Rating: PG
Pairing: B/R with a little W/Gr, X/Anya on the side
Disclaimer: I own nothing! Joss and Co, Mutant Enemy, Fox, etc owns everything
Distribution: The Finnatics and anyone I have given permission to use my fics may have it. Anyone else please ask first. Emmy may review.
Feedback: I want it, I need it, I crave it.
Spoilers: Season 4
Dedication: To all the wonderful people on these lists. You all rock!!! A special hug goes out to Starcrossed!!!
Part 4
The smell of the barbecue hit him as they made their way into the Rosenberg’s backyard. Riley’s stomach grumbled in eager anticipation as Jessica giggled lightly, poking him playfully in the stomach. The day had been so full of activities, that the two had had little time to talk about the issues that had arisen the day before. Riley had met Graham and Xander to get the tuxes fitted and after a small pants debacle that included Riley getting Xander’s and vise versa, the trio had finally emerged from the tailors a little worse for wear.
Riley, having felt bad for making Jessica cry the day before, insisted she treat herself to a day at a spa in L.A. She was almost too eager as she accepted his credit card before kissing him on her way out the door. Riley was happy to see her come back refreshed and cheerful.
He had come to a decision the night before as he lay next to Jessica. Buffy was the past, and while he would always cherish the times they had shared together, the look on her face at the coffee shop had confirmed his belief that she held no feelings for him. Jessica was his future and he needed to start looking forward instead of behind.
Smiling at Jessica, he guided his arm around her waist, pulling her close, and kissed her gently on the temple.
“What was that for?” Jessica asked, enjoying the feel of his hand on her waist.
“No reason!” Riley said, giving her a smile and squeezing her to him a little as they walked into the backyard. Jessica felt a lot of her doubts wash away when she saw his smile. He had been acting so distant since their arrival in Sunnydale and it was good to see him finally snapping out of it.
“Rye!”
Riley turned and saw Mike walking toward them. It had been a while since he had seen him, since the Initiative was brought down. Riley hugged his old friend, giving him a pat on the back. “Mikey, man it’s good to see you.”
“You too, man! Hey, is Buffy here with you?” Mike asked, glancing around.
“Uh, no, we aren’t together anymore.” Riley said, and grabbing Jessica’s hand, he brought her forward to introduce her. “Mike, this is Jessica, Jess this is my old buddy Mike.”
“Nice too meet you, Mike.” Jessica said, grasping the large man’s hand in her smaller one.
Riley zoned out on the casual chit chat that ensued between his girlfriend and former brother in arms as he witnessed Buffy glide through the sliding glass doors of the Rosenberg house. It was like one of those moments in a movie where the background fades out and all that is left is her. The dress she wore hugged her curves, accentuating every movement of her hips; her hair hung loose around her face and she tossed it slightly as her head swept back and forth, and her lips pouted as her tongue gently traced the bottom one.
Riley swallowed hard and his clothes suddenly felt way too heavy and constricting. He found himself completely mesmerized by the sight of her and for the first time in his life, he understood the meaning of the word 'awestruck.' Everything within him was crying out for him to cross the distance between them and sweep her up in his arms. *Dammit! Jessica, think Jessica!* Tearing his eyes from Buffy, he focused on the conversation that had just come to an end. “Rye, I’ll catch your act later! Nice talkin’ to you Jess!”
Jessica turned to Riley, grabbing his hand. “He was nice.”
“Yeah, he’s a great guy.” He led her over to the food tables and after handing her a plate, he began packing his own with various food items.
“So, you and Buffy were together?” Jessica said as casually as she could, sensing that she was probably treading on dangerous ground.
Riley froze, a spoonful of potato salad half way between his plate and the bowl. His head whipped around to stare at her open-mouthed, his jaw practically dropping. “What?”
“Well, Mike asked if you were here with her, so I just assumed...“ her voice trailed off as she realized that she'd just stuck her foot in her mouth.
“Yeah, we went out for a while a long time ago.” Riley turned his back to her as he continued to fill his plate. Jessica rolled her eyes as once again he shut her out. Shaking her head, she followed him as he sat down at a table off to the side of the party.
***************************
As soon as Buffy walked into the backyard, she had the strangest feeling that she was being watched. Looking around, she found most of the people engaged in conversation, with no one really paying particular attention to her. Then her gaze fell on Riley--his hand reaching out to grab Jessica’s as they moved to the table plates loaded down with food. She watched him for a moment, but found the ache in her heart too much to handle. Turning, she retreated back into the kitchen, hoping that no one around her had seen the tears falling from her eyes.
*****************************
Willow watched as her best friend made a dash for the safety of the house, her emotions clearly written on her face. She was about to go after her when she felt Graham grab her arm.
“Will, let her be.” Graham said, pulling her close into his embrace.
“How can I let her be. She’s hurting, Graham. Serious hurting.” Willow said. As she turned to face him, Graham found tears threatening to spill forth from her eyes.
“Yes, she is, but maybe she needs to work this out on her own– they both do.”” he said, his thumb brushing away the tear that had slipped down her cheek.
