All disclaimers can be found in the header of the first chapter.
When you're young there is a bittersweet irony of summer's ability to fly right by. For Mackenzie, the magic of summer quickly fades with the immediate reality of packing and preparing for the move – a far more lengthy and emotional experience than she had anticipated or wanted to admit. Placing items into another box, Mackenzie feels an unnatural division between various life experiences – various memories to be shipped off to a new unfamiliar location. Nay, she muses. A new place, a wonderful blank page in which to create new memories. New experiences with new people in new places- at least that was the logic that she wished to apply. Sitting on the floor in the middle of her room, surrounded by boxes while deciding whether or not she truly needed everything.
With the last of the boxes carefully labelled and on their way out of the room, Mackenzie takes a long last moment to scan the room to ensure that she leaves nothing behind in what had been her sanctuary. Smiling, she recalls her bedroom as the one place she ran to whenever things got a little too hard – the only place she could feel that her thoughts were truly safe, contained and undiscoverable by others. Wow, she muses, this is it! Standing, she takes in the quiet, now empty space. I'm really going to miss this room, she smiles to herself as she takes a final breath before turning on her heel and closing the door to her Seacouver memories.
"Kenzie, you'll be absolutely fine. I have all of the confidence in you and your ability." Jason says with a wink and opens his arms for the last affectionate brotherly hug. "I will miss you; however, I'm taking over your room."
"In my worst nightmares!" she says playfully, elbowing him in the ribs.
"That's my sister!" he walks her downstairs. "Sorry that I can't join you guys and help you get settled in your new place. I'm sure Duncan and Joe will be able to handle it with mom and dad." She nods in agreement and takes one last breath of all familiar to her, and heads towards the door. "This isn't goodbye, you know?"
"Yeah, I know. It's the 'I'll see you soon'.'" She opens the door and prepares herself to take her first real step into the 'real world'—the world that lay beyond the safety of her parents, of Duncan and even her uncle.
Her parents patiently wait for her to emerge from the house, knowing like with everything not to rush her. When she finally emerges, they smile warmly and beckon her towards her SUV. It will be a bit of a drive and she's rather surprised that they want to actually drive her there, leave her car and return home by train—she quickly decides that it's only because they want to be sure that she gets properly settled in before school starts. Whoa, school starting, she stares out the window and watches as the familiar scenery of Seacouver passes by in a blur. In response, Mackenzie closes her eyes and allows her head to rest against the window – Far too excited to sleep the previous night and getting in as much mother-daughter time, they sat up late talking and eating junk food.
They arrive in Roseburg Oregon and Mackenzie's father pulls into a small diner for a late lunch stop and gas the SUV. Shrugging out of her seatbelt, Makenzie opens the door, careful so as not to fall out after sitting for so long. Once on solid ground, she watches as her father drives to the gas pump before following her mother towards the diner to wait for Joe and Duncan to catch up.
"Mom, are you sure about all of this?" she suddenly feels as though she has officially come to her senses. "I sure as heck don't feel like it." She adds with a sigh as she crosses her arms loosely across her chest.
"Honey, no matter what, we all have to take steps forward that force us to grow up a little more."
"Why does everyone have so much confidence in me? I mean, I hardly have any in myself."
"Remember you are an intelligent, bright, spirited young woman, who can and will do whatever she sets her mind to. Look at what you've already accomplished." She pauses for a moment in thought. "Oh, I know that they are a world away, Maxi— but they sure know that you're one to watch!" referring to the Watchers Council sitting in Paris France. Her mother drapes an arm around her. "Come on honey, shoulders square, your usual charming smile and your wicked sense of humour will get you through anything. Just think. It already has."
"Thanks, mom, but seriously. Can I please come home? I'll go to Seacouver U or somewhere, anywhere but not this far away. I didn't realise just how far away Sunnydale actually is from home."
"I don't usually like pushing my children out of the nest, but in your case, you were born ready to fly." Mackenzie tilts her head just as her father joins them. "Besides, wasn't this a conversation we should have had earlier?"
"Perhaps—but really mom, do you honestly believe that I would admit to such feelings?"
"I know."
"So what am I missing?" her father inquires as Duncan pulls into the gas station and he and Joe get out of the jet-black Ford Thunderbird convertible. While Duncan fills the tank, Joe stretches and hobbles, cane in hand towards them.
"So what are we having for lunch?" he asks as they wait for Duncan to finish and join them.
"It's an all-day breakfast." Her father, Tony, states with a wink. "I'll have the pancakes with bacon and potatoes."
"Dad! I would rather a sandwich or a salad." She shakes her head and opens the door for them to enter.
"How many?" a waitress appears from nowhere.
"Five," Tony replies.
"A booth okay?"
"Sure." They follow the slender waitress to a booth beside the large picture window.
"Our soup of the day is cream of broccoli. Our special is the triple deck BLT served with fresh fries and slaw; we have the all-day breakfast, and cherry pie, peach cobbler, or apple strudel for dessert." She sets menus in front of them.
"Would you mind bringing us two pots of coffee and milk please?" Tony says with a pleasant smile. While they are, for the most part, tea drinkers, establishments like this could easily ruin a good cup of tea.
