INT. JACK'S LIVING ROOM
Jack is sleeping on the couch when he hears retching from the bathroom in his room. With a sigh he rips off the blanket covering him and walks to the kitchen. We don't follow him and instead move into the bathroom to see Vaughn sitting on the floor next to the toilet just as he finishes throwing up. He's only wearing his boxers and he's pale and sweaty with dark circles under his eyes. With a groan he leans back against the bathroom wall and lets his eyes close. He hears movement out in the kitchen and goes to get up but he just doesn't have the strength so he allows himself to lean back again. It isn't long before the noise stops and he hears Jack walking into the bedroom and then the bathroom. Vaughn sighs and looks up to find Jack wearing nothing but his boxers holding a class of water and a slice of toast.
JACK
Here.
Vaughn takes them both but stares at the toast. His voice comes out as a croak:
VAUGHN
Toast?
JACK
To settle your stomach. And so you can take these.
Jack moves around Vaughn and opens the medicine cabinet above the sink to get out a couple of aspirins. Vaughn takes a few bites of the toast and a sip of water before Jack hands him the pills. Vaughn takes them and settles back against the wall with a groan. Jack flushes the toilet and stands in the doorway looking down at Vaughn. Vaughn glances up at him mirthlessly.
VAUGHN
I must look pretty pathetic right now.
Jack shrugs and leans against the doorjamb.
JACK
We all have our moments.
Vaughn finishes the toast and takes a sip before he leans his head back and closes his eyes again.
VAUGHN
Do you think she'll forgive me?
JACK
You have to apologize first. (beat) But if you do... Well, do you think I'd be helping you if I thought she wasn't?
Vaughn nods and quickly regrets it.
JACK
Come on. Let's get you back to bed.
Jack takes the water from Vaughn and sets it on the sink before helping the younger man to his feet. Vaughn tries to stand on his own but quickly reaches out to place a steadying hand on Jack's shoulder with a groan.
VAUGHN
What the hell was I thinking?
Jack supports Vaughn and helps him toward the bed.
JACK
I paid your bar tab. I don't believe you were physically capable of thinking.
Jack sits Vaughn on the edge of the bed.
VAUGHN
I mean when I married Lauren.
There's a desk and chair next to the bed and Jack grabs the chair to sit in front of Vaughn. Jack takes one look at Vaughn, sighs, and looks away.
JACK
Grief can destroy even the strongest of men.
Vaughn looks up at Jack, entreating him.
VAUGHN
How did you do it? After what happened with Irina how did you cope?
Jack looks at Vaughn and shakes his head.
JACK
I didn't. Sydney and I were estranged for a reason.
Vaughn looks down again in understanding. Then in a much sharper deeper voice he asks:
VAUGHN
Did you ever want to kill her?
Jack deadpans:
JACK
I assume you mean Irina and not Sydney.
Vaughn looks up at Jack annoyed.
VAUGHN
I'm too hungover for smartass remarks, Jack.
Jack doesn't blink and simply asks:
JACK
Have you forgotten Madagascar?
Vaughn hesitates, thinking that Jack might be threatening him but then he realizes that Jack is merely answering his question.
VAUGHN
I see.
They're both quiet for a second as they look away. A sigh from Jack gets Vaughn's attention.
JACK
It's perfectly understandable, though, to feel that way. More destructive than productive but understandable.
VAUGHN
Does it ever get any easier?
JACK
You'll never look back fondly on any of this. But with time and effort recovery is possible.
VAUGHN
I just can't get over how gullible I was.
JACK
As I said, we all have our moments. Especially when love is involved.
VAUGHN
But that's the worst of it. I didn't really love Lauren. I thought I might but in comparison to the way I felt for Sydney... I cared about her and it was easy to be with her but that was the extent of it. And ever since Sydney came back it was barely even that.
Jack is obviously uncomfortable.
JACK
You need to be telling Sydney this. Not me.
Vaughn looks at Jack with a raised eyebrow.
VAUGHN
All this talk about emotions making you uncomfortable, Jack?
Jack gives him a warning look.
VAUGHN
Sorry.
JACK
Go back to sleep.
