Backfire - Spander Files

Looking passed Giles to his computer sciences teacher who was huddled in a
corner, Xander started.
“Ms Calendar, come out of the shadows.” She stood up and did what she was told.
“It wasn’t your fault. Buffy and Giles will forgive you. Just give them time. Okay?”
She nodded automatically, then glanced at her love and his charge. Neither were
looking at her. Ms. Calendar nodded again, doubtful this time, stepped back into her
corner and sat down.
“Oz, man. You know what I’m gonna say.”
“Take care of your girl?”
“Actually, I was gonna say, ‘Keep practicing,’ but yeah, that one fits, too.” Xander
winked at his could-have-been-friend and turned to his ex.
“Cordy.” Cordelia’s eyes were filled with tears. She was trying hard not to let them
fall. “I’m sorry I couldn’t love you like you deserved.” That did it. She lost her
battle. “Your life is going to be as beautiful as you are. Don’t let anyone tell you
that you can’t accomplish anything you want. You’re stronger than any of them.”
She wiped her eyes then looked in horror at the mascara smeared on her hand. She
held it out to show Xander. “Jerk,” she grinned through her tears.
“That’s me,” Xander agreed and turned to Buffy. His smile faded. “Buffy. I’m so
sorry.”
She was holding onto his other leg, and he was sure a bruise would form, if it had
the time.
“He did love you,” Xander felt the need to reassure, but Buffy waved off the need.
“Of course he did. I know that. You didn’t kill Angel. I did.”
“Buffy, no-”