INT. COOTER'S CAR - LATER THAT NIGHT
Vaughn and Sydney are driving home after the game. Vaughn's at the wheel. She's still wearing his jacket and he's still wearing his sweatshirt. They're not talking but it's a comfortable silence. Syd looks like she's thinking seriously about something and then she turns to Vaughn with a smile.
SYDNEY
Thank you.
Vaughn looks over at her briefly and laughs.
VAUGHN
For what? The game was your idea.
SYDNEY
I know but that's not what I'm talking about.
She looks away from him and out the window.
SYDNEY
Ever since I woke up in Hong Kong I've felt so lost and... It wasn't like that tonight.
She looks back at him.
SYDNEY
Tonight felt good. I had fun.
Vaughn looks over at her and puts his hand on hers.
VAUGHN
I'm glad. I felt the same way. Ever since you died everything has felt so... wrong. And being with you tonight I can't say it was like the last few years never happened but I can say that for the first time in a long time things... things felt right.
He looks over at her again with a smile.
VAUGHN
I was able to be happy without feeling guilty because you were finally smiling again.
He glances at her with some uncertainty and squeezes her hand. She squeezes his hand back. Then she says his name in that way that only she can.
SYDNEY
Vaughn.
He glances at her again only to find her looking at him intently.
SYDNEY
I was smiling because of you. I know this wasn't the evening you had planned but I don't care. While I love you for the perfect man that you try to be I'm in love with the beautifully flawed man that you are. And I want you to be happy. I will always want you to be happy, no matter what happens to me.
He gives her a thankful nod as he stares out at the road to avoid looking at her.
VAUGHN
I love you too, Sydney. And because of that I can only be happy when you're happy. And I will always be sad when you're sad. And I will make certain that anyone that hurts you will pay dearly for it. Especially if that person is me.
SYDNEY
Yeah, well, I'll hurt anyone that hurts you so stop beating yourself up before I kick your ass.
He laughs lightly. They're stopped at a light and he takes the opportunity to lean over and give her a kiss on the cheek.
VAUGHN
I know you love me. And I know you don't blame me for the mistakes I've made. But it's not easy for me to let go of...
He sighs and continues to drive when the light turns green.
VAUGHN
I hurt you, Syd. And I can't stand it.
She nods and looks down at their hands.
SYDNEY
Yes, you did hurt me. And you will probably hurt me again in the future. But I will forgive you then just as I've forgiven you now. Just as you've forgiven me. Because I don't want your guilt and I don't expect your perfection. All I want is for you to be as happy as you make me and all I expect from you is... you.
They pull up to her house. He shifts in his seat and looks over at her with a grateful smile.
VAUGHN
Then I will do my best to give you what you want and expect.
She smiles back at him.
SYDNEY
That's all I ask. (beat) Well, that and a dance.
He wasn't expecting that.
VAUGHN
A dance?
SYDNEY
You promised me a dance, remember?
VAUGHN
We danced at the game.
SYDNEY
The chicken dance in between periods doesn't count.
He flashes her a smile.
VAUGHN
I know. I was just teasing. Next time we'll go dancing. I promise.
SYDNEY
Next time? I'm sorry but when did I agree to go out with you again?
VAUGHN
Now who's teasing?
He thinks for a moment and glances at the CD player in the dash.
VAUGHN
You know we might not have to wait until next time.
SYDNEY
We won't?
VAUGHN
If Cooter is Cooter then he'll have...
Vaughn turns on the stereo and starts switching from CD to CD. The first one comes on. It's "The Good Ole Hockey Game" by Stompin' Tom Connors. He gives her a smile.
VAUGHN
Appropriate yet not.
He switches to the next CD. It's Credence Clearwater Revival. She raises an eyebrow.
VAUGHN
Too Vietnam War movie.
She laughs. He switches to the next CD. It's The Charlie Daniel's Band and "The Devil Went Down to Georgia." He looks over at her.
VAUGHN
Great song but too fast.
SYDNEY
And you want to take things slow?
