2
INT. THE ROTUNDA
Vaughn walks in with an exhausted expression on his face and Weiss sees him and walks towards his buddy.
WEISS
Hey man, you look like hell.
Vaughn gives him a smirk and Weiss continues to babble
WEISS
Which still works for you by the way cuz you get that serious smoldering look the chicks love. But seriously, considering you almost died on that plane with Sark, it's good to see you...hell looking and all
Weiss gives Vaughn a sympathetic pat on the shoulder and Vaughn acknowledges his sincerity with a small smile. He then pulls up his chair in front of his computer and sits down
VAUGHN
Is Jack and Dixon ready for me?
WEISS
I don't know, last I saw those two was when Syd was heading out
Vaughn gets a look at the mention of Syd's name. Weiss notices and approaches the subject cautiously
WEISS
I don't know if you want to hear this, but she was really worried about you man. When Ryan screwed us because he found out that she was Julia Thorne and was responsible for killing his brother, she just about lost it. You know Syd, always blaming herself for everything...even psycho losers like Ryan
Vaughn sighs and looks down
VAUGHN
That's Syd alright.
WEISS
Hey..[beat]...about before...about asking how your marriage was [beat] ...I should've made sure that no one was around. And by no one, I mean Sydney. Sorry for being an ass.
VAUGHN
It's ok. You can't help it
Weiss chuckles a little...relieved that his friend is able to make light of the situation. Weiss was about to return the favor and make fun of Vaughn even more when Vaughn cuts in
VAUGHN
I saw Syd in the parking lot. When I was pulling up, she was standing in front of her car door. [beat] She was crying.
Weiss didn't know what to say and gave Vaughn a look that motioned for him to keep going
VAUGHN
As soon as I got out of my car, I started to walk towards her and she turned around...
FLASHBACK
Syd turns around to see Vaughn walking towards her with a concerned look on his face. She couldn't believe that he was there...just when she was feeling so lonely and alone...there he was. Her guardian angel.
SYDNEY
Vaughn...
VAUGHN
Come here
They float towards each other...hugging each other with all of their might. Nothing else mattered. He was there for her and she was there for him. They gave each other strength. So much had gone on in the last 48 hours and that moment was all that mattered. In those 2 days, what it ultimately came down to was them. THEY'RE what mattered. Just like the night when they took down sd-6...two years culminating into one passionate and love-filled kiss. That's what the hug had felt like for both of them.
end FLASHBACK
WEISS
Wow
Vaughn looks up at his friend's dumbfounded expression and gives one of his own
VAUGHN
Yah
WEISS
You should've driven her home man. You guys obviously needed to be around each other after everything that's happened these past couple of days. And maybe it would've been a perfect opportunity for you guys to talk. Uninterrupted. With Lauren being gone and all...
Vaughn cuts him off
VAUGHN
And say what exactly? [beat] That I'm in love with her and that she's in love with me...but there happens to be that minor thing about my being married to another woman. YAH. There really isn't much to talk about Weiss. We know the shitty situation we're in. Believe me. We know.
Weiss looks at Vaughn a little irritated by his sarcasm
WEISS
Then what the hell are YOU doing about it? You keep saying that you know the shithole you're in, but do you do anything to dig yourself out? Like I said before, if you think I'm gonna tell you to stay in a loveless marriage, you're looking at the wrong guy, but I'm also not gonna tell you to leave your wife for another woman.
Vaughn is also starting to get a little annoyed. He really didn't want to be discussing his situation with Weiss right now.
VAUGHN
You're a lot of help
Weiss was about to respond to Vaughn's statement when Jack comes out of nowhere and clears his throat. Vaughn and Weiss give each other an uneasy look before Vaughn turns his attention to Jack
JACK
Director Dixon and I ready for you now Agent Vaughn. Perhaps you and Agent Weiss can continue your banter after you've debriefed us
Vaughn gives Jack a perplexed look, wondering how much of their conversation he had heard. Jack, stoic as ever, just walks off into the conference room. Vaughn follows his lead and gives Weiss a "damn, we've just been caught" look. Weiss offers his friend a sympathetic smile and a pat on the back as he heads off to his debrief with Jack and Dixon.
INT. THE ROTUNDA CONFERENCE ROOM
Vaughn enters the conference room where Dixon and Jack are already seated. He picks a seat across from both men and begins his debrief. After he had detailed everything that went on in the plane and Sark's capture, Dixon and Jack got up and started to head out.
DIXON
Good job Agent Vaughn. You really did phenomenal work considering the situation. But then again, I expect nothing less from you. Considering the recent events, I suggest you take tomorrow off. I've already given Jack, Sydney, Marshall, and Weiss the day off as well. This office can use a recharge. You can hand in your report when you get back. That will be all. And again, good job Vaughn.
Vaughn gives Dixon an appreciative nod as he steps out. As Vaughn was about to head out himself, Jack clears his throat once more to get Vaughn's attention.
JACK
May I have a moment with you before you leave Agent Vaughn?
Vaughn is a little nervous, but agrees.
VAUGHN
Of course Jack. What can I do for you?
JACK
Let me preface this conversation by saying that everything I do is in the interest of protecting my daughter. With that said, I know you think that I feel the need to protect her from you.
Vaughn is about to interrupt when Jack cuts him off
JACK
Let me finish Agent Vaughn. As I was saying, I know you must believe that I'm trying to protect her from you. You can deduce as much from our last conversation regarding Sydney. I told you to stay away from her. To be cruel to her if you must. I know that you understood. If nothing else, Sydney's well being was always something we could agree upon
Vaughn looks down and nods. He suddenly remembers how mean and distant he was being to Sydney all of those weeks. Jack notices Vaughn's distraction, but continues on
JACK
I also know that a lot has changed since North Korea. I know you care very deeply for my daughter, Agent Vaughn. One might say you even love her. And I know that Sydney harbors very strong feelings for you as well. That was evident today when she thought she'd lose you on that plane. I respect the situation you're in, but even you must know that regardless of what decision you make, someone will get hurt. Stop prolonging the inevitable. Either way, I just want my daughter to be able to move on with her life. Are we understood?
Vaughn was having a hard time processing everything. He knew Jack meant well. He knew all too well that either way he'd hurt someone...hell, he knows that no matter what, HE'd get hurt. He knows it rests all on him. He lets out a long defeated sigh and finally turns to Jack's intent gaze.
VAUGHN
I understand Jack.
With that, Jack leaves a distressed Vaughn alone inside the conference room.