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, "The Stupid Things," by Thicke.
INT. BAR - AFTERNOON
Vaughn is sitting at the bar looking and feeling extremely dejected. He has a glass in front of him that, by the way he's staring into it, must contain the answer to life, the universe, and everything. Although it's probably just whiskey. The only time he looks up from it is when Jack comes and sits down next to him.
JACK
What are you doing?
Vaughn scoffs.
VAUGHN
Why the hell would you care?
JACK
I don't. But Sydney does.
VAUGHN
Given everything that's happened I seriously doubt that.
JACK
Why? When has she ever given you reason to believe that she's stopped caring about you?
VAUGHN
She should.
JACK
But she hasn't.
VAUGHN
I'm sure you'll convince her otherwise.
JACK
I doubt that I could. You know how stubborn she can be.
VAUGHN
Yeah. She doesn't even leave when you're a complete ass and you try to push her away.
JACK
Is that what you're doing?
VAUGHN
It's the best for all involved.
JACK
Not from where I'm sitting.
Vaughn glances over to find Jack looking at him. Vaughn quickly looks back down again.
VAUGHN
Look, we both know she's better off without me.
JACK
Why?
Vaughn looks up in surprise.
VAUGHN
Are you serious?
JACK
Have you ever seen me otherwise?
Vaughn turns to face Jack.
VAUGHN
Fine. You want to know the truth? I just can't see why or how she could ever forgive me after everything that I've done to her.
Jack voice lowers to slightly above a whisper.
JACK
Neither could I. After everything I did to her.
VAUGHN
That was different. You're her father. You'll always be her father no matter what. I'm just the idiot that betrayed her trust.
Vaughn turns away from Jack to take a swig of his drink. Jack just watches him.
JACK
You are an idiot. And you were completely fooled by Lauren. Used. Manipulated. But you and your situation are far from unique. That's why I can assure you that this is not the answer.
Vaughn doesn't say anything for a second so Jack adds.
JACK
Then again you should already know that given how well it worked for you when she died.
That earns Jack a sharp look.
VAUGHN
If this isn't the answer then what is? It's not like I can ever go back and not marry Lauren.
JACK
No. You can't. However, Mr. Vaughn, what you need to remember is that you hurt my daughter. And I'm not even referring to your marriage to Lauren. What I'm referring to is the way that you've treated Sydney ever since she returned. She deserved more from you. But there's nothing to be done about that either. In fact the only honorable action available to you now, the one that she deserves, is an apology if not an explanation.
Vaughn shakes his head.
VAUGHN
Does it even matter anymore?
JACK
That's not for you to decide. Sydney has the right to know why you treated her the way that you did. Then armed with that knowledge she has the right to decide whether or not she wants to forgive you. You have no rights, only responsibilities.
Vaughn looks down chastened. Jack sighs.
JACK
I'm not here to make you feel even worse about what you've done. Knowing you, knowing your father, I sincerely doubt that that would be possible. My reason for being here is simple: Sydney. Whether I like it or not you're an important person in her life and if that situation is going to continue then there are steps that you need to take.
Vaughn is now looking into his empty glass.
VAUGHN
Actually I'm thinking about resigning from the Agency.
JACK
Again, how well did that work for you last time?
Jack waits until he has Vaughn's full attention before he continues.
JACK
Sydney may have been able to recover from losing Danny and Noah but losing you... This is her decision, not yours. If she wants to make you feel like a jackass for what you've done, she will. If she wants you to leave, she'll ask you to do so. And if she wants to forgive you, you better be willing to earn it.
VAUGHN
What could I possibly do that would ever make up for what I've done?
JACK
As far as I'm concerned? Nothing. But fortunately for you that isn't my question to answer. It's Sydney's.
Vaughn sighs and his shoulders drop even further. He mumbles:
VAUGHN
He would be so disappointed in me.
Jack looks at him and shakes his head.
JACK
Who? Your father? Perhaps. But he would also understand that his son would never intentionally hurt someone that he loved. That what happened was a mistake born out of weakness.
VAUGHN
Don't you mean stupidity?
JACK
I know what I mean, thank you very much. You were vulnerable and she took advantage of that.
VAUGHN
No. I was an idiot and she took advantage of that.
Jack stands.
JACK
Fine. Forget everything I've said. If this is how you feel, if you're going to continue to act like a petulant child, then I'll expect your resignation in the morning and I don't want to see you anywhere near my daughter ever again.
That gets Vaughn's attention and he stands shakily, grabbing onto the bar for support.
VAUGHN
Now wait a minute...
JACK
A minute? I've been waiting for you ever since I asked you to join my investigation into Sydney's death. I'm tired of waiting. And I will not stand by while you continue to hurt her. I want you out of her life.
Vaughn lets go of the bar and stands toe-to-toe with Jack, his voice low and tense.
VAUGHN
I'm sorry but that isn't your decision to make.
Jack gives it right back to him.
JACK
I'm her father and I'm making it my decision.
VAUGHN
And just how do you think Sydney's going to feel about that?
JACK
She'll be absolutely livid. But, in time, she'll understand that it was all for the best.
VAUGHN
What if I don't agree with that assessment?
Jack's tone grows even colder.
JACK
Then I suppose I'll just have to convince you.
VAUGHN
Are you threatening me?
JACK
Do I need to threaten you? I was under the impression that you believed my daughter's life would improve without you in it. Has that changed in the last minute?
Vaughn stops, deflated, and sits back on the bar stool.
JACK
Just as I thought. If she truly means that much to you then you'll stop wallowing in self-pity and start acting as if you want to be a part of her life.
VAUGHN
But what if she doesn't want that?
JACK
Then I'm sure she'll make that perfectly clear to you when you attempt to apologize. Believe me when I say that she's quite proficient at that.
Vaughn raises his eyebrows as if to say, "No kidding."
JACK
Mr. Vaughn, if there is one trait that you've been lacking it's decisiveness. I suggest that you attend to that deficiency and speak to my daughter. After you've sobered up, of course.
Vaughn nods.
JACK
Good. Then let's go.
Vaughn stands, slightly unsteady and very confused.
VAUGHN
Where?
Jack deadpans it.
JACK
Someplace where they won't find your body.
Vaughn looks at him.
JACK
You're drunk. I will not have you die in a car accident before you've had the chance to properly grovel before my daughter and ask for her forgiveness. Understood?
VAUGHN
Yes, sir.
JACK
Then grab your coat.
CUT TO:
EXT. JACK'S HOUSE
Jack parks and Vaughn sits up.
VAUGHN
Hey, this isn't my house?
JACK
Quite an astute observation, Mr. Vaughn.
Jack gets out and goes to the passenger side opening the door for Vaughn.
VAUGHN
Where are we?
JACK
My house.
Vaughn gets out of the car.
VAUGHN
Your house?
JACK
Even I have to live somewhere.
Vaughn turns to him, ignoring his snide remark.
VAUGHN
Wait, I don't get it. Why...
Jack sighs.
JACK
Would you rather I had taken you to the empty house you once shared with her so that you could spend the evening alone dwelling on your failures?
VAUGHN
Hadn't thought of that.
They start walking up to the door. Vaughn requires a steadying hand from Jack.
JACK
Apparently you haven't thought of a lot of things.
They walk in and Vaughn looks around but doesn't have much time before Jack is walking him to the bedroom.
JACK
You can sleep in here.
Vaughn sits on the bed still disoriented and confused. He looks up at Jack.
VAUGHN
Jack, why are you doing this?
Jack sighs and runs his hand through his hair.
JACK
Must I spell it out for you?
Vaughn just continues to look at him like a lost little boy. Jack spells it out.
JACK
To be honest, I shouldn't be the one doing this. It should be Weiss or your father or anyone other than myself. However they're not here. And even if they were none of them would understand what it's like to realize that you've been used, manipulated, and humiliated in the most intimate of ways. They couldn't comprehend how lost that makes you feel. How incensed and embarrassed you are. They don't know what it's like to spend hours, even days, reviewing every moment trying to find the tiniest of clues that could have tipped you off. They wouldn't realize that you're pushing them away not because you no longer love them but because you loathe yourself. And most importantly they wouldn't be able to tell you that Sydney doesn't need your anger or your self-recrimination. What she needs most is you, just you. Almost as much as you need her.
Jack pauses, drained.
JACK
Does that answer your question?
Vaughn just nods, unable to speak.
JACK
Then don't wait twenty years to rectify the mistakes you've made in the last two.
Vaughn finally finds his voice.
VAUGHN
Jack...
JACK
Get some rest.
Vaughn nods.
VAUGHN
Thank you.
Jack nods and leaves the room.
