(SPIKE is standing over BUFFY, who is unconscious on the sarcophagus. He gently strokes her forehead as she regains consciousness)

Buffy. Buffy wake up love.

(BUFFY immediately bristles, remembering that she’d just been knocked out by Dru. She punches Spike, who reels back but manages not to fall. He jumps quickly in front of her, stopping her from leaving)

(CONT’D)

Buffy, you are not leaving until we talk about this.

You’ve said enough. I don’t want to hear anymore.

You can’t just ignore this. Whatever it is… it’s not going away.

You know, I came here hoping to talk rationally with you. I was almost sorry I was such a bitch earlier. And then go and…

That was Dru.

Where is the evil ho anyway? Out slaughtering a few innocents while you finish me off?

Maybe if you calmed down, you’d realise that if I’d wanted to kill you I’d have done it by now. Or I’d have let Dru do it.

(BUFFY opens her mouth to interrupt but SPIKE stops her)

(CONT’D)

She is chained up downstairs. You are free to go. But I’d rather we actually talked properly about this like you wanted. Please. Five minutes?

(SIGHING)

OK. Talk. You have five minutes to convince me not to stake the pair of you.

(MUTTERING)

I knew I should have chained you up too.

(BUFFY glares at him but moves to sit in the armchair)

You’re wasting time.

SPIKE
Fine. Look I’m sorry about Dru. Everything just seems to have gone really badly today. I don’t know what happened.

(RELENTING A LITTLE)

Yeah I’m sorry too. For the things I said before. Not that I didn’t mean them, but…

(WITH A WRY SMILE)

Hell Summers. You sure know how to give an apology.

No, I… I mean… There are too many things in the way. Not just my friends or the fact that I’m the Slayer and you’re a soulless vampire. Things in me. Things I need to sort out before I can have a relationship with anyone.

(HOPEFULLY)

Could you…? Maybe…? In the future…?

(GETTING AGITATED)

NO! I don’t know. It’s not fair. It’s not fair for you to do this to me. I was fine. Everything was getting better, but I still had too much to handle and then you throw this at me. Well I can’t do it. I can’t handle this as well.

(She stops and stares at him, begging him with her eyes to understand)

(CONT’D)

Spike. I am so tired. There is so much going on in my life right now. My mom. Riley. Glory. Dawn. You are just one more thread of my life unravelling at an unbelievable rate. I usually know where I am with you. You’re the only constant I have left.

(SIGHING)

I am a constant Buffy. I have been here. I will be here. That’s never going to change. You know where you are with me.

No, I don’t. You’re changing. You said you love me. That’s different. That’s not Spike.

Yes it is. It’s just not something I’ve ever shared with you before. You scorn and scoff and hate me. If I had come to you months ago and told you the truth, you’d have laughed in my face. So I didn’t. I held back. I tried my best to help you, while trying to get closer to you, to see more of you, fighting at every turn against your complete contempt. And in the end, you dragged it out of me, laughed in my face and then ripped my heart out and stamped on it. The human way doesn’t work for you. The vampire way doesn’t work for you. What the hell does work Buffy?

(BUFFY looks a little ashamed of herself. He’s right as usual)

What do you suggest we do now?

(MOVING TOWARDS HER)

I don’t know. Will you accept my apology about what I did tonight and accept that there were circumstances?

(BUFFY nods as SPIKE kneels down in front of her)

SPIKE
Do you really hate me?

(BUFFY shakes her head and a small smile appears on her face at the vampire’s look of relief)

Well that’s a start. How about we try for friends? I’ll join the good guys and you’ll stop treating me like crap?

(BUFFY starts to laugh but nods affirmatively)

OK. (BUFFY holds out her hand and SPIKE shakes it). Friends.

(ANYA is behind the counter cashing up, while GILES locks the front door. XANDER is seated at the table, reading. As GILES moves back towards him, XANDER keeps shooting him nervous glances. He obviously wants to tell the watcher something but doesn’t know how to start)

Spit it out Xander for God’s sake or we’ll be here all night.

(ANYA finishes what she is doing and moves to join the two men, clearly interested)

(GLANCING BACK AND FORTH BETWEEN GILES AND ANYA)

Alright… Here’s the thing… The thing is…

ANYA
Honey, you know we’ve talked about taking deeper breaths before you start sentences.

OK. Earlier today, Buffy told me… Well she told me…

Xander you have one minute to tell me or I’m going to ask Buffy myself.

Spike’s in love with Buffy.

(GILES is clearly shocked. He remains seated, staring at XANDER. ANYA sighs and rolls her eyes at the two men before standing and fetching her coat)

Is that all? I thought you were going to say something awful there for a second.

