It was quite a somber affair, everyone was still reeling from their losses. Somehow Xander thought it would make them feel better but without them there it felt like there was a hole that would never be filled.

A few words at City Hall and Anya could add Harris to the end of her long made up name. God , she was so beautiful and a bit happiness shone through all that misery. The car was already decorated … and packed. All of their belongings in the world were held in their backseat and the U-Haul trailer. His parents weren't there but the man who was more a father then a father grasped his hand in a sturdy English handshake and a look that said keep a stiff upper lip.

He nodded and smiled. All of them were a little misty but everyone needed this break in the sadness before one more thing drew them apart. Anya was bawling as she hugged Tara and Dawn. They spent forever saying their goodbyes.

It was getting near dusk as they finally pulled away from the pack and started towards the car. Xander was a bit taken back to see Spike leaned up against the car holding a hastily wrapped bottle in his hand.

"It the good stuff, Harris. Pinched it off Willy's very top shelf." He said as he handed the bottle off, "Of course, I still hate you, more of a celebration that you are leaving". Xander smiled a half smile as he took the bottle "You are nowhere near the top of my list either, Bleach boy" He grinned and then his face softened "But I'm still trusting you to take care of our girls.." and with that he reached out his hand.

Spike was a bit taken back by this but quickly regained his cocky sneer "Of course, you git. Made a promise I intend to keep." Xander patted his shoulder and opened the door for Anya , who could barely pull herself together to move. Spike made his way over to Tara and the Bit and wrapped an arm around each as Giles polished his glasses trying to mask the tears.

Giles concealed his shaking hands as Anya and Xander drove away. He was happy when Xander announced that he had found work in some Midwest town he couldn't revcall the name of. The boy and Anya would have a quiet life for once in the many years he had known them. Perhaps a few children and a white picket fence in their bright future.

But a part of him felt hollow and wept at this final loss. The Hellmouth had now swallowed all of his original adopted children. His daughters washed away in a sea of blood on that tower not that long ago. Now his son, so swept up in that loss and aloft in misery, running to escape the anger and hate they all had for this evil evil town.