Epilogue:

Rising From Our Dust - Epilogue


Previously

Spike returns to Sunnydale with a soul, but doesn't tell anyone. Buffy is confused about her feelings, but she still wants Spike. Dawn is learning to defend herself and making friends at high school. Willow was "burned out" by her use of magic in Season 6 and is now living with Xander, who is becoming infatuated with her. Anya has matured too much as a human to be a good vengeance demon. She and Giles find themselves attracted to each other.

After adventures in which our heroes fight various foes, Spike and Buffy are in love. Giles and Anya are a couple, as are Xander and Willow. The Scoobies receive help from Jonathan and Spike's demon friends, Clem, Otis, and George. Giles has indicated to Xander that there might be a way for Willow to use magic again. Dawn has been identified as a potential slayer so, for her own safety, she is sent to the East Coast with her watcher, Lydia, and a friend, Paul. Spike leaves town with Dawn, at Buffy's request, so that he can protect and watch over her. As he leaves, he announces his intention to marry Buffy. (If it's been awhile since you read the series, you might want to reread the last chapter.)

This epilogue takes place at Christmastime - the first visit back for Dawn, Spike, and Paul.




DREAMING


Teaser

INT. - WILLY'S BAR - NIGHT

A large demon is cowering, shaking in terror.


DEMON
No, please, anything but that.


The angle changes and we now see that Willow is facing him. Buffy steps up to join her.


BUFFY
So, is he going to come peacefully
or are you going to zap him?

WILLOW
I don't know. He seems pretty scared.

BUFFY
(to demon)
We're not going to kill you. We just need
to ask you some questions about Urbarfo.

WILLOW
That's Urbafflo.

BUFFY
Whatever. So? Are you coming?

DEMON
He'll kill me.

BUFFY
Okay, Willow. Zap him.

WILLY
Yeah, get him out of here. Zap him.


Several demons sitting at the bar take up the refrain and start chanting "zap him, zap him" over and over. Willow, looking resigned, raises her hand towards the demon who now has his back to her, hiding his face. A soft pink light emerges and goes forward wrapping around the demon then sinking into him. Slowly the demon turns and stands, smiling.


DEMON
(happily)
Hi, there.


The demons in the bar start howling and cackling with laughter. The spelled demon just grins and waves gleefully at them sending them into more fits of laughter.


WILLY
That "love-in" thing you do, cracks me up every time.

WILLOW
It is not a "love-in" thing. It is the result of
absorbing only the healing and helpful powers of nature.

WILLY
Uh huh.

DEMON
You girls are both very pretty.

BUFFY
Thanks. Now Giles has some questions for you
and you're going to be a good boy and answer them,
right? At least for the next several hours until the spell
wears off.

DEMON
Sure. Whatever you want.
(looks at Willow)
I really like redheads.

BUFFY
Okay, Willow, let's get out of here before
Xander has a reason to be jealous. I...


Buffy stops, listening for a moment at the music that's started to play. She whirls around, confronting Willy.


BUFFY
I told you not to do that anymore.

WILLY
Oh, come on, Slayer. I made a deal with him.
It's just a song. You're leaving. You don't
even have to listen to all of it.

BUFFY
Every time I walk into the Bronze or any bar in this
town, within minutes that same, stupid song starts playing.

WILLOW
Oh, and the grocery store, when you go shopping.

BUFFY
He's gotten to everybody. When he comes back
in the next few days, I am so going to kill him.


When Buffy storms out, Willow shrugs at Willy and exits also, leading the demon outside. As they leave, "Wind Beneath My Wings" continues to play in the background.


End of Teaser





INT. - MAGIC BOX - NIGHT

Giles is sitting at the table researching through a large book. Anya approaches him, setting a cup of tea next to his elbow and sits down next to him.


ANYA
I really wish that you hadn't told Buffy to bring
that demon here for you to question.

GILES
I don't understand why not. There was no torture
involved. You needn't worry about various fluids
ruining the shop.

ANYA
It's that thing Willow does - bleack! Too creepy.
Give me a nice old-fashioned rendering of flesh any day.

GILES
Be that as it may, we do tend to obtain more useful
information with our method.

ANYA
Then, you've figured out who is Urbafflo fellow is then?

GILES
Sadly, no. I've searched the texts for him and can
only assume that in the past he went by another name.

ANYA
Well, I've never heard of him. What did
you get out of that guy then?

GILES
We learned of several possible locations for Urbafflo.
We also discovered that his plans revolve around
New Year's Eve when, evidently, his powers will
be at their peak.

ANYA
Oh, good! We've got some time. It's not even Christmas yet.

GILES
It would be advisable for us to confront him before then.

ANYA
I bet you were the kind of kid who used to do his reports
as soon as they were assigned to you, too. So, why
aren't we out there now, fighting the big bad?

GILES
Buffy had another engagement this evening.



CAR INTERIOR - NIGHT

Two male police plainclothes detectives are sitting in a car, drinking coffee and watching something out of our range of vision. The older, craggy one is Detective Colfax. The younger, handsome one is Detective Davis.


DETECTIVE DAVIS
This is not a good idea. She just got out of the
academy a few weeks ago and already sticking
her on Vice?

DETECTIVE COLFAX
We don't have much choice. Gomez is on
vacation, Mueller, Wilson, and Hanson have the flu,
and Farley is seven months pregnant. Suppose we
could've had Collins take over, but seeing how she's
fifty-two I don't think she'd attract that many Johns.

DETECTIVE DAVIS
Speaking of attracting Johns, looks like she's
about to pick up another one.

DETECTIVE COLFAX
I don't like the looks of this one. Bit rough looking.
Not your average nine-to-fiver, wanting variety
from the missus.

DETECTIVE DAVIS
What's she doing? She's supposed to be coming
on to him, not yelling at him.

DETECTIVE COLFAX
Shit. He's got her up against the wall.


The cops hurriedly exit their car and start running towards the darkened sidewalk with their guns drawn.


DETECTIVE COLFAX
Hands up! Back away from the lady! Now!


We can now see what they see. Buffy is not only scantily dressed, but exceedingly rumpled while Spike sheepishly has his hands raised.


DETECTIVE DAVIS
Officer Summers, are you all right?

BUFFY
Um, yes. Detective Davis? Detective Colfax?
It's not what you think. This is Spike...my boyfriend.



INT. - BUFFY'S LIVING ROOM - DAY

Dawn is in the kitchen, fixing a sandwich when a knock sounds on the backdoor. She opens it and lets Xander inside who grabs her up in a fierce hug.


XANDER
Dawnster! How are you doing?

DAWN
Still not liking that nickname but otherwise, I'm good.