(DOING HIS BEST TO CONVINCE HIS GIRLFRIEND)

It is awful. This is Spike. We’re talking about Spike. Spike loves Buffy.

I know. It’s been obvious to me for some time.

And you didn’t feel like sharing that little piece of information with us because…?

It wasn’t my secret to tell. What kind of person would I be if I went around telling people things that are none of their business?

And why doesn’t this philosophy extend to our private lives?

Because it’s my secret then.

(SIGHING IN DEFEAT)

Giles? What are we going to do about Spike?

(HAVING REGAINED THE ABILITY TO TALK)

Umm, well… I guess I’ll talk to Buffy and if there appears to be any problem then I’ll…

Yes?

(WITH A DANGEROUS EDGE)

Then I’ll deal with Spike.

(WILLOW and JOYCE are waiting for BUFFY to return. They sit silently together, each throwing nervous glances at the door every now and then. BUFFY enters, murmuring something we don’t hear as she crosses the threshold. She notices her mother and WILLOW and smiles brightly at them as she hangs up her coat)

Hi mom. Hi Wills. You didn’t need to stay you know. You must be really tired.

No Buffy I’m fine. I just wanted to make sure that everything went ok. I did the spell like you asked, so…

(INTERRUPTING)

Yeah I know. I just revoked it.

(DISBELIEVING)

What?

OK guys. Calm down. Spike and I talked and we’ve sorted a few things out. I told him how I felt and he asked if we could try and be friends. He said he wanted to help so; I’m giving him a chance and the de-invite seemed a little petty after that. He promised not to come in whenever he felt like it and I promised to stop being a bitch.

(BUFFY walks through into the kitchen followed by a happier JOYCE and a confused WILLOW)

But Buffy…?

NO buts Will. This is something we’re going to try. And I’m counting on you to try and make him feel more included. And to try and get Xander to stay calm about all of this.

Buffy, when you left you totally hated the guy. Now you’re giving him a chance?

I think it’s very good of you Buffy. He’s always been very nice to me. He’s interesting and sweet. And I think he’s quite lonely. Especially since Drusilla left him.

(BUFFY and WILLOW are staring at her. The Slayer starts to laugh softly)

Well he’s not lonely enough to take the demon queen back.

What?

Oh. Dru came back, that’s why I was gone so long. We had to put her on a train. In a trunk this time, so she can’t hurt anyone. We sent her to Angel. Hopefully he’ll know what to do with her.

(JOYCE nods approvingly, while WILLOW sighs and shakes her head wearily)

Maybe I just need sleep. You’ll explain all of this again in the morning, won’t you?

(BUFFY nods and the two friends walk to the front door)

(CONT’D THOUGHTFULLY)

OK. Well, I’ll see you tomorrow Buffy.

(WILLOW exits and BUFFY calls out to her as she leaves)

Bye Wills.

(BUFFY walks back into the kitchen and faces her mother)

Buffy? Are you in love with Spike?

(ADAMANTLY)

NO! No. We’re just going to be friends.

(MOVING ROUND THE COUNTER TO STAND IN FRONT OF HER DAUGHTER EVERY SO OFTEN REACHING TO STROKE BUFFY’S HAIR)

Look, I know I ‘freaked’ earlier, but if you want to be with him, maybe not now but in the future, then I’ll be behind you. I just want you to be happy.

(BUFFY hugs her mother tightly, truly grateful for her words)

Thanks mom.

(BUFFY is getting ready for bed. She turns to find DAWN standing in the doorway)

So? Am I still forbidden to see Spike?

(WITH A WRY SMILE)

No Dawn, you are not forbidden. Spike is going to help us. I hope.

(SMIRKING)

I told you he was in love with you.

(SIGHING & CLIMBING INTO BED)

Yes, you did.

But you’re still anti- the idea.

Yes. Friends I hope we can do. The idea of anything else just wigs me out.

But why? I mean, apart from your whole stance on soulless vampires, even ones who can’t kill… you have to admit that, Spike is a hottie.

No, I really don’t have to admit that.

(But she’s thinking about it.)

(KNOWINGLY)

Doesn’t mean you don’t think it.

Goodnight Dawn.

(WILLOW and TARA are seated at the table, reading through some books. ANYA is helping a customer. GILES enters from the training room as BUFFY and DAWN enter through the front door)

Hey there birthday girl. How does it feel to be fifteen?

Strangely enough, exactly the same as fourteen. But that may be some weird key thing.

No. That’s just life. Now sixteen, that’s different. (EXPLAINING TO WILLOW AND TARA) Well it was different for me, because I was in the cemetery staking the undead. Probably wasn’t too different for you guys.

Are you kidding? Can’t you remember what we did on my sixteenth birthday?

(BUFFY’S eyes widen as she remembers and shudders slightly)

What did you do?

There was this huge, huge demon… I’m talking king of the giants here and there was just me and Buffy… And I had this tiny little axe and Buffy has this big sword and we’re not really doing much damage except to our special birthday party clothes… we ended up completely covered in demon goo.

(RATHER PROUD OF HER GIRLFRIEND)

But at least you killed it.

(WILLOW grins widely at the praise. BUFFY hasn’t noticed and finishes the story)

Actually it just turned around and kind of stalked away. We went back later when it was asleep with Giles and Xander, and Angel.

(WILLOW looks a little disheartened, but Tara pats her hand reassuringly)

You were still very brave. I can’t imagine doing anything like that when I was sixteen.

(TO BUFFY)

Can I start to patrol with you when I’m sixteen?

No.

(PLEADING)

Buffy!!!!

No. Now if you want to be the guest of honour at your party tonight, go sit over there and do your homework.

(MUTTERING)

I hate you.

I heard that.

(XANDER enters the store and ANYA greets him with a kiss before the pair move towards the others)

Hi guys. Hey it’s the birthday girl. Looking forward to your party tonight?

(NOY LOOKING UP FROM HER WORK)

I guess.

We are looking forward to it. We have gifts.

(TAKING NOTICE)

Gifts? What gifts? What’re my gifts?

(XANDER moves over behind DAWN and starts to tickle her)

Nuh-uh Dawnster. That would spoil the surprise.

(GIGGLING)

Alirght, alright. STOP!

(XANDER stops and sits down next to her, grabbing a book from the pile on the desk)

Who else is going to your party Dawn?

Um, school friends mainly. You guys, Giles, Spike…

(A LITTLE TOO QUICKLY)

Spike? Spike’s coming? Why is Spike coming?

(SLOWLY, AS IF EXPLAINING TO A CHILD)

He’s my friend. And you said we had to include him.

In work. Not in social situations.

So he can only be OUR friend when he’s helping YOU?

Dawn, that’s not what I meant…

(ANNOYED)

Good. And anyway, he’s not coming to the party for you. He’s my friend and it’s my party…

“And I’ll cr…”

(POINTING AT XANDER)

Don’t!

(DAWN’S friends are crowding the living room and dining room. The presents are laid out on the coffee table and the dining room has been cleared for dancing. JOYCE is making her way through from the kitchen, smiling and greeting DAWN’S friends as she walks through the dining room and into the living room, where DAWN is standing with LISA)

Dawn honey, do you want anymore…?

(THOROUGHLY EMBARRASSED)

No mom. We’re fine. Now will you please go away?

(JOYCE grins at her daughter and makes her way back to the kitchen where GILES and BUFFY are standing picking at the food)

She’s fine.

Told you she would be. Now why don’t you just relax? If Dawn needs anything, I’ll handle it.

(WILLOW, TARA, ANYA & XANDER all exit XANDER’S car and walk up to the house)

(WALKING NEXT TO ANYA)

What did you get her?

It’s a surprise.

(LOOKING BACK)

For Dawn. You can tell us can’t you?

You don’t even know?

She won’t tell me. I Dawn a CD.

We got her that dress she wanted.

(They knock politely but the music is too loud so they enter anyway)

(LOOKING AROUND AT THE ROOMS FILLED WITH TEENAGERS)

Does anyone else feel old?

(XANDER and TARA nod in agreement. ANYA merely looks around with interest. She spots DAWN and walks over to her, the others quickly follow)

(WITH A BRIGHT SMILE AND PRESENTING DAW N WITH HER GIFT, WHICH IS A SMALL, BRIGHTLY WRAPPED, RECTANGULAR BOX)

Happy Birthday Dawn.

(DAWN smiles brightly as she takes her present)

Thank you Anya.

(She goes to put it on the table, but ANYA frowns and stops her)

Open it.

(PLACING HIS OWN GIFT ON THE COFFEE TABLE)

Yes, please. We’re all dying to find out what she got you.

(DAWN shrugs and starts to unwrap the gift. ANYA bounces nervously next to her. Inside the box is an old-fashioned silver key, with an inscription down the centre. DAWN gasps as she sees it and the others frown at ANYA worried that DAWN is upset. DAWN glances up at ANYA who’s face no longer holds its excited expression, but seems rather wise and knowing)

(SERIOUSLY BUT KINDLY)

It’s for protection. I found it a few days ago. I almost forgot I had it. It was blessed by the same order of monks that created… well you. If you keep it with you, it will protect you from evil. I though tyou should have it.

