When I arrived back in LA, my first destination was the usual bar. I vaguely recalled having sworn to stop drinking… but it didn't matter at that point. I took my regular seat, ordered my regular drink, and sat back to contemplate.
I couldn't go home; Kendall most likely had it staked out 24/7. In all honesty, I probably shouldn't even be in LA to begin with. But I had to… Jack had told me too, first of all, and I didn't want to be further away from my memories of Sydney, more importantly. But I wasn't quite sure where to go. Checking into a hotel didn't seem wise… that would be the first place they looked. After Weiss, anyway. Obviously, neither of those were options.
My answer walked in the front door a moment later.
As I continued debating my limited options, something compelled me to glance up as the door opened. I rarely did that; I didn't care who was coming or going, because I knew it wasn't going to be Sydney. But that night, I looked.
And as Will Tippin walked towards me, a few ideas fell easily into place.
"Hey Will," I said politely as he slid into a seat next to me.
"Vaughn. What's going on… have you found anything?" I turn back to my drink guiltily, wondering if I had promised to tell him whatever I found. I probably had.
"Yeah… kind of," I mumbled.
"Like what?" he questioned, sounding curious, but not annoyed. I sighed lightly and explained the phone calls and the Vilnius incident to him. When I wrapped up, he was left staring into his drink. I couldn't tell if he was upset at me, or at the things that had happened. When his troubled eyes finally met mine a moment later, I saw the answer shining through them.
"So all that time, you've known she's alive… and you didn't tell me?" I sighed.
"Will, it hasn't been all that long that I've known. To be honest, I've only been 100% sure since Lithuania."
"But the point is, you've had reason to believe she wasn't dead, and you couldn't be bothered to let me know. You've been so-" I cut him off angrily.
"You'll have to excuse me for not making you my top priority, Will. Please, forgive me for spending every waking moment, and most of my sleeping ones, thinking about Sydney and how to get her back. And I'm sorry if I've been too busy trying to avoid Kendall's hounds to check in with you. So sorry, but it just seems that I have a few more important things to do," I hissed, trying not to draw any attention from the very few patrons at the bar at that time. Will was now looking away, and I could tell that he had gotten the point.
"Wait… what did you mean about Kendall's hounds?" I grimaced; I really hadn't meant to let that slip.
"I meant that…" I stopped and glanced nervously at the bartender. I was about to make something up when Will nodded in understanding.
"Let's go." I quickly paid for my drink and followed him out.
"Your car or mine?" he asked.
"Yours," I said quickly, knowing that would be harder for Kendall to spot. He led me over to it and a few minutes later, we were driving aimlessly.
"So what happened?"
"Kendall claims to believe I'm responsible for Irina's break and Jack's disappearance. In all honesty, I just think he's trying to pin something on me so he can haul me in and keep me under control."
"Does he not want Syd found?" Will asked with ill concealed anger.
"It's not that… at least, I don't think it's that… he's just having the hardest time accepting the fact that he no longer has me under his thumb in any way, shape, or form."
"Did he ever?" Will asked, a trace of amusement touching his voice.
"Somewhat. I had enough respect for his… superior status to listen to his orders. But now…" I trailed off and shook my head. I could see Will grinning. But the look faded a moment later.
"But doesn't he know where you live?" I nodded.
"Yes. But I've been in Lithuania since he decided this yesterday. And now… well, I don't know what next." I had truly been considering Will as a possibility… but I wasn't sure that was such a good idea. Jack's old place was an option… but it was probably closely monitored by both the CIA and SD-6, and it was also probably empty already. Will's timid voice broke through my thoughts.
"You could stay at my place for a while… if you don't mind sleeping on the couch, that is." I glanced at him mildly.
"Are you sure?" he nodded as he made a rather jerky right turn.
"I don't mind at all. And, uh… I'm sorry about what I said. Back at the bar, I mean. It was… pretty stupid. And I do know that you're-" I stopped him, sensing how hard it was for him to put his thoughts into words.
"Will, don't worry. I know it's hard not knowing anything. But… just don't worry. I promise I'll do a better job of keeping you up to date in the future."
"Thank you." I looked out the window in silence for a few moment, until Will spoke again.
"Hey, do you need to go back and get your car?" I shook my head.
"Nah. It'd be better to just leave it there for now. I'll get Weiss to cover my ass as much as he can… but I don't think it would help to be driving my government car around." Will chuckled.
"No, I don't suppose it would."
"I shouldn't be here more than a month- I can leave earlier if you need me to- and I'll probably be gone a lot."
"Ok, that's fine by me." After a fairly companionable silence, Will stopped in front of a nice apartment complex.
"Room 7 on the 4th floor," he stated as he got out. I followed him up. As we walked in, I took a quick look around. His apartment wasn't highly decorated, nor heavily furnished. But it was a nice place, seemed comfortable, and I knew I wouldn't have a problem being there for a month or so. Finally, I turned to Will again.
"Thank you for letting me stay here. I really do appreciate it."
"Not at all, Vaughn. The couch is right over there- I imagine you must be pretty tired?" As soon as he said the words, I realized it was true.
"Yeah… I am, actually."
"Feel free to crash out. I've got some stuff to do, I'll be back in a few hours." I smiled at him as I felt my eyes growing heavier.
"Thanks again," I yawn, just before getting comfortable and falling into a nightmarish sleep. Had I known then that it would be the last it of uninterrupted sleep I would get for a long time, I may have relished it more. But as it was, I simply battled my way through it, and prepared for a long day of waiting to hear from Jack.
Susan: Well, now you've seen what happens next! Hee… and, gee, I just don't know who's 'Ticked at Syd…' *innocent smile*
Jade: An overgrown Keebler cookie elf? LOL! And you need a shippery fix… I might be able to handle that sometime.
Kristin: Ah, now that made a lot more sense. Thanks for taking the time to clear it up for me, and I hope I wasn't too rude in my last reply to you.
Sarah: Glad you like. I try to be fairly equal with the updates between this and WTD, so that should be getting an update soon.
Ryanne: Well, I won't tell you if your theories are on target, because that would just ruin all my fun! Hee.
Secret Agent Girl: I'm continually amazed by how often I get called evil… hehehe. Must be something to it…
HappyRin: Glad UpdateGabs makes you HappyRin… we like HappyRin. Hehe… you're awesome!
Ticked at Syd: Chemistry, huh? Well… it's certainly a pairing I hadn't considered…