"Sure, I'll be right back with that. Water as well?" he nods and she turns towards the counter to prepare the request.
They open their menus and take a moment to decide before she returns with what she obviously thought to be an odd request.
"Are we ready to order?"
"Yes." Everyone replies on the same wavelength.
"Okay, so what will you have?" pulling the pen from her hair as she opens the small pad from the pocket in her apron.
"I'll have the triple deck BLT," Mackenzie says with a bright smile. "What?" she looks around the table. "I decided that one bad meal isn't going to kill me, per se."
"Oh yeah right!" Duncan shakes his head.
"Well, that sounds good. I'll have one of those as well. But add a soup with mine please." She scribbles Duncan's request.
"The egg salad wrap and fruit salad." Janelle puts the menu down in front of her.
"Turkey club with fries, please. And would you please add a side of potato salad and a bit of slaw."
"You got it." She turns towards Tony, who appears to be torn between two choices.
"The beef dip sandwich with fries and slaw." He closes the menu and the waitress collects them before heading to the kitchen.
Their conversation remains lively as they wait for their orders surrounding the expectations of Mackenzie's studies, her Watcher training, and her training with Duncan.
"I assure you, dad, that you needn't worry unnecessarily about me." She smiles as their food arrives, thank goodness, she thinks to herself. For a small mom and pop diner, the food appears delicious. "I'll be sure that I keep in touch with you and mom. I just had a minor freak out talking to mom earlier is all, but you know what? It's all good— it will all be just fine." Her smile reassures her parents, illustrating that she has clearly accepted her duty and all that it entailed. And that she would continue to make them proud. Duncan and Joe finish their meals and Duncan excuses himself for a moment.
"Joe?"
"Ready." He replies and, with a curt nod, make their way to the waiting car.
"We'll meet you there," Duncan adds with a grin.
Mackenzie and her parents finish their meals, their conversation pleasant. After freshening up, they head back to the SUV and back to the highway. Mackenzie finally checks her phone to see if anyone has called or texted her— a slew of texts that would have to go unanswered until she has the time to properly reply to her friends inquires.
Upon arriving in Sunnydale, Mackenzie still napped while Tony navigated through unfamiliar streets to the condominium townhome complex. Slowly opening her eyes, she stares out the window for a moment, gathering herself before removing her seatbelt, opening the door, and carefully getting out.
"Whoa!" the only words she allows escape her cotton candy floss flavoured glossed lips as she follows her parents into the main quad. The movers are already busy, carrying her belongings into one of the townhomes. "This is quite lovely." She exclaims with more enthusiasm and they make their way to the front door. "This is mine?" she says taking everything in. Her mother produces a key and ceremoniously places a key into the palm of her daughter's hand. "Again, all I can say is whoa." She makes her way across the threshold, the door propped open to allow the movers an easier time with the move.
Her smile widens when she notices the colour choice— while she may not have had an official say in the colour pallet, her mother knew exactly what she would want and had the painters work their magic perfectly.
"Honey, I didn't want you to have to live in a mess while work was being done." Her mother says watching her as she walks through the living room into the spacious kitchen.
"When exactly will I be enjoying all of this space?" confusion replaces the earlier smile.
"Maxi, once you're all settled in, I'm sure that you'll find where you're most comfortable." Her father looks out the window across the quad to the condo directly across the way. His attention is immediately drawn towards the small group of what he deduces to be students chatting with a gentleman, who is casually leaning against his open doorframe— all, no doubt talking about something completely different until the commotion created by the movers caught their attention. He turns his attention back to the task at hand. "That goes upstairs in the master bedroom. And do be careful with the furnishings, they are irreplaceable." He instructs as one of the movers lugs in a heavy section of the solid wood bed frame.
"You have a finished basement as well. We put the old couches down there with your entertainment centre. The newer couches and coffee table will be placed in the living room. We managed to find the perfect dining room furniture as well." He tilts his head in thought and follows Mackenzie and her mother upstairs. "There are three bedrooms. Your mother and I thought that you might use one for an office or guest room."
"I can see what you're saying." She takes in all the information, but cannot help the feeling of Christmas morning washing over her. "This actually works out quite well. So when you, mom, and Jason visit there is enough space for all of you."
"Kenzie, we just thought that this area, this home, in particular, was created just for you." Her mother shows her the master bedroom. She had picked the exact colours as her bedroom at home— fresh, clean light green paint for the walls and a neutral mushroom plush carpeting. She also notices how large and beautiful the windows are— letting in the beautiful natural light. As she walks towards them, she also notices that they offer an unobstructed view of the quad below which she knew she would enjoy. In fact, she notices the group that is gathered outside her neighbour's door talking. I might not have such a difficult time here after all she thinks happily to herself and follows her parents back downstairs.
"Well, I guess I had better find some provisions." She states, meeting her father back downstairs. "Mom, can we go to the grocery store and pick up some food? I don't really want to starve." She picks up her keys and heads for the door.
"I thought we'd order in tonight." Her father turns from instructing one of the movers.
"Didn't you guys bring supplies to stay overnight?"
"Yes, you know that we would have been prepared should the event arise that we needed to stay overnight."
"So, mom and I will shop so that we have enough food. We'll still order in or go out tonight if you like. Sound good?"
