"Well, that's it time to say goodbye and say hello to the open road," Xander said as he closed the trunk to his car and looked at Buffy, Willow, and Giles. They were all standing in front of Giles's house they had decided to meet there to say goodbye to Xander before he left to go on his big across country road trip. Oz wasn't able to make it because he had to go to a wedding but he sent Xander his best as well as a box of Twinkies. 'The food of champions' Xander smiled at his joke.
"Oh we're really going to miss you," Willow said.
"Yeah Xand, its gonna be weird with out you," Buffy added.
In one last fleeting attempt to convince him to stay Willow said, "You sure you want to go cuz you know you're gonna miss lots of fun stuff like signing up for college classes, helping us move into the dorms, demon fighting, Scooby meetings, Bronzin, researching with Giles…."
"Will as much fun as that sounds. I think it'll be good for me to see the world and become more……worldly."
"Yes, well you best be going then...do be careful," Giles added. Xander was trying at times but he grown very found of him and he would hate to see any harm come to him.
Willow hugged Xander as she said, "This is the first summer, we're going to spend apart."
"Don't worry. We'll survive," Xander said.
"I'll miss you," Willow said, sounding a little upset to see her friend go, even if it was for only a summer.
"Me too," Xander said sincerely.
Next Buffy hugged him, "Bye Xand and have a good time. Bring back lots of gifts."
"Hey, Buff. Buff! Air becoming an issue," Xander stated.
"Oh sorry," Buffy said sheepishly.
"Don't worry about it and I'll be sure to bring back lots of gifts," Xander said giving everyone a lopsided grin.
"Oh I'm gonna miss you," Buffy cried.
"I'll miss you too."
"Oh, I almost forgot," Buffy said pulling a stake and cross out of her bag, "here."
"Most friends just give money but…"
"Just in case," Buffy said.
"Yeah, we wanted you to be safe against all the things that go bump in the night," Willow smiled.
"Thanks and don't worry. I'll be fine. I'm a card carrying member of the Scooby Gang remember," he said as he turned to Giles, "G-man there are no words."
"Xander, I told you to never call me that again," Giles said exasperated.
"Sorry, just had to have one for the road."
Giles smiled at that, "Yes well goodbye and good luck." Both of them finally hugged after a bit of awkwardness.
"I'm going to miss you," Xander told him.
"Yes, I'll miss you as well. Please Xander do take care of yourself."
"I will, well I'll be seeing you," he said as he made his way towards the car.
"Be sure to avoid demons," Giles added.
"Yeah, especially ones of the female variety; we all know how much the like you," Buffy joked as he got into the car.
"Well, I am irresistible," Xander said turning towards them.
"Come back soon," Willow added.
"I'm not coming back until I drive to all 50 states," Xander stated, matter of factly.
"Ummm, Xander…you do know that," Buffy started but Giles stopped her telling her not to bother as Xander drove off; leaving Buffy, Willow, and Giles waving behind him.
"You're late," Cordy stated, sounding slightly annoyed as Xander pulled up to the curb, where she was standing.
"Oh, I'm sorry. Did I keep you waiting?" He said with just a hint of sarcasm.
"This is your car," Cordelia stated in disbelief. She looked at the thing as though it might explode at any moment.
"Yes…..well no; technically it's my Uncle Rory's but it gets the job done," he said as Cordelia raised her eyebrows in disbelief and he got out of the car.
"I seriously doubt that."
"Cordy, How much stuff do you have?" Xander asked looking at the large amount of luggage surrounding her.
"Hey, I packed light, only the essentials."
"The essentials for what; a trip to the moon?"
"I moving to L.A. remember; I'm not coming back. You're just going on some stupid road trip. You'll be back in Sunnyhell soon enough besides unlike some people I care about my appearance."
"Remind me why I ever agreed to drive you to L.A." he said as he finished putting the last of Cordelia's bags in the trunk. When he was finished he looked at the overstuffed trunk trying to think of a solution, "maybe if we both push it'll fit."
"Okay, on the count of 3."
"Okay, one."
"Two."
"Three," they said in unison as the pushed slamming the trunk shut.
"Xander?"
"Yeah?" he said leaning on the trunk of the car and breathing heavy.
"Thanks for….everything," Cordelia said with a sincere smile.
He smiled back at her, "No problem. Come on lets get going."
"You know I thought I couldn't wait to leave but I'm gonna miss this place."
"Oh yeah, what with the hellmouth, the vampires, the demons, and the general everyday mayhem what's not to like?" he said sarcastically.
"You're right. Let's get out of here," she said as they both got in the car.
"Read my mind," he said as he drove off headed towards L.A.
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