The Girl in Question

PROLOGUE:

'''1 INT. LOBBY OF WOLFRAM & HART - DAY Gunn is walking through the lobby with Angel.''' GUNN We need to act on this now.

ANGEL Not without a full risk analysis. We don't want to be rushing into this thing half-cocked.

GUNN (rolls his eyes) As opposed to the full-cock that's been working so well for us?

ANGEL (stops walking; looks Gunn in the eyes; crosses his arms) You got something you want to say?

GUNN Just don't wanna lose another baby with the bath water... boss.

ANGEL Fine. We'll send Spike. Cut to:

'''2 INT. ANGEL'S OFFICE - DAY Spike is sitting in a chair in Angel's office, hanging his legs over the arms of the chair, playing a handheld video game. Angel and Gunn are standing behind him, but he doesn't look up from his game.''' SPIKE Bugger that. Do it yourself.

GUNN Spike, this is a delicate matter that needs to be handled with a lot of finesse. (throws up his hands, looks at Angel) And why the hell are we talkin' to him?

ANGEL Because he signed on to help.

SPIKE (rolls his eyes, looks over at Angel) Not to be some glorified garbage collector.

GUNN It's not garbage. It's a body. And there's a bloody gang war coming our way if we don't get it back.

SPIKE (incredulously) This stiff's that important?

GUNN It's the remains of the Capo di Famiglia of the Goran demon clan.

SPIKE Never heard of 'em.

GUNN That's 'cause the Capo was human-tolerant. Kept a low profile. More interested in profit than mayhem.

ANGEL What happened to him?

GUNN Died on a business trip in Italy. We need to go there, retrieve his body, and return it to his family in the next... (looks at his watch) Ooh, 26 hours.

SPIKE Or what—he gets deader?

GUNN No. He stays dead. They die, they pupate, they live again, but only if the proper rituals are performed by the immediate family. If the Capo's body isn't returned in time, the rituals won't take. So long, Capo. Hello, power vacuum.

ANGEL Which the rival clans will try to fill.

GUNN And they aren't as tolerant of humans. If we do this, it all stays cool. If not—

ANGEL We'll stick with "do." (goes over to Spike, knocks his feet off the chair's arms) OK, come on. (takes Spike's video game away)

SPIKE Hey, hey.

ANGEL (telephone rings at his desk) Pack your bags. (walks to the desk)

SPIKE I don't even speak the language.

ANGEL We'll get you a book. (answers phone) Yeah?

SPIKE (to Gunn) How do you say "wank off" in Italian?

GUNN (shrugs) Can somebody please just get on a plane?

ANGEL (to phone) What? (looks upset) When? (softly) Yeah. I understand. Thanks. (hangs up the phone)

SPIKE (fatalistically) All right, what is it this time? Uber-vamps? Demon gods? Devil robots?

ANGEL It's Buffy. Fade to black.

Opening credits.

ACT I:

'''3 INT. LOBBY OF WOLFRAM & HART - DAY Angel storms out of his office into the lobby, followed by Gunn and Spike.''' ANGEL I said I'll take care of it.

GUNN Take care of what?

SPIKE Is Buffy all right?

ANGEL She will be when I get there.

SPIKE What happened? What happened?!

ANGEL (stops near the elevator, turns to face Spike and Gunn) The Immortal.

GUNN The who?

SPIKE (sighs) The foulest evil hell ever vomited forth.

HARMONY Worse than you?

ANGEL He was spotted in Rome near Buffy's— (turns back toward the elevator)

GUNN Wait a minute. Rome. That's where the Capo died.

SPIKE Oh, wait a minute. That's definitely his M.O.

HARMONY The Capo's?

ANGEL The Immortal. He whacks the Capo, lures me to Rome, takes out a slayer and a vampire with a soul.

GUNN Plus he starts a war when the Capo's body isn't returned for resurrection. This guy's good.

ANGEL So am I. Harmony, have the jet fueled and ready for takeoff. (walks purposefully toward the elevator)

SPIKE (joins Angel) You really think we could take him?

ANGEL Whoa, whoa. What do you mean, "we"? (presses the elevator call button)

SPIKE What? You don't think I'm gonna let you traipse off to Italy without me, do you?

ANGEL (the elevator dings) You don't speak the language.

SPIKE I'll get a book. The elevator doors open and a man walks off between Angel and Spike. ANGEL (gritting his teeth) Spike, you're only gonna make things worse. (walks onto the elevator)

SPIKE (follows Angel onto the elevator) Look, we get the Capo's body, we rescue Buffy, we stop The Immortal. It's that simple. Unless he kills you, which would be sad.

ANGEL He's not gonna kill me.

SPIKE (smirks) Not if I'm with ya. The elevator doors close. Cut to:

'''4 INT. PRIVATE JET - DAY Angel and Spike are sitting in the cabin of the private corporate jet beside each other, but on opposite sides of the aisle.''' ANGEL Just admit it: You think you're gonna ride in, save the day, and sweep Buffy off of her—

SPIKE Like you're not thinking the same thing.

ANGEL I'm already seeing somebody.

SPIKE What, dog girl?

ANGEL Nina's a werewolf, and—

SPIKE Fido know her boyfriend's flying halfway around the world to visit his ex?

ANGEL Hey, look, I was gonna call her, and we're just... hangin' out. She's not my girlfriend.

SPIKE This rate, never will be.

ANGEL Doesn't concern you, Spike.

SPIKE (grins widely) I just wanna see you happy. (leans closer to Angel) Well, not too happy, 'cause then I'd have to stake ya. (sits back in his seat, then smiles) Second thought, have at it.

ANGEL This isn't about us.

SPIKE You and Nina?

ANGEL Me and you. This is a dangerous mission that's only gonna get worse if we don't put aside our differences. Look, we have to work together on this to stop The Immortal and save Buffy. (sighs) Oh, and pick up that demon body thingy.

SPIKE Partners, then?

ANGEL Just like old times. You want a drink?

SPIKE God, yes. Cut to:

'''5 INT. PRIVATE JET - NIGHT Later, the little table between Angel and Spike is littered with empty miniature bottles of various sorts of alcohol. Pan over to Angel as he finishes off another one.''' ANGEL (looking at the empty bottle in his hands) Huh. Really can't get drunk off these things.

SPIKE (slouching in his chair, twirling an empty bottle in his hands) Not us, anyway. Vampire constitution. Not always a plus. (beat) How did you know?

ANGEL Drank a lot of 'em, and I still don't like you.

SPIKE (scoffs) About Buffy. How did you know she was in trouble?

