"Its been decided that Sark is no longer a threat. He's to be left alone." Dixon announces
Sydney silently sighs in relief looking at her Dad and Dixon relieved.
"Did the NSC agree?" Lauren questions
"This is through the CIA director."
"He still has a lot of crimes to pay for." Vaughn protests
"And he has given up his seat in running the organization. No one has heard from him in almost three years." Dixon reminds. "According to what Marshall has discovered all Sark does now is take care of his child."
"And what about the child's mother?" Lauren asks "Am I the only one who finds it a little suspicious that there isn't one?"
Sydney inwardly flinches
"It has never been proven that Sark has ever hurt any of his lovers. For now all we'll do is keep an eye on him and if there is any sign of criminal activity we'll make this decision to bring him in."
Sydney takes a deep breath releasing her tension.
HOUR LATER Sydney enters Dixon's office to find her former partner sitting at his desk, "You wanted to see me?"
"Sydney... have you always known where he is?"
"No. He never tells me anything. He calls on his birthday and that's it. We never discuss what we're doing all we discuss is him."
Dixon nods knowing she's telling the truth. "Sydney I am surprised you left your son with him."
Sydney shrugs "He said he'd do anything to keep the baby and I told him the only way is if he stopped working for the Alliance... and he did. I did what I thought was best for everyone. If I hadn't what would have happened? I would have been tried with treason under Lindsey's orders even though what I did really didn't qualify as treason."
"I agree but you should have told at least your father and I."
"I know I just..." She bites her lip nervously, "I've been enough trouble to both of you. I didn't want to cause anymore."
"Syd, you know you can at least be honest with Jack and I."
"I know."
"I want you to take a few days off."
"I'm fine Dixon."
"You've had a long few days. I don't want to see you for three days. That's an order."
Sydney sighs "Fine." She walks out of the office.
THAT NIGHT: VAUGHN'S HOME Lauren Reed enters the bedroom where she finds her husband "I just can't believe that Dixon backed down on getting Sark."
"He has his reasons." Vaughn shrugs
"Am I the only one worried about that child living with him?" Lauren demands
"I've seen the pictures Lauren... he seems very devoted to the boy."
"He's dangerous Michael. A man like him shouldn't be around a child."
"We can't do anything about it." Michael tosses his shirt in the hamper.
Lauren frowns "Can't we?"
Michael looks at his wife "What are you thinking?"
"The CIA won't do anything but the NSC can."
"Lauren"
"I'm sorry maybe it's the motherly instinct in me but I can't leave that child with him."
"Damn it Lauren!"
Lauren stares at her husband, "Can you?"
"I can respect Dixon and the CIA's decision."
"Well I can't."
"So what are you going to do? Lie?"
"No. The NSC still wants him."
Michael sighs "Fine but be warned Dixon and the others won't like you going behind their backs."
"You mean Sydney won't."
"Sydney doesn't care about Sark or what happens to him. She's just loyal to Dixon and her friends."
"And I'm not?"
Michael shakes his head walking out of the room not wanting to fight with his wife. "Do what you want but beware there will be repercussions." He warns
Lauren scowls
SOMEWHERE Sark enters the nursery where he finds the Nanny trying to calm the crying little boy, "How long has he been crying?" He demands
"Not long." She automatically hands the crying boy over to her employer.
"What's wrong my boy?" Sark cuddles Nikolai close.
"Daddy" Niko whimpers clinging to him.
Sark picks up a pacifier that lies on the table offering it to Niko. When he shoves it away he frowns, 'Niko always wants the pacifier when upset.' "Shh" he sits on the rocking chair as he cries. "Its OK Niko." He soothes rubbing his back, 'Just like I did for' He winces at the thought, 'Don't go there, Sark.' After a few minutes, the sobs subside and he looks at the little boy who is sucking on his thumb tears staining his face. He sits there slowly rocking not wanting to move Niko until he's sure the boy's asleep. He stands and carefully sets the boy in the crib covering him with a blanket, 'Sleep well Nikolai.' He kisses Niko's forehead then carefully removes Niko's thumb from his mouth replacing it with the pacifier. After a moment he stands walking out of the nursery, 'I really should get him a bed.' He muses to himself.
