Title: Between Life and Death
Rating: R or M…depends on what system you want to go by.
Chapter: 2
Author: White Werewolf
Category: Xander/Georgia
Spoilers: Post "Chosen" in BTVS, post "Haunted" in DLM
Summery: During a mission from Giles, Xander has an unfortunate accident. But just how unfortunate is the question.
Disclaimer: Buffy: the Vampire Slayer is owned by Fox, UPN, Whedon, and ME. Dead Like Me used to be own by Showtime, now Sci-Fi airs it, so I really don't know who owns it anymore. Not me though. If I did, I'd put it back on the air in a heartbeat.
Author Notes:I know I promised a return of one of my older fics, but when I saw Dead Like Me on Sci-Fi I got intrigued. Bought the dvds, and was hooked. Now, I just want Sci-Fi to start airing new episodes if ratings are high enough.
With DLM, it's very used to having the main character speak in her point of view. So, if I want to focus on her as a main character, I thought this be a POV piece. Think A Hairy Situation, but with two characters, not one.
"Did you finish the inventory like I asked?"
My head immediately shot up and saw Delores Herbig looking down at me. Ah, Delores, she was actually the person who gave me that job when I was still alive. She assigned me downstairs to do some filing, took a lunch hour break.
And before you ask if it was a full hour, it wasn't.
Apparently some guys did some research, and they found out that lunch only requires 35 minutes, not a full hour. So, even though it is only 35 minutes, they still call it an hour.
Weird, I know. Go figure. Makes me wonder just how 'efficient' with their time they really were.
"Millie…"
I force a smile and look back at my boss. "I finished them a few minutes ago. E-mailed them to you."
She stated, "You could've just brought them over to me?"
I nodded slowly, "I know, Delores, but…you were so busy today, and I didn't want to bother you. So, I thought e-mailing it would be better."
Delores couldn't help but smile, "Always thinking of others, Millie. You could've brought it to me, I wouldn't mind. But your showing initiative, and that's always a wonderful thing."
I couldn't help but smile. No matter how annoying I think she might be or how strange, she always brings out the best in me. She gave my life as George a shot, and it didn't amount to anything. But when I came back as Millie, I was ready. I knew how I needed to act, and it worked.
I've been working at Happy Time for just about as long as I have been undead so far.
"Any plans tonight?"
Her question brought me to back to the conversation at hand. "Got an appointment later."
Delores looked at me, "Millie, it seems like you always have an appointment."
Fuck. I was wondering when she would bring this up again.
I said in my defense, "I know I've been skipping out at times…"
"When do you have to leave?" She asked.
"I actually worked it out. It's after work."
She couldn't help but smile, "Good. Because a scheduled person is a happy person."
I nodded slowly, "Right. I'm all with the happy."
And the truth was, I really was.
To make her feel even better I knew I should ask her about her cat, "How's Murray doing?"
Delores grinned, "Thank you for asking, Murray is doing fine. He got passed his kidney problems."
I smiled back, "Good."
My boss returned, "As much as I want to continue this conversation, Millie, I think we need to be even more busy beavers and finish our work soon."
She did not just say busy beaver, did she?"
"Sure thing, Delores. I'll just go back to my filing."
"Good. We'll talk later." Delores responded with and headed over to Crystal's desk next.
I rolled my eyes and turned back to my computer screen.
---
I smile at Giles' friend as I take the book off of the Amish man's hands. "Rupert wanted me to thank you for this book."
He grinned, "I'm more than happy to help, Alexander. I just wish Rupert could've been here too."
To tell you the truth, so did I. He would make this meeting less awkward for sure. And not to mention calling Giles Rupert, seems a little weird. But learned years ago when you want to show respect to your friends' friends, you might as well give that person the utmost respect, and that includes using their first name.
"He had a meeting with the council he couldn't get out of. He wanted me to tell you that, Mr. Jones."
He smiled at me, "Please, call me Ezekiel."
I had a hard time trying not to laugh. But years of trying to suppress my laughter really didn't work. So, I had to think of something else. Hmm. The trailer for Spider-Man 2 looked awesome.
"Alexander…"
My name caused me turn back to him, "Sorry. Well, I'll make sure that Rupert gets this book. I actually have to head back to London tomorrow afternoon."
Ezekiel nodded, "Then you better get going, Alexander."
I returned with a nod and headed for the door, "Oh, and if you don't mind, can you please call me Xander. All my friends do."
The Amish guy nodded, "Sure thing Xander. I look forward to our next meeting."
I smile back, "So do I."
He opened the door and I left
---
6:18.
I sigh when I realize what that meant.
Only 3 more minutes until my next reap. I look around for any sign of someone with the name A. L. Harris. I was in the right location.
It was a hotel wing of the Holiday Inn Room number 69. A69.
My eyes roll as I realize the joke just waiting for someone to make with that number. I look at the door and wonder if I should get to know the person. Hell, it might not even be this person.
Shaking my head, I had to get this over with. Raising my hand, I looked at the post-it. Right time. Right location. ETD was right. Estimated time of death. I still hate that abbreviation. I hate this part of the job. I never like taking peoples' souls, especially when the person is a young girl like Kristi had t die. She was too young, but as Rube said. She had to die. Or else the soul was going to rot.
Remembering that factor, I knew this had to be done. Re-raising my hand. I knock on the door.
It suddenly opens and a tall looking man answered. He had dark hair, and I was shocked to see him with only one eye. I wonder what happened. Not to mention he looked strongly built.
"Can I help you?"
For some reason I couldn't talk.
Dammit.
My throat went die.
"You okay?" He asked me with a grin.
I immediately forced myself to swallow. Without hesitation, I said, "Yeah, I'm fine."
He grinned. "Good. Last we want is someone who was mute, or even catatonic."
I couldn't help but chuckle a little. I raised my post-it again. "Are you A. L. Harris?"
His eye lowered down at me, "Who wants to know?"
Think. "Uh…my name is Millie. I'm here to bring you a package." I glance further into the room and spot a graveling.
Shit.
This had to be the guy.
He asked, "Where's the package then?"
His question brought me back to reality. I sigh, "I lost it."
"You lost my package."
I shook my head. Fuck. Why was this so hard? I usually could bull shit like the best of them.
"I think you better leave."
This guy started to close his door in my face. I couldn't lose this reap. I so do not want a graveling attacking me again.
"No. Wait."
He opened the door, "Why?"
I sigh. "My name isn't Millie. It's George. All I need to know is if your name is A. L. Harris."
"Why does my name matter?"
I shrugged, "It would be nice to know who I'm talking to."
He sighed, "Well…"
I look at my post-it again. And then at my watch. It was now 6:23."
I needed to get this guy, and I need to now.
With a sigh I know what I have to do. Seeing the graveling, it made my target even more proven true. But, I couldn't be wrong. Looking at the room, I spotted a ticket on the counter next to him. Moving my head closer, I read the name…
Alexander L. Harris.
Fuck.
Well, this was the guy.
"What are you doing?"
I shake my head and graze my hand down his arm. "Sorry to bother you." I then turn around and leave, waiting for the inevitable.
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TBC