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Date Posted: 15:19:24 08/15/02 Thu
Author: Jacqui/Anya's Necklace
Subject: Buffy #09 : Relapse -- Act 1
In reply to: Jacqui/Anya's Necklace 's message, "Buffy #09 : Relapse -- Unedited & Uncut... well, not uncut. -- Teaser" on 15:17:42 08/15/02 Thu

ACT ONE


Scene: UC Sunnydale Campus [Ext.], Day

WILLOW and AMY stroll along a path, carrying books.

AMY
Ok, how about that one?

She points to a rather nearby cutie patootie frat boy.

WILLOW
Well...

AMY
(pointing)
Or that one?

WILLOW
Umm...

AMY
Oooh. That one!

WILLOW
Amy! Is there anyone here you
wouldn't sleep with?

AMY
Well. I suppose, ummm...
(off Willow's look)
Ok, but did you see his arms?

WILLOW
Who?

AMY
The cute one.

WILLOW
Was that before or after frisbee boy?

AMY
Before frisbee, after Mr 'Pre-Med
Mercedes Benz'.

WILLOW
Sorry, I got sidetracked somewhere
around the twentieth guy.

AMY
(arguing her point)
Arms like that don't come along
very often. You see those kind of
arms, you pack up your glory box,
hand over your dowry, move to
Smallville and start raising babies.

WILLOW
Right... not really looking to
shack up with a frat boy, so he's
all yours. Besides, I don't think
I'm his type.

AMY
Oh please, guys love that whole
angle.

As they round a corner, WILLOW sees BUFFY sitting alone at a
table.

WILLOW
I'm sure they do. Listen, you wanna
catch up later?

AMY
I got class til late, but afterwards?
How 'bout the Bronze? It's been
awhile... could be fun? Lots of
people. You mightn't like arms...
but I'm sure we can find something
you'd like!

WILLOW
...Great. I gotta stop off and
check something at the Magic Box
first, but meet me there? Around 8?

AMY
On the dot.

WILLOW heads toward BUFFY, noticing a distinctly far-off gaze in her eyes.

WILLOW
Hey Buffy... Buffy?
(beat)
BUFFY.

BUFFY
(startled)
What?
(beat)
No.
(confused)
What?

WILLOW
Nothing. Just said 'hey'. You look
kinda spacey. Whatcha thinking about?

BUFFY
Nothing.

BUFFY flops down onto a table.

WILLOW
Wow, depression must be contagious.
At least it looks good on you.

BUFFY
Huh?

WILLOW
It's Xander. He's... I dunno, I'm
worried.

BUFFY
What happened? Is he in trouble?

WILLOW
No. No, it's just. Nevermind, he'll
be fine.
(beat)
So why the bad mood?

BUFFY
Nothing.
(beat)
Spike. I bumped into him last night.
Again.

WILLOW
(cheeky)
What kind of "bump"?

BUFFY glares at her.

WILLOW
Sorry.

BUFFY
S'ok. I just, he kinda freaked me
out. He wasn't himself.

WILLOW
How's that?

BUFFY
He was quiet. He kind of saved me,
then... just walked off. It was
really awkward.

WILLOW
Spike? Awkward? Couldn't be...

BUFFY
Yeah, I know. He's arrogant. Always
has been. Last night he was...
distant.

WILLOW
And?

BUFFY
Well that's not him. With Spike,
silent moments are few and far
between. Usually it's -- Save
Buffy, boast -- Save Dawn, brag.

WILLOW
And last night was... what?

BUFFY
He was so calm. I mean, the whole
time me and him were... together,
he was so forward about his feelings.
And last night, I just didn't sense
that.
(beat)
God, listen to me. I sound jealous
or something.

WILLOW
Are you?

BUFFY
What? No. Of course not.
(beat)
I don't know. Maybe, in a way... I
don't know. I don't know how I feel
about anybody anymore. I just wish
I knew what was going on.

WILLOW
Ask him.

BUFFY
I can't. The way he looked at me,
it was like... like he was waiting
for something. Waiting for me to
say --

WILLOW
'Thanks'?

BUFFY silently considers this. After a long pause, WILLOW speaks.

WILLOW
Come out tonight. Me and Amy, The
Bronze. It'll be fun... in a
"distract-me-from-my-worries-by-
way-of-vodka" kind of way.

BUFFY
I can't. I've got a ton of work for
class. And I'm only going to have
time for a quick patrol as it is.
But thanks.

WILLOW
Well, offers still open...

Scene: Xander's Apartment – Bedroom [Int.], Day

WILLOW (OS)
...If you feel up to it.

Harsh light fills the room as XANDER, wrapped in a towel, reaches for the drawer of his bedside table. He pulls out a photo. As he stares at it, we move around him. Arriving over his shoulder, we see the photo is of ANYA.

PROFESSOR (OS)
"Often people attempt to live their
lives backwards --

CUT TO:

Scene: Lecture Hall [Int.], Day

The room is full of students. Despite incessant chatter from most, the PROFESSOR forges on in a monotonous voice.

PROFESSOR
-- They try to have more things, or
more money --

Moving across the body of students, we take in their boredom. Some glance at their watches, some doodle in their books. Most just sit and stare blankly forward.

PROFESSOR
-- in order to do more of what they
want so that they will be happier --

He cares even less than they do.

Through the crowd, we find BUFFY. And she too, stares. The same blank, unmoved look in her eyes.

CUT TO:

Scene: Sunnydale High Classroom [Int.], Day

DAWN sits in class, her face an exact replica of the boredom in Buffy's. DAWN's teacher speaks, though all we hear is the voice of the PROFESSOR as we begin to circle around DAWN.

PROFESSOR (VO)
-- The way it actually works is the
reverse --

Coming full circle, we see her surroundings begin to change as a look of fear and wonder fill DAWN's eyes.

PROFESSOR (VO)
-- you must first be who you really
are --

No longer sitting in her classroom...

Scene: Lecture Hall [Int.], Day

...DAWN is in a lecture theater at UC Sunnydale. The same room BUFFY was in moments earlier. The exact same seat. DAWN sits, stunned, watching as BUFFY's PROFESSOR continues to speak.

PROFESSOR
-- then, do what you need to do, in
order to have what you want"
(beat)
- Margaret Young.

DAWN looks around, wild eyed, completely freaking. As she looks up at the PROFESSOR, there is a consonant silence as he browses his notes.

ANGLE: Back on the students --

DAWN is gone, replaced again by BUFFY, completely oblivious to what just occurred.

Scene: Xander's Apartment - Living Room [Int.], Day

Curtains drawn, the room is dark. And empty. A sharp knock comes from the front door. XANDER, entering from the bedroom, moves to open the front door. BUFFY stands outside.

BUFFY
Hey there mister.
(off his dazed look)
Get much sleep?

XANDER
How'd you guess?

BUFFY
Must be my complete and utter
brilliance shining through.
(beat)
Again.

XANDER smiles.

XANDER
Come in.

BUFFY
Why thank you kind sir.

She enters, taking in the state of the apartment as she does so -- it's a mess. Clothes scattered, unwashed dishes. The works.

BUFFY
I really like what you've done with
the place.

XANDER
Oh, yeah... that. Umm, it's just --

BUFFY
No need to explain. It's me Xan.
Behold me in my natural habitat,
for I am...
(triumphantly)
The Queen of Filth.

XANDER starts gathering the strewn clothes into a pile. BUFFY looks him up and down, pointing at his half-dressed attire.

BUFFY
Gotta say -- the boxers? Not
flattering.
(off his unmoved look)
Though on the other hand, the
stubble is quite sexy. I've got
half a mind to ravish you.

XANDER
Did you... umm, what do you...

BUFFY
What do I want? Oh, nothing. Just
stopped by to say hi.
(beat)
And to see if you're ok. Willow
told me about last night, said you
were a bit down. She's worried.

XANDER
So you're checking up on me?

BUFFY
No. No checking up.
(raises her eyebrows)
Can't promise I won't check you
OUT... but no judging. Just here to
entertain the masses.

XANDER
How's that working out?

BUFFY
Not sure. You tell me.

XANDER
I'm fine.

BUFFY
Cry face not really selling that
story. What's up Xander?

XANDER sits down at the table, stewing for a moment, before:

XANDER
I've got a decision to make.
(beat)
A tough one.

BUFFY
Well...

She joins him at the table.

BUFFY
Apparently you've already
disregarded briefs in favor of
boxers... and I'm guessing this
isn't a debate over which color to
paint the cafe?

XANDER
You're right so far.

BUFFY
So what is it? Maybe I can help.

XANDER
Let's use a hypothetical. I've got
a choice. Say I choose to go one
way -- a way which would make
things better...

BUFFY
Yeah?

XANDER
Well there's a cost.

BUFFY
And if you don't take the chance?

XANDER
Things stay the same.

BUFFY
Well, without specifics, it's hard.
(beat)
All I can say is that... no matter
what, your head will always tell
you the logical thing to do... but,
more often than not, your heart
tells you the right thing.
(beat)
Choice is yours.

XANDER looks out the window, growing distant as her advice wears on him.

Scene: Spike's Crypt [Int.], Day

Streaks of sunlight shine through the window casting patterns on the concrete. We move across the floor, approaching the ladder leading downstairs. Moving down them, we see Spike asleep. As we approach, circling around, we see a figure -- DAWN -- coming down the ladder. She nears the bed and SPIKE's and flashes up, grabbing her wrist. She screams.

SPIKE
Oh. It's just you.

DAWN
Just me? Thanks.

SPIKE
Yeah, well.

He begins to get up, the sudden increase in nudity shocking DAWN.

DAWN
(embarrassed)
Spike, what are you...
(beat)
Oh god.

She turns her sixteen year old eyes away. SPIKE chuckles, slightly.

SPIKE
Sorry, guess I've adapted to being
alone... not used to the prying eyes.

DAWN
Well I wasn't prying, but I
understand.

He nods.

DAWN
I came to see if there's anything I
could do. Anything you wanted?

SPIKE
Running low on alcohol. Don't
suppose you can really help there.

DAWN
Guess not. I could try, but there'd
be hefty fines involved, and
possibly some jail time. Not
looking to do 15 months minimum
security just to fuel your need for
comfort...

She trails off, a little too late.

SPIKE
(hurt)
Comfort?

DAWN
Nothing. I mean,
(apologetic)
God, I'm sorry, I didn't --

SPIKE
Yeah, you did.

DAWN
Spike --

SPIKE
Forget it. Doesn't matter.

DAWN
It does. Cause I don't want you to
think that I'm not 100% supportive
here... if you need me.

SPIKE
Charity.
(sarcastic)
Thanks.

DAWN
(brightly)
You wanna go patrolling?

SPIKE
Ah, Dawn... I can't see that ending
well.

DAWN
We'll be fine.

SPIKE
(re: bright radiant
streaks of light)
I think the sun might have something
to say about that. Plus, I can't
see Buffy taking a shining to the
idea. Stubborn as a mule that one.
(cheeky)
Let's go.

DAWN
Saddle up!
(beat)
And don't say that.

SPIKE
What?

DAWN
She's doing better Spike. You
making jokes about her doesn't help
things.

SPIKE
Sorry, not exactly my concern.
Focused more on myself these days.
(then)
And she hates me, doesn't she. But
I guess that's ok with you.

DAWN
It's not. And she doesn't. But --

SPIKE
I know. She's your sister. Blood
oaths, family trust, blah blah blah.
(beat)
I just want things right.

DAWN
And they will be.
(beat)
Someday.

SPIKE
That's not good enough. Look, can
we not talk about this. I know what
they all think of me.

DAWN
(soft)
No one hates you.

SPIKE
Xander does.

DAWN
Ok, yeah. But in the long run, do
you really care?

SPIKE
I shouldn't. Not looking to model
myself after a boy who can't keep a
good bird when he's got one.
(beat)
How's that working out for him?
Still playing houseguest to make-
believe lovers?

DAWN
(stern)
Spike. He's...

CUT TO:

Scene: Cemetery [Ext.], Day

DAWN (OS)
Give him a break. Just... let him be.