SYDNEY'S HOUSE Sydney curls up on her couch staring out the window, 'Nikolai, my baby boy. God, I miss you. At least your Dad will take care of you.' She closes her eyes trying to control her tears. 'At least your safe.'
2 DAYS LATER: CIA "I've just been informed that the NSC wants to bring Sark into custody." Dixon informs Jack. "It seems Reed has gone over my head... again."
"I know she has issues with Sydney but this will ruin Sydney's career. Sydney is finally over Vaughn and now this!" Jack sighs. "When are they doing this?"
"I was told this morning that Reed left yesterday morning to coordinate things. They thought it best if she go in with the team to get the boy."
"I want the child brought here. I don't want any tests run on him."
"Jack"
"They should at least let Sydney have a chance to explain to those who need to know before they do the testing."
"We'll figure that out."
"I need to tell Sydney about this."
Dixon nods watching as his friend hurries out of the room, 'God help you Sydney.'
WHILE LATER: SARK'S HOME "Good to see you Mr. Sark." Lauren greets walking into the room where she finds Sark handcuffed. "Do you want to tell me where your son's mother is so he can stay there?"
"I am Nikolai's only parent." Sark says calmly "His mother couldn't take care of him so I took him after his birth."
"Daddy" Niko cries struggling to get out of the unfamiliar man's arms as they enter the living room.
"Its alright Niko." Sark assures the boy whose cries escalate.
"Hey little guy." Lauren takes the crying boy from the other agent.
"Daddy" Niko squirms reaching for his father.
Sark winces knowing that his son is becoming more distraught by the second. "Reed he's not going to stop crying unless I calm him down."
Lauren looks at the assassin thoughtfully
"What you think I would try something with my son so close?" Sark scowls "Just remove the handcuffs and give him to me."
"Daddy" Niko cries louder
Lauren nods "Uncuff him."
Once the handcuffs are off Sark takes the crying boy from the agent. "Shh Nikolai" Sark soothes the boy. "You're going to want to sedate him for the trip. He doesn't fly well." He walks the floor keeping his son close. "There's a mild sedative in the bathroom cabinet in the nursery."
"You sedate your son!" Reed says aghast
Sark glares at the woman, "You've obviously never traveled with a baby." He looks at Nikolai whose sobs have lessened "Just follow the directions on the container and put it in the already made bottle in the refrigerator."
"And how do I know it won't harm him?" Lauren demands
Sark stops in his tracks his gaze cold, "I gave up everything for my son's safety, and I would never harm him. And if you ever suggest I would" He trails off threatening. "Just get his bottle." He continues to walk the floor gently rubbing Niko's back talking softly to the boy in Russian.
HOUR LATER: SYDNEY'S APARTMENT "Hey Dad." Sydney greets without moving from the chair.
Jack frowns at his daughter's tone, "What's wrong Sydney?"
"Nothing." Sydney pulls the blanket closer, "Why are you here? Its the middle of the day. Shouldn't you be at work?" She asks
Jack sits across from Sydney "Dixon just informed me that Agent Reed went over his head to the NSC on Sark."
Sydney looks at her Dad her eyes wide, "What" she stammers
"She left for London yesterday. I just received word that they captured Sark and they are bringing him and the boy back to Los Angeles." Jack watches as Sydney pales
"No."
"Sydney you need to be prepared to tell the truth."
"I can't"
"Sydney if you don't the boy goes into foster care."
Sydney shakes her head. "No"
"Then you need to tell the truth Sydney. They will run the boy's DNA and they will find out you're his mother. If Reed hadn't gone to the NSC I could have stopped this but she's taking things too far."
"She ruined my life once and almost did a second time now she's going for a third time." Sydney says bitterly.
