Dawning

Rating: PG
Disclaimer: All of the materials borrowed from Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel belong to Joss Whedon and to the entities and companies associated with their creation. I have borrowed them for creative and entertainment purposes only. No compensation has been or ever shall be received for the writing below. No copyright infringement is intended. Please don't sue
Distribution: The Kennedy Fanfic Archive: http://www.kennedyfanfic.com/fanfic/
From Willow's Window: http://www.elfie.org/~wolfkin/willowfan/index.html
If you are interested in posting my story on your site, please contact me first for permission.
Feedback: Yes, please. Any type you wanna send. Can't fix what I don't know is broken, right?
Spoilers: Show's been off the air since May of 2003. Can they still be considered spoilers?
Author's Notes: This story follows canon up through the very first part of 4th season, then veers off a bit. Written in response to a challenge on Extra Flamey.
F/F romance: This story assumes a loving and sexual relationship between people of the same gender. If this offends or is illegal for you, then please leave. Come back when you are older, have an open mind, moved, or changed your laws.
Pairing: Kennedy/Dawn, others

Summary:When Willow just wants to be friends, Kennedy grows closer to Dawn, but is it friendship or more?

Chapter 1

Willow rolls her eyes and reaches to turn off the light, she stops and looks at the girl. "No one has ever turned you down before have they?" She grins.

Kennedy rolls her eyes, "Fine-I get it, you're not interested in getting your back warmed." She zips up the sleeping bag around her.

"Kennedy-" Willow speaks the Potential's name.

She grins, "Change your mind?" Her eyes light up for an instant but she sees the witch shake her head, "What?"

"It's not you," she says simply.

"Right I know-" she turns away.

Willow falls back onto the bed and closes her eyes. She opens them and looks at the ceiling, then the teen. "It's too soon."

Kennedy listens to the words and realizes what the redhead is saying, "But if it wasn't?" She tries.

"It is," Willow says. "Good night Kennedy." The room is quiet and then dark as she turns out the bedside lamp.

A few days later Dawn is sitting on the porch watching the Potentials train with her sister. Willow comes out and sits beside her. "Hey Will."

"Hey Dawnie." Dawn's arm slips around the woman. "You okay?"

"Yeah."

Willow turns to look into her eyes, "Not too convincing."

"It's bad this time isn't it Willow?" Dawn's eyes meet hers.

"Yeah it is."

"Glory bad?" Dawn asks.

Willow nods. "Some of them-" she looks out at the girls as they train. "She can't protect them all."

"She'll try," Dawn says softly.

"She'll fail," Willow answers back just as soft. "You can't stop evil."

Dawn leans into Willow and holds her tight. "Good should win always."

"It should," Willow's tears start to fall. "But it doesn't." Her thoughts turn to Tara and all the good she did. She thinks about her gentle nature and giving heart. "Always," she whispers as she lets her eyes close.

A few more days pass and Dawn walks into the kitchen to find Kennedy trying to make coffee. She grins when she sees the coffee all over the counter and the filter in pieces. "Ah-need some help?"

Kennedy looks up, "Help? No-no I got it."

"Okay," Dawn walks to the refrigerator and gets out a water. She sits at the counter and watches, amused.

Kennedy fights with the machine and finally growls out at it, "Damn machine, how hard can this be?"

Dawn stands beside her, "Let me show you," Kennedy holds up her hands and backs away. She watches as Dawn gets a filter, puts it in the machine then fills it with two scoops of coffee. "There," she smiles at the teenager.

"That's exactly what I did," Kennedy claims.

"It's tricky sometimes." Dawn smiles, "You'll have coffee in about twenty minutes."

"Twenty minutes? Grrrrr-" she glares at the machine. "I need it now."

"Come on," Dawn takes her by the arm. "I'll buy you a mocha."

Kennedy smiles then it fades, "Why are you being nice to me?"

"Not sure really," she grins. "Let's go before I change my mind."

Kennedy rolls her eyes and goes out the door with the other teenager. Willow smiles from the bottom of the stairs. Buffy looks at her, "Why are you smiling?"

"No reason," Willow says.

"Un huh-what do you know that I don't?" Buffy asks her friend.

Willow grins, "You really want me to answer that Buff?" Buffy pouts at her best friend, then mock glares. Willow laughs, "I just think they'll be good for each other. Dawn needs a friend close to her age that knows about demony stuff and Kennedy needs someone that will-" she stops and starts again. "Dawnie is a good listener."

"It's hard on all of them Willow, they didn't ask for this."

"True-but they have to learn to deal with it," she looks a little said. Buffy hugs her friend. "I miss her Buffy, I miss her so much."

"I know," she holds her tightly.

A week later, the gang is no closer to finding a way to stop the First Evil. That, however, is not the case with Kennedy and Dawn-they have become fast friends. The teenagers sit in the living room with books and papers all around them, Kennedy is helping Dawn study for a test. Buffy comes down the stairs and smiles at them. "Hey," she says and both girls look up at her. "How's the studying going?"

Dawn smiles at her sister, "Just a little left, she's almost as smart as Willow."

"Excuse me?" The redhead grins as she stops next to the blonde Slayer.

Kennedy smirks, "You heard her Red," Kennedy teases.

Dawn blushes, "I said almost."

"Back to work," says her sister.

Dawn rolls her eyes, "Right." Buffy and Willow start to walk away. "Oh Buffy would it be okay if we get movies and have kind of a sleepover?"

"Since we have what, eight more girls than last week I thought it was already a sleepover Dawnie," she teases.

"I mean a real sleepover without the Big Bad talk?"

"We can try," she smiles.

Willow smiles too, "You two get the movies and Buffy and I will be in charge of the food."

"On it, as soon as we finish here," says Kennedy.

"Just remember back before dark," Buffy adds.

"No monster talk," whines Dawn.

"Sorry, before dark," she repeats to Kennedy.

"Count on it."

The teens walk around the movie store looking at movies, laughing and talking as they fuss over what to get. "No fighting ones," whines Dawn.

"I'm not watching some girly movie," Kennedy protests.

Dawn grins, "Thought you liked the girls?"

Kennedy rolls her eyes, "Okay let me rephrase that-no sappy love stories."

"Fine, that leaves comedies or musicals."

"Comedies, I could use a good laugh," the older teen says.

"We finally agree," she starts to pick up a movie but stops as she sees a guy walk in the door. She grabs Kennedy's arm.

Kennedy looks unsure, ready for a fight but relaxes when she follows Dawn's eyes and sees the guy. "That's him huh? The guy from school you're all eeeeeeee over?"

"First of all, I'm not all eeeeeee and second you've been living with Willow too long you're starting to sound like her."

Kennedy grins, "So go say hi."

"No way, I'll get all nervous and my words will just be a jumbled mess."

"Hi is only one word."

"Maybe but it leads to more and then it's just bad," Dawn assures her.

"Go-" Kennedy pushes her toward him.

Dawn glares, "Stop!" She growls through clinched teeth.

"Dawn," the boy says with a smile. "Hi."

Dawn stares up at him, "Hi." She looks back toward Kennedy but finds her gone. "We-I-movies-" she stutters.

Justin smiles, "Then you're in the right place."

Dawn blushes, "Yeah. I-" she stops again unsure of what to say.

"I guess I'll see you in class on Monday."

"Class-yeah-okay. Bye." She hurries away and the teenaged boy watches unsure of what he did wrong.

A hand pulls Dawn into another aisle and she is startled but then angry when she realizes it is Kennedy, "See I told you it would be bad." She pouts and then whines. "Why can't I just talk to him?"

Kennedy looks at the younger girl, "You have to relax, forget he's a guy. Pretend he's me. You can talk to me right?"

Dawn thinks about her words and smiles, "Pretend he's you. I can do that."

Kennedy smiles too, "So go try it." She looks from Dawn to Justin.

"Now?" Dawn is suddenly nervous again. "I-I couldn't-not-"

Kennedy mock glares. "Just act like you're looking for a movie in the same row. It's easy."

"For you maybe cause-I bet you get nervous when you're around a girl you like."

Kennedy shakes her head, "Nope not me, never."

"Not even when you were my age?"

Again Kennedy shakes her head, "Watch." Kennedy walks toward the aisle that Justin is in. She looks at a few movies then turns to him and smiles. Dawn watches as they talk and smile but she can't hear what they are saying. Kennedy picks up a movie and walks back toward her. When she reaches her she hands her the movie. "See, it's no big deal. Now you take it back and get a different one."

"Kennedy I-"

The Potential grins, "Go, now."

Dawn looks toward Justin, then back at Kennedy. She bites her lip, "Okay but if I make a fool outta myself you're so gonna pay for it." Dawn looks at the movie and then walks towards the spot it came from.

Kennedy watches her with a smile. She whispers, "You can do it."

Dawn walks down the aisle, Justin smiles at her. "Hi again."

"Hi," she says nervously. She puts the movie back. "My friend-" she looks down. "Bad taste in movies." She looks at the movies and tries to pretend he is Kennedy. "So, have you studied for the test?"

He shakes his head, "No, I haven't even started. I don't get that stuff."

"I didn't either but Kennedy helped me, it's kinda easy now."

"Kennedy?"

"My friend," Dawn says with a smile.

"The one with the bad taste in movies?"

"Yeah, Trig she gets, movies-" Dawn shakes her head, "movies not so much."

Justin is quiet as he watches Dawn pick up a movie. "Do you think you could help me study?"

"Help you-ah-I-" the nervousness returns.

"We could meet at the library tomorrow, get ice cream after?"

"I-library okay-sure, I could-yeah."

"So I'll see you there at noon?" Justin asks hopefully.

Dawn smiles, "Ah better make it one, lots of movies to watch."

"Okay one at the library, then ice cream." He smiles at her.

"Right, bye." She walks away without a movie.

Kennedy watches with a smile as she sees Dawn smiling almost running toward her. "You talked." She states.

"I'm helping him study for the test tomorrow."

"You got a date?" Kennedy smiles. "Way to go!"

"No, no date-studying."

"Right, studying." Kennedy grins. "If it makes you feel better, we'll call it studying."

Dawn rolls her eyes, "It is studying." She starts to walk toward the comedy section. "With ice cream."

"It's a date, deal with it," Kennedy grins as she follows her.

Dawn turns and jumps up and down. "I got a date with Justin!"

Kennedy shakes her head and smiles, "Told you it was easy."

Dawn hugs her without even thinking about it then pulls back. She turns to look at her and Kennedy stands a little surprised by the girl's actions. The Slayer-to-be finally just shakes her head and begins to search for a movie that's not too lame.

Later, at the house, teenagers lie piled in the living room floor watching movies. Willow and Buffy sit on the couch watching as well. Both smile as they hear the laughter fill the house. "I've missed that," whispers the Slayer.

"It's been too long," the redhead agrees.

Buffy puts an arm around her and pulls her close. "We'll get through this like all the other times Will-I promise."

"Yeah," she says simply.

The movie ends and the would be Slayers stretch and begin to move toward the pizza boxes around the room. Kennedy pouts as she opens a box to find it empty. "Hey who ate the last of my anchovie pizza?"

Dawn grins, "Ah sorry, too slow Slayer." She begins to eat the last piece.

"Oh you're so gonna pay for that Summers!"

Dawn's eyes go wide as the girl movies toward her. "You-you wouldn't!"

"Wouldn't I?" Kennedy begins to tickle her, the pizza drops to the floor. The older teen grabs it and takes a bite. She smiles victorious.

Willow and Buffy laugh, the others look on in surprise. Dawn mock glares at her friend. "You wait, you gotta sleep sometime."

"Not till the pizza is gone." She finishes the slice.

Willow grins, "Better make that three anchovie and pineapple pizzas the next time."

"They are so strange. What normal person eats that?" The blonde Slayer makes a face.

As another movie plays and the food disappears the young Potentials begin to crawl into sleeping bags or cover themselves with blankets. Dawn looks at around to see Willow and Buffy snuggled together asleep. She smiles then looks at Kennedy. "What do you think?" She looks toward the napping adults.

"I think there's an unwritten sleepover code," she grins. "First ones to sleep have to pay."

They stand up and walk towards the women, just as they are about to wage their tickle attack Buffy, eyes still closed, speaks. "I wouldn't if I were you."

"Slayer-witch-mere mortals, not good odds," Willow adds as she opens one eye.

"Hey," Kennedy glares. "I'm gonna be a Slayer too someday."

"Someday doesn't really do us much good right now," says Dawn as she looks at her partner in crime.

"Great, just switch teams on me." Kennedy pretends to pout.

"There's team switching?" Willow raises an eyebrow, then grins.

The light comes on for both teens at the same time. Dawn tries to assure Willow, "Switching teams-ah-no, I mean-not like-"

Kennedy grins, "See even she knew better than to turn me down."

Willow rolls her eyes, "Whatever." She smiles.

Kennedy laughs then Dawn smiles at the happiness on the redhead's face. Buffy looks on confused.

"Okay, again I've missed something." She sits up and looks from a grinning Willow, to a smirking Kennedy and then finally to her sister.

"No, there's nothing to miss. Still playing for the same team as before." Dawn smiles at the Slayer.

"If fact," Kennedy chimes in. "She has a date tomorrow."

Buffy glares at her sister, "A date?"

"It's not a date. It's studying with Justin, he needs help with math."

"Math? Isn't that what Kennedy's been helping you with?"

"Yep, and she helped so well I can help him." She smiles.

"What can I say," grins the Potential Slayer, "I'm just that good." She wiggles her eye brows, then winks at Willow.

The redhead giggles at the girl's persistence, then closes her eyes. "On that note I think I'm going to sleep now."

Buffy looks at her friend, then back at her sister. "We'll talk about this date thing tomorrow."

"It's not a date," Dawn insists.

"Right," Willow giggles. "We believe you."

Dawn attacks without warning, jumping on the couch and the redhead, tickling and then tickling some more as the giggling continues.

"B-Buffy!" Willow finally gets out.

Dawn laughs at her as her fingers continue to torture Willow. Kennedy watches as Buffy starts toward her sister. Kennedy grabs her as well and begins to tickle the blonde Slayer, the element of surprise giving her a momentary advantage.

"Hey! That's so cheating-I was all distracted." Buffy complains as she tries to work away from Kennedy's probing fingers.

Meanwhile, Willow manages to wiggle away without magic and jumps in to rescue the older Slayer. Soon after much yelling and laughing the older friends have the younger ones at their mercy. They each sit on a teen; Buffy, her sister and Willow, the young Slayer-to-be.

Kennedy smirks up at the redhead as she feels her knees press against her hips, "I actually pictured this the other way around. Willow blushes and moves off the Potential Slayer, her eyes a little sad. The brunette touches her shoulder, "Hey I'm sorry-I was just messing around."

"It's okay," she forces a little smile.

"I really was teasing. It's just me-" she says softly.

"I know, you're a brat." She grins with a wink.

"Exactly." Kennedy grins.

"Help!" Dawn yells as Buffy tickles again.

Without a word Kennedy attacks the blonde. They wrestle as Dawn and Willow watch on. They grin at each other as the Slayer and the Slayer-to-be play like children in the floor.

Later, Willow lies curled up in her bed. The door opens and Kennedy comes in quietly trying not to wake her. She bumps into the dresser, "Damn," she mutters.

"I'm not asleep, you can turn on the light."

"Now you tell me," Kennedy says with a grin as she flips the switch and rubs her knee. "I thought you were going to sleep an hour ago."

"So did I, but I'm not having much luck."

Kennedy gathers her sleeping bag and her pajamas. "You okay?" She stops long enough to ask the redhead.

"Yeah-busy head, it happens sometimes. I'll be fine." She forces a smile for the girl. "Whatcha doing?"

"Gonna stay in Dawn's room, make it a real sleepover." She grins.

Willow smiles at the teen. "Have fun."

She walks over to the bed and sits on the side. "Sure you'll be okay?"

Willow nods, "Night."

"Night Red." She disappears through the door but leaves it open. Willow smiles knowing that it was done so the Slayer-to-be could check on her easier.

Kennedy knocks on Dawn's door and hears, "Come on in." As she opens it, she finds the other teen already in her pajamas and sitting on her bed.

She goes inside and puts the sleeping bag on the floor and sits down on it. She looks unsure as Dawn gets up and gets a sleeping bag out of her closet and lays it down beside her and sits down. "You have a bed why are you down here?"

"Can't have a sleepover if you're not sleeping in the same place," Dawn informs. "How are we gonna talk all night about boys?" Kennedy raises an eyebrow and Dawn misreads it. "Or girls-you can talk about girls."

Kennedy grins, "You'd sleep with me?"

"Ah sure why not, I use to sleep with Tara all the time."

Kennedy's grin turns to a smirk. "Willow know that?"

Dawn rolls her eyes and giggles, "You know what I mean."

"Yeah, but I had to mess with you."

Dawn playfully swats her. "I'll get you, you know."

"Right." It is now Kennedy's turn to roll her eyes. They are quiet for a minute as the older teen looks at the bed, "I don't know about you but the bed sounds better then the bags-I promise to be good."

Dawn gets up and crawls in turning down the covers as she does and picking up her stuffed bear. Kennedy slips in on the other side. "What do you have there?" Asks the Potential.

"This is Lucky," brushes at the fur of the animal. Kennedy brushes it as well and frowns when she notices the missing ear. Dawn answers her unasked question, "He's been through a couple apocalypses.-The last one was a little rough on him-hence the name Lucky."

"What was his name before?"

"Mr. Buttons-then Buttons-he's a bear of many names."

"I feel bad, maybe we could make him a little bandage?" She smiles.

"Nah, he likes to show his battle scars. He says it gives him character."

"He says that does he?" She raises an eyebrow.

Dawn smiles and rolls her eyes at the older teen, "I know you have stuffed animals too. Don't even try to deny it."

"Me? No way. I'm a Slayer."

"So- even Buffy has Mr. Gordo."

"Mr. Gordo?" Kennedy smirks.

"He's a pig and you didn't hear about it from me."

"Or course not," she grins.

Dawn changes the subject, the stuffed animal still in her hands. "So tell me about your first girlfriend."

"Why do I have to go first?" Asks the Potential.

"Well, cause I never really had a boyfriend-except well there was the guy I went out with but he was a vampire and then the thing with the love spell that I really don't wanna talk about." She shakes her head.

"You're kidding right?" Dawn shakes her head. "But you're hot-are all the guys around here blind?"

Dawn blushes, "I just- I get nervous remember the video store?"

"So they ask you out and then you go all spazzy and scare them away?"

"Mostly yeah."

"But things are looking up right? You got your date with Justin tomorrow." Kennedy smiles.

"If I don't screw it up." Dawn says nervously.

"You won't-you'll teach him Trig and then eat ice cream."

Dawn buries her head in her pillow, "Grrrrr-I'll never get any sleep." The other girl giggles. "Don't laugh at me."

"Sorry Dawn."

Dawn looks up at her, "Okay-your first girlfriend."

"Amy-we were 14-her parents caught us kissing and they left town like 3 days later."

Dawn looks a little sad, "Stupid people."

"Yeah, it was bad for a while. My dad handled it better than I thought he would."

"And your mom?"

Kennedy hesitates, "She died when I was 2-I don't remember much about her. Car accident."

"I'm sorry-I'm making you all sad-it's suppose to be fun."

"It's okay. It was a long time ago."

"My mom died too-a couple of years ago." Their voices fade as the talking continues.

Hours later, the talk has turned back to happier topics. Dawn is laughing, then finally composes herself. "He really caught you?"

"In the act."

Dawn blushes at the thought. "I would have died."

"I almost did, he grounded me for 60 days but damn-it was worth it."

Dawn laughs some more before pulling herself together. "The two of you still going out?"

"Nah, she went away to college, we kinda lost touch."

"That sucks."

"For a while till I met Rachel." Kennedy wiggles her eyebrows

"Just how many girls have you-" Dawn stops.

Kennedy smiles, "Ah-a few."

"Have you ever-you know with a guy?"

Kennedy shakes her head, "Kissed a guy once-didn't see what all the fuss was about, didn't impress me." She grins. "You can let me know how Justin kisses when you get home."

"He's not gonna kiss me."

"He might." Kennedy grins.

"He won't-it's just help with Trig."

"You're wrong." Kennedy says.

"Guess we'll see."

"Guess we will." She rolls over and closes her eyes.

"Hey-it's not time to sleep."

"Sure it is." She looks toward the clock that reads 3:06. "Don't want you sleeping through the kiss and missing it." She giggles.

Dawn swats her again but then lies down as well. "Night Kennedy." She turns off the light.

"Night Dawn."

They are quiet for a few minutes, Dawn can hear the even breathing of the older girl. She waits worried unable to sleep. Finally 45 minutes later she shakes Kennedy. "What?" Asks the sleepy teen.

Dawn's worried words fill the room. "What if he does want to kiss me?"

"You kiss him back." Her eyes are still closed. "Go to sleep."

"I can't."

Kennedy opens her eyes and turns to face the teen, "Dawn, kissing is no big deal."

"Maybe not for you, but for me it is. What if I do it wrong?"

Kennedy makes a face, "That won't happen, you've kissed guys before."

"Two-I'm sure he's kissed way more people."

"I'm not sure how I can help here." Kennedy's eyes meet the younger teen's in the dark.

"Me neither. Look I'm sorry, just go back to sleep."

"Can't-not till I know you can sleep too."

They both lie in the dark awake. Kennedy searches her mind and finally a smile crosses her face. She sits up, turns on the lamp and smiles at the younger teen, a plan formed in her mind.

Dawn looks at her unsure, "Why are you smiling?"

"I got an idea."

"Yeah?" Dawn smiles too.

"You can say no," she tells the girl.

"Why would I do that?" Dawn asks confused.

"You could practice kissing," Kennedy states.

"Who would I practice with, there's not any guys around here but Xander and even though I had a crush on him when I was young there's the whole he's family thing ick thing."

"You could practice with me."

"You?" Dawn says surprised, her voice a little higher than normal.

Chapter 2

Kennedy shakes her head, "Dawn you say that like kissing you would be painful or something. You're gorgeous-" she stops her praise as she senses the girl becoming uncomfortable. "But like I said-you can say no I won't be mad."

Dawn thinks about her words, "It's just practicing right I mean, I don't like girls and you-well you don't like me like that so-okay." She nods. "Let's-let's do it."

Kennedy grins, "We can practice that next if you want." Dawn blushes at the implication.

"No-I mean-grrrrr you know what I meant. The kissing, let's-show me." She rolls her eyes.

Kennedy nods. "It's really easy, you just-" she puts her hands on Dawn's cheeks. "Take it slow."

"Slow," Dawn whispers, a little nervousness in her voice. "Got it."

The older teen leans forward, her lips inching closer to the younger, giving her time to change her mind. When she doesn't, Kennedy brushes gently across her lips barely touching. She repeats the action only this time the pressure is a little firmer as she lets her lips linger slightly. Then letting her lips meet Dawn's for a final time, she begins to open and close them. The hesitant teen follows her lead. Soon they pull apart needing air. Kennedy smiles as she lets her fingers trail against the soft skin beneath them, then it broadens as she notices the still closed eyes of the younger girl. She watches her try to calm her breathing and her pounding heart. "You okay?"

A little stunned, the younger girl nods. "Un huh." She forces her eyes open and they meet the chocolate of the Potential.

Kennedy smiles at the effect she has had on the girl, "Now sleep." She lays back down.

"Sleep?"

"Yeah, sleep before you can't drag your butt up for your date."

"Can-can't we practice some more?"

Kennedy grins, "You don't need practice."

"But I-I do," she tries to convince the brunette.

"Trust me, you don't."

Dawn blushes, "You mean-"

"It was nice." She smacks her with a pillow. "Now sleep."

Dawn turns and crawls back under the cover. Kennedy reaches for the light and starts to turns it off. "Night Dawn."

"Night Kennedy and-and thanks."

"No problem, in fact anytime," she teases. Dawn hits her with a pillow. A surprised Slayer-to-be stares.

"What- you didn't think I'd get you back?" Asks the younger Summers. "It's all about the getting back."

Kennedy nods, "I see that. That's cool- I'll get you when you least expect it." She hits Dawn with her pillow.

"Oh, that's when I least expected it," she rolls her eyes and then hits her again. Before you know it, a pillow fight breaks out. They hit and giggle, until there is a knock at the door. The teens stop, looking at each other and then the door. Both realize they have been a little loud, the Potential turns out the light as they drive under the covers and pretend to be asleep.

The door opens and Buffy glares in at them. She walks toward the bed and looks down at them. She can't help but smile, a part of her thrilled to see something normal in her not so normal world. "I know you're not asleep. Slayer hearing-that's not the sound of sleeping- people with the racing hearts. No more noise, there needs to be sleep now." She starts away but stops. "Night," she says with a smile as she goes out the door. She hears soft giggles.

"That was close," whispers Dawn.

"Still can hear you." Buffy informs them.

It's the Slayer's turn to giggle as she hears Kennedy whisper, "Shhh-Dawn."

"I can hear you too." She rolls her eyes and leaves.

* * *

The next day Kennedy wakes and smiles at the younger girl, who is still sleeping. An evil grin slips across her face as she yanks the pillow from under Dawn's head and hits her with it. She giggles as the sleeping girl wakes abruptly and turns sleepy eyes to her. "When you least expect it," says the Slayer-to-be.

Dawn manages a glare then lets her eyes close again. "Brat!" She whines.

Kennedy smiles, "That's me!" She beams proudly.

The younger teen's eyes open again and she focuses them on the older. "Meanie." She pouts, a little Willow in her voice.

"Hey-you were warned," quips the brunette. Dawn sticks out her tongue and Kennedy giggles.

"Too tired to get up," the Key says grumbly.

"Lots to do before the big date."

"It's not a date-and what is there to do?"

Kennedy sits up and turns to face the teen. "First we need to review so that you can make sure you got it down."

"The Trig I got-no worries. Next?"

"You need a killer outfit."

Dawn repeats herself, "It's not a date."

"Keep saying that, you'll convince yourself eventually."

"Even if it is a date, it's just the library. You don't dress up to go to the library." Dawn says as she looks at Kennedy.

Kennedy gets up and stretches. Dawn smiles at the teenager and then pulls herself up as well. She follows her to the closet. The Potential opens it and looks at the clothes there. She looks at the teen, "This is gonna be fun."

Dawn rolls her eyes, then looks unsure as Kennedy begins pulling out clothes and tossing them onto the bed. "Okay, now I'm scared."

Kennedy smirks, "Can't wait to see Buffy's face."

"What are you up to?" Dawn asks with a raised eyebrow, but the Potential doesn't answer.

* * *

Later the teens bounce down the stairs and into the kitchen. Willow and Buffy are there putting the last of the dishes away. Willow smiles as she sees them. "About time the two of you got up," Buffy says without turning around. "Make sure you clean up your mess when you fin-" she stops as she turns and sees her sister. The teen is dressed in a tight, light blue tee that doesn't quite meet the top of her just as snug low rise jeans. The outfit is topped of with a sparkly belt that draws your eyes to her exposed belly button.

The Slayer's eyes shift from her sister to the teen Slayer-to-be, "This was your idea?"

Kennedy grins, "Gotta admit she looks hot."

Buffy scowls, "She's my little sister."

"Not so little Buff," Willow adds a bit tentatively. "She'll be seventeen in less than a month."

"Whose side are you on Will?" Buffy looks at her friend.

"There are no sides. I'm just-she looks good."

Dawn smiles at the redhead's words, "You really think?"

"I really think," the witch says softly.

Buffy pouts, "And no one cares that I'm not a bit happy with the way she's dressed?"

Kennedy shakes her head, "Not so much." Buffy glares, "You asked-did you want me to lie?"

"Fine, but I want to meet him." She looks at her sister.

"You can't-he's not coming here."

"Then I'll walk you to the library."

"Will-?" Whines Dawn as she turns to her friend.

"Sorry Dawnie-this time I'm with her."

"Great," she looks at her sister. "No fair scaring him."

"I won't. Promise."

Dawn looks skeptical, "You promise you won't or you won't promise?"

"Yep." She grins and leaves the room.

Dawn looks at Willow pleadingly. "I'll talk to her," the redhead says as she follows the Slayer.

Kennedy looks at Dawn, "See-it worked."

"How did you know Willow would be on our side?"

"Just did," she grins. She goes to the cabinets and gets out bread. "Sandwiches or toast?"

"Either, not sure I can eat. I'm all with the grumbly tummy."

"Relax, it's all under control."

"If you say so." Dawn looks at her friend nervously.

"I do, and I'm always right," Kennedy brags. Dawn rolls her eyes, "Okay-when was I wrong?" Dawn can't answer. "See-never. You'll be fine."

"Even if he wants to kiss?"

"Especially if he wants to kiss." She grins.

Dawn whines and sits at the table. Kennedy giggles at her. "Maybe you should go," Dawn says.

"Not my type," she winks then begins to make sandwiches.

"Oh-yeah right, forgot." She wrinkles her eyebrows. "Then how do you know he'll like the outfit?"

She smirks at Dawn, "Cause I do."

Dawn blushes and rolls her eyes before she drops her head on the table.

* * *

Dawn walks toward the library with her sister. She carries her book and notes. Buffy can tell she is really nervous. "You okay?"

Dawn shakes her head, "I think I'm gonna throw up."

Buffy puts a hand on her arm and stops her. She smiles sympathetically at her sister. "Look at me." The teen does what she asks. "Take a deep breath." Again she does what she is told to do. "Better?" Asks the blonde. Dawn just raises an eyebrow. "You really like him?" Dawn nods and Buffy can't stop the grin that crosses her face.

"You think that's funny?" She asks irritated.

"No-no, it just reminds me of Will at your age." Buffy looks at her sister. "All nervous around guys."

Dawn thinks about her words. "You saying I should like girls?"

Buffy shakes her head, "No-I mean unless you do and that would be okay. I'm just saying relax, you'll find the one meant for you."

"What if he doesn't like me?" Dawn asks nervously.

"Then he's a big dummy." She hugs her sister. "Come on, you don't want to be late."

She looks at her sister. "You won't embarrass me right?"

"Not today," the blonde says with a wink. Dawn rolls her eyes and they go into the library.

* * *

A few nervous discussions later Justin is working through a problem on his own. He looks up at Dawn when he finishes it and she is smiling. "Does that mean I got it right?" He asks hopefully.

"Yep," she smiles. "Told you you could. You just had to stop getting all eeeeee about it."

"Eeeee?" He asks with a grin.

"You know spazzy." She says softly.

"I am not spazzy," he defends playfully.

"No-I didn't mean-" she stops. "See now you're teasing me."

He laughs. "Sorry, but I couldn't resist you turn this way cool shade of red when I do." On cue she blushes and then hides her face in her arms on the table. He puts his hand on her shoulder. "I'll stop."

"Promise?" She asks not looking up.

"Promise," he says with his fingers crossed. When she looks up he grins and shows her the crossed fingers. "I think it's my new favorite color."

She swats at him playfully. "Back to work," she orders. With a smile, he does just that.

Later, Dawn and Justin are walking toward the ice cream shop. She is worried again, the dynamic has changed in her mind. Ice cream is not helping with homework-ice cream is a date and dates make her tummy rumble.

Justin is getting a little uncomfortable too with all the silence. He glances at her a couple of times but doesn't speak as they keep walking. They finally reach the shop and go inside. Justin waits as she picks a booth and then sits down opposite of her. He looks at her and their eyes meet, still neither talk.

The waitress walks over to them, "What can I get you?"

Justin looks at Dawn, the teen looks up at the large sign over the counter. "Chocolate chip cookie dough-in a sugar cone," she adds.

"How many scoops?"

"Ah-just one," Dawn says.

"And you?" The waitress looks at the boy.

"Two scoops of Rocky road in a waffle cone." The waitress leaves and the silence returns.

From across the room Willow watches the couple. She looks a little worried then surprised when she sees Kennedy walk in as well. The teen Slayer-to-be spots the redhead and walks over. She sits down on the opposite side. "What are you doing here Red?"

"I like ice cream," she says softly.

"Right," she looks toward Dawn and Justin. "How they doing?"

"Terrible, they're both all nervous," she rattles without thinking.

Kennedy smiles, "But you're just here for the ice cream."

Willow scowls at her then rolls her eyes. "We have to do something."

"Yeah-I got it-be right back." Kennedy stands but the redhead takes her arm.

"What are you going to do-you can't just with the jumping in, you need a plan."

"I got a plan, well sort of-" Kennedy protests. Willow raises an eyebrow. "Okay, we'll come up with a plan." She sits back down.

At the other table silence still rings loud and clear. Both look everywhere but at each other. Dawn plays with her napkin picking it apart and Justin fiddles with the spoon on the table then begins to tap it. Dawn looks up as she hears the rhythm. "Are you in the school band?" She asks softly. He looks at her and shakes his head. She starts to apologize. "No-cause that would be-you're not a geek. Not that people in the band are geeks cause." She forces the words to stop. "Shutting up now." She looks away again.

Justin still looks at her, "My friends and I-we have a band. Not really cause we haven't played anywhere but we practice."

"Cool," Dawn smiles. The woman brings their ice cream and they eat in silence as she walks away.

"Maybe you could come by sometime and watch-the practice I mean."

Dawn nods as she looks at him and causes the ice cream to miss her mouth and get on her chin. Without thinking he reaches and wipes it off with his thumb just as Kennedy walks toward them. She sees the move and with a grin returns to the table. "Why are you back-" asks the redhead and Kennedy looks toward the teens- Willow's eyes follow. She sees the boy wiping the rest of the ice cream away and Dawn smiling shyly.

"Think she did that on purpose?" Kennedy asks.

Willow grins, "Either way it worked." They watch as the teens talk and smile as they eat their ice cream. "Let's go before she spots us."

"Right behind you." They start for the door and slip out unnoticed.

* * *

Justin and Dawn walk up onto the porch of the Summers' house. He looks down at her and smiles. "Thanks for helping me with Trig."

"Thanks for the ice cream." She smiles back not as nervous as before.

"Think that maybe next Saturday we could-"

She interrupts, "Study- sure."

He grins, "I was gonna say go to a movie."

"Movie? Ah-I-" her nerves return full force. "Oh-Ah-I-"

"Studying would be fine-" he quickly concedes. "Then we could go to a movie."

"Yeah-ah okay." She nods. "Great-studying on Saturday."

"Then a movie," he clarifies and she nods blushing a little. "Then it's a date."

"A study date, right."

"Pick you up at noon?" He asks.

"Noon would be-I-okay."

"Great," he smiles. He leans down in an attempt to kiss her good bye but the scared girl takes a step back and opens the door. He stops and their eyes meet. She sees understanding there and doesn't feel as bad about it, "Bye Dawn."

"Bye Justin," she squeaks out as she slips inside. She starts to jog up the stairs and stops as she hears a voice.

"No goodnight kiss?" Kennedy says surprised.

"I panicked." Dawn confesses as she turns to the older teen and whines, "I'm such a spaz!"

Kennedy throws an arm around her shoulder. "There's always next weekend."

"You were spying?" Dawn asks as they go up the stairs.

"Un huh-" the Potential admits. "Did he like the outfit?" She asks with a grin.

"There was staring," Dawn smiles.

"Told you." Kennedy brags as they reach the landing.

"Help pick one out for the movies?"

"I'll get on that." She grins. "A real date-cool."

"No-it's still studying-only with a movie after." Dawn insists.

"You're impossible." Kennedy shakes her head and laughs.

"Don't laugh at me," Dawn whines.

"How can I not-" she smirks. "You make it so easy!"

Dawn chases her up the steps trying to tickle her as they go. The Potential gets away easily as they giggle and play. Buffy and Willow watch from the doorway. The redhead grins. Buffy just shakes her head at them. "I'm glad they're having fun-I just wish they could do it a little quieter."

The witch laughs too, "Good luck with that."

* * *

A few nights later, Willow walks into her room to see Kennedy packing up her things. She smiles, "Finally decide it would be easier than trying to find your things in the dark?"

Kennedy looks up a little unsure, "Are you mad that I'm moving out?"

The redhead smiles, "No, just you two get some sleep every now and then."

"We will-I mean we do." The Potential grins. "Sometimes we talk but it-she makes things make sense."

The witch nods. "She does-sometimes I think she's not really sixteen. She helped a lot after Tara-" she lets the words stop. She sighs and then forces a little smile. "Come back and visit-"

"Keep your back warm?" Kennedy wiggles her eyebrows.

"No-" she shakes her head.

The brunette mock pouts and then smiles at the redhead. "Had to try."

"Yes you did." She watches the teenager leave and then sits on her bed in the empty room. As she looks around her smile fades.

* * *

The days and nights pass each a little harder on the redhead. The moonlight floods the room and witch startles herself awake. The dream so real her heart pounds in her chest. She takes a few deep breathes and wipes the tears away. "Tara-" she whispers into the night. She looks toward the door as she hears a soft knock. She sees Buffy there. "Buffy-" she can't stop the tears. The blonde walks in and sits beside her friend holding her close. "I miss her so much."

"I know Will-I miss her too." The Slayer whispers as the witch buries her face into her shoulder.

* * *

Saturday morning finds the blonde wrapped around the redhead. She holds her tight and watches her finally sleep. She whispers softly, "You gotta be okay Will-you gotta be. I can't do this without you." She presses a kiss to the top of her head.

A few minutes later Willow stirs and her eyes open slowly. She panics pulling away from the arms, not knowing who is holding her. "Hey-it's me," Buffy says softly as she pulls her back against her. "You're safe."

Willow turns in her arms, "I feel like a big baby." She pouts.

"You're not."

The witch rolls her eyes. "I'm okay. You can let go."

Really not wanting to, the blonde concedes and lets her go. "Ready for breakfast?"

"Poor Slayer-is your tummy all growl-y?" Buffy nods with a small pout. "How about some pancakes?" asks the redhead. Buffy smiles. "Come on." She gets up and pulls her friend with her. They start to the door.

Once in the hallway they run into the Dawn and Kennedy who both raise an eyebrow. "Shut up!" Buffy says playfully.

"Bad dreams," Willow mumbles and they walk away.

Kennedy looks at Dawn unsure, "Maybe I should have stayed?"

"She'll be okay-Buffy will make sure."

"Yeah, I guess." Kennedy nods. "Let's find food and then I want to see you in that outfit."

Dawn rolls her eyes. "You just want to see if Buffy freaks."

"Well yeah that too." She smirks and they start down the steps.

* * *

The studying and the movie over Justin and Dawn walk up the steps to the house hand-in-hand. They smile as they reach the door. Things turn nervously quiet again as they look into each others eyes. "Lunch tomorrow?"

Dawn smiles, "A picnic-and a little studying?"

"Always studying," grins the boy. He touches her cheek with one hand.

She swallows, a little afraid, but doesn't slip away like the week before. As he leans down she turns her face toward his.

From inside the house Kennedy peeks out the window at them. She jumps startled as she feels a hand on her shoulder. She turns to see Willow there. "Whatcha doing?"

Kennedy rolls her eyes, and they both look out the window. They can see Dawn and Justin exchange an awkward kiss. Those inside make a face.

Back on the porch they pull apart and smile at each other. "Night," says Dawn softly.

"Goodnight." He lets her hand go and she opens the door. He turns to leave and she watches him to his car.

She slips inside and hears voices in stereo. "Awe-" they tease.

She rolls her eyes at both of them. "Go away."

Kennedy grins and wraps an arm around her shoulder, pulling her toward the stairs. "Tell me all about it."

Dawn giggles, "You so have to find a girlfriend."

Kennedy sticks out her tongue.

At the bottom of the stairs Willow shakes her head. "This could get interesting." She watches them up the stairs. "They're both clueless."

"About what?" asks Buffy as she sneaks up to her friend.

"Most things." Willow hedges.

"So true," Buffy agrees and laces her arm with Willow's. "So roomie, ready for bed?"

"You don't have to baby sit me."

"I'm so not-I'm just trying to avoid living with teenagers in my room. You don't want that either do you?"

The redhead looks at her friend trying to read her. "When you put it that way.-No." They start up the stairs.

Chapter 3

Just as she finishes making her snack, and starts for the stairs with it and another water, she hears the door open behind her. She smiles at Dawn- "So, how was the picnic?"

Dawn smiles, "Mostly good."

"Only mostly?" Kennedy raises an eyebrow. "Sounds like there needs to be some best friend talk."

Dawn rolls her eyes but then nods, "Yeah-I could use a little help."

Kennedy grins, "Come on-we can talk while I eat." She reconsiders, "That is if you can stand the smell of me."

Dawn giggles and shakes her head, "Maybe it can wait till you're clean."

"Fine," she mock pouts and goes up the stairs eating one sandwich as she walks.

* * *

Kennedy is sitting at the mirror, drying her hair with a towel as Dawn walks into the room. The Potential looks up at her, "Almost finished."

"Noticed you smell better," the younger teen grins as she walks toward her.

Kennedy throws the towel at her and then shakes her head. "The things I put up with." She picks up a brush and runs it through her wet hair.

"Mind if I-" she touches the brush. The Potential gives her the brush and sits quietly as Dawn stands behind her and runs it through her hair a couple of times before she picks up the dryer.

The older teen turns her head and looks up at the younger, "That can wait if you need to talk now."

"It'll keep, besides this kinda relaxes me."

Kennedy looks unsure, "Which means you're tense. Why? Did he-" she frowns.

"No-nothing like that."

"Good cause there was so gonna be some major ass kicking."

Dawn grins, "Thanks-but not necessary." She turns Kennedy's head back around and then starts the dryer.

As she dries and brushes the young potential Slayer's hair she thinks about what she needs the girl to do and hopes it's not asking too much. She wasn't totally naive; she had done some research. She knew the mechanics of the act, she just hadn't had any practice and she didn't want to disappoint Justin.

Later with her hair dried Kennedy turns in the chair to face the younger girl. "Now-talk to me."

"We ate lunch-fed the ducks-then there was kissing," a small smile covers Dawn's face.

"Figured." Kennedy grins.

"Then well-there was more kissing and he wanted-you know," Dawn looks down blushing.

Kennedy watches her friend trying to decipher what exactly he wanted to do and how she can help if he doesn't need his ass kicked. Suddenly the light bulb comes on and she smiles a little, "Dawn?" The girl lifts her eyes. "He wanted to French kiss?" She nods, her eyes meeting the brunette's for a few seconds before they again look at the floor. "You didn't want to?"

Dawn speaks softly-her words a nervous whisper, "I didn't know how. I mean I know how- in theory."

"You just want a little practice?" Kennedy asks just to be sure.

"Yeah-exactly-practice so I don't do it all wrong."

The older teen smirks, "Doubt that would happen, it's kinda instinctive."

The younger rolls her eyes, "I have no instincts."

"Of course you do," Kennedy stands and smiles at her friend. "You just need to relax and let your body do the thinking."

"My body thinks?" She raises an eyebrow.

"Sure it does, it thinks and talks-you just have to listen." She informs the younger girl. "Now you've been practicing the kissing part?"

Dawn blushes, "Yeah." She smiles a little.

"Good, that helps." She steps closer to Dawn, "Show me."

"Kiss you?" Dawn asks unsure. Kennedy nods. "Like before or-"

"Like before, we'll start with the easy." She grins.

"Right okay," she takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly. "Just kiss you." She nervously flicks her tongue out wetting her lips before taking a step closer. She leans in and presses a soft kiss to the girl's lips. After a few tentative seconds she begins to move her lips against Kennedy's. The Potential kisses back and then lets her arms slip around Dawn's waist. The kiss continues as the Slayer-to-be pulls the teen into her. A soft moan escapes from both. The younger teen lets her arms circle Kennedy's neck. Needing air they finally separate. "Okay?" asks the younger Summers, out of breath.

Kennedy nods as she pants to get air into her lungs. She lets her hands roam Dawn's back stroking firmly. She is finally about to speak, "Now we're gonna kiss again and when you feel my tongue brush against your lips you just open them a little, and follow my lead."

Dawn nods, "Got it, open my mouth and follow your lead."

"Ready?" Kennedy asks as she looks at her younger friend. The girl nods. The older teen leans in and kisses Dawn gently, she follows as the younger girl begins to open and close her lips. Kennedy's hands tangle into her hair as she lets her tongue brush over Dawn's lips once and then once again as she feels the girl try to back away. As they break the kiss their eyes meet, dark chocolate with green- "Missed your cue there Dawn-" she tries to lighten the mood. She looks away. "Hey, it's no big-we can try later." She let's her hand caress her friend's cheek.

"I feel like such a geek." She rolls her eyes but leans into Kennedy's touch. "I can do this," she takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly. She leans in and the kissing starts again. Immediately her lips begin to move against Kennedy's and her hands pull her closer to her body.

Caught off guard the older girl moans, and then moves her lips as well. Finally able to compose herself she lets her tongue snake out and brush over Dawn's lips. The younger girl lets her lips part slightly and with a little smile Kennedy slips inside. She lets her tongue caress Dawn's slowly- suddenly Dawn pulls away. "Okay-ah-what was-"

Kennedy is grinning, almost smirking-she sticks her tongue out and Dawn sees the ring. "Tongue ring-forgot to tell you about that, sorry," she says as she pulls her tongue back inside her own mouth.

"No, no sorry just surprised." Dawn considers her friend and then asks, "Did it hurt?"

"Nah-trust me when I say the benefits definitely outweigh any pain there was." She does smirk now.

"Benefits?" Then the light comes on and Dawn blushes. "Oh-right, got ya."

"So, try again?"

"Yeah." The younger teen nods and soon their lips are moving together again. As their arms wrap around each other Kennedy licks at Dawn's bottom lip and her lips open. The older teen slips inside and begins to explore again- top, bottom and then smiles as she feels Dawn's following suit. They both moan when the Slayer-to-be's tongue ring hits a sensitive spot. Kennedy pulls her tongue back and to her surprise she feels Dawn's invade her mouth. She lets her tentatively explore before capturing the younger girl's tongue between her lips and sucking gently. Finally desperate for air they break apart, their lungs burning.

Dawn pants trying to control her breathing and her pounding heart-her eyes lock with Kennedy's, "So-" she tries to order her thoughts though her body rages. Wonder if this is what Kennedy meant by your body talking? She shakes the thought away and tries again to speak. "So, that's French kissing?"

Kennedy is having trouble too, her body humming loudly- "Ah-pretty much yeah."

Dawn smiles just a little, "Now, thinking I'm a dummy for stopping him."

The older girl giggles, "There's always next weekend."

"Damn! That's a long time."

"You go to school together right?" She feels her smile fade as suddenly a hint of jealousy sneaks in.

The younger Summers hugs her tightly, smiling- "You're brilliant!"

Kennedy smile returns, "I know." She lets her cocky attitude loose.

Dawn swats at her playfully as Kennedy backs away from her, "Thanks."

"Anytime." The Slayer-to-be says and as her friend leaves the room, she repeats in a whisper, "Anytime." The older teen watches her leave, her eyes showing sudden uncertainty.

* * *

Days later Kennedy is sitting in the kitchen when Willow and Giles come in with a few new girls. She looks up at them, "More?"

Willow nods, "Very observe-y."

"Where we going to put them?"

"My room I guess, haven't been using it much."

Kennedy grins at the redhead, "Yeah, I noticed-you've been sleeping in Buffy's room."

"Okay, you make it sound all dirty. It's not like that." Insists the redhead.

Giles wanting no part of the conversation he sees coming looks at them both, then the newcomers, "This way girls-" two follow but one does not. Giles looks at her and waves for her to follow. This time she does.

Willow shakes her head, "She doesn't speak English."

"Great-how are we gonna talk to her?"

"Hoping to get a Russian/English dictionary."

"You're gonna learn Russian?"

"No, actually Dawnie's better with languages then I am. I'm hoping I can talk her into it. I'll talk to Buffy about it when she gets back."

"Back? Where did she go? Who's in charge? What if-"

"Kennedy wow-how long did you live with me? That was some really good babble."

The teen rolls her eyes, "Shut up," she says playfully.

"She went to L.A. to bring back some help. She'll be back late tonight, as for the in charge part-that's me."

"Ah-sleeping with the boss does get you some perks." She smirks teasingly.

"I'm not sleeping with, okay I am but not like-" she stops her own babble as she hears Kennedy's laughter. "Oh you!"

"You are."

"In the broadest sense, but you're sleeping with Dawn so there."

"Damn! Walked into that one." Kennedy shakes her head. They are quiet for a minute but then the teenager speaks. "Do you like her?"

Willow smiles at the girl's sudden seriousness. "Buffy's my best friend."

"Yeah, got that-but do you like her?" Their eyes meet.

"Buffy's straight-so even if I did, and for the record I don't, it's not something that would happen." Kennedy is quiet again. This time it is Willow who breaks the silence. "Do you like Dawn?"

Kennedy looks at her surprised. "Dawn?" The redhead nods. "Ah-she's my best friend-who's dating a guy. So-straight-not something that's gonna happen." A little sadness slips in, before she pushes it away and the witch catches it.

"I dated a guy once." Willow says to the girl.

"You did?" Kennedy looks a little unsure.

"Yeah, for a couple of years, before Tara." Willow seems to get lost at her mention of the blonde's name and Kennedy tries to work through the idea that's found its way into her mind.

Dawn walks in and sees the two of them in deep thought, "What's up?" Neither answer and Dawn speaks again. "Okay-I need to know if the world's ending because if it is, I so need to kiss Justin first."

Kennedy looks at her when she hears Justin's name. "I thought you kissed him?"

"Yeah-okay there was some kissing but not-" she rolls her eyes. "You know-"

Kennedy grins, "Still no-" she sticks out her tongue, wiggling it and Dawn's mind and body remembers the feel of it. She stifles a moan and her eyes go large as she realizes Willow is in the room.

"Don't worry about her, she likes your sister." Kennedy teases.

Willow's eyes get as large as Dawn's as Kennedy laughs at the pair. "No-no, I so don't." She looks at Dawn who is smiling at her.

"I thought so," grins the teen.

"No-Dawnie-there's no liking I swear." She glares at Kennedy and the in turns to a smirky grin. "But Kennedy likes you."

Kennedy turns pale and shakes her head. "I-no-"

Dawn smiles, "Right," she rolls her eyes and starts up the steps. She turns looking at her friends, "You know if you didn't want to tell me what was going on you could have just said so. You didn't have to get all crazy with the stories." She laughs, "You really didn't think I'd believe either of them did you?"

Both shake their heads as Dawn goes up the steps. Kennedy collapses into the chair and tries to calm her pounding heart. Was the redhead trying to kill her?

Willow realizes for the first time how true her words are and how much struggling the young woman is going through. "You really like her don't you?"

"She has a boyfriend."

"I didn't ask about her boyfriend, I asked about you. Do you like her?"

"It doesn't matter does it?" She stands getting a little angry with the witch. "Let's just drop it."

"I've learned not to waste time. You never know how much you have."

"She's happy." Kennedy says.

"But you're not, tell her how you feel."

"No." Kennedy walks from the room.

* * *

A few hours later Buffy comes back with Faith. A surprised Willow looks up from the book she is reading and nearly knocks over her tea as she sees the leather clad women. "Faith!"

"Hey Red-figured you'd be glad to see me." The once rogue Slayer says with a half smirk.

Willow looks from one Slayer to the other, "Faith-Buffy what are you-" she stops unsure of how to finish the sentence.

"We need her help Willow," the blonde says to her friend.

"Are you forgetting the whole part about where she tried to kill us?"

Kennedy walks in and hears the words. She moves closer to the redhead and turns her glare to the new arrival. Faith grins, "New girl Red?"

"What's it to you?" Kennedy steps toward Faith.

Buffy steps between them, "Okay-enough macho Slayer crap." She looks around the room as Dawn now enters. "Willow she's here to help. Kennedy back off and Dawn, find her a place to sleep."

Dawn glares, "There's the porch."

Faith grins, "So the runt's glad to see me too."

Kennedy bristles again, "Leave her alone."

Faith looks from one teen to the other, "Right-" she grins. "Second thought maybe she's not Red's girl after all."

Willow looks at Faith surprised by her words, then the blonde before she puts a hand on Kennedy's shoulder, "Thanks for being all protecty," the teenager takes a step back and lets out a slow breath.

Faith looks at Buffy, "One of the wanna be's?"

Buffy smiles, "Yeah-Faith this is Kennedy-Kennedy this is Faith."

Faith grins at the girl, "How old are you Junior?"

"Old enough to kick your ass if you hurt anyone here."

"Enough!" Buffy glares at the teen.

"It's okay B-I like tough," she looks the girl from head to toe and back up to her eyes, "Kinda hungry," her eyes show the double meaning of her words. "Got any food around here?"

"No," Dawn answers a twinge of anger hitting her and something else she can't quite place.

"Dawn!" The Slayer eyes her sister but then nods to the rogue, "Kitchen-we can fix some sandwiches." The Slayers leave the room.

Kennedy glares at them as they leave, "Okay-who the hell is that?"

Dawn looks at a slightly rattled Willow and decides to answer, "That was Faith-Slayer, psycho, and apparently ex-con." She looks at the redhead. "When did she get out of jail?"

"I don't know."

Dawn looks suddenly worried, "You don't think Buffy broke her out do you?"

Willow shakes her head frantically, "No-she-she wouldn't do that."

"I don't like her," states Kennedy.

"Join the club," quips Dawn.

Willow considers their words, "Buffy obviously trusts her enough to bring her here after everything that happened, so maybe she's changed."

Dawn rolls her eyes, "Right. She killed people Will-" she looks into her green eyes at the hurt that instantly appears and wants to take the words back as soon as they leave her mouth.

"I killed people." She says as tears slip down her cheeks.

"That's different-" Dawn tries.

"No, no it isn't." She turns and jogs up the steps.

"Shit!" Dawn states.

Kennedy looks back at her friend after watching Willow disappear out of sight, "I'll get Buffy." She goes toward the kitchen. "Buffy-" she says as she walks in.

"Something wrong?"

"Willow-you should probably check on her." Kennedy looks at her trying to appear calm as her eyes flick to the ceiling and then the Slayer. "She's upset."

"Because of me-" Faith looks at little worried and it surprises the teenager. "I told you this was a bad idea."

"It's not because of you-exactly-" Kennedy concedes.

Buffy looks at the two of them. "Can I leave the two of you alone without a fight?"

"Take care of Will-I'm cool." Buffy jogs up the steps. Kennedy glares at the woman. "You don't know me and I don't know you so I'll give you one chance."

"Fair enough." Faith says surprised at the teenager's words and her take charge attitude.

"Hurt any of them and Slayer or not, I'll kill you in your sleep." She leaves after a strong glare.

Faith sorta grins, "Like your style kid." The smile fades as she worries about being back. Angel promised she was strong enough to handle all the negative vibes. He promised this would turn out the way it should have the first time. He told her she was needed, that only she could help stop the coming apocalypse. "Fang you better be right, or this could be really bad."

Chapter 4

"Maybe," Dawn admits. "I hope, I mean I want to-if I don't chicken out again." She walks back to the bed and sits next to her friend. Momentarily distracted by the book. "What are you reading?"

"That Russian/English dictionary." Kennedy shrugs when Dawn smiles. "Nothing else to do."

"You like her?" Dawn smiles.

"Sure, I guess. Hard to tell since I don't understand a word she's saying."

"I mean like her-like her?"

"No, not like that." Her mind whispers, 'How can I like her when all I can think about is you?'

Dawn gets nervous again with the silence, "Maybe we should practice just one more time."

"Nah-I don't think you need to practice."

"Just once please?" Dawn's pleading eyes meet Kennedy's.

Kennedy rolls her eyes and can't stop the grin anymore than she can say no to the girl. She starts to stand but Dawn's hand on her leg stops her. Before the older girl can answer the younger has moved closer. Dawn leans in and lets her lips touch Kennedy's. The kiss is soft, feather light. As lips begin to move together the pressure increases just a little. Kennedy's mouth opens instinctively as she feels Dawn's tongue brush against them. She smiles at the girl initiating the intimacy. She lets herself get lost as their tongues continue to stroke and caress. She pulls back as she hears Dawn moan softly. They both struggle for air, their eyes meeting and just as they start to lean in again Kennedy sees Katarina in the doorway. Kennedy slides from the bed. "See-you-you got it." She forces a grin and goes out of the room.

Dawn struggles to right her breathing, and looks a little unsure about Kennedy's quick exit but then smiles. She whispers, "You do like her." She looks back at the book and picks it up. She walks to Katarina with it in hand. "My friend likes you." She says. Katarina looks at her unsure. "Friend-" she begins to leaf through the book. "Ah-*Friend*"

"*Friend yes-definitely I'd say.*" She smiles. She thinks about the kiss she saw them share.

"*Friend likes-ah-*" she tries to find the word in the book.

"*You*" The Russian Potential finishes for her.

"*Yes-you-*" she realizes from the smile that Katarina misunderstands. "*No-you*"

"*You* Da-Dawn."

Dawn smiles at her name, "Right I'm Dawn." She notices the clock. "I gotta go-I have a date. *Date*," she says as she flips through the book to find the word. "Bye."

She leaves and Katarina looks confused. "*Does she not know?*"

* * *

Willow sits on the swing in the backyard and waves as Justin and Dawn walk toward her to get to his car. "Have fun." She forces a little smile.

"That's the plan," smiles Dawn a little nervously as he takes her hand.

As they continue to walk Willow speaks, "Dawnie-have you seen Kennedy?"

She thinks about the words, "Ah-no, not since this morning come to think of it." She stops and looks at the redhead.

"I'm sure she's okay-she's probably with Buffy-or Faith."

"Faith?" Dawn looks at her with an eyebrow raised.

"Yeah, they seem to be getting along pretty well." Willow grins a little. "They are more alike than I realized." Dawn glares. "Well not in a crazy way-just they-never mind-go, have fun."

Justin tightens his hold on her hand, "Ready?"

"Ah-ready, right." They go to his car. Willow can't stop the smile that covers her face.

"That was just plain wrong Red." Faith says as she sits next to the woman.

Willow is surprised to see the Slayer, "What?" She asks innocently.

"Right." She shakes her head. "Why'd you tell Dawn the mini Slayer was with me?"

"She might have been."

"Trying to make her jealous?"

"I don't know what you're talking about." She stands but then grins at the rogue Slayer. "Sometimes people need a little push."

"Sometimes-especially if their last name is Summers-they're a little slow."

Willow's grin grows, but then fades, "Hey you're insulting my friends."

"The truth's the truth Red." Faith grins.

Willow rolls her eyes and walks away muttering, "Okay when did Faith get all observy?"

* * *

Later that evening Dawn and Justin walk hand-in-hand to the door of the Summers' house. They stand together on the porch, Dawn's back to the door. Justin smiles and steps closer to her, his arms slipping around her waist. She smiles up at him and they lean together sharing a kiss. As she feels his tongue brush against her lips she gasps silently but nervously parts them to let him enter. His tongue slides inside to brush against hers. They explore together, first in her mouth and then in his before lack of air forces them apart.

Dawn struggles to get air into her lungs as he leans down to start another kiss. Before it can turn into another deep kiss she pulls away with a shy smile. "It's late."

He presses another soft kiss to her lips and smiles, "Yeah-guess I should go." Dawn nods a little. "Movie tomorrow?"

"Mmm-not sure, I need to check with my sister see what she has planned, but call me."

"I will." He doesn't let go.

She grins up at him, "Kinda gotta let go to leave."

"Yeah-there's that, but-" he leans down and kisses her again. His tongue brushes against her bottom lip and again she opens for him to explore. They explore together, caressing as his hands do the same against her back pulling her tighter to him.

When she hears a soft moan from him she forces herself to pull away. Struggling for air and composure she finally breathes out. "Goodnight." She moves out of his arms and takes one of his hands in hers.

Justin licks his bottom lip and smiles down at her, "Night Dawn." He lets her hand go and walks off the porch toward his car.

She watches him get in and then drive away before turning to the door. She opens it and goes inside. The light flips on and Buffy is sitting at the table smiling. Dawn rolls her eyes at her older sister. "Have fun?" asks the blonde.

"Yeah," she sits at the counter across from her picking up a banana from the bowl. "You didn't have to wait up for me you know."

"I wasn't, not really."

"Right." She rolls her eyes then grins. "He wants to go to a movie tomorrow."

Buffy seems to think about the question and then smirks at her teenaged sister. "Are you gonna watch the movie?"

"Mostly," Dawn smirks back.

"Then I guess it's okay." It is quiet but then the Slayer finds its way out. "Go to an early show so you're home before dark."

"You think vamps go to the movies?"

"Maybe-but they definitely hang out waiting for the people to come out after."

"Early show it is." She looks around and realizes the house is mostly dark. "Where is everyone?"

"Willow is researching the Bringers some more hoping to find out something we don't know. The potentials are mostly in bed-all but Kennedy." Buffy looks at her sister.

"Where's Kennedy?"

"Patrolling with Faith."

"You really weren't waiting up for me." Buffy shakes her head. "Why did you let her go with Faith and when are they due back?"

"I didn't let her-well I guess I kinda did and twenty minutes ago."

Dawn feels a sudden lurch in her stomach and her eyes fill with worry. "Buffy maybe you should go look for them."

"Not yet, Faith never did do the time thing well-add to that they probably went for food after-it's not time to panic."

Dawn looks up at the clock. "When's it time to panic?" Buffy doesn't answer.

* * *

An hour later the teenager is standing in the kitchen with a stake in hand. "I'm going with you."

Willow who has joined the Summers sisters shakes her head, "I should go."

"No, I need you to stay here just in case the Bringers decide to visit."

Dawn repeats, "I'm going."

Buffy glares at her sister, "Okay, but if you get killed it's not my fault."

Dawn rolls her eyes and they start toward the door. As they do it opens and they see both the rogue Slayer and the Potential, they are bruised and battered but mostly all right. "Blood!" Dawn rushes to Kennedy when she sees blood on her shirt, "Are you okay?" Tears slip from her eyes.

"Ah yeah, it's not mi-" before she can finish she feels the other teen's lips on hers.

Kennedy kisses back, lips start to move together and finally Dawn pulls away slowly. "I was worried." She looks at the Slayer-to-be and realizes what happened. The others are all staring at the teens.

Suddenly the younger girl pushes the older teen, then swings trying to hit her not once but twice. Each time Kennedy grabs her by the wrist. "What-" she starts but Dawn shoves at her again. "Dawn," she tries to calm her friend.

"Just let me go!" She yells as tears fall harder.

The older girl isn't sure that's such a good thing to do. "Dawn-" she starts again as the former Key struggles to get away. "It's okay," she tries but her friend still fights her.

Willow finally intercedes, "Kennedy."

The older teen looks at the redhead and then lets Dawn go. She watches as the other teen runs up the stairs. All eyes return to the would-be-Slayer.

Faith smirks, "Oh yeah, she's got it bad."

Buffy rolls her eyes and shakes her head, "She was just worried."

"Come on B even you aren't that dense."

"I'm gonna check on her," states the blonde.

Willow puts a hand on her arm, "Let me."

"I'm her sister." Willow's eyes meet Buffy's and no words are exchanged but an understanding is reached. "Okay."

Willow goes up the stairs after looking toward the Potential Slayer.

Kennedy feels all eyes on her and she looks away. The tension in the room grows as Buffy wants to ask what's going on but isn't sure she wants it discussed in front of Faith. Finally the silence gets to the teen. She turns and starts for the door. "You shouldn't be out after dark alone." The blonde Slayer looks at her.

"I'm not helpless." Kennedy glares.

"No, you're not," Faith agrees. "But B's right. Stay close."

Kennedy's eyes meet Faith's and she nods, then goes out the door.

Buffy runs her fingers through her hair. "What the hell just happened?"

Faith grins, "I think maybe we just agreed on something."

Buffy shakes her head and grins, "There's that-but not exactly what I was talking about."

Faith smirks, "Some kiss."

Buffy glares but it turns to a pout, "Why do I never know what's going on?"

Faith makes a little face, "Do I really have to answer that-I mean we're getting along so good and everything. I kinda hate to mess it up."

Buffy rolls her eyes, "Shut up." Faith grins but stays quiet. "Dawn likes Kennedy?" Her eyes meet Faith's and she waits for an answer. When she doesn't get one she asks again. "Well?"

"What? You told me to shut up." Faith shrugs.

"When did it happen-when did she start liking her?"

"From the looks of that kiss-I'd say it's not their first."

Buffy looks unsure. "But I thought she liked Justin."

"After seeing her reaction-so did she."

"I hate drama." The blonde growls.

Faith smirks, "But you're so good at it B." Faith catches the apple that flies at her head, "Thanks-I am kinda hungry-wanna help with the other H too?" Two more pieces of fruit are thrown her way and she laughs as she catches each. "Damn! Looks like that's a no."

Buffy rolls her eyes then a serious look crosses her face, "You think one of us should check on Kennedy?"

"Nah-she's not gonna talk to us. Red'll talk to her when she finishes talking to D."

Buffy looks from the door to the stairs.

* * *

Upstairs Dawn sits on her bed in Willow's arms. Both are leaning against the headboard in silence. The teen's tears still fall. "Shhhh-" the redhead wipes away the newest stream at travels down the girl's face. "It's okay-she's safe."

"I kissed her." Dawn breathes out.

"You were worried." Willow reasons.

"So were you." She wipes at her own eyes, anger taking over the tone of her words. "So was Buffy-neither of you kissed her."

"No, but-she's your best friend."

"I kissed her." Dawn repeats. She cries harder as she squeezes her eyes closed tightly.

"Sweetie, it's okay."

"It's not okay." she looks into Willow's eyes. "It's not." She shakes her head and pulls away from the redhead and getting up, walking across the room. "I like Justin."

"I know."

"Then why didn't kissing him feel the same?"

"Everyone kisses differently, it isn't always gonna be the same." Willow tries. "You were all worried about her remember?"

"Not then-" Dawn says softly as she walks back to the bed and sits down.

Willow forces the surprised look from her face. "You've kissed before?"

Dawn nods, "She was-I was nervous about-so we practiced."

"Kissing?" Willow clarifies.

Dawn nods, " And it felt-" she stops and shakes her head. "I like Justin."

"And maybe you like Kennedy a little bit too?" the redhead asks.

She looks into the eyes of her friend, "She's my best friend. You can't like your best friend."

"Sure you can, I liked Xander for years." Willow smiles.

"But Kennedy is a girl." Dawn says softly.

The witch nods, "And Xander is a boy." She shrugs, "Sometimes-I think our hearts don't know the difference."

Dawn leans back into Willow's arms and holds on tight. "What am I gonna do Willow?"

The redhead rubs her back letting her calming magic sweep into the troubled teen. "What do you wanna do sweetie?"

"I don't know." She lets her eyes slowly close. "You think she hates me?"

"Why would she hate you?"

"For being all crazy before with the kissing and then the hitting."

"I doubt it."

Dawn is quiet again. Willow thinks she has fallen asleep and starts to move. "You think she likes me?"

"I think that she does, but she's probably a little confused too and worried about you."

"I don't want her to worry."

"I know." Willow lays the sleepy girl on the bed. "Sleep Dawnie-tomorrow everything will be better."

"Promise?" She asks as her eyes flutter opened and then closed again.

"I promise."

Later she settles the girl onto the bed and stands beside it. "I promise." She walks to the door and watches from there until she is sure the teen is sleep and isn't going to wake up if she leaves.

* * *

Willow walks outside and sees Kennedy sitting on the swing. She goes over to her, "How are you doing?" asks the redhead as she sits beside her.

"Average" her voice is flat and its obvious she's upset.

"Wanna talk?" Her words are a little worried as she watches the teen beside her.

Kennedy ponders this for a moment- she doesn't want to let her walls down and show weakness but then finally she gives in, "Yeah, I think I do."

Willow nods at her words glad that the teen is going to let her feelings out instead of hiding them like Buffy and Faith. Maybe, just maybe there is hope for the slayer line after all."I'm listening when you're ready"

Kennedy chuckles a little as she realizes that she's forgotten that talking means actually saying words. "I guess I'm not so great at opening up....its just..." she sighs. "I like her."

"She likes you-" Willow stops, trying to choose the next words carefully not wanting to upset her more than help her. "But she likes Justin too."

"She likes me as a friend And before you say it, I know she kissed me but she obviously is regretting that- it was just a mistake."

"The way it happened, kissing you in front of everyone- yeah- that was a mistake --but her wanting to kiss you, wasn't-isn't-"

Kennedy rolls her eyes not sure she believes the redhead and then groans, "Why do I always fall for the straight girls?"

Willow grins, "I'm not so sure you did."

The potential Slayer raises an eyebrow, "You know something I don't?"

"She liked the kissing lessons," she grins. "And it seems Justin doesn't quite compare."

A smile creeps across the teenagers face,"Yeah?"

Willow just nods,"Give her some time to sort out things in her mind and you'll see that I'm right."

"I really hope you are cause I'm falling hard and I'm not sure I can catch myself."

The redhead smiles at the girl and pats her leg as she stands, "Trust me--she'll catch you."

* * *

Dawn lies in her bed with Lucky in her arms. She touches the spot where the ear use to be, her mind going instantly to Kennedy-their first 'practice kiss' then to tonight in the kitchen. Dawn holds the bear close and whispers in ear that is no more, "Who am I kidding? I like her not Justin-but she doesn't like me like that so it's gonna be our secret okay?" A few tears slip down her face but she brushes them away.

Chapter 5

Downstairs later Dawn sits in the kitchen eating a bowl of cereal. Willow and Faith are there and all is quiet. The once Dark Slayer and the redhead exchange looks the brunette finally just shrugs. The witch decides to talk, "So, Dawnie do you have plans for the day?"

The teen answers without looking at her friend, "Ah Justin and I are going to a movie."

Kennedy jogs down the stairs and hears the words. She hides the hurt on her face but not before Willow and Faith both see it. The Slayer in the room tries to distract her, "K- I was gonna look for you-wanna get sweaty later?" Kennedy's eyes get large as does Dawn's. "You know, work out a little?"

Kennedy glances at Dawn who is trying hard to look anywhere but at her. The Slayer-to-be looks at Faith, "Sure-just let me work with Katarina first. Buffy thinks she should know a stake from a crossbow. Me-I'm not so sure, both get the job done."

At the mention of Katarina's name Dawn's jealousy returns tenfold. Willow notices instantly. Dawn stands and looks at the redhead. "Willow, when Justin calls can you tell him to pick me up at one?"

The redhead looks from Dawn to the other teen and back, a part of feels like she's being disloyal to the would be Slayer. "Ah-well-ah-" she glances at Kennedy again. She appears to be ignoring the whole conversation. "I guess sure." Dawn walks out of the room toward front door.

Kennedy who cringed at Justin's name stays quiet, though she looks at Willow quickly. She settles her eyes on Faith. "Meet you in about an hour?"

"Backyard, prepare to get your ass kicked kid." Faith grins. The teen goes back up the stairs without eating. Willow looks at Faith. "That went well," says the once Dark Slayer.

"Right, great-fine even-better than fine yep-" she begins to shake her head. "This is bad."

The Slayer rolls her eyes, her tone sarcastic, "You think?"

* * *

The day passes slower than most the tension is thick. As the night falls Buffy and Faith get ready to patrol. They start down the stairs, crossbows in hand then get more discrete when they remember Justin is there. Handing her bow to Faith the blonde Slayer stick her head in the living room to see her sister sitting on the couch with her boyfriend. Buffy looks unsure, was boyfriend the right word considering the circumstance. She shakes the thought away as she hears Faith address Kennedy. "Hey Junior." She looks up to see the teen on the stairs peering into the living room at the couple. When she doesn't get an answer she continues. "Been looking for you." Kennedy's eyes and Buffy's fall on the once rogue Slayer-one interested and one confused because she knows that's not true. "I'm not feeling so good-think you can handle a patrol with B?"

Buffy exchanges looks with Faith, then looks at Kennedy. "Think you're up for it?"

Kennedy nods, "I'm fine-just let me get my gear." She jogs back up the steps.

Buffy's eyes lock with Faith's, "Sure this is a good idea? She's all distracted. Could get somebody hurt."

"Better than leaving her here with them. Pretty sure that won't work out any better." She looks from the couch to the Slayer.

"You could have a point." Buffy leaves Faith and goes into the living room. "Dawn, Willow's the boss of you. When she says he goes-he goes. Got it?" Dawn rolls her eyes at her sister. "You'd rather Faith be in charge?"

Dawn shakes her head adamantly, "No!"

"Didn't think so-so listen to Willow." She goes back into the hallway just as Kennedy rejoins them.

Faith hands one crossbow the Slayer and the other to the Slayer-to-be. "Point. Shoot." She instructs.

"Really," Kennedy's attitude flairs. "Wouldn't have guessed."

Buffy points toward the door. "See ya." The two disappear out the door.

Faith smiles and walks into the living room. She sits in the chair across from the couple and smiles at them. "Whatcha watching?"

Dawn glares at her and stands without answering. She takes Justin's hand and he stands as well. She leads him from the room. Faith smirks and flops on the couch they just vacated. She grabs the remote and surfs until she finds cartoons.

* * *

Later, Faith is still on the couch. The cartoons have ended and she's channel surfing again. Willow walks in. "Where's Dawnie?"

Faith looks up at her and grins, "My guess-kitchen, makin' out."

"He's still here?"

Faith nods. "B said you were in charge, so if you didn't tell him to go, he's still here."

"But it's almost time for patrol to be over-she didn't tell me I was in charge this isn't fair I shouldn't-she'll be-" she takes a breath as Faith laughs.

"Easy Red."

"You have to tell him to go!" She looks at Faith, near panic.

"Sorry Red-ain't gonna happen."

"Tell him-no, take him so something that goes Grrrrr-doesn't get him."

"That would kinda solve the problem-wouldn't it?" Faith asks with a smirk.

"Faith!" The witch glares.

"Fine, but I ain't tellin' him-you tell him and I'll take him."

The redhead nods to the compromise and they go into the kitchen only to find it empty. They look at each other unsure.

"Porch?" Offers Willow.

"Bedroom?" Smirks Faith as she raises an eyebrow.

"Porch," repeats the woman as she leans them out the door to find the couple kissing. She clears her throat and they break apart and look up at the adults. "It's time for Justin to go," states the redhead.

Dawn blushes and the boy stands. "Come on kid," Faith puts a hand on his shoulder.

Dawn looks from Willow to Faith, "Can we say good night please?" Her tone filled with attitude.

"Sure," the once rogue Slayer says but neither she or the witch leave.

The angry teenager glares at the women, then stands and leans in kissing Justin soundly. "Good night."

"Night," Justin returns with a smile. He leaves quickly and Faith follows him across the yard.

Dawn glowers at Willow, then pouts-stomping into the house. "Dawnie!" She shakes her head and sits on the chair instead of chasing after her. "More teenage drama-like we don't have enough."

* * *

Late that same night a slightly battered Kennedy walks into the room she shares with Katarina and Dawn. The Russian is sleeping soundly in her favorite spot on the floor well Dawn pretends to read as she waits for Kennedy's safe return. As the girl comes in she puts the book down and starts to turn off the light when she sees the bruise just under Kennedy's eye. "Are you okay?" She asks. Concern creeps into her words.

The young would be Slayer touches the spot on her cheek, "Hurts," 'not as bad as my heart'- she adds in her head. "But it'll be fine."

"I could get you some ice." Dawn starts to get up.

"No-" Kennedy says quickly. "Thanks." She adds as she goes to the dresser. She gets out pajamas. She looks at Dawn and is suddenly serious. "Dawn-we need to talk about-"

"No," Dawn says. "No we don't. It was a mistake. I shouldn't have and I won't -I-"

"Mistake," the word cuts the girl like a Bringer's knife as she repeats it. "Mistake-right-so-" she tries to stop the tears at so want to fall. "We just what?"

"Forget it," states the Key. "Pretend it didn't happen."

"Right-okay-never happened. Got it."

"Good -right-okay," Dawn breathes a sigh of relief hoping this fixes everything and she has her friend back. Then all hopes fade as she sees Kennedy picking up her sleeping bag. "Where are you going? I mean you don't have-"

"I do. Look Faith said I could crash with her."

Dawn's anger flairs, "Faith!" She looks at her friend, "She just wants-" she stops her words.

"Yeah-I figure it's best for now. Night Dawn-I'll get the rest of my things tomorrow." She leaves.

The teen stares at the door her mind trying to piece together what just happened. Tears begin to slip down her cheeks.

Katarina who is quite the possum smiles at the events. She hopes this is enough to make the girl realize what she is going to lose.

* * *

A few days later Buffy and Faith are in the kitchen. An unhappy Dawn and Kennedy walk into the room from opposite directions. One gets a juice from the refrigerator, the other a piece of fruit from the counter. Neither acknowledges the other, leaving without a word. Faith looks at the blonde in charge. "This can't go on B."

Buffy looks at her, a part of her knowing her sister Slayer is right but a part of realizing there is very little she can do. "What am I suppose to do?"

Faith looks at her like she's grown two heads. In her mind the answer is easy. "Make'em talk to each other."

"How do I do that exactly?"

"Just lock'em in a room or somethin'-" Faith answers. "Don't let'em out till it's settled."

"They have to figure it out for themselves Faith."

Faith rolls her eyes, "Right like you and Red have?"

"For the last time I don't like Willow."

Faith grins, "So if that's the last time you're tellin' me you don't like her, does that mean you're finally gonna tell the truth?"

Buffy glares, "I don't like her and she doesn't like me."

"Give me a fuckin' break B-it's wicked obvious."

Buffy looks at her sister Slayer, "You're wrong."

"Wanna bet?" Faith challenges her.

Buffy considers her words. After a minute she replies. "What do I win when I prove you're wrong?"

"I train the wanna bes-you don't have to do a thing."

Buffy grins, "You are so on."

Faith grins back, "So go ask her. Better yet, just kiss her."

The blonde Slayer frowns, "Nah-I can't do that. Just let me do it my way."

Faith rolls her eyes, "At that rate, they'll be freakin' Slayers before we know. You've been beatin' around the bush as long as I've know ya-it's why you turned me down." Faith smirks.

"Why I-no it wasn't-I-" Buffy stutters. "I didn't like you."

"Right," she smiles. "Just like you don't like Willow."

The redhead walks into the room. "Did I hear my name?" She looks from one Slayer to the other. They both shake their heads. Willow goes to the cabinet and gets a box of cereal, pours it in a bowl and sits down between the Slayers.

Faith grins at Buffy, "Well-I should go-leave the two of you alone."

Buffy glares and Willow looks at both Slayer's unsure. The once Dark Slayer smirks and leaves.

"Is everything okay Buffy?" Willow touches her arm.

Buffy nods, her eyes going to Willow's hand. "Fine," she looks up at her. "Great. How about you?"

Faith stands unnoticed in the doorway rolling her eyes. "This'll take for freakin' ever!"

* * *

The next day Buffy walks into the living room to find Dawn sitting on the couch. A couple of the other would be Slayers are there watching television as well. "Have you seen Willow?" She asks her sister.

Dawn looks up at her sister, "Not since I got home from school."

"How about Faith?"

"No, and I hope I don't. She's probably with Kennedy-her new best friend."

Buffy looks at the teenager, "Dawn. Look you could-"

"Don't say it. Willow tells me everyday to talk to her, well, I'm not. She moved out, if she wants to talk to me she knows where I live."

"Fine-I'm not doing this." She leaves the room and goes into the kitchen. From there she goes into the backyard to find Faith working out with a group of Potential Slayers.

The younger Slayer stops but tells the others to continue. "Hey B-what's the what?"

"Have you seen Willow?"

Faith nods, and smiles. "Basement talking to Kennedy."

"More problems?" asks the blonde Slayer.

"Nah-same shit different day." She looks at Buffy, "I'm serious about the lockin' em in a room."

Buffy considers the idea, "You may be right, but I'm not dealing with it today. Got plans."

Faith smirks, "You go B-"

Buffy rolls her eyes and goes back into the house. She starts toward the basement but smiles when she sees the redhead top the stairs. "There you are."

Willow smiles back, "Was I lost?"

"I was thinking the two of us should get out of here for a couple of hours."

Willow smiles, "Really? You think it's safe?"

"Faith's here." Buffy assures her. "We could get mochas?"

"Mochas-yummy." Willow's smile broadens, "And no teen drama. That sounds so good. Just let me get my money."

Buffy smiles and drapes an arm around her shoulder, "My treat." Willow nods and they start out the back door. Buffy stops, remembering Faith is out there. Not wanting any comments, she looks at the redhead, "Lets go the front way."

"As long as there are mochas we can use any door you want." They start that way.

* * *

At the Espresso Pump the friends are sitting across from each other talking. Willow's hands fly through the air as she describes, in elaborate details and event from the past.

Buffy nods and smiles, "I remember."

"It's been an interesting seven years that's for sure." Willow takes a sip of the drink.

"Ever wish I hadn't come to Sunnydale?" Buffy asks.

Willow smiles, "That was Cordy-"

"I'm serious Willow. Do you ever wonder what your life would have been like if..."

"Never." She shakes her head. "And don't say the 'W' word." She frowns.

Buffy makes a face, "Right."

Willow starts another conversation, "Remember the time Anya..."

* * *

Faith is sparring in the backyard with Kennedy. To her surprise the teen is holding her own. She changes her approach and tries to swap kick the girl but she jumps over the rogue Slayer's leg. Faith smirks, "Think you're all that huh-wanna be?" Kennedy stays focused and tries a combination kick punch that Faith blocks. "Not bad."

About that time Willow and Buffy start up the back walk laughing, arm-in-arm. Faith looks at them and smiles. With the Slayer distracted, Kennedy lands a high kick to the rogue's head and she drops to the ground like a rock. "Shit!" Kennedy exclaims as she moves beside the downed Slayer. Willow and Buffy rush to her side as well. "I didn't mean-" Kennedy starts as Willow checks Faith's pulse and then her pupils.

The brunette's eyes slowly open. "How long was I out this time?"

Buffy smiles, "Not long."

"Good-being in a coma sucks." She forces a little smile.

Nervously Kennedy tries to apologize, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to-"

"Not your fault Junior. It's what i get for not paying attention. I was watching Red and her Slayer."

Willow looks at Faith and then Buffy. The older Slayer forces a laugh, "I think maybe she's delirious."

Kennedy helps her to her feet and Faith shots back, "Like hell I am." She wobbles just a little and the redhead helps the teen hold her up.

"Inside you go Faith," Willow says as they move her toward the porch. The witch looks back at the blonde Slayer behind them. Their eyes meet before Buffy looks away a little nervous.

* * *

Later Faith lies on the couch. The teens that had been there before are now gone. Buffy, Willow, and Kennedy stand over Faith keeping watch. "I'm okay. You're makin' me all crazy here."

"Just lie still," Buffy says.

Kennedy still blaming herself asks, "Do you want more ice?"

"No!" Faith's words are angry.

"Hey! Be nice," Buffy chastises the rogue.

"Hell no, keep your ice!" Faith looks at the redhead when she finishes. "Better?"

Willow rolls her eyes. "She acts like her old self." Her eyes meet Buffy's.

The blonde Slayer rolls her eyes as well, "Let's hope not."

Faith laughs at them, "Oh-okay, no laughing." She touches her head. "That hurt." Kennedy begins to pace the room. Faith looks at her, "Go do something-or better yet," she smirks- "Someone." Willow smacks her shoulder and gives her a warning look. "Hey! Easy, I'm hurt here."

"Keep that up and you'll see hurt Slayer." Her mock glare returns.

Faith smirks at her, "Like I'm afraid of you Red."

"I kicked Buffy's ass. I think I can handle you."

The brunette Slayer looks at the blonde. Her sister Slayer tries to dodge the details. "Long story."

Kennedy stops and looks at Faith, "Willow went evil and tried to end the world Buffy tried to stop her-then the ass kicking."

Buffy pouts, "Okay the story wasn't so long but it's embarrassing and old-way in the past." She assures the redhead who has become quiet. "She's good again." She smiles at the witch.

Willow forces a grin at the younger Slayer, "For now-but I wouldn't push my luck if I were you." Her eyes meet Faith's.

The Dark Slayer smiles, "Easy Red. I'll be good."

"Damn straight." She smiles.

Buffy smiles too and turns her eyes to Kennedy who has begun to pace again. "Let's do a quick patrol."

Kennedy stops and looks at the Slayer. "Let me grab the crossbow." She jogs from the room.

Willow looks at Buffy, "Be careful."

Buffy smiles, "Always." Buffy leaves and Faith notices the redhead looks a little sad.

"Red?"

"Tara-that word-" she shakes her head. "I'm okay." She looks at the knot on the Slayer's head. "I'm gonna get you more ice." She leaves too.

* * *

Later, Faith is sleeping on the couch. Willow sits on the floor next to her. She looks at the clock and gently shakes the Slayer. "Time to wake up."

Faith opens her eyes slowly, "I'm still alive Red. Can I go back to sleep now?"

"Sure but I'll wake you up again in a little while head inj-"

"I know-sleep bad." She smiles a little.

She starts to close her eyes but realizes for the first time that the redhead is sitting on the floor. "Damn Red you can sit on the couch. I don't bite." She smirks, "Unless you want me too."

Willow rolls her eyes but moves to the couch beside her. "Now rest."

Faith smiles, "Tell me about kicking Buffy's ass?"

Willow smiles just a little but it fades, "I was in a really bad place."

Faith nods, "Been there, I know what you mean."

Willow nods, "Yeah, I guess you do." Faith looks her in the eye as the talking starts.

* * *

Buffy and Kennedy walk into the living room and stop as they see Willow and Faith asleep on the couch. The witch is resting her head on the rogue Slayer's shoulder. The brunette's arm is protectively around her waist. Buffy glares but then a little pout finds her face. Kennedy just shakes her head. "Faith cuddles-who'd thought that?"

"Shut up brat," Faith says her eyes still closed. She opens them to see both women looking down at her. She smirks at her sister Slayer and carefully moves from under Willow without waking her. She stands and looks down at the sleeping redhead, Buffy smiles at her friend.

Kennedy smiles at them both, "Anybody hungry?" Both Slayers roll their eyes and the trio goes toward the kitchen.

Once there they begin an assemble line. They get out sandwich foods from the fridge and all the condiments. They make sandwich after sandwich. When that is finished Kennedy grabs bottles of water and juice while Buffy gets bags of chips, and Faith finds the sweet treats. They seat it all on the table and then sit as well, their late night snacking underway. "I don't get it," says Kennedy. "I just can't seem to eat enough anymore."

"It's a Slayer thing." Buffy says stopping long enough to talk.

"Yeah the least fun of the double H's." Faith adds.

"Double H's?" Kennedy raises an eyebrow.

"Faith-" Buffy warns.

Before it can go any farther, Willow walks into the room. "I woke up and everyone was gone.-Should have known you'd be in here. After slay munchies." She smiles at them.

Faith smiles back, "Want a sandwich?" She offers one to the redhead. Willow smiles and sits down between her and Buffy. The blonde Slayer gives her some chips.

Kennedy looks back and forth between them and can't help but smile, 'This could be fun-or well not so much- depending on who you are.' She thinks to herself.

* * *

Days pass and tension looms over the Summers' house. Dawn and Kennedy are at a stand still, the younger teenager unable to forgive the older for the room switching. They continue to ignore each other-dishing out the silent treatment daily. Faith and Kennedy grow closer, and Willow and Buffy are spending more time together as well when Slayery business allows. Dawn and Justin still date, though most wonder why.

As night time approaches, Kennedy and Faith race into the kitchen. Both grab for the last snack cake on the table. "Gets your hands off my cake Brat!" Faith states as she takes it from her roommate.

"No way, I got it first. That makes it mine." Kennedy pulls it away.

The wrestling becomes more physical as they both land in the floor. Faith gets it back and unwraps it, as she holds the young Slayer-to-be away with a leg. "See mine," she smirks as she puts it in her mouth.

Dawn watches from the doorway, her anger and jealousy growing with each passing second. "If you two wanna make out why don't you just go to your room. Nobody wants to watch."

Faith glares up at her, Kennedy stands after disengaging herself from the Slayer, "We weren't-it wasn't-" she starts to defend.

The rogue Slayer on the other hand stands and wraps an arm around Kennedy. The younger woman glares, "I don't think you get to say when or where she makes out. You got no claims to her."

Dawn glares, "Neither do you."

"Who says? I don't hear her tellin' me to back off." Kennedy looks at Faith, their eyes meet. "You tellin' me to step back Junior?"

Kennedy looks at Dawn, then back at Faith. She slowly shakes her head. "No."

Dawn steams. "Do whatever you want."

"I will." The older teen states. "You do."

The silence returns and after a few minutes Faith looks from one to the other. "That's it-we're back to the pouting now?" She growls. "This is getting really old." Angry, she leaves the room, stomping up the stairs.

She looks till she finds Buffy, "Okay-I can't take no more-either do something about'em or I will!"

Buffy who is walking with her towel toward the bathroom looks at the angry Slayer. "What do you want me to do?"

Faith faces her, crosses her arms against her chest and declares, "Lock'em in a room together. Feed'em to the next vampire that raises. At this point I don't freakin' care!"

Buffy looks at her unsure, "You want me to feed my sister to a vamp?"

"I'm not sayin'-okay-yes."

"Have you lost your mind?"

The voices have gotten louder and Willow comes from the room she shares with the blonde. "Okay-yelling, bad example."

Faith's eyes land on the green of the witch and she calms a little, "Red, she's bein' impossible."

Buffy defends her position, "She wants me to feed Kennedy and Dawn to vampires."

"There were other options-just do somethin'!" She looks at her fellow Slayer, "Is that to much to ask?"

"I will-"

"When?"

"When I'm ready, okay?" Buffy tries to reason with her.

"Like with Red?" Faith blasts. "Sometimes people need a push. Ain't that what you said?" She locks eyes with the witch.

"I well-okay yeah I said that but-"

The rogue Slayer steps forward and kisses the redhead. Willow, shocked, gasps and Faith's tongue snakes between her lips and begins to explore.

Buffy watches, her mouth agape, as her sister Slayer and the witch share a kiss- that like the Energizer Bunny- just keeps going and going. Buffy moves from amazed to furious. She can feel her face flush as she fights to stay calm.

Faith finally pulls away from the redhead, both are in major need of oxygen. Faith's eyes meet Willow's as they both struggle for air. She starts to apologize, things unsuspectingly getting out of hand.

However, before the once Dark Slayer can speak, Buffy's lips are on Willow's. Willow, surprised again-follows the older Slayer's lead. When her lips start to move the redhead's do the same.

It is Faith's turn to watch. She is surprised by the unexpected feelings the sight causes in her. She wanted to prove Buffy wrong, show her that Willow loved her, but at this very minute she wants to be wrong. She watches as the Slayer and the witch part.

Willow tries to catch her breath. Her heart pounding from the two kisses. Her face shows her surprise, shock, confusion and just a touch of musing. She looks from one Slayer to the other, "What the frilly heck just happened!?!" Before either can answer she starts again, full babble mode engaged. "Are you possessed? You must be possessed-I need to find Giles and the others-the First must have-" she stops at looks at the quiet Slayers. As she looks from one to the other and back again, that's when realization dawns on the redhead. Her mouth opens but no sound comes out as thoughts run wild in her head. She looks at each again before turning on her heels and walking back into the open door, closing it behind her. Leaving the speechless Slayers alone-with each other.

Go on to Part 2(Chapters 6-10)

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