XANDER stands in front of ANYA's memorial tree. He reads over the plaque, as the weight of the day leans on him.

Scene: Sunnydale skyline [Ext.], Dusk

An establishing shot of the town shows the sun set in fast motion.

Scene: Cemetery [Ext.], Night

We move down through the trees, approaching a pair of voices.

DAWN (OS)
I'm just saying, if you need to
talk, I'm here.

Side by side, both carrying stakes, DAWN and SPIKE walk past a crypt.

SPIKE
And I'm just saying, there's
nothing to talk about.

DAWN
(concerned)
Spike...

SPIKE
I'm fine, alright? Things aren't
great, I'm not walking through
fields of gold, but... I'm dealing.

DAWN
Well I'm glad. It's always good to
see you moving forward.

A few steps later:

DAWN
I haven't told them you know...
about the soul. I mean, I've wanted
to. The things Buffy says
sometimes -- not bad things --
just, you know, stuff. She's
confused.
(beat)
But they don't know.

SPIKE
Good.

DAWN
And I think they should.

SPIKE
No... they don't need to. Not yet.
And maybe not ever --

DAWN
Not ever? You can't hide this. It
isn't fair. Not on you, not on them.
(beat)
I know you want her trust, do you
really think lying is gonna get you
there?

SPIKE
Might. And yeah, I want trust. But
not just because I've got a soul.
That isn't trust... that's reliance.

DAWN
I wouldn't worry about that. Buffy
doesn't do things half-way. Until
she can trust you with her life,
she won't trust you at all.

SPIKE
That's good, because... the soul
doesn't change anything. Not who I
am, not what I've done.

There is a long beat as DAWN considers this.

DAWN
Did it hurt? Getting a soul?

SPIKE
Not just a soul. It's mine. It came
from me. From the person I was --

DAWN
The person you are.

SPIKE
(without hesitation)
No. That man -- William -- is so
far from who I am now.
(beat)
I'm never going to get rid of him.

DAWN
(not getting it)
William?

SPIKE
Spike. He's who I am now. So much
so, that I can't even begin to
imagine anything else. No matter
what I do, I'll always be that thing.

DAWN
Listen to me, that isn't who you
are anymore.

SPIKE
Well, who am I?

She looks at him, not quite sure of an answer.

DAWN
I don't know.
(beat)
But you're somebody that I want
around.

They walk along for a brief moment, before hearing a noise up ahead.

SPIKE
Stay back.

CLOSE ON: Nearby bushes, as a VAMPIRE hurdles through them, running at SPIKE. The VAMPIRE knocks SPIKE back, continuing past. After quickly eyeing DAWN, SPIKE starts after it, calling back to DAWN:

SPIKE
Don't move.

DAWN sits down at the door of a crypt, mumbling to herself.

DAWN
(quietly)
Yeah, sure. Leave me here all by
myself.

A WIDE SHOT reveals a figure, shadowed by trees, walking along side the crypt. Moving quietly towards DAWN, the figure -- DRUSILLA -- steps into the moonlight, her pale skin almost glowing.

DRUSILLA
(whispering)
All alone with no-one to play with.

DAWN looks up, anxious, though not entirely unsettled.

DRUSILLA
Would you like a play-friend? We
can play all sorts of games until
the sun comes up. Would you like
that?

Some distant memory inside DAWN clicks as she realizes -- the bitch is back.

DRUSILLA
We could play forever.

DAWN stands, spinning to face where SPIKE ran off. She screams. We PULL BACK, racing away from DAWN's terrified face. Spinning, we move through a row of bushes, finding SPIKE. Mid-fight.

SPIKE
Dawn...

The VAMPIRE, seizing the opportunity, snaps a branch off a tree and swings it towards SPIKE. Reacting, SPIKE turns, grabs the branch and plunges it through the VAMPIRE'S chest. He takes off towards DAWN.

Arriving at the crypt, SPIKE'S face fills with dread. On the step of the crypt, where DAWN was, lies a small object. He moves to it for a closer look, his face dropping as the object comes into focus -- a child's doll.

SPIKE
(whispering)
Dru...

BLACK OUT.


END OF ACT ONE

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