What if Buffy got there on time?

[Chosen Enemy]

I keep thinking how different the plot would be if Buffy got to Riley right before he takes off with his helicopter. She got there a few seconds before he leaves, a few seconds too late. But what if she had made it on time? Would they work it out and stay together? Would she still be with Spike if Riley hadn't left? How different would it all be if Buffy got there just a few seconds earlier?

 

[Ms.Trick]

I think she would have make it up to him for treating him like rebound guy and I think they could have had a bright future, kinda. I really think Xander's speech was like a wake up call for Buffy and she was ready to forgive Riley and to start over. (Why is Joss always takes the good away when I'm going to get used to it?)

 

[Skytteflickan88]

If they had worked it out, I think Riley would have died horribly soon after. So he was lucky. 🙂

It's the Whedonverse after all, and unless the relationship was taken in a very different direction, it had played it's part on the show and had to end.

But, let's pretend it's not the Whedonverse. Then they would definitly have gotten back together and probably dated for a while. I think Buffy really did love Riley, but was just bad at showing it since season 4, since she got so distracted with the Key, Glory and cancer business, so maybe they could have worked it out. Or, Riley would still be insecure and/or Spike would find a way to break them up, and it would end after a while anyway.

I think this would have been a suitable storyline, and pretty Whedon-ish.

Buffy catches up with Riley, they date for a while. Things aren't going smoothly, but they're happy. Spike confesses his love and everything stays similar to the real season 5. But Riley dies when Glory comes for Dawn. Another reason for Buffy to break down.

Then season 6 would have pretty much stayed the same. Except Buffy would have suffered more... I guess that might be worse. But I'm really sick of wondering if they could have worked it out if Buffy had been faster. It kills me not knowing. Couldn't Riley say in season 9 that he loves Sam more than he ever loved anyone so I don't have to wonder? Urgh!

 

[PrincessBuffy16]

I seriously don't know. I have thought about it, but I don't think there would be any solution that to kill him of.. I guess, with him staying, things would probably go different with Spuffy..

 

[brinkster130]

Riley was head over heels in love with Buffy and if she had shown up he would have stayed for her. I think they both would have put more effort into the relationship, and my guess is that for a while things between the two of them would have become easier, more open and happier.

Although, I don't think they would have lasted. Buffy didn't love Riley in the same way he loved her; and Riley knew that. Ultimately, I still think they would have split up and Riley would have ended up with Sam.