By: Kayryn
Disclaimer: Hey, who owns Alias anyway? I know JJ does, but anyone else claiming it theirs? At any rate, it ain't mine. And since they provided the toys, I decided to play.
A/N #1: My first Alias story. Sappy and boring. You've been warned.
A/N#2: "Spoilers" until ADT, after that the story doesn't follow cannon. Consider this an A/U if you will. A universe where Irina's proved herself to CIA and they've deemed it okay to release her. I'm not really going to delve into that aspect of the plot, as I honestly have no idea why in the world the CIA would do that. But� it's kinda the whole point in my story, so bear with me. Oh and naturally she's regained Jack's love and trust as well as Sydney's. So what if this is a sappyhappystory. I've already warned ya!
A/N#3: This is a response to SD1's May challenge:
May's elements:
1. Flowers
2. Baseball
3. A famous line from a movie. (must identify movie and line at bottom of story)
On with the story.
Part One
I heard footsteps and recognized them as his. Steady and measured, soft but authoritative. I rose from the floor where I'd been sitting and slowly turned to face him. As I did I wondered once again, how it could be that something in life was so sweet and wonderful and so sad and painful at the same time. Lately all my time was spent on wondering when Jack was going to return to see me. They were always bittersweet moments, for though it was wonderful to see him and hear his voice as he told a story or recited a memory of something that had happened in the years I'd missed, it pained me not to be able to reach out and touch him. To feel his touch on my skin, giving me comfort like only he could. Soon, I reminded myself. Soon.
As my eyes rested on his face, I saw that he was smiling. It was something at least. Then I shook my head mentally. It was more than something. It was only a year ago that he had barely been able to face me and talk to me without biting my head off while he was at it. I knew well enough to be grateful of the chance he'd given me to explain my actions and feelings, even though I didn't deserve the opportunity.
And I didn't deserve the second chance he was giving me. His trust. His love. But he was offering them both and I'd sworn an oath to myself to be worthy of that gift.
"Hi."
"Hi."
For a while we just stared. Though I ached to hug him, it was wonderful to see him standing there with no hatred or fear in his eyes. I still thought of it as a miracle.
"Oh, Sydney told me to say 'hi'."
I smiled at the mention of our daughter's name. "Thank you. How is she?"
"Exhilarated."
That was really no wonder. We were all excited of the news of my release. "She's not the only one. I still can't believe they agreed to it."
Jack merely nodded and I wondered if I'd ever find out just what strings he'd pulled to make this all possible. But I knew this wasn't the time or the place to discuss it. The cameras were still rolling.
Jack mentioned that Sydney was coming later on to bring me some "real clothes" for me to wear the next day. He laughed at my reaction to the news. Well, it had been a while since I'd been able to wear something other than the same prison clothes day in and day out.
We then started to talk about what to do the next day to celebrate. He said it would be completely up to me, which I found very sweet, knowing the restrictions the CIA was going to place me under. If I left California I would have to notify them and tell them where I was going, how I would be traveling and how long I'd be gone. And under no circumstances was I allowed to leave the country. Nothing I couldn't live with, as long I knew I was free to walk on a beach and watch the sunset. Breathe in fresh air instead of being in an air-conditioned environment practically 24/7.
"So what would you like to do," he asked me.
I flashed him a crooked smile before answering, "I don't know. Something very�" I let the sentence hung in the air for a moment before finishing it. "American."
"Like Big Mac?" He asked, deadpanned and I laughed.
"Actually I wouldn't mind it, " I told him. "Jack it doesn't really matter. If anything, I'd like to go somewhere where there's a lot of people and noise."
His eyes lit up and he grinned slyly. "I know."
"What?"
"The Dodgers are playing against the Giants tomorrow..."
I felt a bubble of laughter rise within me. I remembered how frustrated he used to get, trying to teach me the rules of the game. Of course, I'd been taught the rules by someone else a long time before I knew Jack. I grimaced inwardly at the thought and tried to pay more attention to what Jack was saying.
