Title: Beyond all limits

Summary:

Disclaimer: I don't own alias, I only own the characters you don't know.

Timeline: AU after the first one

Rating: PG-13

A/N: I've finally finished this story; I'd like to thank everyone who has read this, reviewed it and just put up with my sparse updating.

The funeral was small and discreet, and only a handful of mourners and the priest stood by the grave as the service went on. "I didn't think you'd show." One of the mourners at the back whispered as a woman stood beside her.

"I loved her once, before all the lies, and the deceit. Nothing can change that." The new guest whispered back. "I know you must hate me right now, but I had to shoot her…"

Without looking down the woman's hand took hold of the new guest's, silencing her as the priest talked. When it was over and all the other guests had gone it was just the two of them left beside the grave of their dead ex-lover.

"I don't hate you for killing her, you saved my life."

"When it came down to you or her…It had to be you Sydney." Sydney Bristow looked down at the grave of Lauren Reed and whispered goodbye before turning to look at Elliot.

"Did you mean what you said?" She asked as Elliot knelt down by the grave to say her goodbyes. She stood up looking puzzled. "Your letter, the one your mom gave me. Did you mean it?"

"Yeah, I've always been proud of you Sydney, you were mine and Zach's responsibility and I'd say we did a pretty damn good job…I'll never give up on you Syd, and I'll never give up loving you. I'm kind of stubborn that way."

"How is Zach?" Sydney avoided Elliot's burning gaze.

"He's happy he can finally go out again, he hated the CIA safe house. He was a little happier when Marshall joined us; he hated not knowing what was going on. I think Marshall's now permanently wearing a bulletproof vest. We didn't want him knowing you were still CIA so we had to tell him you planned on killing him and that we'd give him the vest and protect his family. He was so happy when we told him you'd been under cover. I guess you can go back to your life now."

"Yeah." Sydney agreed as they walked towards the exit of the graveyard.

"So…are you leaving the CIA for real this time?" Sydney paused as she got to her car and stared at her mentor with an unreadable expression.

"Leaving the CIA, this life, it used to be my dream. Now I know that's all it will ever be. I told myself that after I took SD-6 down it would be over, then it was a matter of taking Sloane down, then the Covenant, Danny, Lauren. I guess I finally realized there would always be a Sloane, or an SD-6 and while there is I will never allow myself to just stand by and let them carry on. I can't leave the CIA."

Elliot smiled slightly. "So, Zach and I are thinking about taken on an old partner, now that the scores are all even, but we're not sure if she'll want us again…"

"I want you." Sydney smiled. "And Zach, of course." She blushed as Elliot took hold of her hand.

"I want you too Syd. Always have, always will."

Sydney pulled her hand away, but Elliot didn't lose her smile. "I can't wait Sydney. I'll wait till you're ready, no matter how long that takes." Sydney leant forward and placed a soft kiss on her lips.

"How about we start with dinner and see where it takes us?" She smiled warmly at her mentor and friend. "Besides, I'm kind of homeless at the moment, and your couch has my name on it."

"Actually I think my bed has your name on it." Elliot grinned playfully.

"Really? I guess the couch must have your name on it then." Sydney teased. Elliot laughed and sighed.

"I think you'll find I'm very patient Miss Bristow."

Sydney had a mischevious glint in her eyes as she replied. "Maybe you've waited long enough." Elliot was about to reply when her beeper went off. She sighed as she checked it and Sydney's cell phone started ringing.

"One Lauren goes down, another appears. Well agent Bristow, I may be waiting a little longer."