Buffy tossed the stake it the air, turning and catching it behind her back.
She smiled, laughing slightly as she tossed it again, catching this one over
her head. She continued to walk, playing with the wooden stake. She had left
Willow and Spike with her mother, planning a quick patrol before returning to
them. She smiled as she remembered the scene she had left. Willow had been
curled up on the couch with her book, laying against Spike who had been
watching some old game show reruns with her Mother. She hated to admit it,
but she had been very unfair to Spike. It seemed that she had never really
known him. He seemed to be a different person around Willow, taking care of
the redhead and just being a good friend.
 

Strangely enough, he was also becoming a friend to her. Well, friend might
not be the right word, but they were no longer enemies. She was comfortable
around him, beginning to slowly trust him as time passed. He seemed to really
care about Willow. In fact, lately she had begun to realize exactly what his
feelings for the redhead might be. At the moment, she wasn't worried about
his crush on her redhead. Willow was still feeling the loss of Tara and was
in no way interested in moving on. Buffy wasn't sure if Willow would ever be
interested in Spike in that way, but she had to remember the girl's defense
of the vampire. Yeah, she believed that Willow might return Spike's interest
once she was over Tara. She frowned, not sure if she liked that.
 

Before she could give it much more thought, she heard something behind her.
She became cautious, her hand getting a tighter grip on the stake. She waited
until she heard the footsteps come closer before turning, the stake raised.
Startled, she lowered her hand, "Riley?"
 

"You do remember my name," he said quietly, his eyes looking over her.
 

She laughed softly, her free hand running through her hair, "Of course I
remember you, silly."
 

"I wasn't sure. I mean, it's been weeks," he said.
 

"I've been busy," she defended, leaning against a tombstone.
 

"Too busy to call?"
 

"I told you about Tara," she said, frowning. "I've called."
 

"Once, Buffy," he said, shaking his head. "Nearly three weeks and I heard
from you one time. One phone call."
 

"I'm sorry," she said. "I've been helping Willow."
 

"I'm her friend too," Riley said. "I could have helped."
 

Buffy shook her head, "You don't get it. She's my best friend. I've hardly
been there for her since senior year. I have to be there for her now."
 

"No, I don't get it," he said in an annoyed tone. 'I'd think that Willow
would want her friends around at a time like this."
 

"She has her friends," Buffy said sharply. "Spike and I have been with her
every day since Tara's death. Anya and Xander have visited several times. You
know where I live. If you'd wanted to see her, you could have come over."
 

"I didn't feel like I was wanted," he said, looking away from her pretty
face. "I haven't felt wanted in weeks. Have you even missed me?"
 

"Yes, of course," she said, feeling slightly guilty. In all truth, she hadn't
given him much thought. "I told you, I've just been busy with Willow."
 

"Buffy, I didn't come here to fight," he said suddenly, seeing her getting
defensive.
 

"Sure seems that way to me," she muttered, frowning at him. "Why did you come
here then?"
 

"So I'd know," he said, nodding.
 

"Know what?" she asked, studying him.
 

"I'm leaving, Buffy. Tonight, I'm getting on a plane and leaving Sunnydale. I
wanted to know that I was making the right decision," he explained. "You
don't love me. It's time for me to move on."
 

"I do love you," she said, sighing as she saw the look in his eyes. "You're
leaving regardless of what I say, aren't you? Because I haven't called you
the last couple of weeks?"
 

"It's more than that, Buffy. We're not working anymore," he said, shaking his
head. "You know it. You have to see that. Hell, you'd rather be with Willow
than me. That isn't a healthy relationship. I do love you, Buffy."
 

"Good luck, Riley," she said softly, feeling tears in her eyes. She knew
there was no use arguing with him. "Be safe."
 

"It's been a wild ride, slayer," he said with a soft smile. Leaning forward,
he kissed her gently before pulling away.
 

"I love you, Riley," she said softly, watching him smile at her and then turn
and walk away. She waited until he had left her sight before she let the
tears fall, sliding to the ground as she realized that she had just lost
Riley.
 

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