Title: Until the End

Author: DollarBill

Disclaimer: I've decided I actually own Wesley. As no self-appreciating owner would EVER kill him off. In my world Wesley is alive, with Lilah… and, um, happy.

Spoilers: Major spoilers for "Power Play" and "Not Fade Away."

A/N: So when I heard about the spoilers for "Not Fade Away" I had a mild breakdown. Sure, they could end it on a cliff-hanger, there could be no Buffy appearance, Lindsey dying was all well and good, but Wesley? WHY? WHY? Why would someone do that to my Wesley??? So, the night before "Not Fade Away" aired, I wrote this. It's a short INeedTherapyFic.

Synopsis: It's the night before the end. Someone comes to try and talk Wesley out of it.

Dedication: To Wesley Whyndhem-Pryce, the best character ever created. I love you, Wesley. May you finally rest in peace!

"Are you sure about this?"

Wesley doesn't turn around. "I'm sure."

She snorts, though her face is void of amusement. "This is suicide."

"I know."

"Wes, I'm not quite sure you understand this. What you're doing… you can't win. And you're going to pay for it. Remember Lindsey and the heart-ripping out dimension? Yeah, walk in the park when they get done with you."

Wesley straps a knife to his left leg. He turns around, the slight movement of his jaw the only indication of uneasiness. "I know what I'm getting into.

"You really, really don't."

"Why do you care, anyway?" Wesley demands, hints of frustration creeping into his voice.

"Because," she snaps, "I don't want the next time I see you to be in hell."

He finally looks at her, really looks at her, and drops some of his tough attitude. "You may be right. We may be doing something incredibly stupid. We're willing to sacrifice warriors from the side of good… to make a point."

"A moot point."

Wesley meets her gaze. "Perhaps," he turns his back again and begins strapping a stake to his other leg. "But this is right. This is the first time anything has felt truly right."

"Well, that's just dandy. So committing suicide is okay… just as long as it 'feels right.'"

Wesley sighs, picking up a crossbow. "I know you have little experience with the emotion, but the side of right is a powerful incentive."

"Wesley. You are going to die," her voice takes on a softer, pleading tone.

"Most likely," he replies nonchalantly. "What I don't understand, however, is why you're going to so much trouble to try and stop me."

"Because I care," she says simply. "And I'm not working for them, if that's what you mean. 15 odd years as a cold, bitch lawyer and I fell in love with you. I won't sit and burn quietly while you gallantly trot off to really fuck things up."

Wesley sets down the crossbow. He crosses to the window, peering out at it thoughtfully. "I'm petrified, really. But it's time. Angel's sure about this. And… the last few times I didn't put my trust in him," Wesley pauses. "It went badly."

Lilah comes to stand beside him. "You're throwing you're life away for Angel?"

"No… it's more than that. Less than that," he glances at her. "I'm doing this for you, for Cordy… for Fred. I won't stand here and let them take each and ever person I've ever loved until there's nothing left. Lorne, Gunn, Angel… they're the only ones I have left. If they go down, so do I."

"That's very noble of you, Wes." Lilah rests a hand on his arm, and adds softly, "Fight until the end."

Wesley finds her hand, grips it. "Until the end."

END