First Steps

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 is a series of "Missing Scenes", basically what happened between the stuff we all saw on the show.
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: Willow/Kennedy, Willow/Tara(Mentioned)

Summary: Extra stuff from between the scenes on the show, spotlighting Willow and Kennedy's early relationship.

First Steps

Willow lies on her bed, her eyes filled with unshed tears. She hears a soft knock and shuts her eyes as she wipes away the tears that escape. She hears the door open and turns that direction. She sees Kennedy standing there with a cup of tea.

"It'll make you feel better," Kennedy says as she steps cautiously inside. When Willow doesn't tell her to leave the potential Slayer moves on in and sets the cup on the nightstand within reach. "I'll let you drink it and get so sleep." Willow's tears finally fall at the soft words directed at her- words she doesn't feel she deserves. "Don't cry Willow-it's okay-"

Willow's body begins to shake as the tears stream down her face leaving streaks in their wake. She turns to her side away from the young Slayer-in-training. The redhead feels the bed move slightly and then arms encircle her. Kennedy spoons against her-holding her as she cries. The young woman whispers in her ear-soft words-soothing words as she tries to calm her. "Shhhhh-it's over. It's okay-"

"But Tara-" Willow sobs.

"She understands," assures the girl.

"What if she doesn't?" Willow asks.

"Then we'll explain it better," she holds her tighter and words stop.

Kennedy wakes not knowing how long she has been holding the redhead-how long her body's been next to the girl's, but what she does know is that she doesn't want it to be any other way. She moves her eyes from the sleeping witch and looks across the room. She sees the sun starting to shine through the window and realizes that the chaos of the day is about to begin and that her time with Willow is about to end.

Willow turns in her arms and snuggles against her pulling her tighter. She mumbles something too softly for Kennedy to hear as the redhead's eyes slowly open to meet the young would-be Slayer's.

"Hey," says the younger woman softly-unsure of what to expect.

"Hey," replies the witch. She looks away a little uneasy before looking back into Kennedy's eyes. "Thank you," she says softly-almost a whisper.

"Anytime," assures Kennedy.

"It's morning isn't it-" she asks as she turns to look at the window then the girl.

"Afraid so."

"I'm still so tired-the magic, it drains so much energy from me."

"Then you should sleep."

"Can't- bad dreams."

"You had bad dreams-last night?" Asks Kennedy afraid she slept through them.

"No-not last night. First time in a while."

"How long is a while?" Asks the teenager.

"Since-well-since with Warren-and the-well what I did to him."

"So since you faced him-in a manner of speaking," they both force a smile. "Maybe they stopped."

"Maybe-"

"Why don't you go back to sleep for a little while and I'll go get breakfast." Willow nods and Kennedy slides off the bed. She looks back to see the redhead's eyes already closed as she leaves.

In the kitchen while the toast toasts the Potential grabs two bowls, a box of cereal, and milk. She gets down two glasses and pours orange juice into each. When the toast pots up she puts it on a plate after lightly buttering it. She places all the goodies on a try and starts up the stairs. As she does, other teenagers jog down them-none taking time to speak afraid their words would cost them time and time would cost them food. It would be gone within minutes. Kennedy smiles and walks on. When she enters the hallway she sees Buffy walking toward her. She smiles at the tray and the teen. "How is she?" Asks the Slayer.

"Drained-she said-really tired so I thought breakfast and then maybe she can nap."

"Sounds like a plan. I think that puts you on Willow duty," their eyes meet. "Take care of her."

"What about training? Fighting evil?"

"Will's more important." Buffy leaves and Kennedy just smiles as she thinks-so the Slayer does have a human side.

When she walks back in the room Willow is tossing in bed and mumbling in her sleep. Kennedy puts the tray on the nightstand and sits beside her. She can now hear the words, "No-baby please-please don't leave me-please don't." Kennedy's heart hurts for the redhead as she realizes she is reliving Tara's death over and over again.

"Red-" says the Potential softly. "Wake up-it's a dream-just a bad dream."

Willow screams, "Tara!" then whines quietly, "Don't leave me." She opens her eyes suddenly and as tears fall she sees Kennedy sitting next to her. She puts her arms around the SIT and leans into her. "I can't do this," the redhead cries.

"You can-" assures the teenager. "Come'ere," she lays down and Willow lies beside her. Kennedy wraps Willow's body with hers spooning her tightly. "I've got you-rest-close your eyes-."

"Can't-" she cries still.

"Just try Red-" Willow closes her eyes. Soon the young potential Slayer can feel her breathing calm and even, she knows she's asleep again. She smiles a sad smile as she holds her, her face resting next to the redhead's.

Willow awakes later to feel herself still protected in Kennedy's arms. She doesn't turn to face her but hears her soft words, "Are you okay?"

"Better," whispers Willow.

"Ready for breakfast?" Asks Kennedy as she sits up slowly, her arms leaving the witch for the first time in hours. "Or-" she realizes the milk is warm and the toast is cold. "We could go get breakfast -or lunch-or both?" She says teasingly.

"The Espresso Pump-" says the redhead-a smile tries to peek across her face. "Mochas-"

"Mochas are nice," but the hungry girl needs more, "Is there food?"

"Yes they have food," she smiles finally. It stays as her mind understands that the younger woman hasn't eaten-hasn't left her side since she cried herself back to sleep. "Kennedy?"

"Yeah Will-" the girl looks at her unsure.

"I need you to know-" the SIT's stomach growls loudly and the witch giggles. "Let's get you some food-"

"No-what were you going to say?"

"It can wait," assures the redhead.

"But-" Kennedy tries as Willow stands.

"We'll talk at the Espresso Pump."

"Promise?" Willow nods and Kennedy gets up from the bed.

At the Espresso Pump Kennedy and Willow are eating and talking. "We came here-" starts Willow softly, as she decides that things need said.

"You and Tara?" Kennedy asks.

The witch nods, "We had mochas-tal-talked-the day before-"

"Talking is good-"

Willow continues, "We had been a part for a while." Kennedy knew there had been a fight of sorts Dawn had told her but she listened to the confession. "She left me-" Kennedy looks surprised. That Dawn hadn't told her. "She left because of the Magicks."

"The magic-wasn't she-I mean-a witch like you?"

"I did things-wrong things-to her-I hurt her-" Willow tears start to fall.

"We don't have to do this," Kennedy starts but is stopped as Willow begins again.

"I do-I need you to know." Kennedy nods and the redhead composes herself and continues. "But she forgave me and we-we made up-"

Kennedy raises eyebrows playfully-trying to lighten things just a little, "Making up is good-" she smiles.

Willow smiles too as she remembers, "It was her favorite part."

Kennedy teases still, "Was there lots of making up?" Her smile brightens as she sees Willow blush a little.

"Hey-" protests the redhead. "Nosey much?"

"I'm just saying-" she stops as Willow interrupts.

"I'm not-" she sticks out her tongue playfully.

"Fine-" pouts the teen.

Willow holds back a giggle, "Tell me about you," her eyes meet Kennedy's.

"I did-Scarlet- Italian-Robert Parker mysteries- all true," she says with a smile.

Willow decides to ask the big question the one she's actually most afraid of, "How old are you?" Willow's mind spins as she waits for what seems like forever. 'Goddess let her be at least 18-' the inner babble starts. 'Cause if she's not-'

"18-" answers Kennedy but her mind is active as well- 'She's so not gonna believe me-'

"Right-" Willow challenges.

"Well-I will be-in just a few days." Willow looks at her disbelief on her face. Kennedy takes out her wallet and Willow looks at the driver's license she is given.

"Can we have a party?" She asks with a smile.

Kennedy smirks. "You and me-we can party anytime you want." Willow smacks her arm and Kennedy teases, "Ouch-you big bully-you asked." She smiles at the redhead and takes the hand that hit her.

