[Transcript of "Buffy The Vampire Slayer" episode The Prom at buffyology.com.]
BUFFY naps in ANGEL's bed. He watches her sleep and smiles when she wakes.
What? Do I have funny bed hair or something?
Or something.
I guess we got a little carried away with the whole post-slayage nap thing. (feels her hair) Oh, not good.
She sits up.
Where you going?
To go kill a cat on my head.
No mirrors.
You know, this place really isn't girl-friendly. No mirrors, no natural light.
I think you look perfect.
Oh yeah, I really look... okay! (lays back down) Maybe we should think about getting a few mirrors. And maybe a drawer, you know, for some of my stuff. Because that's what couples do, they have drawers.
That's right.
You know, I figure, that way sometimes I could spend the night. Like, after the prom, it would be nice to be able to just come back here and spend some time together.
The prom?
End of high school rite of passage thingy. Think cotillion with spiked punch and electric sleigh.
Right.
Oh, don't worry. It's at night. And lots of girls have older boyfriends. You'll blend.
Angel doesn't respond for a long beat. Then he turns away from her.
I think maybe you should go, huh?
No... must be a few more hours before sunrise.
Buffy gets up and walks to the window. She pulls back the curtain and lets in a blast of sunlight. With a surprised shout, Angel rolls off the bed and away from the light. Embarrassed, Buffy pulls the curtains closed again.
Oh, sorry. I guess it's later than we thought.
Opening credit sequence.
ANYA catches up with XANDER as he heads toward the school.
Xander!
Well, hey! It's demon Anya, punisher of evil males. Still haven't got your powers back? (serious) You haven't right?
No. I will, though. It's just a matter of time.
So now how did that work? Women would wish horrible things upon their ex-boyfriends. You'd show up and make it happen?
That's right. The power of the Wish made me a righteous sword to smite the unfaithful.
Well, hey! Good luck with that. Hope it works out for you.
You know, you can laugh but I have witnessed a millennium of treachery and oppression from the males of the species and I have nothing but contempt for the whole libidinous lot of them.
Then why are you talking to me?
She looks away, embarrassed.
I don't have a date for the prom.
Well, gosh. I wonder why not. It couldn't possibly have anything to do with your sales pitch?
Men are evil. Will you go with me?
One of us is very confused and I honestly don't know which.
You know, this happens to be all your fault.
My fault?
You were unfaithful to Cordelia so I took on the guise of a twelfth-grader to tempt her with the Wish. When I lost my powers, I got stuck in this persona and now I have all these feelings. I don't understand it. I don't like it. All I know is I really want to go to this dance and I want someone to go with me.
Be still my heart. Oh wait, it is. How come I got the short straw?
You're not quite as obnoxious as most of the alpha males around here. Plus, I know you don't have a date.
I haven't settled on anyone yet.
Fine. Look, I know you find me attractive. I've seen you looking at my breasts.
Nothing personal, but when a guy does that, it just means his eyes are open.
Whatever. Look, do you want to go with me or not?
OZ, WILLOW, Buffy and Xander are talking.
Anya, huh? Interesting choice.
Choice is kind of a broad term for my situation. See, it's either Anya or the sock puppet of love for this boy.
He holds his right hand up like a puppet and speaks in silly voice.
I love you, Xander. I'll never leave you.
Well, if Anya tries to get you killed, put me down for a big 'I told you so'.
Who's this Anya? Is she prettier than me?
She just better not try to cross me. That's all I'm saying.
Well, at least we all have someone to go with now. Some of us are going with demons but I think that's a valid lifestyle choice. More importantly, I have the kick dress.
Oh, the pink one?
Angel's going to lose it. But not his soul. He's going to lose it. His it.
Angel picks up one of Buffy's notebooks and opens it. There's a doodle on the inside cover:
He stares at it for a long beat, considering. His thoughts are interrupted by a sudden knocking at the door. He opens it, careful to avoid the sunlight, then stands aside to admit JOYCE.
Mrs. Summers.
I'm sorry to... well, I would have called, but, you know...
Please. You're always welcome.
My goodness, your place is amazing.
Yeah, I like a lot of space. I don't get out much during the day.
No, you wouldn't.
Her gaze pauses on a set of manacles that are fastened to the wall.
Can I get you something? I don't have any coffee.
Oh, no thank you, I... you don't drink? Beverages, I mean?
No, I do. It's just the caffeine. It makes me jittery.
Oh. I understand Buffy spent the night.
I'm sorry about that. We came back after patrol.
I'm not interested in the details. That's not why I'm here.
Okay.
I'm here because I'm worried about you two. In general.
What happened before, when I changed, it won't happen again.
That's not all I'm concerned about. I don't have to tell you that you and Buffy are from different worlds.
No, you don't.
She's had to deal with a lot. Grew up fast. Sometimes even I forget that she's still just a girl.
I'm old enough to be her ancestor.
She's just starting out in life.
I know. I think about it more now that she's staying in Sunnydale.
Good. Because when it comes to you, Angel, she's just like any other young woman in love. You're all she can see of tomorrow. But I think we both know that there are some hard choices ahead. If she can't make them, you're going to have to. I know you care about her. I just hope you care enough.
Willow, Oz, Buffy and Xander talk about the prom with anticipation.
So it was blue and sort of short?
Not too short-- medium. And it had this weird, sort of fringy stuff on its arms.
GILES enters.
What's that, a demon?
A prom dress that Will was thinking of getting. Can't you ever get your mind out of the Hellmouth?
I'd be delighted to. However, the day of the Mayor's Ascension is fast approaching and we don't know what to expect.
Well, what about the pages that Will stole from the Mayor's book? Look, she put her life on the line there, pal. Don't tell me they're useless.
On the contrary, no. We know the Ascension refers to a human transforming into a demon, the living embodiment of an immortal. And Graduation Day, our Mayor Wilkins is scheduled to do just that.
WESLEY enters, followed closely by CORDELIA.
Trouble is, we don't know which demon he is going to become.
There are thousands of species.
So it's safe to say we shouldn't waste any time on such trifling matters as a school dance.
Well, that's too bad because I bet you would look way 007 in a tux.
Except, of course, on the actual night, I will be aiding Mr. Giles in his chaperoning duties.
What? Excuse me? (off Wesley's look) Fine, fine, fine.
We'll get you a dress. You know, we should check April Fools.
Don't go there! I shop there.
I myself am dipping into my road trip fund to procure a shiny new tux so look for me to dazzle.
And I myself will be wearing pink taffeta as chenille would not go with my complexion. Can we please talk about the Ascension?
Giles, we get it. Miles to go before we sleep. But especially if we're all going to vaporize or something on Graduation Day, we deserve a little prommy fun. One night of glory-- not to much to ask.
Establishing.
CU: a hand loads a videotape into a VCR. Pan to a snarling creature, roughly humanoid, contained in a wire cage. The creature slams itself into the side of the cage, its struggles slowly warping the frame. One corner bends, then pops loose.
Establishing.
Angel and Buffy stand at an altar before a PRIEST. She is gorgeous in a long, flowing white wedding gown. Dressed in a black tuxedo, Angel holds her hand as the priest performs the Sacrament of Marriage.
Into this holy estate, these two persons present now come to be joined. If any man can show just cause why they should not be lawfully joined together, let him speak now or else hereinafter hold his peace.
The priest's voice fades under the swelling music and we pan around the couple to reveal the empty chapel. The rear doors are open and sunlight streams through into the vestibule.
At the proper moment, they exchange rings and the priest pronounces Buffy and Angel man and wife. He leans toward her and wraps her up in his arms and their lips meet in a soulful kiss. As they walk back down the aisle, hand in hand, the music turns darker.
Buffy looks beatifically happy but Angel looks pensive. As they leave the church, Angel squints up at the sky but is otherwise unharmed by the sunlight.
Angel?
Buffy's exposed skin suddenly erupts into flame. It spreads rapidly and engulfs her in seconds. Angel looks on in horror as Buffy's burning body crumbles to ashes.
Angel wakes up from the nightmare, his body bathed in sweat.
