Considering the capacity of the house, Buffy was surprised when she awoke for work and made her way downstairs to find the kitchen empty. Since the potentials had begun descending on the Summers Residence, she hadn’t one day when she could have breakfast in near silence.

Polishing off a large bowl of cereal and two slices of toast, she dropped her dishes in the sink and drank the last of her orange juice.

Giles appeared in the doorway and smiled as he watched her going about her morning routine.

“Good morning Buffy!” He greeted her cheerfully as he crossed to the kettle and began preparing his morning cup of tea.

“Oh hey Giles!” she smiled warmly. “I’d love to stop and chat but I gotta get to work.” she apologised as she reached for her bag. “I’m going to stop by the hospital and check on Kennedy on my way back. Can you make sure the potentials go through their work out please?” she asked as she jogged towards the door.

As Buffy slammed the door loudly, Giles sighed and shook his head, “I really should learn to get everything I want to say out in the first sentence.” he said as he turned and poured the boiling water into a large china cup and stirred the steaming beverage carefully.

Rona, Molly, Vi and Amanda were all up next; they had picked the room nearest the stairs and were getting along well as roommates.

“Morning Mr. Giles!” Amanda greeted the older man politely as she entered the kitchen and began making pancakes.

“Good morning ladies.” he nodded and made a hasty retreat back to his new room.

“Morning Giles!” Willow chirped as he reached the first landing.

He jumped slightly as Willow spoke. “Oh good morning Willow!” he said, turning to smile at the redhead.

“Potentials taking over the kitchen then!?” she giggled. Nodding sheepishly, Giles smiled and returned to his room, closing the door, and most of the noise from downstairs out.

Willow stood on the landing, looking between the flights of stairs. She knew that she should go downstairs and start the usual morning ritual of making breakfast and then heaving the late risers out of bed. Looking towards the stairs, she turned to her left and climbed up to the top floor and then into the small attic space.