(Buffy is fighting the vampire when all of a sudden Spike flies out of nowhere and stakes him)

BUFFY: Spike ... why did you do that?

SPIKE: Not for money, if that's what you're thinking. Your heartfelt gratitude's plenty. (stops grinning) I expect I'll be getting that any moment.

BUFFY: Gratitude. For getting in my way?

SPIKE: Ge-getting in your way? I saved you.

BUFFY: I was regrouping.

SPIKE: You were about to be regrouped into separate piles. You needed help.

BUFFY: I didn't need you. I never need you, Spike.

(She turns and starts to walk off.)

SPIKE: Oh, I get it. (follows) You just don't like who did the rescuin', that's all. Wishin' I was your boyfriend what's-his-face. Oh wait, he's run off.

BUFFY: You know what? I don't need a boyfriend, to rescue me or for any other reason.

SPIKE: Don't need or can't keep?

(She stops walking to glare at him)

SPIKE: You keep making notches in the headboard but eventually they get up out of the bed and run off, don't they?

BUFFY: (deeply annoyed) You're disgusting.

SPIKE: Oh, rough talk. Maybe that's your problem, maybe you push 'em away. Or is it the other? Maybe you cling too much. Or maybe ... your beauty's fading. The stress of slaying, aging you prematurely. Things not as high, not as firm.

(Spike grins and makes a gesture with his hand as if trying to hold up sagging breasts. )

BUFFY: You know what, Spike? The more I get to know you, the more I wish I didn't.

SPIKE: Or maybe you just don't hold their interest.

(He walks off, leaving Buffy looking stung.)

• Buffy & Spike

written by: Douglas Petrie and Jane Espenson; Transcribed by Joan the English Chick (pisces@englishchick.com).. Full transcript at:
http://www.studiesinwords.de/90checkpoint.html