INT. VAUGHN'S ROOM - LATER
Vaughn is sitting up in bed reading a report. His shoulder is no longer completely immobilized and is instead in a sling like Syd's was after her mother shot her. His leg is still in a brace and he has it propped up on some pillows. Weiss storms into the room with a wheelchair.
WEISS
Alright that's it.
Vaughn puts down the file in his hands and looks confused.
VAUGHN
Weiss? What the hell...
WEISS
You're coming with me.
VAUGHN
Where?
WEISS
You know where. To visit Sydney.
Vaughn holds up his hands and starts to protest.
VAUGHN
Look, Eric, I'm really drained and I have this report to...
WEISS
Oh no you don't. I've seen you go from dead on your feet exhausted to ready for anything in a second when you thought there was an outside chance that she [I]might[/I] need your help. You have never been too tired for Sydney Bristow so don't try to sell me that "I'm really drained" crap to me cause I'm not buying. (beat) Just admit it, you're avoiding her.
Vaughn's getting angry.
VAUGHN
Can you blame me for not wanting to see her like that? Covered with tubes and IV's. That damn heart monitor that gets louder by the second. And that stupid ventilator... I'd rather see her bleeding to death in my arms than slowly wasting away in some cold sterile hospital bed under fading fluorescent lights that sap all the color from her skin.
WEISS
Hey, I didn't say it would be easy but she needs...
VAUGHN
She doesn't [I]need[I] anything! She's in a fucking coma! It doesn't matter if I'm there or not.
Weiss ignores his rising voice in the hopes of reasoning with him.
WEISS
The doctors say...
He's not in the mood to be reasoned with.
VAUGHN
What? That she can still hear us? That's just a lie they tell patient's families so they can feel better about rambling at the shell that used to be their loved ones.
Fine, if Vaughn doesn't want to be reasoned with, Weiss will try a different approach.
WEISS
Who the hell do you think you're kidding?! Acting tough and cynical? It's the same thing you did after she died. It didn't work then and it sure as hell isn't going to now. So let me buy you a vowel so you can get a fucking clue. It's gonna hurt like hell if you lose her whether you visit her or not.
VAUGHN
Then why go?!
This last statement drains Vaughn of his anger and he slumps back into his bed, looking away from Weiss. Weiss sits next to his friend and tries once again to reason with him.
WEISS
How many regrets did you have after she died? How many times did you beg for just one more second with her? How many things did you think you should've said? Did you learn nothing from that experience?
Vaughn turns to Weiss, his voice filled with bitterness and sorrow.
VAUGHN
You know what I learned? I learned that I am nothing without her. I learned that she means more to me than anyone or anything in this world and I am completely incapable of functioning without her in my life. I learned that when it counts I'm unable to be there for her. I learned that I am weak and useless and completely unworthy of her love.
Without warning Weiss reaches out and smack Vaughn upside the head.
VAUGHN
Ow! What the hell was that for?!
WEISS
Somebody has to knock some sense into you.
VAUGHN
Literally?
WEISS
Well, verbally obviously isn't working.
VAUGHN
What are you talking about?
Weiss shakes his head.
WEISS
You know, you and Sydney are perfect for each other. You're both too damn busy feeling guilty to do anything about the way you feel toward each other.
VAUGHN
But...
WEISS
No. You've had your chance to rant and rave and wallow. It's my turn. Now I'm going to ask you some questions and I want you to answer then with a "Yes" or "No." And be honest, even with yourself. Okay, first question: Do you love Sydney?
Vaughn looks confused at first and then decides to go along with it.
VAUGHN
Yes.
WEISS
Question two: Does she love you?
VAUGHN
Well, she...
WEISS
Yes or no.
VAUGHN
Yes.
WEISS
Question three: If Sydney wanted something and you could give it to her would you?
Vaughn sighs.
VAUGHN
Yes. Of course.
WEISS
Question four: Does Sydney want to be with you?
