Chapter 8: Hey La, Hey La


A/n: Thanks for the reviews, as always. Um, not much to say. I'm ticked off that there's no new Alias until January 11, but at least I have winter break now. I guess I should warn you that Will's seems out of character to me in this chapter, but tell me what you think (I'm always way too critical of my stuff...)

Disclaimer: I do not own Alias, but if I were JJ I would not have Will take advantage of our fave ex-double agent...

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Since their return from the island, work went surprisingly slow. There seemed to no longer be a need to work floating throughout the atmosphere; almost as if all the roots of problems had been solved. But of course, they basically had been. Each agent of the CIA knew that if only one person deserved the death penalty in the whole world, then that man should have been Arvin Sloane, ruiner of countless lives and Number One Bad-Guy.

All that week at work, Vaughn finally felt his muscles less tense, and sat comfortably at his desk once again. He could look agents in the eye and flash them an encouraging smile. He started to rebuild a name for himself around the office, a name he was proud of. However, he knew he shouldn't relax for too long, considering Irina Derevko remained missing. This was simply... the eye of the storm; the calm between two battles.

At the end of Friday, he decided to treat himself to dinner at Francie's restaurant, simply for his mind to fully realize the impact of Sloane's arrest. He sat at his table, smiling at the waitress in gratitude.

He picked away at the remnants of his meal, thinking about today at work. He had sat casually at his desk – not doing anything in particular – but making it seem as though he was working on debrief reports. He occasionally glanced up to inspect the office, feeling important to know what went on around him. Soon Dixon passed by his desk, brushing against the end of it (probably to scare Vaughn back into working). Vaughn watched out the corner of his eye as Dixon approached Sydney.

Sydney, the only person in the office to remind him of everything he lost. Sydney, the only person to drive him crazy by her looks alone. Sydney, the only person he ever truly loved...

She had been sitting gracefully at her desk, tucking stray hairs behind her ear when Dixon sat down at a chair in front of her. They exchanged few words, none that Vaughn could hear, before he handed her a slip of paper. Sydney looked up at him as he stood, slowly stepping away, with a look of fear, curiosity, and bewilderment in her eyes.

Now, Vaughn reminded himself, had this happened two years prior to today, he would have moseyed towards her way with investigative intentions, asked her about the paper, and perhaps wrapped his arms around her body, warm and comforting to the touch. However, that particular morning or any mornings over the past few weeks, everything he did around Sydney he did precariously. He watched intently as she gingerly fingered the parcel, threatening to set it on her desk, yet yearning to tuck into her pocket. Finally, her eyes flashed surrender and she crumpled the paper, tossing it into a nearby trash can.

Why didn't she read the note? Vaughn wondered then, and now as well. What could have been in the note to make her disregard it? Who could it have been from? He had almost wanted to dig through the trash and read her note, but couldn't bring himself to do so, finding the rudeness in his decision.

For a while, he gave up watching Sydney to accomplish real work – he really did have debrief reports to do, after all – only to later notice her staring at the trash can. Vaughn licked his lips in anticipation; she couldn't fight the temptation, he knew, sparking excitement throughout his body. Why did he care so much about what the note said? He didn't know. But he wanted her to read it; to see emotion from her again. Soon her fingers twitched from her lap, and her arm outstretched, allowing her fingers to grasp the note again. She held it a foot from her face at first, before she couldn't stand it anymore and she unfolded the note.

Vaughn sat on the end of his seat, watching her eyes scatter about the page. She squinted through most of it, then widened her eyes in shock. In one quick motion, she crumpled the paper into a ball, throwing it at the trash can and storming off into the midst of a herd of agents; breathing heavily, Vaughn could tell. Had a growling stomach not interrupted his thinking, he almost would have snuck over an stolen the note. But no, he forgot that he shouldn't. It was like reading someone's mail, and he refused to do that.

Drinking the last of his wine at the restaurant that once belonged to Francie, he continued to fantasize about the contents of the note. Vaughn? Hey, how are you? Vaughn looked up hurriedly, somewhat disturbed at being shaken from his thoughts. It was Will. He brushed his blonde hair back with his hand and took a seat across from Vaughn at the table. Vaughn smiled casually at him, only being polite. Sorry about last time we talked, he continued, you know, when you met Alyssa and all...

Vaughn mumbled. He was suddenly reminded of the many mornings two years ago, waking up with only Will home. He remembered their initial awkward silence, and later their sometimes deep conversations. So how have you been?

Good, lately, he mused. Syd and Alyssa have been great. Hey, he said after a slight pause, I know you probably haven't really talked to Sydney, so, uh, I'll just ask if you want some pictures of Alyssa?

