Chapter 7: Halloween
A/n: Thanks a million for your reviews! You guys are the awesomest ever. Anywho, onto the fluffy chapter. I seriously hope it's okay because it's been a long time since I've written in Fluffville. Enjoy your stay!
Disclaimer: I own Aislin, and JJ owns Alias. If you ever want to trade, JJ, you know who to call.
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So what is this Halloween thing all about?
Did you seriously just ask that?
Well, I understand Halloween, it's the trick-or-treating business...
What's the problem? You go around in a costume and people give you free candy.
Just candy? What's the trick part for then? And what if people try to write me checks?
There's no trick part... And you've just been watching too much Friends lately. It's only candy.
Aislin leaned over the counter, her head bobbing impatiently up and down. She couldn't get her feet to stop bouncing beneath her as she glanced between Sydney and Vaughn sipping their after-dinner coffee at the circular table.
Nearly a week passed since Sydney had gone to reconcile with Aislin. It seemed that Aislin was able to forgive both her father for his evil doings and Sydney for having to kill him. Sydney was sure Aislin would never be able to fully forgive her, and despite this possible underlying grudge, both parties were much happier than their prior states of depression.
What's trick-or-treating like? Aislin continued.
Vaughn and Sydney set down their coffee's and looked at each other. Do you want to go trick-or-treating? Sydney finally asked. Aislin lowered her head and nodded sheepishly, however Sydney looked at the girl and smiled.
The next hour and a half was spent running through Sydney's spy disguise kit in search of a costume. Considering it was Halloween night, the costume stores would be filled with the bad leftovers of costumes or the extra-extra-extra large sizes of any good ones. Aislin didn't have a clue as to how to dress up, having never gone trick-or-treating before, so all was up to Sydney and Vaughn.
How do kids even dress up these days? Vaughn asked amidst the rummaging through wigs, glasses, and crazy outfits.
All three finally settled on the idea of an angel, which would require the least amount of work. Aislin could easily slip on the long, flowing, white dress over her clothes, and she could leave her hair down without a wig. Sydney applied glitter to her cheeks and forehead and found gold tinsel to lace around her head as a halo. When the completed Aislin stepped out of the bathroom, Vaughn shoved a pillowcase and flashlight in her hand, announcing they were already half an hour late and that the king-sized candy bars would be gone soon.
They drove for a while to reach a safe suburban neighborhood were there were other trick-or-treaters. Vaughn parked the car along the curb at the end of the street so they could all wander about the block. Aislin stepped out of the car, stretched her legs, and gazed curiously at children running amok in the street.
So I just ring the doorbell, say trick or treat, hold out the pillowcase and they'll just give me candy? she asked as they walked towards the first house. Her eyes fixated on the glowing jack-o'-lantern. It just seems a bit rude, after all.
It's okay. Just say thank-you after you get the candy and then run along to the next house and do it again, Vaughn reassured. Uh-oh, I see a few teenagers looking at my car, and that kid on the left has something that looks a lot like an egg in his hand... I'll be right back.
Vaughn hustled away, leaving Sydney and Aislin standing at the base of a porch. Aislin looked at Sydney, raised her eyebrows and proceeded cautiously up the steps, her fingers slowly making their way to the doorbell. Trick or treat! she shouted, following suit of the other kids she heard at the other houses.
She jumped back slightly when the door opened, revealing a man wearing a werewolf mask holding a large green bowl. He dropped one of it's contents into her pillowcase, and she politely added a thank-you. The man quickly withdrew back into the house, leaving Aislin staring at her new prize with uncertainty. She gazed from her bag, to the door, back to the bag, then to Sydney. I thought Vaughn said I was supposed to get candy.
Sydney blinked. Well, you are, it's just...
Vaughn returned chuckling. I sure scared the crap out of those kids. Hey, why aren't we on to the next houses? Aislin shrugged and scurried over to the next house. Sydney and Vaughn slowly followed. he asked, feeling Sydney's gaze on him.
He gave her a toothbrush.
Like it's my fault the first house was a dentist?
They stopped walking to stare deeply into each other's eyes for a second before breaking down in laughter. Sydney slipped her arm around Vaughn's and the composed themselves as they continued to walk.
