AN: Okay, folks, here it is, my Valentine's chapter. It doesn't get lovey
til the end, so hang tight. Next chapter should be up in a few days. Have
fun!
I sat in Dixon's office composing myself for maybe a half hour. Dixon kept his word and nobody came to the office. As I finally stood to leave, my father walked into the room.
"Dad."
"Sydney, how are you doing? Dixon told me what happened."
"I'm okay. I just can't be with Vaughn anymore. I'm sorry I didn't come to you. Especially since you called this morning to check on me."
"It's fine. He was the right person to talk to."
"Thank you." He raised his hand, which concealed my purse.
"I thought you might want to freshen up before you went to debrief." I felt like I could cry again.
"Dad, you are so great. Thank you again."
"Anytime, Sydney." I leaned forward and hugged him, something that was becoming more and more familiar to me. To think that 4 years ago we could barely speak. I heard the door push open and turned to face it. Dixon was back.
"Okay, I've talked with Langley. They say that they're not sure how to keep Vaughn on the Covenant issue and not have him be your partner, but they're on it. Tomorrow they are sending an agent from there to be your new partner."
"Wait... A new one this soon? Will I be able to have a day or two off?"
"Of course. She'll come here, get introduced to the staff and facilities and be fully briefed by the time you're back."
"She? I get a female partner?"
"Do you object to that?"
"No, I'm thrilled. I've never had a female partner."
"I'm glad you get to do this, then."
"I'll go get everyone for the briefing. You'll have about two minutes." My dad said. With that he turned and left. I sat back down on the couch and pulled out my compact. Dixon waited patiently as I covered up the trails that had been eroded by tears. When I was sure I looked okay, I put everything back in my purse and looked at Dixon.
"I'm ready."
"You do know that I'm required to inform Vaughn about this."
"Yes. But do me a favor. Tell him after I leave the briefing. Then, he can't corner me here."
"That's fine." He held the door for me and we both went to the briefing room. Vaughn, Lauren, Marshall, and my father were on one side of the table. I took a seat at the opposite end from Vaughn, across from my dad. Once we all were seated, Dixon began.
"Thanks to Sydney and Vaughn's work, we now have a Covenant defector in our custody. He has alerted us to a facility the Covenant is using to hold some of their documents. In these documents are plans to start Covenant cells in major countries. Now, this facility is on the island of Java, in Jakarta. We'll be sending you two in to get the information from this facility." He slid Vaughn and I red folders containing the mission specs. "You'll need to be at Dover in 2 hours. That's all. Vaughn, can I talk to you after for a second?" I didn't even stay to hear the answer. I went right to my desk, grabbed my coat and purse, and sprinted for the door. I refused to even look up, due to the fear that Lauren could come back for another punch at me.
Once home, I packed, and rolled my suitcase to the front door. Then, I saw that I still had another hour before I had to leave. I was afraid to turn on the radio, even scared to turn on the TV in fear that I might lose my willpower again and have another breakdown. Two was enough for one day, thank you. What I needed was something that required focus and my whole mind. I needed to take a run.
I grabbed a pair of sweatpants and a tank top, threw on my tennis shoes, and headed out the door. Turning left at the corner, I started for the beach. There would be enough noise there to drown out my thoughts. My feet flew and my ponytail tossed and I ran. It was a nice day. Not too hot, but not to cold either. There were a few people on the beach, but not too many. Luckily, Vaughn and I had no beach memories. Nothing for me to dote upon.
I checked my watch and saw that it was time to go home. 30 minutes had passed too quickly. I sped home and got ready to leave again. I decided to change into jeans and a red turtleneck I liked to wear because it would be more comfortable. One last look at the clock told me that I should leave in 10 minutes. But wait; if I left now, I would get to the plane before Vaughn. And I could avoid a confrontation. Perfect.
I got in my car and headed right for Dover field. The plane was waiting there on the runway, set to take Vaughn and me halfway around the world. And, sure enough, Vaughn's car wasn't there. I had beaten him. Once my car was parked, I headed for the plane. When I got to the steps, a black- haired woman greeted me.
"You must be Miss Bristow."
"Yes, I am."
