"He’s had a long run," Xander soothed, "but you’ll be together soon."

"You don’t understand!" Andrew wailed, tears ready to run down his face. "Through the Apocalypse and even after—" His voice caught, the tears threatening to spill. "He’s always been with me…"

"I *do* get it, and it’ll all be over soon. I only wish there was some way to make you feel better, to take away the pain."

"There is, " Andrew said, grabbing Xander and pressing their lips together.

Kissing, they leaned against the washing machine as the oven mitt continued through the long spin cycle.