"Sydney the only way to stop this future train wreck is to tell the truth." Jack says gently
"I made a deal. I can't break it."
"And what if he does Sydney?" Jack demands
"He won't." Sydney pulls her knees to her chest, "He's kept his word this long." She looks away blinking back tears
"They'll find out either way Sydney. He might not say something but the DNA test will. The boy's going to need someone Sydney... might as well be his mother." Jack watches his daughter who curls away from him, "Fine Sydney. Keep in mind they'll find out and it will be better for everyone... even Sark if you admit the truth now."
"What do you mean better for Sark?" Sydney starts in surprise
"You say he loves the boy don't you think he'd be relieved that the boy is with his mother rather than a stranger?" Jack stands "I know if I was in his place I'd be relieved." He starts out of the room "They arrive in the morning."
As the door closes behind her father, Sydney drifts back to the first night at his home after taking her leave from the CIA.
Sydney glances up from cleaning up her snack mess as Sark enters the kitchen and turns away well aware he's assessing her. "What?" She asks annoyed by his scrutiny she pulls her robe tighter feeling uncomfortable and suddenly aroused by his gaze.
"I was just thinking"
"What?"
"You look incredible." He says appreciatively smirking when she blushes. He sets his wine glass on the counter and steps up behind her his hands on either side of her. "You do."
Sydney shivers "Sark don't"
"Don't what?" He asks softly his lips inches from her ear.
Sydney swallows heavily shifting trying to control her body, "I"
"What?" He brushes his lips over her shoulder
Sydney quickly moves away "Don't" She leans against the counter.
"Don't what?" Sark steps up to her, "What don't you want?"
"Don't touch me." She says desperately.
"Why?" He reaches out touching her cheek.
"Because"
"Why?" He presses her against the counter tilting her chin up he brushes his lips over hers lightly. "I know you still want me."
"No I don't." She shoves him away and starts to step out of the kitchen when he grabs her. "Sark let me go!" She struggles to get away then gasps as she feels his hand slide inside her pajama bottoms and her panties. "Sark" she halfheartedly protests
Sark chuckles lightly as she lifts her hips against his hand and moans. "Admit it Sydney you want me."
"No" Sydney says desperately unable to stop herself from reacting to his touch.
"Then why are you reacting?"
Sydney suddenly tenses giving into his touch she leans against him breathing heavily.
Sark rests his hand against the slight bulge of her middle his face buried in her neck. "You want me Sydney. Don't tell me you don't." He murmurs kissing her neck.
"Wanting you and wanting sex is two different things." Sydney says softly.
"You screamed my name more than once. Did you ever scream his name?"
Sydney stiffens trying to pull away only to have him tighten his arms around her.
"Sorry." He apologizes. "Sometimes I say things without thinking."
"I hate you." Sydney whispers tears falling.
Sark turns her around his hand going to her cheek he wipes away her tears. "Don't cry."
"Why do bad things always happen to me?" Sydney whispers. "My whole life has been a lie. My friends are pretty much dead or nonexistent." She shoves him away and hurries out of the room.
"And now giving up your own child." He says softly then quickly follows her out of the room grabbing her arm as she reaches the stairs. "Sydney"
"Don't"
"I'm sorry" he whispers "I know how hard these last few months have been on you... and now this." He pulls her back against him his hand sliding inside her robe.
Sydney slowly turns to look at him "Why did you want me to have the baby?"
Sark looks away briefly, "There's a lot about me you don't know... that the CIA doesn't know."
"Yeah so?"
Sark takes her hand, "I want to show you something." He leads her up the stairs to the second floor to a closed door. He takes a deep breath "I haven't been in here for a long time." Unlocking the door he opens it and turns on the light to reveal a little girl's room.
"Thinking ahead Sark?"
"Unfortunately no." Sark leans against the doorframe watching Sydney enter the room. "One of the things the CIA doesn't know is that at 17 I fell in love with a girl I was protecting, her name was Evangeline. About six months later Evangeline became pregnant so we married and five months later our daughter Alexa was born."
