Part 9:

ALLIANCES


Teaser

INT. - BUFFY'S KITCHEN - DAY

Dawn is at the stove making scrambled eggs. Her eyes are red, as if she's been crying but she's composed now. Willow comes into the room and sits at the counter.


DAWN
I'm making breakfast. You want some?

WILLOW
Sure, sounds good.


Dawn splits the scrambled eggs onto two plates and hands one to Willow. She then passes her a fork, gets one for herself, and they start to eat.


DAWN
(quietly)
This is nice, you being here again.
Kinda déjà vu-y. Seems like
any moment now Tara will pop in.
(looks at Willow)
Oops. Sorry.

WILLOW
Don't be sorry for mentioning
Tara. I miss her. Talking helps.


Dawn nods and they continue to eat their eggs.


WILLOW
Xander told me what you did for Tara, how
you stayed with her. I never did get a chance
to thank you for that.

DAWN
It was no big deal.

WILLOW
It was a big deal. Thank you, Dawnie.

DAWN
When Buffy wakes up, will she
want to talk about Spike?

WILLOW
She might. She'll probably be in bed for
awhile, yet. Jonathan did a pretty strong
sleep spell on her.

DAWN
Do you think she'll be okay? When
she started yelling that Spike couldn't
be dead, it seemed a bit crazy. I
mean she saw him dust.

WILLOW
It's denial, sweetie.

DAWN
Denial is working fine for me.
I keep telling myself that he isn't really dead.
That he's just in his crypt, like always. You
know, doing what he used to. Thinking evil
thoughts and stuff.



INT. - SPIKE'S CRYPT - DAY

Spike is lying on the sarcophagus, his arms beneath his head. He's not sleeping, just staring up at the ceiling. He rolls to a sitting position and digs his hand into his pocket. He takes out the chip and looks at it. He turns it around, toying with it, examining it. With an expletive, he hurls it across the crypt and lies back down. A moment passes. Still unable to relax he gets up and crosses to his refrigerator. He pulls out a jar of blood and opens it. Pouring it into a mug, it doesn't flow smoothly, but plops and splatters. It's too old.


SPIKE
Need some fresh blood.


Spike takes a drink then grimaces. Putting down the mug he walks across the crypt and bends down. Picking up the chip from the ground he examines it once more then returns it to his pocket. He glances out the window. It's bright out. Nightfall is still a long time away.



EXT. - PARK - MORNING

A young mother with a four year old and a baby in a stroller stop at a bench in the park.


MOTHER
Stevie, you go play on the slides.
I'll be right here with your sister.
Oh, and don't chase the squirrels or the
bunnies if you see them.


The child takes off as the mother removes a bottle from the diaper bag then lifts the baby from the stroller and starts to feed her. Stevie returns to his mother clutching a pencil.


STEVIE
Look, Mommy. Look what I found.

MOTHER
(distracted)
Oh, that's nice.


She takes the pencil from him and lays it on the bench next to her. Stevie runs off again and is soon back with another pencil.


STEVIE
He's another one for you, Mommy.


A slight hint of puzzlement passes over the mother's face as she reaches down and takes the pencil from her son. She places it next to the other one. She's still concentrating on the baby.


MOTHER
Thank you, honey. Now you go play.


Stevie runs off and is soon back again with a third pencil. This finally gets his mother's attention.


MOTHER
Stevie, where do you keep finding these?


Stevie points to a grassy section of the park. The mother stands up to get a better look and gasps. There are thousands of pencils, littered over the grass, in bushes and stuck into the trunks of trees.


End of Teaser




INT. - MAGIC BOX - DAY

Anya is at the cash register, bagging up a customer's purchase. Although the customer has purchased a large quantity of items, Anya is unenthused. As the customer departs, we see Mitchell near the front of the store, examining the decorative charms. Anya sighs and goes forward to do, what has previously been a pleasure but, at the moment, is only work.


ANYA
May I help you, sir?

MITCHELL
I'm looking for a birthday present for a friend.
These charms and wards are something else.
Who makes them?

ANYA
There is de... a dear lady. She's local.
Talented, isn't she?

MITCHELL
The forms are pretty enough but the
magic itself - how powerful is it?

ANYA
I'm afraid they only contain minor spells.
Nothing harmful. Just simple charms
hoping for luck, good health, happiness or love.

MITCHELL
Almost like wishes.

ANYA
Nothing like wishes. Wishes can be
quite powerful, you know.
We're currently out of the love ones
but we are expecting more before
Valentine's Day.

MITCHELL
This glass, swirly one. What type of
charm is this?

ANYA
That's a happiness one.
It's a bit expensive.

MITCHELL
I'll take it.


Anya takes the charm to the cash register. Mitchell gets out his credit card and gives it to Anya to process the charge.


ANYA
Your friend must be quite special.

MITCHELL
She is.

ANYA
A female. Does she know you
think she's special?

MITCHELL
Not yet. I plan on telling her when
I give her this. We're still in the beginning
stage of our relationship. Maybe this will
get me to the second stage.


Anya hands him the slip to sign and returns his credit card.


ANYA
Would you like me to box and wrap it for you?

MITCHELL
No that's okay. If I gift-wrap it she might
refuse it. This way I'll just hand it to her
and she'll have no choice but to accept it.

ANYA
(shrugging)
It's your decision.
(pauses, thinking)
Wait. I have a red bow that would
look terrific on it. That way it's
festive, but not all packaged up.


Anya retrieves a bright red ribbon and ties it on the charm.


ANYA
See. Much nicer.


Mitchell thanks Anya and leaves the shop. Anya, without any distractions, becomes pensive once more.



INT. - BUFFY'S LIVING ROOM - DAY

DAWN
Thanks again for calling my school and
letting them know I wouldn't be in.

WILLOW
Well, it is sort of like a death in the family.
I'm not going to classes today, either.
Xander called his worksite and let them
know he was taking a day off, too.

DAWN
Spike would probably get a kick out of all of this.
Us, sitting around, mourning him.

WILLOW
Yes, he probably would.
(thinks for a moment)
Tonight we were going to have a birthday
party for Buffy. I know we're not really
in the mood to celebrate, but I think we
should. We should have a wake for Spike.

DAWN
A wake?

WILLOW
You know, where we celebrate Spike's life
or unlife in this case. I could pick up some
spicy chicken wings at the Bronze. Xander
could buy the drinks.

DAWN
Janice's mom has some music. The Ramones.
I think she'd let me borrow it if I asked.

WILLOW
Good. We could invite Clem and Otis.
Maybe they could invite more of Spike's friends.

DAWN
Uh, Willow, maybe it should be just us. I
mean, Buffy might not go for the idea and
last night with her all weirded out...

WILLOW
Right. Smart thinking.
It'll be just the Scoobies. I'll call Xander
and Anya and let them know.

DAWN
Maybe Anya could teleport somewhere
and get one of those onion flowers he used to like.

WILLOW
I'll ask.

DAWN
It's going to be strange with Spike gone.
He was my best friend and now there's nothing.
Just this big empty Spike shaped space.
There's not even a body to bury.

WILLOW
Dawn it will get easier.

DAWN
I know. Been through this before.
First Mom, then Buffy. Tara.
Now Spike. Starting to become a
bit of an expert.




EXT. - REVELLO DRIVE - DAY

Paul is walking towards Buffy's house, looking around. He climbs the stairs to the porch and rings the doorbell. Willow answers the door, not knowing him.


WILLOW
Hello.

PAUL
Hi. I'm a friend of Dawn's from school.
She wasn't there today and I just wanted
to check to see if she was okay.

WILLOW
And you are...

PAUL
Paul.

WILLOW
(recognizing the name)
Oh. Paul. I'll let her know you're here.


Willow leaves the doorway. We hear her voice calling to Dawn, some mumbled conversation, then Dawn appears. Dawn is trying to appear nonchalant.


DAWN
Hi. What are you doing here?

PAUL
I was worried about you. Can I come in?


Dawn hesitates then reminds herself that it's day, he's standing in the sunlight, she's been with him in the sunlight and she knows he breathes. Backing away from the door, she motions him to enter.


DAWN
Sure. Come on in.


Paul enters and briefly glances around. He sees Willow, still standing in the living room and stops. Willow smiles then catches Dawn's eye.


WILLOW
I'm going to go upstairs and check on
Buffy and then do other...things. Upstairs.


Willow goes up the steps leaving Dawn and Paul looking at each other. Dawn shows him over to the couch and they both sit down.


PAUL
So, is it your sister?
(at Dawn's blank look)
Is she the one that's sick?

DAWN
No. No, nobody is sick. We had a death.
In the family. Well, sort of in the family. I
guess more of a good friend. I think you
saw him once, at the Bronze. Bleached his hair.
His name was Spike.

PAUL
I thought you hated that guy.

DAWN
I did. But Spike was a guy you either
loved or hated. When he died, I didn't
hate him.

PAUL
Is the funeral soon? I'd be honored to
escort you and your sister to it if you'd like.

DAWN
No. There's no funeral. He's...been cremated.
It's his family's tradition.


Paul reaches over and clasps her hand.


PAUL
So is there anything I can do for you?

DAWN
No, but thanks for coming by.
It was really nice of you.

PAUL
Guess I'm just a nice guy.


The Paul and Dawn sit there, holding hands.




INT. - XANDER'S APARTMENT - NIGHT

Xander is rushing around, trying to get ready to go over to Buffy's house. He's sticking presents in a bag. He pulls another bag full of Guinness out of his refrigerator. He looks around the room, trying to think if he forgot anything. He sees Spike's trunk and goes over to it. Kneeling down next to it, he raises the lid. On top of clothes and various items is a small box wrapped in pink paper. It's Spike's birthday gift to Buffy. Xander takes a deep breath, picks up the present and places it carefully in the bag with the other gifts. He closes the trunk and stands. Turning around, he comes face to face with Spike, who is in game face.




INT. - BUFFY'S LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

Buffy is on the couch, staring into space. Willow is seated next to her, concerned. Dawn is looking at them both, worriedly.


WILLOW
I know it's hard to believe, but Buffy,
we have to accept the fact that he's gone.
We saw it happen.

BUFFY
But I can still feel him. He's still
with me.


Willow reaches up and strokes Buffy's hair.


WILLOW
And he always will be as long as
we remember him.

BUFFY
You don't understand. I can really
feel him.


Dawn gets up and flees into the kitchen. Willow eyes follow her movement, slightly alarmed.


WILLOW
Buffy, listen to me. I know it's hard.
I know you're hurting. But it's hard
for everyone, especially Dawn. She's been
through a lot. She managed to survive
last year with you acting all weird. She had
some trouble, yes, but things are finally
better. Don't put her through that again.
You've got to pull yourself together.

BUFFY
So no talking crazy.

WILLOW
Right. No crazy talk.


Anya appears in the middle of the room, having teleported there. She's carrying a large takeout bag.


ANYA
One large flowering onion as requested.

WILLOW
Anya, have you ever considered teleporting
to the front door and then ringing the doorbell
like a normal person?

ANYA
But I'm not a normal person so why would
I pretend to be?

WILLOW
Perhaps to prevent some of the rest of us
from becoming irritated with your constant
poofing around and retaliate by gluing your
feet to the floor.

ANYA
Gluing my feet to the floor wouldn't prevent
me...oh, that was a threat wasn't it?
(miffed)
You don't have to threaten. If you want
me to start ringing doorbells, I'll ring doorbells.
I'll ring more doorbells than the Avon lady.


Dawn returns to the living room and goes over to Anya, hugging her.


DAWN
Anya, I'm glad you're here. Buffy
has been acting a little strange. Buffy,
did you want to talk to Anya about it?


Buffy glances at Willow, then shakes her head.


BUFFY
No, I'm okay. Sorry I freaked you out.
Don't worry. I'm fine now.



INT.- XANDER'S APARTMENT - NIGHT

Xander looks at Spike, who is in game face. Xander's eyes are wide, mouth open. Spike waits for the screaming to begin. Xander lets out a shriek and Spike smiles. But then Xander grabs Spike and pulls him into a hug.


XANDER
Spike. My God, Spike. You're alive.


Over Xander's shoulder we can see that Spike is astonished. Xander is hugging him, happy that he's back? Xander is still embracing Spike, pulling him around, practically doing a happy dance.


XANDER
God Golly, Miss Molly Spike. We saw you
dust. Thought that was it for you.


Xander pulls away from Spike so he can look into Spike's still shocked vampire face.


XANDER
But you're back. You're really back.
Complete with pointy fangs and
(flicking a thumb and finger against Spike's forehead)
wrinkled brow.


Spike breaks away from Xander and turns his back on him. He shifts back into his human visage. He's still trying to take in Xander's reaction.


XANDER
Do the girls know? Have
you seen Buffy yet?

SPIKE
No. This was my first stop.
Came by for a snack.

XANDER
(not getting it)
The blood is still in the fridge.
I haven't gotten around to tossing it yet.


Going to the refrigerator, Spike removes a bag of blood. He opens it up and pours it into a mug, then heats it in the microwave while they talk.


XANDER
Oh, man, they are going to freak.
I can already hear Dawn's screams when
she sees you. Maybe I should get some
cotton balls to stuff in my ears.


Spike turns to look at Xander.


SPIKE
What happened after I...

XANDER
After you exploded into thousands of
itty, bitty, bits?
(at Spike's nod, he continues excitedly)
Well, first of all that big vampire who got you
with the tree started chasing me. I took off.
I tried to lose him, cutting around buildings,
taking shortcuts, but he was always right behind
me. Then I turned into what I thought was a cut
through to Hartford Street but oops, it wasn't.
Before I could get out, he was there.
All snarling and trying to kill me. Buffy,
God, she was fantastic. She tackled him, knocked him
down and started waling on him. I joined in and
then Dawn was there.


The microwave dings and Spike takes the mug out and starts drinking.


SPIKE
Sounds like fun

XANDER
(soberly)
No. It got weird. Buffy, she couldn't, wouldn't stop.
Dawn and I, we were the same way. Then Willow
was there with Jonathan and Clem. Jonathan did some
magic and the guy burned to ashes, but there wasn't
much left of him by that time.

SPIKE
So, I don't have to hunt him down then.

XANDER
Then Buffy kind of collapsed in Willow's
arms, all crying and wailing.

SPIKE
Buffy? She cried? For me?

XANDER
Heck, we all were.

SPIKE
Must not have hurt all that much. Couldn't
help but notice you look like you're
headed for a party.

XANDER
A wake, Spike. We're holding a wake
for you. We sure didn't expect the
guest of honor to show up.


Spike looks at him, having a hard time believing this. He covers his confusion by rinsing out his mug and sticking it in the dishwasher.


XANDER
Can I put a bow on you Spike? 'Cause
I'm thinking you will be the best birthday
present Buffy ever got.

SPIKE
You try to put a poofy bow on me
and you'll lose a hand, pup.

XANDER
Ooh! A threat and a stupid name.
Now I know you're really back.


Xander goes and gets the two bags. He hands the bag with the drinks to Spike who glances inside.


SPIKE
Guinness?

XANDER
Told you. It was a wake for you.

SPIKE
(bitingly)
Didn't know you cared, Harris.

XANDER
(serious)
I didn't know either. And Spike, thanks.
You saved my life last night.

SPIKE
Is that what I did? Just meant to
knock you around a bit.


Xander just looks at him, knowing he's lying.


SPIKE
Right. Can we get going? I assume this
wake of mine should be started by now.
Wouldn't do to be late.

XANDER
Sure.


Xander opens the door and with a grand flourish, motions Spike to go through.


XANDER
After you, oh hero of mine.


Spike shakes his head in amusement then goes through the door.


SPIKE
(mumbling)
That'll teach me to do anything good.




INT. - BUFFY'S KITCHEN - NIGHT

The women are laying out the different foods on platters when Buffy stops and turns towards the front of the house. Dawn notices this.


DAWN
Buffy? What is it?


Buffy doesn't answer, but walks out of the kitchen. She hurries to the front door and flings it open with a smile on her face only to find Xander there.


BUFFY
Oh. It's you.

XANDER
Yes, it's me and have I got a surprise
for you birthday girl.


Spike peers around the doorframe. Buffy just stares at him.


SPIKE
Sorry 'bout this. Harris' idea.


Buffy moves forward and lifts a trembling hand out to touch his cheek. He covers her hand with his and turns his face to kiss her palm. Silent tears roll down Buffy's face as she goes to him, burying her face in his neck, smelling him, kissing him. Her arms reach around, clinging to him.


SPIKE
Hey, Sunshine. None of that now.
Not worth it.


In the kitchen, Dawn, Anya, and Willow stare at each other.


WILLOW
That sounds like...

DAWN
Spike!

Dawn races out of the kitchen, followed by Anya and Willow. She sees Spike and Buffy still entwined by the door. Xander is wearing a goofy grin on his face, watching them. Dawn starts to fling herself at Spike but Willow pulls her back.


WILLOW
Dawn. Give them a minute.


Spike and Buffy glance over at Dawn when they hear Willow's voice. Spike removes one of his arms from Buffy and motions for Dawn to join them. Not letting go of Spike, Buffy sidles slightly to the side to give Dawn some room and Dawn joins them in their embrace.



INT.- MARTIAL ARTS STUDIOS - NIGHT

Mitchell has just finished teaching a class. He goes into a backroom, wiping sweat from his brow with a towel. Jim is seated at a bench, putting on his shoes.


JIM
Buffy didn't show today.

MITCHELL
I got a call from a friend of hers. Said
something about Buffy not feeling too great.
Could be just an excuse. It's her birthday
today. Probably just felt lazy.

JIM
Do you think she got injured last night?
We didn't catch the final act.

MITCHELL
She might have slipped up a bit.
To be expected. Doesn't train.

JIM
Mitch, we could have helped them.

MITCHELL
They handled it fine. Did you see the
way Buffy and Dawn worked together?
Incredible teamwork.

JIM
Speaking of Dawn, she wasn't at school today.

MITCHELL
She wasn't?

JIM
Do you think she's okay?

MITCHELL
I'm planning on going by Buffy's house
tonight to drop off something. I'll make sure
they're both fine before I leave.

JIM
I still can't believe they managed to do
what they did with only a single casualty.

MITCHELL
And it was the vampire. No big loss.

JIM
He was strong. A good ally.

MITCHELL
He was a vampire. It's better for
everyone that he's gone. Slayers and
Vampires should never be friends. It
can lead to all sorts of complications.




INT. - BUFFY'S LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

Buffy, Spike and Dawn are sitting on the couch with Spike in the middle. A few drinks, sodas, and the remains of some chicken wings are on the coffee table. Willow, Anya and Xander are seated nearby.


WILLOW
So, when you learned how to do the non-dusty
thing from Dracula, did he teach you how
to turn into a bat 'cause the bat turning into was
kind of neat.

BUFFY
No, it was icky. No bats!

SPIKE
Didn't learn that trick.

BUFFY
Good!

XANDER
How about the whole thrall thing?
'Cause I'm telling you right now, I
won't be your bug-eating butt monkey.

SPIKE
If I wanted to thrall Dru would have
taught me. Never wanted to.

ANYA
Well, I have to say that it would have
been nice if we had known that you weren't
going to be a permanent pile of dust. We planned
this whole wake and it was a complete waste
of time since you're still around.

DAWN
Not to mention all that time we
spent crying and stuff.

SPIKE
Sorry 'bout that, sweetheart.

DAWN
That's okay. You're back now.

BUFFY
I told you I felt him. All of you just
thought it was crazy Buffy talk.

DAWN
Well, can you blame us? Especially
after the way you took out that monster
vampire.


Buffy starts to look uncomfortable. She stands up and starts walking toward the kitchen.


BUFFY
Hey, anyone else need another drink?


There are murmurs of refusal. Spike notices that Buffy's soda on the table is almost full as she leaves the room.



EXT. - BUFFY'S BACK PORCH - NIGHT

Buffy is leaning on the railing, looking out into the night. An arm goes around her shoulder.

SPIKE
What's wrong, luv?

BUFFY
Spike. I thought I'd lost you.

SPIKE
You didn't. You won't.

BUFFY
So many are gone.

SPIKE
I won't leave you. Not unless you ask.

BUFFY
I'll never ask.


Spike's arm drops away from Buffy and he turns from her.


SPIKE
Don't be too sure 'bout that.

BUFFY
Spike, what's wrong?


She looks at his back then grabs his arm, turning him to face her.


BUFFY
Whatever it is, tell me.


Spike reaches into his pocket and pulls out something in his closed fist.


SPIKE
Got something for you.
Not a birthday gift.


Taking Buffy's hand, he opens her palm and drops the object into it. She looks at it puzzled.


BUFFY
What is this?

SPIKE
The chip. Fell out when I got dusted and
didn't get stuck back in my noggin when
I formed up again.


Buffy stares at the object. Sounds of talking and laughter can be heard from the living room. On the porch, there is only silence. Spike turns his head towards the gaiety; glad he was a part of the group for a little while, reluctant to lose it. With a deep sigh of resignation, Spike opens the door to go back into the house.


SPIKE
That's it then. I'll go say my good-byes
to the others and be off.


Spike leaves Buffy still looking at the chip. The door bangs and shudders a bit as it closes after him.




INT. - BUFFY'S LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

Spike strides into the room headed toward the front door.


XANDER
Hey, Spike. Glad you're back. The estrogen
in this room was getting to be a little overwhelming.


Spike goes past the group to grab his bomber jacket from the rack near the door. The others get up and follow him, worried.


WILLOW
You're leaving?

SPIKE
Got to go.

DAWN
Spike, you can't leave. We haven't
even given Buffy her presents yet.

SPIKE
Look, something happened and it's best if I...

BUFFY
No!


Everyone turns to stare at Buffy. She's looking at Spike, determined, her chest rising and falling.


BUFFY
You're not leaving. Not again.


Spike goes to her, putting his hands on her arms, but she shakes them away, angrily.


BUFFY
You said you wouldn't leave unless
I asked and I'm not asking.

SPIKE
Listen, Buffy...

BUFFY
No! You listen! It doesn't matter.
Do you hear me? It doesn't matter
that the chip's out.

WILLOW
The chip's out?

XANDER
That means he can....


Xander remembers Spike in game face earlier in the apartment and reels back a little.


XANDER
Whoa.

BUFFY
You can bite people again. So what!
The chip was out last night.
Have you? Bitten anyone?


Spike glances over at Xander then shakes his head in the negative.


SPIKE
No. Thought about it. Considered biting
Harris. Get back a bit of my own after
years of taking it from him.

ANYA
Heck, I've considered biting him
on occasion.

WILLOW
Spike. Are you sorry for thinking
about killing him?

SPIKE
(shrugs)
Maybe.


Willow used her index finger to poke Spike in the chest.


WILLOW
Then not evil. Evil things don't do regret.

SPIKE
Still, wouldn't be amiss to
knocking him on his ass.

BUFFY
Spike, wanting to knock Xander on
his ass is a normal reaction.

XANDER
Hey! Guys! Still here.

ANYA
If you knock Xander on his ass, can I
watch? I know that I've forgiven you,
Xander, but that doesn't mean I wouldn't
enjoy seeing it.

SPIKE
People, you're missing the point.
I'm dangerous again. I can kill.
The Big Bad is back!


Dawn approaches him, sniffling a little. She looks up him, eyes wide.


DAWN
Spike, does that mean you
don't want to be our friend?
You're going to leave us?

SPIKE
(concerned)
Oh, sweetheart, don't cry.


Spike goes to embrace her, but she shoves back from him, smiling.


DAWN
The Big Bad. Right.
Big Softie is more like it.

SPIKE
You tricked me!

DAWN
What can I say?
I'm evil.

WILLOW
I say we take a vote. All those in favor
of having Spike stay and be an official
member of the Scoobies, complete with
membership card and tee-shirt, raise your hand.

ANYA
There's a tee-shirt?


Everyone raises his or her hand except for Xander. Dawn gives him her bratty little sister glare and Willow starts to frown. Xander slowly raises his hand.


XANDER
Fine, fine. But I still get
to be Shaggy.

WILLOW
Looks like it's unanimous.
Congratulations, Spike.
Now you too can be knocked out,
threatened and otherwise abused
by the forces of darkness while
Buffy kicks their butt.


Dawn, Willow, and Anya hug Spike while Xander awkwardly pats his back. Buffy is beaming at all of her friends and family.



EXT.- MARTIAL ARTS STUDIO PARKING LOT - NIGHT

Mitchell is going toward his car after locking up. He hears something but doesn't react. He reaches for the handle of his car, but a hand grasps his shoulder, turning him around, a body is then pressed next to his.


PAUL
If I were one of Sunnydale's more
eccentric residents, you would be dead
by now.

MITCHELL
Not necessarily.


Paul looks down and sees a large knife pressed against his shirtfront. He releases Mitchell and backs off.


MITCHELL
What are you doing here? This isn't smart.

PAUL
Came to see you. When I told Jim that Dawn
wasn't in school today he got a strange look
on his face. When I asked what had happened
he told me to ask you.

MITCHELL
I'm sure she's all right.

PAUL
She is. I checked.

MITCHELL
Then there's nothing to be
concerned about.

PAUL
It seems she and her sister lost a friend.

MITCHELL
He was nothing. Unimportant.
A vampire.

PAUL
A vampire?


Paul is a bit disconcerted by this piece of information but doesn't let it stop him.


PAUL
You know what happened.
Tell me.

MITCHELL
Dawn, her sister, and their motley assortment
of companions took out most of the vampire
population of Sunnydale last night. Jim and I
watched the whole show.

PAUL
You didn't help them? They did that
and you just sat and watched?

MITCHELL
Hey, kid, part of the job description.

PAUL
The vampire. Their friend.
How did he die?

MITCHELL
The usual way. Wood through the heart.
Quite touching, actually. Sacrificed himself
to save someone even less important than he was.
Then, poof. Nice little shower of dust.

PAUL
You don't care.

MITCHELL
He was a vampire. You're problem
is that you're starting to care too much.
It's an assignment.

PAUL
But you like Buffy. I know you do.

MITCHELL
Sure I like her. I like her a lot. Who knows?
Maybe its even love. I think
she wants me, too, though she hides it
well enough. Figure she'll be a regular
little spitfire in bed.


Paul shakes his head, disgusted.


MITCHELL
Oh, come on. Don't tell me you haven't
thought of little Dawn with her legs...


Paul slams Mitchell back into the car.


PAUL
Don't. Ever. Talk. About. Her. That. Way.


Mitchell pushes Paul off of him and shakes himself.


MITCHELL
I think you're forgetting who you are.


Paul turns and starts stalking away.


PAUL
I know exactly who I am, Uncle.
I'm Judas. Betraying with a kiss.




INT. - BUFFY'S LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

Wrapping paper litters the room. Presents are scattered over the table. Buffy is kissing Dawn on the cheek while holding a black leather jacket in her arms.


BUFFY
I can't believe you went back and bought it.

DAWN
Believe it. It took almost all the money Anya's
paying me now. Besides, figured there
might be times you don't want to wear it and
maybe I could borrow it?


Buffy smiles and hugs Dawn close again. She looks at the table and starts gathering up the trash.


BUFFY
That's it then. Clean up time.

XANDER
Not quite.


Xander digs into the almost empty bag and brings out the small present he got out of Spike's trunk.


XANDER
There's still Spike's gift to you.


Buffy looks at Spike as Xander hands her the gift. She's not sure if she should open it. He smiles and motions for her to do so.


SPIKE
Go ahead. It's not like last year's.

DAWN
What did you get Buffy last year?
I don't remember seeing a present.


Buffy starts blushing and bends down over the present to hide her red face. Dawn is staring at Spike.


SPIKE
Not important. Broke first time we...she used it.


Dawn is still interested but Willow takes pity on Spike and interrupts.


WILLOW
Dawnie, do you know if there's more soda
in the frig 'cause I could use a refill.
Getting a little hot in here.

DAWN
Sure. I'll get you some.


Dawn hops up and grabs Willow's glass. Spike looks at Willow gratefully and she winks at him. Buffy has finished unwrapping the gift and opens the box to reveal a ring.


XANDER
A ring? You got her a ring?

SPIKE
It's not that kind of ring you prat. It's a
ring of protection.

ANYA
Oh, that's wonderful.


Spike goes over to Buffy who stands up next to him, holding the ring, which is a simple gold band with runes etched on it. Dawn returns with Willow's soda and sits down, watching them.


SPIKE
Doesn't look like much, I know, but
it's got some power to it.

BUFFY
What does it do?

SPIKE
Protects. It can't stop the dying
but it can make you luckier. Instead of
a broken bone, it's a sprain. The stab of a
knife might slide off a rib, a wound will
bleed slower. That sort of thing.


Spike lifts her hand and slowly slides the ring on a finger.


SPIKE
Can't take you dying on me again.


Buffy looks at the ring on her finger then looks up at him. Slowly she takes the ring off. She takes his hand and slides it onto his pinky.


SPIKE
You don't like it?

BUFFY
I love it. I'm giving it to you to wear.
I can't take you dying on me, either.

SPIKE
Don't waste it on me. If you don't
want to wear it, give it your sis.
Someone you love.


Buffy raises her head to look him in the eye.


BUFFY
I am.


Spike becomes as still as a statue, staring at her. Buffy smiles and continues to stare back at him. Willow stands up.


WILLOW
Okay. Time for us to go. Nice party, Buffy.
Dawn, you're coming to our apartment.
You can sleep on our couch. Xander,
move it. Anya why don't you poof off?

ANYA
I thought you didn't want me to poof anymore?


Willow frowns at Anya, who shrugs her shoulders then disappears. Dawn glances at Spike and Buffy, then turns back towards Willow.


DAWN
Okay. I'll spend the night with you.
Let me get some things.

WILLOW
Nope, no things getting. You can
borrow some of my pajamas. I think we
even have a spare toothbrush. Xander, move
your butt out of that chair now.


Xander stands up. Willow reaches over, grabs his sleeve and starts dragging him towards the door, pushing Dawn ahead of her. Spike and Buffy are still staring at each other. Spike is starting to tremble.


XANDER
Bye Buffy. Sorry we have to...oomph.


Willow pulls Xander out the door and shuts it behind her.



EXT. - REVELLO DRIVE - NIGHT

Willow is still pulling Xander along and pushing Dawn forward. She stops when they reach Xander's car.


XANDER
All right, Willow. What was all that about?

WILLOW
I just wanted us to get out of there before
the big explosion.

XANDER
What big explosion?


From Buffy's house we can hear furniture crashing and Spike's roar. We hear Buffy let out a little scream then laugh. Her laughter becomes muffled. The entire house seems to shake.


XANDER
Oh. That explosion.



INT. - COUNCIL OF WATCHERS HEADQUARTERS - DAY

Giles is in the Council's Library, researching. A cup of tea is on the desk near him. He looks up at hearing footsteps approaching. It's Quentin Travers. Several other members stand at the doorway, waiting for him.


TRAVERS
Rupert. What a pleasant surprise
to find you here.

GILES
I trust the several messages I left with your
assistant didn't spoil the surprise overly much.

TRAVERS
Yes, yes. Council business can
keep one busy. And how is your
research proceeding?

GILES
I found some quite fascinating passages
in these texts concerning Osiris, but that
isn't what you wish to talk with me about is it?

TRAVERS
Can't old friends talk with one another
without it involving business?

GILES
(slowly)
Yes. Old friends can.

TRAVERS
Perhaps you would join me for tea. There's a
lovely shop not far from here. A few
blocks away. We'll have a chance to
reminisce about old times without interruption.

GILES
I think that would be a most interesting
conversation.

TRAVERS
Capital, capital. I'll leave the
address with my assistant
and meet you there at 4:00.

GILES
I'm looking forward to it.


Quentin puts his hand on Giles' shoulder.


TRAVERS
Good man.


Quentin joins the other members and leaves the library with them. Giles watches their departure before returning to his books.



INT.- XANDER'S APARTMENT - DAY

Willow tiptoes out of her room to see Dawn sitting on the couch, watching television. She joins her, sitting down next to her.


WILLOW
Hey, why are you up? It's only 5:15.

DAWN
Couldn't sleep.

WILLOW
You want some breakfast? My pancakes
may not be as good as Spike's, but they're
still pretty tasty.

DAWN
Spike makes pancakes?
(shakes head)
No, I'm not hungry.

Xander comes out of the bathroom in a robe, having just showered. His hair is still wet. His robe is gaping open a little, exposing his chest. Dawn looks at it appreciatively then notices that Willow's gaze seems fixed on it and smiles.


XANDER
You ladies up already? My
shower didn't wake you, did it?

DAWN
Nope. Just couldn't sleep anymore.
I still need to go home and get my stuff for school.
We kind of ran out of there last night.

XANDER
Willow ran. We were dragged

WILLOW
What are you doing up and about so early?

XANDER
Thought since I missed work yesterday I'd
go in a little earlier than normal today.

WILLOW
But hey, we all survived another Buffy birthday.
It wasn't even that bad this year.

XANDER
Not like last year. Trapped in a house with
a sword-wielding demon.

DAWN
I said I was sorry about that.

WILLOW
What about the year before? Dawn found
out she was the key and freaked out.

DAWN
Hey. Sorry. Besides, it wasn't as bad
as when the Council tested Buffy and took
away her powers. Then that crazy vampire
kidnapped mom and me.

XANDER
The worst was when she slept with
Angel and he lost his soul and tried
to kill everyone.


Xander realizes what he's said. He looks at Dawn and Willow who are both aghast.


DAWN
Spike - Buffy - his soul.

WILLOW
Omigod! We've got to get over there.
Hurry Xander, stop standing there like some
sexy male model and get dressed.


Xander hurries to his room, then turns back to face Willow.


XANDER
You think I look sexy?

WILLOW
Xander, go!


INT. - BUFFY'S BEDROOM - DAY

The drapes are closed but there are hints of sunlight peeking around the corners. Two candles are lit on Buffy's dresser, illuminating the room. Buffy is on the far side of the bed, covered by a sheet, all pulled and rumpled around her. Spike is on the bed, facing away from the door towards Buffy. He's lying there, back to the viewers, naked, talking to her softly while toying with a strand of hair.

Suddenly the door bursts open. Xander, Willow, and Dawn are there holding crosses and stakes. In a single movement Spike pushes Buffy off the far side of the bed to safety, and leaps up with a growl to confront the threat in a game face. We only see him from the waist up.


XANDER
Look. He is evil.


Spike shifts back to human and glares at the three of them.


SPIKE
What the Bloody Hell is going on?

XANDER
You are evil, right?


Spike just stares at him.


XANDER
You slept with Buffy - lost your soul.

WILLOW
(looking down)
And lost your pants.


Spike rolls his eyes and grabs a blanket from the end of the bed, covering himself. Dawn is just watching with a big smile on her face.


SPIKE
I am not Peaches! I earned my soul.
Wasn't cursed with it. It won't go away
with a happy.

BUFFY
(muffled giggling)
Not even lots and lots of happys.

SPIKE
Now if you don't mind...


Spike makes shooing motions. Xander and Willow back out of the door. Dawn is still standing there, looking at Spike with a huge grin. Willow ends up reaching back in and pulling Dawn out. Spike slams the door shut behind them.


SPIKE
Nitwits!


He turns back towards the bed, still clutching the blanket. He goes around the bed to look at Buffy, who is still on the floor, swathed in the sheet, giggling.


SPIKE
You think that's funny, don't you?


Buffy just looks at him and starts laughing again.


SPIKE
Wasn't you leaping into the fray with
your bits all hanging out for everyone to see.


Spike sits on the bed. Buffy gets up off the floor, still wrapped in the sheet and sits next to him.


BUFFY
Sorry. That was very brave of you.

SPIKE
It was.

BUFFY
Facing my friends and family...
(smiling)
like that.

SPIKE
Buffy. Don't start.

BUFFY
Right. I just feel sorry for poor Dawn.

SPIKE
Think I traumatized the chit?

BUFFY
Badly. She had quite a crush on you at one point.
I used to worry that she'd never find another
man that could measure up to you.


Spike starts to look worried. He tries smiling at Buffy gently.


BUFFY
(giggling)
And now she knows she never will.



First dumbfounded then smiling and finally laughing, Spike tackles her and they fall back to the floor on the far side of the bed, out of sight.



INT.- BUFFY'S LIVING ROOM

Among the wreckage of the room, Willow, Xander and Dawn are standing there, not quite knowing what to do. Sounds of laughter and a thud come from upstairs.


DAWN
Wow. I mean. Wow.

WILLOW
Dawn. Go get your clothes and backpack.
You can change back at the apartment then
Xander will take you to school.

DAWN
I think I have some clean clothes down
in the basement near the dryer. I'll get them.


Dawn goes to get her clothes leaving Xander and Willow alone. Xander and Willow begin feeling a little uncomfortable knowing how Spike and Buffy are occupied upstairs.


WILLOW
So, work, how's that going?

XANDER
Fine. School?

WILLOW
Fine.


More noises start coming from upstairs.


XANDER
Damn!

WILLOW
Actually I think Dawn said it best with "Wow".

XANDER
Whatever.

WILLOW
The Buffybot was right. About
the whole naked Spike thing.

XANDER
Oh. Right. Might explain some
of the attraction too.

WILLOW
Buffy's not shallow. I mean I
don't think it's that important to her.


Dawn enters holding a bag with clothes and her backpack.


DAWN
Ready to go.


Dawn listens for a second to the noises then looks back at Willow and Xander.


DAWN
Right now would be good time to
leave while I'm still young
and relatively innocent.


Willow and Dawn start to go out the front door. Xander stops at the bottom of the steps and calls upstairs.


XANDER
Buffy! Spike!


The noises pause for a moment.


XANDER
We're going to take Dawn
to school. We'll see you tonight.
Bye.


Before Xander closes the door, the sounds start up again. Xander bounds down the steps, headed for his car. He fails to notice the large, swirly glass charm that has been shattered on the sidewalk in front of the house, the red ribbon unfurled like a stream of blood.



INT. - TEA SHOP - DAY

Giles enters the shop to find Quentin Travers sitting at a table in back, waiting for him. Giles approaches him and Quentin stands to greet him, shaking his hand.


TRAVERS
So glad you could join me. I
took the liberty of ordering some
tea and scones for us.

GILES
Thank you.


Giles sits across from Quentin.


TRAVERS
Their raspberry scones are delicious.

GILES
I'm sure they are but as you well
know I did not come here for
tea. What the bloody hell is
going on Travers?

TRAVERS
You've been in the Colonies too long.
It's affected your manners.

GILES
Quentin.

TRAVERS
Things are happening, Giles. In the Council.
There have been rumblings, people are...
discontent with the status quo.

GILES
There have always been the discontent.

TRAVERS
Not like this. It's the slayer situation.
Or should I say the damaged slayer situation.

GILES
Faith. It's about Faith.

TRAVERS
As long as Buffy was patrolling the
Hellmouth, the few who felt that Faith
was a liability kept quiet. Last spring,
when your slayer was shot, this faction became more
vocal. If something happened to Buffy Summers
then our only slayer would be in prison.


Giles stirs his tea, avoiding Quentin's eyes.


TRAVERS
You couldn't hide it like before.
All the paperwork, too many witnesses.

GILES
I have no idea what you're talking about.

TRAVERS
Oh spare me the denials.
Approximately two years ago Buffy Summers
died. Died and was buried. Most of
the Council is still unaware of this fact, but
I am not just any member of the Council.

GILES
It's not what you think.

TRAVERS
Nonsense. I am positive it is exactly
what I think. You didn't hide this from us
in attempt to continue to receive your paltry
compensation. You did it to protect the
other one. You are well aware of what
would have happened to her.

GILES
She would have been killed.

TRAVERS
Naturally. She is flawed. Useless to us.

GILES
She's a young girl.

TRAVERS
I always thought you were more...pragmatic.

GILES
She is, of course, my greatest failure.
I know I wasn't her watcher, but I
was there.

TRAVERS
As long as Buffy Summers is alive I am more than
happy to let nature take its course. For others, however,
the close call last spring has lent the matter some
urgency. They are no longer willing to sit back and
wait. They have joined forces with a growing number
of members that believe we are wasting an unprecedented
opportunity - the chance to have two slayers both
fighting the forces of evil.

GILES
What have you learned?

TRAVERS
One of our chief operators in the Western
United States division is no longer in Denver.
I have reason to believe that he is currently
in Sunnydale.

GILES
I should return to Buffy immediately then.

TRAVERS
Giles I assure you that Miss Buffy Summers
is in no danger. The most likely candidate
to replace the current slayer has been identified.
I believe that she is the one under surveillance.

GILES
A new slayer? You know who she is.
(thinking)
It's Dawn, isn't it? That's why you keep
saying Buffy Summers instead of simply
saying Miss Summers. Their blood - their
blood is the same.

TRAVERS
(sighs)
Yes. She was the one that was identified.

GILES
Why are you telling me all this?
What is your interest in this matter?

TRAVERS
Think what you will of me, but I believe in the
Council of Watchers. You never bothered to take
advantage of it, but being the watcher for a slayer
confers power. I, myself, was a watcher for a slayer
almost thirty years ago.

GILES
Who died - during the Tento di
Cruciamento.

TRAVERS
Yes.


Quentin takes a sip of his tea, lost for a moment in the pains of the past. He takes a breath and continues.


TRAVERS
I believe in the traditions of the Council.
Our sacred purpose is to wage war against evil.
The people who would take control of the
next slayer are not interested in traditions but
in power.

GILES
Who are they?

TRAVERS
Ah, that is the crux of the matter.
I haven't the slightest idea.
(at Giles' raised eyebrows)
I approached you for you alone are uninvolved
in Council politics and your loyalty to
your slayer is unquestioned.

GILES
Dawn. She's under surveillance?

TRAVERS
I have no reason to believe that any harm
will befall her. She is their golden goose,
so to speak. They wish to control her, not
destroy her.

GILES
True. But in the fairytale the golden goose was killed.

TRAVERS
If you warn the Summers women, have
them take out the operative, we will
never identify our true enemies. We must
wait until they act, identify the leader,
then pull this treacherous weed out by the roots.


Giles looks conflicted, unsure what to do.


TRAVERS
Rupert, the Slayer has proven that
she can take care of herself. The Council,
however, needs you.



FADE TO BLACK

FACING OUR DEMONS



Teaser

EXT. - CEMETERY - NIGHT

Spike and Xander are battling an enormous demon. The demon has a huge mouth, a third the size of its body, that is filled with razor sharp teeth. Several long tentacles emerge from its torso. Spike has a sword, looking for a weak spot. Xander is hanging onto one of the tentacles.


SPIKE
Hold him. Hold him.


Xander is being swung around, thumped against the ground and various headstones.


XANDER
I'm holding. I'm holding. Just kill him already.

SPIKE
Shouldn't have dieted last summer. Might
have been able to put a little weight behind.



Xander is now being held upside down and being moved toward the demon's mouth.



XANDER
Little help here.



Spike starts to swing the sword only to have one of the tentacles reach out, grab it and fling it away.


SPIKE
Uh, oh.

XANDER
Uh, oh. What do you mean, uh, oh?


Spike starts to attack the demon using just his fists. Xander gets flung away and flies several yards before landing in the dirt. A moment passes, then Spike lands with a thud next to him. They look at each other. Buffy runs past them, armed with an axe. Xander and Spike, both still on the ground, braced up on their elbows, watch the fight. At various points they wince and flinch. Finally the noises stop. Buffy returns, smiling. She is flipping a gory axe in her hand like a majorette flips a baton.


BUFFY
That was fun. Let's go see what else we can fight.


Xander and Spike look at one another and groan as Buffy happily walks away.



EXT. - PARK - NIGHT

A man is walking his rottweiler in the park. The dog starts to strain at the leash, barking and growling.


OWNER
You smell something Fluffy?
You want it?


The owner reaches over and slips the leash off of the snarling dog. Unleashed the dog immediately runs out of sight, past the shrubbery and underbrush.


OWNER
That's right boy. Go get it.


The owner walks towards the bushes, then stops as a dog's pained yipping, and whining start. Then there is silence.


OWNER
Fluffy? Fluffy, you okay?


The owner walks closer and closer. He bends over to see better as he approaches. Letting out a scream, he raises his hands and arms to cover his face as an unseen attacker knocks him to the ground.


End of Teaser




INT. - MARTIAL ARTS STUDIO - DAY

Dawn is practicing with Jim. They're taking all of the steps, slowly and carefully working on control. Mitchell enters the room and starts watching them from the side.


MITCHELL
Jim, you're going too easy on her. She's a big
girl. She's not glass, she won't break. Right, Dawn?


Dawn is a little uncomfortable, but doesn't say anything. Jim continues to work with her on control. Mitchell seems unsatisfied then motions to one of the other instructors to come forward. This instructor is a tall, large, brutish man. Mitchell quietly gives him orders while Dawn and Jim practice.


MITCHELL
Hey, Jim. Give it a rest. Why don't you let
Rafe here take over for a little bit.


Jim stops and straightens up. He looks at Rafe, then at Dawn, who looks very small in comparison. Reluctantly he leaves the mat, letting Rafe take his place. Mitchell smiles, and rocks back and forth, excited about this upcoming match. Jim is uneasy.

Rafe and Dawn begin circling each other. She senses that this guy is dangerous and this is not another practice bout. She's wary and is trying to keep some space between them. Rafe lunges forward, but she backs out of his reach. He tries again, this time grasping her arm. With a quick twist she frees herself and spins away. He leaps on her, knocking her to the ground. Using the momentum, she pulls him with her and throws him over her head, then quickly gets back to her feet. Jim has seen enough.


JIM
Okay. Stop it you two or someone will get hurt.


Dawn relaxes and turns towards Jim. Rafe, using her diverted attention grabs her from behind. Without thinking, Dawn twirls, forcing an elbow into his throat. Automatically he releases her and drops to the mat making gurgling sounds. Jim and Mitchell stand there, mouths hanging open.


DAWN
Oh, geez. I'm sorry. Really.


Jim hurries forward to help Rafe. Mitchell confronts Dawn who is watching Rafe gasp with concern.


MITCHELL
That's quite a dirty little fighting move
for one so young.

DAWN
(looking at Rafe, distracted)
A friend taught it to me. Said to
use it if my life were ever in danger and
this was so not the time. I'm really sorry.

MITCHELL
A friend? I'm surprised your sister lets you have friends
who would teach you that sort of thing.

DAWN
(not paying attention)
He's her boyfriend.
(pointing at Rafe)
Should we take him to a
hospital or something?


Mitchell puts his arm around Dawn and leads her away.


MITCHELL
Don't worry about him. He'll be fine
once he catches his breath. Why don't
you just run along home.


Dawn smiles up at him, then with a quick, worried glance at the still prone Rafe, leaves. Mitchell watches her departure, his face changing from congeniality to anger.


MITCHELL
Slayers and Vampires really shouldn't be friends.




INT. - SPIKE'S CRYPT - DAY

Spike has several outfits laid out on the sarcophagus when someone knocks on the door. He opens the door to Willow who enters holding a garment bag.


WILLOW
Here's the luggage I said you could borrow.

SPIKE
Good. Thanks. I need a woman's
opinion. Buffy said we'd be going out for dinner
and dancing. What should I pack?


Willow studies the choices before her then points to the pile of clothes on the right.


WILLOW
That one. The dark pants, dark jacket and
blue shirt. It will look nice on you.

SPIKE
You sure?

WILLOW
Positive.


Spike opens up the garment bag and carefully begins hanging up the articles of clothing inside it.


SPIKE
This used to be easy.

WILLOW
That's because you just wore black. Black
to kill humans. Black to kill demons.
Black to weddings.

SPIKE
Well...yeah.


Willow leans on the sarcophagus, watching Spike fuss.


WILLOW
I'm sure that whatever you wear
will be fine with Buffy.

SPIKE
She wants everything to be perfect.
Not going to muck it up.


Spike is still struggling a bit to get everything neat. Willow gives up watching him and shooing him away, takes his place, quickly finishing up and zipping up the bag.


WILLOW
So - is everything else packed?

SPIKE
Think so.

WILLOW
You've got your toothbrush?

SPIKE
Yes.

WILLOW
Toothpaste?

SPIKE
Yes.

WILLOW
Did you pack plenty of clean underwear?


Spike just smiles at Willow.


WILLOW
Right. Never mind. I guess you're all ready
to go. You have a good time. Drive carefully.


Willow goes towards Spike and gives him a quick hug. Spike is startled but enjoys it. Willow pulls back and looks at him.


WILLOW
You know, you didn't have to move back here.
Xander and I, we kind of miss you.

SPIKE
You just miss having someone else
picking up after Xander.

WILLOW
That's not true - entirely. I can see to Xander.

SPIKE
And are you?

WILLOW
Am I what?

SPIKE
Seeing to Xander?

WILLOW
Spike! Xander and I are friends.

SPIKE
Not friends. Friends don't station themselves so
they can see the other one exit the bathroom after
they shower dressed only in a robe every morning.

WILLOW
Hey. That's not true. It's not every morning.
Sometimes, once, I slept late.


Spike tenderly clasps her shoulders.


SPIKE
(softly)
Loving Xander. - It's not a betrayal of Tara.


Willow looks at him, startled then leans her head on his shoulder as his arms come around her in an embrace.


WILLOW
She's dead. I shouldn't be happy
when she's dead.

SPIKE
Shush. Glinda would've wanted
you to have the best of everything.
(teasing)
But, seeing as how I'm with Buffy, guess
you're going to have to settle for Xander.


Willow laughs, pushes away from Spike and gives him a gentle smack on the arm.


WILLOW
You have a good time on your trip.

SPIKE
Plan on having a very good time.
Look out for the others while I'm gone.
And Red? If you get the chance -
let yourself be happy, okay?



INT. - XANDER'S APARTMENT - NIGHT

Xander, Dawn, and Willow are seated around the table eating dinner. They glance up as Anya pops into the room. Without saying a word Anya opens the door, exits, pulling the door shut behind her. A moment passes then a doorbell rings. Dawn is trying not to laugh.


XANDER
My. I wonder who that could be?


Dawn breaks into giggles as Willow, with a disgusted look on her face, gets up and answers the door.


ANYA
Hi Willow.
(poking her head in)
Xander, Dawn. I was just in the neighborhood
and thought I'd stop by and see you.

XANDER
What a surprise. Come in, come in.


Willow, rolling her eyes, shuts the door after Anya enters.


DAWN
We're having dinner. Would you like
anything?

ANYA
No. I already ate. Though that
chicken certainly looks tasty.

DAWN
Let me get you a plate.


Anya sits at the fourth, empty spot at the table. Dawn returns with a plate, silverware and napkin, which she places in front of Anya. Xander just keeps grinning, Willow looks a little exasperated as Anya proceeds to fill her plate.


XANDER
So, what brings you to our humble abode?

ANYA
Actually I was looking for Buffy and Spike
but I can't seem to find them.

WILLOW
They're gone.

ANYA
They're gone? They spontaneously combusted,
didn't they? That's what too much sex will do.
All that heat and friction, then poof, nothing left but ashes.

WILLOW
They did not go poof. They're not ashes.
They're gone as in out of town.

ANYA
Oh. Well someone should warn them
about the whole combusting thing
when they get back.

DAWN
(mumbling)
If they haven't gone poof yet, I don't
think it's going to happen.

WILLOW
They're only planning to be gone a few days.
They wanted some private time together. Until
they get back, we're watching Dawn.

ANYA
Spike wanted to have some alone time with
Buffy away from Dawn?

WILLOW
Actually, I think Buffy wanted the alone time.

DAWN
Hey, he's my friend and now that he's around a
lot he's showing me all sorts of neat things.

XANDER
Which is a really disturbing thought.
(to Anya)
We're also pulling guard duty with Dawn.
Seems she snuck out last week to do rounds
with Otis and George instead of studying for
a Biology test.

DAWN
I was studying for Biology. It's not my fault
that demon innards are so different from human innards.

ANYA
And are you doing the patrolling, too?

WILLOW
I didn't think any patrols were necessary.
We made a bit of the hole in the demon
population a while ago.

ANYA
Something's out there. A man and his dog were
torn apart in the park a few nights ago.
It was evidently pretty gruesome. Shredded
flesh, gnawed bones, the works.


Anya is eating her chicken as she talks. The others are starting to look a little ill and push their plates away.


XANDER
What do they think did it?

ANYA
They don't know, but I have my suspicions.

WILLOW
What are your suspicions, Anya?


Anya stops eating and glances around the room. She's looking worried, anxious. Leaning toward the others she whispers quietly.


ANYA
Bunnies.


Xander lets out a quick laugh, then turns it into a cough. Dawn smiles at Anya. Willow breathes out an exaggerated sigh.


WILLOW
Anya. It's not bunnies. Bunnies do not
tear apart dogs and people.

ANYA
You all think it's funny. You don't know.
I do. I've been around. Believe me, bunnies did this.

DAWN
Anya, it's okay. Willow, she can break into the
files at the morgue with her computer. She'll find
out what really killed them, okay.
You will do that, won't you Willow?

WILLOW
(sighing)
Fine. After dinner I'll try to call up the files
with my laptop.

XANDER
Oh goodie. Morgue reports.
Another ending to a perfect day.

ANYA
Is there anymore chicken?



INT. - JAPANESE RESTAURANT - NIGHT

Buffy and Spike are being seated in an elegant Japanese restaurant. The host leads them past a wall-sized aquarium filled with exotic fish, and past other diners to a table near the center of the room. Spike seats Buffy before the host can do so, then sits next to her. As the two peruse the menu, Spike looks at Buffy.


SPIKE
Could sit at the Sushi bar if you'd rather.

BUFFY
No, this is fine.

SPIKE
Nice place. Like the fish, all swimming about.


Buffy glances over at the aquarium.


BUFFY
Pretty, except for the orange one.

SPIKE
That's supposed to gold, not orange.

BUFFY
Whatever. That fish is icky. Gets me all itchy.

SPIKE
Itchy? Like you need to be scratched?

BUFFY
Shut up, Spike. Look at the menu. Be good.

SPIKE
Oh, I'm always real good.

BUFFY
Spike, I'm Hungry Buffy right now.
If Hungry Buffy doesn't get food she becomes
Cranky Buffy. Cranky Buffy is no fun. Cranky
Buffy doesn't like to play and Cranky Buffy may
kick your tight little butt if you don't shut up.

SPIKE
How many Buffy's you got in there, luv?

BUFFY
Lots of Buffy's in me. And. No. Spikes.

SPIKE
Oh. Shutting up now.


INT. - XANDER'S APARTMENT - NIGHT

Willow is at the table with her laptop plugged in. Xander, Dawn, and Anya are seated at the table watching her.


WILLOW
Good. I'm in. The man was Martin Kelley.
Fifty-two years old. Let's see. Ooh. Lets not see.

XANDER
What?

WILLOW
There were pictures.

DAWN
Ugh.


WILLOW
Coroner's report.
Trauma to ..., damage of ....
(excited)
Here we go. Cause of death appears to
be massive blood loss due to twenty-three
puncture wounds. These wounds are of
unknown origins but are similar to bites
made by oryctolagus cuniculus but are larger
and deeper.

XANDER
Orilactose cunning. What's that?

WILLOW
(slightly stunned)
Oryctolagus cuniculus.

XANDER
Whatever.

DAWN
What is it?

WILLOW
It's a rabbit.


Willow, Xander, and Dawn all turn to stare at Anya. Anya smiles smugly.


ANYA
Told you so.




INT. - JAPANESE RESTAURANT - NIGHT

Buffy and Spike are now eating, although Spike is mostly drinking saki and making sure that Hungry Buffy is fed. Spike looks over at the aquarium, where the fish food is being dropped in.


SPIKE
Funny that. Us eating fish watching
the fish eating fish bits.


Buffy glances over her shoulder then resumes eating.


BUFFY
The ugly orange one is hogging it.

SPIKE
Maybe he's just got bigger appetites that
need to be accommodated.


Buffy stops eating and stares at Spike.


BUFFY
Spike, you are not honestly trying to
make some stupid sexual repartee
using the fish are you?

SPIKE
No. 'Course not.

BUFFY
Good.

SPIKE
(mumbling)
Not now, anyway.




INT. - XANDER'S APARTMENT - NIGHT

Xander, Willow, and Dawn, are staring at Anya who loves the limelight.


ANYA
And what none of you seems to
understand is that the scene from Monty
Python's Holy Grail actually came to being
only after much excruciating and painstaking
historical research.

XANDER
You mean there were once rabbits with
"nasty, big, pointy, teeth"?

ANYA
Of course. St. George killed the last one.

WILLOW
St. George killed the dragon.

ANYA
He did. Right after he killed the rabbit.
But since the dragon was so much bigger,
that's what got all the publicity.



INT. - JAPANESE RESTAURANT - NIGHT

Buffy and Spike are still eating dinner. Buffy is using her fork which is irritating Spike.


SPIKE
Come on. Give the chopsticks a try.

BUFFY
No. I've tried. It's too hard.

SPIKE
You can do it, Sunshine. Here, let me
show you how.


Spike leans over and put his hand on Buffy's hands, trying to demonstrate, but she keeps fumbling it. They are too interested in what they are trying to do to notice a growing consternation near the aquarium. People gasp. Shrieks are heard. Panic starts to grow. Buffy and Spike turn to see that the orange fish has grown to monstrous proportions. It is pushing up against the side of the aquarium, still growing. People begin fleeing, overturning tables as the aquarium bursts. The water pours out, cascading onto the floor. The other fish flop around. The huge fish lands with a large plop onto a table, smashing it flat.

Spike jumps onto a chair, prepared to fight this monster. Buffy merely lifts her legs to avoid the rush of water. She turns back to concentrate on her struggle with the chopsticks.


SPIKE
Buffy! There's a big fish here.


Buffy keeps trying to get the chopsticks to work. The fish continues to grow, getting closer and closer to their table.


SPIKE
Buffy. Really not kidding.


Spike is beginning to get anxious. The fish keeps getting bigger. The mouth keeps getting nearer. Buffy continues ignoring everything.


SPIKE
Buffee.
(louder)
Slayer!


In one quick motion, Buffy swivels in her seat, throwing her chopsticks at the fish. The chopsticks imbed themselves into the fish and to Spike's amazement the fish slowly begins to shrink until it is once again its normal size. He turns to Buffy, mouth working, but nothing coming out. Buffy has stolen his chopsticks and is eating her rice.


BUFFY
Spike. I did it.

SPIKE
That you did. Put that ugly in it's place.

BUFFY
No, silly. Look, I can use the chopsticks now.


Spike turns to Buffy. She is now using his chopsticks with efficiency.


BUFFY
The trick is to stop thinking of them as
chopsticks but as thin, little stakes.


Spike sighs and sits down, watching Buffy eat.


SPIKE
The fish, Buffy - think it was a sodding spell?

BUFFY
Nope. They fed that fish too much.

SPIKE
What?

BUFFY
Never feed too much, never more
than a spot or something may happen,
you never know what.


Spike just stares at her blankly.


BUFFY
And you claim to have read the classics.



EXT. - PARK - NIGHT

Jonathan is walking along with Anya, Xander, Willow, and Dawn. They are armed with crossbows, swords, and axes. Xander is also carrying a powerful spotlight. Jonathan is looking at Willow incredulously.


JONATHAN
So are you telling me that there are
bunnies out there killing people?

WILLOW
That's right.

JONATHAN
Bunnies?

WILLOW
Uh huh.

ANYA
Bunnies are really scary creatures.


Jonathan stares at Anya, totally bewildered.


ANYA
They have big ears and big feet.
Ugh.


Jonathan keeps staring at Anya. Xander takes pity on him and explains.


XANDER
Anya, she has this thing about rabbits.

DAWN
Do we have to kill them? Can't we just put
them in a cage or something.

XANDER
And then what? Rehabilitate them?
Start group therapy for bunnies who are addicted
to flesh? I'm Peter Cottontail and I eat humans?

DAWN
But they're so cute with their twitchy
little noses and those puffy tails.

ANYA
Dawn, are you purposely trying to
gross me out?

JONATHAN
(imitating Elmer Fudd)
So, we're hunting wabbits.

XANDER
Hey, speech impediments are not funny.

JONATHAN
Sorry.

WILLOW
Look. Over there. Something's by the swings.


Xander swings his flashlight toward the swings. Several shapes are hunched over the grass. One shapes lifts its head and looks at them. The eyes are glowing red. Growing from the head and down the back are barbed spines. As it begins to growl at them, the mouth opens to reveal bunny shaped teeth, only supesized.


XANDER
Um, maybe we should be getting
back to the car now?


The Scoobies start backing away. More and more heads lift from the grass.


WILLOW
Good idea.

ANYA
Wait. I thought you were going to kill them?

XANDER
We will. Just after I run away,
screaming in terror.


Jonathan and the Scoobies are in full flight now back to the car as a cacophony of snarls and growls come from behind them.


WILLOW
(while running)
Jonathan, do something!

JONATHAN
What?

WILLOW
I don't know. I never fought bunnies.
Just hurry.


Jonathan twirls, makes a quick hand gesture, then continues to run. They reach the car and pile in.


WILLOW
Xander, drive!


Xander fumbles for his keys, gets the keys into the ignition and starts to pull away. Before they get up to speed, the car is thumped on the side. The growls are now extremely loud.


DAWN
(panicked)
Hurry!


Xander hits the gas. As they speed away, they stare at each other.


WILLOW
Jonathan, what did you do?

JONATHAN
I dumped some carrots on them.
I'm sorry. It was all I could think of.

XANDER
Cute little bunnies. Maybe in the
fevered dreams of Stephen King.

DAWN
What do you think happened to them?

WILLOW
With those barbs it looked a little like...

DAWN
Like what?

WILLOW
The monster vampires?

DAWN
Oh. Oh - the potion. It spilled all over.
They must have eaten whatever it spilled on.

XANDER
So now we have undead, creature of the
night rabbits? Have I said recently how
much I hate the Hellmouth?

DAWN
I wish Buffy were here.

XANDER
Or Spike. He's never afraid of anything.
He's got the whole "where angels fear
to tread" vibe going for him.



EXT. - SIDEWALK - NIGHT

Spike and Buffy are having an argument outside of a club.


SPIKE
I'm telling you, there is no way you are
getting me in there.

BUFFY
Spike. Willow told me that her friend
strongly recommended this place. Said
it was fun.

SPIKE
Buffy. Please, have a heart.
It's country-western!

BUFFY
Spike. I want to go to the club.

SPIKE
Let me guess. It's Dancing Buffy
who wants out now.

BUFFY
Maybe. It could be I Want To Move
Seductively And Brush Against My Man Buffy.


Smiling sexily, Spike draws Buffy slowly into his arms and looks down into her face.


SPIKE
This one sounds like fun. You think she'd
go for Horny Spike 'cause he's starting to
come out to play.

BUFFY
Spike. Dancing.

SPIKE
Fine. We'll dance.


Arm in arm, they head for the club. Spike opens the door for Buffy and starts to follow her, then stops abruptly.


SPIKE
You brought me to a gay
country-western nightclub?




INT. - XANDER'S APARTMENT - NIGHT


XANDER
We need a plan 'cause the whole
running and screaming thing didn't work.
Willow you're the brains. Willow?

WILLOW
I'm still trying to get my mind around the idea that
Anya was right about the bunnies. I suppose it's
one of those things - like the hypochondriac
might actually be sick or there might really be
people out to get the paranoid.

ANYA
We've got to kill them. That's what we do,
right? Kill evil things?

XANDER
Dawn?

DAWN
I used to like bunnies. Bunnies were my friends.
I even have several stuffed bunnies.

XANDER
Okay - Dawn has lost it.
Jonathan, ideas?

JONATHAN
The only thing that keeps running through my
head is the Holy Hand Grenade of Antioch.


The Scoobies look at each other.


XANDER
Anya - you said it was historical research
Accurate?

ANYA
I believe so.

WILLOW
There's a hollow, not far from the park.
If we could lure them there then blow it up,
it might work.


Xander and Willow both look at Jonathan.


JONATHAN
No way, no how. I am not
going to be bait.

WILLOW
Jonathan, if you get into trouble you
can use your magic.

JONATHAN
Like before? Not going to happen

WILLOW
But we need...

ANYA
I'll do it.

XANDER
What?

ANYA
I'll be bait. Let the rabbits chase
me to the hollow.

WILLOW
Anya, you really don't have to do this.

DAWN
Right. We all know how much they
scare you.

ANYA
It has to be me. It makes sense. I'm the only
one of you who will be able to get away in time.
I can teleport out of there.

XANDER
Now all we need is the dynamite.

ANYA
There's some at the Magic Box.


Everyone stares at Anya.


ANYA
It's not mine. It belongs to Giles. For emergencies.
He believes it's always best to be prepared.

XANDER
Giles, a boy scout from Troop 666.

ANYA
I'm sure he wouldn't mind if we used some
of it. He's got boxes and boxes.

WILLOW
Does Giles have a lot of that kind of stuff?

ANYA
Oodles.

WILLOW
So last year when I was destroying the Magic Shop
it was dangerous. I mean more so than just me
banging stuff around.

ANYA
Definitely. We could have easily gone
kablooie or kaboom or one of those exploding type noises.

XANDER
Right. Good information to know.
Let's get things started.



EXT. - SIDEWALK - NIGHT

Buffy and Spike are walking away from the club. Their clothing is disheveled and torn in some places. Buffy's hair is mussed and Spike is sporting a bruise on his jaw. Behind them police cars are starting to pull into the lot.


BUFFY
I don't know how these things get started.

SPIKE
Could be you picking up that bloke
and throwing him across the bar.

BUFFY
He made me mad.

SPIKE
Didn't do anything to you.

BUFFY
I saw him. He grabbed your tushy.

SPIKE
Wasn't his fault.
(at Buffy's look)
Simply irresistible.


They continue walking when Buffy stops and pushes Spike up against a wall.


SPIKE
See. Told you. Irresistible.

BUFFY
Shh. There's something in that alley.


Spike is all business now. He and Buffy look around the corner. A demon is stooped over a drunk who is passed out there. They swivel back around.


BUFFY
(whispering)
That's not a good demon is it?

SPIKE
No. But...

BUFFY
It's hurting that man.

SPIKE
Not fatally.


Buffy moves forward to confront the demon. Spike gets in her way.


SPIKE
Don't think you really want
to do this, pet.

BUFFY
Spike, I'm sorry it's interrupting
our date but it is my job.


Buffy pulls a stake from her waistband. Spike's eyes widen when he sees this but he says nothing. He watches her as she strides into the alley. We can only see Spike watching as we hear the sounds of a fight.


BUFFY
(off screen)
You are going to learn to leave humans
alone even if it kills you.


There are more thuds and then an enormous retching sound is heard. Spike starts to go forward, stops. Then moves forward at a run when Buffy lets out a shrill scream.


SPIKE
Bloody Hell. You'd think the chit would know
better than to pick on a regurgitating demon.




EXT. - GRASSY HILLTOP - NIGHT

Xander, Willow, Dawn, and Jonathan are looking down below them. Xander is holding a detonating device in his hands.


XANDER
Run, Anya, run!

DAWN
She's not fast enough!
We've got to do something.

WILLOW
Jonathan, can you make a little barrier or something
between them? To kind of slow them down?

JONATHAN
I'll try.


A moment goes by, then a sigh of relief passes over the observers. Seconds later, their mouths hang open in disbelief.


XANDER
They just tore through that fence
like it was nothing.

DAWN
Xander, they're gaining on her.

JONATHAN
She's almost there.

WILLOW
Come on Anya. You can do it.
Come on.


They watch, urging Anya onward. Suddenly Anya pops up next to them.


ANYA
I'm here. Blow those furballs away.


Xander uses the detonator and the fiery explosion lights their faces. Dawn gets an ick expression and turns away. Willow grabs Anya in a hug.


WILLOW
You're okay! You did it!

ANYA
Of course I did it. I said I would.

WILLOW
We were so scared they were
going to get you.

ANYA
Well, the entire nightmare come true aspect
did make me run much faster than I normally would.

WILLOW
I'm so glad you're okay.

ANYA
Me too. And this hugging. - This is very nice.


Willow pulls back as Dawn comes forward to hug Anya.


WILLOW
I'm sorry I got mad at you about the going
poof. I'm glad you can go poof.


Anya leans over and gives Willow a kiss on her forehead.


ANYA
I love you too, Willow.


Dawn and Anya start walking down the hill, arm in arm. Jonathan and Xander join Willow who has a pleased look on her face. She loops her arm around Xander's arm. They start walking down the hill, Xander with a happy grin, Jonathan following them.


XANDER
We defeated the bad guy, bad bunnies
even without Buffy and Spike.

WILLOW
You know we were just really
lucky, don't you?

XANDER
You want luck? I know where we can
get some gigantic rabbit feet. Cheap.



INT. - HOTEL ROOM - NIGHT

Buffy is in a robe, having showered. She's standing, examining her hair in the mirror as she combs it. Spike has a towel wrapped around his waist, his chest is still damp. He's reclining on the bed.


BUFFY
You're sure you got it all out of my hair?

SPIKE
I washed it four times for you.

BUFFY
But you're sure because yeech.

SPIKE
I'm sure.

BUFFY
You could have warned me.

SPIKE
Thought you knew what you
were getting into.


Buffy goes to the window then looks back at him.


BUFFY
Bet you thought you knew what
you were getting into, too.


She turns away, looking at the lights of the city. Her shoulders are slumped. Spike sighs, rolls off the bed, and joins her at the window. He puts his arm around her and gently moves her head until it is resting on his shoulder.


SPIKE
Tell me what you're thinking, Sunshine.

BUFFY
Tonight was supposed to be special.
Dinner, dancing.

SPIKE
It was special.

BUFFY
(gives a bitter laugh)
Right.

SPIKE
No. I mean it.

BUFFY
So, tell me. What was your favorite part?

SPIKE
Hmm.

BUFFY
There wasn't one.

SPIKE
Not true. First of all I got to see you
defeat a giant fish without
batting a single lovely eyelash.
Love to watch you work.

BUFFY
Really?

SPIKE
Uh huh. Then we had a bloody fantastic barroom
brawl. Can't thank you enough for starting it.
Been a while since my last one. Say what you
will about those country-western gits but
they sure can fight.

BUFFY
You enjoyed that?

SPIKE
Loved it.
Then had a wonderful spot of violence
killing a demon. A demon that attacked my
lady in a most disgusting way.

BUFFY
You are sick.

SPIKE
Vampire.


Spike slowly turns Buffy towards him and lightly kisses her lips. He pulls back and puts his forehead against her forehead.


SPIKE
But the very best part? All those times I'd
look over and see you. You with me.
Me with you. Like a dream. Still can't
believe it. Love you so much.

BUFFY
I love you, too.


Spike smiles and starts to lean forward to kiss her again but she stops him.


BUFFY
This is serious. I really love you.
It's not convenient. It's not sweet or nice.
It's messy and needy and it's taking over my life.


Spike grabs her and hugs her tightly. She returns the hug with all of her strength making him wince, but he doesn't let go. Reverently, he whispers, his mouth brushing her hair.


SPIKE
Yours. Forever.

BUFFY
Forever.



INT. - XANDER'S APARTMENT - NIGHT

Xander is sitting on the couch. Willow enters, closing the door to her room quietly.


XANDER
Dawn asleep?

WILLOW
Finally. Hopefully sleeping in my bed
will prevent some of those nightmares
from returning.


XANDER
Don't know about you but I'll never look at
rabbits the same way again. Now I'm like - give the
rabbit the stupid Trixs cereal then run like hell.


Willow sits on the couch next to Xander. Xander puts his arm up along the edge of the couch, allowing her to snuggle next to him. Willow lets out a little giggle.


XANDER
What's so funny?

WILLOW
Just with putting Dawn to
bed then sneaking out here. I feel like
we're some old married couple.


Xander removes his arm from behind Willow and sits forward. She's puzzled by his actions.


WILLOW
(concerned)
Xander, what's wrong?

XANDER
I don't feel like an old married couple.

WILLOW
(disappointed)
Oh.

XANDER
I mean, would half of an old married couple
get a hard-on every time the other half of the couple
walks into the room?

WILLOW
Xander?

XANDER
This will probably ruin our friendship but
I can't hide it anymore. I love you.
I know. I've loved you forever. As a friend.
But now I love love you.

WILLOW
Xander...

XANDER
I'm sorry Willow. I guess tomorrow we
should start looking at apartments.

WILLOW
Will we be looking for one's that only have
one bedroom, then?

XANDER
What?

WILLOW
You know - One bedroom for us to share?


Xander stares at Willow who smiles at him.


XANDER
Willow? Are you saying what
I think you're saying?

WILLOW
You know, Dawn is using my bed and
I really don't want to use the couch.

XANDER
What about the whole gay thing?

WILLOW
Did you know there is such a thing as
being bisexual?


Xander grins, then lifts Willow up in his arms. She lets out a small shriek, and then guiltily looks at her room where Dawn is sleeping. Putting on a stern face she looks at Xander.


WILLOW
Shhh!


Xander nods his head then carries her into his room. A few minutes pass. Dawn comes out of the bedroom and gets herself a glass of water. Outside the bedroom doors she pauses, listening, then goes back towards Willow's room.


DAWN
Hope they remember about
the combusting thing.



INT. - MAGIC BOX - DAY

Willow walks into the Magic Box. Anya glances up from the counter to look at her.


WILLOW
Anya. Hi.

ANYA
Willow what are you doing here?

WILLOW
It was lunchtime and my afternoon class was
cancelled so I thought I'd come by and see if you
wanted to go out and have lunch we me.

ANYA
I guess I could. I haven't had too many people
come in today and...Willow, you had sex!

WILLOW
What?

ANYA
You had sex last night, didn't you?


Willow is blushing. Anya goes over and gives her a hug then stands back to look at her.


ANYA
Wait. It was with Xander, wasn't it?

WILLOW
Of course it was with Xander. How did you
know I had sex? Do I have it tattooed
on my forehead or something?

ANYA
You're just all glowy
That means it was good Xander sex.

WILLOW
Is there bad Xander sex?

ANYA
Actually there isn't. Unless you want
it to be. He's very accommodating.
We'll compare notes at lunch.

WILLOW
Anya, it's private.

ANYA
Okay, you're going to do the "I really shouldn't talk
about this" thing. I'll keep prying, you'll blush and
stammer. I'll ask embarrassing questions and the next
thing you know you'll be telling me everything so why
don't we just skip to the part where you tell me everything?


The telephone starts to ring.


WILLOW
Saved by the bell.

ANYA
I'll answer this real quick.


Anya crosses the room to the answer the phone. She picks it up with a wink at Willow.


ANYA
Hello, this is the Magic Box.
Giles! Oh Giles, it's so good to hear from you.
I was just thinking about you. Well actually I was
just thinking about sex which gets me thinking about
you. Guess what! Willow just had sex with Xander.
No, silly, not here at the Magic Box. Last night.
She just told me.
(pause)
Oh. That is good news. Are you going
to be coming home soon, then?
(pause)
You're not coming home? Giles, you said
that you would be home after you found out
how to help Willow.
(pause)
I don't like being patient. I'm not any good at it.
(pause)
You'll do that? For me? Okay, but I'm
going to hold you to that promise.
(pause)
Okay. I'll put her on the phone.


Anya holds the phone out to Willow.


ANYA
Willow, it's Giles. He thinks he knows
how to help you. He thinks he knows what you
need to do to stop having nightmares about Tara.



INT. - BUFFY'S LIVING ROOM - DAY

Dawn returns home from school, backpack in hand.

DAWN
Buffy? Buffy, you home?


Buffy comes in from the kitchen area. Dawn throws herself into Buffy's arms. They kiss and hug.


DAWN
I'm so glad you're back.

BUFFY
Me, too. Missed you pumpkin belly.

DAWN
Spike around?

BUFFY
No. He's at his crypt. He doesn't live
here you know.
(at Dawn's look)
Well, he doesn't.

DAWN
(mumbling)
Maybe he should.
(excited)
Buffy? Did you bring me anything?
A snow globe? Refrigerator magnets? A key
chain? A shirt that says my sister got way laid
by a vampire but all I got was this stupid tee-shirt?

BUFFY
Dawn!

DAWN
Did Spike steal a hotel towel for
me? Or maybe since he has a soul now a
hotel pen 'cause that's not as evil?

BUFFY
Your gift is on the dining room table.


Dawn squeals and runs to fetch her present. Buffy follows her in at a more sedate pace. Torn wrapping paper covers the table and Dawn is just opening the box.


DAWN
A music box. I love it. Thanks Buffy.

BUFFY
You're welcome. Thank you for being so
understanding about Spike and me going
away for a little while.

DAWN
That's okay.

BUFFY
Did you have a nice time with
Xander and Willow?

DAWN
Guess what! Xander and Willow
are together.

BUFFY
Dawn, they've been living together
since this summer.

DAWN
Yes, but now they're
together, together.

BUFFY
Xander and Willow?
Wow. You go away for a couple of
nights and so much happens. Anything
else I should know about?

DAWN
Nah. Did you and Spike have a nice time?

BUFFY
It was interesting.

DAWN
So this couple thing is working out?

BUFFY
(smiles)
Yes. It really is.


Buffy gathers up the torn wrapping paper to throw away. She heads to the kitchen with it while Dawn examines more closely the music box.


BUFFY
(off screen)
Dawn? Why did you throw away
your stuffed bunnies?



INT. - MARTIAL ARTS STUDIO - DAY

Mitchell hangs up the phone with a bang. He's angry, pacing his office. Jim comes in, then closes the door behind him.

JIM
Mitchell?

MITCHELL
Idiots. I'm dealing with idiots.

JIM
What's wrong?

MITCHELL
Seems that some of our friends in London have
gotten a bit anxious. They want results.
Since we haven't given them any they decided
to make some moves of their own.

JIM
What did they do?

MITCHELL
Faith may no longer be a problem.

JIM
Damn. What are you going to do?

MITCHELL
We need to move the timetable up.
We have to take control.

JIM
It's going to messy. With Kroger on their case
we had a chance to do it nice and easy. Since she
went nutso and got kicked off it puts us in a
bad position. Her replacement is one of those
do-gooder social workers who actually
wants to help people.

MITCHELL
I've talked to the boss. He's going to
be sending over some special supplies.

JIM
What about the friends?

MITCHELL
I have a few surprises planned for them.

JIM
And Dawn?
Dealing with a teenage girl is a
lot easier than dealing with a slayer.

MITCHELL
Not much we can do at this point.
We have to see if they succeed.
They may not. According to
all my sources this Faith chick is one
tough bitch.



INT. - PRISON SHOWER - DAY

Faith is in the shower, washing her hair. We only see her shoulders and above. As she lathers and rinses, the showers begin to empty until she is the only one left. She glances around her to see four mean looking women approaching. She notices that there is no one else around and is nervous, but trying not to show it. One of the inmates, the leader, Betty, smiles at Faith.


BETTY
Mmm Faith. Nice to see so much of you.

FAITH
What do you want? Besides the obvious.

BETTY
That's not very friendly. Shouldn't
be so suspicious.

FAITH
Keeps me alive.

BETTY
Seems there's a few people who
have a slight problem with that.
You being alive.

FAITH
You think you can take me?
You and your girls?
Not going to happen.

BETTY
'Cause you're in such fine shape?

FAITH
Because even on my worst day,
I outclass you.

BETTY
Ouch. That hurts Faith. It really does.


The woman leader and her three friends all draw knives from their clothing. Faith sees this, eyes opening wide, scared.


BETTY
But not as much as this will.


Faith throws the soap at her, hitting her in the face. Betty just wipes the residue off with her hand and starts closing the gap. The camera follows the soap as it falls to the floor and slides to the drain. Sounds of a struggle are heard. Soon the water pouring down the drain swirls with blood.



FADE TO BLACK