Then with an overdramatic exasperated sigh Jack adds:
JACK
You obviously need it.
Vaughn settles back into bed as Jack brings the glass of water to his bedside and leaves the room.
CUT TO:
INT. JACK'S BATHROOM
Jack's standing in front of the mirror tying his tie. The door is closed and when he finishes he opens is slowly to reveal Vaughn still passed out in bed. For what must be the thousandth time in the last 12 hours Jack sighs and shakes his head. Quietly he exits the bedroom and makes his way to the living room where his briefcase and two sets of keys are waiting for him by the door. He leaves and closes the door carefully, locking it behind him, and taking his cell out of his pocket. On his way to his car he makes a call.
JACK
Mr. Weiss? Are you still at home? Good. Stay there. I'll be by to pick you up shortly.
CUT TO:
INT. VAUGHN'S CAR
Jack is sitting in front of Weiss' house waiting for him to finish locking his door and get into the car. Weiss does so hesitantly, looking around in confusion as he buckles his seat belt. Jack begins to drive off and Weiss looks at him nervously.
WEISS
Hey, isn't this Vaughn's car?
Jack is expressionless but there's a bit of mirth in his eyes. The man can be quite cruel.
JACK
Yes. It is.
Weiss pales slightly.
WEISS
Um, is everything okay?
JACK
Do you honestly believe that I would be picking you up in Vaughn's car if that were the case?
Weiss swallow hard. What the hell is going on?
JACK
How long has it been since you've seen Mr. Vaughn?
Weiss blinks and starts to panic.
WEISS
Um, a few days. Why? What happened? Is he alright?
JACK
If you mean aside from being too hungover to stand, then he's fine.
Weiss is confused.
WEISS
Okay, wait, maybe you should start from the beginning.
JACK
I became concerned for Mr. Vaughn when I discovered several sizable bar tabs on his credit card statement so I went to the bar he'd been frequenting and took him home.
WEISS
In his car?
JACK
Of course. I had no desire to clean up after him if he'd thrown up in mine.
Weiss is still processing what Jack just said.
WEISS
Hold on, did you say, you were concerned for Vaughn?
JACK
Weren't you?
WEISS
Well, yeah, but...
JACK
And yet you haven't seen or spoken to him in a few days?
WEISS
Hey, I tried to approach him after what happened but he didn't want to hear it. So I figured I'd give him some space until he was ready.
JACK
When do you think that would have been?
WEISS
Apparently sooner than I thought.
JACK
I'm not criticizing you, Mr. Weiss, merely correcting you. The last thing Vaughn needs right now is space. It will only give him more room to wallow and mope.
WEISS
That bad, huh?
JACK
He could use your help.
Weiss nods.
JACK
At the moment he's asleep at my house. He's going to need his car and a change of clothes since it's probably not a good idea for him to return home at the moment.
WEISS
I agree. I'll pick some stuff up for him and take it to him.
JACK
Good. I'll leave you this car once we retrieve mine.
Weiss is looking strangely at Jack. Jack notices.
JACK
What?
WEISS
I'm just surprised that you're doing this for him. I mean, after everything that's happened.
JACK
I have my reasons.
Weiss nods.
WEISS
Sydney.
Jack continues to stare out at the road.
JACK
Among other things.
CUT TO:
INT. JACK'S HOUSE
Vaughn rolls out of bed with a groan and notices the time. It's just after 9am. He groans again. Groggily he stumbles out to the living room only to find that Jack's already left. He notices something in the kitchen and walks over to it. On the counter, neatly laid out, are a toaster, a loaf of bread, a box of oatmeal, a bowl, a spoon, a couple of aspirins, a mug, and a pot. There's also a note: "Press start." He's confused until he notices the coffee pot. He presses start. Then he looks back at the things on the counter, slightly stunned. After a second he shrugs and sets out to make breakfast for himself.
CUT TO:
INT. JACK'S HOUSE
Vaughn is sitting at the table eating his oatmeal and toast while drinking his coffee when there's a knock on the door. He looks at the door and freezes. There's another knock and he hears:
WEISS
Hey, Mike. It's me. You awake yet?
Vaughn opens the door, looking relieved.
