Chapter 9: Lucky Stars

A/n: Thanks for the reviews, as always. Alas, we have come to the last chapter. It was an adventurous journey, and I couldn't have made it without you guys. So I'd like to thank everyone who has ever reviewed:
nattie700, Laura, Agent Flamingo, TheUptownGirl, Natalie, Nicole, harriet, alias fan, Adelaide Bristow, Kyla, raina, Sobee1982, angryapplepie, neptunestar, daisyduke947, serendipity112233, spykid, stargirl591, olivia, SpyKid18, Skye-Birdy, and of course a special thanks to those who have me on Author Alert and your Favorites lists.

Disclaimer: I own Alias. Why aren't you all crediting me in your fics? Oh, hi JJ... Just kidding, I love you, JJ, you're my hero. It's all yours.

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Vaughn had returned from a successful mission in approximately two and half days time, all while Sydney held her emotions from him. She wanted to wait for the perfect opportunity to arise; a time that seemed perfect but with the slight element of surprise. She behaved the same around him, nonetheless, despite whether he noticed a change in her or not. Perhaps he may have noticed the brighter gleam in her smile, the extra care reflecting in her eyes, or the way she kissed him more passionately than ever; but it didn't matter to her. The sooner he realized his love for her the better, or maybe he already felt that way.

She often found herself wondering of such at random times; in the midst of writing reports or while chatting with Aislin at dinner. They were happy thoughts, however, and she was not dismayed to ponder them.

The not-so-delightful thoughts evaded her head each night before she went to bed, even on those (now more common) occasions when she was wrapped in Vaughn's arms. She grew worried about Aislin's placement, as the day when she needed a family approached soon. Before, the more likely situation would have been for her to go into foster care, though after her intel on the terrorists from the Hierarchy there was a good chance at the Witness Protection Program. In either case, Sydney knew how scared and untrusting she would be. Foster care would be bad enough, a new family and life, while the WPP would only be worse: similar to foster care but elsewhere in the United States or even the world. Sydney wanted neither, but knew of it's impossibility. It was the government's decision, as always.

Upon the days nearing Christmas, a glum state overcame Aislin, and Sydney and Vaughn noticed immediately. She talked lacking her usual enthusiasm, and when she was silent her face became a sullen entity unlike her own. They confronted her about it one day.

Aislin, is there something wrong? You seem depressed lately, Vaughn asked her, the concern visible in his eyes.

Oh, it's nothing... Just me being stupid, really. She turned around so she wasn't facing them, but not before they saw her eyes welled with tears.

Sydney started, placing her arm around her back.

I heard you guys talking. And I know that I have to go to my new family soon. And... This is going to be my first Christmas without... without F-father... She collapsed in sudden tears; tears and feelings she had probably held back for weeks. Sydney held her as she cried, guilt stacking on top of her by the ton. Vaughn, seeing both their pain, held both of them to his chest. When her sobs eased to two gentle streams, she lifted her head from Sydney's shoulder and rested against Vaughn's arm. I don't want to be alone on Christmas. Or with a family I don't know, she concluded in a sigh.

Vaughn turned her downcast head and lifted her chin to look him in the eye. Sydney and I will spend Christmas Eve with you, we'll spend the night, and we'll all have Christmas morning together. Okay? Your new family can wait until we're done with you. They'll have to.

She smiled at both agents before hugging each of them. Thank you... For everything you've done for me since I got here.

After she had scurried off for a good night's sleep, Sydney asked Vaughn if he had brought back the stuff from Ireland. He replied – with a large smile – that he indeed had.

Christmas Eve rolled around at a sluggish pace, oddly not to anyone's unhappiness. That evening, after dinner, Aislin and Sydney settled on the couch to watch several television Christmas specials while Vaughn ran home and grabbed the presents. Sydney was not as talkative as usual; she had found out earlier that day from Vaughn about Aislin's placement...

-Flashback-

She waited impatiently with her foot tapping at his desk. He should have been back by now, what was taking so long? The decision was being made about where Aislin would be going today. And Vaughn was there. Sydney was so worried. What if Aislin had to be in the Witness Protection Program, and she had to move to some place like England, where Sydney and Vaughn would never have a chance to see her?