XANDER
We didn't expect you guys until tomorrow.

DAWN
We thought we'd surprise everyone.


From upstairs a loud slamming of a door is heard. Xander glances up and listens for a moment then looks back at Dawn.


XANDER
Soooo - trouble in Paradise already I take it?

DAWN
Nah. Buffy's just a little peeved with Spike.
Seems she was working in her police lady capacity
when he came upon her and greeted her a bit too
enthusiastically.

XANDER
After an almost eight month absence? I bet it
was enthusiastic.

DAWN
She's still new at her job. I mean she just got out
of the academy and was hired by the Sunnydale Police
Department, now this happens.

XANDER
Probably didn't make a good impression.
 

DAWN
It gets worse. After the guns were put away and everyone calmed
down a bit, she and Spike got into an argument about whether he
was her boyfriend or her fiancé. Then she was roped into
agreeing to take him to some get-together tomorrow night.

XANDER
Kind of like dropping Daniel in the lion's den - Spike
being the lions, of course.

DAWN
So she's mad. It didn't seem to put a damper on the
whole grand reunion thing last night but now that it's
morning - I guess she remembered.


Paul comes downstairs, tousled hair and sleepy looking.


DAWN
You remember Paul, don't you?

XANDER
Definitely. I don't forget people who betray
and try to destroy the people I love.

DAWN
Xander - he's helping now.

PAUL
It's okay, Dawn, I'm a big boy. And after living
with Spike, I not only can take the snark, I can
dish it out, too.


Spike enters and with a cry of "Xander!" goes forward to give him an enthusiastic hug. Xander is a little uncomfortable with it at first but relaxes, and returns it. Spike releases him, steps back, and looks him over.


SPIKE
How have you been? How's Red?

XANDER
She's okay.

SPIKE
Just okay?

XANDER
Oh, Willow and I - we're doing great. Still in
living together. Still in love. But I think she misses
having girlfriends at school.

SPIKE
Girlfriends?

XANDER
Not that kind of girlfriend, you dope. You know,
friends who are girls. Buffy's not in school
anymore and I think she's lonely.

SPIKE
And you?

XANDER
I'm fine. There's stuff going on at work but it's
nothing really - some of the guys are being a bit hard on me.

SPIKE
You want I should pay them a visit? Knock some heads together?

XANDER
Thank you, Tony Soprano. No, I'm good. It's just they're
older, been a crew together for awhile. I'm not only the
young, new guy, but their boss, too.

SPIKE
Should be okay, then. After they get to know you a bit,
they'll see you've got what it takes.


Above their heads they can hear a loud thumping, then another door slamming.


XANDER
Hurricane Buffy is still at full gale force.

SPIKE
Think I'll stay down here until it blows over a bit.

DAWN
After last night with the cops? You might want to
hide in the basement.


Spike goes to the refrigerator and is pleasantly surprised to discover a large amount of blood inside. He takes out a bag, pours it into a mug, and then places it in the microwave to heat up.


SPIKE
Oh, lookee here. My favorite flavors.

XANDER
Yeah. I stocked up a bit for you. Willow and I have some
more at our apartment in case you want to stop by. I got
some Weetibix, too.


Spike looks at Xander, then smiles.


SPIKE
Sure. Would like to come over and spend
some time with you while I'm back.


Paul unsuccessfully tries to stifle a large yawn as Spike takes his blood out of the microwave and starts drinking it.


SPIKE
You bored, pup?

PAUL
No. Just tired. Didn't get much sleep.
All that praying last night kept me awake.

XANDER
Praying?

PAUL
You know...
(mimicking someone in the throes of passion)
God! Oh God! Please! Oh God!


Spike starts to choke on his blood.


DAWN
I had no idea you were so religious, Spike.



INT. - HEALTH SPA - NIGHT

The Scoobies with Clem, Otis and Jonathan are stealthily entering an abandoned health spa. Anya is totally bewildered and a little freaked out by the mirrors on the walls and the massive exercise machines


ANYA
What is this place? It's weird and smells funny.

WILLOW
Back in the eighties, health spas were built all over.
They were quite a fad. Here in Sunnydale, though,
they didn't really catch on. The need wasn't quite
as big as they thought it would be.

XANDER
In Sunnydale, those that can't run fast don't tend
to last too long. Survival of the physically fittest.

GILES
Shhh! I believe I hear a noise emanating
from the aerobics room.

XANDER
Let me guess - it's Richard Simmons - the
scariest thing in the known universe.

GILES
Quiet!

BUFFY
Let's go, Spike.


Buffy and Spike, who are at the front of the group, move towards the doors. Looking back to be sure that everyone is ready, Buffy takes a deep breath then kicks the doors open. She and Spike rush through the opening only to stop suddenly, surprised, causing the others to plow into them a bit. Inside is a blue, munchkin sized being with white hair.


SPIKE
This is the new big, bad? Please.

XANDER
Giles, you didn't tell us we were defending the
world from Papa Smurf.

JONATHAN
Hey, just because someone's short ....and blue
doesn't mean they're not dangerous.

GILES
Jonathan's correct. Buffy, please use all caution possible.

URBAFFLO
You want Urbafflo? You must catch Urbafflo first.


Urbafflo starts flitting around the room, a humming bird on speed. The entire gang is making an effort to snatch at him, but grasping only air. It's becoming more and more of a free-for-all. Finally, in a burst of Slayer speed, Buffy manages to catch hold of the hem of the demon's coat. Spike quickly grabs the demon's arm as he struggles to free himself. Everyone surrounds them as the demon stops struggling and starts holding his breath.


ANYA
Why is he doing that Giles?

GILES
I have no idea.

WILLOW
He's turning blue, I mean bluer. He's like that
girl in "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory"!


The demon is indeed turning bluer. His cheeks are puffing out. His stomach is enlarging.


BUFFY
I don't have a good feeling about this.


The demon lets a huge gust of air consisting of a blue, sparkly mist. When the mist dissipates the demon is gone and everyone is glowing. They begin brushing the residue off of themselves. Otis starts helping Dawn. She tries to return the favor, but can't get to everything because he's just too darn tall.


PAUL
Okay. I know I'm new at this, but what the heck was that?

GILES
I haven't the foggiest notion.



EXT. - CONSTRUCTION SITE - DAY


Xander is coming out of the trailer at the construction site. Putting his hard hat on his head, he sighs, really not looking forward to the coming confrontation. He heads towards a group of workers, all older than him. They see him and stop chatting with each other. In silence, they watch him approach.


XANDER
Fred, I need to talk with you for a moment.


One of the workers comes forward.


FRED
What seems to be the problem, Mr. Harris?

