I think Spike was definitely more important to her, but it's hard to say on the love issue.
Mal: Okay. She won't be winning any beauty contests anytime soon. But she is solid. Ship like this, be with ya 'til the day you die. Zoe: 'Cause it's a deathtrap.
'Out Of Gas'
Buffy and Angel 1: BUFFYNANGLE4EVA!!!!!1!
Is it better the second time around? Or the third? Or tenth? This is the place to come when you have a burning desire to talk about an old episode that was just re-run.
Matt the Bruins fan - May 14, 2005 6:37:33 am PDT #771 of 10458
"I remember when they eventually introduced that drug kingpin who murdered people and smuggled drugs inside snakes and I was like 'Finally. A normal person.'” —RahvinDragand
SailAweigh - May 14, 2005 6:49:53 am PDT #772 of 10458
Nana korobi, ya oki. (Fall down seven times, stand up eight.) ~Yuzuru Hanyu/Japanese proverb
I think Buffy was in love with the "idea" of Riley as a "normal" boyfriend. Actually, I think it was more that she found Riley attractive because he was so much in love with her and having someone human love her was important to her. It made her feel like she was living what Angel wanted for her (whether she actually wanted or needed it.)
Spike, I don't know that she was ever in love with him, but I do think she loved him. He was very important to her, particularly in season 7 in that he, unlike Riley or Angel, never abandoned her (we're not counting turning into a big pile of dust to save the world as abandonment, it was to save the world!) Plus, she even sort of admitted it in one episode with the "why does everyone think I'm still in love with Spike?" (And don't tell me it was a mispeak on SMG's part, I don't care, it's canon now.)
Topic!Cindy - May 14, 2005 6:58:29 am PDT #773 of 10458
What is even happening?
You know how Buffy and Faith are sort of photo negatives of each other (at least for a while)? Does anyone think that's true of Riley and Spike--at least where their roles in Buffy's life are concerned?
Stephanie - May 14, 2005 7:07:41 am PDT #774 of 10458
Trust my rage
I think I agree with Sail's interpretation. Riley was Buffy's last ditch attempt to be a normal girl with a normal boyfriend.
I think her relationshipo with Spike was more complicated, but ultimately deeper. I do think she loved him - I think she meant it when she said it, even though maybe Spike thought she didn't.
JenP - May 14, 2005 3:23:09 pm PDT #775 of 10458
"why does everyone think I'm still in love with Spike?" (And don't tell me it was a mispeak on SMG's part, I don't care, it's canon now.)
I about fell off the couch when I heard that line back then, Sail. I'm with you.
Zenkitty - May 14, 2005 5:02:39 pm PDT #776 of 10458
Every now and then, I think I might actually be a little odd.
I never heard that it was a misspeak by SMG. Neat that the writers let it ride. What was the line supposed to have been?
Stephanie - May 14, 2005 5:07:33 pm PDT #777 of 10458
Trust my rage
"why does everyone still think I'm in love with Spike?" (I think.)
Zenkitty - May 14, 2005 5:09:44 pm PDT #778 of 10458
Every now and then, I think I might actually be a little odd.
oooh, I see. The placement of that one word makes all the difference.
DCJensen - May 14, 2005 6:39:16 pm PDT #779 of 10458
All is well that ends in pizza.
And, like a lot of things, launched a thousand fanfic attempts...
Gus - May 14, 2005 7:27:56 pm PDT #780 of 10458
Bag the crypto. Say what is on your mind.
Riley got laid after Buffy. Spike? Not so much.
Buffy?
The Immortal.
Buffy wins.