All emotion stopped when she saw Vaughn. She suddenly couldn't tell what she was thinking or feeling at that time. She just felt... nervous? Odd, Sydney Bristow hardly felt nervous these days. Or ever, for that matter.

she asked simply when he drew close enough.

Foster family, he muttered, unable to remove his gaze from a spot on the floor.

Sydney plopped down in his chair, relieved she wouldn't be living in England. When does she have to go?

Vaughn bit his lip and finally lifted his eyes to her. Christmas Day.We'll keep her all morning. I won't let her go just yet. It was a demand, not a request.

Neither will I, Syd.

-End Flashback-

Sydney didn't want Aislin to know. She knew she would fret over it, and she wanted Christmas to be as happy as possible. But after watching too many Christmas movies in silence, she had to speak. What sort of traditions did you and your father have on Christmas? she asked, remembering the times she spent making cookies with her mother.

She smiled. We'd open presents on the Eve, then in the morning have a huge breakfast together and he would tell me stories about Mum. Well, I could hear stories about Mum whenever I asked him, but somehow there'd always be new ones every Christmas. But I guess there won't be anymore, she shrugged.

Sydney closed her eyes briefly, knowing it was all her fault. Aislin would know nothing more about her mother, because Sydney had killed her father. It was simple when broken down. But part of Sydney was also envious of this girl, one who at least could talk with her father about her mother. If Sydney had asked Jack about Irina in her childhood and adolescence, then Jack would send her to her room, or ignore her, or yell at her to go away. Sydney had taken away from this girl what she herself had always wanted. I'm sorry, she began.

Aislin turned to Sydney, her eyebrows raised; something Sydney wasn't expecting. You didn't kill my father. Well, technically you did, but I mean it wasn't your fault. They way I see it, the people who hired him killed him. They brought him into that life and that danger, and if anyone is to blame it's them.

Sydney gave her a small smile. You are one amazing kid, you know that? She shrugged, adjusting her body to hug Sydney as she crept back into her Holiday Special enjoyment.

Just then there came a knocking at the door, and Sydney rose to answer it. After looking through the eye hole and seeing Vaughn with a large box, she asked, What's the secret password?It's I have her stuff and it's fricken' heavy.' Now let me in!

She giggled as she unlocked the door and proceeded to let him in with a smile. Aislin flipped off the TV and turned to watch him stumble in with an extremely huge box. Vaughn, you put all the presents in there? she asked.

Not exactly... he said after setting the box down on the bar and catching his breath. Sydney and Vaughn stood idly near the box, hardly able to contain their smiles at a very confused Aislin. The rest of the presents we can open in the morning. But tonight... I guess we should give you these.

Aislin cocked an eyebrow at him before shrugging and nearing them to investigate. She bent back the flaps on the cardboard box and peered inside. Immediately following, her face lit up with excitement. How did you...When I went to Ireland over Thanksgiving for the mission. I kind of broke into your house and Sydney told me what to get.

Her smile was of true graciousness and happiness. Thank-you so much. I love you, guys, I really do. She gave each of them a big hug, then Vaughn helped bring the box to the floor so she could inspect everything in it.

The box contained Aislin's stuffed rabbit from when she was little, her quilt that her mother made her before she was born, photo albums and framed photographs, random trinkets from around her house, her favorite CDs, books, and posters, and finally the leather bound notebook her father had given her that she never had a chance to write in.

They sat together on the floor until late at night looking through the photo albums together. Finally when they finished at near two AM, Aislin wrapped the quilt around her, held the album to her stomach and sighed contentedly. I'm going to my foster home tomorrow, aren't I?

Vaughn took in a deep breath while Sydney held hers. She looked at Vaughn for an answer more desperately than Aislin was even looking at him. Her face instantly fell to the floor, and Sydney frowned but held her in a hug, holding her close to her body. Don't be discouraged, he urged. Sydney and I will take you to your new home at dinner, where we will all eat together and get settled. But please try not to think about it too much now... Just enjoy Christmas while it lasts.

She agreed that she'd try, and proceeded to flip through the photo albums again. Shortly after, she fell asleep, and Vaughn moved her still wrapped in her quilt onto the couch. He and Sydney snuggled in silence for a while more before drifting off themselves.

