A/N – Based off of Cole Swindell's "You Should Be Here"
It had been a year now since they had last seen each other. Everyone had gone their separate ways and this was the first time they were all able to see each other. Occasionally a few would get together, but this time the whole gang was back.
Xander couldn't remember the last time they had all looked so happy and carefree. He watched as Willow and Dawn ran around on the beach playing tag. Giles looked so out of place sitting in his chair. Xander shook his head at the watcher's wardrobe and thought about how he needed to take Giles shopping. Things sure had changed in the past year. Willow and Oz found each other again and Faith had came back into the group. Xander opened up his beer as he watched Faith join in the game of tag and Oz came over with some more beer. Seeing Anya sitting and talking Giles ear off was always a welcomed sight. As good as it felt to have his friends here he knew it didn't feel right. He figured it would never feel right without her here. Shaking his head he realized that this was a moment she would love. She should be here.
Willow watched as Oz and Xander tried putting together a bonfire. Something that should be easy to do was apparently quite complicated for them. Trying not to laugh at them she went and took a seat next to Anya. Now that it was dark they had Angel, Spike, and Cordelia come and join them. It was hard to describe the feeling that she had as she watched everyone converse. As nice and happy as it was, it just never would be as great as it should be.
Giles smiled as he observed the people he thought of as his children of sorts. He loved them all and any time when he could see them brought joy to him. He watched as they laughed, smiled, sang horribly to music that shouldn't be considered music, and it still made him sad. He could picture if she was here she'd be running around taking photos of everyone. Not wanting to miss this opportunity to take as many as possible. She loved capturing memories. He missed her all the time. It never got easier. He knew she was in a better place, but it didn't change the fact that she should be here.
Angel just observed. Having everyone there together would have been her dream. She would have loved seeing this happen. He missed her. A part of him was gone and there was no way of it coming back. She was somewhere unattainable for him. If he could do anything to have her even for a few minutes he would do whatever was needed. It had been a whole year since she'd passed. After her death, no one was able to be around each other long without it hurting too much. He knew they had honored Buffy's memory in the best way today. Living their lives, being able to smile and laugh, more importantly for some of them being able to find love after sorrow. He knew he'd never find another love like her. He was okay with that though. He saw her in all of these people he was surrounded by. He knew no matter where he was there was a part of her out there and it gave him that strength he needed to get through.
"To Buffy! As selfish as we want to be and have you here with us, we understand you are in a better place. Thank you for always watching over us. One day we will be reunited. She saved the world. A lot. To a daughter, a sister, a best friend, and to a soul mate", Angel said as he toasted her memory. Everyone drank , as he held Dawn as she tried not to cry. After a few stories were told everyone started to pack up and leave for all the separate lives they now had. It was true she is what held them together. As they all left they had the same thought, 'You should be here'. Forever gone, but never forgotten.