Buffy and Angel enter through a manhole in the tunnel ceiling and start walking.
I always say patrol's not complete without a trip to the stinky sewers.
I'm sure I saw him come down here.
Couldn't we just let this be the vamp that got away? We could say he was this big.
She holds her hands far apart.
What can I say? I need closure.
You need clothes. You don't have a tux, do you?
Since when did patrolling go black tie?
For the prom, silly.
We have more important things to think about right now than a dance, Buffy.
Sorry, Giles. I'll just be quiet.
Come on, don't be that way.
A vampire drops from above, snarling.
Not now.
Buffy casually stakes the vampire and turns back to Angel.
I'm not being that way. Every time I say the word 'prom', you get grouchy.
I'm sorry. I'm just worried that you're getting too... invested in this whole thing.
What whole thing? Isn't this the stuff that I'm supposed to get invested in? Going to a formal, graduating... growing up.
I know.
Then what? What's with the dire?
It's... it's nothing.
No, you have 'something' face.
I think we need to talk but not now and not here.
No. No, if you have something to say, then say it. (beat) Angel, drop the cryptic. You're scaring me.
I've been thinking... about our future. And the more I do, the more I feel like us-- you and me being together-- is unfair to you.
Is this about what the Mayor said? Because he was just trying to shake us up.
He was right.
No. No, he wasn't. He's the bad guy.
You deserve more. You deserve something outside of demons and darkness. You should be with someone who can take you into the light. (beat, pointed) Someone who can make love to you.
I don't care about that.
You will. And children.
Children? Can you say jumping the gun? I kill my goldfish.
Today. But you have no idea how fast it goes, Buffy. Before you know it, you'll want it all, a normal life.
I'll never have a normal life.
Right, you'll always be a Slayer. But that's all the more reason why you should have a real relationship instead of this freak show. (Buffy is stunned) I didn't mean that.
I'm going to go.
Angel grabs her arm and turns her to face him.
I'm sorry. Buffy, you know how much I love you. It kills me to say this.
Then don't. Who are you to tell me what's right for me? You think I haven't thought about this?
Have you? Rationally?
No. No, of course not. I'm just some swoony little schoolgirl, right?
I'm trying to do what's right here, okay? I'm trying to think with my head instead of my heart.
Heart? You have a heart? It isn't even beating!
Don't.
Don't what? Don't love you? I'm sorry. You know what? I didn't know that I got a choice in that. I'm never going to change. I can't change. I want my life to be with you.
I don't.
You don't want to be with me? (beat) I can't believe you're breaking up with me!
It doesn't mean that I don't--
Buffy's eyes glisten with tears.
How am I supposed to stay away from you?
I'm leaving. After the Ascension, after it's finished with the Mayor and Faith. If we survive, I'll go.
Where?
I don't know.
She looks at him, desperate, tears streaming down her cheeks.
Is this really happening?
Buffy sits alone on the hill, overlooking the cityscape. The moon hangs low in the night sky as Buffy sorts through her feelings.
Angel stares morosely into the fireplace.
Establishing.
Buffy and Willow sit cross-legged on the bed.
So that's it?
That's it. Assuming we survive this Ascension thing, he's going to leave town.
Well, he's a fool. He's just a big, dumb, jerk person if you ask me. And he's a super-maxi-jerk for doing it right before the prom.
It's not his fault. He's 243 years old. He doesn't exactly get the prom.
But he should if--
Will, it's okay. You don't have to make him the bad guy.
But that's the best friend's job: vilifying and grousing.
Usually, yeah. But he's right. I mean, I think maybe in the long run that he's right.
Yeah, I think he is. I mean, I tried to hope for the best but... I'm sorry. It must be horrible.
I think horrible is still coming. Right now, it's worse. Right now, I'm just trying to keep from dying.
Her face contorts in pain and the tears come again.
Oh, Buffy.
Buffy leans over into Willow's lap and starts sobbing. Willow strokes Buffy's hair and does her best to support her best friend.
I can't breathe, Will. I feel like I can't breathe.
The creature in the cage struggles violently against its chains. The sides of the cage warp and bend and finally give way. The beast leaps out of the room.
