"Thank you." Riley said and dropped his purchase into the plastic bag. He walked out of the Sunnydale Pawn Shop and down to the Magic Box down the street. He had refused to go in with Buffy after he'd picked her up. She had gotten out, and he was thinking it'd be super romantic if he just came in like it was a normal day. Saying something dumb like "There's a new Bagel Mart around the corner." The shock, the surprise, it would be exhilarating. He was one for a big finish and a bigger opening.

He was there; he took a gulp of air and went into the shop. The bell rung as usual, the store, the same as it was the year before. Nothing had changed except the stock. It was perfect. He walked around and Anya looked up from her work and froze, she didn't move, she was that shocked. She just uttered a small squeak.

"Hi." He said simply. Willow must've heard it, because she came from behind an aisle of books, and saw him.

"Uh...." She said. Remembering her shovel threat from before, she went to the alleyway behind the store.

Meanwhile...


"So, I think you're doing great. I'm no Giles, but, I must say, this session was just superb, old gal." Xander said and Buffy laughed softly. They were just coming out of the training room; Xander was rubbing his arm gingerly. He was in good spirits, then, he saw who was there. His jaw clenched and he was silent.

"Xander, what's wrong?" She looked at him. "Xander! What's wrong with you?" Xander pointed in front of him. Buffy looked and cracked a grin. "Why're you so shocked, it's just Riley." She said and went forward and hugged Riley.

"RILEY! I'M COMING WITH A LARGE SHOVEL!" Willow yelled angrily, running in with said shovel, only to see Buffy hugging him. Willow halted too late and collided with a display of majick salt.

"Hey! That glass cost lots and lots of money!" Anya said loudly.

Willow mouthed 'Ow' and said, "I'll reimburse you."

"That's Right!" Anya yelled, full of power.

Everyone nodded and went to sit at the "study table" for time to just talk.

"So, Heart breaker, Life taker. What're you doing in this here, Sunnydale?" Xander asked.

"Actually, I was going up to Iowa for furlough, but I ran into Buffy." "Nice story. Why are you really here? Are you wired?" Xander asked.

"No." He was getting annoyed.

"Just checking, I mean, they could've brainwash-"

"XANDER!" Buffy had had enough.

"I was just-"

"Enough! I will not have you harass Riley like this!"

"Xander wasn't harassing Riley. It had nothing to do with an ass. No donkeys." Anya said.

"Anya. Harassment has nothing to do with donkeys. Xander was pestering him. I kind of exaggerated." Buffy shrugged.

"I don't mind." Riley said softly. Buffy stroked his arm.

"So, any plans tonight?" Buffy whispered.

"None. Why?" he replied.

"I was thinking you'd come over and we could catch up."

"That sounds nice."

"I have something for you." He said.

"OOH, presents." Buffy squealed.

"I thought your reaction would be that way." He grinned and gave her a small pink package.

"Hmm..." She shook it.

"Just open it, Buffy." He smiled. She ripped off the tape and the paper came off easily. It opened to a small pendant with two orange jewels on it and dangling on a silver chain. Buffy gazed at it in awe.

"Riley, I can't accept this. It's too early...."

"For what?"

"Riley-"

"Buffy, I'll only stay if I'm wanted. The question is, do you want me?" He asked and took her hands in his own.

She thought it over for a moment and said softly "Yes."