He raises an eyebrow suggestively before switching to the next CD. It's Lynard Skynard. He laughs.
VAUGHN
Too Cooter.
He looks anxious. Maybe Cooter doesn't have it. He switches the CD and slowly the voice of Elvis Preisley singing "I Can't Help Falling In Love" comes on. Turning up the volume he smiles at her before getting out and coming around to open her door. He then extends his hand to her.
VAUGHN
May I have this dance?
She laughs lightly and takes his hand.
SYDNEY
Yes, you may.
He pulls her up and close to him. They start to dance in the driveway. She looks at him.
SYDNEY
I love this song.
VAUGHN
You do?
She smiles at him.
SYDNEY
I do now.
He smiles as she lays her head on his shoulder and he holds her hand on his heart. When the music stops he leans down and kisses her tenderly. They pull away from each other slowly.
SYDNEY
As lovely as this was...
VAUGHN
It still doesn't count?
She shakes her head 'No' and starts to walk to her door. He watches her with the same amazing look he had in Double Agent when he was watching her cook. She usually opens the door rather quickly but finds that tonight she's having difficulty concentrating. Finally it opens and she looks back at him with a triumphant smile. Her smile fades when she sees the look on his face. She locks eyes with him and stands slowly. Suddenly his lips are on hers and he's pressing her up against the doorframe. They kiss, running their hands through each other's hair until they're forced to break apart so that they can breathe. He rests his forehead upon hers and when he speaks his voice is whispery and breathless.
VAUGHN
Sorry. I've been waiting to do that since the damn Zamboni interrupted us.
SYDNEY
For the record, you never have to apologize for doing [I]that[/I].
VAUGHN
Good to know.
They stand there for a second, neither of them moving until finally he closes his eyes.
VAUGHN
I should probably go.
SYDNEY
Right. We did agree to take this slow.
VAUGHN
Right. That is what we agreed upon.
He kisses her again lightly but he lingers. Finally he pulls away slightly.
VAUGHN
Good night then.
SYDNEY
Yeah. Good night.
He doesn't leave though. Instead he kisses her again.
SYDNEY
Vaughn.
VAUGHN
Uh-huh.
SYDNEY
If we're going to do this then one of us has to leave and since this is my house...
VAUGHN
Right.
He pulls away but he's holding her hands and wearing a smile.
VAUGHN
Good night.
She smiles at him.
SYDNEY
Good night.
Reluctantly he lets go of her hands and begins to back away from her. Finally he turns around but he only takes a few steps before he turns back to look at her again. She smiles and waves hesitantly before closing the door. But she doesn't leave, she looks out the peephole for a while before she turns around and slumps back against the door.
CUT TO:
INT. WEISS' PLACE
We see a clock which reads 12:15 a.m. Vaughn quietly unlocks the door and walks in. He turns around so that he can close the door without making any noise. When he turns back around Weiss is standing in the living room. Weiss flips on the light and Vaughn has to cover his eyes.
VAUGHN
Aw, damn, that's bright!
Weiss crosses his arms.
WEISS
What do you think you're doing?
VAUGHN
What do you mean? I thought I was staying here.
WEISS
It's 12:15 a.m.
VAUGHN
Sorry, mom. Should I have called and warned you I'd be late?
Vaughn starts to walk past Weiss but Weiss steps in front of him. Weiss looks him up and down paying particular attention to the sweatshirt and Vaughn's rather messy hair.
VAUGHN
Things didn't go quite as planned. We ended up at the Kings game.
WEISS
I see. So the date went poorly then?
VAUGHN
No. Actually it was wonderful. Do you want to sit up and braid each other's hair while we talk about it?
Weiss isn't budging.
WEISS
I want to know what the hell you're doing here.
VAUGHN
And I told you that last time I checked I was living here.
WEISS
I realize that. However you just went out on a 'wonderful' date with the woman you love, a date during which the two of you seemed to have [I]enjoyed[/I] yourself if your hair is any indication.