"I mean really. It doesn't get more American than that. Baseball, beer and hotdogs."
"It sounds perfect. You're sure you can get the tickets?"
"I'm sure something can be� arranged."
Though he was joking I shook my head in amusement at the thought of him 'arranging' tickets for us. He returned my smile and was obviously going to add something when his cell phone rang. After one of the briefest of phone conversations I'd ever witnessed he told me he had to go and take care of something. I nodded my understanding and tried to hide my disappointment at him leaving so soon.
"I'm not sure I can get back in today, so I'll probably just see you tomorrow," he explained apologetically.
"It's okay," I assured him. "I think I'll just� wait here."
My lame joke was rewarded with the tiniest of smiles before he brought his hand up against the glass, repeating the action which had become our ritual. I placed my own hand against his, feeling the cold glass in between. Soon.
After saying our goodbyes, he turned to leave and I watched his back until he disappeared behind a corner.
Soon.
Part Two
It must have been a few hours later when I heard the gates being opened and closed as Sydney walked in. We exchanged greetings and she told me she'd left the bag of clothes she'd brought me in the hands of security. As I had guessed, they wanted to go through the clothes in case my daughter was trying to smuggle me something. Naturally it would make a lot of sense for me to try to escape on the eve of my release. Idiots.
"Anyway," Sydney said, "Dad said that his visit was cut short, so he asked me to tell you that he's found a house for you. Finally."
I tried to look confident and pleased about it. "Good."
"What's wrong?" Obviously I wasn't fooling her.
"No, just� it's nothing really. I'm just remembering what your father's taste in houses was like. It's not the best possible one." I saw Sydney arching her eyebrows in curiosity and decided Jack would just have to live with his daughter knowing what horrible taste he had. "Knowing him it'll be a secluded one bedroom apartment either in the middle of nowhere or right next to the busiest street of the city. You see, when we were getting married, he announced that he'd found the perfect house for us. Cheap too. He wanted to take me to see it and so we drove out there one Saturday. It was about an hour's drive from the city in a nice suburban area which was filled with immaculate looking houses with picket fences. A few of them had a 'For Sale' sign outside and I was trying my best to guess which one it was. And mind you, we passed some very nice houses," I emphasized.
"And?"
"We drove past all of them. He'd picked this old, half-repainted, rundown house. The front door was jammed, so to get in we had to go in through the back. The backyard� it was a mess with everything growing wild. There were old tools and pieces of wood thrown across the yard." I started laughing at the memory. "On the inside� well, let's just say it was just as much of a mess. And your father just couldn't comprehend why I didn't fall in love with the shack, he thought all it would need was a little touch here and there. You can imagine he wasn't very talkative on the way back."
"You told him you hated it?" Sydney exclaimed.
"Well� more or less yes. I couldn't very well tell him I adored it. He would have bought it then and there," I defended myself.
"I think you can trust his taste now," Sydney said, smiling.
I nodded, stretching and yawned reluctantly.
"You're tired, I should go."
"No, it's okay," I assured her.
"You sure?"
"Yes. I'm fine."
We ended up talking for a little while longer but eventually I was unable to hide the continuous yawning and Sydney announced it really was time for her to go. Reluctantly, I agreed, reminding myself that it was only one last night in this cage. I'd get the chance to talk to her again tomorrow. Face to face.
Soon.
Part Three
In the morning Jack came to take me to see Kendall for the final meeting. I didn't feel rested, thanks to the nightmares I'd had throughout the night Different variations of how Jack came to see me, only to let me know that he couldn't forgive me after all, and that he no longer trusted me. In everyone of the dreams I begged him to at least let me see Sydney, but he always stated that his daughter wanted nothing to do with me.
I knew my fear was irrational, but I couldn't stop my heart from pounding faster as I heard his footsteps coming closer. With my back to him, I heard him open the door and step in, slightly hesitant.
"Irina, I brought you the clothes Sydney got for you. I'll come back in five minutes."
