|
Into the Woods October 28, 2000 (white) Written by: Marti Noxon |
| Teaser |
|
INT. HOSPITAL WAITING ROOM - DAY (DAY 1) WE PAN along a pair of small reclining legs to find DAWN, who's laid out over a couple of chairs in the hospital waiting room with her head in Buffy's lap, sleeping. Now we WIDEN to see that Riley is sitting next to them. Joyce is still in surgery, and Buffy watches the clock nervously. Riley puts his hand over hers reassuringly - Buffy can only smile wanly... Buffy hears footsteps approaching, looks over expectantly. But it's only Giles.
Just me. Sorry (then) Can I get you anything?
No. Thanks though.
Riley?
I'm fine. Thanks. Giles nods - moves across the way to another bank of chairs where WILLOW AND XANDER are sitting, also looking anxious. Xander is slouched down, hands in pockets.
What time is it?
There's a clock on the wall behind you, Will.
I know - but your watch is right there above your hand. With a little bit of effort, Xander sits up, pulls his hand from his pocket, holds it in front of her, showing her the watch. She looks at the time.
That can't be right. Xander reacts as she turns around, looks at the clock behind her, confirms it.
Oh. They fall silent, both fidgeting nervously. ON BUFFY AND RILEY Buffy's anxiety is mounting.
I can't stand this, what's taking so long?
It doesn't mean anything.
You think?
I'd worry more if your mom was out of surgery quickly. It might mean there wasn't much they could do. Buffy takes this in, nods. But it doesn't really help. Then she spies the doctor coming down the hall in his scrubs. She shakes Dawn awake and both girls jump to their feet. The others - Riley, Giles, Willow and Xander - also stand as the doctor nears. PUSH IN ON BUFFY Watching the doctor approach. Full of fear and anticipating. BLACK OUT.
|
| Act One |
|
INT. HOSPITAL WAITING ROOM - DAY CLOSE ON BUFFY, DAWN, RILEY and DR. KEISER Who hang on every word as the doctor reports on Joyce's condition. Willow, Xander and Giles also listen in the background.
Okay. Your mom's in recovery-
(cutting him off) What happened? Is she alright?
Well, it was possible to visualize the tumor completely - which means I was able to get all of it. So baring complications in recovery, I think your mother's going to be fine. A happily stunned beat as this sinks in. Then-
Are you kidding?
(smiling) I never kid about my amazing surgical skills. (then) Of course, we're still going to have to watch your mother's condition and have her back in for follow-up testing, but overall I'd consider the procedure a complete success. Relief and joy wash over Buffy, Dawn and all the others. They fall into ecstatic hugs (or back slaps in Giles' case) and excited exclamations as the doctor beams. Near grateful tears, Buffy breaks from the group and turns to the doctor.
Oh My God, Doctor - thank you. Thank you so much.
Believe me, it's my- But before he can finish Buffy grabs the doctor into a big bear hug. In her joy, Buffy forgets her strength-
Oh, hey... Uh, owww. Owwww! Buffy realizes what she's doing and lets him go, contrite.
Sorry, sorry - but thank you, thanks. I mean it- Buffy offers her hand to shake his, but the doctor quickly and politely backs off. Speaks to the entire group-
Really, my pleasure. Your mom's going to be in recovery for a while - you should all go home, get some rest, relax. INT. XANDER'S APARTMENT - NIGHT Xander, Anya and Dawn are at the tail end of a major celebratory Chinese Food feast. Dawn is playing with her chopsticks. We can see, in the BG, that Dawn's sleeping bag is laid out on the couch, and that she brought an overnight duffle with her.
When I was younger, I used to put my chopsticks in my mouth like this... Dawn puts chopsticks in her mouth like vampire fangs.
(talking around the fangs) ...and Buffy would chase me around the house yelling "I'm the Slayer! I'm gonna get you!"
That's disturbing. You're emotionally scarred and will turn out badly. Dawn takes out the fangs.
No, it was great! She didn't really stake me in the heart, you know.
Buffy's pretty cool about that. (then) So what do you want to do now, Dawnster? Keeping in mind that I'm not going to chase you, because I am old and stuffed full of mu-gu-gai-starch.
(eagerly) We could play that game again. Life? That's fun.
For you. You always win.
Well, we could wager this time. You could give me real money. That would be different.
And after we teach her to gamble, maybe we could all get drunk.
(dead serious) I don't think they'd server her in a bar. But we could bring something in. (brightly/to Dawn) Strawberry Schnapps tastes just like ice cream.
(to Dawn) There will be no Schnapps, no alcohol of any kind until you are at least old enough to be President, understand?
Got it. Xander gets up and grabs the paper.
How about a movie? They're showing 'em in theaters now. I hear it's like watching a video with a bunch of strangers and a sticky floor. Xander lays the movie section out on the table. They all look.
That one looks sad.
The chimp playing hockey? Is that based on the Chekhov? Anya grabs the paper, fascinated.
There's a chimp playing hockey?!
I meant the other one. I don't wanna see a sad movie.
We have to see the chimp playing hockey! That's hilarious! Ice is so slippery! And monkeys are all irrational... we have to see this! Both Dawn and Xander stare at Anya. Then-
You pick, Dawn. This is your night. We're celebrating your mom's good news.
Go monkey! Choose monkey!
That's okay. You guys don't have to make a big deal for me. The only reason I'm sleeping over here is so Buffy and Riley can boink.
