Chapter 37: Heartbreak City
Outside a movie theatre Prue, Jack, Piper, Dan, Buffy and Phoebe walk onto the sidewalk. Prue and Jack are holding hands and Dan has his arm around Piper.
"Fifth and Sixth wheels cutting in," Phoebe says.
Buffy rolls her eyes. She hadn't really wanted to go along on the almost triple date – Phoebe's had cancelled at the last second. But the sisters had insisted she needed to get out. They knew she needed something to take her mind of Angel so they had dragged her along.
"Oh, would you stop that," Piper says.
Phoebe nods, "Well, it is a double date."
Prue sighs, "It would have been a triple date if Kevin hadn't cancelled."
Phoebe nods, "I know. It seems to be an epidemic lately. Guys canceling on me."
They look at Buffy for a moment knowing it's really not just about Kevin cancelling on Phoebe, but about Buffy. Phoebe was trying to get Buffy to say something. Buffy had not said much over the weekend.
"You know what happens when they cancel." Piper says.
"Ooh, back to square one." Prue says.
Piper nods, "Do not pass go."
"And all accrued nookie credits are thrown out," Phoebe says.
Jack shakes his head, "There's a penalty?"
"Oh yeah!" Prue, Piper and Phoebe say.
Jack nods, "You know this glimpse into feminine mystery frightens me to no end so allow me to change the subject. What did you think of the movie?"
"I liked it," Piper says.
Prue nods, "Loved it except for the bellbottoms."
"It was okay, I guess," Dan says.
Piper shakes her head, "Who are you kidding? I heard you sniffle."
"Fighting a cold," Dan says.
"Liar," Piper says.
Prue nods, "Jack? Buffy? Phoebe?"
"As far as classics go, it was no Dirty Dozen." Jack says.
Buffy simply shrugs.
"I slept through it," Phoebe says.
"You slept through Dirty Dozen?" Jack asks.
Phoebe shakes her head, "No, Love Story. The last thing I remember is the hockey game.
"That was the very beginning," Piper says.
Phoebe nods, "Okay, let me guess. Boy meets girl, grim reaper swipes girl, and boy's left with his hockey skates?"
Jack shakes his head, "That's the review."
"Anybody want a coffee?" Dan asks.
Jack smiles, "I hope so because I am buying."
Prue, Jack, Piper and Dan walk into a coffee shop laughing and giggling. Phoebe walks in and stops, and looks back at Buffy. Prue notices them standing there.
"Hey, you two are gonna come get coffee, right?" Prue asks.
Phoebe looks at Buffy and shakes her head, "I think were just gonna get a cab, call it a night. I think we're both pooped. Right, Buffy."
"Yeah," Buffy says.
Prue looks at Phoebe and knows that Phoebe is looking for an excuse to take Buffy home, "I'm sorry that Kevin backed out on you."
"His loss," Phoebe says.
Prue nods, "It is so his loss because you are beautiful, my sister." She hugs Phoebe.
Phoebe nods, "You're so beautiful. Alright, go see your man. Have some coffee."
Prue smiles, "Okay. I love you."
Phoebe nods, "I love you too."
"Me three." Buffy says.
Prue walks over to the others.
Cupid comes up to Phoebe and Buffy. "I need your help." He grabs Buffy.
"Let go of her," Phoebe says.
"Hate will destroy me and everything else if you don't help me," Cupid says.
Phoebe frowns, "I am warning you, buddy."
"Phoebe, Buffy, you gotta believe me. I know why you can't find love, Phoebe. And why Buffy is well…"
"Hey, you, let go of her," Dan says.
Cupid runs away. Prue and Piper run up to Phoebe and Buffy.
"Are you two okay?" Piper asks.
"Uh, yeah," Buffy says.
Prue nods, "What was that about?"
Phoebe shrugs, "I'm not sure."
The next morning Phoebe walks out of her bedroom and walks over to Piper's room. She knocks on the door. "Piper, you still asleep?" She opens the door and walks in. She notices Piper's bed hasn't been slept in. She walks out and over to Prue's room. "Hey, Prue, guess who got lucky last night?" She opens the door and notices Prue's bed hasn't been slept in either." She walks over to Buffy's room and looks in to find her not there." She hears something in the attic and goes up to check. She finds Buffy there flipping through her book, "Buffy?"
Buffy looks at Phoebe, tears in her eyes.
Phoebe nods and walks over to hug Buffy as she guides her cousin downstairs.
The phone rings.
"I'll get it," Phoebe says as she picks up the phone. "Hello?"
"Morning," Prue says.
"Hey, Prue. Did that coffee keep someone up all night?" Phoebe asks.
"Believe it or not, all we did was talk," Prue says.
"Yeah, right," Phoebe says.
"No, I swear. We just talked about everything, it was really great," Prue says.
"Really? How's he react to the witch part?" Phoebe asks.
"Cute. Alright, where's Piper?" Prue asks.
"Oh, she's still at Dan's. Hey, if only I'd bagged Mr. Creepy, we could have scored a Halliwell hat trick last night." Phoebe says as she looks at Buffy.
"Don't be mad," Prue says.
"No, I'm not mad. I'm thrilled for you both. I mean, it's been a long time. You deserve to be happy," Phoebe says. "Prue I found Buffy going through her Book up in the attic."
"What?" Prue asks. "Why was she… Oh!"
"Yeah," Phoebe says."We really need to do something Prue."
"Agreed," Prue says.
Cupid walks up behind Phoebe and Buffy. "You're gonna need a new lock on that back door."
Buffy turns and kicks Cupid in the mouth. He falls onto the stairs.
"Phoebe?" Prue asks.
"Our stalker is back." Phoebe says.
Prue hangs up and runs out of Jack's place.
"I'm getting rather used to you kicking love in the teeth." Cupid says.
Phoebe looks to Buffy and places a hand on her shoulder. Buffy visibly relaxes, "Okay, who are you and what do you want?"
Cupid smiles, "More importantly I know who you are Phoebe and who Buffy is. And that's why I'm here. I need your help. Charmed Slayer and Charmed Ones kind of help."
"Who are you?" Buffy asks.
"You wouldn't believe me if I told you," Cupid says.
"Try us," Phoebe says.
Cupid nods, "Well, for lack of a better name, Cupid."
In Dan's house. Piper's laying on Dan's bed. Dan comes in carrying a tray with breakfast on it.
"Oh, my," Piper says.
"All eggs over, bacon crisps, a box of jewellery and dried toast," Dan says.
"A box of what?" Piper asks.
Dan smiles, "Would you like the morning paper with that?"
"What did you do?" Piper asks.
Dan shakes his head, "It's not a big deal. It's not a ring or anything. But just because it's jewellery, I don't want you to feel like you gotta keep it. If you wanna take it back, you can."
"I get it, I get it," Piper says as she picks up the box.
"You gonna open it?" Dan asks.
Piper opens it and there's a diamond necklace in it "Oh."
Dan smiles, "'Cos if you want to you can take it back." Piper kisses Dan passionately. Phoebe looks around the corner and tries to get Piper's attention. Piper opens her eyes and sees Phoebe. She stops kissing Dan. "Hey, is something-"
Piper freezes Dan. "Phoebe, what are you doing in here? How did you get in here?"
"We have got a very big problem. Well more than one actually. Phoebe pulls Buffy and Cupid into the room. "Piper, Cupid. Cupid, Piper."
"Hi, sorry to interrupt. Glad to see things are working out for you and Dan," Cupid says.
Piper frowns, "What?"
"You have to come home really fast," Phoebe says.
Cupid nods, "Yeah, a demon of hate stole my ring and he's gonna use it to find all the loves that I've put together so he can destroy them, which will in turn destroy me."
"Wait a minute," Piper says.
"He's telling the truth." Phoebe says. "The demon's name is Drazi. He's in the Book of Shadows."
Cupid nods, "Yeah, Phoebe's already started working on the potion that will vanquish it."
Phoebe sighs, "And Prue's on her way home."
"From where?" Piper asks.
"From Jack's. Okay, hurry. Kiss very fast." Phoebe says.
"You said we had more than one problem?" Piper asks.
Phoebe looks to Buffy, "I found Buffy in the attic this morning going through her Book."
"Oh." Piper says.
Cupid, Buffy and Phoebe leave.
Later back at the Manor Prue, Piper, Buffy Phoebe and Cupid are in the living room.
"So we're actually supposed to believe that you're Cupid?" Prue asks.
Cupid nods, "You believe in warlocks and demons but you can't believe in me?"
"Where's the chubby baby?" Piper asks.
Phoebe rolls her eyes, "Guys."
"And the bow and arrow?" Prue asks.
"Where's the warty chins, hooked noses and pointy hats?" Cupid asks.
"I think we should just vanquish him and get it over with," Buffy says.
Prue sighs as she looks at Buffy before looking back at Cupid, "Alright, show us something supernatural."
"Drazi took my ring. It's my powers, how I get in," Cupid says.
"Get in?" Prue asks.
Cupid nods, "People's hearts, to waken love. See, but Drazi's all about hate and he's gonna use the ring to get in the same way."
"You're still gonna have to back up the Cupid claim," Piper says.
Cupid nods, "Okay, fine." He points to Piper, "Dan," points to Prue, "Jack," points to Phoebe, "Clay," points to Buffy, "Pike," points to Prue, "Andy. My sincerest condolences. Eric in London, Alec in college," points to Piper, "Not Jeremy the Warlock, Joe in college, Barry in high school, Tim in eighth grade," points to Phoebe, "Ken, Kyle, Steve, Mike, Ken again, Brian, Joel, Martin, Peter, Paul, Tony."
"Okay, you know I didn't love all those guys, right?" Phoebe asks.
Cupid nods, "Yeah, well, they wanted to love you but you're closed hearted. That's what sent them away. Just as Buffy is closed hearted now because of what happened with Angel. My condolences on that Buffy."
Buffy growls at the mention of Angel.
"My closed heart? I do not have a closed heart." Phoebe says.
Cupid shakes his head, "Look, if people get the feeling that there's nothing there, then eventually it's hasta la vista, Phoebe. That explains the recent rush of cancelled dates."
"Okay, so wait, our past relationships, you made those happen?" Prue asks.
Cupid shakes his head, "Well, actually, my assignment here's only two years old. I helped you two meet Jack and Dan but most of your prior loves were work from fellow agents."
"Agents?" Piper asks.
Cupid nods, "Oh, yeah. I'm just one of many. We work in secret all over the world making connections
"Did you connect me and Leo?" Piper asks.
Cupid shakes his head, "Uh, no. That was the work of you two. Those connections were forbidden to make for obvious reasons. The same was true for Buffy and Angel. That connection was forbidden mainly because of the curse."
"Um, can we go back to the hasta la vista remark please?" Phoebe asks.
Cupid sighs, "We don't have time right now to debate the topic of your closed heart, Phoebe. We gotta finish the potion so we can vanquish Drazi before it's too late."
Prue nods, "Okay, so how are we supposed to find him?"
"The same way he can find me. We can sense each other. We're connected in a cosmic way. There's a fine line between love and hate." Cupid says.
Buffy rolls her eyes, "Oh, brother."
Cupid nods, "Hey, don't take Drazi lightly. You guys are in danger as well you know." He points to Prue and Piper.
"We're in danger every day. We're used to it." Prue says.
Cupid nods, "Look, if Drazi succeeds, eventually he'll kill the ability to love. And believe me, it's a fate worse than death."
Cupid clutches his chest in pain.
"What's the matter?" Prue asks.
"It's Drazi. He's killing love." Cupid says.
"Buffy can you come here." Prue says.
"What now, Prue?" Buffy asks.
"You are going with us," Prue says.
"Prue, I would rather not," Buffy says.
"Your going with us. You need to put Angel behind you. And the best way to do that is by moving forward." Prue says. "Helping an innocent will do that."
Buffy sighs and nods, "Alright."
Somewhere in San Francisco Max is on a stretcher and a policeman is talking to Cindy.
"He just walked into the traffic. Dumb ass. Is he gonna die?" Cindy says.
"I can't answer that," the Policeman responds.
Cindy nods, "Because he should you know. I don't think I've known anyone who deserves to be hit by a car more than that guy."
Buffy, Prue, Piper, Phoebe and Cupid pull up in the car. They get out and walk over to Max.
"It's Max," Cupid says.
"Is he one of yours?" Piper asks.
Cupid nods, "Yeah, I matched him up with Cindy last night. She was afraid to risk love too."
"Are you picking on me?" Phoebe asks.
"Phoebe, I'm..." Cupid says.
Buffy sighs, "Pheebs if he's picking on anyone it's me."
"Do you think it's easy finding love with all the demon hunting we have to do?" Phoebe says ignoring Buffy.
"Well, your sisters don't seem to be having any problem." Cupid says.
Buffy looks to Prue, "This was a mistake. I'm going to flame back to the Manor."
"No you are not," Prue says.
"Alright, you know, let's stay focused. We have things to do." Phoebe says.
Prue looks to Cupid, "Are you sure Drazi did this?"
Cupid nods, "Positive. He's still here too. I can feel him."
"Where?" Buffy asks looking around for something to pummel.
"There." Cupid says and points to Drazi.
"Do you think he knows who we are?" Prue asks.
Drazi walks off.
"Apparently." Piper says.
Cupid nods, "He's getting away. Do you have the potion?"
"Yes." Phoebe says as they all start running after him. "We're not gonna catch him."
Prue frowns, "Piper, freeze him."
Piper shakes her head, "He's too far away."
Cupid nods, "Well, someone better do something fast."
Buffy suddenly flames out and in front of Drazi.
"What?" Drazi says.
"Surprise." Buffy says as she powers up a fireball and throws it at Drazi. It hits him and sends him flying.
Prue, Phoebe, Piper and Cupid run up to Drazi.
Drazi stands up. "Hiding behind witches skirts?"
"Stealing things that don't belong to you?" Piper says and she freezes him. "Okay, go."
Phoebe throws the potion on Drazi and he unfreezes.
"What the...?" Drazi says as he starts melting and turns into black goo.
"Did we get him?" Buffy asks.
"Sure looks like it." Cupid says. "Though, I don't know what happened to my ring. It shouldn't have been affected by what we did to Drazi."
"Good." Buffy says, "I'm flaming back to the Manor." She flames out.
Prue shakes her head,
"So that's it right? We're done? You can just move on." Phoebe says.
"In a hurry to get rid of me, Phoebe?" Cupid asks.
"Look, Cupid. I know you're just trying to help but did you ever think that I may not be ready for love right now?" Phoebe says.
Cupid shakes his head, "No, you and Buffy are more than ready."
"Don't start. Just go." Phoebe says.
"Well, I need the ring to get back. I mean, unless you can get me another one but the problem is I need it to get back to them." Cupid says
"Wait, you're stuck here?" Prue asks. "Couldn't Buffy flame you there?"
Cupid shakes his had, "No Buffy couldn't flame me there. And no I'm not actually stuck here, you can help me get back home. One more potion, some well-chosen words from the Charmed Ones and I'm on my way." He looks to Phoebe. "Care to help me with that potion?"
"Me? Why me?" Phoebe asks.
Cupid smiles, "Because you're free tonight, they have dates."
"Hey, how'd you know... never mind, scratch that." Piper says.
Prue looks to Cupid, "One condition. You get Buffy to help you."
Cupid nods, "I understand, ever since Angel lost his soul. She has been in a funk. You would like me to help show her that not everything turns out bad."
Prue nods, "Yes." She and Piper turn and walk off.
Cupid stands there smiling at Phoebe. "What are you smiling at?"
"You." Cupid says and they walk off.
Later back at the Manor in the kitchen Buffy, Phoebe and Cupid are making the potion.
"So this will send you back?" Buffy asks.
Cupid nods, "When I drink this, you and your cousins say the magic words and I'm gone."
Phoebe sighs, "I can not believe I am stuck here doing the grunt work while they're..."
"Twisting the night away? Don't blame them." Cupid says.
Phoebe shakes her head, "No, I'm not blaming anybody. It's just... I'm here..."
"Stuck with me." Cupid says.
Phoebe nods, "Um, I'm sorry, but did you do something specific to tick Drazi off? Or did he also find your honesty to be a complete and total pain in the ass?"
Buffy rolls her eyes.
"Drazi fell in love with a mortal woman," Cupid says. "I redirected her love towards a mortal man away from Drazi. She's married now, very happy. But Drazi blames me for denying him love." Buddy starts stirring some stuff in a bowl really fast. "A hundred slow strokes there."
"So are you telling me that demons love?" Phoebe asks.
Buffy rolls her eyes, "Pheebs really. You ask that after…"
"Sorry, Buffy," Phoebe says.
Cupid nods, "Buffy is right though demons do love. It was love that drew her and Angel together. You know, if a demon can open his heart, there's hope in you too, Phoebe. And you Buffy."
Phoebe sighs, "Okay, you know, my heart is not closed. Okay, it's open, just not to everybody."
Cupid nods, "Your heart is closed."
"Mine is," Buffy says. "How do you find love again after…?"
Cupid looks to Buffy, "After such a tragic end?" Buffy nods. "You look for it, you seek it out. You don't hide from it. That's what your doing right now, Buffy. Your hiding from it, afraid to take a chance. "
Phoebe shakes her head, "I'm picky."
"No, you're terrified." Cupid says.
Phoebe frowns, "Of what? What am I terrified of?"
Cupid shrugs, "You tell me."
"I don't want to play this game," Phoebe says.
Cupid moves to Buffy he stands behind her, puts his arms around her and stirs the stuff in the bowl. "Like that."
Buffy nods, "Thanks. So, how does this work?"
"It's a travel potion with an aphrodisiac." Cupid says.
"Really? An aphrodisiac?" Phoebe asks.
Cupid nods, "Lavender, oysters, rosemary and chocolate and basic caris compound. The key ingredient is desire."
"Desire?" Buffy asks.
Cupid nods, "Desire to go home. 'Cos home..."
"Is where your heart is." Phoebe and Buffy say.
Cupid nods, "Are you afraid of loss?"
Buffy shakes her head.
Phoebe shakes her head, "No, I swear if you barf up, it's better to have loved and loss than never to have loved at all, I might just have to..." She smells the potion. "Mmm, it smells really good."
"It does," Buffy says.
"So tell me, Phoebe, what has not loving gotten you?" Cupid asks.
"It's kept me safe." Phoebe says.
"Safe from what?" Buffy asks.
Phoebe looks to Buffy and in that instant she knows how Buffy has felt since Angel turned, "From people leaving."
"Your mothers?" Cupid asks.
Buffy and Phoebe nods. "Yeah," Phoebe says.
Cupid nods and looks at Buffy, "Angel?"
Buffy nods.
Cupid looks to Phoebe, "And your father?"
"And you." Phoebe says.
Cupid smiles, "Are you falling for me, Phoebe?"
Phoebe walks away from him. "No, I am not falling for you, thank you very much."
Cupid laughs, "Ladies and gentleman, Phoebe Halliwell - running away from love."
Buffy shakes her head, "I think I understand now."
"You are, Cupid. You're the one that's leaving me." Phoebe says.
Cupid shakes his head, "Look, Phoebe, what I am is the potential for true love. That's all. Because once you've let love in, it'll never leave. Don't confuse the message with the messenger, Phoebe. It's what you're always done. See, messengers make mistakes, they get lost, they run away, they even die. But the message, open your heart, it comes from life itself. Hear it. For my sake and yours." He looks to Buffy, "What do you understand?"
Buffy smiles for the first time in days, "'I hold it true, whate'er befall; I feel it, when I sorrow most; 'Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.' To love you must know sorrow also. I think I'm ready to love again."
Cupid smiles.
Later at P4 Phoebe, Buffy and Cupid walk up to Jack and Dan.
"Hey guys, are Prue and Piper around?" Phoebe asks.
Jack nods, "Yeah, they're in the ladies room." He looks to Cupid. "Excuse me, have we met?"
"Yeah, you look really familiar," Dan says.
Cupid nods, "I've been around."
"Yeah, okay, come on." Buffy says.
Buffy, Phoebe and Cupid walk towards the bathroom..
Prue and Piper walk out of the bathroom they see Cupid, Buffy and Phoebe.
"Hey," Buffy says and smiles.
"Hey yourself." Prue says, "Look Piper she's smiling."
Piper nods, "I see that." She looks to Cupid, "Cupid."
"Evening ladies," Cupid says. "I trust everything's going well?"
Piper smiles, "Very well."
Cupid nods, "Prue?"
"Well, it's a little early to tell but all the signs are pointing to maybe," Prue says.
"Did you get everything we need to send him home?" Piper asks.
Buffy nods, "Yeah. He drinks this..." she holds up a bottle "while we say this..." she holds up a piece of paper "and he's gone. Any idea where you wanna do this?"
"In there. The stock room," Piper says.
Prue nods, "Um, is this gonna take very long 'cos you know?"
"Go tell your boys you'll be back in a few minutes," Phoebe says.
Piper smiles, "Okay."
"And don't dawdle," Buffy says.
Prue and Piper run out to Jack and Dan.
"Ain't love grand?" Cupid asks.
Cupid grabs his chest in pain.
"What's the matter?" Buffy asks.
"I can't believe it," Cupid says.
Phoebe frowns, "Is it Drazi?"
Cupid nods, "He's alive."
They see Prue and Dan, Jack and Prue fighting.
"I'd love to. What about you?" Dan says.
"Rebound guy?" Jack asks. "Is that it? What makes you think I'm gonna take this crap?"
"What, you think I'm just gonna jump in the sack with you on the second date? Why don't you just drop dead." Prue says.
"I can't believe you're still threatened by him," Piper says.
"You think I'm an idiot?" Dan asks. "You think I don't know?"
"Uh, you guys." Phoebe says.
"Shut up!" Jack, Dan, Piper, and Prue says.
"Fine. Why don't we just end it?" Prue says.
"You know what? Fine." Jack says.
"We are dating aren't we?" Dan asks.
Piper shakes her head, "No, we're not. Not anymore. And you can have that back." She pulls off the necklace and throws it at him.
"I'm sure Leo can replace it with something that means more anyway." Dan says.
"Probably," Piper says.
"I'm just glad that nothing ever happened." Prue says.
Jack nods, "Yeah, well, you and me both."
"Yeah, well, I'm really glad. I mean, I learnt a valuable lesson. Never go out with a jerk." Prue says.
"Thanks for the evening Prue," Jack says.
"Alright, bye." Prue says.
They start leaving.
"Whoa, whoa, wait." Phoebe says.
"What the heck?" Buffy asks.
Cupid shakes his head. "It's not them, Phoebe, Buffy. They're caught in Drazi's spell."
Phoebe nods, "If he did this, why didn't you sense him?"
"Because I thought he was dead," Cupid says.
Prue and Piper turn back around.
"You're still here?" Prue says.
"You know what? None of this would have happened if you would've just left us alone. Now get out. Get out of my club." Piper says.
Buffy frowns, "Piper! This isn't just your club or have you forgot we're all partners."
"Maybe I should change that." Piper says.
Cupid starts to leave.
"Where are you going?" Phoebe asks.
"There's nothing I can do. They're trapped," Cupid says.
Prue shakes her head, "Oh, we are not trapped. For the first time in my life I see things how they really are. Now whoever you are, whatever you're selling, just get out."
"No, no. Listen to us." Buffy says, "You guys are under a spell. Okay, this is not you. Listen to me."
Piper frowns, "If you're with him, why don't you go too?"
"What?" Phoebe says as Prue and Piper walk away. "No, you guys." She and Buffy look to Cupid. "We vanquished Drazi. How is this happening?"
"The ring must have saved him," Cupid says.
"What, so he's invincible now?" Buffy asks.
Cupid shakes his head, "Maybe not. Maybe if destroying the loves that I put together is killing me. Maybe the reverse is true. Patching everything up with everybody just might kill him."
"But you can't do that without the ring," Phoebe says.
Cupid smiles, "Well, I've got you two."
"I'm sorry. What?" Phoebe asks.
Cupid smiles, "Your heart is as big and true as anyone I've ever seen, Phoebe. So is Buffy's. You'll both be my ring."
Phoebe shakes her head, "I'm flattered, I think. But I have no idea what you're talking about."
"I think I do." Buffy says.
Cupid nods, "Come on, we've got to start with the first couple Drazi tore apart."
"Okay." Phoebe says.
"Do you know where to go?" Buffy asks.
Cupid nods, "I believe so. You think you can do it?"
Buffy smiles as she, Phoebe and Cupid walk out the back door into the alley. "Yes I can. Hold on." She flames out with Phoebe and Cupid.
Buffy flames in to a secluded spot near an office building. They see Cindy not far off, "Hey I managed it in one shot with passengers."
Phoebe smiles, "Yes you did."
"There she is. We've got to hurry." Cupid says.
Phoebe shakes her head, "But wait, I'm still not exactly sure what the plan is."
"It's simple. Just talk to her." Cupid says.
"About what?" Phoebe asks.
"She's just the same as you," Cupid says. "Her fears are your fears. Just pretend you're talking to yourself. Here she comes. Hi."
"Do I know you?" Cindy asks.
Cupid shakes his head, "No, but we know you and we know about Max. How is he?"
Cindy shrugs, "I don't know. Look, I'm really sorry about what happened. I'm not even sure how it happened but I'm sorry." She starts to walk away.
Buffy nudges Phoebe.
"Uh, Cindy, Cindy. Look, sooner or later Max's pain will go away. But yours won't." Phoebe says.
"Excuse me?" Cindy says.
"She means, it hasn't yet has it? The pain of love loss deepens if you don't deal with it. Look, I know, I know what it's like, believe me. I closed myself off to love too because I was afraid. But you know what? Fear and love can not live in the same house." Buffy says.
"You're getting to her," Cupid says.
Phoebe nods, "It's because the people that we love eventually leave us. So, we've given up on love."
Cindy shakes her head, "You mean love's given up on me."
Buffy smiles, "No, it hasn't. It can't. Your fear of loss has left you paralyzed. Believe me, I know. But you can change that. You can take the risk and love again."
Phoebe nods, "Yeah, they don't call it lovers leap for nothing, right?"
"What?" Cindy asks.
Cupid shakes his head, "Actually, lovers leap is a reference to suicide."
Phoebe grimaces, "Oh. Let me rephrase that. Go to Max. Push through what ever hate or fear or doubt you think might exist between both of you. Just tell him what's in your heart."
"I love him," Cindy says.
Buffy nods, "Then tell him that. Now. Before it's too late."
"Who are you two?" Cindy asks.
Phoebe and Buffy look at each other and speak at once, "Messengers."
Cindy smiles, "Thank you." She leaves.
"I'm starting to fell better already," Cupid says. "You two were good."
We were good weren't we?" Phoebe asks looking at Buffy.
Buffy smiles and nods.
Phoebe nods, "So why do I feel that was more for my sake than for Cindy's?"
Cupid smiles, "Because in order to let love in, you have to overcome the obstacles within yourself."
Buffy nods, "I agree. My obstacle was Angel. I can't let him dominate my thoughts. I have to move on."
"You know, we have to go reconnect Prue and Piper's love connection before it's too late," Phoebe says.
Cupid nods, "You know the more couples we put back together, the more Drazi's gonna come looking for me wherever I am."
"Isn't that the plan?" Buffy asks.
Cupid nods, "Yeah. I just wanted to make sure you both knew what you're getting yourselves into."
At the Manor the doorbell rings. Piper opens the door.
"This better be good," Jack says.
Piper frowns, "Am I supposed to know what you're talking about?"
"Don't buy the innocent act. She pulls it all the time," Dan says.
"I beg your pardon?" Piper asks.
"Just cut to the chase, Piper," Jack says. "Why did you call?"
Piper shakes her head, "What? I didn't."
Jack stands at the bottom of the stairs and calls out to Prue. "Prue, I wanna talk to you."
"Isn't this your number? "Come to my house a.s.a.p."" Dan says.
Piper rolls her eyes, "That's really pathetic. Paging yourself?"
"Pathetic?" Dan says.
"Prue!" Jack says.
"I'm sorry, I meant moronic." Piper says.
Prue comes down the stairs.
"What?" Dan asks.
"Why are you here?" Prue asks.
"You called," Jack says.
"Oh, you wish," Prue says.
Piper shakes her head, "What is going on?"
Buffy, Phoebe and Cupid enter.
"Hate and it's gotta stop. Buffy and I asked Jack and Dan to come over her." Phoebe says.
"And what is he still doing here?" Piper asks.
"Trying to help you," Cupid says.
Prue shakes her head, "No reason to hang around here, that's for sure."
"Oh, on the contrary. Everyone on the couch now." Buffy says.
"Payson, just mind your own business." Jack says.
"Hey, don't talk to my cousin like that." Prue says.
"Please," Cupid says.
"Okay, everyone on the couch now." Buffy says, and it's evident in her voice she means business. The glint in Buffy's eyes tells Prue and Piper that the Slayer wants to come out and play.
Dan, Piper, Prue and Jack sit on the couch.
"You don't look okay. Are you alright." Dan asks Cupid.
Cupid nods, "I'm having a rough day."
"But we can change that." Phoebe says, "You are all acting like you are under some kind of spell."
"Phoebe," Prue and Piper says.
Buffy shakes her head, "Would you stop thinking and just feel. Look, I know that some ugly things were said tonight but you can get past that."
"Assuming that we want to," Prue says.
Phoebe nods, "You know you want to."
"Remember how you felt the first time you saw Jack?" Cupid says.
"How would you know?" Jack asks.
"Yeah, I hated him," Prue says.
Cupid nods, "My point exactly. Opposites attract. But after a while he started to make you smile didn't he? He made you laugh. Look at him again. Remember that."
Prue and Jack look at each other and Prue smiles slightly.
Buffy nods, "And Piper, I watch you when you talk to Dan and I see light and warmth and hope and I know you feel that way. Same way I felt with Angel. And Dan, you don't need someone whispering in your ear telling you not to trust Piper. Trust yourself."
"I'm not saying you have to tell me everything but when you deliberately keep secrets from me I..." Dan says.
"It's not because I want to, I told you it has nothing to do with you." Piper says.
Dan nods, "But does it have anything to do with Leo?"
Piper shakes her head, "No, it has to do with you and me and what I would like us to become."
"It's working," Cupid says.
"Where is he?" Buffy and Phoebe asks.
"He's close," Cupid says.
Phoebe nods, "Okay, okay, here's the plan. Jack, Dan, you go down to the corner market and get whatever you want. If the food of love is Cheetos and soda, then play on. Um, can you pick up a couple of frozen pizzas?"
"So we can talk." Jack says sarcastically.
Phoebe nods, "Yes, that's very good, Jack. Very good, you're quick."
"I'll drive," Dan says.
Buffy smiles, "Yeah, okay, take your time. Bye, bye."
Jack and Dan leave.
"Hey, what the hell is going on?" Prue asks.
Phoebe nods, "Okay, think you guys. Do you remember Drazi? Well, he's still alive and if Cupid's right, he's on his way here as we speak. Whatever bad feelings you had for Dan and Jack, Drazi did it. He's twisted your relationships with hate."
"So what do we do now?" Piper asks.
"Exactly what you're doing right now," Buffy says. "You let Dan and Jack into your hearts."
"Okay, hold on. I don't love Jack," Prue says.
Cupid nods, "No, but you like him a lot. And it's helped make you open to love."
Drazi walks around the corner and grabs Cupid.
"Hello, lover boy." Drazi says as he reaches in Cupid's chest and grabs his heart. "I should of finished you off the first time."
Piper freezes them. "Okay, so much for loving him to death. What do we do with him now?"
Buffy smiles, "Same thing, only different."
"Been there, blew that." Prue says.
Buffy nods, "Yeah, the only difference is the ring won't be protecting him..." Phoebe takes the ring off Drazi's finger, "…it will be protecting him." Phoebe puts the ring on Cupid's finger.
"How can you be sure?" Piper asks.
Buffy shakes her head, "I can't." She grabs a bowl full of the potion off the table. "But love is a risk. If he's taught me anything it's that. Right, Pheebs?"
"Right, Buffy," Phoebe says.
Buffy throws the potion on Drazi and he and Cupid unfreeze.
"No, no. No, not again!" Drazi says as he starts melting and he turns into black goo and disappears.
"Is he gone this time?" Piper asks.
Cupid nods, "Yeah, he's definitely gone."
"How do you know?" Prue asks.
Cupid smiles, "Because I've never felt better." He looks to Buffy and Phoebe. " I knew you two could do it. And now I have to go."
"I know." Phoebe and Buffy says.
Cupid smiles, "I won't be far. Don't mourn me, Phoebe, Buffy. Remember me, celebrate me and seek me out."
Cupid kisses both Phoebe and Buffy and disappears.
"Now that boy can kiss." Phoebe says.
Buffy smiles, "Yes he can."
The next night outside the movie theatre. Jack, Dan, Prue and Piper are there. They just saw "The Dirty Dozen".
"You gotta remember though the mission was successful. Bronson made it home." Dan says.
Jack nods, "Just in time to make death wish."
Prue shakes her head, "Oh, no."
"You'll love it, I promise." Jack says.
Phoebe's walking behind them. Kevin walks up to Phoebe.
"Sorry, Phoebe. I almost forgot to get our parking validated." Kevin says.
Phoebe smiles, "No problem, Kevin."
Kevin nods, "Hey, I just wanted to say I'm really sorry that I cancelled on you the other day."
"Love means is never having to say you're sorry." Buffy says behind them. She is the only one without a date. But she is no longer in her funk either. She smiles.
"What?" Kevin says.
"It's nothing. We saw "Love Story" here the other night and... never mind." Buffy says.
"I love that movie." Kevin says.
"Really?" Phoebe asks.
Kevin nods, "Yeah."
"Me too... now." Phoebe and Buffy say as they look at each other and smile.
They catch up to the others who are waiting for them.
"Hi." Prue says.
"Hello," Phoebe says.
"Let's grab some coffee. I am buying," Jack says.
Buffy smiles, "Sounds wonderful."