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Something Blue (October 21, 1999) Written by: Tracy Forbes |
| Teaser |
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INT. OZ' ROOM -NIGHT A single light illuminates Oz' room, which is so still we expect to find it vacant. The bed remains unmade, posters hang on the walls. An amp in the corner. Pictures of Oz and Willow on the dresser top. All of Oz' things exactly as the day he left. However we FIND Willow just inside the closed door. She tosses her school bag on the bed. Takes one shirt off the dresser and moves away, letting her hand skim the dresser, other belongings. Until she reaches the bed. She sits. Lifts Oz' shirt to her face breathing him in. Her eyes close, quiet for the moment. INT. COMMONS -DAY BUFFY, in school mode, moves through the commons, stops when she sees- RILEY Who is across the way, helping some pretty girls who struggle to tack a BANNER under one of the archways (note: Buffy - and we - shouldn't be able to read it at this point.) He climbs on the step ladder they have set up and they hand him one side, he tacks it up (as one girl holds the other.) Riley comes off the ladder, looks to make sure it's straight.
There you go. Looks good. Buffy moves closer and sees that the banner is announcing the monthly meeting of the UC SUNNYDALE LESBIAN ALLIANCE. Buffy takes this in - smiling at Riley's easy, well-meaning rapport with the girls. He finishes helping them, then turns and sees Buffy standing nearby. He's pleasantly surprised.
Hey Buffy.
(teasingly/re: banner) You have something to tell me?
What? (gets it) Oh. Yes, I am a lesbian.
BUFFY It's good that you're open about it. How are your parents dealing?
They just want me to be happy. Oh hey! You know we were talking about having a picnic; I was thinking, do you ever hang out at Ruggs Field? It's beautiful there. Usually not that crowded either. I thought maybe we could have a little spread, sandwiches, maybe some ants. (they stop) Could be fun. Beat.
We were talking about having a picnic?
Oh. Um, okay... (thinking) ... so was that a conversation we actually had or just one I was practicing?
(grasping the concept) Practicing.
Okay, yes, I have been known to do a little prep work before our conversations. It's not easy, you know. Talking to you, sometimes, it's like an oral exam.
And that's just what every girl longs to hear.
Well you're tricky!
(smiling wryly) Like an exam.
I never know how you're going to react to something. That's why I like you so much. You're a mystery. (laughs a bit) Probably every beautiful girl in the world has some jerk telling her she's a mystery, but I swear you really are. There's a lot about you that needs puzzling out. A beat of mutual staring.
I lose you somewhere?
Right around "beautiful". Another smile beat. Riley gamely offers:
Say. Don'tchya just love a picnic? EXT. GRAVEYARD -NIGHT- Buffy and Willow walk the graveyard, in patrol mode. Buffy's still wearing that goofy smile.
It's just different, you know? A picnic - first of all, daylight, kind of a new venue Buffywise... and the best part, he said he'd bring all the food. All I have to do is show up and eat - two things I'm really good at! WILLOW So he's nice.
Very very.
And there's sparkage?
Oh yeah. He's just got - have you looked at his arms? Those are good arms to have. Riley is... I really like him. I do... She's becoming pensive.
But?
I don't know. I love being around him, I think he cares about me, but... I still feel like something's missing... They think for a minute. Then Willow offers-
He's not making you miserable?
Exactly! (then) Riley seems so solid. Like he's not the type to give a girl grief.
Get out. Get out while there's still time.
I know. I gotta get over the whole bad boy thing. There's no good there. Seeing Angel in L.A. - even for five minutes - hello to the pain.
(thinking of herself) The pain is not a friend.
But then I can't help thinking, isn't that where the fire comes from? Can a nice safe relationship be that intense? It's nuts, but part of me believes that real love and passion have to go hand in hand with lots of pain and fighting- Now A VAMP leaps out in front of them. With barely time to GROWL, Buffy STAKES him, POOF. They continue on, unphased, same tone of voice...
I wonder where I get that from?
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| Act One |
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INT. GILES' BATHROOM - NIGHT- Spike, pale and disheveled, is chained up un the tub. Buffy leans wearily against the wall next to him. A small TV, off, sits on the counter.
(the millionth time) You saw their faces, but you can't describe them.
Well... They were human... two eyes each, kind of in the middle.
Uh-huh. And the lab....?
Underground. I came out through an air vent, I don't know exactly where. I'm done. Put the telly on. Giles enters and hands a mug to Buffy. It reads "Kiss a Librarian."
'Bout time. Hope you got it warm enough. Buffy winces as she holds the mug. Spike drinks greedily.
(around the straw) Don't know why you're so dainty all of a sudden. You've done this for Angel. You must've. Buffy pulls the mug away, sets it aside.
Hey! Give it!
That's it. The invalid amnesiac routine is over. Kitchen closed 'til you tell me something useful about the commandos.
I'm trying to remember. It was very traumatic.
How long are you going to pull this crap?
How long am I gonna live once I tell you?
Spike, we've no intention of killing a harmless creature. But we need to know what's been done to you. We can't let you go until we're sure you're impotent.
Hey!
Sorry. Poor choice of words. 'Til we know you're...
Flaccid?
You're one step away, missy -
Giles, help! He's gonna scold me! Spike tries to lunge but the chains hold him back.
You know what? I think you don't want us to let you go. Maybe we made it too comfy here.
Comfy? Do I look comfy? I'm chained in a bathtub drinking pig's blood from a novelty mug. Doesn't rate high in the Zagat's guide.
You want something nicer? She leans over Spike, baring her neck to him.
Ooh... look at my poor neck, all bare and tender and delicious... Spike strains at his chains, wanting it...
All that blood just pumping away...
Giles, make her stop! Buffy sits back
You wanna start again?
You're inhuman. Sighing powerless at the impasse, Giles exits INT. GILES' LIVING ROOM - NIGHT- ... and finds Willow cross-legged on the floor, a number of books spread out on the coffee table before her.
If those two don't kill each other, I might lend a hand.
What about a truth spell? I'm not positive it'd work on a vampire, but we could try. Make him fess up.
Of course. A truth spell. Why didn't I think of that?
'Cause you've got your hands full with the unread English patient. Willow hands Giles a book, he looks at it. She stands, starts to gather her stuff.
Yes, worth a go...
Looks pretty simple. I'll stop by the majik shop tomorrow.
Excellent.
I'll be back in the morning with donuts and motherwort. (calls out) Buff, I'll see you at home!
Bye!
Great. Thank you, Willow. Willow exits, leaving behind a grateful Giles. INT. GILES' BATHROOM - NIGHT- Giles pokes his head in. Buffy and Spike are glaring at each other as she feeds him his blood.
Willow may have had a helpful idea. (closes the book) She seems to be coping better with Oz' departure, don't you think?
She's still got a way to go, but yeah - I think she's dealing.
What are you people, blind? She's hanging on by a thread. (goes back to his blood) Any ninny can see that. INT. OZ' ROOM - NIGHT- Willow enters, stands a moment by the door before entering the still-dark room. FLICKS the LIGHTS ON, revealing the room has been stripped of all Oz' belongings. Everything. Gone. Bare mattress, tape on the wall where posters had been. CLOSE ON WILLOW Stunned. She can't breathe. INT. BUFFY AND WILLOW'S DORM ROOM - NIGHT- Willow crying in her bed. Mind spinning. Buffy in her own bed, listening sharing in Willow's devastation.
Devon said he sent for his things. I guess this means he's planning on settling down somewhere. Else. Not here.
Guess so.
I feel like I've been split down the center. And half of me is lost. Buffy knows this feeling all too well.
I know. It feels like that now...
(can't believe it) Oz is gone. Buffy regards her, feeling helpless. INT. GILES' LIVING ROOM - DAY - Giles, anxious on the phone. We can HEAR it RINGING.
(prompting) Oh, do pick up. INT. GILES' BATHROOM - DAY - Spike can't reach the TV.
Come on now - it's telly time! INT. GILES' LIVING ROOM - DAY - Giles looks to the bathroom, irked. Then, an answering machine picks up.
Hey, this is Buffy and Willow. Leave a message. BEEP
Willow, I thought you were bringing ingredients for the truth spell. I have to- INT. GILES' BATHROOM - DAY -
(cutting him off) "Passions" is on! Timmy's down a bloody well and if you make me miss it I'll - INT. GILES' LIVING ROOM - DAY - Giles, nearly at the end of his rope now, shouts-
(to Spike) You'll what? Lick me to death? (Back into phone) I really think we ought to try that truth spell, Willow. Among other things, I'd like to shower sometime today. Alone. He hangs up a tad too emphatically. EXT. CAMPUS - DAY - And now for something completely different. It's a beautiful day out and a few students lounge and play on the lush campus lawns. Among them are Buffy and Riley, who are kicking back, sharing their lunches... Enjoying each other.
Driving.
Yeah.
You seriously drive for fun?
Not four-wheeling or anything. But yeah. Don't you?
Actually, no-wheeling is more my speciality. I'm an avid pedestrian, though. This gives Riley genuine pause.
You're kidding, right? I mean you know how to drive.
I took the class. But cars and Buffy are like - unmixy things.
That's just cause you haven't had a good experience yet. You can have the best time in a car. It's not about getting somewhere - you have to take your time, forget about everything. You just relax... let it wash over you, the air, the motion... you just let it roll. It's a little hypnotic, the moment between them.
We are talking about driving, right?
I thought I was... (gathering himself) I'm taking you. Some night when it's warm, up past the vineyards... change everything for you. There's zero come-on in what he says, which makes it all the more attractive. Buffy smiles.
I'm in. But then they notice Willow standing just off their blanket. Shoulders slumped. Face grey.
Will. Hey.
Hi Willow. A pause as Willow waits for more. Notices their uneaten sliced apples laid out on a napkin. Then-
I interrupted. You've got apples. My mis. She turns to leave, obviously distraught.
Wait. (Willow turns back) Sit. Plenty to go around. Buffy regards her, concerned.
What - did something happen? What's wrong? Willow sits on the blanket, takes an apple wedge.
Nothing Everything's fine. Same.
Oh. Willow takes an apple slice.
Your apples are... they're turning brown. The way they do.
Yeah, guess they do that.
Yeah. Pause.
Yeah. Willow SIGHS. Buffy, Riley look from each other to Willow, to the blanket. Buffy tugs some grass from the ground. Riley twists a thread in the blanket. Conversation has come to a big old halt. INT. THE BRONZE - NIGHT- BUFFY, XANDER and ANYA are hanging at a table.
(to Buffy) Jeez. You mean Oz just sent for his stuff and didn't even call her? That's pretty harsh.
(kindly) I only wish I had my powers back. I'd liquify his entrails for her.
(to Anya/genuine) That's sweet. (then) God. Poor Willow. No wonder she's... having a wonderful time. Anya and Buffy follow his look to the dance floor where WILLOW is with a group of people, cutting the rug happily. Needless to say - our gang is a little surprised.
(perplexed) Wow. Way to rebound.
I believe that is the dance of a brave little toaster. Willow notices them watching her - bops over.
Hey! Come on you guys - this music is great!
Nice to see you brought your boogie shoes tonight, Will.
Yeah - I know I've been a party poop lately. So I said to myself - "Self" - I said "time to shake and shimmy it off!"
(bemused) Sounds like a good policy.
Yep. And it works too... Willow now reaches for her coat, which sits on one of the stools around the table.
I just figure in the grand scheme of things, we're all - CLINK-CLANK! A BEER BOTTLE falls from under the coat and clatters to the ground
- drunk? Willow snatches the bottle off the floor and hides it again in her coat.
Drunk is a pretty strong word. Kind of an Anglo-Saxon word. Guttural. "Drunk."
Will, not loving the drowning of the sorrows.
Not drowning. Wading. (flashes the beer) See? Light. No big.
No - big! Anybody remember when Buffy had a fun beer fest and went One Million Years BC?
Sadly - without the fuzzy bikini.
Off topic, Xander.
Right. Helping now. (moves to Willow) How's about you give me the beer. Now Willow's getting defensive - just shy of actual belligerence.
No! Why should I? I've got pain here. Big time, legitimate pain-
We've all got pain, Will-
(cutting him off) Like what? Poor me, I live in a basement? Oh, yeah - that's dire! Xander's genuinely stung by this. Now Buffy moves to Willow, takes her by the arm and leads her slightly away from the others.
I'm taking you home now.
I don't want to -
You'll thank me when you still have a friend left in the morning. Willow looks at her, softens. The hard exterior melting a bit. A beat, then-
I just can't stand feeling this way. I want it to be over.
And it will be. I promise. But it's going to take some time.
That's not good enough.
I know. But that's how it is. You have to go through the pain.
Isn't there some way I can make it go away? Just 'cause I say so? Can't I make it go poof? Buffy regards her, helpless. INT. BUFFY AND WILLOW'S DORM ROOM -
NIGHT- Buffy sleeps quietly. Willow, however, is hyper awake. She looks over at her alarm clock, reading 3:34 a.m. Willow looks to the sleeping Buffy, and silently crawls out from under her covers. Goes to her chest and opens it. INT. BUFFY AND WILLOW'S DORM HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS - Willow makes her way down the hall. And into the women's washroom. HOLD outside the door.
Harken well ye elements. I summon thee now. INT. BUFFY AND WILLOW'S DORM WASHROOM -- NIGHT- Willow sits cross-legged in the middle of the tile floor. A circle of white candles around her. She speaks softly, not wanting to waken anyone.
Control the outside. Control within. Land and sea, fire and wind. A small wooden pentagram rests on the floor in front of her. Beside it three small bowls of seeds, leaves and powder. Willow begins to sprinkle the bits on top of the pentagram...
Out of my passions, a web be spun. From this eve forth, my will be done. Willow's hair now blows in a slight breeze. She opens her eyes and looks around. The candles glow brighter. A little frightened, but mostly invigorated, she takes a deep breath, and pours from the chalice.
So mote it be! CRACK! BRIGHT WHITE LIGHTNING forks outward along the floor in all directions, from under Willow, to the circumference of the circle. The candle FLAMES shoot skyward. Willow is jolted backward. Then she's ILLUMINATED, as if she GLOWS from within. Her breath is sucked from her lungs. Hair whipping in a wind that strikes in every direction. She suppresses a scream. Off her fear. BLACK OUT
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| Act Two |
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INT. BUFFY AND WILLOW'S DORM ROOM - DAY
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It is my will that my heart be healed. Now. A beat nothing seems to happen. Willow sighs big. Turns her attention to a book that lies open in front of her.
I will that this book speak its words to me. Fat chance. Now Willow takes a bent Q-tip from her bedside table. Discouraged she says even more meekly-
I will that this Q-tip gets unbendy? She might go on, but a KNOCK ON THE DOOR interrupts her.
Come in. To her surprise, Giles enters.
Giles. What are you doing here?
I was concerned about you, actually.
(irked) Did Buffy tell you about the beer? Cause-
Buffy didn't tell me anything.
Oh. Forget the beer part then.
Happily. (then) I came because we had an appointment the other day.
(oops) Oh. Right... The truth spell.
(kindly) Willow. I know you're going through a very difficult time. But shirking your responsibilities...
But I didn't. Shirk. I did the research.... She holds out a small bag at him.
I picked up the motherwort... (off his look) I just... forgot the doing the spell part.
Which isn't like you. At all. Willow bristles a little at this. Tries not to go to the defensive place.
I know. I've been off. I even tried doing a spell last night, to have my will done? I was hoping it would make me better. But it went kablooey.
A spell? I don't think it's wise for you to be doing that alone right now. Your energy is too unfocused. Okay. Now she's going to the defensive place.
That's not true. I said I was off. Not incompetent.
I only meant that you're grieving, and it might be best if you took a break from doing spells without supervision.
So I get punished 'cause I'm in pain.
It's not punishment. I'm saying this because-
(cutting him off) You care. Right. Everybody cares. But nobody wants to be inconvenienced. You all want me to "take the time to go through the pain" as long as you don't have to hear about it anymore!
That's not fair.
Isn't it? 'Cause I'm doing the best I can - and that doesn't seem to be enough for you guys!
And I see how you could feel that way. I do-
No! You don't. You say you do - but you don't see anything! CLOSE on Willow's angry face. Quick as lightning WHITE SPARKS flash deep inside her eyes. Unaware of anything strange, Giles removes his glasses. Rubs his eyes lightly for just a moment.
Hm. I'm sorry. (little confused) I'm sorry. Perhaps... I should be going. Let's - let's talk later. He exits. Willow watches him leave, mad at the world, and starts shoving books into her bag, readying to leave herself. INT. BUFFY AND WILLOW'S DORM HALL - CONTINUOUS - DAY - Giles walks through the busy hall. Puts his glasses back on. Squints as he walks. Bumps shoulders with a student.
Oh sorry, so sorry. Squinting, he continues out. INT. GILES' LIVING ROOM - NIGHT- Spike is now sitting on the floor of the living room. Arms and feet chained. GILES stands before him. Book in one hand. Burning incense stick in the other. He wafts it at Spike who SPUTTERS, annoyed. He also appears a bit anxious.
Enemy, enemy , be now quiet -
You know - not too keen on this spell stuff. Tends to be a bit unpredictable.
Might have thought of that a bit sooner. (returns to spell) Let your deceitful tongue be.. (having trouble reading the book) ...broken. Let no untruths... (more squinting) ... be spoken. Giles must put the incense stick and book down. Again, removes his glasses.
Hey what's that all about?
I - nothing. Just an ash in my eye. As Giles rubs his eyes. He pulls a hankie from his pocket. From it as well falls A TINY BRASS KEY that hits the carpet nearby. Spike looks back to Giles, who is clearly distracted.
Well, I won't have you doing mojo on me if you can't read properly. You could turn me into a stink beetle or what all. Spike begins to shuffle over as far as he can, towards the key. Spike's foot slides the key slowly into his hands. Giles misses all of this.
And that would be a generous end for the likes of you, Spike. Now I'll ask you to kindly bugger off while I finish. Giles retrieves his book, tries to get back to work. But now - Spike is smiling.
Thanks, but - I think I'd rather go with my plan. Spike stands, his chains CLATTERING to the floor. Then he dashes out the door, accidentally knocking Giles over as he goes. Giles recovers slowly, clutching his shoulder in pain. INT. BUFFY AND WILLOW'S DORM ROOM - NIGHT- Buffy is hanging up her coat - she just got back. Willow is cleaning Amy's cage on the floor. Amy runs loose on the bed behind her. Willow's already in mid-story:
I mean, I'm going through something, and I just don't see why he was getting down on me.
Giles just worries. Spells can be really dangerous. It doesn't mean he thinks you're a bad witch.
I am a bad witch.
No, you're a good witch!
I'm not kidding anyone. If I had any real power I could've made Oz stay with me.
Yeah, but you don't want him to stay because you -
I didn't have the guts to do a spell on Veruca, my "I will it so" spell went nowhere, the only real witch in here is fuzzy little Amy!
You're being too -
She's got access to forces I can't even invoke! I mean she's a perfectly normal girl... Willow's eyes flash and POOF! - behind them on the bed - AMY BECOMES HUMAN! She's naked, sitting with her legs pulled up to her chest. CLOSE ON AMY As a wave of relief washes over her - can it really be?
... then POOF! -- She's a rat. POOF! Amy's a rat again. Neither Buffy or Willow saw her.
I could never do something like that.
So she did a good spell - but the plan kind of sucked. I mean, she's the one stuck eating pellets out of a plastic cup- The PHONE RINGS. Buffy picks up.
Hello... (pause) Uh-oh. Right. I'm there. She hangs up, rushes to the closet. Flings open the door and yanks out a cross-bow. Says to Willow:
Spike escaped.
(meekly) So you're going? Right now?
Sorry. Duty thing.
But - what's the rush? I mean. Spike can't hurt anybody, right? I figured, seeing as how I'm kinda grievey, we could have a girl night. You know - eat sundaes and then watch Steel Magnolias and you could tell me how at least I don't have diabetes- Buffy collects a number of stakes, throws them into a bag.
Willow. I can't hang with you until I get Spike back to Giles'. You know that. Willow shrugs. Buffy, feeling badly, backs out.
I'll be back soon. Promise. She leaves. Willow grumbles after her.
I don't see the big. He's probably just standing out there, you'll find him in two seconds. EXT. WIDE OPEN SPACE ON CAMPUS - NIGHT- With Buffy hurrying, for two seconds 'til she sees... SPIKE, indeed standing out there.
I thought that was going to take longer.
(realizing) Me too - I musta got turned around. (noticing something) Hang on... this.... He rabbits off to a nearby patch of grass. Buffy follows.
This is it! Wait. No. Yes! He spins around. Buffy grabs him by the arm.
What are you talking about?
The lab. Commando lab. Door was right here. Where I escaped.
I don't think so. He jerks out of her grip, gets down on his knees and starts scraping at the grass, yanking up clumps of it.
(yelling at ground) Open up! I'm going to kill you!
Spike, there's nothing here.
(yelling, more hopelessly) Let me in! Fix me!
(pulls him up) Drop the act.
Get off me! He pulls his arm free -
That's it. I'm gagging you. She grabs him and he catches her with a punch in the nose. Then he recoils with chip-induced searing head pain.
Aaaarrr!! Followed -WHAP- by a blow from Buffy's fist to his nose.
Oowwww! INT. GILES' FRONT HALL/LIVING ROOM - NIGHT- The door FLIES open. Buffy pushes Spike into the room - arms already tied.
Watchit!
One more word out of you and I swear -
Swear what? You're not going to do anything to me. You don't have the stones.
Oh, I've got the stones. I've got a whole... bunch of stones.
Yeah, you're all talk.
(calls out) Giles! I accidentally killed Spike! That's okay, right? INT. GILES' BATHROOM - NIGHT- Giles stands with his face close to the mirror, adding drops to his eyes. He shudders and blinks - it stings.
(sighs) Just a minute... He looks at the small bottle labelled, "Clear View". Squints, trouble reading the print. INT. XANDER'S BASEMENT - NIGHT- Willow paces, on a new rant. Xander trying to help, to no avail.
...I mean, I'm going through something - and you'd think, every once in a while Buffy could make best friends a priority.
You know, Will, it's not like she could just let Spike go... INT. GILES' FRONT HALL/LIVING ROOM CONTINUOUS - NIGHT- Buffy and Spike are nose to nose now. Teeth gritted, tension high.
I get this spell reversed, they'll be finding your body for weeks.
Make a move. Please. I'm dying for good slay. INT. XANDER'S BASEMENT - CONTINUING - NIGHT-
Spike's more important than Willow. I get it.
Buffy's gotta find out what's up with those commandoes. Right now she needs Spike!
Well fine! Why doesn't she just go marry him? Another slight FLICKER of LIGHT in Willow's eyes goes unnoticed by Xander, who is in the process of tuning her out. INT. GILES' LIVING ROOM - NIGHT- Giles enters from the hall.
Now if you two can remain civil long enough to - Stops, blinks a couple times when he sees... SPIKE, untied, down on one knee. Buffy before him, trying to hold back tears. Spike is holding her left hand.
It's just so.. So sudden! I don't know what to say!
Just say yes, and make me the happiest man on earth.
Oh, Spike! Of course it's yes! Spike stands and pulls her to him, into a long passionate kiss. Buffy turns to Giles.
Giles - you'll never believed what's happened! OFF GILES, REALLY not trusting his eyes.. BLACK OUT
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| Act Three |
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INT. XANDER'S BASEMENT - NIGHT-
It's just not fair.
(softer) Will. I know it's hard to see I right now. But everything you're feeling is 'cause of you and Oz. Not 'cause of Buffy or me or anybody. But, eventually you'll meet someone else and it'll be better.
Because most relationships are great and trouble-free, right? I don't think so. I think we're all doomed to badness.
We're not doomed.
Oh yeah, let's look at your bio: Mummy girl. Insect lady. Anya. You're a ..... demon magnet. A FLICKER in Willow's eyes again.
Hey, I was just trying to help.
(sulks) Great. Now you're mad at me too. INT. GILES' LIVING ROOM - NIGHT- Giles is at the kitchen counter, speaking sotto voce into the phone. Worried a bunch. We HEAR an answering machine BEEP.
Willow, it's me. Something's happened and... I need your help. I...I can't see very well. Everything's a blur. I'm certain it must be some sort of spell, because, uh well there seems to be something else going .. wrong. He looks over to BUFFY AND SPIKE Buffy is just handing Spike a hot mug of blood. She sits on the arm of the chair, curls up next to him.
Here you go, Sweetie. Ninety-eight point six. Spike gives her a quick casual kiss.
(still into phone) Horribly wrong. Giles hangs up. Buffy consults a hand written list.
Ceremony, guests, reception... there's so much to decide.
Well, first thing, I'd say we're NOT having a church wedding. Spike crosses an item off the list as Buffy runs her fingers through his hair.
How about a daytime ceremony in the park?
Fabulous. Enjoy your honeymoon with the big pile of dust.
(getting impatient) Under the trees. Indirect sunlight only.
A warm spring breeze tosses the leaves aside and, again, you're registering as Mr. And Mrs. Big pile of dust.
Okay, stop it! This is our wedding and you're treating it like a huge joke! Giles pours himself a large glass of Scotch. He brings it with him to the sofa. Buffy pouts, frustrated with her fiance.
Ooh. Pouty, look at the lip. Gonna get it. Gonna get it. He lurches forward and bites her lower pouty lip. Tugs gently and lets go. She giggles.
Stop!
Sits on the couch, resting his eyes.
Yes, please stop. Buffy moves to sit on the couch next to Giles.
Giles? Did you see my ring?
Thankfully, not very well. Giles still rests his head on the back of the couch, eyes still closed.
Giles, I... I'm not crazy; I know you probably don't approve... and my Dad's not that far away, I could probably... but this day is about family, my real family. And I want it to be you that gives me away. Giles looks at her, mouth open, honoured-
Buffy, I... That's so... - for only a second
Oh for God's sake! This is nonsense! Something is making you act this way! Don't you realise what you're doing!?
(looks to Spike) Living the dream.
He's going to have to take a bit of time to get to used to it, pet. Buffy moves back over to Spike.
I guess they all will. They weren't crazy about Angel at first.
You weren't going to say that name.
Sorry. Let's talk about where we should register.
Where would Angel want to register? And can we the photographer Angel would have wanted and the flowers Angel would have liked?
Hey, you think the shadow of Drusilla isn't hanging over me? That I won't be wondering if you're thinking about her on our honeymoon when you're making sweet love to me? Giles makes a pained noise and reaches for his drink, but misses it badly, knocking the glass to the floor with a CRASH.
Giles? Are you okay?
I rather think not. I seem to be rather.. (beat, scared) rather blind. Completely, in fact. Buffy rushes to him.
What? How could that happen?
A spell, I believe.
We'll fix it, don't worry. Spike is already at the bookcase, going through Giles' books.
What you need is a general reversal spell. Gonna need supplies.
(suspiciously) You're going to help me?
Well.. It's like you're almost my father-in-law, innit?
See, this is how it'll be from now on. Spike'll even take care of you while I'm at the majik shop. From now on, he's family. Giles thinks about that... and rises as he says, mostly to himself...
It's all right.... I have more scotch... EXT. MAIN STREET - NIGHT- Buffy exits the Majik Shop, black plastic bag in her hand. On a mission to get back to Giles'. However. She sees something - something that makes her stop dead in her tracks and her eyes go big and round. It's... A BRIDAL SHOP With long, flowing, beaded and sequined dresses on mannequins in the display window. Buffy rushes up to it, places her hands on the glass like a child a candy store.
Oh! Look... She's so entranced that she doesn't notice RILEY, who approaches, obviously pleased to be running into her.
Hey, Buffy . What's up?
Riley - look! (re: dresses) Aren't they beautiful? Riley looks at the dresses. As uncomfortable as any new beau would be at this question.
Um, yeah, they're nice. A little dressy, maybe, for school, but...
(sweet regret) Riley..
(confusion) Buffy... She moves to him.
I really like you. I hope know that you mean a lot to me. And if things were different...
Different then what?
You have to promise me that we'll always be friends. And I want you to be there on the day.
The day when...
The wedding!
The wedding! What wedding?
My wedding! I'm getting married! Can you believe it?
I don't think "no" is a strong enough word.
It's crazy, I know, I mean we've been fighting for years and then - sometimes you just look at each and you know, you know?
No.
I think maybe we fought so much because we didn't know how to admit what we felt.
Can we start again?
I really think you'd like him. Well, nobody really likes him...
I'd just like to clear up a few things -
I don't really like him...
Buffy.
... but I love him. I do.
Who?
What?
What's his name?
Who?
The groom.
Spike.
That's a name?
Don't be mad.
I'm not mad.
No, you are.
No, I am. I really - wow. Who is this guy? Does he go here?
Spike? Oh no, he's totally old.
Old?
(chuckling) Well, he's not as old as my last boyfriend, but -
Okay. It's late. And I'm very tired now, so... I'm going to go far away, and be... away.
But -
(firmly) No. (leaving) Stay. He goes. She watches him with regret - then turns excitedly to the dresses. INT. XANDER'S BASEMENT - NIGHT- The washing machine is on and a laundry line is strung across the room, a few items dangling from it. Anya waits while Xander calls upstairs...
(called up) That's okay, Mom... we don't need any more snacks!
(to Xander) I liked those fruit roll-ups.
Shush. I thought she'd never clear out. Besides, just think of my lips as the fruit roll-ups of love. (off her look) Okay that was gross. I'm a little distracted. Willow was really upset. I shouldn't've let her go away mad. Anya kisses him.
Regaining focus...
We just got rid of your mom, let's not bring Willow into this. It's time for just the two of us. They kiss again... SMASH! Breaking of glass and an INHUMAN GROWL interrupts. They jump from bed to find a DEMON with milky eyes and puce blistered skin touching down. He's on Xander in a flash. It lashes out as Xander, who goes flying. Anya SMACKS the demon on the back of its head, causing it to turn around to face her. It GROWLS in annoyance then takes a step towards her. Then, Xander takes the clothes line (with laundry still pegged on) and loops it over the demon's head. Pulls, trying to choke it to death.
No no! Serparvo Demon! Drowning is the only way to kill it! Xander pulls the string, guiding the struggling demon. He muscles it over toward the sink full of soaking clothes. Together, Xander and Anya push the demon's head into the water. The water smokes and bubbles, and the demon goes limp. A beat of relief, and SMASH! The other window has been punched in. A demon-y hand reaches through. As Xander moves to rush Anya out the side way...
What the hell is going on? INT. GILES' FRONT HALL/LIVING ROOM - NIGHT- CLOSE ON: A TINY PLASTIC CAKE-TOPPER COUPLE Tiny blonde bride and groom, being hopped along a table top.
Dum-DUM-de-dum! Dum-DUM- de-dum! WIDER SHOT: Giles reclines on the living room couch with a folded towel over his eyes. Wedding etiquette books and wedding-dress fabric swatches are spread out on the coffee table. Spike watches as she plays with the little couple.
So the plan is to cure my total incapacitating blindness tomorrow, is it?
They were out of Taggis Root. They'll have more tomorrow. I'm completely on top of this. (re cake couple) Aren't they a perfect little us? Spike takes the little couple, looks at them.
I don't like him. He's insipid. Clearly human.
How about red paint... we can smear his little mouth - the blood of the innocent.
That's my girl. Spike grabs the back of her head and yanks her in for a hard, deep kiss.
Stop that! Right now! I can hear the smacking. Buffy sighs and rolls her eyes at Spike. Back to the planning.
Honey, we have to talk about invitations. Do you want to be "William the Bloody" or, like just "Spike"? 'Cause either way it's gonna look majorly weird.
Whereas the name "Buffy" gives it that touch of classic elegance.
What's wrong with Buffy?
Such a good question.
Well, it's a terrible name.
My mother picked that name!
Your mother. Yeah, she's a genius.
Oh, don't you start on my mother! BAM! The front door flies open and Xander and Anya run in.
Board up the windows! Barricade the doors! Giles sits up.
What's going on?
Demons. They keep coming and coming! Xander and Anya struggle with the mirrored stand by Giles' door, trying to move it in front of the door.
I think we lost them. I didn't see - Xander sees Spike and stops.
Spike! He's all untied! (then) You probably noticed.
Xander, calm down. If you lost them, we have a little time to figure this out. Maybe it's related to Giles being blind. ANYA Giles is blind? Xander goes to Giles, waves his hands wildly in front of Giles' face.
Stop whatever you're doing. You smell like fruit roll-ups.
This is the crack team that foils my every plan? I am deeply shamed.
Spike's right. We have to get organized.
Why are you holding hands? Xander turns, eyes them.
They have to hear it sooner or later...
Spike and I are getting married.
(to Giles) How? What? How?
Three excellent questions. Buffy and Spike have gotten caught in the loving snare of each other's eyes.
(soft mock threat) What are you looking at?
(equally intimate) The man I love. They kiss, big time.
(off the kiss, to Giles) Can I be blind too? (then) Wait. Married. I know something. What is it? This is all so familiar. Work, brain, work. Oh! Oh-oh! Willow!
(through the kiss) What about Willow? Get off me, Honey. Buffy breaks the kiss.
(still thinking) Something about Willow and her grief-y poor-me mood swings. So, so tired of it.
You mean I don't have to be nice to her anymore?
We're all tired of it, but what's it have to do with what's going on?
She told me I was a demon magnet. And.. And she said you two should get married.
And that I didn't see anything.
She did a spell.
Yes, to have her will done. Whatever she says is coming true.
And both you guys were affected. I probably only escaped it because I'm the Slayer. Some kind of natural immunity.
Yeah. Right. You're marrying Spike because you're so right for each other.
Xander...
That's it. You're off the usher list.
People... Willow's still out there, and she probably has no idea what she's doing.
We've gotta find her -
Before someone really gets hurt. INT. BUFFY AND WILLOW'S DORM HALLWAY - NIGHT- Willow walks sullenly toward her room. INT. BUFFY AND WILLOW'S DORM ROOM -- NIGHT- Willow enters the dark room, reaches for the light switch. Before she hits it, THE DEMON D'HOFFRYN emerges from the darkness, raises his hands to her head and ZAPS her with an electric bolt of demon-y energy. BLACK OUT
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| Act Four |
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BUFFY AND WILLOW'S DORM HALLWAY - NIGHT- Buffy, Xander, Anya and Spike rush down the hall.
(re: Spike) Why does he have to come?
Xander, Spike is going to be my husband. I want him included.
I think I agree with Xander here. Seems like a lot of work for people who aren't us.
Spike, these are my friends. And, by the way, this is kind of my job.
For now.
What are you saying, you want me to stop working?
Let's see, would I like you to give up killing my friends? Yeah, I've given it a thought! They have reached the door. Buffy enters first. The others follow. BUFFY AND WILLOW'S DORM ROOM - NIGHT- Buffy flicks on the LIGHT. CLOSE - THE FLOOR A BLACK CIRCLE mars the floor. Buffy looks at it.
This was burned. Anya joins her, a look of recognition on her face.
D'Hoffryn - the bastard - he opened a portal here.
Who? Spike is rummaging through things in Buffy's closet. He holds up a ruffled dress.
Oooh. Fluffy. Wear this to the rehearsal dinner and the whole thing's off.
Shut up, Honey.
D'Hoffryn is one of the lower beings. He made me a demon eleven hundred and twenty years ago.
Why would he attack Willow?
I don't believe he did. INT. BLACK SPACE - NIGHT- A space between dimensions, void of matter. Willow stands before D'Hoffryn, flanked by a couple of cloaked DEMONS. Though it is dark, Willow seems to glow.
You have much anger and pain. Your magic is strong, but your pain... it's like a scream that pierces dimensional walls. We heard your call.
I'm sorry. I'll try for a quiet rage. Bye. She turns to go, but there's nowhere to go - only blackness.
Our intention is not to quash your potential. (beat) Quite the contrary. Willow turns around. Uncomprehending... EXT. GRAVEYARD - NIGHT- Buffy, Spike, and Xander follow Anya, moving fast through the graveyard.
I'd been dumped, I was miserable. Doing a few vengeance spells - boils on the penis, nothing fancy.
Please skip ahead.
The lower beings got wind of me, they offered to elevate me.
Meaning?
They made me a demon.
Oh god, Willow... so you can summon the demon from this crypt place? Get him to stop- (without slowing) hey, wouldn't this make a pretty back drop for photographs?
I'm not posing for chuff-all.
Hey! Demon! They turn to follow Xander's gaze. A DEMON in the near distance. Advancing steadily. Buffy steps up to meet it.
Listen, we're gonna do this without destroying the foliage. No time wasted, she kicks him in the head. He makes with the pummelling, but she's a blocker. Fighting, fighting. He's stunned. He bolts. But then Buffy spies TWO MORE DEMONS advancing from the trees ahead of them.
Let's go! All follow Anya to the crypt. Xander yanks open the heavy door. They make it inside, slamming the door with a millisecond to spare. INT. CRYPT -CONTINUOUS - NIGHT- The gang closes the heavy doors. Spike grabs a tomb lid, places it against the doors to help. Anya is already kneeling on the periphery of a hastily drawn circle in the dirt floor.
Blessed be the name of D'Hoffryn. Let this space be now a gateway to the world of Arashmaharr where demons are spawned. INT. BLACK SPACE - NIGHT- Imposing and stern - D'Hoffryn speaks. Willow stands before him as before, quaking.
The pain and suffering you brought upon those you love has been inspired. You are ready to join us, here in Arashmaharr.
(truly surprised) Pain? What pain? INT. CRYPT - NIGHT- Buffy is by the window as a demon hand is shooting out and grabbing her neck through the bars. She screams in pain. Xander and Spike are holding the doors, but demons are pounding at it and it's a losing battle.
Buffy! She wrenches free-
We're not doing well here... Anya is still chanting...
We come in supplication, we bend as the reed in the flow of... no wait, we come in the flow of the... gnyah! (starts again) Blessed be the name of D'Hoffryn... Buffy has joined them at the door:
They're strong, and I can't fight. If they get in, I don't know if I can protect you.
(bristling) You think you have to protect me?
Oh, not with the girl power bit - BOOM! The door smashes open, all three thrown as the two demons get in. Buffy fights one, the other goes for Anya and she and Xander try to fend it off while Spike holds the door. INT. BLACK SPACE CONTINUING - NIGHT- We see the action in a warped and distant fashion. A WIDER ANGLE shows that D'Hoffryn has opened a window for Willow to look through.
Oh. God. But I didn't mean to-
But you did. This is the result of your power. You will make a fine vengance demon. WILLOW No. please. You - you have to help them. In a wave of D'Hoffryn's hand, he closes the window.
It is not my concern. You are my interest in the matter.
Really. No offense intended, I mean, you've been super nice and everything... But, I don't want to be a demon. I want to go back and help my friends. D'Hoffryn's expression darkens.
That is your answer? Willow gathers her courage. Knowing her answer could be her demise.
It is. Beat. Then, reluctantly, D'Hoffryn digs in a pocket and hands Willow a talisman.
I'm sorry to hear that. Oh, well. Here's my talisman. You change your mind, give us a chant. With a quick wave of his hand, Willow disappears in a swirl of DARKNESS. INT. CRYPT - NIGHT- Xander is trying to fend off his demon with a candelabra. Not doing great. Anya is on the ground, groggy. The demon still outside hits hard enough for the tomb lid to fall over on top of Spike...
Honey! She kicks her demon brutally, puts out of commission as she rushes to Spike's side. Takes the lid and flips it back up, hitting the entering demon square in the face. Buffy's foe is rising again, Xander's closing on him -
Little help here!
Spike, are you okay? She takes him in her arms on the ground.
Slayer… And they kiss, passionately, the kiss of people who know they will die this day (and are sexually attracted to each other). Willow MATERIALIZES in a crack of lightning. Takes in the destruction and pain a beat. Shaken, she beings:
Let the healing power begin. Let my Will be safe again. As these words Of peace are spoken, let this harmful Spell… be broken. The entire crypt is ENGULFED with LIGHT. A moment later, natural light resumes. The demons are gone (in a cut, not CGI, I really can't stress this enough). Buffy and Spike freeze, lips still touching. They register the change, pull back and look at each other. Instant nausea. They push away, disgusted and hating each other fully.
Euwww! Oh bloody hell! Buffy spits repeatedly.
Spike lips, lips of Spike… Xander and Anya are shaken, but all right. Willow stands, sheepish. Sorry.
Hi guys. Buffy spits again. INT. GILES' KITCHEN DAY Anya watches Willow transfer hot fresh homemade cookies from a baking sheet onto a plate.
How long are you going to keep making these?
Until I don't feel so horribly guilty. I figure, about a million from now. Also I have to detail Giles' car. She carries the plate into... INT. GILES' LIVING ROOM CONTINUOUS - DAY
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(to Giles) Time? Giles looks at a clock on the wall. Darn happy he can see it's...
Five past two! Clear as day! Willow holds out the plate of cookies to Xander and Giles. Anya follows behind her wraps her arms around Xander.
Look, cookies! A very non-evil thing I did. Oatmeal.
Tricky girl! They're chocolate chip. I can see them. (Beat) Still need glasses, though. Guess you couldn't be more specific and given me twenty-twenty. Xander, Giles and Anya each take a cookie. Willow walks her cookies over to Buffy who sits at the dining room table. Spike sits sulking, tied to a chair next to her. At least his arms are free.
Eat a cookie, ease my pain? Buffy takes a bite of one.
Better?
Well, baking lifts at least thirty percent of my guilt. But only seven percent of my inner turmoil. (beat) That'll take a while, I guess.
It'll happen. Buffy smiles at her friend, forgiving all.
Don't I get a cookie?
No.
I gotta have something. I still got Buffy taste in my mouth.
You're a pig.
Yeah, well I'm not the one who wanted "Wind Beneath My Wings" for the first dance. Buffy rises, completely embarrassed.
That was the spell. She crosses to the kitchen. Willow follows - pausing to slip Spike a cookie - and joins her.
Did I mention about the sorry part?
We may be into a forgetting spell later. I loved him. We were betrothed.
At least you were getting along...
We weren't! It wasn't even nice. The bad boy thing? Over it. I get it now. I'd be really happy to be in a nice relationship with a decent reliable oh my GOD Riley thinks I'm engaged.
What?
(hyperventilating) Riley. He saw me... and.. What the hell am I gonna say to him? EXT. CAMPUS - DAY - Riley and Buffy are mid-explanation as they stroll. He has that same baffled, mildly shocky on his face.
You thought I was serious?
Well... no. I mean - you weren't serious?
Oh , God. Right. I'm marrying a guy named Spike.
Maybe. We haven't known each other that long.
No, no... It's just - I saw that fear in your eyes when you caught me looking at wedding dresses, and I had to give you a hard time.
What? I didn't have fear in my eyes.
Yes you did. You were looking at me like I was a cartoon ball and chain. Riley laughs. There's some truth to that.
So you decided to tell me you were getting married.
(is this working?) Uh huh...
So.... you're insane.
Uh huh... Beat.
But you're still single. She smiles. As does he.
Yes.
Okay then. Just another piece of the Buffy puzzle.
You've got a lot to learn about women. He reaches out and runs his hand through the back of her hair, cradling her head and bringing her close to him, firmly but entirely gently. She looks at him, startled but engaged. Their eyes close. He says simply.
You're gonna teach me. He moves away suddenly, walking away without another word. Buffy watches him, suffused with feeling. BLACK OUT.
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