[Transcript of "Buffy The Vampire Slayer" episode The Harsh Light Of Day at buffyology.com.]
OZ is onstage performing with his band, Dingoes Ate My Baby. Pan over to BUFFY and WILLOW sitting at a table chatting. Willow looks over Buffy's shoulder and sees PARKER ABRAMS shooting pool with his buddies.
Hey, look. Parker's here. (beat) You're not looking? He looks really cute in green.
Teal. (off her look) He's reflected in the mirror.
She points to a security mirror.
You know when you spend all week with a boy, you are allowed to look at him directly.
Not all week. We hung out. Moderately incessantly. But we're not here together tonight. You know, I don't want to crowd him.
Willow nods knowingly.
Oz takes off his guitar and leaves the stage to enthusiastic applause. He walks over to Buffy and Willow's table.
Hey. You guys ready to load up and go?
Almost. Buffy's looking at Parker. Who, it turns out, has a reflection, so big plus there. Buffy's having lusty wrong feelings.
No I'm not.
No, you're not.
Oh, I so am.
No, they're not wrong feelings 'cause you're free. You're both grown-ups. You are free, right?
Parker walks over and puts his hand on Buffy's shoulder.
Hi.
Hi.
I just wanted to let you know I'm headed out. And it's not real safe here, so if you want to walk back to your dorm...
How silly of me not to have planned ahead.
Willow smiles as Buffy gets her jacket and stands up to leave with Parker.
Bye.
See you guys.
Buffy and Parker head out, leaving Willow and Oz alone the table. Buffy turns back and smiles at Willow who nods, happy for her friend.
Willow, Oz and DEVON load their equipment into Oz's van.
That was like the best set ever. We'll do great in L.A. We're gonna have them glued to their seats.
Um, Devon. Aren't they supposed to dance?
Well, we can glue them to the dance floor.
Oz and Devon head back into the Bronze, leaving Willow outside.
I didn't mean with real glue. You got that right?
Yeah.
Willow is sliding a guitar case into the van when she hears a voice and turns.
Willow. Hi.
It's HARMONY KENDALL, one of Cordelia Chase's fawning followers and member of the high school "in" crowd.
Harmony, hey! I haven't seen you since--
Since graduation. Big snake, huh?
Yeah. So how was your summer vacation?
Well, I was going to go to France. But I didn't. I was dying to see the stores.
Yeah, and the museums.
Museums?
Yeah, I heard they have them. You know, just a rumor you pick up on the streets.
You were always so funny, Willow. You haven't changed a bit.
No, you neither.
Oh, maybe a little.
Harmony's face suddenly shifts, her eyes turning a sickly yellow and teeth lengthening into fangs. She's a vampire. She seizes Willow and sinks her teeth into the young witch's neck.
Opening credit sequence.
Resume. Willow screams as Harmony drains her blood.
Suddenly Oz is there. He wedges a mike stand between Harmony and Willow, shoving the vampire away, then brandishes a cross.
Back off, Harmony.
Harmony flinches from the cross, then slowly backs away.
Okay, fine. Hide behind your boyfriend. But I have a boyfriend too. And he's going to be mad that you were mean to me.
She turns and runs off.
Parker and Buffy walki along the street, enjoying the night and each other's company.
Hobbies? Interests? I feel like there's so much I don't know about you. What do you like to do?
Mostly I hang out. And do... stuff.
Yeah, I was into that for a while. Hey, what's that?
What's what?
Parker pushes aside the collar of her jacket to reveal the ugly scar left by Angel's fangs.
You have a scar.
Yeah... right... angry puppy. (beat) So I get to see any of your scars?
Oh, mine are all psychological.
Please! Those are the best kind.
Well, my father died last year.
Buffy is shocked and mortified at her own insensitivity.
Oh, god. Parker, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to bring it up... that stuff. Oh, bad, bad Buffy.
No, I'm okay to talk about it now. And I'm not doing the deep, get sympathy routine. I mean don't you just hate guys that are all 'I'm dark and brooding so give me love?'
I don't think I've ever met that type.
They sit close to each other on a nearby bench.
I just wanted to say that it was so sad because there was, well, a lot of stuff that he didn't finish. It made me think about, you know, living for now.
I think about that sometimes. I sort of drowned a couple years ago. But I came back. Obviously. But I don't... put stuff off anymore. Like you were saying.
That's great. I mean, everybody says they get it. 'Oh, man. Me too. Live for today.' But what they really want is a reason to goof off. Not study for finals.
Also a valid life choice.
It's cool to find someone else who understands.
So, Parker Abrams. When you go to sleep tonight, what are you going to regret not doing today?
I'm going to regret... being too nervous to ask you to go to the party at Wolf House tomorrow night. (beat) Do you want to--
Yes.
XANDER attempts to shelve GILES' books.
I am not enjoying this.
Well shelve them correctly and we can finish.
I don't get your crazy system.
System? It's called the alphabet.
Giles puts a book in its correct place.
Huh. Would you look at that!
Without knocking, ANYA walks into Giles' apartment.
You should lock your door.
Believe me, I'm kicking myself.
Anya gives him a withering look, then turns to Xander who walks over, surprised.
Anya? Last time I saw you, you were fleeing in terror. So how'd that work out for you?
I need to talk to Xander. (off Giles' look) Go away. (Giles doesn't move) Xander, come with me.
She takes his arm and leads him out the door.
Xander tosses a confused look back at Giles, then follows Anya into the courtyard, shutting the door behind him.
Your mother said you were working here.
Yeah, I need some money.
Where is our relationship going?
Xander is speechless. He really has no idea how to respond.
Our what? Our who?
Relationship. What kind do we have? And what is it progressing toward?
I... uh... we have a relationship?
Yeah. We went to the prom.
Yeah, on our one and only date. Second date called on account of snake, remember? And the whole, "you used to be a man-killing demon thing"-- which to be fair, is as much my issue as it is yours.
She steps toward him, flirtatiously.
I can't stop thinking about you. Sometimes, in my dreams, you're all naked.
Really? You know, if I'm in the checkout line at the Wal-Mart, I've had the same one.
So I can assume a standing Friday night date and a mutual recognition as Prom Night as our dating anniversary?
Anya. Slow down there. In fact, come to a screeching halt. See, these things kind of have to develop on their own.
Okay. How?
I don't know. It just... happens.
Buffy and Parker stand at her dorm room door.
This is it. The door. Wood. (knocks on it) Maybe some kind of wood veneer.
It's nice.
He leans in to kiss her and just before their lips touch, Oz and Willow dash around the corner toward them.
Hey. Hi. Remember Harmony?
She's back from her summer vacation. And she's a little bit different.
Different?
Paler.
Parker notices Willow holding her hand over the wound in her neck.
Is your neck okay?
Neck. Paler. (realizes) The puppy! The angry puppy.
Yeah, we came to warn you about the... angry puppy.
I should really take care of this now.
I'll pick you up tomorrow night for the party.
I can't wait.
He heads off and Willow looks at Buffy desperately.
Get in now?
Buffy quickly unlocks the door and lets Oz and Willow into the room.
Oz cleans Willow's wound while relating the story to an amazed Buffy.
Harmony? A vampire? She must be dying without a reflection.
She just made me so mad. (mocking) 'My boyfriend's going to beat you up.'
'My boyfriend'?
Well, if you believe her. She always lied about stuff like that. (mocking) 'Oh, he goes to another school. You wouldn't know him.'
Well, Devon dated her for a while but she was too flaky for him. Which, stop and marvel at the concept.
Buffy smiles and shakes her head.
Guy dating Harmony dead. He must be like the most tolerant guy in the world.
Harmony descends into the depths of a dank underground chamber where an excavation and tunneling project is clearly underway. She heads to the far wall where a man is drilling into the wall with a jackhammer. His face is obscured by a safety mask. Harmony hugs him from behind.
Hi, baby. I'm back.
SPIKE stops drilling, removes his mask and smiles at her.
Spike and BRYAN, a vampire engineer, discuss the project over blueprints and schematics strewn over a table.
It's definitely the crypt, right? I'm not keen on tunneling into someone's septic tank.
It's the crypt. The radar soundings are clear. The walls are thinnest here at the bottom. We'll have to tunnel underneath. More work, but I'm sure--
Spike slams Bryan's head into the table and holds it there.
You'd better be more than sure. 'Cause I'd hate to have to hurt you.
I swear, I swear!
Harmony walks up and snuggles against Spike.
How's my little blondie bear?
Spike sighs, annoyed at the interruption.
Harm, does this look like a good time?
Are you going to kill Willow tonight? 'Cause I want you to say, 'This is for messing with my sweet girl.' And then, you know.
She gives his shoulder a nip. Spike throws Bryan aside then takes Harmony by the waist.
Nobody knows I'm here. And I'm not killing the Slayer's best friend because that would tend to announce my presence. (off Harmony's pout) And we're too bloody close.
But you almost killed her last year! Suddenly it's a big deal?
Sod off! Now go eat something. I've got work to do.
Spike and Bryan return to the blueprints as Harmony walks over to a boy is chained against the wall. He's barely conscious and bears the scars of multiple vampire bites.
This one tastes funny. Take me out to eat.
He's perfectly fresh.
I think I had a math class with him last year and I didn't like him that much then either.
Harm!
I want to go to a party.
Spike slams his fists onto the table, then rushes her. He seizes her and slams her into the wall. She smiles coyly at him, clearly getting off on the violence.
Oh, right here, baby. In front of Bryan.
You'd like that wouldn't you?
Maybe I would. After a party.
Spike considers a moment, then smiles.
Tonight. I'll take you somewhere nice.
The frat party is in full swing. Students pack the place, drinking, dancing, partying and pairing off. Bif Naked is performing a soulful ballad. Buffy and Parker walk through the undulating throng.
Some party, huh? Last day in Rome.
Better. No old Romans.
You want to dance?
No, let's have a meaningful talk instead.
Buffy turns and nearly runs into Harmony and Spike, supporting a semi- conscious frat guy between them. Buffy's eyes widen with surprise as she takes in the couple, then she smiles ironically.
Spike... and Harmony.
Buffy... hi. What a cute outfit. Last year.
Well this is interesting. Sort of a double date.
Looks like your friend started the party a little early, huh?
So, let's have a look at the new boy.
Parker extends his hand to Spike.
Hi, I'm Parker.
Spike stares at him like he's a particularly interesting type of fungus and Parker drops his hand, disconcerted.
He's got-- what's the word?-- vulnerability.
And you with Harmony. What'd you do? Loose a bet?
Hey!
Actually, how we met? It's a funny story.
He throws the frat boy at Buffy and Parker, then leaps over a nearby couch and bolts for the door. Harmony follows, trying to keep up.
Stay here.
Buffy chases him outside.
Buffy runs out of the house, looking around, but sees no sign of Spike. She takes out her stake and rounds the corner of the house. As she passes a stand of shrubbery, Spike's hand shoots out, knocking the stake from her hand. Buffy recovers and squares off with Spike, ready for battle.
What's the matter, Spike? Dru dump you again?
She throws a series of punches, ending with a powerful blow to his head.
Maybe I left her.
As Buffy and Spike fight, Harmony appears behind them.
She left him for a fungus demon. That's all he talks about most days.
Spike breaks off and grabs Harmony by the arm.
Harm! (to Buffy) We are going. It isn't time yet.
Yeah, but as soon as we have the Gem of Amarra, you're going to be sor--
Spike can't believe she's so stupid. With a frustrated snarl, he takes off, yanking Harmony after him.
What? Ow!
Buffy finally lowers her guard, considering Harmony's revelation.
Xander is busy decorating his parent's basement as his new bedroom. As he hangs a disco mirrorball from the ceiling, a knock sounds at the door.
Come in.
Anya cautiously enters.
Anya. Hi again.
You're mother sent me around from the front of the house. She said to ask you to add fabric softener when the timer goes off. Can we talk some more?
Yeah, I suppose. Would you like something? I have cranapple?
Yeah, all right.
He heads over to the fridge to get her drink.
Low angle on Anya's feet, Xander in background. While Xander's back is turned, Anya's dress drops to the floor.
You know, it is customary to call before you show up. Not that--
Xander turns around to find Anya standing before him completely naked. In his open-mouthed shock, he reflexively squeezes the packet of cranapple juice and it squirts across the room.
Buffy stands at a pay phone, talking with Giles.
Yeah, Spike with Harmony, if you can believe it. I couldn't figure out why he ran away but Harmony said something... why they were here. They were looking for the gem of something... Amarra.
The Gem of Amarra? Are you sure?
Yeah, what's up?
Oh, it's just... it's not real.
He starts rummaging through his books while he talks to her.
It's the vampire equivalent of the Holy Grail-- the source of some enormous power-- was conveniently vague. Oh, here it is, yes. There was a great deal of vampiric interest in locating it during the 10th Century. Questing vampires combed the earth but no one ever found anything. It was concluded that it never existed.
Well, Spike seems to think it exists. And he's looking in Sunnydale.
Yes, well I'll research it as best I can. You've done all you can for tonight. Why don't you go to bed?
Buffy feigns exhaustion.
Uh, huh. Sleepy. Yawn. Bye.
Spike tries to read while Harmony lies on the bed in lingerie, pestering him.
Is Antonio Banderas a vampire?
No.
Can I make him a vampire?
No. (beat) On second thought, yes. Go do that. Take your time. Do Melanie and the kids as well.
Hey, I don't have a pulse! Cool. Can we eat a doctor so we can get a stethoscope and hear my heart not beating?
Harm. (shouts) Will you shut the hell up?
And if my heart's not beating, what are these blue veins for? (flirting) I'm simply covered in these blue veins.
She runs her fingers over her chest drawing attention to her cleavage.
See...
Spike takes a look and abandons his book. He climbs into bed with her.
I've got an extra set of chains.
Just because Dorkus went in for that--
Spike jerks her head back by the hair.
Dru-silla. Say her name.
Dorkus.
Bite your tongue.
Do it for me.
He lowers his mouth to hers and she hungrily meets him. They roll across the bed, passion mounting.
Anya is still naked, calmly arguing her case for sex. Xander desperately tries to cope with this bizarre turn of events.
At which point, the matter is brought to a conclusion with both parties satisfied and able to move on with their separate lives and interests. To sum up, I think it's a workable plan.
So the crux of this plan is--
Sexual intercourse. I've said it like a dozen times.
Uh, huh. Just working through a little hysterical deafness here.
I think it's the secret to getting you out of my mind, putting you behind me. Behind me figuratively. I'm thinking face to face for the actual event itself.
Ah, right. It's just we hardly know each other. I mean, I like you and you have a certain directness that I admire. But sexual interc-- what you're talking about... well-- and I'm actually turning into a woman as I say this-- but it's about expressing something. And accepting consequences.
Oh, I have condoms. Some are black.
That's... that's very considerate.
I like you. You're funny and you're nicely shaped and frankly it's ludicrous to have these interlocking bodies and not... interlock. Please remove your clothing now.
And the amazing thing? Still more romantic than Faith.
Anya moves toward him and they kiss just as the buzzer for the dryer goes off.
Fabric softener.
Buffy rushes in, looking for Parker. She finds him right where she left him.
Parker. I was afraid I wouldn't be able to find you.
I was getting a little worried.
I'm so sorry. It's just that... the English guy is an old friend. And he's not supposed to drink. And I saw him here in the land of the beer--
It's okay. You did a good thing for your friend. Did you and he used to go out?
A short burst of hysterical laughter escapes from Buffy.
Um, no. No we really, really didn't.
Good. Now we have time to make up for. Think I could get a dance with the prettiest girl at the party?
What am I supposed to do? Stand over here and watch?
He smiles, takes her hand and leads her onto the floor where he wraps his arms around her and they sway sensuously to the music.
Later. Buffy and Parker are sitting on the couch, talking.
Well, I declared pre-med. But I hated it, so I switched to history.
History? Fascinating dates and compelling places.
But there's something amazing about these huge events that when you dig down into them, they're just about regular people trying to make choices. When you look back, it seems like people were swept up in events they couldn't control. But I don't believe that. I believe you have a choice in everything you do.
Buffy smiles and kisses him. Parker looks at her with concern.
Is this okay? Because I can stop if you want to. It's your choice.
She pulls him close and strokes his face.
What are you doing?
Making a choice.
She kisses him again, much more passionately.
Buffy falls back onto Parker's bed with him on top of her. They are locked in a passionate embrace, shedding their clothing and caressing each other's bare skin.
Giles finds something in his books and rushes to the phone, quickly dialing Buffy's number. No one is home and he gets Buffy and Willow's answering machine.
Hey, this is Buffy and Willow. We're not in right now so please leave a message.
Buffy are you there? Call me. I need to talk to you right away.
Buffy and Parker make passionate love. She gives herself to him fully and completely.
Buffy wakes up in Parker's bed. She looks around for a moment getting her bearings and realizes she's alone.
Parker?
She also realizes that she's naked and wraps the sheet around herself while she starts searching for her clothes.
Just shirt. Pants. Everybody needs pants.
Parker startles her when he walks in bearing coffee.
Hey! You're up.
You're here.
I live here.
Oh, I just didn't know where you were.
It looked like you were going to be out for a while so I ran for coffee. Better than what I got around here. Warm soda and breath mints.
Breath mints... wouldn't be turning them down right now. So do you have any plans for today?
Actually, my mom's coming to visit.
Oh, well I'll just clear out then. But maybe we could talk or something later?
Absolutely. I'll give you a call.
Great. Oh, one more thing before I go?
A kiss.
Well, I was going to go with pants but a kiss is good too.
Their lips meet.
Xander and Anya get dressed, having spent the night together. The silence is awkward and Anya finally breaks it.
So... I'm over you now.
Um... okay.
Okay?!
Xander is terribly confused by this entire encounter from start to finish.
Yeah...?
Anya stalks off, furious.
Harmony and Spike lie in bed. She's drawing on his back with lipstick while he dozes.
Harm, what are you doing?
I'm writing "Spike loves Harmony" on your back.
Why?
I don't know... it's fun. I'm bored. You can write on me.
I've got to get back to work.
You love that tunnel more than me.
I love syphilis more than you.
Buffy enters and starts to undo the straps on the back of her shirt as she heads toward her bed. Giles pipes up from behind her.
Oh, good morning.
Buffy spins around to find Giles and Willow at work at Willow's computer. She hurriedly re-fastens her top.
Giles! I didn't know you were here.
Really?
I was studying at the library. All Saturday night. (off Giles' look) You know what? I'm an adult now and it's none of your business what I do.
I'm sincerely relieved to hear that. Now can we discuss the impending disaster?
Giles found something.
A text. It refers to the Gem of Amarra as residing in the Valley of the Sun.
Demon fancy-talk for Sunnydale.
It seems that Spike may know what it's about. The gem may exist after all, in Sunnydale, in a sealed underground crypt.
Why don't you guys try and locate the crypt and I'll try to find Spike before he gets there.
I'll get started.
I'll go call Xander and have him meet at your place.
Right.
When Giles is gone, Willow turns to Buffy, excited. She bounces over and sits next to Buffy on her bed.
It happened right? Did it happen? With Parker?
Yeah, it happened.
And details! I mean not details. I don't need a diagram. But, you know, like maybe a blurry watercolor.
It was nice. It was really nice. He's going to call.
I love this part. Don't you love this part? Like when it's all new and everything's a discovery?
I don't know. I guess I do.
Spike, Harmony, Bryan and the other vampires have reached the crypt's antechamber.
It's here.
I knew it was here.
We're close now. No one leaves the lair till we're in. I don't want the Slayer tracking anyone to the tunnel-- and that means you too, Harmony. You're an indoor kitty now.
But Spike, you said you'd take me places. You said we'd go to France and now I can't even leave the lair?
Spike throws down his shovel as the other vampires grumble at her whining and vacate the room.
Listen to me, you stupid bint. This gem is everything. I came back to Sunnydale for it-- a place which has witnessed some truly spectacular kickings of my ass. Now, when I have the gem, they'll all die, don't worry. But until then, stay inside. And by the way, I would be insanely happy if I heard bugger all about sodding France!
I don't know why I let you be so mean to me.
Love hurts, baby.
Buffy methodically goes through campus showing people Harmony's high school yearbook picture. No one recognizes her.
The answering machine shows 0 messages.
Spike is drilling into the tunnel ceiling.
Buffy stands at a pay phone checking her messages.
You've got one new message at 9:05 P.M.
Hi, it's me. I'm at Giles'. Did Parker call yet?
Spike's drill breaks through the ceiling into the crypt.
The answering machine still shows 0 messages.
Buffy stares at the machine and sadly falls sideways onto her pillow.
Spike climbs into the crypt with a lantern. He looks around the chamber which is littered with dust covered artifacts of all kinds. He finds the moldering corpse to whom the crypt belongs and zeroes in on a large green gem in an ornate necklace around its neck.
It's real.
Harmony climbs in behind him.
Oh, pretty. Can I take stuff?
Take whatever you want. I don't care.
She kisses him as he yanks the gem off the skeleton causing the head to roll off onto the floor. Harmony is trying on a tiara and looks at him with disgust.
Like you're too good to work a clasp.
Spike puts on the necklace and stands there waiting for power to flood him.
So is it doing it? Do you feel it? I mean, you don't look different, if you were wondering. I thought maybe you'd look taller or glow or something.
Harmony tries on a few rings as Spike strides over and seizes an ornate cross. It burns his hand and he cries out in pain and anger.
You should put some butter on that. But, hey! Maybe it's worth money anyway. That would be something. Then we could go to France. I always wanted to go to France and stay in a chateau and you could take me shopping--
The failure of the gem to protect him combined with the pain of the burn and Harmony's incessant bleating about France is too much for Spike. He breaks off a chair leg and with a guttural cry spins around and slams the makeshift stake
through her heart. To his surprise, she completely fails to disintegrate. He rips the stake back out of her chest and the wound heals immediately.
I can't believe you just did that!
She starts beating him in the chest. The light slowly dawns on Spike and he grabs her hand and stares at the ring she slipped on her finger earlier.
Hold on.
He wraps his hand in a rag and picks up the cross, pressing it into her forehead. Nothing.
What are you doing, you big freak?
That's my gem.
He tries to yank the ring from her finger.
Fine! If that's all that matters to you. Then take it! Take it and get out.
She rips the gem off her hand and throws it at him. Spike puts it on and strides off.
That's a good idea. I think I'll go play outside.
He hops down the hole in the floor, leaving Harmony looking miserable.
Oz sifts through a box of Giles' old records while Giles studies an old manuscript.
Okay, either I'm borrowing all your albums or I'm moving in.
Oz, there are more important things than records right now.
Oz holds up a Beatles album.
More important than this one?
Giles takes a beat to consider.
Well, I suppose an argument could be made for--
Whoa! Giles has a TV! Everybody! Giles has a TV. He's shallow like us.
I gotta admit, I'm a little disappointed.
Giles is actually embarrassed. Willow enters, stricken.
Well, maybe it doesn't work. Like a piece of art!
Xander turns the TV on and Willow turns to Giles, open-mouthed with shock.
Public television! Come on everyone, we have vital work to do. Watching television is not going to help us right now.
Giles looks up as the show on the TV is interrupted by a news report.
...near the UC Sunnydale campus. Officials attribute the unusual occurrence to weakening of the supporting topsoil nearby. City work crews denied any tunneling has been done in the area.
Tunneling... Spike... Xander, find Buffy and meet us there.
Giles, Oz and Willow head out. Xander stays behind for a minute, enjoying TV, then reluctantly follows.
Buffy is on her way to class when she spots Parker across the way, chatting up KATIE, a young coed. Buffy approaches and overhears the tail end of their conversation. Parker's using the same lines on the coed that he used with Buffy.
You know, it hit me hard, my dad. Since then I just don't put stuff off anymore. It's about living for now.
Buffy walks over to them.
Parker?
Buffy! Buffy Summers, this is Katie Loomis.
What's going on?
Hey, Katie, you're going to be late for class. I'll catch up later, okay?
He hands her her bag and she leaves.
She's a friend of yours?
Yeah, you'd like her a bunch. So what's up?
Well, you didn't call. I'd understand if you were busy or sick or something.
It's only been a few days. You need to talk to me about something?
Is everything okay?
Sure it is.
It is?
Sure.
Oh... so maybe do you want to do something?
Sure, we could do that. Absolutely.
Great! So what about tonight?
Oh... well, the thing is, I think I'm supposed to get together with some people later.
Parker, did... (beat) Did I do something wrong?
Something wrong? No, of course not. It was fun-- didn't you have fun? Watch out how you answer that. My ego is fragile.
You had fun? Was that all it was?
What else was it supposed to be?
It seemed like... you liked me.
I do. But I'm starting to feel like you felt-- what? Some kind of commitment? Are you sure that's what you want right now?
I just thought...
I'm sorry if you misunderstood something. I thought things were pretty clear.
I'm sorry if I mis-- I'm sorry.
Look, I really have to go now.
He walks off leaving Buffy shattered. She can't believe this is happening to her.
Parker, wait. I did this all wrong.
No, it's cool. We'll hook up later.
He hurries off, and Buffy turns to go herself. As she turns, Spike appears right behind her.
Wow. That was pathetic.
He smashes her in the face.
Resume. Buffy is on the ground looking up in horror at Spike who stands over her in the midday sun.