(DAWN, with tears in her eyes, looks from ANYA to the key and then back, before throwing her arms around the former demon and hugging her. ANYA is a little surprised but not unhappy and cautiously hugs her back)

(Later that night. The party is in full swing. JOYCE and GILES are chatting happily in the kitchen, DAWN is dancing in the dining room with her friends and XANDER, WILLOW and TARA are laughing quietly together on the stairs, while ANYA and BUFFY are sitting on the couch, talking)

We’re all having trouble adjusting. We don’t really know what to say to her, or how she’s feeling. But that was… Thank you.

ANYA
For what?

For making her feel special. And safe.

Buffy, you don’t have to do this alone. As you said, we’re all adjusting. And I think I know a little better what it feels like to be something else. She’ll be fine. She’s very strong.

(GLANCING ACROSS AT HER SISTER)

I know. I just worry about her so much.

Well you love her. We worry about the people we love. (LOOKING AT XANDER) Sometimes more than we worry about ourselves.

You know I think I should talk to you more often.

(BEAMING WITH HAPPINESS)

I’d like that.

(There’s a knock at the door. BUFFY gets up to answer it)

(TRYING TO REMAIN ALOOF)

Spike.

(She steps back to let him in)

(SMILING AT HER AS HE ENTERS)

Hi Buffy.

(SHRIEKING FROM THE DINING ROOM)

SPIKE!!

(DAWN runs to him and hugs him tightly. SPIKE hugs her back)

Hi Nibblet. (GLANCING AROUND HIM) Special occasion?

(MOCK ANGRILY)

How could you forget?

SPIKE
(FROWNING)

Forget what?

(HITTING HIM)

Spike!

(LAUGHING)

Alright. Happy Birthday sweet bit.

(He removes a package from his duster pocket and hands it to her her)

At least it’s not chocolates.

(SPIKE glares at her, while the others look on, confused. She opens the gift to find a small book of horror stories)

(LAUGHING UP AT THE VAMPIRE)

Spike I love it. Thank you.

You’re welcome.

(DAWN and the Scoobies move away, leaving SPIKE and BUFFY alone. BUFFY turns to follow her friends but SPIKE stops her)

(CONT’D QUIETLY)

Buffy. There’s trouble.

(BUFFY and SPIKE creep slowly along a dimly lit sewer tunnel. SPIKE’S attention is focused ahead, while BUFFY seems less than thrilled at being there)

What are we doing here?

(SHORTLY)

Demon.

Is this like the time you took me to see Riley having his blood sucked by vampire whores?

(SPIKE twists his face at the mention of Riley, but doesn’t answer)

(CONT’D)

Or like last time when we spent half an hour waiting for two useless vampires and then…

(SPIKE has stopped and turned around to look at her. He’s staring at her now, one eyebrow raised)

SPIKE
Yeah?

(BACKING DOWN)

Never mind. Why are we looking for demons here?

(CONTINUING ALONG THE TUNNEL)

They’ve set up camp under the Junior High School.

Why?

(SARCASTICALLY)

They have a healthy thirst for knowledge… Look they eat kids alright.

(SIGHING AS SHE CONTINUES TO FOLLOW SPIKE ALONG THE TUNNEL)

I hate my life.

(The Scoobies, DAWN, JOYCE & GILES are gathered by the door at the far end of the room)

Where did Buffy and Spike go?

Demon.

Oh. Do you think I should wait for them to come back before I open my presents?

(LAUGHING)

I don’t think they’d mind if you started without them.

(DAWN runs off without answering, her friends gathering around her as she starts to unwrap her gifts. The Scoobies hang back with JOYCE and GILES)

I can’t believe she’s fifteen. It feels like only yesterday we were bringing her home from the hospital.

ANYA
Though to be fair, it was only seven months ago.

Yeah they grow up so fast. One moment they’re a green ball of energy, the next they’re a teenage shaped ball of energy.

The whole idea of Dawn not really being, you know… still kind of freaks me out.

JOYCE
And me. But she’s still my baby. (GLANCING AROUND) Speaking of my babies, where’s Buffy?

(BUFFY is struggling through a trapdoor in the boiler room, something is holding one of her legs in the sewer tunnel, while SPIKE helps to pull her up)

Spike, hurry!!!

(SPIKE steps closer, wrapping his arms around BUFFY’S waist. She in turn puts one arm around his neck and holds onto his arm with the other. They pull back sharply from the creature and it lets go, sending the vampire and Slayer crashing to the floor, with BUFFY on top of SPIKE)

(INNOCENTLY)

Was it good for you?

(BUFFY rolls her eyes and jumps up, quickly shutting the trapdoor, forcing the demon back. She stares down at SPIKE who is still lying on the floor)

(BREATHING HEAVILY)

Well that was fun. Any more bright-ideas William?

