Riley walked into the noisy living room after a not too pleasant conversation with Buffy's dad, however, he had given his permission. Riley scanned the room for a trace of Buffy. Finally, he saw a few strands of golden blonde hair peeking from underneath a pillow that she had apparently been using as a noise muffler.
He walked over to her spot and sat on the back of her legs.

"Ouch! That hurts you know. Who would think it was a good joke and be cruel enough to do this? Ah, Riley." Buffy turned over to see him standing by the couch. Riley scooped Buffy up in his arms, and carried her to the stairs.

"Agent Finn! You are so out of line. Just what are you doing?" Buffy giggled and allowed herself to be carried the rest of the way.

"Just a little after-wedding carry practice." He grinned.

"Okay, if it's practice." Buffy and Riley entered her old bedroom and Riley dropped her softly onto the bed.

"Make sure you lock the door, I don't want any curious slayerettes poking their heads in."

"Check." Riley laughed as he locked the door and found a space on the bed near Buffy's.

Riley pulled Buffy towards him and she could feel his heartbeat, as he could feel hers. She kissed him on the lips softly but strong. He kissed her on the lips and put his hand securely around Buffy's head. Buffy wriggled away.

"Are you sure?" Buffy bit her lip.

"Only if you are."

"I am." Buffy smiled and got up from the bed and switched the light off.

Morning came and whispers of love and devotion floated through the air. But, when Riley awoke in the morn, he was all alone. Buffy's sheets were still unmaid, showing she had left recently. A slight aroma floated towards his nostrils, Buffy's favorite, lavender. He saw no use in waiting for her to come back. So, he changed into a pair of jeans and a soft white t-shirt. Then, bored, he sat on the bed. He looked at a fifteen year old Buffy's bedroom, painted a breezy lavender and a creamy pink. It was a very virginal bedroom, very girlish, and not unlike his sister's back in Huxley. Several pictures hung on the wall; Buffy and her first bike, Buffy holding an infant Dawn, Buffy with only an ice cream cone while the ice cream lay on the cement, Buffy pushing Dawn on a tire swing, Buffy at a football game, and Buffy at her first Valentines Day dance. All of these photos land- marked special events in her life and a whole other part of Buffy he was getting to know. A few light steps in the hallway were heard. Buffy poked her head in and smiled.

"Hey, you sleepy-head! What happened to your strict wake up schedule?" Buffy giggled coming in with an armful of magazines and catalogues. She dropped tem on the bed.

"Guess I left it with the military. And, why so many magazines?" Riley joked.

"Wedding planning. I went to several bookstores and the grocery store."

Riley picked up one of the books, which had a precious moments couple on the front.

"Little Cake People: the catalogue?" Riley raised an eyebrow.

"You know, you can choose ethnicity, skin color, hair, eyes, so forth."

"Buffy you're obsessed! Settle down, we have months, at least weeks. Just relax, maybe you can go with Willow or Dawn to choose your dresses today." He smiled patting the spot beside him. She sat obediently and rested her head on his shoulder.

"It's not that easy, it takes awhile to choose the perfect dress, and there is the matter of funds."

"Buffy, don't worry, you choose, I'll give you the money."

"Aw, only my Riley, thanks.'