VAUGHN
Thank God, it's you.
Weiss walks in with a duffle.
WEISS
Who'd you think it was? Jack?
VAUGHN
Actually I'm more afraid of people that might visit Jack.
Weiss laughs as the two of them sit across from each other.
WEISS
Yeah, I think even Jehovah's Witnesses know well enough to avoid him.
Vaughn looks at the duffle at Weiss' feet.
VAUGHN
I'm assuming he sent you over.
WEISS
Bearing keys and clothes. Which by the smell of it you need.
VAUGHN
Good morning to you too.
WEISS
Sorry, man, but you reek. How much did you have to drink last night?
VAUGHN
I'm not sure. Somewhere between too much and not enough.
WEISS
I know how that goes.
Weiss looks around.
WEISS
So this is where Jack lives.
Vaughn looks around too. The house is done up in rich dark woods and leather.
VAUGHN
Yeah. I'm not sure what I expected but this isn't it.
WEISS
I know. I think I half expected him to have a Batcave or something.
Vaughn laughs.
VAUGHN
I'm sure he has a Fortress of Solitude somewhere. I told you about his secret stash of weapons, right?
WEISS
Oh, yeah. They should be calling him Boy Scout, not you.
VAUGHN
The man had several million stashed away just in case. I'd say he's more of an Eagle Scout, wouldn't you?
WEISS
Can you imagine Jack earning merit badges?
VAUGHN
In what? Torture and intimidation?
WEISS
Don't forget decorating.
They both laugh. Weiss notices the food.
WEISS
He cooked you breakfast? How "morning after" of him.
Vaughn glares at Weiss.
VAUGHN
He didn't cook for me he just left the stuff out.
WEISS
He brought you home to sober you up and feed you? I'd be terrified of what he'll ask you to do in return.
Vaughn becomes a bit more serious and looks down at his oatmeal.
VAUGHN
He wants me to talk to Sydney and apologize.
WEISS
He had to tell you to do that? I would've thought that would've been obvious.
VAUGHN
I know. I'm an idiot.
Weiss decides to try and lighten the moment.
WEISS
I've actually always considered you more of a nitwit.
Vaughn gives Weiss a dirty look but it's without malice.
VAUGHN
Would you like to know what I think of you right now?
WEISS
Sorry. I forgot how grumpy you get when you're hungover.
Vaughn rolls his eyes.
VAUGHN
I really don't need this right now.
WEISS
No, but you do need these.
Weiss holds the duffle out to him while pinching his nose. Vaughn sniffs himself.
VAUGHN
It's really not that bad.
After he says this he takes another bite of his oatmeal, making a slight face as he swallows. Weiss picks up on it.
WEISS
Then why does your oatmeal taste like booze?
Vaughn looks up surprised then slightly annoyed. Weiss just shrugs. Vaughn sighs.
VAUGHN
Can we not talk about how crappy I feel?
WEISS
Sure. To be honest I'm just relieved to find you alive. When Jack picked me up in your car I was sure he'd finally taken you behind the woodshed and shot you in the face. And I was gonna be next.
VAUGHN
Behind the woodshed?
WEISS
It's an expression. Would you have preferred "opened a can"? Cause I almost went with that but it seemed a tad outdated.
Vaughn shakes his head.
WEISS
Go ahead and laugh. You know you want to.
Vaughn finally relents and smiles.
VAUGHN
Actually there was a moment when I feared for my life.
WEISS
Only a moment?
VAUGHN
I was too drunk to know better.
WEISS
Aw, my preferred state.
Vaughn chuckles and looks down while he pushes his oatmeal around. Weiss regards his friend and sighs.
WEISS
Hey, look, I'm sorry I wasn't there last night. Or the last couple of days.
Vaughn looks up in surprise.
VAUGHN
You're sorry? I'm the one that should apologize.
WEISS
Still...
VAUGHN
Don't worry about it. You tried. It's not your fault I was a complete jerk.
WEISS
So we're good?
VAUGHN
Of course.
Awkward guy silence. They're both kind of looking around and Vaughn sniffs himself again.
VAUGHN
Whew! Why didn't you tell me I stunk so bad?