SPIKE
(JUMPING UP)

How about, not calling me that?

Oh, I’m sorry William. Touching a nerve am I?

(WALKING TOWARDS THE DOOR)

I thought you were going to stop being a bitch to me.

Not when you lead me to my death, dumbass.

(GLARING AT HER)

Are you dead?

(BUFFY glares back but doesn’t answer)

There you are then. I didn’t know it was going to be that bloody big did I? I was just trying to help.

(PUSHING PAST HIM)

Well next time, don’t.

SPIKE
(CALLING AFTER HER AS SHE RUNS UP THE STAIRS)

Fine

(PUSHING THE DOOR OPEN)

Fine!

(JOYCE is sitting on the back porch. GILES exits the kitchen behind her and sits down next to her)

GILES
They seem to be having fun.

JOYCE
It’s always nice when they can have times like this. Just being normal kids. Not that they’re really kids anymore. I can’t believe how much they’ve all changed in five years.

(SMILING)

Yes, I know what you mean. Sometimes I feel superfluous, but then I think about one of them having to struggle alone and…

It hurts.

(GILES just smiles sadly in agreement. He waits a moment before broaching the next subject)

Did Buffy tell you what happened with Spike?

Not really. She said he told her he loved her, she went to assure him that she never would and came back saying that everything was fine and they were going to be friends. Why? Is something wrong?

No, not really. It’s just that I don’t trust him. I don’t believe he loves her and I’m worried he’ll hurt her.

He won’t.

GILES
You can’t know that Joyce.

Yes I can Rupert. He’s had an open invitation to this house for three years and he’s never hurt any of us, even before that thing was put into his head. I trust him. Buffy trusts him, and I trust her.

(GILES sighs, knowing he’s not going to win an argument on the subject)

Very well. I trust her too. I’m sure she knows what she’s doing.

(BUFFY & SPIKE are standing in the corridor of the Junior High School. It’s completely deserted for the night)

What the hell are we going to do?

Find a way out?

We’re locked in. The only way out is the way we came in and there is no way I’m facing that thing again tonight.

Guess we’re stuck here then.

Oh no. I am not spending the night here with you. It’s Dawn’s birthday. I have to get back.

Break one of the doors down then. You know, use your super Slayer strength and - (HE MOTIONS A KICK)

I am not destroying any more schools. I promised myself when I graduated and had to blow up the high school, that I would never hurt another school as long as I lived.

(SMILING)

I wish I’d been here for that.

(UNENTHUSIASTICALLY)

Yeah it was a hoot. Can you focus on the problem at hand?

(TAKING HIS CIGARETTES FROM HIS DUSTER POCKET AND LIGHTING ONE)

Calm down Buffy. Why don’t you just ring your mates and get one of them to come down and… you know? Do some of their magic Scooby stuff.

(BUFFY is frowning at the smoke, but she nods at the suggestion)

OK. That’s a plan. Right.

(She starts off down the corridor and SPIKE follows. Suddenly she stops and turns back to him)

(CONT’D)

Do you know where the principal’s office is?

(The phone is ringing, DAWN runs to answer it. WILLOW is about to pick it up but DAWN stops her)

It’s ok. It’s probably my dad.

(WILLOW smiles and moves away so Dawn can talk privately with her father)

(EXCITEDLY ANSWERING THE PHONE)

Hello. (HER FACE FALLS AND SHE SEEMS DISAPPOINTED) Oh. Hi Angel. Did you want to speak to Buffy?

Actually we wanted to speak to you.

(O/S) Me?

It’s your birthday isn’t it?

Yeah, but I didn’t think you’d know that.

Well Cordelia reminded me. She wanted to say…

CORDELIA
Hey. I wanted to do it. Give me the phone.

(ANGEL hands the phone over to CORDELIA)

CORDELIA
(CONT’D)

Hey Dawn. Happy fifteenth.

(O/S) You remember me?

(CONFUSED)

Of course. Why wouldn’t I remember you?

(She looks up at ANGEL, who frowns at her, also confused)

(DAWN settles down on the stairs to tell her story)

Well…

(BUFFY is holding the phone to her ear. SPIKE is sitting on the edge of the principal’s desk.)

(HANGING UP THE PHONE)

It’s engaged.

(BUFFY sinks down into the principal’s chair)

(CASUALLY)

Then we’ll try again later. Look there’s nothing you can do Buffy. We may as well just relax.

I can’t relax.

Why not?

(She looks at him for a long moment, before looking away)

Nothing.

(SMIRKING)

Don’t trust yourself around me?

Could you get over yourself for like, a second?

(MOVING CLOSER)

Come on Summers. You know you want me.

