Always-1/12

“What? This can’t be. Two years?” she asked.

Vaughn nodded slightly. “What was the last thing you remember?”

“Um, shooting Francie, or at least the Francie double. Then I think I blacked out.”

“Oh God,” Vaughn said. He leaned over and put his head in his hands. Sydney glanced at the ring on his left hand again.

“Vaughn, will you please explain that ring to me?”

He thought about how exactly to do this, since she obviously didn’t remember, then he pulled the ring off of his finger and handed it to her.

“Read the inscription,” he said quietly.

She took the ring from him and read the inscription aloud.

“S.A.B to M.C.V Oct. 1 ’03 Always.” A look of realization came over her face.

“We’re married?”

“Yeah. That last memory you have of the Francie double happened in May, about 5 months before you disappeared.”

“Oh my god,” She whispered. She handed the ring back to him and he slipped it back on his finger.

“So If I disappeared in October 2003, then that would make this October 2005?”

He nodded. “October 2, 2005 actually.” He said.

“Yesterday was our wedding anniversary.”

He nodded and looked down at the floor.

“What happened the day I disappeared?”

“We were on a mission. Just a few days after our wedding actually,” he stopped for a second, and she could see this was hard on him. She understood why. She had disappeared just days after their wedding, and had been gone for two years.

“Vaughn, if this is too hard…”

“No Syd. I’m Okay. You were really pissed off at Kendall and your father because they called us in the day before we were going to leave for our honeymoon.”

Vaughn pressed end on his cell phone and looked at his wife. She knew that look.

“Michael Vaughn, Don’t you dare tell me that Kendall wants us to go in just 3 days after our wedding.”

“Okay, Kendall doesn’t want us to come in.”

She sighed, relieved. Then he went on.

“You’re father does.”

“What! Vaughn, we just got married! They want us to come in now?”

Vaughn could see she was easily passing from furious to extremely pissed off. He walked over to her and put his hands on her shoulders and looked her in the eye.

“Look Syd, we can go, do what they need us to do, then head to France for our honeymoon.”

He took his hand off her shoulders as she wrapped her arms around his neck.

“Okay,” she sighed.

She smiled at him.

“You always know how to make me feel better.”

He smiled slightly. The first smile she had gotten out of him since he got there. “I love you,” he said matter-of-factly.

She smiled at him again.

“So what happened during the mission?”

“Well…”

 “You know Syd, I really like that dress.”

She was wearing a light blue dress that really didn’t serve much of a purpose, because it was almost completely see through.

“You would” she replied as she sat next to him in the van and putting on a blonde wig. Then she stuck her comm. Link in her ear.

“Alright, I’m all set” she said, standing up to leave when she realized something. She looked down at her left hand and pulled her wedding band and engagement ring off of her finger and handed them to Vaughn.

“Here keep these safe for me”

“Syd” she looked over at him. “Please be careful”

She turned back and quickly but softly brushed her lips over his.

“I always am”

She left the van and went into the building. After a few minutes, she turned her comm link on.

“Alright boy scout, I’m in position.”

“Copy that.”

“Going radio silent.”

“Okay.”

“Vaughn?”

“Yeah Syd?”

“I love you.”

“That was the last I had heard from you.” He paused a second, then looked at her.

“I spent a year looking for you. I told that no way in hell was I going to leave Honk Kong without my wife. But eventually I went back to the states.”

Sydney reached over and pulled him into a tight hug. She pressed her lips firmly to the side of his neck.

“I’m back Vaughn.”

He pulled away to kiss her lips, then he stood up and held out his hand.

“Come on. Lets get you home.”

***

They got into a CIA plane about a half an hour later. As soon as they were settled, Sydney hit Vaughn with a barrage of questions.

“What happened after I blacked out?”

“Do you remember that trip to…” he trailed off.

“Santa Barbara?” she finished for him.

“Yeah, that trip to Santa Barbara that were planning?” she nodded, so he continued.

“Well that night, I went to pick you up..”

Vaughn knocked on the door the second time. “Syd?”

He was starting to worry, so he turned the knob to find it unlocked.

He walked in, and was immediately halted as he took in the scene before him. To say that the place was a mess was a gross understatement. There was glass everywhere. And as he walk through the apartment. He walked into the kitchen and saw silver ware and broken plates strewn all over the floor. Francie, Will and Sydney were no where in sight.

He walked through the house to the bathroom, and had to hold on to a wall to keep from collapsing. There was blood everywhere. He hoped to god it wasn’t Sydney’s. As he walked closer to the bathtub, he saw Will Tippin lying in it, blood gushing out of the gaping stab would to his stomach.

“Oh god.” He grabbed towels and anything else he could find to press to his stomach to stop the bleeding. He rinsed off his hands quick in the sink, Then he went off to the bedroom. He need to find Syd. As he walked in, he could see Francie on the floor, blood spurting from the bullet wounds to her chest. He bent down to check her pulse, only to find that she didn’t have one. Then he turned around only to find Sydney lying against the wall unconscious.

“SYDNEY! Oh god. Syd!? Come on Syd, come one wake up. He lifted her head and gently, as to not disturb any wounds she might have, and laid it in his lap. He was extremely relieved to find she had a pulse.

“I called CIA dispatch. You had woken up just as we they were loading you and Will into ambulances and told us about the Francie double, and as I assured to you profusely that she was dead, you kissed me and fell asleep.

She smiled at him and looked at their intertwined fingers. She rubbed his wedding ring gingerly with her thumb.

“How did you propose?”

“Ah, damn,” he gave her a smile. “I knew that was going to come up soon.”

She laughed. “ Come on Vaughn, tell me.”

“Okay,” he sighed. “ I did it the night I found you.”

She laughed again. “ You did?”

“Uh huh.”

He walked into the hospital room where she was sleeping, clutching the little box in his pocket so hard, he was sure that there were dents of his fingers in it. As he walked closer, she opened her eyes and smiled at him.

“Hey there, gorgeous,” He whispered.

“Gorgeous, huh? You’re sweet, but I probably look anything but gorgeous.”

“You’re right. You look beautiful.”

She laughed. “ Gee Vaughn, you’re good. You have been in here less than five minutes and you are already charming me.”

“Only because I love you.”

She looked up at the word and smiled slowly. “Is that so?”

“Yeah, Miss Bristow, that’s so.”

“Well that’s good, because I love you too.”

He smiled slightly and bent down to kiss her.

“I thought I’d lost you there for a while, there”

“I know, but Vaughn, you should know by now that no one can get rid of me that easily.”

“Yeah, I know.” He gave a soft sigh. “Um, Syd...” he started.

“Vaughn, what is it?”

“You know, I was planning on doing this in Santa Barbara, but since it obviously, we aren’t going to make it there…” he trailed off and took the ring out of his pocket. “ Will you marry me?”

Her eyes were wide.

“Syd,” he started in response to her look. “ I know that we haven’t been dating that long, but we have known each other for almost two years and…” he kept rambling until she cut him off with a kiss.

“Yes,” she said breathlessly as they broke away.

“And we were married 5 months later.”

“Wow,” was all she could say. “ I wish I could remember that and the wedding.”

“I know, Syd. But we will find out what happened in those two years that made you forget. I promise. In the meantime, when we get back to L.A. I have pictures of our wedding that I can show you.”

“I can’t wait,” she said as she leaned over to give him a deep kiss. After they broke away, she asked “What happened to Will?”

“Well he was in intensive care for a few weeks, but recovered just fine. You moved to my place just a few days after I proposed and you got out of the hospital. After he got out of the hospital, he too moved out and moved to a new place and the CIA made him a full agent about 6 months later.”

