Maximum Entropy

Buffy Summers: Slayer, student, mother.

Thanks for choosing to read "Maximum Entropy." If you have not read my story "Sunshine and Shadows," please go read it first. This story will make a lot more sense if you do.

Disclaimer: I am borrowing all recognizable characters. I just didn't tell Joss Wheedon or Mutant Enemy. Please don't stake me.

Flames will be used for vengeance spells.

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Buffy Summers knew every graveyard in Sunnydale by heart. It was one of the sadder results of spending most of her nights hunting and killing vampires. She rarely, however, visited them during the day, and she was having trouble holding back the tears.

Her fiancé, Angel, stood beside her, carrying their two-month-old daughter in his arms. With a somber expression, he laid a gentle hand on her shoulder. "I wish…" he began, and then grimaced. "I would have liked us to have gotten along better," he said softly. "I know he loved you, too."

Buffy nodded, not trusting herself to speak. She knelt and laid the bouquet of roses in front of the tombstone and traced a finger along the carved name.

ALEXANDER LEVILLE HARRIS

1981-2000

HE LIVED. HE LOVED. HE LAUGHED.

"I'm sorry," she whispered, tears trickling down her face. "I'm sorry I couldn't save you." She kissed her fingertips and pressed them to the cool stone. "Thank you for being there." Then she got to her feet, took Angel's outstretched hand, and began the walk home.