CUT TO:
A/N: The title comes from the song, "The Stupid Things," by Thicke.
INT. BAR - AFTERNOON
Vaughn is sitting at the bar looking and feeling extremely dejected. He has a glass in front of him that, by the way he's staring into it, must contain the answer to life, the universe, and everything. Although it's probably just whiskey. The only time he looks up from it is when Jack comes and sits down next to him.
JACK
What are you doing?
Vaughn scoffs.
VAUGHN
Why the hell would you care?
JACK
I don't. But Sydney does.
VAUGHN
Given everything that's happened I seriously doubt that.
JACK
Why? When has she ever given you reason to believe that she's stopped caring about you?
VAUGHN
She should.
JACK
But she hasn't.
VAUGHN
I'm sure you'll convince her otherwise.
JACK
I doubt that I could. You know how stubborn she can be.
VAUGHN
Yeah. She doesn't even leave when you're a complete ass and you try to push her away.
JACK
Is that what you're doing?
VAUGHN
It's the best for all involved.
JACK
Not from where I'm sitting.
Vaughn glances over to find Jack looking at him. Vaughn quickly looks back down again.
VAUGHN
Look, we both know she's better off without me.
JACK
Why?
Vaughn looks up in surprise.
VAUGHN
Are you serious?
JACK
Have you ever seen me otherwise?
Vaughn turns to face Jack.
VAUGHN
Fine. You want to know the truth? I just can't see why or how she could ever forgive me after everything that I've done to her.
Jack voice lowers to slightly above a whisper.
JACK
Neither could I. After everything I did to her.
VAUGHN
That was different. You're her father. You'll always be her father no matter what. I'm just the idiot that betrayed her trust.
Vaughn turns away from Jack to take a swig of his drink. Jack just watches him.
JACK
You are an idiot. And you were completely fooled by Lauren. Used. Manipulated. But you and your situation are far from unique. That's why I can assure you that this is not the answer.
Vaughn doesn't say anything for a second so Jack adds.
JACK
Then again you should already know that given how well it worked for you when she died.
That earns Jack a sharp look.
VAUGHN
If this isn't the answer then what is? It's not like I can ever go back and not marry Lauren.
JACK
No. You can't. However, Mr. Vaughn, what you need to remember is that you hurt my daughter. And I'm not even referring to your marriage to Lauren. What I'm referring to is the way that you've treated Sydney ever since she returned. She deserved more from you. But there's nothing to be done about that either. In fact the only honorable action available to you now, the one that she deserves, is an apology if not an explanation.
Vaughn shakes his head.
VAUGHN
Does it even matter anymore?
JACK
That's not for you to decide. Sydney has the right to know why you treated her the way that you did. Then armed with that knowledge she has the right to decide whether or not she wants to forgive you. You have no rights, only responsibilities.
Vaughn looks down chastened. Jack sighs.
JACK
I'm not here to make you feel even worse about what you've done. Knowing you, knowing your father, I sincerely doubt that that would be possible. My reason for being here is simple: Sydney. Whether I like it or not you're an important person in her life and if that situation is going to continue then there are steps that you need to take.
Vaughn is now looking into his empty glass.
VAUGHN
Actually I'm thinking about resigning from the Agency.
JACK
Again, how well did that work for you last time?
Jack waits until he has Vaughn's full attention before he continues.
JACK
Sydney may have been able to recover from losing Danny and Noah but losing you... This is her decision, not yours. If she wants to make you feel like a jackass for what you've done, she will. If she wants you to leave, she'll ask you to do so. And if she wants to forgive you, you better be willing to earn it.
VAUGHN
What could I possibly do that would ever make up for what I've done?
JACK
As far as I'm concerned? Nothing. But fortunately for you that isn't my question to answer. It's Sydney's.
Vaughn sighs and his shoulders drop even further. He mumbles:
VAUGHN
He would be so disappointed in me.
Jack looks at him and shakes his head.
JACK
Who? Your father? Perhaps. But he would also understand that his son would never intentionally hurt someone that he loved. That what happened was a mistake born out of weakness.
VAUGHN
Don't you mean stupidity?
JACK
I know what I mean, thank you very much. You were vulnerable and she took advantage of that.
VAUGHN
No. I was an idiot and she took advantage of that.
Jack stands.
JACK
Fine. Forget everything I've said. If this is how you feel, if you're going to continue to act like a petulant child, then I'll expect your resignation in the morning and I don't want to see you anywhere near my daughter ever again.