Xander walks past the window outside and stops when he sees Cordelia admiring an elegant prom dress. He walks into the shop and prepares for another verbal sparring match with his nemesis.
Okay, how long does it take you to buy a damn dress?
Xander! I'm... considering things a little more carefully nowadays. I don't want to get stuck with another dud.
Well, this should work for you. It positively screams nympho.
The other SALESGIRL notices them talking and walks over.
Is this a customer or a friend?
Neither. Just stopped by for my daily helping of bile.
You better get back to work and quit goofing. Mrs. Finkle so has it in for you.
Mrs. Finkle, the store owner, glances suspiciously back at Cordelia.
You work here?
Yes. Yes, I work here.
But why?
I'm trying to buy a dress.
But don't you already have all the dresses?
I have nothing, okay? No dresses. No cell phone. No car. Everything's been taken away because Daddy made a little mistake on his taxes. For the last twelve years. Satisfied? Are you a happy Xander now? I'm broke. I can't go to any of the colleges that accepted me. And I can't stay home because we no longer have one.
Xander is truly stunned.
Uh, wow.
Yeah, neato. Now you can run along and tell all of your friends how Cordy finally got hers. How she has to work part time just to get a lousy prom dress on layaway. And how she has to wear a name tag. Oh, I'm a name-tag person. Don't leave that out. The story just wouldn't have the same punch.
Suddenly the creature from the dingy house bursts through the front window of the shop. Xander pushes Cordelia out of harm's way as the beast attacks him. Xander grapples with the creature but is clearly no match for it.
As Xander fights for his life, a teenage guy appears from the fitting room in a tuxedo, drawing the beast's attention. It drops Xander and attacks him, rending and tearing savagely.
Xander and Cordelia recount their tale to the gang while they sit around the table watching a surveillance tape of the attack. On the TV, the beast leaps off Xander and attacks the other boy.
Right there. See, it's like he just realized he forgot to put money in the meter or something.
You know the part that totally weirded me out? That thing had good taste. I mean, he chucks Xander and went right for the formal wear.
That's right. He left behind his copy of Monster's Wear Daily.
I'm serious. Look at the outfit that Xander's wearing. Now look at the kid that the monster went after. Very smooth lines... till he was shredded.
I don't want to see it again.
Buffy, I know it's horrible but if you're going to hunt this creature, you should study it.
Think I got it.
She's right. I mean, you've seen one big hairy bringer of death, you've seen 'em all.
If I'm not mistaken, this is a hellhound.
Yes. It's particularly vicious. It's sort of a demon foot soldier bred during the Machash Wars. Trained solely to kill. They feed off the brains of their foes.
Look! Right there, zoom in on that.
Xander looks at her like she's brain dead.
It's a videotape.
So? They do it on television all the time.
Not with a regular VCR, they don't.
Perhaps we could stay on the topic for once. What were you doing this afternoon?
What? I was--
Xander quickly covers for Cordelia.
Burning a hole in daddy's wallet, as usual. I just bumped into her during my tuxedo hunt.
What's that? Pause it.
Guys! It's just a normal VCR. It doesn't... oh wait... it can do pause.
A teenage boy can be seen peering through the shop's broken window.
Hello, hellhound raiser.
A close-up of a Sunnydale High yearbook.
Tucker Wells. He's in my chem lab.
Let me guess. He was quiet, kept to himself, but always seemed like a nice young man.
He didn't seem the murderous type, anyway. Something must have happened to him.
How's it going over there, Buff?
Fine.
Buffy sits off to the side, by herself, staring at the floor.
Well, I just wanted to say that your impersonation of an inanimate object is really coming along.
Thanks.
Oh! I got into Tucker's e-mail account. Listen to this message Tucker sent to this kid David Metz at school last week: "The Sunnydale High lemmings have no idea what awaits them. Their big night will be their last night."
So we have a threat against the students on their big night, a hellhound trained to attack people in formal wear...
Oh, are we all catching up now?
Tucker is planning to attack the prom tonight.
Once again, the Hellmouth puts the "special" in special occasion.