Aislin ran up to them with a smile spreading across her face. They just gave me a huge chocolate bar!
Oh yeah, what kind?
Cool. Let's go on and see what else you can get.
All right.
Aislin hurried off down the street while Sydney and Vaughn aimlessly followed hand-in-hand. Sydney breathed in the cool night air and sighed into the crunch of fallen leaves below their feet on the sidewalk. Gazing around at the houses around her – as well as the screaming children with their supervising parents idly following – Sydney realized that this was what she wanted one day. Was this what was missing from her life?
What are you thinking about, Syd?
A breeze whisked her hair across her cheeks. Nothing much. But I have a question. What's going to happen to Aislin, I mean, she can't live in the safe house forever, right?
Exhaling deeply, he fixed his eyes to the ground in front of him. Sydney could tell it was something he had thought about before, perhaps even over-thought. She almost wanted to tell him to disregard the question entirely, a mere mistake to even ask. I'm afraid she might have to enter into the Witness Protection Program. Though the idea seems unlikely to me. She's not hiding from anyone. The more likely choice is for a foster family for her.
Sydney nodded curtly. She decided not to press on this subject; it was obvious Vaughn didn't want to talk about it. A blatant bond had formed between the two of them, deemed unbreakable.
She looked to Vaughn again to discover a sight she rarely saw. Vaughn looked like a little boy who had just watched his new goldfish die. And Sydney felt she was the cause of that... Vaughn, it's Halloween. Let's just have fun, please. Try not to think about it.
She stopped him mid-step, and grabbed his arm to turn his body to hers. She wrapped her arms around his body and held him close. I just don't want her going to a bunch of strangers, either way. She's already been through so much.
I know she has, but she's not gone yet, is she? She's right over there at that little white house getting some Blow-Pops or something.
Wait, I don't see her. He broke away slightly from Sydney.
That tall one in the middle of all those kids.
Oh. That guy handing out candy reminds me of Eric when he's flustered.
Sydney chuckled. Yeah, he does. I wonder what Eric's doing on a Halloween night.
Probably crashing some poor person's costume party looking for a girl, he sighed. And some food... Vaughn curled his body back to Sydney after watching Aislin make it safely to the next house. You know, this is kind of nice.
What is?
You and me out here. And Aislin, too. It just feels so...
Yes, that's the word. And it's strange because normal for us is traveling to foreign countries and fighting with international terrorists. But this... This is normal for everyone. And I like this normalcy.
Me too. Another wind brushed by, blowing Sydney's hair unexpectedly onto her face. Vaughn lifted his soft hands to her face, sweeping the hair to the side delicately as if Sydney were a glass doll. His eyes stopped, desperate for her chocolate eyes as a gateway into her soul. He could see her feelings, her emotions, her truest desires, and deepest fears. No one blinked. The connection only became stronger when he leaned in for a kiss, an uninterrupted moment of bliss where he captivated her every thought. Their lips crashed together and fireworks exploded in Sydney's mind.
Finally, they separated at a lack of air, Sydney resting her forehead on the bridge of Vaughn's nose. With a hasty gulp of air, Sydney leaned in for more, but a sudden jolt of Vaughn's leg caused his head to move. Sydney too looked down to find a young Spiderman wobbling on the sidewalk. he mumbled, unable to pronounce the letter R before scampering away for more candy.
Other children seemed to appear from nowhere around them on the grass and road, yet none were affected by the two adult roadblocks. Vaughn brought his gaze back to Sydney and whispered slowly, Maybe we should go back to following Aislin...
Good idea. Sydney settled for more hand holding as they walked along the street as Aislin the Angel galloped in front of them with her bag filled with candy.
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About a half an hour before trick-or-treating officially ended, Aislin had declared that she was getting tired of walking and that she had enough candy already to last her a lifetime. Vaughn was disappointed that Aislin didn't want to wait until the end – which he called dumping time – when the houses rid themselves of candy but dumping their leftovers into the pillowcase or candy bags. However, Sydney could tell Aislin really wanted to get home and eat it so they hurried Vaughn along. We can save that for next year, honey.