That gets Vaughn's attention and he stands shakily, grabbing onto the bar for support.
VAUGHN
Now wait a minute...
JACK
A minute? I've been waiting for you ever since I asked you to join my investigation into Sydney's death. I'm tired of waiting. And I will not stand by while you continue to hurt her. I want you out of her life.
Vaughn lets go of the bar and stands toe-to-toe with Jack, his voice low and tense.
VAUGHN
I'm sorry but that isn't your decision to make.
Jack gives it right back to him.
JACK
I'm her father and I'm making it my decision.
VAUGHN
And just how do you think Sydney's going to feel about that?
JACK
She'll be absolutely livid. But, in time, she'll understand that it was all for the best.
VAUGHN
What if I don't agree with that assessment?
Jack's tone grows even colder.
JACK
Then I suppose I'll just have to convince you.
VAUGHN
Are you threatening me?
JACK
Do I need to threaten you? I was under the impression that you believed my daughter's life would improve without you in it. Has that changed in the last minute?
Vaughn stops, deflated, and sits back on the bar stool.
JACK
Just as I thought. If she truly means that much to you then you'll stop wallowing in self-pity and start acting as if you want to be a part of her life.
VAUGHN
But what if she doesn't want that?
JACK
Then I'm sure she'll make that perfectly clear to you when you attempt to apologize. Believe me when I say that she's quite proficient at that.
Vaughn raises his eyebrows as if to say, "No kidding."
JACK
Mr. Vaughn, if there is one trait that you've been lacking it's decisiveness. I suggest that you attend to that deficiency and speak to my daughter. After you've sobered up, of course.
Vaughn nods.
JACK
Good. Then let's go.
Vaughn stands, slightly unsteady and very confused.
VAUGHN
Where?
Jack deadpans it.
JACK
Someplace where they won't find your body.
Vaughn looks at him.
JACK
You're drunk. I will not have you die in a car accident before you've had the chance to properly grovel before my daughter and ask for her forgiveness. Understood?
VAUGHN
Yes, sir.
JACK
Then grab your coat.
CUT TO:
EXT. JACK'S HOUSE
Jack parks and Vaughn sits up.
VAUGHN
Hey, this isn't my house?
JACK
Quite an astute observation, Mr. Vaughn.
Jack gets out and goes to the passenger side opening the door for Vaughn.
VAUGHN
Where are we?
JACK
My house.
Vaughn gets out of the car.
VAUGHN
Your house?
JACK
Even I have to live somewhere.
Vaughn turns to him, ignoring his snide remark.
VAUGHN
Wait, I don't get it. Why...
Jack sighs.
JACK
Would you rather I had taken you to the empty house you once shared with her so that you could spend the evening alone dwelling on your failures?
VAUGHN
Hadn't thought of that.
They start walking up to the door. Vaughn requires a steadying hand from Jack.
JACK
Apparently you haven't thought of a lot of things.
They walk in and Vaughn looks around but doesn't have much time before Jack is walking him to the bedroom.
JACK
You can sleep in here.
Vaughn sits on the bed still disoriented and confused. He looks up at Jack.
VAUGHN
Jack, why are you doing this?
Jack sighs and runs his hand through his hair.
JACK
Must I spell it out for you?
Vaughn just continues to look at him like a lost little boy. Jack spells it out.
JACK
To be honest, I shouldn't be the one doing this. It should be Weiss or your father or anyone other than myself. However they're not here. And even if they were none of them would understand what it's like to realize that you've been used, manipulated, and humiliated in the most intimate of ways. They couldn't comprehend how lost that makes you feel. How incensed and embarrassed you are. They don't know what it's like to spend hours, even days, reviewing every moment trying to find the tiniest of clues that could have tipped you off. They wouldn't realize that you're pushing them away not because you no longer love them but because you loathe yourself. And most importantly they wouldn't be able to tell you that Sydney doesn't need your anger or your self-recrimination. What she needs most is you, just you. Almost as much as you need her.
Jack pauses, drained.
JACK
Does that answer your question?
Vaughn just nods, unable to speak.
JACK
Then don't wait twenty years to rectify the mistakes you've made in the last two.
Vaughn finally finds his voice.
VAUGHN
Jack...
JACK
Get some rest.
Vaughn nods.
VAUGHN
Thank you.
Jack nods and leaves the room.
CUT TO: