Buffy came home to find boxes being packed and suitcases being filled – none of them hers. The sounds coming from the bedroom were a mixture of joy and sorrow and reminiscence. Buffy hesitated in the hallway for the perfect moment to intrude.

"I don't want to take that with me Wills," Dawn was filling one last box of photographs and trinkets as Willow put down the pink sweater that she was getting ready to wrap a snow globe in. "Sorry. That was harsh."

"No, I understand. You never really did like pink." Willow looked around the room with a melancholy glance. The things Dawn was leaving behind were all pink. They had all once belonged to Buffy. Willow understood the hurt her young friend was feeling, but she wasn't sure how to help it (not till they got to LA at least).

"Mom would be so pissed you know."

"DAWN!" Willow yelled in mock shock.

"What? She would be. How's Tara taking the whole you moving thing?" Dawn bit her lip. They hardly ever talked about Tara anymore, even though Dawn still had weekly visits with the other Wicca.

"She's moved on. We're rebuilding our friendship now and she still plans to see us every week in LA. It's just weird letting her go, you know?"

"You have to ask that?" Dawn giggled trying to lighten their mood. She tossed a blue roll pillow at Willow who smiled and tossed it back. Dawn's eye fell on a Christmas card that had slipped under her dresser. Dawn stopped Willow's teasing and leaned over the bed to grab it. "Do you remember when Dad sent this?"

Willow looked over her shoulder to read the card with her. The witch was certain she saw a single tear fall from the girl's eye.

Dear Dawnie,

I'm sorry to hear about everything that's been going on. With the loss of your mother and now this, all I can say is that you deserve more. You deserve more than I could ever give you. I would have been there for the funeral but you know how things are at work and well Marilyn has been bothering me for this vacation for a long time. I got letters from your Mr. Giles and Mr. Harris though as well as a visit from Mr. Angelus and Mr. Bradstreet. It seems you have all the family you need right now. As such, I've agreed to place your guardianship in their hands. Happy Holidays. Dad

He hadn't once said "I love you" or even that he really cared all that much about her mother or her sister. Dawn finally let the tears fall that had been gathering all those months. She knew that she'd likely see him again now that she was moving to LA, but Hank Summers would never be her father again. Rupert Giles was her father now. Dawn took that thought to heart as she wiped off the tears.

Buffy's hand was prepped to knock on Dawn's door just as Giles cleared his throat. Buffy spun on her heels to look at him. His face was a blank slate, offering no answers to the wrathful slayer.

"So, you wanna tell me what's going on? Or am I to just guess?" Buffy crossed her arms over her chest and leaned against the doorframe. Her eyes shot daggers.

"I should think it was apparent Buffy; we're leaving. Tonight." Giles spoke evenly showing little to no emotion that would let her know how he felt about the situation. He simply stared down at her prepared for whatever reaction she might choose to have.

"What? You can't. I won't allow it. I'll… I'll lock Dawn in and she'll be grounded for…" Giles cut her off.

"You'll do no such thing. Your father gave me custody after your mother's death last year. I've not really altered much in activities because there was no need before but now I see no choice but to take matters in my own hands. Dawn is coming with me. You need to sort yourself out Buffy before I place anyone else in your care." Giles cleared his throat once more and then stepped closer toward the door. "Now if you'll excuse me."

Giles pushed Buffy aside. He knocked on the door. "Girls, are there any boxes or bags you need me to move?"

A muffled voice came through. "No. We've got it!" Giles nodded though he knew the girls couldn't see and walked away. He went down the stairs to gather the things they'd left there for him. The moving van he'd rented was large enough to hold all their things and more.

"Have you thought about how you're going to explain everything to your new classmates?" Willow asked as she folded Dawn's quilt and baby blankets up to place in a waterproof bag.

"Yeah. I'm still a little confused on how to go about that. I mean. I'm telling everyone that Giles is my dad and Xan's my brother, but how do I explain my brother's two gay lovers who own and run a private investigation service that employs my best friend – also gay – my brother's ex-girlfriend, a girl who lived in an alternate dimension for 5 years, and her boyfriend – who happens to be a former gang member?" Dawn smiled softly. "It's gonna be complicated, you know."

"Yeah. But think how screwed up things would be if Wesley was there too?" Willow thought for a second about her own question. She wondered if anyone had even told Buffy that the rogue watcher would be taking over Giles' duties here in Sunnydale. It wasn't like they were leaving her completely alone. Buffy would have Tara and Anya and Wesley for help. She just wouldn't have the Scoobies anymore. Willow choked back a sob thinking about it. "Come on. Let's get these things out to the van before it gets too late.