- - - - - - -

Aislin awoke that next morning to the aroma of waffles... Her favorite. She groaned and lifted her head slightly from the couch, only to drop it back upon the strain it took to lift it. But then she remembered, it was Christmas.

She sat up and squinted into the corner, where she had previously caught an unfamiliar shape out of the corner of her eye. It was a tree! With loads of presents resting underneath.

Sydney smiled at her from the kitchen. Merry Christmas, Aislin, she said, watching as a full smiled Aislin turned her head to see Sydney and Vaughn in her kitchen. Vaughn donned a Santa hat while mixing the waffle batter and using the waffle maker. He already a a small stack on a plate beside him.

Merry Christmas. You can dig in whenever you're hungry, he said.

Aislin rose from the couch, still dragging her quilt with her. I think now is suitable, she replied, licking her lips as she took a seat. Sydney set a plate in front of her, and she drowned the waffles in syrup.

Sydney turned to Vaughn who was finishing up. Can we open presents now? she asked, sticking her lower lip out in a pout.

Vaughn rolled his eyes at her, then looked to Aislin who was pouting as well. He finally gave in. All right, all right. But let me get situated with my waffles.

They all prepared to eat on the floor of the living room while they opened their presents. Since Aislin had finished her first plate in a hurry, she stole Vaughn's Santa hat and became the Present Messenger. She organized everyone's gifts to a pile in front of them. When she was finished, everyone began ripping open the paper as if they were small children.

By the end of the morning, Aislin's inventory had grown with clothes, gift certificates, a new CD player, and a () CIA pen complete with audio recorder. Sydney had received lots of clothes from Francie (who was spending Christmas with her family), pretty dangly earrings from Aislin, and a gorgeous diamond necklace from Vaughn. He finished out the morning with a lot more Kings gear and two plane tickets to France over Valentine's Day, courtesy of Sydney.

- - - - - - -

After spending all afternoon together in complete bliss, dinnertime of course rolled around. In silence, they packed up all of Aislin's things and set them in Vaughn's car. Sydney let Aislin sit up front with Vaughn and let herself sit in the back. It was the least she could do at this morbid time.

They drove for about twenty minutes when someone finally spoke. What are their names? It was Aislin.

Of my new family.

Vaughn sighed. Well, your dad's new name is Michael, just like mine. she replied softly.

Sydney shook her head lightly and stared blankly out the window. Such a sad time could only be drowned out by time, she knew, and she couldn't bare to face it now. She let the buildings and trees along the road pass her by. Very few people were out and about on such a holiday; where they were most likely celebrating their tradition. Celebrating? she thought with angst. Lucky bastards.

However, she soon recognized her surroundings quite a bit. It was a path she had driven many times in the course of the last few months; a path she and Vaughn had taken a lot. Vaughn, where are we going? she asked with uncertainty.

Aislin's new house... You'll see. She didn't notice the quick smile he flashed her in the rearview mirror.

It didn't even come together when the car stopped outside a very familiar apartment complex. Why are we outside your apartment?

Aislin furrowed her brow and stared at him oddly, as did Sydney. What was he doing!? He stared back and forth from Aislin to Sydney's faces, finally stopping on Sydney. he began, turning to Aislin, Aislin Finna Conor is now legally my daughter.

Aislin's eyes widened. he laughed at her reaction. Is that okay?Are you kidding me? That's AWESOME!Well, come on, let's move you in.

Aislin jumped out of the car and hustled to grab one of the three boxes that contained her things. She bounded ecstatically through the halls, humming Christmas carols as loudly as she could. Sydney had never seen a happier person.

Once inside, Aislin greeted Donovan with a loving scratch behind the ears. They all dropped the boxes off in the spare bedroom – Aislin's new room – where Sydney left Vaughn and Aislin to bond. Aislin looked around her new room, her face graced with the smile that hadn't ceased since Vaughn said she was his daughter. She met Vaughn's gaze and ran to hug him. Thank-you... Thank-you more than you'll ever know. I love you, Vaughn. I mean... Dad.I love you too, Aislin, he responded with utmost sincerity, holding her head against his chest and stroking her wavy hair. She decided to start making the room her own and began to rummage through the boxes with more energy than the Energizer Bunny himself. Vaughn headed back out to the living room where he found Sydney grinning on the couch. He stretched out next to her and adjusted her around him until she rested above him, her eyes staring down into his. He laughed. Hehe, she called me Dad!Get used to it, she smiled back. When her smile faded she playfully smacked him. But you lied to me!You said she was going to a foster family! You didn't tell me you were even attempting to adopt her.Well I didn't want to ruin the surprise, now did I? he asked, leaning up to kiss her.

I was quite surprised, Mr. Vaughn, I'll give you that, she whispered before kissing him. And I am so, so happy you did this for her. And so relieved...Me too. I know what it feels like to lose your father, and she shouldn't have to go through that with complete strangers. It's hard enough even with people you know and love. He sighed. Wow, I have a daughter. And oh, jeez, we have to enroll her in school! What, she's like seventh grade, right? It will definitely be one of the private schools around here; she's getting the best possible education. And –Easy there, tiger. Slow it up a little bit. Will you at least explain to me how the CIA is behind you on all this?Well, I told him that since we got the intel about the terrorists from her, it would be safe to keep her under CIA watch – me being CIA. And I told them about how she doesn't trust people easily, and that she just had a special bond with me... I don't really remember everything I said; I rambled nonstop for about seven minutes straight...Then I'm glad that you ramble sometimes. Now let's start dinner, all right?

He nodded, kissing the tip of their nose. They rose from the couch and headed for the kitchen, where Vaughn prepared chicken for the grill out on the porch (something both he and Sydney were madly craving) while Sydney prepared the salad on the long, rectangular island. Every so often Vaughn would randomly state, Wow, I have a daughter, as if the idea still had yet to settle with him.

Sydney met Vaughn right outside the French doors to the porch with a cherry tomato and popped it into his mouth. Salad's ready, she told him.

He nodded, checking his watch to make sure he hadn't left the chicken too long on the grill. Oh no, he said lightly. Am I even going to be a good father? I haven't had one for long, and I'm –Of course you'll be a good father, she reassured, stopping his bad thoughts. What makes you think you'll be bad? She already loves you, and that's a great start. he replied, grabbing her hand and leading her out to the grill. The chicken was ready and he moved it onto a plate. He set it on the small round table, and briefly dragged Sydney back inside. You know, Syd, I have lots of love to go around, too.Oh yeah? she chuckled.

That's right. And I may have too much for a twelve-year-old to handle...'

So I may just need you to, oh, I don't know, move in with us and help me sort it all out. And, you know, a twelve-year-old might like having you around to talk to and stuff. Sydney smiled, creeping into his arms and kissing him deeply. I take it that's a yes?I love you, Michael Vaughn.I love you, Sydney Bristow. Donovan barked at the two humans ignoring him. Vaughn laughed, We love you too, Donny. Sydney smirked at the dog, but looked back into Vaughn's eyes; eyes she would never stop staring into as long as she lived. They kissed, their first kiss of the truest love, deeper than any before, longer than most, and filled with more passion than they ever could have imagined.

But finally they brought all the food to the table outside where Aislin met them. They each took a seat, and Aislin announced that she wanted to say grace. She held Vaughn and Sydney's hands and closed her eyes tightly. We thank you for the food we are about to receive, and God bless. Thank-you for placing me into the best care, with Vaughn, and thank-you for making this the best Christmas present anyone's ever given to me.

She proceeded to speak the Irish prayer her father used to sing to her, and Sydney followed along in her head. She had memorized the lyrics since that night she realized she loved Vaughn. Sydney looked up to the sky as Aislin finished, where she was greeted by her stars; each shimmering and glowing as brightly as they could above the overpowering city lights. She sighed in content, knowing that her stars were indeed lucky once again.

Aislin finished her prayer, smiling at her new family. And Sydney smiled back, discovering without any shock that she had found exactly what was missing from her life: true bliss, a happy family, and the deepest love one could possibly possess.

-El Fin-

A/n: I hope you all liked the ending! But it's not exactly the ending... I'm hoping you all want the sequel. If you do it's from Aislin's POV and it's got lot's o' fluff... Let me know. And please, please REVIEW and tell me what you thought!
Love,
-Whitelighter Enchantress