INT. BUFFY'S HOUSE - LATE AFTERNOON

(SAME DAY)

Buffy and Spike are sitting on the sofa together, watching "Passions." Dawn is sitting at the coffee table, writing in a notebook.

BUFFY

God, this show SUCKS!

SPIKE

Hey!

Dawn looks up from her notebook and watches for a second, then turns to him.

DAWN

Gotta agree, Spike. This show really bites it.

SPIKE

This happens to be one of the best shows on television! It's phenomenally entertaining.

No response from either sister.

SPIKE

You just have to... I mean you can't take it too seriously... you just have to sort of, go with it. Obviously it's not high drama, but...

He trails off. Buffy fights back a laugh as she watches his hurt statement. She almost feels bad for him. But not that bad.

BUFFY

(mocking)

Oh... I'm sorry pookie. I didn't mean to make fun of your stories.

Spike shoots her an angry look, then calms, his frown turning into a grin.

SPIKE

(with eyes on Buffy)

Dawn? What's Buffy's favorite TV show?

BUFFY

Dawn, don't--

DAWN

Blind Date.

Spike smirks.

SPIKE

Blind Date.

BUFFY

(playing it off)

So?

SPIKE

So... you're really beautiful when you feel stupid.

Buffy half-pouts, a wrinkle appears in her brow but quickly fades. She can't help but smile. After all, he called her beautiful.

BUFFY

(grinning)

You're stupid.

SPIKE

Yeah, but you smell.

Buffy giggles. Dawn rolls her eyes and tries to ignore them.

BUFFY

Well, you have ugly feet.

SPIKE

Well, you... dammit you're still beautiful. Stop that, so I can think of bad things to say about you.

Buffy beams at Spike and grabs him by the shirt, pulling him into a kiss. Dawn looks up again.

DAWN

Eeew! Get a room!

They pull away from each other, still grinning.

SPIKE

Sorry, Niblet.

BUFFY

Sorry.

Dawn watches them for a moment, rolls her eyes, and sighs.

DAWN

All right. I can take a hint. I guess you two deserve a little more time to yourselves.

Dawn stands and gathers her things.

BUFFY

No, Dawn, you don't have to leave.

DAWN

(dramatic)

No, no, I'll go. But, before I do, I'd like to point out that, once again, I am the only person in this family behaving like an adult.

She heads over to the stairs. Buffy and Spike watch her go, smiling.

BUFFY

Thank you, Dawn.

DAWN

You're welcome. Have fun...

She turns to go, pauses, and turns back again.

DAWN

...but if you have sex on that couch I will be traumatized for life.

She bounds up the stairs. Buffy turns back to Spike.

BUFFY

You think she's mad?

SPIKE

Dawn? Of course not. She's been trying to get us together for months now. Plus, she's got all the comforts of home in her room including a TV. She's just trying to make you feel guilty so you'll give in on something she wants later.

Dawn pops her head down from the top of the stairs.

DAWN

I am not!

SPIKE

(laughing)

Go to your room, you cheeky brat!

Dawn giggles and then disappears again. Spike smiles after her.

SPIKE

Yup. Heading down the road to delinquency, that one.

BUFFY

Yeah, well she likes you too.

Spike chuckles.

BUFFY

No, really, I mean& a lot. And even though she seems okay with this, I'm worried she might be a little jealous. I think she still has kind of a crush on you.

SPIKE

I know. But, it's nothing serious, really. Lots of girls get crushes on me.

BUFFY

Oh, is that a fact?

SPIKE

Please, you think I don't know when someone's got the shimmies for me?

BUFFY

The WHAT?

SPIKE

You know...

He grasps her hips and twists her back and forth, slowly and seductively.

SPIKE

The shimmies.

Buffy is immediately aroused. Her eyes glass over, her face flushes, her heartbeat quickens, then she realizes.

BUFFY

Hey! My sister does not have the SHIMMIES for you, you perv.

SPIKE

(laughing)

Well, maybe not in the strictest sense, but you know who used to?

BUFFY

Giles?

Spike bursts out laughing.

SPIKE

No. Willow.

BUFFY

Oh, again with this. Listen carefully. Willow and Tara? They like chicks.

SPIKE

Hey, I've never been wrong before. I was right about you, wasn't I?

Buffy just smiles back at him.

SPIKE

(uneasy)

What?

BUFFY

Sometimes I wish I had your confidence.

SPIKE

(looking away)

Yeah, well... don't tell anyone I told you, but sometimes... not very often... but sometimes, it's possible, that it might be... just an act.

There is a gaping chasm of silence, then:

SPIKE

(forcing a laugh)

I've got to stop telling you all my darkest secrets.

Buffy watches as he plays with the trim on the sofa pillow. His head is down, and there is color in his cheeks that she's never noticed before. A powerful current of feeling washes over her.

BUFFY

I'm glad you trust me enough.

Spike shrugs without looking up. He hates feeling this vulnerable. There is a lump in his throat.

BUFFY

You wanna hear one of mine?

Spike stops playing with the pillow and looks up. He doesn't look directly into her eyes, but it's clear he's listening.

SPIKE

All right.

Buffy takes a deep breath.

BUFFY

When I lost my powers, I was really scared. You knew that. I felt useless and all I wanted was for things to go back to the way they were. But, then I slowly realized that without slaying being the center of my universe I actually had time to think about myself. Just me. Buffy: The Regular Person. Do you want to know what I realized about myself?

Spike doesn't respond or look up. His jaw is tensed. Buffy does not wait for him to respond.

BUFFY

That I'm happy. Right now, I think I'm probably happier than I've ever been... ever. And... the thing of it is... I'm pretty sure it's because of you. And the fact that... I seem to be... completely in love with you.

Spike is frozen for what seems like a very long time. Then, finally, he lifts his eyes, very slowly, to meet Buffy's. His chest is heaving with emotion. Against his will... a tear spills down his cheek and she brushes it away for him. He squeezes his eyes closed at her touch and inhales deeply.

BUFFY

Spike?

SPIKE

Could you... I just want to hear it one more time.

BUFFY

Open your eyes.

He obeys.

BUFFY

Spike, I love you.

Spike exhales forcefully and grabs her into a tight embrace. She sighs against him and cries softly, tears of relief and total happiness. Spike hears her crying and finds it impossible to stop his own tears from falling. They hold each other for a little while, gently rocking. Eventually, they pull away, both sniffing and wiping their faces.

SPIKE

(embarrassed)

Is this what I have to look forward to as a human? Spontaneous blubbering at happy occasions? Look at us. Don't we make a handsome pair, all snotty and puffy-eyed.

Buffy laughs and gets herself a tissue.

BUFFY

Well, phlegm notwithstanding, we certainly are the most attractive couple I know.

She punctuates this by blowing her nose. Spike smiles at her, surprised but delighted. Buffy discards her tissue.

BUFFY

See... I'm learning. Confidence good.

He leans in, suddenly, and kisses her softly on the lips. She responds by gently prodding his mouth open to deepen the kiss. Gradually, she begins to lie back on the couch and he follows her down, nibbling a little at her neck and the hollow of her throat.

BUFFY

(breathless)

What about Dawn? What she said about the couch.

SPIKE

(gruffly)

I'll go real fast. She doesn't even have to know.

Buffy giggles a little.

BUFFY

(sarcastic)

Mmmm. How you talk.

The phone rings. It is a jarring sound that startles them both into sitting positions.

SPIKE

Bloody hell!

It is picked up on the third ring by Dawn. After a moment, she comes to the top of the stairs.

DAWN

You guys decent?

BUFFY

Dawn! Of course.

She turns and checks Spike to make sure she's not lying. Dawn descends the stairs and hands the phone to Buffy.

DAWN

It's Giles.

Buffy freezes. Dawn just said something to indicate that she and Spike may not have been decent at the time of Giles' phone call. And Giles heard it. He had to have. She shouted it as loud as she possibly could. She takes the phone and puts it to her ear as though it might explode.

BUFFY

Giles? Yeah... no, nothing... oh, you know her, she's always saying stuff like that... no, Spike's not even here, he's... in the bathroom... yeah, he's been in there for a while...

Spike grimaces at her and she almost laughs out loud. She whacks him to get him to stop making the face.

BUFFY

...no , I think he's taking a shower. What's up?

INT. MAGIC BOX - THAT EVENING

Buffy and Spike are sitting at the table with many open books in front of them. Spike has a sour look on his face.

SPIKE

Why do we have to do this? We're not exactly the researching type, you know.

GILES

Yes, well, I was never able to lift a car before. Things change.

SPIKE

You can lift a car?

BUFFY

Spike. Focus.

SPIKE

I could never lift a car. (to Buffy) Could you lift a car?

GILES

Probably not. Which is one of my concerns. For some reason it appears that our power is increasing as time progresses. There is no way of telling what the long-term consequences may be, not to mention the psychological repercussions. Xander is already experiencing difficulties in controlling himself. He expressed his anxieties to me, so I know it is, indeed, serious. This could be very bad.

BUFFY

Not much for the silver lining, eh, Giles?

Spike laughs at this and she smiles at him. Giles has turned away from them and is busying himself by putting books back on shelves.

GILES

Yes, well, the trouble with that adage is that it implies that there is an upside to every situation. At first I thought I saw the upside to this one, but it's becoming more evident that it's simply another side. Nothing especially good has come out of this at all.

Spike is now poking at Buffy's hand with the eraser of his pencil. She slaps him away. He pokes again, giggling to himself.

BUFFY

Well...

GILES

Don't you think that--

Giles turns around and Spike yanks his hand away from Buffy's so forcefully that he knocks several books off the table. Giles looks on with some suspicion as Spike picks the books up and sets them back on the table. He notices Giles watching him.

SPIKE

Arm fell asleep. Not used to it, with the new humanity and all.

Giles doesn't break his stare. Buffy comes to the rescue.

BUFFY

Giles. I forget what I'm looking for.

Giles drags his eyes away from a very guilty looking Spike.

GILES

Yes... em... just anything you can find about previous occurrences, particularly how long they lasted. That book you have in front of you isn't likely to turn up anything useful. Try this one. Look under Mystical Power Shifts.

He hands her a book.

SPIKE

What about me? I can't find a bloody thing.

Giles looks back at him again with renewed suspicion.

GILES

Yes, well, you do seem a little distracted. Perhaps if you actually read what was on the page, you might obtain a little more information.

A bit of a tense moment here. Then the bell chimes and the other scoobies enter the Magic Box in a frantic state.

XANDER

(freaked)

Giles! It's getting worse!

WILLOW

I broke my laptop! I just closed it a tiny bit harder than I usually do and it broke like I dropped a bowling ball on it! I don't like this.

TARA

I'm a mess wherever I go. I mean, I've always been kinda, you know, clutsy but now... (quietly) ...I think maybe I shouldn't move around so much anymore.

XANDER

(outburst)

I'm afraid to go to the bathroom!

There is an awkward moment and Xander realizes he's shared too much.

ANYA

Worse than that! He won't even TOUCH me! This has got to stop! It's not like there's a purpose anymore. The bad guys have all pretty much caught on that this strong thing happened to everyone... well... almost everyone. But, in case you're all wondering, I'm totally over it not happening to me because it's all hitting the fan now.

Xander notices Spike and Buffy looking at each other during Anya's lament. He can see immediately that there is a new connection between them. He bristles for a moment, for old time's sake, then decides it's not such a big deal.

XANDER

Hey, guys.

They instantly look caught, then try to feign casualness.

BUFFY

Hey.

SPIKE

Harris.

WILLOW

(studying them)

Is there anything going on with you two?

Xander and Tara both spin to glare at Willow. That was a pointed question, all right. Willow notices their looks and tries to clarify.

WILLOW

I mean... do you feel any differently?

More looks. Buffy and Spike are frozen in place.

WILLOW

Geuhhh! I MEAN... we're getting stronger and I was just wondering if you guys feel like you might be getting weaker.

BUFFY

(so relieved)

Oh! Uh... well, not really. Not that I've noticed. Not that I've been doing anything that would require any effort these last couple of days. Spike?

SPIKE

No, I'm the same old me. The same old human me. I mean, new old human me. Never mind. I don't feel weaker.

Giles is watching all of this with great interest. Finally, he speaks.

GILES

Do you honestly think you're putting something over on me? Do you think I'm blind again, or just intensely stupid?

No one is surprised by this, but Anya, who has no idea what's really going on.

BUFFY

(quietly)

I didn't think you'd be very happy about it.

GILES

Well, I'm not. This is extremely bad judgement on your part, Buffy. Spike may be human now... but you do realize this is a temporary situation.

BUFFY

Yes, of course I realize that.

GILES

Do you really? Then what did you think would happen when everything changed back to normal?

BUFFY

(caught)

I don't... know.

Spike is a little surprised by her answer. He looks down and backs away a little.

GILES

(to Spike)

And what about you? What were you thinking? Did you have a thought in your head about this at all?

WILLOW

Giles, God. You're being really mean.

ANYA

And I'd appreciate it if you slowed down. I'm lost. What... are Buffy and Spike "doing it" or something?

Everyone looks at Buffy and Spike. Buffy gives a barely noticeable shrug, but everyone gets the message loud and clear. Tara and Willow can not conceal smiles. Xander looks mildly shocked. Giles does not.

ANYA

Wow! Buffy! I didn't know you had it in you!

Anya gasps and slaps her hand over her mouth, realizing what she just said. Willow and Tara start to giggle. Xander tries not to, but can't help but chuckle to himself. And finally, after looking hugely flustered and angry for a good three seconds, Giles begins to laugh too. Although, he takes off his glasses and tries to look dignified while he does so.

Spike was poised for a small battle with Giles, so is now very confused by all the laughing. He looks at Buffy.

SPIKE

What's the funny?

Buffy gives him the big eyes. After a confused beat, he finally gets it. He looks surprised for a second and then guffaws loudly. Doubling over. This makes everyone laugh harder.

Abruptly, Giles stops laughing to see if the vibrations he's feeling are coming from himself. They are not. He looks up at the others with worry on his face. Xander notices.

XANDER

Giles? What is it?

As if in response, a more violent shudder rips through the Magic box. Things start to fall and smash. The gang has trouble keeping their footing as the ground trembles and jerks. Everyone runs to find a safe spot.

Buffy runs to the back of the store and doesn't realize she's standing under the book loft. Spike notices that it looks like it's about to go and runs toward her as fast as he can. He gets to her just as the loft collapses, and pushes her out of the way in time.

Buffy falls hard, but when she lands, she realizes that the earthquake is over. Everyone slowly gets up to assess the damage. They're all a little shaken up (a pun!) but basically okay.

BUFFY

Where's Spike?

They look around the shop to find Spike lying on the floor unconscious and half-pinned by the loft ladder.

BUFFY

Oh God.

Buffy runs to Spike, already panicking. He does not appear to be moving or breathing. Buffy takes all of this in but doesn't know what to do first.

BUFFY

(tear-choked voice)

Giles! Help me! He's not breathing. Oh God, please, no. Oh please no.

Giles walks over and kneels to check Spike's pulse. His face is grim when he looks up at Buffy. Buffy can't accept what she sees in Giles eyes.

BUFFY

Help me get this ladder off.

GILES

Buffy, he's-

BUFFY

CPR! We can do CPR! XANDER!!

Xander runs over. He looks a little panicked himself. Buffy is so upset it is difficult for her to speak.

BUFFY

Xander please... you know how to do it. I don't think I... please try. Please?

Xander nods nervously at Buffy. He kneels beside Spike, leans over and moves Spike's head so it is upturned toward him.

SPIKE

(pained voice)

If you're gonna kiss me, Harris, could you at least get this sodding ladder off my bollocks first?

BUFFY

Spike! Oh my God!

Everyone is more relieved than they thought they'd be. Buffy and Xander go to move the ladder and clearly Buffy is doing all the actual lifting.

Tara looks at Willow. They silently realize everything has gone back to normal.

Buffy is so happy that Spike is alive, the change doesn't even register with her yet. She runs to Spike and hugs him fiercely. Then showers his face with happy kisses.

BUFFY

Oh thank God! Spike! I was so scared. I love you so much.

She throws her arms around him and squeezes him tight. Over her shoulder, Spike can see the shocked faces of all the scoobies upon hearing her admission of love. Buffy is too relieved to even notice.

BUFFY

Please don't ever die again.

SPIKE

(meeting Giles' eyes)

Uh... I think I can probably keep that promise now, love.

Buffy pulls away and cocks her head at Spike, not understanding. She looks around at her friends and then at Giles. Slowly, she comes to the realization that she and Spike have now resumed their roles of vampire and slayer.

She reaches up and places her hand over Spike's heart. It's not beating anymore. They look sadly into each other's eyes.

Giles looks on, hating the fact that he's usually right.

BUFFY

(quietly)

But& you're okay. So that's all that matters.

Spike takes her hand and looks deeply into her eyes.

SPIKE

And I still love you. Very much.

Buffy tenses a bit, now fully aware of being watched. Spike tenses with her. Suddenly, her statement changes completely.

BUFFY

Dawn! She's at home! She could be hurt.

She starts to get up.

BUFFY

We have to go. Are you okay to stand?

Spike looks at her; it's clear that she's doing the avoidy thing.

SPIKE

Yeah, I think I'm okay.

He gets up, slowly and creakily.

WILLOW

I'm sure she's okay, Buffy. We can call--

BUFFY

The lines might be down. Try it, but I'm heading over there. Spike, are you coming with me?

SPIKE

Of course.

He catches Giles eye and quickly looks away, not wanting to see what's there.

Spike and Buffy exit, and the rest of the gang is left to deal with the aftershock.

INT. BUFFY'S HOUSE

Buffy enters and immediately yells for Dawn. Dawn appears at the top of the stairs in her pajamas, eating a tub of ice cream.

DAWN

What?

BUFFY

Are you okay?

DAWN

I'm fine. What's going on?

Dawn comes down stairs to meet them.

BUFFY

You didn't feel the earthquake?

DAWN

Well& yeah.

BUFFY

I was just worried.

DAWN

No, I'm good. Some stuff fell, but I cleaned it up. What's the big, Buffy? We live in California. Earthquakes a-plenty. It's not like& oh& did it happen?

No one has to say anything. Dawn looks down at her ice cream and then continues, forcing cheerfulness.

DAWN

Well, you guys look okay to me. It doesn't mean anything has to change, right? Except, no more tanning by the pool for Spike&

(uncomfortable silence)

&good thing we don't have a pool.

Buffy doesn't respond, so Spike forces a soft smile and pushes a strand of hair away from Dawn's face.

SPIKE

You're right, Niblet, nothing has to change. Everything's all right& you can go on back to your late night rubbish fest with no worries, okay?

Spike's tenderness with Dawn completely melts Buffy's heart.

BUFFY

(trembling voice)

Goodnight, Dawn.

DAWN

Night.

She watches Dawn go back upstairs. When she's gone, Buffy turns and throws her arms around Spike. He is a little surprised at first, but then sighs heavily and holds her tightly to him.

BUFFY

(eyes closed)

I don't care about anything else& I love you.

Spike pulls away and takes her face in his hands. She opens her eyes to look at him.

SPIKE

Are you sure?

Buffy nods a little and Spike kisses her, gently at first, as though it is their first kiss. She responds by deepening the kiss and starts to pull off Spike's jacket.

Things get pretty hot between them, but when Spike starts kissing and nibbling at Buffy's neck, she involuntarily tenses. Spike senses it and pulls away. They look at each other; this was inevitable. Buffy's face is sad and apologetic. Spike looks down, struggling to keep the emotion out of his voice.

SPIKE

This isn't going to work is it?

Buffy has no response.

SPIKE

I can't go back to the way it was. I& I can't.

BUFFY

(barely audible)

I know.

SPIKE

But if you were going to be with a vampire, you would be with Angel.

BUFFY

I never said that.

SPIKE

You don't have to.

Spike chokes back the large knot in his throat. His eyes are wet and he is shaking.

SPIKE

Goodbye, Buffy.

INT. BUFFY'S HOUSE - LATER THAT SAME NIGHT

Dawn comes downstairs with her empty ice cream container and finds Buffy sitting on the floor, sobbing.

DAWN

Buffy? What's going on, what happened?

BUFFY

He's gone.

A very sad Dawn puts her arms around her sister and the two girls cry together.

End of Part Six

There WILL be a part seven, so do not despair!