Title: Going Home
Author: Michael Wilson
Email: wyrdradio@yahoo.com
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: Joss, Mutant Enemy, and a lot of other people own Buffy
and the characters in this story. I own none of them. I get nothing by writing this except maybe some kind words of encouragement and a few cheers... at least I hope.
Spoilers: Pretty much a few things from the entire series... basically just mentioning a few people who are dead.
Summary: Xander in his final moments.
Author’s Notes: Warning.. Character Death.
Feedback: Yes please!!!!!
Distribution: If you like it... please feel free to place it on your site... but please tell me first.
Xander sat in front of the computer and stared at the page. The Watcher’s Council’s online library, a repository of all things mystical. He knew he would be able to find what he wanted here... and if he couldn’t, then it didn’t exist. He moved the mouse slowly toward the highlighted link he wanted. His hand was shaking as he clicked on the link and waited for the new page to open. Carefully, he read down the page, his eyes growing wider and wider as he went. Finally, at the bottom of the page, a single tear slid down his cheek.
"That proves it... I was right after all."
Xander moved the mouse up and clicked on the print button, his hand slipping as a fit of coughing seized him.
"Damn... I really hate this..."
He printed out the information and then folded the pieces of paper and placed then inside an envelope, sealed it and then placed it next to his bed on the nightstand. On it was written two words... For Buffy. Xander stood and as a wave of dizziness hit him, he fell to the floor; another fit of coughing attacking him... this time, drawing up blood.
"Not much... longer now..."
He climbed back to his feet, slowly, and placed the envelope inside a large manila folder he had prepared earlier. Inside was a 10 page note and... instructions on what to do with... his body.
"Tired... so, so tired..."
Xander closed the folder and then sat down on his bed, his eyes beginning to close.
"Still.... something.... to... do....."
Xander stretched out on his bed and picked up the phone. He knew that everyone was over at Buffy's tonight. He knew that he was supposed to be there as well... but how could he when he only had minutes left to live.
"I guess... this is what you get... when you leave an ex vengeance demon at the alter... but I couldn't marry her... not after what I saw, what I could have... would have done to her. Besides, how could I have married her when I'm still in love with Buffy... and will always love Buffy."
Xander dialed the number and closed his eyes as he listened to the ringing.
"Hello, Summers residence."
Xander swallowed and took a deep breath.
"Dawnie.. put me on speakerphone... and call the others..."
Xander heard a click and then Dawn running off... only to hear a mix of people as they walked to the phone.
"Xander... we're all here... what's up?"
Xander coughed a few times and then sighed. He knew he only had seconds left.
"I just wanted... you all... to know... how... much... I love... you.... and... wanted.... to... say......."
Xander dropped the phone as his hand relaxed and his breath released... not hearing the worried voices on the other end...
Nor did he hear the hammering on his door only 10 minutes later...
Nor the wailing of his friends as they cried over his body...
For he was gone...
But he saw it all...
As he watched them from the ceiling....
He watched them as they huddled together, crying....
He watched as they found the folder and what was inside...
He watched Buffy's expression as she read her note... and then watched her as she ran away in tears...
He watched it all... until he felt a hand on his shoulder. Turning around, he was greeted by the two women he was expecting to see...
"Hi Miss Calendar, Mrs. Summers. Did you come to get me?"
They nodded, a warm smile on both their faces.
"Yes, Xander, we have come to take you home..."
Xander smiled and began to cry himself at who he saw next. Standing behind the two older women he cared for the most stood his best friend, his brother even...
"Jesse.."
Jesse stepped forward and pulled Xander into a hug.
"Let's go, bro... you and me have a lot of partying to do."
He grabbed Xander by the arm and together, they lead him into the light. He could see more people inside the light than he was expecting. So many people from high school... all those who had died.. and he for once, they were happy to see him. Xander smiled at Jesse as they stepped into the light and he knew at once that he was finally... going home.
The End