“What do you mean both?” She asked, curiously, searching his face.
“Come on, Will! Haven’t you noticed the sideways glances Riley’s been giving her? He’s always asking about her when he calls. He’s still infatuated with her.” Graham chuckled, tickled by the fact that Willow could have been so oblivious when usually she was so very perceptive.
“Then why aren’t they together? Why do they have to have all this pain?” Willow asked, watching Riley, who was looking more depressed then usual, talk casually to his girlfriend. “Why is he holding her hand when he could be holding Buffy’s.”
“Maybe they just don’t realize what they are missing. What’s that saying...’If you love something set it free and if it returns it was truly meant to be.’ Maybe they are just both waiting for the other to return.” Graham replied, taking Willow’s hand. “Maybe they just need a push in the right direction.” Willow didn’t fail to notice the sly smile that had found its way onto Graham’s face.
“You have a plan!” Willow exclaimed, her face suddenly lighting up with excitement.
“Shh! A little one, but I need your help.” Grabbing her arm, he placed his other hand on her lower back as he led her away from the crowds, whispering quietly in her ear.
*****************************
Having coaxed Buffy out of the house, Xander took it upon himself to make sure that she had a good time. Anya had graciously bowed out of the dancing portion of the evening in favor of making sure she sampled every dish at least a dozen times, so Xander cajoled Buffy into being his partner. He had been able to keep up with the Slayer on several fast numbers but was relieved when a slow one finally found its way into the set. Holding her close, he attempted to catch his breath as they swayed to the slow melancholy song.
"Suppose I called you up tonight and told you that I loved you And suppose I said I wanna come back home And suppose I cried and said I think I’ve finally learned my lesson And I’m tired of spendin’ all my time alone"
Buffy tensed under his embrace as she recognized the song.
“Buff what is it? Are you okay?” Xander asked, his eyes searching hers.
“Nothing, its nothing.” Buffy lied, offering Xander a small smile. This had been Riley’s favorite song back when they had been dating. He always had the cassette in his car’s tape deck. He use to say he loved it because it made you think about what would happen if you gave up on someone you loved. Pulling Xander close again, Buffy let the words wash over her as she closed her eyes.
"If I told you that I realized you’re all I ever wanted And it’s killin’ me to be so far away Would you tell me that you loved me to and would we cry together Or would you simply laugh at me and say:
"I told you so, oh, I told you so I told you someday you’d come crawlin’ back And askin’ me to take you in I told you so, but you had to go And now I found somebody new And you will never break my heart in two again" “Come on Riley, just one dance isn’t going to hurt you. Pleeeeaassee!” Jessica begged as she pulled on his hand.
“Okay, just one. And I don’t want any complaining later on about how your feet hurt because I stepped on them.” Riley gave in, allowing Jessica to drag him out onto the impromptu dance floor. Her arms went around his neck as she snuggled close against his chest. His arms found their way around her waist, holding her tight.
"If I got down on my knees and told you I was yours forever Would you get down on yours too and take my hand Would we get that old time feelin’ Would we laugh and talk for hours The way we did when our love first began"
Riley couldn’t keep his eyes off of Buffy. From over Jessica’s head, he watched as she swayed in time with the music in Xander’s arms. He remembered all the times she use to hold on to him like that, her body pressed against his, moving in perfect rhythm. The smell of her hair as her head laid against his chest-- so sweet and spicy, one hand on his shoulder and the other tiny hand clasped tightly in his large one.
"Would you tell me that you’ve missed me too And that you’ve been so lonely And you’ve waited for the day that I’d return And we’d live and love forever And that I’m your one and only Or would you say the tables finally turned Would you say:
"I told you so, oh, I told you so I told you someday you’d come crawlin’ back And askin’ me to take you in I told you so, but you had to go And now I found somebody new And you will never break my heart in two again"
"And now I found somebody new And you will never break my heart in two again"
Riley had found someone new, there was no way he would ever even consider allowing her back in his life. *He’s moved on.* Buffy only wished for her heart's sake that she could do the same. Letting go of Xander, she turned so that she could discreetly brush the tears that had fallen from her face without him realizing they were there. Feeling his hand on her shoulder, she pasted a smile on her face as she turned, noting the worry stretched across his features.
“So, how about some cheesecake?” She said energetically, fast tracking her way to Anya who was already working on her third piece.
Riley stood there, watching as Buffy turned from Xander. The porch lights reflected the wet streaks on her face as Riley noticed her brush them swiftly away. It pained him to see her like that. He wanted to race over to her and scoop her into his arms and soothe away her troubles. But he knew he couldn’t, it wasn’t his place anymore.
Glancing back down at the girl he was holding, he noticed her staring at Buffy before her gaze returned to his. A look of comprehension dawning in her eyes. Embarrassed by his actions, Riley looked away and asked if she was ready to leave. Jessica nodded slowly before leaving his side to find her jacket. Riley spared one last glance in Buffy’s direction, before following Jessica out the gate, leaving his heart behind.
To be continued...
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