Title: A Case Of You
Author: S@nd
Feedback: sydneyvaughnmailbox@yahoo.fr
Disclaimer: Everything belongs to J.J, Bad Robot, ABC… blablabla (you know). OK, OK, I don't own anything.
Summary: It's my version of the end of Season 1. In the previous chapters, Fran & Will played detectives as Sydney made one of her many visits to 'Joey's Pizza'. Did they discover Vaughn? Yes! And what else do they find out?…
A/N: Hi, this is the fourth chapter. It was supposed to be a very big chapter, but I eventually decided to write it in three parts, so here is the first part. Thanks a lot for your nice reviews for chapter 3, especially Natalie (at least 12 reviews for the same chapter, you must love me!;-) LOL, and ashqua (you still haven't answered, are you French?). As always, whether you like it or not, let me know what you think about this chapter. I really want to have feedback, or I'll stop writing. Please REVIEW. Thank you. S@nd
*****
CHAPTER 4 – SECRETS INTRO* - * - *
Madonna 'Secrets'
Things haven't been the same
Since you came into my life
You found a way to touch my soul
And I'm never, ever, ever gonna let it go
Happiness lies in your own hand
It took me much too long to understand
How it could be
Until you shared your secret with me
Mmm mmm
Something's comin' over, mmm mmm
Something's comin' over, mmm mmm
Something's comin' over me
My baby's got a secret
You gave me back the paradise
That I thought I lost for good
You helped me find the reasons why
It took me by surprise that you understood
You knew all along
What I never wanted to say
Until I learned to love myself
I was never ever lovin' anybody else
Mmm mmm, my baby's got a secret
Mmm mmm, my baby's got a secret
Mmm mmm, my baby's got a secret for me
Mmm mmm, mmm mmm, mmm mmm
* - * - *
* - * SyDney's HouSe * - *
It was dark and pretty late. The wind was blowing, and it was beginning to rain.
Sydney had just slipped into his house, trying not to make noise. The lights were turned off and everything seemed to be quiet inside. She leaned against the front door and sighed of relief. No one waiting for her just meant no embarrassing questions to answer.
After making sure that Fran was not in the living room, and probably in her bed, sound asleep, Sydney took off her running shoes, and rushed to the bathroom. She turned on the faucet, and put some water on her face, to wipe her tears away.
That day was eventually drawing to an end. She finally had the right to get her breath back. She could close her eyes, and stop thinking … until tomorrow.
She looked at her face in the mirror.
She still looked ill.
Nothing had changed.
She felt tired, so she headed to her bedroom and sat on her bed. 'What a day!' she thought, sighing, and taking off her clothes. And tomorrow was going to be another hellish day. Sark would contact her, for sure. And she had to rest now, to have the strength to face him.
She stretched herself out on the bed, and tried to fall asleep. But she couldn't. She couldn't get Vaughn's words out off her head.
He had been so kind, so patient, so sympathetic. They had known each other just for one year, but she had the feeling she had known him from the very beginning. It sounded so strange.
Things haven't been the same
Since you came into my life
You found a way to touch my soul
And I'm never, ever, ever gonna let it goShe had never met a man who could read her mind so easily. On one hand it was so weird, but so reassuring, and on the other hand, it was terrifying.
You gave me back the paradise
That I thought I lost for good
You helped me find the reasons why
It took me by surprise that you understood
She didn't know how he managed to guess what to say, to tell her what she needed to hear, and to keep silent when she didn't want to talk and expected him not to say anything. And when he was locking his eyes with hers, his eyes often conveyed more than his words.
You knew all along
What I never wanted to say
Until I learned to love myself
I was never ever lovin' anybody else
She sighed. "You shouldn't think like that, Sydney! Be careful. You perfectly know nothing can happen between you and him, for your own safety. He's your handler, and you're a double agent. God! It is so hard to resist him though! Oh, stop it, Sydney, you better try to fall asleep!" she murmured to herself.
*****
* - * VaugHn's HouSe * - *
Vaughn had just opened the door when he heard a noise, and just had time to see a form moving fast towards him.
"Hey, Donovan! Get down! I'm tired" he yelled to the dog.
It was true he was. It had been a tiring day, and the only thing he wanted to do now was undo his tie, take off his clothes and drop with exhaustion onto his bed.
And he stuck to his plan. He finally lay down in his bed, and tried to sleep.
But he couldn't get Sydney's face out of his mind. She just looked so lost, so scared tonight he couldn't stand it. He couldn't face her with dangling arms. He couldn't help wrapping her in his arms, and holding her tight. Even if it was forbidden, even if it could kill him.
Happiness lies in your own hand
It took me much too long to understand
How it could be
Until you shared your secret with me
He knew his judgment was clouded by his affection for Sydney. He was professional, and he knew they were doing a great job, but he couldn't help giving in when he was in front of her. There were rules, he knew that, but he realized he had crossed a line tonight.
Things haven't been the same
Since you came into my life
You found a way to touch my soul
And I'm never, ever, ever gonna let it go
He was aware of the fact that it was not allowed, he knew it was not easy either, but after clear hesitation, he had made the difficult decision to voice his concerns to Sydney.
