Note: This fic is set post-"Double Agent". I borrow a little from the waking up scene in "A Free Agent", but mostly take it in my own direction.

Disclaimer: As I am sure you are all aware, I do not own any of the characters from Alias. They all belong to J.J. Abrams and crew.


Vaughn's eyes snapped open and he looked around, confused for a moment, before he recognized the yellow walls of Sydney's room. This was all still so new to him. He could not believe that he had gone from hopeless longing to having her in his arms in just one day. But all the worry and pining had disappeared with the downfall of SD-6. Now, everything was different. He couldn't have been happier.

Sydney smiled contentedly and curled closer to him. She felt that she would have been content to just lie there with him in that warm, sunny room for the rest of her life.

She felt him looking at her, and slowly blinked her eyes open to see him smiling down at her. She decided that she could definitely get used to waking up to his handsome face and strong arms each morning. "Hi," she whispered.

"Good morning," he replied. "Wow. Last night was…"

"Amazing," she finished, grinning. "I could definitely get used to this, Vaughn."

"Vaughn? Why don't you ever call me Michael?"

"I think Michael may have escaped from my lips at least once last night, no?"

He laughed softly and kissed her. "Maybe. My recollection of what exactly was said is somewhat vague. I may have been focusing on... other things."

She placed a kiss on his chest. "Yeah, I could imagine," she said, then sighed. "I wish we didn't have to go in to work today."

"Me too. But somebody has to save the world, right?"

"Right," she said, somewhat distantly.

"What is it, Syd?"

"I was thinking… When I first learned the truth about SD-6, I wanted nothing more to do with any spy stuff. When I realized that I could help to bring those terrorists down, though, I couldn't not. Now that the Alliance is completely destroyed, my mission is complete."

"So, you're thinking of leaving?"

"Yes. In fact, I'm doing more than thinking. I have my letter of resignation written and saved on my computer, ready to go whenever I decide that it's the time. I just wanted to talk to you about it before I did anything."

"Well, I have to say, I would miss working by your side all the time. Also, I think that you are a major asset to the CIA, and that they'd experience a great loss if you walked out. However, I want you to be happy. And if leaving would do that, then go ahead. Whatever you decide, I'm here for you. I want to be a part of your life, whatever path you choose."

Sydney paused and just looked at him for a moment, trying to hold back the tears that had begun brimming in her eyes. "Thank you," she finally managed. "You don't know how much that means to me."

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

An hour later, Sydney walked into the CIA Operations Center. Marshall jumped up from his workstation and hurried over to her. "Sydney! I need to show you the new electromagnetic friction decelerator that I just completed. With this baby, you could jump off the Empire State Building (with a rope that you're hooked up to, of course, it isn't magic, it doesn't allow you to fly, that would be impossible, at the moment, anyway, I'm working on it) and come to a full stop on the ground without hurting yourself or even fraying the rope a millimeter."

"Oh. That's, um, great. I can't wait to see it."

"Yeah, let me show you. Where's Vaughn?"

"Oh, he should be in in about a half hour."

"Why? I thought that you two were… I mean, unless he's the type to just leave afterwards, I wouldn't know, of course. But in my experience, which I'll admit is limited, I've always thought it was nice to stay and wake up together, but if you and Vaughn are happy… Oh, hi, Mr. Bristow!"

Sydney tried hard not to glare at Marshall before turning around to face Jack. "Hi, Dad!" she said brightly. Jack just looked at her, his face even more solemn usual. "Dad, what is it?"

"Will you excuse us for a moment Marshall?"

"Oh, of course, Mr. Bristow. Sorry." Marshall gave a little wave, then scurried off.

Jack turned back to his daughter. "Sydney I have some good… Well, some news for you. I don't know how you're going to react to this."

She immediately grew serious. "Just tell me."

"As you are well aware, SD-6 was a very dangerous operation. We were never fully sure who was trustworthy and who wasn't. They were watching everyone closely, too closely to risk anything…"

"I know all this. What does this have to do with anything?"

"If you would be quiet a moment and let me finish, you would know. The CIA wanted to save as many lives as possible, at any cost. In order to do this successfully, they took some measures that have had to be concealed, even from you, up until now."

Sydney opened her mouth, then closed it again as Jack shook his head. She was getting impatient.

"Now, their decision in the matter of which I am about to inform you is one with which I am certain you will disagree. Frankly, that is too bad, It is over, and there is nothing that can be done to change things. This will, without a doubt complicate things for you. For that, I apologize in advance. Follow me, please."

Jack led her to one of the Operation Center's small, private conference rooms. He placed his hand on the doorknob, then paused and turned back to look at his daughter. "You would not attempt to kill a man who was already dead. This axiom encourages the utilization of faking deaths in order to save lives. You understand that, of course. Now that SD-6 is no longer a threat, these 'dead' are allowed to rejoin the living."

"Dad?" Sydney couldn't keep her voice from shaking. "What are you saying?"

Taking a deep breath, Jack opened the door. Sydney stepped in past him and saw a man sitting in a chair with his back to her. Upon hearing her entrance, the man rose and turned around.

Sydney's heart nearly stopped. "Danny?"


This is my first Alias fic. Please review and let me know how I'm doing and if you are interested in reading more. Thanks!