Vaughn tries to smooth down his hair.
WEISS
And yet somehow you're home before tomorrow afternoon.
VAUGHN
Is that what this is about? I told you, we're taking it slow.
WEISS
Yeah, well, I never thought you'd be stupid enough to go through with it.
VAUGHN
What the hell are you talking about?
Weiss grabs Vaughn and pushes him into the bathroom.
WEISS
Mike look at yourself in the mirror.
Vaughn does. His hair has obviously had Syd's hands in it and his lips look thoroughly kissed. Vaughn can't help but laugh at his appearance.
WEISS
How long has it been since you've looked this happy? This content?
Vaughn nods.
VAUGHN
It's been a while.
WEISS
And you're going to sleep on my couch? Why? You don't think she'll respect you in the morning?
He looks back over at Weiss.
VAUGHN
I just don't want to rush things. I want us to be like a normal couple this time where our first date doesn't end in a hail of gunfire and our fist kiss isn't in the middle of the remains of an international criminal syndicate!
Weiss puts a hand on his shoulder.
WEISS
I understand that. But if you wanted normal why are you dating her? What hope do the two of you have for a normal relationship? I don't mean that in a bad way just... What's more important? Normal or right?
VAUGHN
But why does that mean that we shouldn't take it slow?
WEISS
That's not what I'm saying.
VAUGHN
Well can you tell me what you are saying cause frankly I don't have a clue at this point.
WEISS
Sorry. I just have one more question and then I'll leave you alone. (beat) Do you and Syd really want to take it slow? Is that what feels right to you?
VAUGHN
That was two questions.
WEISS
Are you going to answer either of them?
VAUGHN
I just want it to be perfect this time, okay?!
He stops and realizes what he just said.
VAUGHN
Aww, hell...
Weiss smiles and pushes him toward the door.
WEISS
Good night. I'll see you... when I see you.
Weiss pushes him out the door and Vaughn turns back to look at him.
WEISS
I know. You're welcome.
He closes the door. Vaughn turns around and heads toward Syd's.
CUT TO:
Vaughn and Sydney are driving home after the game. Vaughn's at the wheel. She's still wearing his jacket and he's still wearing his sweatshirt. They're not talking but it's a comfortable silence. Syd looks like she's thinking seriously about something and then she turns to Vaughn with a smile.
SYDNEY
Thank you.
Vaughn looks over at her briefly and laughs.
VAUGHN
For what? The game was your idea.
SYDNEY
I know but that's not what I'm talking about.
She looks away from him and out the window.
SYDNEY
Ever since I woke up in Hong Kong I've felt so lost and... It wasn't like that tonight.
She looks back at him.
SYDNEY
Tonight felt good. I had fun.
Vaughn looks over at her and puts his hand on hers.
VAUGHN
I'm glad. I felt the same way. Ever since you died everything has felt so... wrong. And being with you tonight I can't say it was like the last few years never happened but I can say that for the first time in a long time things... things felt right.
He looks over at her again with a smile.
VAUGHN
I was able to be happy without feeling guilty because you were finally smiling again.
He glances at her with some uncertainty and squeezes her hand. She squeezes his hand back. Then she says his name in that way that only she can.
SYDNEY
Vaughn.
He glances at her again only to find her looking at him intently.
SYDNEY
I was smiling because of you. I know this wasn't the evening you had planned but I don't care. While I love you for the perfect man that you try to be I'm in love with the beautifully flawed man that you are. And I want you to be happy. I will always want you to be happy, no matter what happens to me.
He gives her a thankful nod as he stares out at the road to avoid looking at her.
VAUGHN
I love you too, Sydney. And because of that I can only be happy when you're happy. And I will always be sad when you're sad. And I will make certain that anyone that hurts you will pay dearly for it. Especially if that person is me.
SYDNEY
Yeah, well, I'll hurt anyone that hurts you so stop beating yourself up before I kick your ass.
He laughs lightly. They're stopped at a light and he takes the opportunity to lean over and give her a kiss on the cheek.