"So not what I meant and you know it." Willow blushes. Kennedy smiles. "Can we get balloons and streamers--oh-oh and cake."

"Will it make you smile like this?" Willow bits her bottom lip and nods. "Then anything you want." Willow's smile brightens. "Only ask one thing-"

"What's that?" Asks the redhead.

"You jump outta the cake," she smiles as Willow tries to swat her with her other hand. Kennedy holds it too.

"You're bad-" Willow mock glares at the teenager.

"Actually been told I'm pretty good." She smirks.

Willow rolls her eyes, "No-jumping out of the cake-" Kennedy pouts playfully. "Oh-but there could be ice cream." She's on a roll now and as she talks nonstop Kennedy listens with a smile. Mission accomplished-the redhead is momentarily distracted.

They leave the Espresso Pump and head toward the park starting a tour of the town. They laugh and talk along the way hands at their sides.

Later the are walking through the campus, Kennedy asks, "So did you do the college thing?"

"Haven't finished but yeah-college is fun. You should go-after-"

"I'm not-school and I-too many rules," she confesses. Willow looks unsure. Kennedy explains, "The whole going everyday thing-I'm not so good at it." She smiles.

Willow smiles back, "But college is different you can pick your classes and the days you go-"

Kennedy smiles, "Really-I might check it out."

"This is where I met Tara-" they stop outside a building.

"So you went to college to meet girls?" Kennedy says with a smirk as she playfully bumps shoulders with the redhead.

Willow shakes her head, "No-but not complaining that I just happened," she stops as she sees Kennedy's smile. "The girls-that was a plus." They continue to walk.

They stop later at the gates of the cemetery and Kennedy looks unsure, "Willow-I shouldn't-"

"Just to say hi-?"

"You're sure?" Kennedy touches her cheek. "You're okay with it?" Willow nods.

They slowly walk through the gates and toward the gravestone. Kennedy stops short as the redhead places small stones on the top and kneels down in front of it. She traces the letters with her fingers. "Hi baby-" she whispers. "There's someone I want you to meet." She looks back at Kennedy and holds out her hand as she stands.

Kennedy steps forward and takes Willow's hand. They stand together at the grave of the redhead's soul mate. Kennedy takes a deep breath and speaks softly, "Will-" she is unsure.

"Tara this is Kennedy-" her words are soft but strong and Kennedy understands for the first time.

It's dusk now as Willow and Kennedy walk home. Without realizing it they have laced fingers and are holding hands. The sun is starting to fade as the redhead looks at the sky. "It'll be dark soon," she says softly.

"I wasn't thinking," says the SIT- "We should have started back sooner."

"It's okay-there's time-and we had fun-I had fun-" she backpedals. "I hope you-it wasn't too-"

"No-it was good-I had fun," she assures the woman.

"Yeah?" Asks the witch as she stops and faces the Slayer-to-be.

"Yeah-" her eyes meet Willow's and she can't help but smile.

Willow bites her bottom lip nervously, "Kennedy?"

"What is it Red?"

"Can I-can we-" she leans forward slightly. Kennedy nods and closes the remaining distance. Their lips meet in a soft chaste kiss. As she pulls back she smiles, "That was nice."

"Very nice and you're still you," she smiles. She leans in and they kiss again. Their lips begin to open and close together. After a few minutes Kennedy backs away her hands around Willow's waist. "Nice and necessary," she smiles.

Willow smiles and leans her forehead against Kennedy's. "You get that I need this to be slow-right?"

"This can be anything you need it to be-you lead and I'll follow. Deal?"

"Deal-" she kisses her chastely again. "Can we go one more place?"

Kennedy looks at the rapidly darkening sky, "We should-" she stops. "One more place-"

Later they are lying on the roof of the Summers' house looking up at the stars. "It's beautiful," whispers Kennedy-Willow's head on her shoulder as they stare at the stars. "Look-Orion-" Kennedy smiles.

"You know stars?" Asks Willow as she turns her head to see her eyes.

"I know stars-kind of a hobby of mine." Willow smiles and snuggles against her.

Finally Willow walks through the hallway in her pajamas as she comes from the bathroom. Buffy sees her and smiles, "Where you been all day?" Asks the Slayer with a knowing smile.

"Out," Willow says simply as she smiles.

"I've missed that," says the blonde.

"Missed what?" Asks Willow unsure.

"Happy Willow-your smile," Buffy answers.

"I've missed her too-" Willow agrees.

"So are the two of you-" she stops as she decides now isn't the time to raise the question. "None of my business-" she smiles.

"She listens-" the redhead says simply.

"Listening is good-" Buffy states.

"She's-" Willow smiles. "Night Buffy."

"Night Will-sleep tight," she hugs her friend.

"I think I might," she walks into her room.

Kennedy is in her pajamas as well. Willow crawls onto the bed and under the covers. Kennedy starts to get into the sleeping bag, "Kennedy?"

"Yeah Will-" she looks at the girl.

"Could you-I mean just-like last night?" Kennedy smiles and crawls onto the bed. She pulls down the covers and moves in beside the redhead. She wraps her protectively in her arms. Willow turns just enough to kiss her lips. "Night," she whispers.

"Night-" she says as Willow turns back around. 'Could get use to this,' thinks Kennedy. Willow smiles as her eyes close.

First Steps by Candlelight

Willow is folding laundry-well mostly matching up socks as she teases Buffy about her date with Principal Wood. Xander watches his friends with a smile. Suddenly the blonde's words hit home. "Your new girlfriend-who you hold hands with under the dinner table and think we don't notice"

Willow fills with panic and her internal babble takes off--They know-girlfriend-new girlfriend -is she-is that what I want-what she wants-wonders the redhead. Her mind races with questions and suddenly she needs answers.

Later upstairs Willow is putting away clothes as Kennedy comes in from her afternoon training session. The redhead smiles at the teen. "Good workout?"

Kennedy smiles, "It was okay-" she looks at Willow who is now fidgeting with the edges of a shirt she still holds. "Something not right?" She looks at her unsure.

"No-" starts the redhead. "I just-Buffy said and now I-" she stops frustrated by her inability to finish her thoughts.

Kennedy walks over to her and wraps her in her arms, she smiles at her and kisses her lips gently. "Wanna try any of those sentences again." She gently leans her forehead against Willow's.

"She knows we hold hands under the table." Willow responds.

"I see and you don't want her to?" Kennedy tries to hide the disappointment in her voice.

"No-no-it's okay that they know-it's just-" she stops again and moves away from the young woman. She stops a few feet from her, now near the bed. She faces her, "She said new girlfriend-and I-well-" she looks down.

Kennedy nods her understanding, she realizes the words were scary for the redhead. "So the 'G' word-too scary?"

"A little scary," she admits. She watches the teen move toward her. "But not-is that what we are?" She asks as Kennedy moves to her.

Kennedy stands a few inches from her but not touching her, "Is that what you want?-"

"I-I don't know-do you- want I mean?" Kennedy smirks and Willow rolls her eyes, "Are you ever serious?"

Kennedy kisses her lips as her hands rest on the redhead's hips. "I'm very serious," she says and then takes it one step farther, "But admittedly it's the first time." She watches Willow's face as her words soak in and she sees the witch's expressions change. "Never felt like this before."

Willow smiles, "So it's okay if-we can be girlfriends?"

"Definitely," she smiles back and Willow leans in and kisses her softly. Lips move together, the rhythm slow and unrushed. Kennedy pulls back, "We should celebrate-make it official." Her redhead smiles and she does too as she realizes the words she thought--her redhead-like the sound of that thinks the SIT.

"We could go to the Espresso Pump," suggests Willow.

"Nah-some place nicer-with candles maybe," Kennedy offers.

Willow can't help the brightening smile. Her girl was a closet romantic that was good. "I like candles-could there be music too?"

