Note: This is written in script format however most of the technical jargon has been omitted and it's primarily a dialogue piece.
A/N: The title comes from the song, "Maybe Tonight," by Old 97s.
INT. CIA ROTUNDA - DAY
Vaughn and Weiss are sitting, working away at their desks. Vaughn keeps looking up at Weiss and then back down until finally Weiss can't stand it anymore.
WEISS
What?!
VAUGHN
I'm going to do it.
Weiss is all sarcasm in this next one.
WEISS
What? Switch to Taster's Choice? It's about damn time.
Vaughn is so distracted that he doesn't rise to Weiss' taunts.
VAUGHN
No. I'm going to talk to Jack.
WEISS
Jack? About what?
Vaughn just looks at Weiss until he finally gets it.
WEISS
Oh.
VAUGHN
Yeah.
WEISS
Would you like to be buried or cremated?
Vaughn stands up with a sigh of exasperation.
WEISS
Don't worry. I'll take good care of Donovan.
Vaughn just ignores him and walks down the hall looking like he's about to face a firing squad.
CUT TO:
INT. JACK'S OFFICE
Jack is working on his computer when Vaughn appears in his open doorway and knocks on the frame. Jack looks up.
VAUGHN
Sir, can I come in and talk to you?
Jack's eyes narrow at Vaughn's "sir." That was rather formal. But for the moment he simply plays along.
JACK
Certainly. Have a seat.
Vaughn walks in but doesn't sit down. He's already starting to sweat.
VAUGHN
Actually I'd prefer to stand if you don't mind.
Now Jack is really curious.
JACK
Whichever you prefer. What is this in regards to?
VAUGHN
Sydney.
Jack leans back in his chair as he begins to understand.
JACK
I see. And what is it about my daughter that you wish to discuss with me?
VAUGHN
As you know we've been living together for several months now and dating for even longer than that. Also her birthday is coming in a few weeks and I thought... Well, I'm planning on asking her to marry me.
JACK
And how does that concern me?
Vaughn looks like that was the last question he expected.
VAUGHN
Um, well, I was hoping to get your blessing.
JACK
You've never cared enough to ask for my blessing to do anything with my daughter before.
VAUGHN
I know. But this is different.
JACK
How so?
VAUGHN
This is marriage. It's much more serious and permanent.
JACK
True.
VAUGHN
Also it's considered good manners to ask the father.
JACK
And you are nothing if not well mannered.
Jack says this with a slight hint of sarcasm which Vaughn picks up on but doesn't know how to respond to. They stare at each other for a moment before Jack stands and crosses his arms.
JACK
What if I refuse?
Vaughn swallows hard and squares his shoulders.
VAUGHN
I'd ask for an explanation. And if I found your concerns to be valid I'd do what I could to address them.
Jack looks at Vaughn incredulously amused.
JACK
'If you find my concerns to be valid'? And what if my concerns fail to pass muster under your consideration?
VAUGHN
I'd ask Sydney to marry me.
JACK
Over my objections?
VAUGHN
Yes.
JACK
Then why, Mr. Vaughn, are you bothering to ask for them in the first place?
VAUGHN
Because I respect your opinion and if you have concerns about my relationship with Sydney I would want to know what they are.
JACK
Again, you've never for my opinion before.
Vaughn almost scoffs.
VAUGHN
I've never needed to. You have a way of making yourself and your opinions absolutely clear.
That almost amuses Jack.
JACK
Fine. I already know that you've spoken with Sydney on the subject of marriage however have you mentioned anything about this?
VAUGHN
No. We've only discussed marriage in general terms, nothing specific.
JACK
When do you intend to get married?
VAUGHN
I'll have to discuss that with Sydney but my plan is to hold the ceremony a year from this October.
JACK
On the anniversary of your first meeting?
VAUGHN
Yes.
JACK
What about children?
VAUGHN
We've discussed that as well and we both agree that it would be best to wait until we're under a significantly safer set of circumstances.
JACK
What if that never occurs?