"Actually, you're right. You'll need food and whatnot. I'll stay here and finish up with the movers. They're nearly done here then I'll head over to Joe's and see what I can do over there to help. I think you're pretty much moved in. They just have to assemble various things and that's about it. Then, of course, you'll have to unpack the boxes." He quickly makes his way out the door— his gaze resting momentarily on the group across the quad. Well, it looks as though Kenzie will have people closer to her age and talk to around here, he muses as he walks towards Joe's flat.
Driving through Sunnydale, Mackenzie and her mother take in the sights of the town. It's not as bustling as Seacouver, in fact, Mackenzie finds herself enjoying the drive through quieter streets. They park the car and walk into the store, get two carts and begin in the produce section. Once they finish picking fresh produce, they move towards the canned and jarred items, get some bread and bagels, hot cereal, tea, and coffee. Then spices and finally snacks— one can never have enough crap, Mackenzie smiles to herself as she puts another box of microwave popcorn into the cart.
"You forgot your nut butter, jams, syrup, frozen backup veggies." Her mother reminds her.
"Oh right! If we happen to have pancakes tomorrow I still don't have milk or eggs. Let's get the rest of the middle isle stuff first and then head to the frozen and dairy sections." Mackenzie saunters down an isle picks up a jar of organic peanut butter and almond butter. Moving towards the jams, she ponders the selection quickly before settling on raspberry for everyday or company and a triple fruit apricot mixture for a few of her dinner recipes. Her mother picks up a calorie-free, sugar-free plastic bottle of maple syrup and Mackenzie nods her agreement as Janelle places it in the cart. They then head towards the frozen food section and pick over a few bags of frozen vegetables, Mackenzie preferring to pick up several small boxes of frozen spinach then peas and carrots, or things that she could easily cook herself. Once they decide on milk, yogurt, various cheeses, eggs, and butter, they head to the ice cream section and pick up some sort of death by chocolate. Putting the tub into the cart, Mackenzie shakes her head and rolls her eyes.
"Really mom?"
"Honey, you never know when a good, quality tub of ice cream may come in handy."
"When is the last time you've seen me with ice cream?"
"Well let's see," she pauses, "prom seems to come to mind."
"Oh right! Like one tablespoon full counts? I went to train. Remember?" she huffs as they make their way through the store to the checkout. "If this is shopping on a regular basis, it's going to be a breeze." She adds as she begins the task of emptying the contents of her cart onto the conveyor belt. The cashier's eyes nearly bug out of her head as she wonders how on earth she's going to manage. Once the grand total appears, Mackenzie nearly passes out. Wow, that's a lot of money, she thinks to herself as she moves to open her purse.
"I have it, honey. The first shop is always the worst." Her mother produces her debit card and the cashier instructs her to insert the plastic, chip first and wait for the prompts. They carefully place the bags in the carts and head back to the SUV.
"Good thing it's not a car." Her mother waits while Mackenzie retrieves her keys and presses the button to release the back gate.
"Yeah, no kidding." She replies and they start to pack the 'trunk' with as many of the bags as possible.
The drive back to her home was uneventful, no major traffic jams, accidents, or anything of the like. She pulls her truck into her slot and they begin to carry the bags into the quad to her new condo. 'Home' she cannot quite wrap her head around the concept. Yes, it was beautiful and felt every bit as she had hoped that it would. Her parents staying her first night made the transition a bit easier to bear and she reminds herself that Joe and Mac are only a few doors down. Everything will be fine, she muses and begins to place the frozen vegetables in the freezer and fills the fridge with the dairy, produce and condiments. She then turns towards the pantry. Cool! I have actual space for this stuff, rather than using cupboard space that is way better suited for dishes, pots and whatnot.
"Starting to feel like home isn't it?" her father says as he re-enters with Mac and Joe not far behind.
"Yeah, it really is." She replies. "I will get the guest room set up for you and mom." She smiles and turns towards the stairs.
"Thank you. Joe and Mac will be joining us for dinner." He adds.
"Sure, sounds great. Do you have any idea where we should go for dinner?"
"Not a clue! But I was thinking that there should be a nice place on the coast." Mackenzie nods and heads upstairs to help her mother. For the most part, she ensures that the bulk that required assistance was taken care of. Once her parents left the next day, she would finish the tedious task of unpacking the rest of her stuff.
Although she would deny it if they asked her, Mackenzie could feel the onset of slumber calling to her. The excitement of the day— the long drive from Seacouver to Sunnydale, becoming aquatinted with her new home, shopping for groceries and supplies all had taken their toll on her. She sat comfortably on the overstuffed sofa, a mug of hot chai tea on the coffee table before her. Her mother sits beside her and father occupies a leather chair. Having returned from dinner, a quiet moment of company is appreciated and understood by all. Feeling bagged, Mackenzie stands and picks up her mug, as well as her father's and heads towards the kitchen.
"I think I'm going to turn in." she rinses the mugs quickly and places them in the dishwasher. Her father glances at the time.
"It's been a long day. We ought to turn in as well." He smiles in an attempt to stifle a yawn. Her mother nods her agreement, finishes her tea and follows Mackenzie into the kitchen to rinse and put her mug in the dishwasher as well.
"Try and sleep in sweetie." Her mother says as she pulls her into a quick embrace.
"Good night." She lets herself yawn and gives her father a quick hug as well. "Better make sure everything is locked." She reminds herself of her new routine. She makes her way to the front door and checks to be sure that it's locked and bolted tight. Satisfied she turns the porch light off and as she makes her way upstairs, turns off the lights.
Once in her bedroom, she heads straight to the bathroom to perform her evening ritual. With a deep sigh, she exits the bathroom turning off the light and wanders not towards her bed, rather to the window. Slowly, she draws back the curtain and finds herself staring out over the quad and along the other condos in the complex. Her eyes rest on the one directly across from hers where the gentleman and group of teenagers seemed to be deep in discussion earlier. She wonders what they are like and if she will have the opportunity to meet any of them, or if she'll be too busy with school and training. She notices that a dim light illuminates the downstairs windows and she cannot help herself— she wonders what he might be doing and then scolds herself for even wondering such a thing when she doesn't even know him! She sighs and gently lets' the curtain fall back into place and crosses her arms across her chest before turning and making her way towards her bed. Pulling the comforter and sheet back, she climbs in and snuggles into the mattress, resting her head on the pillow, she closes her eyes and falls into a pleasant dream-filled slumber.
The following morning, Mackenzie's mother rises early and prepares a scrumptious breakfast of pancakes with sausage and bacon, grapefruit, orange juice, and tea. All enjoyed at appreciated.
"This is a lovely surprise mom." Mackenzie smiles brightly as she ties her housecoat.
"I just thought that it would be nice to have something homey for breakfast." Her mother replies as she places a mug of tea in front of her.
"Thanks."
"How did you sleep?"
"Quite well actually, I find that I enjoy the view of the quad at night." She takes a piece of bacon from the plate and bites into it as she hears her father's footsteps as he pads down the stairs.
"Good morning." He says as he makes his way towards the food.
"Morning dear." Her mother kisses him and hands him a mug of tea. He nods his thanks and sits beside Mackenzie at the kitchen table.
"So are you heading to the university to check it out early?"
"That's actually a great idea." She tilts her head. "I think I'll do that during the week though. That way I can see how things kind of work during the summer session." She picks up her fork and stabs at a delicious pancake.
"That sounds like a plan. That way you'll have an idea of where you have to go for classes and not get too lost, like every other freshman." He chuckles softly.|
"Again, good plan dad," she replies as she adds a bit of butter and some syrup to her pancakes then places a couple of strips of bacon on her plate and three sausage links.
"I'm going to miss meals with you guys, you know?" she takes a bite of pancake.
"We'll miss you as well." He reaches towards her and gently squeezes her arm reassuringly.
After breakfast, they do a few touristy activities before Joe drives them to the train station.
"Goodbyes always suck." Mackenzie takes a deep breath and prepares herself.
"I know sweetie. Don't look at this as goodbye. Think of it as we'll see you soon. We'll keep in touch by phone, by email, and by text as well." Her father adds smiling at how cool he thinks he sounds.
"Sure dad, it starts with every day, then every other, ending with once in a blue moon. I know! I'm just being dramatic." She smiles and hugs her father tightly. She then turns to her mother and with a sigh wraps her arms around her pulling her into a tight embrace. "Until Thanksgiving." She manages between a hiccup and a sob.
Duncan clears his throat and they slowly part from their embrace.
"I'll call when we get back." Her mother says, picking up her purse and making her way towards Duncan's car.
"Why couldn't I drive you to the train station?" she follows them out the front door.
"I offered to drive them when we solidified the plans," Duncan answers simply as he picks up an overnight bag and heads to the car.
"I can come too right?"
"Of course sweetie." He smiles and she grabs her purse and keys then closes and locks the door behind her. She jogs to the car— not noticing that she is once again being watched by the intrigued neighbour in the flat across the quad.
The drive back is quiet and Mackenzie stares out the window in an attempt to commit her surroundings to memory. It amazes her that Duncan seems to know exactly where he's going.
"Oh, I'm going to stop at a local restaurant and pick up some takeout for dinner. Would like to join us for dinner tonight?"
"That sounds like a lovely idea." She replies and turns her attention back to the window to watch as the scenery passes by. "Any chance of getting in some training?" she inquires under her breath.
"I wanted to allow you the chance to gain your bearings before jumping into a routine." He answers as he pulls into a parking lot.
"Funning how at first that's how I felt. This probably sounds really odd, but I think it's what I actually need." She unbuckles her seatbelt, opens the door and exits the car, closing the door behind with a loud thud and follows Duncan into the restaurant. "Greek," she says.
"Hope that's okay."
"It's perfect actually. I haven't had Greek in quite a while." She smiles up at him and they enter the mom and pop establishment.
Listening to the radio, Mackenzie watches as the sun begins it's decent, gradually slipping below the tree line. With the dark sky, the stars begin to peek out leisurely from the soft velvety sky and the moon high as though watching over her evening children.
After they have finished eating, Mackenzie helps to clear away the dishes and tidy up the kitchen.
"Kenzie, you didn't have to do all of that you know?" Joe says brightly as she finishes drying the last glass.
"That's okay; I just thought that my meal would digest faster and Mac and I can get to the training." She places the glass in the cupboard and closes the lament door.
"I guess you're happy that your Watcher training has ceased?" he asks, watching as she hangs the towel on the oven handle and turns to lean against the counter.
"On one hand, yes I have to admit that I'm beyond happy that I will soon be good enough to officially assume my role as Watcher, even if it is in the research capacity until I've completed my education and assigned an immortal." She says very practically.
"On the other?" he questions her lightly; she lets out a deep breath in thought.
"I dread being part of something that I had no choice in joining in the first place. Having my life decided for me is also a bit of a bummer, you know?" she adds with even less enthusiasm.
"I suppose I can understand where you're coming from."
"You do?" an eyebrow raises.
"I wanted to be a musician and wanted to travel the world. Don't forget, life was different back when I was a younger man." She smiles at the twinkle in his eye.
"But you are. And so much more." Mackenzie stops herself.
"You do get it." She nods wordlessly and he gives her a quick hug.
Duncan enters the kitchen, interrupting their moment.
"Kenzie, are you ready for that evening run?" Duncan says descending the stairs as he zips up the grey hoodie.
"That sounds like an excellent idea." She replies and moves towards the door. "Just let me change. I'll meet you back here?"
"I'll be waiting." He replies and she jogs over to her place to change.
While warming up, neither notices the swish of the curtains in the flat across the courtyard. I've done it again— Rupert Giles chastises himself as he returns to his cluttered desk. Standing over the cluttered workspace, he removes his glasses and sets them one of the thick open volumes. What is it that draws me to her? He wonders while running a hand through his hair before sitting back in the wooden chair to continue his research. Research on a demon that one of Buffy's friends, Xander had encountered only a few days prior.
"Where to?" she asks as they head down the street.
"Let's just go wherever our feet take us." He replies and she smiles her ascent. The fragrant evening air fills her lungs and Mackenzie enjoys the gentle Californian breeze as it caresses her face like a gentle lovers touch. So different from the crisper air in Seacouver. Finding that the hoodie is too warm for their pace, she quickly unzips, removes, and ties it around her slender waist without so much as breaking stride. Mac has been monitoring their distance as they reach a park. He leads her through and she suddenly stops in her tracks.
"What is it?" he inquires sensing something, yet not knowing what it is. The air is almost charged with an energy that neither has ever experienced before. "Keep running?" he nods towards home.
"Yeah, I think that would be a good idea." She replies and matches his stride back towards home— of course, they have to pass a cemetery and Mackenzie finds herself involuntarily shuddering and unconsciously picking up her pace to get by as quickly as possible. She would never admit to fear, but this night was the first time that she actually didn't feel safe out for an evening run. Suddenly, a loud crack stops her dead in her tracks.
"Mac, did you hear that?" she whispers, he can hear the fear in her voice. He merely nods silently. "Is it an immortal?"
"No, I don't sense the kind of energy signature. You're safe if that's what you mean." He assures her and they turn to go— when just as suddenly as the crack, they hear a soft moan.
"It sounds like someone needs our help." She looks up at him and starts to move towards the sounds. Mac's gut tells him that they ought to get the hell out of there, but seeing that Kenzie is so curious and he wants to keep her safe, he reluctantly follows.
"No way." She says under her breath as they watch a slip of a thing taking on three rather husky men, who all appear to either be dressed up as Klingons for a Star Trek convention they hadn't heard of wasn't in town, or just really ugly.
"Oh really?" the girl's voice carries as they watch her retrieve a wooden… Stake? From her cropped leather jacket pocket and sinks it into one of the men's waiting chest. "Hello? Slayer here!" she taunts the remaining two and they seem to take their cues and attack. She easily roundhouse kicked one and elbows the other. And just as quickly stakes both, creating two more puffs of ash. "I would have thought you'd learn by now." She calls as she turns towards Duncan and Mackenzie ready to strike.
"Oh! You're not. Never mind." She quickly conceals her stake and continues towards them. "Hi! I'm Buffy." Greeting them with a broad smile, she acts as though nothing unusual has happened and that a young woman alone in a graveyard engaged in a fight of sorts is totally normal. Mackenzie and Duncan both take in the small blond in her nifty pair of jeans, black ankle boots, and soft white blouse under a neat hip-length leather jacket.
"I'm Mackenzie and this is Duncan." Mackenzie introduces herself and her running companion. She doesn't want to disclose too much information on account that this girl— Slayer, was it, might decide to introduce them to the pointy end of her stake.
"Nice to meet you." She smiles and shakes their hands. "Welcome to the Hellmouth." She adds coyly. "Perhaps in future, you may consider running during the day." Her smile is innocent.
"Hellmouth?" Mackenzie glances up at Duncan for an explanation— he merely shakes his head and she gives him a look that just says; you're how old and you've never heard of a 'Hellmouth?'
"Yeah, you know? All the things that we're supposed to be afraid of?" she inquires nonchalantly.
"Sure, like monsters, demons, vampires, and things that go bump in the night?" Mackenzie says lightly in the hope that Buffy is only joking around.
"Those and much more— they totally exist." Her smile doesn't fade and Mackenzie wants to faint.
"Oh really?" Duncan cocks a thick brown eyebrow.
"Well, I suppose if you don't believe me. You could always ask Giles."
"Giles?" Mackenzie states with another quick glance at Duncan.
"You know? The tall, older British, bookish guy that lives in the condo across from yours?" Buffy tilts her heads to the side and Mackenzie watches as she quickly retrieves her stake and launches it towards another vampire behind them.
"Ah yes, I believe that I've seen you. So Giles would be the man whom I take as a friend of your group? I happened to see you guys talking outside his flat yesterday." Mackenzie watches as Buffy retrieves her stake.
"Let's head over to his place where we can chat in a more private setting." She suggests as she conceals her stake and they head towards the complex.
Arriving at Giles' flat, Buffy doesn't bother knocking, she quickly opens the door. "GILES?" she calls out to him loudly as Mackenzie and Duncan wait at the threshold politely. When he doesn't answer, she continues into his flat. "GILES!" she shouts a bit louder.
"Yes, Buffy?" he calls from the loft above, his British accent accentuated by the rich tone of his voice. "Just a moment." His voice is slightly muffled under the oversized sweatshirt he quickly pulls over his head. As he takes to the stairs, Giles pulls it down around his exposed torso, letting it rest at the waist of his dark jeans— he pads barefoot down the carpeted stairs. Slightly embarrassed by her Watcher's overly casual appearance, Buffy shakes the thought to scold him out her head.
"Giles, I kinda brought guests." She adds gesturing towards the door where Duncan and Mackenzie wait. When his eyes set upon Mackenzie, his heart nearly stops beating and falls from its place in his chest to his feet—it's clearly only the girl he's been trying to find an excuse to introduce himself to since she moved in.
"This is Mackenzie and Duncan." She quickly introduces them. "This is my Watcher," she adds with a wide sparkling smile, "Rup..."
"Rupert Giles." He interrupts her introduction, luckily finding his voice strong, and not stuttering while in the presence of the lovely lady he's finally being introduced to.
"Watcher?" Mackenzie whispers softly, her brows furrow slightly. Duncan, not missing a beat, extends his hand in greeting.
"A pleasure to meet you, Rupert— everyone calls Mac." He clarifies as they shake hands in greeting. "And normally, we just call her Kenzie." He adds and Giles extends his hand towards her. She quickly accepts his greeting, but finds herself wondering where the sparks are coming from— or perhaps it was only her imagination. She is unsure. Ignoring the sensation that manages to work its way up her arm, Mackenzie reluctantly releases his hand and finds herself folding her arms across her chest loosely as she suddenly cannot think of anywhere else to put her hands, having no pockets after tying her hoodie around her waist.
"We normally don't introduce ourselves in this manner." Giles finally breaks the silence that oddly enough is not in the least a bit awkward.
"I can imagine not." Duncan nods, his Scottish accent more prevalent this evening Mackenzie notices. "I suppose when one witnesses a slip of thing kicking some serious ass that clearly doesn't look quite human, on account of their bumpy foreheads. I would hedge a bet that a group of drug addicts in Klingon costumes attacking her—and what is it called again? A stake being the only way in which to diffuse the situation. The result? What I can only surmise as vampires being what appears to be dusted."
"Ah right." Giles removes his glasses from their comfortable perch on his nose and quickly polishes them on the hem of his sweatshirt before replacing them back on the bridge of his nose. A nervous habit, Buffy immediately notices. "So I presume that Buffy explained to you that everything that you fear that goes "bump in the night" is real?" both Mackenzie and Duncan nod in unison. "Well, I suppose we need to elaborate on that point." Knowing what is to follow, Buffy rolls her eyes.
"It's essential to comprehend the existence of good and level of evil residing in our world, which I'm sure is no surprise to you. However, there, as always, must exist the maintenance of balance between the two. Therefore, in every generation, one girl is chosen to tackle said maintenance of balance."
"Whoa! I honestly thought the Slayer was a myth." Duncan couldn't conceal the soft gasp, nor could Mackenzie.
"Myth?" Giles' expression suddenly becomes quizzical, a look Buffy knows all too well.
"This is totally insane! It's like the mystery of Methos all over again." Mackenzie happily exclaims.
"Seriously? Are you like? Out of your mind or something?" Buffy cannot help but ask.
"No, while I wish I were, I'm not." Mackenzie glances cautiously towards Duncan, who nods his ascent. Buffy and Giles have obviously shared something that isn't something they would share with just anyone.
"Go ahead." He allows her to speak— that way she can control the amount of information exchanged.
"Well, what's your take on immortals?" Mackenzie inquires, her tone slightly hushed.
"I've read very little on the topic," Giles replies, "In fact, I have been quite sceptical as to their existence at all— in all my years of being a Watcher, I have yet to actually interact knowingly with one," Giles states with a sigh of disappointment.
"Well, tonight changes everything you thought you knew." Mackenzie smiles brightly. "Mac is what? Like three hundred years or something?" he nods slightly, "And he's not of your garden bloodsucking variety." She attempts to sound nonchalant on the topic.
"And you my dear? What is your connection?" Giles cannot help pose the question.
"Well, let's just say that I'm a Watcher-in-training of sorts." As Mackenzie tilts her head slightly, Giles finds himself captivated by the grace in such a simple gesture. "I wasn't exactly chosen, per se, but both my parents come from a long line of Watchers. In any case, for as long as there have been immortals, there have been Watchers, whose occupation has been to merely observe— to never interfere. We record history through the experiences and battles of our assignment." adding, while Giles motions for them to have a seat.
"I'll make some tea. Buffy, would you sit with our guests?"
"Sure." She plunks herself in the comfortably worn leather recliner. Mackenzie saunters towards the kitchen.
"Is there anything that I can do to help?" she inquires from the doorway of the cozy gully kitchen. Giles turns round in surprise that she has somehow managed to avert his usually keen senses.
"Um," he stammers slightly, "I usually have this routine down pat." Her expression falls slightly and he clears his throat nervously. "But if you wouldn't mind, the biscuits are in the cupboard over the microwave." He instructs as casually as possible.
Easily finding the cookies, Mackenzie retrieves the box and randomly opens another cupboard and luckily finds a plate. Manoeuvring effortlessly around him, she quickly washes her hands and dries them on a tea towel before opening the box, she artfully places them on the plate.
"I gather you don't believe me," she pauses attempting to read his emerald green eyes, "or do you?" Mackenzie leans herself against the counter in fairly close proximity to him.
"Well, I have heard of the existence of other Watcher Councils, I just didn't really think that there would come a day where I would meet s-someone qu-ite l-like you." For the oddest reason, Giles found it incredibly difficult to hide his nervous stutter— and hoped that she hadn't picked up on it. If she had; however, Mackenzie gave no indication— Instead, she attempts to lighten the mood.
"Perhaps our Council doesn't play well with others, or have decided not to let us in on the reality of "things that go bump in the night." Unsure of her decision, she finds herself looking down at her feet as if the light linoleum floor as though it is the most interesting thing in the world.
"Who knew that an evening run would lead to this?" Giles watches her intently as Mackenzie takes a cleansing breath, then he turns to rummaging about for the needed ingredients for the tea he is preparing. "Do you have sugar with your tea?"
"Actually I don't take sugar in my tea. Save for the odd treat, I try to eat fairly clean." Turning back to the tray, Giles places the plate of biscuits and the bone china sugar bowl beside it.
"I can absolutely appreciate that." He turns again and gently pours the boiled water over the teabags in the matching bone china teapot.
"I don't know exactly how to say this, but seeing that we're all about the show and tell tonight," Mackenzie pauses, Giles responds by turning to look at her once more. Stepping closer to close the slight gap between them, her tone is barely above a whisper, "I'm a potential." He hardly hears her, as the light heat of her breath on his exposed flesh results in a shudder threatening to vibrate throughout his body.
He calms himself with a raised eyebrow.
"A potential?" Mackenzie studies his features, finding his raised eyebrows hovering over the thin wire frame of his glasses endearing.
"Immortal," pausing Mackenzie's gaze flutters for a moment. "While I am much like anyone else— I am not. Apparently, all I lack is the experience of a violent death. So for now, I'm 'normal'." The softness of Giles' gaze calms Mackenzie.
"Essentially I have had no choice in the matter of being a Watcher. I train for my duty, but I also train to defend myself as a potential immortal. For once I experience said violent death, I'm immediately tossed into what many refer to as the 'game', in which I will forever be on my guard from other immortals who only want my head in order to become the only one."
Giles lets out the breath he had been holding and leans against the counter behind him.
"That's quite the burden to shoulder, my dear." No matter how hard he tries, he is utterly and completely drawn in by this woman. Slowly, he reaches out and rests his hand comforting on her shoulder as an illustration of genuine concern and appreciation for her sharing something with someone she has only just met.
Relieved that Mackenzie doesn't shy away from his gentle touch, Giles remembers that the tea will be steeped. Adding the bone china cups and saucers to the tray, Mackenzie watches as Giles places the teapot in its place before picking up the tray and together, they head to the living room to re-join Buffy and Duncan, both deep in their own conversation. Mackenzie manages to get Giles' attention long enough for him to read her pleading eyes that he refrains from sharing the information that she obviously entrusted in him. He silently nods his understanding and then begins pouring the tea.
"Once I locate a building suitable for a dojo, then I'll be better equipped to fully train Kenzie with the Katana. I don't suppose it would look odd in the least to be out in a public place with swords." Duncan explains as they enjoy the fragrant rich tea. "This is rather unusual," Duncan comments as he places the teacup on its matching saucer.
"Yes, there is a lovely tea shop and they are most knowledgeable. This is a unique blend to her shop." Giles explains as he sits back into the sofa, crossing his left ankle over his right knee, he sips the last of his tea.
"It's lovely." Mackenzie agrees placing her cup and saucer on the tray settled on the coffee table, "May I?" she stands and moves to remove the tray from the coffee table.
"Thank you, my dear." Giles smiles and she pauses to take his cup and saucer from him, placing it on the tray along with the others she heads to the kitchen.
"I must admit that this has been one of our more interesting evenings. It's truly a pleasure to meet you both." Giles says with an enduring upturn corner of his lips that Mackenzie cannot help but notice. "It would also appear that we have quite a bit in common. In which case, I would love the opportunity to learn more about immortals." He adds. Buffy can hardly keep her eyes from rolling— suck up much? She gives him a quick sideways glance.
