CHAPTER 2

MONTH LATER: CIA

Jack sighs seeing Marshall at his door, "Yes Marshall?"

"Um" Marshall enters the office closing the door behind him, "I uh per Dixon's order have been keeping a constant run on Sark's name as well as all known aliases. This just came in... I would tell him but I really don't want to be the shot messenger. Besides I don't know if it's true... if it is... wow this is a big one."

"Marshall" Jack warns

"Sorry." Marshall hands him a file. "Recently a little town in France put their records online. They must be one of the last to be paper only. This came up." He watches Jack read the file impassively.

"See if you can bury it. This doesn't need to get out."

"I'll see if I can" Marshall walks out of the office.

A few minutes later Sark looks up as Jack enters his office and drops a file before him, "What?"

"Marshall was just alerted to this news."

Sark opens the file reading the content his eyes narrow, "Burying it?"

"Of course."

"Good." Sark closes the file handing it back to Jack. "I hope you agree this can't get out... not even to Sydney or Irina."

"It won't take Irina long to find out."

"It is my personal business."

"What were you thinking!" Jack exclaims

"Same thing you were thinking 30 years ago. Only this won't end as bad as yours."

Jack ignores his son's remark and asks, "Who knows?"

"No one knows. We agreed for now no one knows." Sark leans back in his chair. "And I will do what I have to do to keep this from getting out." He says coldly.

Jack nods "If we're lucky Marshall has erased it from record before anyone realized it existed."

"Perhaps now you understand why I keep my personal life separate from business, why I have avoided personal questions"

"You won't be able to keep this quiet forever Sark." Jack warns his son, "Someone is bound to find out."

Sark nods "Hopefully not yet."

"How long do you think you can keep this secret?"

Sark shrugs "As long as possible."

"Possible could be soon." Jack warns

"I know."

LATE THAT NIGHT

Sark dials a long remembered phone number.

"Hello?"

He smiles at the familiar voice, "Hello darling."

"Hi. Where are you?"

"Where I was last time I checked in. How are you?"

"Good. How are you?" Sark listens with interest as she talks. After a few minutes he sighs, "I should get going."

"Work in the morning?"

"Still have more to do tonight."

"Don't overwork huh?"

"I'll try Princess."

"Bye"

"Bye." Sark hangs up. 'All will be fine.'

FEW DAYS LATER: CIA

"I warned you he would run." Michael Vaughn says angrily as he looks at the others.

"We don't know if he ran for good." Jack says calmly.

"Running is running." Vaughn snaps. "He's not trustworthy."

"The tracker is working." Marshall announces. "He's in" his eyes widen when he realizes the place. "New Haven, Connecticut."

Jack looks at the monitor, "Narrow it down?" Jack nods seeing the name. "Let me know if he leaves."

"Do we send a retrieval team?" Weiss questions

"No. He'll return." Jack answers

"How do you know that?" Vaughn demands

"Send a team to keep an eye on him... but at a distance." Jack instructs

"Dad" Sydney says confused as her Dad leaves the room. She looks at Marshall who is studiously avoiding her gaze. "Marshall what is going on?"

"Sorry Sydney... been sworn to secrecy."

"Marshall" Nadia warns

"Can't. Sorry. More scared of Sark than either of you... which is weird considering..." He trails off remembering the others don't know. "Better get back to work." He scurries out of the room.

"Anyone get the feeling we're left out of something big?" Weiss muses aloud.

SAME TIME: YALE

Sark smiles when a dark-haired young woman opens the door, "Hello Rory."

Rory Gilmore stares at the blond man then grins, "What are you doing here?"

"I came to visit." Sark shrugs entering the dorm room. "Is Paris around?"

"Studying she'll be back in a few hours."

"Good" Sark kisses her.

EARLY NEXT MORNING

"Rory" Paris barges into the bedroom and is startled to find her roommate in bed with someone.

Rory groans, "Paris it's not even" she glances at the clock "seven."

"Darling, tell her to shut up." Sark grumbles pulling the pillow over his head.

"Rory why is there some strange guy sleeping in your bed."

"I'm not exactly a strange guy to you Geller." Sark pulls the pillow off his head. "I graded your papers remember?"

Paris's eyes widen, "Julian"

"Gellar" Sark smirks "Good to see you silent."

Rory smacks him on the chest, "Go back to sleep." She gets out of bed pulling a stunned Paris out of her room. "Look, I know seeing him is a surprise but can you not mention him to my Mom or Grandma if they call?"

"Does Logan know about him?"

"Logan and I are only friends."

"And what exactly are you and Julian?"

"We ran into each other in Europe when you were with Asher." Rory shrugs "We got back in touch."

"And your Mom doesn't know?"

"She knows he exists but not that he's here. Look, just don't mention it to Mom or anyone."

"Alright." Paris throws her hands up "But you'll owe me."

"I kept quiet about you and Asher." Rory points out

"Good point." Paris agrees

"What did you need?"

"Can I borrow your lit book?"

"It's in my bag." Rory nods towards the bag in the corner before walking back into her bedroom.

"Who is Logan?" Sark asks calmly.

"A friend." Rory replies joining him in bed. "How long are you staying?" She asks just as a phone rings.

Sark groans, "Can you hand me my phone?"

Rory grabs the phone off the nightstand handing it to him before snuggling against him.

"What?" Sark growls in greeting as he strokes Rory's hair with one hand.

"What the hell are you doing Sark?" Jack demands

"I took a little detour. Relax Jack. I'll be back soon."

"How soon? I won't be able to hold off the retrieval team."

"Just give me until tomorrow."

"Fine but if you aren't back here by work tomorrow I will send Sydney after you."

"Oh perish the thought of sister dearest." Sark says snidely.

"Just get back here." Jack hangs up.

"Sister dearest?" Rory looks at him.

"Long story."

"How long do you have?" She asks sadly.

"I have to be back tomorrow."

"Oh"

"You know... I have settled in Los Angeles... you could always transfer."

"You know I can't" Rory buries her face in his neck.

"I know" Sark sighs as he presses his lips to her hair.

"Missed you."

"I've missed you as well." He sighs knowing he can't avoid the conversation any longer, "Rory"

"Hmm"

"There's something we need to talk about"

"What?"

"The true reason why I don't visit or call... why I'm insistent no one knows about this"

"I've been just as"

"I know but there are bigger reasons."

"Like what?"

"I'm not exactly who you think I am"

Rory pulls away looking at him "Who are you then?"

"When we met at Chilton I was working and not as the student teacher you thought"

"Working?"

"Rory... I'm a spy."

"Funny." Rory sits up "But if you're on confession time be a little more honest." She reaches over turning off her alarm clock.

"Lorelai" he says firmly

Rory glares at him "You know I hate when you do that."

Sark reaches out brushing her hair back, "I'm telling you the truth. My name is Julian Nikolai Lazarey... I go by Sark. My adoptive father was a Russian businessman named Andrian Lazarey. His wife was Irish her name was Grace. I was raised in Galway, England and Russia. I was raised by a former member of the KGB."

Rory stares at him seeing the honesty. "I don't"

"It's a long story"

"I think I deserve the truth."

"I know" Sark nods "I'm going to tell you what I can but you mustn't mention it to anyone." He takes a deep breath and plunges into the story of his life for the first time ever.

HALF HOUR LATER

"Why didn't you tell me before?" Rory demands

"I didn't want to drag you into this." Sark shrugs "When I first saw you you were the first person I ever met who was honest... kind. I didn't want what I was to ruin our friendship."

"And why you just disappeared from Chilton?"

"I finished my job. I was supposed to keep an eye on one of the teachers. When that didn't pan out my employer... Irina pulled me out." He sighs. "I never told her I kept in touch with you."

"And when we ran into each other over the summer?"

"I had no idea things would get heated so fast. I was taking down time and you were getting over your ex's marriage. We were having a normal good time... I didn't want what I am to ruin the summer."

Rory stares at him as he looks at the wall lost in thought, "Were you ever going to tell me?"

"Yes."

"Why now?"

"Because someone found out."

"About"

Sark nods "Jack thinks it was caught and destroyed but he said it won't last forever. A hint of my name... brings up many questions."

"What now?"

"I don't know. I would prefer if you returned to Los Angeles with me but I know you won't go." He laces their fingers "I'm hoping Marshall caught it in time... hopefully the only one to know otherwise is Irina and I don't think she would do anything."

Rory nods as she looks at his hand, "So how much longer do you think…" She bites her lip.

"Hopefully it will be a while." Sark pulls her close "We could keep it from the public but government and the other issues... I have no idea."

"So we have a lot to talk about."

"Mmm" Sark kisses her head, "how about we go out for breakfast?"

"Sure. I could use some coffee." Rory laughs

Sark chuckles, "Why am I not surprised my coffee addict?"

"Hey Mom's one too"

"How is Lorelai?"

"She's good. She's dating Luke now. We'll talk about it at breakfast." Rory kisses his cheek.

HOUR LATER: RESTAURANT

"So how is Lorelai?" Sark inquires as they wait for their food.

Rory smiles, "She's doing great. The DragonFly is going great. Sookie's pregnant again."

"The cook"

Rory nods "JJ he's adorable. Mom's dating Luke... has been for a few weeks."

"Have you heard from Dean?"

Rory winces looking away

"Rory?"

Rory stares at her coffee, "I had a moment of stupidity over the summer"

"And?"

"I wrote Dean a letter. Lindsey read it."

"And it mentioned"

Rory nods "She kicked him out. He wanted to give us another try."

"And?" Sark retains his sudden rise of jealousy.

"We hung out as friends but nothing happened. After a while he realized he had to work things out with Lindsey... especially after Grandma threw a party for me."

"What kind of party?"

Rory laughs, "She invited all of her friends who have sons my age. That's how I met Logan and his friends."

"So you're trying to keep them from asking questions by seeing him."

Rory shrugs "He's fun to be around. He makes me laugh. He kind of reminds me of Tristan." She smiles remembering her brief high school crush. "Only without the calling me Mary issue."

Sark chuckles "That was amusing." He regards Rory as she drinks her coffee in silence. "What else is going on in your life?"

"Dad wants Mom back."

"I thought your father was engaged"

"Shari left him... and Gigi. She was offered a job in Paris. Dad needed help with Gigi so he called Mom. Since then he's tried getting her back."

"And you don't want that"

Rory sighs, "My parents have been through a lot... together and apart. They were sixteen when I was born. I saw him maybe twice a year until I was sixteen and he moved back here. Mom and Luke are pretty much best friends... he's put up with a lot from Mom." She takes a sip of her coffee before continuing, "I was mad when I found out Dad had called Mom... I told him no more."

Sark watches as she trails her finger along the rim of the mug listening intently to her tone and words.

"I told him not to mess with Mom and Luke's relationship. I told him if he needs help with Gigi call me. Mom's happy... Luke's good for her."

"And?"

"And" Rory takes a deep breath, "a few weeks ago Grandma and Grandpa decided to do the whole renew their vows thing... Dad got drunk and got into a fight with Luke. He told Luke that he and Mom won't last and that Luke's not good enough for her." Rory takes a sip of her coffee then continues, "Grandma had said some things to Dad that set it off so Mom and Grandma aren't speaking. Luke and Mom broke up for a while but got back together."

"And your father?"

"We're currently not on speaking terms."

"I'm sorry."

Rory shrugs "We go weeks without speaking to each other anyways. But this time he did what I didn't want."

"But you said Lorelai is back with Luke"

Rory laughs "And driving him crazy."

"Your Mother is quite amusing." Sark muses taking a drink of his own coffee.

"She does like you... but then again you played her greatest like... coffee." Rory grins. "She would have hated you if you hate coffee."

"Sometimes coffee is the only way I stay awake." Sark admits

"Know the feeling." Rory sighs "I love coffee" she says dreamily. "What is life without coffee?" She stares at the mug before her. "It's the best thing in the world."

"Hey" Sark protests

"Well it is." Rory leans across the table kissing him lightly. "And you are almost at a tie with coffee."

"Almost?" Sark grumbles

"Mmm" Rory nods "and almost above Mom."

Sark smiles, "And how is school?" He listens with interest as Rory talks animatedly about her classes and what she has been learning. 'God she's something.' He thinks with a smile.

SAME TIME: CIA

Sydney walks into her father's office to see the monitor is on Sark as he talks with the dark haired college student at a cafe while her Dad works, "Alright what is going on?" She demands "Sark is pretty much AWOL and you're just letting him."