Why do I even buy tickets for these things, I ask you?
Wonder if I can take my dress back?
Don't you dare.
But Tucker is going to--
No! You guys are going to have a prom. The kind of prom that everyone should have. I'm going to give you all a nice, fun, normal evening if I have to kill every single person on the face of the earth to do it.
Yay?
Buffy is galvanized into action, her own troubles momentarily forgotten.
Okay, Wes, why don't you go to Tucker's house? He's probably not there but it's worth a shot.
All right. Perhaps strength in numbers would be--
You can take Cordy.
If that's your plan, all right. What about the others?
Oz, you said you know this David kid that Tucker e-mailed? Why don't you and Will track him down? See what he knows, if he's involved.
We're on it.
And you know what? Could you two check the magick shop?
Magick shop?
Yeah. It's right next to the dress store on Main.
I can swing that one. What's the mission?
See if anyone's been in buying supplies to raise a hellhound.
Gotcha. Or check and see who's been stocking up on hellhound snausages. I hear those pups will do anything for a tasty treat.
Giles, you said this thing eats brains. Any brains?
I suppose.
Then Tucker must be feeding it, right?
Buffy walks past sides of beef and dripping carcasses, talking with an industrial BUTCHER.
Yeah, yeah. This kid orders cow brains a couple of times a week. Goes to this address. (hands her a note) Good luck. He's a weird kid.
Thanks. Thanks a lot.
The butcher walks off as Buffy notices Angel nearby, paying an employee for a plastic bag. He notices her as well.
What are you doing here?
Hello to you, too.
Sorry. I'm just surprised.
Me too. I don't know why though. Where did I think you get your blood, McPlasma's?
How are you?
Right as rain, whatever that means. (off his look) Don't look at me like that. I can lie to you if I want to now. We're ex, remember?
If it means anything, I miss you.
Could we not, please? When I think about us, I have this tendency to sort of go catatonic. And I really can't afford to do that right now. Gotta stop a crazy from pulling a Carrie at the prom.
You still planning to go?
Strictly in the chaperone capacity. But it's fine. I mean... I'm cool with going stag. I'm over the whole "Buffy-gets-one- perfect-high-school-moment" thing. But I'm certainly not going to let some subhuman ruin it for the rest of the senior class.
Let me help you.
I'm okay.
If you ever need my help--
Look, I got it! (beat) Thanks.
Cordelia gets ready to leave work for the day. As she's about to walk out the door, her co-worker stops her.
Hey! Don't forget your dress. Aren't you wearing it tonight?
As much as I hate to admit it, I haven't finished paying for it yet.
Well, somebody did.
The girl hands Cordelia a receipt and she looks it over, confused.
What? Who?
Buffy enters the library to find Giles sipping coffee. Xander, Willow and Oz are sitting on the steps looking glum.
Zeroes all around, Buff.
Sorry.
Make not with the long faces. I got the address. Now, the prom starts in a little while. I want you guys to go on and I'll catch up with you as soon as I put a lid on this jerk.
What? No way.
We can't just leave you, Buff.
Buffy, they're right. You need--
To see taillights. Hit the door. I have everything under control.
Buffy, it makes sense to--
Have. A. Nice. Time.
The gang looks at each other for a moment, then rushes out the door.
Okay, then.
See ya.
I want you at the gym. Keep an eye on them until I get there.
Buffy opens the book cage and begins loading her weapons bag.
I don't have to tell you that you're being rather rash. Finding an address hardly adds up to case closed.
Look, it's done. You want to go after them and tell them that they can't go? That all of their planning and dreaming was for nothing? That they can't spend tonight with their honeys, of all nights?
Angel's not taking you, is he?
Angel's leaving me. He's leaving town.
Oh, Buffy, I'm sorry. I don't really know what to say. I understand that this sort of thing requires ice cream of some kind?
Ice cream will come. First, I want to take out psycho boy.
You're sure?
The great thing about being a Slayer? Kicking ass is comfort food.
The gym is festooned with flashing lights, paper bunting and students dancing. Xander and Anya stroll through the crowd.
