Getting To Know You

"Hey" Buffy said, taking a seat.

Graham looked at her suspiciously, "What do you want? Has something happened to Riley?"

"No. Not yet" Buffy said, smiling. "I have a little deal for you."

"What sort of deal?"

"Well, a little birdy told me that you might be interested in my best friend."

Graham clenched his hands, "A little birdy might be finding himself with a fat lip tonight."

"Graham, I figured it out. You want Willow."

Graham turned from her, not acknowledging her statement.

Buffy sighed. This wasn't going to be easy. "I want to help you get her."

He glanced at her, surprised. "You what?"

"I want to help. I like you. I think she'll like you. Ask her out."

"I can't do that." He protested. "She thinks I'm an idiot."

Buffy bit her tongue knowing that the deal was off if she blabbed. "How do you know?"

"Trust me. I know when a girl thinks I'm a moron. She does. You're wasting your time."

"I thought you were a fighter. You can't give up without trying."

"Buffy, thanks. I appreciate the effort. Makes me see a bit of what Riley likes about you. But, its hopeless. Forget about it. Ok?"

Buffy watched in amazement as he got up and walked away. She saw several girls watching him walk and he didn't even notice. Damn it, Riley had been right. This was not going to be easy.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~

"Willow. Can I talk to you?"

Willow smiled at Riley. "Sure. What is it?"

Riley shifted uncomfortably. "It's Buffy."

"What about Buffy?"

"She talked me into this wager...a bet if you will."

"And seeing as how you are both majorly competitive, it got out of hand?"

Riley smiled, "Sort of. I think it's really dumb that she's interferring, but she never listens."

"No, she doesn't." Willow sighed in agreement. "What was that bet?"

"Well, that's where I need your help. You see, I only got dragged into it defending you."

"Me?" Willow squeaked. "The bets about me?"

"Yep. See, she said that you would never approach Graham. I said you would." Riley deliberately left out the part about Graham doing the approaching. He didn't want to falter on the arrangement. He wanted to win just to show Buffy that she wasn't always right.

"That lying little sneak. She promised she wouldn't mention anything...." Willow's face was redder than her hair.

"I doubt she meant to. She made a comment, my mind made a connection. She confirmed it. Anyway, the bet is made. I can't let her win, Will. It would prove that she was right."

"About me?" Willow said softly.

"Yep. She said you weren't brave enough to make the first move. That you'd sit in the dorm alone rather than be daring and self confident."

"She was right" Willow said.

"No, she wasn't. I can see it in you Willow. You're strong. You can ask him out. I know you can."

"What do you win?" Willow asked, her eyes narrowing.

Riley made a face, "I wanted to be money. Nooo...that was too easy for her. She's a slayer. She made us put ourselves on the line. If I lose, I have to fulfill her fantasy."

Willow started laughing, "So, if she loses, she has to do yours?"

"Yep."

Willow smiled craftily, "I take it she isn't to know that I know about this little bet."

"It might be better if she didn't...."Riley said, hope in his voice.

"I'll make you a deal."

"What?"

"You let me decide on the fantasy, I'll go in with you. I'll make it take a day or two...let her sweat. Then, I'll ask him. Hell, what's a little humiliation in exchange of revenge on a blabber mouth friend?"

"Deal. I personally didn't like the fantasy idea anyway."

The two shook hands. Riley sighed in relief. He wouldn't lose, plus Willow and Graham would get together. He knew Willow would help when she heard that Buffy had told him her secret. Well, he had hoped.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~