Chapter 14
Anna walking slowly, her breathing unnaturally calm considering her raging emotions within. Sark looked conflicted to see her infront of him, his eyes registering shock. He could see her nervousness, her brown eyes refusing to touch his face. They both knew she wasn't supposed to be there. Only a week ago had they mutually agreed not to see each other, not to have any contact with the other. Not to speak.
"The disease we were both tested for....is there an antidote? Where is it?" she asked finally, her face pale and grim.
Sark offered no response and bowed his head, noticing that the light had disappeared from her eyes. For the first time Anna glanced directly at him. "Listen, I know we've agreed to end our working relationship and you don't want to speak with me. And that's fine. Really. But I need to know if there is a cure for the virus. It moves quickly—I don't have much time."
Sark lifted his head, his hand running over his mouth, her words dawning on him, pulling him apart. "You're the one who's sick," he said slowly, feeling suddenly and inexplicably overwhelmed. "That's not possible. We...you were tested repeatedly. Dr. Hayward said we both cleared." It was a struggle for him to keep his voice even and firm, as he forced believe his words. But one look at Anna told him she was not ok.
"I coughed up blood this morning, Sark," Anna answered plainly, smiling sadly. "Well, you might just finally be rid of me."
Sark's head tilted, his expression wincing at her words. "Anna, my God...," He felt lost. For once didn't know what to say. On one hand, he'd made the decision to terminate their partnership and Anna had agreed to that last week. He wanted to be away from her and she wanted the same from him. They needed it. But as he watched her unwillingly, she drew towards him with her desolation. In that instant, he cursed himself, realizing that he had known since the first day he'd seen Anna in the airport and there was no use fighting it. He couldn't stay away. And there was no going back.
******
"It's been a while, Sydney." Sark raised his eyebrows as Sydney Bristow approached the front door.
"Is there a cure?" Sydney looked frazzled as she propped the door open with her leg, her eyes red and puffy from crying.
Sark reached his hands over his head, then leaned his arms against the doorframe and avoiding Sydney's eyes. When he didn't reply, she banged her fist against the frame of the doorway, feeling the reverberations run through her skin. "Damnit. I know you told her nothing so I came here with few expectations—,"
"She collapsed!"
Sydney pursed her lips, focusing on her friend. She had to help Anna. She had to stay professional. "Listen, I know you want nothing to do with Agent Parker. I get that. But there's more to it than just you. And I don't think I have to tell you that some people here will be very unhappy if you choose not to cooperate." Sydney paused, bracing herself for her next attempt as her voice began to break. "Sark, as much as saying this makes me sick...if you care about her at all, in any way, you'll help her. Anna doesn't have much time," She was more or less begging him, her eyes threatening to overflow with tears.
"How long?" Sark asked quickly, trying to appear unaffected.
Sydney looked at him quizzically, clearly desiring to deduce his motives and feelings over this situation. "48 hours."
Sark felt his body inwardly cringe, a sigh escaping his lips. "So, she's..."
"Yes, she's dying. Without the serum, she won't live past two days. So I need to know if you'll help me. Otherwise I go alone," said Sydney determinedly, looking at him squarely.
Sark knew the second he'd seen Sydney that he'd go. The important question was why.
******
"I can't do it, you have to," Sydney said, her voice shaky and full of emotion. She handing him the vial, willing herself not to cry infront of him. "They'll show you to the plane," she added, nodding towards two beefy security officers.
Sark straightened his collar automatically, taking a deep breath before walking through the ominous dark doors. As he approached her bed, a wave of anxiety passed over him. He didn't know what to say to her or even how to react.
Her dark eyes popped open upon hearing footsteps nearing her and her expression melted when she saw it was Sark. Anna tried to lift her body higher onto the bed and he could see the strain in her face, obviously in pain.
"Hey, hey, don't try to move," he said, bent over her.
Her hair framed her ghostly face, her lips brightened against the paleness of her skin. "I must look like a car-wreck."
"You're stunning." *What the hell was that?*, Sark wondered at his immediate, unconscious response.
Anna's lips stretched into a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "Don't sweet talk your way with me. I could still kick your ass."