So she wished her husband's head would explode, which was great except we were standing three feet from him at the time. What a mess. Of course, you know, during the Plague it was always parts falling off. Well, that got old since pretty much they were anyway. The Renaissance, that was...
Anya trails off as we pan to Giles and Wesley, standing by a snack table munching hors d'oeuvres.
Well, I must say this is all rather odd to me.
Oh, yes. At an all-male preparatory they didn't go in for this sort of thing.
No, of course not. Unless you count the nights you made the lowerclassmen get up as girls and watched them-- (off Giles look) Dip is tasty, isn't it?
Cordelia enters looking absolutely stunning in her new dress. When Wesley sees her, he's struck by a coughing fit. Not having noticed Cordelia, Giles looks in askance at Wesley.
Sauce is hot. (re: Cordelia) Very hot.
A short montage of prom scenes: couples dancing, girls laughing, posing for photos, etc.
Willow and Oz arrive, arm in arm.
We got in. Maybe we should dance before we get besieged, bedeviled or beheaded or something.
It's not gonna happen.
You're not even a little nervous?
You think Buffy is going to let us down?
Willow nervously glances around.
Want to share some punch?
Pan to Wesley as he approaches Cordelia.
May I say you look smashing.
It's a start.
Cordelia takes Wesley's arm as we pan to Xander and Anya. Xander has a glazed look in his eye.
So then this one time, this girl wished her ex would cannibalize himself. Even I had a hard time watching that, let me tell you.
Xander spots Cordelia and Wesley and desperately calls out to them in an effort to save himself from Anya's relentless tales of depravity.
Cordelia! Wesley! My god in heaven, it's good to see you. How are you both? And details, please.
Very well, thank you.
Yes, thank you.
Cordelia raises of her eyebrows at Xander. He catches it and smiles.
It looks good on you.
Well, duh.
Xander gives her a subtle smile and a nod as they part.
For his part, Giles is keeping an eye on the door, watching for Buffy, as he chats with a couple of women at the refreshment table.
Buffy creeps down the basement staircase and finds Tucker about to release the caged hellhound.
You're ready to go.
Sorry, new plan.
She hurls him away from the cage and he crashes down against the wall.
The prom's a go and you're pathetic.
Maybe. Maybe not.
Tucker breaks a vase over Buffy's head and she brushes the shards off her jacket, unfazed. Suddenly not so confident, he picks up a screwdriver and brandishes it at her.
Buffy notices a stack of videotapes on top of the TV with labels like Prom Night IV and Pump Up the Volume.
So that's how you did it? That's how you brainwashed the hounds to go psycho on prom?
Neat, huh?
I don't get it. What kind of sicko wants to destroy the happiest night of a senior's life?
I have my reasons.
A more innocent Tucker nervously approaches an attractive girl at the lockers. She looks at him expectantly as he screws up his courage.
Do you want to go to the prom with me?
No.
Buffy looks incredulously at Tucker.
Whatever. Every maladjust has his reasons. Luckily for me, you're an incompetent maladjust.
With little effort, Buffy knocks the screwdriver from his hand, kicks him to the floor and ties his hands behind his back with an electrical cord. She lifts him up and pushes him into an adjoining room.
Now, I'm going to lock you in here and then I'm going to party like it's--
She stops when she sees three empty cages before three blank TV sets.
Gotta have a redundancy system. Any incompetent knows that. My three fiercest babies are on their way to the dance right now. You think formal wear makes them crazy? Wait till they see the mirror ball.
The three hellhounds lope toward the doors to the school. The trailing hound suddenly drops dead with a crossbow bolt through its chest. The other two turn snarling to face their attacker and find Buffy with crossbow in hand. They charge at her, snarling, and Buffy runs, leading them away from the school.
That's right. Follow Buffy. Good dogs.
But they don't chase her very far. They are drawn back toward the school by the sound of party music and laughing teenagers.
Oh, come on! That song sucks.
Buffy heads after them into the building.