“So he’s ok?”

“Yeah.”

“What about my dad?”

“He was just as obsessed about finding you as I was. But eventually, he decided to retire from the CIA and settle somewhere in LA. But, to be honest, I haven’t talked to him in awhile. The CIA will have called him to tell him of you’re return.”

She nodded. “What about you?”

“Me?”

“Yeah. You said something about coming back.”

“Oh, uh, I stayed in the CIA if only long enough to find you. I came back to Hong Kong the second Kendall called our house and told me of you're return.”

She smiled. She liked the sound of the phrase of ‘our house’.

“You know Vaughn, I don’t remember what happened the last two years, or our wedding, and this is the first time I remember saying it, but I love you, and—“ She couldn’t continue because Vaughn’s lips were suddenly on hers, kissing her so deeply that it nearly took her breath away.

After they pulled away, he said “ I know Syd, I love you, too.”

They leaned in for another kiss, but they were interrupted by a young agent informing them that they had landed in LA.

“Ok, thank you” Vaughn said, then turning to her “ Are you ready?”

“Yeah, let’s go.”

***

A half an hour later, they were sitting in a car on their way to CIA headquarters.

“I realize that after finding out that you have been missing for two years, the last thing you need is to go straight to CIA headquarters and see Kendall.” she chuckled. “But, he requested that you come tonight.”

“Requested as in demanded?” She sighed. “I understand. It will probably be good for me to see what has changed.”

“And Syd, I also want to apologize for my lack of a greeting. I was a little shocked that you were back.”

“Hey,” she paused to look him in the eyes. “Its okay. I understand.”

He breathed a sigh of relief as they pulled up to headquarters. He took hold of her hand again and pulled her out of the car. As they walked into the building, they almost immediately ran into Jack Bristow.

“Sydney,” he said as he pulled her into a hug so tight that she couldn’t breathe.

“Dad….air….need.. it….can’t… breathe…”

He let her go and turned to Vaughn. “Did you tell her…”

“That we’re married and about Will? Yes.”

“Okay. They are in conference room B. Go right ahead. I’ll be right back.”

They headed into the conference room. Vaughn was holding her hand tightly as if he didn’t want her to be taken from him again. As they walked in, they were met with Will Tippin, Eric Weiss, and Marshall Flinkman. Will got to her first.

“Syd, Oh god. We thought you were dead,” He said as he hugged her tightly.

“Hey Will, how are you?”

“I’m great, now that you’re back.”

Then Eric came over to hug her.

“Hey there, Syd. You know the last time I saw you was at your and Mike’s wedding. We’ve all missed you.”

“Thanks Eric.” She looked at Vaughn, and he shook his head imperceptibly to tell her that they didn’t know that she had amnesia. Then she turned to Marshall.

“Hey there, Marshall.”

“Hello, Syd.” He waved his hand nervously at her, and she noticed the ring on his left hand.

“Marshall, did you get married?”

“Oh you mean this?” he gestured to the ring. She nodded. “Um ye….yes. Carrie and I did. I…wish you could have been there, but of course that wasn’t you’re fault…” he trailed off.

“Marshall, that’s fantastic, congratulations.”

At that Kendall and her father walked in.

“Alright, everybody lets get to business.” Kendall said.

“Agent Bristow-” he started, but Sydney cut him off.

“Agent Vaughn.”

“Excuse me?” “Vaughn told me that we got married shortly before I disappeared. So, its Agent Vaughn, not Agent Bristow,” She explained. Vaughn smiled and squeezed her hand.

“Alright, Agent Vaughn..”

“Wait,” Will interjected. “What do you mean ‘ Vaughn told you?’ You don’t remember?”

She glanced at Vaughn.

“No, I don’t remember anything after shooting the Francie double.”

“What?” Eric asked. Then turning to Jack and Kendall, “How is that possible?”

“We don’t know.” Jack answered. “ But we will find out.”

“Agent Vaughn,” Kendall said, turning to Sydney. “You will need to undergo regression therapy to see if you can’t regain some of you’re memories.”

She nodded. “What happened with Sark and my mother?”

“Sark has been in our custody since you and Vaughn apprehended him in Sweden two years ago. Derevko shows up in places when it’s convenient for her,” Kendall answered.

“And Sloane?”

“He contacted me a few days before we found out about the Francie double. He just showed up at the place I was at for lunch. He hasn’t been seen since.” Jack answered.

“And what about the real Francie?”

Will answered that question.

“She’s dead, Syd.”

She had expected that, but she had a little hope.

“Is that all?” Kendall asked. She nodded.

“Dismissed,” he said and they all left the conference room. Sydney, Vaughn, Weiss, Will and Jack all walked into Vaughn’s office to talk for a few minutes.

“Sydney, I am so glad that you’re back,” Jack said, hugging her again. “ But I do have to go. I will see you all tomorrow.” And he walked out of the office.

“Maybe some night this week, the four of us could go out and catch up a bit?” Eric asked.

“Yeah Eric, that sounds great.” Sydney answered and Will nodded.

“Okay, well I gotta go.” Eric said as he hugged Sydney. “If you two need anything,” he said referring to Sydney and Vaughn. “Just call.”

“Yeah, that goes for me, too” Will said. “Don’t hesitate to call for anything.”

“Thanks you guys.”

“Bye you two,” Will and Eric said as they walked out of the office.

“Hey, you,” Sydney said to Vaughn, who was sitting on his desk, idly playing with his wedding band. “You’ve been awfully quiet.”

“I just…” she nodded for encouragement. “You have NO idea how much I have missed you.”

She walked over to stand in between his legs and he wrapped his arms around her waste.

“I have some. I love you.”

“I love you, too.” He said as he hopped off of his desk. “Now, let’s go home.”

****

They walked to Vaughn’s apartment, ‘No’ she thought. ‘Their apartment’. She didn’t remember ever seeing it before, and as they walked in, she saw a mixture of her and Vaughn throughout the apartment.

“Make yourself comfortable. I’ll be right back.” He said then walked out of the room.

She sat down and made herself comfortable on the couch, as her eyes searched around her and fell on a picture on a nearby table. It was a picture of her and Vaughn, obviously taken after they got engaged because, it had Vaughn’s forehead leaning on her temple, eyes closed and smiling, and she herself smiling happily at the camera, and holding her left hand up, showing off the beautiful, yet simple engagement ring on her finger. She was so lost in thought that she didn’t hear Vaughn come in.

“That picture was taken at our engagement party a few days after I proposed.” She jumped at his sudden appearance, and set the picture down. He sat down on the couch next her holding a large what book in his right hand and something else closed in this palm, but she couldn’t tell what it was.

“Sorry. I didn’t mean to startle you,” He said sheepishly.

“Oh, it’s okay. What do you have there?”

“Well this,” he gesturing to the white book “is our wedding album. And these,” he opened his palm “are you’re wedding rings.”

She took the rings from him. “They’re beautiful. Does mine have an inscription too?”

He nodded. “Read it.”

She looked down at the gold band. “ M.C.V. to S.A.B. Oct. 1 ’03. Always.” She read. Then she slipped them on her finger. “They’re beautiful,” she repeated. “Now tell me about the wedding.”

He wrapped an arm around her, pulling her closer to him.

“Well, it was very small. The only people that were there were Weiss, Will, you’re dad and my mom.” He opened the album to a photo of Sydney walking down the aisle on her dad’s arm. She had a white off the shoulder dress and a veil that reached her waist.