Sark laughed genuinely. "All this," he gestured, "and you still want to argue!"
"What are doing here anyway? Anna closed her eyes effortlessly, clearly exhausted. "I'm just so tired."
"Rest. Just rest. Can't you ever stop talking?"
"You're funny. No, scratch that. You think you're funny."
"Ha. I'm going with Sydney to get the antidote. But I need to take some of your blood," sad Sark, looking down the syringe in his hand.
Anna looked away, her eyes tilted to the roof, as he prepared her arm for the needle. "You know, when I was little, my dad would always tell me stories when I was sick. He'd start off reading, you know, a normal fairy tale but then he'd add things and just make them better! My favorite was always the one about this princess in the tower." Anna grinned at the memory, not noticing when the needle pinched her delicate skin. "She was beautiful but trapped in this tower, with nothing to do but wait for Prince Charming. But my dad twisted the ending. The Prince didn't come for her. She escaped all, needing no one to be strong and fearless. She actually ended up saving the prince from a terrible fate, you know how how it is." She laughed lightly to herself, Sark's bright blue eyes watching her intently as she spoke. "I always wanted to be that princess in the tower. Strong, independent, fearless."
"You already are." Sark hid his shock at what he'd said. Where was all this coming from?
Anna's arched brown eyes lifted. "Are you being nice because you're getting rid of me?"
Sark capped the vial of blood. "As much as I'd love that, you're not going anywhere."
"You're mighty optimistic. And if this cure doesn't work?" commented Anna, her voice very low and uneven as she shut her eyes once again.
"It will work. Trust me," Sark promised. He actually wanted to mean it. Bizarre.
"Like that'll happen," she replied slowly, her eyes still closed.
Sark chewed on his lower lip, debating about what to say next. "Anna—about last week, and everything that has happened since we first met, I just think that you should know--," He looked at her peaceful face, her breathing steady and deep. "Anna?" She was asleep.
"Christ, the one time I decide to be forthcoming...," he mumbled to himself, carefully arising as to not awaken her. He gave her one final look before heading off to the plane and couldn't help but wonder if this would be the last time he'd ever see Anna Parker again.
It was probably better she hadn't been awake. It was a moment of weakness and the last thing Sark needed was to tell Anna all the conflicting emotions he felt. Neither of them needed more complications. Some things were better left unsaid.
*******
Sydney clutched the briefcase containing the serum in her lap, watching intently as Sark wound the white bandage around his arm. He winced at the sharp pains running from the deep incision. "A little help?" He nodded towards Sydney, struggling to finish the treatment.
Sydney briskly finished covering his bloody wound and lightly clapped it, making sure the gauze stuck.
"Jesus!" Sark exclaimed, tenderly dabbing at the oozing cut on his forehead.
Sydney sat back against her seat in the plane, still staring pointedly at Sark. "I want to know why you helped me. Why you helped her."
"Well, you coming and threatening me may have influenced my decision," Sark answered, sarcasm in his tone as he avoided the reality of her question.
Sydney brushed her long hair behind her ears, unsmiling. "You know what I mean."
"Do I?"
Her mouth tightened and her body tensed at his blank responses. "Cut the crap. Why is it, from the very start, that you agreed only to talk to her? What the hell are you planning? I don't trust you for one second and I'm sure as hell not going to let Anna be a pawn in one of your schemes!"
Sark's lips turned upwards, showing mild but relaxed interest. "I'm cutting the deal the CIA formed for me. It's either that or execution; thanks but no thanks, if you get me."
Sydney remained unsmiling, her eyes steady and imploring. "See the thing that gets me...the thing you keep avoiding is...why Anna? When my father, when I spoke to you...nothing...then, you ask for Anna...why?"
"Your jealousy is heartwarming," Sark replied, resting his head against the cushioned chair.
Sydney shook her head in disgust, realizing she was getting nowhere. "We both know you're a heartless son of a bitch, who looks out for no one but himself. If you think I'm going to let you destroy my friend, then you'd better reset your priorities. Or I will reset them for you."
Sark laughed at her firm declaration. "Honestly, you Americans are so stern," his eyes widened for emphasis before he continued. "But you, Sydney, I do believe your threats. And I can, rather confidently, assure you that Agent Parker is part of no scheme or plan on my behalf. Of her own, I can't say. That said, my interests are purely for my own survival."
