Brown Eyes Blue

See Part 1 for Ratings and Disclaimers

Searching...Finding

"What don't you get?" Her voice is loud and angry- "Ugly, strong, vampire thing that nearly killed her."

He looks away hurt and Tara walks to her girl and holds her in her arms. "Will-sweetie-" their eyes meet and the redhead realizes how mean her words were.

"I'm sorry Xander-" she leaves Tara's embrace to go to him and hug him. "I'm just- it's so-"

"I know." He smiles at her reassuring her that they are okay.

Giles who has been looking through an ancient text moves toward the witch, "Willow is this what you saw?"

"Yes-yuck-" she turns away going back to Tara's arms.

"A Turok-han," he states. "It's ancient-"

"Like a cave vamp?" Buffy asks.

"In a sense yes-primal animalist-a killing machine. I thought they were a myth."

"Trust me-they're real and here and-"

"Just what we need," Buffy quips.

"At least it can be killed-right?" Xander asks and looks at Willow.

The girl nods, "Buffy said -dust just like the rest of them so yeah but it wasn't like stake it and it dies it was harder."

"Let's research and see what we can find out about them," Giles instructs.

Willow doesn't hear him lost in her own place, an image of the weapon flashes in her mind- "Where are we with the weapon?" Willow asks, "The one I gave Kennedy?"

"At a stand still I'm afraid," informs Giles.

"Not Incan, Aztec, or Myan-" Buffy tells her.

"We have to find it-it's important."

"How? What does it do?" Buffy asks.

"I don't know-but it is."

"Tara maybe the two of you could-" Giles starts and the blonde interrupts.

"Come on Will we'll be computer girls with the cyber searching." She takes her girl by the hand and leads her toward the stairs and their room.

Later Tara is sitting cross-legged on their bed reading through a text-while Willow sits in front of her typing on her laptop. She hasn't had any luck and the frustration is starting to show. "This is a waste of time Tara." She looks at her girl and stands, "I have to do something."

Before the pacing can start again Tara takes her hand. "Sweetie I know you're frustrated and tired-sit with me." Willow gives in and sits beside the blonde. Tara reaches to the nightstand and takes out her sketchbook. "Tell me what it looked like and maybe I can draw it." She picks up a pencil as well.

"Yeah-okay," she smiles just a little- "That might actually help-we could fax copies to museums and shops."

"It was like an axe?" Tara looks at her witch.

"Yeah-sort of-" Tara begins to sketch. "But more rounded like a quarter moon." Tara adjusts the arc. "And it branched off-like ah-it's hard to explain."

"Just take your time Will-" Tara leans and kisses her cheek.

Willow talks Tara draws and erases, finally the redhead nods, "Yeah-that's it."

"What else, what was the other end like?"

"It was a stake and it was sort of mounted-" Tara draws and Willow bites her lip as she watches- "The handle was longer."

The blonde Wicca draws and when finished turns the picture to her girl, "Is this what it looked like?" Willow simply nods as she stares at it. Tara looks at the picture too- "It looks a little Medievally-"

"Maybe-" she turns back to her laptop and types. Tara watches over her shoulder while the screen feels with Medieval battle axes.

In the living room Buffy, Xander, Anya, Giles and Dawn are still reading as the couple jogs down the stairs with papers in hand. "Guessing you found something-" smiles the teenager of the group.

"It's sort of a cross between a 15th century Swiss Halbred and a 12th century European Battle Axe.-Only not-"

"Not?" Xander seems confused by their cheerfulness if they have still not found the weapon.

"It's older-I'm sure of it."

"Why Will?" asks the Slayer.

"It felt older-more powerful."

"Mystical power?" Tara asks her redhead.

"King Arthur and Merlin kind of magic?"

"Ohh-maybe can we declare movie night and watch-pretend it's research?" Asks the redhead.

Buffy can't help but smile, "Don't see what it could hurt."

"Can I come with to the video store?" Dawn looks toward the couple.

"Sure Dawnie-" answers Tara- "I mean if it's okay with Buffy."

"Please?" she turns to her sister who nods. "Thanks."

"I need to fax pictures of Tara's sketch first-to a few museums and maybe the counsel?"

"I can do that if you want," volunteers Anya to the surprise of everyone.

Tara smiles, "Thanks Anya-"

"Sure-no problem anything to help. Got a wedding I don't want messed up by an apocalypse." They all smile as Xander hugs her. Willow hands her the sketch.

Kennedy is sitting at a large table with her Watcher. She is surrounded by books. She is reading but stops to meet his eyes. "Rich this is so boring-." There is a pause then she speaks, "I'm training because some day I could be a Slayer-"

"And this is part of that calling. Research is necessary in finding the demons you have to kill."

"I thought that was your job?" He shakes his head. "This is so not fair it's like school."

"About school-"

"Hey-I haven't missed a day or cut a class in weeks."

"I know-and I talked to your father, he says the new curfew is working out too."

Kennedy nods, "Yep-this is the new me. Responsibility girl."

"So it would seem-I proud of you, when you set your mind to it you can achieve anything."

"So does that mean you'll tell me about the call?"

"After some more research, find out what you can about Harbringer-or Bringers."

"Then you'll spill?"

"If that means tell you everything-then yes."

"I'm on it."

At the Summers' house, Willow and Tara are lying on pillows in the floor while Xander and Anya are snuggled together in the over sized chair. Buffy and Dawn share the couch-Giles who decided he would rather spend the evening with a good book is now gone.

They all watch as the young Arthur pulls the sword from the rock. Willow who is fighting sleep smiles, "That's my favorite part." She whispers to Tara.

"Why?"

"Nobody thought he could do it and he did," smiles the redhead. "I'm sleepy-" she says.

"Then sleep-"

"I'll miss the end."

"I'll tell you all about it in the morning."

"Promise?" She asks as she snuggles tighter into the blondes arms.

"Promise," she presses a soft kiss to her forehead.

An hour later Kennedy is still looking through musty old books. The stack of books read is getting larger-she places another on top-as she reaches for the next one her eyes meet Rich's. "Still nothing?," she asks him hoping he has something. He shakes his head. She lets out a sigh and begins again. "Wait-I got something-" she stands and walks around the table to him. "Harbringers or Bringers are agents of the First. Who's this First guy and why does he need an agent?-Is he trying to sign a record deal?"

"Not exactly-they're more like associates."

"They work together cool-what do they do?"

"Actually they work for him-"

She looks up from the book again, "They kill people-they're hit men?"

He nods, "And we need to know everything about them, lives depend on it."

"Whose life?"

"Mine-maybe yours-maybe mankind as we know it."

"Aren't you the drama queen-" he shakes his head and the young would-be Slayer turns pale.

The movie night crowd has split- Xander and Anya have gone home, Buffy and Dawn have gone to bed. Willow and Tara are still on the pillows sleeping tangled in blankets on the living room floor. Willow is sleeping in Tara's arms her head resting on her girl's shoulder. She begins to dream-Buffy is holding the weapon-it has power," says the Slayer.

"Magic?" asks the redhead.

"Since I King Arthured it from the rock my first guess would be yes-be it feels-"

"Old?"

Buffy nods, "Old-but like it's mine. Does that make sense?"

"Like maybe it's a Slayer thing?"

Before there is an answer Buffy is gone. The First Slayer has the weapon as she flashes through Willow's mind, next is Kendra-then Faith, Kennedy and finally Buffy again each have the weapon and each seem at ease. But suddenly the weapon is in the holds of an old woman her hair is white and her eyes a sparkling blue- suddenly she is gone as is the dream. Willow awakes, she sits up and tries to focus-but the room is too dark. Tara sits up beside her. "Baby?"

"I'm okay-"

"Another dream?"

"The weapon-Buffy pulled it from a rock."

"It's the movie sweetie-"

"No-I don't think so."

"Want to wake her-talk about what you saw?"

"No-no let her sleep I can talk to her tomorrow."

"Then you should sleep too-"

"I'll try-"

Tara presses as soft kiss to the redhead's temple as they snuggle back together. "Close your eyes."

"Rather look at you-"

"You can't see me, it's too dark."

"But I can feel you-" she smiles as her hands caress the blonde's stomach. "You feel really good." She kisses her ear.

"You really should sleep."

"Probably-but I'd rather-" her words stop as Tara's lips meet hers.

Kennedy is sitting in her bed and sleep is eluding her too. The things Rich told her are racing in circles in her mind. She finally gets out of bed and goes to the closet. She gets out a backpack and walks to her dresser.

The next morning finds Buffy bouncing down the stairs just as the doorbell rings. She answers the door to find a petite brunette standing before her. "I'm looking for Buffy Summers-is this the right place?"

"I'm Buffy but who are you?"

Before the young would-be Slayer can answer, Willow who is now standing behind Buffy does, "Kennedy." The redhead falls to the floor-

"Will!"

Buffy stares at the new arrival unsure.

Falling...

Tara walks in, "Who's at-" she sees Willow. "Willow?-Buffy what happened?"

"I'm not sure she said Kennedy and well-I think she fainted."

"Kennedy-" she turns to see the dark haired teenager. "It's you."

"How do you know me?" The would be Slayer is confused.

The blondes turn their attention back to the redhead on the floor. "Help me get her to the couch-"

"I got her-" Buffy stands and then lifts the slight girl, carrying her to the couch.

As they walk away Kennedy talks to herself- "Okay-Slayer, got that part. Now what the hell else is going on here?" She follows after them.

In the living room Tara is wiping the witch's face with a damp cloth. She slowly opens her eyes-she smiles as she sees Tara's blue eyes. "You okay?"

"Yeah-I-I think-" answers her redhead.

"Good-cause I need answers and I'm not going to get them if they're worried about you," Kennedy is standing next to Tara.

Willow is close to hyperventilating-her breathing quickens and her faces turns pale as her eyes meet the dark eyes of the teenager. "Tara I-"

"It's okay-" she brushes a soothing hand across her cheek and then presses a kiss there as well.

"No-I-can't-" tears threaten to fall.

Buffy realizes that she needs to get the girl away from the upset redhead, "Kennedy-right?"

"That's right-and I guessing you're the Slayer?"

"I am-"

"I need to talk to you."

"Why don't we go in the kitchen-."

"I don't care where-"

Buffy is about to adjust her attitude but realizes the girl is a little overwhelmed. "This way-" Kennedy follows the Slayer from the room and Willow relaxes a little.

"Why is she here-how did she-"

"Shhh-" Tara sits beside her and wraps her in her arms. "Her Watcher probably told her we called. She's a Slayer-Will, she needs answers too just like Buffy."

"Maybe-"

"It's okay."

"It's all-Tara I've seen her all with the no clothes and-" she blushes.

"Yeah-but only we know that." She kisses her lips softly.

"But you do know and it feels like I cheated-" the tears fall.

"No baby-you didn't. I was gone and that's okay-cause I want you happy."

"I can't be happy without you-"

"You can-promise me. I know you Willow, you'll push her away. Promise me you won't."

"I can't-I don't-I can't do this." She pushes herself from the couch and runs out the door. Tara starts to follow but stops deciding that her girl could use some space. In fact so could she.

In the kitchen Buffy and Kennedy are sitting at the counter facing each other. "How'd you get here?"

"Flew."

"Why?"

"It's faster then driving-and I'm not real patient."

Buffy smiles, "I think lack of patience is a mandatory Slayer trait."

Kennedy almost smiles.

Tara walks in and then to the back door- "Willow okay?" asks Buffy.

"She needed some space-she went for a walk."

"How about you?"

"Think I'll go to the Magic Box." Buffy nods and the blonde Wicca leaves.

"What have you learned about the Bringers?"

Buffy turns her attention back to the teenager in front of her, "Ah not much more than we told your watcher.- We haven't seen any yet-have you?"

"No-so if they show what's the plan?"

"Kill them-" Buffy states simply.

"How?"

"Knife, axe-crossbow-whatever."

"So it's not like werewolves and silver bullets?"

"No-basically any killy thing will work."

"Good to know-" says Kennedy. They grew silent.

They are still in the kitchen thirty minutes later when Willow walks in- "Hey Will-" smiles Buffy.

"Hey-seen Tara?"

"She was going to the Magic Box. You doing okay?"

She shakes her head and rolls her eyes, "No more passing out-"

"That's good-" Buffy comments. "Kennedy this is Willow when she isn't all passed out."

"Hi-" says the redhead softly.

"Hi-" their eyes meet and Kennedy feels a connection. "How did you know my name?"

"Drivers license photo-"

"That picture was so bad."

"Nah-"

"Are you the one who had the dream?" Willow nods-but looks away.

"Think we can stop it?"

"We?" It is Buffy who responds to her question.

"I've never run away from a fight-I'm not starting now."

Willow speaks, "Kennedy this isn't a regular fight-"

"The First can't be killed," the blonde Slayer adds.

"So you're saying Rich is gonna die and I can't stop it?"

"I'm saying let us take care of this-it's what we do."

Willow is a little unsure-in her dream Kennedy is there for the fight. Tara walks in the back door. Willow walks to her and hugs her. They kiss softly and Kennedy looks at them with a smile. "This is Tara-" says the redhead her love evident in her voice.

"Hi-" Kennedy says.

"You must be tired-come on let's get you some place to sleep," Tara smiles her lopsided smile. "And don't argue-".

Kennedy is surprised but can't help but smile, "Okay-no arguing."

"We'll talk later-" Buffy assures her. Willow sits at the counter as her lover and the one she will love next go up the stairs.

Tara is fixing up the bed in the extra room. Kennedy is looking around- "So-are the two of you together?"

"Yeah-"

"How long?"

"Almost three years-" smiles the blonde.

"Wow-" She sits on the bedroom.

"The bathroom is the next door on your right-"

"And your room?" Flirts the girl.

Tara smiles and shakes her head. "Stop flirting and take a nap-"

"A nap-what I'm five?" She plays hurt.

"I'm not sure-maybe six." She leaves the room.

Just as night falls Kennedy walks outside and finds Willow sitting on the bench. "Didn't think this place was safe after dark?"

"The beasties aren't silly enough to show up in the Slayer's yard."

"So what are you doing?"

"Looking at the stars-"

Kennedy sits beside her and looks up at them, "You know the names?"

"Some of them-you?"

"Nah-never was good at school stuff." They are quiet-after what seems like minutes Kennedy asks, "Where's Tara?"

"She has a night class-I'm gonna go meet her in a few minutes."

"Is that safe?"

"We're careful-"

"I could walk with you if-"

"Sure-a little Slayer help wouldn't hurt."

"Not a Slayer yet-" Willow hears the sadness in her words, "May never be."

"I don't believe that-it'll happen." Kennedy smiles- "I need to get some money-we're stopping for mochas after." She stands.

"If this is a date I don't wanna-"

"No-just mochas-kind of my weakness."

"That case let me buy?"

"I couldn't-be right back." Willow walks to the house and the teenager watches.

Kennedy looks back at the stars and as she does she sees a shooting star flash across the sky. "Now you get a wish-" The words startle her and she turns to see a man. She takes a fighting stance- "I'm Xander-Will said to meet her inside."

"You shouldn't seek up on people-"

"I keep forgetting that." He smiles.- "Make your wish-Willow needs caffeine-she gets pretty ugly without it." He goes toward the gate.

Kennedy smiles- "No way she could be ugly-just not possible." She jogs toward the house.

Feelings...

"Just one more," begs Willow, her faces breaks into a pout and Tara just shakes her head.

"Sorry sweetie- invoking the three mocha limit."

"You might want to change that to two-"

"Hey-" chastises Willow. "Stay out of this."

Not listening to the redhead she continues, "Damn she'll be bouncing off the walls all night. Glad it's you sleeping with her and not me." The teenager picks up the check and goes to the register.

Willow's eyes meet Tara's searching them to make sure she is okay-the words had taken them both by surprise. Tara leans to whisper in her ear- "Just remember she doesn't know-"

"Yeah," Tara kisses her cheek and they stand. Hand-in-hand they walk toward the young would-be Slayer. She is smiling at the couple.

Kennedy walks down the hall toward her temporary room. She is carrying two sandwiches and a glass of milk. She hears a moan from Willow and Tara's room followed by the redhead's breathing panting of her blonde's name. She smiles knowingly- then thinks that maybe Tara allowed three mochas for a reason. She starts to walk again. This time she stops as Buffy comes out of her room. Realizing she's in street clothes and not pajamas she speaks, "Trouble?"

"No-just gonna patrol, do a couple of quick sweeps around town. Nobody's getting sleep around here for awhile." She smiles looking toward the witches' room.

"I hear you-or them actually."

"I'm not sure how my sister does it-sleeps like a baby."

"So patrolling-can I come with?"

Buffy looks at the pajama clad teen with her snack in hand and smiles. "Promise you won't get yourself killed?"

"No dying-I swear. Give me like two seconds to change." She goes toward the room eat a sandwich as she walks.

The Slayer and the would-be walk through the cemetery. Kennedy's eyes search the darkness, her hand rests on the stake at her side. Buffy sees how tense she is and speaks quietly, "You gotta relax-"

"Relax-right, okay-relaxed." She takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly. She looks around in the darkness and sees nothing but dark. "Thinking a flashlight would help."

"No light unlike moths, demons tend to run from light." Buffy stops and so does Kennedy. "Stop thinking and just feel-in fact close your eyes."

"Close my eyes?- Hell no, remember the whole not getting killed promise-well I never break a promise."

"Good to know-now close your eyes."

Kennedy is getting a little upset at the Slayer, "Fine-" she closes her eyes, her hands now hang at her sides.

"Now-concentrate on your breathing make it slow." Kennedy does what she is told. "What do you feel?"

"Ah-actually kinda calm."

"Right and that's how you know things are okay."

"And if you get little tingly things?"

"Before or after slaying?"

"Now-"

"That would be a vampire-duck!"

"Duck?-There are duck vampires?"

"Get down," she pushes the teenager to the ground and begins to fight the vampire. From her new point of view Kennedy watches the Slayer work. Front kicks, then straight punches to the face. and finally a round house sweep kick that puts him on the ground not a foot from her. Buffy straddles it and then stakes it. As it turns to dust the young would-be stands.

"That was awesome-where'd you learn to fight like that?"

"Years of practice."

"That's so cool-" they begin to walk again and it is Kennedy now doing a good impersonation of babble Willow. "Can you teach me that? The kick and then the whole staking and wow-"

"Breath-" Kennedy does what she is told. Buffy smiles- "Calm remember?"

"Right-calm-that's me." She takes a couple of deep breaths and then closes her eyes. They both begin to walk.

About an hour later the pair are still on the prowl. Kennedy touches Buffy's arm, "I feel something again-to the left." Buffy nods and smiles- "Can I try this one?"

"Sure-" agrees the Slayer hoping that a little fighting will help her wound down.

Kennedy smiles as they wait for the vampire to reach them. As he does Kennedy hits him with a straight right and then two quick lefts. The blows stagger the vamp-she pulls her stake but he is able to push her away. As it faces her she gets hit with a fist to the jaw and it stuns her. As she tries to shake the fog away Buffy grabs the creature and begins to pound him. Finally Kennedy gets her eyes focused and looks at the Slayer- "Let me finish him." Without waiting for Buffy to answer she begins to hit him. As she knocks him down she grabs her stake again and lunges for his chest, it penetrates his body but misses his heart. "Damn!" She tries again and this time it turns to dust. She coughs as vamp dust fills her lungs.

"Not bad-" states Buffy as they start to walk away. Kennedy smiles.

At the Summers' house Tara is sleeping with her redhead in her arms. Willow begins to mumble and tries to move out of Tara's arms. "No-Kennedy-watch out-" she is still sleeping though she sounds wide awake.

Tara opens her eyes and listens trying to comfort her redhead, "Shhh-she's safe-it's okay." The sleeping girl turns in her arms.

Willow's dreams continue; Kennedy is walking through a cemetery and suddenly there are Bringers everywhere. The teenager takes her fighting stance as they slowly surround her. "Too many-run-you have to run."

"Will-sweetie open your eyes." She strokes her love's face and slowly her eyes meet scared green. "Just a dream. She's here- safe." She presses a kiss to the redhead's lips.

"Safe," repeats Willow are she sniffs and wipes tears away. "In the guestroom asleep-yeah." Tara presses kisses to her forehead.

"Sleep baby-" Willow shakes her head. "Afraid there'll be more dreams?" Willow nods. "I got an idea why don't we check on her really quietly and then we'll fix some warm milk."

"Can the milk have coco in it?" Asks the redhead her voice child-like.

"We'll see." Their lips meet again. They both get out of bed and slip their naked bodies into long tee shirts. Hand-in-hand they go out the door. They walk past Buffy's room, Dawn's room and finally they stop outside the guestroom. Willow reaches a shaking hand toward the door but stops and her eyes meet soft blue. Tara kisses her and then puts her hand on the doorknob and turns opening it just enough to see the empty bed inside. Fear covers Willow face.

On the way back home from their last sweep Buffy and Kennedy seem to be deep in thought. It is Kennedy who stops first and puts a hand on the Slayer's arm, "You feel it too-?" asks the blonde, "Damn you're good."

Kennedy can't help but smile, "You think?" Before Buffy can answer the Bringers show themselves. Six walk toward them, slowly surrounding them-their knives drawn. "Bringers." Kennedy's eyes meet Buffy's and she can tell the teenager is scared.

"Just stay close-it's just hand-to-hand, the only difference is they have knives."

"Right-" Back to back they face off against them.

As the first Bringer comes forward Buffy hits him in the face and then wrestles his knives away. She kills him and hands Kennedy a knife. "See just like the vamps." The girl nods and they return their attention to the remaining five. They all attack at once and the Slayer and the would-be fight well together. They kill two more, the other three have Kennedy trapped but Buffy comes to her rescue. She pulls one away and kicks him in the face. Kennedy does the same to another and the last however is able to cut Kennedy. She grabs her side which is quickly covered in blood. Buffy sees the blood- "Damn-how bad-" they fight. Finally two more are killed one by Kennedy and the other by the angry Slayer. The last one runs away. Buffy turns to Kennedy who is leaning against a rock. "Let me see-"

"No-go get the last one-"

"Not sure he is the last one. He may be trying to lead us into a trap, besides I need to get you home." Buffy looks at the cut, it's long but not too deep. "It's gonna need stitches."

"Great-I hate hospitals."

Buffy pulls her to her feet and Kennedy leans against her as they start to walk. "Good thing we're not going to one then huh?" Kennedy looks unsure but doesn't ask.

At the house Willow is pacing around the kitchen. Tara gets out the first-aid kit and sets it on the table. She then walks to her girl and wraps her arms around the redhead from behind stopping her movement. "She's with Buffy-they're just with the sweeping, no big."

"The dream-" says Willow softly as Tara kisses her neck. Before she can finish the door opens and Buffy and Kennedy walk inside. The witches notice the blood instantly. "How bad-" asks Willow who is suddenly calm.

"She's gonna need stitches," Willow raises the shirt and looks at the injury.

"You up to it baby?" Tara's eyes meet Willow's and the redhead nods. Buffy starts to get the kit but sees it on the table. "Bringers-" Tara says softly.

"Bringers-they have very pointy knives."

"Yeah-" says Willow as she gets a needle and thread from the kit.

"How'd you know?"

"She had another dream-" the blonde Wicca says simply. "Let me clean it up first sweetie." Willow leans against the counter and watches her blonde clean and disinfect the area. New blood appears and she adds some slight pressure with a clean cloth. Kennedy winces in slight pain. "Sorry-"

"It's okay-figure it'll hurt worse when she starts." She looks toward Willow.

"Maybe we should take her to the hospital. They can at least numb it-" Buffy states.

"No-no hospitals. Just do it." With those words Willow starts and Kennedy cries out- "Damn-" her hands clutch the table and tears come to her eyes but don't fall.

Tara watches first Willow and her steady work, her face filled with determination and care. Then her eyes fall on Kennedy who is focused and blocking out the pain. Suddenly the seventeen year old seems so much older. Tara looks away her own eyes filled with tears.

Later Kennedy is tucked in Willow and Tara's bed. The witches insisting that she not sleep alone in her room. Buffy starts to leave, "See everyone in the morning." Kennedy's eyes close as Buffy leaves.

Willow and Tara walk to the large chair in the corner and curl up with each other. Tara holds her girl close, "How are you doing?"

"Okay-" she kisses Tara softly.

"You sleep and I'll keep an eye on her."

"No-can't sleep the dreams."

"Try sweetie I'll be right here and she's right over there-all safe-we're all safe." Their lips meet again.

"Tara I don't know how-"

"Sshhh-it's what's meant to be-"

"I need you always-" tears fall. Tara kisses her wet cheeks. "Always."

"I know but-" her words end as Willow kisses her again. When they break apart Tara continues, "Don't push her away."

"I can't promise."

"Please sweetie?"

The answer is lost as the girl on the bed cries out- "No-get away from him-" she sits up in bed and grabs her side. The couple is at her side before she has time to focus. Tara turns on the light.

"It was just a dream-close your eyes," says Tara softly as she moves a piece of her behind the brunette's ear.

"They killed him," her tears fall.

Tara moves beside her on the bed and holds her, Willow watches them together holding Tara's hand. "No he's okay-sshhh-close your eyes." Without thinking she takes Willow's hand from hers and puts it on Kennedy's face. Willow looks to her blond and then to the would-be Slayer. Her hand begins to trace a path soothing the girl. The younger girl's eyes close. Willow sits beside Tara and after a few minutes Kennedy is asleep.

The next morning Buffy opens the door to find Willow spooned around the young brunette and Tara spooned around Willow. She quietly closes the door.

She walks down the stairs and to the table where Giles, Xander, Dawn, and Anya sit. "She's still sleeping."

"Buffy we must tell her-"

"I know, but I don't have to wake her up to tell her. He's dead-not getting any deader-it can wait." She goes out the kitchen door angry.

"So, her watcher-" says Dawn, "How'd he die?"

"Bringers-they attacked him last night."

Tara who is standing at the top of the stairs walks in the room, "You're sure?"

"I'm afraid so-"

Tara turns and walks back up the stairs and into the room. She sits down in the chair and watches the witch and the potential Slayer sleep wrapped in each other's arms. "How do I tell you," whispers the blonde.

Understanding...or Lack There Of

As she stands her eyes settle on her blonde sitting awake in the chair across the room. She can tell something is bothering her girl and she walks toward her. She starts to defend her sleeping position. "I didn't-I wasn't awake and you know I snuggle but-"

Tara cuts her off mid-babble, "It's okay Will-" she takes her hand and their fingers lace together.

"But something's wrong I can tell-you're all with the unsettled vibes and-"

Tara stands and kisses Willow on the forehead, then leads her to the hallway. There she looks into the eyes of her redhead, "It's bad-Kennedy's Watcher-"

Willow finishes the sentence, "They killed him didn't they-the Bringers?" Tara nods and wraps the smaller girl in her arms. "I should have been able-" her words stop as she battles tears.

"No-listen Kennedy's gonna need us to be strong." Willow nods but leans into the blonde's body and tears fall.

Later the teenager still sleeps. She mumbles and then stretches. As her eyes slowly open she sees the couple sitting next to each other on the bed, "Hey-" whispers Willow with a smile.

"How are you feeling?" asks Tara.

"Sore," admits the teenager as she sits up and realizes she is in pain.

"Why don't you let me check the stitches-" says Willow?

"Then I can redress it," suggests the blonde witch.

"Okay-" Kennedy agrees. She raises her shirt and Willow touches her skin-it feels warm but not hot. She decides that there is no infection.

Tara who had momentarily disappeared returns with clean bandages. "This might hurt a little," she advises.

"Don't worry just do what you have to-" Kennedy states. The injured girl winces and gasps slightly as Tara removes the dressing. The room grows quiet and then fills with the loud sound of the young potential Slayer's stomach growling. She turns a light shade of red as Tara and Willow both meet her gaze and smile.

"Someone's hungry," says the redhead.

"Yeah, no midnight snack," informs Kennedy.

"We were a little busy with the bleeding-" smiles Tara.

"There's that little issue, true, but still you should always eat," deadpans Kennedy.

"There all finished," states the blonde as she stands. "Let's get you some breakfast."

Kennedy stands gingerly and grimaces in pain. Willow sees this and says, "Why don't you lie back down, I'll bring you breakfast."

Kennedy smiles a flirty smile and their eyes meet, "Never turned down a girl who offered me breakfast in bed before but now-" she glances at Tara, "For more reasons than one I think I better."

Tara shakes her head at the teen and smiles, "Good choice-Willow show her where the bathroom is and I'll start pancakes."

Willow's words fill Tara's mind, 'She needs to know-'

'After.'

'What if the others-'

'I'll make sure they're gone.'

The silence creeps Kennedy out, "Did I just miss something?"

"Don't be too long-" she leaves.

Kennedy's stomach growls again and the redhead smiles-reaching in the drawer by the bed she pulls out a candy bar. "Maybe that will keep you from passing out while you change."

"Change-are you kidding me? This is me-I'll never change." She smiles her cocky smile and Willow shakes her head.

After Kennedy has eaten pancakes-funny shapes- along with eggs and bacon, she stands and looks at the couple. "Thanks-"

Tara touches her hard. "You feel up to going outside?"

Kennedy becomes instantly worried, "Tara-is something not right?" Tara looks down at her hand on the teen and stands beside her. Willow comes around the table and joins them. "No-" she shakes her head. "Did something happen to Rich?" Willow nods as her hand touches the girl's shoulder. "Is he-" her words die as the redhead nods. Kennedy fights tears, "How?"

"Bringers," Tara confirms, "they attacked last night."

"If I had been there-" she starts but Tara stops her.

"No-there where too many."

Kennedy moves away from them, "I have to go-" tears fall and Tara steps towards her and wraps the teenager in her arms. The young girl sobs uncontrollably.

"Sshhh-" Willow tries to comfort her as she hugs her too. Kennedy is safe between the two Wiccas.

"No-this can't happen-" says the girl. "He-no."

Buffy stands in the doorway with her own heart breaking for the teenager. Her mind is racing with thoughts and emotions as she remembers the loss of her first Watcher-Merrick.

Later Buffy is sitting in the living room as Willow comes in. "How's she holding up?"

"Not good. She talked to her dad, the services are going to be the day after tomorrow."

"Tara will make her feel better," assures Buffy. "I mean she helped Dawn after I died-right?"

"Yeah-" they are quiet for a few tense seconds before the redhead speaks again. "Buff-I'm not sure it's safe for her to go back but she wants-"

"And she should-" says the Slayer. "But I can't leave here not with the attack last night."

Tara and Kennedy are now in the doorway. Kennedy speaks, her voice soft- "Tara said she'd go with me."

"Baby-" Willow's voice is unsure.

"We'll be okay-I can keep the Bringers away," assure the blonde Wicca as she walks to her girl and puts an arm around her.

"With magic?" Asks Buffy and Tara nods.

"I should-" Willow starts but is interrupted.

"No-" says Tara before Willow has a chance to begin again, "Buffy needs you here-the dreams and the research. We'll be fine."

"Okay-" the redhead surprises her by agreeing. She leans and kisses her softly.

That night the teenager is again sleeping in the witches' room. The injured potential Slayer is lying on their bed while the redhead and the blonde snuggle on blankets and pillows in the floor. I feel like a baby," Kennedy admits.

"It's okay-this way everyone sleeps." Tara tries to give her a chance to save face.

"At least let me sleep on the floor," begs the teen.

"Good night Kennedy," says Willow.

"Guess that means shut up?" She closes her eyes.

"Night Kennedy," repeats the redhead.

"Night."

Willow snuggles against Tara, her head resting on her girl's shoulder. 'You'll be extra careful right?' her thoughts drift to her blonde's mind.

'More than careful, extra-extra careful," assure the Wicca. 'I'll even take another charm.'

'I'll miss you,' Willow's words sound a little suggestive. She leans closer and kisses Tara's neck.

'I'll miss you' she looks toward the bed. 'But-' the redhead kisses her neck again. 'Company remember?' Cautions Tara as she fights to stifle a moan.

'Actually-no.' Willow smiles against her girl's neck and kisses the spot once more. 'Stopping now,' she states but instead kisses her. 'Really this one last time,' assures the witch. Their lips meet in a soft kiss that escalates quickly.

"Hey-" warns Kennedy, "In the room here."

"Sorry," giggles Willow. They all close their eyes but sleep still hasn't entered the redhead's mind as her hand slides up the blonde's side under her nightshirt. Tara moans.

"You gotta be kidding me-" Kennedy complains.

"You might learn something kid-"

"Kid-who you calling kid?"

Now Willow laughs but it is short lived as Kennedy tosses a pillow and hits her in the head. Now Kennedy and Tara laugh and the redhead pouts.

At Kennedy's house the teenager sits quietly on her bed. She is dressed in black pants and a simple black blouse. Tara knocks softly on the opened door, "Ready?" The girl shakes her head and tears fall. Tara walks in and sits beside her, she puts an arm around her shoulder. "Listen-I know this is hard and it'll get harder but you're not alone. Okay?" Kennedy nods. "Your dad said he'd meet us there." Tara stands and holds out her hand for the younger girl.

Kennedy looks up at her and takes her hand. As she stands she speaks, "I don't understand why he-"

"It's not our place to understand just to accept and remember."

"How can you be so-" her words stop.

"I've done it before-" admits Tara. "We should go." With her arm around the shaky teen they go out the door.

At the funeral Kennedy stands strong-the tears that have fallen since the news are held at bay. Tara watches her strength and sees something in the young potential that she missed before. A sad smile crosses her face and then a tear as she realizes what she must do.

The next morning on the plane home Kennedy has her head on Tara's shoulder. "You sleeping?" asks the blonde.

"No," Kennedy sits up to face her friend-Tara had become that in just the few days she had known her. No wonder the redhead loved her. "Something not right?"

"I need you to do something for me," says Tara.

"Anything-" confirms Kennedy.

"Listen first-then questions later okay?"

"Yeah-okay."

"Will's dreams-they have her a little shaken. Something's coming and it's bad-worse then bad but this isn't about that. Well in a way it is. Willow has strong magic in her-but she's not always focused. Before the bad comes-I think anyway, she's gonna need you."

"To fight-I'm there."

Tara shakes her head, "No-"

"I don't understand."

"Kennedy I won't be there-you have-"

"Why?" As the word leaves her mouth she wishes she had it back. "No-"

"Look I know my Willow and she'll-she doesn't do losing people well. Promise me you'll be there for her keep her safe from herself."

"I promise," tears threaten to fall again.

"No tears-she can't know we talked."

Kennedy wipes the tears before they can fall, "She won't."

Later before they land Kennedy, whose head is on Tara's shoulder begins to mumble-her words soft. "No, -I -please Tara-"

Tara presses a kiss on her forehead, "Sshhh-"

Kennedy opens her eyes and starts to pull away but Tara's hand on hers stops her, "Sorry."

"Wanna talk?" Kennedy nods and turns to face the blonde.

At the Summers' house Willow is standing in the open front door as the car pulls up-she bounces as she impatiently waits for Tara. She sees the blonde smile as she gets out of the car. The brunette looks more sullen. Tara wraps her in her arms as she reaches the redhead. She pulls away from Tara and looks at the teenager, "Hey," she says as she hugs her too. "We have lunch and a surprise," smiles Willow.

"Not hungry," says Kennedy as she walks past her and up the stairs.

"Not hungry," repeats Willow. "A Slayer not hungry-that can't be good."

"Give her time Will-. We'll check on her later. So what's the surprise?" Smiles the Wicca as she raises an eyebrow.

"Well since there's no teenager there could be a different surprise." She smiles with a slight smirk.

"Like the sound of that." She leans in and they kiss, "I missed you."

Kennedy who has stopped at the top of the stairs just watches the couple interact. She whispers softly, "I won't let you die Tara."

She turns startled as she hears a voice behind her, "You can't save her. You can't save any of them." In shock she stares into the face of her dead Watcher.

The Mind Plays Tricks but where are the Treats?

"Death sounds so final-couldn't we just say I'm vacationing?" says the First with a smirk.

The young would-be Slayer closes her eyes and repeats, "You're not real-you're not." She feels a hand on her back and turns to see Tara and Willow. "Tara?" tears are falling now as she moves into the blonde's arms.

Willow's eyes lock with those of the Kennedy's watcher-though she knows it is not possible. "Nice parlor trick-" she comments. "But no one's impressed."

"You will be-" smirks the imposter as the image disappears in a flash of lights.

Willow turns to check on Tara and Kennedy. She can't help but smile sadly as she sees her lover holding the one that would replace her. No-not replace her no one could ever do that. She was her heart-her soul, but this girl standing scared in front of her would one day be hers as well. The thought of it still felt wrong though Tara seemed to want it. This confused her most of all. Finally the redhead is able to stop the inner babble and focus her attention on the others. "Everyone okay?"

"Think so-" states the blonde. "Kennedy?"

The teenager steps back from the safety of Tara's arms and nods, "Fine," she lies as she starts back up the stairs.

"Come sit with us I'll fix some tea and we'll talk to Buffy," Tara tries to get through to the scared young Slayer to be.

Willow without waiting for an answer takes Kennedy's hand, "Come 'ere-" she leads her through the hall and into the living room as Tara watches them on her way to the kitchen.

In the living room Kennedy paces, "That thing that pretended to be Ri-my watcher-is that what you've been dreaming about?"

"The First-" says Willow as she nods.

"How did it-" her words stop. "He looked so real."

"I don't know-didn't know it could-maybe it wasn't. It could have been something totally unrelated. Life on the hellmouth-" she stops her babble.

Later the gang is all together-Kennedy is there too-now an official Scooby. Giles speaks, "It seems the First can take the form of any dead person."

"Nice to know," quips Buffy, "So if it wants it can be -" before she can finish a form appears. "Mom-mommy?"

"Oh Buffy-" the First responds then changes form from Joyce to Spike, then Dru, the Master and the Mayor-

The Slayer stands ready to fight. She swings and her fists goes right through the mayor, he smiles, "I see violence among youth is still a problem Miss Summers." Kennedy now stands at her side though Willow tries to stop her, she picks up a book and hurls it at him. Instantly regretting it she grabs her side in pain. Tara moves beside her-she touches her shoulder. Again the mayor talks, "I like this one-like my Faith so full of anger-"

This time it is Willow who advances on the form the energy from her outstretched hand hits the First and surges through him. "Stay away from her-"

The form changes again now Buffy stands in front of her-or the First as Buffy, "Willow you can't save everyone." She smiles and her eyes fall on Tara and then the young would be Slayer. "Can you choose?" With a chilling laugh the First in all forms vanishes.

Willow stands in shock, tears streaming down her face. Tara pulls her into a tight hug as the real Buffy walks to her best friend. "Will?"

"I can't do this-" she tries to pull out of Tara's arms but as she does she runs into Kennedy, their eyes meet.

Speaking softly the teenager puts her hands on the redhead's arms, "You can-you're strong that's why that-that thing is focusing on you. It knows you can stop it."

"I can't -I need-" she looks back searching for Tara. "Baby-" she turns to her, "I'm sorry." Tara wraps her girl in her arms and the redhead falls apart sobbing.

A few hours later Kennedy knocks lightly on the door to the witches' room. "It's open," comes Tara's soft words. Kennedy opens it and steps inside. She sees Tara leaning against the headboard, the redhead is sitting on her lap sleeping, her head rests on her girl's shoulder, her arms are wrapped around her waist. "Hey-how's the research?"

Kennedy shakes her head, "Slow-boring-I had to get out for awhile." She looks at the redhead again, "How's she?"

"Just finally got her calm-she's been asleep for about twenty minutes." She kisses the top of her head. Willow shifts slightly and they both hold their breath hoping she doesn't wake up.

"You should get something to eat-it's late and you missed lunch." Her eyes meet the blonde's and for the first time she realizes how blue they are. She can't help but smile-but she does bury the urge to flirt.

"Don't want her to wake up alone-" she looks again at her redhead-her face full of worry.

"How do you do that?"

"Do what?"

"Always put everyone else first?" states the young would be Slayer.

Tara smiles, "With her it's easy."

Kennedy nods her understanding, "Yeah-I get that." They are quiet for a beat and the teenager speaks, "I can stay with her."

Tara looks at her and then slowly nods realizing that Kennedy should learn to comfort the redhead as well-soon it would be her job alone. "Okay-if she starts to wake up just-" she smiles trying to hid the blush that threatens to cover her cheeks, "Just rub her tummy." Kennedy's eyes meet Tara's and she looks a little unsure, "It's okay-I-" her words stop deciding now isn't the time to reveal anymore details of her lover's dreams. "It's the only thing that helps."

"Right-got it. Rub her tummy." Tara carefully slides from under her girl and Kennedy moves into her place. Tara watches as Willow settles back in and hugs the young Slayer to be. She snuggles against her-Kennedy seems a little uncomfortable. "This is really weird with you here-like getting caught with someone else's girl."

"That's happened before?" questions Tara with a smile.

"Just once-learned my lesson. Won't happen again," she assures the blonde.

"Take care of her while I'm gone." The finality of Tara's words not lost on the teenager.

"Promise-you can count on me."

"I know-that's why-." Her words stop as Tara forces away the pain of not being there for her girl. She touches Kennedy's shoulder with her hand and then leaves.

Kennedy looks down at the woman in her arms, "I'm here-I won't let anything hurt you-not ever."

In her world of dreams-or more appropriately nightmares Willow is again lost. Flashes of destruction, buildings crumbling, bombs exploding girls screaming-she starts to mumble- "No-can't-hmmm-stop-"

Kennedy tightens her arms around the redhead and kisses her head, "Shhhh-you're okay-"

Willow continues to whine- "No-Buffy-Faith-Kennedy-"

Deciding that the dreams must stop she moves her hand to Willow tummy and begins to rub gently. "It's okay-I got you Red-shhhh." The redhead begins to settle as the words and the touch chase the nightmares away. Kennedy doesn't stop afraid they will return.

The redhead smiles as she feels lips press against hers and fingers trace paths on her skin. Shivering she deepens the kiss, lips open and close against lips, and tongues begin to explore as hands slide clothes away.

Skin against skin as shiny, slick bodies move together. Willow moans and then presses kisses down the body under her. She smiles at the moan it causes. Then squeals as she finds herself turned and now the one on her back. She gets lost as she feels hands and then lips on her, teasing-tantalizing-and screams her release as the tongue ring sends her over the edge.

Willow's eyes fly open and she looks at the young woman who holds her. Kennedy has a smirk on her face, "Just guessing but I'd say not a bad dream this time?"

Willow blushes, "You'd be right," she looks down at the teenager's hand still tracing circles on her stomach as she tries to calm her breathing. 'God-does she know what she's doing to me after-no-cause she doesn't know so don't blow this-relax.' The inner babble finally stop.

Kennedy quickly moves her hand away, "Sorry-Tara said-it helps with the nightmares I didn't mean-"

"It does-no nightmares-"

"Right-cause you woke up with the smiling and there was moa-" she stops and slides from under the redhead. "I'll get Tara." The teenager bolts from the room causing Willow to smile.

Go Back To Part 1(Chapters 1-5)

Go On To Part 3(Chapters 11-15)

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