CONVENE

Teaser



INT. - LIGHTED ROOM - NIGHT

Buffy is talking, her hair pulled back, dressed in a tank top and sweats, ready for a fight.

BUFFY
Okay. We're going to take this slow.
If you have any problems learning your lesson,
I will be happy to repeat it. Most of all, I don't
want there to be any pain.

You pull back to see that Buffy is in a gym, surrounded by women, young, old, dressed in sweats and leotards.

BUFFY
The whole point of self-defense is to
keep from getting hurt. If you don't feel you are
able to handle a certain move, don't. I don't
want you getting injured learning how not to get injured.


INT. - XANDER'S APARTMENT - NIGHT

Xander is entering his new apartment, which is similar to his old one. Xander is dressed in workout clothes, having gone to a gym on his way home from work. He's lost the puffiness and gained muscles and definition. He drops his gym bag by the door.

XANDER
Hey, I'm home. Stopped by the fitness center.
Got caught on the treadmill and couldn't get off.

Xander approaches the table and looks at the food prepared.

XANDER
Yum. Gazpacho.

A door closes and footsteps are heard approaching. An arm snakes around Xander's waist, hugging him.

XANDER
There you are. So, how's my girl today?
We see that the arm belongs to Willow who smiles up at Xander.


INTERIOR OF A CAR - NIGHT

Giles is panic-stricken. The car in which he is traveling is moving at a rapid pace. Dawn is driving.


GILES
Slow down. My life is passing before my eyes.

DAWN
When your life passes before your eyes
are there a lot of blank spaces for all the
times you've been knocked out?

GILES
Just slow down. And keep your eyes on the road.

DAWN
Sheesh. You act like I'm a bad driver.

GILES
You are a beginning driver and as a rule,
beginning drivers are dangerous. I don't
know why I was given the responsibility
to teach you.

DAWN
You're a watcher. You watch,
you train. It's like your calling.

GILES
I train with weapons.

DAWN
A car could be a weapon.

GILES
Especially in the hands of the young.
Watch out for the truck!

DAWN
Saw it. Besides, who else was going
to teach me? Buffy? She drives like a spaz.

GILES
While I do agree that Buffy is not the
most proficient operator of a motor vehicle I
am sure that a more suitable instructor could
have been found. Turn right up here.

DAWN
Nope. You're it. Even if you do feel that forty
miles per hour is a death defying speed.

GILES
I do not. Fifty is death defying.
Forty is merely frightening.
Turn right again.

DAWN
Are we heading out of town?

GILES
Yes. The further away from civilization,
the lower the possibility of some
catastrophe occurring.

DAWN
Hey, I'm not that bad. See, look over there.
I'm not nearly as bad as whoever the
guy is who plowed into the Sunnydale sign.


Giles looks out the window. The Sunnydale sign is down on the ground. Giles furrows his brow, worried, but not sure why.


End of Teaser


INT. - SPIKE'S CRYPT - NIGHT

Spike is unpacking a duffel bag. He looks the same as when he left only he's wearing a brown bomber jacket, a beige shirt and brown pants and boots. Clem is standing, watching him. Spike pulls a large, package that has been swathed and padded carefully. Opening it up we see that it is a ceramic figurine of a female warrior. He carefully sets it on a shelf. Studies it, moves it a little, then is satisfied. Clem picks it up to look at it.


CLEM
Oh, pretty. Did you get this in Europe, too?

Spike retrieves it from Clem and sets it back on the shelf.


SPIKE
Yes. Saw it, wanted it.

CLEM
What else did you do in Europe all summer?

SPIKE
Visited old haunts. Met with old friends,
old enemies. Saw Dracula.

CLEM
Did he ever pay you that eleven pounds
he owes you?

SPIKE
And over a century's interest? No, cheap bastard.
Taught me a trick or two instead.

CLEM
Tricks? I love magic tricks.

Spike goes to put blood in the refrigerator and stops. Sniffing the air.


SPIKE
Buffy. The Slayer. She's been here -
recently.

CLEM
Yesterday. She comes by sometimes.
After patrolling. We chat. Nice girl.

SPIKE
What do you chat about?

CLEM
You, mostly. She wasn't too happy with me
when I told her that I was the one that got
you hooked up with the Doctor and those
demon eggs. You never told her, did you?

SPIKE
No point. I knew what the eggs were.
Knew what they were going to be used for.
Didn't care.

CLEM
She came by a couple of times and
helped me work on the downstairs. We
finally got it all clean. Spick and span.
Painted the walls a nice eggshell white.
It's still a bit empty, though.

SPIKE
You didn't need to do that. She didn't either.

CLEM
I think we were both feeling a little guilty.

SPIKE
So, you two - buddies now?

CLEM
I think she's looking
for you, hoping you're back.

SPIKE
More than likely making sure I'm still gone.

CLEM
No. I don't think so.
You know, Spike, there's
something different about you.

SPIKE
What? Nothing different.

CLEM
No, there is.

CLEM
(astonished)
Spike. Omigod. You've changed.

SPIKE
You can tell?

CLEM
It's so obvious.

SPIKE
Didn't think anyone would notice.

CLEM
Not notice? How can anyone not notice?
I can't believe you did it.

SPIKE
Well, I needed to.

CLEM
Very drastic!


Clem walks around Spike, looking at him.


CLEM
I like it. It looks good on you.

SPIKE
(confused)
What?

CLEM
Your new wardrobe. I had about given up
hope you'd ever shelve that entire
look at me in my bad, black clothes ensemble thing.

SPIKE
You're talking about the way I'm dressed?

CLEM
You know what would really be a change?
Some color. Other than red, that is. Perhaps
a bright blue to go with your eyes.


Spike smiles and shakes his head.



INT. - BUFFY'S LIVING ROOM - DAY

Dawn is rushing around, putting things in her backpack. Buffy is trying to help, handing Dawn her lunch bag, getting in the way. Giles is standing out of the fray, drinking a cup of tea.


DAWN
Where did I put my schedule?

BUFFY
It's on the table. Ready for your first day of
tenth grade?

DAWN
Almost. Just need to find a hairbrush.

BUFFY
It's nice that they finished the new high school.
Just stay out of the library, though. All types
of characters tend to hang around there.

GILES
Very amusing, Buffy.

DAWN
My lipstick. Where's my lipstick?

GILES
In my day, one tended to take pencils,
papers, and books to school.


Buffy and Dawn both stop and look at him. Giles shakes his head and goes back to drinking his tea. Buffy reaches inside a drawer and brings out a brightly wrapped present.

BUFFY
Dawn. I got you a gift.

DAWN
Ooh. Can I open it now?

BUFFY
Go ahead.


Dawn rips off the wrapping paper and bow and hurriedly opens the box.


DAWN
A cell phone! That's so cool.

BUFFY
Well, now that money's not so tight,
I thought you might like it. Also, we can
keep in touch. Help me know where you are
and what you're doing.

DAWN
Maybe not so cool. Just kidding.
I love it.

Dawn gives Buffy a hug then tucks the cell phone in her backpack.


BUFFY
Dawn, is that my new top you're wearing?

DAWN
Can I wear it? Please.
Special occasion?

BUFFY
You just remember our borrowing rule,
young lady. Return it, clean and in
perfect condition.

DAWN
Thanks. You're the best.

GILES
Hurry up, now. Mustn't be late.
I'll be driving you today.

DAWN
So we need to leave five minutes earlier
to account for the lack of speed. Or maybe
I could drive you?

GILES
Heaven forbid. Buffy, I believe you, also,
should be leaving for school.

BUFFY
I'm all packed up. I have my
hairbrush, make-up and lunch.


At Giles' look, Buffy smiles.

BUFFY
Don't worry. I have pens, paper, and
my books, too.


EXT.- HIGH SCHOOL HALLWAY - DAY

Dawn is walking down the hallway, scanning the room numbers, her schedule in hand. Up ahead she sees a large, dark haired boy, Jeff, standing near, intimidating a slightly shorter, attractive, blond boy. Dawn sticks her schedule in her pocket and approaches the taller of the pair.

JEFF
Since you're new around here, I'm
going to cut you a break. Next time,
I won't go so easy on you.


Dawn reaches up and covers Jeff's eyes and puts her mouth close to his ear.

DAWN
Jeff. Guess whooo?

JEFF
Dawn. Oh, geez, Dawn, I
wasn't going to hurt him.


The blonde's eyes widen. Dawn winks at him then uncovers Jeff's eyes but keeps her grip on him.

DAWN
I thought I taught you not to
bother the new kids.

JEFF
Come on, Dawn. That happened years ago.

DAWN
Maybe you've forgotten.

JEFF
Forgotten almost having my eardrums
burst? Took several days before the
ringing stopped.


Dawn loosens her grip on Jeff and steps away from him, toward the blond. She looks at him to explain the situation.


DAWN
When I was the new kid, Jeff tried
to take my lunch money away.

JEFF
She screamed. Right in my ear.
This girl has a set of powerful lungs on her.
Dawn, really, I wasn't going to hurt him.
Look, I'll even play nice.

Holds his hand out to the boy to shake.

JEFF
My name is Jeff.

The boy reaches out and shakes his hand.

BOY
The name's Paul. I just moved
here this summer.
(to Dawn)
Thanks, but I could've handled the situation myself.

DAWN
Didn't mean to step on your "I'm macho" toes.
My name's Dawn. Buffy, my sister, and I moved here
years ago when I was in fourth grade.

JEFF
A day that will go down in Sunnydale
history.


Dawn gives Jeff a friendly punch on the arm unaware of his grimace of pain. As he rubs it, Dawn continues to smile at Paul.


DAWN
Where did you move from?
You have a bit of an accent.

PAUL
We've lived all over.


The bell rings sending all the students scurrying toward rooms.


DAWN
Shoot! And I still haven't found
my geometry class.

PAUL
I have geometry next, too. I think the
class is around the corner.

DAWN
Well at least if I'm going to walk into
class late I won't be by myself.

PAUL
I'll be right behind you.


EXT. - U.C. SUNNYDALE QUAD - DAY

Buffy has her lunch bag in her hand looking for a place to sit and eat. Most of the benches are taken. She sees an empty spot on a bench makes her way towards it before realizing that Willow is also sitting there. She hesitates, takes a breath, and then approaches her.

BUFFY
Hey, Willow. Mind if I sit down?

WILLOW
Buffy. No. Sit. Let
me scoot over a little.

BUFFY
Thanks.


Willow is pleased, but nervous. She takes her food and moves it making as much room as possible for Buffy. Buffy sits down and starts taking out her sandwich.


WILLOW
How have you been?

BUFFY
Okay.

WILLOW
And Dawn?

BUFFY
She's okay, too.

WILLOW
You're taking classes again?

BUFFY
Giles and the Watcher's Council - I guess
they pulled some strings. Got me back
in school. Also found some money for
me to use, sort of a slayer scholarship.

WILLOW
Wow, they have all sorts of
connections, don't they?

BUFFY
They still refuse to pay me a salary
but they did buy my house from me. They're letting me and
Dawn stay there. Sort of a parsonage for a pastor -
house for a slayer at the Hellmouth type thing.
One less bill to worry about.

WILLOW
Bills. Are they still a problem?

BUFFY
Not really. Giles went to L.A. and had a
little talk with my dad. It must have been less
a librarian talk and more call me Ripper talk.
Since then the support checks have been
coming in like clockwork.

WILLOW
I went by the Double Meat Palace a
couple times this summer. Well, more
than a couple of times. I didn't see you.

BUFFY
New job. Teaching self-defense to moms
and martial arts to preschoolers. My boss, Mitchell,
is even giving Dawn free lessons with the older
students when she wants them. I mostly
work in the afternoons and early evenings so
there's plenty of time for Dawn and patrolling.


Buffy looks over at Willow, curious and concerned.


BUFFY
How have you been?

WILLOW
Okay.

BUFFY
How's living with Xander?

WILLOW
Fine. He can still be a bit of a slob sometimes.
It's good, though. He's really helping me.

BUFFY
So the whole magic thing?

WILLOW
Gone. No magic left. Totally burned out.

BUFFY
I know it meant a lot to you.

WILLOW
But you're not sorry it's gone, are you?

BUFFY
Well, you did try to kill Dawn
along with everyone else on the planet.

WILLOW
Right.


Willow starts gathering up her stuff to go. Not looking at Buffy. Buffy lays her hand on Willow's arm.


BUFFY
I didn't mean to make you leave

WILLOW
I have a class to get to

BUFFY
Willow, please stay. I miss you. A lot.

WILLOW
I miss you, too, Buffy.


Willow sits back down, this time closer to Buffy. She glances at her.


WILLOW
I do have another class soon. My schedule this
semester is a little heavy. Some professors didn't
buy the whole I went crazy with magic and tried
to obliterate the world as an excuse for missing
the final exam.


Buffy smiles at Willow who smiles back.


BUFFY
Imagine that. I suppose it was a good thing I
dropped out in my second year. They probably
wouldn't have bought my I fought a hell god
and died excuse either.

WILLOW
Some people are just so picky.

BUFFY
You said it.


INT. - WILLIE'S BAR - NIGHT

Spike enters Willie's bar, looking to buy some more blood. He approaches the bar to see Willie being punched in the stomach by an angry demon.


SPIKE
A little service here. Customer waiting.

WILLIE
(gasping)
Be right with you, Spike. As soon as
I finish with this guy.


The demon pushes Willie down to the bar, twisting his arm viciously behind him and smashing the side of Willie's face into the wood.


WILLIE
So, Spike, haven't seen you for a while.
How have you been?

SPIKE
Out of town. Had to take care of
something. And you?

WILLIE
Oh, you know, same old, same old.

The demon thrusts Willie's head down on top of the bar and begins choking him. Spike watches as Willie starts to turn blue. Spike leans over and grabs one of the demon's arms.

SPIKE
Hey, enough of that. You kill him
and he won't be of any use to me.

DEMON
Growls something unintelligible.

SPIKE
What? I'll have you know, I'm not that
kind of vampire!

DEMON
Growls something else.

SPIKE
That is it. I've heard all I want
to hear from the likes of you.


Spike reaches over the bar, grabs a bottle, looks at the label then grabs a different bottle. He swings it, smashing it on the demon's head. The demon slumps down, releasing Willie. Willie lays gasping for air for a moment then stands, knocking the demon to the ground. He kicks it a few times then turns to face Spike.


WILLIE
Thanks, Spike. Now what can I get you?

SPIKE
Need some blood. Just got back. Need to restock.

WILLIE
Human or pig?

SPIKE
Pig.

WILLIE
If you're low on funds I'll make it
human, no extra charge.

(indicates the demon)
Sort of owe you.

SPIKE
No, pig is fine.
You get beat up a lot?

WILLIE
It's happening more often lately. Slayer used to
come by every now and then and give me
a punch. All the customers would see how
easy she went on me and figured we were friends.
Left me alone. Now if she comes by she's
hunting something and doesn't bother me at all.

SPIKE
Ever complain to the authorities?

WILLIE
Who? The police? We don't exist.
It's just gangs on PCP to them. Tried
hiring a demon bouncer once. He didn't get
the concept. Starting bouncing me around
my own place, off the walls, on the floor.

SPIKE
Yeah. Most demons, not too bright.

WILLIE
What really kills me is all the damage to the
place. I can heal. The furnishings, mirror, walls,
they have to be replaced. Sure would be nice
to find a way to cut down on the expense.



INT. - BAR - NIGHT

Xander and three other construction workers enter a bar. They find an empty table, sit and start ordering beers from a pretty waitress who hurries over to them. As the waitress moves away Xander glances at the bar and sees Anya there with a woman. The woman is distressed. Anya is talking to her calmly, handing her a Kleenex to wipe her face. The woman dries her eyes, but seeing that her mascara has run, departs to go to the ladies room. Xander leaves his seat to approach Anya. One of the construction workers starts to make a comment then stops, realizing that it's Xander's ex-fiancée.


XANDER
Anya. Hi.

ANYA
Xander, what are you doing here?

XANDER
Just came in with some of the guys.

ANYA
I thought you weren't drinking as much.

XANDER
Ordered a diet coke. That meet your approval?

ANYA
Sorry. I know it's not any of my business.

XANDER
Trolling for clients?

ANYA
No. I don't think she really wants vengeance.
She just wants someone to complain to.

XANDER
But if she wanted vengeance
you'd give it to her, right?

ANYA
Maybe.

XANDER
Maybe? Isn't that your job?
Women get mad so you go all veiny.

ANYA
It's not a job, it's more of a calling.

XANDER
Whatever.

ANYA
It's supposed to work that way.
But lately, it just isn't happening
the way it's supposed to.

XANDER
Not hitting your quota for causing
excruciating male pain? Excuse my
total and complete lack of sympathy.


The woman emerges from the bathroom, make-up repaired, and taps Anya on the shoulder, getting her attention.


WOMAN
Thanks for listening to me but it's getting
late. I'm going to go on home.

ANYA
Okay. But remember, next time he leers at
some pretty girl let him know how it makes
you feel. If he ignores you, he's a clod and
you're better off without him.

WOMAN
I will. Thanks again for everything.

The woman scurries to the door leaving Xander looking at Anya curiously.

XANDER
So. You're the Dear Abby of the underworld
now?

ANYA
No. But in some situations vengeance
calling for eyes to burn in their sockets
seems just a little over the top, you know?

XANDER
I wouldn't know.

ANYA
In the old days, I never would have
hesitated. You wanted burning eyeballs,
you got burning eyeballs.

XANDER
You don't have your vengeance vibe
going yet? Is that why I'm still walking
around and not a melting pool of goo?

ANYA
A pool of goo. Yes, that would
have been appropriate.
(at Xander's look)
I'm not going hurt you Xander.
I could have. Got someone to start
wishing for it but I stopped him.

XANDER
Him? Spike. I may be stupid but
that's easy to figure out. Spike was going
to wish some vengeance on me.

ANYA
He didn't.

XANDER
No. He got it the old fashioned
way instead.

ANYA
I told you before. That wasn't
about vengeance. It was solace.
For both of us.

XANDER
Doesn't matter. Some things
are unforgivable.

ANYA
Interesting. Sleeping with someone is
unforgivable. Killing people, trying to kill
others, attempting to destroy the world,
that's okay, though.

XANDER
You're talking about Willow.

ANYA
Good. You made the connection.
I knew all that alcohol hadn't pickled
your brain yet.

XANDER
What Willow did, that was different.

ANYA
Why because she did it out of pain?
Because she only killed a bad person?
Or because it's Willow?

XANDER
That's not fair.

ANYA
No, you're not fair. I like Willow. I like her
more than I like you right now. With you, any
mistake and you pounce. This was wrong, this
person is evil, this person should be punished.
Except if it's one of your friends. Someone
you love. Then you'll forgive them anything.
And I'm not one of those people you forgive.
Not anymore.

XANDER
That's not true.

ANYA
Think about it. I was a vengeance demon for
more than 1,000 years. I caused pain and suffering
to a multitude. More men wept my name in
agony than you can imagine. But when we were
together, all of that didn't matter to you. I would
tell you stories of torture, anguish and you would
dismiss them as harmless nonsense. Now, that we
are no longer together and the worst thing I've done
as a demon is cause a few aches and pains, you
find me repulsive and deplorable.

XANDER
Anya, don't.

ANYA
And my worst sin? With all the horror I've
visited on the human race, my worst sin in your
eyes is sleeping with someone. Trying to make
myself feel better when I hurt so badly.

XANDER
I don't know you anymore.

ANYA
You knew me. You just ignored all the
parts that you didn't want to see.
The next time I fall in love with someone I'm
going to make sure they see all of me, not just
the parts that give them a big happy.


Anya picks up her purse and stands to leave.


ANYA
I've got to get back to the Magic Box.
Business is finally returning since we opened
back up after Willow's little, what should
we call it? Her boo boo, maybe? Blunder?
Faux pas? I'm sure you could think of
something inconsequential enough to call it.


Anya pushes past Xander to the exit, leaving him staring after her, mouth hanging open.



EXT. - STREET - NIGHT

Willow is getting out of a late class. Students are saying good-byes to each other and leaving in groups. Soon, Willow is by herself on the street. She hears some voices and panics a little. Some people come around the corner. It's a group of fraternity brothers, drinking, out on the town. Willow relaxes and continues walking. As she approaches them, the group gets quiet, watching her. Then one of the boys starts to make catcalls.


FRAT BOY ONE
Hey, looking good, babe.


Willow moves across the street from them, hurrying now.


FRAT BOY TWO
You're wasting your time with that one.
She's not interested in what you've got.

FRAT BOY ONE
What do you mean?

FRAT BOY TWO
She likes them soft, not hard.

FRAT BOY THREE
She likes girls, you nitwit.

FRAT BOY ONE
Maybe she does and maybe she doesn't.
Maybe she's just never had a real man before.

FRAT BOY THREE
Right. Like you could change her mind.

FRAT BOY ONE
Maybe I could.

The group turns as Willow hurries past and starts to follow her. They catch up to her and start to block her way.

FRAT BOY ONE
What's the hurry? We just
want to be friends, right guys?

FRAT BOY TWO
Yeah, real friendly.

FRAT BOY ONE
Intimate acquaintances, even.

WILLOW
Let me pass. Please.

FRAT BOY THREE
Guys, I don't think she wants to be our friend.

FRAT BOY ONE
That's not very nice of you.


The first frat boy grabs Willow and swings her around hard so that she bangs into the wall. Willow is trembling.


FRAT BOY ONE
You hurt my feelings. I think you
should give me a little kiss to make up for it.

WILLOW
One kiss? Then you'll let me go?

FRAT BOY ONE
Sure, of course we'll let you go.
But first let me show you where I want
you to kiss me.


The boy looks down to undo his pants. Willow uses this distraction to push off from the wall and knock him down as she goes by, running down the street. The three start after her. They follow her into a side street and stop. Willow is no longer alone. Spike is now with her.

Spike is in game face and bares his teeth. Willow is behind him, still scared and shuddering. One of the boys, more foolhardy than the others rushes at Spike. Spike swings his arm and throws the boy back into the others sending them all crashing down to the ground, rolling into trashcans, creating a terrible din. This noise covers up Spike's agonized cry of pain as he grasps his head. Willow grabs his arm.


WILLOW
We need to get out of here
before they recover.


Spike manages to nod and follow her. They run several blocks until they come to a more lighted section of town. Some of the businesses are still open and more people are walking about. They slow down to a walk, allowing Willow to catch her breath.


WILLOW
You okay?

SPIKE
Just been awhile since I was zapped.
Forgot it was so bloody painful.

WILLOW
Spike, if you hadn't come along . . .


Willow starts to tremble in reaction. Spike puts his arm around her pulling her close.


SPIKE
Hey now. You're safe.

WILLOW
I was so scared.
Why did they act that way?

SPIKE
Put a bunch of stupid gits together and
they become worse than any demon
or vampire.


Willow looks up at Spike, gratitude evident.


WILLOW
Definitely worse than one vampire.

SPIKE
(uncomfortable)
Do you want me to go with you?
To report those bastards?

WILLOW
For what, scaring me?
They'd deny it. Say it was all in fun.
I just want to go home.

SPIKE
Okay, I'll take you there then.
Let Dawn and Buffy fuss over you.

WILLOW
I don't live with Buffy anymore.
I live with Xander now.

SPIKE
You living with the whelp?

WILLOW
We leased a bigger apartment in the
same complex. While you were gone
some things happened. Not good
things, either.

SPIKE
Heard about some of them.
(quietly)
Sorry, about your girl, Red.
She was a right good one. Really
cared about people.

WILLOW
Thank you. She liked you, too, Spike.

SPIKE
She did?

WILLOW
Yes. She knew about you and Buffy
before anyone else.

(at Spike's amazed look)
I guess Buffy told her.
Tara didn't... she didn't object.

SPIKE
She didn't, huh? Hey that explains
a few things. Why that little witch.


Spike gives a little chuckle.


WILLOW
What?

SPIKE
Your girl had a mouth on her.
Let me tell you 'bout what she did.


INT. - HALLWAY OUTSIDE OF XANDER'S APARTMENT - NIGHT


SPIKE
So I have Buffy up against the wall,
all cozy like and moving her hand to where
it could do some good when Glinda comes in.
Buffy takes off like a scalded cat leaving me to
face your girl with those wide, lovely eyes of hers.
Always been able to tear a man's throat out
at in a blink but for some reason, can't tell
a decent lie if my unlife depended on it.
Told her that Buffy was helping me with a cramp.

WILLOW
(smiling)
A cramp?

SPIKE
That's what Tara said to me.
Looks me dead in the eye and says,
"A cramp? In your pants?"

WILLOW
(giggling)
She said that to you?

SPIKE
Not only that. Later when I teased Buffy with
some little comment about night activities,
she comes to her rescue again. Asks
me about my cramp. Tells me to put some ice on it.

WILLOW
I can't believe I didn't know about any of this.

SPIKE
Was a big secret.

WILLOW
Its nice, talking about Tara, remembering her.
Everyone else, they don't really talk
about her. They know I'm having nightmares.
Nightmares about her. I guess they think
they'll make it worse if they say something.
But it's like she never existed to them.

SPIKE
You ever feel the urge to talk and don't
think the others want to hear it, you come
to me. Last year, Buffy, she... well, we talked.

WILLOW
That's how it started, isn't it?
After we brought her back. You
were there when she needed to talk
and we weren't.


Spike looks around, ill at ease, as they stand outside a door.


WILLOW
Spike, thank you for saving me tonight.
And for taking my mind off of it with
your stories.

SPIKE
You might ought to think again about
reporting them.

WILLOW
No.

SPIKE
At least tell your friends, starting with the
bricklayer. Don't keep it bottled up.
Better go get some rest now.

WILLOW
Spike, I'd invite you in but Xander -
he wouldn't like it.

SPIKE
Doesn't matter. Better be going
myself. Have things to do.

WILLOW
Okay. But I'll see you around, right?

SPIKE
Sure, Red.


The door opens and Xander sticks his head out.


XANDER
I thought I heard voices.


Xander sees Spike and the smile leaves his face, replaced with anger.


XANDER
You. What are you doing here?

WILLOW
Spike's back. Isn't that great?

XANDER
Get out of here. Get away from Willow.


Xander advances on Spike wanting to hurt him. He grabs Spike by the collar but Willow steps in between them. Xander releases him and backs off.


WILLOW
Xander, what's wrong with you?


Xander looks at her and sees that she's been upset.


XANDER
Willow, are you hurt?
Did that bastard hurt you?

WILLOW
(bewildered)
No. Spike saved me. Some guys from
college, they surrounded me. Spike, he got
me out of there.

SPIKE
She had a bit of a scare.

WILLOW
Please, Xander. I just want to take
a shower and go to bed.
Whatever you're mad at Spike about
could you just drop it for now? For me?

XANDER
Fine. Willow go inside. I'll be right in.


Willow looks at Xander and Spike, still puzzled, but goes into the apartment. Xander watches her then turns back to confront Spike.


XANDER
Now listen, you creep, Willow doesn't
know about you but I do. I know
what you did to Buffy. Tried to do.
I was the one who found Buffy on the floor,
bruised, crying.


Spike blanches and takes a few steps back.


XANDER
Willow, Buffy - leave them alone. Stay out of
our lives and you'll live longer.


Xander turns his back on Spike, walks to his apartment and slams it shut behind him, leaving Spike alone in the hallway.


INT. - MAGIC BOX - NIGHT

Buffy enters, seeing Dawn, Giles, and Anya standing around, looking glum.


BUFFY
All done patrolling tonight.
Why the gloomy faces?

GILES
Xander just called. It seems that
Willow was attacked tonight.
She's okay but was badly scared.

BUFFY
What attacked her? Was it a vampire, a
demon? Just point me in the right
direction and I'll kill it.

ANYA
It wasn't a demon. Humans.

GILES
It seems a few boys from a
fraternity had been drinking.
She thinks they targeted her because
one of them knew she was gay.

BUFFY
Did they hurt her?

GILES
No, she managed to get away.
Evidently Spike came along and was able to,
despite pain from the chip, rescue her.

BUFFY
Spike? Spike's back?

GILES
So it seems.

DAWN
Buffy, something has to be done.

GILES
Willow isn't reporting it. She feels
that since they only scared her, no action
will be taken.

DAWN
Well, I don't think they should get
away with it.

BUFFY
Me neither. Anya, you ready to go
kick some human butt with me?

DAWN
Can I come too?

BUFFY
Not this time.

GILES
Buffy, I know you're upset but these are
humans. They are not your concern.

BUFFY
Giles, I know my duty. I understand that
there are human rules to govern humans. But
in this case, the rules aren't going to work.
I may not have warm, loving feelings for them but
I'm not going to slay them. They
scared Willow. I'm going to scare them.


ANYA
Maybe with your fists. Several times each.

BUFFY
Come on, Anya. Let's go get
some vengeance my way.


INT. - WILLOW'S BEDROOM - NIGHT

Willow is lying in bed, staring into space. Xander knocks then quietly walks in and sits on the bed next to her.


XANDER
Hey.

WILLOW
You coming in to check on me -
it's getting to be a habit.

XANDER
Willow, how are you doing?

WILLOW
Okay. Not really okay but as okay as
I can be right now.
(studying him)
Why did you act that way to Spike?
He was helping me.

XANDER
Willow. It's complicated.

WILLOW
I'm real smart. If you explain it to me
I 'll probably understand, even if you
use big words of two or three syllables.
Xander, you acted like a jerk.

XANDER
Do you really think I've been acting
like a jerk? I mean, not just tonight
but for a while?

WILLOW
Well, aren't all guys inherently jerky?
A bit, at least?

XANDER
I saw Anya. She said some things.
It got me thinking about some of the
things I've said. Some things I've done.
Have I been acting like a jerk?

WILLOW
Sometimes. Tonight. I know I don't know
the whole story with you and Spike but he saved me.
He walked me home and you attacked him. Also, I
remember you hitting him a bit before he left.
Xander, he can't fight back. Hitting someone who
can't fight back - it's a little mean.

XANDER
Like my father. Oh, God. I'm like my father.

WILLOW
No. No. You're better than your father.


Xander stands, then bends down to kiss Willow on the forehead.


XANDER
You get a good night's sleep.
I'm going to go out for a bit. Walk around,
do some thinking.

WILLOW
Xander...You are a better person than your
father. I know it. You should too.



EXT. - STREET - NIGHT

Anya and Buffy are walking along, looking for any signs of Willow's assailants.

ANYA
According to Xander, she was attacked
somewhere around here.

BUFFY
They might have gone home by now.

ANYA
Or they could be looking for more women to harass.
Buffy, Willow thought that she was attacked
because she's a lesbian. If we want to become
targets, shouldn't we pretend to be lesbians?

BUFFY
I guess we could hold hands.


Anya and Buffy start to hold hands as they walk.


ANYA
This is a little strange. Your
hand is so small.

BUFFY
And yours is warm.


Anya looks at Buffy, realizing whose hands Buffy is comparing hers to.


ANYA
He's back in town now.

BUFFY
Hmm.

ANYA
Are you going to go see him?

BUFFY
He knows where I live.

ANYA
Buffy that night. The night Spike and I
had sex. We only did it because we were both
broken-hearted. The people we loved had
rejected us. I didn't know he was talking about you.


BUFFY
I know. It's not your fault. It's not
anyone's fault. Well, maybe mine and Xander's.

ANYA
But you did reject him. If you want to
see him you need to go to him.

BUFFY
I'll think about it.

ANYA
Okay.
Buffy, I like the handholding but it doesn't
seem to be working. No one is attacking us yet.
I think every now and then you should kiss me.
Or I should kiss you.

BUFFY
Anya, no kissing.

ANYA
Fine. No wonder you suck at undercover work.


Anya and Buffy round the corner and see a few boys drinking. The boys look up at them.


FRAT BOY TWO
Hey, look at this. It must be our night for butch girls.

BUFFY
See? The handholding worked just fine.

FRAT BOY ONE
You girls want to be with a real man?

BUFFY
Does Spike qualify as a real man? He's
definitely male.
(at Anya's knowing smile)
Not that I want to be with him or anything.



FRAT BOY ONE
Women! Straight or gay. All they do is
talk. I have a much better ideas of what
they can do with their mouths.

ANYA
This has got to be them.

BUFFY
You boys want to shut me up? Try it.

FRAT BOY THREE
Hey, I think she wants to fight.

FRAT BOY TWO
She's awfully little.

FRAT BOY ONE
You like it rough, bitch? Fine with me.


The first boy swings at Buffy who blocks it then punches him, sending him back several feet. The other two look at each other then rush her. She kicks one hard, making him fly through the air. The other she swings by the arm, slamming him into the wall several yards away.

FRAT BOY TWO
Maybe we should get out of here.

The boys start to run only to be confronted with Anya, in demon face, having teleported ahead of them. She grabs her pendant, flings out her hand and they are knocked off of their feet, tumbling to the ground.

Buffy walks over to Anya, standing beside her.


BUFFY
Nice job.

ANYA
You, too. Are we all done?


The boys scramble to their feet, look at each other, then start running in the opposite direction.


BUFFY
Almost.


Buffy picks up a trashcan lid and spins it like a Frisbee after the fleeing trio. It hits one in the back of the knees. As he falls, he spills in front of the other two causing them to trip and land on their faces.


BUFFY
All done now.

ANYA
Good shot.

BUFFY
Yeah. I think we should try bowling again.

ANYA
No. You don't play fair. You're supposed
to roll the ball, not just throw it at the pins.

BUFFY
Hey. I wasn't the one that kept teleporting
to the end of the alley and kicking the pins
over with her foot. Poor Dawn was so embarrassed
she was hiding out in the snack bar.

ANYA
I didn't embarrass Dawn, you did. You
threw a ball so hard it crashed into the back
causing a mess and getting us kicked out.

BUFFY
I forgot about that. They probably wouldn't
even let us play.

ANYA
Don't worry, I bet they don't even remember us.


Buffy and Anya walk back towards the Magic Box together. The trio has gotten up and run several blocks. Panting, they slow down to a walk to catch their breath.


FRAT BOY TWO
What the hell was that?

FRAT BOY THREE
God, she was strong.

FRAT BOY ONE
That little one. I think she goes to our school.
I'm going to find her. Maybe get some more guys
together, teach her who's boss.

FRAT BOY TWO
Drop it, will you. We're safe now.


As the trio continues walking a group emerges from the shadows behind them. As they walk into the center of the street, the moonlight illuminates their faces. They are vampires on the hunt.



INT.- SPIKE'S CRYPT - NIGHT

Spike is coming up from downstairs when the crypt door is pounded from the outside. We see the door. There is a bar across it, keeping it closed. Once again an outside force hits the door causing it to bend inward but the door still holds. Spike looks at it, amused. The door is hit a third time, harder. This time it flies open, the bar splintering, the walls cracking and dust swirling around. Buffy enters with a stake in her hand, looks at the door, then looks up at Spike and freezes.


SPIKE
Still know how to make an entrance, I see.

BUFFY
Spike. You're back.

SPIKE
'Course I'm back. This is my home.


Spike has gone over to the door and is kneeling down, examining the damage. Buffy comes up behind him.



BUFFY
Your door. It was all stuck.

SPIKE
Was locked. Had a bar across it.

BUFFY
You barred it? There must be
something out there nastier than
I know about.


Spike is continuing to look at the damage. Buffy is right behind him. She raises her free hand to stroke his head but before she makes contact she draws it back.


SPIKE
No, no new nasty. Just would like
to be alone sometimes.

BUFFY
Oh. And now it's all brokeny.


Spike stands and turns towards Buffy.


SPIKE
It's okay. Should have figured something simple
wouldn't work.


Spike glances at the stake, still in her hand.


SPIKE
That for me?

BUFFY
What? Um, no. I was just patrolling.


Buffy turns and puts her stake on the sarcophagus. She looks around, avoiding Spike. She sees the figurine on the shelf, goes to it and picks it up. Spike follows her. She's not looking at him but he's drinking in the sight and scent of her.


BUFFY
This is new.

SPIKE
Bought it in Europe.

BUFFY
Europe? Is that where you were?

SPIKE
Among other places.

BUFFY
It's lovely.

SPIKE
(looking at Buffy)
That it is.


Spike closes his eyes, sighs, and turns away. Buffy puts the figurine back on the shelf then turns to towards him.


BUFFY
You were gone a long time. Dawn's
grown some more. You won't be able to
call her Little Bit much longer.
You should see her.

SPIKE
Buffy, I don't think that would be a good idea.

BUFFY
You don't want to see Dawn?

SPIKE
I don't think that I should come visiting.
Don't think you should visit me.
It's not going to work.

BUFFY
I thought that maybe you could help me
patrol occasionally. You could come around
and insult Xander. Teach Dawn
more ways to cheat at cards. Like old times?

SPIKE
We can't go back to the way it was.
Too many things have happened between
us. Too many bad things.

BUFFY
It wasn't all bad.

SPIKE
Buffy, I almost...
I almost raped you.


Spike takes a deep breath and continues.


SPIKE
No matter how many good things
we had together that will always be
between us. I think we need to stay away
from each other.

BUFFY
You want me to stay away?

SPIKE
Would be for the best.

BUFFY
You won't help anymore?

SPIKE
If you ever really need me, let me know.
I'll be there, to fight by your side, watch
your back, guard your sis, whatever.

BUFFY
So isn't this the part where you say
we'll still be friends?

SPIKE
We were never friends.

BUFFY
For a little while I thought we might be.
You don't love me anymore?

SPIKE
Not the point.

BUFFY
We can't be together.
(flustered, upset)
You're right. Vampire, slayer. Of course
we can't be together. I know this.
I better go. Get back to doing my sacred duty.


Buffy goes to the entryway and turns looking at Spike who is staring back at her.


BUFFY
Good-bye Spike.

SPIKE
Good-bye Buffy.


Buffy leaves. Spike is shaken by the encounter. He rubs his face in his hands. He goes to the sarcophagus, and braces his arms on it.

Buffy is walking away from the crypt, distraught. She lets out a heavy, unsteady sigh.


SPIKE
(yelling from a distance)
Buffy! Buffy, stop!


Buffy halts, her back still to Spike who is rapidly approaching her. She furtively wipes her eyes with the back of a hand and turns to face him, hoping that he's changed his mind.

BUFFY
What is it?


Spike hands Buffy her stake. She looks at it blankly.



SPIKE
You left it. In the crypt. Didn't know
if you had any others with you.

BUFFY
Oh.


Buffy starts to turn back away and then remembers something.


BUFFY
Spike, your coat. It's at my house.
You left it there.

SPIKE
Right. I'll drop by sometime and pick it up.
For now you can leave it in whatever
box or closet you have it stashed.

BUFFY
Okay. You'll have to get it when I'm
home. Dawn...she doesn't know where it is.

SPIKE
No rush.

BUFFY
(quizzically)
Spike, there's something different about you.

SPIKE
Ha. Went through this with Clem.
It's the clothes.

BUFFY
The clothes?

SPIKE
Not wearing black.

BUFFY
(just noticing)
Oh, nice, but that's not it.
It's your eyes. They're different.


INT. - SPIKE'S CRYPT - NIGHT

Spike is on the sarcophagus looking at a picture of Buffy and Dawn he had stolen in the past. The door opens, startling him. He quickly shoves the photo in his pocket and glances up.

SPIKE
Oh, it's you. Changed your mind, have you?
Going to stake me now?


Xander is just inside the door of the crypt, holding a brown paper bag.


XANDER
I came by earlier. Buffy was here.

SPIKE
She came to me, I'll have you know.

XANDER
I'm aware of that. I have something for you.


Xander puts his hand in the bag. Spike looks a bit worried. Xander pulls out a bottle of whiskey and hands it to Spike who is now shocked.


SPIKE
What's this?

XANDER
It's sort of a welcome back gift.
Also, an "I'm sorry" gift and "thank you" gift.
It's the good stuff.

SPIKE
Didn't poison it, did you?

XANDER
No, no poison. You helped Willow and I never
even thanked you. It doesn't wipe out what
you did to Buffy. I'll still be watching you,
stake ready. But - there were lots of the times
you saved me and the others and no one
ever said thanks. I just thought, I thought
I should let you know - oh to heck with it.
Just take the booze. It means whatever it means.


Xander turns and is leaving the crypt when Spike's voice stops.


SPIKE
Harris. I appreciate the gesture.

XANDER
You're welcome.



INT. - BUFFY'S BEDROOM - NIGHT

Buffy is in bed, tossing and turning, unable to sleep. She gives up and turns on her lamp and gets out of bed. She moves toward her closet, opens the door and pulls out a cardboard box. Kneeling beside it, she opens it and pulls out a slightly charred book that she places carefully on the table. A tattered blanket appears. That, too, is placed down gently. Buffy reaches into the bottom of the box and pulls from it Spike's black leather duster. Gently smoothing her hand over the leather then bringing it up to her face, she breathes in the scent. She stands and carries it to her bed and lies back down, holding it tightly even as she drifts off to sleep.


Fade to Black

REFLECTIONS


Teaser


INT. - MAGIC BOX - NIGHT

Giles is making notes in a diary. Anya is locking the front door, closing up the shop.

ANYA
Can I talk with you for a minute?

GILES
What seems to be the problem?
(remembering)
Oh, yes. I forgot to order more mandrake root.
I am sorry, Anyanka. I can assure you that I'll rectify
the situation first thing in the morning.

ANYA
No, that's not it. You forgot to order the mandrake
roots? No, no never mind.

GILES
Well, then how may I be of assistance?

ANYA
Giles, the problem is me. I'm a lousy vengeance demon.
I used to be a very good vengeance demon. But
last week a women had a boyfriend who never listened
to her. She wanted to me to make his ears fall off.
I talked her down to an earache instead. A stupid,
little earache. And it's all your fault.

GILES
I must say I fail to see the connection.

ANYA
If you hadn't broken my pendant in the different
dimension, I never would have lost my demon powers.
If I hadn't lost my demon powers, then I would
never have fallen in love with Xander, tried to marry
him, been left at the altar and gotten my powers back.
So now I'm a lousy vengeance demon and it's your fault.

GILES
Quite. I obviously have a great deal to make
amends for. How do you suppose I go about it?

ANYA
I don't know. Make me hate men again? I used
to have no problems wreaking vengeance when I
disliked your entire gender.


Giles goes over to her, folds her into his arms and gently puts her head on his shoulder.


GILES
I am so very sorry, Anya.

ANYA
Giles, if you are trying to get me to hate men
this is not the technique you should use.


Giles pulls back a little, but Anya goes forward, grabbing him and puts her head back on his shoulder.

GILES
I think the real difficulty is that you are no
longer the person you were, uncaring, childish,
heartless. You've grown and matured, become
a wonderful, loving woman. Now you must decide
what you really want out of life.

ANYA
And then what?

GILES
What's the term Americans use? Go for it?
In the meantime, might I suggest that you don't
go out seeking people to render your unique brand of
justice. If they want it, let them find you.



INT. - XANDER'S APARTMENT - NIGHT



Willow is at the table, studying. She is writing notes on index cards about her reading, cross referencing them as she goes. There is a knock at the apartment door. Willow goes to it, looks through the peephole then reels back in horror. She takes a deep breath, calms down, and goes back to the door. Opening it slowly we see a figure. A short figure.


JONATHAN
Hi Willow. Can we talk?


End of Teaser



INT. BUFFY'S KITCHEN - MORNING

Buffy and Dawn are getting ready to go to school. Dawn is eating cereal. Buffy is packing lunches.

DAWN
Do you really have to come to Parent-Teacher
Night? Since it was delayed while they finished up the construction,
you've already talked to my counselor several times.

BUFFY
And miss my chance to embarrass you?
Besides it's for your own good. Never know
when a teacher might be a giant praying mantis
or something.

DAWN
Well, you're going to have quite an act to follow.
The Buffybot made an impression.

BUFFY
(a little nervous)
Right.
You have quite an act to follow, too, refreshment girl.
Just don't forget to use sugar in the lemonade.

DAWN
Duh. I'm not a total moron. Should be fun, though.
Paul, that new guy I told you about. He said
he'd help me set things up.


Dawn grabs her lunch shoves it into her backpack and starts heading out the backdoor. Stops suddenly, looking down.


DAWN
Hey, somebody left a package.
(disappointed)
It's addressed to you.

Dawn hands Buffy the brown paper wrapped package and is very interested as Buffy tears it open. A silver hairclip and a note are revealed.


DAWN
(picks up hairclip)
Oh, pretty.


Buffy is reading the note.


DAWN
Who's it from?

BUFFY
It doesn't say.

DAWN
(curious)
What does it say?

Buffy is still intent on the note. Dawn, in little sister brattiness mode, grabs it away. Now, much taller than the slayer, she keeps it out of reach as Buffy tries to grab it back


BUFFY
Dawn. It's to me. Private

DAWN
Oh, come on. Let me see.
(Reading)

Cascading splendor
Halos of light
Surround my love
In locks of gold
Would that I could
Capture their flight
In silver chains
To have and hold.


DAWN
Yuck! I've read better poetry on the
walls in the bathroom of the Bronze.


Buffy grabs back the note very possessively.


BUFFY
Isn't it time for you to be going? You
don't want to be late.

DAWN
Oops! You're right.
Remember, I'll be working at the Magic Box
then going back to school to set up the refreshments.
I'll see you there.


Dawn dashes out the back door. Buffy looks quietly at the hairclip and note and smiles.


EXT. ON GRASS AT U.C. SUNNYDALE CAMPUS - DAY

Willow and Buffy are eating their lunches.


BUFFY
And when the professor called on me I knew the answer.
Others were in awe of me. No bowing down and
worshipping but Buffy the Brain kicked ass and
you are so not listening.

WILLOW
What? Oh, I'm sorry Buffy. I didn't get much
sleep last night.

BUFFY
(concerned)
Willow, those boys are never going to
hurt you again.

WILLOW
No. No, I wasn't thinking of them.
I had another bad dream.

BUFFY
Of Tara?

WILLOW
(upset)
I hadn't had any bad dreams for a week...and now this
one was awful. She was crying, lost, couldn't
get out of... of somewhere and I couldn't help her.
I think it's all Jonathan's fault.

BUFFY
Warren was the one who killed
her, not Jonathan.

WILLOW
You don't understand. Jonathan came
to see me last night.

BUFFY
He's back in town?

WILLOW
His parents got him some hotshot attorney. Since the
police station was partially destroyed, my doing,
there were possibilities of evidence tampering. His
attorney argued that the police had not provided for
the safety of the prisoners, the police argued that
he escaped. The upshot is that a plea bargain was struck
and he was sentenced to community service.

BUFFY
Community service? For trying to
rob an armored car?

WILLOW
The attorney is really, really good and as you know,
the Sunnydale police are kind of not too good.

BUFFY
They're idiots.

WILLOW
That, too.

BUFFY
I guess I can't be super mad. After all, it
was Jonathan who told me to bust Warren's
magic balls. Orbs. I mean bust the magic orbs.

BUFFY
(curious)
What did he want anyway?

WILLOW
He wanted to apologize for all the trouble
he helped Warren cause. He told me
how sorry he was about Tara.
Then I had that nightmare.

BUFFY
Willow, Tara was good. Very good. Kind, supportive,
loving - much better than me, than almost anyone else
I've ever met. Wherever Tara is, I'm sure she's
safe and happy.

WILLOW
Then why do I keep having these dreams? I know
I can't bring her back. No magic anymore.

WILLOW
(hurriedly, apologetically)
Not that I would. I know I shouldn't bring anyone
back, ever again. Buffy, I really am sorry that last year.
That I did that to you. Brought you back.
Took you out of heaven.

BUFFY
(pensive, then with a smile, brushing it off)
Hey, over it. Happy now. Back with my
friends and family. I've got you, Dawn, Xander,
Giles, Anya, even Sp..

BUFFY
(quietly)
No, I don't have Spike.

WILLOW
But, he's back. He saved my life with
the grr, and the argh, then "ow" because, you
know, the chip.

BUFFY
But he's not mine. Not anymore. I saw
him the other night. Went to his crypt.
Just to say hi...not for anything else. He
said I shouldn't try to see him anymore.
That too much had happened, too many
bad things. It was wrong

BUFFY
(faking brightness)
I mean of course it's wrong. Slayer, Vampire.
A slayer would never fall in love with a vampire.

WILLOW
Again.

BUFFY
What?

WILLOW
Again. A slayer would never fall in
love with a vampire again.

BUFFY
Right. Never again. No sir. Not
going to happen.

Buffy starts eating, attacking her sandwich. Willow is just watching her closely.



INT. MAGIC BOX - DAY

Anya is working the cash register helping a customer. Spike enters from downstairs holding burba weed. He starts slowly wandering around the store noting changes, such as a different table, new shelves, while Anya is busy. The customer finishes and exits.

ANYA
Thank you. Come again and buy more things.


SPIKE
Hello, Anyanka. How are you doing?

ANYA
Oh, terrific. The store is all repaired and sales are high.
Giles is here, and while being little actual help in the
merchandising aspect is quite good company.
Dawn still comes in after school to pay off her
foray into the criminal element and is therefore a good
source of extremely cheap labor.

SPIKE
No. I mean how are you doing? Not the store.

ANYA
Oh, okay.

SPIKE
Things working out with you and the prat?

ANYA
With Xander? No. It's not working out at all. It's over.

SPIKE
Sorry to hear that. No. No, I'm not. He never
deserved you. Watcher around?

ANYA
He went out on some errands. Anything to
escape the store.
(smiles)
Spike, I've always known you stole from me,
but (indicating burba weed) do you have
to be so flagrant about it?

SPIKE
Oh, this? Wasn't going to nick it.
Was going to pay for it!

ANYA
You were actually going to buy it as in
giving me cash in exchange for a good?

SPIKE
Of course. Don't steal from friends. Not anymore.


Spike takes money out of pocket and hands it to Anya. She starts working the register.


SPIKE
So does it happen a lot? The stealing?

ANYA
Quite a bit. Most demons usually don't
have a vast amount of funds. Tends to be small, though.
It's the random and wanton acts of destruction that
wreak havoc on the finances. You would not
believe the insurance rates we now have to pay.
I was trying to figure out how Willow could compensate
us for some of it but Giles told me to forget
it and take it out of his share. His share is getting smaller and
smaller. That man has no head for business.

SPIKE
Speaking of business, I' d like to talk to you about
a little proposition I have for you.
(at her look)
A business proposition.



EXT. - STREET - DAY

Buffy is dressed in sweats, walking to the Marital Arts Studio by cutting through some back alleys. She senses that she's being followed and tenses up, prepared to fight. She spins, grabs her stalker, and throws him to the ground. It's Jonathan.


JONATHAN
Please don't hurt me.

BUFFY
Oh. It's you. Willow told me you
were back in town. What do you want?

JONATHAN
I just wanted to talk to you.

BUFFY
So - talk.

JONATHAN
Can I get up off the ground first?


Buffy retreats a bit and Jonathan struggles to his feet, rubbing his sore back.


JONATHAN
I just wanted to let you know that I was sorry.
Sorry about all that stuff last year with Warren. I
stuck you in a time loop at the shop. I helped make
you invisible, helped Warren frame you for murder.

BUFFY
You were the one that got me stuck dealing
with that stupid mummy hand? That was evil.

JONATHAN
(proudly)
Yeah it was.
(at her look)
But really, I am sorry. No one was
supposed to get hurt. Not even you.

BUFFY
No one was going to get hurt? Jonathan,
you were trying to take over the town. What
did you think was going to happen?

JONATHAN
I don't know. I didn't think.

BUFFY
How'd you get mixed up with those
losers anyway?

JONATHAN
Kind of knew them from high school.
I met them again at a Science Fiction Convention.
We got to talking. Things got out of hand.

BUFFY
Why? And why attack me? I know we aren't friends.

JONATHAN
(bitter)
No, we aren't are we.

BUFFY
Jonathan?

JONATHAN
When I did that spell to make me a superstar
do you know what I liked the best? It wasn't the money,
or the fame, or the girls. Actually, it was the girls.
But the next best thing I liked? It was being with
you and Willow and Xander. Being part of the
gang. All of us, fighting together. Then when
the spell came apart, it was over. All of you
just ignored me again. Like it never happened.
I had helped. We were friends. Maybe it wasn't true.
Maybe it wasn't real. But I missed it. I wanted to have
friends like that again. I'm sorry.

BUFFY
Fine. You're sorry. I forgive you. Now go away.

JONATHAN
What? Just like that?

BUFFY
I refuse to hold grudges, be angry or depressed
anymore. You wanted forgiveness, you've got it.

JONATHAN
Don't you want to beat me up a little?

BUFFY
Tempting, but no. Last year - well, it sucked.
All of us did stupid things. I've decided instead
of being all mopey I'm going to be happy. So
forgiveness for everyone. Go away to England,
I forgive you. Steal things, I forgive you.
Break someone's heart, I forgive you. Become
a demon, I forgive you. Try to destroy the world,
I forgive you. Leave me all alone when you claim
to love me, I...well I don't know about that one yet.

JONATHAN
(concerned)
Buffy, are you okay?

BUFFY
I'm fine. Really.
Listen, I have to get to work. Is there
anything else you wanted?

JONATHAN
No. Yes. I know that Willow doesn't have
any magic anymore. I could tell and she confirmed it.
If you ever need any spells done, let me know. I'll help.

BUFFY
Still want to be part of the gang?

JONATHAN
(shrugs)
I do have some magic. I'm not super
strong or anything but I could help.

BUFFY
Okay, Jonathan. If something comes up,
I'll keep you in mind.

JONATHAN
(smiles)
Thanks.


INT. - MAGIC BOX - DAY

Anya is organizing the shelves. Giles is at the table, looking through his research books and eating jelly doughnuts. Dawn is watching a customer as she leaves with a heavy bag, filled with her purchases. Dawn turns to Anya, excitedly.

DAWN
Anya, did you see that? She wasn't sure whether
to buy the candles that were essence of butterflies
or the rosemary scented ones. I convinced her that they
were so different that she should be get both.

ANYA
It feels good, doesn't it? Triumphing on the
mercenary front. The thrill of retail. I'm so glad that
you're working here and I can teach you my love
for the capitalistic system.

DAWN
I can't wait for another customer to come in.
I'm going to see if I can get them to buy a set of those
chicken feet we have.

ANYA
Kid, you're good, really good. Just don't get cocky.

DAWN
Anya, I'm sorry I stole all that stuff from you
but I do like being here with you.

ANYA
You do?

DAWN
Yes. Buffy's my sister and I love her and
everything but sometimes - well, she's not too chatty.
But you talk to me and tell me things.
Sometimes it's much more than I want
to know, but I like that.

ANYA
I like you too, Dawn. You're very honest, except for
the stealing, of course. If you don't like someone or don't
want them around you just yell at them to "Get out."
That candor is really quite refreshing. If more people
would be that forthright there would be fewer problems.

DAWN
You're talking about Xander.

ANYA
Yes. Yes, I am.

DAWN
I'm sorry he broke your heart.

ANYA
So am I. Hearts are really quite fragile things,
aren't they? Bodies are much sturdier
and heal faster.

DAWN
Do you think that maybe after your heart
heals you and Xander will get back together?

ANYA
No. I don't think I'll ever believe him.
How will I know if he's telling me the truth
about how he feels or if he's being a wimpy coward?

DAWN
So you don't trust him?

ANYA
Not enough to love him. I've seen girls
trust a man with their heart that I wouldn't trust
to take care of a goldfish. It's stupid. Don't do that.

DAWN
I've met a guy at school. I think I could
trust him with a goldfish. A puppy, even.

ANYA
A puppy, that's good. Tell me about him.

DAWN
He's new, just moved here. He's taller than I am,
blond hair, blue eyes. His name's Paul.

ANYA
A hottie?

DAWN
Definitely. But he's nice, too. He's going
to help me set up for Parent-Teacher night at the school.

ANYA
Willing to do work to be with you. That's a good sign.


Anya looks up from what she is doing and starts looking at Giles intently as he continues to eat his doughnut.


ANYA
Especially when you know that they don't
actually like to do that sort of work.

DAWN
When I first saw him, it was like "whoa, he's the one".
Anya, do you believe in love at first sight?

ANYA
Actually I believe in love at any sight.
You can look at someone hundreds of times, a
thousand times. But that thousand and first time
you might see him, actually see the person.


Giles notices that Anya is staring at him. He finishes chewing and swallows. Thinking he must have some jelly from the doughnut on his face, he uses his napkin to wipe his mouth.


ANYA
And it's like in cartoons where a light pops over
the character's head when they have an idea.
Only you get a burst of warmth in your heart.
The air in your lungs gets heavy and it's not
getting to your brain so you feel lightheaded.


Giles continues to wipe his face, still hunting for the non-existent smear of jelly as Anya continues to gaze at him.


DAWN
This is what I was talking about. Buffy doesn't
say things like that to me the way you do.


Anya is pulled from her reverie and looks at Dawn.


DAWN
It's getting late. I've got to get to school.

ANYA
Good luck with Paul.

DAWN
Thanks.


Dawn leaves. The bell above the door is still jangling at Giles approaches Anya, napkin in hand, still worried that there might be something on his face.


GILES
Did I get it?

ANYA
What?

GILES
What you were staring at. Did I get it?
How am I now?

ANYA
Perfect. You're absolutely perfect.


INT. - SCHOOL CAFETERIA - EARLY EVENING

Dawn is inspecting a table set up with cups and a punchbowl. With much huffing and puffing Paul is moving a table next to it.

PAUL
(leaning against table)
So, is this okay here?

DAWN
Hmmm. Not quite.


Dawn gives the table a gentle shove, which manages to push it several feet away from the other table. Paul gives her an amazed look.


DAWN
Much better. Now people can walk in between.
(notices Paul's look)
What?

PAUL
Dawn. That table is heavy and you just. . .
(he's lost for words)


Dawn starts setting up the second table with platters of cookies. Paul reaches over to snag a chocolate cookie and munching it watches her.



DAWN
Oh. I work out a bit. My sister teaches at the
local martial arts studio and I get lessons free.
Also, when I'm not there I work in the Magic Shop.
Tend to carry a lot of old, heavy, thick, very boring
books not to mention unloading the inventory.

PAUL
Do you enjoy it?

DAWN
Working at the Magic Shop? Yeah, it can be fun. At
least it is when my boss isn't on my back about
something or other. Most of the time, she's really nice.
(with a twinkle)
Sometimes, though, she can be a real demon.

PAUL
But it's worth it, right? The paycheck - financial
freedom.

DAWN
Um, actually I don't get paid. Sort of had a problem last year.
Had a magnetic personality. Jewelry, trinkets, all sorts
of things would magically leap into my pockets wherever
I went, things that didn't get paid for.

PAUL
So what happened?

DAWN
Got busted, got so busted. By my current boss, her then
fiancé, my sister, and well, almost all of her friends.
Happened right in the middle of this birthday party
my sister was having - the birthday party that
wouldn't stop and that was my fault too, and it was just
like how I can't stop talking now, but keep
rambling on. Sorry I'm such a loser.

PAUL
So between the martial arts lessons and the job
do you have any free time?

DAWN
A bit. Why?

PAUL
I just thought that maybe sometime you might want
to spend a little of that free time with me. Maybe
get a soda together, or something.


DAWN
Sure but first you have to run the
big sister gauntlet. She's real protective, especially
since she came back. Likes to check out my friends,
make sure they're nice, well mannered, breathing.

PAUL
I might manage to pass inspection then.


Dawn turns her back to him, pretending to move things around but silently saying, "Yes!"


PAUL
Dawn, one question, though. You said your sister
was more protective since she came back. Where
did she come back from?


INT. - MAGIC BOX - EVENING

Giles is looking in books while Anya is helping a customer. Buffy, all dressed up, enters and plops herself next to Giles.


BUFFY
Research? What's up? I have a little time before
doing the whole Dawn, school, teacher thingies.
I could help.

GILES
I'm trying to discover if there is any cause for the
recent influx of vampires.

BUFFY
And?

GILES
Nothing. The only hypothesis I have is that it might have
something to do with the Feast of St. Vigeous.

BUFFY
(shudders)
Ooh. Bad memories. Wait, wasn't that a couple of
weeks ago?

GILES
Very good, Buffy. I'm impressed that you remembered.

BUFFY
Amazing how almost getting killed tends
to fix dates in your mind.

GILES
The Feast of St. Vigeous was a few weeks back. Afterwards,
there is a period of celebration and carnage for the
vampire community. We are now at the tail end
of that period.

BUFFY
Those vampires - fun-loving celebrating guys.

GILES
Buffy, do you think it's a possibility....The number
of vampires, more deadly, more organized than we've
seen them in years - the Feast of
St. Vigeous - combined with the knowledge
that Spike has returned to Sunnydale.

BUFFY
Do I think he's the Big Bad again?
Oh, please. He has the chip.

GILES
The chip just prevents him from harming humans.
It does not prevent him being a Master Vampire.
He's strong, intelligent, dangerous, evil.

BUFFY
(shakily)
Giles, he wouldn't.
(with more conviction)
He wouldn't.

GILES
Buffy, do you really trust him that much?


EXT. - STREET - EVENING

Xander and Willow are walking down the street. Willow has books and notebooks, returning from class.


WILLOW
Xander, you really didn't have to come get me.
I told you that I'd be okay walking home by myself.

XANDER
Oh, but I like being big, protective guy. In fact, (takes
her books) I'll be big protective guy who carries things.


Willow starts giggling.


XANDER
What?

WILLOW
Nothing. Well, not nothing, just... years ago we
used to walk home together and you never, ever
carried my books. I used to think it would be
so nice or romantic and here we are all these years
later and you're finally carrying my books.

XANDER
I did too carry your books. I remember carrying your books.

WILLOW
Okay, one time in fifth grade. But that was because
I was carrying our Civil War project. You know, the
one I did while you watched cartoons. And it was huge.
I couldn't even see over it. You had to tell me where
all the curbs and steps were.

XANDER
Hey, I wasn't the one who wanted to do the
Battle of Bull Run. That was it, huh?
Just that one time?

WILLOW
Yep, that was it.

XANDER
Willow, I was an idiot. Should've carried your
books everyday. Hey, how about I come pick you
up every time you have a late class and carry
your books home for you.

WILLOW
No, Xander. I need to start being strong. I need
to take care of myself. I can't keep depending on you or
someone else to take care of me.

XANDER
(shyly)
You can, though. Depend on me to take care of you.

WILLOW
(oblivious to his feelings)
You're a good friend but it will be okay. Buffy is going to teach
me a few moves for defense. Maybe if my schedule
lightens up next semester I'll even take one of her classes.
Then I can be big, strong Willow and protect you.

XANDER
So how's Buffy doing?

WILLOW
Okay. Actually she told me that she saw Spike last night.
She was real hurt.

XANDER
What? Spike hurt Buffy again?

WILLOW
Again? No, they didn't fight or anything. Spike just
told her not to come see him anymore.

XANDER
Good. Wait. This hurt Buffy? She said that?

WILLOW
She didn't say anything but I could, you know, feel her pain.


EXT. - STREET - NIGHT


Xander and Willow are still walking back to his apartment


XANDER
I'm just saying that he's got to be independently wealthy 'cause, hey
no jobs in the desert. Also, he has to have a credit card with a
really high spending limit cause you know anvils, rockets and
flying machine kits are not cheap.

Willow stops then tugs Xander to a stop next to her. She puts a finger to her lips then points to where a small oriental female is crossing the street ahead of them. Behind her is a vampire in game face, hurrying, closing the gap. Xander looks at the books in his hand then quietly puts them down on the sidewalk. As he rises up, he pulls two stakes out of his jacket, goes to hand one to Willow but she has already pulled one out of her sleeve.
They sneak up behind the vampire who is intent on the woman in front of him. Xander spins him around and Willow stakes him through the heart, dusting him. The woman, hearing them, turns back, shocked, looking at their stakes.


XANDER
See Willow, Sunnydale is definitely not the place
to be walking alone at night.


The woman, still shocked, is looking at them.


XANDER
Hey. You okay? He's gone now. He won't hurt you.

WOMAN
You killed him!

WILLOW
It's okay. You're safe now.

The woman grabs Willow in a big hug. Willow looks over her head at Xander and shrugs.


INT. - SCHOOL CAFETERIA - NIGHT


There are several groups of adults milling around, talking. Buffy enters with one of Dawn's teachers. Buffy shakes hands with the teacher then leaves to join Dawn.


DAWN
So, what did Mrs. Anderson have to say about me?

BUFFY
She said you have a great deal of potential. She also said
that you weren't applying yourself to your studies.

DAWN
Potential, though. That's good, right?

BUFFY
It's also what your math teacher said, your science teacher, I think
the janitor even tracked me down to tell me that.

DAWN
Did anyone say anything else?

BUFFY
I met the principal, Mr. Runyon. That was strange.
He was real twitchy. Kept asking me if I had matches
or flammables in my purse. Pointed out that the school
was new and had been built at great expense.

DAWN
You did destroy the last one.

BUFFY
Had to. Giant Mayor Snake Demon Thingee.
Wasn't my fault.

DAWN
Don't let old Runyon bother you. Surprised he
was even here. Usually he hides in his office. Heard
from some kids that he has some weird fear
about being eaten. Crazy, huh?

BUFFY
Where's your friend?

DAWN
Paul? He left an hour ago. I really would
like you to meet him. He's nice and - I think he
wants to date me.

BUFFY
Date you?

DAWN
Don't worry. I already warned him about you
having to check him out and he was cool with it, totally.

BUFFY
That's a good sign. Just to be sure, could we
make our first meeting during daylight hours?
That way if he burns up then I don't have to go
through the big, bad parent routine.



EXT.- STREET - NIGHT

The woman that Willow and Xander saved is still hugging Willow who is starting to look uncomfortable. Xander is beginning to get a little angry.


XANDER
Hey, um, I saved you too. Don't I get a hug?

WILLOW
(giving Xander a dirty look)
Shush. It's okay. No one will hurt you now.

XANDER
Willow, we need to get home. It's dark, evil's afoot
and all that.


The woman slowly releases Willow.


WOMAN
Thank you so much for saving from that . . .that

XANDER
Vampire.


The woman is startled.


XANDER
We saved you from a vampire.

WOMAN
Oh, is that what that thing was?


The woman turns to Willow, basically blocking Xander out.


WOMAN
How can I ever thank you for saving my life?

WILLOW
It was nothing. Really. We do it all the time.
Been doing it for years.

XANDER
Yep, growing up in Sunnydale does have its advantages.
Not much to see or do but you can become proficient
with sharp pieces of wood.

WOMAN
(to Willow)
My name's Kimi. I just moved here this summer.

WILLOW
I'm Willow and he's Xander. Do you like it here?

XANDER
Willow, could we please get going?



Xander goes back to retrieve Willow's books.


KIMI
I need to get going too. I have to be somewhere.
In fact, I'm really late.


WILLOW
Kimi, you should go home. Sunnydale can
be dangerous

KIMI
Will I see you around?

WILLOW
Probably. Sunnydale's not that big of a town.
Not that many places to go.


INT. - SCHOOL CAFETERIA - NIGHT

There are fewer people around now. Parent-Teacher night is winding down. The lemonade is almost all gone and there are only cookie crumbs scattered on the platters. Dawn and Buffy are standing by the tables.

BUFFY
So, Dawn, are you finished here?

DAWN
Pretty much. I don't have to do any clean up.
Runyon picked a couple of losers for that job.

BUFFY
You did your refreshment duty. I did
my big sister duty. I guess we're done.


Screaming, and the sounds of a struggle come from the hallways. A few people, rush inside panicked.


LARGE MAN
Help! There's some gang out there attacking people!

BUFFY
I guess there's still my other duty, though.


A group of vampires bursts through the windows of the cafeteria. The vampire in charge is tall and handsome, with dark hair. His name is Thomas. He strides towards the group of adults and teenagers. They are scared to go into the hallways, but are now frightened of these newcomers. Buffy and Dawn maneuver themselves to the front of the group.


THOMAS
I've been looking all over for the refreshments.


Thomas shifts into game face causing members of the group to scream and run into the hallway.


THOMAS
Looks like I found them.

BUFFY
Dawn, get these people out of here then
get in touch with Giles.

DAWN
I'm not going to leave you. There's too many of them.

BUFFY
Don't argue with me. Hurry.


Dawn starts to protest but more shrieking is heard from the hallway. Dawn pushes out the doors, grabbing people, pulling them with her.


DAWN
Everyone. Out this way. Follow me.


There is a bit of confusion, but with Dawn leading the way and the impetus of the vampires behind them, the exodus is completed quickly leaving Buffy alone with her enemies. The vampires start trying get around her to the door. Thomas approaches her


THOMAS
Aren't you going to scream? Run
away in blind panic like the others?

BUFFY
I don't scream. Not in my job description.

THOMAS
And what are you, besides being a tasty treat?
Too old to be a student. Too young to be a parent.


Buffy removes a stake from her clothes. The vampires are surprised.


BUFFY
But just the right age to be a slayer.


INT.- SCHOOL HALLWAY - NIGHT

Dawn is leading the group down the hall, away from the cafeteria. She gets to an intersection, turns to the left and sees two vampires feeding on an unfortunate parent. She turns to the right and heads everyone in that direction until three vampires appear coming down the hall in their direction. She tries a door to a classroom but it is locked. Stepping back, Dawn kicks it open, then motions the others into the room. Spying a fire axe, while the others hurry inside, she breaks the glass and grabs it. Just before the vampires pounce, she slips into room. People grab the instructor's desk turning it onto its side to prop up against the remains of the door.


LARGE MAN
We're stuck in here. Now what?

DAWN
We need weapons. Anything wooden
and pointy will do.


The group looks around. The desks are metal. The tables are metal. The few chairs unattached to desks are made from plastic and metal.


DAWN
Darn!


INT. - SCHOOL CAFETERIA - NIGHT

Thomas and Buffy are still facing off. Thomas looks Buffy up and down.


THOMAS
The Slayer. I heard you were dead.


Thomas swings a punch at her which she easily dodges. She retaliates with a jab to his face. He steps back, astonished, then goes back at her.


BUFFY
Been there, done that. A couple times, too.
I go down, I come back. I'm a Slayer yo-yo.


She kicks Thomas hard, knocking him back a few yards.


THOMAS
When I kill you, you'll stay dead.

BUFFY
Promises, promises.

THOMAS
You're strong; I'll give you that. But there's
six of us and only one of you.


Buffy snatches the collar of a vampire that has ventured too close to her and hurls him into another vampire on the other side of her. The force sends both of them sliding into chairs that had been set out for the event, knocking them out.


BUFFY
Four of you.

THOMAS
They don't matter. I don't need them.
I can kill you all by myself.


Thomas attacks Buffy. She parries one blow but the next one connects, punching her, sending her back against the wall near the door. It hurts. The other vampires start to close in. Buffy is beginning to get worried but trying not to show it.


BUFFY
Not going to happen.
Better vamps than you have tried.

THOMAS
Weaklings. Fools, the lot of them
Probably can't find a jugular when
it's pulsing before them.


A vampire to the right of Buffy explodes into dust.


SPIKE
As one of those fools who've tried to kill her,
I take offense at that.


At some point during the confrontation, Spike has come through the broken windows behind the vampires. He's armed with a stake, ready to fight.


INT. - MAGIC BOX - NIGHT

Giles is gathering up stakes and supplies. Anya is on the phone, frantically trying to place a call.


ANYA
I can't reach Willow or Xander.

GILES
There's not enough time to keep trying.
We'll have to go alone.


Giles hands a sword to Anya.


GILES
Here, take this.

ANYA
Giles! I'm a vengeance demon, not a Jedi master.
Can't you just wish some vengeance on the vampires?

GILES
Would that work?

ANYA
No. Because you, personally, have not been wronged.
You could get bit, though. Or killed. Then
you could do it.

GILES
Just take the sword.

ANYA
Fine, but I so do not feel the force.


INT. - SCHOOL CAFETERIA - NIGHT

Buffy takes advantage of Spike's entrance to kill one of the vampires then spins and dusts a second one. A third backs away only to have Spike come at him from behind, staking him. The only enemy left is Thomas. Buffy and Spike face him together.


THOMAS
Who are you?

SPIKE
Friend of the lady.

THOMAS
You're a vampire. You're supposed to be evil.
The only vampire who isn't is... You must be Angel!

SPIKE
I am not the Great Poof!


Spike is incensed. He attacks Thomas recklessly. He pummels his fists relentlessly into Thomas' face and body, anger seething out of him.


SPIKE
I am not a nancy boy! My hair does not
stand straight up! I. Do. Not. Brood!


Thomas, bruised and bloody, manages to fling Spike away from him. Spike starts to go back at him, but stops when the cafeteria doors open behind him and seven more vampires enter.


VAMPIRE ONE
Thomas!

THOMAS
The girl's the Slayer. The other one, he's a vampire.
Crazy, dangerous. Kill them both.


As the vampires attack Buffy and Spike, Thomas, by way of the broken windows, leaves.


INT. - SCHOOL CLASSROOM - NIGHT

The group is now armed with a motley assortment of weapons. Two of them have half of a broken yardstick. One has the pole from the flag. A few have parts and pieces of the dowel that held a map. Dawn still grips her axe.


LARGE MAN
Are they gone?

DAWN
I don't think so.

LARGE MAN
It's quiet. I think we should check.

DAWN
Something tells me they're still out there.

LARGE MAN
I'm not going to sit here and wait all night.


The man motions to some other people in the group.


LARGE MAN
Come on. Help me move this desk out of the way.

DAWN
Only move it a little. Just in case.


The men start to ease the desk away from the door. The large man goes to the opening and listens.


LARGE MAN
Seems like the coast is clear.


A vampire lunges into the empty space, wrapping his arm around the man pulling on him. Dawn raises the axe and chops into the vampire's arm, cutting into it deeply. The vampire screams and retreats. Dawn grabs the man back into the room while the others replace the desk, holding it in the opening as it is pushed and pounded from outside the classroom.


DAWN
Maybe we should wait a little longer.


INT. - SCHOOL CAFETERIA - NIGHT


Buffy and Spike are now fighting back-to-back, punching kicking and occasionally dusting a vampire.


SPIKE
So, pet. How's life treating you?

BUFFY
Still not able to do anything normal without
stupid vampires getting in the way.

SPIKE
You want I should leave?

BUFFY
I didn't mean you - just vampires in general.


Spike locks an arm around the neck of the vampire he's fighting, brings his stake around and thrusts into the vampire's breast. As that vampire explodes another takes its place fighting Spike. Three more vampires enter the cafeteria, one clutching a bleeding arm.


SPIKE
Little sis around?

BUFFY
She was. I sent her out with a group of civilians.

SPIKE
Armed?

BUFFY
She wasn't when she left.

SPIKE
She's probably got something sharp and pointy by now.
One of those blokes over there is bleeding.
She takes after you. You always were resourceful.

BUFFY
Thanks.


Buffy kicks the legs out from under her opponent, laying him flat on his back. She quickly leans over to dust him, then straightens back up.


BUFFY
What are you doing here anyway?

SPIKE
Heard something was going down. Knew
this is where the bit goes to school.

BUFFY
You were worried about her?

SPIKE
Me? Nah. Thought it could be fun.
(at Buffy's look)
To fight them. Good guy here!



INT. - SCHOOL CLASSROOM - NIGHT

Some of the group is still braced against the desk covering the door.


DAWN
I think they're gone.

LARGE MAN
It could be a trick like last time.

DAWN
No. I don't think so. If it makes you feel
better, I'll go first.

LARGE MAN
Why should we do what you say?
You're just a kid.

DAWN
Yes, but I'm the one with the axe.


Slowly the desk is pulled away from the door again. Dawn eases through the opening into the hall. Looking both ways, she sees nothing. She motions for the others to follow her. Nervously they come into the hallway. Dawn leads them down the corridor until they reach the door to the outside. She looks outside and sees nothing to concern her. The group hurries through the door, escaping.

The large man pauses at the door, concerned.


LARGE MAN
Aren't you coming? I could take you home.
Car's right out front.

DAWN
No. My sister's still inside I have to find her.
Besides, I don't accept rides from strangers, too dangerous.

LARGE MAN
Right. Good luck.

DAWN
Thanks.



INT. - SCHOOL CAFETERIA - NIGHT

Buffy and Spike are still fighting. The room is littered with dust. There are only three vampires left. One of those vampires, however, is huge.


BUFFY
Having fun yet?

SPIKE
Been awhile since I had me a nice spot of
violence - even if it is against this bunch.


With a quick swing of his arm, Spike dusts another vampire.


BUFFY
Not much to them, huh.

SPIKE
Lots of fledglings. Saw a blond chap outside earlier
that might be a fighter. No one else, except for that bloke,
Thomas. Noticed you were chatting him up.

BUFFY
I was not chatting him up. He was trying to kill me.
(at Spike's look)
Just because that's foreplay to you doesn't
mean it applies to everyone.

SPIKE
He's the only one here worth a go.
Older, meaner.

BUFFY
Older than you?

SPIKE
No. Not many older than I am.

BUFFY
There's Angel.

SPIKE
Now is not the time to bring up that poofter.
(mimics Thomas)
You must be Angel. Stupid git.


Buffy punches her vampire. As he's knocked back, she twirls around, and with the other hand, stakes him. She turns to help Spike with the last, remaining vampire. They continue talking as they circle around him. This one is not only big, but strong as well. Spike's punches are making little headway.


BUFFY
What about Drusilla?

SPIKE
Usually too busy conversing with rocks or
dead birds to give you much of a fight.

BUFFY
Dracula. He's older. He's not crazy
or a poofter, either.

SPIKE
Lightweight.

BUFFY
He isn't. He almost had me.

SPIKE
Relies too much on tricks.

BUFFY
Some tricks. They almost worked.

SPIKE
Didn't though. And once you tossed his thrall,
didn't take much before you beat him.
Saw him this summer. Wanted me to
give you a message. I told him to sod off.
Asked him if I look like Western bloody Union.


Buffy and Spike simultaneously thrust their stakes into the huge vampire from opposite sides. He explodes around them, covering them with dust. Spike looks around for more opponents, disappointed. Buffy starts brushing herself off, then moves to Spike and starts dusting him off as well.


BUFFY
(pleased)
He mentioned me?

SPIKE
Get off of it, Slayer. You know that I'm the
only one who's ever been a real match for you.

BUFFY
I know it. Do you?


Buffy's hands are no longer brushing Spike off but caressing him. Stroking his arms, shoulders, and chest.


SPIKE
Slayer? Buffy? What are you doing?

BUFFY
Have you forgotten already?


Buffy's hands move lower. Spike shudders.


SPIKE
We talked about this. It's no good.

BUFFY
Actually it was always very good.

SPIKE
Buffeee.


Spike reaches out and grabs her arms, halting her progress. Buffy just moves her body closer to his.


BUFFY
Spike, think about it. Parent -Teacher night.
Vampires attacking. Bring back any memories?

SPIKE
Our first fight.

BUFFY
The first time I beat you down.

SPIKE
Did not. Almost had you. Would've
if your mum hadn't hit me.
God I miss Joyce.

BUFFY
Me, too.

SPIKE
You were such a cutie. In that
short little skirt and that luscious ass.

BUFFY
Spike, you were supposed to be
trying to kill me, not checking me out.


Buffy is now rotating her pelvis against Spike. He lets out a small groan.


SPIKE
Was trying. Still male, though.

BUFFY
Tonight - it's like some really sick anniversary.
Still an anniversary is an anniversary.


Buffy leans her head forward and slowly licks Spike's neck.


BUFFY
Maybe we should celebrate it the traditional way.

SPIKE
Buffy, we shouldn't.

BUFFY
(whispering in his ear)
Why not? Don't you still like my ass?

SPIKE
Oh God yes. You know I do. But
we decided that... that -


Buffy is now nibbling on his ear.


SPIKE
I can't think
when you do that.


Buffy pauses and leans away from him a little bit.


BUFFY
Do you really want me to stop? I will
if you want me to. I won't force you to do
anything you don't want to do.

SPIKE
Do I want you to stop? No. Don't stop.
Please don't stop.


Spike releases Buffy's arms. She slides her hands up his chest to wrap around his neck. Spike pulls Buffy into him until she's crushed against him. Slowly he leans down to kiss her.

Suddenly Spike pulls away, clutching his head in pain. Dawn is behind him, axe raised.


DAWN
Get away from my sister!

BUFFY
Dawn!

SPIKE
What the bloody hell is it with you
Summers women and axes?

DAWN
You should've stayed away from here.
Why did you have to come back?

SPIKE
Missed seeing you. And you do look lovely,
Little Bit. Even with that sodding axe in your hands.

BUFFY
Spike, maybe you should go.

SPIKE
Right. Before your sis decides to play
lumberjack again.


Spike, still clutching the back of his head, stumbles to the windows. He glances back at the two women, then leaves.


BUFFY
What is wrong with you?
He was helping.

DAWN
Helping? How?
Did you drown again 'cause it sure looked
like he was about to start mouth to mouth.

BUFFY
Dawn!


Giles runs into the room, partially turned around to watch Spike's retreating form. Anya is huffing and puffing behind, practically dragging the heavy sword.


GILES
Buffy, is everything all right?

BUFFY
There might be a body or two around
but all the vampires are gone.

GILES
We saw Spike leaving. Was he one of them?

BUFFY
No he wasn't.
(louder, trying to make Dawn listen)
He came because he heard about it
and was afraid for Dawn's sake.
He helped me fight the vampires.
He killed several of them.

GILES
I was just asking. I wasn't accusing him of anything.

ANYA
No vampires? Good.
(hands Buffy the sword)
Buffy you take this. It's heavy.

GILES
So these were not his minions then.

BUFFY
No. There was this one vampire.
Really strong. Spike said he was older than
the others. They were probably his.

GILES
Did you, by any chance, get his name?

BUFFY
Thomas. Tall, dark haired, nice looking.
(at their looks)
Not that I really noticed him or anything.

DAWN
Right, because you would never
be interested in a vampire.


Dawn drops her axe onto the floor and starts to make her way out of the school. Buffy slides an exasperated look toward Giles and Anya before turning and following Dawn.


INT. - BUFFY'S BEDROOM - NIGHT

Buffy is getting ready for bed when there is a knock on her door. She opens it to find Dawn standing there.


DAWN
Can I come in?

BUFFY
Um, sure. You wanted to talk about something?

DAWN
Yes.

Dawn sits on Buffy's bed. She looks around the room, nervous, not really sure how to say what she wants to say.


DAWN
Xander told me that Spike - that he
tried to rape you. Is that true?

BUFFY
(quietly)
Yes it is.

DAWN
Then why is he still around? Why did I go into
the cafeteria tonight to see you clinging all over him?

BUFFY
I don't know, Dawn. I guess I could tell you that as
a Slayer a lot of bad things have happened to me. I've
had good friends betray me like Ford and
Willow. People have tried to sacrifice me. Mom tried to
burn me at the stake that one time. Demons, monsters,
and vampires have always tried to kill me. Even
a hell god got into the act. Heck, I've died twice.

Taking a deep breath, Buffy continues.


BUFFY
I could tell you that in the grand scheme of my life,
an attempted rape was nothing, but that wouldn't be true.
When he tried - it hurt me, Dawn. The only thing that
ever hurt that much was when Angel said the things he did.

DAWN
After you two spent the night together.

BUFFY
Right.

DAWN
But Angel said those things when he
lost his soul.

BUFFY
And Spike never had his soul to begin
with! Even without his soul, shouldn't
Angel have loved me?

DAWN
And you still love Angel, don't you?
Despite everything.

BUFFY
Not like I used to. I still care about him,
but things have happened. Spike happened.
But when he came back, yes,
I still loved him.

DAWN
And now Spike is back.
How do you feel about him?

BUFFY
I still have feelings for him. but I'm not
quite sure what those feelings are. I still want him,
that's for certain and I so should not be telling my
little sister this. Dawn, it's late and you need to
get some sleep. By the time I finish brushing my
teeth I expect you to be out of here and tucked into
your own bed, snoring away.


Buffy turns and leaves her room.


DAWN
(pouting)
I don't snore.


Dawn's thinking about what Buffy said, still concerned. She plops her body fully onto the bed so that she's partially laying across it. As her weight sinks into the bed, she looks puzzled. She turns, feeling the covers under her back. She pulls the covers down and digs out Spike's duster. At first she doesn't realize what it is, then comprehension hits.

We hear Buffy approaching the room.


BUFFY
(off screen)
Dawn, I thought I told you to be in bed.


Buffy gets to her doorway and stops. Dawn is still holding Spike's duster, staring at her.


Fade to Black

TRICK OR TREAT


Teaser

EXT. - STREET - NIGHT


Spike is walking down the street. He stops, tenses, ready for a fight. Buffy leaps out of an alley with a stake raised. She recognizes Spike and lowers her weapon. Spike lowers his fists and relaxes.


BUFFY
Spike, what are you doing here?

SPIKE
Minding my own business.
You should try it sometime.


Spike continues walking down the street. Buffy falls in beside him.


BUFFY
So, how have you been?

SPIKE
Fine. You?

BUFFY
Fine.

SPIKE
Dawn okay?

BUFFY
She's good. Doing much better in
high school than I did and she reminds
me of that fact often.

SPIKE
That's good.

BUFFY
She's met a boy.


Spike stops and stares at Buffy.


SPIKE
A boy?

BUFFY
Yeah, you know. Young male
of the human variety.


Spike and Buffy start walking again.

SPIKE
Isn't she too young for that
sort of thing?

BUFFY
I met Angel when I was sixteen.

SPIKE
And we all know how well that
turned out.


Buffy makes a face at Spike, but he doesn't notice. He's staring at a shop with the door smashed in. He goes to investigate, Buffy following.


SPIKE
Bloody hell!

BUFFY
What happened here?

SPIKE
Looks as though Mr. Chenin had a
bit of a problem.


Spike takes a few steps into the shop and winces. Buffy goes to follow him, but he holds her back.


SPIKE
Bit messy in there luv. Nothing
you can do for him now.

BUFFY
Who was he?

SPIKE
Demon - harmless, poor bloke. Sold
minor charms, potions to the locals.

BUFFY
(wrinkling nose)
Eew! Is that smell him?

SPIKE
The smell? No, it's not him.


Spike exits the front of the shop, prodding Buffy along in front of him.


BUFFY
Guess I should mention to Giles that
someone besides me is getting rid of demons.

SPIKE
Not any of your business, though, is it?

BUFFY
(shrugs)
Just one less demon for me to kill.

SPIKE
Right. Well I've got to be going, Slayer.
See you around.


Buffy watches Spike stalk off.


BUFFY
Not one for chitchat anymore, I guess.


End of Teaser



INT. - MAGIC BOX - NIGHT

Anya and Giles are working in the shop. The Magic Box is in the midst of the Halloween sale and displays need to be restocked and straightened. They are arguing as Buffy enters.


GILES
No. I'm not going and you can't make me.

ANYA
Yes, you are too going.

GILES
It's cruel, inhuman.

ANYA
Giles, you promised.
(to Buffy)
Did you get Dawn home okay?

BUFFY
Yes. What's going on?

ANYA
Giles promised to go with me to the Chamber
of Commerce Halloween dance and now he's
trying to back out.

BUFFY
Giles, is that true?

GILES
I did not promise. Well, I did but she
tricked me.

ANYA
I asked. You said yes.

GILES
I was translating an obscure text dating
from twelfth century Russia. I wasn't
paying attention.

ANYA
Not listening does not qualify
as being tricked.

GILES
(exasperated)
Very well, but I am not wearing
that absurd costume.

BUFFY
Costume? There's a costume involved?

ANYA
Of course. It's a Halloween dance. Since
we own a magic shop together I chose costumes
to go with that theme. Giles will be a magician
and I will be his lovely assistant who has a
twin hidden somewhere backstage.

BUFFY
That doesn't sound so bad.

GILES
Buffy, I do not look forward to spending
an evening being requested to make rabbits
appear.

ANYA
Rabbits appear? You mean disappear.
Making rabbits disappear.

GILES
(placating)
I apologize Anya. I meant
making rabbits disappear.

ANYA
That's better. Besides, you'll look
cute in that top hat.

GILES
Humph. A worthwhile goal, I'm sure.

ANYA
Then, you'll go with me?

GILES
I concede my defeat. I'll go.

ANYA
Oh, goody! I better make sure that my
costume is appropriately sexy with sequins
in all the necessary places.


Anya goes into the back room leaving Buffy and Giles alone.


BUFFY
I'm proud of you, Giles.

GILES
Don't be. I fully intend to not fulfill
any expected role as a member of
the Sunnydale business community.

BUFFY
Not that. I'm proud of you for making Anya happy.

GILES
Oh, quite.


INT. - VAMPIRE'S LAIR - BEDROOM - NIGHT

Kimi is sitting on the bed reading a book. Thomas enters, angry. He starts to change his torn, dirty clothes, getting clean ones from a trunk.


THOMAS
Where were you last night?

KIMI
You're the one who never came home.
Shouldn't I be asking you that question?


Thomas, shirtless advances on her.


THOMAS
I was injured. Didn't get home in time. I spent the
day in the sewers.

KIMI
That explains the not attractive aroma.

THOMAS
(accusingly)
You never showed up at the school.
We could've used you.

KIMI
I was delayed. Lose badly?
Fighting high schoolers?

THOMAS
The Slayer. She was there. She wasn't
alone, either. Had help.

KIMI
Who helped her?

THOMAS
Some blond vampire. Never seen him
before. He was good. Strong. Fast.

KIMI
Spike. You were lucky you got away, then.

THOMAS
You know him?

KIMI
I know of him.
(shaking her head at Thomas)
You never study do you?

KIMI
The vampire's name is Spike, also
known as William the Bloody. He's more
than twice your age. Extremely dangerous.
He's killed two slayers. Two!

THOMAS
Wasn't trying to kill this one.

KIMI
(smirks)
No, he wouldn't. Rumor has it that he's found
something much better to do with slayers.

THOMAS
(puzzled, then gets it)
You're kidding!

KIMI
Extremely erotic when you think about it.
Sleeping with the enemy. Knowing that
at any time you could kill your lover or
your lover could kill you.


Thomas sits on the bed next to Kimi.


THOMAS
The slayer, the slayer would never do that.

KIMI
This slayer would. Spike isn't even
her first vampire.


Kimi starts to stroke Thomas' arm, then moves to his bare chest.


KIMI
All of that hard, cool flesh. Must get her hot.


Kimi's hands continue stroking, going lower. Thomas roughly pushes her back until she's flat on the bed and he's leaning over her.


THOMAS
Stop it. I'm still mad at you 'cause
you didn't show.

KIMI
Yes, I was bad. Punish me?


Thomas begins kissing her roughly.


INT. - MAGIC BOX - NIGHT


BUFFY
And I didn't see the body very well but
what I saw looked like it had been torn apart.
I think that we might need to investigate.

GILES
Buffy, this was more than likely caused
by a demon. A demon attacking another
demon in not your concern.

ANYA
(stiffly)
That's right. I mean who cares if a demon dies?
Plenty more where they come from.

GILES
Anya, that's not quite what I meant. Buffy's
mission is to protect the human world.

ANYA
So a demon's death doesn't matter. Even if
it was just a demon trying to make a living,
being a useful member of society.

GILES
Anya, you are taking this far
too personally.

BUFFY
She does have a point.

GILES
Fine. If you insist, I will go with you
and help you investigate this killing.

ANYA
Murder. It's a murder.

GILES
(looking at Anya)
Right, this murder.


Giles grabs his coat and follows Buffy to the front door. Buffy opens it, starts to walk out the stops suddenly.


BUFFY
Omigod! What is that? That wasn't
here when I came in.

GILES
It appears to be a foot of some sort.


Giles picks up the object with two fingers and brings it into the shop. Anya goes over and looks at it carefully.


ANYA
It is a foot.
(sniffing)
It's the foot of a Plefeul demon.

GILES
How can you tell?

ANYA
Take a whiff. The Plefeul demon has a
very distinctive odor. I wonder why...oh!

GILES
Anya, do you know something about this?

ANYA
No. I think I'm going to put this back
out front. Someone...someone must have
dropped it. They might be back for it.

GILES
Anya?

BUFFY
Do you really want a demon's detached
foot on the front step? Not miss retail girl here, but that
doesn't seem like it would be good for business.

ANYA
(quietly)
That's what you think.

ANYA
(louder)
If no one claims it by tomorrow morning
I'll dispose of it before opening.

GILES
Anya, I suspect...


Giles looks at Buffy waiting for him by the door.


GILES
Anya, we'll talk about this matter another time.
(to Buffy)
Very well, Buffy. Let's go investigate
this murder of a useful member of society.


INT. - XANDER'S APARTMENT - NIGHT

Willow is sitting on a chair, waiting for Xander to emerge from his bedroom.


WILLOW
If this is the costume you're
wearing tomorrow you can't be shy.

XANDER
(off screen)
Just a minute.

WILLOW
Xander, come on out. I'm waiting.


Xander opens his door and peeks his head out.


XANDER
You'll be gentle with me, right?

WILLOW
Yes, I'll be gentle. Honest, though.

XANDER
Okay, then.


Xander enters the room. He is in a Tarzan costume consisting of a loincloth, knife and nothing else. All of his time at the gym has definitely paid off. Willow gasps.

XANDER
(disappointed)
It's no good, then.

WILLOW
No. No. It's fine. You look...you
look great. Very muscley.

XANDER
Then you like it?

WILLOW
Absolutely.

XANDER
It's not too; I mean all the skin showing
and stuff. Maybe I should go as
Fred Flinstone instead.

WILLOW
No. No Fred Flinstone. You look
good, really good.

XANDER
Thanks, Willow.

WILLOW
So you Tarzan, who's Jane?

XANDER
Remember Sophie? From the party
that wouldn't end?

WILLOW
I didn't know that you were seeing her.

XANDER
I'm not. This is our first date. I ran
into her the other day. We got to talking.

WILLOW
Oh.

XANDER
(looking at Willow)
I've got to move on. I'm tired of being
interested in someone who will never
be interested in me.

WILLOW
Oh, Xander. I'm sure if you keep trying
you and Anya will get back together.

XANDER
It's not - no, Anya and I
aren't getting back together.


Willow goes to Xander and gives him a hug.


WILLOW
I'm sorry, Xander.


Xander is enjoying Willow's closeness, but it's hurting him that this is all there will ever be between them.


XANDER
I know.


EXT. - STREET - NIGHT

Buffy and Giles are walking together down the street from the earlier scene.


BUFFY
It was up this way, I think. Spike
first noticed the door smashed in.

GILES
You were with Spike?

BUFFY
Yes. No. He was here. I was here.
But we weren't together or anything.

GILES
Buffy, I know that you might possibly still
harbor feelings for him, but be careful.

BUFFY
Yeah, lots of things to be careful of.
Huge numbers of vampires coming into Sunnydale,
like it's convention week on the Hellmouth.
Now a demon's going around killing and scattering
demon parts all over.


Buffy sees the broken door and sprints for it, Giles following behind her. She takes a few steps in and stops with Giles next to her.


BUFFY
Eew!

GILES
It seems as though we've located the
Plefeul demon's head.



INT. - HIGH SCHOOL HALLWAY - DAY

Dawn and Janice are at their lockers. Paul is with them. Jeff comes up to them.

JEFF
So, ladies, any big plans for tonight?

DAWN
No. No plans. I thought I'd stay
home and hand out candy.

JANICE
Me, too.

JEFF
But it's Halloween. Time to go and party,
raise some hell.


Janice and Dawn look at each other.


DAWN
Last year we were with some real hell raisers.

JANICE
Not an experience we want to repeat.

DAWN
Took a real effort to send them back to hell.

PAUL
What happened?

DAWN
Well, Janice knew these guys and...

JANICE
Hey, you wanted to do it, too!

JEFF
What I want to know is if any of you
have the courage to do a tour of the
Haunted High School?

DAWN
The Haunted High School?

JEFF
You know, the one that your sister exploded.
They say that sometimes at night you can see
lights flickering in what's left of the windows.
Shadows move. Spooky. A group of us are going
to go explore the ruins on Halloween.

DAWN
That doesn't sound like a good idea.

JEFF
It will be fun. Hey, maybe you could
get your sister to come, too. Be an
honorary guest.

DAWN
Buffy's going to a party at the Bronze.
She wants me to go. Even got me a
costume.

PAUL
That could be nice.

JEFF
It's lame, Summers. How about, you, Janice?
You're not going to spend the funest
night of the year handing out candy to brats.
Listening to them whine that you missed them
so they can get a second piece of chocolate.

JANICE
It does sound like fun, Dawn.

DAWN
Then you go. After last year I'm lucky my
sister isn't tying me up and throwing me in
the basement.
(remembering)
Which she has done before.

JEFF
Okay. Stay with your sister. Go to the
Bronze like you do every weekend. Janice and I,
and the others, we'll be having a night
to remember.


Jeff grabs Janice's hand and starts to walk down the hall with her. Janice looks back at Dawn, shrugs, smiles, then continues walking with Jeff. Dawn turns to Paul.


DAWN
And what about you? Are you going to
go with them?

PAUL
Spend Halloween night at a school?
Even a burned out one? I don't think so.


Dawn smiles. Paul leans closer to her.


PAUL
But if you're going to the Bronze
that's where I'll be then.

DAWN
Really?

PAUL
Wherever you go, I'll follow.


INT. - KIMI'S BEDROOM - EVENING

Thomas is lounging on the bed. Kimi is going through a trunk, looking at clothes, tossing most onto a growing pile on the floor.


THOMAS
What are you doing?

KIMI
Looking for a costume.

THOMAS
You're going out? Tonight? It's Halloween.

KIMI
Thus, the need for a costume.

THOMAS
We're supposed to stay in. It's tradition.

KIMI
Screw tradition. I want to go to a
Party, so I'm going to a party.

THOMAS
I'll go with you then.

KIMI
If you go with me you'll miss
the special treat I've planned.
It being Halloween and everyone
stuck inside for the night I arranged
for a little surprise.

THOMAS
What have you planned now?

KIMI
Tonight all you have to do is go
to the Hellmouth and wait.
You don't have to go door to door
trick or treating. The Halloween goodies
will come to you.


INT. - BUFFALO LODGE - NIGHT

It's the Chamber of Commerce Halloween Dance. Tables are decorated with pumpkins, black and orange crepe paper streamers hang from the walls while the band plays music from the fifties and sixties. There are punch bowls and refreshments on the tables. Giles and Anya enter, Giles looking dashing, but uncomfortable. Anya looks over the crowd and begins to wave to someone. She heads in that direction pulling Giles along with her. She stops where two demons are talking and drinking punch.


DEMON ONE
Anya, you look lovely as always.

ANYA
Thank you, Daniel.


Anya turns to Giles to introduce him.


ANYA
I would like you to meet some of your
fellow members of the business community.
This is Daniel and Montgomery.

GILES
(shocked)
You, you're not wearing costumes are you?

DANIEL
Montgomery refused. I thought it would be
fun but he said attending this function was enough of
a concession. He said he declined to make a public
spectacle of himself. Nice top hat by the way.


Giles starts reaching into his pockets, searching for weapons. Anya punches him lightly on the arm.


ANYA
Giles, stop that. Be polite.

ANYA
(to the demons)
I'm sorry. He's not very social.

MONTGOMERY
Maybe it's because he's British. All
that famous reserve. Love the accent, by the way.

DANIEL
Yes, the accent is marvelous. So very upper crust
unlike this other fellow we know. When we took
the grand tour England was our favorite country.

MONTGOMERY
After Italy.

DANIEL
Oh yes, of course. After Italy.

ANYA
Giles, you know the flower shop on Madison.
Daniel and Montgomery own it.

GILES
The flower shop? Damon's Floral.
Yes, of course. Named Damon's because of...
(waves hand indicating demons) both of you.

DANIEL
Oh, he got it. So few do. They just don't
realize that we combined the first part of our
names, Da for Daniel and Mon for Montgomery.

(to Anya)
He's quite intelligent. You should keep this one.

ANYA
Oh, it's Leonard.

(waves)
Over here, Leonard.


Giles is looking disconcerted as a demon with glasses and an extra pair of arms approaches wearing a dark suit approaches.


GILES
I know you. You run the bookshop.

LEONARD
And you're one of my favorite customers.
Nice party, isn't it?

GILES
I had never guessed...
(indicates extra arms)

LEONARD
Well, tweed jackets can hide so
much, can't they?

ANYA
Excuse me for a minute.


Anya pulls Giles away from the demons to have a private conversation.


ANYA
Giles, stop it. You're being rude.
One doesn't comment about physical attributes.
I knew that even before I became human.

GILES
I had no idea that so many demons ran
businesses.

ANYA
It's the Hellmouth. It draws a large demon crowd
and where there are customers they will be
customer service.


Anya looks past Giles and cringes.


ANYA
Giles, we need to go somewhere, quick.
Fred is coming towards us. He's the worst type.

GILES
He's dangerous?

ANYA
No, boring.
(at Giles' look)
He's human but he's
(shuddering)
an accountant.

GILES
Oh, definitely one to be avoided in this
pit of evil and inhuman creatures.

ANYA
He's coming closer. I know!
Giles - dance with me.


Anya pulls a slightly bewildered Giles to the dance floor.


INT. - BRONZE - NIGHT

Buffy, Willow, and Dawn are slipping into seats at the Bronze. The club is crowded with people in various costumes. Buffy is dressed as a flower, Dawn is Little Bo Peep, and Willow is a bookworm.


WILLOW
It's packed tonight. Great job on
getting a table, Buffy.

BUFFY
Slayer speed strikes again.

DAWN
So, Xander's costume, it's really
wow, huh?

WILLOW
Lots and lots of nice skin, and muscles.
Not that those kind of things really
interest me anymore.

DAWN
And Sophie's?

WILLOW
Sophie went for the Disney version
of Jane versus the Maureen O'Sullivan.
I think Xander was a little disappointed.
I like your costume, Dawn.

DAWN
I wanted to be a mermaid but Buffy
pointed out that I wouldn't be able to
run or fight in that skirt. Also, shepherd's
crook - weapon.


Dawn looking around sees Paul near the door. Waving to him, she jumps up from her seat.

DAWN
Buffy, Paul is here. I'm going to
go say "hi". Okay?


Dawn takes off before Buffy has a chance to say anything.


WILLOW
So, you insisted on the shepherd's crook?

BUFFY
The mermaid outfit was way too sexy for her.
Besides, if she's going to be in danger
all of the time I might as well make sure she's armed.

WILLOW
(looking at Buffy)
And your weapons?


Buffy pulls out two stakes, one from each side.


BUFFY
Hey, thorns.

WILLOW
Actually, those type of flowers
don't have thorns. Why a flower, anyway?

BUFFY
Figured last year I was planted
in the earth and after awhile, popped out.
Besides, I like flowers. They're pretty.

WILLOW
I like books. That's why I'm a bookworm.

BUFFY
A bookworm? I thought you were a caterpillar.

WILLOW
You're the third person who's said
that to me. Look, I've got big glasses. One
of my hands is holding a book. What type
of caterpillar needs glasses and holds a book?

BUFFY
A myopic, nerdy one?


Xander and Sophie are near the bar in the Bronze. The both have sodas in their hands. Xander is getting quite a few admiring glances from women but he doesn't notice. He's in the middle of telling a joke to Sophie.


XANDER
So when we finally get the drunk off the
scaffolding where he'd been lying we asked
him what he had been doing up there. He says,
"This isn't the Sistine Chapel? Damn and I
just finished painting all of those clouds."


Xander looks expectantly at Sophie who just stares back at her.


XANDER
Um. Well, maybe we should find
some place to sit.

(looks around)
Oh, there's Buffy and Willow. Do you
want to go join Buffy?

SOPHIE
Sure, whatever you want to do.

XANDER
Okay, then joining Buffy it is.


Xander and Sophie make their way around the dancing and through the milling mob to the table. Xander seats Sophie, then plops down on the empty chair next to her.


XANDER
Hey Buffy. Hi Willow.

BUFFY
Xander, your costume - It's really,
um, great.

XANDER
Thanks. So any news on your secret stalker?

SOPHIE
Buffy? You're being stalked?

BUFFY
No I'm not. I've just been getting presents
From a secret admirer.

WILLOW
And poetry. Any clue yet to
identity of the mystery man?

BUFFY
The only thing I know is that he must have a
thing for my hair. Hair clips, ribbons, one of
those long, sexy white scarves.

XANDER
It's creepy.

BUFFY
No. it isn't it. It's kind of sweet.

WILLOW
You know Jonathan is back in town.
Do you think that it might be him?

BUFFY
Jonathan? No, I don't think so.

WILLOW
It could be, though. I think he used
to have a thing for you.

XANDER
And if it is, let me repeat my comment.
Creepy.

BUFFY
Maybe we should change the subject.

XANDER
Fine with me. Some crowd, huh.

BUFFY
(scanning the room)
It looks like everyone is here, even . . .


Buffy sees Spike on the other side of the room. He's standing in the shadows of the stairwell, where they kissed. He's dressed in white in a style from the twenties. He's looking around, not watching them. Xander follows Buffy's gaze.

XANDER
Spike.
I'll keep him away from you Buffy.

BUFFY
Xander, don't. Just stay out of it.

XANDER
Fine, but I'm not going to be civil to him.

BUFFY
When have you ever been civil to him?


Xander glares at Buffy then stands and pulls Sophie to her feet.


XANDER
Sophie, let's dance. I want to go
someplace, away from here.
So, you want to dance?

SOPHIE
Sure, whatever.

XANDER
Then we're dancing. Come on.


Xander and Sophie move to the dance floor. Buffy is upset and Willow is just confused.


WILLOW
I didn't know Xander was still that
upset about Spike and Anya.


Spike is now looking towards Buffy and Willow. Willow smiles and motions for him to come over. Spike glances around, thinking that she can't possible be waving to him, realizes that she is, smiles and heads for the table.


SPIKE
Buffy. Cute caterpillar, Red.

WILLOW
Bookworm!

SPIKE
Oh, Right.

WILLOW
Sit down, Spike. I don't think Dawn
will be back for a while. She's off
with some boy.

SPIKE
A boy? The prat is here? Maybe
I should find them. Make sure they're
not up to something. Make sure he's
good enough for my Niblet.

BUFFY
Spike, leave Dawn and her friend alone.
Just put your undead butt in the chair.

SPIKE
Since you asked so prettily, I will.


Spike smiles, pulls the chair out and sits. Buffy watches him.


BUFFY
So, Spike. All white. That look's kinda new for you.

SPIKE
In costume.

BUFFY
Who are you supposed to be?

SPIKE
Gatsby. Jay Gatsby.

SPIKE
(at her continued blank look)
The Great Gatsby? What do
they teach you in school these days?

BUFFY
Leave it to you to be someone who
has the word great as part of his name. Wasn't
that an old movie starring Robert Redford?


Spike throws up his hands in frustration. Willow starts giggling.


SPIKE
What's so funny?

WILLOW
You're Gatsby and
(pointing to the flower costume)
Buffy could be Daisy.

SPIKE
(laughing)
Hah! Good one, Red.
(more serious)
One problem, though. Daisy
Buchanan wasn't worth it. Buffy is.

WILLOW
Oh. Oh, that's sweet, Spike.

BUFFY
Spike? Sweet? Willow, you are so
going to explain this conversation
to me later.


Dawn and Paul are holding hands, walking towards the table.


DAWN
I really want you to get a chance to
talk to my sister. You didn't the
other night. Also her friend, Willow
is here. Willow used to live
with us and . .


Dawn stops. Although still several yards from the table she sees that Spike is with Buffy and Willow and is upset. Paul glances at her.


PAUL
What's the matter?

DAWN
Why is he here?

PAUL
Who? The blonde?

DAWN
Right. Bleach head. He should
stay away from her.

PAUL
I think your sister can take care of herself.
Who is he?

DAWN
His name is Spike. Used to be a
friend before he... before he
left town.

PAUL
Listen, if you don't want to be
around him, I can talk to your sister
another time.

DAWN
Really?

PAUL
Sure. I've never been here before.
Why don't you show me the sights?

DAWN
There's not much to it.

PAUL
I'm sure you can make it interesting.


Dawn and Paul walk off, still holding hands.



INT. - HELLMOUTH - NIGHT

Jeff, Janice, two other girls and six other boys are walking through the burned out shell of the old high school. Janice is hanging back a bit. Jeff slows down and joins her.


JEFF
So, isn't this fun?

JANICE
It's scary. I think we should go.

JEFF
What, you don't want to meet all the spooks
and ghoulies who hang around here?
Listen, don't you hear them?
(he cups his mouth with his hand)
Whoooooo.

JANICE
Stop. That's not funny.

JEFF
Hey, Eddie! Janice is scared of the
Bogeyman. You seen him yet?


Eddie, a teenager near the front turns to answer.


EDDIE
Not yet.

JEFF
Maybe he just doesn't know we're here.

EDDIE
(laughing)
Sure, that must be it.
(yelling down the corridors)
Bogeyman, oh bogeyman.
We're here. Come out and get us.


Eddie turns back towards the rest of the group and shrugs.


EDDIE
Guess he doesn't want to come out and play.


A hand reaches out from behind a mound of rubble and grabs Eddie by the neck. Eddie starts struggling. It is Thomas, in game face, with several vampires behind him. Jeff, Janice and the other students go fleeing back the way they came, screaming. Thomas feeds from Eddie then tosses the body aside.

THOMAS
Trick or Treat.


INT. - BRONZE - NIGHT

Willow and Spike are discussing favorite books. Buffy is feeling excluded and a little jealous. She stands up and holds her hand out to Spike.

BUFFY
I want to dance. Spike - dance with me?

SPIKE
(stunned)
What?

BUFFY
Dance. You know, moving your feet to music.

SPIKE
I don't think that's a good idea.

BUFFY
Dancing is a great idea. Lots
of people do it. Been around for eons,
in all different types of cultures.

SPIKE
Buffy. You, me, we shouldn't.

BUFFY
Scared of the Slayer?


Spike clenches his jaw and stands, grabbing Buffy's hand he pulls her to the dance floor. Buffy glances back at Willow, a big smile on both their faces. Willow sits watching them when Kimi approaches.


KIMI
Hi, Willow.
(at Willow's blank look)
It's me, Kimi. You saved me.

WILLOW
Oh, that's right. How are you doing?

KIMI
Great. Finally finished shaking.
I'm trying to face my fear.


Kimi shows off her outfit that is a classic vampire costume with swirling cape.


WILLOW
You do know that vampires don't
really dress like that, right.

KIMI
Of course, one can dream, though.
May I sit down?

WILLOW
I'm with some friends. They're dancing
right now. But we can chat for a little while.

KIMI
So they're dancing and left you all alone.

WILLOW
Just for a few minutes.

KIMI
Do they often leave you alone?

WILLOW
No, they're my friends. Good friends.

KIMI
If you were my friend, my good friend,
you'd never be alone.



INT. - HELLMOUTH - NIGHT

Janice, Jeff and the teenagers are running. They round a corner and are met by two more vampires. They start to go back. Janice sees a crevice. It's part of what's left of a janitor's closet. She grabs Jeff's hand and pulls him towards the bit of safety. The others follow. They managed to push a charred set of metal shelves in front of the hole to block it as the vampires close in. Jeff and two other boys are holding it in place, bracing it as thumps against it begin.

JEFF
This isn't going to last. We need help.

Janice and the other students all simultaneously pull out cell phones and start dialing.


INT. - BRONZE - NIGHT

Spike and Buffy are dancing. Slowly the dance is becoming seductive. Buffy and Spike start brushing up against each other more and more. Buffy is using moves she hasn't used since "When she was bad" and Spike is matching her. Their eyes meet and hold. They both start breathing erratically, aroused. Other couples are noticing them, but they are oblivious, their hands and bodies sliding up and down against each other.

Xander, with Sophie in tow approaches Willow and Kimi.


XANDER
Hey, Kimi, right?


Kimi smiles and nods. Xander turns to Willow.


XANDER
Will, you've got to stop Buffy and Spike.

WILLOW
Why? They're just dancing.

XANDER
What they're doing, I don't call it dancing.
I call it vertical sex.


Dawn and Paul arrive at the table.


DAWN
Willow, you've got to stop Buffy.
She and Spike, well, it's embarrassing.

WILLOW
Hey, Buffy is an adult. I am not
her guardian. I'm not even her watcher.


Kimi looks surprised at the word "watcher". She stands up and starts to move towards the dance floor, then stops, turning around to speak to Willow.


KIMI
Since your friends have returned,
I'll be going. Maybe we'll see each
other again.

WILLOW
(distracted)
Sure. Bye.
(to Xander and Dawn)
Really, I'm sure it's not as bad as you think.


Dawn's cell phone rings and she pulls it from her pocket to answer it.


Kimi is circling around the dance floor. She sees Buffy and Spike and stops. It is as bad as Xander and Dawn think it is. The only thing keeping it from being x-rated is that they are fully clothed.


KIMI
Hmm. Well, at least they both have
good taste in partners.


Dawn, still holding her cell phone, rushes through the dance floor and grabs Buffy, breaking her and Spike from their enthrallment. Xander and Willow follow her.

DAWN
Buffy! Janice just called. She's in trouble.
She and some kids were touring the old high
school. It was supposed to be fun, but evidently
the place is crawling with vampires.

BUFFY
The Hellmouth? They went to the Hellmouth?

SPIKE
We'd better go save them. You've got weapons?

XANDER
In the trunk of my car. It's parked right outside.

BUFFY
Good. You can drive us there, too.
Dawn see if you can contact Anya and Giles.
Let them know what's going on.

DAWN
I'm coming, too. They're my friends.

BUFFY
Fine. But call Anya.


Buffy leads Dawn, Xander, Willow, and Spike out the door. Paul and Sophie are looking at them as they leave, puzzled, abandoned. Paul glances at Sophie.


PAUL
Well, I suppose that's the end of my date.
Yours, too, I guess. Would you like me
to walk you home?

SOPHIE
Thanks but Xander asked me to wait
for him here.

PAUL
(shrugs)
Okay. Bye.


As Paul leaves, Kimi approaches Sophie.



INT. - BUFFALO LODGE - NIGHT

Giles and Anya are dancing to a slow, romantic song. Both are slowly becoming more aware of the other as a person. The gap between their bodies narrows and Anya's head drops to Giles' shoulder. Giles looks down at her as they sway. His lips barely brush her hair as the song ends. They stop dancing and stare at each other, surprised and intrigued.

Anya is tapped on the shoulder, startling her and Giles. It's Leonard.


ANYA
Oh, Leonard, did you want to dance?


Giles pulls Anya a little closer into his body, staking his territory. Anya glances at Giles, then back to Leonard.


LEONARD
No. I'm going now. I just wanted to
thank you again for recommending Spike to me.
It's working out great. I've had no problems since.

ANYA
I'm so glad.

LEONARD
You two have a nice time.


Leonard walks off, leaving Giles staring at Anya.


GILES
What's this about Spike?

ANYA
Nothing. Let's dance again. I like dancing.

GILES
Anya, I want to know what's going on.

ANYA
Truthfully, I think you'd rather not know.
(at his look)
Okay, Spike has a business. A kind of security
firm for demons. He lets it be known that he's
protecting your shop and will retaliate if anything
happens. All for a low monthly fee.

GILES
And he lets this protection be known how?

ANYA
The spike outside the shop. The one I
told you I was thinking of hanging a plant from.

GILES
Oh. And the foot. The foot of the Plefeul demon.

ANYA
Yes. He lost a client in a horrible manner.
All of the rest of us were given proof that
justice was enacted. I really object to that foot.
Jerry, at the deli, got the liver. I would have
preferred the liver. Do you know how many
potions call for Plefeul demon liver?

GILES
Thirty-two. Anya that is not the point. Spike is...

ANYA
A vampire. Giles, look around you.
A lot of us are demons. You humans have
the slayer to protect you. Who do we
have to protect us? Spike, that's who.

GILES
All for a low monthly fee.

ANYA
Right.

GILES
A low monthly fee we're paying.

ANYA
Yes.

GILES
A low monthly fee to Spike that we're
paying from our business.

ANYA
Um, yes.

GILES
And shouldn't such a fee, since it affected
our business, have been discussed by both partners.

ANYA
But it's working out really well. Losses
from theft and damage are down dramatically.
I did write down the fee. In the account books.
Fees for Spike's security service. It's not my
fault you never look at the books.

GILES
An error I intend to rectify.


Giles walks away from Anya.


ANYA
Does this mean we're not going
to dance again?


Anya's phone begins to rings.



INT.- HELLMOUTH -NIGHT

Buffy is leading the way, carrying a sword. Spike is also carrying a sword. Xander has an axe. Willow has a crossbow and Dawn is using her shepherdess crook as a quarterstaff.

BUFFY
Remember, we just want to
get the kids out of here. If we meet
any vampires, kill them, but don't run
after them if they flee.


Xander points to Spike.


XANDER
Hey, one's right here. Can I kill him?

WILLOW
Xander, stop it.


Dawn edges closer to Buffy and whispers to her


DAWN
Are you going to follow your own advice?

BUFFY
What?


Dawn glares at Spike.


DAWN
You know, not run after a vampire.

BUFFY
Dawn, it's not like that.

DAWN
Looked that way at the Bronze.

SPIKE
Hey, people, let's get a move on.
They're just up ahead to the right.
Can hear them.


A vampire emerges from the shadows. Buffy quickly lops off its head and moves forward, hurrying her pace. Now everyone can hear the teenagers.

One of the vampires turns around, facing the group.


VAMPIRE
Hey look, there are more of them.


Buffy swings her sword, dusting the vampire.


BUFFY
And now there's less of you.


The vampires turn from the crevice and start to fight. Thomas is hanging back, the farthest away. Buffy and Spike dust two more vampires, but the vampires close in. The area is now too tight to use their swords. Buffy drops hers and pulls out both of her stakes. Xander attacks a vampire, but is thrown against the wall. Willow is having difficulty aiming her crossbow, afraid of hitting her friends. She drops the crossbow, grabbing two of the wooden bolts. Dawn is doing well with her quarterstaff, knocking one of the vampires to his knees. Spike is no longer using his sword, but is pummeling a vampire with his fists.


SPIKE
Buffy, stake!


Buffy tosses Spike one of her stakes, which he catches and immediately uses.
A vampire uses her distraction to knock her into the wall. Recovering quickly, she turns and attacks him. Xander is now on the ground with the vampire looming over him. The vampire explodes. Dawn is standing over him, petticoats from her Little Bo Peep costume still fluttering, having used the end of her crook to dust the vampire.


XANDER
Hey, Bo knows slaying!


Thomas, seeing that his group is losing badly decides that a retreat is in order.


THOMAS
It's the slayer. Everyone get out of here.


Thomas runs into the darkness. The remaining vampires start backing away from the fighters, then also turn and run. Willow is knocked to the ground as they flee past. Spike looks around and sees Dawn next to him.


SPIKE
Good job with the staff, Little Peep.


Dawn simply glares at him. He's hurt and bewildered at her rejection. Dawn turns from him and rushes to the crevice.


DAWN
Janice! Janice! It's me, Dawn.


The shelves shift and slowly the teenagers emerge. Janice rushes to Dawn and hugs her. Xander goes to Willow and starts to help her up while Spike moves towards Buffy.


SPIKE
Saw you hit the wall.

BUFFY
I'm okay, Spike.

SPIKE
Come on, Buffy. Arms up, you know the routine.


Buffy turns away from Spike and raises her hands above her hand. Spike moves up behind her, placing his hands on hers. Slowly he moves his hands down her arms, kneading, inspecting. When a hand reaches her left shoulder, Buffy winces.


SPIKE
So - ice or massage there?

BUFFY
Ice.


Spike continues his inspection, running down Buffy's back and buttocks. Xander and Willow are watching, spellbound. Dawn is still too busy with Janice, Jeff, and the other students to notice. Kneeling behind Buffy, Spike's touch on her left calf causes another wince.

SPIKE
Ice or massage?

BUFFY
Massage?


Spike finishes his inspection and stands.


SPIKE
Okay. Time for the front now.


Buffy once again raises her arms and turns around to face him. Seeing Willow and Xander staring at her and Spike she lowers her arms self-consciously. Spike looks over his shoulder. Understanding, he steps away from Buffy.

Giles and Anya come running towards the group. Giles looks at everyone. His eyes settle on Spike for a moment, then he turns to Buffy.


ANYA
We always get here too late.

GILES
It's over, then?

BUFFY
Yes. We killed a few. The rest ran away.

SPIKE
Mortifying. That's what it is. Used
to be a vampire would engage his mortal
enemy in battle, not run like a dog with
its tail between its legs. What's the
world coming to?

BUFFY
(sarcastically)
Right, because fighting for my life was fun.

SPIKE
(smirking)
I always enjoyed it. Thought you did, too.

GILES
Buffy, we need to get these children out of here.
As we entered, the police and parents were
pulling into the old parking lot.
(to Janice)
Is everyone okay?

JANICE
Eddie. Eddie didn't make it.

GILES
Oh dear.

SPIKE
I'll go retrieve the body. Bring it out
towards the front so it will be
easier to find.

BUFFY
Thank you, Spike.


Spike disappears into the darkness. As the group emerges from the ruins of the high school, the survivors of the tour are grabbed by parents, hugged and cried over. Buffy notices one woman, still alone, crying, worried, hoping that her son will still come out. Giles walks next to Buffy, watching her.


BUFFY
(to Giles)
Must be Eddie's mom.

GILES
Buffy, you can't save them all.

BUFFY
I know, but it still hurts.

GILES
Come on. Anya and I will give you
and Dawn a ride home.

DAWN
Buffy? Xander and I were going to go
back to the Bronze. He needs to take Sophie
home and I never even said bye to Paul. Is it okay?

BUFFY
Sure. Just stick with Xander. Giles, I
think I'll walk home. Oh, nice hat, by the way.

GILES
Thank you. Willow?

WILLOW
I'll walk with Buffy.

GILES
Very well. Good night.


The group goes their separate ways while the lights of the police cars still flicker in the background.


EXT. - STREET - NIGHT

Kimi and Sophie are walking down the street.

SOPHIE
I can't believe Xander ran out
and left me.

KIMI
That's men, for you.

SOPHIE
He seemed so nice, too. If you
hadn't convinced me to leave I'd probably
still be sitting there, waiting for him.

KIMI
You would have left eventually.

SOPHIE
No. My mother doesn't like me to be
out after dark by myself.

KIMI
Sunnydale can be a dangerous place.

SOPHIE
Thank you for walking me home.


Kimi goes into game face as Sophie walks slightly ahead of her.


KIMI
My pleasure.



EXT. - STREET- NIGHT

Willow and Buffy are walking side by side.


WILLOW
Buffy, you okay?

BUFFY
I'm killing lots of vampires
every night, but more keep coming.
There's so many of them and there's
only one of me.

WILLOW
But you're not alone. All of us help you.
And Dawn, she's getting pretty good in a fight.

BUFFY
Which I'm still not sure
how I feel about.

WILLOW
And what about Spike? He helps. And that whole
thing you two did back there with the touching and
stuff. I mean, I knew you guys had sex. I guess I
just never processed the fact that you did more than that.

BUFFY
Well, it was mostly sex. Not that the
sex will ever happen again.

WILLOW
I don't know about that. I heard that the
dancing at the Bronze was pretty hot.

BUFFY
Oh god! I can't believe that Spike and
I were doing that in front of everyone.

WILLOW
Hey, no biggie. It was just dancing.
Really, really, hot dancing, maybe,
but still dancing.

BUFFY
And it's not like Spike and I haven't done
worse at the Bronze.

WILOW
At the Bronze? Um, Buffy, I think that we're
crossing the point between best friends, so tell me
everything, to this is just a little more than
I want to be know.

BUFFY
Willow. When Spike and I were
together... things happened.

WILLOW
With Spike, I assume things did. And
although I don't know him very well, I
assume those things happened several
times a night.

BUFFY
(smiling)
Yeah, they did.
(serious)
But that's not what I meant.
I was angry, being back, being alive.
I didn't treat him very well. Then
he...it didn't end well.

WILLOW
So do you think if something bad,
really bad happens, it can never be
fixed? It can never be forgiven?

BUFFY
I don't know. Maybe not.

WILLOW
Oh.

BUFFY
Hey, you were going to tell me what
you and Spike were talking about earlier.

WILLOW
Oh, the costumes. See Gatsby was in love
with a woman named Daisy. He changed
his entire life for her. He ended up dying for her.

BUFFY
But I'm not Spike's Daisy.

WILLOW
No you're not. Daisy was shallow
and so not worth all of Gatsby's efforts to
change. Spike, he thinks you're worth it.

BUFFY
That's good then.

WILLOW
That's real good.


INT. - MAGIC BOX - NIGHT

Anya and Giles enter. Anya takes off her coat and lays her purse on the table. Giles takes off his hat and starts to roughly toss it away, then stops and lays it gently on the counter.

ANYA
Giles, you're not really mad at me are you?
About the whole Spike thing? If you are, I can
talk to Spike. Cancel it.

GILES
I just wish we'd discussed it first.

ANYA
A lot of the time, you're not here. You'll
probably be going back to England at some
point and I'll be in the shop. Alone. There were
a lot of magic shop owners that died, you know.

GILES
And this protection service from Spike?
It makes you feel safer?

ANYA
Yes.

GILES
Then by all means, we'll keep it.

ANYA
Thank you.

GILES
And, might I propose that we also get a human
security firm, just on the wild chance that humans
break in? Despite all the evidence to the
contrary tonight, there are humans in Sunnydale.

ANYA
Thank you. And don't you worry. I'll
try to sell more items to cover the costs.
There is line of lovely decorative charms
and wards that should sell quite well.


Giles leans over and kisses Anya on her forehead.


GILES
That's my girl.


Giles turns away. Anya is surprised at the kiss then smiles, very pleased.


Fade to Black

Next