(SPIKE is kneeling in front of her. They’re staring at each other intensely)

(NOT VERY CONVINCINGLY)

I don’t.

(SPIKE raises one eyebrow, telling her he’s not convinced, before closing the gap between them and kissing her)

(BUFFY & SPIKE are kissing passionately. Eventually BUFFY pulls away, a look of shock on her face)

What…? What are we doing?

(SMIRKING SLIGHTLY AS HE LEANS FORWARD TO KISS HER AGAIN)

Kissing luv.

(STOPPING HIM)

NO. No this is wrong. We can’t do this.

(CONFUSED)

Why not?

You know why not. I gave you a long list of reasons last week.

SPIKE
Yeah but… that was last week.

(He leans in to kiss her again, but she jumps up and moves and moves across the room away from him)

Spike no. I told you. I can’t handle this right now.

(SPIKE sighs as he moves closer to her. BUFFY moves away until she’s backed against the door. SPIKE continues to move forward until BUFFY is trapped between him and the door. He rests his arms either side of her)

Buffy. Stop thinking about everyone else for once and just do what you want to do.

(For a moment BUFFY looks as though she’ll give in, but then shakes her head)

No. Please try to understand.

(SPIKE closes his eyes and takes a deep, unnecessary breath, before backing away)

(GENTLY)

OK.

(They look at each other for a long moment before SPIKE continues)

Why don’t you try your friends again?

(JOYCE, GILES, WILLOW & TARA are in the kitchen. DAWN enters from the dining room)

Hi sweetie. Was that your dad on the phone?

Uh, no. It was Angel.

WILLOW
Angel? Is something wrong? Does he need to speak to Buffy?

Actually he wanted to wish me happy birthday.

Angel?

I think it was Cordy’s idea. She’s got him doing all sorts of things to him less mopey. Seems to be working. He laughed at one of my jokes.

(GILES, JOYCE & WILLOW all share a look of surprise)

(CONT’D)

Still, I asked him if he had received any suspicious large boxes recently, and he told me that Drusilla had arrived a couple of days ago and was currently locked away in one of the bedrooms. That’s when he and Cor started arguing, and he had to hang up.

GILES
Well I don’t imagine Cordelia is very pleased at having Drusilla around. Hopefully Angel will know what to do with her.

(The phone rings again and Dawn jumps t answer it)

Hello… Buffy? Where are you? … Are you ok? … OK … Yeah, they’ll be there soon … It’s ok … Is Spike alright? … Good … Of course I care about you too, geez … Yeah, ok … Bye.

(Everyone’s attention is fixed on DAWN as she hangs up)

(CONT’D)

Buffy and Spike are stuck at my school. She wants you to go get them.

(BUFFY is sitting on a desk in a classroom, while SPIKE looks at the books on one of the shelves. He picks one up and starts to read)

(SCORNFULLY)

Don’t even try to tell me you read poetry.

Why wouldn’t I? Just because you yourself have no appreciation for culture and a frightening lack of knowledge about even the simplest things, doesn’t mean we all do.

For your information, I’m taking a poetry class at college, which I love more than anything I’ve done before. And Mr. Culture, I got 1430 on my S.A.T’s. It’s not my fault I don’t have time to…

Is that your answer to everything? I don’t have time. My friends wouldn’t like it. I’m only a poor lonely vampire Slayer, men don’t understand me. For God’s sake…

How dare you…?

SPIKE
I dare because I’m the only person that knows the real you. Stop worrying about your friends’ opinions, stop pushing people away when they want to help, stop denying yourself love.

(ANGRILY)

Oh we’re back to that. I’m surprised someone so intelligent and cultured would want such a hopeless case as me.

(There’s a silence as SPIKE calms down before he answers her, gently)

“If thou must love me, let it be for nought

Except for love’s sake only. Do not say

‘I love her for her smile… her look… her way

Of speaking gently, … for a trick of thought

That falls in well with mine, and certes brought

A sense of pleasant ease on such a day’ -

For these things in themselves beloved, may

Be changed, or change for thee, - and love, so wrought,

May be unwrought so. Neither love me for

Thine own dear pity’s wiping my cheeks dry, -

A creature might forget to weep, who bore

Thy comfort long, and lose thy love thereby!

But love me for love’s sake, that evermore

Thou mayst love on through love’s eternity.”

(BUFFY stares in shock, deeply touched and even more confused)

(CONT’D)

Buffy, I don’t love you because you’re beautiful and kind and witty. I don’t love you because you’re strong and care so passionately about other people. I don’t love you because of the blend of light and dark that exists within you. I don’t love you because of the way you fight or the way you protect your friends when they fight. I don’t love you because you see the best in people. I don’t love you because you keep giving me second chances. I don’t love you because of the music of your laugh, or the sunshine of your smile. I don’t love you for the way you dress, or the music you listen to, or your friends, or your family or your daft toy pig. I just love you. No reason. Nothing holding me back, nothing pushing me on. Just love. That will never change.