"How old would she be?"
"Twelve." Sark answers after a moment of thought.
"What happened?"
"Eva and Alexa were killed in a car accident when Lexa was five. After they died I stopped coming into this room." He looks around sadly. "I never thought there'd be another child in this house."
Sydney notices a picture of a little girl with dirty blond hair and Sark's bright blue eyes her arms around a woman with blond hair and brown eyes sitting on a dresser. "Your wife and daughter?" She picks up the picture.
Sark nods "The last picture I ever took of them."
Sydney sets the picture down and picks up another picture of a younger Sark holding a little girl with a genuine smile. "You look happy."
Sark joins her "I was. With Alexa and Eva I was happy... happier than I've ever been."
"And what this baby is a make up for what you lost?"
"No... I think this baby will give me a chance to... make things right in my life." He looks at Sydney "You know one of the biggest secrets about me. Despite all I have done Sydney, Alexa and the child you're carrying... despite the circumstances that lead to it being conceived... are probably the best things I have ever done." He walks out of the room leaving Sydney in the middle of the room.
Sydney stands in the middle of the room and looks at the picture of Sark holding his daughter. 'He really loved his daughter.' She blinks back tears her hand going to her middle, 'He'll love this baby.'
Sydney swallows heavily 'I don't know what to do.' She curls up on the chair staring at the wall.
CHAPTER 3 EARLY MORNING: CIA "We have an incoming." Dixon announces as the doors open and in walks Lauren Reed with Sark right behind holding a sleeping child. "Welcome back Mr. Sark."
Sydney turns from her conversation with her Dad to see Sark standing there looking pissed off as he holds the child close. She clenches her fists wanting to go over to her son... see him for the first time in person for two and a half years.
Sark glances at Sydney briefly then back at the other man, "I'd rather be back at home but I couldn't resist Agent Reed's lovely invitation." He says sarcastically.
"Take Mr. Sark back to containment... the boy can stay with him for now." Dixon glances at Lauren
"But sir" Lauren protests
"Agent Reed the boy is asleep. You will traumatize him by waking him up to draw blood... trust me." Dixon nods at the agents on either side of Sark.
Sydney watches as Sark walks away
"Sydney" Jack grabs her elbow and leads her back to his office. "Have you made a decision?" He asks
Sydney stares out the window where she watches Lauren and Vaughn talking. "No." She rubs her arms. "I don't know what to do."
"You should go talk with him."
"What are they going to do to him?"
"Keep him here for information... until he gives everything. Then prison probably."
"And Niko?"
"If you don't tell then he'll be put in foster care probably with a CIA family... just to be safe."
"He's been out for three years. Why do they want him now?"
"They believe he has information on several organizations and crimes."
"Oh."
"You need to make a decision Sydney."
"But if I admit the truth you know Lindsey's protégé will try to throw me in jail just like Lindsey would." Sydney looks at her Dad, "Then Niko would be without anyone. Either way everyone is screwed."
"And the boy is in the middle."
"You think I don't know that Dad!" Sydney exclaims "As weird as it sounds Niko is the only good thing that has happened to me since I got back. When I was gone with Sark it was the only time that my life actually felt normal in a long time. I had a normal life, did normal things during those months. For a while I was able to forget that my whole entire life was royally screwed up!" She sits on the couch heavily, "He asked me to stay." She admits not looking at her Dad. "I couldn't though... there were too many things I needed to finish... and I was scared."
Jack starts at his daughter's admission
"I almost did... I was so tempted but" she shrugs "I knew I had to return to this insane life of mine."
"Sydney"
"I'm sorry Dad."
Jack crouches before Sydney, "Its OK Sydney."
"I messed up and I don't know what to do." She looks at her Dad, "Help me Dad."
Jack pulls Sydney into a hug "I'll make everything better OK."
