Chapter 4: Truths
A/n: Thanks, guys, your reviews were a pleasant surprise upon my return home. Vacation was fun, but I missed Emiliano, my computer. Yeah. I'm having an Alias withdrawal so I've planned ahead on this fic quite a ways. nattie700- Actually, no, she doesn't have anything to do with Old Man Ramster,' and as far as I know, this fic is Rambaldi free. Raina- That's cool! I live in the Lansing area. East Lansing to be exact.
Disclaimer: I do not own Alias because JJ Abrams does. JJ Abrams does not own Aislin because I do. It's a dandy little cycle.
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Swoop, swoop, swoop, swoop. Swoop, swoop, swoop, swoop... There were only so many times one could trace the outline of the ceiling fan with one's eyes, and Sydney had reached her limit. She sighed at the calmness of her dark room and shifted over to her side, staring blankly through the cracks in the blinds over her window. A car drove by and turned the corner, it's headlights bright in Sydney's eyes and she squeezed them tightly shut. When she opened her eyes again slowly, she sighed once more and rolled onto her stomach. Her arm dangled off the side of the bed, and her fingertips wiggled to the floor. She quickly massaged her shoulder where the bullet had grazed her, but it was only a scratch by now.
Her eyes wandered to her bedside table. A few bracelets, a watch, and two rings sat messily upon it's top; the digital clock beamed 2:04 AM dimly; her cell phone and pager on the corner stood out prominently like a beacon.
Why could sleep not yet find her?
Her body ached for sleep, snuggled deeply in the warm comforter and sheets, yet her mind continued to meander endlessly. The past day was quite like no other. She had retrieved important documents which led to the end of SD-6 and the Alliance, she had murdered a man, and she had confronted his daughter, who had told her and Vaughn her name. And Vaughn...
Where was Vaughn after all this? Sydney wanted nothing more than to see his face, his green eyes gazing into hers, his soothing voice relishing over her, and his strong arms wrapping around her as she drifted into sleep.
But every time she closed her eyes an image would take over; Bairn Conor's body, lying dead on the bloody elevator floor. Then the crumpled, broken body of his daughter, Aislin, crying on the floor next to him, his blood coating her body as well.
Why had the girl spoken to Sydney and Vaughn only? Why did she say her name? She had spoken to nobody before. Why them?
Sydney raised up onto her elbows, then swung her legs off the bed and stood up. She couldn't take it anymore, she couldn't let this haunt her. There were too many unanswered questions. She crept silently out of the room and into the kitchen, wincing as her feet approached the frigid kitchen linoleum.
She took a glass gingerly from the cupboard and filled it with water from the sink, splashing droplets onto her hand which she quickly shook off. She returned to her bedroom, energy seeping it's way back through her body. As she sat down on her bed, however, she noticed the blatant lights of her cell phone flashing on the silent ring mode. Who would be calling her at this time of night?
she answered unsurely, confusion lacing the question.
Joey's Pizza?
Sydney grinned; it was Vaughn! I'm sorry, you have the wrong number, she replied, concealing her true emotions. She ended the call and tossed her phone carelessly onto her bed. She felt suddenly alive with energy as she bounded around her bedroom, deciding what to wear. She wanted to be comfortable and warm, but still look nice for Vaughn.
Vaughn!
She settled on a fitting black sweater and soft, loose khakis. She skidded into the bathroom and quickly brushed through her hair before taking a deep breath to calm herself. She closed her eyes. I can do this, I can be calm and collected.
But it's Vaughn!
Attempting to stay cool, she walked only briskly with her keys as she headed for her car. She slid into her seat and proceeded to drive to their rendezvous point in the abandoned warehouse, realizing that she had never felt such a mix of emotion in her life. She felt relieved that nothing horrible had happened to Vaughn during the takedown; she had worried quite a bit when she was unable to locate him. But now he was safe, and so was she. She felt excited to be meeting Vaughn. Not only was she meeting with him, which was a greatness in itself, but she was meeting with him for the first time with no restrictions. They could do whatever they wanted... And lastly she felt nervous because of the fact that they could do whatever they wanted. Such a new freedom to Sydney scared her, just as the unknown scared many people. However, this new territory of hers she was sure would be inhabited quickly.
She found herself outside the warehouse, and she braced herself as she stepped out of the car into the blustering cold air, biting winds whisking across her face and blowing her hair in every direction. She smoothed it back into place as she neared the building's core.
And suddenly there he stood in front her her. He leaned casually against a stack of crates, his arms crossed comfortably over his muscular chest, his eyes downcast as if fiercely searching for something on the ground. He wore a long trench coat over a tight black shirt and perfectly fitting jeans. His hair was tousled like he rolled out of bed only moments ago. But to sum it all up: he looked gorgeous.
Sydney could picture their first moment of freedom; he would smile dashingly and take her hand, bringing it to his mouth and kissing it gently. His kisses would trail up her arms and make their way to her lips, where they would melt together in a passionate kiss...