(BUFFY’S face shows confusion, but there’s also acceptance now. She accepts him and his love. She accepts her own feelings. Slowly she stands and moves towards him. He stays still, watching her intently. She stops in front of him, raises her arms and pulls his head down to hers, catching his lips with her own)

(WILLOW, TARA, ANYA & XANDER are all standing outside the school, discussing how to get in)

Why didn’t she just break down a door?

She said she didn’t want to cause any more damage to school property. You know, after blowing up the high school.

(XANDER nods understandingly)

Why don’t they just wait ‘til morning when someone opens the school?

It’s Dawn’s birthday. Buffy wants to be there this year. Especially this year as it’s

The first one Dawn’s actually had?

(No-one answers, but they all look a little uncomfortable)

And Spike can’t exactly come out in the daytime can he? He’d be dust.

OK, that’s one for leaving them until morning. I second. An? Will?

Xander! We are getting them out now. We’ll try and find a way of opening the doors without breaking anything.

(WILLOW & TARA move ahead to the main entrance; XANDER & ANYA follow reluctantly)

Why don’t we just pick the lock? I know you can do it. I’ve seen it in movies.

D, d, do you know how to pick locks?

I don’t believe this. What is the point of being a member of a Super-hero’s gang, if no-one knows how to pick locks?

(WILLOW & TARA roll their eyes at each other and go back to what they were doing, as XANDER turns to ANYA)

Super-hero? You know I’ve never thought about it like that. (Pause) That’s cool!

Guys, concentrate. Buffy needs us.

(BUFFY in no way needs help from any of the Scoobies. She and SPIKE are far too wrapped up in each other to pay any attention to anything else. BUFFY is leaning back over the teacher’s desk, with her legs around SPIKE’S waist. Her coat had been removed and the thin straps of her dress have been pushed off her shoulders. SPIKE has also removed his duster and black t-shirt and is kissing Buffy’s neck and throat. The Slayer’s head is thrown back, her eyes wide with pleasure. SPIKE moves back to her mouth and they kiss as he starts pushing the skirt of her dress up and her hands fly to his belt)

I mean wow. (SNUGGLING CLOSER TO HIM) It’s never been like that before.

(SPIKE closes his eyes as he smiles in contentment holding her close. Suddenly his eyes spring open again and he turns his head to face her)

Never?

(OBLIVIOUS)

No.

Never, ever?

Never, ev…

(She realises what she’s just implied)

(CONT’D, SIGHING)

If I say it, will you promise not to bring it up all the time, or call him and gloat?

No.

Spike!

OK. OK. Now what was that better than?

(STARTING TO GRIN AT HIS COMPLETE JOY, BUT QUIETLY, JUST IN CASE)

It was better than Angel.

(JOYFUL SHOUT)
Yes!!

(GIGGLING)
Since when do you have an inferiority complex about Angel?

SPIKE
I’ve never had one. I know damn well I’m better than the poof. It’s just nice to hear you admit it, that’s all.

Well, from here on out buster, no talking about ex’s in bed. K?

Fine by me. Captain Cardboard always did manage to kill the mood for me anyway.

While I would, of course, be overjoyed to hear about your non-relationship with Harmony.

Jealous?

In your dreams.

Every night.

(They lie there for a while, both comfortable in each other’s embrace. BUFFY lies her head on SPIKE’S chest. His arms are around her)

Spike?

Yeah?

You know that list of things you said you didn’t love me for?

Uh-huh.

Well I was wondering if maybe it had something to do with…

SPIKE
If the word ‘chip’ appears in your next sentence I’m going to leave.

But…

Buffy I don’t love you because of the sodding chip, ok? And that means that if it ever comes out or stops working, I’ll still be in love with you; I’ll never hurt you. Can you stop worrying about things that don’t matter?

Not really. I tend towards being a worrier.

Well you never have to worry about me.

I know.

I love you.

I know.

(DAWN has once again gathered the nerve to go and talk to KEVIN. KIRSTIE this time is as far away as possible)

Hi Kevin.

Dawn. Great party.

Thanks. Um, do you want to dance?

Well, I don’t dance at parties.

(DISAPPOINTED)

Oh.

(LEANING FORWARD TO SHARE A SECRET)

I’m a horrible dancer.

(FEELING A LOT BETTER, SHE SMILES)

You can’t be any worse than Xander.