The hounds paw at the closed gym doors, desperately trying to get access to the prom guests. As Buffy runs up, they turn and attack her. She rips a hanging banner from the wall and wraps it around one of the creatures, temporarily immobilizing it, then tackles the other and sinks her knife into its chest. She looks up as the first beast rips its way free of the banner just as a student opens the gym doors into the hall.
Get back!
The student freezes in terror as Buffy leaps at the hound. She tackles it to the floor before its claws can savage the student. He looks on in amazement as Buffy wrestles fiercely with the creature, deftly avoiding both its razor-sharp claws and dripping fangs. Finally, she manages to wrap her arms around its head and twists violently, snapping its neck. The creature drops to the tile floor, dead.
Bathroom?
Buffy smiles and points down the hallway.
Th-th-tha...
You're welcome.
Buffy drags the dead hellhounds into the bushes, then pulls her prom dress out of her bag.
Buffy enters the dance, looking magnificent in her formal gown. Giles sees her and they exchange a smile and a nod. Oz and Willow rush over to meet her.
Buffy! You look awesome.
So do you.
Everything cool?
Coolest. Devil dogs are history. How's the prom?
Strangely affecting. I got all teared up when they played We Are Family.
Everything's perfect.
Buffy looks around at all the students enjoying their special night. She smiles with satisfaction.
Later. Everyone is eagerly watching the stage. Xander is miming anticipation as the ANNOUNCER takes the mike.
And the award for Sunnydale High's Class Clown for 1999 goes to... Jack Mayhew!
Jack dons a balloon hat and jumps around like a goof.
Please! Anybody can be a prop class clown. You know, none of the people who vote for these things are even funny.
Buffy is at the punch bowl, ignoring the ruckus as the announcer urges JONATHAN to the microphone. Jonathan motions for silence and the crowd quiets.
We have one more award to give out. Is Buffy Summers here tonight? Did she...
Buffy suddenly finds herself the center of attention and she looks around, nervous and slightly confused.
This is actually a new category. First time ever. I guess there were a lot of write-in ballots and the prom committee asked me to read this. "We're not good friends. Most of us never found the time to get to know you but that doesn't mean we haven't noticed you. We don't talk about it much but it's no secret that Sunnydale High isn't really like other high schools. A lot of weird stuff happens here."
There are shouts from the crowd.
Zombies! Hyena people! Snyder!
"But whenever there was a problem or something creepy happened, you seemed to show up and stop it. Most of the people here have been saved by you, or helped by you, at one time or another. We're proud to say that the Class of '99 has the lowest mortality rate of any graduating class in Sunnydale history. (applause) And we know at least part of that is because of you. So the senior class offers its thanks and gives you this."
Jonathan produces a multicolored, glittering miniature umbrella with a small metal plaque attached to the shaft.
It's from all of us and it has written here, "Buffy Summers, Class Protector."
The crowd breaks into sustained applause and cheering. Stunned and moved to near tears, Buffy walks to the stage and accepts her award with a grateful smile.
Later. Giles is watching the students dancing as Wesley approaches him.
Mr. Giles. I'd like your opinion. While the last thing I want to do is model bad behavior in front of impressionable youth, I wonder if asking Miss Chase to dance would--
For god's sake, man! She's eighteen. And you have the emotional maturity of a blueberry scone. Just have at it, would you, and stop fluttering about.
Giles walks off, disgusted.
Right, then. Thanks for that.
Wesley takes Cordelia's hand and leads her onto the dance floor. Pan to Xander and Anya, dancing close. Anya looks up at Xander and smiles.
This isn't bad.
Buffy watches the dancers. Giles comes up behind her.
You did good work tonight, Buffy.
And I got a little toy surprise.
I had no idea that children en masse could be gracious.
Every now and then people surprise you.
Giles looks up and something across the room catches his eye.
Every now and then.
He picks up her umbrella and moves off. Buffy turns to see Angel standing in the door. She smiles and goes to meet him.
I never thought you'd come.
It's a big night. I didn't want to miss it. It's just tonight. It doesn't mean that I--
I know. I mean, I understand.
Dance with me?
He takes her hand, leads her onto the dance floor and wraps his arms around her. They begin to move slowly to the music and Buffy loses herself in his embrace.