"She told Angel she's going to be coming in either today or tomorrow," Wesley said to Xander.
"I'm... I'm still not sure about this, you know? I just... I think it - " Xander fidgeted while he talked.
"It's a test," Wesley replied. "And she missed it before, due to not having a Watcher, but now that she is back on active duty..."
"I know," Xander sighed. "But I saw what it did to Buffy, and I don't know if she'll be able to handle it."
Wesley shrugged. "It's not for us to decide. The Council said it was time, it's time."
Xander was silent for a long moment.
"The Cruciamentum is an extremely important test for the Slayer to go through," Wesley reminded him. "It tests - "
"I know. I know I have to do this, but... with trust and..." Xander rubbed his eyes.
"If you can't," Wesley said gently. "I will do it for you. After all, you risk a friendship."
"No, I'll do it." Xander looked at the other man. "It has to be me."