"Mom," Jessica said as she walked through the door. She was late, but she'd promised Uncle Spike and Aunt Willow that she'd walk Anne and Violet home. Besides, her mom was the coolest when it came to being out at all hours of the night; she usually was herself.

"Hey midget," came an unwanted voice from the kitchen.

"Max, I thought you weren't coming in till Saturday." Jess stated as she walked into the kitchen. "What, did Mandy finally kicked you out because she realized she's too good for you?"

"She'll be here tomorrow. I just wanted to spend more time with my two favorite girls. But Faith left after telling me you were at the Bronze, so I made a sandwich. What's been happening in Sunnydale?"

"Oh you know vampires, love triangles, spells gone wonky. Same old, same old. Oh and since you're here you can drive me and my friends to the beach tomorrow, you might as well be of some use."

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

"Brian, wait up." Beth called running after him.

"Beth, I just really need to be alone right now."

"Why? To stew in the juices that your niece is growing up? No. I know I haven't been a Scooby for very long, but I do know that you can't stop a girl from growing up. She's going to date, she's going to kiss, and eventually sex will be involved. At least she's not trying to do it behind your back. You never got this upset about Violet and Jess. So why all the drama over Anne? If I didn't know any better I'd think you wanted her all to yourself."

Brian tenderly kisses her. "You know that's not true. I loved my brother and I just feel like he would have wanted me to look after her."

"Help her, but don't try to shelter her. She needs her space. She's just moved here and I think having someone outside the family to confide in will be good for her. Isn't that why you chose me?"

"Have I told you how much I love you?"

"I dimly recall." She smiled snuggling into his arms.

"Dimly? Well then let me remind you."