Please note that all disclaimers can be found in the first chapter
As with the first semester, Mackenzie finds that there is no slowing down in the second and is incredibly thankful that all things academic quickly becomes a comfortable routine. Regardless of how busy she appeared, she manages to balance her studies, training, and helping Buffy and Giles with planning their attack for the impending Ascension – Boy! Times flies faster than sand through the hourglass. The fact enters her mind while she sat at a table in Joe's bookstore, a large paper cup of peppermint tea in her hands, staring out the large picture window.
"How's the studying?" Joe inquires as he stands in front of the table covered with various books, notes, and her laptop. Mackenzie looks up with a dear in the headlights expression on her face.
"I hate finals!" she sighs and sits up in the chair, stretching slightly before
pushing the notes in front of her aside.
"How many exams do you have?"
"I have a full course load, so I have five exams, two short papers and three major papers." She replies. "The good thing, for me, is that the course content overlaps in that I can draw from all of my relevant sources." She smiles and Joe nods his understanding.
"So Duncan and I were thinking about taking you out for dinner for your birthday," Joe says with a soft smile, a shine in his blue-grey eyes. Thinking for a moment she suddenly realises that her birthday isn't quite a month away.
"Between papers and finals, I nearly forgot. I was going to do a whole celebrate surviving school. I hadn't given my birthday much thought." She tilts her head.
"Well, keep a night open for us during your birthday week, okay?" he winks and she allows herself to smile. "That's better."
"I'm sorry?"
"You haven't smiled since you sat down. You've had a look of pure determination."
"Like when I was doing my Watcher studies I imagine." She chuckles and he nods.
"Exactly how I would put it as well."
"Watcher training is serious business. I cannot imagine sitting there laughing and joking around. It isn't the same as."
"Training with Duncan." He supplies.
"Well, you got me there." She pauses in thought, "it's not as though you're not fun. We have had our moments outside of study, but I just wanted to be sure that I didn't let you down."
"You could never let me down. Your parents and I are so very proud of you. You deserve all the happiness and success that you get." He places a comforting hand on her shoulder. "My dear, you could stand eating a good pasta dinner." He comments.
"I eat." She replies, "Quite a lot actually." She adds just as the bell hanging over the door interrupts them, announcing the entrance of a potential patron.
"Ah, there you are!" Methos exclaims making his way to the table. "I've been nearly everywhere looking for you." He pulls out a chair, turns it around, straddles it and rests his arms on the back.
"What is it?" she and Joe both look at him.
"The Ascension is in two months."
"Hardly on my mind at the moment Methos." She rolls her eyes and sits back in her seat. "And even if it were, I'm not allowed anywhere near the action." She adds.
"Why not?" Methos' eyebrows furrow, "MacLeod!"
"Yup." She replies with the 'enough said' expression. "Perhaps he does have a point when you think about it." He thinks for a moment and nods in agreement.
"Yes, but how do feel about it?"
"I've done my part in the research and helping to organise the plan of attack. I'm confident that they will be about to handle it." She picks up a pen and absently taps the pages in front of her.
"Well here's some more info on your guy." He straightens, pulls open his jacket and retrieves some papers. "This should help to narrow down his weaknesses." He holds out the pages towards her.
"Thank you so much." She receives the pages and places them into her knapsack resting on the chair beside her. "At least if I can't be there, I know they can kick the Mayor's ass." He smiles at her choice of words.
"So how are things with Matt going?
"Okay, I guess. I've been so busy with school work and training. I have three research papers due before finals." She sighs and picks up a green highlighter. Getting the hint, Methos tilts his head and stands.
"I'll see you later at Mac's?"
"Not tonight. I'm going to finish my papers. He knows and understands— one is for his class." She plucks the cap from the highlighter and opens the book in front of her.
"Well good luck with all that. And your finals as well. I know I can't imagine how fun it's going to be for me to spend two weeks marking papers and exams." He huffs.
"Your choice there Methos, why not just finish your PhD and become a professor?"
"Yeah right Kenzie, then I have to disappear for ten years and start again?"
"Okay, I see your point. It's just that you have so much knowledge to impart on young minds, it's a shame that you keep it all to yourself."
"I don't keep all of it to myself."
"You don't?" she cocks a brow and tilts her head.
"I share it with you." He winks and smiles brightly at her as he rises, turns the chair back, and pushes it under the table. She stands and gives him a tight hug before he turns to make his way out of the bookstore.
"I guess I should head home as well and have something for dinner before I finish off these essays." She begins to gather her books, papers, binders, and various pens, pencils, and highlighters. Joe watchers for a moment before saying anything.
"Kenzie, don't forget that you can use this space anytime you want to. Even if we don't talk, I like having you around again." He says warmly with a twinkle in his eye. She nods her understanding as she places the last of her things into her knapsack.
"Thanks, Uncle Joe, I really appreciate that." She gives him a quick hug before picking up her knapsack and slinging it over her shoulders and heading out the door. She is grateful that the drive home is short, as she still has quite a few ideas for her essays running through her mind. She pulls into her parking slot and quickly gathers her knapsack from the backseat before closing the door and pressing the lock on the key fob twice— the light beep confirming that the SUV is indeed locked. Heading up the narrow path to the entrance of her complex, she always enjoys the walk into her 'world'.
Finally printing the last of her essays, Mackenzie stands and makes her way downstairs to make a cup of hot chocolate. The house is quiet— she had turned off the music upstairs that she had been listening to while composing her academic masterpieces. Taking her mug into the living room, she sets herself on the sofa, picks up the remote for the television and begins channel surfing. It's strange how at a time like this she finds herself wishing for companionship— someone to sit with and talk about the day, joke with her about the infomercials, or just sit with her quietly. Finally setting on an episode of The Tudors, she pulls the warm blanket from the back of the sofa and drapes it over her legs.
It isn't long before her break is over and she turns off the television, replaces the blanket in its place over the back of the sofa and saunters into the kitchen to place her mug in the dishwasher. Before making her way upstairs, she checks the front and back doors, to be sure that they are locked tightly, then turns the few lights she had on off before heading upstairs.
Making sure that her essays have finished printing, she quickly assembles them, cover pages and work cited. A smile of satisfaction caresses her lips and she places the pages into a file and then into her knapsack so she doesn't forget to take them to hand in the next day. She goes over to the window and closes it tightly before drawing the soft curtains, then makes her way out of the room, turning the light off behind her. At least it isn't that late, she muses as she takes time in conducting the evening's bedtime ritual. Climbing into bed, her thoughts return to Methos' packet of information that would provide them with a leg up in upcoming battle. Her last thoughts, while she knew they should be about Matt; however, weren't. In fact, they are of Giles, rather than scolding herself she just allows them to wash over her.
With her papers handed in and her final exam completed Mackenzie smiles brightly as she walks through the halls of UC Sunnydale looking forward to the summer.
"Hey Mackenzie wait up!" she finally hears Matt's voice and turns around.
"Oh hey." She smiles as he wraps her in a tight embrace. "Are you finished too?"
"I have one more exam tomorrow and then I'm free!" he exclaims happily.
"Good to hear that." She replies.
"You doing anything right now?" he inquires.
"I have a bit of time."
"Enough time for lunch?"
"Sure." She replies and they head off campus to one of their favourite little restaurants near Joe's bookstore.
Lunch is spent in comfortable conversation and moments of silence, that neither have the need to needlessly fill. She just finds herself wanting to soak up the sun and enjoy a moment of carefree thought.
"Are you taking summer classes?" Matt inquires as the waitress brings their desert and coffees.
"I was thinking about it. I just have to see what's available." She thinks about the course selection catalogue tucked within her knapsack.
"By the way, what did you think of Professor MacLeod's exam? Wasn't that a killer?"
"I really didn't notice." She replies honestly.
"Well, I hope he's going to guest lecture again next year. His class was awesome." He adds with a grin and takes a careful sip of coffee. Mackenzie picks up her fork and cuts into the piece of celebratory cake sitting between them. "Good isn't it?" he winks and picks up his fork copying her previous actions, then brings the chocolate cake to his lips.
After lunch, they pay their cheque.
"I must be on my way." Mackenzie pushes her chair back and picks up her knapsack.
"We'll talk later?" Matt says with hope in his tone. She can only nod and quickly half hugs him before making her way to the high school. When she enters the library, a thick volume for Giles in hand along with the pages from Methos, she is greeted by a very odd scene. Buffy and Giles are sitting on the large wooden research table being lectured by another English gentleman with thin-rimmed glasses, dark short hair, and to her utter horror, he is dressed in tweed. This cannot be good, she muses, wishing she could back out the doors.
"Furthermore any research shall be conducted under my direct supervision. Any and all patrols will follow a specific route so that I may locate you should you not check in at the appropriate intervals." He ran through what felt more like a list of demands rather than a partnership. At least with Giles, Buffy always knew where she stood, even when she was in trouble. Suddenly sensing Mackenzie's arrival, the new gentleman spins on his heel and directs his gaze to her.
"And you are?"
"Mackenzie Lamont." She replies wondering what this guys deal is and how Giles could possibly put up with such an obvious royal pain in the ass. "Look, I'm here to return a book I borrowed from Giles." She adds and attempts to walk further into the library. He heads her off and attempts to obtain the book from her, she merely holds it tightly against her chest and manages to fake a left and dodge right so to speak and with a victorious smile hands Giles the volume.
"The translation?"
"The lined paper. I didn't want to mark the book." She winks and stays where she is. "And something from Adam as well." She adds with a whisper.
"Young lady, if you please?"
"I forgot my manners," Giles says suddenly. "Mackenzie, this is Wesley Wyndam-Pryce. Buffy's new Watcher." Her eyes roam briefly from one Watcher to the other and then fall on Buffy, who can only sigh and shrug her slight shoulders.
"When did this happen?" she inquires. "Giles you? The Council fired you? What the hell happened?" she couldn't believe what she was hearing.
"Well, it's not really a long story so much as an unfortunate result of an archaic test."
"Test?" her brows furrow and then her features soften.
"The Cruciamentum." Buffy supplies. "Giles pretty much tried to kill me."
"Buffy." He says weakly, still getting over the whole experience.
"I know Giles. Essentially, the Slayer is given some cocktail that Giles and the Council know what, without her knowledge may I add, and she is placed in a very close to death situation as a 'mere mortal' as possible."
"How could you?"
"Buffy reached her eighteenth birthday and its tradition." He replies, the look in his eyes telling her that he hadn't wanted to participate, but had to nonetheless.
"He was removed as my Watcher by Quentin Travers, cited as his having the father's love for a daughter." She finishes the shortest version possible.
"So what you're saying is… This is your Watcher?" Mackenzie nearly laughs at the thought.
