FF: A Twist in the Tale (3/?)

[ghost writer <ghostwriter31111@xxxxxxxxx>]

AUTHOR: Ghostwriter (ghostwriter31111@xxxxxxxxx) PAIRING: Buffy/Willow 
RATING: Will probably end up as R. 
FEEDBACK: This is my first fic ever. Let me know if you like it or hate it. 
DISTRIBUTION: Just ask so I know where to find it. SUMMARY: Buffy wakes up a changed woman. 
DISCLAIMER: Joss owns everything except Mishra. SPOILERS: Everything up to season 6 is possible. 
Many thanks to Kris for going over this for me. 



III. 

Several hours later, a frustrated Buffy tossed aside the book in her hands, and leaned back in her chair with a groan. ?We?re never going to find a cure for this, are we? I mean, we only have until 8:00 Sunday morning,? she said in a tone of defeat. ?Why don?t we just call Riley and see if he?ll help me? If he says no, then we?ll go back to the research. He should be back at the school by now.? 

Willow felt a strong surge of jealousy shoot through her at the thought of Riley touching Buffy, no matter what form she was in. It was a feeling that she was familiar with since she felt it every time Buffy didn?t come home at night. 

She watched as Buffy picked up the phone, and listened to the one-sided conversation. 

?Um? Riley? Yeah, this is Bu? a friend of Buffy?s.? She had realized almost too late that Riley would be thrown off if a masculine voice used the feminine name. ?Look, Buffy needs your help. Can you meet us at Giles? place? Twenty minutes? Yeah, that?s fine? no, I really need to explain this in person? Ok, see you then. Thanks, bye.? 

She hung up the phone, already knowing that asking his help would be futile. The three of them continued their research until the knock came, announcing Riley?s arrival. Willow opened the door for the young soldier, smiling at him as they said their hellos. 

?Hi, Riley.? 

?Hey, Willow. What?s up?? 

?Riley.? He looked up to see a young blond man looking at him. ?Come on in and have a seat, please. I need to explain some things to you and ask for your help.? 

Riley stepped in and took a seat on the couch. ?You said that Buffy was in trouble?? he asked. ?By the way, who are you?? 

Buffy sat down next to him and looked him in the eyes. ?It?s me, Riley. Buffy.? 

He stared at her for a moment, taking in the handsome face and the strong body before him. Letting a slight grin curve his lips, he said, ?Good one. Buffy, riiight.? The disbelief was clear in his voice. The smile faded as he looked at the guy again. ?Look, I don?t really like practical jokes. Now tell me where Buffy is and what?s going on.? 

?Riley,? Willow said. ?It?s true. This really is Buffy.? 

?Ok, if you?re Buffy, how did this happen?? He wasn?t ready to believe this. He listened as, for the third time that day, Buffy told how she had come to be in this form. 

?So, what you?re telling me is that I have to? sleep? with you to turn you back into a woman.? The skepticism was heavy in his voice. 

?Yeah, that?s about how it is.? Buffy waited, her heart beating heavily as she sent up a silent prayer for him to help her. 

?Look, even if I believed you, which I still don?t think I do?? 

Buffy leaned over then, and whispered something in his ear. Riley paled a bit, and the shock in his eyes was evident when she leaned back. 

?Ok, I only told Buffy that yesterday morning. Why would she tell you?? 

?Riley, I?ve been trying to tell you, I really am Buffy. Now, will you help me or not?? 

After considering the request for several minutes, realizing that this really was his girlfriend, a woman he truly cared about, Riley realized what his decision had to be. 

?Buffy,? he said, finding it strange to call this man by that name. ?I would like to help you.? 

?Really?? The excitement and hope in her voice evident. 

?Yes, really. But? I can?t. I mean, just the thought of touching another guy, even a guy who is really a girl, disgusts me. And what if any of my men or, my god, one of my commanding officers found out? I would be out on my ass so fast it would make my head spin. So, I?m sorry, but I won?t be able to help you with this.? He turned away from the pain in her eyes, knowing that the love he felt had not stood up against this test. 

Standing up, he made his way to the door, averting his gaze from the hostile accusation in Willow?s eyes. ?I?m really sorry. I hope you can work this out without me. Goodbye.? 

And with that, he opened the door and walked out of their lives. 



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