AUTHORS: SpikeGirl and SarahElaine
PAIRINGS: W/T, S/B (eventually), who knows who else...
RATING: PG-13. Nothing that wouldn’t be on the show.
DISCLAIMER: We don’t own the show. We’ve accepted this (kinda). Can’t you?
SUMMARY: Yeah, most of season 6 sucked. We've taken it upon ourselves to fix all of the mistakes Joss made in this alternate season 7. This fic represents our ideal Buffy world. *sigh* We know we'll never see it, so, please, let us dream.
FEEDBACK: PLEASE! Nothing would make us happier! Except certain celebrities *cough* Amber Benson *cough* in compromising positions.
SpikeGirl is spike_girl@angelfire.com and SarahElaine is sarahelaine814@yahoo.com. Please also forward photos of certain celebrities in compromising positions.AUTHOR’S NOTE: Spoilers through “Grave”. Also, please excuse the formatting. It looks really cool in Word.
“The Kingdom and the Power and the Glory, Pt. 1”
BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER
“The Kingdom and the Power and the Glory, Pt. 1”
TEASER
GILES (v.o.)
Previously on Buffy the Vampire Slayer...
1 EXT. BUFFY’S PORCH – DAY
Buffy and Spike are sitting on the steps.
BUFFY
I don't understand about theology or dimensions, or any of it, really... but I think I was in heaven.
Spike stares at Buffy, stunned.
BUFFY
And now I'm not. I was torn out of there. Pulled out... by my friends.
2 INT. BUFFY’S DINING ROOM
Tara and Willow are sitting at the table.
TARA
I just... think we both need some... I don’t know, space.
Willow looks distraught.
TARA
Oh, I can’t believe I’m saying this.
WILLOW
Are you saying you’re gonna leave me?
3 INT. DOUBLEMEAT PALACE – BREAK ROOM
Buffy is seated at the table and Manny is standing over her.
MANNY
Why do you want to work here, Buffy? You seem like such a sharp young woman, and there are a lot of other jobs.
BUFFY
Well, I-I kinda need money pretty quickly, like, today, and, and so I didn't want to go through a lengthy interview process, and I figured this was probably the fastest... way... to... Be... cause I... wanted to be part of the DoubleMeat experience?
4 INT. ARCADE
Buffy and Willow are standing together, facing Jonathon, Warren, and Andrew.
BUFFY
So you three have, what, banded together to be pains in my ass?
WARREN
We’re your arch-nemisises... ses.
5 INT. SPIKE’S CRYPT
Buffy, in black commando gear, is standing in front of Spike.
BUFFY
Tell me you love me.
SPIKE
I love you. You know I do.
Buffy steps closer to Spike.
BUFFY
Tell me you want me.
SPIKE
I always want you. In point of fact-
BUFFY
Shut up.
Buffy pulls Spike down onto the crypt and kisses him.
6 INT. WEDDING CHAPEL
Anya, in a torn and bloody wedding dress, is pleading with Xander, who is wearing a tux.
ANYA
So... we’re ready now. Let’s get married.
Anya turns towards the altar but Xander stops her.
XANDER
I...
Anya turns back to face Xander.
XANDER
I'm not. I'm not ready. I can't, Ahn, I'm sorry.
7 INT. DARKNESS
Anya is still wearing her wedding dress. She is seated and crying. A hand offers her a handkerchief, which she accepts. The camera pulls back to reveal that D’Hoffryn is the owner of the hand.
D’HOFFRYN
It’s time you got back to what you do best... don’t you think?
8 INT. WILLOW’S BEDROOM – NIGHT
Willow is sitting on her bed and Tara is standing in front of her.
TARA
You can’t just have coffee and expect...
WILLOW
I know.
TARA
There’s just so much to work through. And can we just skip it? Can-can you just be kissing me now?
A look of hope spreads across Willow’s face as realization dawns. She stands up and walks over to Tara and they kiss passionately.
9 EXT. BUFFY’S BACKYARD - DAY
Warren shoots Buffy. He runs and fires a shot behind him.