With that he placed the bag on the floor and turned to leave. I waited until he was gone before turning around myself. I took the clothes and changed, getting ready in less than two minutes, all the while repeating to myself that this was not the dream, this was the reality. It had nearly become a mantra by the time Jack came back. With a guard. I swallowed, again reminding myself that this was only procedure.
Jack let himself in again, closing the distance between us to mere inches.
"Hi."
I could only nod in response.
"You ready?"
Idiot. What do you think? "Yes."
He looked at me apologetically, explaining that since the official release hadn't taken place yet, I would need to be escorted to the conference room. With shackles. I told him I understood and placed my arms in the correct position. After the guard was done, Jack lead us out of the cell. I didn't look back.
Reaching the conference room I noticed there were two guards posted outside the door. As Jack ushered me inside, he whispered, "I can't believe they still play this act. Do they really think you're going to try to escape? Especially now?"
In answer I only looked at him and he nodded, "Yeah, they do."
Thankful for the change in the mood, I smiled my thanks at him. Once again, Jack had known just what I'd been thinking and knew how to make it better. Wasn't I lucky?
Jack had barely un-cuffed me and offered me a seat when Kendall came in, barely greeting us before launching into a longwinded speech, one I didn't really hear. I could make out words like "former KGB agent"� "walk-in"�"valuable information" and "trust." I was too much on the edge to listen to what he was really saying, too focused on being free again to care.
I was startled out of my semi-trance when the room was suddenly very silent. I looked at Kendall whose expectant face was staring right back at me. I quickly glanced at Jack, who was standing behind Kendall, only to see him frown slightly. I would have kicked myself if I hadn't been sitting.
"Miss Derevko," Kendall said. "Do you understand and agree with the words I've just read to you?"
Damn! Should've listened. I glanced at Jack again, this time noticing him nodding slowly.
"Yes," I answered, hoping I wasn't agreeing to anything other than what we'd previously talked about.
"Good." Kendall was still looking like he wanted to say or ask something, but whatever it was he let it go. Instead he took a pen from his pocket and offered it to me along with a piece of paper. "If you just sign here, then."
I skimmed through the text with my eyes before doing so. Once I handed the paper and the pen back to him, Kendall actually smiled. "Miss Derevko. You're free to go."
Part Four
Free. The word echoed in my mind. I raised my to see the back of Kendall's departing form. He nodded to the guards and, as one, they left. I looked at Jack, now coming closer to me again.
"Are you alright?" he asked.
"Yes. Guess it's just� taking a little time to accept," I said.
He nodded in understanding. "You'll get used to it. Trust me."
"I do." And I did, with everything.
I finally rose from behind the table, suddenly feeling weak. As I leaned against the table for support I felt Jack's hand on my shoulder, pulling me toward him instead. I wrapped my arms around him, soaking in the wonderful feeling of being able to hold him so close and know there were no cameras watching us. I pressed my head against his shoulder and inhaled, savoring the scent of his after shave and that something that was only him. It had been months since we'd last been this close, and though I wanted to leave the building - and preferably never return - I didn't want to let go just yet.
And Unless I was mistaken, neither did Jack as his arm around me tightened its hold on my body. His other hand rose to caress the back of my head, his fingers mingling with my hair.
"Is it really true?" I wanted to know.
"Yes, Irina," he said softly. "It's true."
We stayed that way a few more minutes before something suddenly crossed my mind. I released my hold just enough to be able to look at him. "Where's Sydney?"
The stupefied expression on Jack's face nearly made me laugh. He'd completely forgotten we were supposed to meet with her after seeing Kendall.
"She's waiting outside the building," he finally replied.
"Can we go?"
"Yes, I think we better," he winked.
The sudden absence of his arms around me made me shiver and I crossed my arms in front of my chest in a futile attempt to make up for it.
As we left the room, I kept my distance from Jack, unsure of how he'd react to me walking too close to him while we were still in a CIA building where all the people he worked with were free to stare at us as we made our way to the elevators.
