spiky than his gel did.
His hand went to her back, pulling her as close to him as the arm rest that kept them from each other would allow. She put her hand on the back of his neck and idly began playing with the hair there. Their hands roamed one last time, his wishing that she had worn a shirt so he could get up the back of it, eventually he just rested his hand on her hip and she stopped hers with two fingers just inside his pants waistline.
They pulled away just as the movie began and both were smiling knowing that Alice and Josh saw the whole thing.
Alice and Josh just stared with their mouths wide open at the sight ahead of them. After it was over they watched Michael and Sydney entwine their hands and Michael pull Sydney's hand up to his mouth and kiss her knuckles.
"I'm going to kick his ass," Josh told Alice, it certainly was going to be a weird, weird night.
Chapter Nine - Part II
Francie and Sydney walked into the club dressed to kill. Sydney just wanted to forget Michael for one night - that's all she was asking for was one simple night. She immediately walked to the bar and ordered herself a coke as she stood with her back to the bar, scanning the club.
Her gaze swept past Francie who was chatting up some guys near the bar. She looked around her and noticed there was a guy walking her way, she feigned inoccence as if she didn't realize he was coming her way.
He walked up to the side of her and noticed that her drink was gone. "Mind if I buy you another drink?" he asked.
She shook her head. "That would be lovely."
He turned his gaze from her to the bartender and said, "another drink for the absolutely beautiful woman right here."
The bartender nodded his head and set another coke in front of Sydney. She smiled at the bartender and then turned a dimpled grin toward the man, "thank you," she said taking a sip.
"No problem," he replied giving her a smile of his own, "oh by the way my name's Danny Hecht." (A/N: Oh god! I can already see the tomatoes and other assorted vegetables and fruits people are throwing at me right now. I'm so sorry I had to do this but I'll explain at the end why) He put his hand out for her to shake.
"Sydney Bristow," she told him, shaking his hand that was offered. After a couple minutes of tense silence he finally go the nerve to ask her the question he had wanted to ask her ten minutes ago, "Would you like to dance?"
After she just stared back at him blankly he added, "that's if you want to of course, but you don't have to, it's up to you."
She smiled, "oh sorry, of course I would love to dance." He grabbed her hand and led her to the dance floor. They started off kind of far apart, seeing as they had just met each other, but as song after song passed they gradually got more and more comfortable with each other. They danced, just danced, for close to two hours before he made a move for something more. He gradually moved his head closer and smiled when he saw her do the same.
The first kiss was a slow and quick kiss, but the first kiss of many that evening. Even if they weren't making out like crazt, hormonal teenagers, every once in a while Sydney would give Danny a quick kiss on the lips while they were dancing or resting. It didn't feel as natural as with Michael but it wasn't that bad. After what seemed like so little time but was reall 5 or 6 hours, she stifled a yawn.
Danny saw this and kissed her again. She continued to dance with him, forgetting she was tired or better yet exhausted.
She was dancing with Danny and kissing Danny, when all of a sudden Danny said, "Let's go." Instantly her mind went back to the night only a couple nights ago when Michael had said the same thing. "I can't," she replied, "but you can call me tomorrow." She handed him a piece of paper with her number on it and after giving him a quick goodnight kiss, she went to find Francie to go home.
Chapter Ten - Part I
It had been two days since Sydney had seen Michael, and truthfully she didn't know how to feel. She was happy because she didn't want to see him after what he did to her. But on the other hand, she wanted to see him, she especially wanted him to see her with Danny. She wanted him to feel what it felt like to get your heart ripped out and stomped on. She knew that that made her sound really vindictive and vengeful, but she didn't care, at least she wasn't in denial.
Just then the phone rang. "Hello?" she answered.
"Hey sweetie," Danny replied.
"Hey," she said, her smile growing a little wider.
"Do you want to go to lunch?" he asked.
"Sure," she told him, "the dining hall?"
"Yeah," he replied, "how about I pick you up?"
"Okay," she said, "pick me up in a half hour?"
"I'll be there," he replied happily, "okay bye."
"Bye." She hung up and went to get ready, she had a date with Danny to go to.
* * * *
A half hour later Sydney's doorbell rang and she ran to grab it, only pausing to grab her purse off the end of the couch.
She opened her door not surprised to see Danny standing on her doorstep. She grabbed his hand and dragged him to his SUV.
"Hungry?" he asked.
"Yep," she replied, "I haven't eaten all day."
"Well then," he told her, " we had better hurry. Wouldn't want my sweet little girlfriend
here to starve to death." He gave her a charming smile.
"You know it," she said smiling back at him. They jumped into his SUV and drove off in the direction of the college, the dining hall, and one of her afternoon classes.
* * * *
After 20 long and torturous minutes of stomach rumbling for Sydney they were finally
walking across campus hand-in-hand towards the dining hall. All of a sudden Danny said, "Hold on, there's one of my best friends and his girlfriend, let's go say hi." Truthfully he really didn't want to go say hi, he didn't like the guys girlfriend, she was really annoying and clingy, he just wanted to show Sydney off to as many people as possible.
"Okay," Sydney replied. He dragged her over to a couple sitting on a bench. When she was within ten feet she instantly recognized the couple. 'Danny's best friend is Michael?' Sydney asked herself.
"Hey Mike," Danny called, "this is the girlfriend I've been raving about."
Michael turned around as did Alice and Sydney saw a gleam of triumph flood Alice's
eyes. 'She knows who I am,' she thought, 'and she thinks she won Michael because I'm with Danny. Yeah right, Danny's just my rebound guy.'
"Sydney this is one of my best friends Michael Vaughn and his girlfriend Alice Gibson,
Mike and Alice this is Sydney Bristow my girlfriend," Danny made the introductions.
Michael looked at Sydney and Danny's entwined hands. So Sydney was Danny's new
girlfriend, the one he had been talking non-stop about for the last two days. 'Well at least he had good tastes,' Michael thought.
"Nice to meet you," he said politely, even though Sydney and him had already met.
"You too," she told him.
Now it was Alice's turn to join the pow-wow. 'Haha, I know the perfect thing to say to
make them both uncomfortable,' she schemed in her head.
"It really is nice to meet you. Danny's been talking about you non-stop the last couple of days," she said, "you know, you two make a really cute couple."
Michael visibly winced. 'And so I suceeded,' she thought.
Sydney on the other hand, was beginning to think herself, 'There's definitely something going on with Alice. The glint of triumph in her eyes, the vindictive smile on her face, something's definitely up. I'll have to keep my eye on her.'
"Thanks," Sydney and Danny replied together, then smiled at each other.
'And today the wheels of ideas are just turning in my head,' Alice thought, 'I've got another idea that will totally make them both uncomfortable. My mission for the week: make Michael regret he cheated on me and make Sydney regret she ever layed a hand on my man.'
"I just got a perfect idea," Alice said, "how about the four of us go on a double date
sometime?"
"Absolutely," Danny enthusiastically said, "that'd be wonderful."
So the decision and date was made. "Sure," Sydney and Michael said dreadfully together.
"When?" Danny asked anxiously.
"How about tomorrow?" Alice questioned.
"Okay," Danny replied, "but we were on our way to lunch so we're going to go."
"Well we were heading that way too, so why don't we eat lunch together?" Alice said.
"Come on," Danny told them, "that'd be wonderful." And off they were to lunch, Sydney and Michael not knowing what was going to happen next.
Chapter Ten - Part II
Michael dazily walked into the apartment stumbling into Eric who had been standing in the doorway. They both ended up sprawled out on the floor. Eric looked at him and saw his far-off look. "Mike?" he asked, "hey man what's wrong?"
Michael just kept walking past him and practically flung himself on the couch. He knew he had messed up and that he had hurt Sydney, but he didn't think she would get over him that quickly, and if she did why with Danny? Danny was one of his best friends.
He knew that Danny must not have known about Sydney and himself because he didn't think someone would betray one of their best friends like that. (A/N: There, now I cleared up the question of whether or not Danny knew about Mike/Syd, he didn't, I'm trying not to make Danny, at least not yet)
Then he thought about tomorrow night: that was going to be a disaster. He would never be able to get Sydney out of his head, which ultimately would end in heartbreak for him because Sydney had Danny now. And you have Alice,' he reminded himself sarcastically. Ha, that was a joke - he would never feel for Alice what he had felt for Sydney so soon after meeting her.
Eric decided to try again, "Mike what's wrong?"
Michael looked up at him sadly, "Sydney got over me."
Eric looked surprised, "But I thought you guys were going to break up with Alice and Josh and get together?"
"That's a long story," Michael replied.
"I've got time," Eric said.
Michael sighed and told Eric the tale of what had happened since he decided he was going to call Sydney days ago.
* * * *
"And then I had forgotten about our lunch date and Alice took me to the dining hall to have lunch. I was preparing myself to break up with Alice right then and there. Well apparently Sydney hadn't forgotten about our lunch date because she walked in just ad Alice grabbed my head and kissed me, only she didn't stick around long enough to see me push Alice away," Michael explained.
"You screwed up man," Eric said.
"Yeah I did," Michael replied.
"But what was this you were saying about her getting over you?" Eric asked.
"Oh yeah, well I guess that same night her friend dragged her to a club, she met someone there," he told Eric, "remember that girlfriend Danny's been raving about?"
"Of course," Eric replied, "that's all he talks about."
"It's Sydney," Michael said sadly.
"Oh," Eric said, all he could come up with.
"Yeah, and tomorrow night Alice and I are going on a double date with them"
"Ouch man," Eric said, "have fun."
"Oh I will."
Chapter 11
Michael looked at his watch, 6:30, Alice would be there any minute to pick him up, for some reason she had some sort of fascination with driving him places. They were meeting Danny and Sydney at the Italian Restaurant on 3rd street (sorry never been to LA, don't know if that exists) at 7:00.
Michael had an uneasy feeling in the pit of his stomach, but he pushed it away when Alice pulled up to the building. This definitely was going to be a long night.
* * * *
A half hour later, the four of them were being led to their table. "The waiter will be with you soon."
"Thanks," Michael said smiling.
They all sat down, Sydney and Michael rather uneasily.
Danny put his arm around Sydney, "This place is really nice, I've never been here before," he said, "we should come back again some other time."
Michael noticed that Sydney hadn't looked at him all night, 'God damn it,' he thought, 'she must still be mad at me.' But he did notice the looks she was giving Alice. 'Something's definitely up,' he concluded.
After the waiter had come and taken their orders, Sydney pushed out her chair and said, "I've got to go to the restroom."
Michael watched her walk away and decided now was the time to confront her and clear things up. "Yeah I think I have to go to the bathroom too," he replied, not even waiting for anyone's answer, just getting up and heading towards the bathrooms.
He stood outside the women's restrooms waiting for Sydney to come out. About a minute later she emerged and he grabbed her elbow and took her down the hall a little farther. "What do you want?" she asked bitterly.
"To say I'm sorry," he replied, "and do this." He grabbed her head and pulled it towards his, capturing her lips in a kiss. She didn't push him away, which to him was a good sign. "I also wanted to tell you that the other day, in the dining hall, you didn't stay long enough to see me push Alice away, she just surprised me."
Sydney nodded, "We need to talk," she said, "later."
He nodded back, "We had better get back."
Sydney and Michael started to head back to the table just in time to hear, "Tell your girlfriend to keep her hands off my man," Alice screamed at Danny.
"Excuse me?" Danny asked angrily.
"You heard me," Alice replied, not knowing Michael and Sydney were standing behind her.
"You want to know what Alice?" Michael asked, Alice looked up stunned, "it's over."
Alice's face turned so red Sydney thought she might burst. Alice got out of her seat and lunged at Sydney.
Sydney saw her coming and moved out of the way and Alice smacked the ground. Alice grabbed Sydney's ankles and pulled her down on the floor with her. Next thing Sydney knew Alice was pulling her hair. It almost made Sydney want to laugh, that was until Alice came at her with her fingers, attempting to gouge her eyes out. "This will teach you to keep your hands off my man," she said devilishly.
"Are you so sure he's your man anymore?" Sydney asked evily. Alice wanted to play dirty? She didn't know what fighting dirty was. Sydney slapped Alice, leaving a red handprint on Alice's perfect face, that wasn't so perfect anymore. Alice looked stunned, she actually didn't think Sydney would hit her.
Michael also looked stunned, "But Alice how did you find out?" he stumbled out.
"Tommy," she replied simply and the fight was on again, Alice grabbed Sydney and the two started rolling around on the floor, wrestling. The other customers all looked on with horrified looks on their faces. They were rolling around until Sydney got the upper hand and pinned Alice on the floor.