His eyes lit up. It surprised him that the thought of pictures hadn't crossed his mind. Of course he wanted pictures! For one, they would brighten his dark safe house tremendously, and secondly, he could finally become the proud papa – showing off shots of his daughter – he once hoped he'd become. Maybe setting a gorgeous framed picture on his desk was exactly was Sydney needed to see in order to realize how her photo belonged there too. It was only a matter of time...

Vaughn's devious plotting was broken when Will handed him a picture, softly dog-eared in one corner. This is the only picture I have on me right now, he apologized. I can probably get some more to you later.

He nodded and grabbed hold onto the picture, lifting it up to his face. It was Sydney holding a newborn Alyssa, still in the hospital. Sydney looked... well, amazing as usual. Her hair was pulled back into a messy ponytail with many stray strands framing her face. Alyssa was asleep for the picture; with thin, soft looking fluff of hair on her head and pudgy cheeks, as most babies have. She was the most beautiful child Vaughn had ever seen. He found himself fascinated was Sydney's eyes, though; something only Vaughn would notice. A façade, he was positive, of happiness, illuminated by love nevertheless, but their usual twinkle lacked.

It was Vaughn she lacked.

He could tell absolutely everything she thought that day from that single picture alone. And he wanted nothing more than to jump into the picture and take Sydney into his arms; hold her and never let go...

I take it you haven't heard about Corey, either, Will said, clasping his hands.

What about Corey? Vaughn replied back, a little too quickly than he should have.

Will looked around as if anyone who could hear him cared. Syd told him she wanted a break.

Yes, yes, yes! Vaughn's heart proclaimed. This was the best news he'd heard in a long time. Had he not been in a public place or in front of Will, he would have stood from his chair valiantly, raised his arms in victory, and proceeded to dance uncontrollably. Yes, dance uncontrollably. That was how much this gesture meant.

But wait a minute... his brain countered, wouldn't she have already told you if she was done with Corey? It is only a break' after all. If she was truly done with Corey, if things were really over between them, then would she have not come running back to me, arms wide open?

Damn, damn, damn!

She came home one day after work, just really stressed out, Will continued, completely unaware of Vaughn's mental breakdown. I tried to help her sort things out, and I think the break with Corey is part of it, now.

Okay? Was that really all I could say? I'm such an idiot sometimes. Why wasn't he somersaulting through the air? Oh, right, cause Sydney simply was tired of Corey, as she was probably tired of Vaughn as well.

If she was playing such stubborn games with him, then he was going to do likewise. Except he knew in his heart that he didn't want to; could never intentionally hurt her. And his heart told him to have faith, something he had lost long ago.

He mumbled his thanks to Will for the picture (and information), and Will smiled and left Vaughn to be alone once again with his thoughts. One more time, he inspected the photograph of Sydney and his daughter before pulling out his wallet from his back pocket. He hesitated to slide the picture in, and made a last second decision to hold onto the picture for a while. Setting the picture in front of him, he paid his bill never removing his eyes from it. As he left the restaurant, safely gripping the picture in his fingertips, he smirked smugly to himself, proud of his little secrets. And the note remained forgotten...

* * * * * * *

Now to find the perfect place, Vaughn wondered, staring in wonderment at his newly desk. It hadn't been cleaned, per se, so much as shoved together in an organized manner. The perfect place that he had to find was for a new picture frame, which held a new picture, one of his two loves. Once finding the perfect space – one from where he could rest his eyes without any trouble – he set the picture frame down carefully and took his seat, never letting his eyes leave the photograph.

Hey buddy, what're you up to? Eric Weiss's voice clamored through the surrounding area.

Vaughn mumbled, forcing himself to tear his eyes away. Hey, um, Eric? he asked awkwardly.



Do you and Sydney ever... talk?

Well, it's kind of hard if we don't considering I couldn't do my job –

No, I mean really talk.

Weiss nodded in understanding. Do you want my help with something? he asked, a smirk emerging from it's hold. Cause, you know, I heard the elevator was going to break down when you just happened to be on it with Sydney, he added with a wink.

Vaughn laughed but shook his head. He quietly explained to his friend that he only needed to talk to her with no interruptions. An empty room would suffice, and a way to lure Sydney in would be Weiss's part.

It wasn't until the next day that Vaughn was ready to put his plan into action. Waiting impatiently behind an open door, he heard Weiss call Sydney's name. Syd, hey, could you help me in here with these files? Thanks. As he entered the room, he purposely brushed up against the door, squishing Vaughn into the wall. Sydney soon followed.