After we rounded the first corner, however, Jack moved closer, taking my hand in his. I looked at him, slightly surprised at his gesture, and caught him smiling, his eyes dancing with delight and a trace of contentment that I had not seen in over twenty years.
I couldn't believe it as I slowly realized what he was doing. He was showing me off. He was purposefully letting everyone know that he was not ashamed to admit his bond to me. But even as� "Jack, are you�"
He stopped right before we came to the main office area and caught my eyes with his. "Irina," he started, his voice even and serious. "I've listened to what they've been saying long enough. It's time I listen to my heart." He paused. "Let them be damned."
And right there in the middle of a corridor, in Los Angeles' CIA office building, he kissed me. It was soft and loving. Assuring. And over much too soon.
Continuing our way, I bent my head for a moment, hiding the tears in my eyes.
Part Five
We arrived to the first floor and as soon as the elevator doors parted I searched for our daughter, spotting her almost right away. She was, like Jack had promised, outside the building, waiting for us. I took a moment to study her as she stood, leaning against the wall, basking in the warmth of the sun.
When we stepped through the front doors, Sydney looked up in our direction and seeing us, broke into a broad smile. She half ran to me and I was only vaguely aware of Jack giving us some space as I held my girl in my arms. A feeling no poet could write about and do justice to, surged through me and I finally let the tears fall. With no guards around to stop me from showing what she meant to me, I held her so close I was afraid I was almost suffocating her.
"I love you, Sydney," I whispered fiercely.
"I know, Mom. I love you, too."
Finally forcing myself to let go, I studied her face, drawing the shape of it with my fingers. So many years.
Jack's voice woke me from my gloomy thoughts. "Sydney, did you bring the car out?"
She broke her eye contact with me and answered her father, "I did. Wanna go?"
I nodded, still trying to regain my composure. When I was certain my voice would carry, I asked where they'd planned on taking me first. The reactions I received were not only contradictory, but amusing. Whereas Jack suddenly looked decidedly unhappy and even petulant, Sydney was almost jumping up and down with excitement. I raised my hand to stop them from answering.
"Let me guess. Shopping?"
If possible Sydney's grin only got wider and I didn't really need to glance at Jack to know what his expression was. As we climbed into the car, Jack getting behind the wheel and Sydney taking the backseat, I couldn't help but smile. Sitting in the front next to Jack, I turned around facing Sydney.
"So, where are we headed then?" I asked her.
"All things considered I think we need to do some serious shopping," Sydney informed me, staring me solemnly. "The plan is that we start from the Drive, check out a few selected shops, then go on to Hollywood and Highland. After that, we can have some lunch. If we still need to look for more, we'll figure something out."
"Sounds good to me," I pronounced, wondering if she was even aware of how much like a mission she'd made our shopping spree sound like. Pushing the thought away, I glanced at Jack who was still looking grim. "Is it alright with you?"
"Of course."
Obviously it wasn't, but I decided that was his problem. I grinned. It was the first time in over twenty years that I could spend time with my daughter doing something we both enjoyed. Jack would survive.
Part Six
A few hours later found me at Hollywood and Highland, trying on another shirt Sydney had found for me. I was starting to get jealous of Jack, who, when I last saw him, was still reading 'The Bear and the Dragon' by Clancy. Men definitely had it easy when it came to clothes.
"Mom, how does it fit?" I heard Sydney's voice from the other side of the dressing room door.
I studied my reflection in the mirror, deciding that the shirt was just the thing I needed to complete my new wardrobe. "It's great, Sydney. I'll take it."
Changing back into my own clothes, I stole a glance at my watch, also purchased a few hours earlier. Surprised at how late it was, I told Sydney we'd have to call it a day or else Jack and I would never make it to the game in time.
A few minutes later we were outside the store with two new bags full of clothes and other 'must have' items. I made my way to Jack with Sydney in tow. She was now speaking to her cell with what I could only guess was Vaughn. At least that's what I deduced from my daughter's broad smile and the affectionate tone in her voice.
