Author's Note: I'm not going to explain what happened to the characters in Angel after NFA, because I haven't followed Angel that closely, so I wouldn't know how to give them an appropriate ending. I'm also not a screenwriter, so I don't know if I've done this correctly, but I chose script format just to give an authentic Buffy feel. Also, this is the first episode in my "trilogy," so two more scripts coming your way!
Where The Home Is
Written By: Serenity5x5
Disclaimer: All characters owned by Joss Whedon
Teaser
EXT. VENICE, ITALY - DAY
(Ace Troubleshooter's "Numinous" will be playing over this scene)
It's a beautiful summer day in Venice. We see the sun, the old, Italian buildings, and the sparkling green water surrounding them. On a gondola gliding underneath a small, stone bridge sits BUFFY and DAWN, clearly enjoying themselves. Buffy's look resembles that of the episode "Him," regarding the hair and sunglasses. Dawn has bangs now, and her hair is tied back into a ponytail. She's wearing a brown miniskirt and a plain white t-shirt. She is clearly a lot more mature than last we saw her. They are both wearing 100-watt smiles, taking in the sights; finally, in a sense, free.
Ace slowly melds into ominous music as we FADE
EXT. COLOSSEUM IN ROME - NIGHT
The camera slowly pans over towards DRUSILLA, who is lying in the middle of the open Colosseum. She's in her usual black and red dress, looking up into the sky. She hums to herself as she licks her fingers that are clearly covered in fresh blood.
DRUSILLA
She blew out the candles. Snatched them out of the sky, she did, with her claws. Beginning didn't work, you see. Mummie dearest will have to finish it.
She looks over to her side, and we slowly reveal a CORPSE lying beside her. It's a child, and there is dried blood crusting on his small, pale neck.
DRU
Night, night.
BLACK OUT.
END OF TEASER
CREDITS
Act One
EXT. NEW YORK CITY – NIGHT
FAITH is walking the busy streets of New York. It's the picturesque nightlife: cars moving slowly, bright lights of shops and theatres lining the street…things look a bit lonely for our other heroine. Faith stops suddenly, spotting a familiar figure in a leather duster, sauntering slowly in the other direction.
FAITH
Spike?
The figure in question stops and slowly turns around, annoyed at being interrupted in his thoughts ("God, life is dull").
SPIKE
Faith, hey now. To what do I owe this pleasure?
FAITH
(gesturing around her)
Hey man, it's New York. Just gettin' my Broadway on.
SPIKE
(looking at her dubiously)
Yeah? I were you, I'd avoid Hairspray.
He gestures at the nearest theatre that has said musical under the words "Now Showing."
FAITH
(cocks her head to one side and grins)
I was thinkin' more along the lines of Wicked.
Spike nods his approval. He doesn't need to pummel her. They start to walk.
FAITH
So, last I heard I could fit you in my ashtray.
SPIKE
Yeah, well, the dusty lifestyle didn't suit me, so I got incorporeal for a while, then re-corporealized a lil' bit later, and here I am, a happy little puppy again.
He flicks his cigarette at the ground and crushes it with his boot, his face clearly contradicting his last statement. Faith just gives him a look that says "huh?"
SPIKE
(pointedly)
I got better.
FAITH
Well, well, well. Look who's back in the game. Shouldn't you be off in Venice, giving B what she needs? I mean, you're alive, got a second chance. Figured the first thing you'd do is run off after her.
SPIKE
Wanted to. But I don't fit in her new life anymore, much as I hate to admit. Want her to move on, find somebody a little less--
FAITH
Billy Idol?
SPIKE
--Demon.
FAITH
Jeez, that sounds familiar. Angel left her for the exact same reason.
SPIKE
Hey, don't go and compare me to General Square-jaw. That wally's nothing like me. Besides, she's got a new honey anyhow.
FAITH
What, you mean the Immortal? That big nimrod left her.
Spike seems genuinely surprised by this news and stops walking.
SPIKE
What do you mean he left her?
FAITH
I mean, he left her. Took off. Said something like, he was bored of being around Miss Do-Good all the time, wanted a little evil in his gal.
SPIKE
That stupid git.
A beat. They resume walking.
SPIKE
(concerned)
The Slayer all right?
FAITH
She got over it okay. I guess she knew the Immortal wasn't the forever kind of guy.
(pauses)
Well, he is the forever kind of guy, just not…you know what I mean.
(quietly)
She misses you. She doesn't say anything, but I can read that girl's face like a book. If I were her, I'd be royally pissed at you from hiding.
SPIKE
I'm not hiding, I'm just-
FAITH
Being noble? Please. That's Angel's riff. This world doesn't need another brooding vamp who can't get a happy 'cause it ain't right. Be a man, yo, and let yourself live already.
Spike stops to consider this. Faith's speech seems awfully familiar…
SPIKE
(hesitant)
Venice, you said?
CUT TO:
INT. BUFFY'S APARTMENT IN VENICE – DAY
WILLOW is fussing around in the kitchen, making pasta. She's still in her pajamas.
BUFFY and DAWN enter, both holding small brown paper bags as a result from their shopping trip.
BUFFY
Hey Will. Late morning?
WILLOW
Yeah, I kind of pulled on all-nighter last night. I'm, uh, still a little jumpy from the Espresso.
DAWN
Wow, I guess Harvard's really demanding about the whole re-application process, huh?
WILLOW
The brochures weren't kidding when they said, "tough school."
BUFFY
I think it's really great what you're doing, with the whole going back to college thing.
WILLOW
(smiling)
Yeah, I really miss learning stuff, and…and studying for tests, and pretending to be nervous for them, but really knowing that I kicked some academic butt. Plus, since I'm majoring in chemistry, it's like I'm learning the whole basic foundations of magic. Oh, and there's this really famous coven there--
(off of Buffy and Dawn's knowing looks)
--okay, and the nerd resurfaces.
DAWN
Well, I know how you feel about the whole re-applying thing. That's the bad thing about your high school getting sucked into hell…your transcripts get lost.
(pauses)
I, uh, I guess that's a good thing, actually, considering my grades were kinda nonexistent. Anyway, I'm totally on the whole college bandwagon.
BUFFY
(just a tiny bit out of the loop)
Well, unless I can pull off a "Legally Blonde," Buffy plus college equals two unmix-y things.
They all sit down at their small, wooden table and start to eat. There's a relaxed quality in the atmosphere that we haven't seen in a long time.
BUFFY
Have you heard from Kennedy lately?
WILLOW
Not for awhile. You know she took the breaking up thing pretty hard. I still feel so awful.
BUFFY
Don't, hon. It happens all the time. Some people are just…incompatible.
Willow attempts at a smile.
WILLOW
Oh, Xander called this morning.
DAWN
(excited)
Oh, how is he? Is he totally loving Africa?
WILLOW
Yeah, but I think he's getting a little homesick, so he's gonna meet up with me in Boston next week.
BUFFY
I wish I could go with you. It'd be like old times.
WILLOW
Why don't you come?
BUFFY
Still haven't found the slayer here yet. But, uh, maybe Dawn can?
DAWN
(squeals)
Oo, yay! I mean, not that I don't love Italy, but I think I'm a little too young for the whole culture shock experience. I'm an American gal. Plus, lobster, always good.
WILLOW
(smiles)
Cool. Hey, so, want me to go patrolling with you tonight, Buff?
BUFFY
Nah, you do your study thing. Venice is pretty tame on the demon side.
CUT TO:
INT. PIZZARIA SOMEWHERE IN ITALY
Drusilla is feasting off of a young baker, blood violently gushing into her mouth and onto the tiled floor.
BLACK OUT.
END OF ACT ONE
Act Two
INT. DEMON BAR IN NEW YORK
Spike is having a drink with CLEM, who is munching on peanuts.
CLEM
You know, these peanuts are really good here. I know I know, they're just peanuts, right? But just the right amount of salt…
SPIKE
Alright, good nuts. No need to witter on about it.
He takes a swig out of a bottle of beer.
CLEM
Ok, what's gotten on your brain tonight? I can see the tension lines…
SPIKE
'S nothing. Just a bit stroppy, is all. Just…I should've died that day.
CLEM
In Sunnydale?
SPIKE
L.A.
(indignant)
I've served my purpose. Averted two apocalypses. Why should I have to spend the rest of my sorry life here, saving a few damsels here and there, without her --
Spike catches himself.
SPIKE
Anyway, now Faith's giving me all these ideas to go to Italy…
CLEM
(surprised)
Really? Going to see your old girlfriend?
SPIKE
Well, technically not my girlfriend…
CLEM
Oh, right, right, sire I meant to say. You kids and your terminology.
SPIKE
(not quite catching on)
Uh, she's not really my…
(almost there)
wait a minute…
(and he's got it)
you mean Drusilla!
CLEM
Mm-hmm! I've heard talk that she's looking to kill the Slayer. Now, I don't think the term, 'the Slayer' works anymore, seeing as how there's more than one. Isn't that neat? Anyhow, maybe she meant the original Slayer. Oh…that'd be…
SPIKE
Buffy.
FADE TO
EXT. DOCK IN VENICE - DAY
The girl in question. Buffy is saying goodbye to Willow and Dawn as they load their suitcases into a water taxi.
BUFFY
Call me as soon as you get there, okay? And don't stay up too late. And don't get mugged.
DAWN
Buffy, I'll be fine. Don't worry. Besides, you'll be coming soon, right?
BUFFY
Right. It's just…
(plays with Dawn's hair)
You're right. You'll be fine.
WILLOW
Okay-dokey. All set.
(gives Buffy a hug)
See you soon.
BUFFY
Good luck with Harvard. Say hello to Xander for me.
WILLOW
I will. Let's go, Dawnie.
They climb into the taxi and wave to Buffy as they speed off to the airport, creating waves of white froth behind them.
Buffy slowly goes back into the house, looking small and alone in the empty room.
EXT. DOCK IN VENICE – NIGHT
A cargo ship arrives. A few workers get off, starts unloading some crates.
Hidden in a dark corner of the hold, we see SPIKE, peering around him, and then stealthily stalking off into the night.
EXT. SIDEWALK IN VENICE
DRUSILLA is walking slowly but with purpose, with death on her mind and a smile on her lips. She wiggles her fingers in anticipation of the kill, when suddenly
WHAM!
Spike clocks her in the head from behind and grabs hold of his former, who is currently struggling in his grasp.
SPIKE
Where you going, luv? Not planning on hurting anyone, are you?
Drusilla finally gets free. She turns around to face him.
DRUSILLA
Spike, my darling. Have you come back to play?
SPIKE
Sorry, pet. I'm not on your side anymore.
DRU
(chuckles softly)
The Slayer made you into her puppy. But you're still a bad dog.
SPIKE
Don't do this, baby. You know if you go near her, I'll kill you.
DRU
You won't. You can't. All the birds will die, then who will sing to you? Not me. Not her. You won't hear anything anymore, and your ears will fall off. Like lilypads and fairytales.
SPIKE
I always did love hearing you talk. Better poetry than I could ever write.
They're circling each other now, the air suddenly tense between them. Like boxers ready for a good brawl.
DRU
She's a naughty girl. Teacher should put her in a corner, make her cry.
SPIKE
Go home, Dru.
DRU
My sweet prince is going to kill me then, is he?
(giggles)
I like this game.
She lunges at him suddenly from the right, but Spike quickly blocks her punch and delivers one of his own. She kicks at him hard, but he blocks that too. Finally she gets him in the face, and he stumbles back a bit from the blow. Dru holds out her two fingers making as if she's going to poke his eyeballs out, but Spike dodges and barrels at her, pushing her to the ground.
Dru pushes him off of her and morphs into vamp face, growling. Spike responds by also vamping out, and they lunge at each other.
CUT TO:
EXT. SIDEWALK IN VENICE – SAME NIGHT
BUFFY is on her patrol. She slows down when she hears a noise, and cautiously holds up her stake.
She rounds the corner and stops in her tracks as she sees DRU and SPIKE having a huge tussle in the middle of the street. Eyes wide, Buffy looks on in stupor, as we
BLACK OUT
END OF ACT TWO
Act Three
EXT. SIDEWALK IN VENICE – SAME SCENE
Buffy is still looking on while Spike and Dru continue to hit each other, oblivious to her presence.
Spike punches Dru, she blocks it, gets him in the stomach. He backhands her, and she's about to retaliate when she suddenly backs off, sensing something. She makes eye contact with Buffy, who's still standing in the shadows.
DRU
She's here.
(looks back at Spike)
Some other time, my sweet.
She backs away and disappears into the night.
Spike is standing there, panting after their fight, confused about her hasty exit. He feels something. He turns his head slightly…
…and sees her. A vision of beauty.
Buffy and Spike stare at each other, standing on opposite sides of the street. Like lovers in a tragic painting. There's only silence.
CUT TO:
INT. BUFFY'S APARTMENT – LIVING ROOM – EARLY MORNING
Buffy and Spike are both sprawled on her couch, sleeping soundly. They're far enough apart to show that nothing happened last night, but there is an unmistakable air of intimacy between them. They're wearing the same clothes they had on last night, except Spike's in his black t-shirt and his leather duster is slung over a chair.
They had planned to talk, but instead drifted off to sleep from exhaustion.
Buffy stirs, followed soon by Spike, both trying to orient themselves.
SPIKE
(groggily)
Morning.
BUFFY
Hmm.
They sit up. Buffy tries to smoothen her bed-hair.
BUFFY
That was good sleep. Kinda got a crick in my neck though.
SPIKE
Yeah? Anything I can, uh, help you with?
BUFFY
(blushes)
No, no. I'm good.
Buffy moves to the kitchen and starts to make some coffee.
BUFFY
Oh boy, I need a shower. There's something about sleeping on a couch that reminds me of a youth hostel—
SPIKE
(quietly and bluntly)
I'm sorry.
BUFFY
I'm tired of hearing you say that.
SPIKE
I know I should've told you I was back. I just…I thought you moved on.
BUFFY
(sitting back on the couch)
I did. Because you were dead.
SPIKE
And now?
Buffy doesn't answer.
SPIKE
Anyway, I thought you were all making with the normal life now, you know, gleeful bliss and all that.
BUFFY
(smiles and nods, slightly rolling her eyes)
Yeah, a normal life. I forget what that means. Seven years in Sunnydale will do that to you. Is it going on vacation, finding a job, getting married and having kids—
SPIKE
Buffy—
BUFFY
--Growing old? 'Cause honestly, that's not exactly—
CRASH. An adolescent demon, DONA, bursts through the door to Buffy's apartment. He looks like a human, except for 2 horns on each side of his head and his hideous brown toga.
Buffy and Spike slowly rise to their feet.
BUFFY
(muted surprise)
Hello.
SPIKE
Well, you can take the girl out of the Hellmouth…
BUFFY
Hey, I haven't had a demon crash through my house in 2 weeks.
SPIKE
My mistake.
Dona approaches them, dusting off debris on his arms.
DONA
Slayer, right?
BUFFY
(taken aback by his arrogance)
Yes?
DONA
I need your help.
Buffy looks at the door.
BUFFY
No, I think you need to learn how to knock.
DONA
(sticking out his hand)
Name's Dona.
BUFFY
Donut?
DONA
Do-na.
BUFFY
(looks at Spike)
I'm hungry.
Spike just raises his eyebrows.
BUFFY
That would be one of the perks of a normal life I'm not getting. Breakfast.
(looks at Dona, who's quickly losing patience)
Which really isn't the point here. How can I help you?
INT. LIVING ROOM – LATER
Buffy and Spike sit on a couch opposite Dona, who sits in a chair. He's about to tell them his story.
DONA
I used to live in another dimension. Gatar. Well, about 2 or 3 years ago, something happened, where all sorts of demon dimensions sort of bled together for a few minutes.
Buffy and Spike have gloomy expressions on their faces, both recalling unpleasant memories.
BUFFY
I remember.
DONA
Yeah well, I got stuck here. I need help getting back.
(pauses)
Earth's boring.
BUFFY
How come it took you so long to get help?
DONA
Well, didn't exactly know English. Had to pick it up from the streets. You can't really get anywhere speaking only Fonari.
BUFFY
Ok, well, this sort of thing is really Willow's deal. But I'll try my best to get you home.
Dona nods at them, and then starts to go.
BUFFY
Wait, where are you going?
DONA
I've got a date.
Buffy rolls her eyes as he steps over the broken door and leaves.
BUFFY
I'm not paying for that door.
SPIKE
What are you gonna do about the lad?
BUFFY
Hit the books. Maybe call up Willow for help creating a portal, but she's probably busy with, you know, having a life.
SPIKE
So. Breakfast?
EXT. VENETIAN BRIGDE – NIGHT
It's quiet. Buffy and Spike sit on top of a small, stone bridge, legs dangling about five feet from the water. It's a beautiful dark green color that glints under the stars, running through the city, creating a tranquil noise.
BUFFY
So, you've been working with Angel for the past year?
SPIKE
I don't like to brag about it, but yeah.
BUFFY
Now there's something I'd like to see.
SPIKE
You should've seen when Angel turned into a puppet. It was a big turn-on for the ladies.
BUFFY
So why are you here now all of a sudden?
SPIKE
(flustered)
Well, I—you know, I heard Drusilla was out here looking for you, thought you could use somebody watching your back. Which, behold my success, I did.
BUFFY
She's gone, then?
SPIKE
Yeah, left for Prague. Might've been searching for the famed Immortal, even.
Spike tries to gauge her reaction.
BUFFY
Is that it?
SPIKE
Is what it?
BUFFY
Is that the only reason you came here? To fend off Drusilla for me?
SPIKE
Do you think there needs to be another reason?
Buffy can't answer, so instead changes the subject.
BUFFY
Do you know what today is?
(pauses)
It's my mom's birthday.
She looks off into the night sky.
BUFFY
I should be giving her flowers. Now, I…I don't even have a grave to visit anymore. So much happened in Sunnydale. So many things…and now, it's gone. Poof.
SPIKE
I wouldn't exactly summarize that experience as "poof," love.
BUFFY
I was thinking of going to Boston. You know, after I help Dona, and find the other slayer. But I don't think I could ever live there. For starters, I'm not sure I'd like living in a place where parkas are part of the standard fashion.
(looks at Spike)
Where are you gonna go?
SPIKE
Dunno, pet. Back to New York, I reckon. Faith's there, you know.
BUFFY
Yeah, I heard she was.
(casually)
You…you've been talking to her?
SPIKE
Bumped into her once on the streets. Nothing earth-shattering.
She stands, and Spike follows suit.
SPIKE
You'll find your home, love.
BUFFY
I know.
Spike pulls her into his arms, like it was the most natural thing in the world. Buffy rests her head on his shoulder and closes her eyes for a brief moment. Then quickly, but not ungently, she pulls away. How many times has this happened?
BUFFY
I better go. I told Dona I'd meet him back at the house. You coming?
SPIKE
I think I'll stay here a bit, maybe do a quick sweep of the town. Catch up with you later.
BUFFY
Okay.
She looks at Spike for a moment, then walks off the bridge.
INT. BUFFY'S APARTMENT – A LITTLE LATER
Buffy walks cautiously into the house. It's dark, feels abandoned. There's assorted debris in the entrance. She slowly steps over the broken door, looking around her.
BUFFY
Dona?
She steps into the kitchen. Suddenly, DONA jumps out from behind the table, lunging at Buffy and knocking her down. His face has morphed into his demon visage, which looks like a hideously disfigured vampire.
On Buffy, as she's struggling to get him off of her.
BLACK OUT
END OF ACT THREE
Act Four
INT. BUFFY'S APARTMENT – KITCHEN – SAME SCENE
The struggle continues, and Buffy finally manages to throw Dona off of her. They bring the fight into the living room.
BUFFY
(as she punches him)
What the heck are you doing?
DONA
(punches her right back)
Trying to kill you.
BUFFY
You weren't this hostile when I first met you.
DONA
What can I say? I guess I'm finally experiencing teenage-hood.
BUFFY
Incessant mood swings? I know it well.
They keep on fighting. Dona seems to be getting the upper hand, and flips her onto her back. He straddles her and tries to strangle her.
At that moment, SPIKE walks in. He surveys the struggle.
SPIKE
(after a few moments)
Twelve-year old giving you a hard time?
BUFFY
(still in a chokehold)
Shut up and help me.
Spike grabs Dona by the shoulders and throws him across the room. He lands in a heap against the wall, but still looks murderous.
Buffy quickly grabs a fire poker and shoves it in his stomach, skewering him to the wall. She kneels down next to him, with Spike close by.
BUFFY
Why the hell did you attack me? We were going to help you.
DONA
(coughing up blood)
I'm a Fonari demon. It's what we do.
He's fading.
DONA
I'm sorry. Demon instincts. You're really…a nice lady.
(closing his eyes)
I just…want to go home.
And he's gone. Buffy looks at him with real sympathy.
BUFFY
Tell me about it.
FADE TO:
EXT. DOCK IN VENICE – FEW DAYS LATER – NIGHT
A young girl with dark brown hair gets into a water taxi and speeds off. Buffy smiles and waves.
Spike walks up behind her.
SPIKE
She gonna be alright?
BUFFY
Yeah. She's going to meet up with a few Watchers in Florence.
They turn away and start to walk.
SPIKE
You look a lot happier.
BUFFY
I am.
(pause)
You know, I'm going back to Boston in a few days. And, just thinking about seeing Xander and Willow and Dawn again…I finally understand. Home isn't a place.
They reach the front of Buffy's apartment. She stops walking, and stares into Spike's eyes.
BUFFY
Home is the people you love.
SPIKE
(unsure of where this is going)
Buffy—
BUFFY
I know you're going back to New York. I just needed to tell you…Thanks for making Venice home to me.
BUFFY (cont.)
I'm gonna go pack.
She turns and walks into the house. Spike just stands there, deeply moved.
END OF SHOW.