His eyes lifted and met hers. He smiled. Dashing smile: check. Sydney greeted, stepping in closer, I couldn't find you when I left SD-6.
Yeah, I had a few things to take care of at the other end of a building. There was fire, but everyone's okay. After that I went to talk some more with the girl – Aislin. Aislin Finna Conor. Her date of birth of March twenty-fifth, 1991.
She quickly did the math. So she's twelve?
Yes. Her mother died when she was born, and she has no siblings.
Which means she's all alone, Sydney mused, and Vaughn nodded solemnly. Heavy guilt washed over Sydney. What's going to happen to her when the CIA is done with her?
Well, she may have to enter the Witness Protection Program, though it's not likely. She'll probably end up with foster parents.
Will she go back to Ireland?
I doubt it. Her mother was born in America so that gives her citizenship here.
Sydney nodded and frowned. She wished she could be satisfied with the answers she was receiving but found it difficult. It was Sydney's fault that she had been transplanted ito this country and taken from her home, and that she was all alone, and that she would end up with a strange family no matter what the result. Aislin deserved so much better after what Sydney had done to her.
Vaughn balanced from the crates. So I didn't get a chance to congratulate you on the end of SD-6 and the Alliance. What a huge accomplishment. He stepped closer to Sydney, her heart fluttering madly. She beamed a smile at him, reveling in her glory, and he smiled back, leaning forward onto another crate and setting his hand atop it. Yet their smiles faded, and their eyes locked onto each other's, never quaking or shifting or batting an eyelash.
This isn't what's supposed to happen, Sydney thought, staring longingly into his emerald swirls of desire. We're supposed to be celebrating and kissing and touching and hugging. Then the thought finally voiced itself.
If we just took down the Alliance, she pondered aloud, then you are no longer my handler. She lifted her hand from her side, and as it trembled, she set it on top of Vaughn's warm one, just observing their proximity. She stared up into his eyes lustfully, allowing the thought to sink in. His eyes, though understanding, were settled on the ground and not back at her.
Hurt, she turned around, prepared to walk away. A cloud of depression swept over her; he didn't feel the same way. All the time she spent dreaming of their fantasies were worthless, all her hopes fluttered away. She hadn't only been working to avenge Danny's death, she had been working to attain Vaughn. Yet all her work was pointless, because he obviously felt otherwise. Humility stung her cheeks.
Just as rapidly as she turned away, Vaughn grabbed her trailing wrist and spun her around, holding her closely to his body. His breath tickled her nose as she froze in shock. He leaned in then, kissing her with such a passion that she had never felt before. A fire had sparked between them that not even the darkest evil could douse. She felt as if she were floating, as if she had left her body and had flown to Heaven. Never had she felt such devotion fighting through her veins with immense satisfaction prickling down her spine, and the ecstasy glowed from her skin as the tender endearment twinkled in her eyes.
They pulled away for air, panting heavily, and Sydney found herself back in her body. A place she most definitely wanted to be. She rested her forehead on the bridge of his nose, her eyes resting on his precious lips.
You have no idea how long I've wanted to do that, he whispered, smirks captivating both their faces, the truth of their feelings revealed at last. Sydney leaned in for another kiss – a longer, deeper one – only dreaming about kissing him with the same affection for the rest of her life.
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Sydney positively glowed as she marched through the halls of the CIA that morning, strutting as she entered through the front door for the first time. Though she was tired from lack of sleep, she bubbled with energy from adrenaline. Last night had been the longest Joey's Pizza meeting ever, but it was also the best... She quickly found Vaughn seated alone at his desk, scribbling away at a pad of paper. His eyes appeared deep in thought and he rested his head on his left hand, his elbow bent across the table sharply. He looked up and smiled upon finding Sydney waiting nearby.
he greeted, dropping the pen and turning in his chair as if inviting her to crawl into his lap.
Invitation or not, she did so anyway, slipping her arms around his neck. His desk was rather off from where most agents interacted, so hardly anyone would see them together in such a situation. But Sydney didn't care. It wasn't a secret at all anymore. she replied, kissing his cheek intimately. What were you writing?
A series of questions that I have to ask Aislin for the formal investigation. You're helping me interview her.
She bit her lip. Sydney wanted to be with the girl because she was probably lonely and wanted company, but Sydney was also afraid of her similarly. There was a feeling Sydney couldn't shake off whenever she confronted the girl, as if she already knew that she had killed her father, but was waiting for Sydney to admit it. It was impossible, of course; only Sydney's conscience eating away at her fear.
She put on a straight face and stood up professionally. Mr. Vaughn, if you would accompany me to the holding chamber.
Certainly, Ms. Bristow. They stood holding serious faces the best they could until Sydney blushed and clasped Vaughn's hand, giving it a squeeze. They walked hand in hand through the halls heading for Aislin's holding chamber. Neither cared who saw them; it only mattered that Vaughn was no longer a handler, and Sydney no longer his asset.
