Author's Note: Yay! Exams are over! Thank goodness. I went on a holiday for a few days, so sorry this took so long…and I know I'm really lazy, okay?

Cheeky.

Part Sixteen

"So what are we going to do?" Charlie asked.

Irina placed a laptop on the table from where it had been resting at her feet. She typed for a second, before turning it around to face the rest of us. "The man in the photo is Paul Cocannon." She said. "He is one of the Rambaldi experts that helped build the device in Sloane's possession. He is the only man apart from Sloane himself who knows where it is."

"He will be attending a party in London tomorrow night." Sark continued what I could only call a mission briefing. "Irina has arranged for an invitation."

"And he's just going to tell us what we want?" I asked skeptically.

Sark smiled. "Not quite."

"Then how do you propose to get the information?" my father asked.

"We're simply going to bug his office." Sark said, smirking a little.

"Won't he monitor that sort of thing?" Charlie asked.

Sark grinned. "Yes, but we managed to steal one of Marshall's bugs while we were breaking Sydney out." He said. "And I have to say that Marshall Flinkman is quite the genius."

"Yeah, he is." I agreed. "So who's going?"

"You and Julian." Irina said. "Charlie will be running technical support."

"Are you sure that's wise?" dad asked.

Irina looked at him and raised an eyebrow. "Don't you think Sydney can handle it?" she asked mildly.

"Of course she can handle it." My father said. "But the CIA are looking for her."

My father's automatic faith in my abilities warmed my heart. Sark must have noticed something one my face, because he grinned at me before leaning over. "They'll be at it for hours now." he whispered, meaning the argument my parents were now having. "Do you want to come?"

"Yes." I nodded. "I need to do this. And I'm sure we can avoid the CIA." I smiled at him.

"I'm sure we can." Sark agreed.

Sark looked across the table at Charlie. "Are you ready?"

"Always." Charlie grinned back, just as my parents finished arguing.

I looked at the almost identical looks of stubbornness on their faces, and knew that had only paused for now. So I broke in. "I'm going." I said.

"Are you sure, Sydney?" my father asked, concerned.

"Yes." I told him. "I have to do this."

He nodded. "Just be careful."

"I will."

I couldn't help by smile as Sark helped me out of the BMW. It was nice for once, not to have to sneak in like I usually had too – we had an invitation this time. It also felt good not to have to wear a disguise either. Sark and I had decided that it wasn't worth it anyway. If anyone recognised me, which was unlikely, that would probably also have heard of my escape from CIA custody.

Sark smiled at me, looking downright gorgeous in a black suit and shirt. Armani, no doubt. I wore black as well, in the form of a long black dress. It was made of this gorgeous flowing material that hugged my waist and fell straight down from my hips. I wore a simple pair of stilettos on my feet and my hair in a simple knot. Sark had given me a pair of long but simple diamond earrings that evening and I wore them too.

Sark offered me his arm as I climbed out of the car. I felt great as I climbed out of the car, my skirts whispering around my legs. For once, I felt completely free just being me. I didn't need a disguise. I think some of that was because of Sark – he had this way of looking at me that made me believe I could do anything. I know that probably a cliché but it was true. It also helped that I had spent so long as Julia Thorne. Nothing like being forced to be someone else to appreciate who you are.

Sark and I strolled casually into the large house where the party was being held. I noticed the rich carpets and marble in the entrance hall and the vases of lilies decorating the tables. Definitely a wealthy home. We continued inside to the ballroom, which was decorated with many linen covered tables and a dance floor. I had to smile when I saw the music wasn't being played by the usual string quartet – but by a full big band complete with crooning singer.

But the music was lovely, so I didn't dwell on it. Sark grabbed two flutes of champagne off a nearby waiter and handed me a glass. "To an interesting evening." He toasted, gently tapping my glass with his.

I smiled. "To an interesting evening." I echoed.