VAUGHN
Look I understand what you're trying to tell me but...
WEISS
No buts. Sydney Bristow loves you. She wants to be with you. Believe me, I've got the hangovers to prove it. So you're not doing her any favors by pushing her away. You're not even protecting yourself. You've been given a second chance, one you prayed, begged, and pleaded for. Sure, you don't know how long it'll last, and, yes, this could be it. But running away won't make it hurt any less when the time comes. It'll just give you that many more regrets. Fortunately the game's not over yet. She's still here. Now where the hell are you?
Vaughn looks down.
VAUGHN
(quietly) I know.
WEISS
They what do you think you're doing?
Vaughn looks up.
VAUGHN
I'm scared, Eric. She was right when she told me that I lost faith in us. I failed us. I failed her. And now that I'm faced with losing her again... It just makes me realize that I'm not strong enough for her. And I'm afraid that even if she does survive I won't be able to be with her.
WEISS
Hey, all relationships are scary cause all of them - at least the ones worth having - are based on trust. And trust is a tricky thing. When you trust someone you put everything on the line, you put yourself in their hands. Sometimes you're wrong and it hurts. But when you're right... It's the best feeling in the world, knowing that there's someone out there that will always be there for you, someone that'll always watch your back.
VAUGHN
That's what I'm afraid of. What if Syd needs me and I'm not there?
WEISS
And what do you think you'll be doing if you avoid her and push her away like this? (beat) You're not perfect. You will fail. But she knows that. She understands that. Just like you know and understand that about her. And she'll forgive you just as you'll forgive her. That's love. She doesn't expect perfection. All she wants is your love and your trust. And the first thing you have to trust is that she loves you and that she wants you in her life.
VAUGHN
You say all this and I know it's true but I also know that things are never that easy.
WEISS
No. They're not. There will always be obstacles. So you do a cost/benefit analysis. Sydney vs. No Sydney. Hope vs. Fear. What do you save? What do you lose? Then you make your choice.
The last sentence strikes a chord in Vaughn. He tries to sound determined but some uncertainty still leaks through.
VAUGHN
I want to choose Sydney.
WEISS
Then do it.
Vaughn starts to hesitate.
WEISS
Hey. You can't question this. You can't hedge your bets. And you can't hold back. If this is going to work you have to trust her. And since she trusts you that means you have to trust yourself.
VAUGHN
I'll try.
Weiss smiles.
WEISS
Do or do not...
Vaughn shakes his head.
VAUGHN
There is no try. I know.
Weiss does his best Jedi Master impression.
WEISS
But do you understand, my apprentice?
Vaughn looks at him.
VAUGHN
Are you going to take me to see her or not?
Weiss smiles.
WEISS
I thought you'd never ask.
CUT TO:
INT. SYDNEY'S ROOM IN THE ICU
She's just as Vaughn pictured her covered with tubes and surrounded by the sound of equipment. Jack is sitting by her side just watching her. He looks up as Weiss knocks and wheels Vaughn in. He nods at Weiss and then Vaughn with something that could be construed as approval with a hint of "It's about damn time."
JACK
I'll go get some coffee.
Weiss wheels Vaughn next to her bed. Vaughn is obviously affected by her condition. Weiss picks up on this and pats him on the shoulder.
WEISS
I'll be back in a little while.
Vaughn just nods, never taking his eyes off Sydney. He stares at he for a while longer before he takes a deep breath and takes her hand. He absently runs his thumb across her knuckles as he speaks.
VAUGHN
You're still so beautiful. I was afraid that with all this (He indicates the equipment) you wouldn't be but... I should have known better, right? (beat) Sydney. Please. Don't leave me. I don't know what, if anything, exists beyond this life but I'd like to think that it's peaceful, like a glass of wine and a warm bubble bath.
He pauses, probably picturing her sitting in the tub in her old apartment. He smiles sadly.
