INT. UNION STATION
Syd is walking through the main hall in the station. She looks around hoping to see him but no luck so she sits down on the chair where he met her in ATY. She leans back into it waiting for whatever he has in store when suddenly she hears movement behind her. We can tell she wants to turn but she doesn't. She's a little excited at first but then it dissipates. It's probably not him, just another tape delivery. And then he speaks, his voice a low rumble:
VAUGHN
Happy birthday, Syd.
SYDNEY
Vaughn!
Her eyes widen and she turns around.
VAUGHN
No. Wait. Let me say something first.
She turns back around. He look both nervous and yet determined. He takes a deep breath and with a sigh continues:
You know why I picked this place? Cause it was here where I finally decided that there was nothing I wouldn't do for you. It scared me because that meant that I'd have to do things my father might not have approved of. But then I read some of his journals again and for the first time I saw all the regret, the missed opportunities. He wanted to do more, to say more, but he was too afraid. It shocked me. My dad? Afraid? I should've known better. We're all afraid. Even when we don't have to be. So I went with you to Taipei. I made the choice to do what he always wanted but never could. At least professionally. Personally I was still a coward. That's why I stayed with Alice. That's why everything happened the way it did with Lauren. Id' risked my life, my career, what I thought was everything for you. But I'd never risked my heart. I was afraid of so many things, hurting them, hurting you, failing...
He pauses and looks down.
VAUGHN
Losing you. I was so scared that I froze. Decisions I should have made. Actions I should have taken. And I did nothing in the hopes that it would all just work itself out. I couldn't have been more wrong.
She is visibly moved by this, tears already forming in her eyes. He stands up and moves to squat down in front of her, as he does so he takes her hands in his. We notice that he's wearing the same jeans, black button up shirt and black leather jacket that he's been wearing while he recorded the messages. He's been just one step ahead of her all day. And now he's in front of her with a look of earnest intensity in his eyes.
VAUGHN
But that ends today. From this day forward you get nothing less than everything from me. Whatever makes you happy. Whatever keeps you safe. I'll do it. No matter what the cost. There is nothing I won't do for you, professionally, personally, or otherwise. All I ask is this...
He gets down on one knee and takes something out of his jacket pocket. It takes a second but when Sydney realizes what he's doing she gasps.
SYDNEY
Oh, my God. Vaughn...
He gives her a nervous smile and takes a deep breath.
VAUGHN
Sydney Anne Bristow, I love you. Will you marry me?
He opens the box and she looks at the ring then she looks up at him crying, her eyes wide in disbelief. He's looking at her expectantly, his brow furrowed. She reaches out and places a shaking hand on his cheek.
SYDNEY
Vaughn, I... Yes.
He blinks like he's not sure if he heard her quite right.
VAUGHN
Yes?
She gives him a sweet smile, full on dimples and everything.
SYDNEY
Yes.
The wrinkles disappear as he leans in to kiss her passionately. A crowd has gathered and they clap before going on their way. Vaughn and Syd couldn't care less. He pulls away and rests his forehead against hers. He's looking down and his voice is filled with awe.
VAUGHN
You said, "Yes."
She giggles slightly.
SYDNEY
I did, didn't I?
They pull apart slightly and he looks at her with wonder.
VAUGHN
We're going to get married.
She smiles and brings up a much steadier hand to place it on his cheek.
SYDNEY
Yes, we are.
He kisses her again, even more exuberantly. When he pulls away she's smiling and laughs lightly.
SYDNEY
Do I ever get to put on that ring or are we going to kiss for little a while longer?
VAUGHN
Oh, right. Sorry. Hold out your hand.
She does and he slips it on her finger. She looks down at it and then up at him with a smile.
SYDNEY
Now you can kiss me all you want.
He laughs.
VAUGHN
That's the plan.
He stands up, pulling her to her feet with him to kiss her again. When they're done she frames his face with her hands.
SYDNEY
Thank you so much. That was...
She laughs.
SYDNEY
Well, I thought it was the most amazing birthday present I've ever received and I suppose that's still true.
VAUGHN
Even though I made you drive halfway across town and back?
She looks at her hand and smiles.
SYDNEY
Oh, it was definitely worth it.
She kisses him again.
SYDNEY
I love you.
VAUGHN
I love you, too.
She laughs.
SYDNEY
I can't believe it. I think I'm in shock.
They sit down side by side.
SYDNEY
How long did it take you to do this? How did you do this? I just... I literally cannot believe it. You're amazing.
VAUGHN
It wasn't that difficult.
SYDNEY
Still it was so... How did you even come up with the idea?
He shrugs.
VAUGHN
I kept debating about where I wanted to ask you. The warehouse. The pier. The observatory. So I thought, 'Why not all of them?' The rest just fell into place.
SYDNEY
No it didn't. You put a lot of thought and time into this and I just wish I could find the words to tell you how much I appreciate it, how much I appreciate you.