"I'm Ashley Moyer. I'm the co-pilot for the flight."
"Nice to meet you. Has Agent Vaughn arrived yet?"
"No, not yet."
"Alright, I believe I'll go get settled in."
"That's fine." I smiled at her and then headed back to the cabin. The seat in the back looked good, so I walked to it and set down my bags. Then, I pulled out my new book, The Da Vinci Code, and my C.D. player. Anything that would discourage conversation with Vaughn.
Right as I turned on my C.D., I saw Vaughn walk in. I turned my eyes back to my book and refused to even look at him. He set his stuff down near the front of the cabin and looked my way. No, I told myself, don't fall for it. Don't look into his eyes and get lost like you used to. Don't let yourself think of how much you love him. Don't tell him... Read, dang it, read. But now he was headed towards me. There was no denying it, there was going to be a fight, and it was one that I didn't want to have.
His cell phone began to ring, which stopped him in his tracks. Thanks be to whoever was calling. But, when I saw the way he reacted, I knew it was Lauren. Never mind the thanks. He sat down in the nearest seat and started talking. I decided to eavesdrop a little, so I paused my C.D. player and listened in.
"Hey." He paused to listen. "Yeah, she's already here." Ah, I entered the conversation so soon. "Yes, I know. Lauren, Lauren, I know." I wasn't sure what they were talking about, but it probably had something to do with me. "Okay, I'll talk to you when the mission is complete. Love you, bye." I quickly turned my C.D. player back on and acted as if nothing had happened. But, Vaughn was heading for me again and I had nowhere to turn.
"Sydney." He called to me, but I gave no reply. I wouldn't reply. I couldn't let myself fall into him. "Sydney, I know you can hear me, so I want you to talk." Still nothing. Stay strong, Syd, don't give in. Finally, though, he got impatient. He pulls my book away and presses the stop button on my C.D. player. "Why are you doing this?"
"What, Vaughn, four days ago you were using a book as a decoy. Why is it wrong for me to do the same?"
"I mean the request, Syd."
"Vaughn, no, I do not want to discuss this!"
"What happened in North Korea was..."
"I know. It was just a mistake because we thought we were going to die. I've run over it about a million times in my head. And those million times are just a million too many."
"Don't think I haven't thought about it too."
"Yeah, but Vaughn, you are MARRIED! Why the heck do you think I asked for a change? I can't be around you."
"But..."
"Vaughn, every time I'm around you, I get hazy. I don't think straight and it's hurting me. I half drove off the road earlier, and that can't be happening."
"Sydney, do you know how it feels to be torn between two worlds?"
"Yes, I do, and it's a pain. Which is why I say this. I won't be the other woman. I won't be the one your wife hates. Now she told me to leave you alone, so I will comply with her wishes." Why did I say that? I should never have said that.
"She said what?"
"Nothing, Vaughn, just please, know that I'm doing this to help you."
"Sydney, I want you as my partner, we do good work."
"Vaughn, forget me. In a week I won't be your partner and you will be doing other work. Just forget me."
"That's impossible. I can't. Syd, for the million times you think of me, there's ten times that in my head. I don't know if it is possible, but I'm in love with two women at once."
"Don't you say that."
"It's true."
"NO! Vaughn, God, don't you get it. Remember how things were when you thought I was dead? Go back to that! Make me dead to you! It'd be better off that way."
"No, it wouldn't be. Do you know what it was like for me then? I wanted to die too. Just like I do now."
"You don't have to. I've taken care of everything. I'll get a new partner and you'll probably be working with Lauren."
"Sydney, stop talking for one moment and listen to what I want to tell you. I've missed you more than anything since you died. Lauren, Lauren was just a nice face after a low period. If you knew what was going on in my life, you'd understand."
"Vaughn..."
"Nope, your turn to listen. Since you left, there hasn't been a day that I haven't thought of you. And since you've come back, there hasn't been a moment I haven't thought of you. Sydney, you need to know that what I'm telling you is true. I never got to tell you before you died, and now that I have you back, I want to tell you. I love you.
AN: Yes, so there it is, my great Valentine's chapter (posted about 20 minutes before the end of Valentine's day). The next chapter will be the end of the argument and the mission (which will probably be completely different than what will be in the episode tomorrow.) But please review. Thanks!!
I sat in Dixon's office composing myself for maybe a half hour. Dixon kept his word and nobody came to the office. As I finally stood to leave, my father walked into the room.
"Dad."
"Sydney, how are you doing? Dixon told me what happened."
"I'm okay. I just can't be with Vaughn anymore. I'm sorry I didn't come to you. Especially since you called this morning to check on me."
"It's fine. He was the right person to talk to."
"Thank you." He raised his hand, which concealed my purse.
"I thought you might want to freshen up before you went to debrief." I felt like I could cry again.
"Dad, you are so great. Thank you again."
"Anytime, Sydney." I leaned forward and hugged him, something that was becoming more and more familiar to me. To think that 4 years ago we could barely speak. I heard the door push open and turned to face it. Dixon was back.
"Okay, I've talked with Langley. They say that they're not sure how to keep Vaughn on the Covenant issue and not have him be your partner, but they're on it. Tomorrow they are sending an agent from there to be your new partner."
"Wait... A new one this soon? Will I be able to have a day or two off?"
"Of course. She'll come here, get introduced to the staff and facilities and be fully briefed by the time you're back."
"She? I get a female partner?"
"Do you object to that?"
"No, I'm thrilled. I've never had a female partner."
"I'm glad you get to do this, then."
"I'll go get everyone for the briefing. You'll have about two minutes." My dad said. With that he turned and left. I sat back down on the couch and pulled out my compact. Dixon waited patiently as I covered up the trails that had been eroded by tears. When I was sure I looked okay, I put everything back in my purse and looked at Dixon.
"I'm ready."
"You do know that I'm required to inform Vaughn about this."
"Yes. But do me a favor. Tell him after I leave the briefing. Then, he can't corner me here."
"That's fine." He held the door for me and we both went to the briefing room. Vaughn, Lauren, Marshall, and my father were on one side of the table. I took a seat at the opposite end from Vaughn, across from my dad. Once we all were seated, Dixon began.
"Thanks to Sydney and Vaughn's work, we now have a Covenant defector in our custody. He has alerted us to a facility the Covenant is using to hold some of their documents. In these documents are plans to start Covenant cells in major countries. Now, this facility is on the island of Java, in Jakarta. We'll be sending you two in to get the information from this facility." He slid Vaughn and I red folders containing the mission specs. "You'll need to be at Dover in 2 hours. That's all. Vaughn, can I talk to you after for a second?" I didn't even stay to hear the answer. I went right to my desk, grabbed my coat and purse, and sprinted for the door. I refused to even look up, due to the fear that Lauren could come back for another punch at me.
Once home, I packed, and rolled my suitcase to the front door. Then, I saw that I still had another hour before I had to leave. I was afraid to turn on the radio, even scared to turn on the TV in fear that I might lose my willpower again and have another breakdown. Two was enough for one day, thank you. What I needed was something that required focus and my whole mind. I needed to take a run.
I grabbed a pair of sweatpants and a tank top, threw on my tennis shoes, and headed out the door. Turning left at the corner, I started for the beach. There would be enough noise there to drown out my thoughts. My feet flew and my ponytail tossed and I ran. It was a nice day. Not too hot, but not to cold either. There were a few people on the beach, but not too many. Luckily, Vaughn and I had no beach memories. Nothing for me to dote upon.
I checked my watch and saw that it was time to go home. 30 minutes had passed too quickly. I sped home and got ready to leave again. I decided to change into jeans and a red turtleneck I liked to wear because it would be more comfortable. One last look at the clock told me that I should leave in 10 minutes. But wait; if I left now, I would get to the plane before Vaughn. And I could avoid a confrontation. Perfect.
I got in my car and headed right for Dover field. The plane was waiting there on the runway, set to take Vaughn and me halfway around the world. And, sure enough, Vaughn's car wasn't there. I had beaten him. Once my car was parked, I headed for the plane. When I got to the steps, a black- haired woman greeted me.
"You must be Miss Bristow."
"Yes, I am."
"I'm Ashley Moyer. I'm the co-pilot for the flight."
"Nice to meet you. Has Agent Vaughn arrived yet?"
"No, not yet."
"Alright, I believe I'll go get settled in."
"That's fine." I smiled at her and then headed back to the cabin. The seat in the back looked good, so I walked to it and set down my bags. Then, I pulled out my new book, The Da Vinci Code, and my C.D. player. Anything that would discourage conversation with Vaughn.
Right as I turned on my C.D., I saw Vaughn walk in. I turned my eyes back to my book and refused to even look at him. He set his stuff down near the front of the cabin and looked my way. No, I told myself, don't fall for it. Don't look into his eyes and get lost like you used to. Don't let yourself think of how much you love him. Don't tell him... Read, dang it, read. But now he was headed towards me. There was no denying it, there was going to be a fight, and it was one that I didn't want to have.
His cell phone began to ring, which stopped him in his tracks. Thanks be to whoever was calling. But, when I saw the way he reacted, I knew it was Lauren. Never mind the thanks. He sat down in the nearest seat and started talking. I decided to eavesdrop a little, so I paused my C.D. player and listened in.
"Hey." He paused to listen. "Yeah, she's already here." Ah, I entered the conversation so soon. "Yes, I know. Lauren, Lauren, I know." I wasn't sure what they were talking about, but it probably had something to do with me. "Okay, I'll talk to you when the mission is complete. Love you, bye." I quickly turned my C.D. player back on and acted as if nothing had happened. But, Vaughn was heading for me again and I had nowhere to turn.
"Sydney." He called to me, but I gave no reply. I wouldn't reply. I couldn't let myself fall into him. "Sydney, I know you can hear me, so I want you to talk." Still nothing. Stay strong, Syd, don't give in. Finally, though, he got impatient. He pulls my book away and presses the stop button on my C.D. player. "Why are you doing this?"
"What, Vaughn, four days ago you were using a book as a decoy. Why is it wrong for me to do the same?"
"I mean the request, Syd."
"Vaughn, no, I do not want to discuss this!"
"What happened in North Korea was..."
"I know. It was just a mistake because we thought we were going to die. I've run over it about a million times in my head. And those million times are just a million too many."
"Don't think I haven't thought about it too."
"Yeah, but Vaughn, you are MARRIED! Why the heck do you think I asked for a change? I can't be around you."
"But..."
"Vaughn, every time I'm around you, I get hazy. I don't think straight and it's hurting me. I half drove off the road earlier, and that can't be happening."
"Sydney, do you know how it feels to be torn between two worlds?"
"Yes, I do, and it's a pain. Which is why I say this. I won't be the other woman. I won't be the one your wife hates. Now she told me to leave you alone, so I will comply with her wishes." Why did I say that? I should never have said that.
"She said what?"
"Nothing, Vaughn, just please, know that I'm doing this to help you."
"Sydney, I want you as my partner, we do good work."
"Vaughn, forget me. In a week I won't be your partner and you will be doing other work. Just forget me."
"That's impossible. I can't. Syd, for the million times you think of me, there's ten times that in my head. I don't know if it is possible, but I'm in love with two women at once."
"Don't you say that."
"It's true."
"NO! Vaughn, God, don't you get it. Remember how things were when you thought I was dead? Go back to that! Make me dead to you! It'd be better off that way."
"No, it wouldn't be. Do you know what it was like for me then? I wanted to die too. Just like I do now."
"You don't have to. I've taken care of everything. I'll get a new partner and you'll probably be working with Lauren."
"Sydney, stop talking for one moment and listen to what I want to tell you. I've missed you more than anything since you died. Lauren, Lauren was just a nice face after a low period. If you knew what was going on in my life, you'd understand."
"Vaughn..."
"Nope, your turn to listen. Since you left, there hasn't been a day that I haven't thought of you. And since you've come back, there hasn't been a moment I haven't thought of you. Sydney, you need to know that what I'm telling you is true. I never got to tell you before you died, and now that I have you back, I want to tell you. I love you.
AN: Yes, so there it is, my great Valentine's chapter (posted about 20 minutes before the end of Valentine's day). The next chapter will be the end of the argument and the mission (which will probably be completely different than what will be in the episode tomorrow.) But please review. Thanks!!