VAUGHN
You deserve that kind of peace. And I wish I could give it to you. I wish I could promise you that if you'd just come back to me I'd make certain that you'd never feel pain or sorrow or anything other than happiness and joy ever again.
He stops, his voice catching in his throat. His eyes begin to moisten.
VAUGHN
But I can't. And if you want to let go, if you want that peace that I'm unable to provide, I'll understand. But if you do come back to me I promise that I will love you and be there for you whenever I can for the rest of my life.
He reaches up and brushes her hair back from her forehead.
VAUGHN
I know it won't be easy. It'll be stressful and frightening and even painful but I'm begging you, please come back.
The he grabs a hold of her hand even tighter than before.
VAUGHN
I need you, Syd. Remember my dad's watch? He was right. My heart is set on you.
He has to stop again as tears start to flow.
VAUGHN
So please, Syd, hold on. For me. Choose me. Because I will always choose you.
He stops, obviously drained. He kisses her hand lightly and lays his head at her side still holding onto her hand.
CUT TO:
INT. SYDNEY'S ROOM IN ICU - LATER
Vaughn is asleep with his head laying at Sydney's side when Weiss comes back in with Jack and a nurse. He shakes Vaughn gently away. Vaughn looks up at him sleepily.
WEISS
Come on, visiting hours are over and the nurse has to change her IV's and stuff.
Vaughn looks at Syd reluctantly.
VAUGHN
I won't be in the way.
WEISS
I know. But you need your rest and you need to elevate that leg of yours. Don't worry. We'll come back first thing tomorrow morning. Okay?
Vaughn just nods and kisses Sydney on the hand one last time as the nurse starts to check on Sydney. Jack stays behind in the room. Weiss wheels Vaughn out into the hallway and they're halfway between her room and the elevator when the Jack comes out of Syd's room shouting in French at the duty station.
JACK
[Page Doctor Hugo now!]
Both Weiss and Vaughn turn around to see the doctor and several other nurses run into Sydney's room.
CUT TO:
Vaughn is sitting up in bed reading a report. His shoulder is no longer completely immobilized and is instead in a sling like Syd's was after her mother shot her. His leg is still in a brace and he has it propped up on some pillows. Weiss storms into the room with a wheelchair.
WEISS
Alright that's it.
Vaughn puts down the file in his hands and looks confused.
VAUGHN
Weiss? What the hell...
WEISS
You're coming with me.
VAUGHN
Where?
WEISS
You know where. To visit Sydney.
Vaughn holds up his hands and starts to protest.
VAUGHN
Look, Eric, I'm really drained and I have this report to...
WEISS
Oh no you don't. I've seen you go from dead on your feet exhausted to ready for anything in a second when you thought there was an outside chance that she [I]might[/I] need your help. You have never been too tired for Sydney Bristow so don't try to sell me that "I'm really drained" crap to me cause I'm not buying. (beat) Just admit it, you're avoiding her.
Vaughn's getting angry.
VAUGHN
Can you blame me for not wanting to see her like that? Covered with tubes and IV's. That damn heart monitor that gets louder by the second. And that stupid ventilator... I'd rather see her bleeding to death in my arms than slowly wasting away in some cold sterile hospital bed under fading fluorescent lights that sap all the color from her skin.
WEISS
Hey, I didn't say it would be easy but she needs...
VAUGHN
She doesn't [I]need[I] anything! She's in a fucking coma! It doesn't matter if I'm there or not.
Weiss ignores his rising voice in the hopes of reasoning with him.
WEISS
The doctors say...
He's not in the mood to be reasoned with.
VAUGHN
What? That she can still hear us? That's just a lie they tell patient's families so they can feel better about rambling at the shell that used to be their loved ones.
Fine, if Vaughn doesn't want to be reasoned with, Weiss will try a different approach.
WEISS
Who the hell do you think you're kidding?! Acting tough and cynical? It's the same thing you did after she died. It didn't work then and it sure as hell isn't going to now. So let me buy you a vowel so you can get a fucking clue. It's gonna hurt like hell if you lose her whether you visit her or not.
VAUGHN
Then why go?!
This last statement drains Vaughn of his anger and he slumps back into his bed, looking away from Weiss. Weiss sits next to his friend and tries once again to reason with him.
WEISS
How many regrets did you have after she died? How many times did you beg for just one more second with her? How many things did you think you should've said? Did you learn nothing from that experience?
Vaughn turns to Weiss, his voice filled with bitterness and sorrow.
VAUGHN
You know what I learned? I learned that I am nothing without her. I learned that she means more to me than anyone or anything in this world and I am completely incapable of functioning without her in my life. I learned that when it counts I'm unable to be there for her. I learned that I am weak and useless and completely unworthy of her love.
Without warning Weiss reaches out and smack Vaughn upside the head.
VAUGHN
Ow! What the hell was that for?!
WEISS
Somebody has to knock some sense into you.
VAUGHN
Literally?
WEISS
Well, verbally obviously isn't working.
VAUGHN
What are you talking about?
Weiss shakes his head.
WEISS
You know, you and Sydney are perfect for each other. You're both too damn busy feeling guilty to do anything about the way you feel toward each other.
VAUGHN
But...
WEISS
No. You've had your chance to rant and rave and wallow. It's my turn. Now I'm going to ask you some questions and I want you to answer then with a "Yes" or "No." And be honest, even with yourself. Okay, first question: Do you love Sydney?
Vaughn looks confused at first and then decides to go along with it.
VAUGHN
Yes.
WEISS
Question two: Does she love you?
VAUGHN
Well, she...
WEISS
Yes or no.
VAUGHN
Yes.
WEISS
Question three: If Sydney wanted something and you could give it to her would you?
Vaughn sighs.
VAUGHN
Yes. Of course.
WEISS
Question four: Does Sydney want to be with you?
VAUGHN
Look I understand what you're trying to tell me but...
WEISS
No buts. Sydney Bristow loves you. She wants to be with you. Believe me, I've got the hangovers to prove it. So you're not doing her any favors by pushing her away. You're not even protecting yourself. You've been given a second chance, one you prayed, begged, and pleaded for. Sure, you don't know how long it'll last, and, yes, this could be it. But running away won't make it hurt any less when the time comes. It'll just give you that many more regrets. Fortunately the game's not over yet. She's still here. Now where the hell are you?
Vaughn looks down.
VAUGHN
(quietly) I know.
WEISS
They what do you think you're doing?
Vaughn looks up.
VAUGHN
I'm scared, Eric. She was right when she told me that I lost faith in us. I failed us. I failed her. And now that I'm faced with losing her again... It just makes me realize that I'm not strong enough for her. And I'm afraid that even if she does survive I won't be able to be with her.
WEISS
Hey, all relationships are scary cause all of them - at least the ones worth having - are based on trust. And trust is a tricky thing. When you trust someone you put everything on the line, you put yourself in their hands. Sometimes you're wrong and it hurts. But when you're right... It's the best feeling in the world, knowing that there's someone out there that will always be there for you, someone that'll always watch your back.
VAUGHN
That's what I'm afraid of. What if Syd needs me and I'm not there?
WEISS
And what do you think you'll be doing if you avoid her and push her away like this? (beat) You're not perfect. You will fail. But she knows that. She understands that. Just like you know and understand that about her. And she'll forgive you just as you'll forgive her. That's love. She doesn't expect perfection. All she wants is your love and your trust. And the first thing you have to trust is that she loves you and that she wants you in her life.
VAUGHN
You say all this and I know it's true but I also know that things are never that easy.
WEISS
No. They're not. There will always be obstacles. So you do a cost/benefit analysis. Sydney vs. No Sydney. Hope vs. Fear. What do you save? What do you lose? Then you make your choice.