Sydney nods pulling back a moment later, "I need to get out of here." She wipes at her tears. "I need to think." Sydney stands hurrying out of the office.
Jack stares after Sydney then walks out of the office to the containment area.
Sark looks up from watching his son sleep on the cot to see Jack on the other side of the cell. He slowly stands walking over to the Plexiglas. "Bristow."
"How is the boy?"
"Still sleeping off the sedative I gave him. He should wake in a while."
"You sedated him!" Jack exclaims in surprise.
"Why does everyone sound so horrified by that?" Sark says annoyed. "Nikolai doesn't do well with flying. I would never harm my son." He says glancing at the cot.
Jack presses a button on his watch, "Sydney told me."
"I know." Sark looks at Jack "How is she?"
"She is not taking this well. She's confused... trying to figure this out. She doesn't know what to do. She admits the truth she could lose everything. She lies, he bears the brunt of her lies." Jack nods at the bed.
"I never wanted her to lose anything." Sark runs his fingers through his hair. "We did all of this for Nikolai."
"Did you even think about how this would affect her?"
"Yes!"
"Reed wants to run his DNA. She hopes to find out who his mother is... see if you didn't kidnap him."
"I know."
Jack glances at his watch "They have many questions for you Sark."
"I'm not surprised."
Jack nods turning he walks out of the room.
Sark returns to the bed and sits beside his son, 'Well Niko your Mother is so close... yet not ready to admit everything.' He brushes his finger down Niko's cheek, 'Everything will be OK, my boy.'
OVER AN HOUR LATER Sark looks up as he hears the door open and watches as Sydney stops on the other side of the Plexiglas. He looks at Niko who is sitting beside him on the cot playing with his favorite toy. Assured his son's attention is diverted Sark stands walking closer, "Sydney" he says softly as he looks her over.
"Sark" Sydney looks at the quietly playing boy, "How is he doing?"
"Luckily he is able to easily amuse himself."
"You avoided everyone for three years."
"I had a reason to."
Sydney touches a button on her watch "We have thirty seconds."
"You look good."
"So do you." Sydney returns. "He's grown." She looks at Nikolai.
"Yes he has." Sark smiles at his son.
"I don't know what to do Sark." Sydney says softly as she tucks her hair behind her ears. "They'll keep you here for as long as they want. If I don't tell they'll put him in a foster home."
"Sydney, I'm not going to say anything unless you agree. If you're worried about jail or anything I will make them a deal about all information I give them under the condition you stay out of trouble."
"I can't"
"Syd, there's only you, Jack and Irina. Other than us there is no one."
Sydney looks at the little boy, "He needs you Sark."
"If I'm in jail he'll need you."
"I can't"
"You have to Sydney. Get over your damn issues with what happened. He needs someone."
Sydney swallows "I"
"Daddy come play." Nikolai interrupts in Russian.
Sydney smiles slightly "So he knows Russian."
Sark nods "In a moment Nikolai." He returns in English then looks back at Sydney. "He speaks English and Russian... I thought it best to start him early. Mostly he speaks Russian when he's unsure about things."
"Times up." Sydney says reluctantly as her watch beeps.
Nikolai stands climbing off the cot he goes over to his Daddy and tugs on his Daddy's pant leg, "Daddy?"
Sark picks up the boy "Yes Nikolai?"
"Go home now"
"Not yet." Sark looks at Sydney
Sydney tears her eyes away from the boy meeting Sark's gaze and swallows turning away.
Sark watches Sydney hurry away, 'Make the right choice Sydney.' He looks at Nikolai, "How about a story?"
"Yeah" Niko grins
"All right." Sark sits on the cart with Nikolai on his lap. "Once upon a time..."
COUPLE HOURS LATER Vaughn joins Sydney "You OK Sydney?" He asks concerned by his former lover's silence.
"Yeah." Sydney gives him a faint smile.
"I thought you'd be ecstatic to have Sark in custody." Vaughn says confused
"I'm over my issues with Sark." Sydney shrugs "I'm moving on." She lies. "Where's Lauren?"