That's not it at all... they just need some time to... be tender... relax...
He's not very convincing.
Yeah, 'Alone time' always translates into 'Get Dawn out of the house so we can have loud obnoxious sex.' Anya and Dawn share a knowing smile. Anya suddenly turns to Xander --
Does that mean we can't? INT. BUFFY'S LIVING ROOM - NIGHT Candles are lit. Romantic music plays. There's evidence of a half-eaten dinner on the coffee table... Buffy and Riley have pushed some of the furniture back and they're dancing, holding each other tight and swaying to the music. Buffy sighs happily.
Can we put this song on "repeat?"
Whatever you want.
Can we put this night on "repeat?"
Absolutely.
Good... (then) God. I can't believe how relaxed I feel. Like all the tension's just been released from my body...
Already? I had that scheduled for a little later on.
(coy) Scheduled? Are you planning to seduce me?
Always. They smile and he kisses her tenderly. Then-
I want tonight to be special for you.
It's more than special. It's perfect.
I'm glad. You deserve it after everything you've been through.
It was nothing compared to what Mom had to deal with.
But it was a lot. And you were incredible.
Not really. I was just covering for the weepy chicken within.
Don't sell yourself short. You stayed strong the whole time, Buffy. You never even cried.
Oh, I cried alright. There were a few times I couldn't stop. Riley takes this in - surprised and a little pained. She never let herself cry with him.
Oh. Buffy snuggles closer to him, unaware of his hurt.
But that's all over now. Now Mom's out of the woods and I'm here with you - and that's all that matters. Riley wants to believe that - and when Buffy kisses him, he responds to her affection. The kiss grows quickly passionate... INT. BUFFY'S BEDROOM - NIGHT A SLOW PAN across Buffy and Riley as they make love. It's tender and loving... (NOTE: we should see that Riley is wearing a few bandages on his body. Subtle, but noticeable...) Buffy's reaching (an 8:00pm) climax as the camera drifts away from them... EXT. BUFFY'S HOUSE - NIGHT Outside we find Spike lurking, watching Buffy's window and smoking. His expression is grave. He can guess what's going on inside now, and he's not happy about it. INT. BUFFY'S BEDROOM - NIGHT Buffy and Riley lie together in bed, post lovin'. Buffy's sleeping contentedly - but Riley's awake, holding her. Instinctively, in her sleep, Buffy rolls AWAY from him. A beat as Riley takes this in. EXT. BUFFY'S HOUSE - NIGHT Spike's starting to feel like a real ass for hanging around all moony-like. He throws his cigarette down in disgust, preparing to take off. But as he's turning to leave he sees RILEY sneaking out of the front door. His movements have a furtive quality that raise Spike's suspicions. Riley moves quickly down the street. Spike hesitates only a moment before following him. EXT. ALLEY - NIGHT Riley ducks into a dark alley. Spike follows him, sticking to the shadows. CLOSE ON RILEY As he disappears up a dingy back staircase. ON SPIKE Eyes narrowing. He can't believe it. He knows what Riley's up to - and it isn't what he expected at all. EXT. HOSPITAL - DAY (DAY 2) Establishing. INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - DAY Buffy's sitting on Joyce's bed. Joyce looks a little groggy, but like Buffy, she's in good spirits. This despite the fairly fake-looking WIG she's wearing. Joyce adjusts it while she looks in a mirror she holds.
(re: wig) You don't think it's too obvious? I think I look like I have a cat on my head.
But a very well groomed cat.
Well that's a comfort.
I think it's fun. We can get you a whole bunch of different wigs. You can be like - Action Mom, Sixties Mom, French Maid Mom... Maybe get a big green Grinchy- looking one for Christmas...
I must be getting better. You're making fun of me again.
Well, yeah. I have a lot of lost time to make up. An affectionate moment passes between them. They're both so clearly relieved by the outcome of the operation...
I think you have more important things to make up. I know you've been missing a lot of school...
I'm fine. Willow's been bringing me my work. I may have to take a few incompletes, but I'll get through the semester.
Well what about slaying - and your friends? I want you to get back to your life.
I will. I promise. But right now I'm more into being here - and styling your beautiful new plastic dream hair.
Fair enough. But you don't have to keep me company all night. Go have fun. Get Riley to take you to a movie or something.
I am having fun. Besides, I gave Riley the rest of the day off.
I don't think he thinks of you as a chore, Buffy.
Mom - I told Riley to make his own plans tonight because I wanted to have you all to myself. Okay? I can see him anytime. (then) Besides, I'm sure he'll come around later looking for some- (catches herself) Bible study.
(a little unsure) Well - good. As long as you two are getting come quality time with... the Lord.
We are. Absolutely. OFF BUFFY Who appears completely confident. Things with Riley are fine. INT. CHEAP MOTEL ROOM (BEAUTIFUL TWO WALL SET) - DAY Major Ellis and the Black Ops are encamped in a small, dark hotel room. A few guys wearing headphones sit monitoring radio signals, which squawk quietly in the background. Ellis is reading a map as Graham comes over, full of urgency, and hands Ellis a transmission.
Sir.
What have we got?
Belize. Last transmission. Infra-red scans say...