VAUGHN
I know you love me. And I know you don't blame me for the mistakes I've made. But it's not easy for me to let go of...
He sighs and continues to drive when the light turns green.
VAUGHN
I hurt you, Syd. And I can't stand it.
She nods and looks down at their hands.
SYDNEY
Yes, you did hurt me. And you will probably hurt me again in the future. But I will forgive you then just as I've forgiven you now. Just as you've forgiven me. Because I don't want your guilt and I don't expect your perfection. All I want is for you to be as happy as you make me and all I expect from you is... you.
They pull up to her house. He shifts in his seat and looks over at her with a grateful smile.
VAUGHN
Then I will do my best to give you what you want and expect.
She smiles back at him.
SYDNEY
That's all I ask. (beat) Well, that and a dance.
He wasn't expecting that.
VAUGHN
A dance?
SYDNEY
You promised me a dance, remember?
VAUGHN
We danced at the game.
SYDNEY
The chicken dance in between periods doesn't count.
He flashes her a smile.
VAUGHN
I know. I was just teasing. Next time we'll go dancing. I promise.
SYDNEY
Next time? I'm sorry but when did I agree to go out with you again?
VAUGHN
Now who's teasing?
He thinks for a moment and glances at the CD player in the dash.
VAUGHN
You know we might not have to wait until next time.
SYDNEY
We won't?
VAUGHN
If Cooter is Cooter then he'll have...
Vaughn turns on the stereo and starts switching from CD to CD. The first one comes on. It's "The Good Ole Hockey Game" by Stompin' Tom Connors. He gives her a smile.
VAUGHN
Appropriate yet not.
He switches to the next CD. It's Credence Clearwater Revival. She raises an eyebrow.
VAUGHN
Too Vietnam War movie.
She laughs. He switches to the next CD. It's The Charlie Daniel's Band and "The Devil Went Down to Georgia." He looks over at her.
VAUGHN
Great song but too fast.
SYDNEY
And you want to take things slow?
He raises an eyebrow suggestively before switching to the next CD. It's Lynard Skynard. He laughs.
VAUGHN
Too Cooter.
He looks anxious. Maybe Cooter doesn't have it. He switches the CD and slowly the voice of Elvis Preisley singing "I Can't Help Falling In Love" comes on. Turning up the volume he smiles at her before getting out and coming around to open her door. He then extends his hand to her.
VAUGHN
May I have this dance?
She laughs lightly and takes his hand.
SYDNEY
Yes, you may.
He pulls her up and close to him. They start to dance in the driveway. She looks at him.
SYDNEY
I love this song.
VAUGHN
You do?
She smiles at him.
SYDNEY
I do now.
He smiles as she lays her head on his shoulder and he holds her hand on his heart. When the music stops he leans down and kisses her tenderly. They pull away from each other slowly.
SYDNEY
As lovely as this was...
VAUGHN
It still doesn't count?
She shakes her head 'No' and starts to walk to her door. He watches her with the same amazing look he had in Double Agent when he was watching her cook. She usually opens the door rather quickly but finds that tonight she's having difficulty concentrating. Finally it opens and she looks back at him with a triumphant smile. Her smile fades when she sees the look on his face. She locks eyes with him and stands slowly. Suddenly his lips are on hers and he's pressing her up against the doorframe. They kiss, running their hands through each other's hair until they're forced to break apart so that they can breathe. He rests his forehead upon hers and when he speaks his voice is whispery and breathless.
VAUGHN
Sorry. I've been waiting to do that since the damn Zamboni interrupted us.
SYDNEY
For the record, you never have to apologize for doing [I]that[/I].
VAUGHN
Good to know.
They stand there for a second, neither of them moving until finally he closes his eyes.
VAUGHN
I should probably go.
SYDNEY
Right. We did agree to take this slow.
VAUGHN
Right. That is what we agreed upon.
He kisses her again lightly but he lingers. Finally he pulls away slightly.
VAUGHN
Good night then.
SYDNEY
Yeah. Good night.
He doesn't leave though. Instead he kisses her again.
SYDNEY
Vaughn.
VAUGHN
Uh-huh.
SYDNEY
If we're going to do this then one of us has to leave and since this is my house...
VAUGHN
Right.
He pulls away but he's holding her hands and wearing a smile.
VAUGHN
Good night.
She smiles at him.
SYDNEY
Good night.
Reluctantly he lets go of her hands and begins to back away from her. Finally he turns around but he only takes a few steps before he turns back to look at her again. She smiles and waves hesitantly before closing the door. But she doesn't leave, she looks out the peephole for a while before she turns around and slumps back against the door.
CUT TO:
INT. WEISS' PLACE
We see a clock which reads 12:15 a.m. Vaughn quietly unlocks the door and walks in. He turns around so that he can close the door without making any noise. When he turns back around Weiss is standing in the living room. Weiss flips on the light and Vaughn has to cover his eyes.
VAUGHN
Aw, damn, that's bright!
Weiss crosses his arms.
WEISS
What do you think you're doing?
VAUGHN
What do you mean? I thought I was staying here.
WEISS
It's 12:15 a.m.
VAUGHN
Sorry, mom. Should I have called and warned you I'd be late?
Vaughn starts to walk past Weiss but Weiss steps in front of him. Weiss looks him up and down paying particular attention to the sweatshirt and Vaughn's rather messy hair.
VAUGHN
Things didn't go quite as planned. We ended up at the Kings game.
WEISS
I see. So the date went poorly then?
VAUGHN
No. Actually it was wonderful. Do you want to sit up and braid each other's hair while we talk about it?
Weiss isn't budging.
WEISS
I want to know what the hell you're doing here.
VAUGHN
And I told you that last time I checked I was living here.
WEISS
I realize that. However you just went out on a 'wonderful' date with the woman you love, a date during which the two of you seemed to have [I]enjoyed[/I] yourself if your hair is any indication.
Vaughn tries to smooth down his hair.
WEISS
And yet somehow you're home before tomorrow afternoon.
VAUGHN
Is that what this is about? I told you, we're taking it slow.
WEISS
Yeah, well, I never thought you'd be stupid enough to go through with it.
VAUGHN
What the hell are you talking about?
Weiss grabs Vaughn and pushes him into the bathroom.
WEISS
Mike look at yourself in the mirror.
Vaughn does. His hair has obviously had Syd's hands in it and his lips look thoroughly kissed. Vaughn can't help but laugh at his appearance.
WEISS
How long has it been since you've looked this happy? This content?
Vaughn nods.
VAUGHN
It's been a while.
WEISS
And you're going to sleep on my couch? Why? You don't think she'll respect you in the morning?
He looks back over at Weiss.
VAUGHN
I just don't want to rush things. I want us to be like a normal couple this time where our first date doesn't end in a hail of gunfire and our fist kiss isn't in the middle of the remains of an international criminal syndicate!
Weiss puts a hand on his shoulder.
WEISS
I understand that. But if you wanted normal why are you dating her? What hope do the two of you have for a normal relationship? I don't mean that in a bad way just... What's more important? Normal or right?
VAUGHN
But why does that mean that we shouldn't take it slow?
WEISS
That's not what I'm saying.
VAUGHN
Well can you tell me what you are saying cause frankly I don't have a clue at this point.
WEISS
Sorry. I just have one more question and then I'll leave you alone. (beat) Do you and Syd really want to take it slow? Is that what feels right to you?
VAUGHN
That was two questions.
WEISS
Are you going to answer either of them?
VAUGHN
I just want it to be perfect this time, okay?!
He stops and realizes what he just said.
VAUGHN
Aww, hell...
Weiss smiles and pushes him toward the door.
WEISS
Good night. I'll see you... when I see you.
Weiss pushes him out the door and Vaughn turns back to look at him.
WEISS
I know. You're welcome.
He closes the door. Vaughn turns around and heads toward Syd's.
CUT TO:
