RATING: PG
COUPLING: Buffy/Riley Willow/Graham
SUMMARY: A/U - Riley has left Buffy, and this is 10 years into the future.
DISCLAIMER: All BtVS characters belong to the wonderfully talented mind of Joss Whedon. However I do own Riley's daughters and Sam the nanny, Nicole and Steve Bishop.
FEEDBACK: Pretty pretty please! I really hate to beg, but will .
SPOILERS: All of Season 5, and my own little universe.
AUTHOR'S NOTES: Ladies and gentleman please put your hands together for our wonderful Beta reader, Anne-Marie!! To all the wonderful authors out there who inspire us - Ace, Sam, Amy, Jesmin, Ginger, Holli, Nicole- thank you for challenging us everyday. Thank everyone who finds the time to send us feedback!
The party was in full swing and everyone appeared to be having a great time. The sit down dinner for one hundred had gone off without a hitch and now everyone was dancing to the orchestra. The night was flying by, and as Buffy danced in the circle of Riley's arms, she couldn’t help but feel like she belonged there with him.
The moment when Riley chose to introduce Evan to the room full of wealthy and influential guests had deeply touched her heart and as Riley stood there proudly, his arm around Evan's shoulders, Buffy knew Willow was right. She could never leave this man again. He provided his guests with a brief accounting of Evan's story and telling the assembled guests how much he regretted not knowing of the boy sooner. At the end of his presentation, there wasn't a dry eye in the house and the respect that Riley had earned from these people before grew exponentially.
"May I cut in?" a little voice asked behind them, followed by a gentle tug at Buffy’s dress. Glancing down, Buffy saw Hope standing quietly her finger in her mouth.
"Of course you may," Buffy replied, relinquishing Riley to his daughter.
"Thank you Buffy," Hope said smiling up at her.
"You got it baby," she winked at the child and squeezed Riley’s hand before she drifted across the room to the sidelines where Nicole stood with Steve.
"Don't they look cute," Buffy said, watching Riley and Hope dance. Hope stood on Riley’s shoes as he waltzed her around the room.
"Adorable," Steve agreed as he rested his chin on Nicole's shoulder.
"She looks so much like Claire at times, it's unbelievable," Nicole said, following the father-daughter team across the dance floor with her eyes.
"I know. I've seen pictures of Claire," Buffy replied.
"Where are the other kids?" Steve asked, not seeing them.
"Riley and I took Tristan up to bed an hour ago. Poor thing! She was falling asleep standing up. Jordan and Evan told us they were going to bed shortly after. I think the night was a too much for Evan," Buffy frowned.
"He did look tired," Steve said, looking at Buffy.
"He was, but he promised me he was fine," she sighed.
"It amazes me how close Jordy and Evan have become," Nicole said.
"I don’t understand it either. It's like they've always known each other, and I can't explain it. They do everything together," Buffy said, as she shifted her gaze from Riley and Hope to watch the other people on the dance floor. Seeing familiar figures Buffy asked,
"How long have they been dancing together?"
"Awhile now," Steve replied casually.
"Awhile, huh?" Buffy snarled.
"If I were Willow, I'd be keeping an eye on that girl. She wants Graham. She used to follow him around the office like a puppy dog. It was quite sad actually," Nicole offered, watching the blonde dance with Graham.
"I wasn't sure who she was after but I now have a better idea," Buffy said, glaring at Sam's back.
"Oh, it's Graham all right. I’m surprise she hasn't jumped him yet. The woman has no class. She had an affair a year ago with one of the agents. It ruined Turner’s marriage," Nicole looked over at Willow and then back at Graham and Sam.
"So what's your opinion on the slut, Steve?" Buffy asked, her curiosity getting the best of her now.
"No! No way! I am not getting involved in this conversation. I like Sam. I’m going over to talk to Bill Carver. It doesn't take three of us to be catty bitches," Steve sighed and shook his head at his wife before walking away.
"Guys just seem to fall for her act all the time. All she has to do is bat her eyelashes and use her soft British accent and bang! she has them. It pisses me off and I just don't like her!"" Nicole muttered.
"Like who?" Riley said coming up behind Buffy with Hope still holding his hand.
"Oh, no one," Buffy covered quickly. The last thing she wanted was Riley thinking that she was jealous of Sam again. The truth was, she didn't trust Sam. There was something that just didn't sit well with Buffy.
"Well I'm gonna put my darling dancing partner to bed, I'll be back in a while," Riley said kissing Buffy on the cheek.
"Did you have fun Hope?" Buffy asked looking down at the little girl.
"I did! Dancing with Daddy, Uncle Steve and Uncle Graham was fun. Can we have another party like this next week?" She asked, looking up at her father.
"Well your Uncle Marc is coming next week…"
"Uncle Marc! He'll dance with me!" She bounced excitedly until a yawn overtook her.
"I think it's time for my little princess here to say good night and head to bed," Riley said, squeezing his daughter's hand.
"Here, let me do it," Nicole said extending her hand to Hope. "I haven't done this in forever!"
"Well?" Riley said looking down at Hope. He had a hard time sharing this joy with anyone else.
"Please Daddy? Aunt Nick tells great stories!" Hope begged.
"Okay, kiss me good night then," Riley said, squatting down so she could kiss and hug him good night.
"Night Daddy," Hope said as she kissed him on the cheek and started to follow Nicole out of the room.
"Oh! One minute Aunt Nickie!" Hope said, pulling her hand free of Nicole's and racing back to her father and Buffy. Looking up at the two of them, she threw her arms around Buffy's waist and hugged her.
"Thank you Buffy, for making me so pretty."
"Honey I didn't make you pretty, you already were," Buffy said leaning down to hug the child back. "Sweet dreams darling."
"Sweet dreams Buffy," Hope gave her a squeeze and hurried back to Nicole.
"Did I just see what I think I saw?" Riley asked, shocked at what had just taken place in front of him.
"See! I wasn't joking earlier. She seems to be adjusting to me," Buffy said and smiled up at him."I believed you! I guess I just had to see it for myself. This is great news, honey! Feel like tripping the light fantastic to celebrate?""I thought you'd never ask," Buffy said, allowing Riley to lead her to the dance floor.______________________________________________________________________Graham watched as Willow sat in the corner holding court over every man in the room, single or married. Even half the women in the room hung on her every word! The woman who sat there was not his Willow, but the Willow he saw walking down the red carpet waving to the masses at the Oscars. Gone was the shy, young girl who owned his heart, instead the actress who had captured it again sat there making every man in the room feel that he was special to her. How was he going to hold on to her?"Graham? Where are you?" Sam purred in her sexy English accent."Sorry Sam," he sighed. "Just lost in thought." Sam followed his gaze and could tell from the look on his face where his head was. Jealous rage roiled inside of her but she tried to be civil."She is beautiful isn't she? It's amazing how she can flirt with all those men at once. No wonder Russell Crowe broke up with her," she said silkily."He broke up with her? I thought it was mutual," Graham said confused."Well, from what I've heard she had a problem keeping her skirt down, if you know what I mean. She broke up Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston if you can believe it," Sam said shaking her head. <Okay so it's not true, but at least I have him second-guessing her.>"That's not Willow’s style," Graham said firmly, defending her, watching as she placed her hand on the arm of one of his men. Closer inspection showed that it was Kevin Shaw, a man Graham had never warmed up to. Kevin was too sure of himself, to suave. He usually spent his time working the European cases."Maybe not the Willow you used to know but people change, Graham. Even good girls go bad," Sam snuggled closer to him and smirked at Willow who was now watching them closely.Willow couldn't believe how close Sam had gotten herself to Graham!
<Christ! If she were any closer she'd be in his boxers! > Willow was so caught up in watching them that she missed what was being said to her by a handsome man named Kevin. Here she was trapped by her broken foot with no way to escape the unwanted attention of all these people, when all she really wanted was to be alone. She was growing more miserable by the second.
"Excuse me? Kevin?" she asked to him.
"Yes Willow?" The younger man sprang to her side, excited that he'd been the one that she'd chosen to give her attention to.
"Could you please go find Riley for me? I think I'd like to go up stairs and lay down for a while. It seems my ankle isn't in the mood to party tonight," she said, smiling thinly at the handsome man.
<What I should have said was my heart is breaking watching Graham and Sam flirt on the dance floor.>
"Can I help you upstairs?" He asked quickly, anxious to have a few moments alone with the beautiful actress.
"It’s very nice of you to offer, but I need help on the stairs. I don't get my walking cast until next week, and I left my crutches in my room," she smiled at Kevin rather coolly, hoping he would get the hint and just get Riley for her.
"I'm sorry everyone, but I will have to love you and leave you. It was a pleasure meeting you all, but my ankle is killing me and I need to take something for the pain. The pills make me drowsy so I’ll be off to bed. It wouldn't do much good for my good girl image if I came back down and you all saw me drugged!" Willow smiled as those around her laughed softly. "Good night."
There was a chorus of good nights as Willow and Kevin left the ballroom. Riley and Graham had such nice friends. It was just a shame that the nanny didn't know her place! Willow wondered if she should tell Riley or Buffy that she was going to bed early, but decided against it. She'd seen them dancing and they were lost in there own world, better to leave them in it for awhile longer. Willow didn't want her bad mood to wreck their evening. Kevin and Willow had finally reached the stairs when she heard a voice ring out behind her.
"Where are you going?"
Willow turned to see an obviously upset Graham coming towards them.
"I'm going to bed," was her honest reply.
"And where's he going?" Graham demanded, nodding his head at Kevin.
"He's going to help me up stairs. I'm not allowed to climb the stairs in this cast yet, remember?" Willow said and turned back to Kevin for assistance.
"I’ll help you. Why didn’t you tell me you wanted to go?" Graham asked as he moved Kevin away from Willow.
"Oh, I didn't want to interrupt your wonderful evening with Sam," Willow replied curtly as she tried to dismiss him.
"Kevin, thanks for offering to help Willow, but I've got it from here," Graham said in his best boss voice, making it clear that Kevin's presence was no longer required.
"Sure thing Graham," Kevin said, sending Willow one last longing look before he left her side.
Both Willow and Graham tried to keep their tempers in check until Kevin was out of earshot. The last thing either of them wanted was for the whole party to know that they were having a fight.
"Don't ever dismiss me like that!" He hissed at her angrily.
"And don't you ever think that I'll stand by and watch you flirt with some tramp all night and have nothing to say about it!"
"What the hell are you talking about? What ‘tramp’?"
"I don't want to talk about this right now Graham! Go get Riley for me. I'd like to go to bed."
"No, I'll help you," Graham said, trying to keep his voice even.
"Like hell! If you won't get Riley, then I'll do it myself," Willow snapped and turned abruptly but her cast caught her tangled in her skirt and she started to fall.
Graham was by her side in a second, his body breaking her fall and as he held her tense body against his, he started to laugh at the absurdity of the situation.
"What the hell do you find so funny? I could have killed myself, no thanks to you!" Willow tried to yell at him but the deep, rumbling vibration of his laughter made her start to giggle as well.
"Don't make me laugh! I'm mad at you," she giggled.
"Why?" Graham asked brushing the back of his hand against her cheek.
"Because you spent the whole evening dancing with that horrible excuse for a nanny and ignoring me," she said, trying to pout unsuccessfully.
"I'm sorry. You're right I did and I should have been by your side. But Will, when I hear music all I want to do is dance! Besides the whole time I was dancing with Sam, I dreamt it was you I was holding in my arms. I swear it!" He said catching both of her cheeks in his hands.
"Well it didn't feel that way," Willow said petulantly but liking the feel of her body pressed against his.
"I'm sorry," he said again as he dipped his head to catch her lips in a kiss.
Pulling away from him, Willow searched his eyes and realised that Graham was telling her the truth. She leaned in and re-engaged in the kiss that she had broken. Watching him dance with Sam had reminded her of how much he loved to dance, and her mind flipped back to that night in the den.
"Can you help me upstairs?" she asked as he broke the kiss.
"I can't go upstairs yet," he said looking down at her apologetically.
"Graham!" Sam's voice called from down the hall.
"Your date's looking for you," Willow giggled.
"You're the only date I want to be with," he said sweeping her up into his arms and starting up the stairs to her room.
"Graham? Where are you going?" Sam stood beside the banister watching as he carried Willow upstairs.
"I'm tucking my girlfriend into bed and I'll be back down later to say good night to our guests. Please be a dear and let Riley know, would you? Thanks Sam," Graham said and continued up the stairs without a backward glance.
"Good night, Sam," Willow waved brightly at the Brit over Graham’s broad shoulder.
Round one to Willow Rosenberg.
The last of the guests had left and Buffy wandered down the hallway toward the den where she had agreed to meet Riley. Buffy stopped in surprise just inside the door of the den. Inside the room someone had lit the Christmas tree, turned on a little Frank Sinatra to play softly in the background, and set a picnic basket on a blanket in front of the roaring fireplace. In the basket she found cheese, strawberries with whip cream and Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and beside the blanket, Buffy saw a champagne bucket filled with ice and a bottle of Dom Perrignon with two champagne flutes. Hidden in the middle of the basket, amongst the strawberries, sat a small box.
