Saying Good-bye
Buffy gets a clue about Riley
Standard disclaimer applies.The anger against Riley belongs to me.
They were standing outside the Magic Box saying good-bye to Riley and his wife. Buffy pulled Riley aside and whispered in his ear, holding his hand.
"There's something wrong with your visit and I've figured it out. You come into the DoubleMeat and pull me out because I'm the Slayer. Then you take me on a mission that you could have done yourself - putting a trace on that demon. A demon that came from Belize, where you've been for the last year. We talk for 20 minutes and you never mention that you don't want the thing killed. And you don't tell me you're married."
"You tell me the demon is nearly extinct but at the same time it is unstoppable and breeds quick. Then you find the eggs in Hostile 17's crypt. Hostile 17 who doesn't have international contacts to sell dangerous demons to and didn't know that they should be kept cold. Then you tell me that you are authorized to kill Hostile 17 but you let me decide. Trying to make me responsible for another lover's death."
"This whole fiasco is looking pretty wonky. So this is my warning to you. If anything happens to anyone in this town that has any taint of Initiative on it, your lovely wife will take your butt home in a basket, minus some parts."
Throughout this one-sided conversation Buffy continued to hold Riley's hand and his face has become tense and white.
"This is just a reminder - when these bones heal - and I know the Initiative will take good care of you - when bad weather makes them ache - I want you to remember that you screwed me twice but you don't want to come back for a third time."
Riley let his breath out and gave a curt nod when Buffy let go of his hand. He walked over to the line coming down from the helicopter and fastened it to his belt with his left hand. His wife grabbed him around the neck but he didn't return the embrace with his right arm.
Around the corner Spike stubbed out his cigarette and walked away with a smile.