7:00 PM

Things were just getting settled at Giles' House. Buffy, Willow, Anya, and Kalani were in the kitchen getting ice cream for everyone; Giles lit a fire in the fireplace and then curled up in his arm chair with Nicky and Alex on either side of him. Emily lay securely in Cordelia's lap, not wanting to leave the little comfort bubble she was in. Cordelia scratched her neck and kicked her comforter off of the sofa, getting all the heat she needed from Emily who clung to her tightly. Oz sat next to Xander on the floor where he held Dawn close to him. Xander did the same with Rose, never wanting to let her go. Once Willow, Anya, and Buffy came back into the living room and gave everyone a bowl of ice cream, silence over took all of them. The crackle and warmth from the fire was just enough to put everyone into a sleepy sort of trance. They all sat quietly for a while until the silence was broken by a knock on the door. Buffy got up and answered it. There, outside, standing in the middle of the pouring rain at Giles doorstep was Drusilla and Angel.

Buffy stood there in the doorway for a long while, her eyes never leaving Angel's. She wanted to let them in but it was out of her hands.

"Giles," Buffy finally whispered. Giles was quickly at her side. Once he saw the two vampires standing there, he took off his glasses and cleaned them, something he often did not because he couldn't see but because he couldn't believe what he was seeing. After he put his glasses back on he sighed.

"I invite you in. Drusilla, Angel." Buffy and Giles cleared a path for them and they entered. Rose recognized Angel immediately and tightened her grip on Xander, who she realized was tense. But it took her a little while but finally, she recognized Drusilla.

"Mom?" Rose asked, tears beginning to fall down her face.

"It's me Prissy," Drusilla went to her. Rose jumped to her feet and ran at her mother. Just as she was close enough to touch her, a mob of what looked like swaddling yellow orbs didn't allow her. It pushed her back and she went tumbling into Xander. She jumped back up and tried to get to Drusilla again, tears falling from her face. When the same thing happened she cried out angrily in frustration.

"Why can't I touch her?" Rose screamed, sobbing on the floor.

"Buffy! Why can't I touch her!" she screamed.

"Wait a minute!" Nicky jumped to his feet and went to Drusilla. He grabbed her hand and held it for a little while then felt the velvet on the side of her maroon dress. Alex immediately knew what his brother was doing then went up to Emily and grabbed her hand. Nicky slowly backed away from Drusilla and Rose ran at her again. This time the orbs didn't return.

"Mommy," Rose cried and cried into Drusilla's chest as she held her tightly.

"It's alright Prissy. Mummy's here now," Drusilla soothed and smiled down at Nicky who hugged her waist. Nicky let go and Buffy beckoned him over. She got down at his height.

"How did you...?"

"Silla told Alex and I the other night. Their paths were crossing," Nicky said hugging Buffy around the neck.

"Whose paths?" she whispered feeling his sticky fingers play with her hair.

"Emily and Rose's. Both of their energy was directed towards Silla and Silla's energy was directed towards both of them. When Alex grabbed Emily's hand and I grabbed Silla's...,"

"Then their energy was diverted," Buffy finished.

"Zactly," Nicky giggled as Buffy tickled his belly.

"You and your brother never fail to impress me, big guy," Buffy kissed Nicky on the cheek.

"Ewwww! Cooties," he cried. Buffy smiled and looked toward Drusilla and Rose who were still entwined together. Rose sniffled quietly as Drusilla stroked her hair. Angel stood off in the corner, by the door, eyeing Giles every so often. Buffy smiled and stealthily slipped her arm around his waist and diverted her energy towards the one she loved.