“You and my mom went all over California looking for the perfect dress. You almost drove me insane with all the wedding talk.” He chuckled. “But I enjoyed every minute of it.”

She smiled and snuggled closer to him. “What about our vows? I mean I know that our wedding was a long time ago, but…”

“No, Syd. I remember every detail of that day.”

 “Michael and Sydney have informed me that they have written they’re own vows.” The Priest looked at Vaughn, gesturing him to go first.

“Sydney. I think that I first fell in love with you the second you walked into my office. I knew, from the start, that you were going to be a positive impact on my life. That instinct that I had about you grew, as did my love for you. I think that you knew that I loved you, After all, how many guys would fly to Spain last minute?” That drew small laughs from the small crowd around them. “But I am going to say it now, and everyday for the rest of my life. I love you.”

Then the priest turned to Sydney.

“Michael. You are the only thing that has kept me sane these last two years that I have known you. You gave me the encouragement that I needed everyday to fight to get my life back, and to fight for days like today, when I’m surrounded by all the people I care about the most. You never stopped believing in me or us. I love you, Vaughn, and I always will.”

Sydney had tears running down her face by the time he finished. “That was beautiful.”

“Yeah it was. Weiss gave the best man speech. Now as you can imagine, THAT was interesting.”

The chatter around them hushed as Weiss stood up.

“Okay, so Mike asked me to give a speech. Well, all I have to say is that IT”S ABOUT DAMN TIME.”

Everybody at the table laughed. “Its about time you two got you’re acts together. Now I don’t have to listen to you pine for each other. That’s all I have to say.” And she sat back down.

As everybody stopped laughing, Vaughn spoke up.

“Gee, thanks Weiss, I could tell that came straight from the heart,” He said sarcastically.

“You’re welcome, man. You’re welcome.”

Sydney and Vaughn were laughing now.

“I should’ve known. That guy has never been serious about anything.”

“Not since I’ve known him.”

“It sounds like it was a great wedding.”

“It was. It was beautiful.”

“I wish I could remember it.”

“I know, Syd. You’ll remember it soon. I promise.” He kissed her softly.

“Come on, it’s late, you must be exhausted.” He said, standing up and leading her to the bedroom.

“Well, actually Mr. Vaughn, we could go to bed, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that we have to go to sleep.” She said, smiling seductively at him.

“Oh really? What do you suggest we do instead of sleep?”

“Oh, I don’t know.” She said as they got into the bedroom, and closed the door behind them. “I’m sure we can think of something.”

****

She was sitting in a chair. Her blue dress sticking to her. The blonde wig she was wearing had been knocked of when the guard brought her in here, and the comm. link taken from her ear.

She was suddenly very glad that she had left her rings with Vaughn. She only hoped she would make it back to get them. Suddenly the door opened.

“Sydney. How nice of you to join us.”

Sloane.

“What the hell do you want?”

“I just want to talk. How is Mr. Vaughn? Are you enjoying married life?”

“Go to hell.”

Suddenly, Sydney sat bolt upright in bed.

“Syd? Hey, Are you okay? Did you remember something?” Vaughn asked, as he sat up next to her.

“Yeah,” she was having a hard time breathing. Vaughn took her into his arms.

“Hey, hey hey. It’s ok. You’re ok.” He whispered in her ear. After she had calmed down he asked “ Can you describe it too me?”

“Yeah. I was in a warehouse right after I disappeared. I remember thinking that I was glad I left my rings with you, and then Sloane came in, and asked me if I was enjoying married life. I told him to go to hell, then I woke up.” She was crying softly on his shoulder by now.

“It’s ok, Syd. Hey hey hey. Look at me.” She did. “I promise you. We are going to find the Son of a bitch and make sure he pay for taking two years of you’re life away from you. Ok?” She nodded.

“Okay, come on lets try to get some more sleep,” He said laying back down with her.

***

The next morning, Sydney woke up before Vaughn, and just lay there staring at him. She loved him so much. She couldn’t imagine what it felt like to have you’re wife taken away, then have her return two years later, and not remember anything. This must be just as hard on him as it is on her. She just wasn’t sure she could do regression therapy. She would just rather it all come back gradually. As much as she wanted to find out what had happened, she just couldn’t handle it all coming at once.

“Hey, how are you feeling?” said a sleepy voice above her.

“I’m okay.”

“Did you remember anything else?” Vaughn asked gently.

“No. Vaughn, I was also thinking that I don’t think that I can do regression therapy. I would just rather it come gradually, not all at once.” He nodded.

“I understand. And that’s fine with me. Now,” he said, getting up and grabbing her hand. “Let me cook you some breakfast.”

*****

Two hours later, Vaughn and Sydney were standing in CIA Headquarters, talking to her father.

“….I just don’t think I can do it.” She finished. They had come to tell him what she remembered, and about regression therapy.

Jack sighed. “I understand. I have a meeting with Kendall, in a few minutes. I’ll tell him.”

She hugged him. “Thanks Dad.”

“Anytime, Sydney. I’ll see you two later.”

“Okay, bye Jack,” Vaughn said, then turning to his wife, “How are you holding up?”

“Me? I’m okay. But what I want to know is how you’re holding up?”

“Me?”

“Yeah you. Vaughn I have just come back after two years. You have been incredibly supportive towards me, but I also want you to know that if you need to talk, I’m here.”

He smiled slightly. “I know Syd, but I promise, I’m okay.”

“Alright.” She leaned in to kiss him when Eric interrupted.

“Okay, you two. You do realize your making out right in the middle of headquarters right?

“Yes, Eric we know. We thought we’d give everybody a show to keep them entertained,” Syd said sarcastically.

“Oh well I guess that’s okay. Just don’t let it get too far.”

“Alright, you two. Eric, knock it off before she kicks your ass, and I’m going just going to stand by and watch”

He scoffed. “What makes you think she could kick my ass. And why would you pick her over me? You’re Best friend.” Vaughn just looked at him pointedly. “ I love her more that I love you”

Sydney laughed. Eric looked disgusted. “Fine, be that way. I’ll remember that later. Bye you two.”

“ Bye Eric,” Sydney said.

“What a nut,” She said to Vaughn.

“Yeah, I think that might be the nice way to put it. Come on, lets go to my office. I have to write a report to Kendall.”

“Maybe we could finish what we started before Eric interrupted us.”

He snorted. “I don’t think so, Syd,” He said as they got to his office.

“Fine, be that way. I’ll remember that when you want to drag me to another Kings’ game like the one after we got engaged.” When she looked at Vaughn, she noticed that he was looking at her with an incredulous look on his face.

“What?” She asked.

“Syd, how did you know about that game?”

“Huh? Oh my god. I don’t know. I guess my sub-conscious registered it.”

He rushed over and kissed her, hard.

“This is Fantastic! Can you remember anything else?”

“Um, no. I didn’t even realize I remembered that until you said something.”

“Hm, Well that’s ok. I am sure more things will come to you. Come on, you get to help me with this report.”

***

The next six hours were incredibly slow and boring. A few people over the course of the day came to see Syd, to see how she was doing. At 5:00pm, she found herself waiting outside Kendall’s office waiting for Vaughn, who had been in a meeting the last hour. As she sat there she heard a deep voice above her.

“Sydney! How are you? How are you feeling.”

“Dixon! I am good. How are you?”

“I’m doing good, too. I am sorry I haven’t come to see you, but things have been really busy.”

“Oh, Dixon that’s ok. I understand.”

“What are you doing here outside Kendall’s office?” he asked.