"Could be-" she presses another kiss to her lips. "Is there a place like that around here?"

Willow nods, "It's called Romanoff's-it's nice-but really expensive." She thinks about the money factor. "We could celebrate here instead."

Kennedy smiles and sits on the bed, her fingers lace with a still standing Willow's. "That back pedaling-was that an 'I don't wanna go out with you in public' thing?"

"No-" assures Willow.

"Then it was a money thing?"

"Kinda-" she says.

"We're not gonna worry about money okay?" She pulls her redhead closer. "Money isn't an issue."

"But-" Willow tries.

"Yeah-" smirks Kennedy- "You got a nice one." She pulls Willow on top of her as they lie on the bed. They both giggle before lips meet and the arguing that was about to begin over the money issue is done. Kennedy's hands rest momentarily on said butt before moving up to Willow's back. She doesn't want to rush her redhead. This is nice-the slow is new and different and she wants to enjoy it.

Later with reservations all set they watch as Buffy and Xander both leave. They know in an hour they will be gone as well-just a few things for Willow to do before they leave for their date.

That hour turns into two-then three as the madness that is the life of a Scooby takes over. Dealings with the first-Xander in trouble-all the normal craziness. Soon their plans are ruined.

Willow sits on the couch worried about Xander and upset about the dinner-it was gonna special and now it wasn't gonna be at all.

Kennedy walks in and over to the redhead. "Any word on Xander?" Willow shakes her head and stands. She walks into Kennedy arms and she holds her tightly. "He'll be okay." There is a pause. "Buffy will find him right? It's what she does."

"Yeah-" Willow says though her tone isn't so sure. "I'm sorry about dinner." She looks into Kennedy's eyes.

"We'll try again tomorrow." Kennedy kisses her softly. Willow sighs and lays her head on Kennedy's shoulder. She kisses her neck. Kennedy's eyes close slowly as the lips continue to move there. She moans softly-just audible.

Willow pulls away, "Sorry-" blushes the redhead. "Got a little a head of myself."

"Not complaining," the SIT smiles. Anya comes in the room with Giles and the SIT and the witch separate. "I'll be upstairs if you need me." Kennedy smiles.

Willow looks unsure, "You don't wanna wait up and see if he's okay?"

"He's okay-I promise. I gotta do a couple of things." Kennedy squeezes her girl's hand and starts for the steps. Willow moves back to the couch.

Upstairs Kennedy walks toward Dawn's room. She stands there for a few seconds trying to make up her mind, finally she knocks. The door opens and the teen there looks both surprised and unsure. "I need a favor," Kennedy says.

"What makes you think I'll help you with anything?"

"Cause it's not for me-exactly-it's for Willow."

Dawn appears to think about the question and the answer, "For Willow she repeats.

Kennedy nods, "We had plans-to sorta celebrate-now with the Xander trouble-could you help me fix a nice dinner?"

A smile starts to form on Dawn's face but she stops it and looks at the young Potential, "You're not a Slayer yet right?"

"Right-"

"You hurt her-I'll kick your ass," their eyes meet.

"Not planning to," says Kennedy. "So will you help?"

Dawn nods and walks into the hallway with the other teen, "What are you celebrating?" She asks as they walk toward the back stairs. "Did you finally decide to make the girlfriend thing official?" She smiles.

Kennedy smiles, "And we thought we were being sneaky."

"Mostly you were-but I see things," Dawn smiles.

"The handholding under the dinner table," she says.

"That and the look in your eyes every time you're in the same room with her." Dawn bumps her shoulder and giggles. "You got it bad."

"Yeah," Kennedy agrees. "That's good right?"

"I think so-just take care of her."

"Plan to."

They reach the kitchen, "What are we cooking?"

"What can your cook-cause me-I fix sandwiches-that's about it," admits the older teenager.

Dawn smiles and shakes her head at the girl. "See what happens when you grow up all rich-"

Kennedy rolls her eyes at the girl, "So who taught you how to cook?"

Dawn's smile fades, "Tara," she says simply.

"Tara-" Kennedy repeats. "Dawn, tell me about her."

Dawn gets out a bowl and the salad ingredients, "You work on the salad and we'll talk as we cook-deal?"

"Yeah-deal."

Finally Xander is home and mostly unhurt. She listens as Giles lectures both he and Buffy about dating while the Hell mouth is threatening to open. She can't stop the smile that covers her face. He doesn't know about her and Kennedy-not really-true Anya made comments sure, but he mostly brushed them off like he does all the things Anya says.

Willow's mind goes back to Kennedy-she wonders what the Slayer-to-be is doing and how long she should wait before excusing herself. She doesn't want to seem uncaring. It was a bad night for her best friend-but he's been nearly killed by demon chicks before-Willow reasons-he should be use to it.

And as for Buffy's news-Wood being the son of a Slayer-that's cool and all but, not caring at this minute. Girlfriend upstairs in our room. Willow blushes, her face turning just a shade lighter than her hair. That didn't even sound right in her head. There's nothing like that going on-not now-not yet-it's too soon. Willow knows Buffy is looking at her with her are you okay look. She answers in her friend's head. 'All of the good Buff-promise.' She still looks at me unconvinced. Willow decides to confide. 'Kennedy's upstairs and-' okay again not sounding right. Buffy giggles which earns her a glare from the watcher. The redhead smiles.

Finally after what seems like hours the talking is over and Willow is walking down the hallway to her room. She opens the door and stops stunned. She slowly smiles at the scene before her. The room has candles, the flames glowing dimly around it. In the background soft music plays. Kennedy smiles at her from inside. "Kennedy-" the redhead is finally able to breathe out.

"You like?" The teen asks with a smile.

"It's amazing." Willow says as she walks in and closes the door. "You did all of this?" She walks around the room and touches the roses she sees in a vase on a small table sitting there.

"Had some help-" she admits. "Dawn did most of the cooking-but I fixed the salad."

For the first time she sees the pots on a makeshift cart. "You didn't have-" Willow starts.

"I wanted-" says the Potential.

"It's-I-it's wow-" she moves to her and hugs her, unable to express herself in words. Finally she settles for-"Thank you."

"Shall we eat?" Asks the teen as she moves from her arms and pulls out the seat for her. Willow smiles and sits down. She watches the younger woman as she fills plates with salad and then pasta. She carries them to the table and sits across for the redhead. "Hope you like it."

"I love it." She smiles as she watches the younger woman blush. They begin their dinner without words. Nothing more needs to be said.

After dinner they are dancing in each other's arms to the soft gentle music. Willow's head rests on Kennedy's shoulder. As they dance Kennedy smiles as she feels lips on her neck again. She forces her body to stay calm as she shivers slightly. Willow feels it and pulls up then looks into the teenager's eyes. "Cold?"

Kennedy smiles, "Not exactly-" Willow blushes as she realizes what was happening. "No-" she licks her lips and leans in to kiss her girlfriend. Their lips meet and open and close together. After a few minutes Kennedy's tongue tentatively licks Willow's bottom lip and she opens her mouth to her girl. As the Potential explores, Willow hands pull her tighter against her. They both moan as they eventually separate for air. They pull oxygen into burning lungs before kissing again, just as intensely as the one that just ended.

Soon hands begin to tease bodies on top of clothes. Willow pulls back again and looks into Kennedy's eyes. "Sorry," apologizes the woman. "Being rushy-" she rests her forehead on Willow's.

The redhead smiles, "Not rushy-" she states.

"No," Kennedy can't stop the smile from covering her face.

"No," she replies. She looks toward the bed and Kennedy's eyes follow. "We could-" she starts and stops, "Not-you know-" she looks at Kennedy hoping she knows. "But other-" she begins to blush.

"So you wanna make out?" Kennedy supplies.

Willow relaxes as she sees Kennedy indeed understands, "If you do."

Kennedy smiles, "What do you think?"

Willow smiles, "That we should move this to-"

"The bed?" Kennedy raises an eyebrow. Willow looks suddenly unsure. "Better idea," she moves from Willow and grabs a blanket and an armload of pillows. "Follow me."

Willow looks confused, "Where are we going?" Kennedy starts for the door and she follows with a knowing smile.

On the roof of the Summers' house Kennedy sits up, her back against the pillows, with Willow snuggled to her side. The witch's head rests on her shoulder. Their make out session is on hold as Willow tries to work through the idea, suddenly unsure. Willow is surprised to hear the young Potential speak. "We don't have to-I could just hold you." She turns and wraps her arms around the redhead. She holds her close. "There's no reason to hurry this."

"I want-I do-" she says softly as she stares into the night. "I'm just-it-I-" she stops. Kennedy presses a kiss to the top of her head. She relaxes a little. "What if-I don't know what-"

Kennedy smiles understanding. She realizes it is Willow's inexperience with women that is holding them up. She puts her hand on Willow's chin and tilts it up to face her, "Just want to feel you touch me-the rest will work itself out-in time." She leans her forehead against Willow's. "Okay?"

"O-okay." Willow leans in and their lips meet.

They kiss and when they finally stop Kennedy smiles. "Think we got that down to an art form," she smiles. She lies on her back and watches a smile play across Willow's face. Willow leans over her-her arms holding her above the Potential as their lips meet briefly before Willow kisses along her jaw line and down her neck. "Mmmm-" Kennedy moans as she feels Willow's tongue tease there as well. Kennedy's arms wrap around the redhead and pull her body down and into hers. As Willow's lips and tongue caress her Kennedy's hands begin to caress the redhead as well.

Willow raises her head and kisses Kennedy's lips. "You taste so good," she says softly her lips next to her ear.

Kennedy smiles, "Lets see about you," she says as she rolls the redhead under her and waits to make sure it's okay before she continues. She looks down into sparkling green eyes and sees her nervousness but also a smile. Kennedy kisses her lips and down her chin to her throat and neck. She nuzzles against her pulse point, there she licks and nips playfully.

Later after more kissing Kennedy pulls up and falls onto her back. They both work to get air into their starving lungs. Willow turns onto her side and lays her hand on Kennedy's stomach-her fingers begin to play there on top of clothes. "Okay?" Willow asks, their eyes meeting.

"Anything you want," assures the younger woman. Willow smiles as she thinks about what she wants. Kennedy sees the smile too. "What?"

"Something you should know-" she smiles-almost grins.

"What's-that-" she gasps a bit as Willow's fingers and hand move slowly up her body. She works to keep her breathing normal.

"I'm-ah-I'm a breast girl," she whispers in Kennedy's ear as she cups her left breast and begins to massage.

Kennedy's eyes drift closed, she shakes away already foggy thoughts and manages to speak, "That works out then," she moans softly as Willow hand continues and their lips meet again.

One Step Back and...Two Steps Forward

"You sucked the life outta me?"

"Yeah, since then. Look its important that you know what I am-what I'm like when I'm like that."

"I thought it would be-I don't know-cool somehow-It just hurt."

"Yeah-but I-I'm really sorry. It's just that you were the most powerful person near by -and well, that's-that's how it works. That's how I work."

"I get that-" She pauses. "You told me." She looks at the girl then at the ground. "I'll see you in the morning." She opens the door and goes inside leaving the witch alone in the hallway. Confused and scared she walks to Buffy's door.

Inside the room Kennedy leans her back against the closed door. She fights tears as she feels more residual magic move through her. The tears finally fall as she moves across the room to the bed and curls up on it.

There her mind begins to ask questions, thoughts run wild-her mind races. Willowbabble in my head she thinks-god it's contagious. Then the words filter through-more little sparks hit and its not so amusing.

What did she do to me? How long will it last? Both scared and confused the teen tries to steady her emotions. It's okay she contradicts herself, it's Willow. Willow wouldn't hurt me cause she's not like that. She's-she's-she wouldn't use magic to take-she stops her words. The thoughts take over as images of Warren enter there. She whispers, "Yes she would, she has."

She gets up and goes to the closet. She fights the urge to pack her bag and run. "This magic shit-it's-" again she stops. She gets her robe and starts toward the bathroom, deciding a hot shower would help calm her. Or a bubble bath she thinks-they always make things better.

In Buffy's room Willow sits on the bed crying on her shoulder. "She'll never forgive me." Tears fall down the redhead's cheeks.

"She will."

"How can she?-I took something from her-violated her just like I did Tara."

"No-" Buffy tries but stops. "Okay-yeah you did." Willow eyes meet hers, surprised. "You took without asking but it wasn't-you didn't do it on purpose."

"I know how magic works Buffy-"

"You were thinking about that the instant you started the spell?" Buffy waits for an answers but when she doesn't get one she starts again. "You said, 'Hey, now I'm gonna suck all of Kennedy's power for-' No-you didn't." She looks at the crying witch. She touches her cheek, brushing away tears. "She's freaked and that's understandable-right?"

"Right," Willow nods as she sniffs.

"But she'll work through it-you'll see."

"What if she doesn't?" Willow looks scared. "What if it's too much-what if she thinks I'm too-" she stops.

Buffy is smiling and Willow is unsure, "She likes you Willow, it'll take more than a little magic mishap to get rid of her."

"You think?"

"I guarantee it." Buffy hugs her.

In the shower Kennedy lets the water run off her. Se turns it up harder and hotter than usual trying to get rid of the feeling of-she's not sure. Finally more tears escape and she buries her face in her hands as she leans her head against the wall. Her body trembles as she sobs.

Later the Potential Slayer is dressed in her robe, her hair hanging free and still wet. She lies curled on the bed, but sleep doesn't come. She thinks about Willow-the look on her face in the hallway earlier. "Will-" she whispers. She touches the pillow where the redhead generally sleeps and pulls it close to her. She breathes in the smell of Willow and a smile covers her face-it leaves quickly however. She holds the pillow tighter to her chest and forces her eyes to close.

In Buffy's room Willow too tries to sleep but can't. She looks at the sleeping Slayer beside her but it's not hers. "Buffy," she whispers. No answer just a soft snore, "Buffy?" She repeats it again a little louder, but still no response. The Slayer stirs and her eyes open to meet Willow green, "Buffy are you asleep?"

Buffy forces a smile, "No-not so much. What's up?"

"I can't sleep."

"It helps if your eyes are closed," she smiles.

"I miss her."

Buffy nods, "I figured, so-why not go to your room?"

"She doesn't-she was clear-with the space needing. And she should-have some space I mean, cause it's a lot. And I get it-I do. I just miss-"

Buffy smiles her understanding. She puts her arms around her best friend and spoons against her. "I know I'm not her, but maybe it'll help."

"Maybe," Willow slowly closes her eyes. "Buffy?" She speaks again just as the blonde closes her eyes.

"Willow-"

"I like her," she says softly,

Buffy giggles, "Night Will."

"Night," the redhead whispers back as she tries to get her mind to stop so she can sleep.

Kennedy is having the same 'I can't sleep' issues, the difference-she has no one to talk to or to hold her. The young SIT gets up and wipes her still damp eyes. She pulls on a pair of jeans and a tee shirt, she then grabs a hoody from the chair and goes out the door.

In the hallway as she approaches Buffy's door she hesitates. She knows Willow is in there-and knows they should talk-but she's not ready. The pain is too new and the words could be too harsh. She slips quietly past the room and down the backstairs, into the kitchen. She finds it empty and she smiles knowing she is out of the house now-no problem. As she steps onto the porch she jumps startled as she hears a voice. "Can't sleep either?"

She looks across by the steps and sees Xander. "Thought I'd go for a walk. Get some air."

He nods, "Thinking is good." He pauses, worries about things that go bump in the night pop into his head. "Wandering the streets of Sunnydale after dark-not so much."

"I'll be okay."

He moves to her and reaches a stake toward her. She rolls her eyes, "I don't want that."

"Take it, so I can at least tell Buffy I didn't let you leave unarmed." She rolls her eyes again and takes the stake. She sticks it in her belt. "Be careful."

"I'll be okay." She repeats her earlier words and goes across the lawn.

Xander's thoughts turn to Willow-there he finds more worry. What if the magic is too much for Kennedy? And what if Kennedy is just too much?-Too much attitude-too immature-what will it do to Willow if she can't stick it out? What if she runs-? He shakes his head hoping the fear will be dislodged. However, it lingers-what if this girl-this teenager can't handle the bad along with the good?

Inside the house, the nightmare returns. Willow hears the shot-sees the blood and watches as her girl dies. Willow wakes up screaming. Buffy sits up in bed ready to defend. She turns on the lamp and sees her best friend trembling-terrified and in tears. "Willow?"

"The dream Buffy-the dream again." Tears fall.

Buffy pulls her into a tight hug, "Shhh-it'll be okay-it's gone now."

"No it's back-it's the first time since,-" she stops, but thinks the words. 'Since Kennedy.'

On the streets of Sunnydale, Kennedy wanders. She finds herself on campus and it brings a smile to her face. It fades as she worries about the witch and what happened. She starts to walk again but this time the Slayer in her leads her to a cemetery gate. She stops however when she realizes what cemetery-maybe the Slayer had nothing to do with it at all. "Tara-" she says softly. She moves slowly inside and down the rows till she finds the grave of the blonde. She stops and reads the name. Her fingers begin to trace the letters as she has seen Willow do now on numerous occasions. "Hey-" she says softly-a little uncertain. "I know it's kinda late-but it's-it's mostly about Will." She feels a gently breeze brush over her and she sits down. "She did-tonight there was-she was using magic-it was freaky-weird and I-" her voice trails off.

At the house Buffy, Willow, and Xander sit in the kitchen. Buffy hands the redhead a mug of hot chocolate. She sits down across from her, beside Xander. "I'm okay-" she looks at Buffy, "You should get some sleep."

Xander speaks, "She's right-not about being okay-that's a big lie-but the you should get some sleep part. I can stay up with Willow-we'll chat." He smiles at her and takes her hand.

"Am not lying-" she pouts.

"Are too," he counters.

"Am not-"

Buffy smiles, "You sure I can leave the two of you alone?" The blonde Slayer teases.

"Pretty sure," says Willow- "I can't turn him into anything-all magicked out." She takes a drink of the coco.

"Then if you're sure, I will try to sleep just a little more." She stands and hugs first Xander and then the redhead. "It'll work out," she whispers. Willow nods. The Slayer goes quietly up the stairs.

Xander takes Willow's hand, he looks and meets her green eyes-tears glisten there but do not fall. "The magic can be a little scary at first-she'll be okay once she deals with it."

"What if she's not okay-what if she can't deal-with the magicks?" She sniffs.

"If she can't then maybe-maybe she's not who you need her to be." He forces a smile, "Lots of girls here-new ones everyday." He hesitates- "Play the field." He winks.

She hits him on the arm playfully and then giggles. "Xander I don't-well-okay sometimes I look-but no playing-ever."

"Forgot-a one woman girl-yep, that's my Will."

"I think-" she stops her words. "I miss her."

"It's only been like five hours-"

"Yeah-that's bad huh?"

"Bad all right-you might like her," he smiles.

Willow's eyes meet his and the words surprise them both, "I think I might love her." Tears slip down her face. Xander's worry returns.

Kennedy still sits at the grave-her words still flowing, "And there was this light-and bam!-I'm flying across the room. As I get up off the floor-this something- I don't know-it just drains me-and I think its another demon-but no-it's not. It's-it's Willow-my Willow-well-" she looks up. "Is it okay to call her-okay-ah-our Willow?"

Kennedy stands as she sees a soft white light appear then disappear-and then Tara stands in front of her. The First thinks the SIT-like with Chloe-she pulls the stake that Xander gives her and sheepishly puts it away when she remembers-they're all go throughy. "You're not her," says the teenager. "I know who-" her words stop.

"Kennedy-" Tara's voice is soft. "I don't have much time."

"Is it really you?" Tara nods. "Why-why me and not Willow-she needs you so much."

Tara's tears fall, "I know, but they won't allow it."

"Because of Warren," Tara nods. "He deserved it." Kennedy defends her girl.

"No-no one does."

Kennedy looks at her unsure, "Why are you here?"

"She needs you-don't let the magicks scare you away."

"I'm not scared." Tara raises an eyebrow and Kennedy giggles. "She does that a lot too." She restates this time more sure. "I'm not scared."

"Good, then go home to her and tell her that-she needs to know you won't leave."

"I'll never leave."

Tara smiles, "I'm glad," she looks into Kennedy's eyes. "She loves you."

Kennedy contradicts, "She loves you."

"She has a heart big enough for both-" Tara touches Kennedy's cheek. "I must go-take care of her."

"You can't go-she needs to know you forgive her-for Warren."

"I do-but you'll have to convince her. She can't know we talked."

"Why? It would be so much easier.-Right-not allowed. Rules suck you know." Tara nods and disappears.

Willow and Xander sit in the kitchen, the coco is gone. Willow stands, "I should just go up and talk to her right?" Xander looks away. "Xander-what-she-she didn't-is she gone?" Panic raises in her voice.

"No-Will-not gone, just not here. She went for a walk."

"A walk-alone-by herself?"

"I gave her a stake." He tries but it sounds feeble to his ears as well. "I tried to stop her. She's stubborn."

Willow nods, "I'm learning that," she sits back down.

Kennedy walks and thinks about the things Tara said. She wonders how she can convince the redhead that Tara isn't mad at her. As she walks and thinks she gets distracted. When she hears noise to her left she stops and faces that direction-she assumes her fighting stance. She sees two vampires in game face, "Damn!" She pulls out the stake. "This is just frigging great-the prefect way to end a hellava night." She rolls her eyes. "Come on-" she looks at them. They attack in unison and she battles to stay on her feet. She staggers one with a right cross-and as she tries to stake him the other throws her into a tree. "Damn!" She cries out in pain as she grabs her side and forces herself to her feet. She gets to the closest one and is able to dust him, but not before he hits her in the face busting her lip. No way to hide that she thinks as she goes on autopilot her anger taking over.

As she enters the Summers' kitchen she is surprised to see Willow and Xander sitting there. "Kennedy-" Willow is to her feet and standing in front of her girl quickly. She stops short of touching her. "What happened?-Are you okay?"

"Vamps-and I'll live," she tosses the stake to the man. "Thanks to you." Her eyes meet his for just an instant and he sees. She winces as she tries to smile.

Willow looks to the man who just keeps taking care of her. She watches him get the First-Aid kit. He puts it on the counter next to them. "Let me clean it up-or -you could -but-someone needs-" she stops and looks to Xander but he's gone. Kennedy leans against the counter as Willow gets out the supplies. "You shouldn't go out alone."

"Yeah-I get that now." She pauses. "I needed to think-I think better when I walk."

"There's a big backyard." She says as she moves in front of her with the antiseptic on a gauze pad. "It'll sting." Kennedy nods and braces herself. Willow presses the cloth to the SIT's face gently but the teen still winces. "Sorry."

"It's okay," says Kennedy. Willow dabs again trying to clean off the dried blood. "I mean-before-with the Magicks-it's okay."

Willow begins to cry-Kennedy wraps her arms around her cautiously hoping not to get zapped again. Relieved when she doesn't she holds her redhead against her as tightly as she sore ribs will allow. "I'm sorry," Willow whispers.

"We should talk-you can explain."

