Crazy Girl

Disclaimer: Jossworld belongs to Joss Whedon and ME.

Beta: Keith

Pairing: Xander/Anya

Time-Frame: Chosen, before the Dungeons and Dragons scene.

Kitchen, late in the evening

"You and Andrew get along very well, aren't you?" Xander asked.

"Yes, he annoys me," Anya confirmed. "Just like you do," she added.

Xander smiled. "You think you're ready for the battle?"

"Yes! Yes! I'm going to kill things. Lots of things!" Her eyes filled themselves with vengeance. "I'm going to imagine they are bunnies and kill them all."

"A bunny massacre party?" he asked.

"Yes! And everybody is invited."

"That's the spirit!" He paused a beat and grinned proudly. "That's my Anya."

She nodded as she still beamed. "Yes. And I'm not going to die anyway. I'm not a member of the cannon fodder."

"You're definitely not, honey."

"So, you don't mind if I pair up with Dawn?" he asked, carefully, "Y'know Buffy is gonna ask-"

"Demand!" Anya corrected. "Yes, I know. But little monkey and me will kill all the nasties as brave loyal warriors. Right?" Xander stopped smiling and she noticed it. "What is it?" she asked.

"Anya, when I was laying in that hospital bed. I-I just realized something. You are right."

"Of course I'm right!" She frowned. "Why am I right?"

He looked down. "About how short life is. I mean, I'm not sure if I'll make it today."

Anya didn't miss the 'doomed to failure' tone in his voice. "Of course you will. That's why you're with Dawnie." She smiled. "She'll help you through the fight. She's actually very good, y'know."

"I know." He looked up again, pride flickering in his eye. "She's extraordinary."

"Good," she responded, but he was looking down again. "That's why I asked Buffy to send you away," she blurted.

He snapped up and stared at her, his eye wide. She nodded firmly. "Yes. I did. I want you to survive this, Xander." Xander was flabbergasted. He blinked a couple of times and then tried to react. But nothing but splutter was the result. "What's the problem with you? You didn't even correct me for the girls being cannon fodder. They will die in terror, y'know that."

"It's . . ." He looked up. "Anya, I love you."

"I know."

Xander shook his head. He stared at her his eye and his tone 'Into the Woods' serious as he spoke. "No, I mean I really love you. I want to die with you."

Anya smiled romantically and nodded. "You promised me."

Xander hoped that she would show at least a little surprise. At least her tone was gentle and sweet instead of sarcastic. But, then again what could he expect? It was the hardest thing to do after what he had done to her. But, he had too, 'cause he knew he had a chance. He knew her. He knew her like no one else and he loved her for that. "I-"He swallowed and stared at her with his one eye wide. "If we get through this, would you want to marry me?"

Anya was speechless.

Xander smiled. This was obviously the last thing she had expected. "I guess this is a yes?"

She responded by a placing a firm kiss on his lips. She parted and nodded. "Yes. Yes." Her smile faded away. "But, Buffy sliced the preacher?"

Xander took her in an embrace and held her tightly as he stroked her hair. For as long the moment lasted, it was the happiest moment in his life and he knew for a certainty that she felt the same. "That's my crazy girl."