The next day, Xander headed to Oxnard, to meet Leo at the Y. After the boxing lesson was complete, Xander asked if they could talk as he had a few things he needed to discuss. Once they were settled on a park bench, he brought Leo up to date on everything that had occurred that week.

"Having the other Slayer brought in is a good idea. And you're not betraying your friendship with Buffy by being friends with her. There's no law that says you can't be friends with more then one person. As for cleansing, any cleanse involving a natural hot spring will do. But I would also suggest meditation. Whitelighters learn how during our training. Being emotionally centered and connected to the Earth is vital to us. But don't do either in the vicinity of the Hellmouth. You'll literally open yourself up to it."

"Yeah, definitely want to avoid that. After talking to Cordy and the others, I'm taking you up on your offer to learn carpentry and move to San Francisco once we graduate. Cordy's going to be going so she can learn from the Halliwell's. We don't intend to end our relationship. I think I may be falling in love with her, Leo. She's always been a part of my life. We were friends when we were kids, then she seemed to get shallow and bitchy and not in a fun way. But since we found out about the supernatural being real, I've been seeing more and more of the person she was before popularity became so important. At the very least, I want her in my life."

"Understandable, I've seen how close the two of you are. She would not have asked you to help and support her in investigating her mother's secret if she didn't trust you, if you weren't important to her. Don't rush things, though. And talk to each other. That's a hard learned lesson from me to you."

"You're right. Thanks for listening, Leo."

"I could say, it's just my job. But very few whitelighters are just our job. I find it admirable that you're so determined to help people, regardless of ability. You're doing an excellent job, and it's not just me telling you that. The Elders have seen it too. You've been leading your group this summer and using that military knowledge in your head has been useful. And if not used, it will fade away. "

"I was afraid of that. I better get going, you can show me how to meditate next week. I'll talk to Giles about a hot springs cleanse. Thanks for everything, Leo."

"Call my name if you have an emergency. I may not be able to stand being near the Hellmouth for long, but I can short term."

After agreeing, Xander returned to Sunnydale and headed for Cordelia's so they could talk.

"So I called Prue and filled her in. They're relieved that we were able to help Willow. They've been researching the Hellmouth now that they know about it and its affects and are worried about us. They do have several different kinds of cleanses they can do, but each involve using their Magic. They want us to come for a visit for Thanksgiving and they can do them then. I talked to Daddy about it, minus the Magic and everything. He's okay with me getting to know my mother's family, even though he doesn't understand why she never talked about them and worries that, that means something bad."

"I'm pretty sure she never talked about them because everything is tied up in Magic. Every conversation would relate to it and she didn't want him to know about Magic. Why? I don't know, maybe she thought he couldn't handle it or was afraid he'd turn on her or since she grew up having to keep it a secret from friends, was just used to it. Unless you can ask her yourself, you may never know for sure."

"True. I might ask Prue about that. She did say they could summon their spirits. Maybe they can do that for me when we're there visiting. I don't remember my mother, Xander. She died when I was three. If I could get to know her, I would love that."

"Then we'll ask them. I'm sure she's worth knowing. She went a long way in her efforts to protect both your father and you. You don't do that if you don't love someone."

"You're right. I've missed her all my life."

"I know that feeling. I don't just mean because I miss Jesse. I miss having parents that actually care. Sometimes, I wonder why they even had me. It's not like they even talk to me. Growing up, Willow and Jesse were my family."

"You've never told me that before. Why now?"

"Because Leo said talking to each other is important. That it's a lesson that he learned the hard way. You showed your trust in me by asking me to help you find your mother's family. I'm showing my trust in you."

Cordelia smiled and leaned against him. "You didn't let me down and I'm not going to let you down either. I understand why Willow matters to you, she really is the sister of your heart."

"Yeah, she is, just like Jesse was my brother. He shared his home and parents with me when things were really bad with Tony. He never asked questions, just let me in. And I'll always be grateful to him for that."

"He was very annoying and over the top with his crush. But I can forgive him because he was there for you. Besides, he had the good taste to like me. So do you."

"I really do, Cordy. I really do."