“Oh waiting for Vaughn to get done with Kendall, so we could go home.” At that point Vaughn walked out, looking frustrated, and very tired.

“Hey there, Syd. Thanks for waiting.” He said as he came up and wrapped an arm around her waist. Dixon stood watching the two as Sydney leaned over and kissed Vaughn lightly on the lips. He could definitely see that these two were very much in love. He remembered seeing that right after they got married.

“Hey Dixon,” Vaughn said.

“Hey. Well I have to get going. I’ll see you guys later.” He said as he hugged Sydney and shook Vaughn’s hand.

“OK bye, Dixon” they said simultaneously.

“Hey,” Sydney said, turning to Vaughn. “How was your meeting?”

He sighed. “The usual.” He said leading her out of headquarters, and heading to their car. “Kendall being an ass.” Syd laughed.

“I’m sorry. Let’s go home, and I’ll make us something for dinner.”

He smiled at her as they drove out of the CIA parking lot.

“That sounds fantastic. I haven’t had your cooking in a while.” He said sadly.

She reached over and squeezed his hand.

“I know, but I’ll make us what I made us our first night together. How’s that?”

“Sounds Great.”

They drove in complete silence for a few minutes, till Vaughn spoke up.

“Um Syd, not that I’m trying to cause a panic. But I think We’re being followed.”

“What?” she looked at the rearview mirror. “Do you know for how long?”

“For the last ten miles or so. I have been trying to lose them, but they have managed to hang on”

“Take a right here” she said, and he made the turn. The car followed. Vaughn stopped the car abruptly and made a U-turn. The car made the same U-turn and still followed close behind.

Suddenly, Vaughn looked out the window of his side of the car. The car was right next to the window, and he tried to look inside but it was too dark. Then they felt a huge * Bump * in the drivers side of the car.

Vaughn’s arm was crushed by the impact of the door, and he lost control of the car, sliding into a ditch.

“VAUGHN!” was the last thing he heard before the world went black.

Chapter 5

She sat by his bedside. He had been unconscious for the last hour or so and he’d broken his arm in three places from having the door impacted on it. He had a concussion too, that’s why he was still unconscious. She had hit her head on the dashboard by the crash, and had to have stitches in her forehead, but otherwise, she was ok. A phrase had come to her after she hit her head. She’d have to ask Vaughn about it when he woke up.

****

His eyes fluttered open. Damn, it was bright, and his left arm really hurt. He looked over to the right to see Sydney sleeping with her head resting by their intertwined fingers.

“Sydney” he whispered. Her eyes fluttered open.

“Vaughn. God, it’s about time you wake up.” He chuckled.

“Sorry.” He said. “What happened?”

“Well, after the crash, you passed out. I called CIA dispatch on your cell, and they brought us here. How are you feeling?”

“My arm hurts like hell, but otherwise, I’m ok.”

“Yeah, you broke it in three places.”

He winced. “Ouch. How are you? Did you get hurt?” She pointed to her head, where the stitches were. “I got stitches from hitting my head on the dash, but otherwise, I’m ok.”

At that moment, Jack Bristow and a doctor walked in.

“Mr. Vaughn. You’re awake, good. How do you feel?” the Doctor inquired.

“My arm hurts a bit.” They all looked at him. “Ok, a lot.”

“You broke it in three places. You’re going to have to keep that cast on for a few weeks.” The doctor said. Then turning to Sydney “Mrs. Vaughn, How does your head feel?” she smiled slightly. She would probably never get used to being called ‘Mrs. Vaughn’. It felt good.

“I’m ok.”

“Well, alright. I will go get you’re discharge papers, Mr. Vaughn, and you can go home.”

“Thanks Doctor.” Jack, Sydney and Vaughn all said at the same time.

Jack turned to the couple.

“Sydney told me about you being followed.” Jack explained to Vaughn. “Did you get a look inside the car before it crashed into you?”

“No, it was too dark.” Vaughn answered.

“I think it was a warning.” Sydney said. Her husband and father turned to her.

“What? They’re probably afraid I’ll remember something that they don’t want me to remember.”

“You’ve got a point,” Jack said.

“But if that’s true, then why hit my side of the car?” Vaughn asked.

“Maybe they thought that by trying to kill my husband, they would scare me off?”

Vaughn smiled. “No, I don’t think so. Sloane should know by now that he can’t just scare you off.”

Jack turned back and forth between the bickering pair. “God, you two.” They turned to him.

“Sydney, its like you never left.” He explained. “You two used to bicker like this all the time, In the five months before you disappeared. It drove everybody crazy.”

Sydney laughed. “Well, whatever the reason they tried to kill us, it just makes me more determined to find Sloane and my mother, and kick their asses.”

“That’s the Sydney I know and love.” Vaughn said.

“Thanks Vaughn” she leaned over to kiss him.

At that point, a nurse walked in with Vaughn’s papers.

“Just sign these, and you can go.”

*****

A half an hour later, Sydney guided Vaughn through the front door, and to the couch. They both plopped down simultaneously.

“Vaughn, while you were unconscious, a phrase came to me. I was wondering if maybe you could tell me what it means.”

“Sure, What is it.”

“You have my heart, Forever and Always.”

He looked at her. “At our reception, during the first dance.” He hesitated “You whispered it in my ear.” He whispered.

She was quiet for a minute, then leaned over and kissed him deeply on the lips.

“I love you, so much Vaughn” she said.

“I love you, too.”

They were silent for a moment, and then Sydney spoke up.

“You know, when the doctor called me ‘Mrs. Vaughn’, It felt so…. right. Vaughn, I want you to know that I don’t remember getting married, or your proposal, but…” she trailed off.

Vaughn looked at her, and using his right arm, lifted her chin up so he could look in her eyes.

“I know, Syd. I know,” he whispered, then he kissed her. After they broke apart, she snuggled closely to him.

After a few minutes, Sydney bounced off the couch abruptly, startling Vaughn, and went over to the C.D. player sitting in the corner. She turned it on and went back over to Vaughn who was looking at her curiously. She held out her hand.

“Dance with me.” She said simply, pulling him up by his right hand. He wrapped his right arm around her waist, and being careful for his left arm, she wrapped her arms around his neck. She leaned in close to his ear.

“You have my heart, forever and always.”

Chapter 6

The next morning, Sydney woke up before Vaughn, who was sleeping on his back. From what she could remember before she disappeared, he had always slept on his side, but then again, he was probably trying to avoid lying on his arm. She loved knowing those little things about him. She just wished she could have those two years of her life back. She wanted so badly to remember what had happened to her. She wanted to remember their wedding, and Vaughn’s proposal. She wanted to know why she couldn’t remember in the first place. She got up from the bed, slipped on of Vaughn’s old shirts, and walked out of the Kitchen, deciding to make him breakfast. After she had gotten some eggs started, she felt a warm arm around her waist and a soft kiss on her neck.

“Hey gorgeous.”

“Mmmm. Morning. How’s the arm?”

“Hurts like hell,” he answered. “But, I’ll be ok.”

She turned around to kiss him. “Are you sure?”

He nodded. “So what are you making?”

She noticed the quick subject change, but decided to drop it.

“Just some eggs. Can’t make a big breakfast, because we have a meeting with Kendall and Marshall in an hour to discuss leads on the attempt, but I thought we could have eggs.”

“Sounds good.” Then a thought occurred to him. “Um, Syd? How did you know where all the cooking stuff was?”

“I don’t know. I guess it just came naturally.”

He nodded.

“How long did I live here, before we got married?” She asked.

