[A/N: Sorry I took so long in getting this chapter up, I wanted to make
sure it was nicely sized and I had to slightly tweak chapter 2 of this fic
to make the rest of it work. Not a big thing, but I had to push Syd
overhearing Sark/Lauren convo a bit. Enjoy!]
***************************************************************
[Enter Chez François: Vaughn is waiting for Lauren to arrive]
Waiter: Monsieur, are you ready to order yet?
Vaughn: No, thank you, I'm waiting on my wife. She should be here any minute now.
Waiter: Just let me know when you are ready to order.
[Waiter leaves. Five minutes pass before Vaughn notices his very pregnant wife trying her best not to waddle on her way to their table. Vaughn stands up to greet his wife]
Vaughn: *leaning over to kiss her on the cheek* How are you feeling, honey? *he pulls out her chair for her*
Lauren: Huge, and uncomfortable.
Vaughn: {smiling at his wife} Well, we are having twins. I'm sure it'll all be worth it in the end.
Lauren: Yes, well, if you were the one with the task of pushing these babies out you wouldn't think twins sounded so wonderful.
Vaughn: Oh, I don't know. At least they'll always have a playmate. No worries about loneliness.
Lauren: As I said, if you would like to have the honour of pushing we can see about having it arranged.
[Vaughn merely smiles at his obviously hormonal wife and signals for the waiter]
Vaughn: You look beautiful, love, is that a new dress?
Lauren: *genuinely smiling* Actually, yes. I bought it at Baby Boutique today. All of my others are becoming so tight.
Vaughn: Well, I highly approve. It looks absolutely lovely on you.
[The waiter arrives and places menus on the table]
Waiter: Madam, what may I bring you to drink?
Lauren: I think I'll just have an iced tea, thank you.
Waiter: And you, Monsieur?
Vaughn: A merlot, thank you.
Waiter: *nodding* I'll be back to take your order.
[Waiter leaves to get drinks]
Lauren: So how was work today?
Vaughn: Good, I'm leaving for Amsterdam tomorrow. Sydney and I have to go photograph some kind of document.
Lauren: Oh, so that's why we're having this dinner. You're trying to break the news to me gently. Hoping I won't have an emotional breakdown in a public place.
Vaughn: Now, Lauren, that is not why I brought you here. I just thought we could have a nice night together before I left...and before the babies come. It might be our last for quite a while.
Lauren: Sure it is. Oh, I understand. Don't worry. Just wanted to take your pregnant wife to the fancy new restaurant in town.
Vaughn: Lauren, please don't be that way, sweetie. I meant nothing by this. If you want to go home we can.
Lauren: Like I would cause a scene like that. Let's just sit down have our damn dinner.
[Waiter shows back up with Lauren's iced tea and a bottle of wine]
Waiter: *presenting bottle of wine before pouring* Monsieur, is this to your liking?
Vaughn: *sipping the wine and nodding* Yes, this is fine.
Waiter: Do you and the madam wish to order now?
Vaughn: *glances at Lauren, she nods* Yes, I believe we would. Lauren, what do you want, honey?
Lauren: I believe I'll have the filet mignon, well done, with a side of the lobster bisque.
Vaughn: I think I'll have the same, only make my filet mignon medium rare.
Waiter: *writing down order* Thank you.
[Waiter walks off] {awkward silence}
Vaughn: So, were the babies kicking today?
Lauren: Of course. One of them seems to be far more active, our little kickboxer. Thank god he tired himself out around noon. I finally got a short nap.
Vaughn: He? You think it's a boy?
Lauren: *shrugging her shoulders slightly* I don't really know either way. You've been at all of the ultrasounds. Sometimes they say it's two boys, sometimes girls, sometimes a boy and a girl. Who knows. Today I feel like one of them is a boy, tomorrow I may feel like they're girls.
Vaughn: Oh.
Lauren: Are you saying you wouldn't be happy if it was girls?
Vaughn: Of course not! How could you think that?
Lauren: Well, you seemed rather disappointed when I said I didn't know yet.
Vaughn: Oh, no, I was just wondering. I thought maybe the doctor had called or something.
Lauren: *nodding* Ah.
Vaughn: Did you pick up any baby things while you were in the store today?
Lauren: Oh, yes. I bought the bassinets and the prams.
Vaughn: Prams?
Lauren: *raises eyebrow* Yes.
Vaughn: What is a pram?
Lauren: It's a stroller for a small infant.
Vaughn: Ah.
{Vaughn is relieved as the waiter shows up with their food. They eat in silence for a while}
Vaughn: How is your food?
Lauren: Very delicious.
Vaughn: The steak is cooked enough?
Lauren: Yes.
Vaughn: Lauren, would you please stop giving me the cold shoulder? I didn't bring you here to sit and not talk. I'm sorry you think I brought you here to break the news to you that I'm going on a mission with Syd..ney. But I didn't, you know I wouldn't do that.
Lauren: What do you want me to say, Michael? When have we ever really talked? Not since she came back. Do you see the connection? Do you?
Vaughn: Do not bring Sydney into this. I can't help it if you don't trust me around her. But Sydney and I are in the past. I'm with you now. *grabs Lauren's hand* I'm married to you. Why can't you just trust me, Lauren?
Lauren: I really can't get into this right now, Michael. You know I can't get upset. Dr. Scherlberg said my blood pressure has been rising and he's afraid it might be pre-eclampsia. Just please, drop the subject.
Vaughn: Pre-eclampsia?
Lauren: It's a condition some pregnant women develop. It can be very harmful to the baby and can cause the mother's kidneys to malfunction. It can also cause severe seizures. There's a higher risk in multiple births not to mention women with high stress jobs.
Vaughn: *looking very worried* What are the chances that you have this?
Lauren: Well, if I can manage to keep my blood pressure down and just relax once in a while it shouldn't be a problem. But fighting about you and Sydney isn't helping anyone, least of all the babies and me.
Vaughn: *reaches over to stroke Lauren's cheek* Why don't we finish dinner and go home to rest?
Lauren: *touches Vaughn's hand that is resting on her cheek* That sounds fine.
[They continue dinner in silence]
************************************************************************
[Enter Syd's apartment. She hears a knock at the door]
Sydney: *calling out* Who is it?
Weiss: It's me! Weiss.
Sydney: *opening door* Hey Weiss. Come in, come in.
Weiss: *hanging coat up and sniffing* What is that smell?
Sydney: Oh, I was just making supper. Chicken sautéed in lemon. I'm going to have too much for just me, care to join me?
Weiss: Of course, haven't got anything better to do. Can I help out in the kitchen?
Sydney: *chuckling slightly* I usually need all the help I can get.
[Sydney leads the way into her small kitchen. They cook in silence for a while]
Weiss: Syd, are you okay?
Sydney: What do you mean?
Weiss: You just seem kind of...distracted.
Sydney: No, I'm fine really. Just fine.
Weiss: Are you really sure? You don't seem fine?
Sydney: I just haven't been feeling up to par lately.
Weiss: *hesitating* This isn't about the baby shower is it? Because you don't have to go, Mike doesn't realise what an ass he can be sometimes.
Sydney: *smiling at Weiss* He's not an ass, he's just under a lot of stress lately.
Weiss: Nice change of subject, Syd.
Sydney: Really, I'm fine, Weiss.
Weiss: If you're sure...
Sydney: I'm sure.
Weiss: Okay. *puts arm around Syd's shoulders and gives them a brief squeeze before going back to the rice*
******************************************************************
[Jack is driving down the highway in his car; his cell phone rings]
Jack: Hello?
Sydney: Dad?
Jack: Sydney? What's wrong? Where are you?
Sydney: I'm fine, Dad. I was just wondering if we could meet somewhere, or maybe you could come by my apartment? I need to talk with you about something.
Jack: Hold on, Sydney, I'll be right there.
{Jack begins speeding down the highway towards Sydney's place}
************************************************************************ [Enter Syd's apartment; there's an urgent pounding on the door; Sydney walks over to open the door for her dad]
Sydney: I'm sorry I worried you, Dad.
Jack: What's wrong?
Sydney: Nothing is wrong, I just had something I needed to talk to you about.
Jack: What is it?
Sydney: Well, I was in a...store the other day and I thought I had heard Lauren's voice, so I went to go check it out. And, Dad, she was there...and so was Sark. And, Dad, she didn't seem scared or mad.
Jack: Are you implying that Lauren and Sark are somehow...partners?
Sydney: Well, she didn't seem like this was anything new.
Jack: What happened exactly, Sydney? Were they discussing something?
Sydney: I don't know, by the time I had gotten within hearing range the saleslady had intervened—
Jack: Why would the saleslady intervene?
Sydney: She seemed to think there was a problem. Dad, this was definitely not a new thing.
Jack: Sydney, I'm not entirely sure you're the most reliable person on this.
Sydney: 'Not the most reliable person'? Are you saying that just because I was involved with Vaughn two YEARS ago that I can't be trusted? Dad, I wouldn't make this up!
Jack: Sydney, I'm not saying that it didn't happen. But your emotions may cloud your judgment—
Sydney: I can't believe you're saying this! You of all people should know that I would never tell you this unless I thought it was important!
Jack: I know you thought you saw something, however, you could have been subconsciously projecting.
Sydney: I know what I saw, Dad. I didn't want to see it! I've caused Vaughn enough pain as it is, the last thing I want is to cause him more. But I know what I saw, and I saw Lauren and Sark in a very suspicious situation. *Sydney begins crying*
{Jack touches her shoulder in comfort; Sydney collapses onto him, hugging him tightly}
*********************************************************************
[Enter plane; Sydney and Vaughn are flying to Amsterdam for their latest mission]
{Syd notices Vaughn looks a little distraught}
Sydney: Vaughn, is something wrong?
Vaughn: *looking up* Huh?
Sydney: I asked if anything was wrong. You look a little...distracted.
Vaughn: Oh, it's nothing.
Sydney: If it has you this upset it's not 'nothing'. Vaughn, I know we haven't exactly been...close lately. But if you need to talk, I'm still here.
Vaughn: *grinning sadly at Sydney* I just had a fight with Lauren last night. We were having a going away dinner and she...she's just been very hormonal lately and she took something the wrong way.
Sydney: *feeling very uncomfortable* Oh. Um...was it anything in particular that she was upset about?
Vaughn: Oh, uh, not really. You know, she's pregnant so everything just gets blown out of proportion. We have little fights occasionally. She's been having...problems with the pregnancy so...she's just been on edge.
Sydney: Oh, I'm sorry. She's been having problems?
Vaughn: *nodding* Yeah, apparently it's something to do with her blood pressure and stress.
Sydney: I'm so sorry, Vaughn. Tell her...tell her I hope everything turns out okay.
Vaughn: *nods* Thanks, Syd.
{They look at eachother; you can see the sadness in both of their gazes, it was never supposed to be this way}
*******************************************************************
[Amsterdam; Sydney and Vaughn are outside the Amstel Inter-Continental Amsterdam]
Sydney: You ready?
Vaughn: *nodding* Yeah.
Sydney: Vaughn, are you sure?
Vaughn: What is that supposed to mean?
Sydney: I just wanted to make sure you were feeling on top of your game. You seemed really distracted on the airplane.
Vaughn: Sydney, you should know that I do not let my personal life interfere with missions.
Sydney: *raising an eyebrow* Vaughn—
Vaughn: Syd, I'm fine. Let's just do this.
{Sydney sighs, picks up the long hem of her ball gown and chases up to Vaughn}
*****************************************************************
[Enter: Amstel Inter-Continental Mirror Room]
Sydney: *whispering* Vaughn, I see Von Gaughinheim.
Vaughn: *nodding* Okay, I'll be walking around near the hallway.
{Sydney walks up to Gaughinheim}
Sydney: Hallo...*continues in Dutch*.
[Weiss continuously gives Sydney information about Gaughinheim through her earpiece]
Weiss: Okay Syd, loop the cameras Vaughn is headed towards the office.
{Sydney pretends to become embarrassed by something Von Gaughinheim has said to her, pushing her hair clip as she self-consciously touches her wig}
*********************************************************************
[Enter: Hallway leading from Mirror Room to Von Gaughinheim's office; Vaughn is running]
Weiss: Okay, take the next left.
{Vaughn cuts around the next left corner he sees, constantly keeping an eye out for any guards}
Weiss: Okay, the door should be the third on the right.
{Vaughn sees said door up ahead; deactivates the alarm and slips into the office}
Vaughn: I'm in Weiss, I see the security camera, how much time do I have?
Weiss: Thirty-nine seconds.
Vaughn: *groaning and rushing over to the security camera* Okay, what do I clip the microphone wire to?
Weiss: Uhhhh, the yellow wire.
Vaughn: *locating the yellow wire and attaches the microphone* Where does the camera wire attach?
Weiss: The red wire.
Vaughn: *looking through the tangle of wires* There is no red wire.
Weiss: There has to be.
Vaughn: Well, there isn't. How much time?
Weiss: *glancing down at the stopwatch* 15 seconds.
Vaughn: Dammit. There is NO red wire, Weiss. Wanna help me out here?
Weiss: What colours do you see?
Vaughn: I see green, blue, white and black.
Weiss: Try the...uhh....the white one.
Vaughn: *clipping the white wire* Anything?
Weiss: No. Dammit, Mike you gotta get out of there.
Vaughn: How much time?
Weiss: Five seconds...no make that three. Vaughn: *hears the soft bleeping of the alarm* Too late.
***********************************************************************
{Sydney suddenly notices a guard approaching Von Gaughinheim and her; the guard whispers something feverishly in Von Gaughinheim's ear]
Steffan Von Gaughinheim: Misser, als u me zult excuseren.
{Von Gaughinheim turns to walk away; Sydney grabs his upper arm halting him}
Sydney: Oh, Mijnheer Von Gaughinheim! U bent zo vriendelijk. Denkt u misschien wij konden persoonlijk raadplegen nadat gala beëindigt?
{Sydney gives him a lustful stare}
Von Gaughinheim: Dat klinkt absoluut verrukkelijk. Ik zal een ruimte voor ons reserveren. Ben daar na gala.
Sydney: Ik zou het niet missen, Mijnheer Von Gaughinheim.
Von Gaughinheim: Tevreden, oproepen me Steffan.
{Sydney smiles at him as he turns once more to walk away}
Weiss: Sydney, get out of there. Vaughn's is coming around the front of the building.
{Sydney grabs the hem of her dress and scurries towards the front door}
**************************************************
[Enter: Alleyway beside Amstel Inter-Continental Amsterdam]
Weiss: Sydney is leaving the building through the front door. Tag up with her and find your car.
[Vaughn rounds to the front of the building, guards right behind; and sees Sydney burst out of the front doors, running as best she can in her four inch stilettos]
Vaughn: Syd!
Sydney: Vaughn!
[Vaughn rushes ahead and grabs Syd's hand practically dragging her to their getaway car]
*******************************************************************
[Enter: Sydney and Vaughn pulling getaway car into deserted parking garage]
{Sydney glances over and notices Vaughn as a gash on his right hand knuckles}
Sydney: *lightly grazing them and noticing Vaughn flinches* Oh, Vaughn, you're hurt.
Vaughn: *pulling his hand away from her touch* It's nothing, just a scratch.
Sydney: That is not just a scratch, Vaughn. Just lemme take a look at it.
{Sydney reaches over to grasp Vaughn's hand lightly in her own}
Sydney: *flipping on the overhead car light* Well, I can't see and glass or other debris in it. But I think you'll need a few butterfly bandages.
{Sydney begins lightly brushing the skin around the wound}
Sydney: Does it hurt? I think have some painkillers in my purse.
{Sydney raises her eyes to meet Vaughn; they're quiet for a moment}
Vaughn: *suddenly becoming uncomfortable and diverting his eyes* Uh...yeah, it hurts a little bit.
Sydney: *feeling very uncomfortable turns and begins to dig through her purse for the bottle of pills* Here, take two of these.
{Vaughn takes the bottle of pills from her hand; trying his best not to brush his fingers against her's}
Vaughn: Thanks, Syd.
{He glances at her out the corner of his eye}
Sydney: *relaxing visibly* No problem.
{awkward pause}
Vaughn: Look, Syd, I'm...I'm sorry about inviting you to the baby shower. It was...very insensitive of me to assume you would be okay with it.
{Sydney's shoulders tighten}
Sydney: It's fine, Vaughn.
{Vaughn reaches over to brush Sydney's shoulder; hesitating as if he has something he wants to say}
Sydney: Oh look, Weiss is here, finally.
{Unbuckling her seatbelt she steps out of the car; Vaughn sighs to himself before stepping out of the car himself}
*******************************************************************
[A/N: The translations of the Dutch sentences are:
"Misser, als u me zult excuseren." = "Miss, if you will excuse me"
"Oh, Mijnheer Von Gaughinheim! U bent zo vriendelijk. Denkt u misschien wij konden persoonlijk raadplegen nadat gala beëindigt?" = Oh, Mister Von Gaughinheim! You are so kind. Do you think perhaps we could consult privately after the gala ends?
"Dat klinkt absoluut verrukkelijk. Ik zal een ruimte voor ons reserveren. Ben daar na gala." = That sounds absolutely delightful. I'll reserve a room for us. Be there after the gala. "Ik zou het niet missen, Mijnheer Von Gaughinheim." = I wouldn't miss it, Mister Von Gaughinheim.
"Tevreden, oproepen me Steffan." = "Please, call me Steffan"
***************************************************************
[Enter Chez François: Vaughn is waiting for Lauren to arrive]
Waiter: Monsieur, are you ready to order yet?
Vaughn: No, thank you, I'm waiting on my wife. She should be here any minute now.
Waiter: Just let me know when you are ready to order.
[Waiter leaves. Five minutes pass before Vaughn notices his very pregnant wife trying her best not to waddle on her way to their table. Vaughn stands up to greet his wife]
Vaughn: *leaning over to kiss her on the cheek* How are you feeling, honey? *he pulls out her chair for her*
Lauren: Huge, and uncomfortable.
Vaughn: {smiling at his wife} Well, we are having twins. I'm sure it'll all be worth it in the end.
Lauren: Yes, well, if you were the one with the task of pushing these babies out you wouldn't think twins sounded so wonderful.
Vaughn: Oh, I don't know. At least they'll always have a playmate. No worries about loneliness.
Lauren: As I said, if you would like to have the honour of pushing we can see about having it arranged.
[Vaughn merely smiles at his obviously hormonal wife and signals for the waiter]
Vaughn: You look beautiful, love, is that a new dress?
Lauren: *genuinely smiling* Actually, yes. I bought it at Baby Boutique today. All of my others are becoming so tight.
Vaughn: Well, I highly approve. It looks absolutely lovely on you.
[The waiter arrives and places menus on the table]
Waiter: Madam, what may I bring you to drink?
Lauren: I think I'll just have an iced tea, thank you.
Waiter: And you, Monsieur?
Vaughn: A merlot, thank you.
Waiter: *nodding* I'll be back to take your order.
[Waiter leaves to get drinks]
Lauren: So how was work today?
Vaughn: Good, I'm leaving for Amsterdam tomorrow. Sydney and I have to go photograph some kind of document.
Lauren: Oh, so that's why we're having this dinner. You're trying to break the news to me gently. Hoping I won't have an emotional breakdown in a public place.
Vaughn: Now, Lauren, that is not why I brought you here. I just thought we could have a nice night together before I left...and before the babies come. It might be our last for quite a while.
Lauren: Sure it is. Oh, I understand. Don't worry. Just wanted to take your pregnant wife to the fancy new restaurant in town.
Vaughn: Lauren, please don't be that way, sweetie. I meant nothing by this. If you want to go home we can.
Lauren: Like I would cause a scene like that. Let's just sit down have our damn dinner.
[Waiter shows back up with Lauren's iced tea and a bottle of wine]
Waiter: *presenting bottle of wine before pouring* Monsieur, is this to your liking?
Vaughn: *sipping the wine and nodding* Yes, this is fine.
Waiter: Do you and the madam wish to order now?
Vaughn: *glances at Lauren, she nods* Yes, I believe we would. Lauren, what do you want, honey?
Lauren: I believe I'll have the filet mignon, well done, with a side of the lobster bisque.
Vaughn: I think I'll have the same, only make my filet mignon medium rare.
Waiter: *writing down order* Thank you.
[Waiter walks off] {awkward silence}
Vaughn: So, were the babies kicking today?
Lauren: Of course. One of them seems to be far more active, our little kickboxer. Thank god he tired himself out around noon. I finally got a short nap.
Vaughn: He? You think it's a boy?
Lauren: *shrugging her shoulders slightly* I don't really know either way. You've been at all of the ultrasounds. Sometimes they say it's two boys, sometimes girls, sometimes a boy and a girl. Who knows. Today I feel like one of them is a boy, tomorrow I may feel like they're girls.
Vaughn: Oh.
Lauren: Are you saying you wouldn't be happy if it was girls?
Vaughn: Of course not! How could you think that?
Lauren: Well, you seemed rather disappointed when I said I didn't know yet.
Vaughn: Oh, no, I was just wondering. I thought maybe the doctor had called or something.
Lauren: *nodding* Ah.
Vaughn: Did you pick up any baby things while you were in the store today?
Lauren: Oh, yes. I bought the bassinets and the prams.
Vaughn: Prams?
Lauren: *raises eyebrow* Yes.
Vaughn: What is a pram?
Lauren: It's a stroller for a small infant.
Vaughn: Ah.
{Vaughn is relieved as the waiter shows up with their food. They eat in silence for a while}
Vaughn: How is your food?
Lauren: Very delicious.
Vaughn: The steak is cooked enough?
Lauren: Yes.
Vaughn: Lauren, would you please stop giving me the cold shoulder? I didn't bring you here to sit and not talk. I'm sorry you think I brought you here to break the news to you that I'm going on a mission with Syd..ney. But I didn't, you know I wouldn't do that.
Lauren: What do you want me to say, Michael? When have we ever really talked? Not since she came back. Do you see the connection? Do you?
Vaughn: Do not bring Sydney into this. I can't help it if you don't trust me around her. But Sydney and I are in the past. I'm with you now. *grabs Lauren's hand* I'm married to you. Why can't you just trust me, Lauren?
Lauren: I really can't get into this right now, Michael. You know I can't get upset. Dr. Scherlberg said my blood pressure has been rising and he's afraid it might be pre-eclampsia. Just please, drop the subject.
Vaughn: Pre-eclampsia?
Lauren: It's a condition some pregnant women develop. It can be very harmful to the baby and can cause the mother's kidneys to malfunction. It can also cause severe seizures. There's a higher risk in multiple births not to mention women with high stress jobs.
Vaughn: *looking very worried* What are the chances that you have this?
Lauren: Well, if I can manage to keep my blood pressure down and just relax once in a while it shouldn't be a problem. But fighting about you and Sydney isn't helping anyone, least of all the babies and me.
Vaughn: *reaches over to stroke Lauren's cheek* Why don't we finish dinner and go home to rest?
Lauren: *touches Vaughn's hand that is resting on her cheek* That sounds fine.
[They continue dinner in silence]
************************************************************************
[Enter Syd's apartment. She hears a knock at the door]
Sydney: *calling out* Who is it?
Weiss: It's me! Weiss.
Sydney: *opening door* Hey Weiss. Come in, come in.
Weiss: *hanging coat up and sniffing* What is that smell?
Sydney: Oh, I was just making supper. Chicken sautéed in lemon. I'm going to have too much for just me, care to join me?
Weiss: Of course, haven't got anything better to do. Can I help out in the kitchen?
Sydney: *chuckling slightly* I usually need all the help I can get.
[Sydney leads the way into her small kitchen. They cook in silence for a while]
Weiss: Syd, are you okay?
Sydney: What do you mean?
Weiss: You just seem kind of...distracted.
Sydney: No, I'm fine really. Just fine.
Weiss: Are you really sure? You don't seem fine?
Sydney: I just haven't been feeling up to par lately.
Weiss: *hesitating* This isn't about the baby shower is it? Because you don't have to go, Mike doesn't realise what an ass he can be sometimes.
Sydney: *smiling at Weiss* He's not an ass, he's just under a lot of stress lately.
Weiss: Nice change of subject, Syd.
Sydney: Really, I'm fine, Weiss.
Weiss: If you're sure...
Sydney: I'm sure.
Weiss: Okay. *puts arm around Syd's shoulders and gives them a brief squeeze before going back to the rice*
******************************************************************
[Jack is driving down the highway in his car; his cell phone rings]
Jack: Hello?
Sydney: Dad?
Jack: Sydney? What's wrong? Where are you?
Sydney: I'm fine, Dad. I was just wondering if we could meet somewhere, or maybe you could come by my apartment? I need to talk with you about something.
Jack: Hold on, Sydney, I'll be right there.
{Jack begins speeding down the highway towards Sydney's place}
************************************************************************ [Enter Syd's apartment; there's an urgent pounding on the door; Sydney walks over to open the door for her dad]
Sydney: I'm sorry I worried you, Dad.
Jack: What's wrong?
Sydney: Nothing is wrong, I just had something I needed to talk to you about.
Jack: What is it?
Sydney: Well, I was in a...store the other day and I thought I had heard Lauren's voice, so I went to go check it out. And, Dad, she was there...and so was Sark. And, Dad, she didn't seem scared or mad.
Jack: Are you implying that Lauren and Sark are somehow...partners?
Sydney: Well, she didn't seem like this was anything new.
Jack: What happened exactly, Sydney? Were they discussing something?
Sydney: I don't know, by the time I had gotten within hearing range the saleslady had intervened—
Jack: Why would the saleslady intervene?
Sydney: She seemed to think there was a problem. Dad, this was definitely not a new thing.
Jack: Sydney, I'm not entirely sure you're the most reliable person on this.
Sydney: 'Not the most reliable person'? Are you saying that just because I was involved with Vaughn two YEARS ago that I can't be trusted? Dad, I wouldn't make this up!
Jack: Sydney, I'm not saying that it didn't happen. But your emotions may cloud your judgment—
Sydney: I can't believe you're saying this! You of all people should know that I would never tell you this unless I thought it was important!
Jack: I know you thought you saw something, however, you could have been subconsciously projecting.
Sydney: I know what I saw, Dad. I didn't want to see it! I've caused Vaughn enough pain as it is, the last thing I want is to cause him more. But I know what I saw, and I saw Lauren and Sark in a very suspicious situation. *Sydney begins crying*
{Jack touches her shoulder in comfort; Sydney collapses onto him, hugging him tightly}
*********************************************************************
[Enter plane; Sydney and Vaughn are flying to Amsterdam for their latest mission]
{Syd notices Vaughn looks a little distraught}
Sydney: Vaughn, is something wrong?
Vaughn: *looking up* Huh?
Sydney: I asked if anything was wrong. You look a little...distracted.
Vaughn: Oh, it's nothing.
Sydney: If it has you this upset it's not 'nothing'. Vaughn, I know we haven't exactly been...close lately. But if you need to talk, I'm still here.
Vaughn: *grinning sadly at Sydney* I just had a fight with Lauren last night. We were having a going away dinner and she...she's just been very hormonal lately and she took something the wrong way.
Sydney: *feeling very uncomfortable* Oh. Um...was it anything in particular that she was upset about?
Vaughn: Oh, uh, not really. You know, she's pregnant so everything just gets blown out of proportion. We have little fights occasionally. She's been having...problems with the pregnancy so...she's just been on edge.
Sydney: Oh, I'm sorry. She's been having problems?
Vaughn: *nodding* Yeah, apparently it's something to do with her blood pressure and stress.
Sydney: I'm so sorry, Vaughn. Tell her...tell her I hope everything turns out okay.
Vaughn: *nods* Thanks, Syd.
{They look at eachother; you can see the sadness in both of their gazes, it was never supposed to be this way}
*******************************************************************
[Amsterdam; Sydney and Vaughn are outside the Amstel Inter-Continental Amsterdam]
Sydney: You ready?
Vaughn: *nodding* Yeah.
Sydney: Vaughn, are you sure?
Vaughn: What is that supposed to mean?
Sydney: I just wanted to make sure you were feeling on top of your game. You seemed really distracted on the airplane.
Vaughn: Sydney, you should know that I do not let my personal life interfere with missions.
Sydney: *raising an eyebrow* Vaughn—
Vaughn: Syd, I'm fine. Let's just do this.
{Sydney sighs, picks up the long hem of her ball gown and chases up to Vaughn}
*****************************************************************
[Enter: Amstel Inter-Continental Mirror Room]
Sydney: *whispering* Vaughn, I see Von Gaughinheim.
Vaughn: *nodding* Okay, I'll be walking around near the hallway.
{Sydney walks up to Gaughinheim}
Sydney: Hallo...*continues in Dutch*.
[Weiss continuously gives Sydney information about Gaughinheim through her earpiece]
Weiss: Okay Syd, loop the cameras Vaughn is headed towards the office.
{Sydney pretends to become embarrassed by something Von Gaughinheim has said to her, pushing her hair clip as she self-consciously touches her wig}
*********************************************************************
[Enter: Hallway leading from Mirror Room to Von Gaughinheim's office; Vaughn is running]
Weiss: Okay, take the next left.
{Vaughn cuts around the next left corner he sees, constantly keeping an eye out for any guards}
Weiss: Okay, the door should be the third on the right.
{Vaughn sees said door up ahead; deactivates the alarm and slips into the office}
Vaughn: I'm in Weiss, I see the security camera, how much time do I have?
Weiss: Thirty-nine seconds.
Vaughn: *groaning and rushing over to the security camera* Okay, what do I clip the microphone wire to?
Weiss: Uhhhh, the yellow wire.
Vaughn: *locating the yellow wire and attaches the microphone* Where does the camera wire attach?
Weiss: The red wire.
Vaughn: *looking through the tangle of wires* There is no red wire.
Weiss: There has to be.
Vaughn: Well, there isn't. How much time?
Weiss: *glancing down at the stopwatch* 15 seconds.
Vaughn: Dammit. There is NO red wire, Weiss. Wanna help me out here?
Weiss: What colours do you see?
Vaughn: I see green, blue, white and black.
Weiss: Try the...uhh....the white one.
Vaughn: *clipping the white wire* Anything?
Weiss: No. Dammit, Mike you gotta get out of there.
Vaughn: How much time?
Weiss: Five seconds...no make that three. Vaughn: *hears the soft bleeping of the alarm* Too late.
***********************************************************************
{Sydney suddenly notices a guard approaching Von Gaughinheim and her; the guard whispers something feverishly in Von Gaughinheim's ear]
Steffan Von Gaughinheim: Misser, als u me zult excuseren.
{Von Gaughinheim turns to walk away; Sydney grabs his upper arm halting him}
Sydney: Oh, Mijnheer Von Gaughinheim! U bent zo vriendelijk. Denkt u misschien wij konden persoonlijk raadplegen nadat gala beëindigt?
{Sydney gives him a lustful stare}
Von Gaughinheim: Dat klinkt absoluut verrukkelijk. Ik zal een ruimte voor ons reserveren. Ben daar na gala.
Sydney: Ik zou het niet missen, Mijnheer Von Gaughinheim.
Von Gaughinheim: Tevreden, oproepen me Steffan.
{Sydney smiles at him as he turns once more to walk away}
Weiss: Sydney, get out of there. Vaughn's is coming around the front of the building.
{Sydney grabs the hem of her dress and scurries towards the front door}
**************************************************
[Enter: Alleyway beside Amstel Inter-Continental Amsterdam]
Weiss: Sydney is leaving the building through the front door. Tag up with her and find your car.
[Vaughn rounds to the front of the building, guards right behind; and sees Sydney burst out of the front doors, running as best she can in her four inch stilettos]
Vaughn: Syd!
Sydney: Vaughn!
[Vaughn rushes ahead and grabs Syd's hand practically dragging her to their getaway car]
*******************************************************************
[Enter: Sydney and Vaughn pulling getaway car into deserted parking garage]
{Sydney glances over and notices Vaughn as a gash on his right hand knuckles}
Sydney: *lightly grazing them and noticing Vaughn flinches* Oh, Vaughn, you're hurt.
Vaughn: *pulling his hand away from her touch* It's nothing, just a scratch.
Sydney: That is not just a scratch, Vaughn. Just lemme take a look at it.
{Sydney reaches over to grasp Vaughn's hand lightly in her own}
Sydney: *flipping on the overhead car light* Well, I can't see and glass or other debris in it. But I think you'll need a few butterfly bandages.
{Sydney begins lightly brushing the skin around the wound}
Sydney: Does it hurt? I think have some painkillers in my purse.
{Sydney raises her eyes to meet Vaughn; they're quiet for a moment}
Vaughn: *suddenly becoming uncomfortable and diverting his eyes* Uh...yeah, it hurts a little bit.
Sydney: *feeling very uncomfortable turns and begins to dig through her purse for the bottle of pills* Here, take two of these.
{Vaughn takes the bottle of pills from her hand; trying his best not to brush his fingers against her's}
Vaughn: Thanks, Syd.
{He glances at her out the corner of his eye}
Sydney: *relaxing visibly* No problem.
{awkward pause}
Vaughn: Look, Syd, I'm...I'm sorry about inviting you to the baby shower. It was...very insensitive of me to assume you would be okay with it.
{Sydney's shoulders tighten}
Sydney: It's fine, Vaughn.
{Vaughn reaches over to brush Sydney's shoulder; hesitating as if he has something he wants to say}
Sydney: Oh look, Weiss is here, finally.
{Unbuckling her seatbelt she steps out of the car; Vaughn sighs to himself before stepping out of the car himself}
*******************************************************************
[A/N: The translations of the Dutch sentences are:
"Misser, als u me zult excuseren." = "Miss, if you will excuse me"
"Oh, Mijnheer Von Gaughinheim! U bent zo vriendelijk. Denkt u misschien wij konden persoonlijk raadplegen nadat gala beëindigt?" = Oh, Mister Von Gaughinheim! You are so kind. Do you think perhaps we could consult privately after the gala ends?
"Dat klinkt absoluut verrukkelijk. Ik zal een ruimte voor ons reserveren. Ben daar na gala." = That sounds absolutely delightful. I'll reserve a room for us. Be there after the gala. "Ik zou het niet missen, Mijnheer Von Gaughinheim." = I wouldn't miss it, Mister Von Gaughinheim.
"Tevreden, oproepen me Steffan." = "Please, call me Steffan"