A/N The only military funeral I have attended was for my grandfather and was too young to remember. So I gathered this information from a few sources and used the common details. If I get any of it wrong I apologize. Thank you for your understanding.

Chapter 14: Saying Goodbye

That night William found himself wondering the house every room filled with a memory of Riley. He finally came upon Riley's bedroom. Opening the door he walked in. The room was the same as it always was. But it was different too. Knowing that Riley would never again sit at the desk or lay on the bed. Never listen to the radio or look out the window.

William sat cross-legged on the floor. He remembered when he was younger spending nights sleeping in a sleeping bag on this floor. When he got older he would stay in one of the house's two guest rooms that eventually was designated as his when he stayed over. But those younger years he spent right here on this floor. Staying up late talking and joking with his best friend.

William looked up at the bed. He could almost imagine a young Riley sitting on the bed talking when they were supposed to be sleeping. Tears fogged William's vision. It wasn't right. Of all people Riley loved life and spent his living it to the most. He wasn't reckless or anything but he put his all in to everything he did. He took pride in family and friends and was always truly there for everyone in his life.

William brought his knees up to his chest as he dropped his head and let the tears flow. He didn't even hear her enter not knowing she was there until her arms slid around him holding him tight. "I miss him too." Buffy whispered. William just nodded unable to speak. Thinking if he tried he would just break down all together. And right now he needed to be strong for Buffy and her family. Just like Riley would have been.

The funeral was to be military. William traveled with the family. Although his parents managed to show up for the funeral he felt his place was with the Summer's. High school and college friends where there with their families. Cousins, aunts and uncles also where all around. But there seemed to be an invisible bubble around Joyce, Hank, Buffy and William. The foursome staying close together drawing strength from each other. They all held together through the speeches and the sermon.

Then seven solders with riffles fired off shots three times. With each shot Buffy and her mother seemed to flinch. Causing Hank and William to hold them tight. Then as the band played 'Taps' the flag was ceremonially folded. Then the flag was presented to Buffy's mother. At this time none of the four could hold back the tears, but Hank and William allowed theirs to fall silently with stony faces as they held on to the sobbing women at their sides.

The gathering at the Summer's home afterwards was quiet. With the occasional comforting murmur and quiet sobs. The young children were sent out back to play unaware of the heavy hearts inside. Food was placed out but not much was touched. Eventually slowly people started to leave with promises of getting together again soon. Till once again it was just them, Buffy, William, Joyce and Hank.

After helping to clean up and put away the barely touched food. Joyce decided to go to bed and was fallowed by Hank. Leaving Buffy and William to sit alone in the family room. After a long stretch of silence they both decided it was time to sleep. Just before she went in to her room Buffy turned to William, "Nothing will ever be the same will it?" William sadly shook his head and they both retired to their separate rooms.

A few weeks later things around the Summer house where getting a bit easier. There was still a sense of sadness and loss but they were starting to be able to slowly move forward with their lives. Buffy was talking about returning to school even if she did take her classes back up right away. William had to return to work soon. He had responsibilities that couldn't wait too much longer.

This particular morning Buffy decided to rise early to help her mom with breakfast. Which they were in the middle of doing, when her mom brought up a subject she'd been wondering about for a while now. "So, what are you and William?"

Buffy looked a bit startled, "What do you mean?"

Joyce gave her daughter a look that said she wasn't nobody's fool. "You two have been getting a lot closer over the last few years and lately after the memory thing you've been by his side like your afraid he might disappear." Before Buffy could deny it Joyce held up a hand. "I know it's more then Riley's passing. I see a lot more then you or your brother." Joyce voiced hitched at the word brother. Taking a deep cleansing breath, she pushed onward, "You or your brother gave me credit for."

Buffy chewed her lip. Meanwhile an awake and dressed William made his way down stairs. He was just outside the kitchen when Buffy spoke, "I don't know mom. I liked him, but it wasn't until he was gone I realized I loved him. He was what I have been looking for."

William backed away from the kitchen. Who was she talking about? No, she couldn't mean Spike. He closed his eyes and remembered the last thing he witnessed when Spike was in his body. Her calling for Spike as they'd kissed. William back away towards the front door. He couldn't deal with this, not now. Pulling his car keys from his pocket he slipped out the front door.

He'd been driving with no direction trying to loose the thoughts in his head. He didn't see the speeding car weaving in and out of the lanes till it clipped the back of his car causing him to fish tail. As he tried to gain control of the car, it seemed he had two options hit the car next to him or slam in to the divider. As time seemed to slow he seen the kid in the other car causing him to jerk the wheel to pull the car away sliding him into the center divider. Closing his eyes the last sound he heard was metal twisting and glass breaking.