ANGEL I got word.

SPIKE From who?

ANGEL A source.

SPIKE You've been spying on her?!

ANGEL I just wanted to make sure she was all right.

SPIKE Sending your lackeys to do your stalking for you. That is really pathetic.

ANGEL All right, fine. I'm not proud of it, but it's... it's Buffy.

SPIKE How many you got on her?

ANGEL Uh, just the one. But he got spotted. Called me from the hospital after he regained consciousness.

SPIKE You should've had more of your people watching her.

ANGEL (sighs) Yeah. We'll be landing soon. (Spike sighs) Remember the last time we were in Italy?

SPIKE Like it was yesterday.

Cut to:

'5a INT. POSH NIGHTCLUB - NIGHT Spike and Drusilla are standing together in an ultra-hip nightclub in Italy, dressed in late 1950's fashions. Spike's wearing a dark suit and matching tie and a white button-up shirt. He's also wearing clear-framed sunglasses. He has his arm wrapped around Drusilla's waist. She's wearing a short-sleeved mock turtle-neck sweater and a beret. Neither of them are smiling, but just acting cool.' ''SPIKE Ciao.''

''ITALIAN WOMAN Ciao.''

''DRUSILLA Ciao.''

''ITALIAN WOMAN Ciao.''

''SPIKE Ciao.'' Cut to:

ANGEL Wait a minute. I wasn't in Italy in the fifties.

SPIKE Oh, right. Guess you weren't. Really missed out.

ANGEL Guess so. Sounds a lot better than when I remember it.

SPIKE 1894?

ANGEL The room of pain.

Cut to:

'5b INT. THE ROOM OF PAIN - NIGHT Two men wearing only their underwear are hanging limply, their feet barely touching the ground. Pan over to show that one is Angelus, and the shirtless one beside him is Spike. They've been chained up by their wrists to the ceiling joist.' ''ANGELUS (grunts as he regains consciousness) Oh, William. (struggles to swing himself into William) Agh! Unh!''

''WILLIAM (when hit by Angelus, wakes) Ow! Bloody hell.''

''ANGELUS (struggling against his restraints) Agh! Unh!''

''WILLIAM (looks up at his shackled wrists) That right bastard.''

''ANGELUS The Immortal thinks he can do this to us?''

''WILLIAM He doesn't know who he's dealing with.''

''ANGELUS Well, he's about to find out. (struggles against his restraints) Aagh!''

''WILLIAM He's gonna curse the day he ever crossed purpose with Angelus.''

''ANGELUS And William the Bloody.''

''WILLIAM (both grunting as they struggle to get free) We'll see just how immortal he is when we're done with him.''

''ANGELUS We'll carve him up like a Sunday roast and make him watch as we feast on his steaming flesh. (they both struggle to get free of their shackles, but make no headway) Yaaaagh! Aah! Unh! (gasps for breath) How you doin'?''

''WILLIAM Bugger.''

''ANGELUS Arrr! (escorted by two body guards, a man walks into the room wearing a fine suit; he takes off his hat and gloves) Your master send you to do his dirty work? Ferry us to hell, then. We'll save a spot for him—next to the fire, the mangy, dung-lickin'— (slaps Angelus gently in the face with his gloves) Bit over the top there, are ya?''

''MAN (unshackling Angelus first, then William) His benevolence The Immortal wishes to convey his regrets at having detained you, but your recent actions against his concerns merited stiff reprimand.''

''WILLIAM His concerns?''

''ANGELUS This is our city. We were here first.''

''MAN No, actually, he was. 300 years ago. And now he's back. You will leave this city tonight and never return under a penalty of death so swift that—'' ''Angelus reaches up, grabs the man's head, and twists it, breaking his neck. The man falls to the ground, and the bodyguards aim their crossbows at the vampires.'' ''ANGELUS Go ahead. Take your best shot. I'll snatch your little wee sticks out of the air and spend the next fortnight shoving 'em slowly up your arse.'' The bodyguards lower their weapons and run away. ''WILLIAM (both laugh) Can you really do that?''

''ANGELUS The arrow thing? I don't know. Never tried. (picks up his clothes) Aw! Look what he did to me shirt! (getting dressed)''

''WILLIAM "His benevolence The Immortal."''

''ANGELUS In for a shock, he is. There's gonna be a reckoning after a good meal and a long rest in the arms of...'' Cut to:

'5c INT. BEDROOM - NIGHT Angelus is looking down at Darla, who's sprawled out naked, face-down on a bed, her hair all disheveled.' ''ANGELUS Darla!''

''WILLIAM What have they done to her?'' Cut to:

'''6 INT. LOBBY OF WOLFRAM & HART - DAY Illyria stands by the bamboo plants, touching them wistfully.''' ILLYRIA I can no longer hear the song of the green. Pan over to show that Wesley and Lorne are standing nearby, watching her. LORNE You think that includes me?

WESLEY Her powers have been greatly reduced. She still has an unusual level of strength, but is no longer invulnerable or able to alter time.

ILLYRIA You revel in my defeat.

WESLEY Is that how you view it—you've been defeated?

ILLYRIA My world gone. My power stripped. How would you define it?

LORNE Uh, I don't know, how about... lucky we didn't kill you when you went nuclear?

ILLYRIA This fate is worse than death. Condemned to live out existence in a vessel incapable of sustaining my true glory. How am I to function with such limitation?

LORNE (chuckles) Well, ever tried a Sea Breeze?

ILLYRIA You attempt amusement at the expense of your better.

WESLEY Illyria. Perhaps you should return to the lab.

ILLYRIA I do not bend to your wishes.

WESLEY I'm not asking you to. Merely suggesting that more tests might lead to knowledge of how to help you function.

ILLYRIA (glares at Wes, then turns toward the stairs) I go because it suits me. (walks upstairs)

LORNE Whew. Ah, so too bad that whirly-jig thing didn't suck the sass out of her.

WESLEY She's overcompensating. Posturing.

LORNE So she really wasn't gonna snap my stalk?

WESLEY Her powers are weakened, but... she's still unpredictable. Perhaps more so until she learns to adjust. (elevator bell dings behind them) We have to be careful not to agitate her. When the elevator doors open, Fred's parents walk off the elevator. LORNE (seeing them over Wes's shoulder) Burkles!

ROGER BURKLE See? I told you they would remember us.

TRISH BURKLE Guess we do make an impression.

WESLEY (gruffly) Why are you here? (catches himself, and softens up) I mean, what—

ROGER BURKLE Hawaii.

TRISH BURKLE Been savin' up for years.

ROGER BURKLE Thought we'd take a layover and surprise Fred. Uh, know where we can find her?

WESLEY (beat) Step into my office. While Wesley leads Fred's parents into his office, Illyria watches from the balcony upstairs. Cut to:

'''7 INT. APARTMENT IN ITALY - NIGHT Angel and Spike knock on an apartment door.''' ANGEL Let me handle this.

SPIKE Bet you'd like to. ''When the door opens, Andrew is the one who answered it. Andrew is wearing a robe over a t-shirt. His hair is disheveled.'' ANDREW (clutches his hands to his heart) Spike! O mio dio! (hugs Spike tightly) E come un sogno incantevole. (releases Spike, steps back) What are you doing here?

ANGEL About to ask you the same question, Andrew.

ANDREW Buffy and Dawn are letting me crash. My casa was incinerated when that thing happened.

SPIKE What thing?

ANDREW Cultural misunderstanding. (chuckles nervously) Let us speak of more pleasant times. Entrate pure. I part my threshold. (Angel and Spike just stare) I mean, my apartment. Obviously. (Angel and Spike enter the apartment at the same time, getting stuck in the doorway; Angel wriggles free and enters first) So, um, I had plans later this evening, but I can change them if you guys wanna hang. (tries to straighten up the apartment a bit) Uh, I could show you Rome at night, a city of contrasts. Anywhere you want to go, anything you want to see.

ANGEL & SPIKE (simultaneously) Buffy.

ANDREW Right, because you two both— (nods, crosses his arms) Yeah. She's not here.

ANGEL Where'd she go?

ANGEL To meet The Immortal.

SPIKE By herself?

ANDREW I told you I had plans.

ANGEL When did she leave?

ANDREW Just missed her.

SPIKE Then we're not too late.

ANGEL Of course, it could be worse.

ANDREW You're telling me. (plops himself onto the couch) Most nights they never leave the house, just curl up on the couch and snuggle.

ANGEL (frowns, hurt) There's snuggling?

ANDREW For starters. (sits up) Wait. Uh, you didn't know they were...together?

SPIKE (looks at Angel) It's worse. <p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:"TimesNewRoman";font-size:medium;font-weight:normal;">Fade to black.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:"TimesNewRoman";font-size:medium;font-weight:normal;">ACT II:

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:"TimesNewRoman";font-size:medium;font-weight:normal;">'''8 INT. BEDROOM - NIGHT Angelus and William have just discovered a limp and disheveled Darla lying naked, face-down in bed.''' ANGELUS (rushes to her side) Darla. Darla! (rolls her over to look in her face) Darla! What have they done? My sweet death.

DARLA (weakly) Angelus. You're back.

ANGELUS I'd claw my way back from the depths of hell to lay by your side. (pulls her into his arms for a kiss, but recoils, drops her, stands and wipes his mouth) He's tasted you.

WILLIAM Who?

ANGELUS Who do ya think?

WILLIAM Well, that cheeky bastard. Had us tossed and then violates your woman.

ANGELUS (to Darla) Did he hurt ya?

DARLA (writhes, smiles naughtily) Not until I asked him to. (stands, wrapped in a sheet) Oh, come on. Have you seen him? With the eyes and the chest and the... (sighs blissfully) immortality.

WILLIAM We're immortal.

DARLA (in the corner dressing, putting on a robe) Not like him. I mean, he's not some common vampire. He's—I don't know what he is. A giant. A titan straddling good and evil, serving no master but his own considerable desires.

ANGELUS Darla—

DARLA And spiritual. Did you know he spent 150 years in a Tibetan monastery? Which I guess explains all the desire.

ANGELUS He's my arch-nemesis.

DARLA Darling. It was just fornication. (chuckles) Really great fornication.

WILLIAM (steps in for a closer look at Darla) She's glowing, mate.

ANGELUS (brushing him off) She isn't.

DARLA (nods) Little bit.

WILLIAM (to Angelus) Best fit you for a pair of antlers. Been made the right cuckold, you have.

DRUSILLA (steps out from the next room wearing a lacy negligee) Time for another pony ride?

WILLIAM (sees Drusilla, gasps) Son of a bitch!

ANGELUS (points from Darla to Drusilla) The both of ya?

DARLA (shrugs, giggles) He's insatiable.

WILLIAM Drusilla, you—you let him touch you?

DRUSILLA (closes her eyes and holds up her arms, remembering) He felt like sunshine.

WILLIAM (shaking his head) Uh, no. No.

ANGELUS That's why he had us tossed. So he could violate—

DARLA He didn't—

ANGELUS Violate our women!

WILLIAM (points angrily) Violate in succession!

DARLA Concurrently.

ANGELUS Concurrently? (frowns) You never let us do that.

DARLA (touches Drusilla's hand, talks into her ear) Come on, Dru. Let's have a bath so the boys can weep in private.

DRUSILLA Will you hold me under the water?

DARLA If you wish. The women walk into the next room giggling. ANGELUS Rrrrarrgh! (throws a vase against the wall, shattering it) This is a slight that will not go unmet.

WILLIAM Death's too quick.

ANGELUS Not all deaths are quick.

WILLIAM What do you have in mind?

ANGELUS I think it's time The Immortal found out exactly who he's dealing with. I think it's time for blood vengeance. <p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:"TimesNewRoman";font-size:medium;font-weight:normal;">Cut to:

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:"TimesNewRoman";font-size:medium;font-weight:normal;">'''9 EXT. PARTY - NIGHT Angelus and William, dressed in their dirty, ripped clothes, speak to the bouncer at the door to an elegant party. The bouncer is searching his list.''' ANGELUS Blood vengeance. I'm sure we're on the list. Is there anything under blood vengeance?

BOUNCER No. No blood vengeance. Sorry.

WILLIAM Maybe it's under Angelus.

BOUNCER You're not on The Immortal's list.

ANGELUS (to William) Ah, you know what? To hell with the list. (with Spike, he charges toward the bouncer, but a magical force field bounces them back) Augh!

BOUNCER (referring to his list) You're not in here. You're not going in there. Piss off! Angelus and William walk away slowly, looking back over their shoulder at the party they can't enter. ANGELUS He mocks us at every turn.

WILLIAM Yeah, the man has no sense of indecency. You remember Frankfurt? He hatches the Rathruhn egg personally and just decides to give those nuns safe passage.

ANGELUS Those were my nuns!

WILLIAM Yeah. Nuns are your thing. Everybody knows that. They respect it. They respect us.

ANGELUS We are the reason men fear the night. This isn't over yet, Immortal! This'll never be over! <p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:"TimesNewRoman";font-size:medium;font-weight:normal;">Cut to:

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:"TimesNewRoman";font-size:medium;font-weight:normal;">'''10 INT. DEMON PARLOR - NIGHT Angel and Spike wait in the parlor of a fancy house.''' SPIKE It's over. Just like that. Not that I thought I had a chance anyway.

ANGEL At least I have a girlfriend.

SPIKE (shrugs) Still.

ANGEL (defeated) Yeah. ''A creepy demon guy watches them as they wait in the parlor. The demon has long, pointed ears sticking out of his cheeks. His skin is gray and uneven. His nose is long. He's wearing his hair in a tacky, greasy comb-over. Otherwise, he's dressed like a normal person, wearing a tuxedo.'' SPIKE (incensed) The Immortal?!

ANGEL I mean, come on!

SPIKE She's smarter than that.

ANGEL She'd never fall for a centuries-old guy with a dark past who may or may not be evil.

SPIKE (points) She's under some kind of spell.

ANGEL I was just thinking that.

SPIKE We're gonna pick up the Capo's body...

ANGEL Find The Immortal, and break his whammy. A female demon of the same kind as the one wearing the tux and watching them walks into the room carrying a bowling ball bag. DEMON MAID (puts the bag on the table nearest to Angel and Spike) Grazie, Signor Angelo. We are in your debt for attending to a delicate matter. Grazie, grazie.

ANGEL (nervously, points to the bag) Um, this is the, uh, Capo di Famiglia of the Goran demon clan?

DEMON MAID Si, si. The Capo di Famiglia.

SPIKE Must've been a wee fella.

ANGEL (unzips the bag, looks inside) This is just his head.

DEMON MAID Si, si. The Capo di Famiglia.

SPIKE What happened to the rest of him?

DEMON MAID When a Goran demon becomes heavy with the age, his head-a sag and drop off like a ripe-a fig. Heh.

ANGEL So his new body just hatches out of it?

DEMON MAID If the rituals are performed by the family in time. You must-a get the head of the Capo to Los Angeles subito. Eh? Si?

ANGEL Si. Subito. Angel grabs up the bag in a hurry, and he and Spike rush out. <p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:"TimesNewRoman";font-size:medium;font-weight:normal;">Cut to:

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:"TimesNewRoman";font-size:medium;font-weight:normal;">'''11 INT. APARTMENT IN ITALY - NIGHT There's a knock on the apartment door. Andrew answers it holding the cordless phone to his shoulder and wearing a pore-cleansing strip on his nose.''' ANGEL Is Buffy home yet?

ANDREW You guys, it's only 8:30.

ANGEL Right.

SPIKE Yeah.

ANGEL Do you know where they went? <p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:"TimesNewRoman";font-size:medium;font-weight:normal;">Cut to:

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:"TimesNewRoman";font-size:medium;font-weight:normal;">'''12 INT. WESLEY'S OFFICE - DAY Roger and Trish Burkle walk into Wesley's office and look around, admiring it.''' ROGER BURKLE Gotta say this is a step up from where you boys used to hang your hat.

TRISH BURKLE Ooh, a couple of steps.

WESLEY (closes the office door) Yes, we—

ROGER BURKLE Uh, you know, we didn't wanna say anything, but we were a little worried about that old hotel.

TRISH BURKLE Seemed a little run-down.

ROGER BURKLE But Fred called it home, so we just kept our mouths shut.

TRISH BURKLE Girl reaches a certain age, she's earned the right to make her own decisions.

ROGER BURKLE Which with Fred was around 7, wasn't it? (Mrs. Burkle laughs)

WESLEY Mr. and Mrs. Burkle—

TRISH BURKLE Please.

ROGER BURKLE Roger and Trish.

TRISH BURKLE The way she goes on about y'all, well, it feels like we're practically family.

ROGER BURKLE So where is that prodigal daughter—out saving the world with that nice Angel fella?

WESLEEY Roger, Trish. There's something you need to know. (takes a deep breath) Fred—

FRED Mom? Fred is standing in the doorway to Wesley's office, looking very human and normal. ROGER BURKLE Well! There she is now.

FRED Dad! Oh, my God. What are y'all doing here? (runs to hug her parents)

ROGER BURKLE Sweetie.

TRISH BURKLE Sight for sore eyes.

ROGER BURKLE Oh, you look great! Wesley stares incredulously. <p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:"TimesNewRoman";font-size:medium;font-weight:normal;">Cut to:

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:"TimesNewRoman";font-size:medium;font-weight:normal;">'''13 INT. DANCE CLUB IN ITALY - NIGHT In a night club, dance music plays loudly as Spike and Angel make their way through the crowd toward the bar.''' ANGEL Dancing. Why'd it have to be dancing?

SPIKE (to the sexy female bartender) You speak English, luv?

BARTENDER Si, si. I love the English.

SPIKE We'll get along fine, then.

ANGEL We're looking for a girl. American. Blond hair. Blue eyes.

BARTENDER Many blond American coeducationals. Spring break? The girls, they go wild.

ANGEL No, no. We-we're looking for a friend of ours.

SPIKE She's in trouble. This ponce called The Immortal is—

BARTENDER Ah, si. Si. The Immortal's new ragazza. They come, while ago. (gestures to the crowd) There. (Angel and Spike turn to look; a blonde is dancing in the middle of the crowd) Your friend maybe go a little wild, too, si?

SPIKE Right. Hold down the fort. I'll be right back. (walks away toward the dancing crowd)

ANGEL Huh? (follows Spike) Oh, yeah, here it comes. The part where you run off alone and play the big hero so Buffy'll take you back. Well, newsflash, blondie bear: Never gonna happen.

SPIKE Look! I know I don't have a shot with her, all right? Probably never did, but I still care about her, and I'm not gonna let her end up with a jerk like The Immortal. Or you.

ANGEL Hey, ours is a forever love.

SPIKE (scoffs) I had a relationship with her, too.

ANGEL OK, sleeping together is not a relationship.

SPIKE It is if you do it enough times.

ANGEL Spike.

SPIKE What?

ANGEL The head.

SPIKE I thought you had it. (they look back at the bar to see the butler from the house where they picked up the head carrying the bag away) Hey! (chases the butler; puts his hand on the butler's shoulder) Where you think you're going with our head, Jeeves?

VOICE FROM BEHIND Anywhere he wants. Angel and Spike turn to see several large, bulky muscle-men standing behind them. ANGEL Don't suppose we can talk about this over a nice amaretto? One of the men punches Angel. <p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:"TimesNewRoman";font-size:medium;font-weight:normal;">Fade to black.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:"TimesNewRoman";font-size:medium;font-weight:normal;">ACT III:

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:"TimesNewRoman";font-size:medium;font-weight:normal;">'''14 INT. DANCE CLUB IN ITALY - NIGHT Resume. Muscle-men just started a fight with Angel and Spike while the butler steals their head. The fight is shown in slow motion while the song "Take Me in Your Arms" sung by Dean Martin plays over the scene.''' The scene plays at regular speed now. ANGEL (getting up from the floor) What the hell are you doing?

SPIKE (yelling) I was confused, ya git! It's very loud in here.

ANGEL Where'd the little guy go? ''Angel and Spike look around and see the butler walking out the door with their head. The butler sees them and gestures with his fingertips off of his chin before exiting the club. Spike and Angel rush after him.'' <p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:"TimesNewRoman";font-size:medium;font-weight:normal;">Cut to:

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:"TimesNewRoman";font-size:medium;font-weight:normal;">'''15 EXT. DANCE CLUB IN ITALY - NIGHT Spike and Angel walk out of the club and look around, but there's no sign of the butler.''' SPIKE Where'd he go? A car screeches as it rushes past them, nearly running them down. ANGEL (scrambles back to his feet) Hey! (watches the car drive away) That's our car. He's got our car. Spike grabs a nearby motor scooter, starts it, and revs the engine. SPIKE (pulls the bike up to Angel) Hop on, little mama.

ANGEL I'm not ridin' on the back.

SPIKE He's getting away. ''Angel steps over the bike, sits behind Spike, and puts his arms around Spike's waist. They drive off after the car on the motor scooter.'' <p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:"TimesNewRoman";font-size:medium;font-weight:normal;">Cut to:

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:"TimesNewRoman";font-size:medium;font-weight:normal;">'''16 EXT. STREETS OF ROME - NIGHT The car speeds through the streets of the old city. Angel and Spike aren't too far behind.''' ANGEL Faster! Come on, punch it!

SPIKE Stop holding on so tight. ''The butler drives the car down an alley and the tires screech. A random person pulls out in front of him on a motor scooter, and the butler has to swerve to miss him. Angel and Spike almost catch up to him, when he turns a corner.'' ANGEL Shortcut. Turn right.

SPIKE Let go of me.

ANGEL Turn left, turn left. We'll cut him off.

SPIKE All right, already! ''Spike and Angel have headed the butler off and are now facing him head on. The butler pauses a moment, then drives the car into their motor scooter, knocking them off and destroying the scooter.'' SPIKE Son of a— (angry muttering)

ANGEL (kicks the debris) One job, you know. Hang onto the head. That's it.

SPIKE You were right there, too.

ANGEL I wasn't in charge of the head.

SPIKE Well, it's gone now, isn't it? You gonna stand here in the strada yelling at me all night?

ANGEL Did you just say strada?

SPIKE It means street.

ANGEL Yeah. I know what it means.

SPIKE We only have 12 hours to get that head back before Los Angeles becomes a demon war zone. Should we argue some more, or should we get on with it?

ANGEL Ah, all right. You know, you're right. No more screwing around. We find that guy, we get the head back, and then we get the hell outta here. That's it. <p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:"TimesNewRoman";font-size:medium;font-weight:normal;">Cut to:

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:"TimesNewRoman";font-size:medium;font-weight:normal;">'''17 INT. DANCE CLUB IN ITALY - NIGHT Angel and Spike are back at the dance club talking to the bartender.''' ANGEL Have you seen the blond girl?

SPIKE Buffy. Her name is Buffy.

ANGEL She was just dancing with The Immortal.

SPIKE Are they still here? Did they leave?

BARTENDER Relax-a, relax. It's OK.

SPIKE They're still here?

BARTENDER No, no. They're gone. But you must relax. I pour you some wine.

ANGEL Oh, he's got her, Spike. He's got Buffy. Why is this always happening to us?

SPIKE It's him. The Immortal. This is what he does. Every time he shows up, I either lose my girl, get beaten by an angry mob, or get thrown in prison for tax evasion. Long story.

ANGEL Well, you know what? It's different now. We're different.

SPIKE Hey, damn right we are. We're not gonna be his Shemps anymore.

ANGEL No way, man. I mean, we're just out of our element.

SPIKE If this was L.A., We'd have him hog-tied by now.

ANGEL If we had our resources, if we had our team, if we had our helicopters or—he'd be in a world of—

SPIKE Hang on. Doesn't Wolfram & Hart have an office here in Rome? <p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:"TimesNewRoman";font-size:medium;font-weight:normal;">Cut to:

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:"TimesNewRoman";font-size:medium;font-weight:normal;">'''18 INT. LOBBY OF WOLFRAM & HART'S ROME OFFICE - NIGHT The elevator bell dings and Angel and Spike step off the elevator into a lobby that looks identical to the L.A. branch's lobby.''' ANGEL (looking around) Huh. ''The office is busy at night, full of people chatting away in Italian. A woman walks through the lobby toward them. She's wearing a low-cut, tight, slinky sundress.'' WOMAN (talking in a very animated way) Ciao! Benvenuti! Welcome! Ah, Spike. (kisses Spike on both cheeks) Ha ha ha. Oh! You are the very meaning of handsome. You take my breath away. Ah, I have no breath. Ha ha ha! (kisses Angel on both cheeks) And you, what an honor. The great Angelus.

ANGEL Actually, it's just Angel.

WOMAN Ah, yes, of course. The gypsies, they gave you your soul. The gypsies are filthy people! (spits) And we shall speak of them no more. I am Ilona Costa Bianchi. I'm the CEO of the Roman offices of Wolfram e Hart. And please, we are at your disposal. Whatever it is that you want, we give to you. If you want the world, we give you the world. We give you 2 worlds, in fact, because this is our way.

ANGEL OK.

SPIKE Good. Yeah.

WOMAN / ILONA Now, let's go in my office, and we talk like adults, eh? Come. (turns toward her office) Pietro.

PIETRO (sitting at the receptionist's desk) Si, signora.

ILONA (speaking Italian rapidly) Vai un circare un caffe e dolce qual checosa di mangiare.

PIETRO Per chino, signora. Andiamo. Subito.

SPIKE (Angel and Spike hesitate to follow her, but do) She seems nice. <p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:"TimesNewRoman";font-size:medium;font-weight:normal;">Cut to:

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:"TimesNewRoman";font-size:medium;font-weight:normal;">'''19 INT. SCIENCE LAB - DAY Fred escorts her father into the science lab. Fred's mom is behind them, holding onto Wesley's arm.''' ROGER BURKLE I gotta tell ya. Everyone is so dang friendly. I can't get over it.

FRED Well, they kinda have to be, daddy. I'm their boss. If they're mean to you, I'll just fire 'em.

TRISH BURKLE Have we not seen each other since I ran over that bug demon with the bus? How is that even possible?

WESLEY Things have been a bit hectic these last couple...years.

TRISH BURKLE Well, I want to hear absolutely everything, but most importantly, have you got a young lady in your life?

FRED Mom!

TRISH BURKLE What? I was just asking. Well, can I help it if there's a perfect gentleman hiding in plain sight of my single daughter?

FRED Dad, make her stop.

ROGER BURKLE Knock it off, big mouth.

TRISH BURKLE (to Wesley) He keeps talking to me like that, I'm gonna keep you for myself.

ROGER BURKLE Uh, is this whole laboratory yours, honey?

FRED Well, technically, it's the company's, but... yeah. I'm in charge of it. Wanna see my office?

ROGER BURKLE That's it up there? (to Trish) Come on, baby.

TRISH BURKLE Well!

WESLEY (grabs Fred's arm, whispers angrily) What the hell are you doing?

FRED Visiting with my folks.

WESLEY Illyria—

ILLYRIA as FRED (in a lower voice, as Illyria) Your grief hangs off of you like rotted flesh. I couldn't tolerate it from them as well. I thought this would be more convenient.

WESLEY How's it possible?

ILLYRIA as FRED (in a lower voice, as Illyria) It's a simple modulation of my form. I appear as I choose. (cocks her head, looks closely at Wesley) Do you wish me to stop?

TRISH BURKLE (steps out of the office) Sweetie, you have got to do a better job decorating. This office is as bare as a bone. (notices the tension between "Fred" and Wesley, puts her hands on her hips) Is everything OK?

WESLEY Everything's fine.

ILLYRIA as FRED (chipper, as Fred) Absotively. <p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:"TimesNewRoman";font-size:medium;font-weight:normal;">Cut to:

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:"TimesNewRoman";font-size:medium;font-weight:normal;">'''20 INT. ILONA COSTA BIANCHI'S OFFICE - NIGHT Ilona's office is where Angel's would be, but it's decorated very differently. There are lots of paintings of religious and secular material that appear to have been created by masters of the Italian renaissance and baroque periods. Pietro lights a cigarette for Ilona, and she smokes it through a long detachable filter.''' ILONA Please, make yourselves as though you were at home. Your problems, they are no more. You have no more problems. (shrugs, chuckles) What are your problems?

ANGEL Our friend, she's under some sort of spell...

SPIKE Cast by the vilest wretch this side of Mount Everest. Which... I'm told he has climbed... several times.

ANGEL Look, he goes by the name of The Immortal.

ILONA Ah, The Immortal. Ah. Then your friend is lucky. Ha ha. I have had dealings with The Immortal many times, and I must say that the outcome is always... most satisfactory.

SPIKE He's got her trapped.

ANGEL It's a love spell, and we—

ILONA It's doubtful. The Immortal doesn't use spells. He considers them dirty. Dirty tricks for dirty people. Like gypsies. (spits) We will speak of them no more.

SPIKE Well, he's done something magic to her.

ANGEL We need to do some research. Look, don't you guys have, like, an Italian Wesley here?

ILONA Yes. Yes, we have, but he's taking a nap. And I do not need him to tell me what is already widely known, that The Immortal does not use magic.

SPIKE Then it must be somethin' else.

ANGEL Look, we need to know everything there is to know about him. We need—

ILONA To keep your head. Ha ha! Yes. We know all about your mission to retrieve the Capo di Famiglia. And I have to say, right now it seems a bit more important than trying to pry your friend off of The Immortal. Your head is in great danger. (walks to her desk) We have already received a ransom note. It was addressed to you via our offices. (unfolds a piece of paper) I took the liberty of sneaking a peek. (hands the paper to Angel, who seems annoyed) We must hurry because the drop is about to take place in less than one hour.

ANGEL All right. We're gonna need a chase helicopter, assault team...

SPIKE And guns. Lots and lots of guns.

ILONA No, no, no, no! No, no. (squeezes their cheeks) The two of you are so precious. But no! This is a civilized country. We do these things all the time. Somebody gets kidnapped, somebody pays the money. Everybody goes home happy. Grazie. Prego. Kiss-kiss. We already have the money ready to go. (gestures to Pietro, who opens a briefcase full of Euros) Eh. Huh?

ANGEL (Angel and Spike look at each other and sigh) All right. Fine. Whatever. We'll do it your way.

SPIKE (sighs) Who's making the drop? <p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:"TimesNewRoman";font-size:medium;font-weight:normal;">Cut to:

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:"TimesNewRoman";font-size:medium;font-weight:normal;">'''21 EXT. STREET IN ROME - NIGHT Angel and Spike are standing in the middle of a piazza at night, waiting.''' ANGEL I helped save the world, you know.

SPIKE Like I haven't.

ANGEL Yeah, but I've done it a lot more.

SPIKE Oh, please.

ANGEL I closed the hellmouth.

SPIKE I've done that.

ANGEL Yeah, you wore a necklace. You know, I helped kill the mayor and, uh, and Jasmine and—

SPIKE Do those really count as savin' the world?

ANGEL I stopped Acathla. That saved the world.

SPIKE Buffy ran you through with a sword.

ANGEL Yeah, but I made her do it. I signaled her with my eyes.

SPIKE She killed you. I helped her! (points) That one counts as mine.

ANGEL My point is I'm better than this. OK? We're better than this. What the hell could Buffy see in him?

DEMON BUTLER (stepping out of a nearby car, speaking in an Italian accent) Perhaps she likes the cut of his trousers. ''Other men get out of the car after the Butler. They surround Angel and Spike.'' <p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:"TimesNewRoman";font-size:medium;font-weight:normal;">Cut to:

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:"TimesNewRoman";font-size:medium;font-weight:normal;">'''22 INT. LOBBY OF WOLFRAM & HART - DAY Roger Burkle presses the down button to call the elevator. Trish is standing with him. They turn to face Wesley and Fred.''' TRISH BURKLE Sorry to just drop in on you like this unannounced.

ILLYRIA as FRED Are you kidding me? I'm just sad y'all can't stay longer.

ROGER BURKLE Well, the beach is callin'.

TRISH BURKLE Wesley. You take care of our little Fred for us. OK?