"He'll return in time for work tomorrow." Jack assures

"Dad how do we know she's not someone he used to work with?"

"Because I checked and he assured me."

Sydney stares at her father, "Dad, why is it you trust him?" She demands. "He's the least trustworthy person ever."

"I have my reasons." Jack says coldly. "You need to trust me on this Sydney. He's not going to run and she's not a spy."

"Then who is she?" Sydney demands. "She doesn't look like his normal type."

"This is Sark's business Sydney... leave it alone." Jack says firmly. "If he wants to tell you he will but it's not my place."

"He's not worth the trouble he's bound to cause." Sydney says coldly as she turns walking out of the office.

'We'll see.' Jack looks at the monitor then turns back to his work. 'Perhaps with her he'll have a change of behavior towards us all.'

LATE AFTERNOON: DORM ROOM

"What about your Mom?" Rory asks as she and Sark lie side by side facing each other on her bed.

"That's an interesting question. We haven't spoken since her bombshell... but then again that is quite common with her." Sark sighs. "I never thought that would have happened."

"What about your sisters?"

"Nadia and I get along fine... but Sydney doesn't trust me. Understandable considering my ex tried killing her and her best friends... or the fact I've shot at her."

Rory winces

Sark sees her wince and closes his eyes feeling a sharp pain of regret. "Sorry."

"For what?" Rory asks stroking his cheek.

"For not being who you thought I was."

Rory smiles faintly, "You're still you; a sweet guy who just happens to have issues."

"Issues?" Sark lifts his brow, "We're talking about the Grand Canyon of issues."

Rory laughs, "True but it doesn't change the fact of what I see."

"And what is that?" Sark asks running his fingers through her hair.

"Maybe who you are with me is who, you really want to be." Rory shrugs as she strokes his cheek with her thumb. "Maybe now you'll be able to be who you really want to be."

"They don't trust me." Sark sighs. "As it is I'm betting Jack had people watching us today."

"So all they'll see is us talking about everything but our relationship or your history."

"Mmm" Sark kisses her forehead just as a phone rings.

"Mine can you..."

"Sure" Sark reaches back grabbing the offending phone he hands it to Rory.

"Hello?"

"Hey Ace"

"Logan" Rory greets "what can I do for you?"

Sark scowls leaning in he kisses her neck as Rory talks on the phone.

"So there's a party tonight... wanna go?"

"What party is it this time? Another Quentin Tarantino-esque party?"

"This time it's just a regular old fashioned kegger."

"Are you trying to get me drunk, Huntzberger?"

"Of course Gilmore."

Rory stifles a sigh by laughing, "Won't work... last time I got drunk it led to interesting consequences"

Sark lifts his head smirking knowing what she's talking about.

"Oh really? Just what did you do?" Logan asks "Got me intrigued here?"

"Its a long story. What time is the party?"

"9."

"I'll go for a few hours but I have class tomorrow."

"You weren't in class today."

"I had an unexpected visitor." Rory answers

"Your Mom? Cuz she so loves me."

"Logan, my Mom likes anyone who bribes her with coffee and/or chocolate." She slaps Sark's hand as he starts to unbutton her pants.

"So who is it? Lane?"

"No. It's no one you've met; an old friend from Chilton."

"Coming with?"

"No he's leaving in a few hours."

"Alright then, I'll see you around 9."

"Sure." Rory hangs up just as Sark starts trying to unbutton her pants again, "Julian" she laughs

"Know you want too" Sark kisses her

COUPLE HOURS LATER

Rory stands in the foyer of the suite her arms around Sark's waist looking up at him, "Do you have to go?"

"Yes. I have to be back at work before everyone has a collective heart attack." Sark brushes her hair back, "I'll check in soon."

Rory nods "Don't make it too long before I see you again."

"I'll try. I can't promise but I'm going to try my best." He kisses her lightly. "I'm going to do what I can to keep you safe, OK?"

Rory smiles sadly, "I know." She smiles hearing his soft murmur, "Same."

Sark reluctantly pulls away and opens the door, "I'll see you soon"

Rory watches as he leaves the dorm room and smiles sadly, 'I'll see him sooner or later. Besides it's not forever.'

TBC…