10 INT. WILLOW AND TARA’S BEDROOM
Tara gets shot in the chest and falls to the floor. Blood splatters Willow’s shirt.
WILLOW
Tara? Oh, God!
Willow, who is holding Tara’s dead body, looks up at the camera, her eyes red.
11 EXT. WOODS - NIGHT
Warren is strung up between two trees. Willow, in all her dark magic glory, raises her hand and Warren’s skin is removed.
12 EXT. CEMETARY – NIGHT
Andrew and Jonathan are standing at the edge of a gaping hole in the Earth, where Buffy and Dawn have just fallen in. They look over at Xander, who is lying unconscious on the ground. Jonathan turns to Andrew.
JONATHAN
Mexico, huh?
They run off.
13 EXT. SATANIC TEMPLE ON BLUFF – DAY
Willow is blasting the temple with magic.
XANDER
I love you.
Xander holds Willow as she cries.
14 EXT. CAVE SOMEWHERE IN AFRICA - NIGHT
Spike is hunched, beaten, on the cave floor.
SPIKE
Make me what I was.
DEMON
We will return... your soul.
Spike looks up and screams as the demon places his hand on Spike’s chest, effectively returning his soul. Spike’s eyes glow.
15 EXT. STREETS OF SUNNYDALE - DAY
Zoom in on Xander getting out of his car. He starts walking down the street, approaching the Magic Box. Camera swivels to Magic Box window, where we can see Giles and Anya unpacking a box of books. Anya’s mouth is moving but we can’t hear what she’s saying. Back to Xander, who is walking quickly past the shop, head down.
XANDER
I can do this. The Xan-man has faced much worse; praying-mantis substitutes and saving the world with yellow crayons, for example. This is no big deal.
Xander stops walking and turns to face a building on his right, which we don’t see as camera is on Xander’s face.
XANDER
Xander is strong. Xander is a man. (Hesitates) Maybe Xander should do this later. Maybe Xander should stop talking in third person. (Pauses as he rubs his hands together) This is for Willow. This is for Willow. Here goes nothing.
Camera moves behind Xander, as he walks through door of SUNNYDALE PUBLIC LIBRARY.
16 INT. SUNNYDALE PUBLIC LIBRARY
We follow Xander into the building, looking around from his POV. Xander stops and we again focus on him. He spies the Information Desk and wiggles his eyebrows as he realizes that the librarian is very attractive. Xander adjusts his coat and approaches the desk.
LIBRARIAN (EMILY)
Can I help you find something?
XANDER
I need a book.
EMILY
That’s what we traditionally have here at the library.
XANDER
Of course! I knew that. I come to the library all the time. My friends call me Crazy Library Guy. They’ve just moved the books around since I’ve been here last.
EMILY
You haven’t been here since 1974?
XANDER
(Laughing) 1974. That’s a good one.
Xander searches his pockets for something. He pulls a folded slip of paper out of his jacket pocket and opens it while Emily impatiently drums her fingers on the desk.
XANDER
Here we go. I need this.
Xander slaps the paper down on the counter in front of Emily.
EMILY
Beer? Toilet Paper?
XANDER
Shopping list. (Thinking quickly) For a friend. Try the other side.
Emily picks up the paper and flips it over.
EMILY
Overcoming Death. Cheery title. Bit of light reading?
XANDER
It was either that or Uncle Bozo’s Crazy Clowns. (Laughs at his own joke, which Emily doesn’t find at all amusing. Xander clears his throat.) Do you have it?
Emily turns to the computer on her desk and presses a button. Nothing happens so she presses another button.
EMILY
Stupid piece of crap! (She turns back to Xander.) My computer has decided to take a nap, so I can’t find your book for you. But we have patron computers over there that you’re more than welcome to use.
Emily points behind Xander, who turns and sees the bank of computers set up next to the entrance. He pales and turns back to Emily.
XANDER
Computers and I do not get along at all. We’re like oil and water or... something equally unmixable.
EMILY
That’s why we have assistants. Let’s see. (Emily scans the library and points to a blonde girl whose back is to us) There’s one of them. She’d be happy to help you out.