They're breeding. They won't stay put in that village for long. (nods) Looks like we got ourselves a hot spot. Tell the men to get ready. Graham nods and starts to move out, then stops, turns:
What about Riley? (off Ellis's look) Agent Finn. I'm telling you sir, if we go in for a sweep and drop, he's definitely a guy we want on the team. Ellis considers it.
Let's bring him on board.
It might take a little convincing.
Why? What's he got here in Sunnydale that's so special? INT. BUFFY'S BEDROOM - NIGHT CLOSE ON BUFFY In bed and sleeping soundly, clearly not wearing anything under the covers. Then a noise wakes her. She sits up, holding the covers to her.
Riley? But it's SPIKE who slinks from the darkness.
It's me. Buffy's suitably surprised and pissed.
Spike. Every time you show up like this, you risk all your parts - you know that?
I wouldn't be here if I didn't have a good reason. As usual I'm here to help you and are you naked under there?
Get out. Spike can't help it - he's flustered by her nearby nudity.
I'm serious- Not about the naked part, I mean...
(deadly) Get out or I'll drop you out, head first. That sobers him. His tone is suddenly deadly serious.
I want to show you something.
(suspicious) What?
You need to see it. A long beat as Buffy assesses his tone. Finally decides that he may be on the level.
This better be worth getting out of my warm bed for, or so help me-
It is. (then) But we have to move if we want to get there in time. But Buffy doesn't budge. Spike just stands there, hoping. Buffy makes it clear with a look that Spike's going to have to turn around before she goes anywhere.
(scoffing) Please. Like I give a bloody damn. Spike turns around. Oh my God, does he give a damn. He's dying, just knowing that an in-the-buff Buffy's right behind him. EXT. ALLEY - NIGHT Spike leads Buffy into the same alley he saw Riley disappear into. INT. VAMPIRE DRUG DEN - FIRST FLOOR - NIGHT Spike leads Buffy up some back stairs and into the first floor of a seedy flophouse that looks like a cross between a crack house and a low-rent whorehouse. The walls are covered in graffiti, the floors littered with debris and mattresses... It's dark, but we can see that the place is inhabited by a sordid bunch of lowlife humans and vampires. CLOSE ON BUFFY Taking this all in. BUFFY'S POV Through the darkness she can just make out people passed out in corners, folks locked in strange embraces, money changing hands here and there... RESUME Spike leads Buffy to another flight of stairs. Before they can start for the second floor a TOUGH-LOOKING VAMPIRE gets in Spike's face.
What do you think you're doing?
Just having a little look, mate. Keep it down. Spike tries to move past him - but the guy won't go away.
(louder) You can't just go up there. WHAMP! Spike grabs the vampire by the neck and nearly chokes the life out of him.
I said, keep it down. Spike casts the guy aside. The vampire hits the ground hard, gasping for air... Spike and Buffy move up the stairs. INT. VAMPIRE DRUG DEN - PRIVATE ROOM - NIGHT Buffy enters the room, which is lit only by one dim bare light bulb. The only thing in the room is a soiled mattress, where RILEY sits - getting bit by a trashy, junkie vampire girl. Buffy, stunned beyond words, takes in the scene before her... The vampire in Riley's arms... The money on the mattress... Riley hasn't noticed them standing there yet. Instead, he speaks to the vampire girls, his tone hard and insistent-
Harder. At this, Buffy gasps. Riley looks up. He and Buffy meet eyes. BLACK OUT.
|
| Act Two |
|
INT. VAMPIRE DRUG DEN - PRIVATE ROOM - NIGHT The same moment we left off. Buffy's mask of shock gives way to horror. She can't believe what she's seeing. Behind her, Spike stands - savoring every minute of this. Riley, also in some kind of terrible shock, can only utter-
Buffy- But Buffy's every instinct is telling her to get out. She turns and runs.
Buffy! Riley, still weak from the bite, tries to disentangle from the girl in his arms. Spike lingers behind a moment.
(mock sincere) We only came here because we care about you, friend. You need help. Riley, infuriated, lunges at Spike - but Spike's already out the door. INT. VAMPIRE DRUG DEN - FIRST FLOOR - NIGHT Buffy's racing down the stairs to the first floor of the building, half blind with shock and disbelief. Suddenly the intimidating vamp owner of the place, WHIP, comes at her - either trying to calm her or hurt her, it's not clear which...
Hey, hey!- Buffy doesn't waste any time figuring out his intent. Instead she HURLS THE GUY out of her way with all her might. WHIP goes flying and crashes into a nearby wall... A few more paces and Buffy's out of there, with Spike not far behind. A beat and Riley comes racing down the stairs, trying to catch up with Buffy. He looks pale and shaky as he buttons the shirt he just threw on. He's just about to hit the door when a firm hand stops him. It's WHIP, recovered from his blow and FURIOUS.
Was that the Slayer? Riley doesn't reply, just tries to push past him. Whip's certainty grows-
What the hell do you think you're doing, bringing the slayer here?!
Back off. I didn't-
She knows where my operation is, it's over. Nobody's going to risk coming here.
(intense) Back off, man, or- WHAMP! Whip punches Riley hard. Riley doubles over, but doesn't fall. Whip approaches him menacingly.
