Slowly the women began to move onto the years they'd spent as wives. While Irina had been ordered to marry Jack, Yelena had married Arvin because she loved him. Their husbands had been good friends before their marriages so when Jack and Irina began looking for a house they searched near Arvin and Emily's home.
The idea was that when Arvin and Jack were on "business trips", the women would be near each other if either should need something. And, when they had children, there would always be someone to look after the kids.
"Thank you." Irina said, causing Yelena to look up, "For looking after Sydney all those years. I was so worried when I left her. I knew Jack would take care of her, her just -" she paused, trying to put her thoughts into words, when it came to discussing her family, Irina seemed to struggle with explaining her true feelings. "-she needed a woman around." She settled with lamely.
"There's no need to thank me for, Irina. She's my niece. In truth, Jack turned away so much after your death, I always watched over Sydney, but not in the way I should have. He loved you so much, after your death, he just caved in on himself. Not letting any one close." Shaking her head, she tried to block out the thoughts of Jack during the first year after Laura's death.
"I know you would have done the same if the roles were reversed." It was true, Irina and her sisters had talked a great deal before Irina excepted the mission to seduce a CIA Agent and marry him. Children had of course come up, it was agreed that when it came time for her to leave, Yelena would watch over Sydney and Katya would watch from a distance.
Since "Emily" and "Laura" had been good friends few if any questions would be asked about this arrangement. As for Kayta, Sydney had never seen her before and as long as she remained discreet, no one, save for her sisters would ever know what she was doing.
"Arvin helped as well." Yelena spoke softly, "He's always cared for her you know." she loved her husband, despite what her sisters feelings of dislike for him and wanted to give him credit as well.
The furry in Irina's eyes at this declaration worried her sister. "He'd never hurt her. He's her uncle."
"I don't need to be reminded of their relationship." Irina snapped.
Yelena tried to fight off the pain and irritation that consumed her whenever she spoke to her sisters about Arvin. "This isn't going to be easy is it?"
"What?" Irina asked, confused by the sudden change of subject.
"The four of us together."
"I was thinking about the earlier. No, it won't be." Irina answered.
"Tell me, how is it that you and Katya are able to work with Arvin but when it comes to being with him socially, your entire conversation revolves around who can kill who faster while causing the most pain?"
Irina stared at he sister for a moment, a hit of mirth in her eyes as she thought about what Yelena just said. Kayta's last words to Arvin had been that if he upset her, Cole's "Box" was going to look like a cake walk. Understandably, as she had won the metal that the intelligence community dubbed "Most Kills Made Using Alternative Means", Sloane took her rather seriously.
Realizing that Yelena was waiting for an answer, Irina explained, "Their are two reasons why I work with him, one, he has connections that have come in handy over the years, this past year especially. The other reason is, working with him allows me to see his moves. I can't explain to much of this but in my working with him now, learning how far he's come in realizing the word of Rambaldi protects Sydney. You have to believe, everything I do, is done to protect my daughter."
"He would never hurt Sydney." Yelena said testily.
"You've never seen his true side!" Irina snapped, with a tone matching that of her sister.
Yelena took several shaky breaths and rubbed her hands over her face. She knew she needed to change the subject. "I always envied you and Jack. Having Sydney. Arvin's all I'll ever have. I- I'm, I mean- Not being able to," she stopped, having trouble getting the words out.
"Out of the three of us, you deserved children the most." Irina said in a whisper.
Yelena stood and walked over the mini bar, much like her sister had only an two house before. "If the cancer would have come just a bit later," she shook her head. "I guess when I think about it, Arvin and I never could have had children any ways. It would not have been fair to them, with his job, going away so much."
"Tell me," Irina began, "how did you avoid getting sucked into this life?"
"What do you mean?" Yelena asked.
"I know you were approached by the KGB but you never joined. When Arvin began working for the Alliance you stayed clear of that as well. Why? You've always been good at the intelligence work."
"Do you think I wanted that life Irina? We've lost both our parents, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends to so call "intelligence" work, I never wanted to subject my family or my friends to that." Yelena explained, a hint of vexation in her voice.
"Does it bother you that Kayta and I chose to join?" Irina asked, they had never really talked about this. In light conversation once or twice but never in-depth.
"No," Yelena said, shaking her head. "I know you both needed to. It's part of who you are, I understand that. I've worried about you both, but I could not have changed your minds and I never had any intention of doing so."
"Thank you." Irina told her, feeling a little better.
Before Yelena could say anything they heard a knock and a moment later the copilot walked into their cabin. "I'm sorry to intrude, we will be landing in ten minutes." He said then quickly exited.
Yelena began to leave when she felt Irina's hand on her arm. "When are you going to tell him?" She asked quietly.
"When we get to your house." Yelena said, not really wanting to think about that subject again.
"All right." Irina said, releasing her grip. She hoped that they would arrive before Kayta did.
As they entered the main cabin a sad smile touched Yelena's lips. She knew if Arvin did not take the revelation well this might be the last time she'd see him sleep. She loved watching him sleep, he looked so peaceful to her.
She walked over to him and shook his shoulder gently. "Arvin," she said softly, "come honey, it's time to wake up."
Irina smiled as she watched the scene in front of her. Had it been any other time she'd have laughed at her sisters cooing tone and choice of language but at the moment she could see the love her sister held for this man. Even if Irina herself wanted to gut him alive.
"Emily," he said his voice house from sleep.
"We will be landing soon, honey. You need to sit up." Yelena sat down next to him and held his hand.
"Are you all right?" Arvin asked her, his eyes traveling between her and Irina.
"I'm fine." She reassured him, "We just need to talk when we land."
- - - -