Thanks to my amazing reviewers: Agent Flamingo, vaughnbear, serendipity112233, Ren201, alllieee, tine, supergirl14, angryapplepie, Total Vaughn Lover, luv24Alias, nattie700 and Rogue151! You guys rock! In order to answer some questions, Vaughn will be returning home at some stage. I'm not up to there, writing-wise, but I'll keep you posted. Oh, and as wonderful alllieee's suggestion was, Sydney will not be smuggled along with Vaughn his suitcase. But trust me, faithful readers, I will not let you down!

U2 are the BEST band in the world and 'With or without you' is one of their best ballads. It always touches my heart and I thought of it as soon as I started writing this chapter. If you don't know the song, buy the CD. You won't regret it! Lyrics are from lyricsdir(dot)com.

For disclaimer etc, see earlier chapter.


Chapter 14- Without you

Sydney tried her hardest to concentrate on the road ahead, while Vaughn was content to distract his attention with the cars which attempted to jostle their way along the freeway to the airport.

See the stone set in your eyes
See the thorn twist in your side
I wait for you
Sleight of hand and twist of fate
On a bed of nails she makes me wait
And I wait without you

The previous day had been spent simply. They got out of bed late, shared a shower and ate breakfast. They went for a walk, went to the shops for milk and bread and made their way back to Sydney's apartment. They spent the evening, curled up together watching television, with Francie and Will staying tactfully out of their way.

With or without you
With or without you

Weiss had been around the previous afternoon for a couple of hours. Sydney left the friends watching sport for a few hours and when she returned she found them recollecting, the game forgotten. When Weiss left, the old friends shook hands, said goodbye and Weiss walked away quickly before he said something he might regret in a few years time.


Through the storm we reach the shore
You give it all but I want more
And I'm waiting for you

Not knowing what else to tell her, Sydney told Francie that Vaughn was going on a business trip to a branch of the bank in France. Francie couldn't understand why Sydney couldn't simply visit him – she went on business trips often enough – but kept her concerns to herself as she saw how torn up her friend was about the situation.

With or without you
With or without you
I can't live
With or without you

Neither spy had slept well the night before. The night was full of stolen kisses, murmurs of sweet nothings and gentle touches. Holding each other was enough and Vaughn tried to memorize every sound, every smell associated with being with Sydney.

And you give yourself away
And you give yourself away
And you give
And you give
And you give yourself away

The sign indicting the airport turn off appeared. Vaughn silently reached over and placed his hand over Sydney's. They didn't look at one another, but each was comforted by the gentle squeeze of their hands as Sydney steered the car into the turn off.

21212121

"Flight 2134, to Heathrow International Airport is departing from gate E3, is commencing check in" the fake-happy voice chirped over the PA system. Sydney smiled tightly at Vaughn as he took her hand and they walked through the airport.

Vaughn was to fly to Heathrow, where he would then board a private jet. His other luggage had already been checked through and the only hand luggage he was carrying was a light briefcase which held his laptop and a few books. Tightly gripping his bag and Sydney's hand, they silently made their way through the busy terminal.

My hands are tied
My body bruised, she's got me with
Nothing to win and
Nothing left to lose

Upon reaching gate E3, Sydney quickly released Vaughn's hand and stood facing him, casting her eyes to the floor and slipping her hands into her jean pockets.

"I don't know what to say to you" she muttered truthfully, still avoiding his gaze.

"Just... I don't know Syd. Say anything" Vaughn said, feeling just as lost.

"Maybe you should just go, instead of us making this a big scene" Sydney replied, her eyes focused on one of the large planes outside. A single silent tear fell down her cheek.

"Okay, if that's what you want" Vaughn replied, before slowly walking off.

And you give yourself away
And you give yourself away
And you give
And you give
And you give yourself away

He paused, watching as Sydney slowly began to walk away. Suddenly, he couldn't take it any longer. He walked quickly up behind Sydney and pulled at her arm so she was in his embrace. He felt her stiffen immediately before she realized what was happening and she clung to him the way he wanted her to.

"God Syd, I love you so much" Vaughn muttered into her hair.

With or without you
With or without you
I can't live
With
or without you

Vaughn felt her tears against his shirt and her body shudder slightly as she attempted to get a hold on her emotions.

"I love you too" she whispered, her arms tight around his body.

"I couldn't let you walk away with knowing that" Vaughn explained, running his fingers through her hair.

They pulled back slightly and Vaughn ran his thumbs over Sydney's face, wiping away her tears. He placed a simple, sweet kiss on her lips and rested his head against hers.

"What am I going to do without you?" he laughed softly.

Sydney didn't verbally respond, but instead kissed him passionately. Vaughn leant into the kiss, trying to memorize the way she tasted, the way it felt to kiss her.

"Go" she whispered hoarsely, pulling away and resting their foreheads together again.

With a few last whispered promises, Vaughn was gone and Sydney was left standing, watching the space where he was standing only minutes before. The distance between them was already too great.

With or without you
With or without you
I can't live
With or without you
With or without you


Okay, I've decided to follow Vaughn to where he is going and have a look at what he gets up to. He is just begging us to tag along! Stay tuned! Distance should be updated in the next few days!

Please review!

Cate