"Pretty much, no offence Wesley," Buffy says as he cocks a jet-black brow. "The whole situation takes some getting used to. Nay, he takes some getting used to, but so long as he doesn't interfere with our plan to head off the end of the world, its fine.
"I'm sorry Giles," Mackenzie says simply as she picks up her nearly forgotten knapsack. "I'm glad that you passed the test though Buffy, I don't think Sunnydale would be as safe as it is with another Slayer." She turns to go, but stops in her tracks. Slowly turning around, she tries to smile. "If you need me for anything, just call." Giles nods curtly with crossed arms in obvious defiance of Wesley. Before she turns to leave, he mouths 'we'll talk' and it is her turn to nod her ascent, then turns on her heel and makes her way out the double doors— wondering if it will be the last time she sees the library intact.
The days leading up to the Ascension have everyone on edge to the point where even Xander couldn't even crack a joke. Giles had read the notes Mackenzie had given him from Adam regarding their attack on the Mayor and, happily, Xander's recollection of his 'military' training came in handy for assembling the lines. Recruiting the students on the down-low so that principal Snider was totally unaware was a piece of cake and as graduation day arrives, the students secretly conceal their arsenal under their burgundy robes.
"Everything in place?" Buffy inquires and the team nods. Even Cordelia manages to put on a brave, albeit painted face. As students pick up their robes, they conceal crosses underneath. Xander and Oz, Willow's new boyfriend who also happens to be a werewolf, have set up their first line of defence, two very large fire blowers that they hope will slow the snake-like creature they know the Mayor will morph into.
The students file as if being lead to slaughter— some, in fact, would lose their lives this day, but all had agreed that the cause would be well worth it. The usual graduation speeches are given, only Buffy notices the change in the air. There's an eerie chill in the air that increases as the time ticks down for the Ascension to begin. As Mayor Wilkins takes the podium, his speech bears the beginnings of the usual commencement.
"For all of you, it may be that there is a place in Sunnydale's history, whether you like it or not. It's been a long road getting here. For you… for Sunnydale. There has been achievement, joy, good times,… and there has been grief. There's been loss. Some people who should be here today… aren't. But we are. - Journey's end. And what is a journey? Is it just… Did distance travel? Time spent?" he pauses. "No." he shakes his head to emphasise his point. "It's what happens on the way, it's the things that happen to you. At the end of the journey, you're not the same. Today is about change. Graduation doesn't just mean your circumstances change, it means you do. You ascend— to a higher level. Nothing will ever be the same."
"Nothing." He glances up at the sky and the sun is now totally blocked. The Mayor flinches in what appears to be pain, yet continues. "And so as we look back on," pain is now evident, as it sweeps across his features. "On the events that brought us to this day," another bout of visible pain washes over his body.
"Come on." Buffy utters under her breath awaiting the precise moment that they will spring their attack on him.
"We," another drawn-out pause and the students have become restless. "We must all. AAAH! It has begun! My destiny!" his toothy smile finally emerges. "A little sooner than I expected— I had this whole section on civic pride." He shuffles through his cue cards. "But I guess we'll just skip to the big finish!" he exclaims as Buffy and Willow quickly glance at each other— the Mayor's body starts to shudder in pain as he stretches and grows; transforming into a serpent demon with gross claw-like mandibles surrounding its mouth.
Now 'standing' higher than the school, the students all stand— but stay in their places staring up at the monster in front of them awaiting their cue as parents and faculty members run in a panic for their lives— some meeting their deaths at the hands of the vampires who have come for the free food.
Buffy waits for one more millisecond, hoping Giles, Wesley and Angel are in place.
"NOW!" She hollers as loudly as she can manage. In that moment, organised chaos ensues as the students disrobe to reveal their crosses and other weapons— some have swords or axes, while others have stakes. The back row, Oz included, have turned themselves to face the opposite direction and set their arrow tips aflame to combat the group of vampires that close in on the free meal.
"Flame units!" she orders and they quickly begin their attack and the Mayor sways to avoid their attacks but is unable to completely avoid them and screams in protest.
"First wave!" Xander shouts and students take aim at the Mayor, who in all the chaos swallows principal Snider and snuffs out his last words. A few students break from the line and are quickly vampire snacks.
"Xander?" Oz grabs his attention and Xander quickly responds.
"Arm bowmen." He waits while they quickly take their position. "FIRE!!" his voice booming and they release their arrows into the charging vampires in a spray and pray method.
Quickly taking in their situation and realising that they're casualties were quickly mounting.
"Fall back!" she calls to the students surrounding her.
"Fire!" Xander yells maintaining his line they push the vamps back, right into the awaiting line led by Angel and Wesley, who manages to turn the tide slightly in the good guy's favour. Pulling herself from the carnage, Buffy makes her way to face her foe. Stepping up to the serpent, she's holding a fair-sized blade—Faith's blade, the gift he gave her when she joined his side in the fight. That essentially grabs his attention— fixating it on her.
"Hey! You remember this?" she questions him, taunting him with the jagged knife. "I took it from Faith. Stuck it in her gut." Her tone is sarcastic and the pause purely for dramatic effect. "Just slid in her like she was butter."
"You want to get it back from me… Dick?" she doesn't give him a moment to think, she's off running full tilt towards the school with him on her heels. She throws open the doors and sprints through the empty halls towards the library, he bursts through the halls, the sounds of screaming metal and the crackling of paper-thin concrete falling to the cheap linoleum floors. With a loud thud of her hands against the double doors, Buffy bursts through to the library with the Mayor far too close for comfort behind and runs through the stacks of fertilizer and explosives, awaiting the charge, towards Giles' office before bursting through the window. The serpent pauses and gazes around, taking in his surroundings, just long enough to realise his dire situation.
"Well gosh." He says quietly in defeat.
Ignoring the rainfall of glass, Buffy lands on the grass and crouches low beside Giles, who confirms she is safely by his side, pushes down on the ignition which in turn ignites the awaiting explosives strategically placed in the library along with various locations of the high school, rendering it useless. They watch, as both are sure that Willow, Xander, Oz, Angel and others are no doubt doing— the realisation of victory trickling through the ranks and any vampires brave enough to have hung back thinking to feed on the carnage, find themselves in the position of retreat.
Her mind whirls as images of firefighters fight the blaze. That's a way bigger explosion then when I blew up the gym, she states nonchalantly as she makes her way towards her friends.
"He made it through the fight," Xander says, meaning Angel. He only mentions it because he can see her frantically looking through the crowd. "Guess maybe he took off after." Buffy is still unable to fully process her surroundings. She blinks in disbelief that Angel wouldn't at the very least say goodbye. Considering the fact that they shared a past, she shakes the thoughts from her mind and blinks back the tears, she hardly notices when Giles sneaks up behind her and gently rests a comforting hand on her shoulder.
"Are you all right?" he inquires gently and Buffy responds by covering his hand with hers.
"I'm tired." She replies and he smiles down at her.
"I should imagine so. It's been quite a couple of days."
"I haven't processed everything yet." She laughs lightly and he's glad for it. "My brain isn't really functioning on the higher levels." She takes a much-needed deep breath. "It's pretty much— fire bad, tree pretty." He shakes his head in response.
"Understandable. Well, when it's working again, congratulate it on a good campaign. You did very well." She can only nod, even that seems to hurt her head.
"Thank you. I will." He replaces his glasses.
"I ah," he pauses reaching into his jacket, "I managed to ferret this out of the wreckage. I'd say you earned it." He says gently and in a tone of fatherly pride and hands her the rolled up piece of paper. She looks up at him and gently takes it. He takes a deep breath looking around. "There is a certain dramatic irony," he says removing his glasses, "that's attached to all this. A synchronicity that borders on… one predestination, one might say." His use of the big words, not sitting well with Buffy in her daze and she looks up at him blankly.
"Fire bad, tree pretty."
"Yes, s-s0rry." He replaces his glasses. "I'm going to see to Wesley, see if he's… is still whimpering." She just catches a bit of a chuckle. He turns towards the ambulance they are loading a groaning Watcher into.
With a slight pout, Buffy still finds herself searching the now thinned out crowd for a familiar face. Angel, where are you? She wonders. Then just as if he heard her thoughts, a smile tugs at the corner of her light pink lips, as she stares at him. Clearly, he hadn't wanted her to actually see him and he merely wanted to be sure that she had made it through their ordeal in one piece. He hadn't imagined that seeing her again would affect him so. As if they were in a movie, they continue to stare at each other for what feels like forever, but would be only a moment as he turns on his heels and, without a word, walks away from her— disappearing into the smoke floating through the thick air. Too stunned to move, her feet glued to the pavement beneath her. She finally finds that she can turn away. Making her way through the scattered crowds, she sees Xander, Willow, Oz, and Cordelia huddled together.
With hands shoved deep in his pockets, Oz, the Zen one of the bunch, continues to observe his surroundings.
"Guys, take a moment to deal with this." he pauses in thought for emphasis on his words. "We survived." Xander nods his agreement.
"It was a hell of a battle," Buffy observes with a sigh.
"Not the battle. High School." They all look quietly at the demolished school and through the crackling embers can hear crickets chirping. "We're taking a moment." And the group find themselves wanting to get as far away from their situation as possible. "And we're done."
"Well, Schools done," Cordelia states matter-of-factly. Xander grins.
"It's ssso cool!" he exclaims happily.
"Why do demons even come here anymore? I mean, don't they know…" Willow says as they walk away from the scene, nearly stepping on a lone maroon and golden Sunnydale High '99 yearbook— The Future is Ours graces the cover. How true that statement became to them.
Jumping out of the car, Mackenzie quickly dashes through the crowd towards the rubble that was Sunnydale High School in search of her friends and Giles. She meets the group as they are slowly making their way away from the high school.
"Thank goodness, you're all okay." She breathes a sigh of relief.
"Yup, survived high school and you know what? I think college will be a piece of cake." Willow says happily. "Oh, if you're looking for Giles, he's by the ambulances. I think Wesley's having a heart attack or something." She smiles and hugs Mackenzie before catching up with the group. "See you later!" Willow calls over her shoulder and Mackenzie smiles before quickly making her way to the small group of emergency vehicles. She didn't see him but somehow can sense him before he touches her.
"Giles I'm so glad that you're all okay." She says with relief, covering his hand with hers before turning around and flinging herself into his arms.
"Yes, well we'll quite all right." He says in a soothing tone that causes her to lift her head.
"You're very calm for a near end-of-the-world experience." She says they don't let go and he chuckles.
"Thankfully, the Ascension has been averted, but." He pauses.
"There will only be another situation around the corner." She sighs and slowly untangles her arms and steps back. "Whoa." She manages as she takes in her surroundings. "It's amazing how much damage can be done in a moment." He nods his ascent. "How's Wesley? Willow said something about a heart attack?"
"She's exaggerating." He smiles and she returns his smile. "I think he may have experienced a bit of hand-to-hand combat."
"And he couldn't manage it?" she cocks a brow. "You can easily hold your own." She adds and he cannot stop the heat rise from his collar to his cheeks. She acts as though she hasn't noticed. "Do you need a ride anywhere? Or did you bring your car?" she inquires.
"That would be appreciated." He replies and holds out his arm for her to thread hers through and together they walk to her SUV.
For Buffy and her friends, it felt as though the summer flew by far too quickly. Xander had yet to return from his cross-country driving tour. Oz had spent a large chunk of the summer touring with his band The Dingoes. This left the girls to their own devices. Buffy and Willow crammed as much free time as they could hanging out and shopping— even trying to convince Mackenzie to hang with them in between her summer courses as well. Buffy also managed to spend quite a bit of time with Giles training, preparing herself for when she wouldn't have his guidance. Mackenzie enjoyed her summer courses, finishing finals and essays left her with a very short mini-vacation with her family in Seacouver— where, like her friends in Sunnydale, she spent as much time as she could with her family; dividing her time between her parents and brother and whatever time she had left over with her friends.
When Mackenzie returns to Sunnydale, she wants to reconnect with Duncan and Joe but finds herself emerged in organisation mode. After hitting the campus bookstore and getting her books and a new academic planner, she heads home and colour codes her courses and sets her magnetic whiteboard to match— dividing the space with black to create five distinct spaces to record assignment due dates and results. She then pulls out files to organise her assignments for future filing, labelling them by course code and professor with black permanent marker, she then uses the coloured highlighter to easily identify the proper file to place a completed assignment. With the windows wide open and her music playing loudly, she nearly misses the doorbell— a lull in the piece playing and another loud ding causes her to nearly drop the file in hand. She turns off the music and races towards the top of the stairs.
"Just a moment." She calls as she bounds downstairs and quickly heads to the door. Checking the peephole, she swings open the door. "Hey, Giles. Come on in." She says brightly and tilts her head to the side with a smile and steps aside to allow him access.
"I just thought I would bring your mail over." He says as he holds out the envelopes.
"Thank you so much. I'm sorry, I got so wrapped up in catching up that I totally forgot my manners." She accepts the mail and sets it on a nearby table in the foyer. "Would you care for a cup of tea? Or anything?" she inquires comfortably and he nods.
"A cup of tea would be nice." He replies casually and she motions for him to take a seat. He sits at the island and watches her as she fills the electric kettle with fresh cold water and turns it on.
"It's going to be a few minutes." She says as she continues to collect the needed cups and saucers, tea bags, a cut glass dessert plate for some cookies, and the milk. She then leans against the counter and waits. "I haven't really had the opportunity to ask how you are?" she inquires. "I mean, the Ascension has clearly taken its toll on everyone." She says gently and steps over to the island and rests her arms on the countertop, leaning forward. He nods.
"It was quite the experience." He replies simply.
"But there is something else?"
"Nothing to raise any alarms about as yet."
"I don't want to sound too optimistic." She sighs as the kettle shouts off and she turns to pour the water over the tea bags in the teapot. "I mean, really? Since when does evil truly rest?"
"You're right my dear, but again I didn't come here with stories of the world ending. For a change that is." He grins and she catches the twinkle in his mossy green eyes.
"You truly brought the mail." He nods and she rolls her eyes with a smile of her own and turns with the tray, placing it on the countertop before him and picks up a jar of tea biscuits, placing them on the counter between them.
No sooner has Buffy settled down in her dorm room, the first day of classes is sprung upon her. An overwhelming moment of insignificance washes over her as she manoeuvres through the sizable campus in search of instruction as to where to go to get her student ID card, or even just meet up with a familiar face. She finally meets up with Willow and the two make their way with ease, she notes that Willow appears to actually know where she's going and getting all the necessary things done with an effortless ease that Buffy used to have in high school. Whoa, what a switch, she muses as they meet up with Oz, a conversation that she doesn't really quite find herself involved in— much like her college experience thus far. She actually realises the significance of that whole adage of the big fish in the small pound becoming the big fish in an even bigger pound—perhaps having ventured out into the ocean.
Once Buffy manages to survive the first week at UC Sunnydale, she realises that things might actually not be as bad as they had begun. Meeting with Mackenzie for coffee in between classes, talking with Willow in between studying, and dealing with all things Slayer, she quickly adapts to her new situation.
"Professor Wash is so amazing!" Willow gushes, with coffees in hand as they make their way through the scattering of rod iron tables with tiled patterns, some pushed together accommodating larger groups who consume their beverages and tasty deserts while discussing various topics of academia.
"Yeah, that was quite the lecture," Mackenzie replies with a smile. "I'm so glad I could get into her class this year. Last year it was packed to the gills and she wouldn't allow me to enrol." She sets her latté on the table while they disarm themselves of their bags and sit in the cafe-style rod iron chairs.
"I guess." Buffy sighs, her mind wandering to other thoughts— thoughts that include an awkward TA by the name of Riley Finn whom she enjoys crushing on to get through the day. Like most, it helps pass the time during the boring classes and tutorials.
"Have you been over to see Giles yet?" Willow inquires before gently blowing her coffee enough to cool it to take a tentative sip.
"Not yet. I just needed to finish a few things. Thought I'd pop in after our coffee." She replies taking a sip of her iced mocha.
"What's up?" Mackenzie asks as she places her latté back on the table.
"Oh some trampy vamp is taunting me is all, but then this really sweet guy I met while walking to my dorm room after patrol just disappeared." She leans in towards her companions. "It doesn't look like he just dropped out either." Her voice low, Willow and Mackenzie nod their understanding. "Which is why I'm going to pay Giles a visit this afternoon." She says in her usual tone and sits back in her seat.
"Sounds like a plan. I little recon couldn't hurt either." Mackenzie says and picks up her paper cup she raises it to her lips once more. "Need any help?"
"Not just yet, but I'll let you know," Buffy replies and drains the last of the beverage before checking her watch.
"I better get going. He should be home." She says picking up her messenger bag and slinging it over her shoulder. "I'll catch you guys later." She adds and takes the plastic cup to the garbage can, tosses it in and turns to glance once more at her friends.
"Later," Mackenzie says as Willow simply waves. "She's okay right?" Mackenzie inquires.
"I think so. I haven't seen her like this before." Willow sighs and they continue sipping their coffees and chatting about Professor Walsh's class and their other courses until Willow's next class.
"I get the sense that Buffy isn't the studious type?" Mackenzie comments as she plays with the plastic lid of the tall paper cup in front of her. Willow isn't quite sure how to answer. "I mean, it isn't for everyone." She amends carefully.
"I know what you mean. I have to say that prior to meeting Buffy; I would never have thought I'd actually befriend someone quite like her." Willow smiles and takes another sip of her coffee. "It's just she came from possibly being the most popular girl in school to hanging with Xander and me in the library with Giles."
"When you say it like that, you make it sound like a bad thing. I think you guys compliment each other in a way that elevates each of you."
"I think I get what you mean." She smiles.
"Don't you have class?"
"Yup, I do. I'd rather hang with you though." Willow pouts at the prospect of her last class for the day. "Maybe, you'll catch Buffy at your place." She adds as they stand and collect their cups to cast away in the garbage. Willow threads her arms into the straps of her knapsack while Mackenzie hooks her book bag on her shoulder.
"Are you coming for movie night this Friday?" she asks with a small smile, her fiery red hair dancing around her head in the gentle breeze.
"Why don't we have it at my place this time?" Mackenzie suggests. "See what the others think and get back to me. I can accommodate you guys overnight if need be. No beer, or anything like that, but takeout and junk food could be arranged." She adds as they walk through the door.
"I'll check it out with Xander tomorrow. We're meeting up for lunch, he's back from his trip and then we're Bronzing it with Buffy. So I'll give you a call."
"Sounds good. Enjoy class." Mackenzie says as they exchange a quick hug and part ways.
The walk home is a wonderful way to put her mind at ease— although a translation is burning a preverbal hole in her bag. Earlier she had met up with Methos to pick up another translation, rather his corrections on her translation, of another text Giles had asked for assistance with. Entering the courtyard of the complex, she notices Buffy standing outside Giles' flat, arms crossed tightly across her chest, an expression of confusion on her face, and slumped shoulders.
"Buffy, hey." She greets her friend.
"You so don't want to disturb him right now." She says matter-of-factly. Mackenzie reaches out and places a hand on Buffy's shoulder.
"What is it?" she finally gets Buffy to look her in the eye.
"He's in there."
"Yes?"
"Just trust me, you don't want to disturb him right now. In fact, you probably should wait till he calls you." She appears hurt and confused.
"Buffy, why don't you come over to my place and have a glass of water or something, calm down and then you can tell me what's the what." Mackenzie leads her to her flat.
Sitting in the living room, Buffy on the sofa, her feet tucked up underneath her while Mackenzie sits in the leather armchair, a cup of tea in her hands. Buffy bites into another cookie and sets the remainder down on a paper napkin.
"So why are you so disturbed?" Mackenzie finally inquires, breaking the silence.
"Well, besides the fact that a student just disappeared, Giles is." She pauses— knowing that if she tells her friend what she saw, it will break her heart. "Could I ask for your help with something?" she changes the subject figuring that if she couldn't have Giles on board, she could at least ask someone else who might be able to help her with her present predicament.
"What's going on?" Mackenzie sits back and tucks her feet up underneath her as well.
"There's more to the disappearing student situation." Buffy begins. "I seriously got my ass kicked by a vamp from the eighties!" she pouts and rests her head on the sofa back for a moment in thought.
"Why don't you come with me to the dojo to train? I know that Duncan isn't the same as having Giles train you, but at least you'll be able to keep up your physical training." She suggests with a smile. "It might be fun to train with someone different for a change of pace. I find that I can easily anticipate Duncan's offence before he even makes a move." They laugh together at the recognition for the need for change. "I can help you out with your vamp problem as well if you like. However, I think it might be nice to ask Xander." Buffy nods to indicate her understanding. "In not doing the college thing, I think he's feeling quite left out." She adds and un-tucks her feet from underneath, places them firmly on the floor and leans towards the coffee table, resting her elbows on her thighs.
"You're right. The gang hasn't really been much of late. Things are so hectic—time seems to slip by so quickly. Mackenzie nods her agreement.
"Oh before I forget. I know that Will is going to talk to you about this, but we got talking about the upcoming movie night and I wondered if you guys would like to hold it here?" she suddenly feels uncertain for asking before Willow had the chance. "Willow invited me and I thought it would be easier to have it here. I can accommodate any overnighters as well."
"You know what? That sounds like a really great idea." Buffy smiles brightly and her mood seems to also be improving, albeit slowly. "Well, I better be going. Thanks for this," she says as she stands and helps Mackenzie take their dishes to the kitchen and places them on the counter.
"What are friends for?" she smiles and walks Buffy to the front door. "Let me know if movie night is a go for sure."
"Of course." Buffy quickly hugs her. "Thanks."
"No problem. Let me know what you need regarding your vamp problem and I'll see what I can do." Mackenzie watches as Buffy makes her way out of the complex before closing and locking the door.
Once the kitchen was spotless, Mackenzie picks up her mail from the small table in the foyer along with her knapsack, she heads upstairs to finish an essay that's due at the end of the following week. She works through the dinner hour before recognising the low growl of her empty stomach. Saving her work and tidying her workspace, she turns off the desk lamp and closes the door on school work. Entering the kitchen, she thinks about what she wants and grabs the needed ingredients to assemble something quick, easy, and delicious. Glancing at the clock, she realises that she may have missed the six o'clock news, but there is an all-day news channel that she flips to, to catch up on the days events while making and eating dinner. Once dinner is prepared, she sets herself at the kitchen table and enjoys her meal.
A loud bang on the door interrupts her meals a little over half-way through. She dabs her lips with the serviette before making her way to the front door. Checking the peephole first, she opens the door to a frantic Xander.
"What's going o?" she inquires. He appears to be out of breath.
"I need— I mean, Buffy needs your help."
"What's happened?" Mackenzie pulls him into her flat and closes the door.
"We need weapons. That bitch vamp took Buffy's stuff and is hiding it in an abandoned frat house just on campus." He takes a deep breath.
"Um, Xander?"
"Right, you won't have the weapons, but Giles will." He rolls his eyes at his mixed up reasoning.
"It's okay, I have a sword at least." She says. "And a few anti-vamp things— crosses, some holy water, and stakes. I can help with those." She runs off and returns with a large black duffle bag. "Let's go!" she exclaims.
"You go, meet Willow and Oz. I'm going to get Giles." He opens the door and runs across the quad.
Arriving at the scene, Mackenzie distributes the needed tools for them to assist Buffy, who suddenly was nowhere to be seen.
"Where is Buffy?" Oz inquires, as they realise that she's nowhere to be seen. Some odd noises; however, are heard by the group outside. Xander finally arrives with more arsenal and they agree on their plan of attack. Bursting through the door will surprise the vamps, who would clearly not be expecting the Slayer to have backup. Cross held up, holy water in hand they are greeted with Buffy kicking some serious ass. Watching Buffy, they manage to hold off the other vamps. The whole ass-kicking takes a scant twenty minutes, witty banter and staking of vampires included.
"That was some exercise." Buffy sighs. "Touch my stuff and get dead." She says under her breath as she begins to pack her stuff into boxes and they make their way back to the dorms.
"Buffy!" Giles surprises them most, running towards them carrying a crossbow in one hand and a cross in the other while cradling an axe.
"Hi, Giles!" He hears her voice, but doesn't see her as her head is hidden behind a box filled with Buffy's stuff.
"What's with the arsenal?" Xander inquires coolly.
"I've been awake all night. I know I'm supposed to teach you self-reliance, but I can't leave you out there to fight alone. To hell with what's right, I'm ready to back you up. Let's find the evil a-and fight it together." He says slightly out of breath.
"Great! Thanks! We'll get right on that." She says as they quasi-swarm him on their way towards her dorm.
"The evil is this way?" he inquires as he follows.
"My room is," Buffy says in a satisfied tone leading the way towards her dorm.
"Hey Giles, could you get this box on top?" Willow asks and he quickly helps her with the box.
"So college— not so scary after all, huh?" Xander states matter-of-factly as they walk.
"It's turning out to be a lot like high school, which I can handle. At least I know what to expect." She replies as they continue their way across the campus.
Arriving at her dorm room, the gang quickly help Buffy unpack her boxed belongings and hang out for a little while. Mackenzie can't believe that a vampire would have such guts to try and taunt a Slayer the way Sunday did, and actually, think that they would get away with it.
"Thanks again you guys," Buffy says with a smile and a bit of a yawn. They return her smile, Willow and Xander sandwiching her between them while Oz, Mackenzie and Giles wait for their turn with her.
"I'll see you tomorrow?" Mackenzie inquires quietly and Buffy nods as they break their embrace.
"Are you okay getting home Kenzie?" Xander inquires in a gentlemanly manner. Buffy almost giggles as she recognises Giles' influence on her friend.
"I'll be sure that she gets home safely," Giles states as he checks over Buffy's injuries. "Besides, it's out of your way." He adds, once satisfied that Buffy is all right.
"But thank you for asking," Mackenzie says as he hugs her goodnight. "See you Friday night." She adds.
"Wouldn't miss it." He smiles as he exits the crowded room into the hallway punctuated with small clusters of students talking, walking to their own rooms or common room, or coming in or going out for the evening.
"We ought to head out as well." Giles gently cups Mackenzie's elbow with his hand and leads her from the room, leaving Buffy with Willow and Oz.
The night air is pleasantly crisp and Mackenzie enjoys the way it feels against her skin as they walk to the condo complex from the university in a comfortable silence— Giles making sure to walk on the side towards the road.
"So, that was quite an eventful evening." She says as if waiting to be far enough from the university to begin a conversation.
"It was. I'm glad that Buffy was able to handle the situation as well as she did." He replies.
"Was that a test?" Mackenzie slows to a stop and Giles follows her lead.
"In a way it was. While I will always be here for her as her Watcher, I want to make sure that, if for any reason I am unavailable to her, she is equipped to handle herself." She nods her understanding and they resume their walk home.
"You know what?" Mackenzie says, once again breaking the silence between them.
"What?" Giles inquires as he removes his glasses and quickly cleans them.
"I'm feeling like an ice cream cone." She states as he returns his glasses to their perch on his nose and the handkerchief to his pocket.
"Really?" he cocks a brow and waits for her answer.
"Yup, something cold would really hit the spot right now." She smiles and without thought reaches out for his hand and pulls him towards the ice cream parlour. "You can tell a lot about someone by the type of ice cream they choose." She adds with a wicked smile and a wink.
"Oh really?" he plays along as they enter and join the line.
"Yes, you know? Some of the more conservative, or safe flavours would, of course, be vanilla, strawberry, and chocolate."
"And those flavours would be for whom? Someone like me?"
"Not necessarily." She pauses. "I have a sneaking suspicion that you enjoy something a little more adventurous." She tilts her head to the side in thought.
"What can I get you two?" the teenage male behind the counter inquires with a flirtatious smile directed at Mackenzie. She wonders if Giles is jealous, but doesn't have the chance to glance at him.
"For me? A sugar cone of chocolate mint and strawberry cheesecake." She takes in his expression. "I've never tried the combo before, you never know." She nudges Giles playfully.
"Well, a sugar cone sounds like a good idea. A scoop of super-duper chocolate fudge and I think the raspberry banana swirl would go nicely with it." He smiles at his over the top selection. Mackenzie's smile is contagious and he grins as the teen hands him their cones. She quickly pulls the needed money from her wallet and hands him the bills.
"Your change." He says with an astounded expression on his face. She merely takes a handful of napkins and her cone from Giles before they exit the parlour.
"Thank you, Kenzie," Giles says politely and she's glad for his absence of protest that she paid for their treat. "Next time it's on me though." He adds as they head towards the nearby park. Normally, the people of Sunnydale stay away from dark alleys, cemeteries, and parks at night— Giles and Mackenzie; however, feel safe in each other's company. They sit on a bench facing a pound and lick their ice cream in comfortable silence.
"So how is yours?" she inquires after quickly dabbing her lips with a napkin and handing one to him.
"A combination that I would have again." He replies.
"Oh really?" she cocks a brow with questioning eyes.
"Would you care to try some?" he holds the cone out towards her. "You're not germ conscious now are you?"
"Nope." She replies and tries a lick of his ice cream. "That is a good combination." She smiles her approval. "Chocolate mint and strawberry cheesecake?" she returns the gesture. He nods and tries her oddly good combination.
"That's pretty good too." He sits back, crossing his left ankle over his right knee.
They finish their ice creams before getting up to walk the rest of the way home.
"I suppose you wouldn't have gotten ice cream if you were with Xander." He cannot help but ask.
"I doubt it." She replies honestly. She doesn't see his expression from her spot at his side. "I would probably want to get home as quickly as possible." She confesses.
"Oh, I see." He replies as they enter the courtyard.
"I can take it from here." She smiles as they pause at the fountain. "Thanks for walking me home." She adds, and before she even thinks about it, she wraps her arms around him in a quick hug. "Good night Giles." She adds. Neither immediately let the other go, but eventually, their comfortable moment is broken by protocol and they slowly allow their arms to release the other.
"Goodnight Kenzie." He smiles with a curt nod.
He watches her as she makes her way to her condo, making sure that she gets in safely before walking the short distance to his own. As he removes his jacket, he catches another whiff of the intoxicating scent of her perfume and pauses before hanging it on its hook in the entryway. Then removes his shoes before returning to the research he had been working on before Xander arrived for the help he hadn't had to provide Buffy and her friends with after all— although he did have the opportunity to spend some time alone with Mackenzie.
"Rupert?" a female voice calls from about halfway down the narrow staircase.
"Oh! Olivia. I'm sorry, did I wake you?" he lifts his head as she takes the last step and makes her way towards him. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she runs her slender fingers through the hair on the back of his head and massages his neck gently. Leaning down to press her lips against his cheek, she notices the perfume, but says nothing about it— their relationship was never a relationship in the traditional sense. She would fly into Sunnydale, like a whirlwind, meet up with him and leave him— until the next time she had business in LA.
"Will you be coming to bed?" she whispers sexily into his ear, the heat from her breath caressing his ear and sends a shiver down his spine, it wasn't the same as before.
"Not right now, dear. I just want to finish this up first." He replies.
"You said that last night and you never came to bed." She pouts and places her hands on his shoulders, trying to convince him to abandon his research. "I found you hunched over your desk this morning. All sexy and dishevelled." She adds and places a kiss on his ear, then open kisses down his strong jaw towards the base of his neck.
"Olivia." While he can feel himself slowly respond to her kisses and ministrations he only sighs and breaks her spell. "I really must get this done. I am on a deadline." He fibs, with the hope she will make her way back up to the bedroom and be asleep before he makes his way up.
"I'll wait up." She wraps her arms around his back and kisses him once more before retreating upstairs to the bedroom. Don't, he cannot help but think, as he thumbs through the open volume.