The last sentence strikes a chord in Vaughn. He tries to sound determined but some uncertainty still leaks through.
VAUGHN
I want to choose Sydney.
WEISS
Then do it.
Vaughn starts to hesitate.
WEISS
Hey. You can't question this. You can't hedge your bets. And you can't hold back. If this is going to work you have to trust her. And since she trusts you that means you have to trust yourself.
VAUGHN
I'll try.
Weiss smiles.
WEISS
Do or do not...
Vaughn shakes his head.
VAUGHN
There is no try. I know.
Weiss does his best Jedi Master impression.
WEISS
But do you understand, my apprentice?
Vaughn looks at him.
VAUGHN
Are you going to take me to see her or not?
Weiss smiles.
WEISS
I thought you'd never ask.
CUT TO:
INT. SYDNEY'S ROOM IN THE ICU
She's just as Vaughn pictured her covered with tubes and surrounded by the sound of equipment. Jack is sitting by her side just watching her. He looks up as Weiss knocks and wheels Vaughn in. He nods at Weiss and then Vaughn with something that could be construed as approval with a hint of "It's about damn time."
JACK
I'll go get some coffee.
Weiss wheels Vaughn next to her bed. Vaughn is obviously affected by her condition. Weiss picks up on this and pats him on the shoulder.
WEISS
I'll be back in a little while.
Vaughn just nods, never taking his eyes off Sydney. He stares at he for a while longer before he takes a deep breath and takes her hand. He absently runs his thumb across her knuckles as he speaks.
VAUGHN
You're still so beautiful. I was afraid that with all this (He indicates the equipment) you wouldn't be but... I should have known better, right? (beat) Sydney. Please. Don't leave me. I don't know what, if anything, exists beyond this life but I'd like to think that it's peaceful, like a glass of wine and a warm bubble bath.
He pauses, probably picturing her sitting in the tub in her old apartment. He smiles sadly.
VAUGHN
You deserve that kind of peace. And I wish I could give it to you. I wish I could promise you that if you'd just come back to me I'd make certain that you'd never feel pain or sorrow or anything other than happiness and joy ever again.
He stops, his voice catching in his throat. His eyes begin to moisten.
VAUGHN
But I can't. And if you want to let go, if you want that peace that I'm unable to provide, I'll understand. But if you do come back to me I promise that I will love you and be there for you whenever I can for the rest of my life.
He reaches up and brushes her hair back from her forehead.
VAUGHN
I know it won't be easy. It'll be stressful and frightening and even painful but I'm begging you, please come back.
The he grabs a hold of her hand even tighter than before.
VAUGHN
I need you, Syd. Remember my dad's watch? He was right. My heart is set on you.
He has to stop again as tears start to flow.
VAUGHN
So please, Syd, hold on. For me. Choose me. Because I will always choose you.
He stops, obviously drained. He kisses her hand lightly and lays his head at her side still holding onto her hand.
CUT TO:
INT. SYDNEY'S ROOM IN ICU - LATER
Vaughn is asleep with his head laying at Sydney's side when Weiss comes back in with Jack and a nurse. He shakes Vaughn gently away. Vaughn looks up at him sleepily.
WEISS
Come on, visiting hours are over and the nurse has to change her IV's and stuff.
Vaughn looks at Syd reluctantly.
VAUGHN
I won't be in the way.
WEISS
I know. But you need your rest and you need to elevate that leg of yours. Don't worry. We'll come back first thing tomorrow morning. Okay?
Vaughn just nods and kisses Sydney on the hand one last time as the nurse starts to check on Sydney. Jack stays behind in the room. Weiss wheels Vaughn out into the hallway and they're halfway between her room and the elevator when the Jack comes out of Syd's room shouting in French at the duty station.
JACK
[Page Doctor Hugo now!]
Both Weiss and Vaughn turn around to see the doctor and several other nurses run into Sydney's room.
CUT TO:
