[Transcript of "Buffy The Vampire Slayer" episode Dead Things at buffyology.com.]
Pan across SPIKE's neatly made bed. A rhythmic thumping sound comes from elsewhere in the room, accompanied by BUFFY's passionate moans. The thumping becomes more insistent, urgent, now accompanied by the sounds of destruction. Buffy's cries peak as she climaxes. Reveal Buffy and Spike lying spent together on the floor, sandwiched between several Oriental rugs.
We missed the bed again.
Lucky for the bed.
Buffy looks down at the rug covering her naked body.
Is this a new rug?
No. Just looks different when you're under it.
Buffy laughs, then looks around critically.
You know, this place is okay for a hole in the ground. You fixed it up.
Well, I ate a decorator once. Maybe something stuck.
I've been thinking about doing something to my room.
Yeah?
Yeah, I think the New Kids On The Block posters are starting to date me.
Well, if you want, I can...
Spike stops and looks at Buffy in surprise.
Are we having a conversation?
What? No! No. (beat) Maybe.
Hmm.
What?
Well, isn't this usually the part where you kick me in the head and run out, virtue fluttering?
That's the plan... soon as my legs start working.
Spike grins and runs his finger up and down her arm.
You were amazing.
You got the job done yourself.
I was just trying to keep up. The things you do... the way you make it hurt in all the wrong places. I've never been with such an animal.
Buffy jerks her arm away.
I'm not an animal.
You want to see the bite marks?
You know, it's late. I should get home before Dawn goes to sleep.
Buffy starts looking around for her clothes under the rug. Spike sighs and lies back.
And she's off.
Buffy disappears completely beneath the rug.
Have you seen my underwear?
What is this to you-- this thing we have?
We don't have a thing. We have this. That's all.
She pulls herself up on her elbows.
Do you even like me?
Sometimes.
But you like what I do to you?
Buffy won't look at him. After a moment Spike turns and reaches for something behind him. He holds up a pair of handcuffs.
Do you trust me?
Never.
JONATHAN and ANDREW unpack their things in their new hideout. Jonathan pulls a record album out of one of the boxes: Frampton Comes Alive!
Andrew grabs the record away from Jonathan.
How can I trust you not to touch my stuff? Actually living with supervillains was not part of the deal.
We're on the lam, moron. It's not like we have a choice.
This sucks. Couldn't we have at least gotten a lair with a view?
Stop whining! Get your sissy crap out of the way.
He shoves Andrew's box onto the floor.
Hey, quit it!
Andrew grabs for Jonathan but he points his magick voodoo bone at Andrew and starts waving it menacingly.
Don't you curse me!
Andrew takes it from him and holds it over his head.
Hey, my bone!
Jonathan gut punches him.
Ow!
They grapple, hitting each other and grunting. WARREN looks over at the commotion and rolls his eyes.
Hey! When you girls are done touching each other, the cerebral dampener's ready to be charged.
Cool.
He and Jonathan forget their fight and walk over to Warren's workbench where a golf-ball-sized silver sphere rests. Warren puts on a pair of red-tinted glasses and the other two follow suit.
Got the thing?
Andrew takes out a plastic baggie.
Musk gland of a Homja-Maleev demon.
He opens the bag and they all recoil at the smell.
Fresh.
He coughs, takes it out of the bag and hands it to Jonathan.
All right. Stand back.
He holds the musk gland in one hand, a vial in the other. He pops the vial's cap, then spits it at Andrew.
Jonathan sprinkles yellow powder from the vial onto the musk gland.
Doma voluntatem, libera cupidinem, erumpe, ignem, excita.
Light suffuses the gland, then transforms it into a stream of light and smoke that shoots down into the silver ball. The sphere glows briefly, then returns to normal.
The magick leaves Jonathan's hand smoking slightly.
Okay... ow!
Warren reaches over and grabs the silver ball.
Gentlemen, the cerebral dampener... is online. And with this baby, we can make any woman we desire our willing sex slave. (beat) I know just where to start.
Opening credit sequence.
Buffy and her morose co-worker GINA work the registers. Buffy hands a bag of burgers to a customer.
Doublemeat is double sweet. Enjoy!
Thank you.
The customer takes his meal and leaves. Gina gives Buffy a strange look.
Just something I'm trying.
She looks up as TARA approaches the counter.
Hey, sorry I'm late.
Oh, time has no meaning here. Gina, I'm taking a break.
Buffy takes her hat off and leads Tara to the employee lounge.
Tara looks dubiously at the posters adorning the wall: Dedication, Cooperation, Motivation and Productivity.
I have this sudden urge to dedicate my productive cooperation.
Buffy hands her a soda.
Well, if you close your eyes and repeatedly smash yourself in the head with frozen meat, it'll go away. Eventually. I'm hoping.
She fidgets nervously, rubbing her wrists.
Thanks for coming by.
Is it bad?
I was sort of hoping you could tell me.
I knew this was going to happen. What did Willow do now? Did she... she hurt anyone?
What? No, Tara, this isn't about Willow.
I thought that's why you didn't want to meet at the house.
Sorry, it's... Willow's fine. She's been doing really well. You'd be proud of her.
Good, that's... that's good. (beat) So what do you want to talk about?
It's Spike. He can hurt me. Without his head exploding.
Oh, my god. His chip stopped working?
No, it still works. Just not on me. I need to know about the spell.-- the one that brought me back. I'd ask Willow but...
You think it's you.
I don't know. I feel... different. There are things. I think maybe... I came back wrong.
No, Buffy, that's not... No, you didn't.
Can you check out the spell? Just see if there's something that... could you just check? Please?
The nerds' van is parked at the edge of an alley.
A video monitor shows nothing but snow. Suddenly it clears, revealing the inside of a bar.
Right there! That's got it.
Jonathan and Andrew sit in front of the monitor wearing headsets.
Mad Dog 2 to Mad Dog 1.
I thought I was Mad Dog 2.
Jonathan rolls his eyes.
Mad Dog 3 to Mad Dog 1.
Warren stands by the door wearing a suit and tie.
Signal's coming in strong and clear. Over.
Warren taps his earpiece.
Roger that. Beginning preliminary sweep.
Warren looks around and adjusts his tie. A tiny camera is mounted in the center.
The view on the monitor shakes as Warren moves through the crowd.
The place is full of people, some in booths, some sitting at the bar, talking, drinking, laughing.
Keep your potatoes peeled for the Slayer. I don't want any surprises.
We can really have anyone we want.
It's like candy.
Juicy, pulsating candy.
Oh! Oh, the one with the neck! Put the whammy on the neck!
No! The redhead! I want the redhead!
Warren watches as the redhead walks past him.
The redhead's too tall.
So get a step ladder. No, no-- ow!
The sound of a fight erupts over the radio. Warren shakes his head and ignores them. He scans the crowd. Suddenly someone captures his attention.
Reveal KATRINA, Warren's ex-girlfriend, sitting at a table, drinking wine.
Get off of me!
Take it back!
Target acquired.
Jonathan has Andrew in a head-lock. They both freeze and look over at the monitor.
What?
Initiating contact.
Katrina appears on the screen as Warren moves toward her.
The brunette?
Oh, she's kinda cute-- ow!
Jonathan tightens his hold on Andrew.
Oh, no! Go for the leather skirt!
As the girl in the leather skirt walks past Warren, her cleavage fills the screen.
Oh, bazoombas!
Warren checks out the girl's breasts as she moves past him.
Go for the one with the bazoombas!
Yeah, go for the one with the bazoombas.
Warren ignores them and their chants of "bazoomba, bazoomba" and continues toward Katrina. He removes the earpiece and drops it into a martini glass as he passes one of the tables. It sizzles as it shorts out.
Andrew and Jonathan yelp as their headsets whine with feedback.
Warren slides into the chair beside Katrina, who doesn't notice him.
So how did you get so beautiful?
Katrina laughs sarcastically as she turns to him.
Okay, does that line usually work--
When she sees Warren, she stops smiling.
What the hell are you doing here?
It's nice to see you again too, Katrina.
Yeah, it's the seeing you part that's throwing me here, Warren, because I thought I was pretty clear with the never wanting that to happen again.
Never's a long time, baby.
Warren holds up a folded bill between his fingers, gesturing to the bartender.
Apparently not long enough.
Oh, you're not still sore about that thing, are you?
The bartender tries to refill Katrina's wine glass but she stops him.
What thing would that be exactly? The wind-up slut you tinkered together? Or when Little Miss Nuts and Bolts tried to choke me to death?
Okay, so I've made a few mistakes.
No. No, I did. For ever lowering myself to be with a jerk like you.
She gets up. Warren stands too, stopping her.
Don't say that.
Well, what did you expect? To just waltz in here and sweep me off my feet with your cheesy lines and fancy suit?
No, I just... I just thought we could talk. I thought maybe we could work things out.
There's nothing to work out. What you did was sick and just looking at you makes me want to vomit.
She picks up her purse and turns to leave. Warren reaches into his pocket and slips on the protective glasses.
You sure about that?
Yes-- god yes!-- I'm sure.
Warren takes out the cerebral dampener and opens his hand. The device flashes a red and yellow strobe into Katrina's face. She looks quizzically at Warren as he slips the device back into his coat pocket.
I love you, Master.
Warren grins and takes off his glasses.
I love you, too, baby.
Buffy enters in her Doublemeat uniform.
I'm home! Who wants to help scrape the grease off my...
She puts down her jacket and stares in shock at Xander and Dawn dancing together in the living room. Anya and Willow watch from the sofa.
Is there singing? Are we singing again?
Nope, just the dancing.
We're teaching Dawn perfectly synchronized dance steps for the wedding reception.
Xander whirls Dawn around, then into a dip. She giggles with delight.
Want to go for a spin?
I think I'm heading more toward an ungainly collapse.
She sits between Anya and Willow.
Aww, rough day?
Kinda.
You've been going at it too hard, Buffy. We hardly ever see you, what with slinging the Doublemeat and pounding the big evil.
You are looking a little pounded. (off her look) Just around the eyes.
Hey, we're thinking of heading to the Bronze later. Want to come, get all unwindy?
Tall glasses of frosty relaxation on me. Nectar of the working man.
No, thanks. I think I'll stay here with Dawn. Curl up on the couch with a big bowl of popcorn and--
A car horn honks outside and Dawn grabs her jacket and heads for the door.
--listen to the cars honk? (to Dawn) Where are you going?
I'm sleeping over at Janice's?
And I'm falling for that again because of the surprise lobotomy?
It's okay, I checked it out. Janice's mom is picking her up.
Oh.
I didn't think you'd care. You're never home so...
Buffy nods, accepting the rebuke.
I know. I'm sorry. But I'm here now. All visible and everything. Couldn't you just stay at Janice's another night?
Her mom's cooking Mexican. She's going to teach me how to make real tortillas. Not like I knew you'd be around.
The horn honks again and Dawn grabs her stuff and leaves. Buffy turns to her friends with a brave smile.
Frosty nectar. Now please.
A champagne cork pops. Katrina, wearing a revealing French maid outfit, holds the bottle and fills Warren's glass. She tops off Andrew and Jonathan's glass as well.
Thank you, baby.
My pleasure, Master.
That is so cool.
Katrina finishes filling Andrew's glass and steps back, staring straight ahead with a blank expression.
Jonathan looks at the cerebral dampener with awe.
I really could've used one of these in high school.
Gentlemen? To crime.
Warren raises his glass in a toast.
Crime!
Andrew coughs and looks at his glass with a frown. Jonathan circles Katrina, checking her out.
Crime tastes funny.
Wow. I still think I would have gone with the bazoombas but... wow.
Yeah, she's... really cute.
Cute? Look at her, man! The shape of her lips, the smooth, silky skin... the way her nose crinkles when she laughs. She's perfect.
Yeah.
She's totally hot.
So are you, Master.
You think so?
Oh, yes, Master.
Okay, so how do we... you know?
Who gets to...
I do.
Warren drapes an arm over Katrina's shoulders.
That's not fair.
Dude, you didn't call it.
Oh, I don't have to call it, Sparky. She's mine. But don't worry. You can play with her all you want... after I'm done with her.
Warren leads Katrina to the bedroom as Jonathan and Andrew nervously drink their champagne.
The room is done in shades of red: red sheets, red lava lamp, red curtains.
Katrina shoves Warren across the room and pushes him up against the wall hard. She kisses him passionately and he responds enthusiastically.
I missed you so much. You never should have left me. Say it.
I never should have left you, Master.
Tell me you love me.
I love you, Master.
Katrina stares straight ahead, the same blank expression on her face, even as she kisses him.
Again.
I love you, Master.
I love you too, baby. Get on your knees.
Yes, Warren.
She kneels down and Warren looks thrilled. Suddenly his smile fades.
Wait, what did you just say?
Katrina looks up at him, his hand on the back of her head.
I said yes, War--
She pauses, confused. Fear washes across Warren's face as Katrina looks at his hand on her head and shoves it away. She looks down at her outfit and stands up, outraged.
What the f--
Jonathan and Andrew spar with plastic battery powered Star Wars lightsabers. Warren flies out of the room and falls to the floor. Katrina follows him out and throws her French maid hat at him.
What did you do to me?
Get the dampener!
Jonathan and Andrew quickly drop their toys and search for the device.
Who the hell are you?
Your masters?
My what?
Where'd you put it?
You had it last!
Warren stands up and Katrina confronts him.
Are you kidding me?
Get the dampener!
You were going to share me with these two dorks?
Warren puts on his protective glasses.
Hey! We're supervillains!
Andrew puts on his glasses and runs over to Katrina with the mind control device.
Call us Master!
Jonathan doesn't have his glasses and quickly shields his eyes as Andrew thrusts his hand out.
Wait!
The dampener flashes weakly, then sputters out. Katrina stares at it, fuming.
Aw, crap.
It's out of juice!
Is that what you used on me? Oh, my god! First the skank-bot and now this? What is wrong with you!
She shoves him in the chest.
I just... I wanted us to be together!
There is no "us", Warren! Get that through your big meaty head! I am not your girlfriend anymore!
She's your ex?
Dude, that is messed up.
Oh, you think? You bunch of little boys, playing at being men. Well, this is not some fantasy. It's not a game, you freaks! It's rape!
What?
No, we didn't--
You're all sick. (to Warren) And I'm going to make sure you get locked up for this. And then we'll see how you like getting raped.
She heads for the stairs.
Stop her!
Andrew and Jonathan each grab one of her arms but Katrina fights back.
Get off me!
She elbows Andrew in the face and knees Jonathan in the groin. They both instantly drop to the floor, incapacitated.
As Katrina starts up the stairs, Warren dashes over and grabs her by the shoulder. She pushes him off and rakes her fingernails down his face, drawing blood.
Warren yells in pain, knocks Katrina down, grabs the champagne bottle and brings it down hard on the crown of her head, cracking her skull and killing her instantly.
Charge the cerebral dampener.
Andrew and Jonathan just stare in shocked silence.
Warren...
Charge the dampener! Andrew... get her up. We'll give her another dose. A strong one. Everything's all right. Everything's gonna be all right.
Andrew touches Katrina's head and his hand comes away covered in blood.
I don't think so. She's dead.
Resume. Andrew sits on the stairs holding a Kleenex to his mouth.
Oh god, oh god, oh god...
Warren bends over Katrina, examining her.
Her neck. It just...
Jonathan shakes his head in denial.
No, that's... not... this isn't happening.
I just, I gotta... I gotta-- let me think.
What did you do? What the hell did you do?
Jonathan grabs Warren by his shirt but Warren breaks free and shoves Jonathan up against the wall.
We did this. Me and Andrew and you. It's on all of us.
Oh god, oh god, oh god...
Shut up!
Andrew stops talking and cries quietly.
We... we have to get... we have to get rid of it.
How?
Maybe a spell. Can you teleport it out of here?
No, she's... it's too big.
Andrew.
No response.
Andrew!
What?
Is there any... thing that you can summon? Something that... can devour that much?
Maybe a Jarvlen Flesh Eater but... they're hard to control. It'd go for us, too.
Oh, well, that's it, man. We're screwed.
No, we just have to stay calm.
Tell that to your girlfriend!
Ex-girlfriend!
It doesn't matter! There's a link. You knew her so there's a link. You don't think Buffy'll be able to put that together? That's what she does. She'll figure it out!
It was an accident. Maybe if we turn ourselves in--
No.
He's right. If we go to the police now--
I'm not going to jail.
We can't hide this! Sooner or later, the Slayer's going to find out she's dead.
Well, then maybe it should be sooner.
Are you insane?
Listen to me.
No!
Listen! We have two problems: the body and the Slayer. Well, what if there was a way that we could take care of them both... with one big stone?
Willow sits beside Buffy, staring in horror.
What are they doing?
Xander and Anya are on the dance floor, swing-dancing. They are really into it, having fun, and are actually quite good.
We're not going to have to do that at the wedding, are we? 'Cause there's this last thread of dignity I've been desperately clinging to.
You're still doing okay, right?
Yeah. You know, some days are harder than the really hard days. It's easier like this, though, when I'm not alone.
I'm sorry I haven't been around that much.
No, that's not-- it's okay. We know you've been all tied up.
Buffy looks over at her, guilty.
What?
With your job and the slaying.
Buffy nods, relieved, as Xander and Anya come off the dance floor.
Hey, I see sitting where there should be dancing.
Come share in the joy of our groove thang.
And despite that, I succumb to the beat.
I think I'll catch the next soul train out.
You sure?
She points to her empty cup.
Oh, yeah, you know, glass all the way empty. More nectar required.
Cool, well, shimmy on out when you're done lubricating.
Buffy smiles as the others go out onto the dance floor, then heads over to the bar. She waits there for a moment, then changes her mind and climbs the stairs to the overhead catwalk. She leans on the railing and looks down at the dancers.
You see, you try to be with them but you always end up in the dark... with me.
Spike moves up behind Buffy and looks down at Buffy's friends as they dance.
What would they think of you if they found out... all the things you've done?
He puts his hand on her bare shoulder runs it down her arm.
If they knew who you really were?
His hand moves down to her elbow and then on to her waist.
Don't.
Stop me.
Spike's hand moves across Buffy's thigh. She closes her eyes. He pulls her skirt up. She gasps with pleasure.
Spike turns her around to face him. After a moment, he thrusts into her and Buffy moans, her eyes still tightly closed.
No... don't close your eyes.
She opens her eyes.
Look at them. That's not your world. You belong in the shadows... with me.
Spike grinds slowly in and out of her whispers into her ear.
Look at your friends... and tell me you don't love getting away with this... right under their noses.
Buffy stares forlornly down at her friends as she lets Spike have his way with her.
Xander and Willow walk past the Espresso Pump on their way to the Magic Box. Xander groans and limps.
Oh! I think I pulled a jive muscle last night.
The funky monkey claims another victim.
They reach the magick shop just as Tara exits, a large leather-bound book in her arms.
Tara. What are you doing here? I mean, it's okay for you to be here if you have things that... you have to be here for.
Yeah, I'm going to go bring Anya up to speed on that monkey situation.
Xander smiles at Tara and heads into the store.
There's a monkey problem?
Only if you don't stretch first. (re: book) The Brekenkrieg Grimoire? Light reading?
Yeah, I was just...
No, it's okay. I didn't expect you to stop doing magick just because... you don't have to hide it. I'm not... I'm doing better. No spells for 32 days. I can even go to the magick shop now as long as someone's with me at all times. But it's better now, it really is... you know, if you were checking on me.
No, I wouldn't... I was just looking for Buffy.
Oh. Well, I haven't seen her since last night. She's not around much these days. We kinda miss her.
I'm sure she feels the same way. If you see her, can you tell her that I need to talk to her? It's important.
Yeah. Of course I will.
Thanks.
Tara starts to walk off, then pauses and turns back.
Will? I'm glad you're doing better.
She smiles, then walks away.
Buffy moves among the headstones holding a stake.
Spike smokes a cigarette and pours himself a glass of blood. He sprinkles some herb into the blood, then pauses, sensing, something. He looks toward the door and smiles.
Buffy walks up to the crypt and stops at the door, conflicted.
Spike puts his hands on the door, then presses his body against it.
Buffy lifts her hand to knock.
Spike runs his hand up the door and stops pressing his palm flat.
Buffy has her hand on the door in the same place as Spike on the other side.
Spike presses up against the door again, eyes closed, and panting with excitement. He finally can't take it any more and yanks the door open and walks outside. The cemetery is empty. Buffy is gone.
Buffy walks briskly beneath the trees, talking to herself.
Don't think about the evil bloodsucking fiend. Focus on anything but the evil bloodsucking fiend.
A woman's scream comes from the trees to her left. Buffy looks upward.
Thank you!
She breaks into a run.
Forest clearing. Buffy comes upon a woman running from her two pursuers. One wears a robe, the other is dressed in normal clothes.
Buffy tackles the robed figure and falls to the ground. The attacker is gone. Not escaped, just gone. Buffy looks around, confused, and stands up. She's alone in the forest.
Huh?
The sound of fast-moving air, then whimpering. Buffy spins to find Katrina a few yards away, lying on the ground. She's crying, her hands pressed over her ears, her back to Buffy.
It's okay. I'm going to get you out of here. Can you walk? Are you hurt?
Slipstream sound. Katrina is gone. Voices surround Buffy, whispering.
What did you do? What did you do? Buffy...
Ow!
Slipstream sound. Suddenly Spike is lying on the ground in front of Buffy, his lip cut and bleeding.
Bloody hell! What'd you do that for?
Spike?
Slipstream sound. Buffy looks to her right just in time to see a demon in a blue robe attacking her. It decks her in the face.
Now there are three demons. Two attack Buffy while the third fights with Spike. Katrina lies on the ground nearby.
Spike ducks a swing and seizes the demon around the waist. Spike's vampire ascends and he breaks the demon's neck with a violent twist.
Buffy hits a demon in the face, then kicks it to the ground.
Buffy!
Buffy turns from one demon as the other beats her down from behind. Her vision blurs. Slipstream sound.
Buffy finds herself suddenly standing in the empty clearing again. Spike approaches, uninjured, his lip no longer bloody.
Spike. What's happening?
So you thought you could just slip away, then? Vampire, remember? I could feel you.
Slipstream sound. The fight with the three demon's rages again. Buffy blocks a punch, then decks one of the demons. She turns to engage the second creature and throws a punch just as the slipstream sounds again.
Her blow ends connects with Spike's jaw as Katrina runs past. Spike lands on his ass in front of Buffy, his lip bleeding.
Ow! Bloody hell! What'd you do that for?
Katrina falls to the ground, crying.
Buffy doesn't know where to turn. She tries to get her bearings as the air before her ripples and the three demons appear and charge her.
Buffy engages them again as Spike takes the third.
Buffy punches one demon and he goes down next to Katrina as she turns to the other. The first demon gets up and Buffy swings at him.
Slipstream sound. Buffy stumbles as her punch connects with empty air.
Slipstream sound. Something hits Buffy in the face.
Slipstream sound. Buffy holds a dead demon in her arms.
Slipstream sound. A demon punches Buffy and her head snaps backward.
Slipstream sound. A dead demon lies on the ground behind her. Spike fights the third demon a short distance away.
Buffy!
Buffy spins around, takes a punch to the face and retaliates, pummeling the second demon until
it drops.
Something grabs Buffy by the shoulder and she spins, backhanding Katrina before she realizes who it is. She watches in horror as Katrina tumbles backward over the edge of a ravine and rolls to the bottom. Buffy runs down after Katrina and kneels next to her still form.
Spike straddling the third demon, is distracted by Buffy's sudden disappearance and pays for it with a vicious punch to the head.
Buffy! (to demon) Do you mind?
Spike punches his fist through the demon's chest and out its back. He shoves the dead creature off of him, then runs down into the ravine after Buffy.
He finds Buffy is kneeling beside Katrina, staring at her.
Buffy?
She's dead. I killed her.
Several dozen yards away, Katrina stands in the shadows of a tree, peering through its branches at Buffy and Spike standing over her dead body.
Resume. Buffy stares down at Katrina's corpse. Spike looks around, anxious.
We have to go.
What happened?
There's nothing you can do now. We have to go before someone sees you.
What did I do?
We have to go, now!
He grabs Buffy by the arms and drags her to her feet.
The other side of the cemetery. Still in shock, Buffy lets Spike pull her along by one arm. He pushes her up against a tree and shakes her out of her daze.
All right. Listen to me. Buffy. Buffy!
She's dead.
It was an accident.
I killed her.
I'm going to get you home.
No!
I'm going to get you home and you're going to crawl in your warm comfy bed and stay there! We're going to sort this out. Trust me.
Buffy stares at him in anguish.
The monitor zooms in on Buffy's face. Warren and Andrew sit side-by-side in the van watching her. Warren makes a triumphant gesture.
Two problems... one stone.
The door opens and they turn as Katrina climbs in and leans against the counter. A bright purple bruise covers her cheek-- evidence of Buffy's strength.
Nice job. She totally bought it.
Yeah.
Katrina shimmers and ripples and turns into Jonathan. The bruise doesn't disappear, however. It covers Jonathan's face in the same place.
Some of my best work.
What happens now?
Well, the night's young. Gotta be some more girls we could kill.
We stick to the plan! Buffy thinks she killed Katrina. Well, it's her problem now.
Buffy lies in bed, asleep but tossing and turning.
What did you do... Buffy... what did you do...
She turns over trying to block the voices in her head.
It's all right, luv.
He appears behind her, sliding under the covers naked. Buffy opens her eyes and frowns.
Shh, it's all right. It'll be our little secret.
He kisses her bare shoulder. Buffy turns to face him, then grabs his head and kisses him passionately. She rolls him over on top of him.
Naked, Buffy straddles Spike, riding him, eyes closed with pleasure as she moves rhythmically on top of him. She opens her eyes and looks down at him. He smiles back up at her. She runs her hands up his arms. Reveal Spike's hands handcuffed together over his head.
Buffy's movements become more urgent, her breath comes in throaty gasps as her orgasm approaches. As she climaxes, she arches her back and throws her head back in ecstasy.
Buffy straddles Katrina in the forest, holding her cuffed hands down.
Do you trust me?
Katrina smiles and moans sexually.
Buffy and Spike lie on the floor of his crypt beneath the rugs having passionate sex. Spike is on top, thrusting hard into her and Buffy cries out her pleasure.
The graveyard. Buffy decks Katrina.
The crypt. Buffy straddles Spike, bucking wildly on top of him. In the midst of her sexual frenzy, she raises a stake over her head and looks down at Spike's bare chest, his closed eyes.
She brings the stake down in a vicious arc.
Buffy straddles Katrina who lies dead beneath her, eyes closed, a stake embedded in her chest.
Her eyes snap open: Spike's eyes.
Buffy starts awake in her own bed, still wearing her clothes and lying on top of the covers. She looks around, frightened and confused.
Dawn lies in bed sleeping, her arm curled around a teddy bear.
Buffy enters, a leather jacket on over her clothes. She stands for a moment and watches her sister sleeping peacefully, then sits down on the bed beside her. She puts a hand on Dawn's arm, gently waking her.
Hey.
What time is it?
It's late. I just wanted... (beat) I love you. You know that, right?
Alarmed, Dawn sits up.
What's wrong?
Tears glisten in Buffy's eyes.
I know I haven't been everything I should be... everything Mom was... but I love you. I always will.
Why are you talking like this? Buffy?
There was an accident. In the woods. A girl... she was hurt. I hurt someone.
Oh, my god. Is she all right?
No. I'm sorry.
Dawn hugs her tightly.
There's something I have to do. I have to tell what I did. I have to go to the police.
The police?
Dawnie, I have to.
But... what's going to happen?
I don't know.
They'll take you away. Won't they?
I'm sorry.
No, you're not. You're never here. You can't even stand to be around me.
That is not true.
You don't want to be here with me. You didn't want to come back. I know that. You were happier where you were. You want to go away again.
Dawn...
Then go! You're not really here anyway.
Dawn gets out of bed and runs out of the room.
Various officers go in and out of the brightly-lit building. Buffy exits the alley next to the station and heads for the main entrance. Spike steps out of the shadows and blocks her.
What do you think you're doing?
The right thing. For once.
Spike grabs her by the shoulders and pulls her back into the alley. She struggles against him and he spins her around and throws her to the ground.
Sorry, luv. Can't let you do that.
I have to tell them what happened.
Nothing happened.
I killed that girl.
Demons in the woods? Time going wonky? They won't believe you.
I'll show them.
Show them what?
Buffy's expression turns to anger as she realizes what he's saying.
What did you do?
I took care of it.
What did you do?
What I had to. I went back and I took care of it. It doesn't matter now. No one will ever find her.
Two COPs run out the door at the front of the station and rush to their cars.
Where'd they find her?
The river. She washed up half a mile from the cemetery.
Spike rolls his eyes.
Oh, balls.
Two squad cars tear out of the lot, strobes flashing, siren wailing.
There still isn't anything to connect this to you.
It doesn't matter.
It wasn't your fault!
I killed her!
It was an accident. It just happened.
Nothing just happens.
Buffy starts to head for the station and Spike grabs her arm.
You're not going in there.
I have to do this. Just let me go.
I can't. I love you.
No, you don't.
You think I haven't tried not to?
Buffy decks him, the force of her punch lifting him off his feet and hurling him backward into a group of garbage cans.
Try harder.
She starts to head for the front doors again but Spike leaps up behind her, the vampire in him ascendant. He seizes her by the shoulders and throws her to the ground.
You are not throwing your life away over this.
It's not your choice.
Why are you doing this to yourself?
A girl is dead because of me.
And how many people are alive because of you? How many have you saved? One dead girl doesn't tip the scale.
That's all it is to you, isn't it? Just another body!
Buffy--
She attacks him with a flurry of blows, driving him to the ground.
You can't understand why this is killing me, can you?
Why don't you explain it?
She continues to beat on him violently and powerfully while she talks, her emotions coming out in a flood. He takes every blow, not fighting back, not even trying to block her punches.
Come on, that's it! Put it on me. Put it all on me. (she kicks him) That's my girl.
I am not your girl!
She jumps on top of him and rains blows down on his head and chest.
You don't have a soul! There is nothing good or clean in you. You are dead inside! You can't feel anything real! I could never be your girl!
She continues beating him until his face is a bloody pulp. She finally catches herself and looks down at him in horror.
You always hurt the one you love, pet.
Buffy gets up and stares at him through her tears, silent.
Buffy?
Her expression hardens and she walks with determination toward the police station. Spike tries to reach for her but can't.
Buffy...
Buffy enters and looks around, then heads for the front desk. The desk SERGEANT is talking on the phone.
No, no statements. Not until I get confirmation.
Excuse me. I need to--
I'll be with you in a sec.
He answers another line.
Sunnydale PD. Yeah, the phone's ringing off the hook here.
Buffy turns away, uncertain.
Listen, you got an ID on that body yet? Yeah? Okay, shoot.
He grabs a pen and writes.
Katrina... Silber. S-i-l-b-e-r.
Buffy has heard that name before and she frowns as she remembers the April/robot incident.
Warren's house:
Warren, just tell her to go away.
I can't.
You're keeping secrets from me. Other girls and who knows what else?
Trina, shut up.
Warren...
Thanks. (hangs up) Now what's the problem, Miss...?
He sees nothing but Buffy's back as she disappears through the door. He shrugs and goes back to work.
A book lies on the table, open to a drawing of one of the demons from Buffy's encounter in the forest.
Is this what you saw?
Buffy leans over and looks.
Yeah, that's it.
She passes the book to Xander and Willow so they can see as well.
The Rwasundi. Very rare. Its presence in our dimension causes a sort of localized temporal disturbance.
So that's why time went all David Lynch?
Right. Human perception is based on a linear chronology. Being exposed to the Rwasundi for more than a few seconds can cause vivid hallucinations. And a slight tingly scalp.
So that's it. These things just made you think you killed her.
She was probably dead long before you stumbled across her.
It wasn't the demons. It was Warren. He knew Katrina. He had something to do with it, I know it.
How can you be sure?
You always hurt the one you love.
Does this mean you're not going away?
Buffy goes over to her sister and smiles.
Yeah. I'm not going anywhere.
Dawn quickly runs out, leaving Buffy to stare after her, hurt. She turns back to her friends.
We need to find Warren and the others. Whatever they've done, they're not going to get away with it.
Warren, Jonathan and Andrew are hunched over their computer. Warren works the keyboard and brings up the coroner's report on Katrina's death.
We're going to get away with it. "Injuries consistent with a fall."
He points at the screen:
Coroner's Summary Report
Ruling:
SUICIDE
Coroner:
Willard Batts
February 01, 2002 @ 0127 hrs
Victim sustained injuries consistent with a fall. Twenty-one-year-old Katrina Silber's death appears to have been caused by an accidental drowning or suicide.
The coroner is ruling it a suicide.
What about Buffy?
Well, it wasn't that hard messing her game up. If she figures it out... we'll take care of her.
We really got away with murder. That's... kinda cool.
Andrew and Warren share a smile but Jonathan is less than enthusiastic.
Yeah. Cool.
Buffy sits on the coffee table facing Tara on the sofa.
Are you sure?
I've double checked everything. There's nothing wrong with you.
Then why can Spike hurt me?
Well, I said that there was nothing wrong with you but... you are different. Shifting you out of from where you were, funneling your essence back into your body... it altered you on a basic molecular level-- probably just enough to confuse the sensors or whatever's in Spike's chip-- but it's all just surfacey physical stuff. It wouldn't have any more effect than a bad sunburn.
Buffy looks close to tears.
I didn't come back wrong?
No, you're the same Buffy. (smiles) With a deep tropical cellular tan.
You must have missed something. Will you check again?
Buffy, I promise, there's nothing wrong with you.
There has to be! This just can't be me. It isn't me. Why do I feel like this? Why do I let Spike do those things to me?
You mean hit you?
Buffy meets Tara's eye for a moment, then looks away. Tara gets it.
Oh. Oh, huh. Really?
He's everything I hate. He's everything that... I'm supposed to be against. But the only time that I ever feel anything is when... Don't tell anyone, please.
I won't.
The way they would look at me. I just couldn't...
I won't tell anyone. I wouldn't do that.
Why can't I stop? Why do I keep letting him in?
Do you love him? (beat) It's okay if you do. He's done a lot of good and he does love you. And Buffy, it's okay if you don't. You're going through a really hard time and you're...
What? Using him? What's okay about that?
It's not that simple.
It is! It's wrong. I'm wrong. Tell me that I'm wrong. Please. (sobs) Please don't forgive me, please...
She slides off the table onto the floor and drops her head into Tara's lap, her body wracked with sobs. Tara seems uncomfortable at first, then rubs Buffy's back, comforting her.
Please don't forgive me...