This story is sweet, in the best sense of the word. You drew a nice picture of Buffy/Riley and even managed to foreshadow some of the conflicts that were to come: "Slayer strong, boyfriend stupid. Of course it makes more sense if she pushes. I'm probably a sexist pig for forgetting that. Except what kind of pig will I be if I sit here, warm and dry, while my girlfriend goes out into the rain and the mud to push the car?" We laugh at Riley's internal monologue, but we can sympathize with him as well - even with Buffy's strength, there's something cringe-worthy about a 6 foot plus military agent sitting in the car while his 100 pound girlfriend pushes the car.

At the same time, you show the appeal of Buffy and Riley, from the scenes where Forrest rags Riley for looking like a "Sunday school hick" to the end where Riley jumps up and down in the mud. There's something so refreshing and grounded about the way these 2 approach crises.

Love all your Riley stories. Any chance that you will write more in the future?

Just back to read some more of your offerings. This is a cute little ficlet. You do capture Riley really well.

Cute and very, very funny. I never thought B/R had a chance in hell, but I can **so** see this happening. And you've managed to catch Riley's voice in a way that very few ever manage (including the BTVS writers!)

Well, now, that was fun. Why is it that Mariner is just about the ONLY writer who can make me like Riley? He's charming, self-deprecating, and not a bad guy.

Sweet, and hilarious, and arousing, all at once. Mariner's wit, sensitivity and powerful grasp of the characters gives this simple, comedic story genuine weight. Had the writers of BTVS had as strong a sense of Riley's inner workings as Mariner, Riley might have been one of the best-liked characters instead of the most hated. Bravo.

Heehee.That was really funny!Bravo.I don't even really like Riley,lol,but that wuz a good story. :)

Absolutely love this one! No one writes Riley as well as you, Mariner (although I think more people should try *grumble*). Thanks for a very funny, sweet story that reads like it really happened.