Michael shrugs "She's a little upset with me right now."
"She'll get over it."
"Probably. So you spoke with Sark, how is he?"
"Same as always." Sydney shrugs
"So he hasn't changed with a kid."
'He's changed.' "No."
"He obviously loves his son."
"Yeah."
"Lauren is just worried about the boy being with him... with no mother."
"Vaughn I"
"Sydney can I speak with you in my office?" Dixon requests
Sydney nods giving Michael an apologetic look then follows her former partner into his office where she finds her Dad waiting. "What?"
"You've run out of time Sydney. The bosses are on their way." Jack informs her "You need to make a decision."
"Its better for you to tell them then for them to find out in the test." Dixon adds
"Sark has agreed to make a deal for his information that you aren't prosecuted for anything having to do with this and you're able to keep your job." Jack informs Sydney "He obviously cares about you Sydney."
"How long until I need to decide?"
"Ten minutes." Dixon answers
Sydney takes a deep breath "Fine as long as they don't interrogate me about what happened and Sark agrees as well."
"Agreed." Dixon nods as the phone rings on his desk. "Yes" he greets "What? Not right now. Some thing has come up. Thank you." He hangs up and looks at Sydney. "Reed has taken Nikolai to the med ward to draw his blood. I've stalled for now but she's stubborn and she'll call for override authorization."
"Damn it." Sydney jumps up hurrying out of the room.
In the lab Lauren tries to calm the screaming boy down "What do you mean Dixon overrode me?"
"Sorry Agent Reed the boy is going to have to wait."
"I have authorization on the boy." Reed snaps. "Draw the blood." She orders
"Lauren stop" Michael says seeing the boy is completely upset. "Don't push this right now. Let him calm down." At that moment Sydney enters the room, "Sydney what"
Sydney goes over to Lauren taking Nikolai from her
"Sydney what are you doing?" Lauren demands. "I have orders to draw his blood."
"You don't have his parents permission. I know Sark didn't give you permission and his mother sure as hell didn't." Sydney holds the boy close glaring at the blond woman.
"We're trying to find out who his mother is!" Lauren retorts
"You don't need too." Sydney looks at Nikolai who is clinging to her shirt sobbing. "I'm his mother."
"What!" Lauren and Michael exclaim together
"Sydney you've got to be kidding." Vaughn stares at his former girlfriend who is holding the boy protectively.
"I'm not." Sydney looks at Vaughn with an apologetic expression. "Nikolai is my son."
"Please tell me someone else is his father." Vaughn pleads
Sydney shakes her head "Sark's his father."
"Daddy." Nikolai whimpers
"Its OK." Sydney soothes
"If you're his mother we need to confirm it." Lauren protests
"You've terrified Nikolai enough for today Agent Reed." Dixon says from the door
"I'm going to take him to see Sark." Sydney walks out of the room without looking at Vaughn or Lauren. "Its OK Niko" she soothes as she walks with her Dad back to the containment area.
"You did the right thing Sydney." Jack assures
"I hope so." Sydney whispers hugging her son as they enter the room where they find Sark pacing obviously worried.
"Daddy" Nikolai hiccups reaching for his father.
Jack presses the buttons on the cell door and the door opens.
Sydney enters with Nikolai
Sark takes the boy from Sydney, "You told?"
Sydney nods watching as Nikolai burrows into his father's chest, "I had no choice. She'd have kept it up until they found out."
"I'm sorry Sydney. I never wanted it to come out like this... not when you weren't ready."
Sydney shrugs "It would have come out anyway... sooner or later." She frowns at the boy's sobs "They really scared him."
"He'll be fine." Sark rubs Nikolai's back.
"You two are going to have to be ready to answer questions." Jack finally speaks after watching the two talk. "They'll be here soon."
Sydney and Sark nod their attention on Nikolai.