XANDER
Thanks so much. You’ve been extraordinarily helpful. How can I make it up to you?
Emily rolls her eyes and motions for Xander to move so that the next patron, who just showed up behind him, can be helped. He waves stupidly at Emily and walks towards the assistant, who is shelving a small handful of books.
XANDER
Excuse me? I heard that you might be able to interpret computer for me.
The assistant turns around and we see that it’s Tara, who gets a ‘deer in the headlights’ look, drops her books, and runs out of the library. Zoom in on Xander, who is wide-eyed and open-mouthed.
XANDER
Whoa.
BLACKOUT
END OF TEASER
ACT ONE
17 INT. BUFFY’S LIVING ROOM - DAY
Xander and Buffy are sitting on the couch in Buffy’s living room.
BUFFY
Are you sure it was her?
XANDER
Believe me. I know what Tara looks like.
Buffy raises an eyebrow at Xander.
XANDER
What? I’m a heterosexual male! Can you blame me? Anyway, I asked the librarian at the desk and she said that the girl’s name was Tara Maclay and that she’d started a week ago. Which, even though we live in Sunnydale, is way too big of a coincidence.
BUFFY
And she just ran off?
XANDER
Yeah, which proves that it’s Tara.
BUFFY
Tara ran away from you a lot?
XANDER
No! But she recognized me well enough to run. And that just sounded bad.
BUFFY
What are we going to do? Should we tell Willow?
XANDER
Yes. No. I don’t know. Maybe we should wait until we know for sure what’s going on. We don’t want to give her any false hope. You know how she’s been since...
BUFFY
I know.
DISSOLVE TO:
18 INT. WILLOW’S ROOM - DAY
Willow is sitting alone on her (and Tara’s) bed, holding a picture of Tara. Tears roll down her cheeks and she traces Tara’s cheek with her index finger. There is a knock at the door and Willow jumps. She shoves Tara’s picture under her pillow and quickly wipes the tears from her face.
WILLOW
Come in.
The door opens to reveal Dawn, who enters the room and sits down next to Willow.
DAWN
Do you still want to go school shopping with me? You don’t have to...
WILLOW
Of course I still want to go, Dawnie. I need to check in with Giles at the Magic Box, anyway.
DAWN
He’s still being pretty strict with the checking in, huh?
WILLOW
Yeah. Can you blame him? I’d be strict with me, too. I’m surprised he even lets me in the store.
DAWN
Well you did pretty much fix it back up by yourself.
WILLOW
It was the least I could do after...
Willow looks past Dawn and tears come again to her eyes. Dawn frowns.
DAWN
So should we go? We can swing by the shop on our way.
Willow smiles and stands up from the bed.
WILLOW
Yeah. Let me just wash my face and I’ll be ready.
Willow leaves the room and Dawn stands up to follow when she sees the edge of the picture frame peeking out from underneath the pillow. Dawn pulls the picture out and smiles at it.
DAWN
You’d be really proud of her, Tara. She’s doing really well.
Dawn kisses the picture before gently putting it back under the pillow. She leaves the room, closing the door behind her, which the camera holds on.
DISSOLVE TO:
19 EXT. TARA/GLORY’S APARTMENT – FRONT DOOR - DAY
The bedroom door becomes the outside of an apartment door; 208, according to the metal numbers.
20 INT. TARA/GLORY’S APARTMENT – LIVING ROOM - DAY
Camera goes through door and travels through apartment, revealing an immaculately furnished living room.
DISSOLVE TO:
21 INT. TARA/GLORY’S APARTMENT – BEDROOM - DAY
We travel through open door on right to bedroom. Clothes are being tossed haphazardly onto the floor from an unseen person inside the walk-in closet.
VOICE (O.S.)
Where is it? I swear I put it in here when I unpacked. A dress, a dress, my kingdom for a – here it is.
A red dress is held up and Glory exits from the closet.
GLORY
I have got to get me some new minions.
BLACKOUT
END OF ACT ONE
ACT TWO
22 INT. MAGIC BOX - DAY
Anya is dusting while Giles is seated at the table looking through some accounting ledgers.