“Um, you moved in the day you got out of the hospital. So, I’d say about 4 ½ months.”

“See? That must be why.”

“Moving day was fun. I wouldn’t let you move anything, because you had broken wrist, and had strict orders to take it easy. Of course, knowing you, I knew you wouldn’t, but Will and I did it.” He chuckled. “You were threatening to kick our asses all day. But I made it up to you later.” He said, winking at her.

She laughed. “I’ll bet you did. Come on, eat up. We have to go in an hour.”

******

An hour later and a half later, Vaughn and Sydney walked into the conference room.

“Well, It’s about time you two got here.” Eric said sarcastically.

“Yeah, we were afraid we would have to send a search party after you.” Will said.

“Oh, shut-up you two, Vaughn had a problem with his arm before we left the house.” Sydney said.

“Yeah, right, I’m sure that’s what it was.” Eric muttered.

Before they could reply, Kendall, Jack and Marshall walked in.

“Any leads?” Sydney asked almost immediately.

“Well good morning to you, too.”

Sydney grinned. “Sorry dad. Good morning. Now, any leads?”

Jack rolled his eyes, then turned to Marshall.

“Um, hi everybody, Mr. and Mrs. Vaughn, I mean..”

“Marshall, You can call us Syd and Vaughn.” Vaughn interrupted.

“Um, ok. Vaughn, the ca….camera attached to the license plate to you’re car caught the license number of the other car.”

“Wait, what camera attached to the license plate?” Syd asked.

“They were installed about a year ago in all CIA issued cars, for instances like this.” Vaughn explained.

She nodded. “So what was the number?”

“Well, Mrs.—I mean Syd, It was slightly crunched up fro—from crashing into th-the back of you’re car.”

“MARSHALL! The number please.” Kendall said, exasperatedly.

“Um, Sorry.” He turned to the T.V. behind him, pressed a button, and a number came up on the screen.

“It was traced to a man in LA A Mr. Jason Kandry. He reported the car stolen 4 days ago.” Jack said.

“Dammit. So It’s a dead end?” Sydney asked.

“With the car, yes.”

“So, has anybody talked to Sark about this? Maybe he knows plans of Derevko…..” Suddenly she stopped.

“Syd?” Vaughn asked, leaning forward.

Before anyone could do anything, she fell off of her chair and to the floor, unconscious.

*****

“Sydney, we need you’re help.”

“I am not helping you with a damn thing.”

“Sydney, like it or not, this prophecy has everything to do with you.” Her mother said.

“I don’t care. Because I hope you don’t actually think that I am going to help you strapped to a chair.”

“Fine, Sydney.”

“Sydney, Sydney. Come on honey, wake up.” Vaughn whispered.

Her eyes flutters open to find her head in Vaughn’s lap.

“What happened?” she asked, sitting up. Bad idea. A wave of dizziness came over her, so she laid back in Vaughn’s lap.

“We were about to ask you the same thing.” Jack answered.

“I think I was remembering something.” She said.

“What was it?” Vaughn asked her.

“Can I have a glass of water?”

“Yeah, Syd, I’ll go get you some.” Eric said.

“Syd,” Vaughn asked tentatively.

“My mother was there. She was talking about the prophecy, and how it had something to do with me.”

“Did she tell you what?” Will asked. At that point, Eric walked in with a cup water.

“Thanks Eric. No, I refused to help her, then I woke up.”

“Okay.” Jack said, then turning to Vaughn, “Maybe you should take her home. Can you drive one handed?” he asked referring to the broken arm.

“Yeah, I can.” Jack helped them both up.

“Alright, get some rest.” Then the group of people left, leaving Syd and Vaughn alone.

“Hey, are you okay?” Vaughn asked her.

She turned to him, with tears running down her cheeks.

“Oh, Syd, come here.” He said pulling her into his arms, and sitting down on a chair.

“I want to remember, Vaughn. I want to know what happened to me.”

“I know, but it’s going to take time. I’ll be with you every step of the way.”

She looked at him.

“Thank you,” and being careful of his arm, hugged him tightly. “I love you so much, You know that right?”

He smiled slightly. “Yeah, I know. And I love you, too. Come on, we need to get home and rest.”

Chapter 7

They walked through the front door, with Vaughn’s right arm wrapped securely around Sydney’s waist, her head on his shoulder.

“So, I was think that I could make us some dinner, and I was wondering if maybe you could tell me more about what I have been missing the last two years.”

“Sure. Just let me get some pills for my arm, it’s killing me.”

“Okay,” she said kissing him on the cheek.

****

“What did my dad say when we went to tell him that we were getting married, just out of curiosity?” Sydney asked.

“Oh, man, now that was an interesting conversation.”

 “Dad, there is something that Vaughn and I need to tell you.”

“Alright, but I only have a few minutes.”

“This won’t take long, dad. Um, w—we.” She couldn’t believe she was having problems telling her dad she was getting married. She looked at Vaughn for help.

“Um, Jack..” He started.

“Would you two just spit it out already?”

“We’re getting married.” Sydney blurted out.

Jack looked up, shocked.

“Excuse me?”

“Vaughn asked me to marry him last night at the hospital. Come on dad, you can’t be that surprised.”

“No, guess not, I just didn’t realize that you two were that serious.”

“We are, dad.”

“Well, Agent Vaughn, welcome to the family.” He said shaking Vaughn’s hand.

“Uh…thank you, sir.”

 “He accepted it just like that?” Sydney asked incredulously.

“Yeah, that and he threatened torture me if I ever hurt you.”

She burst out laughing.

“I should’ve expected that.” She said breathlessly.

“Yeah, I think that he knew we loved each other….especially after that tape ‘incident’.”

“Tape incident?”

“Uh, yeah, you know, the tape found in Will’s things.”

“Oh, gosh that tape!”

“Yeah that tape. Wiess had no problem teasing the two of us about that for MONTHS”

They were both laughing now.

“You know what I think we should do?”

“What, make another tape?” he teased.

“Um No. After this is all over, we should go to Santa Barbara.”

Vaughn suddenly looked down.

“I’m sorry Vaughn.”

“No, Syd, it’s okay. That sounds like a fantastic idea.” He smiled at her as she leaned over to give him kiss. Before they could get too wrapped up in it, though, the phone interrupted them.

“Ah, Damn. Do you think if we ignore it, they will leave a message?” Syd said in between kisses.

He chuckled. “No, because if it’s Kendall, they may have news.”

“Okay,” she sighed getting up to get the phone.

“Vaughn residence?” she said into the phone, smiling over at Vaughn.

After a few minutes on the phone, she hung it up and turned to Vaughn. “Syd?” “That was my dad. He thinks there’s a lead.”

*****

“Dad,” Sydney said breathlessly, as she walked into the CIA Ops center, and to her father, Vaughn following close behind. “What have you got?”

“A man in Hong Kong, named Marki Keller.”

“Hong Kong, that’s where we found Syd.” Vaughn said.

“Yes. Sydney, I wasn’t sure of you were ready for a mission yet, but….”

Sydney looked at Vaughn, and he looked down at the floor.

“I’ll do it.” She said.

Vaughn’s head snapped up.

“What?!”

“Vaughn, look…” she started, but he had walked away.

Sydney turned to Jack. “Sydney, I think you should talk this over with Vaughn first.”

“Dad, I think that this is my decision to make.”

“Sydney, he is you’re husband, which means that this is a decision to make between the two of you. He just got you back, he doesn’t want to lose you again, I don’t want to lose you again.”