XANDER
I wanted to talk to you about...what did you say?

FRED
I just asked you what the problem was, sir.

XANDER
Sir?


Xander is confused by the respectful attitude of the man. He turns for a moment and spies the rest of the group still watching.


XANDER
Okay, guys, break time is over. You can get
back to work now. I just need to talk to Fred, here.


As the group breaks up and starts walking away several "yes, sirs" are heard. Xander watches them, stunned.



INT. - MAGIC BOX - DAY


Buffy and Dawn enter holding a blanket over a slightly smoking Spike. Giles is trying to help a customer, but is having difficulty finding what the customer is looking for. He sees Dawn and gives an audible sigh of relief.

GILES
Dawn, I'm having a slight problem finding the
raven feathers and since Jonathan and Willow aren't
due for a bit, I was wondering if you wouldn't mind...

DAWN
Sure, no problem.


Dawn takes over for Giles, who returns to the table where he's been researching, Spike and Buffy following him.


BUFFY
Where's Anya?

GILES
I don't believe she was feeling well. Quite a change
from her usual, chipper self. I told her
to sleep in. You're not working today, Buffy?

BUFFY
Day off. Have to work on Christmas, though. Any
more information about the Mayor of Munchkin City?

GILES
I am still unable to find anything concerning
Urbafflo in any of my texts, even with
the description.

SPIKE
How about the pixie dust?

GILES
Nothing. Fortunately it seems that the dust was benign
and is causing no aftereffects. You are suffering no
aftereffects, correct?

BUFFY
I'm okay.

GILES
Good.


Dawn has finished helping the customer who is now exiting the store with her purchase in hand. Dawn, however, is looking at picture frame on the counter and frowning.


DAWN
Giles, how could you? You didn't even tell us.

GILES
Tell you what?

DAWN
That you and Anya got married.

BUFFY
What?

SPIKE
Good work there, mate.

GILES
Anya and I are not married. I don't know
where you got that ridiculous notion.

DAWN
I don't know - maybe this picture of your
wedding tipped me off.

GILES
What?


Giles hurries over to the counter, Buffy and Spike surrounding him and Dawn. The frame holds a photo of Giles in a tuxedo and Anya is a wedding dress in front of a large wedding cake.


BUFFY
Giles!

GILES
Buffy, I can assure you that Anya and I did not
get married. I would've told you.

DAWN
And what about the wedding ring you're wearing?

GILES
I am not wearing...
(pauses, looks at hand and sees that he is indeed wearing a ring)
Oh dear.


At that moment Willow walks in surrounded by several girls, happy and laughing.


WILLOW
Thanks for walking me over here. I guess
I'll see you in class tomorrow?

GIRL ONE
Definitely. Bye Willow and thanks again for helping
us with the homework.

GIRL TWO
See you.

GIRL THREE
Bye.


The girls leave. Willow looks extremely pleased when she turns around to see Giles, Buffy, Spike and Dawn, who are all still upset. Dawn rushes to her side.


WILLOW
What's going on?

DAWN
Giles and Anya got married and didn't tell
anyone. Isn't that horrible of them?

WILLOW
They got married? Darn. I wanted to be there for her.

GILES
For the last time, Anya and I are not married.
I don't know how this picture got here or
anything about this ring.

ANYA
(off screen)
Giles?

GILES
Thank goodness, Anya is here. She can
help clear this matter up.


Anya pokes her head in from the training room, having entered from the back door.


GILES
Anya, something strange has occurred
which I really can't explain.

ANYA
Bet I've got you beat.


Anya hesitantly steps fully into the room. Everyone gasps. She is extremely pregnant, maybe as far along as eight months. Giles is stunned. He rushes to her side and helps her to a chair.


SPIKE
Oh, really good work, Watcher.

BUFFY
How did this happen?

SPIKE
Be happy to help you with the whole birds
and bees thing, luv.


Buffy smacks Spike in the stomach then turns back to Giles and Anya. Giles, now kneeling next to Anya, is trying to comfort her as she sits at the table. Spike looks puzzled, first glancing at his abdomen, then back at Buffy.


SPIKE
That didn't hurt. Must be losing your touch.

ANYA
Giles, what is going on? When I got
out of bed I was like this!

GILES
I don't know, darling.

SPIKE
That little blue guy must've knocked her up.


With a roar of fury, Giles leaps to his feet and slams Spike up against the counter.


GILES
(snarling)
No one insults Anya.


Looking at him with surprise, then understanding, Spike knocks Giles away.


SPIKE
Not like that, you pillock! The mist. Must've
done something to her.


BUFFY
But if the mist makes women pregnant does
that mean that I'm going to...


Buffy, Dawn, and Willow look at each other and then down at their bellies in horror. Giles makes his way back to Anya's side, sitting next to her and holding her hand.


GILES
I don't think that is likely to happen. It seems
to have occurred overnight and the three of you
are obviously unaffected.

ANYA
Giles, what am I going to do?

GILES
You mean, what are we going to do.


Anya stares at his face, which is full of love and concern for her. She smiles and leans forward and puts her head on his shoulder as his arms go around her in an embrace. At that moment, Jonathan enters. On each side of him with an arm around him, are the Swedish twins, Ilsa and Inga from Superstar.


JONATHAN
Hey, guys. Did anything strange happen
to anyone this morning?



INT. - BAR - NIGHT


Buffy and Spike are entering the bar where her fellow police officers are having a party. They're dressed up for a night out on the town, but are looking worried.


BUFFY
I don't feel right attending a party. We need
find out what's going on.

SPIKE
Listen, we'll make an appearance, then go back
to help your Watcher.


Spike looks around the room. Two female officers, one pregnant, one in her fifties are waving Buffy over to them. Spike starts to head towards them, but she holds him back.


SPIKE
Looks like a couple of your friends want us to join them.

BUFFY
Just a minute, Spike. I expect you to be on your
best behavior. That means no nasty remarks, no
innuendo, and no flashing of fangs.

SPIKE
Not going to embarrass you.

BUFFY
Okay, as long as we understand each other.


Hand in hand, Spike and Buffy walk over to the table.


BUFFY
Hi. This is Spike. Spike, I'd like you to meet Officer Farley
(she indicates the pregnant woman)
and Office Collins.
(indicates the older woman)

SPIKE
Charmed.


While Buffy rolls her eyes, Spike takes each woman's hand and kisses the back of them, using all the manners he ever learned as William. These women, both fairly hardened veterans of law enforcement, become a bit flustered. Spike smirks at Buffy then pulls out a chair for her to sit down.

SPIKE
Ladies, I'm going to get drinks from the bar for
Buffy and myself. Might I buy you something?

