Well, here we are... The conclusion of Sleep of the Just. I enjoyed writing this story immensely. I loved sharing it with SWeiss fans out there the first time around, and I had a great time sharing it with you. My only regret is that I haven't heard from you (not overly surprising since I'm publishing this long after Alias is over, but still a little bit disappointing because I so love to hear how you guys "saw" the story and answer comments.) Maybe since this is the last installment, you will leave me a few words to let me know how you liked this story?

Whether you want to share some feedback or not, I want to thank you for reading. I hope I did justice to Syd and Eric. I wanted them to find together the happiness that is so elusive to them when they are apart.

FYI, I started on a sequel to the Sleep of the Just, called Take Your Time. It's not published yet, but I hope to start doing that in not too long. Meanwhile, I will be publishing other stories, short and long, that need archiving.

I hope I'll see you around...

Part 10: Rapid Eye Movement

.

Back in her apartment, Sydney dropped her bag, jacket, and keys on the sofa's armrest. Out of habit, she checked the accumulated mail on the kitchen counter. Another one of the many ways Eric, who'd collected it, brought some order to her chaotic life.

Sydney filled the kettle and set it on the stove, turning the burner on. While she waited for the water to boil, she sifted absentmindedly through bills and junk, only stopping to open a belated Christmas card. There was no return address, and only a few words written in a hand she knew well.

.

"I had a dream that you slept through your entire life, only to wake up and declare there was nothing as beautiful as reality.

In Chinese medicine, they say the body regenerates during sleep through the strength of the earth and the breath of the sky. That's swell, but you still have to wake up to enjoy the benefits.

Life is more beautiful with the idea of you awake to the world. Take care of yourself.

Love

W."

.

The kettle whistled. Sydney took it away from the burner and turned the dial off. She grabbed a mug and a teabag, and poured the boiling liquid. Her mug in one hand, Will's card in the other, she walked to her sofa and sat down. As she sipped the hot beverage, her eye caught a passage: "…the idea of you awake to the world…" She tried to swallow the emotions that were mounting in her throat.

Even without contact, hundreds of miles apart and years without seeing each other, Will walked by her side in spirit. Somehow, he followed her struggles. As only a true friend would, he sensed it was time to make his presence known again and show support. "Will…" She murmured, tears pooling in her eyes. "I miss you…" She followed his handwriting with her left index while a stray drop fell from her eyes onto the card's edge, splitting its circle in two.

Eventually, she tore her eyes away from the words. She took a long sip of her tea, staring at the fire place she had yet to use.

Will was right, more so than he could probably imagine, she reflected. Since she came back, she'd had the impression she was living in an alternate reality that would soon vanish. As time had passed and this fantasy had built on itself to become her new real world, she'd ignored it. She'd remained in the past she had lost. Asleep to the world around her; removed from feelings and things; absent in her mind. And yet, to those around her, she'd been real. In their eyes, she'd existed.

This couldn't go on.

Then and there, Sydney decided it was time her past remained precisely there, and her current life became the center of her world. The real world. No more dragging her feet through a universe she didn't understand. No more ignoring the facts.

And the facts were this: she'd loved and lost. She'd mourned and, now, she was healing thanks to the care of someone who had stood by her even when she didn't recognize it. She didn't know where it would lead her, but everything in her screamed it was the path she had to take.

Awake to the world. With new determination, Sydney stood up. She grabbed her cell phone and dialed #4.

"Marshall"

"Hey Marshall, it's Sydney."

"Hey Sydney, how is it going? I heard you're back so it must be going fine, 'cause you'd still be back there if no… So, anyway, what can I do for you?"

Sydney couldn't stop the fond giggle that escaped her lips at the familiar sound of Marshall's babbling. "Marshall, I need to get in contact with Agent Weiss. Do you have any idea where he might be?"

"He's not answering his phone?"

"No luck there." Syd admitted sheepishly.

"Okaaaayyyy…" Sydney heard the sound of keyboard keys being pounded on. "According to the feedback from the Comm Monitoring Systems, his phone is located in his home right now…"

Sydney sighed. "He's not there. He must have forgotten it. Any suggestion?"

"Well… I could check if he's in the Center. Hold on…" More keystrokes. "Bingo! Came in at 7:30pm… Oh, but he left again half an hour later… Sorry Syd, that's all I have".

"That's fine, Marshall. Thanks. I'll try and catch him later. Have a nice weekend."

"You too, Sydney. It's… nice to hear you're back and well, alive, you know…"

Sydney laughed softly. Even with Weiss' advice, Marshall still had a long way before smooth talking became second nature. "Bye Marshall," she said warmly, and she hung up.

Eric had gone back to the Ops Center in a hurry, it seemed, since he'd forgotten his phone. He must have needed something from his office. He'd probably be home any time now.

A sudden fever seized Sydney. She looked around her at the bare walls, the clinical cleanliness of the tables and counters, the lack of warmth and cushions, colors and throws. For a brief moment, she felt a twinge of sorrow as she thought back to the time when Francie would take care of making life as beautiful as in a Better Homes and Gardens issue.

A couple of ideas in mind, she headed to her bedroom. In the lower drawer of her closet, she found a dark red pashmina and a multicolored throw she'd gotten when she moved in, but never used.

Back in the living-room, she draped the throw over the couch's back and the red shawl across the cold glass of the coffee table, holding it down with a couple of heavy books. She took a step back. It wasn't much, but it was enough to break the monotony of browns and beiges that dominated the room.

Something was missing though. She walked to the kitchen. Under the sink, she found a bunch of tea light candles. She took the small bag to the living-room, along with a stack of mug plates and a pack of matches. Keenly, she lit up the candles and placed them around the room: a couple on the coffee table; five across the mantle piece; a few more in front of the fireplace in lieu of an actual fire.

When she was done, she looked around. The combination of small lights warmed the otherwise subdued and rather gloomy atmosphere. The room was suffused with a golden hue that added comfort and intimacy. She smiled, happy to feel like she was home at last. A real, warm, honest to goodness home. It was still rudimentary and would need much improvement in the future. But it was her home nonetheless.

Lost in the middle of her present delight, she jumped at the sudden shrill of the bell ringing.

In a second, her satisfaction melted and a lump of apprehension grew in the pit of her stomach. A quick look through the peep hole confirmed her suspicion. Taking a deep breath, she opened the door, shiny smile firmly in place.

"Heyyy…" She grinned a little too brightly, ready for a hug but unable to read if Weiss would agree to it.

Weiss, who had been observing the ground intently before Sydney opened the door, looked up surprised at her cheery tone. A quick glance above her shoulder told him something was up. The place looked different. He noticed the host of candles, the red cloth on the coffee table. He glanced back down at her. Her smile was fading to a sheepish expression he didn't recall seeing on her. At least, not when she was looking at him. Time to break the silence before she retreated completely in her shell.

"Hey… Uh…" Wow… That was a dismal lack of preparation. Rushing back here without a plan? Maybe not the best idea ever… He looked at the room again, a sudden doubt gnawing at him. "Uh, am I interrupting something?" He asked with a nod in the direction of the candles behind her.

Sydney glanced over her shoulder and back at him. "Oh, that? No, I just felt like decorating the place a little. Livening it up, you know. I don't want anymore beige in my life." She said with a modest smile.

He observed her for a second, but decided not to press her for more information while standing in the hallway. "So, they kicked you out of all the harems in North Africa and sent you back, huh?" He winced at the lame joke, only taking heart in the fact that his voice hadn't wavered.

She chuckled nervously. "Yeah. Seems I wasn't the type to be tied down and kept under wraps."

"Whoever said that? I'm sure you'd look scrumptious with silk ropes binding your wrists…" He stopped cold as he saw all color leave Syd's face. What the hell was wrong with him? "Um… Sorry, that sounded a lot funnier in my head… Um, will you still let me in? Promise I'll behave."

Syd struggled to concentrate on something other than the sudden heat that had spread from some undetermined spot in her belly. "Yeah, come in," she offered with a discreet smile, moving out of the way so he could get inside, and closing the door on the both of them. For the first time, as he passed her, Sydney consciously registered the strength that emanated from Eric's large frame and broad shoulders. As he turned back to her, a curious look in his eyes, she caught herself staring at the expanse of his chest. The soft, reassuring, welcoming…

And before she could realize it, she was against him, her left cheek flush above the spot where his heart could be faintly heard. Despite her sudden move, her hands had found their way under his jacket and around to his back, eliciting a sharp intake of breath from him.

Completely taken by surprise, Weiss could do nothing but close his arms around the most precious bundle he'd ever held. Ok, she wanted to hug. He could do that. He was good at hugging back. But then she spoke and all his cool demeanor came undone in an instant.

"… Eric…"

That was all she said. Yet the heartfelt way in which she'd breathed his name out said so much more. He couldn't help but respond by holding her even closer and burying his face in her hair. He breathed in the citrusy sweetness that was hidden there, lost in the assault of sensations her slender body pressed against his arose in him.

Sydney wasn't faring any better. Not only had she lost all control over her body's decisions to move one way or another, she'd also been battling the biggest case of butterflies in the stomach since her first crush in high school. Somehow, she was unsure of herself, afraid that Eric might have decided he didn't want this after all.

"You're here…" She whispered, a few tears of relief rolling down her cheeks. "I thought for a moment… Last week… Maybe I'd lost you. I thought…"

He interrupted her softly. "Shhshh, it's ok… slow down… I'm here. I'm not going anywhere." Gently, he pulled away so he could look at her. With infinite care, he brought his large hands to frame her tense face. Slowly, his thumbs wiped away the wet paths on her cheeks. Eyes closed, lips parted, Sydney sighed at the warm caress. "Syd, look at me."

A little startled, Sydney opened her eyes still bright with tears, a questioning look on her face. Weiss had to shake himself from the enthralling effect her gaze had on him. There were certain things that needed saying first.

"Syd…" He paused, swallowing hard under the anxiety of the moment. This was much worse than losing a million dollars in Vegas, and he should know since he'd actually done that once, back in his wild undercover days as a croupier.

Trying to help him, Sydney started talking. "It's ok…"

"No. Please, Syd, let me. I need to say this." He drew a quick breath, praying that he wasn't about to destroy everything that seemed to be shaping up in his arms since he'd crossed the threshold of her apartment. "Look Syd, I know you'll whack me for doing this, but… I need to be sure." He looked directly at her. "I saw Mike earlier." She hadn't flinched… too much. That's was a good sign, right? He forged on again, despite his better judgment that was telling him to just take what she so obviously wanted to give him and run with it. "We talked a little and he explained that you guys…" He sighed, frustrated. "Syd, I need you to look me in the eye and tell me that things are really over with him…"

Her right hand went up of its own accord and lightly covered his mouth to shush him.

So that was what had bothered him since he came in… She hadn't imagined his tentative attitude and the reticence with which he had first hugged her.

Sydney took a deep breath. Her eyes focused on her fingertips, she started tracing his lips. A smile appeared on her face as she felt the shaky breath Eric released under her touch. Encouraged that he wasn't stopping her, she reached up and replaced her fingers with a light kiss. He didn't pull away, but he didn't respond either.

She drew back, her lips still burning from the contact with his.

With clear eyes where all tears and sorrows had run their course, she looked right back at him. "I'd be lying if I told you that, Eric. He was a big part of my life. 'Things' will never be entirely over. But as far as my feelings for him," she pressed on before worry could cloud his gaze, "yes, they're not what they used to be. They haven't been for quite a while, I think. It just took me a little long to understand it. And…" She trailed as her hand came up again to caress the rough stubble on his left cheek. "…It took me even longer to understand where my feelings had moved on to. Weiss… Eric… I…"

But the rest of her words got lost as he tilted her chin up and planted a hungry kiss on her luscious lips. It was all improvised and unruly at first. Soon though, he slowed down and kissed her soulfully, pouring all the love he hadn't yet professed into the sensual movements of his mouth and the patient taunting of his tongue asking entrance.

A low moan rose from Sydney's throat under the sweet assault. Soon, she allowed Eric in while she explored the new, red hot sensation of being kissed with all the power and adoration he was capable of.

Lost in the moment, Weiss had forgotten about the rest of the world. He had no idea how long they'd been lip-locked to each other, moaning and sighing like teenagers on a first date, hands caressing and exploring always a little further. God, he must have died and gone to heaven or something close to it. Sydney. Sydney Bristow was kissing him, kissing him feverishly, kissing him into dizziness. Coming to his senses for few seconds, he nudged her to the nearby sofa and the both of them collapsed into the welcoming cushions. Instantly, his lips found hers again, as he drank in the passion Syd put into kissing him back.

A while later, when slowing down was the last resort before dying of asphyxiation, a breathless Eric grinned at an equally breathless and slow-smiling Sydney. Through her daze, she could see the light of excitement and anticipation that dilated his pupils.

Mesmerized by the sight of her flushed skin, Eric brought his right hand up to caress Sydney's face and hair, a profound look of love brightening his brown eyes.

At the sensation, Sydney sighed, her eyelids dropping of their own volition. "We should have done this a long time ago…" She whispered, her voice slightly halting.

Eric chuckled. "So impatient all of a sudden… You know, I would've tried. Only you'd probably have knocked me on my butt for it…" Sydney giggled softly. "But I agree, we should have tested the resilience of this couch a long time ago…"

And he started to tickle her, drawing out sharp laughs and cries from her. Encouraged, he playfully pushed her back until her head found a place on the armrest and his body covered hers.

As if by design, both of them stopped their antics. They stared at each other with intensity, fascinated by the sight of each other's desire. "Sydney," Eric said, his expression becoming very serious as he looked at her flushed, adorable face, "it's not too late. You can change your mind. We don't have to do anything. We don't even have to exist if you think this is a mistake." He sighed, trying to find the courage to say what his conscience dictated. "Syd, I want you to understand… As much as I want this right now, you only have to say the word and none of this ever happened."

He scrutinized her features while he spoke, looking for any indication that she might regret what was happening. Even though it would kill him, he meant what he said. One word, and it would all be over before it had even started… He held his breath as that thought made its way through his desire-impaired mind.

I can't believe I never really saw him for who he was until now… Sydney reflected, her expression softening at his honesty and thoughtfulness. Stop? God no, she didn't want to stop, absolutely not. If she regretted something, it was how blind she had been during the past few months of their friendship. How hard it must have been for him to harbor such deep feelings for her, all the while knowing she was pining for another man and completely ignoring the fact that he, too, was of the male variety. All the nights when she fell asleep in his arms, all the times she let herself cry on his shoulder…

"…I think I'm falling in love with you." She blurted out, unable to contain her feelings any longer at the sight of the uncertainty veiling his brown gaze. She had to show him that she meant this, her instinct whispered. A gesture that she chose to give herself to him. Slowly, she brought her hands up to the first button of her black blouse and undid it. As her fingers reached for the second button, she saw Eric's eyes darkened noticeably.

"I think I've been falling in love with you for a long time. I just didn't understand it until now."

He tried to speak, but she cut him off. "No, please, my turn to say something. I want to tell you... It's taken me a long time to see what a wonderful, caring man you are. But now that I've finally become aware…" She paused and looked deeply into the brown pools of his eyes. "…I don't ever want to look back."

At the sight of button number 3 coming undone, Eric let out a low rumble.

Her right hand reached for his left one and brought it to the fourth button of her blouse. Her gaze bore into his, her voice a sensual whisper. "You gave me back my peace of mind. I love being with you, laughing with you, falling asleep in your arms… I love how you make me feel about myself. I don't think I could go on without you…" She laughed a bitter, wet laugh. "I almost didn't make it through a week without you. I want your arms around me. I want to feel your hands caressing my hair that way that you do. I want…" She paused again, holding her breath, then releasing it to give substance to what she had to say. "… I want you."

All the while, Eric's fingers were unbuttoning number 4 and 5, the growing hunger in his eyes peaking with her last words. He bent down and captured her lips. Between deep kisses, he interspaced a few out-of-breath words. "…ahhh God, Sydney, I swear, you're gonna have to pinch me… Syd… Syd… 'want you… 'love you…"

The next couple of hours yielded very little dialogue, but through the fog of his desire, Weiss didn't think that obstructed communication at all.

When both their passions were satiated, they moved to her bedroom, roughhousing and laughing all the way. They finally collapsed on the bed, scooting under the covers after a few more kisses.

For a moment, they exchanged loving glances, captivated by the discovery of one another. Slowly, Sydney smiled, her eyes half-closed from sleepiness. "Lend me your shoulder?" She asked.

A slow grin gaining his tired, but contented features, Eric pulled Sydney up against him, letting out a sigh at the feel of her silky skin caressing his along the way. "That and the rest of me. You get the complete package, with options and free shipping." He bent down a little to kiss her hair. Soon, he felt her relaxing in his hold. "Just don't send me back in 30 days…" He murmured, thinking she was already in dreamland.

He was surprised when he heard her sleepy voice answering back. " 'm a very careful shopper… Never sent anything back…"

And with that, her breathing evened out and she was immediately sound asleep, her mind free of all fears and misgivings now that she had found her new home.

For a moment longer, Eric stared at the ceiling, his heart oscillating between ultimate contentment and abysmal fear that all of this would disappear the moment the incredibly lovely, tender, passionate woman in his arms would wake up and realize her mistake.

He closed his eyes at last, trying his damnedest to ignore the demons laying in wake.

.

Fin

.

Final thanks

... to JJ. Abrams for giving me a new series to obsess over. Kudos to all the actors: Victor Garber, best SpyDaddy ever, Ron Rifkin, the bad guy we love to hate, Michael Vartan, who had me at "Never Been Kissed", Lena Olin, for an awesome portrayal, Bradley Cooper, qui parle français ;-) (yeah, I know, so does Vartan, but where's the merit if you learned it "au biberon"? ;-D ), Merrin, Kevin, the music guy, the costumes, make-up and incredible wigs, the cinematography, gosh there's just no way to thank everyone for their fantastic job and the pleasure of watching and re-watching superior quality TV work (I say this despite S3 mishaps.)

... to these SD-1 writers for inspiring me to write a SWeiss fic: Imperfectly (How It Happened), Em Meredith (Steamy Conversation/Turning Tide,) and MollyTM (Tongue Tied Lightening,) and last, but not least, RJ Anderson who almost shamed me into not publishing this fic after I read her fantabulous "What You Never Knew You Wanted" (when the writer in me grows up, I wanna write THAT story.)

If you've come this far, why not leave a little souvenir in the feedback section? Thank you for reading and reviewing!