A/N: Yes, this is what it looks like. An update! I can't believe how long it took me to write this – I'm really sorry about that. I was battling a very odd case of writer's block where I knew what I wanted to happen in the chapter, but I couldn't get the words on the screen. And then I ended up writing way more S/V than I meant to, but I guess that's not such a bad thing. I wanted to include more of the last scene in this chapter, but at the rate I'm going, I don't think I'll finish it today, so I'm splitting the chapter into two parts and giving you what I have. Hope you enjoy! Thanks again for the reviews!

Oh, yeah, since I'm finally done with high school (Woohoo!), my goal is to update this once a week. I'll really try, I promise.

Chapter 2: Plans Interrupted

Part I


After finally making it off of the plane, Vaughn offers to help me unpack, so we load into his car and make our way back to my apartment. Recognizing the passing streets and neighborhoods is a comfort after spending a week trying to pretend that leaving behind everything...and everyone that was even remotely familiar after those mysterious two years was for the best.

I sigh softly as I turn my attention to Vaughn, his pose exuding that vulnerable confidence that I have missed so much. His eyes are fixed on the road, but I notice the gleam that brightens his whole visage and a slight smile that accentuates his newfound happiness. His back straight, his dimpled chin held high, and his arms relaxed in between make him appear as the Vaughn I knew after the fall of the Alliance. That first new day when he drove me to work was one of the greatest mundane experiences I've ever had...

'Stop,' I tell myself quickly before my mind has the chance to slip back to that golden time. 'Memories are nice, but what's the point of dwelling on them when I have the chance to make new ones?'

As I bring my gaze back to the window, focusing my mind on staying in the present, I feel Vaughn's hand slip over mine. I look at him, grinning when his gentle squeeze tells me, 'I noticed you noticing me.' I place my other hand on top of his, not willing to let it drift back to the steering wheel, knowing that with his touch, I won't even be tempted to daydream.

We complete the trip in silence, knowing that just being with each other says enough at this point. When we arrive and begin unloading the car, Vaughn suddenly says, "You know, Syd, it's nice that you don't have that much stuff what with your habit of moving," he grins teasingly, "but this is a little ridiculous."

"Yeah, well, I haven't exactly had much time, or desire for that matter, for a shopping spree," I defend as I bring in the last box.

"Well, we have the entire weekend, so..."

"Wait a minute, Vaughn. Are you saying that you want to go shopping? I never thought I'd see the day..."

"Hey, it's not like you need two X-chromosomes to enjoy shopping. It'll be fun, and I know that we could both use some fun about now."

"You're right," I gladly concede, putting the box down to bring my arms around his neck and kiss him lightly. We smile into each other, and I pull back as he begins to deepen the kiss.

"Are you sure that shopping is all you want to do this weekend?" I ask breathily. "After all, you do have a debt to pay from the plane ride..."

"Hmm, I suppose I could be persuaded into engaging in...other activities. We do have a lot of time between now and Monday..." he trails off as he leans in for another kiss.

With a shrill ring, my cell phone announces this as the most opportune time to be interrupted. 'How convenient,' my mind growls, as we both pull back and sigh.

After a terse exchange, I sigh again, defeated as I hang up. "I have to go in," I grumble.

"Of course you do –" he begins.

"It's my day off," I finish, smiling a little at the memory. My smile fades, though, when I see Vaughn's confusion before he, too recovers the memory and chuckles. 'Just what I need right now – another reminder of the time we've lost.' I shake the thought off for the time being and remember that I have no practical way of getting myself to the office.

"Vaughn, do you think you could drive me there? I sold my car when I moved, which is why I needed a ride here; Weiss' car is gone, so he's probably at work, and I don't think you want to stay here all day if I borrow your car, so..."

"Sure, Syd. I would just go in with you, but I need to go back to my place and move some of my stuff to Eric's."

"Oh." It's all I can say for a moment as my guilt-ridden conscience adds, 'Because Lauren is keeping the apartment,' to the end of Vaughn's statement. "Ok, we should go, then," I continue, forcing my gaze off of the floor and plastering on a grateful smile.

Vaughn's brow furrows briefly, telling me that my façade is transparent, but I guess he can see that I don't want to talk about it now because he just leads the way back out to the car.

We travel in silence again, but it is a silence that is much heavier this time, and its delicacy is as great as its weight. It is like case stacked precariously upon case of precious porcelain, each second adding more to the load until it can no longer be carried. Vaughn must feel the burden as much as I do, and being perhaps not quite as stubborn as I am, he eventually decides to let it fall from his shoulders and allow gravity to do what it will.

"Syd...can we stop pretending that this situation is not uncomfortable? It's hard enough to bear when we acknowledge how awkward it is, but when we refuse to..."

"I know, Vaughn. I'm sorry. It just hits me sometimes – this...situation."

"Me, too. But, this sort of thing happens all of the time. People get divorced; it's nothing outrageous."

'Yeah, and I bet that when getting divorced, all men hook up with their ex- girlfriends who have just happened to return from their two-year "deaths"...Ok, I definitely don't want to go there right now.'

"You're right, Vaughn...Wait, how are you the calm one in this scenario? Shouldn't I be the one to comfort you? You're the one getting the divorce!" 'Great, Syd, just rub it in his face...'

"I'm sorry –" I say again, taking a deep breath.

"No, Syd. Don't be," he cuts me off. "I know that this is nowhere near normal, but I'm trying to stay somewhat sane and not overreact..." He sighs deeply, exhaling hidden tension before continuing. "Just be here with me, and it'll be comfort enough."

"Of course, Vaughn. I'm here," I say softly, reaching to take his hand. I place it in mine and stroke my other hand lightly along his arm, hoping he understands my 'Thank you.' He flashes me a quick smile in response.

We arrive at work a few minutes later, and after promising to call him as soon as I'm done so that we can finish unpacking tonight and begin planning our shopping trip for tomorrow, I quickly make my way to Dixon's office, hoping to avoid a certain blonde divorcée.

Upon my entrance, I am startled to find Dixon pacing in front of his desk with a worry etched upon his features in a way that I have rarely seen. "You wanted to see me?" I question hesitantly, while trying to figure out what has him in this state.

"Sydney," he stops and leans back on his desk, gripping the edge tightly, "You'll want to sit down for this."

Not daring to argue with his stern tone, I take a seat on the couch as he takes a deep breath and begins.

"I have some news...regarding Lauren..."

TBC