(at the Magic Box)

WILLOW: Poor Riley.

GILES: Could he have simply gone back to his apartment?

BUFFY: No, he's not at his apartment, he's not at the gym, he's not at the library ... he's gone somewhere where he doesn't wanna be found.

ANYA: So basically he's gone AWOL.

BUFFY: Basically exactly.

WILLOW: Poor Buffy.

XANDER: Maybe he just needs some time alone. Like, I had this friend once, who really liked this girl, and ... he got all worried that maybe she didn't like him back...

(Buffy and Giles look confused)

XANDER: ...and maybe that made him act like a total jerk. Maybe Riley reminds me of that friend.

WILLOW: What are you talking about?

XANDER: Then again, maybe not. Maybe he just wants attention.

BUFFY: Well, here's a hot tip, if you want attention? *Be* there so people can give it to you.

(Anya thinks she's seen through Xander's cunning ruse)

ANYA: (softly) I care about you, Xander.

XANDER: (smiles confusedly) Thanks.

ANYA: (smiles) Don't be insecure.

XANDER: (shrugs, shakes his head) Thanks ... I won't.

ANYA: And, I also have this "friend" (making air-quotes) and, uh, I have it on really good authority that she really likes that guy, your "friend" (air-quotes) ... and, by the by, my friend-

BUFFY: You guys, enough! Okay, Riley is in real danger here. (sighs) Anya, Xander, why don't you guys check the docks.

XANDER: Aye aye.

• Buffy & Riley
• Xander & Anya
• Xander & Buffy

written by: Rebecca Kirshner; Transcribed by Joan the English Chick (pisces@englishchick.com).. Full transcript at:
http://www.studiesinwords.de/82outofmymind.html