Authors Note: It's been a while, but do to some convincing on the boards I have decided to update this thing. More soon!

Disclaimer: Don't own nothing'!

Chapter 2

It's been almost two months, and no mention of the note. I know it has to be that way, and I know that the passing glances during our debriefings are mention enough, but I just can't help wanting more.

I keep it with me constantly. I glance around and gingerly take it out of the folds of my wallet. The edges are bent, there's a little rip at the top right hand corner, and it's starting to collect dirt…but I swear I've never seen anything that has meant so much to me in my entire life…well, except for him.

I've noticed him more lately, not that I didn't before. But I notice the way he carries himself and the way that he always looks tired. I know it has to do with his marriage. And inside I want to do a little dance and hope for my victory…but I can't. It hurts me to see him hurting, and I just keep hoping that things will get better.

I tuck the note back in my wallet as I see Weiss approaching, and plaster on a big grin.

"Hey there Syd."

"Hey Weiss. What's up?"

"I just wanted to show you the pictures from Wisconsin."

"You just got them back!"

"Yeah…so I'm lazy, doesn't make me a bad person." We both share a laugh as he starts to show me his family.

"Is that your nephew?" I ask, pointing to a little boy.

"Yep, that's Stephen alright…little monster."

We finish up with the pictures and Weiss studies me for a moment. "Something's different about you, Syd."

"What do you mean?"

"I'm not sure. I can't place my finger on it. It's like you seem lighter. Like when you walk, it almost seems like you're floating."

I chuckle. "Must be my new shoes."

Weiss grins, "I guess that's it."

I look at him seriously, and ask him what's been on my mind for months, "How's Vaughn doing."

Weiss' smile disappears. "I don't know Syd. I really don't. Trust me, I've noticed too. I had a feeling things weren't going well with Lauren, but it seems like he's been even more preoccupied than usual."

I nod. "Maybe the stress of the season."

Weiss looks at me quizzically.

"Well, you know all of the family time is stressful around the holidays. And then coming back from work after time off and having to catch up on things."

"Yeah, I guess it could just be that." We look around the room and see Vaughn staring off into space at his desk, and we both know that it's not the 'stress of the season.'

"Well, I've got to go finish typing up a report. You wanna come over and help me put away a pizza tonight?"

I laugh. "I don't think you need any help with that. But sure, I'll be over around 7."

Weiss smiles and walks back to his desk.

I glance over at Vaughn and the smile disappears from my lips. He looks so unhappy. I just don't understand why he won't end things if he's that miserable.

I sigh and get back to work. It really isn't any of my business anyways.

The day drags on with endless amounts of paperwork until I'm finally given the go ahead to go on home.

The first thing I do once I walk into my apartment is strip down and take a nice long bath. It's the greatest way to unwind and relax. The warm water seeps into my pores as a content sigh escapes my lips. I could stay here forever…well, only if I had a warm body to keep me company…

I shake the image out of my head. Not that it's a bad image by any means. It just makes me all warm and tingly for a minute, and then depresses me. Stupid emotions.

I emerge from the bath feeling a bit better, but not as good as I'd like to be. Hopefully Weiss can take care of that.

I go to the phone book to look up pizza delivery places. I decide that since this is a regular occurrence I should supply the pizza every now and then. I'm just about to phone in my order when the phone rings.

"Hello?"

"Hey Syd."

"Hey there Weiss. You must be psychic. I was just about to phone in our order."

"About that…"

"You aren't canceling on me are you?"

Weiss pauses, "Well, actually yes."

"Really?"

"Syd, I'm so sorry. You know I would never cancel on you. But, it's just that Mike called, and he sounded real depressed. And I thought we'd talk and then I'd get him really drunk."

Even though the situation isn't a laughing matter I do chuckle. Weiss always manages getting alcohol in the equation.

"Alright, you guys have a good night."

"You're more than welcome to join us."

I respond without hesitation. "Nah, this should be guy's night."

"You're the best Syd. I'll make it up to you, I promise."

"I know you will."

"Later Syd."

"Bye Weiss."

I look around the kitchen trying to find some motivation as to what to do, and then it hits me…TEQUILA AND ICE CREAM!

I'm almost done with the tequila, halfway through Casablanca, and almost done with my ice cream when an idea hits me.

I get up…a little too quickly, and grab the couch for balance. Once the room stops spinning I walk to the kitchen and pull out a pen and a piece of paper.

I sit there debating what to write when my common sense kicks in. I can write Vaughn a note.

I sigh, turn the TV off, and put up the ice cream and crawl into bed. About 4am I wake up with an awful headache.

I get out of bed and mutter to myself, and deciding that I need some air I make my way outside. It only takes me a minute to realize I'm not alone.

"Syd?"

"Hi, Vaughn." There was an awkward pause. "Umm…I'm sorry…did you want to be alone?"

"No, no. Just needed some air."

I nod. More silence.

"Syd, I…"

I interrupt, "Vaughn don't."

"But I want to. I need to talk to you."

I smile as tears form in my eyes. "You know we can't do that. Not now anyways."

Vaughn smiles sadly and nods. He knows that he can't pursue anything with me until things are over with Lauren…if they're ever over.

Our eyes meet, and he leans in and brushes his lips on my forehead. I hold back tears as he heads back into Weiss' apartment. Once I'm sure he's in there I go into my own and let the tears flow.

I silently sob, and curse my luck. After a few moments of rocking back and forth on my floor I pull myself together. I can't keep doing this. I can't keep pitying myself. Especially when I know it's not easy on Vaughn either.

Suddenly the idea I had earlier seems like a good one. I head back to the kitchen and finish what I started.

I wake up, and silently make my way out of Weiss' apartment. I need to get home and change. I hadn't intended on staying the night. But Weiss had insisted.

I head down to my car and notice a small pink piece of paper in the windshield. I curse thinking that it's a parking violation. It's too small though.

I take it out and unfold it. The words touch me and bring a tear to my eye.

-We'll find each other. We'll always find each other. Never forget that.-

Yours Always,

S