"All the explainy you need," Willow forces a smile. "Let's get you cleaned up and then-we'll-"

"Then you'll sleep-we can talk tomorrow," Kennedy assures her.

"Buffy snores," Willow states simply.

"Can't hear her in our room can we?" She asks as she touches Willow's face. Willow shakes her head. "Then no problem." She holds her hand out for Willow to take it and she does. They walk to the stairs together, hand-in-hand.

Silent Talks and Smoochies

She eases her way around the edge of the room unnoticed and finally reaches the redhead. She is trying not to look bored and Kennedy knows it. Willow sees the SIT, her face smiles slightly-and she knows at once the girl knows. The new recruit moves closer, as close as she dares so their words will not be heard by the Slayer's ears.

The younger woman touches the witch's sleeve and then her arm gently-her fingers playing there and she looks at Kennedy. Buffy just keeps talking-she's like that damn Energizer bunny-just can't shut them up or off. Kennedy half smiles at the girl next to her and whispers. "So, we're okay?"

"Ah-there's-there's something you should know." Willow says.

The redhead seems nervous and that makes the SIT nervous too. She braces for the worst, chases her fear away and comes across with an arrogant bratty attitude, "What's that?-That you think I'm sexy?" Kennedy wiggles her eyebrows at Willow.

She blushes Willow-red as Kennedy's eyes watch her. "Well yeah-ah-no-I mean-yes, but-okay, let's start again." She takes a deep breath to calm and center herself. She starts again, "The magicks-"

Kennedy stops Willow, "I get it now-with the sucking," the redhead blushes and the SIT giggles. "Okay I'll find a better way to say that the next time." She takes Will's hand. "You have powers and well when you use them things get a little intense, but I can deal."

They are quiet again as Willow tries to regain her nerve. "There's something else I can do-I- when it's needed. I can-I can talk to you inside your head."

Kennedy looks at the woman unsure before pulling her farther away from the others into the dining area. "You can read my mind?" She smirks- "What am I thinking right now?"

"I don't have to be able to read your mind to answer that-" she grins. "But-no it's not-I can't tell what you're thinking exactly-well I probably could if I tried but I haven't cause you know-nosey much so mostly I just talk." The babble finally ends as she looks into Kennedy's eyes trying to gage her reaction.

Kennedy takes in the witch's words. She slowly absorbs them, finally she speaks. "Does it hurt?"

Willow shakes her head, "Nah-I mean sometimes I get headachy-but -oh-" she stops as she realizes the younger woman means will it hurt her like the power draining spell did. "You mean you-like the-other-no. Absolutely-no hurting you."

The SIT smiles, "So talk to me."

"I am," says the redhead.

"No-" she explains. "Without-you know actually talking."

"Without my lips moving-okay."

Kennedy smiles and Willow looks unsure, "So you're ready?"

"Do I have to close my eyes?" Asks Kennedy.

"No just-" the witch stops and the conversation turns to a silent one. 'You think later we could slip out and get mochas?'

Kennedy smiles and thinks the words back, 'It could be arranged.' Willow smiles at the fluidness of their connection. 'Gotta tell you this is way cooler than the sucking thing.' Willow smiles releasing a breath she didn't realize she was holding. 'Keep talking-I'd rather listen to you then Buffy.'

Willow rolls her eyes, 'You better hope she doesn't give a quiz.'

'Quiz-she doesn't-' she stops as she sees the redhead laugh. 'Think you're cute don't you?'

Their eyes meet again and Kennedy starts to lean in but Willow's hand on her shoulder stops her. The younger woman looks unsure, 'Later-you really need to listen.'

Kennedy pouts but turns her attention back to Buffy. Her hand finds its way to Willow's and their fingers entwine.

Later they do in fact slip away from the gang. They manage an hour respite from the war room talks. They come in the front door hand-in-hand, Willow still sipping on a mocha. "Better hurry with that-they see I let you have a mocha I'll be cleaning weapons from now till-" she lets the sentence just hang there.

Willow nods and finishes the last few sips. She starts to the kitchen with the empty cup but sees Andrew walking her way with the camera. She hurries back to Kennedy, her babble threatening to escape. "Hide it hurry-Andrew and the camera-quick." She hands the cup to the would be Slayer and then moves to the couch. Kennedy hides the cup behind the couch and sits down next to her. "This looks all faked." She says to the brunette. "Kiss me."

"I don't know Willow-I mean-" the redhead pulls her into a soft kiss just as Andrew walks in, the camera on them.

Willow gets a little nervous again but calms as some of his words filter through- something about craftsmanship and the window-not us that's good.

Kennedy however is totally lost in the kissing. She touches Willow cheek with her fingers as she begins to open and close her lips and the redhead follows suit. 'Mmmm-' she thinks to the woman, 'Wanna move this somewhere without the nerdcam?'

The Wicca smiles, 'Wouldn't complain,' they both pull back long enough to stand. They lean in and their lips meet again. 'This is really nice.'

'And cool-the talking and kissing at the same time.'

Willow smiles at the thoughts-something she had never considered, but the girl-her girl was right. This was just way too cool for words. For the first time in years the redhead was speechless. They move up the stairs kissing as they go stopping only for air.

Dawn stands at her door unnoticed as they kiss outside their door before disappearing behind it. A slow smile covers Dawn's face, she's glad that Willow has found someone again. Though she tried hard to dislike the wanna be Slayer, she'd be blind and dumb if she didn't admit how much the teenager cared for the redhead. That fact alone made the younger Summers happy.

In the room Kennedy and Willow lie on their sides facing each other on the bed. They kiss, lips moving against lips-until both separate foreheads leaned together, "Love kissing you," whispers Kennedy as she brushes her lips to the redhead's again lightly.

Willow blushes and bites her bottom lip as a smiles crosses her face. "Yeah-kinda like kissing you too." She presses their lips together and as she does Kennedy's tongue slips out to trace along her lip. Willow moans as she allows Kennedy's tongue inside.

Kennedy strokes Willow's tongue-her studded ring caressing and cause yet another moan to escape-but its captured by the brunette's mouth. She leans forward shifting her weight until Willow is on her back and the young Potential is resting partially on her. Kennedy's hand begins to roam Willow's clothed body as she breaks the kiss-both out of breath-needing air in their starving lungs.

As they try to control their breathing Kennedy moves her lips to Willow's neck and places soft open-mouthed kisses against the pale skin there. Her tongue snakes out and licks as well and soon the redhead is close to just letting herself go.

The older woman arches against the touch, her breathing is nearer to panting as Kennedy's hands massage her breasts on top of her tee shirt. "Goddess," she breathes out.

Kennedy smiles against her neck and then slides her hand under Willow's shirt to touch her bare body for the first time. "You feel amazing-" she moves on top of the redhead her leg slipping between the witch's-both moan.

Willow's body reacts to the touch, searching out pressure. As she finds it she again moans. But suddenly she stops and her eyes open as a little panic creeps across her features. Kennedy's lips and tongue move from her neck, up her jaw line and to her ear. She licks the outside rim, "Kenn-" mistaking her name as a signal to continue the brunette cups a bare breast in her hand as she sucks the lobe of Willow's ear into her mouth. The redhead's eyes close again for an instant as she moans, but then open as forces her mind to form a single word. "Stop."

It takes Kennedy a few seconds to process the request but when she does she stops her ministrations. Her body humming she rests her head on Willow's heaving chest and removes her hand. "Sorry-got-sorry." She says as she presses a kiss to Willow's cloth covered shoulder.

Willow takes a few minutes to compose herself as well, "It's not your fault."

"No-it is-it's just-you taste so good." She looks up into Willow's darkened green eyes and slides a strand of hair behind her girl's ear. "I get the slow-I do-it's just hard sometimes."

Willow smiles, "Yeah-gets harder all the time." She touches Kennedy's face trying to relay in the simple words and touch that she does want her. "It's just-you get it right?"

"Yeah," she takes the hand from her face and kisses her top and then the palm. She moves off the redhead and lies on her side. Willow lays on her side as well her back to the Potential. Kennedy moves slightly and wraps her in her arms as she spoons around the redhead, "Okay?" She asks as she holds her.

"Okay," she puts her hands on Kennedy's arms. They lie that way in silence until a few minutes later when the redhead speaks. "Kennedy?"

"Yeah Red," she presses a kiss to the back of her head. Willow turns in her arms and their eyes meet. Kennedy sees the sadness there. "Hey," she kisses her forehead. "No-whatever is going on in there," she presses her lips to her forehead again. "It needs to just stop."

Tears fill her eyes and start to fall, "I'm sorry," she manages before they are replaced with new.

Kennedy moves a hand to Willow's face and wipes them away. "Willow-" she pulls her into a hug and holds her as she cries against her chest. "It's okay Will-I promise everything will be okay."

"I don't want you to go," she says just above a whispers, her tone worried, almost scared.

"Not going anywhere," she pulls back so she can see her face. "I'll be here-right here as long as you want."

Willow listens to her words, thinks about their meaning and presses a kiss to Kennedy's lips. "Promise?"

"You can bank on it-and I know about banks-" she quips trying to lighten the atmosphere. Smiling as she sees a slight smile on the redhead's face she kisses her nose playfully.

"Hey," complains the witch. She wipes the wet from her nose and reaches to tickle the Potential. As they wrestle together and both start to giggle there is a knock on the door, "Yeah-" says the redhead.

The door opens and it is Dawn, "Sorry to interrupt-"

Kennedy smiles and Willow speaks as she sits up, "Just stopping a ticklefest-no big."

"Buffy needs you downstairs. She says it's important."

"The First?" Asks Kennedy as she too sits up as she realizes that real life is about to end their time together.

"Yeah something about the seal."

They both get out of bed and start to the door hand-in-hand. Dawn speaks, "Will-" the redhead faces her. "Can I talk to you for just a second?"

"Sure Dawnie," she says a little unsure.

Kennedy looks at the two of them, "I'll meet you downstairs." She lets go of Willow's hand and then leaves.-She stops however and comes back to kiss her softly. She smiles and then goes.

Willow blushes a bit as Dawnie smiles, "You really like her don't you?" Says the teen.

"Yeah, I do Dawnie-" she looks at the girl unsure of what to expect. The girl loved Tara nearly as much as she did.

"Good-cause I want you happy." She smiles and hugs her unexpectedly. "So would Tara." Willow hugs her back a little surprised by Dawn's words. Dawn pulls away. "Better hurry-really not up for another Buffy lecture," she rolls her eyes.

Willow smiles, "Couldn't agree with you more." They go down the hallway. Willow can't stop the question, "So you like her?"

Dawn rolls her eyes, "Getting there-" she admits. "Still think she's a brat."

"A little-" Willow concedes. "My brat though-" she says with a smile.

Dawn smiles too and they continue to walk. "So have you?" Dawn smirks.

Willow blushes, "Nosy much." She manages.

"Yes-and have you?" She repeats.

Willow shakes her head. "No-."

"But you like her like that right?" Dawn looks confused.

"Definitely." She acknowledges.

"Then why not?" Dawn asks.

"Just-" she shrugs, "It's hard to explain."

"Cause of Tara?"

"No-well yeah-some but mostly not. I just-I'm not ready." Dawn nods accepting the answer. As they reach the steps Kennedy is starting back up. "Something wrong?"

"Just missed you-well that and Buffy is getting all-eeeeee-"

Willow smiles at Kennedy imitation of her, "Definitely don't want that."

"Nope-might lecture us all night and I got other plans," grins the Potential.

"You do, do you?" Willow slips an arm around her waist as she reaches her.

"Yeah-me-you-lots of smoochies." She winks at her redhead and Dawn smiles as she walks on down the stairs leaving them alone.

"Like the way you think," she kisses her as they enter the living room and the others are there waiting. Willow smiles at her Slayer-to-be and kisses her again not caring who sees. Willow's silent words fill Kennedy's head. 'And touch-and feel-' she smirks as she watches her girl's reactions.

Kennedy's blushes slightly, she gasps as she digests the words. Her eyes lock with Willow's green and she sees the desire there. 'That's so not fair-you know we're stuck here for hours right?'

'Yep-but now you got something to look forward.'

Kennedy tries to keep her breathing calm and in control as she feels her heart start to pound, 'Are you saying-'

'I'm saying- touching-it's nice.'

"Kennedy," Buffy speaks the Slayer-to-be's name and she forces the attention to the blonde. "Go find the knife." She stands unsure of what she missed.

She realizes Willow is now sitting-and shakes the fog away. 'You're gonna get me in so much trouble.' She gets no answer from her redhead as she just smiles a little. Kennedy looks to Andrew and tries to concentrate on his words. She gets knife-kitchen and Buffy whines something. She leaves the room.

'I miss you," Willow's words fill her head and she smiles.

She talks to herself out loud, "Hell yeah-this is way better than the sucking thing-" she smiles at the phrasing again.

Stepping Out of Line

'Fred?' Asks the would-be-Slayer silently with a raised eyebrow.

Willow rolls her eyes and then shakes her head with a smile. She moves to the phone as Kennedy sits in the spot once hers on the couch. The brunette holds the cloth there after moving it momentarily to look at the cut. "Spike did that?"

Dawn rolls her eyes, "He didn't mean to." The teenager defends him.

Kennedy lets it go, not wanting to cause an argument with the girl. Things had improved with them and she didn't what to lose the friendship they where building. She looks toward her redhead and smiles. When Dawn sees the look she smiles too and whispers so only the other teen can hear. "So things are of the good?"

"Yeah," she then thinks-mostly- as her mind starts to wander to the previous night.

Willow and Kennedy are in the middle of a heavy make out session. Willow is getting lost as Kennedy's hands caress her body on top of her clothes while her lips and studded tongue kiss and lick at her neck. The redhead's eyes are tightly closed as she tilts her head back as far as she can to give the younger woman access. She moans loudly, her fingers threaded through Kennedy's dark hair.

As the Slayer-to-be begins to suck at her pulse point while massaging her breast, Willow's hands find their way under Kennedy's shirt and trace patterns on soft, silky skin. Kennedy moans surprised by the touch and begins to kiss down the redhead's body. She's even more surprised when Willow sits up and pulls her lips back to hers.

The kiss is sensual and full of desire, and both are lost in it. Kennedy breaks the kiss needing oxygen and as she does she feels the air of the room hit her chest. Her shirt is off her body and in Willow's hands momentarily before it's dropped to the floor. The redhead pushes her backward onto the bed and they kiss again.

Willow's body is on hers as the redhead breaks the kiss and starts to plant soft licks and kisses across her girlfriend's jaw and then down to her neck. As she tastes the young Slayer-to-be with her mouth and tongue her hands are not idle; they touch and tease along her arms and upper body. She moans, as does the woman beneath her as she moves south.

Willow's lips are like radar on a turbulent sea; they search out every inch of exposed skin. Soft licks, kisses, and an occasional nip soon find the redhead at Kennedy's bellybutton. As she dips her tongue inside the Potential arches into her and moaning her name.

"Willow-" she calls out her body on fire as she tangles her hands in red locks.

At her name Willow tries to slow her breathing. The fog starts to fade as she opens her eyes though her ministrations do not stop. As she feels bare skin under her lips she pulls back a little. She stares at the bare abs and realizes what she has done-been doing. "I-goddess-I'm-I didn't-"

Kennedy leans up on her elbows and a grin covers her face, "Just so you know," she manages to force out over ragged breathing. "I wasn't-that wasn't complaining."