This Weiss can handle.
WEISS
What am I? Your mother?
Vaughn smiles.
VAUGHN
You did bring me a change of clothes.
WEISS
Only because Jack made me. Now hurry up and take a shower so we can go. This place makes me nervous.
VAUGHN
Why can't you just take me back to my place?
Weiss looks at him warily.
WEISS
How long has it been since you went to your place?
Vaughn thinks about it.
VAUGHN
I'm actually not sure.
WEISS
I'm sorry, man, but the CIA tore it apart the second they found out the truth about Lauren.
VAUGHN
Oh.
WEISS
Where the hell have you been the last few days?
VAUGHN
I guess everywhere but home. Although I suppose I should stop calling it that. (beat) And find a place to stay.
WEISS
What do you mean find a place to stay? You're staying with me so I can make sure you don't wander off again.
VAUGHN
Thanks. (beat) Oh, crap!
He looks at Weiss in a panic.
WEISS
Don't worry, Donovan's fine. I've been watching him.
VAUGHN
Thank God. I can't believe I forgot him.
WEISS
That's what you have me for. Now will you take a shower so you can take me to work? I'd play hooky with you but something tells me you'd rather spend your time with someone else.
VAUGHN
Probably. I don't know what I'm going to say though.
WEISS
I don't know either. But I figure you tell her that you're sorry and that you love her in as many ways as you can. After that flash her that ladykilling sly grin of yours and there's no way she'd refuse you.
VAUGHN
Yeah, that's it.
Vaughn sighs.
WEISS
If you're going to mope can you do it while you're in the shower...
VAUGHN
Alright, already. I'm going.
He stands and takes the duffle bag from Weiss.
WEISS
Good. I'll clean up.
VAUGHN
Thanks.
Vaughn starts walking to the bathroom when Weiss calls out:
WEISS
Hey, what do you think Jack has in his kitchen drunk drawer? My money's on a tactical nuke.
VAUGHN
I think that's one of those questions that's better left unanswered.
CUT TO:
INT. CIA BREAKROOM
Sydney is alone leaning against the counter and staring into her cup of her coffee when Jack walks in. He instantly notices her demeanor but doesn't acknowledge it at first.
JACK
Morning, sweetheart.
Sydney doesn't look up.
SYDNEY
Hey, Dad.
Jack looks at her again and sighs. He starts pouring his own cup and tries to sound conversational.
JACK
Is everything okay?
SYDNEY
Yeah. Fine. Why?
She sounds utterly unconvincing. Jack is done and moves in front of her leaning against the opposite counter. He looks at her until she looks up and realizes he doesn't believe her. Now it's her turn to sigh.
SYDNEY
I'm just worried about Vaughn. After everything that's happened I hate to think that he's out here having to deal with it all alone. I'd do something but it's just so awkward between us and then Weiss said that the last time he talked to Vaughn he didn't want any help so I don't know.
Jack nods.
JACK
You don't have to worry anymore. I can assure you that he's fine.
Sydney looks at her dad like, "Wha?"
JACK
He stayed with me last night.
Her expression doesn't change. Jack sighs.
JACK
I knew you'd be concerned so I checked up on him and he wasn't doing too well. So I thought it best to stop him before he hurt himself or anyone else. I would have called you but there were some things I need to say to him that I couldn't in your presence. Besides, he probably didn't want you to see him like that anyway.
She finally manages to speak.
SYDNEY
I don't understand.
JACK
Hopefully you will once you speak to him.
SYDNEY
You didn't ask him to leave did you?
JACK
No. Of course not. Well, not exactly.
Sydney's still confused.
JACK
Sydney, don't worry. He's fine. I didn't hurt him and I didn't scare him off. All I did was provide him with advice and a place to stay.
Sydney relaxes and smiles.
SYDNEY
Because you knew I'd be concerned about him.
Jack nods.
Sydney leans up and kisses him on the cheek.
SYDNEY
Thanks, Dad.
He looks at her warmly, happy to see that she's feeling better.
JACK
You're welcome.
She gives him an even bigger smile, takes her coffee, and leaves. Jack watches her go and nods contentedly to himself. Mission accomplished.
