Magnificent Lies
Questions

Earlier that morning, Jack had sat in the terminal, waiting for the plane that would take them out of Paris. They didn't have a direct flight, they were to stop over in Iceland before continuing to Los Angeles. He had lost in thought since he had woken up that morning, after a fitful nights sleep. He didn't remember if he had dreamed or not, but he recalled waking up several times during the night, only to lie awake in the bed until he relaxed enough to slip back into slumber.

Now he was thinking about Irina again. More specifically, he was thinking about the kiss, though he'd never admit it, even to himself. Somehow, Irina had managed to thoroughly confuse him in the short time they had been in Paris. First the kiss, and then sneaking off to find Volkov? And then, most astonishing of all, returning on her own accord? The only thing that could await her if she stayed with the CIA was her cold, dark cell.

When she had first turned herself in, he had thought the cell was too good for her, but on reflection he couldn't believe he had let them put her in there. Then again, she was able to deal with the loneliness of the cell, as he would be. One of their many similarities; they didn't crave the company of others.

The loudspeaker came on to announce that their plane was ready to be boarded, and he led Irina onto the large jet. Volkov followed, sitting in his seat across the aisle from Jack and Irina. As he sat down, he suddenly realized that this trip had forever changed his relationship with her. He looked over at Irina, who was staring out the window of the plane in the seat next to him. She seemed different. Softer somehow, more human.

How could they go back to Los Angeles and act like everything was the same?

Vaughn automatically drove through the narrow streets in Paris. A thin layer of pure white snow covered the road, softening the sounds of the city. Snowflakes fell gently down onto the windshield, soon wiped away by the rhythmic passing of the windshield wipers. He looked over at Sydney.

What had he done in life to deserve this feeling of happiness? No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't think of words that could do justice to the way he was feeling at that moment.

Sydney looked in awe at the beautiful sight out the window, then glanced down at the side mirror to check out the even more wondrous sight that was inside the car. She smiled as she saw Vaughn's green eyes watching her. He looked at her the same way she looked at him. And after two years of hidden glances and shrouded feelings, that was a relief.

"So." She said, turning to face him. "How many of the myriad of Vaughn-girls have been introduced to Mrs. Vaughn.?" She asked playfully. Vaughn just smiled, pretending to concentrate on the road. "Ten?" She guessed. "Twenty?" No answer, just an ever-widening grin. "Vaughn! Come on!"

"You really want to know?" He asked.

"Yes!"

"Do you really want to know?" He asked again, having fun playing with her.

"Vaughn, don't make me kick your ass." She teased.

"Okay, okay" He laughed, putting a twinkle in Sydney's eye. "You'll be the first."

"No… I don't believe you." She stated, shaking her head. "I'll bet you've been bringing home girls every month."

"I'm sorry to disappoint you, but it's true." Vaughn said, glancing over at her. Like he could ever tell a lie to Sydney. "I've never brought a girlfriend home before."

"Not even Alice?" She asked hopefully.

"Not even Alice." He assured her, turning again to watch as a big, satisfied smile spread across Sydney's face. "My turn," he said, grinning at her surprised face.

"What? Who said anything about you getting a turn?" Sydney said indignantly. "That wasn't the deal!"

"What was the deal?" Vaughn asked.

"You tell me how many girls you've brought home, I don't kick your ass."

"Okay, well here's a new deal. You tell me how many guys you've brought home, and I don't put the 'No Touching' rule in effect." Vaughn said flirtatiously. He could tell he was going to like this trip.

"No fair." Sydney said, pouting. "I don't like this game anymore."Vaughn laughed. He'd never seen her this playful before. He was glad he was focused on the road, because he didn't think he'd be able to enforce the 'No Touching' rule if he could see her pouting face.

Sydney decided to try a different tactic; at a stop light she leaned across the console, intending on placing a kiss on the base of his jaw. Vaughn however, playfully pushed her back.

"Nope. No answer, no kisses." He said firmly.

"Fine. You win. One guy. Happy now?"

"Yes, very happy." He knew that the one guy was Danny, but he didn't want to bring up that subject just yet. Instead, he pulled up at an coffee shop, parking the car. He leaned across to give Sydney a soft, tender kiss, then got out of the car and led her into the shop, holding hands.

Jack and Irina's plane finally landed in Reykjavik, Iceland. They had a half hour to wait before the flight that would take them back to Los Angeles. Normally, this would be more than enough time, but Jack had been doing a lot of thinking on the long plane flight, and finally was hardened with resolve.

They got off the plane, Jack walking ahead with Irina and Volkov following closely behind.

"Our next flight is out of gate 11." Irina stated, looking at their tickets. She glanced up at Jack. "It's the other way."

"I know. I need to make a call first." He said, walking over to one of the giant windows in the airport, where he would get better reception on his cell phone. Irina looked at him oddly, then followed, standing a polite distance away so he could make his call in private. She was surprised at herself for this, the old Irina would have driven him crazy, had a little fun. She suddenly realized how their relationship had changed. They had boundaries now. Normally, she would have investigated every angle of this change, but right now she wasn't in the mood. She shoved the thought to the back of her mind, and told herself she'd look into it later. Instead she just watched Jack. Though she couldn't hear the conversation, she carefully studied his composure throughout the call, though she gleaned little from his actions.

"Okay. Everything's settled." Jack said, hanging up and walking towards Irina and Volkov. Getting a questioning look from Irina, one that was more curious than demanding, he explained. "Volkov will be picked up from LAX when he arrives."

"I was under the impression that we would take him to the CIA headquarters, and then you would drive me back to my cell." Irina said, hiding her confusion. "What happened to that plan?"

"Plans change. Volkov will be taken to CIA headquarters by another agent. We, however, are staying here for a while."

"Why?" Irina asked. "Does the CIA have another mission for us?"

"No."

"Then what? It doesn't make any sense for us to stay here."

"I know. But we're not leaving until we sort… this out." He said, his brow furrowed in thought. Their eyes met, each of them trying to find some answers in the other's eyes, but they found only more questions.

Wow… Chapter Thirteen already!!! Review or you'll incur the curse of the unlucky thirteenth chapter!!!

PS: This fic is officially longer than CUIR! And many more chapters to go. So review!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Come on... just one word?

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