You working with her - is that it? I knew you were too vanilla for this scene- Before Whip can hit Riley again, Riley rears up and HEADBUTTS him - sending him staggering back. Riley bolts for the door and escapes. EXT. ALLEY - NIGHT Buffy and Spike spill into the street from the tenement. Buffy is so stricken, she looks ill. Spike sees this, tries to offer some kind of explanation-
I thought you should know. I- Buffy shoots Spike a look so deadly and full of pain that it stops him in his tracks. It's clear that another word from him might mean his demise. A beat. Then Buffy takes off down the alley, disappears around the corner. OFF SPIKE As his expression registers what he's just done to Buffy. And that it didn't make her like him even remotely more... INT. RILEY'S APARTMENT - NIGHT Riley - deeply shaken - moves into his dark apartment and clicks on a light, only to find that he isn't alone. MAJOR ELLIS, GRAHAM and another black op are quietly waiting for him. A beat. Riley can't believe this. Then-
Get out.
I need to talk to you.
I'm not in the talking mood. Riley and Ellis face off - but Graham intercedes.
Then listen.
Riley, just give the man a chance. If you don't like what you hear - we'll be on our way. Riley takes this in, relents a little. Says to Ellis-
Talk fast.
We have a Code One in Belize. A demon tribe is tearing apart missionaries in the rainforest down there.
And you're telling me this because...
We're going down to terminate their operation. Want you to join us.
I'm a civilian.
You're a soldier.
I quit the government a long way back.
We're not government. We're army.
Just like you. Riley can't bring himself to protest...
When demon activity goes unchecked in parts of the world most people don't want to know about - we move in. It's not the Initiative, Finn. We don't do experiments. None of us gives a damn what makes monsters tick. We just stop 'em.
What do you need me for?
I think you can handle yourself, and I always need bodies. I'm not gonna lie: it's the real deal. High risk, low pay and seriously messy. We ship out for South America tomorrow midnight. Now maybe civilian life's working out for you... Ellis gives Riley a pointed once over. Sees his pale, shaken face - the bags under his eyes.
... And maybe it's not. Midnight tomorrow. Decision is yours. Ellis, Graham and the other Black Ops file out.
It's a hell of a ride, bro. They go. The door closes. CLOSE ON RILEY Completely spun. First Buffy, now this... INT. BUFFY'S BEDROOM - NIGHT Buffy comes home, truly freaked by what she's just seen. She leans against her door - upset and bewildered. FADE TO: INT. THE MAGIC BOX - DAY (DAY 3) The next day. Anya and Willow are opening and stocking new boxes of inventory, while Xander and Giles begin to put up some holiday decorations. Giles hangs a decorated sign over the sales desk - "DON'T FORGET WINTER SOLSTICE, HANUKKAH, CHRISTMAS AND KWANZA ARE COMING!" He stands back to survey his work.
And so it begins. No longer a victim of crass holiday commercialization - I am a purveyor of it. Willow unwraps a beautiful statue of a fairy, places it on a shelf.
Pretty. (then) This is sort of like un-Hanukkah. I keep opening things that I actually want, only they aren't for me. Now Anya opens a box and her face falls. She lifts a bag of chicken feet from the box.
Who ordered more chicken's feet? The ones we have aren't moving at all.
That' generally what happens when you cut them off the chicken.
I'm serious... Maybe we should do a holiday promotion - one free with every purchase. Giles comes and takes the bag of chicken feet from Anya.
Ah yes, what dear holiday memories. Joyful tykes by the fire, enjoying their new Christmas chicken feet.
(teasingly) Holding them close as they fall asleep, painting their tiny toenails... Anya doesn't appreciate the mocking.
Oh, yes. Very humorous. Make fun of the ex-demon. I can just hear you in private: "I dislike that Anya. She is newly-human and strangely literal."
What? I don't say that. No one says that. No one talks like that.
There is nothing wrong with my idea, anyway. I have been very good for this store. If it wasn't for me, Giles would be a terrified old man staring at a quarterly tax statement and wetting himself.
I say, that's an exaggeration--
Anya, you've helped out a lot, but I have too.
Yes, that's right. I forgot about all the vigorous sitting around.
(to Anya) Hey, Ahn, you can back off a little. You get paid. Willow's doing this on her own time.
(sweetly) I'm sorry, Willow. Thank you for making time in your busy life to come in here and get in the way of mine.
Anya! Play nice!
Fine! Take her side instead of mine. Even though I'm the one who sleeps with you and feeds you and bathes you! A beat.
She bathes you?
(embarrassed) Only in an erotic, Penthouse-y way. Not in a sponge-bathy, geriatric sort of-
(cutting him off) Please. Stop. I beg of you. Giles might go on, but Buffy enters - clearly agitated.
Giles, I need to find out everything I can about a vamp nest downtown.
A nest? What sort of-
(cutting him off) It was like a... there were people there. It looked like they were paying vampires to bite them.
(mock relief) Now I know what to get for the person who has everything.
Who would pay to get bitten?
It's been going on for centuries. Humans hire vampires to feed off them. They get off on the rush.
And the danger. Traveling in the underworld can become addictive for these people.
Why don't the vampires just kill them?
Because they get cash, hot and cold running blood - and they don't leave any corpses around, so they don't get hunted.
Still, it's terribly dangerous for humans. People end up dying accidentally or meeting a vampire who only pretends to play by house rules. Buffy turns to Giles, a little too intense.
You knew about this and you didn't tell me? Giles is a little surprised by her attitude.
I- I haven't seen it since my Ripper days. I didn't know it was going on in Sunnydale. Buffy moves to one of the weapons cabinets, starts to load up.