As I reached the bench where Jack was sitting, I shook my head in wonder. How was it that a man who worked as a spy read fictional books on the same subject on his free time? Didn't he get enough of that world at work? Try as I might, I couldn't figure out a plausible reason and so I asked him.
In reply he arched his eyebrow and said, "I like them."
Rolling my eyes I sat down next to him and watched him steal a look in Sydney's direction. "Vaughn," I offered in the way of explanation.
The silence that settled on us was comforting in it's simplicity. I wanted to enjoy it, but at the same time there were things I felt I needed to say. Looking around to make sure that we were relatively alone, I broke the silence.
"Jack, I know I've said this before, but I want to say it again." I paused to wait for his assent. Things had been said and talked about a hundred times over, but for us to gain that final peace of mind, we both knew we'd be repeating many of the things already said for some time to come, if for no other reason than to be reassured by the other one's trust and forgiveness.
Sensing this, Jack nodded for me to continue, which I did. "Being free, being able to spend time with you both has made me even more aware of everything we've missed. All the years I wasn't there. And I'm sorry, Jack. For all the pain. For hurting you. When I chose to leave I knew it would hurt you both, but I still did it. I'm not sorry that I left, because it saved your lives, but I am sorry that I couldn't come up with another way� Or at least come back sooner�"
"Irina," Jack interrupted me. "I know� and you know that� it wouldn't have hurt had I not loved you. But, honey, it's in the past. We have to move on. We need to."
I, in turn, tried to interrupt him but he wouldn't let me.
"Yes, you're right. What you did caused me pain. You broke my heart�" Jack paused and I saw tears in his eyes. Tears that undoubtedly were mirrored in my own eyes. "But Irina, you're also the one who mended it. And I love you for that."
Closing my eyes in an attempt to control some of the overpowering emotions running through me, I felt the tears escaping. Wrapping my arms around him as tight as I could I whispered, "Thank you, Jack."
Then, I kissed him.
Part Seven
We arrived to the baseball game a few minutes late, something I didn't really mind. Before taking our seats Jack insisted we buy hotdogs and drinks and while he was ordering for us I reveled in the fact that I was surrounded by thousands of people, the noise around us almost deafening. All these people and none of them knew who I was and what I was capable of doing. Here I was just another nobody watching a game. It was a freeing feeling. I felt� almost normal.
Jack's voice broke into my thoughts.
"What?" I asked him, almost shouting so he'd hear me.
"I asked what you'd prefer to drink?"
"Water. Thanks."
I watched him pay for our food and drinks before moving closer to carry drinks for him. In a few minutes we were sitting in our seats, enjoying ourselves and the game.
I was sipping my water when Jack turned to me and commented something about the way one of the players had been acquired in a trade only last season only last season and what a great break it was for the Dodgers. Naturally, since I'd had more important thing to focus on than the Dodgers in the recent years, I had no idea just how important the news should be.
Jack saw my lack of comprehending the importance and said, "Irina, you still remember how the game is played don't you?"
With a mock glare I scolded him, "Of course, I do."
He smiled, continuing, "So then you were paying attention to what I told you."
I knew Jack was implying on the numerous times he had coached me on the rules of baseball, and again I felt a stab of pain in my heart, remembering another lie about our lives together. Unfortunately, I wasn't as good at hiding it as I had been the day before and he saw my reaction.
"Irina?"
The words stuck in my throat and I pleaded him with my eyes. Telling him the truth would only hurt him more, take another piece of our lives away. I couldn't voice the words. I found out I didn't have to.
He looked at me, realization dawning in his eyes. "You already knew."
I nodded, the only acknowledgement I could make, and watched Jack look away, as he digested the information. This time the silence between us was anything but comfortable, and I knew I had to break it somehow. Struggling to find my voice, I touched his arm gently, silently begging him to look at me.
When he did, I forced myself to speak. "It was required knowledge."
