See Part 1 for Ratings and Disclaimers
Growing Closer
That night as they sleep the blonde is spooned protectively around her redhead. Quietly the door opens and Kennedy steps inside-she smiles at the scene and walks back to the hallway to find Buffy leaving her room. "Hey-" says the Slayer.
"Hey-just checking on them." She justifies being in the room.
"That's what I was going to do-guess I don't have to now." she smiles. "Up for a little more research?"
"Why not-can't sleep." They go quietly down the stairs.
Hours later they toss two more books onto the table, "Still nothing-can we go kill something?"
"I take you out again the only thing that that will die is me," smiles the Slayer.
"Tara?" asks the teenager.
"Yeah-she says no more slaying for you till she okays it." They are quiet, "How is your side?"
"Better-"
"But?"
"Still hurts like hell-" she half smiles. "But I bet you've had worse?"
"Maybe-"
"Come on-if I can't fight at least tell me about the bad guys. If I have to spend anymore time researching I might quit my calling," she smiles.
"Right- like you could-"
"So-I won't, but the fighting stories will make it more fun."
"Make her tell you about the time she died," comes a voice from behind them. They turn to see Dawn.
"You young lady have school tomorrow and should be in bed."
Dawn rolls her eyes, "She doesn't have to go to school why should I?"
Buffy looks from one smiling teen to the other, "She has a point," says Kennedy.
"So I should go enroll you?"
"No-I'm just saying-" Kennedy pouts. "I'll be quiet now."
"Thought so-Dawn bed."
The teen huffs and turns going back up the stairs muttering the whole way, "That's so not fair."
"Did you really die?"
"Yeah-twice."
"Wow-so that's how that thing-The First could be you?"
"I guess-"
"Mind if I ask, if you died why aren't you still dead?"
"I got friends," she smiles. Kennedy looks unsure- "The first time, I sort of drowned-for a second, Xander saved me with mouth to mouth."
"And the second?"
"That was longer than a few seconds-months-Willow-used Magic-it was really weird for awhile. Put a strain on her and Tara-"
"Why?"
"Dark magic stuff-Tara agreed to it they all did. Then Will kind of got lost; it was bad, but in the end with Tara's help she was stronger."
There is a strained silence as Kennedy process Buffy's words. "You're saying what?-Willow was bad?"
"No-not exactly just sort of got hooked on the magicks. But that's over-all better." Again they are quiet. "I talked to your dad-"
"And?"
"I told him I thought you should stay-till we figure this thing out. You're safer here-and we could use your help." Kennedy smiles, "Which kind of brings us back to the school thing."
"You've got to be kidding me-"
"Sorry-but your dad is faxing the necessary paperwork and Tara is going to enroll you tomorrow."
"Damn, I hate school-"
Buffy smiles, "Right there with you-but sorry-"
"Tara's idea?"
"Willow's-"
"Figures." Kennedy just shakes her head.
The next day Kennedy is waken by a hand on her shoulder, "Go away," she whines before her eyes even open.
"You sound like Willow," announces Tara's too cheerful voice.
Kennedy opens her eyes, "What if I say I'm not going to school?"
"Fine-be a dummy," the blonde turns and leaves the room smiling.
She is sitting at the table eating pancakes and drinking coffee when the grumpy would be Slayer comes down the stairs. "I'm not a dummy-" she states firmly.
"Didn't say you were," Tara smiles. "Want funny shapes or rounds?"
"Funny shapes," says Kennedy as she sits down.
At the high school an hour later Kennedy and Tara are sitting in the principals office. "Miss Langdon-your grades are very questionable." Kennedy nods as she sees Tara look unsure. "You might have a problem coming in this late in the semester, if you do we offer tutoring."
"I'll be fine-"
"If there's a problem it'll be addressed at home."
"Here's your schedule-and we'll see you tomorrow-the first class starts at 7:45-"
"7:45?"
"She'll be here-" assures Tara.
"Someone from the office can show you around if you like."
"That would probably be good," Tara states.
They all stand and walk to the door, "Jill-" the teenager turns toward him. "Could you show Miss Langdon around campus?"
She smiles at the dark eyed girl, "Sure-you have a schedule?" Kennedy nods, a smile crossing her face.
Tara smiles as they walk away, but it fades as she hears the next words of the man. "Assure her that the behaviors in her file will not be tolerated here Miss Maclay-"
"Behaviors?" she asks unsure. He hands her the file and Tara begins to read.
On the way home Tara stops at the ice cream shop. After choosing a flavor and getting their order the two of them sit down. "Kennedy-"
"He showed you the file?"
"Yeah-"
"You gonna tell the others?"
"Those things can't happen here-"
"They won't-"
"Then it's just between us."
"Thank you for-" her words stop. "I'm different now."
"Growing up happens-" she smiles and Kennedy nods.
The weeks pass and Kennedy struggles with school. Willow and Tara both help-at this particular study session Kennedy gets frustrated. "I just can't do it-" she throws the book across the room. With her magic Willow levitates it and places it back in front of the girl.
"I couldn't do that before either-a pencil was all I could move. Then I meet Tara-we studied and I worked hard, but more importantly she believed in me." Their eyes meet- "She believes in you Kennedy and so do I-" the teenager drops her eyes as tears threaten to fall. "Why don't we take a break?" Kennedy nods- "Mochas or ice cream?"
Kennedy and Willow both stand. "Ice cream before dinner-are you trying to get us killed?" The redhead smiles and puts an arm around the young Slayer to be without thinking.
"Mochas then-" they walk out together Willow's arm still around the younger girl. Tara watches from the other doorway with a smile on her face. She realizes that the closer they become the more Kennedy can help the redhead when the day comes. The smile fades as she realizes the day will come and tears form then fall.
Dawn walks in unnoticed, "Tara are you okay?"
"Fine Dawnie-" says the blonde as she smiles. "How's the homework?"
"Finished-need help with dinner?"
"No-but the company would be nice." She puts her arm around the teen and they go toward the kitchen.
A few nights later Kennedy is finishing her homework on the couch in the living room and Dawn is doing the same. Willow and Tara walk in, "How's the homework?" asks Willow.
"Almost finished," says Dawn.
"Kennedy?" asks Tara.
"Almost-would you proof my English paper?"
"Sure-" smiles the blonde. She walks over to them and as she does Bringers crash through the window and door. Kennedy jumps to her feet and rolls across the floor to the weapons chest. She grabs a crossbow and a sword-standing she tosses the sword to Dawn and aims the crossbow. She falls one Bringer then reloads. Willow begins to chant as does Tara-their words seal the window keeping out the others. "B-Buffy," yells the blonde as she stutters a spell of her own. This one holds a bringer in place and Dawn is able to kill it.
Kennedy picks up the knives and begins to fight the five remaining. "You're gonna die you sorry bastards for what you did to Rich-" The first Bringer falls and she starts on the next letting her anger lead her.
Buffy runs down the stairs and into the room Dawn tosses her a weapon. Soon they are able to kill all of the evil men. "Everyone okay?"
Blood drips from the knife in Kennedy's hand as well as her arms and clothes-and she begins to cry- Tara and Willow go to her as she falls to the ground. "Sweetie-are you bleeding?" asks Tara, the girl shakes her head.
"Let's get you cleaned up-" they help her to her feet and up the stairs.
Buffy looks at Dawn, "You okay?"
She nods, "Yeah-I'm cool. Is Kennedy though?"
"She'll be okay-"
"What happened?"
"Later okay-let's get this mess cleaned up." She looks at the bodies around the room. "I like vampires," states the Slayer- "No muss no fuss-just poof." Dawn nods her agreement.
In the bathroom Willow and Tara work at getting the blood off the young would be Slayer. The couple exchange glances each worried about the girl. The slight dark tint to the redhead's eyes also catches the blondes attention, "Will-you're eyes."
"I can feel it-but I'm okay."
"We need to do another cleansing," says the Wicca softly.
"I know-but after," her eyes fall back to the teenager who is still trembling. Tara nods her agreement- she kneels to take off the girl's shoes and then stands. "Kennedy-can you stand?" The girl nods and stands.
Tara speaks, "Let's get you in the shower."
They walk her there and the redhead turns on the water. She gets the water hot but not too hot and Kennedy starts to walk in but stumbles. Willow looks at Tara and then without a word bends to pull off her shoes. She then puts her arms around the girl's waist and walks under the water with her. They water hits both of them as Willow holds the young would be Slayer up- "You're okay," whispers the redhead.
Kennedy watches the blood as it hits the tub and circles down the drain. Her tears fall and she mutters- "I'm sorry Rich-"
In the bedroom Kennedy is lying on the bed curled into a little ball. Her hair is still wet and she is wrapped in an over-sized towel. Tears continue to fall-
In the witches' room Tara and Willow are sitting on the floor a pentagram around them and lighted candles on each point. Tara chants as she anoints Willow with the cleansing herbs. She puts her fingers in the mixture and then touches her girl's forehead, then her lips and then her heart. "Hear me goddess," she repeats. The darkness slowly resends as the ritual is repeated three times. Finally the redhead's green eyes meet those of her soul mate. "Thank you goddess," she whispers.
After tucking the drained redhead into bed Tara decides she should check on Kennedy. She presses a soft kiss to her girl's forehead and leaves the room quietly. She goes down the hallway and quietly opens Kennedy's door. She finds the teenager as they had left her dressed in only a towel and tears still staining her cheeks. She sits beside her- "Kennedy sweetie, let's find you something to sleep in."
"Can't sleep-" she whispers softly.
Tara brushes still damp hair from the girl's eyes, "You can be strong-I've seen it. Be strong now-"
"I can't-I killed them-"
"It's your job-" says Tara softly.
"Maybe-but I shouldn't like it."
"No sweetie-that was just anger, because of Rich-that's all." She presses a comforting kiss to the teenager' s forehead. "You're okay." Kennedy's hands pull Tara's face closer and before the blonde fully understands what's happening she feels soft lips on hers. From the doorway Willow watches the scene unfold her emotions running wild.
First Sight
A million thoughts race through Willow's mind as she sees the kiss and then watches as Tara pulls away. "Tara?" The word escapes her lips before she realizes that it is voiced and she sees her blonde and the young would be turn to face her.
"Will-I-" Tara starts but her words trail off. She stands and steps toward her redhead.
"No-" says the witch shaking her head as she backs away. Flashes of Oz with Veruca fill her mind. She tries to wipe them away but the scenes and the hurt overwhelm her. 'I have to get away.' The words echo in her mind. 'Can't do this again.'
"It's not her fault," tries Kennedy. "I-"
The redhead holds up a hand, the teenager's words stop. "I can't do this-" she turns, tears falling and runs from the room.
Tara looks back at Kennedy and sees the worry in the younger girl's eyes. The Young would be Slayer speaks, "I'm sorry-I screw everything up. I should just go home-"
"Listen to me Willow's gonna be fine-" she sits beside the girl and takes her hand. "This can be fixed."
"Then let me fix it-"
"She needs time-and space. You should know that for when I-"
"Don't-not now-I can't-"
"When she's upset she says things but she doesn't mean them. Remember that-" their eyes meet and Kennedy nods. "And she pouts," Tara smiles nervously, "but she always forgives-always."
"Even when it's something really stupid?"
"Even then-look you should get dressed for bed and we'll check in on you later," assures the blonde.
"Okay-" Tara stands to leave and Kennedy touches her hand. "Tara-about before-I shouldn't have."
"No-but I get why," she smiles. "Now bed," her tone stern her smile reassuring the blonde leaves.
Outside in the backyard Willow paces, she wipes tears as she looks up at the stars. "Tara baby-" she stops as she sees Joyce-but not Joyce standing a few feet in front of her.
"Willow dear you don't need her-"
"But I do-" says the redhead. "She's my always-"
"But she has feelings for the young Slayer."
"No-it's not like that. Kennedy was just upset-she needed-she kissed Tara."
"You don't know that-"
"I do cause Tara would never-" she shakes her head.
"Oz did-" says The First in the guise of Mrs. Summers.
"She's not Oz-she's Tara and she's different."
"Are you sure?"
"Y-yes-" Willow tries to sound more confident but the Evil Joyce is starting to cause her convictions to waiver. "You're not Joyce-and I'm not listening."
"She'll leave just like he did; hurt you more-"
"La la la la la-" Willow makes noise trying in her childlike way to drown out the hurtful words. "No you're wrong."
"If I'm wrong why is she still with her and you're out here alone?" There is a pause as Willow doesn't have a come back. "Don't let her be the one to leave-like Oz-you leave this time."
"I gotta get out of here-" the redhead runs out the back gate and the Joyce figure smiles as she vanishes.
Tara walks out the back door to find the yard empty, "I was sure she'd be here-"
Inside a few minutes later Tara finds Buffy in the kitchen, "Buffy have you seen Willow?"
"No, not since the fighting and the clean up. Is there a problem?"
"I think maybe-long story but we need to find her. She's not in the house."
"That's not good-she shouldn't be out with the Bringers lurking. Stay put I'll do a sweep and then check with Spike."
"Spike?"
"He always seems to know-" Buffy forces a smile and starts to leave, she sees the worry in Tara's face. "I'll find her-she'll be okay." The blonde nods as she fights to control threatening tears.
Willow is walking aimlessly. Soon her path leads her toward a cemetery. She stops and looks around, "And you're supposed to be smart?" she chastises herself. "Way to go." She looks around nervously and gets her bearings. She starts quickly toward home, but not quickly enough-she freezes in her tracks as she hears something just off the path ahead of her. "Not good-"
At home the sleeping young Slayer begins to mumble- "No-get away from her-don't- Willow!" she screams as she sits up in bed and looks around the room. The door opens and she sees Tara- "Willow-she's in trouble."
"It was just a dream-" tries Tara.
"No-yes-but-Tara, I think she's hurt-" she starts to the door.
"Whoa-wait where are you going?"
"To find her-"
"Buffy's out she'll find-" her words stop. "She'll be okay-it's okay."
Back on the path Bringers surround the redhead.
Where Do We Go From Here?"
Willow takes a few nervous steps towards the Summers' house but she's still more than a mile away from safety. She begins to chant and a light swirls-but just as the Bringers move closer it begins to fade. "Damn-" she starts to talk to herself. 'Calm-focus-try again. You can do it.' She chants again and the light returns-it flies out and hits a Bringer knocking it to the ground. She moves cautiously toward home knocking down the Bringers as she nears them. A few blocks from home the exhausted witch, her green eyes now black, can no longer fight. Her power and magicks are now gone from over use. As she struggles to stay on her feet a Bringer grabs her from behind. "No!" she screams.
On her way toward home Buffy searches frantically for the redhead, "Damn-where are you Will?" She turns thinking she heard a scream and runs at top speed in that direction. "Hang on Willow!"
As the Bringer starts to pull his knife across her neck Kennedy jumps from out of no where and drops him to the ground. His knife comes free and she picks it up, slitting his throat as he had planned to do to the redhead. Looking around at the others approaching her Kennedy picks up the fallen witch and turns to face them. As they encircle her Kennedy prepares to protect the girl at all cost. Suddenly they part and she sees Buffy and a bleach blonde man fighting feverously, the Slayer yells- "Get her out of here-"
"You don't have to tell me twice-" she runs toward the house with Willow in her arms. She slows when she sees porch lights and then Tara standing on the steps. The blonde witch meets her on the walk. "Is she hurt?"
"I don't know-no blood but-I don't know," they walk in the house together and she puts the redhead on the couch. "You got her?" Tara nods. "Buffy needs my help." She leaves without waiting for a response.
The Slayer, the vampire and the Potential fight until all the Bringers are dead or fleeing. The three warriors stand, hearts pounding, breathing ragged- "What was Red doing out after dark?" asks Spike. Kennedy looks away- Buffy looks toward her and Spike simply starts to walk away.
"Spike-" Buffy starts to speak and he stops and turns toward her. "What you did-thanks."
"You need to keep a better eye on her Slayer," the vampire says and without waiting for an answer he leaves.
Buffy shakes her head, "Arrogant pain in my a-"
"Who is he?"
"Nobody." The Slayer walks down the sidewalk toward home. Kennedy follows silently, her mind filled with thoughts of Willow.
At the house Tara is watching the redhead as she remains on the couch unconscious. She touches her cheek, "Please sweetie-be okay." The blonde Wicca tries without success to keep tears from falling. They trickle down her cheeks as she tightens her hold on her lover's hand. "Will-" her words stop as she sees her girl's eyes flutter and then open. What she sees scares her-instead of Willow's soft green the blacken eyes of dark magick remain.
"Tara?"
"I'm here-" she forces a smile.
"How did I get-I can't remember," tears begin to fall.
"No-shhh-you're okay-" she presses a kiss to her forehead.
"I can feel the dark-"
"We'll fix it-rest and then we'll do the cleansing again."
"We shouldn't have to so soon-why Tara? What's making it-" again her words stop but this time it's because of Tara's soft lips on hers.
As they pull out of the kiss for air the blonde Wicca sits beside her redhead on the couch. Her hand gently strokes Willow's cheek. "We'll figure it out-it's what we do." She forces a smile and the witch nods at her words. "Okay?"
"Okay-" before she can say more the door opens and she turns to look that direction fearing the worse.
"Tara!" Kennedy's voice sounds nervous.
"In here-" answers the woman. She sees the young would be Slayer enter the room followed by Buffy.
"Will-?"
"Buff-I'm all right." Her eyes are closed as she speaks.
Buffy looks at Tara for a truthful answer, "She will be," says the Wicca.
"What in the hell were you thinking?" Buffy's words are harsh.
"Hey-back off!" The teenager's words are just as unkind.
Buffy looks at her unsure and then speaks, "You stay out of this-"
"Buffy let's not do this now," Tara's words are gentle. "It's late and everyone's-tomorrow-okay?"
"Yeah-okay." She turns and looks at Kennedy, the brunette stands her ground. "You shouldn't have been out there either." Not waiting for an answer the Slayer goes toward the stairs.
"Where does she get off-" Kennedy starts.
But Willow interrupts, "She's the Slayer and she's right. I shouldn't have been out and you shouldn't have gone out looking for me." Her eyes remain shut. "But I'm glad you did."
"Had to-it was my fault I had to fix it." Kennedy looks from Tara to the redhead.
"Why don't we talk about that tomorrow too-Will really needs to rest?"
"Right-" Kennedy takes a step towards the stairs.
"Kennedy wait-please." The girl nods and Tara leans down to whisper in her witch's ear. "Can you make it to the room?"
Her eyes open and the black remains, "Not sure-" she sits up slowly. Kennedy watches nervously. Finally with Tara's help the redhead gets to her feet. She takes a few tentative steps leaning on her blonde. "Can't baby-" she stops.
Kennedy walks to them, she looks at Willow and is shocked by the eyes-she turns to Tara, "Let me." Tara nods as she battles tears. The young would be Slayer picks up the weak redhead.
"Tara?"
"I'm right here sweetie." She takes Willow's hand.
Later Tara holds the redhead in her arms as she watches her sleep. The cleansing was hard on both of them but the Wicca can't bring herself to close her eyes afraid Willow will wake and she won't hear her. Her mind races with thoughts and none of them good. She would have to tell Giles about the need for the additional cleansing. They had to find the cause of the dark magic-why it was now trying to control the redhead's magic. She hears her girl mumble and then whine, "Shhhh-it's okay sweetie." She presses a kiss to her temple.
In Kennedy's borrowed room the teenager isn't able to sleep either. Her mind keeps replaying first the kiss and then the look on the redhead's face. "What have I done?" She stands and goes to the dresser. She opens it and starts packing her clothes into a duffle bag. "I can't do this-"
The next morning Willow is the first to awake. She stretches and smiles as her eyes rest on her girl. She reaches out and trails her fingers along her bare shoulder.
"Mmmm-" is the blonde's only response. The redhead gets a playful look and follows the same path with her hand. "Nice," whispers the Wicca.
"Like that?" asks Willow.
"Definitely-" her blue eyes meet green and her smile grows. "Can I wake up like this always?"
"Always," assures the redhead as she kisses her lips. A soft knock on the door interrupts their plans. "Go away," whines Willow.
Buffy's voice is heard from behind the door, "We really need to talk."
Tara kisses her girl on the lips and then starts pressing kisses behind her ear, then down her neck, "Buff-" the redhead's words short, "If this is about-" another kiss only lower, Goddess hard to concentrate thinks the witch. "Last night I was wrong-" she bites her bottom lip to stifle a moan as lips nip at her breast, "never hap-happen again-swear."
"Buffy-it's Kennedy-" in the hallway Buffy holds a note in her hand worry covers her face. The door opens and the blonde Wicca and her redhead still trying to compose herself stand in front of her wrapped in sheets.
"What's wrong?" asks Tara.
"She left," states Buffy as she hands the blonde the note.
"Just left?" Willow doesn't know what to do-her eyes rest on Tara and then she moves to read over her shoulder. "She can't just-" Tara takes the girls hand, "It's not safe."
"We'll find her-" assures Tara.
"And when we do, I'm gonna kick her ass. What is she thinking?"
"She's not-" concedes the soft-spoken blonde. "And the angry isn't gonna help her.- I'll call her dad, maybe she went home." She goes back into the room and a quiet Willow follows. Buffy watches the door close concerned.
It is hours later and still nothing. Her father hasn't heard from her and her credit card hasn't been used. Willow is pacing and Tara isn't much better. Buffy, Xander and Giles are confused by their behavior-unaware of how she fits into their lives. Dawn watches Willow- "Maybe you could do a locater spell?" The redheaded witch stops in her tracks and looks at the teenager. "I know she's not a demon but-maybe."
"Maybe-" nods Willow she looks at Tara who has moved to the shelf looking through the rows of books.
Tara speaks- "A human locater spell- I'm not sure," she begins to read.
Later we find the scoobies sitting around the table in full research mode. Giles stands and tells the others- "I'll go to the Magic Box, get the necessary supplies. I won't be long- Willow you should start the circle-"
"No-" Tara's voice surprises them all. "I'll-" her eyes meet Willow's and she sees her girl nods.
"She's right it should be her-" admits the redhead.
"Will you're way stronger-" says Buffy. "This needs power right?"
"It needs a connection," says Tara her head lowering. Willow takes her hand and squeezes it. Their eyes meet as Tara looks up and she sees her girl's smile.
"Whatever-" Buffy still oblivious but Dawn seems to catch on. "You guys run the magic side of this operation-I'm just the muscle."
"Do you need help?" asks Dawn.
"Why don't you help Willow set up-I need to talk with Giles." She follows the man out the front door and they stop on the porch.
"Tara?"
"When this is over and we find her-I need you to know something. Will's magic it's been-lately-" she stops. "When you get back." He nods and leaves.
Inside Willow and Dawn set up the map and the crystal. They go over the casting and then the teenager looks at the witch. "You okay Willow?"
"Peachy-with a peach and an -y and why?" She playfully says.
"Can I ask you something?"
"Tara's connection with Kennedy?" The teen nods. "It's hard to explain but I -Tara and I, we're okay."
"No fighting? Cause fighting it makes my tummy all with the grumble-y."
"No fighting-" she smiles able to hide her sadness. Dawn smiles too.
When the spell is done they stand staring at the lighted portion of the map. "Where is that?" asks Xander.
"A cemetery I think-" says Dawn.
"But she's inside something-" says Tara.
"I'm certain she isn't-" starts Giles.
"It's a crypt-Spike's crypt. Son of a bitch," exclaims the Slayer as she starts for the door picking up her crossbow on the way out.
"Wait for us-" Tara and Willow follow.
"If he's getting staked I want front row seats," says Xander as he leaves too.
Giles and Dawn follow too, "You don't think he'll hurt her?"
"He can't Dawn-the chip."
"Then way was Buffy all with the crossbow action?"
Giles pauses at her words and then cleans his glasses as he starts to move again, "Surely-no-oh good lord."
Things that Make You say Hmmm...
Buffy bursts through the door of Spike's crypt to find the vampire watching television and drinking a mug of blood. "Where is she," states the Slayer unceremoniously?
"She?" He says with a smirk. "What's a matter Slayer-jealous?" Before he can continue his taunt he finds himself on the floor with the blonde sitting on his chest stake drawn.
The others run in and Willow stops Buffy's hand in mid-air with magic. "What the-" Buffy turns to see the witch. "Will-what are you doing?"
"I'm kinda wondering the same thing Buff. What did Spike do?"
The Slayer stands and the spell resends. Spike stands and glares at her. Willow touches his arm- "Is Kennedy here?"
"The young gun?" asks the angry vamp. Tara nods. "She's safe-what's with you lot? Do all of you have a death wish?"
"Is she okay?" asks Tara.
"Will be-she's a little banged up. Got jumped by three vamps-was holding her own till the forth one showed."
"Where is she?" repeats Buffy.
He looks toward his bedroom at the lower level then back at her, "She didn't want to see any of you."
"But she's okay?" Willow questions.
"Yeah-Red, she's in one piece," he says with a soft smile.
Giles speaks up, "It's clear we're not needed here-" he states to Buffy. "We should leave."
Buffy starts to protest but Xander beats her to it, "We're just supposed to believe him? Maybe he has her tied up and has plans to-"
"Xander-" Giles chastises, "We're going, come now-" he starts out the door and they reluctantly follow.
Willow and Tara stop at the door and look at each other, then to Spike. "You want to see her for yourself?" They both nod. He points the way and they quietly start down the stairs. "Just close up when you leave-I got to see a demon about-something." He starts down another passage.
As the witches enter the chamber they stop and the mental talking starts, 'You sure we should be here?' asks Willow- 'I think it's probably us she didn't want to see.'
'Maybe-but we all need to talk,' states the blonde. Hand-in-hand they continue to her side. When they reach her they see she is indeed a little bruised and cut, but okay. She is sleeping fitfully. They sit on the opposite side of the bed, Willow leans against Tara, the blonde wraps her arms around her. Without further talk they watch her sleep.
In the tunnels near his crypt Spike stops as he hears footsteps coming from his right, he takes a deep breath and smiles- "Slayer-" he starts, then again he is flat on his back with the light girl straddling him. However this time there is no stake. "Got some explaining to do-"he scowls.
"Me-I'm not the one with some schoolgirl in my bed."
Spike smirks, "Jealous?"
"Yes-" she leans down and kisses him hard on the lips as his arms encircle her waist pulling her flat against him. They both moan as the kiss deepens and his hands move up and down her back and finally rest on her butt. She pulls out of the kiss and sits up- "You think she's pretty?"
"No way to answer that question without getting my ass kicked-so I won't." He sits up-and she pouts. He leans forward and takes her bottom lip between his blunt teeth, then kisses her. "I will say this-no reason for you to worry."
"Couldn't charm her huh?"
He smiles, "You don't know?"
"Know what?"
"The First must really have you distracted," he continues.
She stands, her words show a little frustration, "Meaning what?"
He stands and backs the Slayer against the wall, "The only one who needs to worry about losing their lover is Tara-or Willow, not really sure which one she likes, but I'll suss it out soon enough."
"Really?" genuine surprise fills her voice.
"Can we stop talking now?" He leans in and kisses her lips, then her chin and neck. Buffy closes her eyes lost in his touch.
In Spike's crypt Kennedy slowly opens her eyes. As she turns she sees Willow in Tara's arms next to her. She is worried at first but then smiles as she realizes they seem happy. The teenager starts to get up but in the process she wakes up Tara. "Sorry-" she whispers as she sits back down.
"It's okay-" the blonde whispers back.
"It's not-I don't want to cause problems for the two of you." Willow's eyes are open now too as voices return to normal levels. "I've been thinking and I've decided to go home."
"It's not safe for you or your dad if you do," states Willow. "Kennedy what happened with Tara-I understand."
"But I don't. What I feel-I have a girlfriend and this feels too much like cheating and that's not me, I don't cheat-and neither do you."
Tara is the first to find her voice, "You've been through so much-so fast and felt so bad you needed-maybe it shouldn't have happened but it did. We're adults-we'll deal with it, not run from it."
"I'm not an adult-"
"Seventeen-so legally no, but the last few weeks and the weeks to come-you'll grow up fast," states Willow. Her mind seems to wander to her high school days-the first apocalypse she faced with Buffy.
"What if I don't want to-what if I just want to go home to Jessica and pretend none of this happened?"
"You really think you can?" asks Tara.
"I want to try-I hate this. The not knowing the emotional-I don't cry and now, it's all I seem to do."
"It'll get easier-" says Willow. She reaches toward the girl and touches her cheek. "I promise-"
Kennedy backs away from her touch, "Don't okay?" Willow nods. "If leaving really puts my dad in danger then I won't go-but I can't stay with-at the house. Spike said it was okay if I wanted to stay here a few days-and that's what I'm gonna do."
"Promise you won't leave town?" asks Tara.
"Not without telling you-" agrees Kennedy.
"Okay-but let us know how you are?" Willow says softly. Kennedy nods not trusting her voice. "We should go-" she looks at Tara and they stand up. Her eyes rest once again on the young would be Slayer. "You sure?" Again she nods. Willow feels Tara's hand lace with hers and slowly she turns to go.
In the tunnel Spike has Buffy's back against the wall. Her legs are wrapped around his waist as they move in a rhythm together. Buffy's breathing is erratic as she moves up and down- "Just like that-" she breaths-as she bites her bottom lip. "So cl-close-" her voice catches as he speeds up slightly.
"Like that Love?" She moans loudly as he kisses her neck and then her lips-the dance continues.
Her body tenses and she shutters as she explodes around him, "Spike!" she screams as she breaks the kiss. He doesn't stop as she spasms around him.
At the house Tara and Giles are in the kitchen talking. "I could be wrong-I hope I'm wrong, but we need to be sure. Do you know anyone who can help?"
"I'm not certain. There's a coven in Devin-I could contact them, tell them what you told me."
"Yes, that's good. Good. Thank you-" she says with a soft smile.
"Does she know of your concerns?"
"We've talked and agreed that it needs looking in to."
"Very well, I'll call immediately." He leaves the room. Tara sips her tea and then stares into the cup.
Outside on the porch Willow and Xander swing in silence. They have been sitting there just swinging for almost fifteen minutes. "What's on your mind Will-my bestest friend?"
"Way too much-"
"Wanna talk about it?"
"It's The First and Tara-and Kennedy."
"Buffy will take care of The First it's what she does. And Tara-you can't be sure about the dreams- And well I don't like Spike but she's safe there, probably safer than here."
"Kennedy and Tara-well mostly Kennedy-they kissed." Her eyes meet the eyes of her lifetime friend.
"Kissed?" The redhead nods. "Well I'm sure there's an explanation-I mean Tara loves you-she wouldn't-"
"I know-we talked."
"Then what's the problem?"
"I was jealous-"
"Of course you were-she shouldn't kiss other people."
"No, you don't understand. I was jealous of Tara-I wanted it to be me Kennedy kissed." Surprise fills his eyes- "I know I'm a bad girlfriend-cause definitely bad thoughts. How do I tell her?"
"Tara or Kennedy?"
"Either-both, Xander I-" she whines. He puts his arms around the redhead and she lays her head on his chest.
I'm Leaving on a Jet Plane...
"Wow-" Xander says softly then smiles, "If I buy a camera would you-"
She sits up and her eyes meet his- "Xander!" she swats him and he smiles playfully. "You're such a man sometimes!"
"I'm kidding-" he pauses, "Mostly-I hate when you're upset." He kisses her forehead and she puts her head back on his chest.
"I don't know what's happening-I'm scared." Her tears fall and he tries to comfort her. Tara watches from the window.
A few days later Willow and Tara are lying in bed. "You think she's okay?" asks the redhead, her fingers laced with her girl's as they lie spooned together.
"I'm sure she is-" assures Tara pressing a kiss to the back of her girl's neck.
"I want her to come home-I mean back here-" says the witch as she tries to cover her slip.
"Her home is here Will-" says Tara, her voice soft.
"Tara-" the redhead speaks in a whisper, "I have to tell you something."
"Okay-"
"It's about Kennedy-" she turns in her lover's arms and their eyes meet, "and the kiss."
"I'm sorry it happened Will-"
"I know," she touches the blonde's cheek. "But I was-it made me jealous."
"You don't need to be," she brushes her lips gently against the witch's. "I love you."
Tears begin to fall, "I know-" she tries to stay composed so she can finish her confession. "Tara-I wanted it to be me."
The blonde's face shows confusion, then realization, then just a second of hurt before she pulls her girlfriend tightly to her. "It's okay-"
"It's not-I love you, always." Tara presses her lips to Willow's forehead. "Always," she repeats as her tears stream down her face.
"Shhhh-sweetie," Tara continues to hold her.
"I'm sorry-I'm so sorry," says Willow still apologizing for her feelings.
Hours later Willow is still wrapped in Tara's arms and she has cried herself to sleep. Tara kisses her forehead and traces her fingers up and down her arm. The witch begins to mumble in her sleep. "No-you can't take her-I won't let you. I won't-" her words are hard and cold-her breathing erratic- "No!" she shouts and sits up, Tara sits up with her and turns on the light.
As she looks back at her she shows fear, "Will!" The redhead's eyes are glowing black her fists clenched and she raises her hand as if to cast, "Willow!" Tara grabs her hand.
Suddenly the witch realizes it was a dream and tries to relax. Still the darkness fills her and tries once again to take control. "Tara-" her voice trembles, "help me."
The blonde Wicca takes her by the hand and leads her to the center of the floor. She goes to the drawer and gets out the chalk, she draws a circle and then searches for the needed ingredients. "Sit down."
"No-" booms her voice as again she raises her hand pointing at her lover, "I won't let you control me-"
"Willow sweetie," Tara tries again. The door opens and Tara sees Buffy. "Get Giles."
Willow turns and waves at the door and it slams shut. "They can't help you-" a menacing smile crossing her face. "No one can!" Her smile leaves as a current hits her and she falls to the ground.
Tara goes to her and kneels beside her unconscious redhead, "I'm sorry sweetie, but you'll be okay."
The door opens and Buffy bursts in surprised by the scene, "What happened?"
"I-I'm I'm not sure, it-something had control of her," states Tara trying to stay composed.
"Why is she-" her words stop.
"I had to-she'll be okay-" she says softly as she strokes her cheek. "Help me get her in the circle. I need to try to do a cleansing."
Buffy picks her up and places her inside the circle. Tara walks around placing and lighting candles. "Giles is on his way."
The next morning Willow starts to wake, as she opens her eyes she sees Tara resting under her. She forces a smile, "Hey-"
"Morning-better?"
"I think-thanks to you."
"Do you remember the dream?" asks Tara. Willow shakes her head. "It's okay."
"I could have hurt you," her words are barely a whisper.
"But you didn't," she kisses her lips softly and it turns quickly passionate as she seeks at the redhead's tongue. They explore together-lips, teeth, tongues. "Don't want to talk about it anymore-" she gasps out as they break for air. "Just want you-" they kiss again.
Later they lie in a tangle of glistening arms, legs and sheets. Willow is spooned in the arms of her blonde. "Will-" Tara speaks her name softly, "Have you thought about what Giles said?"
She smiles an honest smile for an instant, "Been a little too busy to think-" Tara smiles too and kisses her neck. After a few silent seconds she speaks again. "About going to England you mean?"
"It wouldn't be for long," assures the blonde.
Willow turns to face her, her hand free hand resting on her girl's side, "You think it's the only way?"
"The safest way," she kisses her forehead.
"You'll come with me?" she asks and her Wicca smiles and trails smooth fingers over her cheek.
"Yeah-so I'll tell him to make arrangements?"
"Okay, but I want to explain to Kennedy. I don't want her to think-" again she stops her words.
"We promised we'd give her space."
"I know but I don't want her to think this is her fault," her sad eyes meet soft blue.
"We could just tell Spike-" suggests Tara though she knows that it won't appease her redhead.
"We could," concedes her girl to Tara's surprise. They are quiet for a few minutes finally Willow speaks. "I'm scared."
"Of what sweetie?" She caresses the redhead's cheek.
"What if the dark magicks are already too strong-and I-"
"No-" assures her Wicca, "they're not."
"You can't know-"
"I can, I know you and you wouldn't let that happen without a fight-and neither will I. I'm not gonna let anything happen to my girl." She presses a kiss to her lips. Willow's tears start to fall. "Shhh-it's okay." She wraps her love in her arms and holds her as she cries.
That night Spike is strolling in the cemetery patrolling by himself when he senses someone behind him in the brushes. "All right Red-come out." Slowly Willow and Tara emerge from their hiding place. "You shouldn't be out here."
"We needed to talk to you," says the redhead.
"There are safer ways-you could have told the Slayer, she knows where to find me."
"We are going to England," informs Tara. "We leave the day after tomorrow."
"We wanted Kennedy to know," adds Willow.
"So tell her, she's at the crypt."
"If you could give her the message," tries Tara.
"Could but I'm not-it's time the three of you deal with this."
"Deal with what?-What did she tell you?" asks the redhead nervously.
"Slayer junior-she doesn't talk just mopes around like the Poof-buy her a leather duster and she'd give him a go." He smiles at the double meaning the sentence left. "In the moping I mean she wouldn't actually give him a go-she's too wrapped up in the two of you for that." They stare at him confused and he smirks, "Don't tell me you didn't know-"
"You're wrong," says Willow.
"Right love-you keep saying that, then maybe you'll convince yourself." He walks away.
Kennedy is watching the television in Spike's crypt when she hears then sees the door opening. The bleach blonde vamp looks around surprised. "Company gone so soon love?"
Kennedy turns to him confused, "What are you talking about Spike?"
"The witches didn't stop by?"
"No-" she looks back to the screen as if she's not interested. Spike goes to the kitchen and gets blood from the fridge, pours it in a mug and pops it in the microwave. "Why did you think they were here?"
"Told 'em I wasn't carrying their messages."
"What message?"
The microwave dings and he gets his blood from it. He carries it into the living room and sits down across from the young Slayer to be. "Seems they're flying out in a couple of days-"
"Vacation?"
"England- 's all I know."
"Probably for the best-" Kennedy stands.
"Where you going pet?"
"Sudden urge to kill something," she states as she goes toward the door.
"Want me to come along?"
"Nah-" she leaves and he shakes his head.
The next day Kennedy stands at the door of the Summers' house. She starts to knock but it opens before she can-Dawn is standing there, "Kennedy."
"Hey-Buffy here?"
"No she went grocery shopping but Tara and Willow are home-go on in. Or if you want you can hang with me, I'm headed for mochas with Janice."
"Could we maybe talk before you go-or while you walk?"
"Sure-" she closes the door and sits on the steps. "What's up?"
"Willow and Tara-"
"They miss you-" Dawn looks at her concerned. "We all do."
"Why are they going to England, is it because of what happened. The kiss I mean?"
"Kiss?"
"Never mind-" she stands.
"I don't know anything about a kiss-they're going to England for Willow. She's having some trouble with the magicks. You should have been here the other night she almost hurt-" her words stop and then she starts again leaving out the details of the night. "They're going to do a big ritual cleansing with a coven there."
"Can't Tara do it?"
"This is better they said, that's all they'll tell me." There is a pause and Dawn speaks again. "You should talk to them-they'd probably tell you way more since you're a Slayer too-or will be someday. I have to go-" Dawn stands.
"Thanks-" says Kennedy as she stays there on the steps. She watches as Dawn walks away. She turns and looks at the door. She steps toward it slowly and then stands inches from it. She reaches for the door handle but stops. She rings the bell instead and waits nervously. A few seconds later the door opens and she sees Tara standing there, "Hey."
Tara smiles, "Hey-I was hoping you'd come by before-come in." She moves from the doorway and Kennedy walks inside. They both reach to close the door and fingers touch. The younger girl pulls her hand away, "Sorry," says the blonde softly.
"S'okay-Spike told me that you were leav-" she stops.
"Tomorrow-" states Tara.
"I don't understand-is Will okay?"
From the bottom of the stairs the redhead speaks, "No-but I will be." She moves to Tara's side and takes her hand.
"What was Dawn talking about-what almost happened the other night?"
Willow pales and Tara squeezes her hand, "Nothing happened-" her eyes meet her redhead's.
"I almost," Willow tries but stops.
"It's over," Tara insists. "We're not gonna worry about it right?- You promised." She kisses the witch's hand.
"Okay-"
"How long will you be gone?"
"We're not sure," answers the blonde. "A week-maybe two."
"Maybe more-it's really up to the coven," Willow says softly.
"You'll keep in touch?" asks Kennedy her voice full of worry.
"Yeah-" assures Tara.
"Kennedy-promise me you'll be here when we get back-" Willow's eyes meet her and she can't refuse her. The young would be Slayer nods not trusting her voice. "Good-good that helps a lot, one less thing to worry about."
"Don't worry about anything but getting better. I'll take care of things here," her strength finds its way to the surface again. Without thinking she steps forward and hugs the Wiccas.
Giles walks in the room and watches unsure. He clears his throat, the girls separate and face him, "I'm sorry to interrupt but we may have a problem."
Later in the living room, the witches, the Slayer, Kennedy and Dawn sit listening to Giles. "My first thought was Xander but then they explained the ritual in more detail and it doesn't seem appropriate."
"So it should be another girl since-because of the nakedness?" Dawn asks and Tara nods.
"That's what they suggested."
His eyes turn to his Slayer, "Buffy can't leave here-leave the hellmouth unprotected."
"Dawn?" questions Buffy.
"No-because of the mystical energy-it could effect-"
"That leaves," starts Dawn as all eyes fall on Kennedy.
"Me?-No-hell no I can't." She stands-as if they were one both witches reach out and take her hands in theirs.
"We need your help," says Tara.
"I need your help-" whispers Willow.
Kennedy looks from Willow to Tara and then back to the redhead. Her mind reels 'this is so not a good idea,' she thinks. She however slowly nods her head.
The next morning they sit three across as they wait for the plane to take off. Willow is in the middle and she holds Tara's hand, "I hate flying."
"I know baby-" she presses a kiss to her forehead and Kennedy looks away uncomfortable.
"Just think about something else," suggests Kennedy. "Happy thoughts-"
Willow nods and closes her eyes, her mind begins to wander-she takes a calming breath and almost instantly she is asleep. Kennedy looks unsure, "Is she asleep?"
"Sort of," smiles Tara. "I put some herbs in the drink. They relax you."
"You dosed her?"
"It's better if she sleeps."
Kennedy looks at Tara unsure, "Remind me never to piss you off."
"It's hard to do-"
"Yeah-I'm starting to get that." They are quiet as the blonde watches her redhead sleep. "Tell me about the other night." Tara nods.
In her sleep induced state Willow dreams of Tara-they are in each other's arms kissing passionately. The door opens and Kennedy walks in. Without a word she sits on the bed beside the redhead and traces the soft curve of her bare hip with her hand.
"Goddess-" whispers the witch while see sleeps.
Tara smiles, "See-good thoughts." Kennedy nods and they continue to talk.
Go Back To Part 2(Chapters 6-10)
Go On To Part 4(Chapters 16-20)
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