CUT TO:
Jack is sleeping on the couch when he hears retching from the bathroom in his room. With a sigh he rips off the blanket covering him and walks to the kitchen. We don't follow him and instead move into the bathroom to see Vaughn sitting on the floor next to the toilet just as he finishes throwing up. He's only wearing his boxers and he's pale and sweaty with dark circles under his eyes. With a groan he leans back against the bathroom wall and lets his eyes close. He hears movement out in the kitchen and goes to get up but he just doesn't have the strength so he allows himself to lean back again. It isn't long before the noise stops and he hears Jack walking into the bedroom and then the bathroom. Vaughn sighs and looks up to find Jack wearing nothing but his boxers holding a class of water and a slice of toast.
JACK
Here.
Vaughn takes them both but stares at the toast. His voice comes out as a croak:
VAUGHN
Toast?
JACK
To settle your stomach. And so you can take these.
Jack moves around Vaughn and opens the medicine cabinet above the sink to get out a couple of aspirins. Vaughn takes a few bites of the toast and a sip of water before Jack hands him the pills. Vaughn takes them and settles back against the wall with a groan. Jack flushes the toilet and stands in the doorway looking down at Vaughn. Vaughn glances up at him mirthlessly.
VAUGHN
I must look pretty pathetic right now.
Jack shrugs and leans against the doorjamb.
JACK
We all have our moments.
Vaughn finishes the toast and takes a sip before he leans his head back and closes his eyes again.
VAUGHN
Do you think she'll forgive me?
JACK
You have to apologize first. (beat) But if you do... Well, do you think I'd be helping you if I thought she wasn't?
Vaughn nods and quickly regrets it.
JACK
Come on. Let's get you back to bed.
Jack takes the water from Vaughn and sets it on the sink before helping the younger man to his feet. Vaughn tries to stand on his own but quickly reaches out to place a steadying hand on Jack's shoulder with a groan.
VAUGHN
What the hell was I thinking?
Jack supports Vaughn and helps him toward the bed.
JACK
I paid your bar tab. I don't believe you were physically capable of thinking.
Jack sits Vaughn on the edge of the bed.
VAUGHN
I mean when I married Lauren.
There's a desk and chair next to the bed and Jack grabs the chair to sit in front of Vaughn. Jack takes one look at Vaughn, sighs, and looks away.
JACK
Grief can destroy even the strongest of men.
Vaughn looks up at Jack, entreating him.
VAUGHN
How did you do it? After what happened with Irina how did you cope?
Jack looks at Vaughn and shakes his head.
JACK
I didn't. Sydney and I were estranged for a reason.
Vaughn looks down again in understanding. Then in a much sharper deeper voice he asks:
VAUGHN
Did you ever want to kill her?
Jack deadpans:
JACK
I assume you mean Irina and not Sydney.
Vaughn looks up at Jack annoyed.
VAUGHN
I'm too hungover for smartass remarks, Jack.
Jack doesn't blink and simply asks:
JACK
Have you forgotten Madagascar?
Vaughn hesitates, thinking that Jack might be threatening him but then he realizes that Jack is merely answering his question.
VAUGHN
I see.
They're both quiet for a second as they look away. A sigh from Jack gets Vaughn's attention.
JACK
It's perfectly understandable, though, to feel that way. More destructive than productive but understandable.
VAUGHN
Does it ever get any easier?
JACK
You'll never look back fondly on any of this. But with time and effort recovery is possible.
VAUGHN
I just can't get over how gullible I was.
JACK
As I said, we all have our moments. Especially when love is involved.
VAUGHN
But that's the worst of it. I didn't really love Lauren. I thought I might but in comparison to the way I felt for Sydney... I cared about her and it was easy to be with her but that was the extent of it. And ever since Sydney came back it was barely even that.
Jack is obviously uncomfortable.
JACK
You need to be telling Sydney this. Not me.
Vaughn looks at Jack with a raised eyebrow.
VAUGHN
All this talk about emotions making you uncomfortable, Jack?
Jack gives him a warning look.
VAUGHN
Sorry.
JACK
Go back to sleep.