Well it is, and I'm going to stop it. Giles moves to her.
Buffy, even if I had known about this - I might no have told you.
What? Why?
I'm not sure this is where your efforts are best spent. Perhaps you should focus your efforts on a... less ambiguous evil. Glory, for instance.
You said people are dying.
But they're willing victims. And there are so many other people who deserve your help who aren't...
Not to mention the fact that if you cut off their supply - they'll only look for another fix someplace else. But Buffy won't hear it.
Vampires are vampires. And my job description is pretty clear. (hard) Are you coming with me or not?
What's the rush, Buff? If we're going into a nest maybe we should come up with a strategy. Wait for Riley... Buffy's face clouds a little at Riley's name. Xander sees it.
Back me up or not, I'm not waiting. And she starts out. Giles, Willow and Xander exchange a look. Then gather their own weapons and move after Buffy.
Anya - will you mind the store?
Sure thing. They all head for the door. Anya calls after them in her cheerful shopkeeper voice-
Have a nice day. Don't get killed! And they're gone. INT. DRUG DEN - FIRST FLOOR - DAY The dingy room looks like it's been recently abandoned. Personal belongings are scattered around, and a COLEMAN CAMPING STOVE still burns on the floor. A beat, then Buffy, Giles, Xander and Willow troop down from the stairs that lead to the second floor. They've clearly been over the whole place once before.
I don't know what happened. This place was doing serious business last night...
Guess everybody jumped ship when word got out that the Slayer found their crib. (quickly) And let me just apologize for that use of the word crib.
(to Giles) You think they'll set up shop again here in town?
It's hard to say. I imagine they'll lay low for a while.
(frustrated) But they're around somewhere. There's got to be a way we can find these creeps.
Don't worry, Buff. You'll find them.
Yeah. I'm sure you'll get 'em next time, champ. Buffy looks at Xander, her attitude openly steely. Then she grabs the Coleman stove from the ground and hurls it against the opposite wall. Kerosene splatters everywhere and the whole area goes up in FLAMES.
(deadly calm) We'd better get going. Buffy heads quickly out. The others lag a bit behind, exchanging concerned glances. Buffy's turned into the Terminator and they don't know why. INT. SPIKE'S CRYPT - DAY Spike's sitting in the dark in his armchair, nursing a bottle of whiskey. He's still smarting from Buffy's reaction at seeing Riley the night before... A beat - then RILEY STORMS INTO THE CRYPT, in a hot rage. He moves to Spike and YANKS HIM ROUGHLY OUT OF HIS CHAIR. Spike throws attitude, 'natch.
What took you? Guess it takes a while to get to full strength after those bites- Riley HURLS Spike into the opposite wall.
(alarmed) Hey. Hey. Let's be reasonable about this. Now Riley YANKS Spike off the ground and shoves him up against the wall.
You may have noticed Spike, I left reasonable about three exits back.
Look, I'm not the one who got you into this. I mean, don't kill the messenger- Without warning, Riley pulls a SERIOUS-LOOKING WOOD STAKE from his coat and brutally STAKES SPIKE THROUGH THE HEART.
Why the hell not? BLACK OUT.
|
| Act Three |
|
INT. SPIKE'S CRYPT - DAY Exactly where we left off. Spike's just been staked, Riley's standing over him. Spike's in agony - but he's not dust.
Owwww! Ohhhh, God- (getting it) Hey. Riley YANKS the stake out of Spike's chest. Regards it coolly.
Plastic wood grain. Looks real, doesn't it? Spike falls against the wall, overwhelmed by both the pain and the relief at not being dead. Riley comes on strong, furious.
You think I don't know what's going on with you, Spike? Stay away from her - or we're doing this for real next time. Riley's about to turn away when Spike unexpectedly starts to LAUGH. He's still in incredible pain, but he's laughing.
Oh... man... you're really under it, aren't you?
What?
Look at you. All afraid I'm hot for your honey...
Because you are.
Well - yeah! But that's not your problem. Even if I wasn't in the picture, you're never going to be able to hold onto her... Riley grabs Spike again, who yells with fresh pain.
Ahhhh! Bloody hell-
Maybe I didn't almost kill you enough- Spike manages to speak through his pain, he can't pass up this chance to show Riley he has his number.
Come on. You're not the long haul guy and you know it-
(hard) Shut up-
You know it, or you wouldn't be getting suck jobs from two bit vampire trulls. This gives Riley pause - Spike sees it.
Girl needs some monster in her man, and it's not in your nature. No matter how low you try to go. Riley deflates a little at this - knows there truth in it. He roughly unhands Spike. Spike, wincing with pain, grabs his whiskey bottle from the armchair, drinks from it to try to dull the incredible fire in his chest.
Do you actually think you've got a shot with her?
No, I don't. Fellow's gotta do what he can, though. Got to try.
You touch her, you know I'd kill you, for real.
I had this chip out, I'd a killed you long ago. (beat) Ain't love grand. Another moment, and he tosses Riley the bottle. Riley swigs.
Sometimes I envy you so much it chokes me. And then sometimes I think I've got the better deal. To be that close to her and not have her... To be all alone even when you're holding her, feeling her, feeling her beneath you, surrounding you, the scent of -- no, you've got the better deal. Riley drinks again.
I'm the lucky guy. Yeah. He almost means it. He tosses the bottle back to Spike, who drinks.