VAUGHN
Then we'll have to reevaluate our plan.
JACK
You do realize that while the CIA has no prohibition against agents marrying each other they do have a policy of transferring them into separate divisions once they do?
VAUGHN
Which is why I met with Steve Taylor in Personnel to insure that that won't happen.
Jack doesn't have a response to that and Vaughn relaxes a bit, emboldened by surprising Jack. He's so proud of himself that he feels the need to add:
VAUGHN
You're not the only one with connections.
Jack purses his lips.
JACK
Apparently.
Neither of them speak. Vaughn sighs.
VAUGHN
Jack, I know I failed Sydney and by extension you with my actions after her death. That was the single biggest mistake I have ever made and I sincerely apologize.
JACK
I'm not as concerned about the past as I am about the future. What assurances do I have that nothing like that will ever happen again?
VAUGHN
I can't promise you and Sydney my perfection. However I can give you my word that I will do whatever it takes to keep her safe and make her happy - in that order - no matter what it costs me.
JACK
You should understand that if you ever hurt her or betray her like that ever again...
The fact that Jack is threatening him about the future convinces Vaughn that he has one. He's relieved and in his joy he interrupts Jack with confidence.
VAUGHN
I know. She'll kick my ass. With your help.
Vaughn actually smiles slightly.
VAUGHN
But thanks for the warning.
Jack just looks at him for a second, regarding him with disbelief.
JACK
You do realize that I am entirely capable of making your life a living hell if I so choose?
VAUGHN
Yes, I do. However I also know that if you had serious concerns about my place in your daughter's life I would've been gone years ago.
Jack looks at him suspiciously.
JACK
You honestly believe that I would do such a thing?
VAUGHN
You already have. Jason McDaniel. Your friend. The agent you tried to have me replaced with. At least until he broke his ankle playing basketball with his kids and they had to assign Lambert to be her handler instead. I know there wasn't any official paperwork but there is no way you would've let Sydney be assigned to such an ignorant jackass and McDaniel's medical leave was simply too glaring a clue to miss.
Jack shows a nanosecond of disgust at the mention of Lambert and then a slight hint of respect before the mask falls back into place.
JACK
I have no idea what you're talking about.
VAUGHN
If you say so. But if you had I'd understand. I was as junior as it gets and my only experience in handling was with low-level operatives on low risk missions. Sydney was anything but. What I'm curious about is why you never tried to do anything like that again?
JACK
Supposing I did something such as that in the first place?
VAUGHN
Right.
JACK
Mr. Vaughn, in my view, experience is only matched and at times even bested by adaptability. You may have not had the former but you certainly showed evidence of the latter.
Vaughn looks proud. Jack sighs.
JACK
Wonderful. Now you'll be insufferable.
Vaughn smiles.
VAUGHN
It's not everyday you receive a vague compliment from Jack Bristow.
JACK
I still haven't given you my blessing to marry my daughter.
Vaughn nods growing serious again.
VAUGHN
I love her. And I will do everything in my power to always be there for her whenever she needs me. She will forever be my first and only priority.
JACK
What happens if your 'everything' isn't enough?
VAUGHN
Then I suppose I'll just have to ask you for your help, which I'm sure you'll be happy to provide.
Vaughn is quite proud of his answer. Jack is just annoyed.
JACK
See, that is exactly what I meant by insufferable.
VAUGHN
Sydney likes it when I'm insufferable.
JACK
Mr. Vaughn, I hope that you would've noticed that I am not my daughter. Nor do I find you in any way charming or cute. That said, I suppose I will simply have to learn to live with you considering you're going to become my son-in-law.
All Vaughn hears is, "son-in-law."
VAUGHN
Does that mean...
Jack extends his hand. Vaughn takes it.
JACK
Welcome to the family.
Jack gives Vaughn's hand a rather rough squeeze to punctuate the end of that sentence, which wipes the smile right off Vaughn's face. Jack looks satisfied and stares him down reminding the younger man who's boss before letting go. Still nothing can dampen Vaughn's enthusiasm.
VAUGHN
Thank you, Jack.
JACK
Just don't start calling me dad.
Vaughn chuckles.
VAUGHN
I don't think I could. Unless of course I wanted to annoy you.
Jack just glares at him.
JACK
You can go now.
He practically skips out of the room and is probably doing cartwheels in the hall as Jack just sits back down in his chair and shakes his head. He mumbles:
JACK
Insufferable little... Talk about being your father's son.
He sighs.
CUT TO:
INT. CIA ROTUNDA
Weiss sees Vaughn walk in unscathed and looks shocked. He's partially serious but mostly not.
WEISS
You didn't do it, did you?
VAUGHN
Of course I did.
WEISS
It's okay to admit it if you didn't. Greater men than you have balked under the glare of Jack Bristow.
VAUGHN
But I did it. I asked him.
WEISS
And you're still alive?
VAUGHN
He's not that bad.
WEISS
We're talking about Jack Bristow, right? The same Jack Bristow that nearly blew your head off the first time you met?
VAUGHN
That was a misunderstanding.
WEISS
That's not the word that I would use. More like near death experience.
VAUGHN
Stop being overdramatic. I asked. He said yes. It wasn't that bad.
Weiss laughs.
WEISS
He said yes? Congratulations! Have you and Jack set a date?
VAUGHN
Very funny.
WEISS
Probably not as funny as your conversation with him was.
VAUGHN
I'm sure he has his office bugged and he'll be more than happy to give you a copy.
Vaughn slumps into his chair.
WEISS
Hey, I'm just giving you a hard time. Seriously, though, congratulations. I'm sure you dazzled him.
Vaughn brightens slightly.
VAUGHN
I did get a few jabs in.
WEISS
I'm so proud I could cry.
Vaughn gives Weiss a dirty look. Weiss just smiles.
WEISS
So Rocky what now?
Vaughn sits up ready to get this show on the road.
VAUGHN
Now we have clandestine plans to make.
CUT TO:
A/N: The title comes from the song, "Maybe Tonight," by Old 97s.
INT. CIA ROTUNDA - DAY
Vaughn and Weiss are sitting, working away at their desks. Vaughn keeps looking up at Weiss and then back down until finally Weiss can't stand it anymore.
WEISS
What?!
VAUGHN
I'm going to do it.
Weiss is all sarcasm in this next one.
WEISS
What? Switch to Taster's Choice? It's about damn time.
Vaughn is so distracted that he doesn't rise to Weiss' taunts.
VAUGHN
No. I'm going to talk to Jack.
WEISS
Jack? About what?
Vaughn just looks at Weiss until he finally gets it.
WEISS
Oh.
VAUGHN
Yeah.
WEISS
Would you like to be buried or cremated?
Vaughn stands up with a sigh of exasperation.
WEISS
Don't worry. I'll take good care of Donovan.
Vaughn just ignores him and walks down the hall looking like he's about to face a firing squad.
CUT TO:
INT. JACK'S OFFICE
Jack is working on his computer when Vaughn appears in his open doorway and knocks on the frame. Jack looks up.
VAUGHN
Sir, can I come in and talk to you?
Jack's eyes narrow at Vaughn's "sir." That was rather formal. But for the moment he simply plays along.
JACK
Certainly. Have a seat.
Vaughn walks in but doesn't sit down. He's already starting to sweat.
VAUGHN
Actually I'd prefer to stand if you don't mind.
Now Jack is really curious.
JACK
Whichever you prefer. What is this in regards to?
VAUGHN
Sydney.
Jack leans back in his chair as he begins to understand.
JACK
I see. And what is it about my daughter that you wish to discuss with me?
VAUGHN
As you know we've been living together for several months now and dating for even longer than that. Also her birthday is coming in a few weeks and I thought... Well, I'm planning on asking her to marry me.
JACK
And how does that concern me?
Vaughn looks like that was the last question he expected.
VAUGHN
Um, well, I was hoping to get your blessing.
JACK
You've never cared enough to ask for my blessing to do anything with my daughter before.
VAUGHN
I know. But this is different.
JACK
How so?
VAUGHN
This is marriage. It's much more serious and permanent.
JACK
True.
VAUGHN
Also it's considered good manners to ask the father.
JACK
And you are nothing if not well mannered.
Jack says this with a slight hint of sarcasm which Vaughn picks up on but doesn't know how to respond to. They stare at each other for a moment before Jack stands and crosses his arms.
JACK
What if I refuse?
Vaughn swallows hard and squares his shoulders.
VAUGHN
I'd ask for an explanation. And if I found your concerns to be valid I'd do what I could to address them.
Jack looks at Vaughn incredulously amused.
JACK
'If you find my concerns to be valid'? And what if my concerns fail to pass muster under your consideration?
VAUGHN
I'd ask Sydney to marry me.
JACK
Over my objections?
VAUGHN
Yes.
JACK
Then why, Mr. Vaughn, are you bothering to ask for them in the first place?
VAUGHN
Because I respect your opinion and if you have concerns about my relationship with Sydney I would want to know what they are.
JACK
Again, you've never for my opinion before.
Vaughn almost scoffs.
VAUGHN
I've never needed to. You have a way of making yourself and your opinions absolutely clear.
That almost amuses Jack.
JACK
Fine. I already know that you've spoken with Sydney on the subject of marriage however have you mentioned anything about this?
VAUGHN
No. We've only discussed marriage in general terms, nothing specific.
JACK
When do you intend to get married?
VAUGHN
I'll have to discuss that with Sydney but my plan is to hold the ceremony a year from this October.
JACK
On the anniversary of your first meeting?
VAUGHN
Yes.
JACK
What about children?
VAUGHN
We've discussed that as well and we both agree that it would be best to wait until we're under a significantly safer set of circumstances.
JACK
What if that never occurs?
VAUGHN
Then we'll have to reevaluate our plan.
JACK
You do realize that while the CIA has no prohibition against agents marrying each other they do have a policy of transferring them into separate divisions once they do?
VAUGHN
Which is why I met with Steve Taylor in Personnel to insure that that won't happen.
Jack doesn't have a response to that and Vaughn relaxes a bit, emboldened by surprising Jack. He's so proud of himself that he feels the need to add:
VAUGHN
You're not the only one with connections.
Jack purses his lips.
JACK
Apparently.
Neither of them speak. Vaughn sighs.
VAUGHN
Jack, I know I failed Sydney and by extension you with my actions after her death. That was the single biggest mistake I have ever made and I sincerely apologize.
JACK
I'm not as concerned about the past as I am about the future. What assurances do I have that nothing like that will ever happen again?
VAUGHN
I can't promise you and Sydney my perfection. However I can give you my word that I will do whatever it takes to keep her safe and make her happy - in that order - no matter what it costs me.
JACK
You should understand that if you ever hurt her or betray her like that ever again...
The fact that Jack is threatening him about the future convinces Vaughn that he has one. He's relieved and in his joy he interrupts Jack with confidence.
VAUGHN
I know. She'll kick my ass. With your help.
Vaughn actually smiles slightly.
VAUGHN
But thanks for the warning.
Jack just looks at him for a second, regarding him with disbelief.
JACK
You do realize that I am entirely capable of making your life a living hell if I so choose?
VAUGHN
Yes, I do. However I also know that if you had serious concerns about my place in your daughter's life I would've been gone years ago.
Jack looks at him suspiciously.
JACK
You honestly believe that I would do such a thing?
VAUGHN
You already have. Jason McDaniel. Your friend. The agent you tried to have me replaced with. At least until he broke his ankle playing basketball with his kids and they had to assign Lambert to be her handler instead. I know there wasn't any official paperwork but there is no way you would've let Sydney be assigned to such an ignorant jackass and McDaniel's medical leave was simply too glaring a clue to miss.
Jack shows a nanosecond of disgust at the mention of Lambert and then a slight hint of respect before the mask falls back into place.
JACK
I have no idea what you're talking about.
VAUGHN
If you say so. But if you had I'd understand. I was as junior as it gets and my only experience in handling was with low-level operatives on low risk missions. Sydney was anything but. What I'm curious about is why you never tried to do anything like that again?
JACK
Supposing I did something such as that in the first place?
VAUGHN
Right.
JACK
Mr. Vaughn, in my view, experience is only matched and at times even bested by adaptability. You may have not had the former but you certainly showed evidence of the latter.
Vaughn looks proud. Jack sighs.
JACK
Wonderful. Now you'll be insufferable.
Vaughn smiles.
VAUGHN
It's not everyday you receive a vague compliment from Jack Bristow.
JACK
I still haven't given you my blessing to marry my daughter.
Vaughn nods growing serious again.
VAUGHN
I love her. And I will do everything in my power to always be there for her whenever she needs me. She will forever be my first and only priority.
JACK
What happens if your 'everything' isn't enough?
VAUGHN
Then I suppose I'll just have to ask you for your help, which I'm sure you'll be happy to provide.
Vaughn is quite proud of his answer. Jack is just annoyed.
JACK
See, that is exactly what I meant by insufferable.
VAUGHN
Sydney likes it when I'm insufferable.
JACK
Mr. Vaughn, I hope that you would've noticed that I am not my daughter. Nor do I find you in any way charming or cute. That said, I suppose I will simply have to learn to live with you considering you're going to become my son-in-law.
All Vaughn hears is, "son-in-law."
VAUGHN
Does that mean...
Jack extends his hand. Vaughn takes it.
JACK
Welcome to the family.
Jack gives Vaughn's hand a rather rough squeeze to punctuate the end of that sentence, which wipes the smile right off Vaughn's face. Jack looks satisfied and stares him down reminding the younger man who's boss before letting go. Still nothing can dampen Vaughn's enthusiasm.
VAUGHN
Thank you, Jack.
JACK
Just don't start calling me dad.
Vaughn chuckles.
VAUGHN
I don't think I could. Unless of course I wanted to annoy you.
Jack just glares at him.
JACK
You can go now.
He practically skips out of the room and is probably doing cartwheels in the hall as Jack just sits back down in his chair and shakes his head. He mumbles:
JACK
Insufferable little... Talk about being your father's son.
He sighs.
CUT TO:
INT. CIA ROTUNDA
Weiss sees Vaughn walk in unscathed and looks shocked. He's partially serious but mostly not.
WEISS
You didn't do it, did you?
VAUGHN
Of course I did.
WEISS
It's okay to admit it if you didn't. Greater men than you have balked under the glare of Jack Bristow.
VAUGHN
But I did it. I asked him.
WEISS
And you're still alive?
VAUGHN
He's not that bad.
WEISS
We're talking about Jack Bristow, right? The same Jack Bristow that nearly blew your head off the first time you met?
VAUGHN
That was a misunderstanding.
WEISS
That's not the word that I would use. More like near death experience.
VAUGHN
Stop being overdramatic. I asked. He said yes. It wasn't that bad.
Weiss laughs.
WEISS
He said yes? Congratulations! Have you and Jack set a date?
VAUGHN
Very funny.
WEISS
Probably not as funny as your conversation with him was.
VAUGHN
I'm sure he has his office bugged and he'll be more than happy to give you a copy.
Vaughn slumps into his chair.
WEISS
Hey, I'm just giving you a hard time. Seriously, though, congratulations. I'm sure you dazzled him.
Vaughn brightens slightly.
VAUGHN
I did get a few jabs in.
WEISS
I'm so proud I could cry.
Vaughn gives Weiss a dirty look. Weiss just smiles.
WEISS
So Rocky what now?
Vaughn sits up ready to get this show on the road.
VAUGHN
Now we have clandestine plans to make.
CUT TO: