Chapter 13

Dawn sat on the edge of the bed holding her sister's hand, "Buffy? Listen…I don't know if you can hear me but I just wanted to say…" Tears began their journey down her cheeks, "Thank you, for lots of things, being the slayer, being my sister, for saving me and protecting me all those times. Thanks Buffy, you were the best sister that a kid could have." She placed a soft kiss on her sister's hand before setting it down and leaving the room.

Whipping her tear stained cheeks; Dawn nodded to Faith, who entered the room next.

"Yo B. Don't really know what to say to a dead person but uh…I guess…Thanks for not giving up on me you know? Like even after that stuff that I did to you. I'm sorry we didn't have more time to become good buds and that sort of thing. Always was jealous about all the friends you've got, coulda had that too, guess that's my fault. Anyways, thanks Buffy, for being my friend." Faith only allowed herself to shed a single tear for the dead slayer, then she gave her a quick peck on the forehead and left.

Spike got up as Faith slid into the seat next to him, "Right, guess I'm up then." He carried the now awake William into the room and sat down in the chair next to the bed.

"There's your mum Will, 'member what I said right?"

William nodded, "Mommy go away?"

"And she won't be back for a while."

"When?"

"Not for a bit, now say goodbye to your Mum."

"Night Mommy." William turned to his father and smiled, "Good?"

"Very good, now it's my turn," Spike stood up and sat William down in the chair.

"That was William pet, our son. We've been gettin' on alright, bright boy, must've gotten it from you." He took an unnecessary breath," 'S not right you've got to go again, just go here, just got yourself a decent life. 'S not bloody Fair. I love you Buffy. Always have always will. Luv. " Spike whipped away a few tears and continued," I don't regret anything 'bout my unlife, especially fallin' in love with you, just sorry that I didn't go about it in the right way. Bollocksed our chance at being together. Not sayin' you were a saint but I could have done a few things differently m'self. Gonna miss you, lot worse than when you first died. Promise I won't let anyone disturb your peace this time. And I won't let William forget 'is Mum either. Goodbye Buffy."

Spike dropped back into his seat next to Faith and let out a breath, "So what's next then"

Angel shrugged, "think the amulet still has some work left but other than that...I don't know…we wait I guess for her to be reborn."

Giles shook his head, "No we can't wait, it will take weeks or months, or possibly many years before she arrives."

Dawn sighed, "I think…I think Giles is right, we continue our work, our lives. Go back to our jobs until she comes back. We have to live. That's what Buffy wanted for us…life."

Angel nodded, "You're right, I'll make arrangements for you all to be taken home tomorrow."

"What about a funeral?"

"There won't be anything to bury, except the amulet."

Fred took one last look at the Slayer that she'd only had the pleasure of meeting a few times, then covered her with the white sheet and turned off the light in the room.

Fred sighed as she closed the door to the room, she knew that later some one would have to go back inside to retrieve the amulet that would be resting under the sheets in the place of Buffy.