All general disclaimers can be found in chapter one :)

The gang has gathered around Giles' coffee table once again, in one piece discussing their latest victory.
"You seriously had to be there. It was awesome!" Xander says before stuffing a marshmallow into his mouth. Everyone laughs as they enjoy each other's company before holiday departures start.
"Are you still going home?" Buffy directs her inquiry towards Mackenzie.
"Yeah, it's tradition to spend the holiday with my family. Plus, it gives me the chance to catch up with friends that I only manage to keep in touch with these days through email." She replies leaning against the sofa.
"I guess I didn't think about that," Willow says as she leans into Tara's warmth.
"I miss them." She sighs wistfully and feels a gentle hand on her shoulder that she knows just from the size and pressure is Giles. She lifts her chin over her shoulder, looking up at him, she smiles and then reaches for a handful of flavoured popcorn.
"Well, I guess in a way we're lucky," Buffy states as she leans forward and grabs a handful of chips. "We're together now." She smiles and munches on a few chips.

"Maybe we could create a new tradition," Xander says with a bright smile at his idea. "Why don't we have a Christmas dinner tomorrow night?"
"Xander, where are we going to get everything that we need on such short notice?" Giles looks at the younger man.
"That isn't such a bad idea." Mackenzie smiles, "I mean, sure a turkey might take some doing, but it isn't that late to shop right now. I don't mind making the turkey and tomorrow we could throw something together I'm sure."
"I like this idea." Anya bobs her head while thinking about having their family together.
"Well, let me make a list of what we need." Mackenzie stands, heads to Giles' desk and snatches a piece of scrap paper and a pencil.

"Turkey and the trimmings." Buffy giggles.
"Right. Potatoes, sweet potatoes, green beans, Brussels sprouts, cranberries, dinner rolls, gravy, carrots," Mackenzie says while writing it down. "What am I missing?"
"Desserts," Xander replies.
"Well I won't have time to do any serious baking, so we'll have to buy something." She frowns sadly. "Next year we'll be way more organised. Oh! We have to have a ham as well. So ham and frozen orange juice, and I don't think I have any cherries."
"Can anyone think of anything else?" Anya asks. "I'll bring a shrimp ring and Xander, why don't you bring some cheese and crackers to munch on before dinner?" he nods.
"Tara and I can buy the deserts then," Willow says happily, holding Tara's hand.

With their list, Mackenzie gets up to go to the store.
"Does anyone just need anything else while I'm out?" she inquires.
"I'll go with you." Buffy volunteers standing.
"Actually, here is the key to my place. Would you mind going into the basement and finding the boxes that should be labelled Christmas dinner set, or something like that and pull that out and see if it needs to be washed?" she asks and Buffy nods. Willow and Tara smile and stand.
"We're going to head out to the bakery and see what we can get for dessert." They turn and make their way towards the front door, slipping on their shoes and grabbing their jackets to put on, on their way out.
Xander and Anya quickly glance at each other.
"I think we'll help Buffy with getting the tableware ready and setting the table. This is going to be so great!" he exclaims happily grabbing Anya's hand and quickly heading out as well.
"I guess it's just you and I," Mackenzie says with an almost shy smile. Giles chuckles his response and they too get their shoes and jackets and head out the door. "I'll drive." She states and they make their way to her SUV.

"Buffy, do you see the box?" Anya calls from halfway down the stairs.
"Yup, here it is." She replies pulling the box from its place and handing it to Anya.
"There's another there." She says and Buffy pulls that one from the shelf as well.
"How organised eh?" Buffy says looking around, Anya nods and they make their way back upstairs to find Xander pulling the dining room table apart to place the leaves within— extending the table to accommodate their family.
"Oh check out the cloth," Anya says happily removing it from the box with the matching serviettes. They remove the remaining dishes and decide to carefully clean them.
"Why not set the table now?" Xander suggests and they nod their agreement. Buffy washes, Anya dries while Xander begins with the cutlery and stemware.

Meanwhile, Mackenzie and Giles have found the ingredients for their meal.
"Don't worry about the dinner rolls. I have a connection at the bakery for the most amazing rolls." Giles smiles as Mackenzie then returns the plastic bag and they make their way to the cash register.
"I hope they find everything okay." Mackenzie frets and Giles grins with a low chuckle as they pay and collect the various bags. When they return to Mackenzie's flat, they take as many bags as they can between themselves and head for the front door.
"Hey, let me help with those." Anya takes Mackenzie's bags and pops them in the kitchen and then returns to get Giles'.
"I'll get the rest." Mackenzie makes her way back to the SUV and collects the rest. When she returns, she finds Anya and Xander unpacking the bags, and placing the items on the counter.
"I thought we'd prepare everything this evening so that it makes it easier tomorrow." Buffy's grin reminds Mackenzie of her mothers.
"Sure. Let's get on that." She enters the kitchen and the group find their places— Xander washing and drying various vegetables, Anya peels the potatoes, Buffy cutting the sprouts and Giles and Mackenzie preparing the stuffing, ham glaze, and cranberry sauce.

The following evening, the gang dress in their dressy casual clothes and upon their arrival, are greeted by the smells of Christmas dinner. Mackenzie happily flits about in her bright crimson off-shoulder sweater over a black lacy skirt and opaque tights with cute black and silver stilettos, placing snacks on the coffee table and returning to the kitchen, helping pour various drinks for her friends. Giles had yet to arrive, and Buffy was wondering what was keeping her Watcher.
"Giles hasn't arrived yet." She whispers to Willow, who turns from her conversation with Tara and shakes her head.
"I haven't seen him. He's always on time."
"Wonder what's keeping him?" she exhales and looks at the door almost expecting him to walk in any minute.
"Maybe he doesn't know what to wear?" Willow makes a funny face as Buffy actually considers her suggestion.

Meanwhile, Giles stands in front of the mirror and frowns. Brown cords, a hunter green fleece shirt, no tie and he was unsure of whether or not to wear a cardigan. The problem was that he didn't want to appear 'old and gross' as Buffy once put things, the whole Mr. Rogers thing really wasn't a becoming look, but he could always remove the sweater should he need to. His mind so busy reeling, he totally misses the knock on the door and it opened.
"Giles!" Buffy shouts up towards the loft. He nearly jumps out of his skin and grabbing his cardigan opens the bedroom door and heads down the stairs.
"Buffy. I didn't hear you."
"Too busy fretting on your ensemble?" she gives him the once over and nods her approval.
"I suppose it's that obvious."
"It's just dinner with friends. Nothing major per se, except Kenzie, has outdone herself with the food and that outfit!" his expression changes to one of curiosity. "You look fine. You're Giles." She adds with a wink and reaches out for his hand.
"I just have to get the rolls."

They walk across the courtyard and when Buffy opens the door, the party is in full swing. The tree is lit, classical holiday music is playing quietly in the background, the table is set— candles lit, munchies on the coffee table with napkins.
"Merry Christmas Giles." Mackenzie makes her way from the kitchen to the foyer, his eyes nearly pop out of his head. He manages to maintain his composure so that no one notices him checking her out.
"Merry Christmas Kenzie." He allows Buffy to take the bag of dinner rolls from his hand and makes his way towards her, embracing her in a friendly hug. She kisses his cheek and together they join the party.

"What will you have to drink?" she inquires as they head towards the kitchen.
"Something festive." He replies happily.
"I know just the thing." She grabs the bottle of cranberry juice, adds a splash of sparkling water and some ice cubes. She turns towards another dish and plucks a sprig of mint and drops it into the glass. "We're planning on the whole real festive thing at dinner. Anya brought the wine and I have dessert coffee planned." He smiles and nods, holds his glass out towards her in a salute, she picks up her glass and clinks his gently.
"Before we get on with the festive—I want group pictures!" Willow says happily as she produces her camera. "Let's use the tree as the backdrop." She says as she finds a place to place her camera on its mini-tripod. Tara turns out some of the lights so the Christmas tree lights shimmer. "Okay, everyone! Tall people in the back!" Willow says directing the traffic and checking to see the composition. "Giles back row in the middle. Xander please stand beside him and Anya, could you grab those chairs please?" she quickly grabs two chairs and sets them in front of the men. "Perfect. Buffy"
"I'll sit on the floor at Anya's feet beside Tara. And I think Mackenzie with those heels can stand on Giles' other side." She says as she sits in front of Anya. As quickly as they set up, Willow set her camera to take the photo and plants herself in the other chair. The flash signals the photo being taken and Willow springs up to check it.
"One more okay?" they nod and she sets it up again. "I'll do it so it takes five shots this time." She informs them setting it up and then running to get back into the frame. Once the photo op is finished, they all head towards the dining room. Willow continues to snap pictures with her digital camera, promising to email everyone proofs and have copies made for Giles.

The meal is a wonderful and uneventful in the sense of uninvited guests, and the gang enjoys the conversation and food.
"A toast to the hostess." Xander gently taps his glass. "I just want to say thank you for your ability to pull off an amazing dinner party with one night's notice. Next year we'll be more organised." He holds his glass up and everyone clinks glasses.
"Cheers." The chorus says happily. Giles watches his family from his seat at the head of the table across from Mackenzie and enjoys how happy everyone is.
"To Mackenzie!" Anya says after.
"Everyone, if I may?" Mackenzie suddenly feels the need to say something. "I know that I haven't been part of your family for very long, and you have truly embraced me by allowing me to assist you whenever I've been able. It's been quite the year and I'm so proud to have each and every one of you around my table. Actually, I feel incredibly blessed to have all of you in my life." She raises her glass. "To my wonderful accepting extended family." She adds and they all clink their glasses. The sentimentality of the moment isn't lost on Giles and he continues to enjoy his meal with his family. Once they have finished, they help with clearing the dishes— taking them to the kitchen, Xander and Anya remove the scraps and stack them beside the sink, while Buffy, Willow, and Tara clear the stemware and serving dishes.

"I think I need a moment to digest before dessert," Xander announces.
"Well, why not go sit in the living room. I'll get some of these dishes washed while I get the water ready for desserts accompanying coffee." Mackenzie says and shoos them out of the kitchen.
"Are you sure?" Willow interjects. "We can help too."
"That's okay, really. I don't mind at all. I have games if you guys want." She adds with a grin.
"That sounds like a good idea," Buffy says with a smile of her own. "I'll clear the coffee table." She starts to gather the baskets of various snacks while Tara and Willow collect the empty glasses and sets the napkins on another table for dessert. Mackenzie fills the sink with soapy hot water and places the plates to soak for a moment.

"You wash and I'll dry if you like," Giles suggests and without thought or protest, she nods and together they get the dishes done.
"Who's in for dessert coffee?" she asks the group.
"Sounds good." They chime in.
"Giles are you in? Or would prefer tea? I have a selection of teas as well if you'd like.
"I think I'll partake in coffee this evening." He tilts his head and watches as she retrieves mugs from the cupboard and locates a box of flavoured coffee. She opens the individual packets and dumps them into the mugs than pours the hot water over while stirring to dissolve the powder.
"Ice cream in your coffee?" she asks and they all say yeah in agreement. Mackenzie turns to the fridge and retrieves a tub of sugar-free vanilla ice cream. Scooping a generous amount of ice cream into the mugs, she then grabs the canned whipped cream.

Willow and Xander got up and take mugs for their respective significant others, Buffy takes hers and leaves two mugs behind— one for Mackenzie and the other for Giles. Mackenzie then quickly gathers the desserts that Willow and Tara brought and places the fresh fruit into a cut-glass bowl, and removes the decadent cake from the box, placing it on a plate. She quickly sets the desserts on the coffee table while Giles follows with the plates, bowls, spoons, and forks. Before he realises it, Mackenzie is standing beside him with his coffee and Xander is cutting into the cake while Willow is scooping fruit onto a plate awaiting a slice of cake.
"Here you go." She whispers in Giles' ear, holding out his mug towards him.
"Thank you, my dear." He replies quietly and they find seats.
"This has been amazing!" Buffy says happily as she places her empty plate on the coffee table. "I do need to patrol tonight though." She stands and the group groan, but each takes a turn to embrace her.
"Thank you for coming," Mackenzie says quietly as Buffy does the zipper on her jacket up to her neck. "Be careful." A curt nod and Buffy quickly opens the door and closes it quickly behind.

"I didn't realise how late it's gotten," Anya says stifling a yawn and Xander puts a hand on her shoulder.
"You ladies need a ride back to the dorms?" he inquires and both Willo0w and Tara nod and smile.
"Thanks, Xander." Willow quickly accepts his offer.

While out on patrol, Buffy wonders if the others took her cue and left Giles with Mackenzie. When are they going to realise that they belong together? She muses as she turns the corner and enters the first graveyard on her route. Here vampy, vampy, vampy, she enjoys the mental taunting.
"Slayer." An English accent slithers in the cool night, his cigarette burning, the red tip giving away his location and Buffy heads towards it.
"Spike, what are you up to now?" she asks getting close enough to talk to him, yet far enough away to protect herself. "Haven't you done enough damage?"
"Oh, you mean the whole Yoko effect?"
"Which, by the way thankfully bombed— and you're lucky I'm not kicking your peroxide blond ass around the cemetery at this moment." She retorts. He holds up his hands in defence.
"You wouldn't. I'm too valuable to you." He replies and she gives him an odd glance.
"What is it, Slayer? Did I hit a nerve?" he questions her while turning on his heel, his black leather duster billowing slightly from the wind. "Just get on with your hunt and leave me alone." He says over his shoulder. Buffy just watches as he walks away.

Damn it! She mentally scolds herself, I should just stake him. It would make things so much easier, she continues on her trek through a sleeping Sunnydale, through empty parks and cemeteries. Perhaps the docks will have a little action, she thinks as she makes her way towards the seedier part of town. In the worse case scenario, she would find crack houses, perhaps a brothel, or a few vamp nests—the latter of which she was far more interested in. What she found; however, wasn't what she had expected and she knew there was no way that she could possibly deal with a nest of its size at that moment alone. I'll prepare my line of attack and return tomorrow with the advantage of sunlight, she carefully makes her way back through the streets of Sunnydale home and to her comfy bed.

With all the dishes washed, dried, and placed back in the boxes— Mackenzie sighs happily and plops herself on the sofa next to Giles.
"Thanks again for all of your help." She smiles and turns so that she can kick off her shoes and tucks one leg underneath herself.
"Its no trouble my dear." He replies with a hand on his knee, which he suddenly finds is in close proximity to Mackenzie's. Glancing at his watch, Giles nearly jumps off the sofa. "My g-goodness it's g-gotten late." His stutter returning slightly as Mackenzie also glances at her watch.
"I hadn't noticed the time." She smiles. "I have to be sure to be ready to leave tomorrow." She frowns.
"Yes, of course. By the way, I'm happy to look after things here for you while you're gone." He stands and she follows.
"I really do appreciate that." She replies as moves towards the hall table to retrieve the spare key.

"You may need this." she holds the key out towards him and he receives the metal in the palm of his hand, the tips of her painted fingers brush against his hand much in the same manner as the first time he watched over her flat— although this time he allows himself to enjoy the sensation. Neither of them is officially attached to anyone else, the timing could very well be right for them to see where their relationship might be heading. He then places the key in the breast pocket of his flannel shirt with a crooked smile and she turns from him, making her way to the Christmas tree, she returns with a small wrapped gift. "And this is for you." She adds as he accepts the gift with a gentle smile.
"Kenzie, you didn't have to."
"I know, but." She pauses lost for an explanation.
"Thank you for thinking of me." He places the package on the hallway table. "Is there anything else I can help you with this evening?"
"Thank you for the offer, but I think everything has been taken care of." She tilts her head to the side and her hair picks up the soft light. He wishes he could reach out and run his fingers through her hair, but he reframes from doing so, only steps to close what little distance is between them to embrace her. She buries her face in his chest and enjoys the unique Giles-y smell— a combination of old leather-bound books, a soap she couldn't quite place except that she thought it might be saddle wood with a mix of musk and something she wasn't sure of, but she enjoys the comfort she finds in it nonetheless.

Giles finds his sense bombarded with a gentle vanilla scent with a floral undertone, mixed with a berry shampoo. He enjoys the warm moment they share and slowly breaks the embrace, holding her at arm's length.
"This evening, the whole of it has been wonderful." He leans in towards her and gently places a kiss on the top of her head. He is unsure how she will react, but like with all of their interactions, she appears to take this slightly bolder move in stride.
"Merry Christmas Giles." She looks up at the ceiling above them and with a smile; she stands up on tiptoes and gently kisses his cheek. "Mistletoe." She states simply and his eyes follow her glance.
"So it would seem. Merry Christmas." He adds and they finally move towards the foyer and Giles quickly slips he shoes on and she hands him a bag of various leftovers and the gift.
"We'll talk when I return." She says as she opens the door for him to slip through and make his way home.
"Yes, of course." He replies and turns, heading back to his flat, he pauses halfway and waves. She rolls her eyes and returns his wave and waits until he is safely within, closing her door, she locks it and turns off the lights as she heads upstairs to prepare for bed.