CHAPTER 11
3 WEEKS LATER: HOSPITAL
Jack smiles faintly at the hours old baby in Sydney's arms, "So did you decide on a name?"
Sydney nods "I didn't want to name him after the original."
"Understandable."
"I found a name that I thought would suit him, Kaden"
"Kaden Bristow huh? What about a middle name?"
"Well I couldn't decide between two names so I thought why not give him two middle names." She looks at the baby, "So I thought Kaden Jonathon Alexander would be good. You OK with that Dad?"
"Of course." Jack assures then kisses Sydney's forehead, "You did good Sydney."
"Thanks Dad." Sydney smiles
"Are you really ready for this Sydney?" He looks at Sydney who nods.
"Sark was right... it's another chance for him be accepted and not used for his abilities. Besides I'm all he has." She shrugs "Whoever his father is he obviously won't be around."
"Speaking of his father"
"What?"
"Sark narrowed down the possible father to three."
"Who are they?"
"A man who he couldn't identify, another named Simon Walker... and Sark himself."
Sydney looks at her Dad startled, "What!"
Seeing the look on Sydney's face Jack carefully takes the baby out of her arms setting him in the basinet. He returns to the bed, "He said it's a very small possibility."
"Yet it's possible. Why didn't he tell me?" Sydney asks hurt.
"He doesn't think he is the father. He just wanted me to know it was possible." Jack says calmly. "You know if he is Kaden's father he won't be around."
"Still I deserved to know it was possible." Sydney says angrily.
"But keep in mind Sydney that if it is discovered Sark is his possibly father the CIA will be suspicious."
"It's not like I slept with him and ended up pregnant." Sydney says angrily
"No but you know how they'd look at Kaden. Do you really want to know Sydney? Do you really want them to suspect there was even a small possibility he's Kaden's father?" Jack asks harshly. "Dixon knows it's possible but he agreed that anyone knowing would harm you and Kaden."
"Do you care who his father is?" Sydney demands "I know you aren't the happiest that I decided to keep him."
"And you know why Sydney. He's going to be in danger with you."
"He'd be in danger anywhere Dad."
Jack sighs "The only issue I have is the safety of both of you. You know they won't stop coming."
"I don't care!" Sydney says stubbornly. "Despite everything that led to this I'm not going to outcast him like he was originally." Sydney crosses her arms over her chest. "He's a Bristow now Dad... despite what happened."
Jack sighs "If you want to know I'll support your decision and we'll continue looking for any members of the Covenant who might know who they used. I doubt a paternity test will help."
"I need to know... for his sake."
"All right. I'll call your mother and let her know. Perhaps she'll be able to find someone who might know."
Sydney nods
"Why don't you get some rest" Jack suggests "Babies, especially newborns, don't sleep long. I'll stay right here while you sleep."
COUPLE HOURS LATER
"Hey Syd." Weiss enters the room "So how's mini-Bristow?" He asks
"Just being a baby." Sydney smiles at her friend.
Weiss looks at the baby, "Cute. What did you decide to name him?"
"Kaden Jonathon Alexander."
"Two middle names huh?"
Sydney shrugs "Couldn't really decide on a middle name."
"When are you going home?"
"Day after tomorrow."
"Good."
SAME TIME: JACK'S CAR
IRINA: How are they?
JACK: Good. He's 7 pound 8 ounces.
IRINA: Little bigger than Sydney was. Name?
JACK: Kaden Jonathon Alexander.
IRINA: How'd she do in labor?
JACK: Fine. 15 hours of labor. Didn't really start giving into the pain until the last four hours.
IRINA: Did you stay with her the whole time?
JACK: Yes.
IRINA: Did you tell her Sark might be the father?
JACK: I told her. The only way to find out who is the father is to find a member of the Covenant since biologically whoever he is isn't Kaden's father.
IRINA: Sark doesn't think he is.
JACK: Yet he could be. Does he not want to be because he doesn't want to have a kid?
IRINA: He has one Jack.
JACK: WHAT!
IRINA: He has a daughter who he hasn't seen since she was adopted at four by relatives of her mother's in the States. He's kept his distance for her sake since her mother died when she was six months old. He knows it's dangerous for people to know about her so he doesn't look for her.
JACK: Do you know where his daughter is?
IRINA: No I lost track of her a few years ago. Haven't been able to find her.