I'm the guy. INT. TRAINING ROOM - NIGHT We find Buffy working the punching bag hard - trying to expel some of her anger and hurt... INT. THE MAGIC BOX - NIGHT Anya's behind the counter, finaling the cash register tally for the day. Xander's there, helping to close shop. They can hear Buffy straining as she works out. Xander glances toward the training room, concerned.
How long has she been in there?
A while. She seemed pretty gung ho about it, too. Didn't even stop to say hello.
Yeah... When we went to deal with that vampire nest, she got all Rambo and torched the place. Something seriously bad is going on with her.
I don't know. Maybe you're overreacting. I mean, who hasn't done stuff like that from time to time? I made this one guy spontaneously combust, and he set his whole village on fire-
(cuts her off) Could you stop being scary for a minute and listen to what I'm trying to tell you? He'd continue but RILEY enters, looking pretty intense himself. He sees Anya and Xander - hears the noise coming from the training room.
Is she in there?
(nods) She's training. Riley nods. Then-
Would you guys mind clearing out? I need a minute alone with Buffy. Xander nods. He understands that something serious is going down - while Anya...
Ah - a little after hours hanky- panky in the training room, huh? Xander and I can tell you some stories- Xander, rolling his eyes, grabs Anya and slams the cash register closed as he cuts her off, saying-
Not now. Let's go, Anya.
There's a funny thing with the vaulting horse, you can-
Anya- Xander leads Anya out. As they're hitting the door, Anya turns to Xander.
What? He was the one who started it.
In your world, maybe. But where the people are this isn't the time for tales of Anya and Xander's Sexcapades. Anya takes this in, gets that she messed up.
Oh. (then) Well, let's just go home and, y'know, have 'em.
Actually, I got some stuff to take care of. Anya looks a little put off, but Xander's too distracted to notice as they head out the front door. INT. TRAINING ROOM - NIGHT Buffy's still beating the hell out of the punching bag when she notices Riley standing in the doorway, looking grave. Buffy falters a moment at seeing him - then continues, her face going hard. She's too freaked and upset to deal with him. Riley moves closer.
We need to talk.
I'm not ready to talk to you yet. Riley catches the punching bag - stops it.
Too bad. Buffy just looks at him for an angry beat. Moves away from him and starts to gather her stuff.
I'm serious. Unless you want a fight-
So let's fight. We need to have this out, Buffy. Right now. Buffy turns on Riley.
(pained) And say what, Riley? What were you thinking? How long have you been lying to me? (then) Nothing you can say right now is going to make it better. She tries to move past him, but Riley grabs her - holds her fast.
I realize that. I don't expect... I just need you to hear me out. A beat. Buffy relents a bit - but her expression remains hard.
Fine. But get your hands off me. She says this last with such pain and force that Riley unhands her. Buffy stands her ground, waiting for him to talk.
I think - I... when this thing started, it was just some stupid, immature game. I wanted to even the score after you let Dracula bite you-
I did not let him-
(cutting her off) I know. On some level I know that. But I was still spun, and, I don't know... I wanted to know what you felt, I wanted to know why Angel and Dracula had so much power over you-
(shakes her head) You so don't get it. Riley grows emphatic, trying so hard to be understood.
Exactly. Which is why I let the first one bite me... I wanted to get it, Buffy. I wanted to get you-
So this is my fault? Gee, Buffy's so mysterious - I think I'll go almost die. I think I'll let some other woman... She stops, can't even say it.
This isn't your fault. It's mine. And I feel like hell for what I've put you through. But it's just - these girls-
Vampires, killers.
(ignoring) They made me feel something. Something I didn't even know I was missing until- Buffy starts past him again - this is too much.
I can't. I can't hear this- Riley grabs her by the arm again, desperate to get through to her, desperate to make her understand...
You need to hear this-
(livid) Fine. Tell me about your whores. Tell me what on earth they've been giving you that I can't.
They needed me, Buffy-
(cutting him off) They needed your money! It wasn't about you.
No - on some basic level it was about me. My blood. My body. When they bit me, it was beyond passion... They wanted to devour me, all of me-
(pained) Why are you telling me this?
It wasn't real. I know. It was just physical. But the fact that I craved it, that I kept going back... Even if it was fleeting - they made me feel like they had such hunger for me... It dawns on Buffy now what he's trying to say - and it hits her like a slap in the face.
And - I don't? Make you feel that way? Riley falls silent. That's what he's saying. Buffy's appalled.
How can you compare me to, to that? How can you say you understand what those vampires were feeling? You're not a passion to them, you're a snack! An idiotic, willing snack!
I know exactly what they feel when they bite me - because I feel it every time we're together. It's like the whole world falls away - and all there is is you.
And you don't think I care that way about you? How dare you tell me-
(cutting her off) You keep me at a distance Buffy. You didn't even call me when your mom went into the hospital.
I'm sorry I couldn't take care of you when I thought my mom was dying.
It's about me taking care of you! It's about letting me in, so you don't have to be on top of everything all the time-
But I do. See, that's part of what a slayer is. And that's really what this is about. You can't handle that I'm stronger than you.
It's hard sometimes, yes. But that's not it-
Then what? What do you want from me Riley? I've given you everything I have. Every part of me, body and soul-
(anguished) You say that, but I don't feel it.
Well whose fault is that? Because I'm telling you - this is me. This is the package. And if it's so deficient that you need to get your kicks elsewhere then we have a real problem. This hits Riley hard. A beat, then-
They want me back, Buffy. The military. It's deep undercover. No contact with civilians. (then) The transport's leaving tonight.
(stunned) Tonight? When were you going to tell me about this?
I'm telling you now.
Are you going?
I don't know. If we can't work this out...
Then what? That's it - goodbye? Buffy's anger returns, ten-fold.
You are unbelievable! You're giving me an ultimatum?
I'm not. I-
You are! You expect me to get over it now or you're gone!
I don't. Buffy- But Buffy's had it, she starts for the door. Riley blocks her way.
That's not what I meant-
No. I've heard enough. I'm not taking the blame for all of this-
I'm not asking you to-
(cutting him off) Let me go, or I'll- She stops herself.
What? Hit me? Go ahead. She just stares at him. Riley forces the issue, wanting the connection - desperately wanting something from her-
(hard) Come on, do it.
(deadly) Get out of my way. Riley stands his ground.
I'm serious, Buffy. Hit me. Hit me. Finally Buffy just moves around him. Grabs her things. Riley deflates. She just going to walk away... Buffy almost hits the door when-
I'm leaving, Buffy. Unless you give me a reason to stay, I'm leaving tonight. This stops Buffy in her tracks. CLOSE ON BUFFY Taking this in, expression hard. A long beat - then she walks out the back door of the training room. OFF RILEY Watching her go, pained. FADE TO: EXT. ALLEY - NIGHT Some time has passed. Buffy is walking aimlessly through an alley - devastated. Completely distracted by her fight with Riley. Then she realizes that she's not alone... WHIP, THE VAMPIRE "PIMP", moves out of the shadows. He has THE JUNKIE GIRL VAMP WHO BIT RILEY on his arm. The junkie girl vamp has been beaten - looks really out of it.
The pyro act was a bad idea, Slayer. Buffy's in no mood.
Felt pretty good to me. Now there's some more movement in the darkness and we see that Buffy's surrounded by WHIP'S STABLE OF VAMPIRES, four men and three women. Buffy goes on high alert - aware of danger on all sides.
I'm not running. And you're not shutting me down. The vampires start to CLOSE IN ON BUFFY.
In fact - you're not going to make it through the night. OFF BUFFY Whose eyes dart, taking in how very much trouble she's in... BLACK OUT.
|
| Act Four |
|
EXT. HELIPAD - NIGHT Riley has joined Ellis, Graham and the other Black Ops at the helicopter, which is on a helipad on the outskirts of town. The men are loading the copter, while Riley scans the horizon, hoping. He looks at his watch. EXT. ALLEY - NIGHT The vampires are continuing to close ranks around Buffy. Buffy's in no mood for this. She warns them, her tone pained and lethal-
Walk away. But the vampires continue to move in.
I'm serious. Don't do this. Not now- One of the vampires LUNGES FOR HER. That's it. Buffy springs into action, ripping a thin, long wooden plank from a boarded-up window near by. In a series of blindingly fast, economical moves Buffy breaks the wood plank at each end, making stake-like points. Fighting "Trinity Style" in the Matrix, Buffy spins and thrusts her double-ended stake, dusting vampires left and right. The vampires doesn't even have time to react - one through seven are gone. Then she unceremoniously finishes off WHIP with one final, deft move. The whole fight takes about eight seconds - and the only other creature left standing in the alley besides Buffy is the junkie vampire girl who bit Riley. The girl trembles, wide-eyed, before Buffy. Clearly messed up and harmless. Buffy hesitates. She can't kill this one. It stinks of pointless vengeance. Buffy slumps, spent and feeling no better for the raw display of power. A beat as the junkie girl realizes she's being spared. Then the girl takes off running down the alley. CLOSE ON BUFFY As she hears the girl retreat. Buffy doesn't move... The moment plays out for an unusually long time... As long as it took Buffy to kill those vampires... Then, without warning, Buffy hurtles her weapon toward the retreating vampire girl. WHOMP! She impales the junkie vamp girl. DUST. The double ended plank clatters to the ground... Buffy just stands there - looking at the space where the vampire girls just was. Expressionless. Then a voice startles her.
So how'd that work out for you? Make you feel better? Buffy turns to see Xander moving out of the shadows.
What are you doing here?
I thought you might need to talk. Then I saw you get into this skirmish... I was going to lend a hand - but you seemed to grow a few extra ones. Buffy starts to walk away.
Go home, Xander.
Buffy-
I'm serious. Xander heads after her.
So am I. Something's up. You're acting like a crazy person. Buffy ignores him. She takes off and turns a corner, trying to get away from him EXT. WAREHOUSE - NIGHT Buffy sees that the sliding door of a warehouse is slightly ajar. She runs to it and forces it open enough to slip inside. A beat later - and Xander comes around the corner, sees Buffy disappearing into the warehouse. INT. ABANDONED WAREHOUSE - NIGHT Buffy moves inside, upset and cornered now. Xander's right on her heels.
Take this, for instance. You don't want to deal, so you hide? Not very slayer-like.
Just leave me alone, Xander. You have no idea what's going on.
No? Good. So you and Riley aren't imploding? Buffy turns toward him, surprised.
Doesn't take a genius. What I can't figure out is how you didn't see it coming?
What? Who told you-
Nobody told me anything, Buffy. It's been right in front of my Xander face. The guy would do anything for you-
(cutting him off) The guy got himself bit by a vampire! Xander reacts to this. He suspected, but...
He lied to me. He ran around behind my back and almost got himself killed. And now he has the nerve to tell me that he's leaving with some covert military operation at midnight, unless I convince him not to. (then) No tell me you "understand" - because I sure as hell don't.
Are you going to let him go?
It's not my decision if he wants to take off--
Of course it is.
Well, that's not fair!
Who cares if it's fair? In about twenty minutes Riley's gonna disappear -- maybe forever -- unless you do something to stop him.
What am I supposed to do? Beg him to stay?
Why wouldn't you? To keep Riley here, you wouldn't --
I don't even know who he is! I mean he's... I thought Riley was dependable --
Dependable? What is he, State Farm?
You know what I mean.
Yeah, I think you mean convenient. I think you took it for granted that he was gonna show up when you wanted him to and take off when you didn't.
Look who's talking! You've got Anya following you around like a love sick puppy --
Oh boy is this not about me --
Is she more than a convenience? 'Cause that'd be kind of a surprise. He stares at her a moment, dead serious... Maybe she's got his number, or maybe he's just got hers.
If you don't want to hear what I have to say, I'll shut up right now.
Good. 'Cause --
I lied. See, what I think? You got burned with Angel. Then Riley shows up-
I know the story, Xander.
But you missed the point. You shut down, Buffy. And you've been treating Riley like the rebound guy, when he's the one who comes along once in a lifetime. He's never held back with you - he's risked it all - and you're about to let him fly because you don't like ultimatums? This hits Buffy hard. Xander sees it, comes on strong-
If what he needs from you just isn't there - for God's sake, let him go. But if it is? If you can go deeper... Let him get to know that raw, unguarded heart you tried to put away... Maybe you'd better risk something too. CLOSE ON BUFFY He's finally gotten through to her - her anger gives way to realization...
Okay. So he's drawn the line. Good. Cause either this is the end - or maybe it's the beginning. It's up to you. RESUME Buffy looks at Xander with stunned tears in her eyes.
Xander-
Run. A flicker of hope lights Buffy's face. They share a quick look - Buffy's appreciation clear. Then she TAKES OFF. INTERCUT: EXT. VARIOUS/STREET - NIGHT Buffy running as fast as she can. EXT. HELIPAD - NIGHT The military helicopter is about to take off. Ellis, Graham and the others - but Riley's still hanging back, hoping that Buffy will show. EXT. VARIOUS/STREET - NIGHT Close on Buffy's legs as she races toward Riley.... EXT. HELIPAD - NIGHT Everyone else is on the helicopter. Riley hesitating... Then-
Come on, Finn! A beat. Riley moves reluctantly toward the copter, still holding out a shred of hope. EXT. VARIOUS/STREET - NIGHT Buffy's giving it everything she's got... INT. HELICOPTER - NIGHT Riley straps himself into his seat - looking in vain for Buffy. EXT. STREET NEAR HELIPAD - NIGHT Buffy turns a corner. In the distance, she can just make out the copter on the helipad. It's not too late- INT. HELICOPTER - NIGHT The copter starts to lift into the air. The noise is overwhelming... Pained, Riley's expression falls. It's too late. EXT. HELIPAD - NIGHT Buffy trips and falls as she frantically tries to reach the helipad in time, but the copter has already left the ground. She yells - the sound of her voice obliterated by the chopper.
Riley!! INT. HELICOPTER - NIGHT Over Riley's shoulder, we see BUFFY BELOW, although RILEY DOESN'T. She's calling for him - but he can't hear her. EXT. HELIPAD - ANOTHER ANGLE - NIGHT CLOSE ON BUFFY She desperate. They have to see her. She calls again as the copter takes off into the night.
Stop!! Riley!! INT. HELICOPTER - NIGHT Riley is totally unaware of Buffy's presence. Instead, his hopes fade as the copter rises higher into the air. EXT. HELIPAD - NIGHT CLOSE ON BUFFY Who stops yelling as the copter disappears into the darkness. She can't believe it... She slumps, spent and heartbroken. INT. HELICOPTER - NIGHT Riley looks straight ahead as they leave the ground far behind... He never sees Buffy below. FADE TO: EXT. STREET - NIGHT Buffy walks home, numb with pain. INT. ANYA'S APARTMENT - NIGHT Xander comes through the front door, already talking as he moves toward Anya - who stands, sleepy in her PJ's at the other end of the room. His manner is urgent and heartfelt-
I need to say something to you. I should have said it a long time ago. I mean, you may not even know... I love you, Anya, more every day. I love the way you see things. I love the way you work a cash register and how beautiful you are - and how amazingly sweet and crazy you can be at the same time... He's at her side now, and she's crying joyful tears. He takes her face in his hands...
I can't imagine my days without you - and I wouldn't want to. ...and kisses her deeply. It grows quickly passionate and loving as we- FADE TO: INT. BUFFY'S STAIRS/UPSTAIRS HALLWAY - NIGHT Buffy walks up the stairs toward her room - but she's too broken to make it. She slumps to one of the stairs and just sits there for a long beat. Then she starts to cry. INT. HELICOPTER - NIGHT CLOSE ON RILEY As the copter leaves the lights of the coast behind. He stares out at the black horizon - his expression going dead as he prepares to disappear. BLACK OUT.
|