VAUGHN
You only needed one word for that and you already said it.
She smiles and kisses him again.
SYDNEY
Yes.
He smiles.
SYDNEY
And thank you for your father's watch. I know how much that means to you...
VAUGHN
Why do you think I wanted you to have it?
She smiles and looks down at her ring.
SYDNEY
I can't wait to tell my dad.
Vaughn looks just over her shoulder but she doesn't notice.
VAUGHN
Actually...
SYDNEY
You spoke to him already? What did he say?
Jack walks up behind them with a large rolling duffle.
JACK
I told him that as long as he understood the severe consequences of hurting you he would be a welcome addition to our family.
Sydney jumps up and turns around.
SYDNEY
Dad?! You were a part of this?
JACK
He formulated the plan. I merely aided him in its execution. With some help from Mr. Weiss, Dixon, and Marshall. Who by the way are going to explode if you don't call them.
VAUGHN
Right.
Vaughn picks up his phone as Syd hugs her dad.
SYDNEY
Thank you, Dad.
He gives her a kiss on the forehead.
JACK
Happy birthday and congratulations, sweetheart.
In the background Vaughn holds the phone away from his ear.
VAUGHN
Thanks again, guys.
He hang ups.
VAUGHN
I think they're more excited about this than we are.
SYDNEY
I seriously doubt that.
That's when she notices the bag.
SYDNEY
What's that for?
Vaughn smiles.
VAUGHN
I told you that this was the second to last stop.
Jack takes out an envelope from his jacket pocket and hands it to Vaughn.
VAUGHN
Thank you.
Vaughn glances at Sydney.
VAUGHN
For everything.
They shake hands. Jack looks at Vaughn then Sydney.
JACK
You know how to thank me, Michael.
VAUGHN
Yes, I do. And I will. I promise.
Jack turns and gives Syd another hug.
JACK
Have fun, honey. I'll see you next week.
SYDNEY
Next week? But what about work?
JACK
Trust me, the CIA will somehow manage to save the world without you.
She smiles. He returns it wistfully.
JACK
Bye, Sydney.
SYDNEY
Bye, Dad.
He walks off. She looks at the envelope and then the suitcase.
SYDNEY
So where are we going?
Vaughn opens the envelope and hands her two train tickets.
VAUGHN
Santa Barbara. Where else?
She smiles as he grabs the handle on the suitcase, puts his arm around her, and they walk to the train.
THE END
Syd is walking through the main hall in the station. She looks around hoping to see him but no luck so she sits down on the chair where he met her in ATY. She leans back into it waiting for whatever he has in store when suddenly she hears movement behind her. We can tell she wants to turn but she doesn't. She's a little excited at first but then it dissipates. It's probably not him, just another tape delivery. And then he speaks, his voice a low rumble:
VAUGHN
Happy birthday, Syd.
SYDNEY
Vaughn!
Her eyes widen and she turns around.
VAUGHN
No. Wait. Let me say something first.
She turns back around. He look both nervous and yet determined. He takes a deep breath and with a sigh continues:
You know why I picked this place? Cause it was here where I finally decided that there was nothing I wouldn't do for you. It scared me because that meant that I'd have to do things my father might not have approved of. But then I read some of his journals again and for the first time I saw all the regret, the missed opportunities. He wanted to do more, to say more, but he was too afraid. It shocked me. My dad? Afraid? I should've known better. We're all afraid. Even when we don't have to be. So I went with you to Taipei. I made the choice to do what he always wanted but never could. At least professionally. Personally I was still a coward. That's why I stayed with Alice. That's why everything happened the way it did with Lauren. Id' risked my life, my career, what I thought was everything for you. But I'd never risked my heart. I was afraid of so many things, hurting them, hurting you, failing...
He pauses and looks down.
VAUGHN
Losing you. I was so scared that I froze. Decisions I should have made. Actions I should have taken. And I did nothing in the hopes that it would all just work itself out. I couldn't have been more wrong.
She is visibly moved by this, tears already forming in her eyes. He stands up and moves to squat down in front of her, as he does so he takes her hands in his. We notice that he's wearing the same jeans, black button up shirt and black leather jacket that he's been wearing while he recorded the messages. He's been just one step ahead of her all day. And now he's in front of her with a look of earnest intensity in his eyes.
VAUGHN
But that ends today. From this day forward you get nothing less than everything from me. Whatever makes you happy. Whatever keeps you safe. I'll do it. No matter what the cost. There is nothing I won't do for you, professionally, personally, or otherwise. All I ask is this...
He gets down on one knee and takes something out of his jacket pocket. It takes a second but when Sydney realizes what he's doing she gasps.
SYDNEY
Oh, my God. Vaughn...
He gives her a nervous smile and takes a deep breath.
VAUGHN
Sydney Anne Bristow, I love you. Will you marry me?
He opens the box and she looks at the ring then she looks up at him crying, her eyes wide in disbelief. He's looking at her expectantly, his brow furrowed. She reaches out and places a shaking hand on his cheek.
SYDNEY
Vaughn, I... Yes.
He blinks like he's not sure if he heard her quite right.
VAUGHN
Yes?
She gives him a sweet smile, full on dimples and everything.
SYDNEY
Yes.
The wrinkles disappear as he leans in to kiss her passionately. A crowd has gathered and they clap before going on their way. Vaughn and Syd couldn't care less. He pulls away and rests his forehead against hers. He's looking down and his voice is filled with awe.
VAUGHN
You said, "Yes."
She giggles slightly.
SYDNEY
I did, didn't I?
They pull apart slightly and he looks at her with wonder.
VAUGHN
We're going to get married.
She smiles and brings up a much steadier hand to place it on his cheek.
SYDNEY
Yes, we are.
He kisses her again, even more exuberantly. When he pulls away she's smiling and laughs lightly.
SYDNEY
Do I ever get to put on that ring or are we going to kiss for little a while longer?
VAUGHN
Oh, right. Sorry. Hold out your hand.
She does and he slips it on her finger. She looks down at it and then up at him with a smile.
SYDNEY
Now you can kiss me all you want.
He laughs.
VAUGHN
That's the plan.
He stands up, pulling her to her feet with him to kiss her again. When they're done she frames his face with her hands.
SYDNEY
Thank you so much. That was...
She laughs.
SYDNEY
Well, I thought it was the most amazing birthday present I've ever received and I suppose that's still true.
VAUGHN
Even though I made you drive halfway across town and back?
She looks at her hand and smiles.
SYDNEY
Oh, it was definitely worth it.
She kisses him again.
SYDNEY
I love you.
VAUGHN
I love you, too.
She laughs.
SYDNEY
I can't believe it. I think I'm in shock.
They sit down side by side.
SYDNEY
How long did it take you to do this? How did you do this? I just... I literally cannot believe it. You're amazing.
VAUGHN
It wasn't that difficult.
SYDNEY
Still it was so... How did you even come up with the idea?
He shrugs.
VAUGHN
I kept debating about where I wanted to ask you. The warehouse. The pier. The observatory. So I thought, 'Why not all of them?' The rest just fell into place.
SYDNEY
No it didn't. You put a lot of thought and time into this and I just wish I could find the words to tell you how much I appreciate it, how much I appreciate you.
VAUGHN
You only needed one word for that and you already said it.
She smiles and kisses him again.
SYDNEY
Yes.
He smiles.
SYDNEY
And thank you for your father's watch. I know how much that means to you...
VAUGHN
Why do you think I wanted you to have it?
She smiles and looks down at her ring.
SYDNEY
I can't wait to tell my dad.
Vaughn looks just over her shoulder but she doesn't notice.
VAUGHN
Actually...
SYDNEY
You spoke to him already? What did he say?
Jack walks up behind them with a large rolling duffle.
JACK
I told him that as long as he understood the severe consequences of hurting you he would be a welcome addition to our family.
Sydney jumps up and turns around.
SYDNEY
Dad?! You were a part of this?
JACK
He formulated the plan. I merely aided him in its execution. With some help from Mr. Weiss, Dixon, and Marshall. Who by the way are going to explode if you don't call them.
VAUGHN
Right.
Vaughn picks up his phone as Syd hugs her dad.
SYDNEY
Thank you, Dad.
He gives her a kiss on the forehead.
JACK
Happy birthday and congratulations, sweetheart.
In the background Vaughn holds the phone away from his ear.
VAUGHN
Thanks again, guys.
He hang ups.
VAUGHN
I think they're more excited about this than we are.
SYDNEY
I seriously doubt that.
That's when she notices the bag.
SYDNEY
What's that for?
Vaughn smiles.
VAUGHN
I told you that this was the second to last stop.
Jack takes out an envelope from his jacket pocket and hands it to Vaughn.
VAUGHN
Thank you.
Vaughn glances at Sydney.
VAUGHN
For everything.
They shake hands. Jack looks at Vaughn then Sydney.
JACK
You know how to thank me, Michael.
VAUGHN
Yes, I do. And I will. I promise.
Jack turns and gives Syd another hug.
JACK
Have fun, honey. I'll see you next week.
SYDNEY
Next week? But what about work?
JACK
Trust me, the CIA will somehow manage to save the world without you.
She smiles. He returns it wistfully.
JACK
Bye, Sydney.
SYDNEY
Bye, Dad.
He walks off. She looks at the envelope and then the suitcase.
SYDNEY
So where are we going?
Vaughn opens the envelope and hands her two train tickets.
VAUGHN
Santa Barbara. Where else?
She smiles as he grabs the handle on the suitcase, puts his arm around her, and they walk to the train.
THE END