Alice decided the only way to get Sydney off her was to grab her hair, but from her position on the floor she couldn't reach Sydney's hair so she just dug her teeth into Sydney's arm.
Sydney started to laugh, "I haven't bit someone or been bit by someone since like 2nd grade." Then she slapped Alice again.
Danny had been watching this whole scene in surprise, he didn't know what was going on. "Find out what?" he asked.
"He," Alice pointed at Michael, "cheated on me with her," she pointed at Sydney and said this vehemently.
Sydney decided she had the upper hand and got up, leaving Alice laying on the ground embarassed. Alice got up and stormed out of the restaurant, looking like she had just gotten in a fight with a lawnmower.
Sydney looked at Danny who was fully digesting what he had been told. "Danny?" she asked.
"I don't want to talk to either of you ever again," Danny screamed at them. He stormed out of the restaurant.
Sydney made a move to go after him but Michael caught her arm, "Just give him some time."
They walked out together, although they weren't technically together yet, it was still better than being apart.
They didn't remember that Alice and Danny had drove them there, and once they reached the parking lot, they realized they were stranded.
He was right, it had been a disastrous night.
A/N: Okay so here's the new one, it's kinda boring compared to the one last night, but there is an argument in it, Enjoy! Oh yeah and Syd and Danny aren't technically broken up yet, just remember that
Chapter 12
Sydney and Michael sat there looking at the parking lot. Michael was the first to speak up, "I forgot Alice drove me here."
"Yeah and Danny drove me here," Sydney replied. "I could call Francie to come pisk us up."
"No that's okay, I'll have Eric come pick me up, that way it's not out of your way," he said.
She nodded and they both pulled out their phones to make the calls. Once they got off the phone they just stood there enjoying each other's company. About 10 minutes later Francie pulled into the parking lot. "I've got to go," she said regretfully.
"Yeah," he replied pulling her towards him and kissing her gently, "you do. You should probably go now before I don't let you go." He gave her another quick kiss.
"Yeah I should, shouldn't I?" she asked leaning up for another quick kiss.
"I'll call you tomorrow and we'll talk this out," he said.
"I've got to break up with Danny before that," she replied.
"And I've got to have a little talk with Tommy," he told her, giving her another quick kiss before pushing her towards Francie's car. He opened the door and made her get in the car before he grabbed the seat belt and buckled her in. He gave her one more quick kiss, the last one he promised himself. "Bye."
"Bye," she replied waving as they pulled out of the parking lot.
After they were down the street a little Francie looked at her, "You come here with Danny and I come here to pick you up and you're kissing Michael. What's going on?" she asked.
"Long story," Sydney replied, "I'll let you know what's going on once I figure it out for myself." Her life couldn't get any better.
* * * *
The Next Morning, 10:00am, Danny's apartment
Sydney was standing outside Danny's apartment, she had decided that it had gone on long enough, she didn't want to hurt Danny any more than she had to. He answered the door with a smile on his face, that was until he saw her and the smile was replaced by a scowl as he attempted to shut the door in her face. She planted a firm hand on the door keeping it from shutting. He gave her an evil look and tried to move her hand out of the way.
She pushed the door open and waltzed into his apartment before she turned and said, "Danny just listen."
"Why so I can hear you cheated on me?" he asked.
"It happened the day before I even met you," she replied.
"So what am I your REBOUND GUY?" he screamed.
"No, of course not," she lied.
He was quick to call her on it. "You're such a LIAR!! So I was your rebound guy, wonderful," he angrily exclaimed.
"Danny you've got it all wrong," Sydney replied.
"The hell that I do," he said, he grabbed her arm and lead her over to the door, "GET OUT!! And I hope you and Mike have a nice life together," he told her sarcastically.
Sydney watched as the door slammed shut in her face before she got in her car and headed home.
* * * *
An hour after Sydney got home the phone rang. "Hello?" she asked.
"Hey," Michael replied, "how are you?"
"I'm good," she said, "how about you?" The minute she heard Michael's voice on the phone she wasn't depressed anymore.
"I'm good too," he told her, "how did things go with Danny?"
"He kicked me out," she replied sadly, "what did Tommy have to say?"
"He wasn't home and I couldn't find him anywhere," Michael explained, "and Syd, I am really sorry about Danny."
"Thanks," she replied, "so what's up?"
"I wanted to check on you," he said, "and see if you wanted to go to dinner and a movie Saturday night."
"I'd love to," she told him excitedly.
"Good, but maybe we could do something tonight, nothing fancy, just hang out," he said.
"Yeah, sounds like fun," she replied, "pick me up at 7:00 and then we'll do whatever."
"Okay," he excitedly told her, "see you tonight."
"Yeah, tonight," she sighed contently. And the first date was set.
Chapter Twelve - Part II
The days went by until it was finally Saturday. Sydney and Michael had been together every second they had free. When they hung out with their friends, they mostly hung out with Sydney's because most of Michael's friends were mad at him. The only exception was Eric, he wasn't mad at Michael and he hung out with them a lot.
Michael, Eric, and Brian (finally bringing him back in the story, took long enough) had realized that they had many interests and things in common and had instantly become friends. Now they would get into conversations and would completely forget about their girlfriends. That was until Sydney or Sophie would remind them they were there.
They had even had a few run-ins with Michael's friends who were still mad at him. Walking across campus going nowhere in particular, Sydney and Michael were holding hands when they had a run-in with Tommy, Alice, Danny, and surprisedly Josh had become friends with them.
There were glares shot their way, and out of the corner of her eye Sydney saw Tommy starting to head their way, fists clenched. Sydney tightened her grip on Michael's hand just as they saw Danny grab Tommy's elbow and pull him back.
Walking away they looked back and began laughing, they saw Alice and Josh also walking away with Tommy and Danny, holding hands. "If they get married, it will be thanks to us that they met," Sydney said.
"Yeah," Michael replied, "we'll be watching for the invitation."
They continued walking, happy that one thing besides them getting together, came out of the last couple of screwed up weeks.
* * * *
It ended up that around 2 days after the restaurant fiasco, Alice had been walking around campus still fuming about the events. Josh had seen her and said hi, and that was that. They had begun hanging out with Tommy and Danny at first before finally venturing out on their own.
And the rest was history. It wasn't anything serious as of yet, but it had the potential to be. And they both knew who they had to thank for bringing them together: Sydney and Michael.
* * * *
It was time for Sydney to make her weekly call home to her father. She decided that since she still had an hour until Michael was picking her up she would call him now. He still thought she was dating Josh, he had no idea about Danny or Michael. But he would find out tonight.
She dialed the number, relieved to hear the hurried, "Hello?"
"Hey dad," she replied.
"Oh hey sweetie," he said, "I wasn't expecting to hear from you tonight."
"Why?" she asked.
"Oh, I just thought that maybe you would probably have plans tonight," he explained.
"Oh I have a date in about an hour," she told him.
"How is Josh by the way?" he questioned.
"Oh," Sydney replied, "Josh and I aren't together anymore."
"Well then who are you seeing?" he asked confused.
"Oh, Michael, I'll have to bring him to meet you sometime," she replied.
"When did you meet him?" he grilled her.
"First day of school," she told him, "and dad I would answer all your questions but I've got to get ready for my date. Maybe sometime next week Michael, you, and I can have lunch."
"Okay that sounds good," he said, "just call me and let me know."
"Okay, bye dad," Sydney replied.
"Bye sweetheart."
Sydney hung up and went to get ready for her date.
Chapter Thirteen
Sydney still hadn't picked out her outfit yet, she didn't even know where they were going, but she didn't care. She was determined to have fun - and she didn't think there was any way she wouldn't have fun.
She looked in the mirror and she knew she looked killer. The black spaghetti strapped dress fell mid-thigh and hugged her curves snuggly.
She swept her hair up in a ponytail with tendrils hanging lightly around her neck.
She scarcely applied make-up, just enough to show it, but still going for the natural, flawless look.
Francie walked in just as she finished up and gasped. "Oh my god Syd, you look so - amazing, perfect," Francie said, "I don't know, you look awesome."
"Thanks," Sydney replied and smiled at Francie, she quickly walked across the room and gave Francie a quick hug. Just then the doorbell rang, Sydney gave Francie a pleading look.
"I'll go get it," Francie told her, "but don't take too long."
"I won't, I promise," she replied.
Francie walked out of the room and quickly walked to the door. She opened it and was taken by shock. She opened the door wider and let him in the living room. He looked really hot (when doesn't he?), he was wearing black dress pants and a light long-sleeve button up blue shirt.
She smiled and said, "Sydney should be out in a little while, she was almost done."
"Thanks," he replied and smiled back.
Sydney was getting ready to come out, she grabbed her purse and walked out of her room. The minute she turned the corner, a smile instantly appeared on her face.
Michael too was smiling.
"You look amazing Syd," he said.
"Thanks," she replied, then grinned, "you don't look half bad yourself."
"Should we get going?" he asked.
"Sure," she told him, "where exactly are we going?"
"We're going to go see a movie - your choice - and then we're going to go to dinner, I was thinking maybe that little Mexican Restaurant on LA Ave.," he replied.
"Okay, that sounds good," she said.
As they were walking out the door, hand-in-hand, Francie heard Michael ask, "What movie do you want to see?"
"How about that new Vin Diesel movie, A Man Apart?" she questioned.
"That sounds perfect to me," he replied, giving her a light kiss on the lips.
They got into his car and drove off into the night on their first date - not knowing who or what they were going to encounter - and definitely not knowing that tonight could be even more disastrous than that night that would forever be ingrained in their brains - the last time they were in a restaurant together.
Chapter Thirteen - Part II
Incidently, Josh and Alice had the same idea as Sydney and Michael. They too were going to the movies and out to dinner.
What they didn't know was what would happen whent they ran into each other after the movie.
* * * *
Sydney and Michael were to the movie theater almost twenty minutes early. They walked into the lobby and got their tickets, a large Pepsi, and a large popcorn.
They were in the theater with fifteen minutes left to spare, which was good because it gave them a chance to get good seats instead of having to sit too close to the front or too far in the back.
With the remaining time they just talked about the most randon subjects, never staying on one subject for too long.
It felt good to be able to talk about everything and at the same time nothing at all.
They were so entranced in their intriguing conversation that they didn't see or hear Josh and Alice walk in the theater or didn't hear them whispering suspiciously before they walked down and sat in the two seats directly behind Sydney and Michael. Then they began making out like hormonal teenagers, figuring if they made enough noise Sydney and Michael would turn around and see them and then they would be jealous.
They really did like each other and were glad to be in a relationship, but if they were telling the truth why lie? They honestly both wanted Sydney and Michael back, and they would do anything to get them back. What they didn't know was that Sydney and Michael were in love, and not with them, with each other.
They also didn't know that no one or no thing were going to break Sydney and Michael up, they were destined for each other. No matter the hardships they would go through, and there would be many, nothing was going to come between them.
But Alice and Josh didn't know that yet, and they thought they still had a chance, how long was it going to take to get through their thick skulls?
At the sound coming from behind them, Sydney and Michael turned around and saw Josh and Alice. "Hey Josh, Alice," Sydney said,
"Hey," they replied.
"Funny seeing you here," Michael told them.
"Yeah, just a big coincidence I guess," Josh explained.
"Yeah I guess so," Sydney replied.
"Okay so the movie's about to start," Michael said, "we'll let you guys get back to your fun."
"Yeah, you have fun too," Alice told them, while thinking, 'Not!'
Sydney and Michael turned around and Michael whispered huskily in her ear, "How about we give them a little show?"
After whispering that in her ear he looked in her eyes and saw the slight nod of her head.
They started off slowly and gentle, but each time they went back for more it became more heated and passionate. After a few moments, their lips were savagely attacking each other's, their hands roaming, his beginning to glide through her long hair and hers going through his hair, making it even more spiky than his gel did.
His hand went to her back, pulling her as close to him as the arm rest that kept them from each other would allow. She put her hand on the back of his neck and idly began playing with the hair there. Their hands roamed one last time, his wishing that she had worn a shirt so he could get up the back of it, eventually he just rested his hand on her hip and she stopped hers with two fingers just inside his pants waistline.
They pulled away just as the movie began and both were smiling knowing that Alice and Josh saw the whole thing.
Alice and Josh just stared with their mouths wide open at the sight ahead of them. After it was over they watched Michael and Sydney entwine their hands and Michael pull Sydney's hand up to his mouth and kiss her knuckles.
"I'm going to kick his ass," Josh told Alice, it certainly was going to be a weird, weird night.