He nodded, but still refused to say a word.
"I'm sorry, Jack," I offered, my voice cracking slightly. I couldn't believe I'd managed to destroy a day that had begun so wonderfully. Once again the past was raising its ugly head, demanding attention when I wanted nothing more than to forget it and just move on. Would we ever have that chance? Would there ever come a time when we weren't constantly reminded by what had passed?
I felt his fingers brush my cheek and realized I was crying.
"Don't cry. Please," he asked, gathering me in his arms. "It's alright� I understand."
I buried my head against his shirt and allowed the tears to come. But the tears of sadness and regret were now combined with those of happiness. His words were a confirmation that we could move on. That we would.
As the tears ran their course, I snuggled closer to him, with his arm around my shoulders and delighted in the simple fact of being able to be so close to him. The emotional turmoil of the past few days was starting to take its toll, however, and I was soon hiding an involuntary yawn. It was no surprise to me, though, considering that the last days I'd been going from sheer bliss and happiness to regret and sorrow and then back again. But things seemed to be turning out for the better. Yes, it would still take time, but now for the first time I had no doubts about our success.
I gasped when I felt Jack's lips on my forehead, kissing me ever so lightly. I raised my head to meet his lips with my own. I guess we got a little carried away, because after a few moments I heard someone's voice telling us to 'get a room'.
Chided, we pulled apart and tried to focus on the game. For a few moments I thought we'd actually succeed, but then Jack's hand sneaked its way to my knee and I felt an irresistible need to place my own hand on his chest, feeling the muscles through his shirt.
My breathing grew heavier as his hand made a tortuously slow journey up my thigh�
"I think we better leave," I heard him whisper, his voice hoarse with need. His breath tickled my neck and it was all I could do not to kiss him again.
"I think so, too."
I glanced at my watch and laughed. We'd stayed all of 25 minutes.
Part Eight
We slowly made our way through the parking lot, hand in hand, stealing kisses every chance we got. The whole situation was making me feel quite fervent and I was waging a war with myself whether to jump him now or later. But as we approached the car my common sense won over. It wouldn't really do to be arrested on charges of indecent behavior or exposure or whatever. Especially on the day of my release.
Maybe later, I found myself thinking, and nearly groaned in frustration.
When we eventually reached his car, he opened the door for me and helped me inside. Clearly Jack was still the gentleman he used to be. Well, at least in some ways, as I found out when, after sliding behind the wheel, he smirked and said, "At the risk of sounding corny� your place or mine?"
I laughed aloud until I realized what he'd actually said. That's when I stopped laughing and turned my head so I could look at him properly.
"Are you saying I have a place?"
"Yes," was all he would offer.
"Well, in that case�" I raised my eyebrows and laughed as Jack swiftly started the car and we left.
On route I kept poking him for answers about the house. Where was it located? What was it like? How big it was? At least what color was it on the outside? He patiently dodged all my questions, sometimes chuckling at my dissatisfaction over his lack of cooperation.
"Jack, come on�" I tried. "At least tell me what it's like. Tell me that and I promise I won't ask another question about it until we arrive."
"Okay," he finally acceded. "It's perfect."
I swallowed, trying not to think of the "perfect" house he found for us some 30 years earlier. I briefly wondered if Sydney could offer me a couch for a few weeks until I found a suitable house on my own.
I was only about thirty minutes later that Jack stopped the car in front of a gate. I tried to look beyond it, but it was high and nothing could really be seen.
"Close your eyes," he instructed.
"Jack!"
"Just do it, it's not that big of a deal."
"Well, if it's not that big of a deal, then why bother," I argued, but complied anyway. Jack drove the car through the now open gates and I felt us driving steep uphill, until we came to a stop again. Jack told me not to open my eyes yet, and though the temptation was great, I decided to obey his wishes.
He came around the car to open my door, and helped me up. Then carefully guiding me, we walked a short distance before he told me I could now open my eyes.
