Major Mommy issues

"I don't know, Willow," said Buffy. "Ever since the thing with Faith, it seems like my mother has become another person."

"Surely it can't be that bad," said Willow.

"Yes, it is," said Buffy. "She seems to be changing every time I see her. And I don't know what to do about it. I mean, I know she misses me. But I got my own life now. I can't be her babysitter and yet that is beginning to look like the only solution."

"Perhaps I can talk to her," said Willow. "She's always liked me."

"I don't know," said Buffy. "I suppose it wouldn't hurt."

xxx

When they got to Buffy's house, Joyce was in the living room wearing a dress that was far shorter than the one she had worn earlier that day.

"Hello, Willow!" exclaimed Joyce. "You're just in time to witness me give Buffy the big news."

"What big news?" asked Buffy.

Joyce reached down and pulled her dress up over her head, immediately discarding it behind her back. Beneath her dress she was obviously naked.

Joyce smiled and said, "As of now, we are a clothing-optional household."

"Clothing-optional?" asked Buffy.

"Oh, who am I kidding?" asked Joyce. "I meant to say, pro-nudity household. From now on, all people who live here have to stop wearing clothes of any kind. Except maybe shoes. I like shoes. And of course, visitors like Willow are exempt because, well, they're visitors."

"Er, okay," said Buffy. "Then I guess I won't live here anymore."

"Oh, yes, you will," said Joyce. "Especially if you wish me to continue helping you with your tuition and your college expenses."

"But, Mom..." said Buffy.

"Don't 'but, Mom' me, young lady," said Joyce. "I let you slide by enough in the past and you almost got expelled from school as a result. Now that you're on the right path now, I expect you to obey me. Else I'm going to have a serious talk with your Mr. Giles."

"Do I have to undress right now?" asked Buffy. "In front of Willow?"

"Hey, I don't mind," said Willow.

"Willow!" exclaimed Buffy.

"No time like the present, Buffy," said Joyce.

"Okay," said Buffy.

And with that, she stepped out of her shoes, unzipped her dress, unhooked her bra and slid down her underpants until she was every bit as naked as her mother.

"Now hand me your clothes," said Joyce.

"Please tell me this is a temporary thing," said Buffy as she picked up her clothes and gave them to Joyce.

"It will last as long as I say it will," said Joyce. "And in the meantime, I expect you to obey me and stay naked. Because to do otherwise would be to disobey me and that... that would be naughty."