"I don't believe you. I want you to stay away from her—,"
"You came to me," Sark interrupted evenly.
"After this, I mean. Stay away, Sark. I mean it." Sydney rose from her seat, collecting her purse.
"Bristow—one thing. You tell me to stay away. I was ahead of you. But Anna, are you so certain that she can stay away?"
Sydney said nothing, her mind spinning around his question. For once, Sark had a point. A good point. Sydney hated to admit it but as much as she wanted to believe his interest in Anna was one-sided, she could tell that her friend was equally curious and disturbed by Sark.
"Oh, and one more thing. You should know that when we return, I have every intention of reinstating my partnership with Anna...Agent Parker, if you prefer." Sark grinned up at her amiably.
"I won't allow it."
"I'm fairly confident that you are not Anna Parker's babysitter."
Sydney felt the anger boil inside of her and her expression hardened. "Well, then I will damn well make sure the Agency won't let this happen."
Sark turned his eyes from Sydney, looking out the bright, sunny window of the airplane. "You'll be interested to know, then, that I already met with Kendall and he's agreed to it."
Sydney's dark eyes flashed in the light. "Kendall? Kendall would not agree-- ,"
"He did."
"You are not getting away with this." She turned on her heel, struggling to keep her cool. She couldn't let Sark use and destroy her friend.
******** A Few Days Later ********
"They told me you were out here. Quite the view," commented a soft, feminine voice from behind him.
Sark spun around to see Anna standing vibrantly before him, looking out at the sparkling ocean. Her skin had gained its colour and she no longer appeared tired and withdrawn. "It's something else."
Anna smiled at him, exposing her clean, bright teeth. "You saved my life....again. I suppose I owe you a thank you."
"I won't deny my surprise. You saying thanks? Uncharacteristic," Sark teased, a grin reaching his eyes. For a moment, they just reveled in eachother's company. Nothing more really needed to be said.
The wind tossed Anna's hair and she squinted in the bright, enveloping sunlight. "See you Monday?"
Sark placed his hands in his pockets, nodding his head. "Absolutely." They both knew they'd be back working together after all that had happened. Life was short. And both told themselves it was to further the cause, not to experience one another.
Anna turned to leave but twirled around, running into his arms. She hugged him tightly, her lips tingling the hairs on his neck. "Thank you," she whispered, barely audible. Sark awkwardly responded, his hands winding their way around her back. Intimate physical contact, other than sex of course, was something alien to him. Anna pulled away from him, looking up shyly from her eyelids as he instinctively brushed a few stray hairs from her face, his warm fingers lingering for a moment on her luminous skin.
Her mouth warmed into a dazzling smile as she left him standing shocked on the sandy shores.
*****
Anna walked to her desk, smiling as various people in the office said hello or waved. She sighed contently, happy to be back at work and found herself being comforted slightly by the usual mass of papers, files, and office supplies that littered her desk. Things felt normal.
But one thing was out of place. A small, blue box with a ribbon quaintly sat in the center of the desk. Anna looked around the office curiously as she gingerly picked up the box, which was a bit heavier than she'd expected. Anna carefully took off the satin ribbon and removed the thick tissue paper packaging, her heart fluttering with anticipation. Her fingers met smooth glass and she gently removed the dome-shaped object. It was a snowglobe, sans the snow. Inside the pure, clear glass was a small brick structure and a small figure with long dark hair half-leaning out of it. Another small figure knelt on the grass. A princess and her prince. She shook it gently, her eyes entranced by the blue, pink, and purple sparkles that emptied into the globe.
Her eyes narrowed as she searched for a clue to figure out who had given her this gift. Anna found a small card taped the bottom of the box and she opened it eagerly. "For the Princess in the Tower. Everyone needs a little help being saved" was scralled across the small card, in messy, loopy writing.
Anna smiled, biting her lower lip as she realized who had left it for her. He walked into the room at the exact moment she had repackaged the globe and their eyes met across the office. She didn't break the look this time and he merely nodded in agreement before going to settle at his own workspace.
Sark was always a surprise.