JACK: How is he?
IRINA: Do you care?
JACK: No but Sydney does.
IRINA: He's recovering. In a few weeks he's going to disappear and return to his retirement.
JACK: Something happened between them.
IRINA: I know but they won't tell what happened.
Jack ends his conversation reeling over the information he discovered. 'Sark has a child? He might have another one. Even if he is the father he won't be around.' He rubs his forehead, 'She'll be fine being a Mom. She'll be good at it even if he doesn't have a father. One day she'll find someone who will want to be Kaden's father.'
WHILE LATER: SOMEWHERE
Sark looks up from his book as Irina enters his room, "Normal people knock."
"My house don't need too." Irina goes to the window, "How are you feeling?" She asks as she looks out at her gardens.
"Fine. Don't see why the doctor insists I stay." Sark grumbles
"I did the insisting. You need to rest before you risk being caught."
"I only get caught when I want to be. You should know that Irina." Sark smirks
"I spoke with Jack." Irina informs Sark, "I thought you would be interested to know that Sydney had the baby a few hours ago. His name's Kaden Jonathon Alexander. How did she come up with Alexander?"
"I wouldn't know." Sark says coolly. 'She used my middle name... why?'
"He's healthy and Sydney decided it would be useful to find out who the father is just in case. I will continue looking for members." 'It wouldn't help him to know she knows that it is possible he's Kaden's father.'
Sark nods "Knowing won't solve anything."
"No it won't but she needs to know. And so will he in the future."
"It will rule me out and leave two others."
"Once we know that then we look for the others. It is all up to Sydney. If she doesn't want to search then it's her choice." Irina looks at Sark, "For what reason do you not want to be the father?"
"It's not about not wanting too be, it's about the fact I'm not."
"Does it have to do with Faith?"
Sark looks at his mentor, "We knew even then I'm not father material. It's why I don't look for her. Normal life is hard enough for a kid but it would only be harder if I was in her life."
"Don't make the same mistake I did Julian. Don't wait forever." Irina walks out of the room leaving Sark sitting there.
'I have no choice Irina. I won't risk her life... or Sydney's by being around.' Sark opens his book and returns to his reading. 'Good luck Sydney.'
MIDNIGHT
Sydney looks at the nursing baby as she sits alone in the hospital room with Agents outside her door, 'Despite everything I'm going to love you and you know that.' She brushes her finger down his cheek smiling as he looks at her. 'We'll be fine little guy. We have Grandpa and Dixon, Marshall, Weiss... and in a minor way even Vaughn and Will. Knowing who your Dad is won't really make things easier but at least you'll be able to know. It's not like he's really your full Dad but still he'd be the reason you're here. I wonder if Sark is your Daddy... part of me thinks you aren't his but with the reaction you had with him I guess it's possible there is a connection between you two.' She gently touches Kaden's tiny hand watching awed as he opens his fist and grasps her finger. "We'll be OK." She says softly.
2 DAYS LATER: HOUSE
"God I'm glad to be out of there." Sydney sighs as she sets the carrier on the coffee table and sits on the couch. She removes her jacket tossing it over the back of the couch.
"Is he still asleep?" Jack asks as he picks up her jacket taking it to the hall closet he hangs it up.
"Yeah" Sydney yawns "I should go shower." She moves to unbuckle Kaden from his car seat.
Jack returns to the living room, "I'll get him into bed... you go shower."
"Thanks Dad." Sydney kisses her Dad's cheek then walks out of the living room.
COUPLE HOURS LATER
'Kaden's a good baby. He cries like all babies do but he calms as soon as I pick him up.' Sydney writes as she sits on her bed with her journal open, 'He's an incredible baby and he will become an incredible man... beyond all that they hoped for... good and kind. I'll do whatever I have to do to make sure that happens.' Sydney closes her journal and stands walking over to the crib she looks down at the sleeping baby. 'I wonder where he is. If he's OK. I can't believe I'm about to admit it but I actually miss him. We've gone from acquaintances to enemies to semi-friends to lovers. What are we now? Why am I caring? What is it about this somewhat new version of Sark that intrigues me? Am I going to see him again?' Sydney sighs 'Probably not... it's probably better for us to stay away from each other. Even if he is Kaden's father.'
SOMEWHERE
Sark stands on the balcony and looks out at the sky, 'You'll be fine Kitten. You both will.'
CHAPTER 12
4 MONTHS LATER
Sydney looks around her new apartment as the boxes are stacked everywhere. 'This had to be done. We can't live with Dad forever.' She looks at Kaden who is quietly sitting in his infant seat sucking on a toy.
"Cribs put together." Jack announces as he enters the living room.
"Thanks Dad." Sydney smiles
"Are you sure about this Sydney?" Jack asks "You didn't have to move out."
"I know Dad."
Jack sighs as his phone rings. He picks it up and flips it open, "Bristow"
Sydney walks over to Kaden and unbuckles him lifting him up, "Hey you." She kisses his nose. "What do you think about our new place?"
Kaden sticks his fist in his mouth.
"OK thanks." Jack hangs up looking at Sydney who is holding Kaden and smiling, 'I love seeing her so happy. He makes her happy.' "Sydney I have to go. Sark made a brief appearance in Prague a few days ago."
"For what?"
"Not sure. They believe he just wanted to surface for a while."
"He didn't do anything?"
"No. He just met with someone briefly."
"Who?"
"They don't know who or why." Jack kisses Sydney's forehead, "I'll see you tomorrow. Get some sleep."
Sydney nods "Night Dad." She walks with her Dad to the door, "And don't bury yourself in work." She chastises
"Hey without you two at the house I have nothing better to do than work." Jack says pulling on his jacket. "Night" he walks out of the house.
Sydney closes and locks the door. She looks at Kaden "Oh what should we do little guy?"
Kaden grins around his fist
"How about bath for you then bed." She walks back to the bathroom.
AFTER MIDNIGHT
Sydney awakens with a gasp her heart racing. "Not again." She runs her fingers through her hair. She curls up on her side trying to keep from crying, 'I wish' she pauses 'I wish Sark was here.' She blinks back tears, 'God I miss him.' She sighs as she hears Kaden cry over the monitor. Slowly she sits up throwing the covers off heading to the kitchen she turns on the light wincing at the brightness. After a moment she opens the refrigerator and grabs the made bottle and sticks it in the microwave heating up the bottle, "Just a minute baby." She removes the bottle from the microwave and heads back to Kaden's room. Entering the room she turns on the lamp and walks over to the crib to find Kaden flailing his arms and legs crying, "Shh its OK baby." She carefully picks him up and sits on the rocking chair offering him his bottle. Sydney watches as he drinks heartily, "Kaden, Mommy has a big problem and has no idea what to do." She sighs, "Should Mommy do the rational thing and ignore her feelings? Or should Mommy give in? It's not like I love him but there is something there. I know you like him. But I know no one else does. What would happen if I do follow my irrational side? Unless" Sydney trails off a faint smile appearing "There is a way... but is trying worth it?" 'He deserves a chance... Sloane got one... why shouldn't Sark? I just have to give them a reason to help him as well.'
LATE NEXT MORNING: SOMEWHERE
"Why did you want to meet me here Sydney?" Jack asks
"Dad, how did Sloane manage to get his pardon?" Sydney questions "Fully I mean."
"He gave up cells and double agents. Why?"
"Dad if they got something big... something they really want could Sark get a pardon?"
"Sydney you can't be serious." Jack protests "He's one of the most wanted."
"Dad we owe him." Sydney argues "If he hadn't helped me when I got away I'd be dead. If he hadn't turned himself in when he did Kaden would be who knows where and I'd be dead." She rationalizes "I think Sark deserves the chance to make things right... more so than Sloane. I mean think about it... Sloane made his decision... Sark was raised to be this way."
"And what makes you think he'd change?"
"Because I happen to know he has the capability too if he had the option. Right now he has the option and maybe the will."
Jack's eyes narrow, "Sydney do you have feelings for him?"
Sydney shrugs "If you're asking me if I love him... I don't know yet I do feel something for him. I do understand him more than I did before."
"Sydney"
"I want to give him the chance Dad." When she sees her Dad's expression Sydney adds "Think about it Dad... he'd be on our side. With his twisted thinking who knows how many people would end up caught."
"What makes you think he'd even agree to work for the CIA?"
"Because I know what he wants more than anything and that he feels like he can't do it the way he is."
"You mean look for his daughter?" At Sydney's startled expression Jack explains, "Your Mom told me about her."
"Do you think it's possible he could get the pardon?"
"Sydney I doubt"
"I'm not saying a pardon like Sloane's where he can just step into another role. I'm saying a pardon requiring him to work for the CIA."
"They'd request all he knows on everything... Irina and the Covenant."
"He gave them everything on Mom the last time they caught him."
Jack sighs "I'll discuss this, as a hypothetical, with Dixon and Kendall. Why Sydney?"
"I owe him Dad. I think one of the best ways to repay him is to give him the chance to make things right."
Jack nods
"There's something I have to do. I'll be out of town for a few days."
"Do you want me to take Kaden?" Jack asks
"No. I'll take him with me."
"Where are you going?"
"I have someone's ass to kick." Sydney kisses her Dad's cheek, "Thanks Daddy." She walks to her car.
Shaking his head Jack gets into his car, "I have a feeling my life is just going to get even more complicated." He mutters as he starts the car.
COUPLE HOURS LATER: SYDNEY'S APARTMENT
Sydney zips up Kaden's jacket, "We have someone to go see." She kisses his forehead then closes the back door of the car and gets into the drivers seat.
SAME TIME: CIA
"So what did you want to discuss Jack?" Kendall asks as he joins Jack and Dixon in the office.
"A proposal that could help us."
"What is that?" Dixon questions
"For the time being let's leave it as a hypothetical." Jack suggests
"All right." Kendall nods sitting down.
Dixon nods in agreement
"The CIA wants Sark so he can be locked up. But if we did manage to get him don't you think he would be more valuable to work for us?"
"Jack, Sark has no loyalties." Dixon reminds "We've seen that over the years."
"The same could be said for Sloane." Jack reminds
"Are you proposing we have Sark work for us?" Kendall asks "I'm not speaking in hypothetical terms."
Jack nods "That's what I'm suggesting." He looks at the two men who just stare at him, "Think about it, we'd have Sark with his... twisted way of thinking... working for us."
"He's a wildcard Jack. He'd betray us." Dixon protests
"So could Sloane." Jack points out.
"Why are you supporting Sark?" Kendall asks
"I just think we need to look into the idea." Jack answers "Besides we'd control him."
"He'd never agree to it." Dixon shakes his head.
"I think he would, given the right motivation." Jack muses
"Like what?" Kendall inquires
"Just have to find it."
"We can't pardon him Jack." Kendall states "He's wanted for too much."
"Jack is right. Imagine what Sark could get us." Dixon says thoughtfully. "He has more sources and abilities to find things out than we have."
"Plus he's not held back by regulations." Jack adds
"True but can we risk the havoc of Sark?" Kendall questions
"With the Covenant still around we might have to risk it." Jack suggests
"I will speak with the others and see what we can do." Kendall stands "If this is done he will be your responsibility Jack."
Jack nods
Once Kendall is out of the office Dixon looks at his friend, "What is this for Jack? Does Sydney know about this?"
"She suggested it." Jack admits
"What!" Dixon exclaims "She hates him."
"But she feels like she owes him. If it wasn't for Sark, Sydney would be dead. She wants to give him the chance to change like the CIA gave Sloane. Maybe she was right."
"How so?"
"Sloane chose to be how he is. Sark... had no choice. You've seen what we have on him, he was raised to be like this."
"And you think this is a good idea?"
"I have my reservations but you know Sydney, when she wants something she'll do what she has to do get it."
"Speaking of Sydney, where is she? I know she took some time off."
"She wanted to get away for a few days."
"Did she take Kaden?"
Jack nods
NEXT AFTERNOON: CABIN
Sark frowns hearing a car drive up to the cabin. He closes the laptop and grabs his gun heading to the door he opens it to see Sydney step out of the car. "How did you know where I'd be?" Sark asks setting his gun on the table by the door. He walks out of the cabin meeting her at the car.
"I guessed." Sydney shrugs "No one knows I'm here."
"Why are you here?" Sark asks reaching out brushing her hair back.
"You wouldn't believe me" Sydney says sheepishly.
"Try me." Sark pulls her close.
Sydney stares at him then answers "I miss you." She admits "Weird huh"
"Not really... I miss you as well."
Sydney slides her arms around his neck pulling him in for a deep kiss. She breaks the kiss breathing heavily she suddenly punches him in the stomach.
Sark doubles over "Oh bloody hell what was that for?" He gasps
"Why didn't you tell me it was possible you're his father?" Sydney demands
"Because I know I'm not." Sark manages to get out.
"Why?"
"Just a feeling. Besides it's not like I'd be his biological father... just the donor so he could be here."
"So? That still means you're his father... he wouldn't be here if there wasn't a donor." She rests her hands on her hips, "Is that why you say you aren't his father? Biology?"
"I just don't think I am." Sark shrugs "Besides there's no way to know who the donor is."
"You still should have told me that it's possible." Sydney says angrily.
"Why? So you could hate me again?"
"No because I deserved to know!"
"You would have ended up hating me Sydney. I didn't want that."
"What makes you think I would have hated you?" Sydney demands "After all we've been through you should have trusted me."
"I just... I didn't want to go back to the way things were."
"Nothing will be the same Sark. We can't go back to how things were. I think I realized that the day I broke out and decided to find you. I knew going to you would change things between us. Granted I didn't think they'd turn out like this." Sydney chuckles
"No I don't think anyone would have thought things would end up like this." Sark kisses her lightly. "Come on lets get you two inside."
Sydney steps away from him opening the back passenger door, "Get the bags?"
"Sure."
Sydney smiles at the still sleeping baby. Carefully she unbuckles the carrier and lifts it out of the car grabbing the diaper bag at the same time. She heads into the cabin setting the carrier on the coffee table setting the diaper bag on the floor as Sark walks in with the other bags. "How long have you been here?"
"I just got back a few days ago."
"Been to Prague?" Sydney asks with a smile.
Sark shrugs setting the bags down, "I had something I needed to take care of."
"How are you able to get in and out without getting caught?" Sydney questions
"Just do."
Sydney shoves him onto the recliner behind the table and out of Kaden's view and straddles his legs. She kisses him lightly, "I missed you."
"Same" Sark pulls her head down kissing her roughly. "Do you have any idea how bloody miserable I've been?" He asks hoarsely.
Sydney nods "As much as me." She kisses him back. She breaks the kiss as she feels his hands slide up the back of her shirt.
"What about Kaden?"
"He's still asleep."
"Bed?"
Sydney nods
Sark stands with Sydney's legs around his waist and carries her back to the bedroom. "Do you have any idea how many sleepless nights I've had?" He manages to get out between kisses as they fall onto the bed.
"Probably about the same as me." Sydney replies pulling his sweater off she tosses it aside. She shifts Sark onto his back and looks him over her eyes drawn to the new scar on his stomach. She moves down the bed pressing her lips to the scar shoving the memory of how he got the scar aside.
Sark sits up pulling Sydney up he kisses her passionately. He breaks the kiss and pulls her shirt off over her head and tosses it aside. "I'd almost forgotten how incredibly beautiful you are." He says looking her over.
Sydney blushes "I was fat then."
"No you weren't." Sark protests.
"I was 30 pounds overweight and only 7 was Kaden."
"Still you were beautiful." He kisses her neck.
Sydney shudders, "Julian" she sighs
Sark smiles 'I love hearing her say my name.'
LATER
Sydney traces the scar as her head rests on his chest, "How long did it take you to heal?"
Sark shrugs, "It took months. I was unconscious for a few days. The doc had to cut me open a few weeks later because of some internal bleeding. Irina refused to let me leave until I was healed. I ended up staying with her until a few weeks after Kaden was born."
Sydney looks at him, "Why didn't you call?" She asks softly.
Sark winces at the pain in her eyes, "I couldn't."
"Why?"
Sark shrugs "Just couldn't." He twirls a strand of her hair around his finger. "You had enough to deal with."
Suddenly they hear Kaden cry.
Sydney sighs "He's probably hungry." She moves up kissing Sark lightly before climbing out of bed she pulls on her panties and Sark's sweater. She hurries to the living room where she finds Kaden flailing his arms and legs, "Hey what's with that look?" She quickly unbuckles him from the carrier and removes his jacket before lifting him out of the carrier. Once in her arms his cries lessen, "You just wanted someone to pick you up huh?" She wipes at the tears on his cheeks.
Sark stands in the entry of the living room staring at the sight, 'She loves him so much.'
Sydney turns to look at Sark who is standing there wearing his pants, "What?" She asks seeing his expression.
"Nothing." Sark looks at Kaden who stares back at him with such intensity then grins.
Sydney notices Kaden's attention is on Sark and smiles, "If I didn't know better I'd think he remembers you." She says amused. She shifts Kaden in her arms and wipes at the remaining tears, "I bet you want your bottle." She looks at Sark, "Can you take him for a bit?"
Sark looks at Kaden, "Syd"
"He's a baby... he won't bite." She hands Kaden to Sark, "Just until I get his bottle." Sydney reaches into the diaper bag grabbing a bottle and the canister of formula, "He tends to cry if I put him down when he knows I'm getting his bottle. Besides he likes you." She heads into the kitchen.
Sark looks at Kaden who grins, "So are you going to tell me why your really here?"
"I already told you." Sydney says as she measures out the formula
"Come on Sydney I know you. You didn't come here just because you miss me." Sark reasons "You're up to something."
"We'll talk about it later." Sydney adds the water and sticks the bottle in the microwave. "I'll take him." She shakes her head at Sark's relieved expression, "Scared of a baby?"
"No." Sark says quickly. "It's just been a long time since I've been around a baby." He shrugs as the microwave beeps.
Sydney removes the bottle from the refrigerator and quickly shakes it as she walks to the couch and sits down. "Babies don't change with time Sark." She shifts Kaden in her arms and offers him the bottle chuckling as he greedily begins to drink. She looks at Sark as he sits next to her, "They always want the same thing."
"I know." Sark looks at the baby who looks between them as he drinks. "You seem to be taken with being Mom."
Sydney shrugs "Do what you have to do." She looks at Kaden "He makes it easy."
"How are things between you and Jack?"
"Good. We moved out of his house yesterday." Sydney tells him.
"Why now?"
"We couldn't invade Dad's life forever." Sydney shrugs
"Where are you living?"
"In a three bedroom apartment not far from Weiss and a few other agents. One of the biggest reasons I took the place. Dad didn't protest that bad when he found that out."
"Still obsessing about your safety huh?"
Sydney nods "I'm not really surprised. They could decide to take a run at him at any time."
"What about when you work?"
"He's at a daycare center not far from work. Dad wanted me to get a Nanny but I told him that I didn't want to isolate Kaden from other kids. So we compromised... Kaden's in daycare and the security office is hacked into the daycare centers cameras and agents are nearby."
"What about when you're on missions?"
"If Dad's around he stays with Dad. If Dad's gone he stays at Dixon's. Claire baby-sits in emergencies. Weiss sometimes watches him so I can get out for a few hours. When I'm not working it's just us." Sydney sighs hearing her phone ring.
"Where is it?"
"Jacket pocket."
Sark stands grabbing her jacket he reaches into pocket and removes her phone. He checks the caller ID. "It's your Dad." He hands it to her.
Sydney flips it open, "Hi Dad." She greets "We're fine."
"Did you find him?"
Sydney looks at Sark smiling faintly, "Yes."
"It's agreed... if you can talk him into it. It won't be a full pardon like Sloane's."
"What kind?"
"As long as he works for us he won't be extradited and won't face prosecution. If he betrays us he'll go past prosecution and go straight to jail where he'll be for life." Jack informs her. "Have you spoken to him about it?"
"Not yet... I will."
"Are you sure about this Sydney?" Jack asks "He's done a lot to all of us."
"I know but I'm sure." Sydney assures "What do they want in return?"
"Whatever he can give them whether it's now or later."
"I'll see what I can do."
"All right. Let me know what his decision is."
"I will. Thanks Dad."
"Good luck sweetheart." Jack hangs up.
Sydney closes her phone.
"What did Jack want?" Sark asks taking the phone from Sydney he sets it on the coffee table.
"Later"
Sark nods watching as she looks at Kaden with such awe and love. 'I've missed her.' He reaches out and carefully brushes her hair back.
Sydney looks at him and smiles.
LATER
Sydney smiles as she looks at Kaden who is lying on the floor sucking on his plastic keys then back at the bottle she's cleaning. "How did you get out of the building?"
"Found the back exit." Sark answers "Got out just before the building went up."
"Oh."
"How'd you explain that kiss?"
"I didn't. Dad never asked and I didn't see the point in explaining." Sydney shrugs
"And how did you explain coming here?" Sark asks leaning against the counter. "He has to think there's something going on."
Sydney bites her lip then answers, "I told him I needed to figure out something's."
"Like what?"
Sydney turns to look at him, "How I feel about you."
Sark smirks "And how do you feel about me?"
"I'm not sure. That's what I'm trying to figure out." She sighs "I just... I'm confused."
"About how you feel?"
"It used to be simple you know... we fight, we yell, we insult now"
"We fight, we yell, we insult, we screw." He shrugs
"In less than a year everything has changed between us."
"And it scares you"
"A little." Sydney admits "God I haven't felt this confused since they told me I was pregnant." She rubs her forehead.
"I don't know how I feel either Sydney." Sark admits as he strokes her cheek with his thumb, "I know I feel something but I've always felt something for you."
Sydney sighs and turns into his touch, "I wish things didn't have to be so complicated."
"We'll figure things out." Sark assures as he kisses her forehead.
Sydney nods
"We've always had an intense attraction Sydney... now you're just ready to admit its there." Sark reasons.
"I wish I understood whatever it is I feel." Sydney whispers
"We'll understand it when we're ready to accept it." Sark shrugs
"I guess we will."
7PM
"Mm that feels good." Sydney sighs closing her eyes as Sark rubs her foot as they sit in the jacuzzi bathtub.
"Are you going to tell me what you were talking to Jack about?" Sark questions curiously.
Sydney opens her eyes, "If you no longer had to run what would you do?" She asks
"I'm not sure." Sark says after a moment of thought. "I've never really given it much thought of being free. I've been on the run since I was a teenager." He picks up his glass of wine and takes a sip, "Why?" He asks setting the glass down.
"There has to be something you want... maybe look for your daughter."
Sark looks at her, "You know that's not possible."
"How do you know it's not possible to look for her?"
"Its just not" He grinds out.
"Why?"
Sark closes his eyes, "Because I lost her." He says softly.
"What do you mean you lost her?" Sydney winces at the pain in his eyes, "Julian what happened?" She asks softly.
"When she was 6 I had this moment of... disgust over what I had become." Sark downs his wine and sets the glass aside. "I found out where she was and I decided to go see her... find a reason why I stayed away." He smiles faintly, "She was still the same tomboy she was at four. When I saw her she was on the school playground standing between this boy, he must have been eight or nine or so and a smaller boy. She shoved the bigger boy and was about to beat on him when another boy stepped between them. He said something to her and she smiled... the same smile her mother always had. I found my reason... it was for Faith."
"So you went back to work?"
Sark nods "I decided that I'd start keeping track of her again so a few months later I went back to Chicago... she was gone. No one knew where she was. I tried to find her but... she disappeared. After a while I just stopped looking for her." He shrugs "I can't get myself to look again."
"Julian" Sydney moves closer and strokes his cheek, "what if you could look with no worries would you?"
Sark shrugs "I have no idea."
"If you could see her tell her who you are would you?"
"I can't."
"Why?"
"I don't know why. I just can't." Sark searches her eyes, "Why are you bringing Faith up?"
"I have a proposition for you." At his smirk Sydney rolls her eyes, "Not that type of proposition." She laughs
"All right then what?"
"A job proposition"
Sark lifts his brow, "As in the CIA?"
Sydney nods "Just hear me out."
"I'm listening."
"You work for the CIA they won't prosecute or allow extradition."
"Doing what?"
"Pretty much the same you do now."
"What do I have to give up? Besides my freedom?"
"Probably the names of the people you've worked for."
"Everything about Irina." Sark reminds
"If they haven't found her yet they probably won't." Sydney points out.
"What do you think about the idea?"
"I suggested it to Dad."
"If I agree to this there's something I'd need to do first."
"What?"
"I'd need transfer a significant amount of money from legal dealings into a trust for Faith in the chance I ever do find her. But to do that I'd need your help."
"How so?"
"I know they wouldn't allow me to have access to the money."
"And what do you want me to do about that?"
"I'd transfer the account to Faith's name with you as the trustee until it is determined she's ready by your standards to have access to the money."
"Why me?"
"Because I trust your judgment on people."
"They'll find out about the money." Sydney protests
"It's the only way I'll agree to working for the CIA."
"I'll call Dad later."
"Are you sure about this Sydney?"
"I wouldn't have suggested it if I wasn't sure."
"Are you going to tell Jack about us?"
