Prompt 023 Ficlet - Haunted

[showmewrtr.livejournal.com]

Title Not Enough
Author Showmewrtr
Rating PG-13
Word Count 191
Prompt 023 Haunted
Characters/Pairing (if any) Riley
A/N: Post S7 BtVS – my own AU where Sam dies

No matter how many times he explained it or how many forms he filled out, when Agent Riley Finn closed his eyes, he still saw his wife’s crimson liquid dripping over his hands. Her gash too big, her life too short, and he lacked the magical powers to put her broken body back together again. Werewolves. The Initiative had been tracking them across Europe, into the UK, and at last, when he’d brought them down, they’d taken his wife with him.

If she’d been Buffy she wouldn’t have died.

He cursed himself for even thinking of the Slayer at a time like this. The red liquid on his hands reminded him of the blood that had cost him the woman he’d loved. Except then, it’d been his own blood. That damning need to find out why he’d been the best man, the best boyfriend, he could be, and yet, it wasn’t enough. Just like two weeks ago, when he’d been the best husband he could, and yet, not enough.

He suspected as long as he would live, his grief would never end. And he’d grieve for both of them. Buffy…and Sam.

Comments

[rayruz.livejournal.com]

Oh poor Riley! *hugs him*

[showmewrtr.livejournal.com]

I know. And he's so hugable. :) Thanks for your comments.

[okdeanna.livejournal.com]

Ooh, I liked this. Not big on Riley in general, but I'd read more of this one. It's really good. Great voice, and something I could see him thinking about in canon.

[showmewrtr.livejournal.com]

Thanks so much for your comments. I'm so glad you liked the story and you thought it was in canon. :)

[kgola.livejournal.com]

I think it's telling that Buffy is said before Sam's name at the end... nice touch!

[showmewrtr.livejournal.com]

Thanks! I really believe he's carrying a torch... poor boy. :)

[velvetwhip.livejournal.com]

Very affecting little piece.


Gabrielle

[showmewrtr.livejournal.com]

Oh thank you!!!!! *HUGS YOU*

[ubiquirk.livejournal.com]

That damning need to find out why he’d been the best man, the best boyfriend, he could be, and yet, it wasn’t enough. Just like two weeks ago, when he’d been the best husband he could, and yet, not enough.

Oh, you made me feel for Riley! Well done.

[showmewrtr.livejournal.com]

Thank you so much. :) I really appreciate your feedback.

[imbaskinrobbins.livejournal.com]

This really is haunting, and beautifully written.

[showmewrtr.livejournal.com]

Thanks so much. I appreciate it!!!!! :)

[xlivvielockex.livejournal.com]

I am one of those rare people that actually really liked Riley. There isn't enough fic about him so I am always happy to find something as well-written and in character as this piece is. I could really see him carrying a torch for both Buffy and his lost wife. Great job.

[showmewrtr.livejournal.com]

I must confess, I love, love, love Riley. I really like his character. Of course it helps that I'm in Iowa. I even visited Huxley so I could write some fanfic (the larger piece that this is related to). So glad you liked this story and the way I handled his character. :)

[lauratd.livejournal.com]

Ironic that it was tracking werewolves that lost him Sam considering the argument he and Buffy had over werewolves.

I like how you allowed him feelings for both Sam and Buffy.

[showmewrtr.livejournal.com]

You know, I didn't even think of that. :) But you're right. That is pretty cool. :) Thanks for your comments.

[not-purrrfect.livejournal.com]

Well done.

[showmewrtr.livejournal.com]

Thanks so much!!!!

[divadea.livejournal.com]

Very sweet! I admit to loving Riley also :)

[showmewrtr.livejournal.com]

Thanks so much. :) Always a joy to find another Riley fan. :) I'm very glad you enjoyed my story.

[boy-named-susie.livejournal.com]

Poor Riley. Very sad and well done.

[showmewrtr.livejournal.com]

Thanks!

[wereleopard58.livejournal.com]

Awwww that is so sad