Anna walking slowly, her breathing unnaturally calm considering her raging emotions within. Sark looked conflicted to see her infront of him, his eyes registering shock. He could see her nervousness, her brown eyes refusing to touch his face. They both knew she wasn't supposed to be there. Only a week ago had they mutually agreed not to see each other, not to have any contact with the other. Not to speak.
"The disease we were both tested for....is there an antidote? Where is it?" she asked finally, her face pale and grim.
Sark offered no response and bowed his head, noticing that the light had disappeared from her eyes. For the first time Anna glanced directly at him. "Listen, I know we've agreed to end our working relationship and you don't want to speak with me. And that's fine. Really. But I need to know if there is a cure for the virus. It moves quickly—I don't have much time."
Sark lifted his head, his hand running over his mouth, her words dawning on him, pulling him apart. "You're the one who's sick," he said slowly, feeling suddenly and inexplicably overwhelmed. "That's not possible. We...you were tested repeatedly. Dr. Hayward said we both cleared." It was a struggle for him to keep his voice even and firm, as he forced believe his words. But one look at Anna told him she was not ok.
"I coughed up blood this morning, Sark," Anna answered plainly, smiling sadly. "Well, you might just finally be rid of me."
Sark's head tilted, his expression wincing at her words. "Anna, my God...," He felt lost. For once didn't know what to say. On one hand, he'd made the decision to terminate their partnership and Anna had agreed to that last week. He wanted to be away from her and she wanted the same from him. They needed it. But as he watched her unwillingly, she drew towards him with her desolation. In that instant, he cursed himself, realizing that he had known since the first day he'd seen Anna in the airport and there was no use fighting it. He couldn't stay away. And there was no going back.
******
"It's been a while, Sydney." Sark raised his eyebrows as Sydney Bristow approached the front door.
"Is there a cure?" Sydney looked frazzled as she propped the door open with her leg, her eyes red and puffy from crying.
Sark reached his hands over his head, then leaned his arms against the doorframe and avoiding Sydney's eyes. When he didn't reply, she banged her fist against the frame of the doorway, feeling the reverberations run through her skin. "Damnit. I know you told her nothing so I came here with few expectations—,"
"She collapsed!"
Sydney pursed her lips, focusing on her friend. She had to help Anna. She had to stay professional. "Listen, I know you want nothing to do with Agent Parker. I get that. But there's more to it than just you. And I don't think I have to tell you that some people here will be very unhappy if you choose not to cooperate." Sydney paused, bracing herself for her next attempt as her voice began to break. "Sark, as much as saying this makes me sick...if you care about her at all, in any way, you'll help her. Anna doesn't have much time," She was more or less begging him, her eyes threatening to overflow with tears.
"How long?" Sark asked quickly, trying to appear unaffected.
Sydney looked at him quizzically, clearly desiring to deduce his motives and feelings over this situation. "48 hours."
Sark felt his body inwardly cringe, a sigh escaping his lips. "So, she's..."
"Yes, she's dying. Without the serum, she won't live past two days. So I need to know if you'll help me. Otherwise I go alone," said Sydney determinedly, looking at him squarely.
Sark knew the second he'd seen Sydney that he'd go. The important question was why.
******
"I can't do it, you have to," Sydney said, her voice shaky and full of emotion. She handing him the vial, willing herself not to cry infront of him. "They'll show you to the plane," she added, nodding towards two beefy security officers.
Sark straightened his collar automatically, taking a deep breath before walking through the ominous dark doors. As he approached her bed, a wave of anxiety passed over him. He didn't know what to say to her or even how to react.
Her dark eyes popped open upon hearing footsteps nearing her and her expression melted when she saw it was Sark. Anna tried to lift her body higher onto the bed and he could see the strain in her face, obviously in pain.
"Hey, hey, don't try to move," he said, bent over her.
Her hair framed her ghostly face, her lips brightened against the paleness of her skin. "I must look like a car-wreck."
"You're stunning." *What the hell was that?*, Sark wondered at his immediate, unconscious response.
Anna's lips stretched into a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "Don't sweet talk your way with me. I could still kick your ass."
Sark laughed genuinely. "All this," he gestured, "and you still want to argue!"
