More Than Anything

Rating: PG-13

Disclaimer: All characters are property of Joss Whedon and Mutant Enemy et al. except for Ani, but he can have her too, if he wants. I make no money off this, it's just for fun. No one else makes any money off it either.

Distribution: http://mysticmuse.net

If you like, post this wherever you want. Claim it for your own for all I care. Just keep my e-mail with it for feedback.

Pairing: Giles/Jenny

Author's Notes: Some of the scenes are complete rip offs from Passion. The story is written as a combination of a tele-play script and a traditional narrative, basically because I'm lazy and don't want to go into the "he said, she said" stuff. So at some parts, I don't go into what the characters are thinking, and you have to figure out the subtext for yourself, and there is definitely subtext to be figured out. And other parts are just totally what the character is thinking. Oh, and for those of you who might not know, "OS" stands for "off-screen" and "VO" stands for "voice-over". As you probably know, "POV" stands for "point of view". A "beat" is when the direction of a character's train of thought changes. Usually, it is only indicated in the script when there is a pause and there is no dialogue to indicate that the beat has changed, or if the dialogue wouldn't make sense if the beat wasn't pointed out.

PART ONE:
Summers House. Living room.
MOLLY, KENNEDY, DAWN, WILLOW, and XANDER are sitting around the coffee table, playing "truth or dare". BUFFY and GILES are at the other side of the room, talking in hushed tones.

BUFFY
(re: MOLLY and KENNEDY)
They're really just children, aren't they? I hope they're ready for this.

GILES
I don't see how they can be.

cut to COFFEE TABLE GROUP

KENNEDY
(flirtatious)
Willow- truth… or dare?

WILLOW
(nervous)
Truth. I think. Yeah, this is more of a truth night.

KENNEDY
(disappointed)
Oh.

Cut to BUFFY and GILES

GILES
I don't think any of us are ready, really.

BUFFY
They just seem so much more… inexperienced.

GILES
Well, they are.

Cut to COFFEE TABLE GROUP

KENNEDY
Okay, I have a question: What is the longest time you ever spent in bed- with someone else?

MOLLY starts giggling

WILLOW
(taken aback, casts her eyes down)
um…….

DAWN is shocked by KENEDY'S question. She looks towards WILLOW, upset for her. She is, of course, thinking of when she unexpectedly found out that Willow and Tara had made up, during "Seeing Red".

XANDER
(seeing how uncomfortable his friends are and himself upset by KENNEDY'S shameless flirting)
You know, maybe a different question is in order

KENNEDY
But that defeats the purpose of the game!

XANDER
There're some things that you don't understand about… the game.

MOLLY
Kennedy, maybe Xander's right. We're only trying to get to know each other better. No one should have to do something if it makes them that uncomfortable.

KENNEDY
(glaring at MOLLY)
Fine.

The game continues, at a low volume
Cut to BUFFY and GILES

BUFFY
It's just that we've been through so much together. Even if we aren't exactly ready for what's coming, at least we're somewhat prepared. I mean, I doubt those two have faced anything tougher than the odd vampire, if that.

GILES
Except for the Bringers of course.

There is a brief silence, broken by NERVOUS LAUGHTER from the group.

GILES
Buffy, however ready they are, they're going to have to face the First sooner or later- and, as you said, preferably sooner. They're simply going to have to do the best they can. We all are.

BUFFY
I know
(beat)
Have you seen it?

GILES
The First? No, not as yet.

BUFFY
But you're expecting it to- to try you.

GILES
I suspect it will try to get to all of us before-

BUFFY
-the showdown? (beat) It's trying to break us apart. More than that. It… the first time it almost got Angel to kill himself. And it tried to get Willow to do the same. It's so real, so convincing… only evil. Even though we know what game it's playing…(thinking of her mother) it's hard not to trust… when it looks like someone you- you love…and…

GILES
Someone you wish was there?

BUFFY nods.

GILES
I know.

BUFFY
And what with everything that's happened (Buffy's being torn out of heaven, lack of income, and twisted relationship with Spike; Xander and Anya breaking up; Anya going back to being a demon and then quitting again; Tara's death; Willow's bout with the magicrack and the evilness; Dawn's various constant and ongoing issues) none of us are exactly huge with the loving of life. Not that I think any of us would willingly… I'm just afraid that we might make things easy for the First.

GILES
(reassuring)
Don't underestimate them (nod to the group). Or yourself. You're stronger than that.

BUFFY
What about you?

GILES
What about me?

BUFFY
I've known you long enough to know when something's wrong. And I know something's been bothering you.

GILES
(Not looking her in the eye)
Nothing's bothering me. (off her look) And even if something were there's no reason to bother you with it.

BUFFY
I don't mind you telling me, whatever it is.

GILES
(coming out harsher than he meant it to)
I mind telling you.

BUFFY looks away, hurt.

GILES
(explaining)
I… you don't want to know.

BUFFY
Hello? What was I just saying?

GILES gets up and walks towards the back door, to get away from her questioning. BUFFY follows him, he turns to face her and they pause in the doorway between the living room and the hallway.

BUFFY
Look, would you just try me?

GILES avoids Buffy's imploring stare. It's clear that she's not going to leave him alone.

GILES
(Keeps his eyes turned towards the floor)
(Very forced. Just saying this because she's making him. Trying to be detached)
It's… it's Jenny. Willow asked me about… about… that night- months ago, now. But I- I haven't been able to get her out of my head since. (forced, ironic smile) It's funny… I thought I'd finally moved on… For so long, I tried to hold on to what memories I had of her, but after a time I just couldn't. I simply wanted to forget. (thoughtfully, ironic) Perhaps this is my punishment for trying to do so. To suddenly be reliving it every day in my mind, again.

BUFFY
Don't say that. People aren't… punished for trying to move on.

GILES
Why not? I should be… (reliving a bit of it) I should have been there…

BUFFY
(uncomfortable. Not really sure what to say but trying to be comforting)
There was no way for you to know what would happen. And Angel would have only killed you too.

GILES
(without thinking)
Then I should have died.

BUFFY's hurt, but she tries not to show it. She walks out the back door onto the porch.

GILES
(realizing what he's said)
(sarcastically, to himself)
Oh God, that was bloody brilliant.
(follows Buffy)

CUT TO
Back porch. Buffy is leaning on the railing, looking out on the yard. Being December, it's jacket weather, and Buffy's not dressed for it. She might be sniffling a bit. Giles stands besides her.
GILES
Buffy?...
(when she does not acknowledge him)
I'm sorry. I shouldn't have told you.

BUFFY
(without looking at him)
"Should have", "shouldn't have"… boy, you just can't do anything right.

GILES
Buffy-

BUFFY
-No. (turns to him)
I asked. Now I know. I wasn't worth it. Thanks for tell-

GILES
It has nothing to do with you.
(a beat passes in silence)
There were… too many things left… unfinished between us. Too many things I "should have" said and- and done. I never told her I loved her. (sorry he said that)
But that has nothing to do with you. I would still… (looks down, collecting his thoughts)
(trying to lighten the mood)
One would think that after all this time, you'd know that I… that I love you more than anything.

Their eyes meet. GILES looks at her, apologetically, sadly. BUFFY hugs him. He lays a hand on the back of her head.

GILES
I'd never leave you. Not really.
(he pulls away from her so he can face her)
Let's go back inside.

They come back in to see this interesting scene:

Cut to the GROUP
KENNEDY is smirking.
MOLLY is giggling uncontrollably.
WILLOW is trying to suppress a smile.
XANDER is sitting nervously in his chair.

XANDER
C'mon guys… this isn't fair…

DAWN is summoning a steely determination.

DAWN
No. I accepted the dare.

MOLLY breaks into a new fit of giggles
XANDER leans forward with his head in his hands.

XANDER
Oh, dear God.

DAWN gets up, crosses over to where XANDER is sitting, and crouches in front of him. XANDER does not seem to notice her close proximity to him. DAWN lifts XANDER'S head and kisses him. XANDER'S eyes widen and he moves his arms like he wants to push DAWN away, but he can't.

KENNEDY
Five… four… three… two… (drawing it out)… one. Okay!

DAWN releases XANDER, and, very cool, gets up, sits in her original seat, tosses her hair, and crosses her arms.
XANDER leans back in his chair, a look of fear etched upon his face.
MOLLY is laughing out loud.
WILLOW is grinning.
KENNEDY looks very smug and satisfied.
Naturally, the scene has caught the attention of BUFFY and GILES.

BUFFY
What is going on?

KENNEDY
Truth or dare. Dawn chose dare.

XANDER
Just an innocent game. Really. With no subtext or repercussions.

BUFFY just looks at him. The other girls are staring at him too.

XANDER
(doth protesteth too much)
I did NOT enjoy that!

DAWN raises an eyebrow at him.
XANDER cowers as BUFFY walks towards him. He jumps up and points at KENNEDY.

XANDER
It was her idea! Kill her, not me!

With that he runs out of the room.
KENNEDY looks offended.

(OS) ANDREW
What's going on? What am I missing?

(OS) XANDER
Shut up.

DAWN
Should I be flattered or offended?

BUFFY
Be nothing. It's late. Go to bed.

DAWN
That's not fair! How come Molly gets to stay up? She's the same age as me, plus she has all that training to do, which needs sleep for energy and stuff…

BUFFY
(gives her a look)
Fine. But no more truth or dare.

The kids grumble

BUFFY
We have work to do. We have to find some kind of weakness or flaw or something we can use to defeat the first.

WILLOW
If it has a weakness.

BUFFY
Wil, I need you on board here. If you're gonna take that attitude then you can just leave right now.

WILLOW
(a bit surprised, but not offended)
Yes ma'am.

BUFFY
We can at least make sure of what we know about it.

MOLLY
Well, what Mr. Giles said. It looks like people who've died, it can't touch anything, and it works through the Bringers.

BUFFY
There's gotta be more to it than that. It has to have other powers, other ways of working.

WILLOW
Well, it knows stuff.

Everyone turns to face WILLOW

BUFFY
Oka-y. Expand?

WILLOW
Like when I saw it. It knew my past, stuff that only Tara and I would know. It knew what I'm most afraid of.

DAWN
So it knows everything that happens? Like an evil Santa Clause?

WILLOW
The real Santa Clause is evil, remember?

MOLLY
What? You're lying!

WILLOW
No, it's true. Anya said it was around in the 16th century, sliding down chimneys, disembowelling children, and I'm getting off topic here, so I'll get back on topic. I don't think the first knows everything that happens. I think it just knows your mind.

GILES
That's quite a big "just".

WILLOW
Yeah.

BUFFY
Okay, mind reading. What else do we know about it?

WILLOW
When I did that locating spell, it… you know.

BUFFY
Do you think the spell opened you up to it?

WILLOW
In a word, yes.

BUFFY
So, don't mix with magic. Anything else we know from experience?

A slight pause.

DAWN
It brought Angel back. From hell. I guess that's a pretty powerful… power.

KENNEDY
So, why doesn't it set a whole army of demons from hell on us?

BUFFY
I don't know.

GILES
Perhaps its powers in that respect are-are limited to, um, drawing out creatures that, uh, originated in this dimension. Or-or maybe it can only set loose beings that would, um, influence events, rather than wreak, uh, general havoc.

BUFFY
It wanted Angel to kill me. That's kind of going beyond "influence".

GILES nods

BUFFY
Okay, so it's working some cross-dimensional mojo at any rate. Is that it? Is that all we know?

General consensus

KENNEDY
So can we get back to the game? (looks at Willow)

BUFFY
No! We're not finished. We still have to-

MOLLY
Oh, come on! You two weren't even playing before! You're the Slayer and the Watcher and we don't know anything about either of you.

BUFFY
Sure you do. I'm the Slayer. He's my Watcher. 'Nuff said.

MOLLY
Please? Kennedy won't ask any embarrassing sex questions.

KENNEDY glares at her

BUFFY
I should say not.

MOLLY
Come on! Just serious, get-to-know-you stuff. Okay, I've got one: If you had the chance to relive just one time in your life differently, knowing what you know now, what would it be?

MOLLY looks at them expectantly.
DAWN rolls her eyes and flops back in her chair, WILLOW looks away uncomfortably.
BUFFY and GILES just stare at MOLLY. Of course, they each know what the other would answer. (see if you can guess!)

BUFFY
So, back to the cross-dimensional thing.

MOLLY is miffed, KENNEDY doesn't look surprised.

BUFFY (cont.)
If the first is trying to mess with us, do you think it could, say, order the vamp editions of Xander and Willow?

GILES
It's hard to say. They're from an alter-

KENNEDY
Hold on, Willow was a vampire?

WILLOW
And Xander. In an alternate reality.

MOLLY
I don't get it.

BUFFY
Cordelia wished that I never came to Sunnydale, so Willow and Xander got vamped when the Master rose.

KENNEDY
What?

DAWN
Cordelia made the wish to Anya, and since she was a vengeance demon, she granted it.

KENNEDY
Anya's a demon?

DAWN
Was.

KENNEDY
So, how do you know about this? I mean, you're here, right?

WILLOW
Because Anya tried to get her necklace back.

KENNEDY
What?

MOLLY
Hold on a sec. Who's Cordelia? And why did she want vengeance on Buffy?

WILLOW
(annoyed)
She didn't

BUFFY
See, this is why we don't answer your questions. Giles, you were saying something?

GILES
Yes, uh, well, that was not another dimension, but a parallel reality. They're not the same thing. All dimensions exist in the same reality, but different realities exist separate from each other.

BUFFY
So there's not going to be any cross-over plotting going on?

GILES
We can't rule it out.

WILLOW
But demons from hell is a definite possibility?

GILES
It's a possibility, yes.

BUFFY
(dryly)
Alrighty then.

CUT TO: Later that night, Summers' living room.
The teenagers have all gone to bed. WILLOW is asleep in her chair. BUFFY and GILES are sitting on the couch, talking (once again) in hushed tones.

BUFFY
(tired)
This is tough.

GILES
I'm not inclined to disagree with you.

BUFFY
Willow's right. I don't think it has a weakness. I can't even guess what it's going to do next. I mean, it uses all this subtle, mind-control stuff, then it attacks us with its army of eyeless, knife-wielding, monk-guys. And now the Ubervamp. I just don't know which way to turn.

GILES
That's what it wants. It's attacking you on all fronts so that you won't have anywhere left to turn.

(beat)

BUFFY
I know I'm supposed to be the strong one here, and I will be. There's no way I'm gonna let the potentials see me down. But…

She clearly does not want to act strong anymore. She looks scared. Giles puts his arm around her and draws her close to him. She rests her head on his shoulder.

GILES
I'll always be here for you Buffy.

BUFFY
(These words should convey a lot: "I'm scared, what if you die, don't leave me, I wish this never happened, why can't we be like a normal family? I'm scared)
(whispers)
I love you.

CUT TO:
The Bringers, sitting in a circle, underground, a la "Amends". They're working some mojo. (as it turns out, the first does have some more powers, which can be worked through the Bringers. In this case: time-travel mojo).

PART TWO
The Summer's living room, the next morning. WILLOW is still asleep in her chair. GILES is asleep on the couch. BUFFY is nowhere to be seen.
GILES wakes with a bit of a start, looks around. He walks into the kitchen, where BUFFY is looking out the window, drinking coffee. Sunlight streaming in, lighting her up like an angel. Giles kind of hangs about in the doorway, staring at her wistfully (not inappropriately). Finally:

BUFFY
(Without looking at Giles)
Check it out. Another day.

GILES enters the kitchen and looks out the window. The sun is about halfway up.
Silence. Finally Buffy turns to Giles

BUFFY
Can I make you a tea?

GILES
Ah, no. Thank you. I think I'll go for a walk. I need some air.

BUFFY nods

BUFFY
Be careful, okay?

GILES nods, with a faint smile, and heads towards the door.

BUFFY
Giles?

GILES stops and turns to face her.

BUFFY
About what you were saying last night… Ms. Calendar… she knew you loved her.

GILES looks surprised

BUFFY
If she didn't know, she wouldn't have felt so bad. Besides, anyone would have to be functioning pretty low on the cognition scale not to notice you loved her.

GILES smiles and nods but does not looked convinced. He leaves. BUFFY sits watching after him, looking concerned.

CUT TO:
The Bringers, in all their eyeless glory, working some time-travel mojo.

CUT TO:
GILES walking, deep in thought, not paying attention to where his feet are taking him.
His thoughts: (would be unheard, but are here for you to read, if you want.) God, why did I tell Buffy that? She has enough on her mind already, without worrying that I'm losing mine. I must be losing it. Jenny… I could go days, weeks even, without thinking about her before. Then Willow... Bloody hell, why can't I push her out of my mind again? Damn it, Jenny… she was beautiful, though. Wonderful… beautiful, and brilliant, and wonderful, and God, she could have been mine. She could have been. If I wasn't such a stubborn… idiot! Damn it! … God, she tasted wonderful… Bloody sodding hell! She's dead! I'm insane, there's something wrong with me. She's been dead for… for five years. Five miserable years. Five years we could have been together. And all I can think… there's something wrong with me. I just bloody fantasize about her. Damn it, she's dead! Oh, God, she was lovely. I should have kissed her more… Damn, stop it! She's dead, in the ground, for Christ's sake… my Jenny… God, I feel ill.

He ends up in the cemetery. He looks up, sees that he has walked to Jenny's gravesite without even thinking about it. He stops. He stares at it for a moment, his mouth slightly open. He then turns sharply and walks away.

CUT TO:
Bringer mojo.

CUT TO:
GILES walking through the cemetery.

SMASH CUT TO:
HALLS OF THE ORIGINAL SUNNYDALE HIGH.
GILES is walking with Buffy, who is talking about Angel. He is wearing his old tweed suit, his old glasses, younger.
GILES looks up, surprised. Looks at BUFFY. BUFFY stops.

BUFFY
Is something wrong?

GILES
Uh… no. Sorry. Go on.

BUFFY continues. GILES casts his eyes around, with a "what the hell is going on here?" look on his face.

BUFFY
So, d'ja find a spell to keep Angel out of my house?

GILES
(stammering much more than usual)
What? Oh…uh, um, n-n-not as- as- as y-yet.

They stop in front of a classroom.
GILES P.O.V.
WILLOW talking to JENNY CALENDAR. Sunlight is streaming through the windows behind them, giving them, JENNY especially, a surreal glow.
GILES' breath catches in his throat, he is absolutely stunned, to say the least. (he hasn't had a dream like this in years).

BUFFY
Hey, Will.

Jenny and Willow look over at her.

JENNY
Hi, Buffy. Rupert.

Giles looks down.

GILES
(to himself)
This is a dream. I'm still asleep…

BUFFY
(ignoring Jenny)
Willow, I thought I might take in a class. Figured I could use someone who knows where they are.

Willow glances over at Jenny and then starts to walk out of the classroom.

WILLOW
(to Buffy)
Sorry. I have to talk to her. She's a teacher, and teachers are to be respected,
(they exit the room)
even if they're only filling in until the real teacher shows up, because otherwise chaos could ensue...

Giles has let the girls go. He hangs in the doorway, frozen in place.

JENNY
How have you been?

GILES
Uh…
(steps into the class)
not so good, actually. (falls into same dialogue as the first time, testing it out) Uh, since Angel lost his soul, he's regained his sense of whimsy.

JENNY
Well, that sounds bad. (crosses her arms)

GILES
He's been in Buffy's bedroom. I-I-I need to drum up a spell to, uh, keep him out of the house.

She reaches down to her desk and picks up an old book.

JENNY
This might help.
(hands it to Giles)
I've been doing a little reading since Angel changed.
(crosses her arms again)
I don't think you have that one.

GILES
Thank you.
(doesn't so much as glance at the book)

Jenny:
So, how's Buffy doing?

Giles:
(mechanically)
How do you think?

Jenny:
(faces away)
I know you feel betrayed.

GILES looks like he's about to say something, but looks down and is silent. His breathing is coming a little hard.
Jenny:
(looks down at her desk)
Rupert... I was raised by the people that Angel hurt the most.
(looks up at Giles)
My duty to them was the first thing I was ever taught. I didn't come here to hurt anyone, (looks away)
a-and I lied to you because I thought it was the right thing to do. I... I didn't know what would happen. I didn't know I was gonna fall in love with you.

She pauses for a moment before looking back up at Giles. They exchange a meaningful look, but then she looks away again.

Jenny:
Oh, God. Is it too late to take that back?

Giles:
(swallows)
(kind of sad, kind of breathless, kind of sounding like he's on the brink of a heart-attack)
Do you want to?

Jenny:
(looks at him)
I just wanna be right with you. I don't expect more. I just want so badly to make all this up to you.

Giles:
(a bit mechanically, and a teensy bit guiltily)
I understand. But I'm not the one you need to make it up to.

She looks at him, understanding. He gives her a little smile and raises the book.

Giles:
Thank you for the book.

He turns and walks out of the room. She just watches him go.

Giles turns the corner and leans against the wall. He shuts his eyes and puts his hand to his head. His breathing is forced.
JONATHAN, who is walking down the hall, comes up to him.
GILES (knowing what Jonathan becomes later) looks at him like he has three heads.

JONATHAN
Excuse me, Mr. Giles? Are you alright?

GILES
(curtly)
Y-yes. Go to class.

JONATHAN give him a sideways glance and walks away.

GILES searches through his pockets, and comes up with a small pen-knife. The halls are about empty at this point. Giles opens the knife, and calmly jabs himself in the hand. He swears and drops the knife. He pulls out a handkerchief and holds it in his hand to stop the bleeding. He shuts his eyes.

GILES
(to himself) Alright then. Definitely not a dream.

He takes a deep breath, takes a moment to collect himself, puts the handkerchief back in his pocket and then walks quickly back to Jenny's class.

JENNY is just leaving the class, books and tote bag in hand, when GILES almost runs into her. They are both startled.

JENNY
Oh! Hi. I was just going to lunch…
(Aware that he is looking at her intensely)
Is- is something wrong?

GILES
(transfixed)
No…
(realizing he is making her uneasy)
I… I, uh, j-just um… for-forgot something.
(clears his throat)

JENNY
Well…
(She steps back into the class to let him in)

GILES
(enters the class, turns to face her)
I… uh…

JENNY puts her things down and walks closer to him, a puzzled expression on her face.

GILES (cont.)
I f-forgot to… to…to t-t-tell you…
(He trails off and is transfixed by her gaze)

JENNY'S puzzled look disappears as he looks at her. She knows what he's trying to say. She gazes back at him with equal intensity, eager for her affections to be returned. They are drawn closer to each other.

GILES (cont.)
(softly)
I…

He leans towards her, hypnotized, as she tilts her head towards him.
They kiss. Long, slow, and steady.
They separate, only just barely.

GILES
(extremely softly)
I love you.

JENNY
(smiling, her lips brushing his)
I know.

They kiss again, deeply, but not as long as the first.
They separate again, more so this time.

JENNY
(clears her throat)
I have some marking to do for my next class.

GILES
Hm? Oh. (he steps back) Yes. I, uh, I sh-should, uh, g-go find Buffy.

JENNY
(nods)
(a bit breathlessly)
uh huh.

They go to the door, and turn to face each other.

GILES
(a bit suddenly)
I'll see you after school?

JENNY
(smiles)
Yeah. Oh no, wait. I'm busy with… stuff. Tomorrow?
(She looks at him, her eyes shining)

GILES
(smiling back, still completely absorbed in her eyes)
Yes.

They stand, smiling at each other for a beat.
JENNY takes a few steps backwards, then turns and walks away. She looks over her shoulder to wave goodbye to him.
GILES just smiles back at her, watching her walk away. When he can no longer see her he turns to walk in the opposite direction.

PART THREE
CUT TO:
The next day.
Cut to the lounge. Giles is talking with a couple of students while searching through his briefcase for some flyers.

Giles:
I put it here somewhere.
(finds the flyers)
Oh, yes, yes. That's it.
(hands the flyers to the students)
Could you, um, hang those up?
(the students nod)
Thank you.
(sees Buffy arrive)
Buffy. So, uh, so how was your night?

Buffy:
Sleepless, but no human fatalities.

Cordelia comes up to them.

Giles:
I-I found a ritual to revoke the invitation to vampires.

Cordelia:
Oh, thank goodness. I actually had to talk my grandmother into switching cars with me last night.

Giles:
Um, the-the-the, uh, the ritual's fairly basic, actually. It's just the recitation of a few rhyming couplets, burning of, uh, moss herbs, sprinkling of holy water...
(turns down the hall)

Buffy:
(starts to follow)
All stuff I have in my house.

Giles:
Hanging of crosses...

The kids go off to class, and Giles goes to his library. He begins pulling books off the shelves, and taking them to his office. The camera shows some of the titles. They all have to do with time-travel, alternate realities, and the like.

FADE TO:
Same day, at night.
GILES is still in his office, reading. He checks the clock, closes his book, and gets up. He puts a cross in his inside jacket pocket, and puts the mace-on-a-chain (Willow's "why do they call it a mace?" as seen in "School Hard") in his briefcase. He leaves.

Cut to Jenny's classroom. She's at her desk working on the translation program. She takes a sip of coffee from her mug and sets it back down. She types a few keystrokes, then stares at the screen. Behind her Giles appears and stands in the doorway.

Giles:
Hello.

She startles and looks at him. Quickly she types a few keystrokes, and the screen changes. She turns back to him.

Jenny:
Oh! Hi.

Giles:
(steps into the room)
You're working late.

Jenny:
Special project.

Giles:
Oh.
(knowing what it is, he looks kind of worried at this point)

Jenny:
I spoke to Buffy today.

Giles:
Oh! Yes?
(distracted from his worries)
(sits on her desk)

Jenny:
Mm.
(looks away)
She said you missed me.
(plays with a pencil)

GILES
(a bit of a laugh, he looks down then back at Jenny, with an intense look)
She has no idea

JENNY is a bit surprised at this reply. She gazes back at him. They stay like that for a bit. It starts looking like they're going to kiss again, but Jenny starts talking quickly.

Jenny:
(breaking eye contact)
Rupert... Okay, I don't wanna say anything if I'm
wrong, but I may have some news. Now, I need to finish up here.
(looks at him)
Could I see you later?

GILES
Oh, uh…
(suddenly very nervous, but trying to hide it.)
(he gets up and sits at the other side of the desk, so that he can't see the screen)
I-I don't mind waiting, if-if you want. Then w-we could, uh, go s-someplace.
T-to-together.

JENNY takes a moment to consider. GILES holds his breath. JENNY smiles.

JENNY
Sounds good.
(she gets back to work)
Hopefully this won't take too long.

There is a silence, broken only by JENNY tapping on her keyboard. GILES looks around, nervously.

GILES
(wanting to break the silence)
This-this special project isn't for school, I gather?

JENNY
(not looking away from the screen)
No… it's for a friend.
(she smiles a bit)
By the way, where were you planning on taking me after this? Your place?

GILES
(smiling nervously)
Actually…(beat)
(gets a worried expression)
No, no. I, uh, I invited Angel in once. I still have to do the spell.

JENNY
(teasingly)
Good. That's the perfect excuse for you to stay at my place tonight.

GILES looks at her, eyes shining, anxiety over Angel's imminent arrival momentarily forgotten.
JENNY'S concentration remains fixed on her computer screen.

JENNY
(to herself)
Okay, let's try this…

She taps a few keys, then looks up at the screen. A percent complete window appears over the Rumanian text, and the bar zips across it.

Jenny:
Come on, come on...

GILES blinks, suddenly very anxious again. He knows what's coming

The bar disappears, and a translation scrolls up next to the original text.

Jenny:
That's it!
(exhales and smiles)
It's gonna work!
(saves the result)
This... will work.

GILES looks at her expectantly

She pops out an unlabeled yellow floppy disk and sets it aside by some books near the edge of her desk. In the mean time a hardcopy has started to print out. She wheels her chair over to the printer and looks it over. She proudly hands the printout to Giles, grinning. Giles quickly scans over it, already knowing what it is. He looks very serious.

GILES
You're in danger.

JENNY
(not the reaction she was expecting)
What?

GILES
When Angel finds out about this, he'll kill you.

JENNY
I don't intend for him to find out about it until after I've performed the ritual.

GILES
(starting to pace)
He already knows. (off Jenny's look) probably.

JENNY
How? You're the first person I've told.

GILES
(getting desperate)
Well, uh… Dru-Drusilla. She-she's pre-cognizant.

JENNY
I hadn't thought of that.

GILES
You-you-you need to get s-s-somewhere safe.

JENNY
(annoyed, but a bit scared at the same time)
Oh, you're over-reacting!

GILES
(vehemently)
No, I am not!

ANGELUS
(from the shadows)
Ah, Jenny, I'm afraid Watcher-boy's got you on that one.

JENNY'S eyes widen with fear. GILES steels himself.

(NOTE: In this scene, I am assuming that there are two exits to the classroom- one to the hallway and one to the outside. I assume that the outside exit is the one that Jenny tried to get past Angel to when the door to the hallway was stuck in "Passion").

Angelus is sitting in a desk at the back of the class. He gets up and walks towards them.

ANGELUS
Of course, I was hoping to catch you alone, but I think this will work out well. You know, like killing two birds with one stone. (evil grin) And Buffy will be in for an extra-special treat tomorrow.

JENNY
Angel-

GILES
(to Jenny, but not taking his eyes off Angelus)
Don't. It won't do any good

Behind the desk, GILES pulls the mace out of his briefcase, holding it by the chain so it won't clank, and lets the handle slip into his hand. He takes the cross out of his pocket and hands it to JENNY. GILES steps forward, holding the mace close to himself so that Angelus can't see it.

ANGELUS
Aw, you think you're going to protect your girlfriend, don't you? That's kinda sweet.

GILES
(to Jenny, keeping his eyes on Angelus)
Go, get your car. Bring it round to this exit.

JENNY tries the door to the hallway, but can't get it open. ANGELUS snickers.

ANGELUS
Gee, too bad. The door's locked from the outside. (he puts on his game face) Looks like your gonna have to go past me.

ANGELUS has his attention focused on Jenny. GILES swings at ANGELUS with the mace, catching him off guard and hitting him on the shoulder. JENNY runs past him to the outside door. ANGELUS starts after her, but GILES hits him in the head with the mace and gets between him and the door. He swings the mace again, but ANGELUS puts his arm up to block it. He grabs hold of it and yanks it out of Giles' grasp.

ANGELUS
(looking at the mace)
Nice toy, old man.
(He throws it out the window, breaking the glass)
Let's see how much of nuisance you can make of yourself without it.

ANGELUS grabs GILES by the collar and throws him against the blackboard. GILES gets up fairly quickly, but looks like he may fall over. ANGELUS rounds in on him.

ANGELUS
You know, I was gonna let you off easy, leave some way for Buffy to recognize your corpse. But then you have to try to be the hero, don't you?

GILES manages to get in a fair punch to Angel's head, and it might have done some damage if Angel was just a person. ANGELUS hits him back, hard, sending him backwards into the wall again.

ANGELUS (cont.)
Which, you have to admit, is pretty pathetic.

GILES regains his balance with some difficulty, his head bleeding, but he is determined to not give up. ANGELUS hits him again, breaking his glasses. GILES is leaning against the wall, trying to stay upright. ANGELUS hits him again, in the stomach, and GILES cringes and doubles up. ANGELUS grabs him by the throat.

ANGELUS
Come on, old man. Don't you want to go down fighting?

When suddenly, from behind Angel:

JENNY
Hey!

ANGELUS turns his head on impulse. JENNY gets him square in the jaw with the mace, sending him stumbling. In the time it takes ANGELUS to recover, she manages to get GILES on his feet and they start heading towards the outside door. ANGELUS starts at them again, but JENNY (gesturing towards Angel as if she was saying "stop") shouts a few words in Romanian, and with a flash of red, sends ANGELUS flying backwards. When he tries to get up again, red energy crackles around him and he is held down. GILES and JENNY get in her car and drive away. ANGELUS roars in frustration.

CUT TO:
Interior of Jenny's car.
Jenny is driving, keeping a nervous eye on Giles, who is collapsed in the passenger seat, his hand to his bleeding head, his eyes closed. His glasses are missing.

JENNY
Don't touch your head. Just relax, I'll get you to the hospital.

GILES
(not taking his hand away)
(in a low voice)
What was that?

JENNY
What was what?

GILES
That… that thing you did.

JENNY
Oh, yeah. My-my grandmother taught me that protection charm when I was seven or something. It only lasts about a minute. I had forgotten all about it.

GILES
And you just remembered it now?

JENNY
Yeah, I was starting my car and it just came back to me.

GILES
(dryly)
Great.

GILES leans forward, with his head between his knees.

JENNY
Are you going to pass out?

GILES
No, I'll be alright.
(but not sounding like it at all).

JENNY
We'll be at the hospital soon.

GILES sits up again, a bit too quickly, and gets a head rush. He leans back in his seat, with his eyes closed.

GILES
We'll be at the where?

JENNY
The hospital. Don't worry, just-

GILES
No. You- you have to get somewhere safe. Go to your apartment.

JENNY
(upset with him)
Rupert, you need a doctor.

GILES
(insistently)
You need to be where Angel can't get to you. You've never invited him to your place, have you?

JENNY
No, but-

GILES
Good. Go there.

JENNY
At least let me drop you off at emergency.

GILES
(angrily)
No! I'm not leaving you alone. I said I'll be fine.

JENNY
You won't be fine! My God, Rupert, you look like you were pulled out of a plane crash.

GILES
(frustrated)
(slowly)
You don't understand. If you make yourself vulnerable, for one minute, Angel will kill you.

JENNY
What about you? If you aren't treated soon-

GILES
I don't care! (beat)
(very sad, frustrated, passionate, scared that she's going to get killed even after they got away)
(quietly)
My God, Jenny, do you want to die?

There is silence. Jenny is shocked, not really understanding. She does, however make a wide turn.

JENNY
There's… I have some healing spells at home. I've never tried the more serious ones, and I don't know if I have all the ingredients, but…

GILES
Good.

CUT TO
Jenny Calendar's kitchen.
Jenny is at the stove, mixing potions and saying incantations. She has taken off the flowy top she was wearing before, which was impractical for potion-mixing, and is wearing the camisole or whatever she had on underneath. Giles is sitting at the kitchen table, eyes closed, resting his head on his hands, trying very hard not to pass out. He's in his shirtsleeves.
JENNY sets a glass of what looks like tomato juice in front of Giles.

JENNY
There. That should heal any internal bleeding, restore lost blood.

GILES looks at the glass detachedly. JENNY watches him, worried.

JENNY
Do you… do you need some help?

GILES
Hm? Oh…no…

He takes the glass and drinks the potion slowly. JENNY goes back to her mixing. She is visibly on edge. GILES finishes the potion and starts coughing violently. JENNY drops what she's doing.

JENNY
Are you alright?

GILES
(catches his breath)
I'm fine…fine…

JENNY goes back to what she was doing.

JENNY
(to herself)
Oh Goddess, please let me be doing this right.

She finishes another one, this one kind of bluish.

JENNY
That's for healing broken or-or fractured bones. I also put in something that should, uh, speed your recovery in-in general.

GILES drinks this one more quickly than the last, and makes a face. JENNY leaves and comes back with some cotton and disinfectant. She put them on the table and takes a bowl of red clay-looking stuff from the counter.

JENNY
I've never done any of these spells before. I-I don't know how soon they'll take effect.

She sits on the table in front of Giles, and puts some disinfectant on the cotton.

GILES
(smiling a bit)
I feel better already.

JENNY cannot look him in the eye. He does not look better at all. (although, he actually is, as he will prove later… ;)    )He has a black eye, with little cuts around it from where his glasses broke. He is badly bruised, and there's a deep cut on his forehead, and drying blood down the side of his face and on his shirt.

JENNY
This is gonna sting.

She starts cleaning his wound. GILES grimaces a bit. He looks at Jenny. She's concentrating. Her eyes are teary. Giles looks at her with concern. He realizes that they made it out of the experience alive, that Jenny made it out alive. He got another chance and he did it right this time- he saved Jenny and now he's with her, actually with her, and his look of concern changes to one of awe. His eyes travel up and down her body, not necessarily in a sexual way, but just because he is amazed that she is actually there. He looks back at her face, still set with concentration, but definitely blinking back tears. He looks at her intently, with both concern and fascination. JENNY finishes cleaning his wound and dips her fingers in the clay-like stuff. She touches his cuts and says a few words, "be healed" in Latin or something. Where she touches him, the clay-type stuff glows a little and disappears. The small glass cuts heal right away, and the bruising goes down some. The deep cut on Giles' forehead closes up a little bit.

JENNY
There.

Their eyes finally meet. Giles has a funny half-smile. Jenny's tears finally overflow. She gets up, gathers her things together, and goes quickly to put them back in the washroom. Giles looks after her, puzzled, and gets up to follow her. She comes back anyways. She looks like she's about to say something, but instead walks away again, into the living room. Giles follows her. Jenny stops with her back to him. He approaches her.

GILES
Jenny… what's wrong?

JENNY turns sharply to face him, staring at him in disbelief. He is taken aback.

JENNY
I almost watched you die tonight!

GILES is stunned. He obviously hasn't thought about how Jenny reacted to the events of that night. JENNY closes her eyes and sighs.

JENNY
It was like you didn't care whether you lived or died… that's scary. I was so afraid (beat)
I'm sorry… I'm sorry. I should have known that Angel would find out about the curse. I- I shouldn't have worked in secret… (more to herself than to Giles) Goddess, I just make a mess out of everything.

GILES
(surprised and worried)
Don't say that. You… (smiles softly) you did the impossible.

JENNY looks uncomfortable, but she smiles a bit.

GILES
(walking closer to Jenny)
You had to work on your own, it wouldn't have been right any other way. Jenny… This isn't your fault. None of this is.

JENNY looks up at him, never expecting to hear that "none of this" is her fault. They are quite close now. Jenny smiles, genuinely happy. She is speechless. Giles is looking at her with complete adoration. She puts her arms around his neck and kisses him, a bit suddenly. It's intense, but short.

JENNY
(breaking off the kiss)
I love you. I'll never take that back.

They kiss, deeply and passionately. They really start to get into it, when she breaks off the kiss

JENNY
(breathlessly, eyes shining)
My bedroom?

Giles can only smile and nod. She smiles back and leads him by the hand to her bedroom. And he forgets.

PART FOUR
CUT TO
Next morning, JENNY and GILES are in Jenny's car on the way to school, JENNY is driving. They are both in very good moods, for obvious reasons :). They evidently stopped at Giles' place first, because he is wearing a suit that is not all bloody. Also of note: he is wearing fewer layers than usual. He is not wearing his glasses, which were broken and lost in the fight. Where the cut on his forehead was is now just really bad bruising, and it is the only evidence of his injuries the night before. It is late morning.

JENNY
(sweetly)
Ru, can I ask you something?

GILES
(smiling)
Anything.

JENNY
When did you know you were in love with me?

GILES
When did I know? (thinks) uh, I-I suppose I didn't know for sure until Eyghon…uh…

JENNY
(noting his discomfort with the memory of the demon)
Okay, I get it. Life threatening moment causes revelation. (smiling a bit) Actually, I wasn't sure I loved you until I shot you with that crossbow. (cringes at the memory).

GILES laughs a bit.

JENNY
(smiling again)
Okay, I have another question: when did I stop being "that dreadful Calendar woman"?

GILES
(embarrassed but laughing)
When you said you knew about the demon on the internet. Your eyes lit up. You were brilliant.

JENNY
Why thank you.

GILES
When did you stop thinking of me as "Snobby"?

JENNY
(laughs out loud)
That's easy: after we did the spell together. Your voice just sounded so sexy, I couldn't stop thinking about it. (laughs)

Giles smiles at her, a bit surprised.

JENNY
Oh, that's another good one: when was the first time you wanted to go to bed with me?

GILES
(softer, still smiling)
At the dance, after Buffy defeated the Master. I remember wondering how I didn't notice before how beautiful you are. I thought that you were the type of woman who should spend all her time in leisure, being made love to night and day, whenever possible.

JENNY smiles at him. Then her look suddenly cools.

JENNY
(scornfully)
What, do you think that's all I'm good for?

GILES
(eyes widen, scared, realizing how what he said must have sounded to her)
Wha?...uh-uh-uh-n-no! no… Jenny… I-I didn't mean it that way…

JENNY
(turns to him, grinning)
Relax, Rupert. I think I know what you meant.

GILES is silent, but not relaxed.

JENNY
(teasingly)
You know I love to watch you squirm.

Giles relaxes and smiles, but is still embarrassed. They pull into the school parking lot.

JENNY
(checking her watch)
Goddess, I can't believe how late we are. (undoing her seatbelt) I already missed my first two classes.

GILES
(kind of disappointed)
Are you saying it wasn't worth sleeping in this morning?

JENNY
Hey!
(grins)
It was totally worth it.

She wraps her hand around his neck and pulls him towards her. They kiss. He moves closer so he can comfortably wrap his arms around her waist. They look like they might miss period three as well when PRINCIPAL SNYDER saunters up to the car, a grim expression on his face.

SNYDER
Ms. Calendar-

The couple jumps and splits apart. GILES bashes his head on the roof of the car, and clutches his head,

GILES
Bloody hell…

At the same time, JENNY's elbow hits the car horn, causing it to go off sharply in Snyder's ear. She turns to Giles to make sure he is all right.

JENNY
Are you okay?

SNYDER
(sternly)
Ms. Calander!

JENNY turns to the principal, GILES glares at him.

SNYDER
You're needed in my office for police questioning. It seems some vandals broke into your classroom last night. (to Giles) Under the circumstances I think it would be best if you came along too.

The midget principal turns and leaves. JENNY gets out of the car, worried expression on her face. GILES follows, muttering curses and death-threats under his breath.

CUT TO
End of the school day, Giles and Jenny leaving the principal's office, after being questioned by the police, and then lectured by Snyder on "appropriate professional behaviour". GILES has a stony expression on his face. JENNY looks thoroughly upset. They start walking towards the library.

JENNY
That has got to be the most humiliating experience of my life! I can't believe he kept us in there the whole day. Goddess, that was embarrassing!

GILES
Mm.

JENNY
(studying Giles' cloudy expression)
Ru?

GILES
(looking up to her)
Hm?

JENNY
(a smile curling her lips)
It was still totally worth it.

He smiles back at her as they enter the library. THE SCOOBY GANG is there, waiting for them.

BUFFY
(jumping down from the counter where she was seated)
Finally! We were so worried! First you don't show up to pick up the book last night, then we come to school to find Ms. Calendar's classroom a wreck, not to mention these,
(she pulls Giles' broken glasses out of a pocket and hands them to him. He looks at them and smiles wistfully and puts them in his jacket pocket.)
and neither of you anywhere to be found.

XANDER
Needless to say we were relieved when we heard that Snyder had caught the two of you making out in the parking lot. (snickering) Well, not exactly relieved, more somewhere in the vicinity of rolling on the floor laughing-
(Giles glares at him)
Well, you get the idea.

JENNY
You heard about that?

OZ
(nonchalantly)
Oh yeah, the whole school knows.

JENNY
Great. (sighs) Class is going to be a treat tomorrow.

BUFFY
I'm more interested in what actually happened last night.
(gesturing to Giles' bruised forehead)
You got in a fight?

GILES
Well, um, y-yes, in a manner of speaking…
(looks towards Jenny)
But that can wait… uh, J-Jenny…?

EVERYONE's attention is turned towards Jenny. Giles retreats into his office, leaving Jenny with the full responsibility of the spell.

JENNY
(smiling awkwardly)
I'm going to restore Angel's soul. Tonight.

Shocked silence.

JENNY
I-I know I said it couldn't be done, but I was able to create a program that translated the text. That was the only thing that stood in the way of Angel being cursed again. I just have to pick up some supplies. I'm going to go now before the sun starts to set. In the meantime, Willow, I was wondering if you could do the protection spell on the library, in case any vampires decide to crash. I'll be back in about an hour, and I'll explain the rest of the plan.
(she smiles and leaves)

A beat passes in silence.

CORDELIA
Okay… that was unexpected.

XANDER
To say the least.

WILLOW
Wow…

OZ
I agree with Wil.

WILLOW
… wow.

BUFFY
(still facing the door, voice shaking slightly)
Giles?

Giles is walking behind her, returning the books he was studying the previous evening to the stacks. He has forgotten why he was reading them in the first place. Since he woke up that morning, he has had no memory of the previous course of events. BUFFY turns and walks up to him, while the others start on the protection spell. Throughout the following conversation, Giles and Buffy are careful to keep their voices low. The others do not hear what they are saying.

BUFFY
Giles, did you know about this?

GILES
Only since last night. (smiles somewhat proudly) Jenny kept the whole thing a secret until she was finished.

BUFFY
Yeah, she's good at that.

GILES is visibly upset by Buffy's attitude, but he remains calm and understanding.

GILES
She didn't want to give you any false hopes, Buffy.

BUFFY
Well, I think some false hope would have been better this past month than none at all.

GILES
She had to work on her own if she was going to make it up to you properly.

BUFFY
Right, right… I'm just sick of having my emotions messed around with, Giles. I mean, I'm happy, and in love, when everything is blown to pieces. And now… he's making my life miserable, and I come to school this morning, and I think he's killed you. I'm ready to go kill him, have it out. What makes her think that all of a sudden she can snap her fingers and make everything better? Well, I'm sorry, she can't.
(stalks off behind the stacks)

GILES
(losing his patience, following her)
And yet I fail to see how you could possibly have a problem with her trying. She- she went beyond what any of us could expect from her. Whether or-or-or not the spell can erase the past is- is besides the point: she can give you back Angel. She-she-she found a way of-of achieving what was assumed to be impossible-

BUFFY
Assumed by her.

GILES
(keeping his voice low)
For God's sake Buffy, why are you so intent on blaming her for this?

BUFFY
Maybe because she's the one to blame?

GILES
(distinctly)
This isn't her fault.

BUFFY
(thinking, "so, he's choosing her over me")
So you think it is my fault after all?

GILES
(completely exasperated, still trying to be understanding)
No, I'm-I'm… Look, it happened. No one knew, no one could have stopped it, it-it-it just happened.

BUFFY is silent, she studies the titles on the book shelf.

GILES (CONT.)
You were upset, you-you needed someone to blame, that's understandable. But this is ridiculous. Especially since it seemed that the-the last time you two talked you were ready to-to-to-

BUFFY
I told her you missed her. I did not tell her she could stop feeling sorry. (Hearing how that last sentence sounded) I mean-

GILES
(shocked and upset with Buffy's attitude)
You don't care if she makes it up to you or not. (a beat) I-I've known you to be rash and-and-and silly, but I never thought you could be so-so-so childish and-and-and-and petty-

BUFFY
(hurt and insulted, she becomes more defensive and stubborn)
Petty!

GILES
Jenny does not deserve this kind of treatment, especially not after what she's been through-

BUFFY
(laughs bitterly)
What she's been through?

GILES
(he glares at Buffy, not because he's disappointed in her, or because he's worried about her, but because, for the first time, he's genuinely angry at her)
(very softly, but very distinctly, and fighting back rage)
Angelus knows about the spell. He could have killed her last night. If Jenny were dead today, then would you have forgiven her?

BUFFY cannot meet her watcher's eyes.

GILES (CONT.)
You didn't know about that, but you know that she's lost family, and that in her eyes, she's let them down. You know that she's felt just as much guilt and-and-and pain over this as you have. (beat) (Buffy is silent, knowing that this is true, but certainly not wanting to admit it).
Angelus did almost kill me last night. I'm alive because Jenny just happened to know enough magic to get us out of the school and to keep me from bleeding to death. I almost died for her last night. I would gladly die for her. I think you should know that.

BUFFY makes a move like she's about to walk away, but Giles isn't finished.

GILES (CONT.)
So if you can't let go of your-your-your self-righteous suffering long enough to forgive her, I want you at least to be civil. She thinks very highly of you, and she wants your approval. (coldly) Although, personally, right now I don't think your good opinion is worth the effort.

BUFFY looks up at him, shocked and hurt. GILES turns from her and walks away, going to check on Willow and the gang. Buffy stays behind the bookshelf, thinking about what Giles said, hurt clearly showing in her eyes.

CUT TO
The next scene is a montage. Clips of Jenny and Willow doing the spell are cut with clips of Buffy watching out for Angel. I'm not going to describe the spell scene, because everyone's seen what the spell looks like. It's basically the same thing, only the whole thing is in English, since there is no possession going on.

The sun has not yet gone down and Buffy is on her way to the factory, being careful not to be seen. She is highly focused. (CUT TO SPELL and back)
Buffy stakes out the factory, waiting for the sun to set and Angel to leave. He does, and sets off towards the school, in the company of about three minion vamps. He can't afford to let anything to go wrong tonight. (CUT TO SPELL and back)
Buffy stalks them, and picks off one of the vamps, staking him quickly and as silently as possible. Angel notices, and turns to where BUFFY had been a moment ago, but she has disappeared. He turns to see that another of his minion vamps is missing.

ANGEL
(with game face on)
Buuuuuuuuuf-feeeeeeeeeee… I know you're out there. Why don't you stop hiding?

There is the sound of the third and last minion vamp being dusted. ANGEL turns to see BUFFY standing behind him stake in hand.

BUFFY
Who's hiding?

They fight.
Back to the spell in the library
Back to the fight.
Buffy and Angel are pretty well matched. Every time Buffy starts to get the upper hand, Angel knocks her for a loop and visa-versa. Buffy begins to be afraid that she'll have to stake Angel to keep him from winning, when the spell is completed. Angel's eyes glow and he collapses. Buffy isn't sure what to do at first, not wanting to believe that he's cured just to find out it's a trick. Her face registers shock. Angel looks at her with confusion

ANGEL
(whispers)
Buffy? What happened?

Buffy's eyes flow over with tears. She runs to his side and embraces him. Her Angel is back.

PART FIVE
FADE TO
Next day (Friday), Sunnydale high library.
GILES is in front of the check-out counter, sorting books or the card catalogue or something. JENNY saunters in, wraps her arms around his neck and kisses him.

JENNY
(still wrapped around Giles)
Mm… I'm glad it's Friday.

GILES
(completely forgetting whatever he was doing before)
Me too.
(he kisses her back)

JENNY
(smiling lazily)
I just had an idea: How about if we spend the weekend together? Say, at your place? I could just pick up some overnight things from my apartment and then join you there after school.

GILES just smiles back at her. More kissing. BUFFY, XANDER, and WILLOW enter the library. The couple separates quickly. WILLOW smiles impishly. BUFFY doesn't seem to notice anything out of the ordinary- in fact, she seems to be in a daze.

XANDER
Can't you two ever do anything else? Or do you need to have another talk with principal Snyder about the meaning of "professional behaviour"?

GILES pointedly ignores Xander's remarks. He is uncomfortable about telling Buffy off the day before and is tense.

JENNY
(to BUFFY)
(eagerly)
How'd things go last night? It felt like spell worked from here…

BUFFY
(nods)
It worked. Angel's back. He's still in shock, but… he's back.

JENNY
(sigh of relief, wide grin)
I knew it! Well, I was still afraid that something went wrong, but you know… yay!

BUFFY forces a smile. Her eyes appear a bit misty.

JENNY
(off BUFFY's apparent lack of excitement)
(drops the grin, more serious)
Of course, things are going to be hard for him. Even harder than the first time, probably…

BUFFY nods, with misty eyes.

JENNY
(Not wanting to emphasize the negative)
But then again, this time he has you… so, y'know…

BUFFY
(looks down, shuffles her feet)
Yeah.

JENNY
And if there's anything I can do to help, anything, just let me know…

A beat.
BUFFY hugs JENNY, much to the latter's surprise. GILES is equally stunned. WILLOW just smiles- Buffy has been talking things over with her. XANDER smiles too, but is a little uncomfortable with the personal moment.
Buffy releases Ms. Calendar, who is shocked but not displeased.

BUFFY
Thank you. For everything. (smiles for real) I… thank you. I'm just so happy. I know me and Angel will never be like we were before, but… It's stupid, but I can't help being happy.

JENNY
No it's not.

BUFFY
And… (takes a deep breath) I'm sorry. For blaming you. You didn't know-

JENNY
(overwhelmed)
Buffy, it's okay-

BUFFY
No, it's not. You were the convenient person to blame, and I made things so much harder then they needed to be.

JENNY
It's okay, really. I mean, I should have-

BUFFY
Don't. Please. (takes another deep breath). There was nothing you could have or should have done. (looking over Jenny's shoulder to GILES who is still stunned at the scene) I know that now. (GILES looks down, moved and slightly embarrassed). I just want to thank you for giving Angel back to me.

JENNY
It…it was the least-

BUFFY
No it wasn't. You didn't have to do so much as stick around after Angel turned. (furrows her brow slightly, looks down) Of course I-I know you weren't sticking around for my sake-

JENNY
Buffy, I don't-

BUFFY
Just…(a beat) Thank you.

JENNY
(flustered)
But I - now let me finish-

BUFFY
Jenny.

Ms. Calendar is silenced by the student's use of her first name.

BUFFY
Thank you.

A beat.

JENNY
I, uh… you're-you're welcome.
(she smiles softly, relieved)

The bell rings.

XANDER
(who was only hanging around because Buffy had asked him to before hand)
Hey, time for class.

JENNY
Yeah, if I'm late again I won't hear the end of it.
(smiles ruefully at Giles, who smiles back)

BUFFY
I'll see you guys there. I still hafta talk to Giles.

WILLOW
(who knows what about)
Okey-doke.

WILLOW, XANDER and JENNY leave the library.

WILLOW
(on her way out)
Ms. Calendar?

JENNY
Yep?

WILLOW
I was wondering if you knew any other spells that are, y'know, useful, that someone like me could learn…(trails off)

After the three of them leave, Buffy turns to Giles, who starts talking before she can.

GILES
Buffy, I have to apologize; I was far too harsh-

BUFFY
No. I-I was kind of asking for it.

GILES
All the same I should never have lost my temper.

beat

BUFFY
I was talking to Willow last night and…she- she helped me realize some stuff…. Can we talk in your office?

GILES
Of-of-of course…um…

They go into his office and GILES shuts the door.

BUFFY
(takes a breath)
Okay, uh… you were right. I just wanted someone to blame.

Giles looks down, embarrassed.

BUFFY (CONT.)
But it was more than- than that. When I… heard that you and Ms. Calendar were… safe, I… I guess I was kind of… having mixed feelings. Uh… you… uh… (takes a breath) This is hard. I'm just going to tell you what Willow said: She said that you're this father figure to me, so even though I don't want you to be- to be alone, I- I was still- jealous. In a way. Or- or more feeling abandoned. She said I lost Angel and then I felt like I was losing you. So I was trying to- to get you to say that you… that I mean more to you. Than her. And I know that is wrong in so many ways, but… I think Willow's right. And I'm sorry. That's what I wanted to say.

Buffy waits for Giles' response. He seems lost in thought.

BUFFY
You don't have to say anything. Just that you're not mad at me anymore.

Giles is still silent, thoughtful. He looks like he's thought of something disturbing. Buffy waits for his response.

BUFFY
You know, I should be getting to class. If I miss it again the teacher… won't really notice. Which means I should be there more. I'll see you-

GILES
(still staring into space, eyes cast down.)
(softly)
I would always choose you.

BUFFY
What?

GILES
If… I- I would always choose you.

BUFFY
Oh…

GILES
(half to himself, still not looking at Buffy)
I… I love her so much…. But I would…

BUFFY
Don't think that way.

Giles just looks at her. His thoughts: I would always choose Buffy. Even if I wasn't her Watcher. I think of her almost more as a daughter now… how could I let that happen? A Watcher should not form an emotional attachment to his Slayer, that's what they say. The Council is witless, though. She's not just THE Slayer, she's mine. If anything ever happened… I don't want to think what I'd do if I lost Jenny. God, I love her so much, how could I think about that? I'd die for her… but I wouldn't… I would want to but I wouldn't… because of Buffy. I would die for her but I would live for Buffy. If anything ever… I don't want to think… she does mean more… for God's sake, don't think that…

GILES
Can we talk about something, uh… something else?

BUFFY
(noting his expression of fear, doubt, sadness)
Yeah. What about?

GILES
I don't know, anything. Uh, school, television, I don't care.

BUFFY
(laughs)
I somehow can't see you having a conversation about "Friends".

Giles smiles a bit.

BUFFY
Do you mind if I tell you what happened last night with Angel?

GILES
Go ahead.

BUFFY
Okay. And then you have to tell me about your fight with Angelus, cuz now that I know about it I'm curious.

GILES
(grimacing, embarassed)
Do I have to?

BUFFY
Of course. I want to hear all about your heroics. But me first.
Okay, so I was trailing Angelus, and he had these three vampires with him, I guess because he was getting wigged and he thought he needed the protection. But have you noticed how most vampires are really stupid? I guess that's why they always find a leader… (trails off as screen fades to black).

PART SIX:
Title: 2003
FADE TO:
Same morning scene in the Summers' living room as before.
GILES awakes with a start, looks around, realizes where he is. He gets up and walks to the kitchen. We hear two females talking before we see them. Giles enters the kitchen and sees DAWN and JENNY sitting at the kitchen island. Sunlight is streaming through the window, especially illuminating Jenny. She is dressed more caually than in previous episodes, and she has a different hairstyle- maybe loose curls. Giles freezes in the doorway when he sees her, shocked and just a little bit scared.

DAWN
Giles! Look who's here!

GILES
(to Jenny)
Where's Anastasia?

JENNY
She's asleep upstairs. She's a little tuckered out from the car ride.

DAWN
Aren't you glad to see her?

GILES
Dawn, Jenny and I have to talk. Alone.

DAWN
(cold, voice shaking, as it does when she's angry)
You're going to send them away again, aren't you?

JENNY
Dawn, Rupert never "sent us away"…

DAWN
They just got here and you're going to send them away again.

GILES
Dawn, please-

DAWN
What kind of father are you?
(leaves in a huff)

Silence

GILES
She likes you.

JENNY
She's a good kid. She's got some abandonment issues, but…

GILES
Why did you come here? You-you're putting your-your-yourself and- and- and Anastasia in danger just by being in this house. And-and-and now, of all times… what were you thinking?

JENNY
(she starts off upset, as if she's on the verge of tears.)
I know… I know that we agreed that it-it would be better to raise Ani away from… all of this. I know. I know that not having a normal family life is a small price to pay for Ani surviving to adulthood. It's enough just to see you at Christmas and on her birthday and whenever Buffy or Willow or the Council doesn't need you.
(a beat. She looks down, collecting her thoughts. When she looks up again, she seems more composed, but when she starts talking there's an angry tone in her voice)
…I heard about the Council being destroyed. I didn't know whether you were alive, or dead, or God knows where!
(Giles is upset, but he doesn't defend himself for not getting in touch with her)
Ani asked me why you weren't coming for Christmas this year, and I didn't know what to tell her! Sorry honey, Daddy's dead?
(she takes a deep breath and closes her eyes. Her voice softens)
And I just kept thinking of those few months last year when we were together, like a normal family. And I kept hearing from all over how bad this thing that's coming is. The "from beneath you it devours" thing. I can feel it too. And I can't help thinking that it's unstoppable. Not "no weapon forged" or "too big" or "too strong" to kill unstoppable. You can't use explosives or magic on this. There's nothing to kill. And if this is it… if this is the end, it's the end for everyone. Not just Sunnydale. If this is the Last Battle… I want us to be together.

Silence. Giles looks away, thoughtful. He looks back at Jenny with a faint, sad smile.

GILES
(softly)
Me too.

They embrace. There are sounds of yelling from upstairs, and footsteps on the staircase. They both turn to see a little girl appear in the doorway. She is about 3 and-a-half years old, with lots of black curly hair and huge dark eyes. She's crying. She runs up to Giles who picks her up and hugs her.

ANI
Dawnie says you're gonna make us go home. I told her she's wrong but she won't listen!

GILES
Don't listen to what she says. I want you here, with me.

Dawn comes down the stairs, with her knapsack and jacket.

DAWN
(to Jenny, without looking at her)
I'm going to school. Sorry I won't be here to see you off.

ANI
(triumphantly)
Daddy says we're staying!

DAWN
(turning to face them)
He did?
(smiles)
That's great! Hey, I can't wait to tell Buffy about this!

DAWN heads out the door, we see that WILLOW has finally woken up and is groggily headed towards the kitchen.

WILLOW
Hey, what's all the hub-bub?
(sees Jenny and Ani, breaks into a huge smile)
Jenny?

She runs up to her and they hug.

JENNY
(smiling)
Willow!

ANI
(copying her mother)
Willow!

WILLOW
Hi Ani! (to Jenny) I haven't seen you in forever! How are you?

JENNY
I think the more important question is how are you?

WILLOW
Long, long story.

GILES
We'll leave the two of you to catch up then?

WILLOW
Oh, I don't want to-

JENNY
It's okay. We'll be sticking around for awhile.

GILES leaves with ANI, who is babbling away about something or other.

WILLOW
Okay then! I'll make some coffee.

JENNY
That would be great.

WILLOW
(while making coffee)
So, you are staying?

JENNY
That's the plan. You know, fight the good fight.

WILLOW
(grins)
Yay! (more serious) We can really use your help.

JENNY
I hope so

A beat

WILLOW
I'm glad you're back.

JENNY
(sincerely) Thanks. (deadpan) I really wasn't sure that you were, what with the hugging and squealing and everything.

WILLOW just grins, knowing her sense of humour. JENNY smiles back.

JENNY
So, how did you like England?

Willow starts talking and the camera pulls back. Fade.

CUT TO:
Later that day.
BUFFY comes in the front door, in less than a good mood. DAWN follows behind her. DAWN goes into the living room, where ANI is playing with dolls on the floor.

DAWN
Hiya Ani! Whatcha playing?

BUFFY
Dawn. Research mode. Now.

DAWN glares at BUFFY, who glares back. DAWN turns back to Ani, cheery once again.

DAWN
Ani, do you want to help me look through some scary monster books?

ANI
(jumping up, excited)
Yeah!
(she is, after all, Giles' kid)

BUFFY watches them as they go into the dining room, a disturbed expression on her face.

ANDREW (O.S.)
Hey, who's the kid?

Buffy goes to the basement, which is fit with workout equipment. Giles is watching Kennedy and Molly train. Willow and Jenny are seated cross-legged on the floor, facing each other, each with her respective laptop, doing research. Buffy stands over them, arms crossed. Her manner is not necessarily stern, but she's not all warm and welcoming either.

JENNY
(looking up)
Buffy! Hi!

WILLOW
(looks up briefly, then back to the screen)
Oh, hey Buff.

BUFFY
So, Dawn says you're gonna be sticking around for awhile.

JENNY
(testing Buffy's attitude)
Yeah, that was the idea.

WILLOW
(smiling)
It's gonna be like old times.

BUFFY
(looks at Willow "not at all really", but Will doesn't notice)
(looks back to Jenny)
Where are you staying?

Giles walks over to them.

JENNY
At the hotel.

GILES
The three of us will be staying there. Give you a little more breathing space at least.

BUFFY
(all business)
It'll be dark in a couple of hours. Go, pack your stuff and check out. You're staying here
(off their looks)
I want everyone in the same place. You can camp out down here if you want privacy. I just think it'll be safer if we're all together.

GILES
(grudgingly)
I suppose you're right.

JENNY
(getting up)
Better get going then. (to Giles) You coming? (he nods)
Is it okay if we leave Ani here 'till we get back?

BUFFY
Of course. Dawn's upstairs with her now. (re: the potentials) I'll watch these two.

JENNY
Alright then. See you later.

Giles and Jenny leave. Buffy sinks to the floor next to Willow.

WILLOW
What's wrong, Buffy?

BUFFY
Is Giles okay with them being here? Now?

WILLOW
Of course he is. They're his family.

BUFFY
Yeah.

beat

BUFFY (V.O.)
(communicating telepathically so the potentials won't hear)
So why would he let them be in danger? Isn't that why they moved away in the first place?

WILLOW (V.O.)
(defensively)
You can't blame them for wanting to be together at a time like this.

BUFFY (V.O.)
No, not for wanting to.

WILLOW (V.O.)
Look, Jenny has access to all sorts of info we'd never be able to get our hands on. She's gonna be a huge help.

BUFFY (V.O.)
It's not her I'm worried about. It's Ani. She's completely helpless.

WILLOW(V.O.)
I think we can manage to look after one kid. (corners of her mouth curling slightly) besides, have you seen the way Giles looks with her? I haven't seen him so happy in years.

BUFFY(V.O.)
That's great, but so what? The last thing I need is a Watcher distracted by his three-year-old kid.

WILLOW (V.O.)
Come on, what's the worst that can happen?

BUFFY (V.O.)
Do I even have to go into that?

WILLOW (V.O.)
Look, Jenny can handle herself. And she and Giles can handle Ani. She knows how not to be much trouble. (beat) I think you're jealous.

BUFFY
(out loud)
Oh come on!

Molly and Kennedy turn their heads to Buffy.

BUFFY
(covering up)
You can hit that punching bag harder than that! You're not standing right. Here, I'll show you…

BUFFY gets up to help Kennedy and Molly. WILLOW goes back to typing. Both the girls are peeved.

BUFFY (V.O.)
You're problem is you're being selfish.

WILLOW stops typing, but doesn't look up.

BUFFY (V.O.)
You just like having them around because it makes you feel safer. It makes you feel like part of a normal family.

WILLOW (V.O.)
(starts typing again)
So what if it does? There's nothing wrong with that.

BUFFY (V.O.)
There's something wrong when you sacrifice their safety so you can feel normal!

WILLOW (V.O.)
It's not a major risk-

BUFFY (V.O.)
Tell me you don't think that!

WILLOW (V.O.)
I obviously do because I just did!

BUFFY (V.O.)
God, you're deluded!

WILLOW (V.O.)
You're the one with problems! You think that everyone has to suffer because you do! Hey guys, Buffy's sad! You'd better be sad too! What do you think you're doing, being in love when Buffy lost her boyfriend? That's not allowed! Buffy's life is just one huge struggle, so it has to be that way for all of us.

BUFFY (V.O.)
In case you haven't noticed, that's how things work anyways. That's what happens when you decide to spend your life fighting evil.

WILLOW (V.O.)
Well I don't agree with that! What's the point of living if you can't have a little happiness?
(out loud)
I'm going to work upstairs.

Willow clomps up the stairs.

KENNEDY
What's wrong with her?

CUT TO
Hotel suite.
Jenny is packing up her things. Giles is trying to help, but he ends up just watching because Jenny keeps re-packing the stuff he packs. Jenny is visibly agitated.

GILES
Something's bothering you?

JENNY
Nothing more than the usual "end of the world" anxiety.

GILES
Are you sure?

JENNY looks at him a moment, deciding whether or not to tell him. She continues packing.

JENNY
Maybe Ani and I should go back to Seattle.

GILES just looks at her, hurt and bewildered.

JENNY
You saw how Buffy was acting.

GILES
She wasn't as welcoming as Willow. That's no reason to-

JENNY
She thinks Ani's going to get in the way. And she's not wrong. Ani's and easy target, and Buffy's got enough to worry about already.

GILES
Ani is not her responsibility.

JENNY
Buffy doesn't feel that way. She's the Slayer. She feels responsible for everything. You of all people should know that.

GILES
Well, I-I'll talk to her about it.

JENNY
(looks at him pityingly)
You don't seriously think that'll do any good.

GILES
Then we- we'll- we'll just have to make sure that she won't have anything to- to feel responsible for.
(Jenny does not look convinced, so he tries a different tack)
We need your help now, with the first.

JENNY
I can help from Seattle. Remember: internet? Technopagan? Well, not so much pagan anymore, but…

GILES just looks at her, incredibly hurt, like at the beginning of "Ted", only more so.

JENNY
(sighs)
It was a mistake coming back. I was freaking out. But now I know that you're alive. Everything will be fine.

GILES
No. It won't.

JENNY
Don't think that way! God Almighty, I'm sorry I came.

GILES
I… (swallows) (trying to salvage a bit of time with them) I'll drive you back. Buffy and the others can do without me for a couple of days.

JENNY
(studies him)
Maybe it would be better if you didn't. Ani might think you'll stay. It'll just give her more false expectations.

GILES
(disbelieving)
Why are you doing this?

JENNY
(angry)
Why am I doing this?!? God dammit, Rupert, we agreed!

GILES
(not raising his voice)
We agreed that now it's more important to- to be together.
(beat)
Jenny, I don't want to be a-a-a stranger to her.

JENNY
You could never… (realizes) oh. She told you about Christmas, didn't she? What my aunt asked her?

GILES
(he sits on the bed)
Do you mean "How would you like a new father for Christmas?" Oh yes, she told me about that.

JENNY
Rupert, my family has been trying to set me up with "nice Romany boys" ever since they found out I was dating you. When we're grandparents, they'll still be doing it. Hell, they were even trying to set me up with some guy when you were visiting them with me. You know that, and it's never bothered you before.

GILES
They never brought Ani into it before.

JENNY
(sitting next to him)
Did she tell you how she replied?

GILES
(smiles fondly)
She said, "no, I like the one I have."

JENNY
(crosses her arms and raises and eyebrow, looking sceptical)
Well, I guess she might have said that at one point. But it was really hard to make out what she was saying because she was screaming bloody murder. That's one question no one will dare ask her again.

GILES chuckles a bit.

JENNY
She's crazy about you.

GILES
But I haven't been there for her.

JENNY
There'll be time for that

GILES
Not if-

JENNY
Stop. Just believe that you'll get the chance to make it up, and you will. (beat) Rupert, you don't have to feel guilty. You have other responsibilities to look after.

GILES
At yours and Ani's expense? I don't want that.

JENNY
Since when does any of this have to do what we want? Buffy and the potentials need you here. You're their Watcher. Ani needs to be somewhere safe.

GILES
I can look after her. She'll be safe, I promise. (Jenny looks sceptical) Ani already thinks she's staying. If you tell her she's going back now-

JENNY
She'll get over it. (off Giles' "So I am a stranger to her" look) Eventually.

GILES
(last resort)
Jenny, I… I never realized how much I missed you until you came back. You and Ani are- are all that makes sense. … I need you.

He looks at her pleadingly. She reconsiders.

JENNY
(shuts her eyes and sighs)
Alright. Alright, we'll stay. Just stop with the puppy-dog eyes already.

He smiles. She looks at him and smiles kinda sadly back. She leans against him and he puts his arms around her.

JENNY
We'll be okay, right?

GILES
Of course. (she slides closer to him) I'll look after her.

Jenny looks up at him so that their foreheads are touching. She smiles in a melancholy way.

JENNY
I know.
(read: I love you)

They kiss, softly at first, before tipping back onto the bed They haven't seen each other for over six months… y'know…

CUT TO
Late that night.
Summers' living room. Similar to scene one. WILLOW, MOLLY, KENNEDY, and DAWN are sitting around the coffee table, WILLOW is on her computer, KENNEDY is looking through a book, and DAWN and MOLLY are brainstorming ways to fight the first. Most of the ideas they come up with are pretty ridiculous. XANDER is seated slightly apart from them, reading a fairytale to ANI who is sitting on his lap. We can overhear bits and pieces of it, and recognize it as the story that the Gentlemen from "Hush" came from. JENNY can hear it too as she comes in with a stack of computer printouts.

JENNY
Xander, that story's too scary for her.

XANDER
Aw, c'mon, Jen. She's a tough kid. (to Ani) Am I right?

ANI
Right!

JENNY
It'll give her nightmares

ANI
But I want to know what happens to the princess.

XANDER
Yeah! Me too!

JENNY
(mulls it over, then smiles)
Well, alright. (to Ani) But after this you're going straight to bed. Got it?

ANI
Got it!

JENNY sits down and starts reading her printouts with a high-liter.

XANDER
Yes! Alright, where were we?

ANI
(eagerly)
The Scarymen were cutting out people's hearts.

XANDER
Right you are. (he continues reading the story)

WILLOW
(to Jenny)
Whatcha got there?

JENNY
Some of my family's old records. I just ran them through my translation program. I thought it might turn up something new.

Willow and Jenny continue to chat and research as the camera pans to the other side of the room. GILES and BUFFY are sitting where they were in scene one, once again talking in hushed voices.

GILES
See? She's useful to have around.

BUFFY
I never said that she wasn't. Look, it's not that I'm not glad they're here, it's just that… I'd rather they weren't.

GILES gives her a look that's half annoyance and half pleading. BUFFY stands up.

BUFFY
Maybe we should talk outside.

GILES gets up too and with a backwards glance at the rest of the group, who are all busy working away, he follows BUFFY out the back door.

CUT TO
The back porch.

BUFFY
(directly)
I'm looking after enough people already.

GILES
No one's asking you to look after them. Jenny's quite capable of taking care of herself and-

BUFFY
-I know. I'm okay with her here. But not Ani.

GILES stiffens

BUFFY (CONT.)
She's going to get in the way. I already have to look out for a bunch of inexperienced teenage girls, but at least they have some chance of defending themselves. She's just a baby!

GILES
(hurt, defensive, edging on angry)
Then don't bother. She's my daughter, I'll look after her.

BUFFY
And I have no doubt that you could if we were facing the regular demon hell-bent on destruction, or a pack of vamps looking to rule Sunnydale. But this isn't the regular.

GILES
All the more reason for- for… I should be with them. In case…

BUFFY
In case this is the end? (beat) Are going defeatist on me, Giles?

GILES
Buffy-

BUFFY
You can't give in to it!

GILES
I'm not! We shall find a way to fight it, I promise. I simply want-

BUFFY
-What you want will get Ani killed.

GILES
(between clenched teeth)
I said I'll look after her.

BUFFY
(parental- "alright, this is what you wanna do, let's talk about it")
What if something happens that you can't stop?

GILES
(sarcastic)
One can hardly prepare for such events.

BUFFY
Giles! This is serious.

GILES
Then I'll cross that bridge when- and if- I come to it.

BUFFY
(angry, parental)
This if your choice, if you're going to risk having them here, you're going to have to prepare for the worst. What if the Bringers show up again and none of us can get to Ani? What if the First shows up as some- random dead person and convinces her to come with it? What if-

GILES
(sees her point, starts to doubt)
(measured)
I won't let that happen.

BUFFY
(severely)
What if Ani is the one who dies?

GILES
(not liking the doubt)
How many times do I have to tell you-

BUFFY
You'll look after her? (pause)
You sent them away-

GILES
(talking over her)
I did not "send them away".

BUFFY (CONT.)
-because you couldn't look after her. Now all of a sudden you can?

Giles does not know how to argue that without somehow admitting that Buffy's right. He glares at her a moment and then turns to go inside. Buffy blocks his path.

BUFFY
When did you stop being able to think clearly? This is wrong-

GILES
No it's not. (short pause) I need them here. That's all there is to it.

BUFFY
(Fine. That's the way it's gonna be? Fine.)
Then I need to know if I can rely on you.

GILES
What are you talking about?

BUFFY
We need to stay together. We aren't going to be able to win every battle, but if we're going to win this war we have to stay together. I need to know that I can count on you no matter what.

Giles looks at her, trying to size up her meaning. He sees that this isn't just an ego thing for her, she's preparing herself mentally for battle, taking stock of all her resources, all her options, preparing herself for every possibility. He has to take her seriously. He slowly turns and walks a few steps to the railing, leaning on it, looking out on the lawn, thinking. Buffy waits for his answer.

GILES
"No matter what?"…

BUFFY
Whatever your worst-case scenario is. How do you deal? Are you gonna freak out? Am I going to lose you? Or do you stay part of the equation?

Giles does not answer for a bit, but literally shudders at the thought of something happening to Ani. He knows he couldn't go on. But he doesn't want to tell her that, and he knows that lying would be worse, because she'd be able to tell.

GILES
Do you have to know?

BUFFY
Yes. (beat) When it comes down, (she walks over so she's standing next to him) I want to know that you'll be there with me. I need to know.

Giles doesn't answer, doesn't even look at her.

BUFFY(CONT.)
(softly)
Giles?... How much do you love me?

We never hear his answer, because the camera pans around the corner of the house, where THE FIRST AS BUFFY has been listening to the whole conversation.

THE FIRST AS BUFFY
(smiling to itself)
Just enough.

BLACK OUT.

The End

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