OFFICER COLLINS
I'm good.

OFFICER FARLEY
Another Diet Coke?

SPIKE
Certainly.
(to Buffy)
And what would you like, Sunshine?

BUFFY
A soda would be fine.

SPIKE
Okay. I'll be right back.


Spike turns and heads for the bar. All three women look at his departing back.


OFFICER FARLEY
Tell me, where did you find him and are
there more where he came from?

OFFICER COLLINS
Shame on you, Farley. You're married...and
pregnant. Now, me, I'm divorced. I
can lust all I want. So, which is it Summers - is
he your boyfriend or your fiancé?

BUFFY
You heard about that?

OFFICER COLLINS
Everyone on the force has heard the story. How
he had both hands up your skirt in a matter of
seconds. They said he didn't seem too bothered to
find himself the target of Colfax's and Davis' guns, either.

BUFFY
Am I ever going to live that down?

OFFICER FARLEY
Probably not...but seeing him now, I think most of
us can understand how you might have forgotten
where you were for a moment.

OFFICER COLLINS
Uh oh. It looks like Fairfax is trying to corner him.


Buffy gets up and approaches Spike, who is talking to a very large, broad shoulder man.


BUFFY
Fairfax.

FAIRFAX
Summers. Just meeting your boyfriend here.
Thought he might like to go in the backroom
and play some cards.

BUFFY
No cards. Spike doesn't know how to play.

SPIKE
Luv, I'm sure that Fairfax and his friends wouldn't
mind teaching me. Might be able to teach them
a few things, myself.

BUFFY
No cards, Spike.

SPIKE
(shrugging at Fairfax)
Sorry.


Spike picks up the three drinks from the bar and follows Buffy back to the table while Fairfax glowers at him. He places the drinks on the table and sits next to Buffy.


SPIKE
You want to tell me what that was all about?

OFFICER COLLINS
Fairfax is a jerk.

OFFICER FARLEY
He doesn't like Buffy ever since he found out that
she broke his record on the obstacle course at the academy.

OFFICER COLLINS
Broke it? She demolished it.

OFFICER FARLEY
If it had been some big football jock, he might
have been okay with it. But seeing how it was
a female, it sticks in his craw. He's been bugging
her ever since.

SPIKE
Bugging her? How?

BUFFY
It's nothing I can't handle, Spike.


Spike looks at her a moment then nods, not going to interfere.


OFFICER FARLEY
Glad to hear that you can handle him because
when I officially go on maternity leave tomorrow,
you're working with him.

BUFFY
Oooh, why me?

OFFICER FARLEY
It's the law of averages. You've had a wonderful
partner, namely me. Now you get Fairfax. Don't
worry, though. His personality may lack a few things...

OFFICER COLLINS
Like a personality.

OFFICER FARLEY
But he's a good cop. He won't let you down.



INT. - MAGIC BOX - NIGHT


Giles, Anya, Willow, Xander, and Dawn are sitting around the table trying to figure out what has happened. Giles is acting quite protective of Anya.


XANDER
Let me get this straight. Anya's pregnant, the
two of you are married, and Jonathan's twins have
returned. What do these have in common?

DAWN
Sex?

XANDER
Besides that. I mean everything has to do with
sex when you get right down to it.

WILLOW
What about ice cream?

XANDER
What?

WILLOW
Ice cream doesn't have anything to do with sex.

XANDER
Actually, when you think about it there is a certain...


Giles clears his throat, pointedly interrupting Xander.


GILES
As entertaining as this discussion is, it doesn't
seem to be doing us one bit of good.


A tall handsome man enters the shop causing everyone to look up.


STRANGER
Dawn!

The man rushes over, picks Dawn up and twirls her around in his arms. At first she is too surprised to react. Recovering, she breaks the man's grip and tosses him to the floor where he looks up at her, puzzled.


STRANGER
Don't you recognize me?

DAWN
I've never seen you before in my life.

STRANGER
It's me, Otis! I woke up this evening to get dressed to
do my rounds and I was human.

DAWN
Otis?


Dawn goes up to him and helps him to his feet. She closes the gap between them so that she can look into his eyes. She sees something in them and grabs him into a hug.


DAWN
Otis, it is you!

WILLOW
Looks like the mysterious blue powder strikes again.

ANYA
Otis, I know you're a human male now, but you're
not pregnant are you?

OTIS
I don't think so.

ANYA
Darn!

OTIS
(to Dawn)
Would you like to go with me to the Bronze tonight?
Celebrate my new body with me?

DAWN
I want to...but I don't know. We're kind of in research mode.

ANYA
Oh go ahead. Dance. Have fun. You're not a big blob.

GILES
You're not a blob, Anya. You look marvelous.

ANYA
You think so? Really?

GILES
Absolutely.


Giles possessively caresses Anya's swollen belly. Everyone else is a little uncomfortable with this show of affection. Willow looks back at Dawn and Otis, who are now holding hands.


DAWN
Willow, what do you think?

WILLOW
Go have fun at the Bronze for a while. You
guys can come back... maybe in two hours.
Would that be okay?

DAWN
That would be great. Thanks Willow.
Bye guys!


Dawn leaves with Otis.


WILLOW
Otis is human now? This is really freaky.

XANDER
And what about Dawn? She tossed the guy across the room.

ANYA
Omigod!

GILES
What is it? Are you well? Is it the baby?

ANYA
I know who Urbafflo is.


The others look at her waiting.


ANYA
He's the Creator.




INT. - BAR - NIGHT


OFFICER COLLINS
Tell us, Spike, how did you and Buffy meet?

BUFFY
Oh, you really don't want to hear about that.

SPIKE
Actually, it's quite a story. Saw her dancing
at the Bronze one night. Couldn't take my eyes
off her. Tracked her down at her school.

BUFFY
Spiiike.

SPIKE
Wanted her, in a bad way. Didn't work out.
Did get to meet her mum that night. Left town,
came back later, got to know her, fell in love,
now we're engaged.

BUFFY
We are not engaged.

SPIKE
Are to.

BUFFY
Are not. You just said that you were going to
marry me. You never asked.

SPIKE
I asked - years ago. You said "yes".

BUFFY
That engagement doesn't count.
We...weren't ourselves.

SPIKE
Not going to ask again. You might say no.

BUFFY
Then we're not engaged.


Throughout this entire exchange Collins and Farley have been looking from one to another, fascinated. A shadow looms over the group. It's Fairfax again.


FAIRFAX
Summers, think your boyfriend is up for a
game of darts?

BUFFY
That wouldn't be really fair to you. I mean, you
do know that he's British, right? He's got years and
years and years of experience. Like a century worth.

FAIRFAX
Oh.


Fairfax walks away as the group at the table watches for a moment. They then turn back to each other and resume their conversation.


OFFICER FARLEY
Spike, you live in Maine now, right? With Buffy
here and you there, that must make it hard.

SPIKE
Oh, it's hard...
(Buffy roughly elbows Spike in the side)
I mean, yes, it is difficult. I miss her sweet
disposition and gentle caresses daily.



INT. - MAGIC BOX - NIGHT


XANDER
So you're telling me that this Creator guy takes
desires and makes them reality like you vengeance demons?

ANYA
No, we need wishes that are uttered in our presence
and can enact all types of vengeance. What the creator
does is takes what one desires the most at that time and
makes it a reality and he does it on a large scale.

WILLOW
And he is called the Creator because of this?

ANYA
No, he's called the Creator because usually, with
enough people, the wishes conflict with one another.
Let's say my deepest desire was to have a world with
purple grass. Now some idiot decides that he wants
a world with silver grass. These two opposing desires
would cause a new reality to be born so that both of us
got our wish.

GILES
His power peaks on New Year's Eve, when people are
thinking of the coming year.

WILLOW
Making New Year's resolutions.

XANDER
So new realities pop up. Tell me how this is a bad thing.

ANYA
He creates new realities for people, vampires, demons, whoever.

WILLOW
And since some of these realities would be not so nice...

GILES
The suffering could be astronomical.

XANDER
Okay, I get Jonathan wanting the twins. That's
understandable. Otis got to be human.
(looking at Giles and Anya)
But which one of you wished to be married and which
one wished Anya pregnant?


Anya and Giles look at each other.


ANYA
Well, my biological clock has been ticking for more
than a thousand years now.



EXT. - STREET - NIGHT

Otis and Dawn are returning to the Magic Shop from the Bronze. They are smiling and holding hands. A dark figure strolls out of the shadows in front of them. They stop, alert and ready to fight, but quickly relax. It's only Paul.


PAUL
You want to introduce to your new friend, Dawn?

DAWN
Paul, this is Otis. He's human, now. Isn't that neat?

PAUL
What happened?

DAWN
That blue dusty stuff we got on us last night.
It did stuff. Everybody else is still at the Magic Shop
trying to figure it out.

OTIS
Do you want to join us? We're going there now.
They could probably use your help.

PAUL
Fine. I'll go.

DAWN
It's crazy, Paul. Anya and Giles are married and
Anya is pregnant. Things have really changed.


Paul follows behind Dawn and Otis. As he moves forward we now see him with a vampire's face.


PAUL
Yes, things have changed a lot.



INT.- MAGIC BOX - NIGHT

WILLOW
Jonathan - twins, Otis - human. Giles wanted to
marry Anya. Anya wanted children. The men at
Xander's site are showing him respect and I'm suddenly
popular. We've talked to Clem and he's overrun with
kittens, so I guess he likes cats?

ANYA
And Dawn. She tossed Otis across the room earlier.
She has slayer powers.

WILLOW
That just leaves Buffy, Spike, and Paul.

GILES
We really need to warn them. There was no answer when
you tried calling Paul?

XANDER
Nope.

WILLOW
I hope they're okay.



EXT. - STREET - NIGHT

Dawn and Otis are walking, unaware that Paul is now a vampire.


DAWN
I have the weirdest feeling that we're in danger,
somehow. Otis, do you sense anything?

OTIS
No, nothing.


Turning around to question Paul, Dawn is grabbed and pushed into the wall. Paul, now a vampire, is lowering his fangs toward her neck when his shoulder is grabbed by Otis. Without any effort, Paul pushes Otis, who goes flying backwards, landing in a heap across the alley.

When Paul turns back to Dawn, she punches him in the face. He stumbles back and she hits him again. This time, he returns the blow and her head is knocked back from the blow, hurting her. She takes a few steps away, watching him while she retrieves a stake from her pocket. He closes the gap, throwing another punch that she dodges. Dawn drops to the ground and slashes his feet out from under him. As he lands on his back, Dawn jumps on him, her stake ready.

Hesitating, she looks at him. This is Paul, her friend in vampire form. Slowly, she stands and backs away, while he looks at her in surprise.


DAWN
Go! Get out of here! Now!


Paul gets up and starts running away, after a few yards he stops and looks back at her, then continues until he disappears. Dawn is watching him go as Otis comes up behind her and puts his arm around her shoulders.


OTIS
What's going on?

DAWN
I don't know, but I'm going to find out.




INT.- BAR- NIGHT

Spike, Buffy, Farley, and Collins are talking. Fairfax approaches them.


OFFICER FARLEY
So, how did you get a nickname like Spike?


Buffy glares at Spike, daring him to answer, when Fairfax approaches again.


FAIRFAX
Summers, was wondering if Spike, here would
like to arm wrestle. It's something that doesn't take
any special knowledge and it doesn't matter how much
or how little you practice.

BUFFY
I don't think...

SPIKE
Buffy...I'll do it.

BUFFY
Nobody gets hurt, okay?

SPIKE
Fine.

FAIRFAX
I'm not planning on hurting your
boyfriend, Summers.

BUFFY
(muttering)
That's not who I'm worried about.


Buffy watches, Spike and Fairfax make their way to a table a few yards away near the wall. Other men gather around as Spike and Fairfax sit on opposite sides of the table, then put their hands in position to arm wrestle.


OFFICER COLLINS
Buffy, I'm fifty-two years old, divorced, and my last
date looked like a cross between Ed MacMahon and
the "Hey, Vern" guy. You've got to tell me - what's it like?

BUFFY
What do you mean?

OFFICER FARLEY
She means Spike. The packaging is real nice, but
does he live up to it?

BUFFY
You people have dirty minds.

OFFICER COLLINS
Yep, we do. Now tell us. Something.

OFFICER FARLEY
Anything.


Buffy looks over at Spike, who is doing a lousy job of pretending to have a difficult time arm wrestling Fairfax. Slowly she smiles until there is a huge grin on her face.


BUFFY
Five hours straight.

OFFICER FARLEY
What do you mean, five hours...wait, for five hours?

OFFICER COLLINS
Straight?


Buffy nods at them. She then looks back at Spike. The other two women turn and look at him, too.


OFFICER COLLINS
Damn. I need another drink.

OFFICER FARLEY
My god!

OFFICER COLLINS
You know, Colfax is looking pretty good
over there. I think I'll go say 'hi' in a few minutes.

BUFFY
And I think it's time that Spike and I say our good-byes.


Buffy rises and walks towards the table where Spike is. Standing next to him, she puts her hand on his shoulder and gently rubs it. He looks up at her, puzzled; he's trying so hard to be good.


BUFFY
Are you going to be done here soon?

SPIKE
Minute or two.

BUFFY
Good. I'm going to go out to the car and wait for
you. You can come when you're done.


Spike watches her sway as she walks towards the door. He takes a deep breath and stiffens. As Buffy exits the bar, Spike slams his hand down on top of Fairfax's, almost sending Fairfax toppling over. He stands and starts to follow Buffy without saying a word. Clutching his arm, Fairfax calls out to him.


FAIRFAX
You do everything she tells to do?


At the door, Spike turns to face Fairfax and stares at him coldly. Fairfax fidgets, looking uncomfortable, realizing that he might have gone a bit too far, while everyone around them pauses, watching them. A moment passes before Spike relaxes and smiles.


SPIKE
Sure do. Every sodding thing. She says "walk", I walk.
Says "talk", I talk. Says "stop talking and kiss her", I do
that, too. Do anything she wants. However she wants it.
That makes me the luckiest man in the world.


With a brief nod at Farley and Collins, Spike walks out of the bar.


OFFICER COLLINS
Okay. I'm definitely jumping Colfax.



INT.- MAGIC BOX - NIGHT

Buffy is pacing back and forth in front of the counter, looking at Dawn who is sitting at the table. Xander, Willow, Otis, and Spike are seated near her.

BUFFY
Paul is a vampire? Why would Paul want to
be a vampire?

WILLOW
It's probably the whole super strength, super speed,
super senses thing. That would be kind of neat...except for
the whole losing your soul part and becoming a demon.

XANDER
Also, he's around Spike a lot. He must kind of admire him.

DAWN
Buffy, it was awful! He's my friend! I couldn't stake him.

BUFFY
I know, honey.

DAWN
I thought I knew what it was like for you to kill Angel,
but I didn't. I didn't have any idea.

OTIS
And I couldn't even help. This body is so weak, fragile.

BUFFY
We need to find him. Giles took Anya home to rest so we'll
have to do it without their help. Dawn and I will take the
cemeteries on the north and east side of town. Spike - you,
Willow, and Xander, take the others.

SPIKE
No, Buffy.

BUFFY
We have to find him. He might kill someone...or be killed.


Moving between Buffy and the door, Spike blocks her from leaving.


SPIKE
You're not going anywhere.

BUFFY
Spike, what are you doing? Get out of my way.

SPIKE
Make me.


Frustrated, Buffy pushes at Spike's chest, but he still doesn't move. She pushes harder, and still nothing. Now glaring at him, she puts as much force behind her push as she can and it doesn't change things a bit. She can't budge him an inch.


BUFFY
So - you got super strong on me
or something?

SPIKE
No, Buffy, that's not it.


Everyone but Spike is now staring at Buffy with a growing sense of alarm.


WILLOW
Don't you see, Buffy? You've always wanted to be
a normal girl. Now you are.



EXT.- STREET - DAY

Buffy and Fairfax are running after a suspect who rounds the corner. Fairfax signals for Buffy to go around the other way to cut the person off while he follows the suspect. Getting winded, Buffy goes into the alley behind the building then pauses, looking around. Suddenly the suspect is there, barreling into her, knocking her into the ground and escaping. Buffy is still on the ground when Fairfax appears. He stops to checks on her.


BUFFY
No, I'm okay...get him.


Fairfax glances up, but the suspect is out of sight.


FAIRFAX
Too late. He's gone. Damn, I really wanted to
question him about those burglaries. We'd better
call this in.


Fairfax helps Buffy up from the ground, then looks at her quizzically.


FAIRFAX
You sure you're okay, Summers? I've seen you
work before. This isn't like you.

BUFFY
Sorry. Guess I'm just not myself today.




INT. - XANDER'S APARTMENT - EARLY EVENING

Xander lets himself into the apartment. Willow is sitting at the table, outlining her reading. He wearily plops down in the chair next to her and rests his head on his arms.


WILLOW
You're home late. What's wrong?

XANDER
Accident. At the site.

WILLOW
What happened?

XANDER
We got a new piece of equipment in. Never used
it before, but thought I knew how. Luckily no one was hurt.


Willow stands up and starts rubbing Xander's back. He gives a slight groan and leans back, into it.


WILLOW
I'm sorry.

XANDER
What gets me is that the others, they could have said
something but they didn't. It was just yes, Mr. Harris, no,
Mr. Harris. It's not respect they're giving me, it's total
obedience, even if my stupidity puts them in danger.

WILLOW
You're not the only who isn't getting quite what they
bargained for. I'm basically here, hiding. I'm not
answering the phone or the door. These girls keep
calling me and asking my opinion. What do you think
about this brand of lipstick, Willow? Should I wear a
pink or a blue top? It's like they think I'm Cordelia!


Xander reaches behind him and grabs one of Willow's hands. Gently he pulls her into his lap and wraps his arms around her.


XANDER
Not enjoying being Miss Popular, huh?

WILLOW
Not only that, I noticed none of us wanted World Peace
or to end hunger. We didn't even save the whales.
We're pathetic.

XANDER
I wonder how Buffy is coping without her slayer skills.

WILLOW
She's been wanting to be normal for so long.
Now she's getting her chance.



INT. - BUFFY'S BEDROOM - NIGHT

Buffy is sitting on her bed as Spike enters the room. She rises and goes to him, hugging him, then looks up into his worried face.


BUFFY
Did you find Paul?

SPIKE
No. Checked all around. Smelled where he'd
been a couple of times. The smell was strongest
at my old crypt, so I left the blood bags there.

BUFFY
Giles thinks he knows how to undo all this.
Tomorrow night we'll get this reversed.

SPIKE
Then everything should be back to normal.


Buffy releases Spike and goes to stare out her window.


BUFFY
What happens to us if we don't get him
to reverse everything?

SPIKE
What do you mean, Sunshine?

BUFFY
I won't be the Slayer anymore. I won't be the girl
you fell in love with.


Spike sighs, goes to her and pulls her into his arms.


SPIKE
Won't change a thing. Fell in love with the Slayer.
Love the woman.

BUFFY
You do?

SPIKE
Been trying to tell you that for years. Why do
you think the mist didn't work on me? It's
'cause I'm with you. Already have what I
want most. And Buffy, if you decide you never
want anything more than this - if you don't want to
get married, I'll understand.

BUFFY
You'll still bug me about it, though, right?

SPIKE
'Course. It's what I do.



INT. - WAREHOUSE - NIGHT

Buffy, Xander, Willow, Dawn, Giles, and Spike are sneaking into an abandoned warehouse. Xander and Spike are walking next to each other, both carrying the ends of an extremely long rolled up net.


XANDER
Hmm. Another abandoned warehouse.

SPIKE
What's wrong with that?

XANDER
Nothing, it's just so...passé.

SPIKE
Is not! They're nice and creepy, with plenty
of room for minions and such.

XANDER
You know what I'd like to see? A baddy
renting office space.

SPIKE
And do what?

XANDER
I don't know. Evilly mix up the in and out
boxes on everyone's desk. Make prank pages
from the reception. Maybe go around constantly
emptying the coffee pots so that there's never
enough for another cup and jamming the Xerox
machine.

SPIKE
(rolling his eyes)
If Red ever dumps you, I'm setting you up with
Dru. Be the first time she's ever with someone crazier
than she is.

BUFFY
(whispering)
Will you two be quiet?

WILLOW
Or he could put a spell on the thermostat
so it's always too hot or too cold.
(at Buffy's look)
Sorry.

The gang continues to prowl around, searching. Giles gets their attention and with a pointed finger, indicates the rooms upstairs. Dawn and Buffy lead the way with Giles, Xander, and Spike following. Buffy gets to the first door, steps back, gives it a powerful kick and...it doesn't move. She looks at Dawn, who is really enjoying this. Frustrated, she kicks it again, and again nothing happens. With a glance at a grinning Dawn, Buffy reaches over, turns the doorknob, and it opens. Before entering the room, she sticks her tongue out at her little sister.

Urbafflo is looking at them as they come through the door. He's sitting at a table, swinging his feet back and forth, and eating a kid's double meat burger meal and playing with the cheap plastic toy that came with it.


BUFFY
A Double Meat Palace kids meal? He can eat
anywhere, in any dimension, and that's what
he chooses?

XANDER
Hey, is that the Jackie Chan figure that spins
when you...
(Stops because everyone is staring at him)
Never mind.

URBAFFLO
Go away. Busy now.

BUFFY
Listen, buster...


Buffy is approaching the demon, hands on her hips when Willow stops her. Urbafflo continues to take a bite of his burger and chew, watching them.


WILLOW
Buffy, it's not polite to interrupt someone's meal.
And besides, he could choke or something,
then we'd never get fixed.


Buffy stares at Willow when Giles steps forward to face Urbafflo. Giles is holding an opened notebook, trying to read from it and perform a spell at the same time.


GILES
In the name of Crushmog and Blating, through the grace of Shemil and Mawol, undo your deeds, let dimensions fold back, return the world to its prior state, and begone.


Reaching into his pocket, Giles hurls a pouch containing the spell ingredients down onto the floor, smoke billows from it and fills the room. However, when the smoke clears, Urbafflo is still there, slowly munching a French fry.


GILES
Oh dear. Well, that didn't work.

BUFFY
Willow, do you think you could zap him?

WILLOW
Buffy, if Giles' spell didn't work, I don't
think my sweetness and light act will do
much good.

XANDER
Spike and I could throw this net over him so
he can't escape. That's why we lugged it all
this way.


Xander looks at Urbafflo, who is once again playing with the toy.


XANDER
But...not escaping.


Xander and Spike glance at each other, then drop the useless net onto the floor.


DAWN
Hey! I could beat him up! That's what Slayers do.

BUFFY
No, that's not what Slayers do.

DAWN
Okay. It's what you do.

SPIKE
She's got you there, luv.


Buffy approaches Urbafflo, who is now ignoring all of them to play with the toy again.


BUFFY
Excuse me, Mr. Mighty Powerful Demon, but could
you put the toy away for a moment. We need to talk.

URBAFFLO
Gave you your desires. Don't need gratitude.
Worship might be nice.

BUFFY
Sorry, not exactly falling to my knees here.

URBAFFLO
Adoration maybe?

BUFFY
Nope.


Urbafflo suddenly looks quite sad. He pushes away the rest of his food, clutches his toy to his chest, and stands.


URBAFFLO
Going away now.

BUFFY
No! No, you can't go. You have to fix things first.

DAWN
You see, Mr. Urbafflo, we all kind of liked everything
the way it was. No offense or anything.

XANDER
Things didn't turn out the way we thought they would.

GILES
The value of dreams coming true is in
the actual living of them.

URBAFFLO
No. Won't undo it.

BUFFY
Won't. So you could if you wanted to?

URBAFFLO
Don't want to.

BUFFY
How about I make you a deal - you undo all the
things you did while you've been in this dimension,
and I'll make you one very happy demon.


Spike stares at Buffy, anger, and hurt flashing over his face. He starts to go towards her but Xander blocks him, holding him back.


XANDER
Um, Buffy, I don't think that's such a good idea.

BUFFY
Come on, Urbafflo. Believe me when I say that I
can definitely fulfill a certain desire of yours. Let me
whisper in your ear exactly what I'll do for you.


Buffy leans close to Urbafflo's ear who looks skeptical. After a moment, a wide grin lights up his face. Xander, who was having a difficult time holding Spike back alone, is now being helped by Giles, Willow, and Dawn.


URBAFFLO
You do that? Make Urbafflo happy?


At Buffy's insistent nod, Urbafflo waves his hand and a swirl of light travels around the room, through all the participants except Spike, and out into the rest of Sunnydale, seeking others that have been affected by his spells.


URBAFFLO
All spells gone.

BUFFY
Good! Tomorrow night I'll meet you back here.


With an enthusiastic nod of his head, he waves his arms and Urbafflo disappears in a puff of smoke. Walking over towards Spike, Buffy motions the others away. She moves forward while Spike glares at her, stopping when she is only inches from his face. In a quick blur, she sends a hard, Slayer-powered blow to his stomach, causing him to fly back several feet and land on his back.


BUFFY
That's for thinking that I would ever cheat on you.

WILLOW
Buffy! You've got your powers back!

DAWN
Which means that I'm back to normal.

SPIKE
And that I'm going to be sporting quite a bruise.


Walking over to Spike, Xander reaches a hand down to help him up. After Spike is on his feet, Xander turns to Buffy with a puzzled look on his face.


XANDER
Buffy, don't take this the wrong way - don't
want to be knocked on my butt, or anything,
but what did you promise the guy?



INT. - BUFFY'S DINING ROOM - NIGHT

The Scoobies and Paul are sitting around the table while Dawn serves cookies.
Buffy and Spike are acting uncomfortable towards each other, still a bit upset from the previous night. In stark contrast, Anya and Giles are happy and smiling.


XANDER
I still can't believe you were able to do that for
Urbafflo. If I had known you had that kind of
power, I would have been begging you to do it for me.

BUFFY
All it took was a bit of blackmail about the contents
of a double-meat burger.