Then with an overdramatic exasperated sigh Jack adds:
JACK
You obviously need it.
Vaughn settles back into bed as Jack brings the glass of water to his bedside and leaves the room.
CUT TO:
INT. JACK'S BATHROOM
Jack's standing in front of the mirror tying his tie. The door is closed and when he finishes he opens is slowly to reveal Vaughn still passed out in bed. For what must be the thousandth time in the last 12 hours Jack sighs and shakes his head. Quietly he exits the bedroom and makes his way to the living room where his briefcase and two sets of keys are waiting for him by the door. He leaves and closes the door carefully, locking it behind him, and taking his cell out of his pocket. On his way to his car he makes a call.
JACK
Mr. Weiss? Are you still at home? Good. Stay there. I'll be by to pick you up shortly.
CUT TO:
INT. VAUGHN'S CAR
Jack is sitting in front of Weiss' house waiting for him to finish locking his door and get into the car. Weiss does so hesitantly, looking around in confusion as he buckles his seat belt. Jack begins to drive off and Weiss looks at him nervously.
WEISS
Hey, isn't this Vaughn's car?
Jack is expressionless but there's a bit of mirth in his eyes. The man can be quite cruel.
JACK
Yes. It is.
Weiss pales slightly.
WEISS
Um, is everything okay?
JACK
Do you honestly believe that I would be picking you up in Vaughn's car if that were the case?
Weiss swallow hard. What the hell is going on?
JACK
How long has it been since you've seen Mr. Vaughn?
Weiss blinks and starts to panic.
WEISS
Um, a few days. Why? What happened? Is he alright?
JACK
If you mean aside from being too hungover to stand, then he's fine.
Weiss is confused.
WEISS
Okay, wait, maybe you should start from the beginning.
JACK
I became concerned for Mr. Vaughn when I discovered several sizable bar tabs on his credit card statement so I went to the bar he'd been frequenting and took him home.
WEISS
In his car?
JACK
Of course. I had no desire to clean up after him if he'd thrown up in mine.
Weiss is still processing what Jack just said.
WEISS
Hold on, did you say, you were concerned for Vaughn?
JACK
Weren't you?
WEISS
Well, yeah, but...
JACK
And yet you haven't seen or spoken to him in a few days?
WEISS
Hey, I tried to approach him after what happened but he didn't want to hear it. So I figured I'd give him some space until he was ready.
JACK
When do you think that would have been?
WEISS
Apparently sooner than I thought.
JACK
I'm not criticizing you, Mr. Weiss, merely correcting you. The last thing Vaughn needs right now is space. It will only give him more room to wallow and mope.
WEISS
That bad, huh?
JACK
He could use your help.
Weiss nods.
JACK
At the moment he's asleep at my house. He's going to need his car and a change of clothes since it's probably not a good idea for him to return home at the moment.
WEISS
I agree. I'll pick some stuff up for him and take it to him.
JACK
Good. I'll leave you this car once we retrieve mine.
Weiss is looking strangely at Jack. Jack notices.
JACK
What?
WEISS
I'm just surprised that you're doing this for him. I mean, after everything that's happened.
JACK
I have my reasons.
Weiss nods.
WEISS
Sydney.
Jack continues to stare out at the road.
JACK
Among other things.
CUT TO:
INT. JACK'S HOUSE
Vaughn rolls out of bed with a groan and notices the time. It's just after 9am. He groans again. Groggily he stumbles out to the living room only to find that Jack's already left. He notices something in the kitchen and walks over to it. On the counter, neatly laid out, are a toaster, a loaf of bread, a box of oatmeal, a bowl, a spoon, a couple of aspirins, a mug, and a pot. There's also a note: "Press start." He's confused until he notices the coffee pot. He presses start. Then he looks back at the things on the counter, slightly stunned. After a second he shrugs and sets out to make breakfast for himself.
CUT TO:
INT. JACK'S HOUSE
Vaughn is sitting at the table eating his oatmeal and toast while drinking his coffee when there's a knock on the door. He looks at the door and freezes. There's another knock and he hears:
WEISS
Hey, Mike. It's me. You awake yet?
Vaughn opens the door, looking relieved.