HALF HOUR LATER Sydney and Sark sit a few feet apart before the "Heads" with Jack, Dixon, and Lauren nearby. "It has come to our attention that you had a relationship with Mr. Sark." Mr. Lancaster states as he looks at Sydney disapprovingly.
"It was a one time thing on a cover while we were looking into who had me kill Lazarey." Sydney answers
"Yes you found out the plans behind the Covenant and why you killed Mr. Sark's father." The second man, Mr. Timmons remarks looking at the file.
"Our cover was as a newly married couple." Sark informs them "The only way to pull it off and get the information we needed without casualties, which she made me agree not to kill anyone, which if you check during that time I didn't kill anyone. We had sex once and only once." He lies smoothly. "If anyone is to blame for this whole secrecy it is me... I convinced her to go through with the pregnancy and leave Nikolai with me."
"And you never had contact?" Mr. Lancaster demands
"I called her on his birthday and that's it. I never stayed on the phone long enough to be traced and we never discussed her work or anything but Nikolai."
"Sirs, Agent Bristow interfered with my investigation of Lazarey and the apprehension of Sark." Lauren says indignantly. "If nothing else she should be removed from her position."
"If you remove Agent Bristow from her position or try to remove Nikolai from her care you won't get anything out of me." Sark informs the men. "I may have been out of the organization and life for three years but I still know a lot of what happened before and since."
"You can't blackmail us Mr. Sark." Timmons says angrily.
"You gave Sloane a pardon for all he's done and all Sydney has done is try to find out what happened to her and protect her son." Sark reminds. "I will tell you everything you want to know as long as Sydney is not prosecuted, keeps her job as long as she wants, and Nikolai stays in her care."
"Agreed." Mr. Timmons nods
Sydney looks at Sark briefly.
"Now, Agent Bristow, the second time you disappeared you were with Mr. Sark is that correct?" Mr. Timmons questions
Sydney nods "I knew that if everyone here found out I was pregnant there would be too many questions. It was no ones business but people around here can't seem to stay out of my private life." Sydney pauses "We agreed that I would stay long enough to secure my return and then I asked for a leave... which I probably would have done even if I wasn't pregnant." Sydney and Sark proceed to tell about their time together leaving out the more... intimate details.
LATE EVENING "Daddy?" Nikolai looks between the dark-haired lady and his Daddy confused.
Sark crouches before his son, "Nikolai this is your Mama." Sark informs his son, "Mama's going to take care of you now."
"Stay with Daddy."
"You can't stay with me." Sark says sadly. "Mama will bring you to visit every so often." He zips up the boy's jacket, "I want you to be good for Mama OK?"
Nikolai stares at his Daddy confused, "Daddy come too."
"I can't Nikolai. Now give me a hug."
Nikolai throws his arms around his Daddy's neck hugging tight.
"I love you Niko."
"Love you Daddy."
Sark rests his forehead against Nikolai's "I'll see you soon." He picks Nikolai up and stands handing the boy to Sydney their fingers brushing. "He usually won't fall asleep without his pacifier at night. Naps he's fine without it."
Sydney nods looking at Nikolai, "Anything else?"
"He's pretty calm. He'll tell you want he likes and doesn't. You'll probably want to put him in diapers at night and at nap time... though he's pretty good at getting up and going to the bathroom himself."
"Yeah I big now." Nikolai says proudly.
"Yeah you are." Sydney smiles
"He'll eat anything but prefers to eat what you eat." Sark adds
"OK" Sydney frowns at Sark's thoughtful expression. "What's wrong?"
"I just realized that Niko and I have never been apart for longer than two days." Sark says sadly.
"I'll bring him to visit in a few days. Dixon wants to start your debriefing as soon as possible."
Sark nods "You better go. I don't want to drag this out any longer."
Sydney nods
Sark leans in kissing Niko's head "Be good Nikolai."
"I'm sorry." Sydney says softly.
"I know." He returns softly. He pulls back watching as Sydney and Nikolai walk out of his cell. He rests his palms against the cell and watches as they walk away.
"Daddy" Nikolai sniffles
"You'll see him soon Niko." Sydney assures as she joins her Dad in the hall.
"You two are staying with me for a while." Jack states
"Dad" Sydney protests
"Sydney you have never taken care of a child on your own. You need some help. I maybe somewhat rusty when it comes to children his age but you need the help." Jack says his voice holding no room for argument as he guides Sydney down the hall. "Dixon wants you to continue your time off until you figure out what to do and until things are settled you're staying with me."
Sydney sighs then nods remaining quiet as they head to the parking garage.
"Sydney"
Sydney pauses turning to see Vaughn walking towards her.
"I'll put him in his car seat." Jack carefully takes Nikolai from Sydney continuing to his car knowing Sydney needs to talk to Vaughn.
"What do you want?" Sydney asks coldly
Vaughn flinches "Why didn't you ever tell me?"
"Because it wasn't any of your business. You gave up on me a long time ago Michael."
"So you slept with Sark!" Vaughn says angrily. "He tried to kill all of us!"
"At least he never would have given up on me. Despite everything Sark has done to me he's never lied to me... sure he's withheld things but never lied to me." Sydney crosses her arms over her chest, "The sad thing is that through everything I've gone through he's the only one who's ever been constant. He's always kept his promises." Sydney walks to the car and gets in looking back at Niko who is in his car seat.
"You OK Sydney?"
Sydney nods "Can we just go."
HOUR LATER: JACK'S HOUSE Jack looks up as Sydney enters the kitchen, "Is he asleep?"
Sydney nods sitting at the counter, "He's passed out."
"He's had a long day." Jack remarks setting a plate of rice and beef before her.
"Thanks" Sydney picks up her fork and takes a bite of her food.
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing"
"Sydney"
"I'm just thinking of Sark."
"Why?"
"Did you know Sark was once married?"
"No, though your mother did hint that he was once in love and that she died."
"He had a daughter."
"You're kidding" Jack says surprised.
Sydney shakes her head "She died in a car accident when she was five... along with his wife."
"How did you find that out?"
"I lived with him for 7 months." Sydney reminds. "We talked." She looks at her food sadly.
"Sydney what happened between you two?"
"Nothing. We put aside our differences for a while." Sydney shrugs 'Screwed the hell out of each other.' "He can be a pain but sometimes he's not so bad." Sydney admits
"Sydney if there isn't anything you haven't told me you might want to tell me before they finish looking through everything at his house."
"There isn't anything to find." Sydney shrugs "He destroyed everything the night before I left."
Jack nods "How long was it after he was born did you come back?"
"Nikolai was three weeks old when I came back. So I could get back here on time I had to have a cesarean."
"When is his birthday?"
"May 3." Sydney answers
Jack nods
SAME TIME: CIA Sark sits up as he sees Vaughn enter "What do you want? Wife let you off your leash?"
"Good thing your on the other side."
"What do you want Vaughn?" Sark asks bored
"What did you do to Sydney while she was gone?"
"Second or third time?"
"Both."
"Nothing."
"She wouldn't have had sex with you unless you forced her."
Sark stands "I never forced her Vaughn. She came to me for help, to protect all of you. We did what we had to do to get what we needed. Despite the fact you broke her heart she still wanted to protect you and your wife as well as her father and all her friends." He leans against the Plexiglas "She wanted help and didn't want to drag you into anything else. You gave up on something great Agent Vaughn."
"You know nothing about losing someone you love." Vaughn snaps
"It rips you apart until you don't feel anything but empty and you don't give a damn about your life." Sark muses. "You gave up on her because you didn't want to deal with those feelings any longer. If you truly loved her you would have dealt with those feelings rather than walk away from them."
Vaughn looks at the former assassin surprised by his words, "What do you know about that?"
"More than you ever could understand." Sark walks over to the bed and lies down flinging his arm over his eyes.
Vaughn glares at the other man then walks away.
TBC...