Working Title: Kenzie's Song

by Gabigail

In a Crossover set between Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Highlander The Series. Mackenzie Lamont – your typical high school student, finds herself in your not-so-typical situation. Between studying to become a Watcher, finding out that she is a potential immortal, and having to move to Sunnydale for her education— her life becomes a complex web threatening to unravel or is it?

10. Chapter 10

Please note that the usual disclaimers are in the first chapter.

"Pull that shoulder back!" Duncan instructs as Mackenzie attacks—he counters her offence with a swift floor sweep, taking her legs out from under her and sending her crashing to the mat.
"I deserve that." She utters, gracefully righting herself and resuming her fighting stance.
"Hey, what's going on?" he signals for them to pause in their session. She sighs and bows her agreement to the sparing match's conclusion. "You haven't been as focused lately." He adds as they move towards a bench with their water bottles and towels.
"I know. We've been researching the newest big bad." She sweeps the towel over her neck and shoulders, pausing only to hook the towel over her neck.
"Newest big bad?" he cocks a brow and sets his towel aside.
"Yes, there is this key that we need to locate that will help us keep the world safe." She replies quietly, "I've asked Adam for his help, which has been wonderful and we have a few theories at the moment; however, it's nothing concrete." She picks up her water bottle and takes a much-needed gulp.
"A Key?" his chocolate eyebrow cocks in interest.
"That's what all the texts that we can decipher tell us." She sets the water bottle aside and sits on the bench— leaning her shoulders against the wall and stretching her long, lean legs before her. He tilts his head in thought.
"Is it anything like the Stone of Scone?" his question taking her by surprise.
"You mean, as in plain sight?" she feels excited at the prospect of figuring out what the key could be.
"Something like that. If one were to sit upon the Stone, he or she would be King or Queen of Scotland. Amanda had thought it a lucrative heist; however, as per the norm, nothing is as it seems and the stone was worthless." He laughs at the memory of their elaborate scheme to steal the stone. However, like with most things with Amanda, the raven or platinum-haired thief, nothing was ever boring.

Mackenzie nods in understanding and thinks back to a few lines she had read in one of the many texts a few days back. The Key must be protected by the Chosen One and concealed in a manner that she won't be discovered. In that moment a bright smile captures her lips and Duncan gives her a sideways look.
"What is it?"
"I think I have it!" she exclaims happily and jumps from her seat, bounds towards Duncan and wraps him in a tight hug. "The key isn't an object at all." She pauses and steps away from him. "It's human."
"Human?" his voice hardly above a whisper.
"Yes, of course, it's human. It's Dawn!"
"How would you come to that conclusion?"
"I came across a text that was a rather odd combination of Sumerian mixed with something on the cusp of Middle English that stated that the Key must be protected by the Chosen One and concealed in a manner that she won't be discovered." Duncan's smile matches hers.

"How do you suppose we keep Dawn out of harm's way— without her knowing?" he asks with raised eyebrows.
"That's going to be the hard part. Dawn is a teenager who needs to have her social life. I'm not sure how we're going to manage such a feat." Mackenzie sighs as she gathers her belongings as quickly as possible. "I have to get this information to Giles!" she says happily as she snaps the last button on her coat under her chin. Making her way to him, she hugs him tightly. "I'll talk to you soon." She adds with a quick kiss on his cheek.
"Yeah." He replies as he watches her grab her bag and bolt out the door, nearly running into Methos.
"Sorry!" she calls over her shoulder.
"No problem." He sighs and watches her get into her car. "What's going on?" he inquires casually as he follows Duncan to the elevator to go up to the loft.

"Do you recall the texts that she asked you help translate?" Duncan opens the metal cage door and they step in.
"As a matter of fact, I do." He replies as the door is closed, a button pressed, and the elevator lurches gently before beginning its ascent.
"Well, she figured out what it means." He says with a proud smile.
"Oh yeah? I figured as much." Methos replies as the elevator stops and Duncan opens the cage door for them to move into the loft.
"Beer?"
"You know me all too well." Methos follows Duncan into the kitchen and seats himself at the breakfast bar. "So is it the end as bad as hypothesised?" he accepts the bottle with a nod and twists the metal cap off before taking a satisfying swig.
"Worse." Duncan sighs loudly and leans against the counter. "Kenzie thinks that if the key is found, then whoever it is that is looking for it, will open a portal into another dimension that will essentially cause this one to collapse upon itself.

"While the individuals in this world go about their daily lives oblivious to the fact that the world is at an end, our girl Kenzie is helping her crew save it." Duncan can only nod his ascent, slightly amazed at the reality.
"I hadn't really thought of it that way." He finally says, "she'll always just be my Kenzie, you know?"
"Yeah, same here," Methos replies with his trademark lopsided smile.
"But really Methos. How many times have we heard of the world at its end?"
"Far too many to count." His reply an honest one. "And yet, why is this time any different?"
"I doubt that it is, but on the other hand, it could very well be the one time that whatever it is collides, does so and then poof!"

Sitting at his desk, Giles reviews his notes and picks up yet another text.
"Giles!" Mackenzie's voice is loud through the door as her frantic knock follows. "Giles!" he can hardly get to the door before she knocks again. He knows that something is going on and makes a mad dash for the door.
"Mackenzie, love— what is it?" he steps aside as she enters his flat.
"I think I know what the key is." She says happily as he closes the door behind her and follows her into his flat. Stopping at his desk, she notices the text that lays open. "What's this?" she pauses in thought.
"Well, I was thinking about a few things that you said the other day while we were in research mode, but to be honest, I only sat down with it." He runs a hand through his hair and tilts his head to the side. The smile on her lips causes him to smile slightly and they set themselves on the sofa.

"So what is it that you've found out?" he prompts.
"I think I know what— nay, who the Key is."
"What? Who?" his expression is puzzled as her smile widens.
"It's Dawn!" she exclaims with enthusiasm.
"How exactly did you come to this conclusion?"
"There was just something about the texts that drew me towards the Key being human. Only it didn't occur to me that it was Dawn until the wording in the final text prompted me to really think about things." She pauses in thought, "the text was a combination of Sumerian with pre-Middle English. It was only one line that resonated with me." She runs her slender fingers through her hair and tucks a stray strand behind her ear.

"The Key must be protected by the Chosen One— concealed in a manner that she won't be discovered." Suddenly Giles' eye light up. Removing his glasses and quickly running a thin cloth over them to remove a few dust particles. "What better way to protect the world then use the Slayer?" she sits back and waits for his reaction. Hesitant, at first, Giles takes a deep breath and slapping his thighs, he stands.
"How sure of you of this?" he questions.
"I'm incredibly certain that this is indeed the case. It's the only logical answer to our question. All we need to do is be sure that Buffy is aware of the situation and that we all ensure that Dawn is safe."
"You know full well that that's going to be near impossible. Joyce can hardly get the girls to spend time together as it is."

"Giles, I know. But we have to do the best we can." He nods his ascent. "You know that this means we now have to figure out what we're keeping her safe from."
"Yes, of course." He replies calmly.
"This isn't going to be an easy win for the good guys is it?"
"Probably not." He replies with a sigh. "In truth, it never is." He adds and they sit in silence for a long moment. Shifting so that he faces her. "Well, at the very least— we are one step closer to keeping the world safe."
"What about the rest of the puzzle?" she tilts her head and lowers her eyes to look down at her nervously folded hands.

"As usual, we will find out exactly what is going on and a way to triumph over it." He replies simply— confidence both in his voice and posture.
"Just wish I had the same feeling." She sighs as she scoots closer to him and fits herself into his side— he immediately wraps his arm around her and pulls her as closely into him as possible. Their tender moment is brought to an abrupt end with a loud knocking. "I'll get it." Mackenzie moves to get up, but Giles rests a comforting hand on her knee and rises instead. Opening the door, to Buffy— he steps aside to allow her to gain entrance.
"Hey, Giles." She pauses, noticing Mackenzie sitting on the sofa. "Hey, Kenzie. I didn't know that you were here." She laces her fingers together as she sits on the opposite end of the sofa.
"Buffy what is it?" the concern is clear in his tone and Mackenzie makes a move to leave, but both Buffy and Giles gesture for her to stay.

"My mom." Her voice is small, almost childlike as she wraps her arms around herself.
"Is she okay?" Mackenzie's voice holds a concern that catches both Giles and Buffy's attention.
"I'm not sure." She glances down at the coffee table for a moment, collecting her thoughts. "Remember that I told you that she has been having these odd headaches?" Giles nods his ascent and she clears her throat before continuing. "The doctor doesn't think that they are just your run of the mill headache or even migraines." She takes another much-needed breath.
"What is it?" Giles prompts her to continue, sitting between the girls and reaching out to gently take Buffy's hand.
"It could be a tumour." She nearly chocks on a sob. Mackenzie stands and heads towards the gully kitchen to get a glass of cold water.

"Here, you go." She carefully hands the glass to Buffy and can't shake the tremble of her friend's hands as she takes a sip.
"Thanks." She leans towards the coffee table and places the half-empty glass on an awaiting coaster.
"Have they done any tests?" Giles inquires. She shakes her head.
"Not yet, all the doctor said was that mom would have to have a bunch of tests done and we'd just have to wait and see what the results are and then decide on the treatment options." She attempts to remain as calm as she can but finds her emotions getting the better of her.
"Well, you'll just have to take the time that you need to spend with your mother," Mackenzie says gently and reaches over Giles to offer her friend some comfort.

"In the meantime. I'll help by doing your patrols."
"Oh no! You will do no such thing." Giles protests.
"Sweets, it isn't as though I'm risking my neck per se."
"I will not have it. Granted, you're a pre-immortal; but what about our future together?" his admission, had she been standing, would have knocked her on her ass.
"Our who-to-the-what?"
"Future." He offers with kindness in his tone. "As in you and I possibly getting married and having a family of our own." She immediately notices a twinkle in his deep green eyes. She reaches out towards him and threads her arm through his in a loving gesture, as she had not thought that far ahead in their relationship.
"Giles, you may be right; but you sure as hell can't do it on your own." She adds with a gentle squeeze.
"I've done it before." He assures her.
"Granted, but having said that. I think I'm in the same boat as you when it comes to keeping you safe." She smiles, unthreads her arm from his and stands. As she reaches out towards the empty glass, Buffy stops her.
"It's okay, I'm fine." She stumbles slightly and stands. "I had better get going. Dawn and I are ordering pizza and have planned a girls night in." she turns to go. Giles stands and walks her to the door.
"Thanks." She says with a weak smile as Giles holds out her jacket for her.
"Keep us in the loop," Mackenzie says as she makes her way towards Buffy and gives her a comforting hug.
"Of course." Her reply feeling automatic, but both Mackenzie and Giles ignore her flat response.
"I'll also keep you informed of what's going on with regards to the test results." Buffy fastens her jacket and heads out the door.

The following week blurs into the next and Mackenzie finds herself extra busy with paper research, essays, Watcher business, training and helping the Scooby gang with their research and translation. Plunking herself into the seat between Giles and Xander, Mackenzie sighs loudly and opens another book. Anya sits on the floor next to Xander's feet, while Willow and Tara occupy the leather armchair.
"What else have we got?" Buffy's tone holds a level of frustration, even Giles has never heard. "I'm used to knowing my foe, studying them to the point where it's only a matter of time— on my time." She adds as she uncrosses her arms as she heads to the kitchen to collect the tray of tea and cookies. "Glory." She states with venom in her voice. "When we first met, she nearly kicked the shit out of me."

Her blond wavy hair catches the light and shines like spun gold against the darkness of the black leather jacket and her laughter echoes in the emptiness of the abandoned building. Buffy springs to her feet and evaluates her situation, attempting to locate a route of escape.
"Blondie, guess you can't handle the likes of me." Her bright crimson lips twitch into a venomous smile. Buffy doesn't let her taunt get under her skin, she merely finds the opening she had been hoping for and lunges towards it. Running as fast as her legs can carry her, Buffy manages to make her way to safety.
"Buffster." Xander's voice breaks her from her reverie.
"Huh?" she replies feeling a cold shiver creep down her spine. "Anyways, I'm not going to let her get the upper hand again." She adds as Giles twirls his glasses between his fingers.

Research mode continues and as time moves, so too do the suggestions. The worst of which was to contact the Watcher's Council and ask for their assistance— assuming they had any intelligence on Glory in the first place. It had been fairly clear to Buffy and Giles that they had long ago been abandoned by the council. Mackenzie only hoped that their Watcher's Council was nothing like her own.
"I had better get going," Mackenzie says as she sets the book aside. Giles follows suit and they walk to the door. "Giles, I'll see you for dinner tomorrow." She smiles as she slips her coat on.
"Yes, of course." He replies helping her with the fastenings before gently caressing her cheeck with his hand and bringing his lips down to capture hers.

Making her way across the courtyard, Mackenzie lets her mind wander to a time when her life almost seemed 'normal'— just a regular high school student studying to be a Watcher. However, once becoming aware of her pending immortality, everything suddenly turned for the strange— including her relationship with Giles. Arriving home, Mackenzie allows herself to sigh loudly as she removes her jacket and shoes before heading to the kitchen to make dinner. Knowing that there was a lot of school work to complete, she forewent a complex meal in favour of something she had made and frozen. Once satisfied that the kitchen was clean, she headed upstairs to her office to work on her assignments.

Wednesday finds the gang at the hospital awaiting the test results on Joyce's biopsy.
"How's your mom?" Mackenzie asks as she hands Buffy a coffee from the Starbucks on the corner. Buffy raises her head, her red-rimmed eyes almost looking through her she tries to smile.
"I don't think it's good. They're taking way too long with telling us the results." She whispers so that Dawn cannot hear. They both glance over and watch as the teen runs her slender fingers nervously through her long, silky locks. Giles sits beside Xander, their heads bowed in conversation.
"I'm so sorry." Mackenzie reaches out and places a comforting hand on Buffy's slender shoulders.
"Thanks for the coffee." She adds and quickly brushes a stray tear from her eye.

The doctor's arrival causes the group to simultaneously glance towards the figure in the white coat.
"Buffy Summers?" his voice is full of concerning and Dawn's expression turns to one of fear.
"Yes," she replies as she stands and makes her way towards him. "What's going on with my mother?" her voice is slightly shaky, filled with emotion. Giles stands close enough to be there for her should she need him. She almost falls backwards and he immediately reaches out for her and she allows him into her space.
"We're going to have to operate. The tumour is causing her headaches. This should alleviate some of the pressure, which will help alleviate the severity of the headaches. Possibly assist in stopping them all together. Except for your run of the mill stress-related headache." He explains and Buffy and Giles listen attentively. Mackenzie huddles, off to the side, with the rest of the group, waiting to see what she can do to help. Giles guides Buffy, in an understandable state of shock, Dawn trailing behind, after shrugging off Giles' offer of comfort.

"What's the verdict?" Xander inquires with his usual banter in his tone. The deflated expression the girls wear tells them it isn't good.
"Buffy, whatever we have to do—we'll do it." Willow closes the distance between them and places a comforting hand on her shoulder. All Buffy can do is allow them to guide her. Dawn lets Xander place his arm around her and guides her along the sterile hallway.
"Everything is going to be just fine." He says, helping her into the car. Like her sister, Dawn is just as shocked by the news and sits in silence. "Okay then, I'll just get you home." She only stares blankly out the passenger window.
"They admitted mom." Buffy can hardly utter as the remaining members crowd around her in support. "Surgery will be in a few days, they still have to run a few tests." She says her voice a quiet monotone.
"She has the best doctors," Mackenzie says with a small smile. "They will make sure that she's okay." Buffy nods slowly, wiping the tear from her cheek with the back of her hand.
"Can I see her before we go?" her voice changing from the monotone to that of a young child. Giles smiles at the memory of Buffy no longer being the young girl he had met all those years ago.
"Of course," he pauses taking a breath. "We'll meet the rest of you in the cafeteria?"
"Sure. We'll grab something while we wait." Mackenzie quickly plants a gentle kiss on his cheek. "See you soon." She adds as he gently takes Buffy by the elbow and directs her towards the elevator while the rest head downstairs.

"Are you sure she'll be okay?" Willow's voice betrays her calm expression as Tara keeps a tight hold on her girlfriend's hand.
"She has to be," Mackenzie replies as they enter and stop in front of the counter filled with various food choices. Having made and paid for their selections, they find a quiet table in the corner by a large window.
"Well, what if this is the one thing that she can't handle?" Willow sighs and gently blows the steaming liquid. "I mean, she's encountered so many scary things that go bump in the night— but this is totally different. This is a foe that isn't something she can beat up you know?"
"I know, but if nothing else, Joyce is an exceptionally strong woman.
"That's true if nothing else Mrs. Summers can beat whatever it is." Tara smiles behind her paper cup of hot cocoa.

Time seems to fly as research mode on their latest foe continues, Buffy standing guard over her mother during surgery, while the Scooby gang takes turns keeping her company. The following Monday afternoon Joyce is discharged from the hospital and Buffy then turns her concentration on her family and helping her mother get through some of the lingering side-effects of her surgery. Some nausea, dizziness, and some weakness. Luckily, no headaches. A few more days of being cooped up with Dawn and her mother, Buffy's mother taps gently on the doorframe.
"Honey?"
"Yeah, mom?" she replies, looking up from her computer.
"I am fine, you know. Dawn can hang out with me while you patrol." She smiles brightly.
"Are you sure?" Buffy's eyes light up. "I mean. I don't want to leave you alone. In case you need me." Saving her work, Buffy turns off her computer.
"Buffy, go."
"Thanks, mom!" Joyce smiles as Buffy hugs her tightly before making her way past her, bounding down the stairs to put on her shoes and a light jacket.

Walking to Giles' flat, Buffy does a quick sweep of the empty park and one of her usual cemeteries. Gently knocking on the door, Giles opens it and his grin widens.
"How are things going?" Buffy's voice fills the living room of Giles' apartment as she closes the door behind.
"Well, the thing with our latest is that even the Council cannot assist us. It would appear that they either don't have any intelligence, or they prefer to let you wing it. I'm not sure which." Giles replies, plucks his thin wire glasses from the bridge of his long nose and drapes his arm on the armrest, all the while twirling the spectacles by the flimsy arm.
"That's okay." She replies and plunks herself in between Xander and Willow.

A moment of silence passes, all heads bowed over various volumes, Willows fingers frantically typing can be heard through the silence. Mackenzie stands to stretch her long legs and heads to the kitchen to put the kettle on. Giles follows her and finds her leaning against the counter while she waits for the water to boil.
"What is it my love?" he asks, closing the distance between them. She allows him to gather her into his strong arms and breaths in the heady scent of his cologne.
"This isn't going to be easy, is it? I mean, Buffy is preoccupied with family issues."
"I know love, it's not going to be easy, but I know Buffy and she is perfectly capable of dealing with whatever dares take her on." He smiles crookedly and she returns his smile before gently placing a tender kiss on his awaiting lips.

Spike's sudden arrival causes all heads to snap up and eyes rest on him.
"You realise that I just got out of the clutches of the big bad right?" he asks and closes the door behind with a loud thud. Willow is the first to register his comment.
"Whatever do you mean?" her mock innocence evident in her voice as she returns to her online research. He snorts a reply and sets himself on the armchair. Rolling his eyes he continues.
"Yeah, you know? I was held hostage against my will by that she-bitch. And guess what?" everyone stops what they're up to and gives him their attention. "Blondie is also human."

"Human? Are you sure?" Giles tilts his head.
"I saw it with my own two eyes." He says and bugs his eyes for effect.
"Interesting," Buffy huffs standing and stops in front of him, a hand on her slender hip, "you better not be feeding us crap Spike! Or else I'll."
"What? Stake me where I sit?" he snorts, as it's hardly the first time she's ever threatened him in such a manner. Leaning back in the seat, he tilts his head up to look at her, a quizzical expression on his pale features.
"Any ideas on how to get rid of her? Stop her ritual? Prevent her from finding the Key?" she leans down towards him, eyes narrowing as she settles her hands on the armrests either side of him. Inching her head down towards him, she catches his eyes with hers and in that moment, they come to some sort of silent agreement. "Thought as much," she straightens and turns on her heels, "I'm going to patrol." She announces and quickly opens and closes the door behind her.

"What's got her?" Xander turns his icy gaze towards Spike.
"Yes, what exactly is going on between the two of you?" Willow snaps the laptop closed.
"Nothing!" Spike retorts far too quickly.
"I suppose the best thing is for you to use the information that you've gathered to help with our present situation," Giles states as he exits the kitchen and stops short of the chair Spike occupies. Spike grunts his reply and sits up in his seat to illustrate to Giles that he cannot be intimidated by them. Working through his ordeal, Spike feeds them the information that they need, but it doesn't come without a price— and he holds out his hand towards Giles to pay up. Opening his wallet, Giles fishes for a few bills and sets them in Spike's palm.

"Thanks, mate I'll keep an eye out for the she-bitch and see what she's up to. Don't want her opening whatever it is that she has in mind.
"One last thing." Willow's voice almost as fiery as her short red hair.
"And what might that be?" he inquires as he raises himself from the comfort of the armchair.
"You say she can take human form?"
"Yup." He replies. She narrows her eyes slightly.
"What does she look like?"
"A dude." He huffs and stalks past the group towards the door. Xander's expression remains unchanged as he stares at the door.

"That's no more helpful than saying that she's human." Tara manages under her breath. "Why is everything a big riddle?"
"That's it." Giles' lips turn up into a smile.
"What's the what?" Xander quips, leaning forward and resting his elbows on his knees. Anya's expression also changes slightly, she's catching onto Giles' thoughts.
"Let me talk to D'Hoffryn and see if he's seen or heard anything about this Glory or whatever her name is." Anya stands and grabs Xander's hand.
"Guess I'm going with." He states with a shrug.
"Sounds like a plan. You'll let us know what you find out?" Giles calls as she throws open the door.
"You got it." She pushes Xander through the door and follows, leaving a loud thud in her wake.

"She's just a little too energetic on that front," Willow says with a smile, catching Mackenzie's perplexed expression.
"I was thinking along the line of something more." She makes her way to the sofa, where Giles sits comfortably. "So, if this D'Hoffryn has any intelligence on the identification of Glory, he'll share it with Anya?"
"I hope so." Willow smiles with hope. "I mean, he's probably been around long enough to have either head of her, or at the very least encountered her."
"How can you be so sure that he'll help us?"
"Well, for starters— if she accomplishes whatever it is she's trying to do, the world as we know it is pretty much over. I'd say he's just as eager to prevent that from happening."

"Mackenzie does have a point. Getting Spike onside is hard enough. This D'Hoffryn is a vengeance demon. He could very well just sit back and watch the carnage." Giles removes his glasses from their comfortable perch on his nose and picks the handkerchief from his pocket. Beginning the process of polishing his glasses, he thinks about the reality. "Then again, he may also have an agenda that the end of the world may fit into."
"So we really aren't any closer to a solution." Tara sighs and snuggles into Willows side.
"I suppose not, but we have to keep working." Giles replaces his glasses and pockets the handkerchief. Mackenzie places a hand on Giles' thigh before standing.
"I'll have to get going. I have school work and Watcher duties to take care of." She leans down and captures his lips with hers.
"We'll have lunch tomorrow?" Giles suggests and she nods.
"I'll be at the dojo training."
"Then I'll meet you there and we'll pick a restaurant."
"Sounds good. See you tomorrow. Bye guys." She heads towards the door.
"I guess we should be heading out as well," Willow announces when Tara stifles the third yawn. "We'll figure this out, Giles. We have to. We've been through far too much crap not to." She packs her computer and they gather the rest of their things.
It's another eerie day in Sunnydale, an oddly rainy day in the normally permanently sunshine state. This weather causes a general sense of restlessness and Giles is not immune to this. Checking the time, he heads out to his favourite coffee shop and orders his beverage of choice.
"I'll have a chai tea," and takes a breath, pausing mid-order deciding to add something for Duncan, Adam, and Mackenzie. Let's see if I can get this right, he muses momentarily. "A tall vanilla latte and two regular coffees." The teen behind the counter punches in the order.
"That will be twelve seventy-five." Giles grabs his wallet and plucks a crisp twenty. Receiving his change, he heads to the waiting area for the beverages. Once he's added the needed milk and sugar, he picks up the tray and heads out of the coffee shop.

Although unusual for sunny California, the misty rainy day reminded him very much of the weather home and the upcoming trip planned for Mackenzie to meet his family. With happy thoughts running through his mind, his thoughts suddenly turn to their recent problem, Glory. Giles carefully balances the tray, pulls the door to the dojo open and holds it open for several exiting and entering students. He pauses, watching the grace of the students learning new movements, fighting styles, and going through various katas. In one corner a small group of black belts are going over various fighting techniques, he enjoys how the students teach and spot each other while their teacher circles in observation. He recalls the many hours spent with Buffy in the same manner while training. Weaving his way through the vast space, Giles finally makes it towards the back and the office where he knows Mackenzie is in with Duncan.

"Duncan, how am I to tell him?" Makenzie asks. "Giles and I agreed never to keep secrets. They have this tenancy to blow up and cause far more trouble than just talking about whatever the issue is." Giles hears her muffled voice. He doesn't wish to eavesdrop, but hearing the urgency in her tone causes him to pause and wait for the right moment to open the door.
"Never? Kenzie are you nuts? You can't tell me that you've told him everything about us." His tone harsher than he had intended, but he wanted her to understand the complexity of the situation.
"You and Methos said yourselves that he's just like me! Doesn't that mean that he has the right to know?" she demands and can see a change in his expression. "What is it?"
"Step away from the door." He whispers and pushes past her. In one fell swoop, Duncan opens the door revealing a shocked Giles.
"I'm just like you? Mackenzie what do you mean?" he demands.
"Giles." She stammers and finds herself unable to speak. In her inability to articulate her confession, he decides to spare her the embarrassment.
"Do you mean I'm pre-immortal?" none of them answer his inquiry. Their silence only confirms his suspicion. "Don't bother answering. But tell me this." He pauses in thought. "How long have you known?" he demands. She stares at him, then turns her eyes towards Duncan and Methos for assistance.
"You can't even tell me that?!" his tone is filled with hurt and betrayal. Unable to look at her, he turns on his heels and makes a mad dash through the maze of students to the door. Finally coming out of her daze, Mackenzie finds her feet and books it out of the office after him. However, she is unable to see which way he went once he exited the dojo.
"GILES!" she hollers as loudly as she can manage, despite the pain in her chest that seems to seep into her throat.

"Nice going Kenzie." She mutters to herself, throat raw, as she turns on her heel and heads back to Duncan's office.
"You didn't think that we don't have enough to deal with right now. You just had to toss one more thing onto the already over-crowded plate!" she snaps with hot tears welling up in her eyes threatening to fall. Methos snorts and crosses his arms in a protective manner across his broad chest. Unable to keep her emotions in check, Mackenzie lets the tears fall freely down her cheeks and glares one last time at them before turning on her heel and fleeing from the office through the dojo and out the door— leaving her bag on the floor beside Duncan's office door.

"Good one Mac," Methos states matter-of-factly. Duncan sighs and thinks for a moment.
"Guess I had that one coming." He pauses, "but she should have known better." He adds with a motion for Methos to leave him alone.
"We're on for dinner at Joe's tonight?" he says over his shoulder as he opens the door.
"I don't know how pleasant my company will be, but I'll be there," Duncan replies sitting back in his seat and sighing heavily.
"See you there." Methos closes the door behind him and heads out.

With her arms wrapped tightly around a stack of books and her book bag swinging wildly, Mackenzie flies through the quad on her way to lecture. Three days have passed since she last saw Giles— they have had no contact since, and her heart still ached, which unfortunately for her, only made concentrating more difficult.
"Kenzie!" she continues following her usual route trying to divert her thoughts and concentrate on the ground in front of her through the tears that threatened to fall at any moment. "Kenzie!" still threading her way through various groups of students chatting. "Mackenzie!" finally she turns, her ponytail nearly whipping her cheek.
"Oh hey, Adam." She stops and waits for him to quickly catch up. He reaches out and gently places a comforting hand on her shoulder and gives it a reassuring squeeze.
"He'll come 'round, you know." She shakes her head slightly, still in a daze, her expression one of someone who has lost a loved one.
"I really don't think so. This isn't something small. It isn't as though I merely forgot to tell him about plans to go home and see my family, you know?"

"He loves you."
"Yes, I know— and that's why this omission might break us apart." She looks down momentarily as their steps fall in line. "Think about it," she pauses and he follows her train of thought, "what if Giles believes that this omission isn't the only one? What if he thinks that I either haven't told him something or worse yet— have lied about other far less significant things?"
"Like what?"
"Oh, I don't know. Let's just say I don't like something he wears, or says, or eats, or whatever!"
"Just wait it out. I think once he realises that if this is the worst of it, the two of you can make it through anything. Besides, just think how long the two of you will have together. I've been married well over seventy times." He pauses in thought, "at least."
"All happy I presume?" despite her pain, Mackenzie will forever accept being charged as a romantic at heart.
"Of course. Although it is incredibly difficult to watch the one you love grow old and wither away." He sighs wistfully as his mind travels back to his time with Alexa Bond— a young woman dying to live while dying by the unfeeling hands of disease that slowly and painfully ripped its way through her body— taking her from him before they truly ever had a chance to be together.

"I really hear what you're saying. And I know it's true, but I still cannot help but think of how difficult is it for him."
"How long did it take you to come 'round to your potential reality?"
"I know that it takes time to adapt. Continue to be careful in the things that you immortals probably take for granted."
"Fighting to stay alive is hardly something to take for granted." He replies and she sighs.
"I know. I was just trying to put things into perspective for you so that you can understand how things work in a relationship." She adds as they pass through a sea of parting students.
"Well, just wait it out. I'm sure he misses you."
"Missing, loving, and trusting are all very different things." She quickly wipes a stray tear from her eye with the back of her hand. He notices her gesture and places a hand on her arm to stop her.

"Kenzie, you're an incredibly special woman. Any man would be absolutely honoured to have you by his side. If Giles can't see that, then he's definitely not the one for you." Unable to meet his intense sea green gaze, she turns her head away. "I'm being totally serious you know? If he doesn't see in you what he ought to, he's the biggest idiot on the planet." He pauses for a moment, "really, Kenzie. You're an amazing woman. You know how to take care of yourself and you're always looking out for everyone around you. Even your brother can see how incredibly special you are— that's why he wants to be sure to meet whomever you choose to be with.
"Thanks, Adam." She tries to smile through the tears. "You always seem to know what to say."
"I wonder why that might be." He replies with a wink. "Say, how about skipping the rest of the day. Let me take you out for something to eat and we'll just hang."
"That actually sounds like a wonderful idea." She replies, letting him gently take hold of the pile of books in her arms.
"We'll get rid of these." He smiles tenderly and lets a deep chuckle erupt, making Mackenzie smile. "What do you feel like for lunch?"
"I really haven't been hungry lately."
"Then let me surprise you." They retreat, making their way through a more open hallway, as many lectures have resumed. "Did you bring your truck?"
"Actually, no— I felt like walking today." She replies as they head towards one of the many parking lots. She spies his car and he fishes the keys from his pocket.
"In that case, get in." He opens the door for her and deposits the pile of books on the backseat.

They enter the busy restaurant.
"Table for two?" the pretty petite blond hostess inquires returning to her post at the podium— Adam nods his ascent and Mackenzie watches as she picks up two heavy padfolio -like menus from behind the rich wooden podium. Gesturing for them to follow, she leads them to a secluded table near the picture window— free of wait staff having to constantly pass, and therefore free of prying ears.
"This is perfect," Methos says with his sly smile, making the hostess blush.
"Your waiter will be with you momentarily to take your orders." She places the heavy menus in front of them.
"Thank you." Methos opens his menu and begins dissecting the offerings. With a smile of her own, Mackenzie follows suit.

Their lunch is pleasant and their conversation just as it has always been— easy, comfortable, and just about anything and everything that had nothing to do with her current situation with Giles. When dessert arrives, Mackenzie takes a moment to savour the beautiful presentation before picking up her fork and digging in.
"Adam— you have to try this." She holds out the fork towards him and he leans in towards her, wrapping his lips around the sweet cake. Drawing back, he makes a face that essentially says everything she's thinking. "Fantastic." He finally manages and looks at the plate in front of him. He takes a quick sip of his espresso before returning the favour, allowing her to taste his desert.
"You know, neither of us should be indulging so heavily." Mackenzie finally manages through a bite.
"I know, but I think you deserve it." He places his fork on his empty plate and she follows.
"Thank you."
"For what?"
"For just being you and trying to help me through this incredibly difficult time. I really just needed someone who didn't mind me being in a mood."

"You, in a mood?" he pauses, cocking his head to the side, "you can hardly blame yourself for feeling the way you have."
"I suppose you're right." She replies staring down at the cake in front of her for a moment.
"You know I'm right. Let's not ruin this afternoon with craziness. Let's just chill and then we'll go to the dojo to train all this fat off. I can't have my girlish figure ruined in a moment of deliciousness." He states.
"I totally agree." She giggles and turns to retrieve her wallet from her purse.
"I got this." Methos reaches across the table to stop her.
"Thank you." She stops mid pull of a crisp twenty dollar note. "So where to next?" she inquires with a tilt of the chin.
"You'll see." He places the needed cash in the small file on the table and they make their way to his car. "A drive— to one of my favourite places when I need a pick me up." They get in and he starts the engine.

Pulling his car into a slot, Methos and Mackenzie get out of the car and she follows him towards an overgrown entrance to a hiking trail.
"Awesome. I didn't even know that this was here." Mackenzie looks around and takes in her surroundings. "This is absolutely beautiful. I can see why you enjoy decompressing here." She stops and watches the river weave through the combination of smooth and jagged rocks. They walk together for the rest of the time in a comfortable silence, neither wanting to break the spell of their moment. To her, it was as though he knew exactly how she was feeling and knew exactly what to do to help her through it. When they arrive at a clearing, Methos leads her towards a fallen tree and they sit for a moment listening to the muffled sound of the woods. The sound of cracking trees in the distance breaking the comfortable silence.

Arriving home, Mackenzie opens the car door thinking she will have to grab all of her things, only to find Methos already collecting her belongings.
"Let's bag training." He says with a smirk. "We had a wonderful hike."
"Just for today." She replies and they head inside. "May I offer you something to eat?" she asks removing her boots and Methos drapes his jacket over a hook.
"Actually, I have plans with Joe and Duncan." He replies.
"Well, then a hot chocolate?"
"Sounds lovely." He follows her into the kitchen and perches himself at the breakfast bar to watch as she flits about the kitchen getting the ingredients for their treat. Once they finish their hot chocolates, Methos helps put the mugs in the sink.
"Leave that. I'll get it. You have to get going, or you'll be late for your dinner date with the boys." She shoos him out of the kitchen and follows him to the entry.

"See you tomorrow for training?" she inquires as he opens the door.
"Sure. See you then." He motions for her to close the door to keep warm. Once he's gone, Mackenzie makes her way to the kitchen to make something quick for dinner so that she can get to some reading that she wanted to finish before the repeat of craziness. Tests, exams and paper writing. Finishing her meal, she tidies up then heads to her pile of books. Selecting a couple, she heads to the living room and sets herself on the sofa, a soft warm blanket over her feet and a book in her lap— a highlighter poised to serve its purpose, she quickly skims through the text. Reading for anything other than demon research feels very funny, almost foreign. Yet she knows that Methos is right and that everything will eventually balance out. My relationship with Giles is solid – There is no way that this issue on its own wields enough power to blow us apart, she muses as she turns her attention to the words on the page.

Ignoring the heaviness of her eyelids, Mackenzie ploughs through the text only to finally succumb to the need to sleep. Without realising it, she has dropped her book and the highlighter follows, landing soundlessly on the soft carpeted floor— as she allows her head to rest on the pillow. So exhausted by riding her emotional rollercoaster, her heart rate finally calms and her breathing follows— she awakens only to the far-off sound of her cell phone ringing. Opening her eyes, she quickly realises where she is and sits up, the blanket falling to the floor. Standing, she follows the sound of the phone, now half hidden under the blanket. Not bothering to check the caller ID, she quickly answers the call.
"Hello?" she inquires, thankful her voice holds no evidence of her earlier slumber.
"Kenzie dear, Jason has had an accident." Her mother's frantic voice runs over her like a cold shower.
"Mom, what happened?"
"Can you just get here?"
"Of course. I'll just throw a few things in a bag."
"Joe and Duncan are on their way over."

Figures, she muses as she quickly makes her way upstairs to grab a few necessities to throw into a large duffle bag.
"I'll see you soon mum. I love you." She finishes with the things she knows she doesn't have at home just as the doorbell rings. "Coming!" she calls as she quickly makes her way downstairs and opens the door. "What happened?" she asks as Duncan grabs her bag and she puts on her coat, grabs her purse and keys, checking that the door is locked behind her.
"There was a car accident and he's hurt pretty badly." Duncan quickly explains as they make their way to the car.
"Car accident?" her voice is small as she feels the blood drain from her body. "He's going to be okay though?"
"The doctors don't know anything as yet. They still have a series of tests to run yet." He says as Joe pulls the car into traffic.

The drive somehow doesn't feel as long as it has in the past when she had no other thoughts in her mind, except visiting her family and enjoying time out with friends. This time; however, her mind remained only on her brother and willing him to live. When they arrive at the hospital, her senses are immediately assaulted with the sights and smells of the sick and the energy of fear and uncertainty. He has to be okay, she chants silently in her mind as they find her parents with a doctor outside a closed curtain.
"Mom! Dad!" she makes her way towards her parents and launches herself into their arms. The doctor waits for a moment.
"We're still running a few tests to be sure that there is no further internal injuries or bleeding." He closes the metal clipboard shut and shoves his pen in the pocket of his white coat.
"Thank you, doctor Brodie." Her father says as they shake hands. She watches, eyes wet with tears as the doctor disappears down the hall and around a corner.

"So what happened?" she inquires with more confidence.
"Jason and Kate had some sort of falling out last night. I'm not sure exactly what happened, but I do know that it's upset him immensely and he was on his way home from a friend's."
"I thought he was living at home?" her expression one of confusion.
"Jason was up north at Kevin's cottage."
"Oh right! The boys first weekend. I forgot all about that." She pauses for a moment. "Mom, I've been so preoccupied with drama in my own life, that I've been neglecting my phone." She looks down at her feet.
"Anyways, they had their first official fight. And from what Kate said it was pretty bad. He was on his way home when the driver who struck his car had a massive heart attack."

"Oh, mom." Mackenzie's voice breaks and she sinks into an empty chair.
"The doctors say he's stable, but they want to be sure that all the tests come back before they move him up to a room. Something about priority when coming from emergency, or something." She sits beside Mackenzie as Joe and Duncan come around the corner.
"Can I see him?"
"Yes, of course. Just keep in mind all the equipment."
"Sure, like with Buffy's mom."
"How is Joyce? Have the doctors figured out what's going on yet?"
"Working on it. She has had a tumour removed. Right now it's the waiting game. Buffy and Dawn are spending as much time with her as they can. I hear there will be more tests but, fingers crossed, everything will be okay."
"Some good news at least." Mackenzie nods and stands.
"I'll be back." She takes a breath to prepare herself and draws the curtain aside.

"Jason, how could this happen to you?" she whispers as she makes her way towards his still form. I.V. lines, the constant beep of the heart rate monitor, other flashing lights and softer beeps, and a breathing tube greet her. Mackenzie sits beside the bed and fishes for an I.V.-free hand. She cups her hands around his and gives it a reassuring squeeze. "I love you, you know that right?" she says, hoping that everything that she has read about talking to patients is true. Even if it is horseshit, she'll continue if nothing else to calm her own frayed nerves. "Mom told me about Kate." She continues to stroke the back of his hand with soft, loving strokes. "She loves you too, I'm sure." She would have stuck out her tongue in a sisterly fashion had he been awake, but she would have to settle for the machine as a constant answer.

"I guess now's as good a time as any to tell you. Giles and I are having problems. I know what you're going to say. My way of omitting information, thinking to spare him from something totally backfired. And you would be right." She takes a deep breath. "Before you say, 'I told you so' just listen. He's like me." She drops her head momentarily and can feel him gently squeeze her fingers. "Jay?" she opens her eyes and only finds that his eyes are still closed, but the eyeballs clearly fluttering underneath their bruised lids. "There's the 'I told you so' part eh?" she smiles through the tears and calms herself enough to continue. "I love him so much it hurts to breathe, but there is nothing that I can say or do that will change his mind to ever believe in me again."

"Trust is the cornerstone of a relationship— and without it, you may as well not have the relationship. I swear to you that this is the only thing that I haven't told him about. We've been through so much already, but I just didn't know how. His world is already so damn complicated with Buffy and the big bad, that I thought that this on top of everything else might result in a loss of focus." She bows her head again in defeat. "Once again, I'm wrong." She stops herself mid-thought. "And here you lie in some sort of coma? Or shock? Or whatever, and I'm once again being your spoiled brat of a sister." She almost has to laugh. "Get yourself better so you can tell me off." She manages as she feels her mother's hand on her shoulder.

"He'll pull through."
"I know mom. We have to have patience with him is all." She pauses for a moment. "Is Kate coming to see him?"
"She's in the waiting room. I think the doctors said something about family only at the moment."
"She's probably in such a state." Mackenzie squeezes Jason's hand again. "Seriously dude, get better." She quickly leans towards him.
"I love you." She whispers into his ear before kissing his cheek and heading towards the curtain.
"Don't give her a hard time. I think she's upset enough." Her mother warns.
"I wouldn't dream of it." She replies and heads towards the waiting room.

My eyes must be playing tricks on me, she hardly has a chance to think as she sees Giles turning around. Their eyes meet momentarily, saying more than words ever could in any situation.
"Giles!"
"Kenzie, my love I came as soon as Adam told me." He quickly closes the distance between them. "How could you not call me?" his concern evident in his tone.
"Giles, we haven't spoken in how long? How am I to call you when Buffy needs you most?"
"You and I have things to discuss— that is true, but all of that can wait. You need emotional support that a partner provides no matter what."
"Thank you." Is all she can manage as the block of ice in her chest remains.

"Kate, I'm so sorry." She sits beside the emotional brunette.
"We had a stupid fight," Kate says through another sob. "I can't believe this has happened— and the worst part is that they won't let me see him." She dabs at the tears with a tissue.
"Hang on." Mackenzie hands her another tissue before standing and making her way towards the nurse's station.
"Excuse me."
"Yes?" a nurse says looking up from her mountain of paperwork.
"Could you please tell me why my soon-to-be-sister-in-law has not been allowed to visit with my brother?"
"She's his fiancée?" Mackenzie nods and the nurse glances over at the distraught young woman. "By all means, let her see him. I suppose in all of the commotion, no one even thought that she might be family."
"Thank you." Mackenzie smiles sweetly and makes her way back to the group sitting in the waiting area. She suddenly notices how many more people have joined their little group.

"Hey Kate, go on in," Mackenzie says gently. "Curtain eleven is where they've hidden him away." She adds as Giles gently helps the young lady up and another friend takes her through the door.
"Thanks, Giles." Mackenzie sits in a vacant seat just away from the group and he follows. "We will talk, just not now." She adds taking a deep breath. "You know what?"
"What?"
"I've had enough of the sight and smell of hospitals to last me a lifetime. Between supporting Buffy with her mother and now this, I don't think I could take something else." She realises that she just jinxed them by saying exactly what she had been thinking.
"I know what you mean love." He states as he takes the vacant seat next to her and carefully extends his arm to cradle her into his chest to offer her comfort— she rests her ear against his heart and allows its steady rhythm calm her frayed nerves.

Sitting in silence, Mackenzie and Giles await information while the rest of the group nervously chat.
"Here baby doll." Mackenzie's mother says gently, holding out a paper cup of hot chocolate. Giles accepts the cups and sets his coffee aside to nudge Mackenzie back to reality.
"Oh, thanks." She says as if coming out of a trance-like state, she accepts the paper cup and cautiously blows the hot liquid before taking a tentative sip. Giles sits back in his seat and removes the plastic lid from the cup. Setting the paper cup aside, he waits for it to cool for a bit before replacing the lid and pulling back the perforated section to take a sip.
"Have you heard anything?" he asks Janelle as she sits next to Mackenzie, places her arm around her daughter's slumped shoulders and presses her forehead against hers before placing a gentle kiss on Mackenzie's temple. "Nothing as yet. The doctors said at this point that no news should actually be considered good news." She replies still comforting Mackenzie.

"I don't get it," Mackenzie says under her breath.
"Don't get what dear?" Giles inquires gently.
"Why do bad things happen to people who have done nothing to deserve them?"
"I wish I had an answer, my love. Life is full of the unexpected and never forget that we are never given any more than we can cope with."
"But Giles, if you truly think about it, as a collective, we have been given far more than the average wouldn't you say?"
"The Hellmouth has a tendency to truly put things into an extremely different perspective. Perhaps if we lived somewhere else, things would be different. However, this is our life and we need to accept our challenges and overcome them."
"Giles, what you just said actually means far more than you'll ever know," Mackenzie says, thinking how fitting his thoughts are and how easily they could be applied to their present situation.

"Thank you, Mackenzie," Kate says as she emerges from the emergency doors.
"Hey, no problem. I hope you just said whatever needed to be said." She smiles as Giles takes her hand and gives it a gentle squeeze before gently tracing his thumb over the back of her hand in light circles. In that moment, Mackenzie knew that he truly understood what she had said earlier.
"I did. I know that no one knows for sure if someone in Jason's situation can actually hear what is said by those around them, but I had to try right?" she says through the tears. Mackenzie stands and wraps Kate in a comforting embrace. Kate lets the tears fall and they work their way through Mackenzie's shirt.

"I'm glad you laid it out on the line," Mackenzie whispers. "That takes a lot of guts." She adds as they pull apart and return to the waiting area. Giles reaches out and runs his hand up and down Mackenzie's back.
"Mom, there really isn't anything more we can do here. Let me go home and make something for dinner and bring it back. You'll call me if there is a change?" she picks up her jacket and purse.
"I'll go with her and help." Giles stands and quickly puts on his jacket.
"Oh honey, you don't need to do that." Her mother's reaction typical for the situation. "Your father and I will just grab something when we're hungry."
"Look, I need to be useful," Mackenzie says as she zips up her jacket. Her mother reluctantly nods.
"You're right. We've redone your bedroom so that you have somewhere to stay."
"Thanks, mom." She hugs her mother and takes Giles by the hand pulling him to the exit.

Borrowing Joe's car keys, Mackenzie and Giles make their way to the parking lot. The drive to her parent's home is quiet as she navigates through the busy streets of Seacouver. They get out of the car and Giles quickly grabs their bags and follows Mackenzie to the front doors.

"Home sweet home." She says opening the door and reaches for the familiar light switch. Giles smiles and places the bags at the foot of the stairs, they remove their jackets. He watches Mackenzie as she hangs her jacket up takes his from him and places it on the hook beside hers, then places her purse on the hall table. "Let's hit the kitchen." She leads the way through the hallway to the kitchen with Giles on her heels.

"Are you sure you want to take on such a challenge?" Giles inquires from the door. She turns from the fridge, closes the door enough to see him.
"Of course." She replies with a smile. He grins seeing for the first time in a long while the twinkle in her eyes that had been absent for some time and he is glad of the slow return.
"Then what are we making?" he makes his way to the kitchen island and awaits her instruction.
"Something fairly easy." She pulls fresh vegetables from the crisper.
"A pasta dish?"
"You know me so well." She finds some meat her mother had tossed in the freezer. "Perfect! Lasagna it is."

Together, Mackenzie and Giles prepare the dish for the oven, chopping vegetables, making the meat sauce and cooking the pasta noodles. Once the dish is in the oven and the timer set, Giles starts to rinse off the dishes while Mackenzie loads the dishwasher. With the moment feeling right, Mackenzie wraps her arms around Giles from behind and nuzzles his neck with her nose.
"Thank you so much."
"For what?" he lets the warmth of her tone wash over him.
"For putting everything aside and being here for my family," she pauses. "For being here for me."
"How could I not?" he wraps her in his arms and captures her lips with his. "I love you, no matter what."

"But you were so incredibly angry." She steps back and takes a breath.
"Mackenzie love, it was just a lot to take in all at once," he turns within her embrace. "Besides, my love"
"What?"
"I could not help but wonder if it was so easy for you to hide something as significant as that from me, what else might there be?"
"Oh Giles, I swear that I only meant to wait until the right moment to tell you. I didn't want you to find out the way you did, which is exactly what happened to me. This life isn't a choice, it isn't something that you can say 'hey, I don't want any part of this'. This is something that you must accept. Although, in some cases, immortals have been in the position of not wanting anything to do with the game— Darius, knowing the rule concerning holy ground, became a monk to avoid the whole terrible reality. As much as I hope to have a relatively 'normal' life if living in Sunnydale has taught me one thing that is isn't going to happen— I have accepted my potential and am in the processes of preparing for whatever happens."

"What if it happens my dear heart?" he inquires with a frown, his eyebrows knitting together slightly just as he removes his glasses and quickly wipes them with the clean cloth he keeps in his pocket.
"It happens and I will most likely assume the same role as Adam, Methos rather. I hope that I will be lucky enough to have no witnesses to my death that would place a mark on me to the extent that the Watcher's Council finds out the truth."
"You are quite the little minx now." Giles smiles at the thought of her assuming the position of a double agent.
"It takes a bit of finesse, but Methos is living proof of the possibility." She finishes placing the last of the dishes in the dishwasher and retrieves the soap from the cupboard. "I know that this isn't the life you expected to have. I know that it will be hard if either one or both of us experience a violent death and wind up tossed into a game of chance. I know that if you had a choice, you probably wish that you hadn't let Duncan and I in on your lives, but."

"Kenzie, you are the most welcome addition to my life. Over the past few days, I have done nothing but think about what my life was like prior to meeting you, having you in my life, and what my life might be like if we parted. I cannot fathom not having you in my life. You are a gift sent to me by whatever deity exists and I will not allow a few minor hiccoughs take you away from me." He watches as she presses the button for the cycle before turning back to a cupboard and retrieving a pair of wine glasses.
"I'm not sure exactly who is responsible for our meeting, but like you, I am and will forever be grateful for their involvement." She pulls a bottle of blush wine from the wine chiller and opens it. Carefully pouring the nectar into the awaiting wine glasses, she sets the bottle aside. "To forgiveness and new beginnings." She toasts with a bright smile. Giles nods and returns her smile, clicking his glass against hers.
"And to continued love and happiness." He adds and they sip their wine in a comfortable silence.

While their exchange puts Mackenzie at ease on the outside— on the inside, she still can feel the slight distance between them. Best to take things slowly, she muses to herself, as Giles follows suit placing his wine glass on the countertop next to hers.
"So how's the research going?" Mackenzie inquires almost shyly.
"We're still trying to translate another text," Giles replies tilting his head to the side. "It feels as though as soon as we make the slightest of headway, it quickly vanishes." He sighs.
"Sorry to hear that. I'll take a look at the text if you like." She offers with a smile. Together, they put together something to eat. Giles sets the table while Mackenzie finishes the salad— he removes the garlic bread from the oven and places the pieces in a basket lined with a serviette.

Cutting into the lasagna, Mackenzie sets the pasta one of the plates with quickly tossed salad greens with vinaigrette. Picking up their plates, Mackenzie makes her way to the table and her smile brightens as he pulls her chair out for her as she places their plates on the table.
"Thank you, Giles." She sits and he gently pushes her towards the table.
"Everything looks good." He says taking his seat in front of her. She looks down at her plate for a moment. "What is it my love?" he reaches across the table and takes her hand in his.
"It's just all so much." She replies softly taking a deep breath. He knew her all too well— knew that she was overly emotionally charged and that the tears she had managed to keep under wraps were mere moments from falling.

Trying not to cry, she squeezes his hand back and they turn their attention to their meal.
"Jason will be fine." He says with a gentle smile. Mackenzie returns his smile and nods in agreement. "He's a strong, young man— who has all the support one in his place could possibly need. You and your family are the closest, next to the Scooby gang, I have encountered in a very long time. Even Jason's girlfriend, Kate seems to truly be part of the family." His observation striking a chord with Mackenzie and she realises just how hard it must have been for Giles to break into her close-knit family— even her extended family was incredibly tight.
"I know he's way stronger then I could ever hope to be." She replies in thought.
"That's not true my love. I've watched as you faced opponents with a grace and courage I have only observed in the Slayer."

"Faith as well I suppose."
"Faith was plain reckless. She knew her place, yet refused to grow into the role as Buffy embraced it with an ease and grace. I must add, I lacked when I first found out about my own impending immortality." His eyes flick away from hers towards the plate of food in front of him that has suddenly become very interesting. She maintains her smile and waits for a moment before speaking.
"Giles," she reaches for his forearm and rests her hand gently upon before squeezing to reassure him, "Trust me when I say this. It took me quite some time to accept who, or rather, what I may be. It's truly one thing to be hand chosen to be a Watcher, but then to find out that you might become one of the observed is, well," she pauses, "let me just say that I like my head attached to my body. My biggest fear is dying a violent death and then having to be thrown into a senseless 'game' that no one truly wins. I think Darius had it right when he tried to stay away from all of it."

"Mackenzie, my dear— the truth of the matter is we cannot nor should we try to run from who we are, or who we will be. In the short time away from you, I have quickly come to realise just how dull my life would be without you. I cannot bear the thought of losing you to my own selfishness."
"Giles." She pauses, putting her cutlery on the plate and moving to take it to the kitchen. "I wish this was a better time to have this conversation." She doesn't want to hurt his feelings, but having a heart-to-heart conversation about the future, while her brother is lying in a hospital bed and Buffy's mother's health is uncertain. "In our short time apart, my heart hasn't quite gotten over the possibility of our never being together."
"It doesn't have to be that way." He smiles before pushing his chair away from the table and gathering the remaining dishes. "We should be getting back to the hospital with the food." He adds and quickly rinses the dishes before placing them on the plastic coated wire racks in the stainless steel dishwasher.

Arriving at the hospital, Mackenzie quickly finds her parents and organises their meal, spreading it out along a vacant gurney.
"What if they need it?" her mother asks quietly.
"I'd like to see them try taking it," Mackenzie replies simply as she spoons a generous helping of pasta onto two plastic plates while Giles pours tea into plastic cups from a thermos.
"Oh thank you, Giles. I haven't had a decent cup of tea in hours." Her mother sips the steaming liquid and enjoys the sensation of calmness that washes over her.
"So how is he?" Mackenzie asks while her parents eat.
"The doctors have him stable, which is good."
"But?" she prompts.
"They just need a few more test results before they move him to a room." Her father fills them in.

"He's strong." She says gently as she places a comforting hand on her mother's slumped shoulders— the only response is a soft whimper, a futile attempt to stifle a sniffle. "Hey, he has to be okay. Who else will razz Giles when he's wrong?" her question receiving a chorus of laughter. "That's what we need. Positivity." She helps dish the remaining pasta and sits in one of the many vacant plastic seats in the waiting room.
"Go in and talk to him. He always listened to you." Her father reaches out and gently taps her shoulder in the direction of the double doors.
"You're right. Besides, he shouldn't be alone." She saunters over towards the doors. "You'll be here when I get back?" she inquires, quickly giving Giles a look. He nods his response and watches as she disappears behind the doors.

Approaching the curtain, her heart rate increases slightly. She pulls the curtain back and watches as his chest rises and falls to the rhythm of the machine that pumps air into his lungs and listens to the various beeping sounds. Closing the distance, Mackenzie reaches out and brushes the wisp of his bang aside then sits in the chair beside his bed.
"Wake up sleepy head." She whispers in his ear. "You're going to miss the wedding." She adds with a slight smile on her lips. "You're not so far away, are you?" she asks as the hand she gently holds is squeezed. "Wake up and I'll tell you all about it." She continues the fabrication in hopes of his opening his eyes.
"I don't know what you just said to him, but I suspect that he heard you." A nurse says from her spot.
"I didn't know you were there." Mackenzie untangles herself from him and moves to allow the nurse the access she needs.
"Thank you." She pauses in her work, "your brother is very strong. He has a lot to live for and I suspect that he knows it." Her smile is as warm as her voice and it puts Mackenzie at ease.
"Yeah, he's something else." She replies watching as the nurse makes a few adjustments to the I.V. and other apparatus helping to keep him stable.

Watching as the nurse makes her way out, Mackenzie then returns to her place beside her brother.
"You seriously have to get better." She sighs quietly and gently picks up his hand, stroking in methodical motions waiting for him to respond once more. "If you don't, I'll have to kick your ass." She adds with a smirk. Unable to fight the feeling of fatigue that washes over her, she closes her eyes for a moment, surrendering to the comfort of slumber.
"Mackenzie love." Giles' voice sounds so far from where she is, but the warm and gentle caress of his strong hand on her shoulder brings her back to earth.
"Huh?" her eyes finally snap open and she quickly recalls where she is, "I must have dozed off." She pauses for a moment.

"What is it?" concern is evident in his voice and she looks up at him with a smile.
"Jason squeezed my hand." She says quietly and gently runs her fingers up his arm.
"I take that as a positive sign." Giles lifts her off the bed and guides her towards the curtain. "I think its best that I get you home to rest." She shakes her head and opens her mouth to protest, but stops herself mid-thought. "You're parents are going to stay. Janelle said she would call should anything change." She merely nods in agreement and allows him to guide her out towards the waiting room.
"Kenzie, go home with Giles. There's really nothing more that can be done until he wakes." Her mother hugs her tightly and rubs her back. Reluctantly Mackenzie nods and hugs her parent's goodbye before joining Giles once more.

A few days later finds Mackenzie happy to be in her brother's company, laughing and joking. Giles is sitting in one of the chairs watching while her parents leave to get coffee. His cell phone snaps him to reality and he checks the caller ID.
"Mackenzie dear, I have to take this." He says standing. She nods and he slips out the door.
"What is it Buffy?" he asks, causing her to start.
"Giles, I really need your help with this Glory thing," Buffy says, despite the fear she tries to sound confident. He pauses in thought for a moment and glances through the open door at Mackenzie and her brother talking quietly. "What's happened?" he inquires in a hushed tone so as not to alert Mackenzie or anyone else around him for that matter.

"As if the orb of whatever thingy, the monks, and the she-bitch god herself— we now have these odd knights of god-knows-what trying to kill us. Giles, this is getting ridiculous! And my mother isn't getting any better." Her voice cracks with emotion and knowing his Slayer as well as he does, he takes a moment in thought before offering a solution.
"Buffy, right now you need to concentrate on your mother. As long as no one else knows about Dawn, it will be fairly easy to keep her safe until we can figure out exactly how to save the world— again." He can hear her faint chuckle on the other end of the line. "That's my girl. Mackenzie and I will be home soon. Spend the time with your mother and we'll work everything else out." He senses her ease and closes the phone, which he then places in his breast pocket.

Giles; however, is unable to cover his perplexed expression fast enough.
"What was that about?" Mackenzie's voice reveals her concern. Giles runs his hand through his hair before locking his gaze on her.
"That was Buffy." Mackenzie tries not to pout, knowing the relationship between them is purely student/mentor— instead, she smiles warmly and links her arm through his.
"Giles, I understand. There's really no need to explain. Things here are settling down, so we need to make our way home." She leans into him and presses her temple against his arm.
"I did tell her to spend as much time with her mother as she can. Hopefully, Dawn doesn't figure out her significance and things will return to whatever is 'normal' for us."

"'Normal' for us doesn't exist, Giles. When are you going to get that?" she smiles as they head towards her family. "Jason's getting out of here soon right?" she asks her mother, who turns to greet her.
"The doctor said that as long as he rests, he can come home. I said I would take charge and they agreed." Her mother's smile puts her at ease.
"Great! Then I can go home with Giles?" she waits for the inevitable 'no' from her parents.
"I would normally pull the mother guilt trip and get you to stay, but honey you've been here for us for three weeks. It's time you went home." She closes the distance between them and embraces Mackenzie, kissing her temple gently before releasing her. "You have a different kind of life now. Your priorities have shifted and that's okay." Mackenzie nearly rolls her eyes.
"Where was all this logic when I was younger?"
"Always the dutiful daughter." Her father says with a wink. "Now get out of here. We'll call if things change." He adds and they say their goodbyes before Giles and Mackenzie head back to the house to pack to go home.

Whatever awaits them, they both know that it can't be anymore trying than any of the other foes Buffy, Giles, and the Scobbies have already saved the world from. Mackenzie stares out the window, watching the scenery go by, lost in thought.
"What is it, my love?" Giles inquires, bringing her back from her reverie.
"Oh, I was just trying to wrap my head around everything that's going on with Buffy. How exactly does the universe conspire against one person so directly?"
"How do you mean?"
"Well, let's see. First, there was the Master, followed by The Judge," she pauses. "Oh, and the Mayor along with Faith doesn't really help matters. And then there was Adam."

"Now, we have Joyce down with a mysterious illness that the doctors can't seem to figure out. Dawn who's the key to something we're still unsure of. The She-Bitch of an I-don't-quite-know-what Glory. And have I mentioned the Medieval Knights that are running around trying to kill them."
"Which we are driving right into?" he adds with a hint of sarcasm that makes her smile.
"Exactly. When is it that we get a 'normal' life Giles?" she pauses in thought. "I was so looking forward to meeting your family and." She stops herself.
"Setting a date?" he supplies with love in his voice.
"Is that a proposal?" she turns to see his expression.
"In time." He replies a smug expression caresses his face for a split second as he navigates into his parking slot.

They get out of the car and collect their belongings then turn towards the building.
"Home sweet, home." She states under her breath. "Giles?"
"Yes dear." He turns towards her.
"I don't want to be alone tonight." He smiles warmly while wrapping his free arm around her slender waist and leading her through the courtyard to his flat. She moulds her body into his and lets him, without another word, lead her. Once inside, they drop their bags with two solid thuds and in a comforting silence, he threads his fingers with hers and leads her upstairs to the bedroom. Closing the door behind them, they continue to undress in silence and climb into his double antique wooden framed bed and allow sleep to wash over them.
"Good night Giles." Mackenzie utters under her sleep infused breath.
"Good night, my love," Giles replies just as sleepily.

The next morning is bright, as the sun seeps through the open drapes and bathes the room in her warmth, kissing their faces ever so gently. Mackenzie groans loudly in protest, while Giles rolls over, taking her in his arms in one fell swoop. He nuzzles his nose into the soft skin at the base of her neck where it meets her satiny shoulder and inhales her unique scent. Keeping his eyes closed, he enjoys the feeling of her body cradled by his and begins to draw little circles on her shoulder blade with his nose. The gentle caresses cause her to stir, and she begins to slowly come alive— stretching and turning into his embrace, she sighs in contentment before pressing her nose against his.
"Good morning handsome." She smiles widely at the man whose naked body is only covered by the sheet, his strong torso exposed.
He takes a deep breath as though deep in thought.
"Good morning." He replies with a grin and tosses the offending sheet aside. She watches as he gracefully swings his strong legs over the edge of the bed, his bare feet landing on the wool carpet. Mackenzie takes her time to follow suit— only, she dangles her feet over the carpet while plucking her silk robe from the foot of the bed. After taking care of nature's call, a quick shave and shower, and brushing his teeth, Giles heads downstairs to the kitchen to make breakfast. While the coffee perks, he opens the fridge to see what he can toss together while Mackenzie readies herself for the day. They both know that the Hellmouth never sleeps and that its' only a matter of time before one— or all of the Scobby Gang arrive with a problem, a question, or need to talk to him.

To his sheer surprise, the knock on the door isn't an official club member, rather Buffy's younger sister Dawn.
"Dawn, what is it?" Giles' voice holds his concern— Mackenzie pauses at the top of the stairs afraid to interrupt their moment.
"Giles, I'm tired of everyone treating me like I'm a baby!" she replies as she passes, leaving him to close the door in her wake.
"Whatever do you mean?" he attempts to play the dumb card but can tell in an instant that she isn't that stupid and reads through his facade.
"If Buffy doesn't have me babysitting mom, she's either babysitting or having someone watch over me." Her tone that of a sulky fourteen-year-old as she plops herself into the comfy green sofa. Grabbing a pillow, she pulls her leg up and perches herself atop of it, cradling the pillow in her lap. Giles cannot help but roll his eyes at her dramatic entrance, removes his glasses— in his usual manner, quickly cleans them and makes his way to sit in the vacant spot beside her.

"Dawn, the reality is that it isn't safe for you right now. No matter how independent or grown up you think you are." He pauses hoping not to injure her clearly tattered ego.
"It's just that Xander and Anya are always around... And Buffy, she's killing herself to have me hang out with mom twenty-four-seven, or she's with me. What did I do this time?" her tone demanding.
"You didn't do anything. You're you and we're all just trying to make sure that you're safe during a time in which the Hellmouth is turning and spitting and Lord only knows what else is brewing. Your sister, no matter how annoying she says you are, no matter how much it appears that she cannot stand you, loves you and only wants you to be safe."
"Like she does the rest of Sunnydale?" he shakes his head in silent disagreement. She sighs loudly just as Mackenzie makes her way downstairs.

"Hey Dawn!" she smiles brightly and makes her way to the sofa— sitting in the last place next to Dawn, who has calmed down somewhat, cannot stop herself from brushing a stray strand of hair back into place behind her ear. "That's better." She smiles warmly as Dawn lets her head fall back against the back cushions. "I didn't hear much, but everything will eventually return to normal— or at least something that resembles normal." She adds and Dawn finally smiles. "We were just about to have breakfast, have you eaten?" she is answered by Dawn shaking her head no, her long mousy locks bounce around her shoulders. "How does Giles' homemade pancakes sound?"
"Delish!" Dawn's reply comes with a bright smile. Giles tilts his head, stands, and mentally kicking himself for answering the door, makes his way to the kitchen— their quiet breakfast now a threesome.

The girls remain in the living room and chat quietly.
"Dawn, would you like something to drink?" Mackenzie asks as she stands. "I think we have some orange juice."
"Yes please, that sounds great." She stands and follows, only stopping at the pass through to watch Giles and Mackenzie manoeuvre around each other in the cosy space. "The two of you really should consider living in Kenzie's place. It's more comfortable." She stops herself as Mackenzie places the glass in front of her.
"There's a yes and no with that." Mackenzie smiles and leans towards Dawn. "I think the first reason would be the gang making my place a permanent meeting spot," Giles smirks at the thought of their moving in together— he hadn't had the chance to truly think about it. All of the goings on around them tended to keep them away from making actual plans to fly to England for his family to meet his girlfriend, soon-to-be fiancée— as he had been secretly making plans on the proposal, then marry, and together look for and purchase a home to start their family.

Family, he thinks to himself. One not of adoption, rather one of flesh and blood— the thought of having everything fall so perfectly into place takes him away from flipping a pancake.
"Uh, Giles honey."
"Wha?" he pauses, "Oh great!" he slides the burned pancake out of the pan and quickly starts the task again. He keeps his thoughts to himself and tries to concentrate— although he cannot help but hope that they can get through this latest situation in time for him to book their trip to his home. His mind is once again brought back to reality as the door flings open.
"There you are!" Buffy's voice rings through the apartment into the kitchen. Mackenzie watches as Dawn's posture dramatically changes— her shoulders slump and she allows her head to bow. "I've been everywhere looking for you." With a hand on her slender hip, Buffy quickly makes her way towards her sister.

"Here I am, safe and sound," Dawn says quietly under her breath.
"I thought I told you not to leave without letting me know where." She stops herself mid-thought. "Giles, tell her she can't just pull something like this again."
"Dawn, your sister worries about you and wants to keep you safe. Perhaps you may consider letting her know where you're going until we know for certain that it's safe for you to be out and about on your own." He says in his diplomatic tone. Dawn only rolls her eyes and sighs loudly.
"We're going," Buffy announces and in one swift movement is at Dawn's side, hauling her up by her arm.
"Hey, you're hurting me." The younger Summers squeaks in protest as she manages to, not so gracefully, catch her balance.
"We were just going to have breakfast." She turns to face her sister, her hair snaps her cheek.
"Giles, I." Buffy stops herself mid-sentence. "Oh, my." She releases Dawn's arm and the young woman plops herself back onto the awaiting sofa. "Dawn, I'm." She stammers, unable to properly formulate a reason for her outburst.
"Buffy, why not stay and have something to eat with us. Then you and Dawn can come with me to the Magic Shop to train." Giles suggests kindly. Dawn lets the breath she had been holding escape as Buffy catches his glare and nods her ascent.

Arriving at the Magic shop, Giles, Buffy, and Dawn let the door close behind them. Buffy and Giles head to the gym tucked away to train while Dawn casually makes her way towards the plethora of books on the various shelves.
"So, how's the research coming?" Willow inquires as Dawn pulls another book off a shelf.
"Not so much research as doing my homework." Dawn huffs as she closes her math book with a loud thud.
"Dawnie, it really isn't that bad you know? I mean, things will return to normal soon enough and you'll be free to do as you please." Willow smiles brightly, her short red hair capturing the light and shines brightly like a flame that dances within a fireplace or hearth.
"I know, I just wish that there was more I could do. Mom's still sick with nothing it seems. Buffy is going nuts with protecting me and I don't even know why. You and Tara only come around to babysit me, as does Xander and Anya. What else am I to think?
"Don't think too hard. Just get whatever homework you have done so we can have a free evening to watch movies." Willow turns back towards one of the shelves and lifts a small bag of powder and carefully examines it before returning it to its place.