That guy you were dancing with before? (DAWN nods) Believe me, I’m worse.

(APPEARING FROM NOWHERE AND IGNORING DAWN)

Kevin, do you want to dance?

Kevin doesn’t dance at parties.

(KEVIN smiles at DAWN, but KIRSTIE continues to ignore her)

We could do something else? I mean if you want to get a drink or go for a walk?

No thanks Kirstie. I’m fine just hanging here with Dawn.

(DAWN’S face is luminous as KIRSTIE walks away, glaring at the brunette)

(The Scoobies have made their way into the school and are now walking along the main corridor, searching for BUFFY & SPIKE)

Buffy… Here Buffy.

Buffy? Spike? Where are you guys?

(SPIKE & BUFFY can hear the Scoobies as they call out. They share one panicked glance before lunging for their clothes)

(TARA & WILLOW open doors and look inside classrooms at the far end of the corridor as XANDER & ANYA check the near end. Luckily for SPIKE & BUFFY, it’s ANYA who opens the door to the classroom they’re in. Her eyes widen as she catches them fumbling with the zipper of BUFFY’S dress, SPIKE being already fully dressed. BUFFY’S eyes also widen as she realises they’ve been caught. For once though ANYA manages not to over react. She steps into the classroom and closes the door behind her)

(GRINNNING)

Is that dress going on or coming off?

(BUFFY is still a little too shocked to talk)

Going on.

OK. Well hurry.

(SPIKE goes back to his task and ANYA runs to collect BUFFY’S shoes and coat. BUFFY looks oddly at ANYA as the former demon pushes SPIKE out of the way, quickly fastens the dress and hands BUFFY her coat and shoes. Just as BUFFY finishes putting her coat on, the door opens. WILLOW, TARA & XANDER are standing in the doorway)

An? What’s going on in here?

Well, these two were about ready to kill each other, but other than that…

(The other Scoobies relax. BUFFY & SPIKE fighting is nothing new, nor anything to worry about)

Well, we’re here to rescue you.

Thanks Will… Guys. Um, shall we go?

(The Scoobies turn to leave. BUFFY, SPIKE & ANYA share a smile before they follow)

(BUFFY, SPIKE & the Scoobies enter the house, to find the party over. DAWN & JOYCE are lying on the couch, while GILES is sitting in the armchair)

Party over?

Yeah. I think everyone had fun though.

(HIS GRIN HAS NEVER WAVERED)

I know I did.

You were only here two minutes.

What can I say? You Summers’ women sure know how to show a bloke a good time.

(ANYA snorts with laughter, while BUFFY glares at both of them)

(TURNING BACK TO DAWN)

I’m sorry I missed your party.

Hey. My birthday’s not finished yet. We still have time for all of us to do something together. Don’t we mom?

(HOPEFULLY)

Something quiet?

Movie night?

(Everyone agrees happily. WILLOW & TARA go to bring the rest of the food into the living room and BUFFY runs upstairs, as the others settle down in front of the TV. DAWN runs across and pushes a tape into the machine before returning to the couch)

(BUFFY has changed into some more comfortable clothes and is busy pulling blankets out of her wardrobe. Cautiously, SPIKE enters)

I was wondering if you needed any help.

(BUFFY smiles as she turns to him and puts her arms around his neck as she kisses him)

I’ll always need that kind of help.

Then I’ll always be here to provide it.

Spike. There’s something I want to say to you. Something I want to tell you. But I’m scared.

You don’t have to be afraid of me Buffy.

No, it’s not you. It’s it. I’m afraid of it.

SPIKE
(GENTLY)

Don’t worry about it. I’ll wait.

Really? You’re not mad?

Nope. Because I know you’re thinking it. And you pretty much proved it to me earlier. I’ve always found words to be highly overrated.

(SMILING)

And just think, when everyone’s gone home, I can prove it to you all over again.

(GILES has moved to sit next to JOYCE & DAWN. Their legs are now lying across his kness, as the remain cuddled together at the other end.

XANDER & ANYA are on the floor; WILLOW & TARA re-enter and place the food and drinks on various nearby tables, etc, before sinking down together in the armchair.

BUFFY & SPIKE return, carrying blankets. One covers JOYCE, DAWN & GILES’ knees; the second is for WILLOW & TARA. ANYA & XANDER cuddle up beneath the third. BUFFY lies on the far side of ANYA with SPIKE next to her. She covers herself and the vampire with the remaining blanket.

Everyone is intent on the screen, except GILES, who has noticed that SPIKE & BUFFY are a little too close to each other - the Slayer’s head is practically resting on SPIKE’S shoulder. With a sigh and a roll of the eyes that seems to say ‘Here we go again,’ he turns his attention back to the movie.)