Summary: As before

“You!” said Riley.

“Buffy’s busy at the moment.” Said Angel simply.

“Willow said she was hurt, she was in a bad fight.”

“She was.”

“So why are you here.”

“To help.”

Riley tried to barge past Angel but he was no match and Angel easily held him back.

“It’s OK. Let him in.” called Buffy from the living room. Angel released Riley.

Riley smirked at Angel and went through to Buffy.

“Are you OK?” he asked going to hug her. Buffy flinched away from him. Riley took the message and sat down, away from her.

Buffy took another deep breath. “Something happened. Last night.”

“Did he hurt you?” asked riley referring to Angel.

“No. No…” God, how could she tell him? She couldn’t say the words. They wouldn’t come.

“She was attacked.” Said Angel.

“Attacked? Like she is every night?”

Angel shook his head. “No, she was…” The pause hung there. Neither Buffy nor Angel wanted to give voice to what needed to be said. Almost as if it would only be real once they spoke of it.

Riley looked between the two, neither would meet his gaze.

Buffy took a long swig of coffee and a deep breath. “Raped. I was raped.” With the vocalisation the tears returned.

Riley’s face fell. He couldn’t believe it. “What? How? I mean you’re the slayer! Who? I swear to god if I get my hands on that bastard he’s gonna be history.”

“Stop.” Said Buffy quietly. “I don’t need this. Please Riley. Just give me some time. I need to be alone.”

Riley looked towards Angel. “But he’s OK?” he knew his anger was being directed at Buffy but he couldn’t help it. He had to get the anger out.

Buffy responded harshly to his words. “He knew I needed help. He came all the way from LA on a feeling. Where were you? Huh?” she realised what she was doing and stopped herself. “I… Please, just go. Give me time.” Riley made no move to leave. “Please.”

Riley accepted he should go. Plus the fact he was far too angry to sit still. He got up and stormed to the door, glaring at Angel as he passed him. “I’ll be back.” He said as he slammed the door.

Buffy hugged herself, shaking.

“It’s not his fault. He was angry. He needed a target.”

“Haven’t I been enough of a target?” sobbed Buffy.

Angel sat beside her. “That’s not what I mean. You’ve been through hell. I just want you to know he didn’t mean it. Any of it. In a couple of hours he’ll realise what a huge fool he was.”

Buffy wiped away more tears. “Doesn’t make it right though.”

Angel had no words for that. So he just sat with her.