VAUGHN
Thank God, it's you.
Weiss walks in with a duffle.
WEISS
Who'd you think it was? Jack?
VAUGHN
Actually I'm more afraid of people that might visit Jack.
Weiss laughs as the two of them sit across from each other.
WEISS
Yeah, I think even Jehovah's Witnesses know well enough to avoid him.
Vaughn looks at the duffle at Weiss' feet.
VAUGHN
I'm assuming he sent you over.
WEISS
Bearing keys and clothes. Which by the smell of it you need.
VAUGHN
Good morning to you too.
WEISS
Sorry, man, but you reek. How much did you have to drink last night?
VAUGHN
I'm not sure. Somewhere between too much and not enough.
WEISS
I know how that goes.
Weiss looks around.
WEISS
So this is where Jack lives.
Vaughn looks around too. The house is done up in rich dark woods and leather.
VAUGHN
Yeah. I'm not sure what I expected but this isn't it.
WEISS
I know. I think I half expected him to have a Batcave or something.
Vaughn laughs.
VAUGHN
I'm sure he has a Fortress of Solitude somewhere. I told you about his secret stash of weapons, right?
WEISS
Oh, yeah. They should be calling him Boy Scout, not you.
VAUGHN
The man had several million stashed away just in case. I'd say he's more of an Eagle Scout, wouldn't you?
WEISS
Can you imagine Jack earning merit badges?
VAUGHN
In what? Torture and intimidation?
WEISS
Don't forget decorating.
They both laugh. Weiss notices the food.
WEISS
He cooked you breakfast? How "morning after" of him.
Vaughn glares at Weiss.
VAUGHN
He didn't cook for me he just left the stuff out.
WEISS
He brought you home to sober you up and feed you? I'd be terrified of what he'll ask you to do in return.
Vaughn becomes a bit more serious and looks down at his oatmeal.
VAUGHN
He wants me to talk to Sydney and apologize.
WEISS
He had to tell you to do that? I would've thought that would've been obvious.
VAUGHN
I know. I'm an idiot.
Weiss decides to try and lighten the moment.
WEISS
I've actually always considered you more of a nitwit.
Vaughn gives Weiss a dirty look but it's without malice.
VAUGHN
Would you like to know what I think of you right now?
WEISS
Sorry. I forgot how grumpy you get when you're hungover.
Vaughn rolls his eyes.
VAUGHN
I really don't need this right now.
WEISS
No, but you do need these.
Weiss holds the duffle out to him while pinching his nose. Vaughn sniffs himself.
VAUGHN
It's really not that bad.
After he says this he takes another bite of his oatmeal, making a slight face as he swallows. Weiss picks up on it.
WEISS
Then why does your oatmeal taste like booze?
Vaughn looks up surprised then slightly annoyed. Weiss just shrugs. Vaughn sighs.
VAUGHN
Can we not talk about how crappy I feel?
WEISS
Sure. To be honest I'm just relieved to find you alive. When Jack picked me up in your car I was sure he'd finally taken you behind the woodshed and shot you in the face. And I was gonna be next.
VAUGHN
Behind the woodshed?
WEISS
It's an expression. Would you have preferred "opened a can"? Cause I almost went with that but it seemed a tad outdated.
Vaughn shakes his head.
WEISS
Go ahead and laugh. You know you want to.
Vaughn finally relents and smiles.
VAUGHN
Actually there was a moment when I feared for my life.
WEISS
Only a moment?
VAUGHN
I was too drunk to know better.
WEISS
Aw, my preferred state.
Vaughn chuckles and looks down while he pushes his oatmeal around. Weiss regards his friend and sighs.
WEISS
Hey, look, I'm sorry I wasn't there last night. Or the last couple of days.
Vaughn looks up in surprise.
VAUGHN
You're sorry? I'm the one that should apologize.
WEISS
Still...
VAUGHN
Don't worry about it. You tried. It's not your fault I was a complete jerk.
WEISS
So we're good?
VAUGHN
Of course.
Awkward guy silence. They're both kind of looking around and Vaughn sniffs himself again.
VAUGHN
Whew! Why didn't you tell me I stunk so bad?
This Weiss can handle.
