Disclaimer: See Prologue (what is now Chapter 1: The First Six Months).
A/N: I just finished up my second week of college and am starting the third (I'm such a sad first year...). This is why I haven't been updating. My sincere apologies for the wait. I was just as anxious for Sark and Sydney as you all are. The last chapter is coming up soon—just a warning. Thank you to everyone for reviewing.
:For Andy, who is my Julian:
"Do you know what's pitiful, Bristow?"
She leaned forward. "This ought to be good…" she teased.
His mouth was set in a wry smile. "The highlight of my day is when they take me out—in chains, no less—and give me ten minutes to shower and brush my teeth. The highlight of my week is when they give me a razor to shave with."
"I'm surprised they're not worried about you trying to slit your wrists," she replied only half-jokingly.
"The razor is so dull, I'd need three hours to get a decent flow going," he deadpanned, as though he'd already considered it. "I bleed more from the nicks I get trying to shave properly with a disposable."
"Randomness today."
"Randomness is all I have left."
"Well, you have me, don't you?" she said with a smile.
"Bristow, I will never have you. You are too engrossed in the little fantasy world you have with Agent Vaughn." He let out a derisive snort. "I really don't understand what you see in your boy scout."
"I count that as a good thing, Sark."
"He's too good for you, Syd."
"Well, thanks for the flattery…"
"That's not what I meant. I mean, he doesn't understand you. He sees the world in black and white, while you and I both know that the world comes in all shades of gray."
"I love Vaughn."
"And yet you're here with me."
"Don't even think it."
"Why not?"
"You and I can never be together, Julian. I don't think I could ever really forgive what you did to my friends. Hell, you tortured Will. And then what happened to Francie…"
"Will was a job. Even you must understand what that means. And Francie…I had nothing to do with Francie's death, Sydney. I was brought in after the fact."
"It doesn't matter anymore. She's dead."
"Yes, she is…" A sigh. "Syd, I'm sorry for everything."
She gave him a half-smile. "That's the first time I've ever heard you say that, Julian. This is a really big step for us."
"Well, damn it, you don't have to rub it in," he grumbled, crossing his arms. He gave her a sideways look. "Turning into a veritable boy scout, aren't I?"
Sydney laughed. "Not quite, Sark… but, despite everything, I think you're getting there."