Everything Vaughn wanted, needed, lived for depended on this moment. There was no time to worry. There was no time to think about what to say. He just had to go for it. All he could think about as she walked through the door were those looks; the times when he would just miss her gaze. She stared at him a lot. More than he knew she did, but he would never catch her doing it. She would look him in the eye again, he vowed.

Suddenly, when Sydney was leaning over the table inspecting the papers, Weiss winked in Vaughn's general direction and slowly tiptoed backwards towards the door, quietly whistling a familiar tune. Eric, what are these? she could barely ask before he turned and ran out the door, Vaughn stepping out to close the door and seal the only exit. Let me out, she demanded softly.

I think we need to talk about Alyssa. He wasn't moving anytime soon.

I don't think there's anything to talk about. Now, please, let me through. He noticed in particular how her hair was so perfect today – just the way he loved it – swaying down to tangle your fingers in, straight until the slightly curved tip to outline along her shoulders... she began sternly.

he interrupted, I won't let you through. But there certainly is a lot I can think of to talk about, actually. He opened his mouth, ready to spill the monologue he had been working on since first saw Alyssa. Sydney wouldn't know what was coming... Sydney, ever since my father's death I have wanted nothing more than to give to my children everything that I missed. It's always been my dream to just... relive our moments together with my son or daughter, and also to create memories of things we never did. I want my own memories, don't you understand? Alyssa needs her own memories.

He paused, thinking of something utterly insane and gave a slight chuckle aloud. What if I were to die in the line of duty, he mused, now realizing that his idea was not so insane, and Alyssa had nothing of me? Nothing. I at least had eight years. I don't want to do that to my child; I couldn't do that to them. I want to be a part of her life, please, just let me. And what about money? You can't raise a child on your salary alone –

We're okay on money, she muttered, glaring at him, her eyebrows furrowed.

An easy rest slipped in as Vaughn allowed his words to sink into Sydney's mind. But soon, his thoughts could not restrain. What are you going to tell her when she asks about what you do for a living? Are you just going to say that you're a secret agent for the CIA, traveling to foreign lands every week and risking your life as well? Are you planning on telling her about how her Grandma Bristow murdered her Grandpa Vaughn? Or were you just not going to mention it? Because if she isn't going to have a dad, she might as well not have a grandpa either.

she urged, closing her eyes.

You may not think Alyssa needs me, he concluded, but I need her. I need you.

Sydney's eyes opened, and slowly made their way up from the floor to Vaughn's gaze. A screaming silence settled as their eyes penetrated one another's, searching deeper and deeper into their souls; one true gateway to profound venturing of their hearts. Vaughn couldn't stop himself, though neither could Sydney. The air, it seemed, pulled at their lungs, drawing every breath out and leaving them light headed. Why is that picture on your desk? she asked soft and breathily, finally blinking.

The broken eye contact made his eyes sting and water slightly. Will gave it to me. I look at that picture and I feel like I was there. All I have to do is look at your eyes... I see your love for Alyssa, and your pregnancy, labor, the birth. It all reflects in them. But you were scared, and... and confused. He cocked his head a little to the right. You're still scared and confused, I see it.

She edged closer to Vaughn and the door, gaining composure with each inch. Standing with her full height, she demanded, Let me out. Vaughn waited a few hopeful seconds before his hand twisted the door knob and he stepped aside, letting the sounds of the busy office ring in their ears. Sydney rushed out of the cracked door. We don't need you, Vaughn, she told him, her arm brushing against his sleeve.

Weiss sat right outside the door, sipping at his coffee. My boyfriend's back, and there's gonna be trouble. Hey la, hey la, my boyfriend's back! he sang triumphantly.

Shut up, Eric, both angry agents yelled at him. Sydney stormed off into the depths of the office, leaving Vaughn in the now empty room to deal with Weiss.

That went... well? Weiss asked with great caution.

Vaughn leaned hopelessly against the wall. I'm a failure.

Oh, I wouldn't say that.

You didn't hear what she said to me... That's it, I'll never see my daughter, I'll never be a father –

She has to be lying! There's no way she would just blow you off.

Yeah? Well, why else would she say that to me? He looked at Weiss for an answer, but when it was apparent that he didn't have one, Vaughn shook his head and decided to leave for the day. This work environment was too much for him to handle any longer; he had to get away.

He knew there had to be a way to make Sydney change her mind. He couldn't just let them walk out of his life. No, letting go of the them was not an option. Thinking on the spur of the moment, he dialed Sydney's number on his cell phone, and began to drive in the direction of her house.

a deep voice answered from the other end of the conversation. Damn, it was Will.

Hi, this is Vaughn. I need to talk to Sydney, but she probably won't want to speak with me.

Brief silence. Well, she isn't home yet. Why won't she talk to you? he wanted to know instead. Vaughn sighed. Must he really explain their whole fight to Will? He did anyway, despite his yearning to talk to Sydney. After a long explanation, Will replied with heavy breathing. I think you're right about her being confused, he stated, at last. She has to have some feelings for you still, I mean, you're the father of her child!

God I hope she still has feelings for me, he prayed. When do you think she'll get back?

It's hard to say, Will replied. Sometimes after work she just likes to get away. I've never asked her where she goes.

Vaughn wiped his hand down his face, and hoped Will wasn't looking outside his apartment. He was parked right outside in the street, checking to make sure Sydney really wasn't home. Which she wasn't. Thanks anyway, Will. He hung up, and began to drive home. Was this the end? Did he really have to give up?

No.

He wouldn't relent; he would win Sydney back and gain Alyssa as well. Nothing could stop him.

Because tomorrow he was following Sydney home and they would have to talk.

* * * * * * *

He slammed the car door shut, and slowly made his way closer to Sydney. She knew he was behind him, she knew he had followed her in his car, yet she made no attempt to escape. Vaughn looked around at his surrounding atmosphere; they were at the pier. He should have known this was where she would go. Sydney, who leaned on the railing, let out a shaky sigh. I knew you'd follow me here today, after Will told me you called.

Why didn't you just talk to me at work?

She shrugged. I don't know. I couldn't, I guess.

Carefully, he inched in proximity to her, closing the gap between them with each step. And she didn't move away as he neared! He was afraid to get too close, however, fearing she'd run away. Look, I just want to be part of my daughter's life.

I know, she said simply. Vaughn opened his mouth to add more, but Sydney stopped him. No, please, listen to what I have to say. He eyed her oddly. What could she possibly have to say to him? Bad news? Good news? Yelling? But something in her voice sparked a keen interest, and soon he leaned onto the railing, angling his body to enjoy the view which included Sydney. I owe you the biggest apology. I should have never kept you away from Alyssa. We should have talked about it a long time ago, and I've just been too... scared to do it.

Yesterday you pointed something out to me that I've refused to admit to myself for ages, she continued. That I'm just as scared and confused as I was after you disappeared. And it's the truth, I really am. I thought I was okay after I met Corey; I thought I had finally started to move on. But then they called and told me you were alive... She paused, reminiscing in the memory. After a moment she shook her head and forced herself to continue. You had died... and I had loved you so much. It took me so long to get over you, and even longer to admit that I should move on. So when you came back, I just got confused again. But, Vaughn, those feelings are returning. Slowly, but they're there.

Vaughn could hardly believe his ears. Sydney had loved him? And she still might? He must be dreaming. It was all a dream, it had to be. But a crisp, spring wind blew across their cheeks and Vaughn felt the sting. This was no dream, but reality at its fullest.

he said, hoping to finish his statement. But he was speechless. How does one respond to that?

Luckily, Sydney saved him from any embarrassment. I really do want you to be part Alyssa's life. Which is why I'm asking you to move in.



Move in with Alyssa, Will, and me. Was she serious? He met her gaze, strong and true. She jested, not. I really think the sooner you and Alyssa are together, the better.

Not to mention the more time I spend with you... He didn't finish his thought. All he had to do was picture his old relationship with Sydney and he knew exactly what he wanted. Okay. I'll do it.

You will? she asked, making sure her ears hadn't deceived her.

I'll move in with you.

A smile grew from Sydney's face, small at first, but then bigger and bigger, until finally she picked up her hand and rested it on top of Vaughn's. Shivers tickled down his spine at her touch, a feeling he had waited too long to feel. His life had changed dramatically in a matter of minutes. He had gone from sad, lonely, and a failure to the happiest man alive. He would be living with Sydney and Alyssa! Could life be any better?

It could, he remembered. She and Corey were done, finito, over! It would only be a matter of time before he and Sydney were back to normal, he expected. They could talk and laugh again, and perhaps hug and kiss later too. He would ask her many questions, as she probably would also, and would be together for hours on end. His new life would be excellent.

But he couldn't help but wonder, what brought on the sudden change in Sydney?



A/n: If that sounds like a cliffhanger, it very well might be. I hope you liked this fluff-ness at the end, because I really enjoyed writing it. I missed it dearly. Please review and tell me what you think! Oh, and I hate to break it to you but there are only two chapters left for this I believe. Don't hold me to that, though, I could be completely lying.
~Whitelighter Enchantress