I sipped my champagne as my eyes turned and scanned the room. I smiled slightly, as my ruby ring caught the light. True to what Sark had once said, I wore it so that no matter what, he would always know who I was. Sark caught me smiling, and smiled back. Then he took my hand and guided me towards the rest of the ballroom.

We strolled around for a while, exchanging greeting with the other guests, before finding a moment to slip away towards the office where the meeting would later be held. It was deceptively easy to plant the bug, despite the cameras we knew where watching. Acting like lovers seeking a moment alone, Sark and I made out, hiding Sark quick tap that placed the bug under the desk.

Just as I began to feel like I was drowning, despite Sark arms holding my upright, Sark's phone rang. He broke away and answered. "Yes?" he asked, sounding irritated.

He laughed at something the person on the other end said, before hanging up. "Maybe we should finish this later." He said.

"I'll hold you to that." I said, as we made our way back towards the ballroom.

As soon as we were out of the office, I turned to Sark. "Who was that?" I asked.

"Charlie." He said. "He told me to keep my mind on business."

I laughed. "That sounds like her."

We took a seat at one of the tables around the edges of the room and I continued to watch the crowd. "Any sign of Cocannon?" I asked.

"No." Sark replied. "I doubt he will be here for a while."

"Oh?" I raised an eyebrow.

Sark smiled at me again. "I believe he's rather shy."

I grinned at that – it seemed funny that one of the men that could change the face of the world was shy. Sark winked at me. "So we might as well enjoy ourselves for a little while."

"What did you have in mind?" I asked him.

"May I have this dance?" he asked with great formality, rising and offering me his hand.

"You may." I answered in the same solemn tone, before spoiling it with a large grin.

He smiled in return, before spinning me onto the dance floor, just as the band began to play a version of "Sway". Sark stepped up, as smooth as always, and grabbed my lightly around the waist, moving to the music. I followed suit, enjoying the treasured feeling of being in Sark's arms and the beat of the music around us. Sark spun me again, and my skirt flared out around my legs.

I stared into Sark's eyes, the blue mesmerising and forgot about everything else. The other people, the mission, where I was. There was just Sark and the music. I felt like I was floating on a cloud above everything…and wondered if this was what people meant when they said they were walking on air.

The music beat around us as we spun around the floor, our eyes turning hot as they inevitably did. It was a surprise when the music ended, but the quiet applause was almost shocking. Sark and I came back to ourselves to see that many of the other dancers on the floor had made room for us and were applauding.

I blushed and laughed, shooting a look at Sark. He smiled back and nodded at some of the other guests. The song changed to a slower song, and the couples resumed dancing, Sark and I included. I bit my lip. "What was all that about?" I asked.

Sark shot me an amused glance. "I imagine they enjoyed the dance." He said.

"We must have been quite a show."

"We must have." Sark agreed. "Particularly considering two of our old friends appeared very disgusted at the sight."

At his words, I tensed. I knew he meant the CIA were here by his tone and his words. "Who's here?" I asked.

"Agents Vaughn and Reed it appears."

Sark gently spun me around so I was facing in the direction he had been. "On the right." He said softly.

I glanced towards the right and saw them. Vaughn was almost unmistakable from all the mission we had been on together, and I recognised Lauren beside him. She was wearing heavy makeup and a red wig, but it was her. Both were staring at Sark and I with looks of surprise, disgust and incredulity on their faces.

"What should we do about them?" I asked.

Sark smiled. "Make sure they don't catch us." He said.

"They couldn't catch us, even in their dreams." I muttered back, laying my cheek against Sark's shoulder.

"A bit confident, are we?" Sark asked mildly.

"Yes." I agreed. "I won't let them ruin it."

"They never can, Syd." Sark whispered in my ear. "I'll always love you. They can't change that."

I looked up at his soft words and gave him what I have to admit was a rather teary smile. "I'll always love you too, Julian." I told him.

I leaned forward and gently brushed my lips to Sark's, just as the song ended around us. The kiss was slow and full of tenderness. We broke apart with embarrassed smiles when someone wolf-whistled.

Gently, Sark took my arm and led me off the dance floor. "Perhaps we should return to our seats?" he asked.

I smiled, both amused and embarrassed. "I think that might be a good idea."

We sat back down at the table we had used before, and I glanced over the crowd. Vaughn and Lauren were nowhere to be seen. And instead of worrying me, it made me smile in anticipation. Avoiding the CIA just added another challenge to the evening.

"Ah, perfect timing." Sark said. "It seems Mr. Cocannon has decided to finally put in an appearance."

I nodded, watching Cocannon move through the room. "Any sign of the Vaughn's?" I asked.

"Not yet." Sark replied.

Then he took out his phone for a second. He quickly dialled a number. "Ready?" he asked.

He smiled at Charlie's response, whatever it was. "Good. We'll leave you to it."

Hanging up the phone, Sark turned back to me. "It seems we've done what we came to do. Charlie can handle the rest. What do you say I take you out for a late dinner?"

"Sounds good." I said. "This party was getting kind of boring anyway."

Sark chuckled softly and put a hand around my waist. "Then what are we waiting for?"

I grinned at him and leant over to give him a brief kiss. Before I could reply, I felt him stiffen. Turning, I saw the reason why. Vaughn and Lauren stood in front of us, a combination of determination, disgust and fear in their expressions.

"Sydney." Vaughn said. "What are you doing here?"

I stayed close to Sark, unsure of what Vaughn was doing. I kept my face bland. "I would have thought that was obvious: attending a party." I told him.

"With him?" He asked disgustedly.

"If you mean Julian, then yes."

"I have to take you into custody." Vaughn continued. "By the order of the US government."

I gave him a look of stubbornness and disgust. He would try to be a boy scout, wouldn't he? "Thank you, but no. I'm quite happy where I am."

"Syd…" Vaughn stepped forward and grabbed my arm.

"I believe you heard her." Sark said coldly.

Vaughn glared at Sark. "No one asked you." Then he grinned somewhat nastily. "But then you'll be going with her too."

"I will have to decline as well." Sark said. "Now, you'll have to excuse us. It was so nice to see you again."

I raised an eyebrow slightly at Sark's cold tone that belied the mildness of the words. I could feel the tense muscles of his arm, and knew he was struggling not to hit Vaughn.

"I'm sorry." Vaughn said to me, before swinging at Sark.

But Sark was ready for him. He blocked easily and swung himself, punching Vaughn so hard that Vaughn staggered backwards and fell. Many of the guests turned and stared at the commotion. "I'll have to ask you to leave Sydney alone." He said calmly, despite all the stares. "She doesn't concern you anymore."

I waited until we had reached the door to the house, before I burst into a grin. "My hero." I said in a high voice, and battered my eye lashes at Sark.

My comment made Sark smile, and he lost some of the angry look in his eyes. "I prefer knight-in-shining-armour actually." He replied as the valet brought his car around.

"Well, Sir Julian." I said. "I am very grateful to you for rescuing me."

It was just then that the valet pulled up in Sark's BMW. Sark opened the passenger door for me, and looked at me, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Your carriage awaits, my lady." He said.

I laughed as I got into the car. It was then that Vaughn and Lauren burst through the door. I looked at their annoyed and frustrated faces and couldn't resist. As Sark and I roared off, I blew Vaughn a kiss and waved in farewell. I knew I'd have to face him again soon, but right now I was happy where I was, and it was about time he realised that.

"Do you still want some dinner?" Sark asked.

I glanced at him. "How about buying me an ice-cream?"

Sark laughed. "Whatever you want." He told me.

An hour later, I was wrapped in Sark's jacket and his arms as we strolled along the Thames, an ice-cream in my hand. Sark and I had ended up driving around for a while, both to see if anyone was trailing us and to find an open ice-cream parlour. But we'd found one in the end.

"Want some?" I asked, offering Sark a spoon of my ice-cream.

"I wouldn't mind." He said, taking the bite. "Very nice." He added when he swallowed.

I smiled and went back to eating. It didn't take me long to finish. But then I did really, really like ice-cream. I mean who didn't? Sark and I strolled for a while longer in silence, and I felt perfectly content.

"Would you be upset if you could never go back to the CIA?" Sark asked suddenly.

I looked at him and saw the serious expression on his face. My answer seemed to mean a lot to him. I considered it for a while. "A little." I said, knowing I would be. "I'd miss Marshall and Dixon and Weiss. But, I figure everything else could be replaced."

I paused for a moment, really thinking about the possibilities. "I mean, I could come and work for you and mom. Take down the bad guys that way. And I'd still have you, so it wouldn't matter."

Sark looked at me for a long moment. "I really love you Bristow." He said, before leaning forward and giving me a long passionate kiss. Coffee ice-cream never tasted so good.

"Me too." I replied, and couldn't stop the large grin that covered my face.

Sark looked at me again, a slight frown on his face. "What's going through your head to put that look on your face?" he asked.

"That I really like the taste of coffee ice-cream." I said, before laughing at his expression.

My laughter was interrupted by the ringing of Sark's phone. I fished it out of his jacket pocket, and offered it to him. Sark motioned for me to answer it. So I did.

"Hello?" I said.

"Sydney?" Charlie's voice asked.

I smiled. "Hey Charlie." I greeted.

"Hi. Where's Sark?"

"Right next to me, why?"

"Oh, just wondering. I just called to let you know that I got everything that we need. And that your CIA friends were awful pissed when the missed you." Charlie said.

I laughed. "I'll just bet they were. Thanks, Charlie."

"No problem. See you back in Ireland."

"See you." I said, before hanging up.

"Your sister." I said to Sark, before he could ask. "She says she has everything we need."

"Good." Sark answered.

I shivered slightly, despite Sark's jacket and his arms. "Aren't you cold?" I asked.

"Only a little." He said.

We stopped for a moment to watch the water, which somehow managed to look less murky and grimy in the dark. I leaned back against Sark and thanked whoever it was that had brought Julian Sark into my life. He truly was the man I wanted to spend the rest of my life with.

"Syd," Sark began softly, before trailing off.

I turned in his arms, so I could look at his face. "Yes, Julian?"

He looked at me, a vulnerable but determined look in his eyes. "There's something I have to ask you before anything else happens."

"What is it?" I asked softly.

Sark pulled something out of his pocket. "Sydney Anne Bristow, will you marry me?" Sark opened the box, to reveal one of the most beautiful rings I had ever seen.

I looked at the ring and then back at Sark, completely speechless. The ring was a simple gold band with two hands holding a diamond shaped like a heart and above it was a small gold crown. "It's a Claddagh ring. Very Irish." He said. "It symbolises eternal love and friendship."

I looked up at Sark again, tears in my eyes. "Julian, it's beautiful." I said. "And yes. Yes! Of course I'll marry you!"

Sark slipped the ring on my finger, and then I laughed as he swung me around. "No matter what happens Syd, you have my promise I will love you forever." He said, before crushing me two him and kissing me.

The kiss melted my bones and turned my mind to mush. I floated on sensation and love and didn't care. The kiss was filled with tenderness and passion and love, just like Julian. We broke apart and I couldn't stop the dopey grin that spread on my face. Neither, it seemed could Sark. "I love you Julian." I said.

"I love you too, Syd." Then he sighed. "Our only problem now, of course, is how to break this to your father without me being shot on sight."

I chuckled. "Oh, somehow I don't think dad will shoot you. He actually kind of likes you."

Sark looked at me. "Are we talking about the same Jack Bristow?"

I took his hand and entwined our fingers. "Well, there's only one way to find out, isn't there?"

"I guess you're right." He sighed.

"Besides," I added. "I won't let him shoot you. So you'll live through it."

"One can only hope." Sark muttered, making me laugh.