aadler | “Final Respects” [BtVS/A:tS drabble]

Final Respects
Copyright August 2025

Setting: Angel, Season 5
Spoiler(s): “Not Fade Away” (Angel S5-22)

“I never knew her,” Anne admits, studying the simple headstone.

“Not sure I really did, myself.” Gunn’s eyes are on the inscription, but focused elsewhere. “Anytime you thought you had her pegged, she’d surprise you all over again. But, damn, you always paid attention.” He shakes his head. “Couldn’t afford not to.”

After a day helping at the shelter, Charles brought her here. Anne didn’t ask, but wondered.

“I wanted you to see,” he finally says. “So somebody would still remember.”

Not knowing why, she’s alarmed. “Charles?”

“Let’s go,” he says, and the distance between them now is somehow … infinite.

– end –

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