WEISS
What am I? Your mother?
Vaughn smiles.
VAUGHN
You did bring me a change of clothes.
WEISS
Only because Jack made me. Now hurry up and take a shower so we can go. This place makes me nervous.
VAUGHN
Why can't you just take me back to my place?
Weiss looks at him warily.
WEISS
How long has it been since you went to your place?
Vaughn thinks about it.
VAUGHN
I'm actually not sure.
WEISS
I'm sorry, man, but the CIA tore it apart the second they found out the truth about Lauren.
VAUGHN
Oh.
WEISS
Where the hell have you been the last few days?
VAUGHN
I guess everywhere but home. Although I suppose I should stop calling it that. (beat) And find a place to stay.
WEISS
What do you mean find a place to stay? You're staying with me so I can make sure you don't wander off again.
VAUGHN
Thanks. (beat) Oh, crap!
He looks at Weiss in a panic.
WEISS
Don't worry, Donovan's fine. I've been watching him.
VAUGHN
Thank God. I can't believe I forgot him.
WEISS
That's what you have me for. Now will you take a shower so you can take me to work? I'd play hooky with you but something tells me you'd rather spend your time with someone else.
VAUGHN
Probably. I don't know what I'm going to say though.
WEISS
I don't know either. But I figure you tell her that you're sorry and that you love her in as many ways as you can. After that flash her that ladykilling sly grin of yours and there's no way she'd refuse you.
VAUGHN
Yeah, that's it.
Vaughn sighs.
WEISS
If you're going to mope can you do it while you're in the shower...
VAUGHN
Alright, already. I'm going.
He stands and takes the duffle bag from Weiss.
WEISS
Good. I'll clean up.
VAUGHN
Thanks.
Vaughn starts walking to the bathroom when Weiss calls out:
WEISS
Hey, what do you think Jack has in his kitchen drunk drawer? My money's on a tactical nuke.
VAUGHN
I think that's one of those questions that's better left unanswered.
CUT TO:
INT. CIA BREAKROOM
Sydney is alone leaning against the counter and staring into her cup of her coffee when Jack walks in. He instantly notices her demeanor but doesn't acknowledge it at first.
JACK
Morning, sweetheart.
Sydney doesn't look up.
SYDNEY
Hey, Dad.
Jack looks at her again and sighs. He starts pouring his own cup and tries to sound conversational.
JACK
Is everything okay?
SYDNEY
Yeah. Fine. Why?
She sounds utterly unconvincing. Jack is done and moves in front of her leaning against the opposite counter. He looks at her until she looks up and realizes he doesn't believe her. Now it's her turn to sigh.
SYDNEY
I'm just worried about Vaughn. After everything that's happened I hate to think that he's out here having to deal with it all alone. I'd do something but it's just so awkward between us and then Weiss said that the last time he talked to Vaughn he didn't want any help so I don't know.
Jack nods.
JACK
You don't have to worry anymore. I can assure you that he's fine.
Sydney looks at her dad like, "Wha?"
JACK
He stayed with me last night.
Her expression doesn't change. Jack sighs.
JACK
I knew you'd be concerned so I checked up on him and he wasn't doing too well. So I thought it best to stop him before he hurt himself or anyone else. I would have called you but there were some things I need to say to him that I couldn't in your presence. Besides, he probably didn't want you to see him like that anyway.
She finally manages to speak.
SYDNEY
I don't understand.
JACK
Hopefully you will once you speak to him.
SYDNEY
You didn't ask him to leave did you?
JACK
No. Of course not. Well, not exactly.
Sydney's still confused.
JACK
Sydney, don't worry. He's fine. I didn't hurt him and I didn't scare him off. All I did was provide him with advice and a place to stay.
Sydney relaxes and smiles.
SYDNEY
Because you knew I'd be concerned about him.
Jack nods.
Sydney leans up and kisses him on the cheek.
SYDNEY
Thanks, Dad.
He looks at her warmly, happy to see that she's feeling better.
JACK
You're welcome.
She gives him an even bigger smile, takes her coffee, and leaves. Jack watches her go and nods contentedly to himself. Mission accomplished.
CUT TO: