INT. FANTASTIC CAFÉ - CONTINUED
They just sit there for a second taking in all that's just been said. Ruby notices the lull and brings them their orders.
RUBY
You need anything else?
VAUGHN
No, we're okay. Thanks.
Syd's quietly watches her leave and then looks down at her plate.
SYDNEY
I really screwed up your life, didn't I?
He looks up in surprise and then seeing the grave look on her face he tries to lighten the mood.
VAUGHN
You say that like it's a bad thing.
She gives him a look.
SYDNEY
Come on, Vaughn. I'm being serious.
VAUGHN
So am I. Syd, my parents had an amazing relationship and all I've ever wanted was to find someone to share that kind of love and trust with. I always imagined that it would happen in a normal meet-fall in love-get married-have kids scenario. But then I met you. And the love and trust were undoubtedly there but nothing was ever normal. Not even close. And, yes, it was hard. But... Well, two out of three ain't bad. And I couldn't ignore the way I felt about you. I just wasn't sure if you felt the same way.
SYDNEY
What? You didn't think I cared about you?
VAUGHN
Well, I didn't know if what I felt happening between us was just because of all the pressure we were under or if you really felt something for me, something beyond just friendship and camaraderie. It wasn't until you essentially killed Sloane to save my life that I finally knew.
SYDNEY
All that time and you had no idea how I felt about you?
VAUGHN
I knew you cared about me. I just wasn't sure how much.
SYDNEY
You want to know when I fell in love with you? I can remember the exact moment. I was sitting in Union Station feeling completely lost and alone when all of a sudden I hear your voice, your quiet, firm, reassuring voice. You'd always been there for me, breaking into SD-6, the Vatican, helping me escape, but when you told me about your dad... I knew how much he meant to you and the thought of you doing something he probably wouldn't have approved of to help me... And then when I thought I'd lost you in Taipei. God, I was so relieved when I finally found you again. I almost kissed you.
VAUGHN
I remember. I wanted you to.
SYDNEY
Really?
He smiles sheepishly.
VAUGHN
Yeah, well, I pretty much always want to kiss you. It's like a reflex. (beat) Anyway, I don't know if I can pinpoint the exact moment that I fell in love with you. It was more like a slow realization that you were this huge part of my life and I was willing to do anything for you. I'd never felt that way before. To be honest it scared me a little.
SYDNEY
Me too. I was so used to being on my own, not having to worry about anyone else. Even with Danny, because I couldn't tell him about work, there was always a part of me that I kept to myself. But with you... You saw everything.
VAUGHN
When you let me.
SYDNEY
I know. But it's like I told you after what happened with Dixon. I'm not used to being this close to someone, having someone this involved in my life. That's why I'd always get so angry when you'd try to protect me. I thought I could take care of everything myself. Plus there's all the stuff between me and my dad and how I always felt like he was trying to control me.
VAUGHN
You thought I was trying to control you? Syd, I was just trying to help. Do you know how many times I had to sit back and watch you go through all these terrifyingly dangerous situations knowing I couldn't do a damn thing about it? Do you know how hard that was? So when I had the chance to help I took it.
SYDNEY
I realize that now. I knew it then too but in case you hadn't noticed I'm a bit stubborn and independent.
His expression is one of mock surprise.
VAUGHN
You? Never!
She smiles.
SYDNEY
Hard to believe, I know. (beat) Seriously though, I did appreciate what you were doing, even if I was completely unable to show it. Vaughn, knowing that you were there, that I could talk to you whenever I needed to, it helped me so much. Sometimes it was the only thing that kept me going.
He looks at her, wanting to believe.
VAUGHN
Really?
She's sad that he ever doubted that.
SYDNEY
Yeah. I only wished you would let me do the same for you. Like with my mom. You would never talk to me about her.
He looks away at the mention of her mom, his expression tight and closed.
VAUGHN
What was there to talk about?
SYDNEY
How can you ask that?
VAUGHN
Look, for almost as long as I can remember I've wanted only one thing, to bring my father's murderer to justice. I didn't care who they were or why they did it. I was going to make them pay for what they'd done to my family. Then when I found out that the person responsible might be your dad and suddenly it turns out to be your mom... I realized that to get what I wanted I had to hurt you. I didn't know what to do. And you already had enough to deal with...
SYDNEY
So you shut me out and didn't even tell me about your investigation?
VAUGHN
Partly. And part of it was that I knew how sensitive you were about her, the way you'd respond whenever your dad tried to warn you. I knew that the only way you'd listen to me was if I had solid evidence to show you.
SYDNEY
Was I really that bad?
VAUGHN
She's your mom. How well were you supposed to handle it?
SYDNEY
Still, I'm sorry.
He looks down and pushes his food around his plate.
VAUGHN
It's okay.
SYDNEY
No, it's not. Vaughn.
He looks up.
SYDNEY
I want you to tell me how you feel. You're not my handler anymore. You don't have to protect me, especially from yourself.
VAUGHN
But I like being there for you. I like protecting you.
SYDNEY
I know you do. And I appreciate it, even if I do a crappy job of showing it. I just want to be there like that for you too. If this is going to work you have to let me in.
VAUGHN
But what is this? What are we now?
SYDNEY
I don't know. What do you want us to be?
VAUGHN
Well, we're obviously not very good at being [I]just[/I] friends.
SYDNEY
I don't think we'd be good at being [I]just[/] anything. There's nothing simple or normal about us.
VAUGHN
Yeah, well, normal is highly overrated.
SYDNEY
I thought you wanted normal.
VAUGHN
So did I.
He hesitates for a moment before he reaches out and takes her hand.
VAUGHN
But I want you more.
He has that look in his eyes, the one that's so intense and makes his eyes look so green that she has to look away. She tries to pull her hand away but he won't let go. Finally she looks up.
SYDNEY
Vaughn, I do nothing but complicate your life. And it's only going to get worse. The more I find out about the last two years the more frightened I become. I was a horrible person...
VAUGHN
No. Syd, I know you and you are not a horrible person. You're not your mother.
She looks up at that, surprised that he knew she was afraid of that very thing.
VAUGHN
I don't know what happened but there is an explanation and we will find it.
SYDNEY
But aren't you worried about what we'll find?
VAUGHN
The only thing I'm worried about is losing you again.
He's absently rubbing his thumb across her knuckles and she looks down at their hands.
SYDNEY
I don't want to lose you either.
He tugs lightly at her hand and she looks up.
VAUGHN
I told you, I'll hold on if you will.
SYDNEY
I just wish it wasn't so hard.
VAUGHN
So do I. But I know what it's like to live without you. And that's not hard... it's [I]impossible[/I].
She has to look away again.
SYDNEY
So this doesn't scare you? Given our jobs one or both of us could get hurt or killed at any time.
He gets this haunted look and we know he's thinking about when he lost her.
VAUGHN
Believe me. I know. (beat) And it does scare me. It scares me to the point where I'm not sure if I can do this, get close to you again knowing I could lose you.
SYDNEY
So are you saying you don't want to get back together?
He looks down at their hands.
VAUGHN
No. Well...
He looks up.
VAUGHN
I'm tired of making decisions based on fear. And I want to try this, us, again. But I also think I need some time. Not a lot of time, not forever, just, you know... I think we should at least wait until my divorce is final.
She looks down a little disappointed.
SYDNEY
Yeah, that's probably a good idea.
He shakes his head. And lets go of her hand to reach up and caress her on the cheek.
VAUGHN
Syd.
She looks at him.
VAUGHN
I'm not giving up on us. I still want nothing more than to be with you. Hell, part of me wants to lean across this table and kiss you right now.
He lets his hand drop back to hers. She doesn't even noticed cause she's still too busy processing what he just said.
SYDNEY
You do?
He swallows hard, nods, and unconsciously licks his lips.
VAUGHN
I told you. It's practically a reflex.
She starts to lean in a little and so does he. He keeps looking down at her lips and then up into her eyes. He says his next words with little conviction.
VAUGHN
But, right now is probably not the time.
She nods absently watching his mouth form around the words but not really hearing him. They both want this but then they look into each other's eyes and stop. Syd shakes her head.
SYDNEY
No. You're right. We shouldn't rush into this.
They both lean back into their seats and sigh.
VAUGHN
Do I have to be right?
She nods.
SYDNEY
As much as I hate to admit it...
VAUGHN
Yeah. (beat) But we really need to take this slow. We never got to before and we should look at this as a second chance.
He gives her a huge smile.
VAUGHN
Maybe this time I could take you out on a real first date, the kind where we don't get shot at.
She smiles right back at him with full on dimples. There's a playful sarcastic tone in her voice.
SYDNEY
Oh, Vaughn, how romantic.
He plays it totally smooth.
VAUGHN
I thought so.
She laughs.
SYDNEY
Alright then. It's a date. After...
VAUGHN
Right.
They look down at their food.
SYDNEY
I am so hungry I don't even care that this stuff is probably frozen solid by now.
Vaughn gets a wicked grin and raises an eyebrow.
VAUGHN
We could always reheat.
She laughs.
SYDNEY
I don't think that falls under the definition of 'taking it slow.'
His voice drops an octave.
VAUGHN
The way I do it does.
She's shocked and is about to make a reply when their pagers go off. They look down and it's the same message: 47911. They look up at each other. So much for breakfast.
CUT TO:
They just sit there for a second taking in all that's just been said. Ruby notices the lull and brings them their orders.
RUBY
You need anything else?
VAUGHN
No, we're okay. Thanks.
Syd's quietly watches her leave and then looks down at her plate.
SYDNEY
I really screwed up your life, didn't I?
He looks up in surprise and then seeing the grave look on her face he tries to lighten the mood.
VAUGHN
You say that like it's a bad thing.
She gives him a look.
SYDNEY
Come on, Vaughn. I'm being serious.
VAUGHN
So am I. Syd, my parents had an amazing relationship and all I've ever wanted was to find someone to share that kind of love and trust with. I always imagined that it would happen in a normal meet-fall in love-get married-have kids scenario. But then I met you. And the love and trust were undoubtedly there but nothing was ever normal. Not even close. And, yes, it was hard. But... Well, two out of three ain't bad. And I couldn't ignore the way I felt about you. I just wasn't sure if you felt the same way.
SYDNEY
What? You didn't think I cared about you?
VAUGHN
Well, I didn't know if what I felt happening between us was just because of all the pressure we were under or if you really felt something for me, something beyond just friendship and camaraderie. It wasn't until you essentially killed Sloane to save my life that I finally knew.
SYDNEY
All that time and you had no idea how I felt about you?
VAUGHN
I knew you cared about me. I just wasn't sure how much.
SYDNEY
You want to know when I fell in love with you? I can remember the exact moment. I was sitting in Union Station feeling completely lost and alone when all of a sudden I hear your voice, your quiet, firm, reassuring voice. You'd always been there for me, breaking into SD-6, the Vatican, helping me escape, but when you told me about your dad... I knew how much he meant to you and the thought of you doing something he probably wouldn't have approved of to help me... And then when I thought I'd lost you in Taipei. God, I was so relieved when I finally found you again. I almost kissed you.
VAUGHN
I remember. I wanted you to.
SYDNEY
Really?
He smiles sheepishly.
VAUGHN
Yeah, well, I pretty much always want to kiss you. It's like a reflex. (beat) Anyway, I don't know if I can pinpoint the exact moment that I fell in love with you. It was more like a slow realization that you were this huge part of my life and I was willing to do anything for you. I'd never felt that way before. To be honest it scared me a little.
SYDNEY
Me too. I was so used to being on my own, not having to worry about anyone else. Even with Danny, because I couldn't tell him about work, there was always a part of me that I kept to myself. But with you... You saw everything.
VAUGHN
When you let me.
SYDNEY
I know. But it's like I told you after what happened with Dixon. I'm not used to being this close to someone, having someone this involved in my life. That's why I'd always get so angry when you'd try to protect me. I thought I could take care of everything myself. Plus there's all the stuff between me and my dad and how I always felt like he was trying to control me.
VAUGHN
You thought I was trying to control you? Syd, I was just trying to help. Do you know how many times I had to sit back and watch you go through all these terrifyingly dangerous situations knowing I couldn't do a damn thing about it? Do you know how hard that was? So when I had the chance to help I took it.
SYDNEY
I realize that now. I knew it then too but in case you hadn't noticed I'm a bit stubborn and independent.
His expression is one of mock surprise.
VAUGHN
You? Never!
She smiles.
SYDNEY
Hard to believe, I know. (beat) Seriously though, I did appreciate what you were doing, even if I was completely unable to show it. Vaughn, knowing that you were there, that I could talk to you whenever I needed to, it helped me so much. Sometimes it was the only thing that kept me going.
He looks at her, wanting to believe.
VAUGHN
Really?
She's sad that he ever doubted that.
SYDNEY
Yeah. I only wished you would let me do the same for you. Like with my mom. You would never talk to me about her.
He looks away at the mention of her mom, his expression tight and closed.
VAUGHN
What was there to talk about?
SYDNEY
How can you ask that?
VAUGHN
Look, for almost as long as I can remember I've wanted only one thing, to bring my father's murderer to justice. I didn't care who they were or why they did it. I was going to make them pay for what they'd done to my family. Then when I found out that the person responsible might be your dad and suddenly it turns out to be your mom... I realized that to get what I wanted I had to hurt you. I didn't know what to do. And you already had enough to deal with...
SYDNEY
So you shut me out and didn't even tell me about your investigation?
VAUGHN
Partly. And part of it was that I knew how sensitive you were about her, the way you'd respond whenever your dad tried to warn you. I knew that the only way you'd listen to me was if I had solid evidence to show you.
SYDNEY
Was I really that bad?
VAUGHN
She's your mom. How well were you supposed to handle it?
SYDNEY
Still, I'm sorry.
He looks down and pushes his food around his plate.
VAUGHN
It's okay.
SYDNEY
No, it's not. Vaughn.
He looks up.
SYDNEY
I want you to tell me how you feel. You're not my handler anymore. You don't have to protect me, especially from yourself.
VAUGHN
But I like being there for you. I like protecting you.
SYDNEY
I know you do. And I appreciate it, even if I do a crappy job of showing it. I just want to be there like that for you too. If this is going to work you have to let me in.
VAUGHN
But what is this? What are we now?
SYDNEY
I don't know. What do you want us to be?
VAUGHN
Well, we're obviously not very good at being [I]just[/I] friends.
SYDNEY
I don't think we'd be good at being [I]just[/] anything. There's nothing simple or normal about us.
VAUGHN
Yeah, well, normal is highly overrated.
SYDNEY
I thought you wanted normal.
VAUGHN
So did I.
He hesitates for a moment before he reaches out and takes her hand.
VAUGHN
But I want you more.
He has that look in his eyes, the one that's so intense and makes his eyes look so green that she has to look away. She tries to pull her hand away but he won't let go. Finally she looks up.
SYDNEY
Vaughn, I do nothing but complicate your life. And it's only going to get worse. The more I find out about the last two years the more frightened I become. I was a horrible person...
VAUGHN
No. Syd, I know you and you are not a horrible person. You're not your mother.
She looks up at that, surprised that he knew she was afraid of that very thing.
VAUGHN
I don't know what happened but there is an explanation and we will find it.
SYDNEY
But aren't you worried about what we'll find?
VAUGHN
The only thing I'm worried about is losing you again.
He's absently rubbing his thumb across her knuckles and she looks down at their hands.
SYDNEY
I don't want to lose you either.
He tugs lightly at her hand and she looks up.
VAUGHN
I told you, I'll hold on if you will.
SYDNEY
I just wish it wasn't so hard.
VAUGHN
So do I. But I know what it's like to live without you. And that's not hard... it's [I]impossible[/I].
She has to look away again.
SYDNEY
So this doesn't scare you? Given our jobs one or both of us could get hurt or killed at any time.
He gets this haunted look and we know he's thinking about when he lost her.
VAUGHN
Believe me. I know. (beat) And it does scare me. It scares me to the point where I'm not sure if I can do this, get close to you again knowing I could lose you.
SYDNEY
So are you saying you don't want to get back together?
He looks down at their hands.
VAUGHN
No. Well...
He looks up.
VAUGHN
I'm tired of making decisions based on fear. And I want to try this, us, again. But I also think I need some time. Not a lot of time, not forever, just, you know... I think we should at least wait until my divorce is final.
She looks down a little disappointed.
SYDNEY
Yeah, that's probably a good idea.
He shakes his head. And lets go of her hand to reach up and caress her on the cheek.
VAUGHN
Syd.
She looks at him.
VAUGHN
I'm not giving up on us. I still want nothing more than to be with you. Hell, part of me wants to lean across this table and kiss you right now.
He lets his hand drop back to hers. She doesn't even noticed cause she's still too busy processing what he just said.
SYDNEY
You do?
He swallows hard, nods, and unconsciously licks his lips.
VAUGHN
I told you. It's practically a reflex.
She starts to lean in a little and so does he. He keeps looking down at her lips and then up into her eyes. He says his next words with little conviction.
VAUGHN
But, right now is probably not the time.
She nods absently watching his mouth form around the words but not really hearing him. They both want this but then they look into each other's eyes and stop. Syd shakes her head.
SYDNEY
No. You're right. We shouldn't rush into this.
They both lean back into their seats and sigh.
VAUGHN
Do I have to be right?
She nods.
SYDNEY
As much as I hate to admit it...
VAUGHN
Yeah. (beat) But we really need to take this slow. We never got to before and we should look at this as a second chance.
He gives her a huge smile.
VAUGHN
Maybe this time I could take you out on a real first date, the kind where we don't get shot at.
She smiles right back at him with full on dimples. There's a playful sarcastic tone in her voice.
SYDNEY
Oh, Vaughn, how romantic.
He plays it totally smooth.
VAUGHN
I thought so.
She laughs.
SYDNEY
Alright then. It's a date. After...
VAUGHN
Right.
They look down at their food.
SYDNEY
I am so hungry I don't even care that this stuff is probably frozen solid by now.
Vaughn gets a wicked grin and raises an eyebrow.
VAUGHN
We could always reheat.
She laughs.
SYDNEY
I don't think that falls under the definition of 'taking it slow.'
His voice drops an octave.
VAUGHN
The way I do it does.
She's shocked and is about to make a reply when their pagers go off. They look down and it's the same message: 47911. They look up at each other. So much for breakfast.
CUT TO:
