Sydney walked downstairs some time later, having prepared for their mission. She luckily had everything that she needed, minus a gun. She was sure that Aidan would have a supply ready. She walked into the kitchen, searching for something to make for dinner. She was hoping that this would be a civil one, without them at each other's throats. They always seemed to be at cross-purposes. They needed to work together, now more than ever. Besides, she didn't like fighting with him, though she did enjoy the light-hearted banter that they usually shared. Maybe after his display of emotion earlier, he would open up a little. She found chicken in the refrigerator and decided to prepare lemon chicken with rice. She was deep in thought and didn't hear Aidan when he entered.
"All packed?" he asked in an attempt at conversation. He was feeling awkward after Sydney had found him earlier. He didn't like to let his weaknesses be known. If he was surprised to see her fixing dinner, he didn't show it. He admired how easily she moved around, preparing the dish for the oven. He sat at the table, leaning his head on his hand, watching her.
Sydney jumped at his voice. She was going to have to stop getting lost in her thoughts. It could be dangerous. "Yes, I'm ready. I don't have a gun though, and I know that I'll need one." She turned to look at him after having put dinner in the oven. It was funny how they were talking about this as if it were an everyday thing. A day in the life of a spy, she thought.
Sark eyed her suspiciously. Was he ready to trust Sydney Bristow around him with a gun? With another look, he decided that he would have to be. After all, she hadn't tried to kill him yet. "I have that covered, as long as you don't use it on me." He watched her reaction and was amused by it.
"Why would I do that?" she said defensively. "After everything that has happened, you should know by now…" she trailed off as she looked up and caught the glint in his eye. He was baiting her. Well, two could play at that game. "I have a different method of torture in mind for you." She said. He raised his eyebrows at that. Let him think on that for a while. She decided to change the subject. "Are you ready for tomorrow? We will just be covering my parents, not taking a pot shot at Sloane."
"As much as I want the bastard dead, I want some answers first, as I'm sure you do." Sark replied. He knew that they couldn't kill Sloane before they found out what had happened to Sydney in her absence. He would take intense pleasure at making Sloane talk. "Besides, if I know Sloane, he will have guards everywhere. We don't want to risk exposure." He stood and walked over to Sydney. "Where is the packet that your mother left?"
Sydney picked it up from the counter, eyeing him as she handed it over. She was relieved to see that he seemed to be back in control. He was always the strong one. "Why don't you read through it and I'll finish up dinner. I haven't had time to look through it yet." She put some vegetables on to steam and started getting things together for a salad. She was startled to hear a choked laugh. "What?" She said, looking to see what had caused his amusement.
"Just you, Sydney. You confound me." She truly did, he thought. He was amazed by the influence they had over each other. She had been the voice of reason earlier when he was upset, which was a switch. She was usually the one who let her emotions run away with her. And, he noticed he was able to let his guard down a bit around her. All in all, he was glad that she was here. Otherwise, he would be dwelling on everything that he had learned that morning. At least now he was able to concentrate on the mission, instead of his purpose behind it. He sat back down, removing the papers from the envelope. For a moment he sat, reading.
"What does it say?" Sydney inquired. She ignored his comment from earlier. She wasn't sure she wanted to know what he meant.
"Well, as your mother said, Sloane is in Tehran. It says that he has allies there and is working with them in order to collect more Rambaldi artifacts and to gain information on you. He is aware that your mother and father know where you are, but isn't expecting you to be there. They think that he will try to convince them to bring you to him. If that fails, which it will, they are prepared for him to take drastic measures." At this he looked at Sydney, noticing the apprehensive look on her face. "Apparently, he doesn't realize that I'm with you. That could be useful to us." Anything to throw Sloane off guard would be a plus.
"So, what are we supposed to do?" Sydney asked, worried at the possibilities. "Obviously, they don't want us to be seen."
"There will be an abandoned building across from the location that they are meeting him. Irina is going to make sure that surveillance equipment is set up. We are to make sure that Sloane doesn't try anything."
Sydney thought about that for a moment before speaking. "I see. So, we are there to step in if something happens. You are aware that this could all be a trap, right?" She realized how pointless that question was after she thought about who she was talking to.