WESLEY Of course.

TRISH BURKLE (hugs Fred) Ohhh. I miss you already, and we haven't even gone yet. (sighs, looks her in the face) You sure you're OK? You seem different somehow.

ROGER BURKLE Oh, she's just growin' up, mother. Let her go. You're gonna embarrass her in front of her employees.

ILLYRIA as FRED Stop it, daddy, and come here. Give me a hug. (hugs them both) I love you guys so much.

TRISH BURKLE Oh, we love you, too.

ROGER BURKLE We'll talk soon. OK?

ILLYRIA as FRED Countin' on it. Wesley and "Fred" wave good-bye as Fred's parents get on the elevator. WESLEY Did you get what you needed from that experience?

ILLYRIA as FRED (in a low voice, as Illyria) Yes. It was most informative.

WESLEY Good. Don't ever do it again. (walks to his office) Illyria glares at him as he leaves. <p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:"TimesNewRoman";font-size:medium;font-weight:normal;">Cut to:

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:"TimesNewRoman";font-size:medium;font-weight:normal;">'''23 EXT. STREET IN ROME - NIGHT The demon's cronies are in a circle surrounding Angel and Spike. The demon butler circles the two of them, talking, holding the bowling ball bag that the head's in.''' DEMON BUTLER You must be so lonely. Your girlfriend has become lovers with The Immortal. How unfortunate for you. And how fortunate for her.

ANGEL (scoffs) You know The Immortal?

DEMON BUTLER But of course.

ANGEL Ha! I knew it. None of this is a coincidence.

SPIKE Been his plan all along. Steal our head, keep us busy, and traipse off with my girl. (Angel gives him a look) Our girl.

ANGEL It's a setup. You're just his lackey.

DEMON BUTLER I should be so lucky. The Immortal does not need men like me to do his business. He is a wild card, a wolf removed from the pack, a stallion without, uh, the bridle.

SPIKE (sarcastically) What, are you in love with him?

DEMON BUTLER No, no, no, no. Well, OK, yes. But if anything, he's more of a, uh, inspiration, a spiritual guide. Have you read his book? It's a life changer.

ANGEL (whispers to Spike) I'm gettin' a little tired of Italy.

SPIKE Know what you mean. Angel and Spike start fighting the men surrounding them. DEMON BUTLER Oh, look. The Americans are relying on violence to solve their problems. What a surprise. (as the fight ensues, the demon throws the bag into the air) Whoo! ''Angel tries to keep his eye on the bag, but another man catches it and swings the bag at Angel, hitting him in the face. The men keep playing a massive game of "keep away" with the bag, throwing it through the air to someone else anytime Angel or Spike get close to it.'' DEMON BUTLER  (catches the bag) OK. No more games! (pulls out a gun and aims it at the bag) (everyone stops fighting, but then Angel elbows a man behind him, getting in one final blow) One more step, and the head gets it, hey? We are not animals. We are italiano. You give us the money, we give you the head. (Angel and Spike don't move; they just stare) You give us the money, we give you the head. (Angel and Spike stare) The money, the head. The money—

ANGEL Yeah. We get it. (hits Spike) Money. Spike gets the money and walks toward the demon. SPIKE (holds out the money, but pulls it back) Hey. (they switch bags at the same time)

DEMON BUTLER Arrivederci, americanos. It was a pleasure to do the business with you. (chuckles; he and his men leave)

SPIKE Don't believe him for a second. The Immortal's neck-deep in all of this.

ANGEL 'Course he is. He's screwin' us. He's screwed us before, and he's screwin' us now.

SPIKE Yeah. Every time we hear his bleeding name, we end up standin' in the strada holdin' the bag. Spike unzips the bag to look inside, and instead of the head, a ticking bomb is inside, counting down in seconds from 0:05 — 0:04 — 0:03 — 0:02 — 0:01. <p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:"TimesNewRoman";font-size:medium;font-weight:normal;">Fade to black.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:"TimesNewRoman";font-size:medium;font-weight:normal;">ACT IV:

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:"TimesNewRoman";font-size:medium;font-weight:normal;">'''24 EXT. STREET IN ROME - NIGHT Angel and Spike are looking around at the fiery debris from the explosion that litters the street.''' SPIKE Civilized country? Look what that squeaker did to my jacket.

ANGEL After everything we've been through, you're pissed about a jacket.

SPIKE No, not a jacket. My jacket. You have no idea what I went through to get this.

ANGEL You stripped it off a body of a dead slayer.

SPIKE Well, which gives it great sentimental value. Besides, I've been wearin' it for over 30 years. It's like a part of me.

ANGEL Get over it. Buy a new one.

SPIKE It's my second skin. It's who I am. It's just one more thing he's taken away that I'll never get back. <p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:"TimesNewRoman";font-size:medium;font-weight:normal;">Cut to:

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:"TimesNewRoman";font-size:medium;font-weight:normal;">'''25 INT. ILONA COSTA BIANCHI'S OFFICE - NIGHT Ilona helps Spike put on a new black leather duster just like his old one.''' SPIKE (admiring the new coat) Yeah! This is good.

ILONA (petting Spike's shoulders and chest) I'm glad you like, because I sent another 10 of them to Los Angeles for you along with a fine assortment of shoes. ''Angel walks in wearing a waist-length white, red, and black leather motorcycle jacket. He's not quite as pleased with it as Spike is with his.'' ILONA (gasps) You! Guarda! Come sei bello! Sei bellissimo! (speaks Italian) Bellissimo! You look gorgeous! Oh!

ANGEL You know, I'm not sure this is me.

ILONA No, no, no, no, no. This is the latest style. You will define handsome for years to come. Ha ha ha! Now, what happened to the drop? No grazie, prego, kiss-kiss?

ANGEL Grazie, prego, ka-boom.

ILONA Ohh! Oh, they always do this to first-timers in this country. Did I not mention that?

ANGEL (unzips his jacket angrily) That's it. Call up the helicopters.

SPIKE And the assault team.

ANGEL We're gettin' our head back.

ILONA No, no, no. I love the two of you so much, but brute force will only get your precious head smooshed. You have done such fine quality work. (escorts them to the door) Now, please, relax. Let us handle it from here. (walks them out of her office) Sometimes you have to put your fate in a higher power.

ANGEL We're heroes. We don't need any higher power.

ILONA I'll be in touch. (closes the doors to her office)

ANGEL We make our own fate. (the doors click shut) We don't need anybody cleaning up our mess. You know, we're champions! (Spike pounds on the door; Angel tries to open it, but it's locked) Got this under control. (pounding on door) You know, we're just gonna— We're— (leans against the door and sighs) Should we just go home?

SPIKE  (sighs) Oh, God, yes. (they walk to the elevators) Couldn't get me out of this rat hole of a country fast enough. <p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:"TimesNewRoman";font-size:medium;font-weight:normal;">Cut to:

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:"TimesNewRoman";font-size:medium;font-weight:normal;">'''26 INT. APARTMENT IN ROME - NIGHT Andrew opens the apartment door once again to see Angel and Spike standing there.''' ANGEL Is Buffy back yet?

ANDREW (his hair is wet and he's wearing a bathrobe, holding a towel) Sorry. Not yet. You guys can hang if you want. I'm just heading out. (Angel and Spike walk in; turns to Angel) Oh. Hey. Nice jacket.

ANGEL (closes the door behind him) It's the latest style.

SPIKE Andrew. Has Buffy been acting off? Like The Immortal's got her under a spell of sorts?

ANDREW Excellent question. No. (walks back to the bathroom, off screen)

ANGEL Could it be mind control?

SPIKE Or a love potion? Did she drink a love potion?

ANDREW (O.S.) Dude, seriously, I thought of all those things, but turns out Buffy fell for The Immortal on her own, and—and now she's happy. That's it.

ANGEL But she's not finished baking yet. (ranting) I gotta wait till she's done baking, you know, till she finds herself, 'cause that's the drill. Fine. I'm waitin' patiently, and meanwhile, The Immortal's eatin' cookie dough! (sighs, sits)

ANDREW (O.S.) Uh, Spike, is Angel crying?

SPIKE (defensively) No! (looks at Angel, who's holding his head in his hands, rubbing his eyes) Not yet.

ANDREW (O.S.) May want to hold the waterworks, big guy. The Immortal's cool and all, but he ain't all that. He's got his flaws.

ANGEL (stands) Really?

SPIKE Wh-what are they?

ANDREW (O.S.) (sighs, exasperated) Ohhh. The point is she's moving on. You guys do the same, and you might catch her one day. One of you, anyway. But you keep running in place, you're gonna find she's long gone.

SPIKE (to Angel) It is a bit silly. Us... chasin' around like a couple of henpecked teenagers.

ANDREW (O.S.) Buffy loves both of you, but she's gotta live her life. People change. Andrew walks out from the bathroom, now wearing a tuxedo and a sophisticated hairstyle. ANDREW You guys should try it sometime. (there's a knock on door; answers it to find two beautiful women on the other side) Ah, Caprice, se bella come la notte. (kisses the blonde on both cheeks) E tu, Isabella... (kisses the brunette on both cheeks) superi perfino le stelle. (turns to Angel and Spike) Ciao. (exits and closes the door)

SPIKE Well... maybe it's time we—

ANGEL Yeah. They leave. <p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:"TimesNewRoman";font-size:medium;font-weight:normal;">Cut to:

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:"TimesNewRoman";font-size:medium;font-weight:normal;">'''27 INT. WESLEY'S OFFICE - NIGHT Wesley is sitting at his desk, staring off into space when Illyria walks in still dressed up as Fred.''' ILLYRIA as FRED (in Fred's voice) Wes? Are you, like... mad at me or something?

WESLEY Stop it.

ILLYRIA as FRED (in Illyria's voice) Isn't it what you desire? (in Fred's voice) I mean... you love me, I love you. What's the big deal?

WESLEY I loved her.

ILLYRIA as FRED (in Illyria's voice) You loved this. And part of you still does. I can feel it in you. (walks closer to Wesley) I... wish to explore it further.

WESLEY (stands, faces her) Never. You... like this. It sickens me.

ILLYRIA as FRED (in Fred's voice) Oh, lord. We both know that ain't true. (smiles, walks closer to him)

WESLEY (leans away) Stop it! (avoids looking at her) Change back. Be blue. Be anything. Don't be her. (walks toward the door) Don't ever be her. (walks out)

ILLYRIA (leans her head back, transforms back into Illyria's blue form) As you wish. <p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:"TimesNewRoman";font-size:medium;font-weight:normal;">Cut to:

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:"TimesNewRoman";font-size:medium;font-weight:normal;">'''28 INT. LOBBY OF WOLFRAM & HART - DAY Gunn signs a document on a clipboard as Angel and Spike walk off the elevator.''' GUNN (to the assistant) Thanks.

ANGEL Gunn. We lost the head. Start preparing the troops for war.

GUNN Head's in your office.

ANGEL What?

GUNN It's on your desk. Gunn walks away. <p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:"TimesNewRoman";font-size:medium;font-weight:normal;">Cut to:

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:"TimesNewRoman";font-size:medium;font-weight:normal;">'''29 INT. ANGEL'S OFFICE - DAY The bowling ball bag containing the head is sitting on Angel's desk with a little folded note tied to it with ribbon. Angel and Spike walk up to it. Angel pulls the note out of its envelope and reads it.''' ANGEL "With regards, The Immortal." (angrily rips the note into tiny shreds) You know, I really hate that guy!

SPIKE What's Buffy thinking? H-honestly?

ANGEL She doesn't exactly have the best taste in men. Case in point. (looks at Spike)

SPIKE H-hey! I think I turned out all right.

ANGEL Yeah. Once she got through with you.

SPIKE I wasn't the one livin' in alleys, rubbin' rat filth all over my face. If we're talkin' projects, you're the Sistine Chapel.

ANGEL I wasn't a project.

SPIKE Well, neither was I. (Angel sighs, sits on the edge of his desk) Can't we just... lock her away in a box where no one can ever touch her? You know? Like we did with Pavayne?

ANGEL (crosses his arms, thinks a moment) I don't think she'd let us. Uh, she's pretty strong.

SPIKE We could do a spell. Some sort of mind control.

ANGEL Oh, she'd figure it out. You know, she's pretty smart.

SPIKE Yeah. (sighs, sits on the edge of the desk by Angel) So, what? We just have to live with it? Get on with our lives?

ANGEL 'Fraid so.

SPIKE (sighs) Fine. (sniffles) No problem. I was plannin' on doin' that anyway.

ANGEL Yeah, me, too.

SPIKE Actually, I'm doin' it right now. As we speak, I'm movin' on. The camera pans out to a wider shot. ANGEL Movin' on.

SPIKE Oh, yeah. The camera pans out to an even wider shot of Angel and Spike sitting next to each other in the big, empty office. ANGEL Right now.

SPIKE Movin'. <p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:"TimesNewRoman";font-size:medium;font-weight:normal;">Fade to black.