Title: A Not So Simple Life

Author: Chickiee-Dee

Rating: PG-13

Disclaimer: I don't own Alias or its characters.

Summary: Sequel to The Simple Life. AU. No SD-6 or CIA. Sydney and Vaughn are married. S/V. E/A.

Authors Notes: Thanks for all the reviews. I'm trying to get more inspiration for this, but it doesn't really seem to be happening…I'll try and update this fic at least once a month, I'm sorry that's about as good as I can do until I get some more direction…

Ok, I've decided that since, I'm not getting much feedback here, I'm now using for archival purposes only with this fic.

AnnaSun-thanks for reviewing…

IMPORTANT AUTHORS NOTE: Firstly, thank you to everyone who has read/reviewed, your feedback means the world to me. Secondly, as part of my course that I am doing this year, I was selected to go to Cairns for twelve weeks work experience, therefore this will be the last update till I get back sometime in October.

Chapter 21

One Week Later…

Sydney was sitting next to Michael's bed, waiting for him to return. In the past week, he'd made remarkable progress, and his Doctor's had allowed him to get out of bed, and attend Physio sessions. Since his arm was broken as well, Michael had been fitted with crutches that allowed him to rest the cast on a small brace, so that he could get around without a wheelchair.

Over the past couple of days Michael had become much more determined to recover, wanting more than anything to be home with Sydney and Madeline before the birth of their second child in thirteen weeks time. Sydney was having another check-up later that afternoon, and she was dead-set on taking Michael with her, and his Doctors had been kind enough to allow him to go. And that was where she found herself that afternoon, waiting for Michael to return from his Physio session, so that he could have something to eat before they made their way to the other side of the Hospital, where Sydney's OB/GYN scheduled to take place. Running her hands over her large belly again, Sydney drifted off into a light sleep, the long, emotional days taking their toll on her.

She woke up a little while later to a soft kiss on her forehead, Michael was back from physio, and an orderly was standing next to him, waiting to settle him back on the bed. "Hey," she said, "Did I drift off?"

"Yeah, you tired." She nodded, knowing better than to lie to Michael, he'd pick up on it if she did. She waited for the orderly to settle Michael in and leave before she spoke again. "Madeline's too energetic. You'd think that after being at Day-Care all day, she would've run herself ragged, but I swear she saves her energy til she gets home, just so she can wear me out more. I'd hate to think what she's gonna be like when this one comes along."

"We'll be right Syd, you won't be doing it by yourself, I'll be there, and I'm sure that everyone else is going to help too." Sydney sighed,

"I know, its just…and don't take this the wrong way, but it's going to be a while before you're back to a hundred percent, even if you are a home when the baby's born, there'll still be stuff that you can't do." Michael looked down, seemingly ashamed of his current inability to care for his wife and their children. Sydney saw his reaction and put two of her fingers under his chin, lifting it up so their eyes met. "I didn't mean that to come out the way it sounded."

"I know," he said, "It's just, I know it's true, even when I get out of here, there's still gonna be stuff that I can't do to help, I just wanna make sure that you don't run yourself into the ground before or after Squirt's born. I've told you this a million times Syd, you need to take care of yourself, don't worry about me, I'll be fine."

"And what about our vows? 'For better or worse, in sickness and in health', baby I promised that I was going to be there for you, and if I needed a break then I'd take one. You've done so much for me, it's time for me to return the favour."

"Sydney you've got the rest of your life to do that…"

"But what kind of a wife would I be if I wasn't by your side now?"

"No one would hold it against you, they'd understand that you need to look after yourself at the moment." Sydney looked away, her eyes drifting to her watch,

"We better get going if we're going to make this appointment." Sydney stood up and went off to find someone who could help her get Michael into a wheelchair.

Ten minutes later Michael was situated somewhat comfortably in the wheelchair, and the two of them were on their way to Sydney's appointment. They were both given explicit instructions to come straight back afterwards, Michael's Doctor still wanting him to rest as much as possible, especially given that he had a Physio session earlier that day. Wheeling Michael into the elevator, she ignored the looks that they received from one of the other women that was already in the small space. Sydney pressed the button for the appropriate floor, and stepped back away from the panel, sliding her hand over Michael's shoulder to rub his chest lightly. He turned his head around as far as possible without hurting himself, and noticed the other woman, pretending not to stare at them. "What?" he asked, his question directed at her. "Excuse me?" she replied, pretending not to know why he was speaking to her. "Do you have a problem with us?"

"No."

"Then why do you keep staring."

"Baby, let it go," Sydney said, really not wanting to get into an argument with this rude woman now. "All I want to know is why she finds us so fascinating."

"I don't."

"Then stop staring." The elevator slowed to stop, and the woman in question stepped out, leaving only Sydney, Michael and another gentleman. The elevator continued it's descent and when it stopped again Sydney wheeled Michael out and towards her Doctor's rooms. "What was that about?" she asked once they were halfway down the cream hall.

"I didn't like the way she was staring at you. It was rude."

"Michael, I'm used to it. Don't worry."

"I just, I guess I'm protective of you…"

"And that's incredibly sweet, but unnecessary, if I ever need your protection I'll let you know." Sydney told him as she stopped into front of a door, opening it before wheeling Michael inside.

Sydney and Michael were called into the small consultation room a few minutes later. Michael was wheeled in by one of the nurses while Sydney changed into a gown, her OB/GYN wanting to do a complete physical exam that day. Once he'd preformed all the necessary examinations, the ultrasound equipment was wheeled over and Sydney lay down on the bed. She let one hand drop low enough so that Michael could hold onto it. Flinching slightly as the gel was squirted onto her skin, Sydney could feel Michael squeezing her hand as images of their child appeared on the screen. The sound of the baby's heartbeat filled the screen, and when she looked over at Michael saw the tears that were brimming in his eyes. Knowing that it was the first time he'd seen their unborn child in almost four months, Sydney pulled her hand from his grip, reaching over to wipe the tears from his eyes. The Doctor meanwhile was performing measurements on the foetus, and after a few minutes declared Squirt healthy. After printing out a few pictures, upon Michael's request, the equipment was turned off and Sydney's stomach was wiped clean. She was given time to change while all the equipment was packed away, and then they spoke briefly to the Doctor and went out to make an appointment for four weeks time.

Once Sydney's appointment was over, they heeded Doctor Jenkins orders and took Michael straight back to the Ward, where he was moved back into bed. Finally managing to pull the photos of their unborn from Michael's grasp, she slipped a couple into her bag, leaving one on the table next to Michael's bed, along with the picture of the three of them at Madeline's first birthday. After talking with Michael for a while, and helping him with his dinner, Sydney stood up to leave, "I gotta go get Madeline. I might bring her in tomorrow." Michael nodded and watched her gather her belongings, "I love you."

"Love you too Syd." She gave him a quick kiss, and headed off to pick up their daughter.

A/N: See ya's when I get back…