"I hope that we run into each other again," Giles pauses momentarily, "but please don't run at night. Try and keep that the daytime as it's much safer."
Buffy tilts her head and they walk Mackenzie and Duncan to the door.
"We will keep that under advisement," Mackenzie says with a smile. "Good night." She adds and allows Duncan to gently cup her elbow and walk her home, across the courtyard.
"Would you like a protein shake?" she inquires while unlacing her runners. Pausing momentarily, Duncan shakes his head with a sigh.
"I'm good. How can you?" he cocks a thick brow.
"Mac, we just ran an hour and a half— at a good pace, I might add. I need a bit of a recovery drink— tea and a few light biscuits aren't going to cut it!" she slips off her running shoes and heads straight to the kitchen. "How about I make a single serving and split it with you?"
"That sounds okay." He replies, suddenly picking up on the hint that she doesn't want to be alone, yet doesn't want to admit it. "About tonight," he begins as he sits at the counter.
"What about tonight?" she asks nonchalantly.
"Are you freaked out at all?" she looks at him for a moment, a quizzical expression on her face.
"Should I be?" she shrugs her slender shoulders.
"Well, I for one find it a little, oh I don't know."
"Hinky?" she supplies as she finishes adding the final ingredients to the blender, along with the ice, she tightly closes the lid, places it in its cradle in the blender and presses the button.
"Yeah, I guess that's one word to use. Not exactly my way of speaking, mind you."
"Trust me, it really is. I normally would be all freakout girl, but." She pauses in thought— before she has the chance to continue.
"You have a thing for That Englishman!" Mac exclaims, teasing her— she can't hide the light blush that she feels caress its way up her neck, coming to rest in normally peaches and cream cheeks. "Subject change— when do you have your language assessments?"
"Nice sidebar. I nearly forgot about those." She sighs dramatically. "Thanks for the reminder," she makes a face while rolling her eyes. "It really isn't something that I can study for. As far as I'm concerned, I either know it, or I don't." She stops the blender and grabs two tall gasses. Pouring the thick shake and sets one in front of him. He takes a tentative sip and smiles his approval.
"This is pretty good."
"Yeah, I thought you might have thought I was trying to off you!" she says with a wide grin. "Seriously, Wednesday afternoon I take my French, Spanish, Italian, Latin, Greek and German placement tests. I was careful not to mention the ancient languages that I am above competent in." She tilts her head.
"You sure know your languages like the back of your hand." He says brightly.
"Yeah, I hope so. Maybe I won't have to take boring first-year intro classes." She says, crossing her long fingers— Duncan takes note of the neatly manicured and light pink painted nails, decorated with glitter and shiny gems.
"Wherever they place you, you'll do just fine." He pauses and glances at his watch.
"Well, I better be going." He moves to rinse his now empty glass.
"Yeah, I guess you have a busy day tomorrow." She leans against the counter with a sigh.
"I have a few potential places to look at for the new dojo."
"That sounds promising."
"It is. Two of them are very similar to what I had back in Seacouver." He makes his way to the foyer and starts to put his shoes on.
"Do they have lofts as well?" she asks.
"As a matter of fact, they do." He ties his laces and straightens up.
"That sounds really great." She moves to open the door for him. "Good night Mac." She hugs him tightly and watches as he walks over to Joe's. Funny how the slightest of movement can catch your eye— Mackenzie cannot help but notice the wisp of the curtains closing in the front window of the flat across the courtyard. Thinking, due to the evenings events, that she is merely unsettled, she shakes her head and the thoughts out and closes the door—checking to be sure it's secure.
Contemplating a relaxing hot shower, Mackenzie turns off the lights as she makes her way upstairs towards the comfort of her bedroom. Stripping out of her now dry running clothes, she can feel buzz of their run running off as she places them in the awaiting hamper for workout clothes. Pausing for a moment, she reaches for her neatly folded pyjamas— a pair of lightly striped pyjama bottoms with a tank top, then pads towards the adjoining bathroom.
A feeling of calmness replaces the tension of the day as the hot water runs down her body. Quickly washing her hair, she inhales the kiwi scent of the shampoo and then the conditioner; she then glides the bar of vanilla scented soap over her body and rinses. Stepping out of the shower, she dries quickly and puts her pyjamas on. Brushing her teeth, she then completes her evening routine – and on her way to bed, stops at the bookshelf to retrieve a book for her evening read. With book in hand, she pads towards her bed but stops as she suddenly finds herself drawn to the window. Setting the book down on the night table, she reaches out, drawing back the sheers and allows her eyes to adjust to the dimness of the light while her gaze wanders over the darkened courtyard. Her eyes sweep upwards, and she takes a moment to take in the glittery bright diamond-like stars playing above the complex.
Despite the evening's events, Mackenzie takes a deep breath enjoying the beauty of the night. Gently releasing the fabric between her slender fingers, she climbs into bed, snuggles in and sets aside any ideas of reading as she suddenly feels too tired to concentrate. Closing her eyes, she invites sleep to embrace her and sweep her into what she hopes to be pleasant dreams— an attractive, tall, handsome British gentleman, perhaps?