A/N: Hey everyone! I am so sorry I haven't updated in ages! Life has been crazy! I have been trying to find a new job (everyone wants experience – how can I get experience if no one will give it to me!), trying to get some uni work done and then there is my family... sigh!
I don't know if I like the way this chapter turned out. I know it is really short, but the more reviews I get, the quicker I will post the next chapter (which is just plain shippery in parts!).
Thanks to sydofthesea, Liz, Five Stories Fallen, anonymous (who ever you may be!), alllieee, sugarsnap591, vaughbear, Agent Flamingo, Grouchy, Raina, Ren201, SpyKid18, angryapplepie, Rach5, Kelly and mandi. Thank you so much for all your support. Please be patient with Vaughn, he will tell her soon. And due to overwhelming support, Coldplay will defiantly appear again later in the story!
Thanks again!
Cate
Disclaimer etc – see previous chapters
Chapter 7 – Together
Vaughn sighed loudly as his head sunk into his pillow. He knew he had an early start in the morning, but thoughts of Sydney on her mission were flying through his head. He actually preferred going on the mission, with the disruption of time zones and trying to catch some form of sleep on the plane home, rather than not going at all. At least when he went with her, he was there when something went wrong.
Slowly, but surely, Vaughn felt his eyelids become heavier and heavier as sleep over came his tired body.
21212121
Thump thump thump!
Vaughn groggily raised his head from his pillow and glanced around his room, trying to figure out why he was awake at 4am.
Thump thump thump!
Vaughn suddenly realized that it was the sound of someone at his front door which had dragged his from his slumber. Suddenly awake and alert, Vaughn reached under his bed to remove a hand gun which he kept there and began his path to his front door. Slowly, he crept through the dark hallways of his home, approaching the door with care. He steadily looked through the eyehole and, with a look of confusion on his face, he flicked on his porch light and opened the door to reveal Sydney.
"Syd?" he groaned to his girlfriend. He had assumed that she would simply head home after returning from the mission.
Sydney didn't reply, but simply stepped closer so that Vaughn could see her in the light. Vaughn gasped as he saw her face. She was suffering from a split lip, swollen jaw and a large black eye, amongst other small bruises and abrasions.
"Syd... what happened?" Vaughn questioned, pulling her closer so he could run his hands over her battered face.
"Vaughn... I... I couldn't go home to Francie and Will... not like this" she muttered, the hint of on-coming tears in her voice.
Swiftly, yet gently, Vaughn pulled Sydney into a tight embrace. He let her cry on his shoulder, smoothing her hair and murmuring comforting words into her ear.
"Come on" Vaughn stated, finally pulling away and guiding Sydney into his apartment. He took her into the bathroom and they both cringed as the bright light filled the room.
"Bath or shower?"
"Shower will be fine"
Vaughn gently helped Sydney strip down, gently running his hands over her previously hidden bruises and constantly placing kisses on her face and exposed shoulders. There was nothing sexual about his actions. They were, instead, comforting; bring warmth the Sydney's cooled skin.
"Go back to bed" Sydney muttered as she climbed into the shower.
"Are you sure?" Vaughn wasn't sure if this was a famous Sydney Bristow face of independence talking or not.
"Yeah, I'll be there soon"
Vaughn left a large towel, a large t-shirt and dressing gown out for Sydney and, following a quick trip to the laundry with Sydney's dirty clothes, he climbed back into bed. Thoughts and questions were flying through his head, but he knew better than to probe Sydney when she was upset. Not only would he get no answers, she would be more upset than when he had begun.
True to her word, twenty minutes later Vaughn heard Sydney enter his room. Vaughn turned onto his side to see her figure outlined by the light shining from behind her. Her usually lean figure seemed to be overcome by his large dressing gown. She looked thin, rather than lean, and even in this lighting, she looked drawn out and tired.
"Hey" Vaughn whispered, bringing a small smile to her face.
Sydney didn't reply, but simply shed the robe and climbed in next to Vaughn. She curled up along his body and snuggled up as close as she could get to his warm body. Vaughn raised his hand and gently brushed the hairs off her face. Sydney looked up and met his eyes.
"You are so beautiful" Vaughn whispered as he continued to stroke her bruised face, wiping away the stray tear drop which escaped her eye.
Sydney eventually fell asleep. The comfort of Vaughn's presence, the warmth of his bed and the gentle feel of the large t-shirt which covered her body overcame her, but Vaughn remained awake until he was sure she was at peace before he finally let go and slept.
Please review!!! Cate
