Buffy filled her time productively while Methos was away.
The girls attended school during the day, then came to the dojo for Mac's study group afterwards. Richie would come to harass Mac and help "the girrrls" with homework.
They then would pull out books on vampires, portents and omens or something on demons and study some more. After that the time was set aside for sparring or weapons fighting. The girls became more proficient at using staff weapons and swords and Mac was filled with pride.
In the evenings they would eat together and the girls would say how glad that school was almost out. They would harass Richie about his girlfriend and he would tease them about the boys at school or their latest test scores. It was like a big rowdy family and everyone was happy.
As a reward for their progress and good grades Mac and Buffy took patrols on Thursday night.
Duncan walked quietly beside Buffy as they entered the graveyard.
"Did you hear from Adam?" he asked casually and Buffy nodded, "He called from London, he should be back tomorrow afternoon." Buffy glanced around then held up her hand for them to stop. She listened then ran past Duncan, did an impressive aerial flip and landed on a vamp. She smiled, "Hi!" and staked it.
"How do ye do that?" He asked for perhaps the hundredth time and Buffy threw an arm around him for a quick hug. "Training, and cheerleading. An unbeatable combo."
Then they were attacked in earnest. Duncan used his sword to deadly effect and Buffy staked quite a few vamps until the remaining ones wised up and ran.
Hands on her hips Buffy gave a disgusted snort, "I really don't know what today's vampires are coming to." And suddenly she clapped her hand over her mouth, eyes wide.
"What is it?" Mac asked, looking for a new danger.
"Aack! I just channeled my Mom!"
"What?" he asked, not understanding.
"I said something that sounded exactly like my Mother."
"Oh, now I understand. Dinna worry, it gets worse." He chuckled at her dramatic groan.
"Couldn't you just lie like a good friend?"