He knew it was perhaps not the right time to do it, but he had chosen to express his feelings to her, even if she probably didn't want to hear that. He just wanted to be honest, as she always was with him. He just needed to tell her.
It was just a simple thing, but at the same time so complicated.
He knew nothing could come between them, but deep inside he just hoped one day…
He looked at the time on the alarm clock, and sighed, closing his eyes, he tried to dismiss Sydney from his thoughts.
* - * The morning after * - *
The alarm clock rang. Sydney woke up with a jerk. She had spent a restless night, sleeping with one eye open, so she got up with difficulty.
She went out of her bedroom, and walked like a zombie towards the kitchen. She needed coffee. Yes, coffee was a good idea. It could help her to wake up.
As she was struggling to stop yawning, she didn't notice that Fran was already there, taking a sip of her coffee, and was staring at her.
Something's comin' over, mmm mmm
Something's comin' over me
My baby's got a secret
"Hey, Syd, you're up early. Are you OK?" she finally asked, breaking the silence.
Sydney started, and turned to face her.
"Hi, Fran. I didn't know you were here. You made me start." she said, before answering her question. "I'm fine, thank you, Fran. I have things to do today" she replied.
Fran nodded, drinking her coffee. She was staring at Sydney, watching her every movements, wondering how long she would keep hiding her secret from her.
Sydney tried to relax, and to behave naturally, pouring a cup of coffee. 'Fran don't seem to be talkative this morning.' she thought. But she was wrong.
Fran was burning to ask her THE question.
And she suddenly ventured to question Sydney.
"Syd...", she said seriously, "I know everything!" Then she paused, waiting for Sydney to reply.
Sydney was almost choked. "What?!" She was utterly taken aback.
"Don't act so innocent, Syd, I won't be taken for a ride this time, I won't leave you alone until you admit everything!"
"Everything, what ?!" Sydney replied, playing for time.
"Syd, I saw you...and, hummmm…" she coughed.
Sydney was still pretending ignorance, and just nodded questioningly.
"Hmmmm what?" she asked, trying to keep her composure.
"That guy!" Fran insisted.
"What guy? Is it a trick question, Fran? What are you talking about?" Sydney replied, a bit angry. She understood she was on a dangerous ground.
"Oh! Stop it, Syd! You're busted! What guy, what guy…! The one you rushed up to and hugged so tight on the pier last evening! Who else? How many men are you dating, Syd?" Fran almost yelled, impatient.
Sydney was dumbfounded at the news. Fran had found out, she couldn't believe it. Vaughn and her were made. And it was probably her fault!
How could that have happened? All things considered, she understood pretty easily that Fran must have followed her, and now she didn't know if she should feel relieved not to have to lie again to Fran when meeting Vaughn, or if she should panic because they could both be in danger. If Fran did know she had met Vaughn the night before, perhaps she was not the only one…
For a few minutes she stared dumbly, thinking about what could happen next and what to explain to Fran.
"Sydney, still here?!" Fran shouted, bringing her back to reality.
"Err…I'm not dating anyone, he's just … he's just… a friend" she acknowledged.
"Syd, I won't believe everything I'm told anymore. Who the hell is that guy? I won't set you free until you tell me everything. And this time I want the truth!" she ordered.
Sydney sighed. It was too late now. She couldn't do else but telling her the truth. But as Fran didn't know anything about SD-6, she was not going to tell her the 'whole' truth.
She took a deep breath, and started speaking. "Ok, Fran. I'm going to tell you…"
"At last! I was wondering how long it would take you to talk to me? You know I never would like to have a grudge against you, but I don't know why you decided to hide such a secret from me. I wonder when all this started, and above all, how long it was supposed to last before you decide to eventually tell me the truth" she said, a bit sad.
"Fran…" Sydney almost whispered.
"No, Syd, I thought we were close friends, but sometimes I have the feeling I don't know who you are…"
Sydney closed her eyes for a second and sighed. She felt sad too. She didn't like to have to hide such secrets from her best friend, especially because Fran used to know everything so far. She used to know her so well she had guessed, she had found out the truth.
And the truth was that Sydney didn't know who she was either. So she decided to be honest with herself and with Fran. As much as possible. She could tell little stories, but she knew it wouldn't work anymore. The only thing she knew for sure was that she couldn't tell lies about her feelings.
Something's comin' over, mmm mmm
Something's comin' over me
My baby's got a secret
"Ok, Fran. I'll answer your questions, what do you want to know?" she agreed.
Then Fran bombarded her with questions. "Are you kidding? What do I want to know? I want to know everything, I want the details! What's his name? Where did you first meet? And how long have you been dating without your telling me about such an event?"
Sydney sighed. It was obvious that Fran wanted to know who Vaughn was. So she was torn between two opposite feelings. She didn't want to lie again, but in fact she had to, for Vaughn's safety. She couldn't stand thinking she could endanger someone else's life again. Especially someone she loved. She had to do it for him.
