World So Cold

Main Points:
Buffy the Vampire Slayer Universe Optional
Chapter Summary: I'd meant to write this, but I was still a little too much Willow.  Basically, the Slayers being scared for the future, such as it will be, and Xander having to reassure them despite the fact that he's not on board for this either.  If you're sick of the politics disregard, but as sad as it is it's hopeful too.
Word Count: 340
Rating: gen
Good luck in the new year, everyone.  We'll make it through with our friends.

             “Hi Wills.”  Xander tries not to sound as exhausted as he is.  It’s bone deep; he’s pretty sure he wasn’t this tired even when the First came around.  It probably says something that this freaks him out more than the First.  The First could only mess with his mind and get him killed.  Well, and get his eye poked out, but still.
             She’s as hysterical as he felt last Tuesday.  But to comfort her and not have them both utterly useless, he has to be the strong one.
             He’s been having a lot of that recently.
             “Nah, I’m…well, okay is definitely not the word for it, but we’ve survived the multiple of apocalypse and we’re still here.  Get ready for the bill, though, ‘cause the Slayers are eating everything.  More than usual.  They’re doing their best locust impression, but given all the other plagues, most of which the plague of stupidity, I can’t really blame them.”
             More than anything he wants to give her a hug.  He’s gotten a lot more hugs from females recently, and there’s no urge to be the jerk of yesterday.  Not like this, when he sees all the uncertainty and pain and the way they’re all trying to pretend that they’re not scared about their entire status of existence.  If he can be the mature one and care for his Slayers, then it can make him feel a little better about the future himself.  It might not affect him directly, but when there’s so many of his friends, family, everyone he cares about at stake, well.  Not affecting him directly?  That’s a lie.
             “Hey, hey.  We’re the Scoobies.  We’ve gotten through so much together.  You need me, I’m there.  I get the feeling I’ll be wearing my ‘free hugs’ shirt constantly for a while.”  That earns a chuckle, even though he can tell there are still tears on her face, and she sends a verbal hug back and hangs up.  One crisis down, a thousand to go, but he’ll help out where he can.  Always.