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Bewitched, Bothered & Bewildered (January 12, 1998) Written by: Marti Noxon |
| Teaser |
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CLOSE ON A SMALL SILVER HEART That dangles from a chain. EXT. CEMETERY - NIGHT XANDER, pacing, holding the trinket - contemplating it. BUFFY'S sitting on a headstone nearby.
What do you think?
It's nice.
But do you think Cordelia will like it?
I don't know… (points to the heart) Does she know what one of these is?
Okay, big yuks. When are you guys gonna stop making fun of me for dating Cordelia?
I'm sorry. But, never. (off his look) I just think you could find someone more… better.
Parallel universe, maybe. Here the only other person I'm interested in is unavailable.
(gets the point) Oh.
Besides, Cordy and I have really been getting along. We don't fight as much. Yesterday we just sat together, not even speaking, you know, just enjoying comfortable silence. (beat) Man, that was dull.
I'm glad you guys are getting along. Almost really. And you shouldn't stress about the gift.
This is new territory for me. My valentines are usually met with heartfelt restraining orders.
She'll love it.
I wish dating was like slaying - simple. Direct. Stake to the heart, no muss no fuss - He's cut off when A VAMP RISES FROM THE GRAVE HE'S STANDING ON - RIGHT IN FRONT OF HIM. Xander YELLS. Falls back. Buffy leaps from her perch - grabs a stake from her coat. A VICIOUS BATTLE ensues. This vamp is STRONG and Buffy's almost overcome but finally manages to DUST THE DUDE. A beat as Buffy recovers. Then she helps Xander to his feet. They start to move off. As they disappear into the distance…
Sorry, Xand. Have to say slaying is a tad more perilous than dating.
You're obviously not dating Cordelia. BLACK OUT
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| Act One |
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EXT. SCHOOL - DAY School is about to start and kids rush everywhere. CORDY sees HARMONY and the CORDETTES. They see her too, but keep going. Their heads bowed as they whisper.
Hey… Wait up! Cordy rushes to catch up with them - peeved.
Excuse me? Where's the fire sale?
(cool) Oh, sorry. Didn't see you.
Why didn't you guys call me back last night? We need to talk about our outfits for the dance - I'm going to wear red and black so you'd better switch -
Red and black? Is that what Xander likes?
Xander? What's he got to do with it?
Well, a girl wants to look good for her geek. The Cordettes titter.
Xander is just -
When are you two gonna start wearing cute little matching outfits? 'Cause I'm planning to vomit. Harmony starts off. The Cordettes follow. Cordelia can't believe it. INT. CLASSROOM - DAY XANDER, WILLOW AND BUFFY are all in English class with MISS BEAKMAN, a tough old dame. The bell rings and students start to rise.
Papers on my desk. Anybody tries to leave without giving me a paper is looking at a failing grade. Xander sits with Buffy and Willow, clutching his paper.
Hah! This time I am ready for you. No "F" for Xander today. This baby's my ticket to a sweet "D minus". The bunch comes up by AMY, daughter of the cheerleading trophy.
Hey, Amy.
Hey. Are you guys going to the Valentine's Dance at the Bronze? I think it's gonna be fun. Buffy and Willow exchange looks, Willow bursting to say something.
Go ahead, you know you want to say it.
(to Amy) My boyfriend's in the band.
Cool.
I think you've now told everybody.
Only in this hemisphere.
(to Buffy) What about you?
Valentine's Day is just a gimmick to sell cards.
Bad break up?
Believe me when I say "Uh huh". She hands her paper to Miss Beakman -
Thank you… As does Willow.
Thank you… Miss Beakman looks at Amy expectantly. But Amy just stares deeply into the teacher's eyes. Suddenly, Miss Beakman SMILES and reaches out for a paper that ISN'T THERE. Miss Beakman "puts" the phantom paper on the top of her stack.
Thank you… Amy smiles coolly, moves off. Revealing XANDER, who has seen this whole exchange. He looks after Amy, intrigued. Hands his paper in, starts after Amy. But getting no response from Miss Beakman, stops to say crankily:
You're welcome. INT. SCHOOL HALLWAY - DAY Buffy and Willow peel off from Amy with goodbye's, walk down the hall.
I just hate to think of you solo on Valentine's Day.
I'll be fine. Mom and I are gonna have a pig-out and vidfest. It's a time honored tradition among the loveless. Xander comes abreast of them.
Did you guys see that?
What?
In class. I thought I just saw Amy working some magic on Miss Beakman.
You mean like Witchcraft?
Well, her mom was a witch…
And an amateur psycho. Amy's the last person should be messing with that stuff.
Maybe I should talk to - Now GILES approaches. Xander hushes, gives the others a look.
Buffy. Might I have a word with you?
Have a sentence, even.
Good, well - Giles is unable to finish because, just as they are passing her door, MISS CALENDAR emerges from her classroom. Everyone stops - awkward. It's evident that there is a lot of bad feeling here. Buffy can't even look at her.
(takes the leap) Rupert.
Miss Calendar. Calendar reacts to the use of her last name. Still - she forges ahead.
I - I'm glad we ran into each other, actually. I was hoping we could… Do you have a moment?
Oh - well… Not just now. I have a matter I must discuss with Buffy. He turns to Buffy - who finally glances at Calendar. Cold.
Right. Let's go. Giles nods to Calendar - a hint of sorrow evident in his eyes. He and Buffy walk off. A beat as Calendar watches them go, Willow and Xander looking from them to her. INT. LIBRARY - DAY Buffy's at the table, watching Giles pace - clearly agitated by his encounter with Calendar.
Are you okay?
Me? I'll be fine. I'm more concerned about you, actually. (then) Ever since Angel… turned - I've been reading up on his earlier activities. Learning more about his habits, feeding patterns, the like…
And?
There's a disturbing trend. Around Valentine's Day he's prone to rather brutal displays of… what he would think of as affection, I suppose.
Like what?
No - no need to go into detail.
That bad.
Suffice to say it would be best if you stayed off the streets for a few nights. I can patrol. Keep my eye on things. Better safe than sorry.
It's a little late for both. Off Buffy and Giles - anything but happy Valentine's puppies. INT. FACTORY - NIGHT CLOSE ON A VELVET BOX Which is opened to reveal an INCREDIBLE ANTIQUE RUBY NECKLACE. WIDEN TO REVEAL DRUSILLA AND SPIKE AT THE TABLE Dru has just opened the box and smiles happily over at Spike, who is still chair-bound.
Fancy it, pet?
It's beautiful. Sparkly…
Nothing but the best for my - He's cut off as a BLOODY HUMAN HEART falls on the table before DRU with a sickening, wet plop. Drusilla's eyes widen with absolute delight and we see ANGEL standing at her side, grinning.
Happy Valentine's Day, Dru.
Ooooh! Angel… It's still warm.
I knew you'd like it. I found it in a quaint little shop-girl. Angel grabs the necklace Spike got Dru from the box.
Cute. He leans over to Dru with the necklace in hand. Looks to Spike.
Here. I'll just… He starts to fasten the necklace around Dru's neck. Spike rolls closer.
Leave it. I'll get it.
Done. (to Spike) I know Dru gives you pity access - but you have to admit, it's so much easier when I do things for her. Spike seethes. Snaps at Angel.
You'd do well to worry less about Dru and more about that slayer you tramped around with.
(smiles fondly) Dear Buffy. I'm still trying to decide the best way to send my regards…
You could rip her lungs out. That might make an impression.
It lacks poetry.
It doesn't have to. (to Dru) What rhymes with lungs?
Don't worry, Spike. Angel will find his way… (looks at the heart) In time Angel always finds what speaks to a girl. INT. THE BRONZE - NIGHT The Bronze is DECKED OUT for a VALENTINE'S DAY DANCE. DINGOES ATE MY BABIES play on stage, OZ up front. XANDER and WILLOW sit at a table. Xander, elegantly dressed and groomed, fidgets nervously with a SMALL GIFT BOX. Willow watches the band, enraptured. OZ sees her. Smiles. Willow smiles back - gets that "googley" feeling.
(to Xander) I think I'm a groupie. Xander smiles at her, then goes back to being nervous. ON CORDELIA Who enter, looking drop-dead. She sees HARMONY and the CORDETTES. Starts to approach. But they all turn their backs on her. Cordy stops, hurt. At a loss. INT. BUFFY'S LIVING ROOM - NIGHT Buffy and her mother are splayed out in front of the tube. A prodigious pile of junk food surrounds them. They are nearly comatose with fullness.
Pass me the Malomars.
(doesn't move) I can't.
(doesn't move) Good. The doorbell rings. Buffy pulls herself off the couch with great effort. EXT. BUFFY'S PORCH - NIGHT Buffy opens the door. Nothing but the chilly night breeze. She looks around, suddenly alert. INT. BUFFY'S HALLWAY/LIVING ROOM - CONT Buffy closes the door. Sees that the television now chatters to an EMPTY ROOM. Her mom is nowhere to be seen.
Mom? Silence. INT. BUFFY'S KITCHEN - CONT Buffy moves through the kitchen cautiously. A noise SPINS her around - but it's just a tree branch scratching the window. She takes a few steps back. We can see behind her, but she can not, that the back door is OPENING. She walks smack into - JOYCE Buffy SHOUTS. SPINS - ready to FIGHT.
Buffy! It's me.
(letting down) Sorry… You startled me.
I - I went to check the back door. She lifts a LONG BLACK FLOWER BOX. Hands it to Buffy.
Somebody left these for you. Buffy takes the box - cautiously opens it. CLOSE ON THE BOX A dozen beautiful, blood red roses. And a card - "SOON." OFF BUFFY Dread creeping over her features. INT. THE BRONZE - NIGHT Xander spots Cordelia. Takes a deep breath and approaches.
Hey.
Your clothes. You look so nice.
I let Buffy dress me. (off her look) Well, not physically…
Perfect. You just had to make this harder, didn't you? A beat. Xander is perplexed.
Okay. Clearly the fact that I please you visually got us off on the wrong foot here.
Xander -
Let me finish. I've been thinking a lot about us. The why and the wherefore. And, you know - once, twice. A kissy here. A kissy there. You can chalk it up to hormones. But hormones only take you so far. (then) Okay. Really far. And maybe that's all we have here. Tawdry teen lust. (sincere) But maybe - not. Maybe something in you sees something… special in me. And visa versa. I mean, I think I do. See something. So - He thrusts the gift box into her hands. Struck dumb, Cordelia opens it. Pulls the silver heart from it.
(pained) Xander. Thank you. It's beautiful. I want to break up.
(stunned/re: necklace) Not really the reaction I was going for.
I'm sorry. I really am. It's just - who are we kidding? I mean, even if parts of us do see specialness… We just don't fit.
(anger growing) Yeah, okay - you know what's a good day to break up with someone? Any day besides Valentine's Day. Were you just running low on dramatic irony?
I know. I didn't mean to do it like this - Xander reacts. Tries hard to maintain.
Well you did. He walks off. Cordelia looks down at the heart. INT. SCHOOL HALLWAY - DAY Xander walks down the hall, a picture of misery. A few girls who were at the Bronze the night before pass, giggle. A JOCK that he passes slaps him on the back and says with incongruous bonhomie:
Dude! Way to get dumped! Xander sucks it up. Walks on. Then he sees BUFFY, who is power-freaked after her visit from Angel.
Buffy. My bud. You would not believe the kind of day -
(cutting him off) I can't talk right now. It's Angel.
Well, do you need help?
It's all right. She leaves him in the dust. Then Xander sees CORDELIA, HARMONY and the Cordettes standing near by. Harmony smirks.
Gee, Xander, maybe you should learn a second language so that more girls can reject you. Cordelia looks away, ashamed, as Harmony and the Cordettes crack up. That's it. Xander turns and goes throught the doors to the hall. INT. ANOTHER HALLWAY - DAY As soon as he is in he passes AMY. He stops her, grabbing her arm. Sudden purpose in his eyes.
What are you doing? Xander backs her slightly against the wall.
Amy! Good to see you! You're a witch.
No, I'm not! That was my mom, remember?
I'm thinking it runs in the family. I saw you working that mojo on Miss Beakman. Maybe I should tell someone about that.
That's not even - I never - that's so mean!
Blackmail is such an ugly word.
I didn't say blackmail.
Yeah, well I'm about to blackmail you so I thought I'd bring it up.
What do you want?
What do I want? I want a little respect around here. I want - for once - to come out ahead. I want the hellmouth working for me. He looks at Cordy through the glass in the doors.
You and me, Amy… We're gonna cast a little spell. BLACK OUT
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| Act Two |
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INT. EMPTY CLASSROOM - DAY Amy is looking at Xander, perplexed.
A love spell?
Just the basic. You know - can't eat, can't sleep, can't breathe anything but little old moi.
That kind of thing is the hardest. I mean, to make someone love you for all eternity -
Whoa. Back up. Who said anything about eternity? A man can only talk self-tanning lotion for so long before his head explodes.
Then - I don't get it. If you don't want to be with her forever - what's the point?
The point is - I want her to want me. Desperately. Then I can break up with her and subject her to the same hell she's putting me through.
I don't know, Xander. Intent has to be pure with love spells.
Right. I intend revenge. Pure as the driven snow. Now are you going to play or do we need to chat some more about invisible homework? Amy knows she's beat.
I'll need something of hers. A personal object. INT. LIBRARY - DAY Buffy enters - drops the card that Angel left for her on the book GILES is reading. He picks it up - looks at it.
"Soon?" Soon what, Giles? I mean, you never held back on me until the big, bad thing in the dark became my ex-honey.
Where did this come from?
He said it with flowers. (off his look) This is no time to start being protective guy. I can't just hang around - and I can't prepare when I don't know what's coming. Giles finally nods gravely.
Of course - you're right. Sit down. INT. SCHOOL HALLWAY - DAY Cordy is walking down the hall when she sees Xander marching toward her, purposeful. She starts to go the other direction - but Xander cuts her off.
Don't flatter yourself. I'm not going to make a big scene. I just want the necklace back.
What? I thought it was a gift.
Last night it was a gift. Today it's scrap metal. I figure I can melt it down - sell it for fillings or something.
You're pathetic… A beat. Xander taps his foot impatiently.
Come on. I'm not going to add to the "Cordelia Chase Cast-Off Collection."
(stalling) It's in my locker.
I can wait. Cordelia HUFFS over to her locker. Opens it. CLOSE ON CORDELIA Who hides behind the locker door. Waits until Xander isn't looking and then, discretely removes the necklace from around her neck. She's been wearing it under her blouse. ON XANDER Who watches Cordelia SLAM the locker door shut. Move back to him with the necklace in her outstretched hand.
Here. Thank God we broke up. Now I don't have to pretend to like it. Xander SNATCHES it from her hand. Moves off. INT. SCIENCE LAB - NIGHT The room is dark - except for the light of one candle. Amy has drawn a LARGE FEMALE SYMBOL on the ground in red chalk. Xander, shirtless, kneels in the center of the chalk circle, holding the aforementioned candle - which has Cordelia's name written on it. Herbs and such boil in a lab beaker. A picture of Cordelia sits in front of Xander. Amy reads from her spell book.
"Diana, goddess of love and the hunt. I pray to thee. Let my cries bind the heart of Xander's beloved. May she neither rest nor sleep…" Amy drops the HEART-SHAPED NECKLACE into her brew. The brew ignites and starts to spew RED SMOKE. Amy starts to tremble.
"until she submits to his will only. Diana! Bring about this love and bless it!" Amy is quaking with cosmic energy as she addresses Xander - her tone urgent.
Blow out the candle! Now! Xander obeys her command. They are plunged into - BLACK A long, silent beat. Then - Xander's shaky voice.
Great. Really. Good spell… Can I put my shirt on now? INT. LOUNGE - DAY The next morning. Xander enters, ready for love. Then he spots Cordy in the lounge with Harmony. Saunters over. He stands near Cordy for a beat, smiling and preening. Finally:
What?
(all smiles) Morning, ladies. (seductively) Some weather we've been having. Cordy is obviously surprised by his approach.
What do you want? You can't be sniffing around for more jewelry to melt - 'cause all you ever gave me was that Walmart-looking thing. Xander's smile falters - he moves a little closer to her. Speaks softly.
Is this love? 'Cause, maybe on you it doesn't look that different -
(shoves him back) What is up? Are you going, like, stalker-boy on me? That's enough testing for Xander.
Sorry. My mistake.
Yeah. I'd say so. Xander moves off, chagrined. Cordelia turns to Harmony.
What is his deal?
I know. Did he cut his hair or something? He looked half-way decent for a change. Off Cordy. Confused by Harmony's comment. INT. LIBRARY - DAY Buffy is with Giles, going over further Watcher diaries.
Ah, here's another. Valentine's Day, yes, Angel nails a puppy to -
Skip it.
But -
I don't want to know. I don't have a puppy. We can skip it.
Right. Let me get the next batch. He crosses to his office as Xander enters glumly.
I have a plan. We use me as bait.
You mean, make Angel come after you?
No I mean chop me into little pieces and stick me on hooks for fish to nibble at cuz that would be more fun than my life.
I heard about you and Cordy. It's her loss.
Not the popular theory… Buffy runs her hand through his hair, looking into his eyes.
You know what I'd like? Why don't you and I go do something tonight. Just us.
Really?
Yeah, we can comfort each other.
Would lap dancing enter into this scenario at all? 'Cause I find that very comforting.
Play your cards right…
Okay. You do know that I'm Xander, right?
I don't know… I heard you and Cordy broke up, I was surprised how glad I was. She's very close to him now, and since you ask, yes there's heat. Yet her advances are more than sexkittenish - they're sincere.
It's funny how you can see a person every day and not really see them, you know.
(enraptured) It's funny. And it's just getting funnier.
When you think about it, we make a lot of sense - Amy enters, somewhat timidly.
Xander, can I talk to you for a minute?
(to Amy) Yeah. Okay. (to Buffy) Hold that thought. Tightly. He goes off with Amy. INT. HALL OUTSIDE LIBRARY - CONTINUOUS They stop right by the doors, Xander looking in anxiously at his newly affectionate Buffy.
Xander, I don't think the spell worked out right.
Yeah, we bombed. No biggie.
Well, we could try again. I'm still pretty new at this.
It's okay. You know what? It was wrong to meddle with the forces of darkness and I see that now. I think we've all grown. I gotta go.
Well, we don't have to cast any spells - we could just hang out.
Sure… what?
Well, I really liked spending time with you. You're so sweet… It's funny how you can see a person every day and -
(his expression drains) -- not really see them?
Exactly! The wind goes right out of Xander's sails. In fact, his sails fall down. He looks in to see ANGLE: BUFFY THROUGH THE WINDOW Who smiles seductively at him as Giles reads something to her that she doesn't hear.
So anyway, I thought it might be fun to -
Hi, Xander? KATIE'S quite attractive, and clearly smitten.
What?
You're in Mr. Baird's history class, right? I thought maybe we could study together tonight.
Do you mind? We were talking.
I really have to leave right now.
Well, here's my number if you want to - She holds up a little slip of paper, but he takes off. A beat later and he appears in the frame, takes the paper and leaves again. INT. XANDER'S ROOM - NIGHT Xander races in and locks the door, exhausted and shaken. He moves to his bed and starts to lie down. But YELPS and JUMPS UP when he realizes that he is NOT ALONE. WILLOW sits up, smiles. Xander, wary, starts to inch for the door.
Sorry. I wanted to surprise you.
Good job. High marks.
Don't be so jumpy. I've been in your bed before.
Yeah, Will, but we were in footie pajamas. Willow's manner becomes more and more sweetly predatory. This is a new Willow. Sexual, mature.
Xand. I've been thinking.
Will, I think I know what you were thinking, but this is all my fault, I cast a spell and it sort of backfired -
(cutting him off) How long have we been friends?
A long, long time. Too long to do anything that might change it now.
But friendships always change. People grow apart. They grow closer.
This is good. How close we are now? I feel very comfortable with this amount of closeness. In fact, I could even back up a few paces and still be happy… See?
I want you, Xander. To be my first-
(weakly hopeful) Baseman? Please tell me we're talking softball. Now she gets out of bed. We see now that she's WEARING HIS BUTTON DOWN SHIRT. She moves toward him.
That's… dry clean only.
Shhhh. We both know it's right. She pins him against the door. Tries to kiss him. But he turns away.
It's not that I don't find you sexy-
Is it Oz? Don't worry about him. He's sweet - but he's not you.
Yes he is! And you should go to him. 'Cause he's me. She nibbles his ear.
Willow, don't make me use force.
Force is okay… He pushes her away.
That's it. This has all gotta stop. It's time for me to act like a man. And hide. He flees, leaving Willow in his room. INT. SCHOOL HALLWAY - DAY A new day. Cordelia approaches Harmony and the others - but they give her the cold shoulder.
Ha. Very funny. What did I do now - wear red and purple together?
(cold as ice) You know what you did. Xander is wounded because of you. They start to walk away.
Are you tripping? I thought you wanted me to break up with him-
You'd better look at yourself, Cordelia. Only a sick pup would let Xander get away - no matter what her friends say. Harmony and the others leave Cordelia stunned. Finally she calls after them:
What does it take to make you people happy? INT. SCHOOL HALLWAY - ANOTHER AREA - DAY CLOSE ON SLO MO - a pair of feet move down the hall. COOL GUY music plays over. But when we WIDEN we see that the feet belong to a terrified XANDER instead of a hip love God. Every person in the hallway is STARING at him. The woman all GAPE adoringly and the men all GLARE - enraged. Xander ducks into the library. INT. LIBRARY - DAY Giles sees Xander enter - reacts to his obvious agitation.
Xander. What is it?
It's me. Throwing myself at your mercy.
What? Why?
I made a mess, Giles. See, I found out that Amy's into witchcraft? And I was hurt, I guess, so I made her put the love whammy on Cordy. But it backfired. And now every woman in Sunnydale wants to make me her cuddle-monkey. Which may sound swell on paper but - Calendar enters - marches up to GILES.
Rupert. We need to talk. (notices Xander) Hey, Xander. Nice shirt. Calendar tries valiantly to stay focused. But is drawn all the while like a magnet to XANDER. As she speaks, she rests her hand casually on Xander's arm.
Rupert I know you're angry at me and I don't blame you. But I'm not going away. I care too much about you to - (to Xander, feeling his arm) Have you been working out? Giles grabs Calendar. Moves her away from Xander, livid.
(to Xander) I can't believe you'd be fool enough to do something like this.
Oh no. I'm twice the fool it takes to do something like this.
Has Amy tried to reverse the spell?
I get near Amy and all she wants to talk is honeymoon plans.
Rupert, maybe I should talk to Xander alone.
Do you have any idea how serious this is? People under the influence of love spells are deadly, Xander. They lose all capacity to reason. And if what you say is true, and the whole female population is affected… (then) Don't leave this library. I'll find Amy. See if we can stop this thing. Giles begins to go - but remembers Calendar, who stares at Xander longingly. Giles grabs her. And he takes off with Calendar in tow. A beat. Then Xander drags the card catalog in front of the library doors. He steps back - and the door opens anyway, since they open out. Buffy steps around the card catalog.
Alone at last. Xander looks up to see BUFFY ENTER, WEARING NOTHING BUT A RAINCOAT AND HEELS. The raincoat is tied with a belt.
Buff! Give me a heart attack- She looks him in the eye. Deadly.
I'm going to give you a lot more than that. Xander scrambles away from her. But Buffy's right on top of him. Moving in.
Buffy. For the love of God, don't open that rain coat.
Come on, it's a party. (plays with belt) Aren't you gonna open your present?
Not that I don't want to… Sometimes the remote, impossible possibility that you might like me was all that sustained me… (frustration mounting) But not now. Not like this. This isn't real to you. You're only here because of a spell. I mean, if I thought you had one clue what it would mean to me… But you don't, so I can't - Buffy's expression shifts. A flash of DEADLY ANGER crosses her features. Fatal Attraction time.
So - this is all a game to you.
A game? I - no… Buffy's ire rises. She advances on him - menacing.
You make me feel this way and then reject me. What am I - a toy?
Buffy, please. Calm down-
I'll calm down when you explain yourself! Buffy looks like she's about to inflict bodily harm - but then the doors open and AMY enters. Furious.
Get away from him. He's mine. BUFFY turns on Amy. Seething.
I don't think so. Xander? Tell her.
What? I - I -
He doesn't have to say. I know what his heart wants. Amy starts to move toward Xander. Buffy blocks her.
Funny. I know what your face wants- And BUFFY DECKS AMY. Amy flies back and hits the floor, bloodied. Buffy turns to Xander - wild eyed.
What is this? You're two-timing me? Amy starts to incant. Angry eyes boring into Buffy.
"Goddess Hecate, work thy will…" Amy raises her arms to Buffy. Her eyes GO BLACK.
Uh oh.
"Before thee let the unclean thing crawl!" A ball of energy flies from AMY'S HANDS.
Buffy! The ENERGY EXPLODES as it HITS Buffy - engulfing her until IT AND BUFFY seem to VAPORIZE. A beat as Xander and Amy recover. Xander moves to where Buffy disappeared. Looks to the floor. CLOSE ON XANDER Horrified.
Oh my God. BLACK OUT
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| Act Three |
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INT. LIBRARY - DAY GILES ENTERS with CALENDAR IN TOW.
Good Lord, what was that -
Buffy.
Where is she? CLOSE ON THE FLOOR Where a LARGE RAT, AKA BUFFY, emerges from the crumpled up raincoat. It darts this way and that, freaked.
Oh my God.
(glaring at Calendar) Why is she here?
Do you think we could focus for one minute? You turned Buffy into a rat! Amy moves to Xander - takes him by the arm.
Buffy can take care of herself. Let's go someplace private. Xander tries to shake her off.
Can you…? I'm not going anywhere until you change her back! Now CALENDAR takes Xander's OTHER arm. Speaks to Amy.
You heard him. Undo your magic trick and get lost.
Who made you Queen of the world? I mean, you're old enough-
What can I say? Xander's too much man for the pimple squad- Amy fumes. Her eyes go black.
"Goddess Hecate, to you I pray-" SLAP. A hand goes around her mouth. Xander.
Would you quit with the HECATE!? Still covering her mouth, Xander moves with Amy to Giles and hands her off to him.
No more talky from this one. INT. SCHOOL HALLWAY - DAY Cordelia closes her locker. Is surprised to see HARMONY, the Cordettes and a BUNCH OF OTHER WOMEN - of all ages and sizes - staring daggers at her. Harmony approaches, the others staying back.
Okay. What now? You don't like my locker combo?
It's not right. You never loved him. You just USED him. You make me sick.
Harmony, if you need to borrow my Midol, just ask. Harmony slaps Cordelia in the face. Cordy stops, shocked. She turns to go and Katie is there, slams her back into the lockers. INT. LIBRARY - DAY CLOSE ON BUFFY RAT Darting toward a safe corner. ON GILES, XANDER, ET AL.
We have to trap the Buffy-rat. Xander spots her. Follows her into the corner.
Good, Buffy. Just… He's about to pick her up when the library doors SLAM open and OZ strides in. He moves to Xander and PUNCHES HIM. Buffy Rat, freaked, RUNS OUT THE SWINGING LIBRARY DOORS.
(looking at his hand) That - kinda hurt.
Kinda?! What was that for?
I was on the phone all night, listing to Willow cry about you. I don't know exactly what happened, but I was left with the very strong urge to hit you.
I didn't touch her. I swear - Giles interrupts, coldly furious. Looking at the ground.
Xander. Where did Buffy go? Xander and Giles both get down and look at the ground. Amy and Calendar don't move - they are too busy glaring at each other. Xander notices Oz's puzzled look.
Amy turned Buffy into a rat.
(nods) Oh.
I don't see her. (to Xander) If anything happens to her, I'll… Just - go home. Lock yourself away. You're only going to cause more problems here. Amy, Jenny and I will work on breaking the spells. (to Oz) Oz - if you could aid us in finding Buffy…
Sure. Absolutely. Xander is about to speak. But Giles cuts him off.
Go. Get out of my sight. Xander takes off - hurt and ashamed. INT. SCHOOL HALLWAY - DAY Xander checks the hall. Sees the GANG of WOMEN, involved in some kind of ANGRY commotion. He heads in the OTHER DIRECTION, but stops as he realizes that the sounds are VIOLENT. ON THE WOMEN Gathered around CORDELIA. Now they are HITTING HER, PULLING HER HAIR…
You thought you could do better? Is that it?
No! I, no….!
We'll knock that snotty attitude right out of you! A SHOWER OF BLOWS rains down on Cordelia. She SCRAMS. ON XANDER Who now sees that it's CORDELIA in trouble. He runs toward - THE MOB Sees Xander coming their way. SHRIEK with joy.
It's him! It's him! The mob RUNS toward Xander. XANDER sees Cordelia KNOCKED to the ground. She's getting trampled… He has no choice but to go forward. CORDELIA tries to regain her footing. Somebody KICKS her. XANDER fights through the MANIC WOMEN, who tear his clothes, scratch and grab at him…
Stop! Xander! I love you! Xander finally manages to get to Cordelia. He lifts her into his arms. She buries her head in his shoulder, crying. Xander turns and encounters an ENORMOUS FEMALE CAFETERIA WORKER. She blocks his way. Smiles. A beat. Xander RUNS with Cordelia in the OTHER DIRECTION. INT. LIBRARY - DAY Giles and Amy sit at the table, with Amy's spell book open before them. Calendar hovers nearby. Giles is reading intently - but both AMY and Calendar are distracted.
You must have botched the ritual so that Cordelia's necklace protected her from the spell. That one should be reversible. But where did you learn animal transformation?
Why did you send Xander away? He needs me.
That's a laugh.
He loves me. We look into each other's souls.
No one can love two people at once. What we have is real.
Instead of making me ill why doesn't one of you try to help?
You don't know what I'm going through!
I know it isn't love. It's obsession - selfish, banal obsession. Xander has put himself in danger and if you really cared about him you'd help me save him instead of nattering on about your feelings. Now let's get to work. Jenny - But she's gone.
Damn… EXT. SCHOOL WALKWAY - DAY Xander and Cordelia, back on her feet now, round a corner. Xander checks behind him.
I think we- They both stop dead in their tracks when they see- AN EVEN LARGER MOB OF WOMEN And this group is HOSTILE. ARMED. Led by none other than WILLOW - who carries an AXE.
-lost them… A moment as they face off with the mob. Willow steps forward. She has been crying.
I should have known I'd find you with her.
Will. Come on. You don't want to hurt me.
Oh no? You have no idea what this is like for me. I love you so much. I'd rather see you dead than with that bitch! She MOVES TOWARD XANDER WITH THE AXE - but is KNOCKED OVER by HARMONY, who tries to get the axe away from her. Xander and Cordelia seize the moment and take off. INT. SCHOOL BOILER ROOM - DAY BUFFY RAT runs down the stairs and into the boiler room. A moment later, OZ follows, holding a FLASHLIGHT. Buffy Rat disappears behind a furnace pipe. Oz moves slowly around the room, his flashlight searching dark corners.
Hey. Buffy? CLOSE ON BUFFY RAT (AND/OR RAT CAM) Oblivious - she runs along the baseboard. Sniffing. Doing rat things. Then she turns a corner and runs SMACK into a GIGANTIC (to her anyway) TOM CAT. The cat HISSES, bares his horrible teeth. Buffy rat backs off and the cat moves off, disappears up the stairs and into the school. Buffy Rat darts into a dark corner, terrified. EXT. NEAR BUFFY'S HOUSE - NIGHT Xander and Cordelia race down the street. He looks over his shoulder, slows.
Now I really think we lost them.
(genuinely scared) Dammit, Xander, what is going on? Who died and made you Elvis? Xander sees Buffy's house ahead.
There's Buffy's place. Let's get inside. Then I'll explain. EXT. BUFFY'S PORCH - NIGHT JOYCE, surprised, opens the door for Xander and Cordelia.
Xander! Cordelia? INT. BUFFY'S KITCHEN - NIGHT Joyce follows them into the kitchen.
What happened? Why are you all scratched up? Where's Buffy?
She's… around.
Well. Sit down and tell me about it. (to Cordy) Why don't you run upstairs and grab some bandages out of the bathroom? A beat after Cordy takes off. Xander smiles weakly. Joyce sighs and smiles back. And keeps smiling. Uh oh.
(brightly) Let me get you something to drink. Are you in the mood for cold or hot?
I - uh - Joyce stands, moves to the counter behind him. Then she turns, puts her hands on his shoulders.
I think it's more of a… hot night. Don't you? Xander drops his head on the table with a thud. Totally defeated.
Whatever.
Goodness. You are so tense. She starts to kneed his shoulders. She's bending down to KISS his neck when -
What are you doing?! Make me yak! Joyce snaps her head up. Looks at Cordelia coolly.
Go back upstairs, Cordelia. This is between us.
Gross. I think not. Cordy grabs Joyce. They struggle - but Cordy is stronger and easily throws Joyce OUT THE BACK DOOR. LOCKS IT.
And keep your mom-aged mitts away from my boyfriend… Former! Now Cordy turns to Xander - pissed.
Why has everyone gone insane?
Insane? It's impossible for you to believe that other women find me attractive?
The only way you could get girls to want you would be Witchcraft!
That is such a -well okay yeah, good point. They are silenced when A ROCK FLIES THROUGH THE WINDOW. Then JOYCE's HAND appears, feeling for the DOOR LOCK.
Xander? Honey? Let Joycie in! A beat. Then Xander and Cordy BOLT. INT. BUFFY'S ROOM - NIGHT Xander and Cordy SLAM into Buffy's room. Xander runs to the window. Opens it and leans out.
Good. The mob still hasn't found us. We should be safer up here - He's cut off as ANGEL, VAMP FACE AND ALL, appears at the window, grabbing him and pulling him out.
Works in theory… BLACK OUT
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| Act Four |
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INT. SCHOOL BOILER ROOM - NIGHT RAT CAM (BUFFY RAT P.O.V.) She creeps along, moves toward a bunch of CARTONS. Suddenly into view comes A BIG, BAD-ASS RAT TRAP - with a TASTY-LOOKING HUNK'O CHEESE on it. Buffy Rat sniffs CLOSER. EXT. BUFFY'S ROOF - NIGHT Angel pulls Xander closer. Gets in his face.
Where's Buffy?
Cordy, get out of here! Impatiently, Angel throws Xander off the roof. EXT. BUFFY'S HOUSE - CONT. Xander hits the ground hard. A moment later Angel lands gracefully next to him. Lifts a dazed Xander with one hand-
Perfect. I wanted to do something special for Buffy - actually - to Buffy. But this is so much better. Xander KNEES ANGEL, who falters briefly but then BACKHANDS him - sending him flying. Angel pins Xander to the ground, wrenches his head to one side, baring his tender white neck.
If it's any consolation, I feel very close to you right now- Angel opens wide - moves in for the kill. Hands GRAB Angel and easily pull him off, throw him against a tree. XANDER looks up - grateful.
Buffy?! How did you- But he stops when he sees his rescuer. Dumbfounded. DRUSILLA Smiles down at him. Extends a hand.
Don't fret, Kitten. Mommy's here. Xander backs away from her. But she GRABS him, helps him up.
(furious) I don't know what you're up to, Dru, but it doesn't amuse. Dru turns on ANGEL, seething. Petting a horrified Xander all the while.
If you so much as harmed one hair on this boy's precious head- Angel can't believe his ears.
You've got to be kidding? Him?
Now, now. Just because I finally found a real man… Angel shakes his head, uncomprehending.
A real man? I guess I really did drive you crazy. He fades back as Dru concentrates on her new boytoy. She gazes at him lovingly. Traces the lines of his eyes, his lips…
Your face is a poem. I can read it…
Really? It doesn't say - "spare him" by any chance?
Shhhhhh. She BARES her VAMP TEETH.
How do you feel about eternal life?
Don't you think we could start with coffee? A movie maybe? Drusilla smiles - bends to his neck. Xander struggles, desperate - when, suddenly, THE NIGHT IS FILLED WITH HOSTILE SHOUTS. Drusilla looks up - wide eyed. THE MOB Still led by Willow, but even larger than before. It now includes CALENDAR and HARMONY and KATIE.
There he is!
Get them! DRU AND XANDER are surrounded. Besieged by crying, violent women. Xander is YANKED from her arms. He and Dru are separated in the melee.
Mine! He's mine! Wild women rip at his clothes, tear at his hair. WILLOW watches - lover's wrath burning in her eyes as she twists her axe, waiting for her moment. Now Xander's knocked to the ground and pinned by a LARGE WOMAN. WILLOW steps forward. Raises her AXE. Looks down at him, sorrowful.
All you had to do was love me. She's about to bring the axe down when Cordelia slams into her, knocking her to the ground. Cordy and Xander make it into the house, just barely managing to close the door against the FRENZIED WOMEN outside. EXT. BUFFY'S HOUSE - CONT. Drusilla is part of the MOB that lays siege to Buffy's house. She pulls the BACK DOOR OFF THE HINGES. Two women run in - Dru starts to follow - but SLAMS into an invisible barrier. Now we see Angel, leaning against a tree nearby. Smirking.
Sorry, Dru. Guess you're not invited. Dru, beyond frustration, SCREAMS. INT. BUFFY'S FOYER - NIGHT Xander and Cordelia don't have a chance to catch their breath before JOYCE appears in the living room doorway holding a LARGE CARVING KNIFE. She is distraught.
It's never gonna work for us, Xander. We have to end it. The other two women who came in the back run up and join Joyce. Freaked, Xander and Cordelia race for- INT. BUFFY'S BASEMENT - NIGHT -where they lock the door.
Déjà vu much? Here's another good reason not to date you. People are always trying to kill me when I'm with you! So - what do we do now? Wait for Buffy to come?
I… wouldn't hold my breath. INT. SCHOOL BOILER ROOM - DAY RAT CAM: the trap looms large. The Buffy Rat approaches. ANGLE: OZ Still searching for Buffy Rat, unconsciously sings to himself-
(theme from "BEN") "…Ben, the two of us need look no more… we both found what we were looking for-" INT. SCIENCE LAB - NIGHT Again with the candle light and the red chalk "female" symbol. Giles and a sullen AMY stand at the lab table, with her spell book. A beaker boils with a new brew.
Right. You go first. INT. BUFFY'S BASEMENT - NIGHT Cordelia and Xander are nailing the door shut. We hear someone trying it.
Xander? Xander, it's okay, it's me… (sudden pounding) OPEN THE DOOR! XANDER!
Give me another nail.
If we die in here I'm gonna kick your ass! I mean it.
None of this would have happened if you hadn't broken up with me. But no, you're so desperate to be popular.
Me? I'm not the one who embraced the black arts just to get girls to like me. Well, congratulations, I guess it worked.
It would have worked fine! Except your hide's so thick not even magic can penetrate it!
(quieter) You mean, the spell was for me? A KNIFE comes through the door right between them. Cordy SCREAMS and they both run down the stairs. As they reach the cellar floor, glass shatters from the window, an arm reaching in at them. INT. SCIENCE LAB - NIGHT Giles drops a tuft of RODENT HAIR into the boiling beaker. Again, a great plume of smoke rises.
"Diana! Hecate! I hereby license thee to depart-" INT. SCHOOL BOILER ROOM - NIGHT RAT CAM Buffy Rat finally GOES FOR THE CHEESE in the trap. INT. SCIENCE LAB - NIGHT
"Goddess of creatures great and small - I conjure thee to withdraw!" INT. SCHOOL BOILER ROOM - NIGHT Oz is still looking around when he is flooded by light from behind a bunch of crates. As it dissipates, he steps forward.
Buffy? Buffy is on the ground behind the crates, which hide her delicate situation from view. (i.e. nekkidness.)
Whoah. INT. BUFFY'S BASESMENT - NIGHT The door FLIES open, the women pouring down. Cordelia and Xander back into a corner, Xander wielding a heavy wrench.
Oh god…
Get behind me! INT. SCIENCE LAB - NIGHT Now Giles adds some herbs to the brew. MORE SMOKE.
"Diana, Goddess of love, be gone. Hear no more your siren's song!" INT. BUFFY'S BASEMENT - NIGHT Willow heads the pack that converge on Xander. He is buried under their tearing hands. INT. SCIENCE LAB - NIGHT Giles throws Cordelia's necklace in the pot. All at once there is a great CGI rush of light from every window and doorway in the place - all disappearing into the pot. INT. BUFFY'S BASEMENT - NIGHT Everybody stops, staggers back, slightly dazed. Xander is curled up in the fetal position. Meekly he looks around. INT. SCHOOL BOILER ROOM - NIGHT Oz approaches Buffy.
Uh, hi, Oz. I seem to be having a slight case of nudity.
But you're not a rat. Call it an up side.
Can you grab me some clothes?
Oh, yeah. Don't go anywhere.
Really not an issue. INT. SCIENCE LAB - NIGHT Giles and Amy look around them. Everything seems normal. Giles gives Amy a stern look. Sheepishly, she hands him the book of spells. INT. BUFFY'S BASEMENT - NIGHT Xander gets up, Cordelia coming out from the corner as the women look at each other, bewildered. Joyce, in particular, looks disturbed.
What… what did we -
Boy! That was the best scavenger hunt ever! She smiles brightly at the others, hoping they'll buy it. INT. SCHOOL HALLWAY - DAY Buffy and Xander walk.
Scavenger hunt?
Well, your mom seemed to buy it.
So she says. I think she's just so wigged at hitting on one of my friends that she's repressing. She's getting really good at that, actually. I should probably worry.
Well, I'm back to being incredibly unpopular.
It's better than everybody trying to axe murder you, right?
Mostly. But… Willow. Won't even talk to me.
Any particular reason she should?
How much groveling are we talking here?
A month, at least. This was worse for her than anyone. She loved you before you invoked the great roofie spirit. The rest of us…
You remember, huh?
Oh yeah. I remember coming on to you. I remember begging you to undress me… And then a sudden need for cheese. (beat) I also remember that you didn't.
Need cheese?
Undress me. It meant a lot to me, what you said.
I would never take advantage of you like that. Okay, it was touch and go for a minute there, but…
You came through, Xander. There may be hope for you yet.
Tell that to Cordelia.
You're on your own, there. He goes off. EXT. COURTYARD - DAY Cordy and Harmony are back in lock step, the other Cordettes around.
Cody Weinberg called me at home last night.
Cody? The one with the 350 SL?
The very one. Said he's thinking of taking me to the pledge dance on Thursday.
That's so huge!
Yeah! There's just two other girls he's gonna ask first and if they refuse - They (literally) bump into Xander.
Watch it!
Sorry. A beat as he and Cordy look at each other. She looks down.
Excuse me, who asked you to share our oxygen? God. Xander starts off. Harmony calls after him.
I'm glad your mom stopped working the drive thru long enough to dress you. He just keeps walking, his face grimly set.
That reminds me, did you SEE Jennifer's backpack? It's so trying to be -
Harmony, shut up. Everyone stops - including Xander, who slowly turns, as:
You know what you are, Harmony? You're a sheep.
I'm not a sheep.
You're a sheep. Sweaters are made from your wooly coat. She moves toward Xander, turning back to face Harmony.
All you ever do is what everyone else does, so you can say you did it first. And here I am scrambling for your approval, when I'm way cooler than you are because I'm not a sheep! I do what I want, I wear what I want, and you know what? I'll date whoever I want to date, no matter how lame he is! She grabs Xander's hand and they walk off, leaving Harmony stunned. ANGLE: XANDER AND CORDELIA She is breathing shallow, terrified at her own display of independence.
Oh, god, oh, god…
You're gonna be okay. Just keep walking.
Oh god, what have I done? No one's ever gonna speak to me again.
Sure they will. If it helps, when we're around them you and I can fight a lot.
You promise?
You can pretty much count on it. BLACK OUT
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