"I guess I'd have too." Sydney shrugs brushing her fingers across his lips, "He might not like it"
"He'll hate it"
Sydney shrugs "Perhaps but if he realizes you make me happy I think he'll forgive it." She kisses him lightly.
"Oh I make you happy huh?"
"You ever tell anyone I said that I will deny it."
Sark chuckles "No worries Kitten." He pulls her head down kissing her passionately.
NEXT MORNING
Sark smiles faintly at Sydney as she stares at him as they lie there just enjoying being close, "I thought about this all the time."
"Same." Sydney runs her fingers through his hair pulling him down for a kiss.
WHILE LATER
Sydney smiles at Sark as Kaden lies between them drinking his bottle and kicking happily. "He's such a happy little guy." She says looking at Kaden who smiles around his bottle. "He's always able to cheer me up."
Kaden shoves the bottle away and stretches before rolling onto his stomach. He grins babbling happily as he rocks back and forth on his hands and knees.
"Wonder what he's thinking" Sark says thoughtfully.
"I always wonder that... especially when he's quiet." Sydney cuddles Kaden
Sark watches as Sydney talks to the boy.
"You know coming back to LA means you'll get roped into what Eric calls 'babysitting detail'"
"Wonder what Jack would think is worst... me babysitting or us sleeping together."
"Good God Dad is going to hate hearing that either way."
Sark kisses her lightly, "Coffee?"
Sydney nods handing him the bottle. She watches Sark walk out of the room then looks at Kaden, "Hey you" she kisses his nose getting a giggle.
MIDAFTERNOON
Sydney opens her eyes and smiles when she sees Kaden curled up against a sleeping Sark holding a fistful of Sark's shirt in his hand as he sucks on his pacifier. 'They are so cute together.' She thinks with awe. 'I wonder if Sark is his father... I think he'd be a pretty good Dad given the chance. Maybe he will have his chance to make things right with Faith... with time maybe he will.' Sydney reaches out brushing her hand over Kaden's head.
Sark opens his eyes and smiles seeing Sydney.
"I told you he likes you." Sydney looks at Sark then back at Kaden. "He trusts you."
Sark looks down at Kaden who is holding onto his shirt as he sleeps. 'He is such an innocent little thing. How can he trust me?' He asks himself.
As though hearing his thoughts Sydney speaks, "Children see more of a person than adults do. Most can figure out who to trust who and who not to trust." 'Maybe he knows you're his Daddy... I wonder if we'll ever find out.'
"Hard to believe someone this small could become someone so powerful." Sark says thoughtfully. "I wonder if he knows about his capabilities."
"God I hope he doesn't." Sydney shudders. "I just want him to be happy and I doubt knowing the future at his age would be good for him."
"No I guess it wouldn't be" Sark agrees
"I know it's possible it will happen... DNA doesn't change with time. I'm going to have to accept he's not going to be like everyone else."
"He's going to make things interesting." Sark remarks
Sydney nods "Yeah he will."
LATE EVENING
"Good." Sark hangs up leaning against the doorframe he watches as Sydney prepare Kaden's bottle as he rubs his cheek against her breast.
Sensing Sark's eyes on her she looks up and smiles then looks at Kaden who whimpers, "Hey your bottles almost ready." She shifts Kaden in her arms offering him the bottle. "There see" she strokes his cheek as he drinks.
"The papers are being drawn up."
Sydney stares at him, "You sure about going back?"
Sark shrugs "Not really."
"Then why are you?"
Sark steps up to her his hand going to her cheek, "You."
"Why me?"
"Like you said... we need to figure out how we feel about each other and we can't really do that if I'm running." He kisses her lightly.
Sydney smiles then looks at Kaden as he squirms in protest, "Hey come on."
"I'm going to get some work done."
Sydney nods watching him walk away. 'I wonder if we'll work out. Or is this going to be one hell of a ride?' She looks at Kaden and smiles 'Whatever happens I don't think we'll regret whatever happens.'
MIDNIGHT
Sydney awakens with a gasp her heart pounding
Feeling Sydney pull away abruptly Sark opens his eyes to see her sitting up shaking, "Bad dream Kitten?" He sits up wrapping his arms around her.
Sydney nods
"Want to tell me about it?"
Sydney shakes her head and turns burying her face in his neck.
Sark strokes her hair.