Isn't it a fantastic day? Birds singing, squirrels making lots of rotten little squirrels. Sun beaming down in a nice, non-fatal way. It's very exciting. I can't wait to see if I freckle.
Buffy leaps to her feet, stake in hand. They engage, each landing and ducking a series of blows. Spike charges her and she impales him with her stake. He merely smiles at her.
Oh, do it again. It tickles. You know, in a good way.
Buffy rips her stake put and she stares in shock as the wound instantly heals.
The gem.
Oh, yeah. The Gem of Amarra.
He holds up his hand, showing her the ring, then backhands her with it.
Official sponsor of my killing you.
The demon in him emerges and he descends for the kill.
Giles and Oz haul Willow up through the hole in the floor to find Harmony crying.
Harmony?
Being a vampire sucks.
Her fangs descend and she attacks with a roar.
Xander knocks anxiously on Buffy and Willow's door.
Buffy. Buffy!
He turns away in frustration and runs right into Anya.
Xander. I was looking for you. You weren't in your musty basement.
Have you seen Buffy?
No. About what happened... when I said I was over you, I mean--
Anya, I don't have time.
He walks off without another word, leaving her hurt and confused.
Giles, Oz and Willow keep Harmony at bay with a cross.
Harmony, where's Spike? Does he have the Gem?
Harmony nods.
He staked me and then he took it. He tried to take it right off my finger! Like I wouldn't have just given it to him. I would have given him anything he wanted. He was my platinum baby and I loved him.
Where did Spike go?
Rather than answer, Harmony bolts across the room and drops through the hole in the floor.
Buffy and Spike fight furiously. Spike seems to have the advantage as he smashes Buffy into a light pole and tosses her through a glass-topped table. Buffy scrambles away, hurting.
Getting tired, Slayer?
Buffy gets to her feet, only to be knocked to the ground again.
B.G.: Xander charges Spike from behind.
Xander, get out of here!
Spike spins, seizes Xander, knees him in the face, and launches him across the quad where he collides violently with a lamppost.
So you let Parker take a poke, eh? Didn't seem like you knew each other that well. What exactly did it take to pry apart the Slayer's dimpled knees?
You're a pig, Spike.
He kicks her full in the face.
Did he play the sensitive lad and get you to seduce him? That's a good trick if the girl's thick enough to buy it.
Buffy stuns Spike with a roundhouse kick but Spike quickly recovers and follows it with an equally vicious hit that sends her reeling.
I wonder what you did wrong? Too strong? (leering) Did you bruise the boy? Whatever. Guess you're not worth a second go. Come to think of it, seems like someone told me as much. Who was it? Oh, yeah... Angel.
He smiles cruelly and Buffy is up in an instant, enraged. She lays into him like a force of nature, driving him back and down until she pins him and wrenches the arm with the gem up behind his back.
Take it off me this way, we both burn.
Really? Let's see.
She rips the ring from his finger and he instantly screams in agony as his skin scorches. He runs to a nearby sewer grate and drops underground as Buffy collapses, exhausted, holding the ring.
CU: The Gem of Amarra resting on the coffee table.
I like it.
It's small.
Really worth getting my ribs bashed in.
It's also very dangerous... and, well, destroying it--
We don't destroy it.
Buffy, any vampire that gets his hand on this is going to be essentially unkillable. (off Buffy's look; realizes) Oh.
I have that gig in L.A. I could swing by.
Thanks, Oz.
What's going on? What's in L.A.?
She's giving the ring to Angel. Don't make a fuss.
Buffy are you sure?
He should have it.
Buffy and Willow walk through the late night air.
So what I'm wondering is, does this always happen? Sleep with a guy and he goes all evil. God, I'm such a fool.
Well, maybe you made a mistake. But that's okay. Next time-- (off her look) What?
Parker said it's okay to make mistakes. It was sweet.
No it wasn't. He was saying that so you would take a chance and sleep with him. He's a poop-head.
You're right. He's manipulative and shallow and why doesn't he want me? Am I repulsive? If there was something repulsive about me, you would tell me, right?
I'm your friend. I would call you repulsive in a second.
Maybe Parker and I could still work it out. Do you think we could still work it out?
I think you're missing something about the whole poop-head principle.
I think I'm going to take a walk. You go on ahead.
You sure?
Yeah.
Buffy walks off leaving Willow behind.
Pull back to extreme overhead shot revealing Buffy, Harmony and Anya walking in different directions, each one alone.