ANYA
But...
GILES
I’m sorry, Anya. I’m not going to go back to England until I’m sure that Willow is fully recovered.
ANYA
She’s fine! It’s been three months since she went all crazy and killed people. Besides, if her hair shows any signs of turning black, I promise I’ll call you.
Giles doesn’t bother answering her. He pauses to clean his glasses and continues.
GILES
And as I still technically own the store, you’re just going to have to put up with me ‘loafing around’, as you so graciously put it.
ANYA
Just admit it, Giles; you’re prejudiced.
GILES
Excuse me?
ANYA
You can’t stand having a demon running your precious store. You had no qualms about leaving the store in my hands before I returned to the vengeance fold.
Giles opens his mouth to answer when the bell clangs above the door. Anya looks down at her feather duster and then around, searching for a place to stash it. She tosses it behind the counter and turns toward the door, a wide smile on her face. Her smile fades as she sees that only Willow and Dawn have entered the shop and, sighing, she exits to retrieve her duster. Willow and Dawn join Giles at the table.
WILLOW
Hey.
GILES
Hello. How are you feeling today?
WILLOW
Not at all evil, thank you. And you?
GILES
I’m almost certain that Anya has hired a hit man to kill me in my sleep. But other than that, I’m smashing.
DAWN
She still mad about you taking the store back?
GILES
Quite. How’s Buffy’s new job?
DAWN
It’s great. I still can’t believe that she got it.
Anya reenters and resumes dusting.
WILLOW
She’s a security guard for the city cemeteries, Dawnie. Who’s more qualified?
DAWN
That’s not what I meant. Don’t you think it’s a little weird that Buffy quits the Doublemeat and the security job opens the next day?
GILES
(Looking uncomfortable) Someone might have called the city and complained about all the vicious attacks and apparent grave robberies. And then that same person, posing as a different person, might have written a letter pointing out the need for nighttime security.
ANYA
And by someone he means himself.
DAWN
I figured that much. I just can’t believe she’s finally getting paid to slay. Hey! That almost rhymed!
The bell dings again and Anya tosses her duster under the table. Buffy enters the store, followed by a very reluctant Xander.
ANYA
Geez! Don’t you people have anywhere else to go? We’re trying to run a business here!
BUFFY
It’s nice to see you too, Anya.
Buffy and Xander join Giles, Willow, and Dawn at the table which Anya disappears under to again retrieve her duster.
DAWN
(To Buffy and Xander) What’s up?
BUFFY
Nothing. I just needed to talk to Anya about something.
Buffy says this nonchalantly but Giles, Willow, and Dawn stare at her. Anya comes back up from under the table.
ANYA
Nice shoes! Talk to me about what?
BUFFY
It’s kinda private. Can we talk in the training room?
ANYA
Sure. It’s not like we ever have customers. (Anya sets the feather duster on the table and follows Buffy toward the training room.) And Xander? Your pants are undone.
Xander turns red and fumbles to zip his pants.
DISSOLVE TO:
23 INT. TRAINING ROOM - DAY
Anya turns to face Buffy, as Anyanka.
ANYANKA
Is there a... wish that I can grant for you?
BUFFY
(Quickly) No!
Anyanka scowls and turns back into Anya.
BUFFY
Xander was at the library today...
Anya crosses her arms and stares incredulously at Buffy.
BUFFY
I know. I didn’t believe him at first either. Anyway, he swears that he saw Tara. And I was hoping that you could look on the internet and see if you could find anything like hotel registries or credit card receipts. We’d have Willow do it, but...
ANYA
She’s living in an apartment about a block away.
Buffy crosses her arms and stares incredulously at Anya.
ANYA
I hear things in my line of work. (Looks around her) My other line of work.
BUFFY
You could have said something.
ANYA
I figured that you’d know she was back if she wanted you to know.
A beat as this sinks in.
BUFFY
Get your stuff and let’s go. You know where she lives? Take me there.
ANYA
Was she happy to see Xander, Buffy? (A beat) Do you think she wants to see us?
BUFFY
It wasn’t a request. We need to know why she’s back.
Willow walks into the training room and Buffy and Anya step back away from each other, looking guilty.
WILLOW
What’s going on?
BUFFY
Nothing.
ANYA
She needed advice... about sex.
BLACKOUT
24 EXT. TARA/GLORY’S APARTMENT – FRONT DOOR - DAY
Buffy and Anya are walking up a flight of stairs.
ANYA
I still don’t think this is a good idea.
Buffy silences Anya with a withering look and they continue climbing the stairs. They reach a landing and stop in front of a door; the door we saw before – 208.
BLACKOUT
25 EXT. TARA/GLORY’S APARTMENT – FRONT DOOR - DAY
Buffy raises her hand to knock and Anya steps back.
ANYA
So I brought you here and now I can go, right?
Buffy places her hand firmly on Anya’s upper arm, which we zoom in on, then out as Buffy speaks.
BUFFY
Why are you so freaked about this?
ANYA
(Completely falsely) I’m not!
Anya nervously plays with her hair and shows a strained smile. Buffy lets her hand drop from Anya’s arm but puts it up on the banister, effectively blocking Anya’s exit.
BUFFY
Spill.
ANYA
(Angrily) I don’t know anything specific, okay? Just murmurs of something big; something big having to do with Tara.
BUFFY
Well she is back from the dead. That’s kinda big, right?
ANYA
It’s more than that.
Buffy glares at Anya and Anya puts her arms up in defense.
ANYA
I told you, I don’t know anything specific!
Buffy sighs in frustration and Anya gestures at the door.
ANYA
Are you going to knock? Cause I’m all for getting out of here if you are.
Buffy grabs Anya with her left hand and knocks on the door with her right. Anya squirms for a few seconds, trying to break Buffy’s grasp, but soon gives up, realizing that it’s futile.
ANYA
You don’t have to be mean about it.
Buffy knocks again.
DISSOLVE TO:
26 INT. TARA/GLORY’S APARTMENT – LIVING ROOM - DAY
We travel through the door, again observing the living room.
DISSOLVE TO:
27 EXT. TARA/GLORY’S APARTMENT – BOTTOM OF FIRE ESCAPE - DAY
We exit out the open back window and down the fire escape where we see Tara crawling down the ladder. She jumps the last few feet, awkwardly as she’s not the Slayer, and turns around, bumping right into Spike.
SPIKE
How’s it going, pet?
BLACKOUT
28 EXT. TARA/GLORY’S APARTMENT – BOTTOM OF FIRE ESCAPE - DAY
Tara and Spike are circling each other.
TARA
It’s daylight! And you’re out in it!
SPIKE
And you’re alive. Guess we’ve got some catching up to do. (Pause) What are you running from?
TARA
(Looking down) Buffy and Anya.
SPIKE
I get that. Buffy can be so... bloody meddlesome. Let me guess; she just found out that you’re you again?
Tara nods and Spike hugs her awkwardly. Tara returns the hug hungrily; she hasn’t been hugged in a long time. After a moment she steps back and Spike brushes his clothes off, trying to appear cool.
TARA
So what’s with the sunlight? And the hugging? Not that I mind, of course. It’s been awhile.
SPIKE
Long story or short story?
Tara looks up at the landing by her apartment and bites her lip.
TARA
Short story now, long story later.
SPIKE
Went to Africa. Fought a flame-y hand demon. Cave guy made me human. You?
TARA
Woke up one morning in this apartment. Realized I was no longer dead... after awhile.
SPIKE
Sunnydale can seem kinda hellish at times.
Tara nods and there’s a tender beat as Spike brings his hand up to rest on Tara’s upper arm; like Buffy did with Anya, but gently.
TARA
Want to get out of here?
Spike nods.
SPIKE
Let me just grab my stuff.
Spike recedes down the alley, out of view. Tara turns away from the fire escape and we hear a rush of air behind her.
TARA
(As she’s turning around) Spike?
Buffy is standing in front of Tara, her arms folded.
BUFFY
Not quite. (A beat as Tara’s question sinks in.) Spike?
Anya jumps down from the fire escape, landing roughly and nearly falling. Tara grabs Anya’s arm to steady her and Anya flinches and pulls away. She smiles guiltily at Tara. Spike rounds the corner.
SPIKE
Tara? (His eyes widen as he takes in the scene in front of him.) Buffy...
ANYA
Whoa.
BLACKOUT
29 INT. BUFFY’S LIVING ROOM - DAY
Tara and Spike are sitting on the couch in Buffy’s living room. Anya is sitting in the chair and Buffy is pacing in front of them.
BUFFY
So let me get this straight. You (pointing to Tara) just woke up one morning and you have no idea why or how.
Tara nods tentatively and everyone looks at her, knowing she’s not telling the entire truth. Buffy pauses, her arms crossed, for a beat before continuing her pacing.
BUFFY
And you (points to Spike) are back from... Africa... where you met a demon in a cave who made you human and you have no idea why or how.
SPIKE
Pretty much, yeah.
Everyone looks at Spike, knowing he’s not telling the entire truth. Buffy pauses, her arms crossed, for a beat before she sits down on the couch between Tara and Spike. She hugs Tara.
BUFFY
(To Tara) I’m glad you’re back.
Tara smiles and returns the hug. Buffy turns to Spike, who smiles, waiting for his hug.
BUFFY
I’m not quite sure how I feel about you.
Spike sinks back into the couch, disappointed.
TARA
How’s Willow?
Buffy opens her mouth to answer when we hear the front door open. There is the sound of laughter and Dawn enters the room, followed by Willow. They are both carrying packages from various stores. Dawn is facing Willow and they continue laughing until they see Tara. Dawn drops her packages and leaps onto the couch, hugging Tara fiercely. Willow just stands there looking shocked. Dawn pulls away and moves so that she is standing next to Buffy, who puts an arm around her sister. Tara stands up from the couch and walks toward Willow. Tears start to fall from Willow’s eyes as Tara reaches for her and touches her shoulder.
WILLOW
Tara, I...
Tara places her finger on Willow’s lips, silencing her and Willow dissolves into tears. Tara holds Willow and they sink slowly to the ground until Tara is holding Willow in her lap and rocking her back and forth. The camera pans over the other character’s faces. Spike is looking away, trying not to appear affected. Anya is staring wide-eyed at Willow and Tara. Dawn looks like she’s about to squeal with happiness and Buffy has tears in her eyes. Buffy glances quickly at Spike and then away.
DAWN
How...
Buffy moves to shush Dawn. Willow stands up and gives the gang a watery smile.
WILLOW
I’m okay.
Tara stands up behind Willow and places a hand at Willow’s elbow. Dawn and Willow both notice Spike at the same time. The next two lines are delivered simultaneously.
WILLOW
What is he doing here?
DAWN
I am so confused...
Everyone laughs awkwardly at Willow and Dawn and there’s a moment of uncomfortable silence.
TARA
(To Willow) I’m going to go freshen up, baby.
Willow smiles at Tara as she exits and then turns to Buffy.
WILLOW
When did this happen? How long have you known? Why didn’t you tell me?
BUFFY
We only found out today. And we wanted to be sure before we told you.
DAWN
Do we know why? Not that it’s not completely awesome to have her back, but...
Buffy shakes her head and looks down for a moment before looking back up at Dawn.
BUFFY
We’re trying to figure that out. The only thing we know so far is that she’s back and doesn’t know herself how she got here.
ANYA
At least that’s what she says.
Everyone turns to stare at Anya.
ANYA
What? It’s true. I know I’m not the only one who thinks she knows more than she’s telling us.
Footsteps are heard coming from the kitchen and Willow turns towards them.
WILLOW
Tara?
Glory enters the room.
GLORY
Not quite, lover.
BLACKOUT
29 INT. BUFFY’S LIVING ROOM - DAY
Buffy shoves Dawn down onto the couch and steps between Willow and Glory. Spike jumps up to stand next to Buffy while Anya tries to hide behind Willow. Willow starts running towards the kitchen.
WILLOW
Tara!
GLORY
I wouldn’t if I were you.
Willow stops and turns towards Glory, glaring.
GLORY
(Pointing to Dawn) She knows what I’d do.
FADE TO:
30 INT. SUNNYDALE MEMORIAL HOSPITAL – EMPLOYEE BREAK ROOM (FLASHBACK)
Dawn sits in a chair and Glory stands with her back to Dawn, buttoning her blouse. Dawn looks fleetingly at the door.
GLORY
You’d never make it. I’d rip out your spine before you got half a step. And those little legs?
Glory looks at Dawn over her shoulder and smiles.
GLORY
They wouldn’t be much good without one of those.
FADE TO:
31 INT. BUFFY’S LIVING ROOM - DAY
Dawn looks at Glory and shudders. She looks away.
BUFFY
How did you get here?
GLORY
That’s for me to know and you to... well, never know. Don’t get testy now, girlie. I’m not here to kill you. I have much better things to do with my time. Not that I won’t kill you, of course. I just don’t really feel like it right now.
Buffy moves towards Glory and Spike moves to back her up. Glory laughs at them and runs out the door. As soon as Glory is gone, Willow bolts for the kitchen, returning a moment later, frantic.
WILLOW
Tara’s gone.
BLACKOUT
END OF ACT TWO
ACT THREE
32 INT. BUFFY’S LIVING ROOM - DAY
Willow is standing at the bookcase tossing things from shelves and opening books and tossing them behind her. Everyone is standing around her looking uncomfortable.
WILLOW
Why did I get rid of all my stuff?
ANYA
Cause you went crazy and tried to end the world.
Everyone looks at Anya, wide-eyed, except for Willow who doesn’t even interrupt her search. Buffy glares at Anya for a minute and Anya doesn’t even react.
BUFFY
Come on, Willow. You’ve been working so hard to control your magic. Is it really worth giving all of that up now? There’s always another way.
WILLOW
I’m just going to do a locator spell to find Tara, not summon the dark forces of Hell to do my evil bidding.
ANYA
(Sarcastically) And Tara would love you doing a spell to find her. ‘Cause she just loves when you do magic.
Buffy, Spike, and Dawn look away from Willow. Willow finally ceases her search and throws her arms up in the air. Her lower lip starts to tremble.
WILLOW
(Choked as she tries not to cry) I have to do something! I can’t just sit here and be useless.
Buffy walks over to Willow and puts an arm around her.
BUFFY
You're not useless, and you know it. Remember? You're my big gun, and I need you. But, I need you ALL the way, which means I can't be afraid... you know... something might... happen.
Buffy flashes Willow a big smile.
BUFFY
How about we call Giles? He's had way too much free time lately. I actually saw him bringing the guitar out of the attic the other day--we have to nip that in the bud! I'm sure he'll know what to do.
Dawn walks over to Willow and joins the group hug.
DAWN
He’ll totally know what to do! Why don’t we just go down to the Magic Box and talk to him about it?
Willow looks up at Dawn and Buffy and smiles.
WILLOW
That’s a great idea, Dawnie. Then I’ll feel like I’m doing something.
Buffy throws a look back at Spike and then nods and starts walking toward the door, pushing Dawn and Willow ahead of her.
BUFFY
So, why don't we go now? The sooner, the better.
Willow puts her hand on the doorframe, bringing Buffy to a halt. She looks from Buffy to Spike and back to Buffy.
WILLOW
You should stay here and... stay here.
Buffy looks at Spike and then back at Willow.
BUFFY
No, really... I mean, you might need my help. It wouldn't do any good if you were there and I was here, and you needed me, and I wasn't where you needed me to be, and... and I was here where you didn't need to be, and... I want to help, Willow.
Buffy reaches for the door. Dawn reaches in her pocket and pulls out her cell phone, which she holds up to show Buffy.
DAWN
We’ll be fine. If we need you we’ll ‘reach out and touch you’. Plus, you’re needed here.
Spike walks forward and sighs.
SPIKE
Bugger this. I can take hint, you know. I'll look for the little witch in my own way. In the meantime, if something else comes up...
Spike stops in front of Buffy and gazes into her eyes.
SPIKE
I’ve got your back.
Buffy looks back at Spike for a moment before looking away guiltily. Buffy turns to Willow and Dawn.
BUFFY
Well, I guess if you really think you're okay, I can stay here. But make sure to call the SECOND you find something. Got it?
Dawn rolls her eyes at Buffy and starts out the door.
DAWN
I think I can remember that, Miss Minchin.
Willow looks at Buffy and nods her head as if to say ‘I told you so.’
ANYA (o.s.)
Oh!
Everyone turns to look at Anya, who is looking up and into the air.
ANYA
I need to... um... go somewhere else. Some girl just found her boyfriend in bed with her best friend in El Salvador. I’ll be back soon.
Anya teleports away. Spike looks shocked but no one else seems to have even noticed.
DAWN
(To Spike) She’s been doing that all summer. It’s getting kinda old. Can I talk to you? (To Willow) I’ll be right out.
Buffy and Willow exit through the front door. Dawn puts her hand on Spike’s arm.
DAWN
I know that you have a soul now, but having a soul doesn’t necessarily make you a good guy. And if you do anything to hurt my sister? I’ll rip your spine out. And those legs? They wouldn’t be much good without one of those.
Dawn removes her hand from Spike’s arm and walks toward the door. Buffy comes back in as Dawn is leaving. She looks quizzically at Dawn as she walks out the door. Spike nods at Buffy and starts to follow Dawn out.
SPIKE
Lil' sis is growing up right proper, isn't she? Guess she's learning from the best.
Spike turns to Buffy, suddenly serious.
SPIKE
You take care of her, Buffy.
Spike turns back around and starts opening the door.
BUFFY
Spike?
Spike turns back to face Buffy again and watches as she sits down heavily on the couch.
BUFFY
You have two minutes. Explain.
SPIKE
Explain what, pet?
Spike sits down next to Buffy and Buffy scoots away without realizing it. She looks up at him guiltily and awkwardly looks down at her hands.
BUFFY
I’m sorry.
Spike looks up at Buffy, surprised.
SPIKE
No, Buffy. I’m sorry.
Spike slowly, almost reluctantly, reaches up and gently runs a finger along Buffy’s jaw line. They lean in to each other, painfully slow, and their lips almost touch when Buffy turns away.
BUFFY
I can’t do this. The last time I saw you, you tried to...
Spike pulls back abruptly and tears come to his eyes. He glances away, ashamed.
SPIKE
I know; God, how I know. If you only knew how many times I've replayed it in my mind...
Spike stands up and starts pacing in front of the couch.
SPIKE
I realize nothing I can say will make it better, and I'm okay with that. I just... you have to know... I never meant to hurt you. I never realized I was capable of it. As soon as I saw the look on your face, something inside me snapped. That was the moment I saw me, and I hated what I saw. So, I decided to make a change...
BUFFY
I get that you’ve changed, Spike, but I can’t just forget what happened because you’re different now...
SPIKE
I don't want you to forget, Buffy. Never forget. I was... something horrible; disgusting. I may not be any better now, but I'm trying.
Spike smiles weakly at Buffy.
SPIKE
That's got to count for something, right?
Buffy looks at Spike and then away.
BUFFY
(Quietly) I don’t know.
Spike nods at Buffy and starts for the door.
SPIKE
I'll take it. Better than the ‘I never want to see you around here again’ I was expecting.
He reaches for the door and pauses, his hand on the knob.
SPIKE
But you will let me know? If you need anything?
Buffy nods and smiles. Spike walks out the door, closing it behind him. Buffy sits alone for a few minutes, and the camera zooms in on her. She takes a watery breath.
BUFFY
(Whispering) I need you.
BLACKOUT
33 EXT. SUNNYDALE CITY LIMITS – DAY<
kinda neat. Gotta say this is pretty cool.
And Buffy...classic.
Beautiful.
at: 12/28/03 1:56 am