<When did he get a chance to set all this up?>
"I was wondering when you'd show up," Riley said as he came up behind her to kiss her bare shoulder.
"Riley! This is fantastic! Except for the champagne this was our first date," Buffy gushed, turning around to kiss him. Her eyes were full of tears.
Lifting his mouth from her shoulder, Riley looked down into her hazel green eyes and smiled.
"God you are beautiful," he breathed, his finger gently tracing down her jaw line.
"Tonight…"
"You've changed your mind?" Riley felt panic! Maybe he'd pushed her too hard.
"No, it's been all I've thought about all night. What I was trying to say was… well thank you for tonight," she said looking up into his blue eyes.
"What are you thanking me for?" Riley asked her in confusion.
"For accepting Evan and I publicly. It couldn't have been easy for you," Buffy said resting her head against his chest so she could hear his heart beat.
"Why? Buffy, Evan's my son! You know my children mean the world to me," he said kissing the top of her head.
"But me? You made it quite clear to the people here that you and I are together."
"Why wouldn't I want the world to know about us? I love you like I've loved no other woman in my life. I won’t hide you, " he said running the pads of his fingers over her collarbone.
"But this…us! It could cause your business trouble!"
"How's that?" Riley asked easing himself down on to the floor.
"You, me, an illegitimate son!" Buffy said almost surprised at his relaxed state.
"To hell with them if they can't deal with," Riley said leaning back on his arms to stare up at her.
"Riley, these people could make or break your social position here in Boston. Why didn't I think of that before I let you parade us around in front of your guests?"
"What would make my life miserable would be hiding the fact that I'm in love with this amazing woman, who just happens to be the mother of my illegitimate son. If any of them have even this much of a romantic notion in them then they'll understand about us." He held his fingers up to show a ¼ inch. " And those who don't, I don't care about."
"Your crazy!" She laughed at the man she loved. He loosened his tie slightly and looked up at her with a mischievous grin.
"Are you going to join me down here?" He asked reaching for the champagne bottle.
"I guess I can do that," she nodded and sat down opposite him, curling her legs up under her.
"Are you comfortable?" Riley asked.
"Perfectly," Buffy said and smiled as she accepted the champagne glass.
"I think this little bit of blanket over here might be more comfortable," Riley said patting the piece directly next to him.
"Is that an invitation?" Buffy asked arching an eyebrow and sipping from her glass.
"Most definitely," Riley answered taking a sip from his own glass.
"Well…," she said putting her glass down on the carpet and crawling across the blanket on her hands and knees before climbing into his lap.
"Can I sit here?" She whispered into his ear as her tongue darted out to trace it suggestively.
"That's good too," Riley said putting his own glass down in order to wrap his arms around her.
"Riley, this is all very nice but if you have your arms around me, just how do you intend to feed me those strawberries?" Buffy asked pointing at the picnic basket. "I’m hungry!"
"Didn't think of that," Riley cleared his throat and started to drop his arms from around her.
"Okay… no wait, strawberries later! Right now I'm thinking a little sugar may be what I need," Buffy leaned in and touched her lips to Riley's.
"Can do that," he mumbled against her lips before deepening the kiss.
Feeling his tongue press lightly on her bottom lip, Buffy opened her mouth to him. As his tongue entered her mouth, she tasted a distinct flavour of strawberries and champagne that seemed to hang to his tongue. As their tongues tangled, Buffy was quickly reminded of why she loved kissing him so much. She heard him groan as the intensity of the kiss changed, she felt his hand caress her bare back, and she shivered at his touch.
Breaking off the kiss, Riley tried to catch his breath.
"You still want those strawberries?" He managed to pant out.
"No I like them better when you eat them," Buffy said as she nibbled down the side of his neck.
"Mmmm," Riley murmured, closing his eyes as her tongue licked up his neck to over the area she had nibbled.
"I love the taste of you," Buffy whispered as she pulled her head up to look at him.
"Oh nobody tastes as good as you do," he said caressing her back.
"Do you know how much I want you? Do you?" Buffy asked running her little hand down the front of his tuxedo shirt.
"I'd say as much as I want you," Riley answered her with a smile, looking her directly in the eye.
"Let's go up stairs," Buffy said getting up from his lap and trying to pull him to his feet.
"No, I always fantasized about making love to you under the Christmas tree, but we never got our chance," Riley said allowing her to pull him to his knees, and then he leaned into her.
"Can I ask you a question?" Buffy asked as his arms snaked around her waist pulling her closer to him.
"You know you can ask me anything," he said lifting his head so their eyes met.
"Did you ever make love with Claire under the Christmas tree?"
Getting slowly to his feet, Riley looked at her and shook his head no.
"The Christmas tree was always my fantasy for you, no one else."
"You have a fantasy reserved just for me?" Buffy asked touched at the idea.
"All my fantasies are about you. I thought that was a given."
"I wasn't sure," she mumbled as he spun her around so that her back rested against his firm chest. Slowly he brushed aside her dress straps and kissed her shoulders and neck.
"Are you now?" He whispered as his fingers ran up her back and neck until his fingers tangled into her hair. She nodded.
"So while we’re telling secrets, have you had any fantasies about me?" Riley asked leaning in to kiss the back of her neck.
"Yeah, I've had my fair share of fantasies but they were all the same. With every man
I was with, the fantasy was always the same. I would just close my eyes and pretend I was making love to you."
Riley's head snapped up and he laughed a little thinking that she was joking with him, but as Buffy stiffened slightly in his arms Riley knew she was telling him the truth. Turning her around so they could face each other, Riley was shaken to the core by the look in her eyes.
"Me?" He asks, shaken by her confession and still not believing her devotion.
"I told you that no one else mattered to me but Evan once you walked away. Sure there were other men, but I wouldn't allow anyone to get as close to me as you did. You nearly killed me the day you walked out on me and I couldn't risk that happening again," Buffy said lowering her head so her forehead rested against the black onyx buttons of his tuxedo shirt.
"You went through your whole life, not letting anyone else get near that beautiful heart of yours because of me?" Riley pulled her close, damning himself for what his decision had cost her.
"Why love someone else when you've had the best? I never saw the point in that," she said as her tears started to fall. She pulled her head back, afraid of ruining his shirt with her mascara.
"What is it?" He asked as he felt her pull away.
"I don’t want to get mascara on your shirt."
Reaching down to catch her tears with his fingers, Riley pulled her back to him.
"I don't ever want you not to come to me when your upset, I'm here for you. These shirts are a dime a dozen, but your tears are priceless to me."
"How did I lucky enough to have you let me back in your life?" She asked and sniffled, leaning into him for support.
"No I’m the lucky one, Buffy. Lucky that you came back and found me."
Lifting her chin with his finger, Riley leaned down to claim her mouth with his. He felt himself becoming intoxicated by the taste of the champagne that still lingered in her mouth, and her tears.
"Promise me you'll never let me go," she whispered to him as he broke their kiss once more to look into her beautiful face.
"How could I? It would kill me to lose you again."
He turned her back around so she rested up against him.
"Make love to me Riley," she whispered so faintly that he almost didn’t hear her.
Slowly he pulled the 10 bobby pins that restrained her hair, and as he pulled out the last of the pins he combed his fingers through it.
"I love your hair," he told her as he took a handful of her hair and smelled it.
Letting her hair slide through his fingers, Riley reached and unzipped her dress, allowing it to fall to the floor. Dropping to his knees, Riley helped her step out of the dress and remained kneeling in front of her, looking up at the beauty the stood in front of him. Buffy only wore a red thong and matching lace bra that fastened in the front. Getting back up from his knees, Riley stood drowning into her eyes.
"In all my dreams…" he said in awe as he reached his trembling hand out to her.
Unfastening the bra, Riley trailed kisses down her body stopping to reverently kiss each breast. With the diamonds at her ears and throat reflecting the Christmas tree lights and her long blonde hair cascading down her back, Buffy looked just like a Greek goddess. She reminded Riley of Botticelli's "The Birth of Venus."
"Riley… Riley I… need to touch you," she rasped out as his tongue flicked her right nipple.
Buffy reached up and untied Riley's bow tie. Caressing his broad chest, she slipped her hands inside his jacket and slid it off his shoulders and down his arms. Riley leaned down and kissed her as she reached around to pull his shirt out of his pants. Breaking off their kiss, she looked up at him the passion clear in her eyes as her nimble fingers unbuttoned his shirt slowly. She slipped her hands under the shirt letting them wander over his chest before she removed it. She kissed his chest and let her tongue roll over each of his nipples.
"You're killing me," he moaned as she moved to his fly.
Unzipping his pants, Buffy slid them down his long, muscular legs. Her tiny hand found it's way into his silk boxers and she gently brushed his hardened cock, squeezing it. Wanting to give him more, Buffy knelt down and pulled it into her mouth gently sucking him.
Riley swayed on his feet, his eyes half closed, his fingers entwined through her hair, moaning softly as her tongue swirled around the tip of his cock. He thrust his hips forward slowly and rhythmically wanting to feel the sensation of her tongue covering his entire length. His face reflected the pure ecstasy of the moment.
"Yes, that's it...so soft. Mmmmm, heaven," he whispered.
Not wanting to come to soon or neglect her needs, Riley gently pulled Buffy up to her feet and lifted her into his strong arms. Carrying her, he placed her gently down on the blanket, which lay at the foot of the hearth. Hooking his forefingers around the waistband, Riley slipped the thong down Buffy's soft thighs.
Reciprocating, Buffy removed his boxers and playfully tossed them over her head.
Gazing at her reverently, "You are the most beautiful woman I have ever known and you mean more to me than life itself. I thank God every day for allowing you to come back to me."
Tears welling up in her eyes Buffy could only whisper,
"God has blessed me with you as well, Riley. I love you so very much."
Dipping his head down, Riley kissed and licked each of Buffy’s nipples, producing waves of pleasure throughout Buffy's body.
"Riley please, I want you inside me," she begged.
Poised at Buffy's entrance; Riley gently parted her legs, holding her open so he could slide his engorged cock into her heat. Reaching down between their bodies he ran his thumb over Buffy's clit as she raised her hips and wrapped her legs around his waist. Forgetting how large he was, Buffy gasped when he pushed himself inside of her. Hearing the gasp Riley stilled, allowing her time to adjust to his size once more. Looking up at him, Buffy nodded her head, letting him know that she was ready for the rest of him. Riley was afraid of hurting her though and he thrust at a slow, steady rhythm until he could feel her tremble with anticipation. As she clenched his body tightly and rose up against him, Riley felt Buffy reach for orgasm. His thrusts came on harder and faster.
"Rileyyyyy!" She screamed, peaking. The convulsions of her body were enough to finish him off. Panting, Riley thrust one more time, spilling his seed inside her.
A half an hour later while, they lay in each other's arms. Buffy listened to the
snap of the logs as they slowly burned and watched the shadow of the
Christmas tree dance on the wall as it reflected the rise and fall of the flames.
Thinking that Riley was asleep, Buffy began to run her fingers through the short hairs at the nape of his neck, kissing him softly on the forehead. At the touch of her lips Riley's body began to tremble, his breathing became racked by loud sobs and hot tears coursed down between Buffy's breasts.
"Riley sweetheart, what's the matter? What is it? Did I do something wrong?"
Trying to gain control over his sobs, Riley simple shook his head, trying to pull away from her.
"Riley what did I do?" Buffy asked slightly panicked and refusing to let go of him.
As quickly as he fought to get away from her, Riley stopped and held her tightly. Buffy's heart ached as she listened to the man she loved cry.
"Riley please tell me what's wrong?" she whispered gently brushing the hair off his forehead to kiss it.
Riley took a couple deep breaths before he was finally able to speak to her. Even in those breaths, she could hear his pain.
"I've tried to convince…convince myself… that I was ready for this. I'm ready… ready for us, but Claire… I miss her."
"Riley that's only natural," Buffy said, trying to soothe him even though his words tore at her heart.
"Being…" he stopped and took another deep breath. "Being with you…the woman I love… means it's time to let go."
"Oh Riley, I’m so very, very sorry you had to go through this," Buffy said stroking his face tenderly as he cried.
"You don't know... how long... I've waited for this moment. I... haven't... made love to a woman...since Claire's death. Back then... *even* back then... when I did make love... to her... I could only think of one thing... that was making love to you."
Hearing the guilt pour from him, Buffy's heart broke. He had suffered as much as she had and tonight their pain and guilt would end.
"Riley… Riley look at me," Buffy said, catching his face in her trembling hands. "Claire would want you to be happy. She'd want this for you. We've both been alone long enough, it's our time to be happy."
"It's our time to live the life we started years ago," Buffy kissed his closed right eye.
"It's our time to be together," she said kissing his closed left eye.
"And it's our time to love each other," she said kissing his lips tenderly.
"Riley please, let me love you," Buffy said pulling back to look at him.
Slowly Riley opened his eyes to meet hers. He stared at her but said nothing for a minute as he felt her reach out to wipe away a stray tear. The love he saw in her eyes was all he needed.
"Only if you'll let me love you."