She ignored the acute weakness building inside her as they entered the white room. Aislin sat behind a table on a chair that was too tall for her and her legs dangled, swinging back and forth. She rested her head in her arms on top of the table, and perked her head up when she heard footsteps approaching.
Hello, Aislin, Vaughn greeted her with a quick smile. We have to formally interview you now. Some of the questions you answered for me last night, but you'll need to answer them again on the record. He pulled out a tape recorder from his pocket and the pad of paper from under his arms. Syd, will you read the questions for me? I have check her pulse to make sure she's not lying. He turned to Aislin. Standard procedure... Mostly for criminals.
She nodded. I understand.
So the girl was speaking freely now, Sydney noted. She took the pad of paper from Vaughn and cleared her throat. Vaughn flipped on the tape recorder as Aislin rolled up her sleeves to allow Vaughn to hold her wrists. State your full name.
Aislin Finna Conor.
Date of birth.
March twenty-fifth, 1991.
State your place of birth.
Dublin, Ireland.
State your mother's name, maiden name, and place of birth.
Moira Jane Ellington. She was born in... she paused in thought. Boston, Massachusetts, United States, but she moved to Dublin when she was seven.
How did she die?
She died of complications from giving birth to me.
State your father's name and his place of birth. Sydney internally cringed at his mention.
Bairn Conor. He was born in Shannon, Ireland.
A light sweat broke over Sydney's forehead. And – and his cause of death?
He was shot in an elevator, she whispered, staring intently at her quivering fingers.
Do you have any siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, or any other relatives?
Not that I know of.
Where is your current residency?
47 Brook Lane, Cork, Ireland.
What did your father do for a living?
He was an elevator guard person. He allowed the elevator access only to special people because there were top secret laboratories at his company. He worked at the Cork Biotechnology Company.
How did you get back into the elevator if it is so securely guarded?
Father's boss, Mr. Fitzpatrick, is quite excellent friends with our family. He's quite fond of me, actually. He always lets me into the building to see my father. He knows how close we are – were...
Sydney furrowed her brow, a suspicion brewing within. Would you happen to know Mr. Fitzpatrick's first name?
Yes, I believe it's Jeremy.
This confirmed Sydney's suspicion: Mr. Jeremy Fitzpatrick was the name of a leader of the Hierarchy. She glanced at Vaughn before asking the final question, and he nodded at her. Have you ever heard of the Hierarchy?
Aislin squinted in thought. No, I don't think so.
Sydney looked back at Vaughn, who gave her a solemn nod, signaling no signs that she was lying. Okay, Aislin, Vaughn smiled, taking his hands away from her wrists. We're done. He pushed the stop button on the tape recorder and placed it back inside his pocket. So I hear you'll be moving into a safe house soon.
Yeah, it will be so much nicer...
Sydney drifted out of their conversation and checked her watch. Why was he making conversation? All Sydney wanted to do was get away from the girl before her guilt smothered her. And the smothering had already begun. She fidgeted in her seat as they proceeded to converse, all while Sydney wanted to tell them that she had to leave. Finally, at a break, Sydney said, Well, Francie is expecting me for lunch, so I better leave. I'll see you later, Vaughn, she bent down to kiss his cheek, but he swiveled his head and they serendipitously crashed lips, much to each other's delight.
he whispered cheerily, knowing a hello' kiss would greet him later.
Bye, Aislin, Sydney said quickly, flashing a fake smile as she rushed out the door. When it closed behind her, she leaned against it and sighed, then proceeded out to her car on her lunch break.
She was slightly angry with Vaughn for making her stay so long in a strangling room. His intentions were good, she knew, for getting her to confront the problem, but she wasn't yet ready to confront it, let alone willing to. She didn't want to be pressured, yet she knew Vaughn would pressure her.
When she arrived at Francie's restaurant she was much hungrier than she had anticipated, but she thankfully found that Francie already had their favorites prepared.
Hi, honey, Francie said.
Sydney replied, a peculiar thought taking over her mind. Last night she took down the Alliance. There was no more reason to lie. Perhaps it was time that Francie learned the truth... Sit down. I have something serious to tell you.
She giggled and sat down. What, you're pregnant?
Sydney sat down across from her, picking idly at her sandwich. She frowned at her friend's slight immaturity. No, the thing is... I don't work for a bank.
Francie exclaimed. Her mouth hung open in shock and confusion, but those feelings would only expand upon hearing Sydney's next statement.
I work for the CIA.
A/n: How about that S/V moment? Vaughn is so sexy. SEXY! ::Cough:: Anyway, I hope you enjoyed this chapter because I thoroughly enjoyed writing it. Sexy Vaughn. Okay, I leave for Washington DC on Wednesday, so I doubt I'll be able to update by then. I get back on Sunday, though, and my estimate is there should be an update on Monday or Tuesday night next week. Thanks! And don't forget to REVIEW because what would this fic be without reviews?
Whitelighter Enchantress