Sydney just looked at her father, knowing he was right. ‘God,’ she thought. ‘How could I have been so stupid?’

“Thanks, dad, you are absolutly right. Have you always been this smart?”

“No, not always, but Vaughn loves you.”

“I know, I love him too.”

Jack just nodded. “Go talk to Vaughn, I’ll be in my office when you’re done.”

“Thanks dad.” She said, before going off in search of Vaughn. She found him in his office, sitting at his desk, with his back to her.

“Hey.” She said softly.

“Hi.”

“Look, Vaughn. I am so sorry. I guess I am still not used to consulting people about my decisions, but..” she stopped as she walked in front of him, and kneeled down, putting her hands on his knees and looking into his eyes. “Do you remember what I said that day, in the park, right after I told you about Dixon?”

He nodded.

“That’s still true. I trust you, and I love you. I always have.”

“I love you too. But, Syd, You have no idea what I went through in those two years. I didn’t know if you were alive or dead and the fact that you dissapeared just three days after our wedding didn’t help anything either.”

The look in his eyes broke her heart.

“Vaughn..” she started.

“No, Syd, let me finish. I love you, and I understand why you need to do this, but I guess I am just afraid that history might repeat itself.”

“Hey, I can’t promise that nothing is going to happen, but I can promise that no matter what, I’ll come back. Especially now that I know that I have a husband waiting for me when I get here.”

He smiled slightly, and she leaned forward and planted a firm kiss on his lips.

“And I love you, too.” She said when they pulled away.

“Alright fine, but if you don’t come back, I’m divorcing you.” He teased.

She laughed. “Well then, I can guarrantee that I’ll come back, because I like married life. Now come on, we have to go talk to my dad.”

Chapter 9

Kendall, Jack, Vaughn and Sydney were sitting around a conference table, discussing details for the mission.

“I want to be on the other end of her comm link.” Vaughn said, a determined tone in his voice.

“Agent Vaughn, You can’t go because of the injury to your arm.” Kendall said.

“Yeah, I realize that. But, I just got my wife back, Agent Kendall, I am going to be on the other end of her Comm link, even if I have to stay in Los Angeles to do it.”

Sydney almost had to restrain herself from smiling, from the fact that she had never seen Vaughn so determined, and the sound of him referring to her as his wife.

“Fine,” Kendell relented. “Agent Vaughn,” he started, turning to Sydney. She looked up at him. She didn’t think she would ever get used to being called ‘Agent Vaughn’ either.

“You will be going to Hong Kong. We have no idea what kind of person this man is, we don’t even know what he looks like. That’s why I suggest you talk to Sark before you leave.”

She nodded. “Okay.”

“Alright, dismissed.” Kendall said.

Before leaving, Jack walked up to them.

“Sydney, Please be careful.” He said.

She glance at Vaughn out of the corner of her eye, remembering her promise to him.

“I will dad.” She said.

“Good.” He said, then turning to Vaughn. “I admire you, Agent Vaughn for sticking up to Kendall like that.”

“Thanks,” he said. “Oh, and Jack,” he turned around. “You can just call me Vaughn, you know.”

“Alright, Vaughn. I’ll see you two later.” He said before walking out.

Sydney turned to Vaughn. “Damn, Vaughn. You have certainly gotten bolder in these last two years, haven’t you?” She teased.

He laughed lightly. “I know you found my little speech to Kendall amusing.” She just looked at him in surprise.

“Oh, come on Sydney, even when we were dating, I knew how to read you. I saw that you were trying to stifle a laugh.” He teased back.

She laughed. “Yeah you’re right. I just have to get used to hearing you refer to me as your wife, and being called Agent Vaughn.”

“If it’s too weird for you..” he started.

“No, Vaughn. I love hearing it.” She said, with a smile on her face.

“Good. Because I love hearing it too.” He smiled, and she leaned in too kiss him lightly.

“Come on, You have to go meet with Sark.”

She sighed. “Fine, but you’re coming with me.”

“Okay.”

“Vaughn?” she asked, as they left the room, and walked out to the ops center.

“Hmm?”

“Have I ever called you Michael?”

He stopped for a second.

“No, I don’t think you ever have.”

“Really?” she asked, surprised.

“Nope” he said, as he got moving again. As he got closer to the middle of the ops center, she caught his hand, stopping him and turning him to her, and before he could ask what she was doing, she kissed him deeply on the lips, right in the middle of the ops center.

They broke away to a small round of applause from the people around them.

“What in the world was that for?” Vaughn asked breathlessly.

“I love you, Michael.” She whispered.

He smiled. “I love you, too.”

Chapter 10

“Do you want me to come with you when you go see Sark?” Vaughn asked.

“No, I’ll be ok. Besides, the last time I remember that you saw him, you smashed his nose on a glass table.” She said, smiling at him.

“Are you saying he didn’t deserve it?”

“Oh no, I didn’t say that. If you hadn’t, I would have. No one shoots my husband and gets away with it.” She said, winking at him.

He laughed, and leaned over to kiss her lightly.

“Good luck.” He said, then turned to walk away.

“Michael?”

He turned around and smiled at her. “Is that going to be a permanent thing now? He teased.

She shrugged. “Maybe, but I just wanted to tell you that I love you.”

He doubled back and kissed her again.

“I know. Come and find me when your done.” He said.

*****

A few minutes later, she was in the holding area, staring into Sark’s smug face.

Even after two years, it didn’t seem like he had changed.

“Agent Bristow, or is it Agent Vaughn now?”

She ignored his question and went straight to the point.

“Tell me about Marki Keller.”

He stared blankly at her for a second before answering.

“He is a Russian arms dealer, based in Hong Kong.”

“What kind of connection could he have to Sloane or Derevko?”

“I don’t know. Maybe they wanted to buy weopens, he is an arms dealer.”

She ignored the sarcastic tone in his voice.

“Is that all?” Sark asked.

“For now.” She said, and turned to leave, when Sark’s voice stopped her.

“Your husband came to see me. He wanted information of your disappearance. He was quite upset. He tried to hide It from me, but I could tell.”

She turned around, and stared at him coldly.

“Sark, don’t you dare tell me what you think he was feeling.” And without another word, she left the office and went in search of Vaughn.

She found him in his office, talking to Wiess.

“Hey Eric.” She said.

“Oh, Hey Syd. I was just trying not to laugh as I watch Mike trying to type without is left hand.”

“Shut-up Eric, or I’ll break your arm and let you know how it feels.”

“Yeah right, Mike.” He scoffed.

Sydney laughed at the two, and went over to sit in Vaughn’s lap.

“Eric, you know as well as I do that Michael could kick your ass. And if he doesn’t, I will.”

“Thanks, Honey.” Vaughn said, kissing her cheek.

“Oh, stop it you two…wait, since when do you call him Michael?”

“Since today in the ops center.”

“Oh, you mean when you guys were going at it like rabbits?”

Vaughn rolled his eyes.

“Anyway” he said, trying to change the subject. “What did Sark have to say?”

“Just that Keller is a Russian arms dealer based in Hong Kong.”

Vaughn nodded.

“What does a Russian arms dealer have to do with any thing?” Eric asked.

Sydney sighed. “I don’t know.”

“Well, we do know that he is based in Hong Kong, where the op that we were doing when you dissapeared and that was where we found you, took place. so he has to have something to do with Sloane and Derevko.” Vaughn said.

Sydney adjusted herself on Vaughn’s lap a little, to look at him.

“Sark also said that you went to see him, after I dissapeared.”

He looked down and intertwined his fingers in hers.

“I did. After I got back from Hong Kong, I went to see what he could tell me about any plans Derevko and Sloane might have had, but he wouldn’t tell me anything.”

“Syd, when do you leave for your mission?” Eric asked.

“Tomorrow morning.”

“Well, what do you two say we go grab Will and go out for a few hours.”

Sydney looked at Vaughn. “Can you, with your arm?”

“Oh, Yeah, I’ll be fine.”

“Great, then we would love to go.”

****

Three hours later, Vaughn and Sydney walked through their front door, laughing.

“Man it has been forever since I have had that much fun.” Vaughn said breathlessly.

“Yeah, that was a lot of fun.” Sydney said, pulling Vaughn over to the couch and plopping down on it. Being careful of his arm, she laid her head on his chest, and he draped his right arm over her shoulder.

“Hey, what’s wrong?” Vaughn asked.

“I remembered something today.”

“What!? When?”

“When I asked you about calling you Michael. It occurred to me that I had before. I couldn’t pinpoint the moment, but I remember doing it.” She looked up at him. “When did I call you Michael?”

He sighed. “The day before we left for that mission.”

 “Vaughn?”

Still no answer.

“Vaughn?”

“MICHAEL!”

He looked up from the report he was reading.

“Huh? Did you just call me Michael?”

“Yes! I have been trying to talk to you for like five minutes.”

“Oh, I’m sorry. I guess I was just caught up in this report.”

“Oh yeah? And whats so important that you ignored your wife?” she asked with mock hurt.

He leaned over and pulled on her hand, pulling her into his lap.

“Nothing could make me ignore you.” He said before attacking her neck with his lips.

“Oh Yeah?” she said.

“Mmm Hmm.” He pulled away and looked her in the eyes. “Call me Michael again,” he whispered.

“Michael.”

“I Guess, since it was the day before the mission it just made it hurt a little more.”

She climbed onto his lap.

“What do you say we have a little repeat of the incident after the mole hunt briefing?” she asked playfully.

He laughed. “That was a long time ago, Syd. I might not remember it.”

“I’ll remind you,” she whispered, bring her lips to his.

***

Vaughn, Sydney and Wiess and Jack were all standing in Vaughn’s office, around a map.

“Sydney, remember that you will be going to a club in Hong Kong, like we discussed earlier, where Keller is going to be.” Jack explained.

“We’ve decided to send Wiess with you, just in case you need immediate back up. You two will be patched in to me here in LA, so that I can guide you if necessary. We are also going to put a tracking device into your arm.” Vaughn said.

Sydney knew he was just being overly cautious, and she loved him for it.

“Keller should be in a back office..” Jack paused to consult the map, “Here.”

“When you get there and get the intel we need, give Weiss a signal and meet him at the extraction point.” Vaughn said.

“Any Questions?” Jack asked. Sydney and Eric shook their heads ‘no’.

“Okay, you leave in an hour.” Jack said before he walked out of the office.

Vaughn turned to Eric and Sydney.

“Are you sure that you don’t have any questions?” he asked nervously.

“Yes Michael, we’ll be fine.”

Eric could tell the two wanted to be alone.

“Um, I’m going to go pack.” He said before turning to Sydney, “I’ll see you in an hour.”

“Okay, bye Eric.” She said, then she turned to Vaughn, who was twisting his wedding band nervously and probably not even noticing he was doing it.

She sighed. “Vaughn, you don’t have to be so nervous. I’ll be back, I promise.”

He smiled and looked down. “How did you know I was nervous?”

“You twist your wedding band when your nervous.” She laughed then walked over to him.

“Michael, I’ll be fine, I’ll have you in one ear, Weiss in the other if I need help.”

“I have dedided that I like it when you call me Michael.” He said

She laughed. “Good.” She said wrapping her arms around his neck.

“I love you, Syd.” He whispered.

She looked into his eyes and saw the love beaming from them, Then she leaned in and kissed him passionatly.

“Wow,” he said when they broke away. “It’s been a while since you’ve kissed me like that.”

She smiled slightly and leaned in to kiss him again, when she felt him wince a bit. That’s when she realized that she was leaning on his arm.

“Sorry,” she said sheepishly.

“It’s ok.” He leaned in to kiss her lightly, then pulled her into a hug.

“Promise me you’ll come back.” He whispered in her ear.

She kissed the spot below his ear.

“I promise.”

****

“Hey Syd, if you decide that you’re bored with Mike, I’m always free.” Eric said to Sydney through their comm link as she walked through the club.

“Hey!” Vaughn said as Sydney laughed lightly.

“Sorry Eric, I’m taken.”

“Damn right you’re taken.” Vaughn said.

“Fine be that way.” Eric said with a mock pout in his voice.

“Eric, stop flirting with my wife before I come over there and kick your ass.”

“Hey Mike, you should have seen the dress they put her in.” Eric said with a low whistle.

“Eric..” Vaughn started.

“Alright you two, I’m at the office.” Sydney interrupted.

“Okay, Syd. Better go radio silent. Give me the signal when your ready.”

“Okay. Michael?”

“Yeah Syd?”

“I love you.”

“Me too, Syd.”

“Alright kids. Good luck Syd.”

“Thanks,” she said before turning off her commlink and walking into the office. The chair by the desk was turned around, and she had a sick feeling in her stomach. That feeling was only confirmed when she whirled the chair around to see a man, Surely Keller, With a bullet wound to the head.

She turned her Comm link on.

“Michael, Eric, I found Keller. He’s dead.”

“What?!” the said in unison.

Suddenly a realization came over Vaughn. “Son of a bitch. It’s a setup. Sydney get out of there!”

Before she could do anything, she heard a voice behind her.

“Hello, Sydney.”

Then her world went black.

*****

“SYDNEY!” Vaughn yelled. He knew that voice. When he got no answer, “Eric, activate the tracer.”

“Already on it Mike. They are moving her to a warehouse. I’ll get her Mike.”

“Thanks, I have to go tell Jack.”

Vaughn threw the commlink onto the desk, and went off in search of Jack.

***

She was cold. That was the first thing she noticed when she regained conciousness.

“Sydney, your awake. Good”

Damn that voice. She had known who it was even before he knocked her out.

“What the hell do you want, Sloane.”

“Sydney, I am here to make sure you don’t remember what happened those last two years.”

“Why?”

“The machine, The Telling, can be used to inhibit memory. I used it on you when we kidnapped you on that mission two years ago.”

“So you’re the bastard that made me forget my own wedding.”

Sloane chuckled. “Yes, I suppose, but I didn’t even mean to make you forget anything before we kidnapped you, but I’m sure Mr. Vaughn can help you remember that. I just have to make sure that you don’t remember what happened those two years.”

“Don’t you dare use that thing on me.”

“I’m sorry, Sydney.” But before he could do anything, a gunshot was heard.

***

“It was Sloane, Jack.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yeah. I’ve already got Eric tracking her.”

“Good, let me know when you hear anything.”

***

Sloane fell to the ground, dead. Sydney looked up at the person who had killed him

“Mom?”

Chapter 12

“Mom? What are you doing here? What the hell is going on?”

“Sydney, That device, The Telling, is a dangerous weapon. It can be used to inhibit memory up to a certain point.”

“And Sloane used it on me.” She said, it wasn’t a question.

Irina nodded. “Yes. There were things that you found out about Sloane and his organization, what he was going to do with The Telling, that he didn’t want you to remember.”

“I still don’t understand”

Irina held up a syringe. “This will help you to understand.” she said, Before plunging it into Sydney’s arm.

***

“Eric? Anything?” Vaughn asked worriedly.

“No, sorry, man.” He wasn’t about to tell his best friend that he heard a gunshot. He was just at the warehouse where he had tracked Sydney to, anyway.

“Alright, man. I’m at the warehouse.”

“Okay,” Vaughn sighed. “Eric, please bring her back.”

“I will, Mike. Going radio silent.”

***

The memories were coming back in such a rush, That Sydney had to lie down to keep from collapsing. She could remember Vaughn’s proposal, Their wedding, the wedding night. She wasn’t quite sure how she could have forgotten that. She now vividly remembered everything that had happened the last 2 ½ years. She was brought back to the present by Irina’s voice.

“Now, do you remember?”

Sydney nodded, still unable to talk because of the dizzying rush of the memories.

“Now that you do, you need to get back to your husband.” Irina said, with a slight smile.

Sydney nodded again, closing her eyes as another rush of dizziness swept over her.

When she opened her them again, her mother was gone. Then she heard another voice above her.

“Syd!” Eric said. “Are you ok?” he asked before, seeing Sloane’s body on the ground.

“Whoa, what happened here?”

She sighed, sitting up slowly. “My mother killed him.”

“You’re mother?” he asked, incredulously.

She nodded. “Oh, and Eric, I am never going to a hockey game with you again.” she said.

“Huh?” then he realized. “You remember? Everything?”

She nodded.

“How?” Eric asked.

“I’m not really sure.” She said uncertainly.

“Well, okay. We better get back to LA before Mike has a heart attack.”

***

He was pacing in the middle off the Ops center. Where the hell was she? They should be here by now. Then he heard a voice from the distance.

“Michael.” She said, before running over, and throwing her arms aroung his neck, kissing him passionatly on the lips. After a few minutes, they broke apart.

“You,” Vaughn started breathlessly, “Have got to stop doing this to me.”

She gave him a playful shrug, arms still around his neck. “Hey, its not my fault some sick physcopath wanted to make sure that I never remembered the last two years.”

“Wait. You remember?” Vaughn asked.

She nodded. “Everything.” She sighed happily.

He smiled at her, and kissed her deeply again.

“Hey, guys. You do know that your making out in full view of everyone, right?” Eric asked. When he didn’t receive an answer, he walked off muttering, “It’s the SD-6 takedown all over again.”

***

“So Sydney, Please enlighten us as to what happened after you went missing.” Kendall said, as Sydney, Vaughn, Eric, Will, Kendall and Jack all sat around a conference room table. Vaughn was holding on to her hand tightly.

“A guard at the party was the person who hit me over the head.” She explained. “Sloane was alerted to my appearance. He wanted my help.”

The door to the room opened, and for the second time that day, Sloane walked over to her.

“Sydney. Are ready to help us yet?”

“I will NEVER help you.”

“Sydney, whether you like it or not, you will help us. Or you may never see that charming husband of yours again.”

 “I kept refusing to help him. Everyday, he kept telling me things, plans of what he was going to do. I found that ridiculous, but I think he did it thinking that the more he told me, the more of a chance that I might help him. ” She said.

“Did you ever help him?” Jack asked.

Sydney stuck her chin out and gave her father a smile. “Oh, come on dad. You know me better than that.”

 “Sydney, Do you realize how long you’ve been here?” Sloane asked.

No, she didn’t. She had lost track a long time ago, but she wasn’t going to give Sloane the satisfaction of knowing that. He saw through it.

“You’ve been here for a year and a half.”

She looked at him, trying to keep the shocked look off of her face. Almost two years. She had lost track, but she didn’t think it had been that long.

“Yes, Sydney. Almost two years. That’s a long time. Do you think that Mr. Vaughn could wait for you for that long?”

Yes, he could. She thought. She was sure of it.

“I think it is time that you help us.”

She decided to use this to her advantage.

She gave a sigh. “Fine. What is it that you need me to do?”

 “I used his confidence to my advantage.” Sydney said, then she turned to Vaughn. “I knew you would wait for me. I had no doubt about that.”

He smiled and squeezed her hand.

“Sydney,” Jack said, getting her attention. “What is it that he wanted you to do?”

“He wanted to test The Telling on me, but he didn’t tell me what exactly it did. I think he knew that I wouldn’t help him, So he didn’t tell me what it did before he used it on me. The next thing that I knew I was waking up in Hong Kong.”

They were all silent for a second. Then Will spoke up.

“What did your mother inject you with?” he asked

Sydney gave a small shrug. “I’m not sure, but since I now have all my memories back, I assume that it countered the affects of The Telling.”

“Alright, Agent Vaughn, if that’s all, you and Vaughn have the next week off. Dismissed.” And he and Jack left the room.

“Is it me or did he just give you the week off?” Eric asked. “I want a week off” he whined.

“I think that he loves us more than he loves you.” Sydney said, standing up with Vaughn.

“Either that or he wants us out of his hair.” Vaughn said.

She shrugged. “That too.”

Eric sighed. “Will you two stop clinging to eachother, and acting like a married couple.”

“Eric, we are a married couple.” Vaughn said.

“Yeah we know that,” Will interjected. “But, you are acting like you did when you first got married, even we you were engaged.”

Sydney sighed. She was so glad that she could remember all that. She leaned over and kissed Vaughn, just to irritate the two.

She suceeded when they both threw their hands up in the air, and left the room. The couple broke away laughing.

“I love doing that.” Sydney said leaning on Vaughn.

“Yeah, me too.” He said.

“Michael?”

He looked at he and smiled. “Yeah?”

“Lets go home, I think that we should go make out on our couch.” she said reaching for his hand.

He laughed. “Sounds good to me.”

Epilogue

“Syd?” Vaughn asked as we walked through the front door of their house at ten at night. She had left work early saying she had something to do, but she refused to tell him what it was. He walked into the living room and was met with a huge surprise.

The room was aglow with hundreds of candles. And in the middle of it stood his wife with a slinky black dress on that ended just above the knees.

“What is all this?” he asked. She had to laugh at the look on his face. She walked over to him and wrapped her arms around his neck.

“Well, it’s a celebration.” She said.

“For what?”

She looked at him. “You really don’t remember?”

“Remember what, Syd?”

She looked at him for a second, realizing that with everything going on, she couldn’t really blame him for forgetting. “Michael, what’s the date today?”

“Uh, November 27th, why?” He said. “Oh my god. I can’t believe I forgot.” He said, realizing what the day was.

“Yup. It’s your 37th birthday. God, you’re old.” She teased.

“I feel old. I can’t believe I forgot.”

She laughed, grabbing his hand and bringing him over to the couch. “I can’t really blame you. With all the stuff they have you doing.”

He sighed. “Yeah, I know.” He said flopping lazily on the couch and bringing Sydney onto his lap.

“That’s why I did this. So I could help you relax.” Sydney said, as she started trailing kissed from his jaw to his ear.

“Relaxed wouldn’t be the word to describe what I’m feeling.” He whispered intensely. He pulled her face to his so he could have access to her lips. “Do you have any idea how hopelessly in love with you I am?”

She smiled. “Well, you tell me so much, I think I do.”

“I love you so much.” Vaughn whispered against her lips.

“I love you, too.” She said, straddling his lap and unbuttoning his shirt.

She leaned her face closer to his ear. “Always.” She whispered, then kissed his ear lightly.

He lifted his arm up and tilted her face so he could look her in the eye, leaning closer to her lips, he whispered against them again.

“Always.” He said, before kissing her deeply.

THE END