When the three of them reached Vaughn's car, they found that those teenage boys hadn't exactly had the crap scared out of them, as Vaughn had put it. Toilet paper ran from the grill, over the windshield and roof, to the back of the car. Eggs had been conveniently smashed into the side mirrors and hubcaps. Luckily they hadn't had any spray paint.
I hate teenage boys, Vaughn muttered, slamming the car door and watching egg flop from the mirror to the street.
And when the car initially stalled as he started it, a mild explosion was heard before he pulled off the curb. What the hell was that!?
Aislin turned to stare out the window. Yup, an egg just popped out of your tail pipe.
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Bak at the safe house, Aislin had all of her candy sorted into three piles: one for the candy she liked, one for the kind she didn't like, and one for the kind she'd never eaten before. Among her favorites were Snickers, Milky Way, and Twix, though she had taken a new liking to Starbursts and M&Ms. While sucking on a cherry Dum-Dum, she asked, So what are these Smartie things?
Sydney took a bite of her Almond Joy. They're kind of sweet and they're kind of sour... Try one and if you don't like them then Vaughn or I will eat them.
Aislin unraveled a package and pulled out a yellow one, taking the sucker out of her mouth to pop in the Smartie. Hmm, peculiar... She shifted it to the other side of her mouth and bit down. I think I may have to try another one and then I'll get back to you on that.
All right. Sydney watched Aislin sort for a second more before turning to watch Vaughn sitting cross legged in confusion in front of the television. You okay over there, Vaughn?
I can't believe the CIA doesn't stock these houses with more movies. We don't even have The Goonies! He threw his arms up in exasperation. Oh wait, this drawer is stuck... He tugged too hard, and a pile of DVDs fell onto him. Aislin sprang over to Vaughn on the floor – obviously on a sugar high – to inspect the movies. Never mind, Vaughn said, we've got The Goonies.
What's The Goonies? Aislin asked.
Vaughn's eyes lit up. Oh, it's this awesome movie about these kids who are looking for treasure –
But shouldn't we watch a scary movie because it's Halloween? Sydney asked. I want to watch a scary movie.
Me too! Aislin decided, hopping to her feet, running to the table for a pile of candy, and running back to the couch. What scary movies do we have?
Vaughn searched. Scream, The Skulls, What Lies Beneath, The Exorcist, and The Sixth Sense. Oh, and The Blair Witch Project.
The Exorcist scares the bejesus out of me, Aislin shuddered. How about we watch The Sixth Sense... I never saw it but I heard it was good.
Vaughn joined Sydney for a snuggling party on the couch while Aislin settled herself in the corner with her candy, only jumping up quickly to turn out the lights for effect. After a while, when the movie was over, Aislin jumped up to stand on the couch. That was the best scary movie I've seen in ages! Let's watch another!
Vaughn could only agree even after looking at the time. Neither he nor Sydney had to go to work tomorrow anyway. They decided to watch What Lies Beneath. However, after the first third of the movie, Aislin's sugar high expired and she she fell asleep. Vaughn turned and grinned at Sydney to show her that she'd fallen asleep, only to discover that Sydney had fallen asleep as well. He sighed, and turned off the movie. Taking Aislin into his arms, he carried her into her bedroom and lay her in her bed and under her large fluffy comforter. He headed back into the living room, intending to sleep on the floor beneath Sydney on the couch. He first took the fleece blanket off the back of the couch and draped it over Sydney.
What time is it? she grumbled.
Late. Just go to sleep. I'll be down here, he squatted down on the ground, but Sydney protested.
Just sleep up here with me, there's plenty of room.
Vaughn was glad that the room was dark to hide his blushing cheeks. All right, he said, scooting to the back of the couch and stretching out. Sydney rolled in tight with him, pulling the blanket over them both. She felt him wrap his arms around her waist, and he smiled into her hair as she brought his hand into her own to rest under her chin. As he gave her a quick squeeze, she felt a sense of protection wash over her as well as new relaxation take over. A feeling that just felt... Normal. Right. Perfect.
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Sydney awoke the next morning in a brief period of confusion. Where was her window? Her ceiling fan? Her pillows? Why was there a large television in front of her, and what was this comfortable warmth swarming her body?
She then remembered last night and could not contain herself as she smiled into the couch cushion below her. She felt Vaughn shift his weight behind her and he tightened his grip around her. His hand pressed on her stomach, holding them as close together as the couch could allow, his head was just behind hers, his chin lingering right over her shoulder, and their feet were hopelessly tangled at the end of the couch.
His rhythmic breathing in her ear lulled her to want more sleep, yet she knew it would never find her. She rolled over slowly, yearning to stretch the stiff muscles of her left side, and she heard Vaughn groan. She stopped moving abruptly in fear of waking him, but instead he had only adjusted his body to fit better with Sydney's; a move that placed him in a more suggestive position partly on top of her. Not that Sydney complained. His head now rested on her shoulder, where she bent her head slightly forward to brush a kiss across his nose. He still had his arms wrapped instinctively around her. And just as Sydney thought sleep could no longer find her, it did, and she drifted back.
When Sydney awoke again later, she found Vaughn's eyes squinting open and blinking rapidly in the brightness of the new morning light. Sorry, did I wake you? he asked. She shook her head. Vaughn nodded, then looked them up and down on the couch, realizing their position. I can move, if you're uncomfortable, or...
It's fine.
He closed his mouth and smiled, laying his head back down onto her shoulder, allowing his fingers slip under the hem of her shirt to stroke her silky skin. Sydney's soon found her hand massaging Vaughn's scalp; running her fingers through his messy but cute hair. Aislin's not awake yet, is she?
Don't think so.
Because I wouldn't want her coming out here and finding anything... life scarring, he whispered with a smirk on his face. Just as Sydney was about to question him, he rolled on top of her completely, as if claiming his territory, and stared deeply into her eyes. I love waking up next to you, he said as he lowered his lips to hers briefly. She kissed him back in concurrence. Yup, she kisses better than Donovan, too.
He laughed. And more beautiful than any sunrise.
That's more like it, she giggled. she asked with more seriousness. Do you think we'll be able to wake up to each other... again?
He began to hum a comforting but unfamiliar tune to Sydney as he trailed kisses from her chest, to neck, and finally to her lips.
What song was that? she asked when they broke.
An Irish prayer. Aislin taught it to me.
Sounds pretty.
He nodded. Sleep, my babe, lie still and slumber; all through the night. Guardian angels God will lend thee; all through the night. Soft and drowsy hours are creeping; hill and vale in slumber sleeping; mother dear her watch is keeping; all through the night... I don't remember the rest. So should I make pancakes for breakfast? At this question Sydney nodded more than eagerly. He rolled his eyes at her and kissed the tip of her nose before lifting himself from atop her and making his way to the kitchen. At his sudden absence Sydney grew cold, and she wrapped the blanket around her tightly and scrunched her knees to her chest, and sat in the corner of the couch.
Aislin appeared from her room shortly after Vaughn made the batter. She sighed as she took a seat at the bar. For a second I thought Father was making me pancakes and we were back in Ireland.
A quick guilty stab pained Sydney. Do you miss Ireland, Aislin? she asked in attempt to rid of the pain.
Some things, she decided, resting her head in one hand, her purple pajama clad legs dangling below her. I miss my things, you know, from my room and house. But I'm not particularly homesick. Except for Father... Sydney closed her eyes; licking her salty wounds. But I'd kick the balls off a brass monkey to have some of my CDs. Vaughn furrowed his brow and looked at Sydney upon hearing the odd phrase, but she shrugged it off as an Irish slang saying. And there's this really nice journal that Father bought me... I hadn't even written in it yet. I wish I had that.
Okay, pancakes are nearly ready.
Sydney reluctantly lifted herself off the couch, but she refused to leave the blanket behind. She helped herself to a healthy serving of pancakes at which Vaughn laughed at her. And as Vaughn made fun of Aislin for a just as healthy serving of syrup, Sydney realized how much she truly wanted a normal life.
A/n: Goodness, Fluffville was a nice long stay. I guess it makes up for all that time that had actual plot. A sort of vacation, I suppose. I hope you liked it! Please leave me your thoughts in a REVIEW! I'd really like some comments and constructive criticism, please. And just a heads up: the next chapter is during Thanksgiving/Vaughn's birthday. I'll try to post soon, but I go to Ohio for a few days and then basketball starts, so we'll see if I can get much writing time.
– Whitelighter Enchantress