RILEY: I guess we have to talk.

BUFFY: I guess we do.

(They sit silently looking mainly at the floor only throwing occasional glances at each other. )

BUFFY: Somebody should speak before one of us graduates.

RILEY: What are you?

BUFFY: Capricorn on the cusp of Aquarius. You?

RILEY: Sorry. That came out a little blunter than I intended. - It's just... you are amazing! Your speed, your strength.

BUFFY: Also passionate, artistic and inquisitive. - Who are you?

RILEY: You know who I am. The rest... what I do... (Shakes his head) I can't tell you.

BUFFY: Well, then let me. You're part of some military monster squad that captures - demons, vampires, probably have some official sounding euphemisms for them, - like unfriendlies or - non sapiens.

RILEY: Hostile Sub Terrestrials.

BUFFY: So you deliver these - HST's to a bunch of lab coats, who perform experiments on them, which among other things turn some into harmless little bunnies. How am I doing so far?

RILEY: A little too well.

BUFFY: Meanwhile by day you pretend to be Riley Finn, corn-fed Iowa boy. Ever been to Iowa, Riley? God, if that's even your name.

RILEY: It is, born and raised. And hey! Bulletin: I'm not the only one who's been a little less than honest here.

BUFFY: I thought a professional demon chaser like yourself would have figured it out by now. I'm the Slayer.

(Riley just looks at her, lost)

BUFFY: Slay-er? Chosen One. She who hangs out a lot in cemeteries? You're kidding. Ask around. Look it up: Slayer comma the.

RILEY: And you fight demons. I mean, you waled on those guys.

BUFFY: You did pretty well yourself.

RILEY: But I'm a walking bruise today. You see me with my clothes off I look like...

(Buffy raises her eyebrows at him)

RILEY: I mean... I have bruises... I don't see a scratch on you.

BUFFY: You're not looking hard enough.

RILEY: I'm looking pretty hard.

(Buffy takes a deep breath both of them look away. )

RILEY: So then... What do we do?

BUFFY: I don't know. - I just...(Sighs) I really thought that you were a nice, normal guy.

RILEY: I am a nice, normal guy.

BUFFY: Maybe by this town's standards but I'm not grading on a curve. I think we both need a little time to - process everything. Maybe then...

RILEY: Yeah. Yeah, I think that's a good idea. Oh, - I don't think I need to tell you...

BUFFY: I won't say a word.

RILEY: Good. It'll be safer for all...

(He trails off and looks over at Amy-Rat, whos squeaking like crazy in her cage. Shortly thereafter the whole room begins to shake. Riley points at the open closet door: Over here. They hurry and stand in the doorframe until the earth stops shaking. )

RILEY: Wow. That was some ride. Sorry Im so excited. This is my first earthquake.

BUFFY: (spooked) It's not mine.

• Buffy & Riley
• Riley & the initiative

written by: Marti Noxon, David Fury, and Jane Espenson; . Full transcript at:
http://www.studiesinwords.de/67doomed.html