Sark was aware. She knew better than to ask him that. He gave her a flippant stare as he spoke. "Yes, Sydney, I'm quite aware of that fact. We'll just have to take that chance. You don't want your parents doing this alone, do you?" She shook her head slightly. "Well, then, I suggest that we both be ready for anything." He pushed the packet aside and stood up. "Wine?" he asked.
"Yes, please." Sydney answered politely. "Dinner is ready. Can I suggest something?" She asked as she moved around, putting plates and utensils on the table, along with the food. She placed two glasses on the table, and sat down. She gave Aidan a questioning look.
"What would that be?" Sark asked as he poured the wine. What was she thinking about now? "Are you going to suggest that I save the sea turtles? That I donate blood to the Red Cross?"
Sydney was exasperated by his dismissal. "I know I'm asking a lot from you since it's going to be a terrible stretch, but can we pretend, just for tonight, that we are friends? That this is a normal dinner and nothing out of the ordinary has happened?" There was an almost desperate quality to her voice. She just wanted to forget for a while. Besides, she enjoyed his company when he wasn't being cocky.
Sark found himself searching for something to say as Sydney looked inquiringly at him. He was a gentleman, he assured himself. He could definitely have a nice dinner with a beautiful woman. "Why, Sydney, whatever do you mean? Tomorrow is just another day and we will be doing nothing out of the ordinary." He was trying to be flippant, but it came out a little on the sarcastic side. He felt a little wounded that she still had issues with trusting him. It showed plainly by the fact that she wasn't willing to admit that he was a friend. He would have to work on that, he decided.
Sydney flashed a look at him over her wine glass. She decided that he was trying, so that was enough for her. She took a sip of wine and smiled warmly at him. "So, Aidan, what is your favorite type of music?" So, it was a lame attempt, but it was a start. She congratulated herself for trying.
Was she serious? A low chuckle bubbled out of his throat as he raised an eyebrow at her. "That would be a wide range. I'm fond of all types of music, but I guess my preference would be rock." Sark played along with her as they pretended to be normal people, having a lovely dinner together. He was surprised to find himself warming to her even more and sharing trivial little things that people share with each other. He finished his dinner, letting his fork drop on the empty plate. He looked at Sydney, who was obviously done, just pretending to eat by pushing her food around on her plate. He thought that she looked beautiful and unsure of herself. "Ready to clear up?"
"Yes. We should both get some rest," Sydney said, getting up and gathering the remains of dinner. She didn't say anything as Aidan silently helped her. It had actually turned out to be an enjoyable evening. It was amazing how charming he could be when he chose. And when he laughed it was as if he was a different person. She couldn't help but wish that things were different. When they finished, she felt exhausted and a little saddened. "I think I'll go to bed now. I will see you tomorrow morning." She suddenly turned around to face Aidan. "It will be ok," she said, as if reassuring herself.
Sark knew that she was worried. He was concerned himself, but this was the only lead they had on Sloane right now. "Yes, Sydney, it will." He moved to her, feeling at little awkward as he placed a hand on her cheek. The awkwardness left as he realized his gesture reassured her. "Good night." He stood there just enjoying touching her.
Sydney leaned into him, enjoying the contact and reassurance that he offered. She kept thinking that she should move away, but the pressure of his hand cupping her face and the look in his eyes made her want to stay. She moved closer to him, slightly tilting her face up to his. She told herself that she was being silly, but she wanted to kiss him.
Sark was a little unnerved by Sydney's movement. It was as if she wanted him to..well, that was just silly. Surely she didn't want him to kiss her? Not after this morning. She had been quite angry about that. He was relieved of his worry as Sydney took the decision out of his hands. He felt her lips brush his softly. Before he could react, she had moved away.
"Good night," Sydney said as she turned around to walk up the stairs. She wasn't sure why she had done that, but she wasn't sorry.
Sark was left speechless and stood looking up at her. He would never understand that woman, he decided. The best thing he could do would be to get some sleep. He passed Sydney's door, pausing for a moment, wishing there were a way to make all of this less complicated. Soon, he thought, Sloane will be dead, and maybe they could have some semblance of a normal life.