Willow sits up slowly, "No?" She asks unsure as she tries to slow her breathing as well.

"No-" she smiles as she sits up to face her. "Wow-" she presses a kiss to Willow's lips but pulls back a few seconds later. "You okay?"

Willow nods, "Yeah-just-we should stop."

"Yeah-" she leans over the bed and picks up her shirt. She slips it back on and smiles at the redhead as she touches her cheek. "I'm gonna get a shower."

Willow nods but as the younger woman gets up she takes her hand. Kennedy looks in her eyes unsure. "I'm sorry." she searches Kennedy's eyes.

"I repeat-no complaining here. I'm cool-" she smirks, "Well not exactly, that's why the shower." She winks at her girl.

Willow blushes and looks down. She finally looks back up at soft chocolate eyes still full of need and want. "Kennedy would you-could we-" she stops, her eyes show confusion.

"Anything Willow-"

"Just-could we just snuggle for a minute?"

Kennedy smiles and crawls back to her, though her body cries out the craziness of being so close. She ignores the pleas for more and they spoon together. The Slayer-to-be holds the redhead in her arms, as they both are quiet. Gathering her courage she starts to speak, "Willow-" she stops. "Never mind." She decides now isn't the time.

Slowly and with a smile on her face she comes back to here and now. Dawn is smirking at her. "Thinking you should change that yeah-to a hell yeah!" She says softly and Kennedy rolls her eyes. Dawn giggles slightly and all eyes but Willow's fall on them.

"Concussion I think-they make you giggle I've heard," says the Slayer-to-be.

"Really?" Asks Xander.

"No Xander-they were talking about sex."

Kennedy's eyes bug out and Dawn laughs again. Kennedy glares at the teenager and hands her the cloth, then leaves the room hiding a blush. Willow looks to Dawn unsure and the girl just shrugs innocently.

Later as Willow gathers ingredients for the ensouling spell Kennedy follows her. "You're just leaving?" Kennedy looks unsure. "With no explaining?"

Willow continues to pick up things and put them in a small duffle bag. "I should be back in a day or two."

The witch starts up the stairs and Kennedy follows, "A day or two? Then I'll go with you."

"No-" she says simply not wanting to explain.

Willow goes into the room and Kennedy stops at the door. She watches as Willow pulls a suitcase from under the bed and begins to get clothes from drawers. "Would you talk to me please?"

"Kennedy I need to pack-I need to be there before dark."

The younger woman moves out of the doorway and closes the door. "Willow if this is because you're confused or scared or just freaked out about last night we can-"

"It isn't-" she assures though her words seem a little forced.

Kennedy looks unsure, "Then why can't I go?" She forces a playful smile, "We could stop on the way back, have a nice dinner-maybe get a room-"

Willow stops her, her nerves getting the better of her, "Buffy may need you here-to help with the training."

"Right-she needs me, but not you? Come on-you're magic girl, way more needed them me. What's going on Will? If it's not last night then who's this Fred guy-an old boyfriend?"

Willow rolls her eyes catching the slight bit of jealousy in the younger woman's words. She stops packing and faces her, "No guy-" she starts.

"A girl-you're leaving me here to go meet a girl?" She looks more confused and a little hurt by the thought.

Willow touches her arm, then her cheek, before leaning in to kiss her. She moves her lips against Kennedy's opening and closing them. The brunette Slayer-to-be follows her lead and the kiss continues till both need air. The redhead smiles and leans her forehead against her girl's. "It's not like that and you know it."

Kennedy's hands go to Willow's waist and she pulls her closer. "I do know-just forgot for just a second."

"Let me remind you," the redhead kisses her again but this time there is more need. Her hands find there way under Kennedy's jacket and shirt to the silky skin of her back. She traces her fingernails there as their breathing gets more strained and their hearts race. "I'll miss you." She says her words choppy and soft as she pulls her lips away only to lean back in for more.

Kennedy carries the suitcase while Willow carries the duffle bag. They put them inside the car and stand facing each other. "You be careful," says the Potential.

"You too-with the patrolling." She leans in and kisses her softly not letting it heat up. As she starts to back away Kennedy kisses her again soundly as she pulls her girlfriend's body to hers. Gasping for air they finally part and Kennedy winks. "What was that?" She struggles for air.

"Want it to last till you get back," she smirks.

Willow realizes her insecurities and starts to again assure her that Fred isn't an issue but instead she smiles and kisses her one more time. It's soft and quick, after, she leans her forehead against Kennedy's. She smiles, "Bye-" she touches her cheek with her hand and Kennedy leans into it.

"Bye-Will-" she steps back and watches her girl get in the car and the door closes. Willow waves as she pulls out of the driveway and she waves back.

Kennedy sits on the back porch steps and watches the sun disappear into night. As the dusk covers the town she thinks about Willow. Lost in her thoughts she jumps a little startled as she feels a hand on her shoulder. She hears a giggle and shakes her head knowing it is Dawn. "Still got the giggles I see." She moves slightly making room for Dawn to sit down. Dawn now has a bandage on her head covering the cut. "How's your head?" She asks concerned.

"Better." She looks out at the horizon. "Missing Willow already?" She teases. "You've got it bad."

She starts to be her usual flippant self but surprises them both with her words, "Oh yeah-I love her." Her eyes go wide as she realizes she spoke out loud. She relaxes some as she sees Dawn smile. "I love her." She repeats with more confidence and a smile.

"Just figuring that out huh?" Dawn smiles.

Kennedy shakes her head, "Nah-I've known for a while just couldn't get the words out."

"Never said them before?" Asks Dawn a little unsure. Kennedy shakes her head. "So how's it feel?"

"Pretty amazing." She smiles.

"You gonna tell her?" Kennedy shakes her head again. "Why not?" Asks the teen confused.

"She's not ready to hear them-not yet," but she lets a smile cover her face- "but soon." Dawn nods her understanding.

In Los Angeles, the spell worked and Angel has returned. Willow drained and tired makes her way to her room. She slips out of her clothes and into her pajamas, then crawls into bed.

Once there she closes her eyes and tries to sleep. Thirty minutes later she is still awake. She lays on her side her arms empty and she smiles a sad smile as she realizes sleep without her girl isn't going to be easy. She thinks about the teenager-the Potential Slayer-the one who has helped her find herself. She smiles and turns to her other side again. 'I miss her' thinks the redhead. Then realization takes a new turn. 'I love her-no-It can't be love-it's too soon. It's-just-okay-going to sleep now.' She wills her brain to stop but it doesn't listen. It fills with images of the girl-her girl and she lies on her back and smiles up at the ceiling. Her eyes heavenward brings a memory of Tara and the redhead thinks of her lover. 'It's too soon right baby?' But as the memories of Kennedy return so does the feeling.

Deciding that there will be no sleep she calms herself and sends her thoughts to her young would-be-Slayer, 'Kennedy- can you hear me?'

Silence and then a smiling response, 'Yeah-been waiting.'

'I miss you,' says the redhead.

'I miss you too,' admits the younger woman.

'I can't sleep without you,' Willow says.

'I tried to get you to bring me but no-' she teases. 'Willow-'

'Yeah-' she listens intently.

'I'm gonna hold you now,' whispers Kennedy. 'Slipping my arms around your waist. Can you feel them?'

Willow rolls onto her side and tries to imagine her arms there. 'Yeah,' she whispers back-her eyes closed. 'Feels nice.'

'Sleep,' she says softly.

'Okay,' she whispers and soon she does just that. Her breathing levels out and sleep engulfs her.

At the Summers' house the Potential lies in bed alone-but her mind still linked with her girl's. 'Night Will-' she thinks. 'I love you.' Her eyes close too.

Go On To Part 2(Chapters 6-?)

Send Feedback to the Author

Return to the Stand Alone Story Page

Return to the Site Home Page