She then chose the best solution for him. After all, she couldn't acknowledge he was working for the CIA without telling Fran she was CIA too.
"His name is Michael…Michael Stone, if you press for an answer" she finally acknowledged.
Yes, 'Stone' sounded good, it was nearly the same. Yes, that was a good idea.
"Um, Michael Stone. Sounds good. And what does he do?" Fran asked, curious.
Here she was. THE question. Sydney hesitated, then answered. "He's a colleague of mine". She paused. "I met him at the bank" she continued.
For a second she wondered what was Vaughn's background. She knew nearly nothing about him, after all.
Something's comin' over, mmm mmm
Something's comin' over me
My baby's got a secret
"And…?" Fran asked, green with envy to know the rest of the story.
"And what?"
"How long have you two been dating? I thought relationships and fraternization among staff were discouraged at your bank."
"That's right, but we've been working together for a few months, and we are friends now…"
"Just friends, uh? I swear you didn't look like friends when you were together last night…"
Sydney felt herself blushing. Was it so obvious? And if it was for Fran, she just wondered what Vaughn was thinking about what happened the night before. Had he guessed her feelings for him? She had no clue, but she would never find the strength to ask him though.
"Ok, Ok, Fran, I was feeling down, and he just comforted me. That's all."
"Syd, frankly, I can't believe you're just 'friends'. You looked like… lovers. And… Woaw! I must say he's really cute" Fran acknowledged.
Sydney smiled and blushed more.
"Yes, you're right, he's really cute...!" she finally admitted.
"Why not having dinner here altogether? Then you'll know if it's becoming serious or not." Fran suggested.
"Fran, he's nothing to me, I swear."
"Sydney!"
"Okay, okay, but I don't think it's a good idea, it's too early, I mean…as you said, we are not really supposed to have a relationship because of the rules in the bank. We just didn't want to be seen together, so...I don't know"
"Think it over, Syd. Promise me this. And, well, when were you going to tell me?" Fran asked.
"Sooner or later, I would have told you, Fran, trust me. It's just……Just that you were not ready, its okay, Syd. Don't worry." She said, hugging her.
Happiness lies in your own hand
It took me much too long to understand
How it could be
Until you shared your secret with me
Sydney felt relieved. Fran seemed to understand, and to stop asking questions. That was all she wanted. No more questions, no more secrets.
Suddenly she heard the sound of her pager. She ran to her bedroom to check who was calling. "It's the bank. I have a meeting that was not scheduled. I have to go, sorry, Fran." She shouted from her room.
"Why don't you want to quit that job, Syd? How long will they keep using you like that? They just give you a phone call, and then you have to go. Aren't you tired of it?" Fran asked.
Of course she was. But she had no other choice but to continue, until everything is over. She just expected that day to come soon.
She went to the bathroom to have a shower, dressed up, grabbed her purse and left home. She started the car and headed to the Credit Dauphine. Sark had probably contacted SD-6 to tell them what he wanted. And then she would find out as soon as she meets Sloane.
*****
Sydney had just left home when the telephone rang. So Fran picked up the receiver.
"Joey's pizza?" the voice said.
"Um, really funny. Stop it, now. I know everything. Sydney told me the truth. I know who you are, Mr. Stone. Nice to meet you, at last! It's never too late." She said innocently.
Vaughn was stuck with astonishment.
"Oh, you such a shy guy! You don't want to talk to me? Okay, but please, may I ask you one question? I'd like an answer" Fran continued, "Sydney refused to tell me, but maybe you'd agree to let me know, how long have you two been dating together?" she asked.
Vaughn was taken aback and couldn't believe his ears.
What the hell had happened? Had he been sleeping for months, and just woke up today in another world? Who was Fran talking about? Who was that mysterious Mr. Stone? Sydney's boyfriend? What boyfriend?!
He finally gathered his thoughts. "Err… I think I dialed a wrong number, I'm sorry" he managed to answer, before hanging up.
For a few seconds he stood in the middle of his office, unable to do anything else but think about Fran's words. He rubbed his forehead, completely puzzled. Had the world turned upside down today?
He suddenly realized he was jealous. Who was that Stone Sydney had been dating? Did she really have a boyfriend? Why did she hide that secret from him? What was she afraid of? How come she didn't tell him about that?
Something's comin' over, mmm mmm
Something's comin' over me
My baby's got a secret
He just couldn't believe it. It was not like her. He wanted an explanation.
"You and I need to talk, Sydney Bristow! As soon as possible!" he thought.
Mmm mmm, mmm mmm, mmm mmm
My baby's got a secret…
TO BE CONTINUED… END OF CHAPTER 4A/N: Well, that's all… for Chapter 4. I hope you liked it. Thanks a lot to my wonderful beta for reading. Sorry again for the mix up ;-)))
Now 'be prepared' for Sydney and Vaughn's confrontation…;-)) in chapter 5.
Please READ and REVIEW.
Stay tuned for CHAPTER 5 – SOMETHING TO SAVE … Coming soon, IF you show me love. Don't forget to review.
PS: HAPPY THANKSGIVING again! Did you have a good day?