Buffy excused herself to go and answer the door, but Angel followed anyway. He was curious, as ever. As Buffy opened the door, he saw Riley. He almost growled when Riley greeted Buffy with a kiss.

Buffy nearly groaned when she saw Riley at the door. Why did he have to come round now? When he kissed her she wanted to push him away. She knew Angel was standing right behind her and she didn't want him to see Riley kiss her. She told herself it was because Angel hated Riley, but she knew it was for a much different reason.

Riley looked behind Buffy then and saw him. Angel. What the hell was he doing here?

Riley: Angel

Angel: Riley

Buffy rolled her eyes. It sounded like something out of a movie.

Riley: Buffy, I was wondering if we could talk?

Buffy: I've got company Riley. But I'll see you tomorrow, at school

Angel had a triumphant smile on his face as Buffy moved to close the door, but Riley stopped her. Angel took a step forward, prepared to protect Buffy if Riley tried anything.

Riley: Please, it'll only take a couple of minute, just come on a quick walk with me. I swear you'll be back in ten minutes.

Buffy looked at Angel questioningly, then back at Riley. She should speak to Riley really. She pulled her coat off the hook next to the door, then turned to Angel.

Buffy: I'll be back soon, you wait here

She reached up and kissed him gently on the cheek before turning and walking out with Riley. Angel sighed deeply and touched his cheek where she had kissed him. She had no idea what she did to him.

Riley was bubbling with jealousy at Buffy's behaviour towards Angel. He knew they were best friends, but since when did they kiss? They walked in silence for a few minutes, before Buffy broke it.

Buffy: So what did you wanna talk about?

Riley: Are we okay?

Buffy: What are you talking about?

Riley: You just seem really distant lately and I wondered if something was wrong

Buffy took a deep breath. She had to do it now or she never would.

Buffy: Actually, I don't really think it's going to work between us

Riley stopped and took her arm, turning her towards him. He was shocked and didn't say anything for a few moments.

Riley: I…why? Is it because of Angel?

Buffy: What? No, of course not!

Riley: But you seemed pretty close back there

Buffy: Riley, you've been right through school with us. You know we're close, we're best friends

Riley: Then what is it?

Buffy: I just don't think it'll work with us. I'm sorry, Riley. Really, I am

She turned around to walk away from him, back to her house, but he grabbed her arm, stopping her.

Riley: Well, can't you at least tell me what the problem is. Then I could try and change it. I really like you, Buffy

Buffy: I'm sorry Riley, but you and me just isn't right

She walked away again and this time he let her go, confused. What was wrong with her? They were great together, weren't they? He thought of Angel again. Was she really telling the truth when she told him they were just friends?

Buffy walked back into her house and Angel hurried in to the hallway from the living room.

Angel: You're back

Buffy: Yeah, I said I wouldn't be long

Angel: What did he want to talk about?

Buffy: He said I'd been distant with him lately. I broke up with him

Angel: Oh. Well, I'm sorry

Buffy: (grinning) don't lie Angel, it doesn't suit you. And it's okay, it wasn't going to work. Anyway, you want to stay for dinner? I'm gonna make my famous call to the pizza place. What do you think?

Angel: Sure. Sounds good

An hour later, Buffy and Angel were sitting on the sofa with pizza and tubs of Ben and Jerry's, watching Will and Grace. They laughed and finished off the pizza, before starting on the Ben and Jerry's. Buffy had a tub of Phish Food, while Angel stuck with Cherry Garcia. Some things never changed.

Buffy: I'm glad you're back, Angel. I missed you

Angel tore his eyes away from the television and smiled at her.

Angel: I missed you too

After a moment of silence, they turned back to the tv, both feeling as though they'd revealed something to the other, without meaning to.