"What are doing here anyway? Anna closed her eyes effortlessly, clearly exhausted. "I'm just so tired."
"Rest. Just rest. Can't you ever stop talking?"
"You're funny. No, scratch that. You think you're funny."
"Ha. I'm going with Sydney to get the antidote. But I need to take some of your blood," sad Sark, looking down the syringe in his hand.
Anna looked away, her eyes tilted to the roof, as he prepared her arm for the needle. "You know, when I was little, my dad would always tell me stories when I was sick. He'd start off reading, you know, a normal fairy tale but then he'd add things and just make them better! My favorite was always the one about this princess in the tower." Anna grinned at the memory, not noticing when the needle pinched her delicate skin. "She was beautiful but trapped in this tower, with nothing to do but wait for Prince Charming. But my dad twisted the ending. The Prince didn't come for her. She escaped all, needing no one to be strong and fearless. She actually ended up saving the prince from a terrible fate, you know how how it is." She laughed lightly to herself, Sark's bright blue eyes watching her intently as she spoke. "I always wanted to be that princess in the tower. Strong, independent, fearless."
"You already are." Sark hid his shock at what he'd said. Where was all this coming from?
Anna's arched brown eyes lifted. "Are you being nice because you're getting rid of me?"
Sark capped the vial of blood. "As much as I'd love that, you're not going anywhere."
"You're mighty optimistic. And if this cure doesn't work?" commented Anna, her voice very low and uneven as she shut her eyes once again.
"It will work. Trust me," Sark promised. He actually wanted to mean it. Bizarre.
"Like that'll happen," she replied slowly, her eyes still closed.
Sark chewed on his lower lip, debating about what to say next. "Anna—about last week, and everything that has happened since we first met, I just think that you should know--," He looked at her peaceful face, her breathing steady and deep. "Anna?" She was asleep.
"Christ, the one time I decide to be forthcoming...," he mumbled to himself, carefully arising as to not awaken her. He gave her one final look before heading off to the plane and couldn't help but wonder if this would be the last time he'd ever see Anna Parker again.
It was probably better she hadn't been awake. It was a moment of weakness and the last thing Sark needed was to tell Anna all the conflicting emotions he felt. Neither of them needed more complications. Some things were better left unsaid.
*******
Sydney clutched the briefcase containing the serum in her lap, watching intently as Sark wound the white bandage around his arm. He winced at the sharp pains running from the deep incision. "A little help?" He nodded towards Sydney, struggling to finish the treatment.
Sydney briskly finished covering his bloody wound and lightly clapped it, making sure the gauze stuck.
"Jesus!" Sark exclaimed, tenderly dabbing at the oozing cut on his forehead.
Sydney sat back against her seat in the plane, still staring pointedly at Sark. "I want to know why you helped me. Why you helped her."
"Well, you coming and threatening me may have influenced my decision," Sark answered, sarcasm in his tone as he avoided the reality of her question.
Sydney brushed her long hair behind her ears, unsmiling. "You know what I mean."
"Do I?"
Her mouth tightened and her body tensed at his blank responses. "Cut the crap. Why is it, from the very start, that you agreed only to talk to her? What the hell are you planning? I don't trust you for one second and I'm sure as hell not going to let Anna be a pawn in one of your schemes!"
Sark's lips turned upwards, showing mild but relaxed interest. "I'm cutting the deal the CIA formed for me. It's either that or execution; thanks but no thanks, if you get me."
Sydney remained unsmiling, her eyes steady and imploring. "See the thing that gets me...the thing you keep avoiding is...why Anna? When my father, when I spoke to you...nothing...then, you ask for Anna...why?"
"Your jealousy is heartwarming," Sark replied, resting his head against the cushioned chair.
Sydney shook her head in disgust, realizing she was getting nowhere. "We both know you're a heartless son of a bitch, who looks out for no one but himself. If you think I'm going to let you destroy my friend, then you'd better reset your priorities. Or I will reset them for you."
Sark laughed at her firm declaration. "Honestly, you Americans are so stern," his eyes widened for emphasis before he continued. "But you, Sydney, I do believe your threats. And I can, rather confidently, assure you that Agent Parker is part of no scheme or plan on my behalf. Of her own, I can't say. That said, my interests are purely for my own survival."