Breathtaking was the only word that came to my mind. We were standing at the edge of a cliff, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. I was stunned speechless by the view. I looked at Jack to ask if he was joking when I saw the house behind him. It was, what I could only describe as the most beautiful house I'd seen.
"Jack�" I tried to find the right words to express what I was thinking but found I really couldn't. "It's�"
"So you like it?"
"Like it?" I asked. "I don't think that's the right word. I love it, is more like it."
He pulled me close to him, his arm around my shoulders. "Well, then I'm glad."
"You remembered," I said.
Jack smiled, obviously happy that I'd realized it had not been a coincidence that the house was located by the sea. "Yes, I remembered."
He then asked if I wanted to see the inside of the house as well, but I told him in a few minutes, I wanted to enjoy the sea and the wind a little longer. It had been almost a year since the last time I'd seen this much water at one glance.
We sat down on a bench near the cliff, both lost in our own thoughts.
"Remember how Sydney loved the picnics we'd have on the beach?" Jack asked after a while. I nodded and he went on reminiscing, "She could spend entire days in her own world, building sand castles and watching the waves. She used to love the ocean."
I picked up on the words 'used to' and was about to ask about it, when I saw Jack grimace involuntarily. "Jack?"
Our eyes locked for a moment before he shifted his gaze away, staring at the ocean again. Reluctantly he explained, "After� Laura's� death, she� well, though she was never afraid of the water, Sydney just lost interest in spending time on a beach."
I felt the familiar tug at my heart, but before I had a chance to say a word, Jack continued. "Irina, stop it. Stop blaming yourself. What I said earlier about it being alright, I meant it. We can't keep going back to the past time and again, otherwise we'll never be rid of it. True we're not exactly what one would call an average 'normal' family and yes, we've all been through a lot. There's a lot of regret, a lot of guilt, but there's a lot of love too."
I opened my mouth to interrupt, but Jack quickly silenced me by bringing his lips on mine, leaving me breathless for the second time in less than fifteen minutes.
When we separated I saw a sparkle in his eyes as he added, "Irina, look at it this way: What family doesn't have its ups and downs?"
His words broke the last of my sullen mood and I laughed. Only Jack would refer to our tumultuous past as 'ups and downs'. Kissing him again, I told him I was now ready to see the inside of the house.
Grasping my hand, he got up and lead us to the front door, from where he carried me to the master bedroom.
~~~~~~~
In the morning, dressed in nothing but Jack's shirt, I came downstairs and, after a few missed guesses, found the kitchen. I was delighted to find a vase full of wildflowers on the table and as I bent closer to inhale their intoxication scent, I noticed a little envelope attached to them. While carefully opening the envelope, I heard Jack moving behind me. I leaned back against him as his arms wrapped around me.
"Found the flowers, I see," he said, his voice still husky from sleep.
"They're beautiful, thank you."
I took the card out and smiled at the words written there, "Welcome Home."
The end
The famous line from a movie was "What family doesn�t have its ups and downs", from Lion in the Winter, by Katharine Hepburn's Eleanor of Acquitane. I'm actually not sure just how famous it is, but it's very well known among us Katharine Hepburn fans. And for those of you who do not know the movie in question, it too, tells a story of a� well� a dysfunctional family.
Author's Last Notes: I never would have expected this story to receive a welcome it has and I bow before you in humble gratitude. Back when I used to write stories more actively, I was always worried that I'd get the characters wrong and the readers wouldn't 'buy what I was selling'. More than ever, that's been the case here as I have yet to see a single episode from the second season. The only way for me to get familiar with Irina has been through transcripts and episode captures. I love Lena Olin and I'm always blown away by her acting.. Since I knew she was going to join the show on Season Two, I decided to start watching Alias (I live in Finland, we're in the middle of the first season, Q&A was the last episode we saw)... And since I practically worship Victor it really didn't take me much to become a J/I.. even when I have yet to see an episode with Irina. So again, thank you for your encouragement.
ALIAS PAGE