WILLOW
But who would have thought that a demon
could be bought off with a set of Double Meat
Palace kid meal toys?

XANDER
Hey! Those weren't just any toys...it was the
Jackie Chan action figure set. Collector items.

DAWN
I'm just glad that everything is back to normal.

XANDER
Yeah, the men are treating me like an idiot
and it's really messing with their heads that
I don't care. I think they're actually starting to like
me for it.

WILLOW
And I have a new friend, Stephanie. She was the one that
was more interested in classwork than clothes and stuff.

PAUL
I'm glad to be back to normal.

DAWN
I'm glad you're back to normal, too.

XANDER
I think Jonathan's missing the twins, though.


Giles and Anya look at each other, then in unison stand and go towards the head of the table.


GILES
Anya and I have an announcement to make. We plan
to marry as soon as possible and want all of you to attend.
Afterwards we'll honeymoon in Europe. I do need to
check in with the Council every now and then.

ANYA
And we plan to try to start a family. Even before we leave.


Buffy, Dawn, and Willow go to hug Anya and Giles. Xander quietly shakes Giles' hand then returns to sit across from Spike. Spike gives Giles a "thumbs up", and then glances at Buffy. His expression is wistful, as he looks from the happy couple to Buffy.


BUFFY
Giles, Anya, I'm so pleased for you.

XANDER
We all are.

WILLOW
Hey, maybe you can do that thing and name the baby
for where it's conceived.

ANYA
I don't think so. I wouldn't want a child named bed, floor, or counter.
(brightens)
Chevrolet may not be too bad.


Everyone stares at Giles. Anya realizes that she's said something wrong and looks at him with a bit of worry. He surprises them all by bursting into laughter.


GILES
Anya, you are a constant joy and delight!
(hugging Anya)
And on that note, I believe we should be going.

BUFFY
Wait there's something I have to do first.


Buffy stands and approaches where Spike is sitting, then kneels down next to him. He is completely confused by this.


BUFFY
Spike, I know in the past we've fought each other.

SPIKE
The past, as in last night?

BUFFY
Be quiet!
(with a deep breath, she continues)
But, I love you and you say that you love me.

SPIKE
Do love you.

BUFFY
Good, because I want to spend the rest of my life
with you. Spike...William...would you marry me and make
me the happiest woman on earth?


For a split second Spike's jaw drops. Then, in a flash, he's up with Buffy in his arms, spinning her around.

SPIKE
(shouting)
Yes! Yes! Yes! Oh, God, Buffy, yes!

XANDER
Was that a yes?


Spike ignores Xander and starts kissing Buffy. The others wait, ready to give their congratulations, but the kiss continues. The couple breaks apart, Buffy takes a deep breath, and they start kissing again.


WILLOW
Maybe we should come back tomorrow. They might
be done by then.

DAWN
The way they're going, you'd better make it next week.



INT. - AIRPORT - NIGHT

Dawn, Spike, and Paul are returning to Maine. Xander, Willow, and Buffy have come to the airport to see them off.


BUFFY
Spike, I've stuck all the brochures about wedding
reception venues into your carryon. Dawn is under
strict orders to make sure that you read them.

SPIKE
You know, luv, heard about this town called Vegas...

BUFFY
No! Just remember, we are so not having it anywhere
there are stuffed heads on the wall.

SPIKE
Really? 'Cause I know of this demon
hotel that would be right nice.

BUFFY
No. No demon hotels.

SPIKE
Have this huge gazebo that overlooks
the ocean. Flowers growing all over the place,
stinking it up.

BUFFY
I said no demon...the ocean? And flowers?

XANDER
And I'm sure it would be perfect if you can ignore
'Redrum' written on the walls.

BUFFY
Giles and Anya might have been happy with a
Justice of the Peace ceremony, but I want it to be
special.

XANDER
And speaking of special, I'm trying to get ideas
for the bachelor party. I've got to tell you,
Clem is no help. The lemonade and chips
thing, I sort of get. But he really lost me with the
kittens and the "Flying Nun" marathon ideas.

SPIKE
You're going to make a fine best man, Xander.

DAWN
Uh, guys, I think they just started boarding our plane.
We'd better go.


Xander and Willow give Spike a quick hug while Buffy hugs and kisses Dawn good-bye. Buffy and Spike then turn to each other and start to kiss passionately. A moment goes by while the others wait; then more time passes. The rest of the gang is beginning to get a little uncomfortable.


PAUL
(in a melodramatic voice)
Oh, Willow, my love, my life. How will
I ever stand to be parted from you?


The others start smiling, and getting in on the act. Dawn throws herself into Xander's arms.


DAWN
(melodramatic)
Xander, my sweetheart, my poopsie bear.
Why must I leave you again? How cruel is fate!

WILLOW
(melodramatic)
But Paul, you must go now, though my heart bleeds.
It was foretold in the stars, and the ticket agent.


The loudspeaker, once more blares the announcement that the flight is boarding.


XANDER
(melodramatic)
Hark! It is a voice from above, tearing you from
my loving arms. To have you go is such agony.

DAWN
Xander!

XANDER
Dawn!

WILLOW
Paul!

PAUL
Willow!


They clutch at each other, now fighting laughter, then turn to see Spike and Buffy staring at them.


BUFFY
Are all of you quite finished now?

WILLOW
I think so.

XANDER
(melodramatic)
Dawn, without you, there'll be no sun
in my life, only night!
(smiles, and speaks normally)
Okay. Now I'm done.


Spike shoulders his bag, then grabs Dawn's carryon off of the floor. He glances once more at Buffy and gives her a nod.


SPIKE
Knock 'em dead, Slayer.

BUFFY
You too, Spike.


Spike turns and heads towards the gate with Paul, still smiling, following him. Dawn looks at Buffy, Willow, and Xander one more time, gives Buffy a quick kiss good-bye, then hurries after them.

The Scoobies watch until the others are out of sight, then turn to leave. Xander glances at Buffy as they walk away, expecting her to be sad, but instead she's smiling. He looks over towards Willow, who has noticed this too.


XANDER
Okay, I understand the no tears thing.
You're the Slayer. You're tough. But
what's with the happy face?

WILLOW
Come on, Buffy...tell us.

BUFFY
I sent Lydia, Dawn's watcher, a little Christmas
present the other day.

WILLOW
Lydia? I didn't think you liked her.

BUFFY
Well, actually it was sort of a gift for Spike.

WILLOW
What was it?

BUFFY
A dozen copies of "Wind Beneath My Wings"...and
instructions.


Xander and Willow stop walking and look at each other while Buffy, still smiling, walks on.


XANDER
You know, for a Slayer, she really is evil.



The End