"I don't believe you. I want you to stay away from her—,"
"You came to me," Sark interrupted evenly.
"After this, I mean. Stay away, Sark. I mean it." Sydney rose from her seat, collecting her purse.
"Bristow—one thing. You tell me to stay away. I was ahead of you. But Anna, are you so certain that she can stay away?"
Sydney said nothing, her mind spinning around his question. For once, Sark had a point. A good point. Sydney hated to admit it but as much as she wanted to believe his interest in Anna was one-sided, she could tell that her friend was equally curious and disturbed by Sark.
"Oh, and one more thing. You should know that when we return, I have every intention of reinstating my partnership with Anna...Agent Parker, if you prefer." Sark grinned up at her amiably.
"I won't allow it."
"I'm fairly confident that you are not Anna Parker's babysitter."
Sydney felt the anger boil inside of her and her expression hardened. "Well, then I will damn well make sure the Agency won't let this happen."
Sark turned his eyes from Sydney, looking out the bright, sunny window of the airplane. "You'll be interested to know, then, that I already met with Kendall and he's agreed to it."
Sydney's dark eyes flashed in the light. "Kendall? Kendall would not agree-- ,"
"He did."
"You are not getting away with this." She turned on her heel, struggling to keep her cool. She couldn't let Sark use and destroy her friend.
******** A Few Days Later ********
"They told me you were out here. Quite the view," commented a soft, feminine voice from behind him.
Sark spun around to see Anna standing vibrantly before him, looking out at the sparkling ocean. Her skin had gained its colour and she no longer appeared tired and withdrawn. "It's something else."
Anna smiled at him, exposing her clean, bright teeth. "You saved my life....again. I suppose I owe you a thank you."
"I won't deny my surprise. You saying thanks? Uncharacteristic," Sark teased, a grin reaching his eyes. For a moment, they just reveled in eachother's company. Nothing more really needed to be said.
The wind tossed Anna's hair and she squinted in the bright, enveloping sunlight. "See you Monday?"
Sark placed his hands in his pockets, nodding his head. "Absolutely." They both knew they'd be back working together after all that had happened. Life was short. And both told themselves it was to further the cause, not to experience one another.
Anna turned to leave but twirled around, running into his arms. She hugged him tightly, her lips tingling the hairs on his neck. "Thank you," she whispered, barely audible. Sark awkwardly responded, his hands winding their way around her back. Intimate physical contact, other than sex of course, was something alien to him. Anna pulled away from him, looking up shyly from her eyelids as he instinctively brushed a few stray hairs from her face, his warm fingers lingering for a moment on her luminous skin.
Her mouth warmed into a dazzling smile as she left him standing shocked on the sandy shores.
*****
Anna walked to her desk, smiling as various people in the office said hello or waved. She sighed contently, happy to be back at work and found herself being comforted slightly by the usual mass of papers, files, and office supplies that littered her desk. Things felt normal.
But one thing was out of place. A small, blue box with a ribbon quaintly sat in the center of the desk. Anna looked around the office curiously as she gingerly picked up the box, which was a bit heavier than she'd expected. Anna carefully took off the satin ribbon and removed the thick tissue paper packaging, her heart fluttering with anticipation. Her fingers met smooth glass and she gently removed the dome-shaped object. It was a snowglobe, sans the snow. Inside the pure, clear glass was a small brick structure and a small figure with long dark hair half-leaning out of it. Another small figure knelt on the grass. A princess and her prince. She shook it gently, her eyes entranced by the blue, pink, and purple sparkles that emptied into the globe.
Her eyes narrowed as she searched for a clue to figure out who had given her this gift. Anna found a small card taped the bottom of the box and she opened it eagerly. "For the Princess in the Tower. Everyone needs a little help being saved" was scralled across the small card, in messy, loopy writing.
Anna smiled, biting her lower lip as she realized who had left it for her. He walked into the room at the exact moment she had repackaged the globe and their eyes met across the office. She didn't break the look this time and he merely nodded in agreement before going to settle at his own workspace.
Sark was always a surprise.