Just A Girl

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 a slightly different path than canon. Tara still died in Willow's arms, but the Scoobies stopped her before she killed Warren and before she tried to end the world.
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: A slightly different take on when Willow and Kennedy first got together.

Chapter 1

"Willow you make the sleeping arrangements."

"Sure Buffy," answered the redhead.

*Willow-what a beautiful name,* thought Kennedy.

They were all staring at her, "What?" Asked the young potential.

Buffy looks at her unsure, "You might wanna pay attention-it could keep you alive for a few days."

Kennedy glares at her and looks back toward the redhead to find her gone. Kennedy begrudgingly turns her eyes back to the Slayer, grumbling to herself quietly, "You're not so tough. I could take you."

"You think," grins the Slayer as the girl looks at her shocked. "Yeah, super hearing kind of a Slayer perk."

"Figures," she looks at the blonde.

Buffy smiles and realizes the talking can wait long enough for the newbies to get settled in. "Actually the kitchen's that way-" she points and the girls file out of the room.

Kennedy stays put, "Sorry," she says after the others leave. "I'm just-"

"Scared, confused- that's understandable after everything you've been through."

"No-distracted, who's the redhead?" A small smile plays across her face.

Buffy smiles-the pieces falling into place, "Willow-"

"She a potential Slayer too?"

"No-she's just Willow. My best friend, so tread lightly."

"What?" Kennedy says with a grin.

"Right-look, she's been dealing with some things so play nice?"

"Definitely wanna play." Kennedy smirks.

"Hey-way too much information. Get outta here."

Kennedy nods and smiles at the blonde, "Any idea where I can find her?"

"Try the room at the top of the stairs," Buffy says with a smile. Kennedy turns and runs out of the room. "You won't find her there of course but you can try." She laughs softly.

Kennedy knocks and sticks her head in the room, "Willow?"

"Nope," says the teen, looking the woman in front of her up and down. An image of Faith flashes in her mind, something similar about the two and it sends up a flare causing Dawn to become instantly defensive. "And stay away from her." She glares at the would be Slayer.

"Excuse me?" Kennedy returns with a glare of her own.

Dawn's mind feels with worry. The redhead has gone through so much with the Magicks and then the loss of Tara-the teen worries about how much more she can handle. "She's got enough on her mind so stay away from her. Last thing she needs is some 'get some, get gone' wanna be like you."

"Okay, you know, not liking your attitude. Just tell me where she is."

"No way and I'm warning you- hurt her and I'll kill you in your sleep," the teenager says- the sincerity of her words filtering through.

Kennedy rolls her eyes and backs out of the room. "Psycho much," she mutters as she walks on down the hallway. She stops at the next door and knocks.

Just as she starts to walk away she hears, "Come in."

She opens the door and sees the redhead with her back turned going through the closet. "Hey, need some help?"

"No-I got it." She glances of her shoulder. "Kennedy right?" Kennedy smiles and nods. "Good this is for you," she tosses a sleeping bag her direction, "and you're in here with me."

Kennedy's smile broadens, *Yes! My lucky day.* Willow turns around and Kennedy eyes drop to her extended stomach. "You're pregnant!" She gasps as she looks up into green eyes.

"Slayers. Can't get a thing past them," she smiles softly. "I'm Willow."

"You're pregnant-" she repeats, the confusion doesn't go away. Her eyes still locked with the redhead's.

"For about two more months they tell me though I'm voting for sooner," she smiles and puts her hand on her stomach. "She's really not much of a sleeper." Willow smiles at the teenager.

"Wow-how did-" she shakes her head. "Never mind, none of my business." Kennedy backs slowly out of the room. "Later, bye-" she closes the door.

Willow looks at the closed door confused. Rubbing her stomach she says softly, "Don't take that personally sweetie, she's been through a lot. She'll be nice I'm sure."

Downstairs a ranting Kennedy faces off with the blonde Slayer. "She's pregnant-you could have told me she wasn't gay instead of letting me make a fool outta myself and who's the crazy chick in the room at the top of the stairs-cause she so needs to be medicated?"

Buffy smiles at the rattled babble of the Potential, thinking for a brief second that maybe she and Willow should get to know each other. However, she hurriedly pushes the thought away, "Okay-last one first, crazy girl- my sister Dawn and the medication well, doesn't really help where Will's concerned."

"Good to know-well no actually it doesn't matter now, not worried about it since the redhead is obviously playing for the other team." She sits down and a slight pout crosses her face. "First, I get dragged here cause it's suppose to be safer and just for the record I can take care of myself. Then I get here and think okay not bad; hot chick-now I find out my gaydar is busted."

"Gaydar?" Buffy smiles as she sits at the table.

"That little thing in the back of my head that says-whoa-she's gay." She scowls.

"There's such a thing?"

Kennedy nods, "And it's never wrong-well-till now."

Willow stands at the bottom of the stairs and smiles, "It's not wrong." She smiles at the younger woman.

Kennedy looks up at her, "But you're-" she is interrupted by the redhead.

"Pregnant I know," she smiles. "It's a long complicated story that I might tell you some day."

Kennedy smiles up at her, "How about now?"

Willow moves beside her and shakes her head, then she seems to reconsider, "Will you buy me chocolate?" She raises an eyebrow.

"Sure-" she smiles. "I could use a mocha- you know a place?"

Willow nods and smiles, "Yeah."

Buffy starts to protest but reconsiders when she sees the smile on Willow's face. The Slayer smiles at them, stands and goes to a drawer then opens it, tossing them each a stake. "Home before dark," warns the blonde.

"Don't worry Mom-" Willow winks and they leave.

Buffy smiles at the closed door. "Did you threaten Kennedy?" She asks seemly no one.

From the top of the stairs comes Dawn's answers, "Yep," she nods as the jogs down and into the room.

"Good," she looks up at her sister. "She's gonna be a Slayer someday you know?"

"Figured, but she still has to sleep." Dawn grins as she sits down across from her sister.

"Tara would want her happy you know?"

"I know-" she looks up and into Buffy's eyes. "I miss her."

"I know." She hugs her sister and tears fall from the teenager's eyes.

At the Espresso Pump Willow and Kennedy sit in a booth talking. "So tell me how this gaydar works."

"It just does and I thought you were gonna tell me the long complicated story if I bought you chocolate?"

"I said that didn't I?" Kennedy nods at the redhead's words. "Ah-not sure where to start."

Kennedy notices the sadness that creeps into her words and her eyes. "It's okay-it can wait, I plan on being here for a while." She smiles at the redhead. "If I buy you another mocha will you smile again?"

Willow smiles a little forced smile, "Better?" She asks. Kennedy nods, "But I can't have another mocha-I'm on a one mocha limit. Doctor's orders." She smiles a genuine smile as her hand goes to her stomach and she rubs it gently.

Kennedy smiles, "Do you know if it's a boy or a girl?"

"Ah-girl-or pretty sure." She decides on a starting point. "I mean I haven't had an ultra sound but since there was no guy -then no y-so that means girl."

"No guy?" Kennedy looks confused. "Okay admitting I wasn't much for school-and well never been with a guy." She makes a face at the thought, "But I'm pretty sure you have to have one to make a kid."

Willow nods, "Normally yeah."

"You're saying the baby isn't normal?"

"No-no she is-she's just a little girl, but the way she was created not so much normal."

Kennedy smiles at the woman, "You weren't kidding about the complicated were you?"

"No," she shakes her head.

"Then how about we finish this conversation over dinner."

Willow looks unsure, "Kennedy ah-that sounds a lot like a date. I'm not-the dating, not really ready for it."

"I wasn't asking you out-well I might have been but it was an accident."

"Habit?" Willow questions with a smile.

Kennedy looks down, "Maybe-I've dated a few women."

"A few?" The redhead raises an eyebrow.

"A lot," she changes her answer then changes the subject. "How about you?"

"Just one," she thinks of Tara.

"What happened?" The words are out before she realizes it and she sees the hurt in the redhead's eyes. "I'm sorry it's- I sometimes open my mouth before my brain is working. Just pretend I didn't ask."

"She died about seven months ago," Willow says softly. "A guy shot her-senseless-waste-" tears start to fall. "I tried to save her-bring her back to me but I couldn't."

"I'm sorry." Kennedy touches her cheek, wiping at the tears there.

Willow continues, "The Powers That Be-they couldn't either so they gave me her," her hand is again on her stomach. "Part Tara part me-our child."

"How?" Kennedy looks confused again but is trying hard to take it all in. "I mean-wow-that's a lot."

"Yeah and I got lost for a while after, did some things I'm not proud of, but they found me-and I found myself." A sad smile finds her lips.

"We all do things we're not proud of-you just learn and go on."

"Finally figured it out," she pokes at Kennedy playfully, "You could have told me, you know-saved me some time."

Kennedy smiles, "You're stubborn, you wouldn't have listened."

"Stubborn-I'm so not." She mock pouts.

"Don't even, it's not gonna work." Kennedy teases back. Soon smiles cover both faces as they laugh and talk.

Later Kennedy looks toward the window and notices the darkness for the first time. "Ah-Red-" she makes a face and points outside.

Willow looks out and her eyes close as she makes a face, "Buffy is gonna be not happy."

"It's okay-I figure she'll blame me so no worries for you. Let's get outta here." She stands and drops some money on the table.

"I lost track of time too-the talking was-it was nice." The redhead stands too.

"Yeah it was, think we can talk again?" Kennedy asks with an eyebrow raised.

The mom-to-be smiles as they walk across the store and out into the night. "I'd like that."

As they turn the corner for home Kennedy stops and holds her hand out for Willow to do the same. She puts her fingers on her lips and Willow nods, staying quiet. Kennedy looks around and then decides on a course of action, "I know you're there." She rolls her shoulders, "Come on out and take your ass kicking." She holds the stake in one hand, her taking a fighting stance by instinct.

Willow looks from side to side, she raises a hand as she hears leaves rustle. A few nervous seconds later Buffy steps out and smiles at them, "Hi guys."

"You followed us?" Kennedy asks angrily.

"No-I just came looking for you when you weren't back before dark like you promised." She glares at the Potential.

"We lost track of time Buffy it's no big deal." Willow defends.

"Will-dark in Sunnydale is always a big deal." Buffy counters.

Kennedy shakes her head, "Unbelievable!"

Willow steps to her, "Kennedy-"

"No Willow don't say it," she walks away in the opposite direction.

"Kennedy wait."

"I'm a big girl I can take care of myself."

Willow rolls her eyes, "Drama Queen much-" Kennedy looks up at her with a mock glare.

"Hey!"

Willow smiles, "Let's go home."

Kennedy rolls her eyes, "Fine," but she looks at Buffy, this glare not pretend. Before she can say anything to the Slayer two vampires and two Bringers join them. "See-see what you did with the creeping around."

Buffy sees the visitors, "Get Willow home," she orders.

"I'm not leaving you."

"Do it!" Buffy looks at her sternly.

"I'll be back, don't get yourself killed in the meantime."

Willow looks at them both, "Macho Slayer crap-" she rolls her eyes and then hits the first vamp with a bolt of light. He flames and turns to dust. Kennedy stares at her.

"What did you just-" she stops as the Bringer attacks her. She takes a punch to the face, groans but fights back. She hits him landing three quick punches to the face, then disarming him, she kills him with his own knife. Buffy finishes off the second one and the last vampire starts to run away. Willow raises her hand again and hits him with a blast dusting him as well. Kennedy stands staring at Willow, "How did-what was that with the fire and the poof?"

"Ah-did I ah-did I forget to mention I'm a witch?" She looks at the teenaged Slayer-to-be with a weak smile nervously biting her bottom lip.

"I think maybe." Kennedy answers, a tentative smile begins to cross her face. "Does that mean there's another long store you can tell me about over mochas-say tomorrow?"

Willow grins just a little and nods.

Buffy shakes her head at the pair and smiles. She quietly walks toward home.

"What you don't wanna walk us home?" Kennedy says with a teasing scowl.

Buffy rolls her eyes, "Think I'll leave you in Will's hands."

Before Kennedy thinks the words slip out, "Liking that idea. Can I pick where her hands are?" Her face pales and then turns red when she sees the witch's eyes settle on her. "I didn't mean that the way it sounded-well I-okay-fine-I did."

"Leaving now," says the Slayer and she does.

Willow face runs the gambit of emotions; shock, fear, worry, then confusion, resolve and then a slight smile. She liked this girl-getting to know her was going to be fun. A mischievous smile, then a smirk as she lets the words form and them flow- "So just where would those hands be?"

Kennedy's eyes go wide.

Chapter 2

The teenager's mood shifts, no longer put off by her sleeping arrangement, she forgets about herself and begins to concentrate on a plan to bring the Willow in the photo back.

She realizes however, that she needs help doing that. She thinks to herself, 'Buffy's kinda busy with the impending apocalypse and all. Guess that leaves the crazy girl-' she smiles at her secret name for the younger Summers' sister. She raises an eyebrow, ' Maybe not a good idea-she did threaten to kill me.' She pauses but no alternate plan comes to mind, 'Oh well, it's for Willow. I'll have to chance it.'

She stands and walks toward the bed as she hears the redhead mumble. Suddenly the quiet of the night is broken by Willow's loud words, "Killer frogs-no-get'em please get'em!" She sits straight up in bed, her eyes search the room and land on the startled teen a few feet from her.

"You okay Red?"

"Ah-yeah," her body trembles. "Sorry, just a bad dream."

"About frogs?" Kennedy asks with a raised eyebrow and a slight grin.

"Going out on a limb here and saying you have Kermit issues?"

Willow looks down and a blush crosses her face, "Ah just a little," she looks back up her eyes meeting Kennedy's. "Okay, a lot. They're all slimy and hoppy and eeeeeeee-" she makes a face.

The young Potential struggles to keep the grin and the giggles at bay. "Right-of course. All very evil."

Willow rolls her eyes and Kennedy can't help but laugh. "Meanie."

"I'm sorry," she tries to stop. "I know it's not funny," tries the teen. Willow mock pouts as Kennedy sits beside her. "I'm -I'm really really sorry-honest."

"Un huh," she continues to pretend to be hurt by the giggles. "I think I need a new roommate. Some one more compassionate."

The giggles stop instantly, "No! No-no new roommate. I'll be good," She crosses her heart.

"You like the sleeping bag on the floor that much huh?" Willow asks with a little nervous smile on her face.

The teen nods, "Something like that, yeah."

"No more laughing?" Willow raises an eyebrow.

"None, absolutely none."

"Okay," she lays her head back down on the pillow. "Just this once," she smiles at the girl next to her. She watches her stand, "Night Kennedy."

"Night Willow," she goes back to the floor and snuggles into the sleeping bag to find it not as uncomfortable as before.

A small smile begins to play across her face as she looks back toward the redhead whose eyes are closed once again. Kennedy's smile slowly turns into a grin, as she is unable to stop her playful nature. "Rib-bit, ribbit-ribbit," the soft sounds flutter through the night air of the room.

"You are so not funny," mumbles Willow a little pout in her words.

The Potential giggles but stops as a flying pillow hits her on the head. As it hangs in the air it hits her once, twice and then a third time. "Hey-magic is so not fair!" The pillow hits her again.

This time it is Willow who giggles and then laughs as she sits up to watch the Slayer-to-be try to defend herself.

Kennedy smiles as the laughter fills the room then she grabs at the pillow and wrestles it to the ground. She struggles with it and the redhead laughs even more.

In the room across the hall Buffy lies in her bed, a smile on her face as she listens to her best friend's laughter. "God Will if you only knew how much I missed that."

Then in Dawn's room the teen glares at the wall that separates her room from Willow's. She wants to be angry-feels she should be because of Tara-but inside the sound of the woman's laugh warms her somehow. The glare fades-her eyes tear and then close-she whispers, "You want her happy right Tara?" A soft breeze brushes her cheek wiping the tear away that had slipped down it. The teen tenses and then smiles a little, "Yeah, me too."

Finally the laughter dies down and the teenager folds the defeated pillow under her head resting on it. "Hey that's mine-" Willow protests.

"Mine now!" Teases Kennedy with a smile, as she can smell the scent of the redhead on it. The witch pouts playfully. "That's not gonna work."

"But I can't sleep without it; it's my favorite."

Kennedy rolls her eyes and gets up with it. She walks over to the mother-to-be and fluffs it up for her and then puts it under her head. "Sleep-" she smiles as she goes back to her sleeping bag.

Willow snuggles with it and her eyes close. "Kennedy?" She says softly.

"Yeah Will-" she says as she curls up in the bag.

She changes her mind, decides it's too late to start a conversation. "Sleep tight."

"You too Red-no more frogs-they're all gone."

"You sure?"

"Positive, I chased them all away."

"Good-" she lets her eyes close.

The young would be Slayer watches the redhead. "You're safe," she whispers.

The next morning Potential Slayers fill the kitchen. Cereal boxes and milk cartons lay empty on the counter. Kennedy smiles as she sees Willow come down the stairs. The redhead looks around, "Is there food left?" Vi and Rona both shrug but Kennedy smiles and holds up an unopened box of the redhead's favorite cereal and fruit. Willow hugs her without thinking and Kennedy smiles. "You're a life saver."

The teenager blushes, "It was nothing."

Willow sits down beside her, "In a room full of Slayers-I know better than that."

"I'll grab the milk," Kennedy is gone before she can answer and back before she can close the cereal box back up.

Buffy watches from the top of the stairs as the two of them start to talk. She smiles and then senses Dawn next to her. Buffy glances at her sister as the teen watches as well. "You heard it too-last night?" Buffy asks.

Dawn nods, "She was laughing. She hasn't laughed like that since-" Dawn stops.

"I know," Buffy finishes. She sees her friend smile as the young Slayer-to-be says something.

"I'll try to like her," Dawn promises.

"Try really hard Dawnie."

"She reminds me of Faith," comes Dawn's words and they surprise Buffy.

As the Slayer thinks back over the last few weeks she can see some similarities too, but decides it's not important. "You never met Faith," Buffy reminds her. "Not really."

"But the memories are there."

"She's not Faith," Buffy assures her.

"She's not Tara," Dawn counters.

Buffy thinks about the words, "No, but she doesn't have to be-not as long as she makes Will happy."

Dawn nods slightly, "Yeah-okay, but if she hurts her."

Buffy nods, "I'm right there with you."

The next day Kennedy knocks on the door of Dawn's room. The other teen opens it slowly somehow sensing it's the would be Slayer.

"Hey," starts Kennedy.

"Hey," she stands in front of the door unmoving.

"Can I come in?" Dawn doesn't answer with words, she just moves from the doorway. She sits on her bed as Kennedy closes the door and looks nervously at her. "I'm just gonna say it-cause that's me. Tell me about them-about Tara."

Dawn looks at her unsure, "Why?"

Kennedy answers straightforward, "I need to know how she made Willow smile." She sees a picture of Willow and Tara on Dawn's dresser. "Smile like that," the younger girl's eyes follow hers to the picture and the words begin to soak through. A touch of understanding begins to take root and she feels a tinge of pity for the young woman in front of her. "Kennedy you can't be Tara."

Kennedy gets more determined, "I can make her smile like that-I will..."

Dawn interrupts her, "You made her laugh-" tries the girl.

"It's not enough she still has nightmares."

"They're getting better though right?"

"Some," Kennedy agrees.

"Because of you, she likes you."

A little smile spreads across the woman's face, "You really think?"

Dawn smirks, "As much as I hate to admit it-yes." Kennedy rolls her eyes. "She just doesn't know it yet."

"And you do?" Dawn nods. "How?"

"Cause I know Willow," she says simply.

Kennedy sits down on the bed across from the former Key, "I want to know her too-like what's her favorite color-what was she like when she was five-" Kennedy's eyes sparkle and Dawn grins, "And why is she afraid of frogs and..."

"Whoa!-" Dawn stops her. "Okay-blue, she was a spaz and the frog thing no one knows." The teenager smiles. "Learning all those things-it just takes time."

"Yeah, I guess-I'm not good with waiting."

"You're gonna have to be, she's gonna need that."

"I get it," she smiles at Dawn just a little. "So not gonna kill me in my sleep anymore?"

"Only if you hurt her," she says her words as cold as they were warm seconds before.

"Fair enough," they both sit quietly. "Dawn will you tell me about Tara?"

The teen smiles at Tara's name and the images it brings, but then slowly shakes her head. "No, she'll tell you-let her do that-she needs to."

Kennedy nods and then stands, "Thanks-I owe you."

Dawn grins, "Damn straight."

Kennedy grins, "A Willowword." They both smile as she goes out the door.

A few more days pass and the threat of the Bringers seems to have actually stopped. The alphabet eyes haven't showed themselves for a week or more. However, Buffy still insists that all must be on the lookout.

Willow is sitting on the couch ancient texts surrounding her and one in her hands as she tries to get a better idea of what the Bringers represent. She puts down the book and picks up the next as Kennedy walks into the room. "There you are." She smiles, but it fades as the witch looks up at her, her eyes tired.

Willow smiles a little, "Here I am."

Kennedy frowns a bit, "Okay I was gonna try to talk you into lunch, but now change of plans." She takes the book from the redhead.

"Hey-" she protests.

"Shhh-" she sits on the coffee table. "Now turn around and put your feet up on the couch. Get all comfortable." Willow raises a confused eyebrow. "You need a nap."

"I'm fine, " Willow states. "I'm a big girl-"

"Maybe," she concedes, "But the little girl-well she needs rest."

Willow's eyes meet those of Kennedy and without protest she lies down on the couch on her side. "Better?"

Kennedy nods and stands, then covers her with a blanket from the back of the couch. "Want me to get your pillow?"

Willow smiles, "No, I'll be okay."

"Okay, then I'll go get some burgers-no, soup and salads would be healthier for her-I'll be back."

Willow rolls her eyes but also grins at the would be Slayer. "I'll be here."

Kennedy smiles and starts to reach down a touch her face but stops herself remembering Dawn's words about patience. "Better be," she grins and then leaves.

Later Dawn walks in to find the redhead curled up on the couch asleep. She smiles as she looks at her then begins to clean up the pile of books around her. Willow stirs, her eyes flutter. "Kennedy?" She whispers.

"No, it's me Dawn," she grins as she watches the redhead's eyes open.

"Oh hey," her hand goes to her stomach.

"You feeling okay?"

"Un huh-Kennedy thought I needed a nap." She stretches a little.

"Looks like she might have been right."

Willow grins, "Maybe, but don't tell her that. She's cocky enough." Dawn smiles. "Besides the research needs done and why do you have my books?" She asks as she sees some of them in Dawn's arms.

"I was just gonna put up the ones you didn't need."

"And how do you know which ones those are?"

Dawn smiles, "There's a Willow pattern to discarded books." She walks across to the shelves and puts them away. The woman watches for few seconds but then her eyes close. Dawn walks back to her and sits on the table. Green eyes open again, "Will?" She gets suddenly serious.

"Is something wrong?" The redhead sits up slowly.

"No-just you know Kennedy likes you right?"

"I like her too."

Dawn looks away and then into Willow's soft green eyes, "I mean likes you-likes you."

Willow takes a moment then her eyes go large, "No, she doesn't."

Dawn counters, "She does."

Willow looks nervous, "But I-Tara-" she stops and tears start to form. Dawn leans forward and wipes them away as they trickle down her cheeks. "She's my always-"

"I know." Dawn takes a deep breath trying to calm herself. She doesn't want to cry in front of the redhead. "But she would want you happy."

The older woman looks across the room as more tears fall and she wipes at them. "Yeah."

Dawn looks at her unsure, "I didn't mean to make you cry."

"I just miss her so much," Willow says softly.

"Me too." She pauses, "Would talking help? Cause you could talk to me-or-" she hesitates, "to Kennedy."

She looks at the teen unsure, "I don't-I-"

"You don't have to-but-it would be okay if you did."

"You know this how?" A slight smile finds its way to Willow's lips.

Kennedy walks in before the young woman can answer, "Hey, that's not napping."

"But it was, before Dawnie started taking my books," she starts.

Dawn stands, "I should go-" She picks up the remaining books.

"Hey, I haven't finished with those." The redhead tries to protest.

"I can do that, you have a nice lunch." Dawn smiles at her friend.

Kennedy looks at the teen, "Wanna join us?"

"No thanks, I'm actually going to the mall-junior Slayer excursion."

"And no one invited me?" Kennedy looks a little hurt.

"I was going to, but it looks like you have better plans." She grins.

Kennedy smiles too, "True," she looks at the redhead.

Dawn leans forward and kisses Willow's cheek. "Talk to you later."

"Have fun," the witch says as the teen leaves.

Kennedy takes the seat Dawn had on the table. She looks at the redhead in front of her, "So food here or the backyard?"

"A picnic? That sounds fun-" she lifts the blanket from the couch. "I got the blanket." A smile crosses her face.

Kennedy smiles, "And I got the food." She stands and holds out her hand.

"Looks like we're all set then," Willow takes it without thought to help her stand, but then continues to hold it as they start through the house.

Kennedy smiles, her heart pounds as she feels the soft hand in hers.

Later Willow and Kennedy sit on swing in the backyard. The blanket is spread out in the grass in front of them, most of the food is gone. "That was nice," the redhead says softly. "Thank you."

Kennedy smiles, "Anytime." Willow takes a deep breath, but then lets it out slowly. "You okay?" Concern fills her words.

"Mmm-yeah-" she puts her hand on her stomach. "She's just letting me know she's awake." Willow takes the young woman's hand and puts it on her growing belly. "Feel that?"

Kennedy's eyes go wide, "Wow!" She looks up at the redhead. "That's-wow." She isn't sure what to say.

"Yeah-" she smiles a little. "I wish-Tara's missing it-" she says a little sadly. "Missing it all- she doesn't even know."

"I think she does," says Kennedy her hand still resting on Willow.

"I hope." She fights tears.

"What was she like?" Kennedy asks softly.

Willow looks into her eyes, "She was my everything-" Kennedy looks down and then back up. "She was the gentlest person I ever knew. She never hurt anyone or anything-and he took her from me-from all of us." Willow's tears fall. "And I hate him for it and I hate myself for hating him cause I know she wouldn't want me too." She turns slightly and lays her head on Kennedy's shoulder. "I miss her so much."

Kennedy wraps her arms around her tentatively, "I know. Shhh-I know." She presses a kiss to the side of her head softly. "I got you-let it all go."

"It's not fair, it's not- I want her back. I want her here with me. It's not fair. She should get to see her." Tears tumble from her eyes as the words tumble from her lips. Kennedy holds her tighter, presses her lips to her hair. "Please Tara please come back."

Kennedy's eyes tear up as well as she worries about the woman in her arms. She worries about how she'll be able to get over the loss and how she can help her. She thinks about her own life, her own losses-suddenly she realizes there have been so many. She replays each one-her mother, that was the first, but she was too young to remember. The last, her watcher-but he was more-Jarred was the father she never had-her father was too busy with work and his new family to care about her. Finally an image flashes and she smiles a sad smile as tears run down her cheek, she whispers softly, "Abuela." With that word another fills her mind and then her heart, 'El pequeno.'

Willow pulls back at the word. She sees Kennedy's tears though the Slayer-to-be tries to wipe them away. Willow touches her cheek, brushing at the remaining wetness. Kennedy does the same for the redhead, "Abuela?" Willow asks as their eyes meet.

Chapter 3

Willow cups her cheek and without thought Kennedy leans into her hand, "Slayers don't have to be tough all the time," she says softly.

"We do," she replies. She takes Willow's hand from her cheek and holds it in hers. "What do you say to desert?"

The redhead nods, letting the younger woman's words go for now. "I'd say ice cream is yummy." She smiles and so does Kennedy.

"Let's go see if there's any, we might have to find an ice cream shop." She stands and again holds her hand out to the redhead.

Willow takes her hand and stands slowly, "I hid some last night-behind the broccoli, in the very back." She grins and blushes at the same time.

"Very tricky," the younger girl adds. "I wouldn't touch broccoli to look for it." Hand in hand they start for the house.

Later Willow and Kennedy are sitting in kitchen giggling. "The look on your face was priceless," states the redhead.

"Glad you're having such a good time at me expense. I told you I hated broccoli and you made me touch it." She fakes a pout.

"Hey you wanted to fix me ice cream, I could've gotten it myself you know." She smiles.

"I invited you, I do the fixing. That's just the way it is." She grins, a little of her self-assured attitude comes back.

Willow looks at the younger woman across from her at the counter and pretends to be contemplating, "So, if I were to invite you to say a picnic, I'd have to do the fixing?"

"Exactly," Kennedy says without realizing what the redhead is doing. The redhead grins, "No-I mean-not you."

"And why not?" Asks the witch.

"Well because," a pause, "Damn!" She shakes her head and then sticks her tongue out at the redhead. "You tricked me."

Willow smiles, then grins, and then it's a giggle, "I did."

"Pretty proud of yourself huh?"

"A little." She is serious as she speaks, "Let me do this okay? For you Kennedy, cause I want to- please?"

Kennedy rolls her eyes and then looks into the soft green across from her, "How could I say no to you?"

Willow's smile brightens the room. "Sunday okay with you?"

The Slayer-to-be nods, "Sunday works for me." She stands, "It's a date." She says with a smile and a wink before she starts clearing the bowls from the counter.

Willow is suddenly nervous, her internal babble starts. 'Date-I ah-is it?' She questions herself. 'Should it be?' Before she can work herself into full worry she hears Buffy's voice.

"Kennedy, training in ten in the backyard."

"Sure, Buffy just let me clean this up." She turns on the water.

"I got it," Willow forces a little smile. Kennedy looks at her unsure. "Go, I can wash two bowls," the redhead tells her.

Kennedy smiles, "Thanks, I need to change." She jogs up the stairs and Willow watches her out of sight.

Buffy smiles, "So what have the two of you been up to all day?" She raises an eyebrow.

"Ah-" suddenly worried. "It was lunch and then talking, and Buffy it was a date I think-" a pause to pull in air as her babble takes over. "It can't be a date right cause of Tara. I love her and I can't-no-no dating-" tears start to fall. "None-no-I'll just tell her that I can't-I won't-I shouldn't-"

"Whoa-Wills-" Buffy puts her hands on her friend's shoulders. "Take a breath."

Willow does but the tears don't stop, "Buffy-" she breathes out. "What am I gonna do?"

The blonde pulls her close and leans her forehead against the redhead's, "I think-" she thinks about her words carefully. "I think that you should think about what you wanna do Willow. Really think okay?" Buffy looks at her friends puzzled face. "To many thinks in there sorry."

"Lots of thinks yeah-but lots of thinking to do," admits the witch.

"Yeah." Before she can finish her thought the young Potentials come bounding down the stairs and into the room. Buffy looks at Willow sympathetically. "I have to go."

"Got a world to save, don't worry about me." She forces a little smile.

Buffy hugs her and then looks at the would be troops, "Let's go." They file out behind her.

Kennedy stops beside the redhead and notices the tears, "You okay? I can skip this it's really no big deal."

Willow grins, "Better not let Buffy hear you say that."

Kennedy grins and shrugs, "Like I'm afraid of her." She rolls her eyes. Willow giggles a little. "We could-"

Before she can finish her sentence the blonde is back in the doorway, "Kennedy, move your ass-flirt on your own time." The Potential blushes, as does the redhead. As Buffy turns she grins at their reaction.

Kennedy pulls herself together and smiles at the still blushing redhead, "See you in a little while?"

"Ah-not sure, I may be gone for a couple of hours."

Kennedy looks unsure, "Watch the dark huh-don't lose track of time."

"I won't. Go train before Buffy gets all eeeee and grrrrrrrrr-" She smiles a bit.

Kennedy turns and goes out the door. Her back to Willow her smile fades. She jogs out into the yard worrying about the redhead.

Later, Willow is standing on campus outside the student center. She goes inside and over to the room that was once used as the meeting place of the Wicca group. She stands in the doorway and as she looks around the room the memories come fading back. Words and pictures play in her mind. She watches the shy young blonde, her blue eyes hidden behind her veil of hair. The witch smiles as she remembers the girl, her girl-Tara would always be her girl. Her hand goes to her rounded stomach and she smiles a little as she whispers softly, "This is where I met your mama."

The day and the reminiscing continues. She walks around Sunnydale talking to her unborn child telling her everything about her mama. As she reaches the park she tells about their picnics there and then one of her favorite memories, "She sang to me here-my shy sweet Tara-she had a beautiful voice." The thought that the child could have been rocked to sleep by it makes her sad. "I don't sing-but I can hum. Will that be okay?" She begins to walk again.

She finds herself at the dorms, and with a smile she walks inside Stevenson for the first time in years. She walks toward the room that was Tara's and to her surprise it is standing open. She smiles as she steps inside, her mind takes her away again.

Tara is sitting on the bed and she stands at the phone, "I am you know-yours," says the blonde softly, her blue eyes shining.

The redhead in the room with her smiles and steps closer to the bed. She stands looking down at the blonde and her smile brightens, "Really?"

Tara nods, now nervous surprising herself by saying the words, "Really-if you-I mean-"

"If you-" Willow is nervous too. "I'm yours too."

Tara nods and then Willow nods too. They both grin and lean forward at the same time their foreheads bumping. They giggle and look into each other's eyes. "Maybe we should-"

But before Tara can finish, the redhead leans forward again and kisses her lips softly. A few tentative seconds later they pull back and smile, then kiss again this time more sure of themselves.

Willow takes a deep as she returns to the here and now, "First kisses are nice," she smiles. "But you don't have to worry about those for a very long time." She says with a wink as she pats her tummy. Then out of no where Kennedy fills her mind and her soft lips hover inches from her own. Shocked, Willow leaves the room quickly.

As dark approaches, the redhead returns home but does so quietly. No one realizes she's back. She goes into her room and pulls a photo album out from her dresser drawer. She sits on the bed, her legs in front of her and begins to look through it.

Downstairs Buffy, Dawn and Kennedy are having a contest to see who is the most worried-they however refuse to admit it. Buffy looks at the clock for the third time in the last ten minutes and Kennedy looks out into the darkness for any sign of her. Dawn finally speaks, "The two of you just need to stop. Willow can take care of herself-powerful witch remember?"

"Right," Buffy reasons. "She's probably at the cemetery right just talking to Tara cause sometimes she does that."

"Cemetery?" Kennedy moves across the room and starts up the stairs. Buffy follows.

"What are you doing?" Asks the Slayer.

"Getting my crossbow-Damn! I thought your sister was the crazy one-you're just gonna let her be out at night in a cemetery?" She opens the door to the room and Buffy follows her in. They both stop as they see the sleeping redhead on the bed the album across her stomach. Kennedy relaxes and looks back at the blonde.

"Wonder how long she's been here?" Whispers Buffy.

"Long enough to fall asleep." She picks up the album and lays it on the bed beside the redhead. She covers her with the blankets by pulling them across her leaving one side of the bed with only a sheet. She caresses her cheek forgetting all about the Slayer. Buffy watches for a minute but with a smile she slips away closing the door behind her. Kennedy touches the redhead's cheek with the back of her hand. "Glad you're safe," she says softly.

"Tara?" Asks the sleepy redhead in a whisper as her eyes open.

Kennedy forces a smile, "It's Kennedy, I didn't mean to wake you."

"No, it's okay-what time is it?"

Kennedy shrugs, "Dark," she says simply.

Willow makes a face as she sits up, "I worried you." She looks at the younger woman and without thinking reaches and takes her hand.

"No-well yeah, but you're okay so not worried now."

"I was all antisocial when I got back, I needed time to just-" she stops when she sees Kennedy's eyes go to the photo album. "Today was-I really missed her."

Kennedy's eyes meet hers as the Slayer-to-be nods. "I understand," she says.

"I know you do, I don't know why-but I can tell. You lost someone too didn't you?"

"You should sleep," she lets Willow's hand go. "I'll ah-we'll let you know when dinner is ready." She turns and goes, not giving the redhead time to ask questions.

The witch watches her leave a little hurt and unsure. She thought she and Kennedy were friends, could talk about things, but she was hiding something from her. As Willow starts to get angry she realizes that she is hiding too, hiding behind Tara and keeping things from the young Potential. She looks at the album and picks it up. She turns to the first page and smiles at the blue-eyed blonde smiling back at her. "I'll always love you," she whispers as her fingers touch the page and trace the lines of her face. "Always."

Dinnertime comes and goes. The would-be Slayers, with the exception of Kennedy, talked non-stop. Kennedy however was unusually quiet and so was Willow. As the room clears Kennedy and Dawn stand alone in it. "So, is she mad at you because you were all over protecty?" Asks the younger teen to the older.

"I don't think she's mad, she just had a rough day and doesn't want to talk about it. At least not to me." Kennedy shrugs and starts outside.

"Where are you going in Sunnydale at night?" Dawn asks.

"I need some air, just going to the swing if that's okay?" She rolls her eyes at the teen and then leaves the room.

Willow walks back in and sees Dawn but know Kennedy. "Hey."

"Hey, she went outside."

"Wasn't looking for her but-" the lie stops mid sentence and the redhead's eyes get huge, "Dawnie!"

"To the swing Will-relax." The older woman nods. "What happened today usually the two of you are all non-stop with the talking?" Willow shrugs. "I see." Dawn weighs her words, "I'm here if you need to talk about you and Tara-or you and Kennedy." Willow just shakes her head and crosses her arms around her waist. "Okay," she hugs the redhead and goes up the stairs.

Willow looks at the door and starts to it. She stops with her hand on the doorknob and looks out at the swing. Instead of swinging in it the younger woman is pacing around it. "I'm sorry," she whispers. "This is my fault but I don't know how to fix it." She leans her forehead against the door and turns to go up the stairs.

That night and the next day are pretty much the same. Both Kennedy and Willow are quiet and both seem in deep thought. The others notice and though Dawn wants to ask them what's wrong, Buffy tells her to leave them alone just a little longer. The teenager agrees, but looks at her sister her words serious, "If she hurts her, I will kick her ass just like I promised."

Buffy looks at her worried sister, "Problem is Dawnie-I'm having a little trouble deciding who's hurting whom." She looks toward the stairs. "I can't get either of them to talk to me."

"I didn't have any luck either," Dawn admits. "What about Xander, "I mean Will talks to Xander right?"

"He says he doesn't know anything either."

Dawn glares at the stairs.

In her room Willow is typing on her laptop and Kennedy is no where to be seen. She types in the word 'abuela' and hits the translation button. Willow reads the words and everything falls into place. She hears someone at the door and exits the site then closes the computer. She puts it on the bedside stand as Kennedy walks in.

The Slayer-to-be's hair is still wet from the shower. She is dressed in shorts and a tank top. She towels her hair in silence and then combs it. She glances toward the redhead a couple of times but she's not looking her way. Finally the lack of talking gets to her and she speaks, "So, we ah-" she turns to face the redhead who is now looking at her. "We still doing the picnic thing tomorrow?"

Willow nods, "If you want."

Kennedy rolls her eyes, "If you want," she counters.

"Fine, we'll leave at noon?" Asks the redhead.

"Noon's fine," Kennedy says as she crawls into the sleeping bag.

Willow turns off the light and as she does she asks, "Abuela-that's Spanish right?" She waits for an answer she never gets.

A few hours later the redhead gets up to go to the bathroom. When she comes back in she hears the teenager crying out. "No-no Abuela-don't, don't leave me please don't leave me."

Willow walks over to her and with a little trouble manages to kneel next to her. "Kennedy, sweetie-can you hear me?" She watches the young woman struggle with the dream. "Kennedy?" Finally the young woman's eyes open and in even in the dark she can see the fear and embarrassment. "I-I had a bad dream."

Kennedy sits up and composes herself, carefully wiping away tears she hopes the redhead didn't see. "You okay?" She is finally able to ask. Willow slowly shakes her head, Kennedy stands and reaches a hand down to her. The redhead takes it and stands. "You crawl back in bed and I'll make you some cocoa with that pretend chocolate stuff."

"You don't have to," Willow says softly.

"I know." She leads her to the bed and waits as she crawls under the covers. "Be right back." She goes out of the room and closes the door behind her. She starts down the stairs, but stops on the landing trying to wipe the affects of the nightmare away. She wipes her eyes and then runs her fingers through her hair. After taking a deep breath she jogs downstairs.

In her room, Willow's mind races. 'Why won't she talk to me?' She shakes her head and looks at the album on still on the nightstand from days before. "Maybe-" she whispers. "Just maybe."

A few minutes later Kennedy returns to find the light on and the redhead sitting up in bed. At first she worries that maybe she shouldn't have left her alone that she was so afraid that she had to turn on the light, but then she sees the photo album on her lap. "Hey you go." She hands the cocoa to the redhead.

"Thanks," she forces a smile. "Come sit with me? Just till I finish, unless you're too tired."

"Not too tired," Kennedy sits on the edge of the bed.

With a little effort the redhead moves over enough so that she can stretch out beside her. "I wanna show you something." Kennedy carefully moves trying not to jiggle her. Willow rolls her eyes, "I won't break," she smiles.

"I just," she rolls her eyes too, "I know that but you yacking up your dinner on me, not my idea of fun."

"I haven't thrown up in months." Willow glares playfully. Kennedy moves closer and after a sip of cocoa the redhead opens the book to the first page. "This is Tara," she starts with a sigh. "She was my always, my everything." She struggles to keep the tears away and the pain from her words.

"We don't have to do this." Kennedy tries to assure her.

"I need to, okay?" Asks Willow softly. Kennedy nods and the redhead turns the page. "This was the first picture of us together. I think Xander took it."

"She's pretty," Kennedy says as she looks at the page.

"Yeah-inside and out." Tears try to escape but she forces them away again. "So gentle-" she shakes her head. "But her family-they were so mean. Not-not her mom-she was like Tara-but she died and they were-they were so degrading of her."

Kennedy misses the last part her own mind reeling at the knowledge that she and Tara had something in common. "My mom died too," Kennedy says in a whisper. "I was two-almost three, I try but it's getting so hard to remember her." Tears try to slip down her cheeks but she won't allow them.

"What happened to her?" Willow asks her soft green eyes meeting Kennedy's brown.

"My dad said that someone broke in the house and tried to rob it. She got in the way." The tears now fall. "I just remember her hiding me in the closet and telling me to be still." Willow's soft fingers brush the tears away. "And I was. I hid for hours, 'til I heard my dad."

The talking continues into the night and then just before sunrise Willow speaks softly, "Tell me about Abuela-that means grandmother right?"

Kennedy nods and then leans her head on the Willow's shoulder, "Yeah, she ah-she pretty much raised me after my mom died. My dad he was always gone on some business trip or with some woman." She stops. "I loved her so much," she stops again and more tears fall. "I miss her everyday."

Willow's eyes close at the younger woman's words. "Yeah, but it gets better right?"

"Yeah," she says hearing the need for hope in the redhead's voice. "It's better than in the beginning."

"How long has it been since," she stops. "I'm sorry I-"

"No, it's okay. It's been a little over a year. I had just turned seventeen."

Willow puts an arm around Kennedy, "Tell me about her."

Kennedy puts an arm around Willow as well as she smiles a little, "She was..."

The next morning the Potentials, Dawn and Buffy sit in the kitchen, breakfast over. The teenagers are arguing over who should do the dishes. A worried Buffy sounds off, "All of you now-clean." She gives out assignments and dares any of them to say a word.

She looks at Dawn and they both look towards the stairs. "Think we should check on them?" Asks the blonde.

Dawn looks unsure, "You don't think they're-"

"No! No absolutely not, Willow wouldn't." After a second to think she adds, "Do you know something I don't-did she tell you they were-?"

"No-did she tell you?" Dawn's words are soft as she realizes some of the others are listening.

Buffy shakes her head and stands. Dawn stands as well and together they go upstairs. Quietly they knock on the door and when they get no answer Buffy opens it just enough to fit her head in. She smiles as she sees them asleep in each other's arms. She moves inside and Dawn follows. The teenager notices that Kennedy has no cover so she picks up the sleeping bag and drapes it over her. Buffy carefully takes the album from Willow's hands and lays it on the nightstand. She and Dawn both back out of the room. At the door Dawn says quietly, "They're cute together." Buffy nods as they leave.

Willow snuggles against the body next to her. Her head rests on Kennedy's shoulder. As the redhead's eyes slowly open and the young Potential comes into view she nearly panics and pulls away, but she forces herself to stay. She turns her head a little and smiles at the arm draped protectively across her tummy. Willow lets her eyes close and soon she is asleep again.

As the redhead's breathing evens out, the young Slayer-to-be smiles and opens her eyes. 'Yes!' She thinks, happy that the woman didn't turn away from her. She holds her a little tighter, then brushes a lock of red hair behind her ear. She watches her sleep.

Later Willow wakes to find Kennedy smiling at her, "Morning," the Potential whispers.

"Morning," she moves her head to her own pillow but doesn't move her arm from across Kennedy. "Looks like we fell asleep," her voice soft.

"Looks like," agrees the younger woman. "We should probably get up." Her stomach growls.

Willow adds with a smile, "And find you some breakfast."

"Wouldn't vote against it," she grins.

The redhead sits up slowly but suddenly her hand goes to her stomach. "Morning baby," she says a little breathlessly. Without thought Kennedy puts her hand next to Will's. They both smile a little shyly then get up quietly.

Standing on the back porch later Willow and Kennedy watch the rain continue to fall. The redhead pouts, "Grrrrr rain is bad-the Bringers and what ever it is we're dealing with isn't enough, now the weather's out to get us too?"

Kennedy hides a grin. "I'm sure it's nothing personal Willow."

"I know," she whines a little. "But the picnic is ruined."

"Nah," the younger woman shakes her head as a big smile crosses her face. "You just work on the food, leave the rest to me." Willow looks at her unsure. "Trust me," she says and bites her lip nervously. "Be ready by 2."

Willow nods, "Okay, but what are you up to?"

The Slayer-to-be smirks, "You'll just have to wait and see won't you?"

The redhead pouts again but this time somewhat playfully, "Waiting is no fun."

Kennedy giggles, "There could be fun-after the waiting though-Maybe." She raises a suggestive eyebrow.

Willow rolls her eyes and shakes her head, "In your dreams Slayer."

"How do you know witch? Have you been reading my mind?" Willow's face goes pale. "Will?" The younger woman looks at her scared.

Chapter 4

Willow backs away, "No-no don't touch me." She continues backing away. "Don't touch me," she repeats. Her words are getting more frantic. "I have to go, I have to get away," panic now sounds in them as she goes into the house and the younger woman follows.

"Willow, you're scaring me. What's wrong-what did I do?"

Willow's tears fall. "Stay away," she repeats as her body trembles and her face gets paler. "St-stay away from me." With those words Dawn walks in. "I-I have to-" she starts to fall and as she does Kennedy catches her lowering her to the floor.

"What did you do to her?" Dawn asks accusingly.

"Nothing-get Buffy." She loosens her collar and checks her pulse.

"No, I'm not leaving her alone with you." She kneels next to them.

"Fine, there's no time to argue. Just make sure she's breathing." She stands and runs through the house. "Buffy!"

The Slayer jogs down the stairs into the entranceway toward the voice. "Kennedy!" She sees the upset girl. "What's wrong? Bringers?"

Kennedy shakes her head, fighting tears. "It's Willow-" she starts.

"Show me," says the blonde. Kennedy nods and they run back toward the kitchen. When they reach the kitchen Buffy sees her sister kneeling next to the redhead. "Will-"

Dawn looks up at her and the Slayer sees the fear and anger in her sister's eyes. "She did this-whatever's wrong, it was her."

Buffy looks at the upset Slayer-to-be, "Kennedy?"

"We-we were talking, planning what we were going to do since it was raining-she just-" she kneels back next to Willow and takes her hand. "Can't this wait-help her?"

Buffy sees the pleading in the younger woman's eyes. "Dawnie get a blanket, Kennedy-ah-a pillow." She checks Willow's pulse and is glad to see it is steady.

Dawn looks at Buffy, "Don't leave her alone with-"

"Go!" Buffy orders and the teen's words stop as she runs for the living room.

Kennedy lets go of Willow's hand, "Buffy I didn't-"

"Go," her tone is softer. Kennedy nods and leaves running up the stairs.

Buffy gets a wet cloth and sits back down with Willow's head in her lap. She gently wipes her face. "Come on Will-you're going to be okay." She continues to softly talk to her friend and wipe her face. Dawn rushes back in with the blanket and puts it over the redhead.

"We should call an ambulance."

"Let's not panic, we know how much she doesn't like hospitals- okay?" Buffy says to her sister.

The scared teenager nods, her eyes focusing on the steady rise and fall of the redhead's chest. "No panicking-got it."

Kennedy comes back into the room and reaches the pillow towards the blonde. "It's her favorite-I think it was Tara's."

Buffy starts to take it but stops. "Here," she stands. "You sit here and I'll get a glass of water."

Dawn shoots Buffy a look that Kennedy catches and the young Slayer-in-training shakes her head. "No, it shouldn't be me."

"Don't argue-" she looks from one to the other. "Either of you." Dawn starts to protest but stops, Kennedy still stands unmoving. "Sit. Now." Buffy tells the woman. Finally, she sits behind the redhead and cradles her head in her lap on the pillow. Dawn adjusts the cover and keeps her eyes on the young woman.

Willow mumbles something inaudible. Her eyes start to flutter as Buffy kneels beside her with the water. "Will can you hear me?" She asks softly. Green eyes slowly open and meet worried hazel as she focuses on the Slayer. "Hey, take a little drink." Kennedy helps her raise her head and she takes a sip before lowering it back to the pillow. "Better?"

"Yeah." Her eyes meet Dawnie's and she sees the fear there, "Hey," she takes the teenager's hand. "It's okay. I'm fine-more than fine. I'm ship shape-" she grins. "That would be literal and figuratively." She rests her hand on her stomach. "You know kinda round like the bottom of a ship." She lets it go when she realizes the teen isn't smiling. Without another word she takes Dawn's hand and puts it on her stomach. "See, she's kicking and everything. No worries I promise." Tears begin to fall down Dawn's cheeks, "Come here Dawnie." Dawn leans down and Willow holds her. "Shhh-it's okay."

Kennedy watches unsure of what to do. She sees that Willow is now calm but worries that whatever she did will upset her again when she realizes the young Slayer-to-be is holding her.

Buffy looks at her friend and then to her friend's friend. "Kennedy, why don't you help Willow up to her room?"

Willow tenses at the name. "No, Dawn can do that."

Kennedy eases the pillow to the floor and Willow's head lowers as well. "I should just-I'm sorry Willow whatever I did." She turns and goes out onto the porch.

Willow watches her leave and she too looks sad. Buffy helps the redhead to her feet as Dawn stands next to them. "Come on Willow, I'll tuck you in and we can watch a movie."

"Rest-" Buffy states.

Willow rolls her eyes. "Watching a movie does not overexert the watcher Buff-relax." Dawn and Willow walk toward the stairs.

When they are out of sight Buffy looks at the door that leads to the porch. She glances back at the steps and to the door again. "Drama on top of the apocalypse-things just keep getting better." She goes out the door.

Kennedy is in the backyard sitting on the swing. The rain is falling on her almost unnoticed. The upset young woman is replaying the scene in her mind trying without luck to figure out what she did.

From the porch Buffy watches and rolls her eyes, "Grrrrrr- Bringers are less trouble." She looks at the girl and decides on a course of action. "Kennedy!" She yells. The girl looks toward her. "Get your ass over here, out of the rain."

Kennedy doesn't move at first. She is a little angry. She mumbles to herself, "Who does she think she is? She's not the boss of me."

"I so don't need a hormonal Slayer to go with my hormonal witch." Buffy marches toward the girl and drags her back towards the porch.

"Let me go!" Orders Kennedy. Buffy does just that as they reach the porch. "Who do you think you are? You can't just tell me what to do." Buffy glares. "Okay-with the training and the life and death stuff okay maybe-I'll give you that, but you're not the boss of me. I can stay in the rain if I want."

"Fine, you want to be in the rain great. Have it your way." She grabs the girl again and holds her in the air over the side of the porch as the rain falls harder." Buffy smiles because she is now out of the coming storm. "Happy?"

Kennedy glares. "Just great."

"Now tell me what the hell happened." Buffy orders.

"I don't know what the hell happened." Kennedy shakes her head and the water flies from it. "We were out here talking about the weather ruining our plans. I told her to get the food ready and to leave the rest to me."

"Okay-and she fainted why?"

"I don't know-she was fine. We were joking around. I said something about her reading my mind and she went all spazzy. She kept backing away telling me to-" Kennedy stops as she begins to cry. "I don't know what I did. I didn't mean to-" She looks away.

Buffy understands what upset the redhead and pulls Kennedy in out of the rain. She grabs a blanket from the porch swing and wraps it around her. "You didn't do anything." She looks into Kennedy's eyes. "Get a hot shower. She's gonna need you and you can't help if you're sick."

Kennedy starts to complain about the ordering around again but doesn't she just quietly goes inside.

Buffy looks at the closed door and runs fingers through her hair. "Damn." She closes her eyes and then opens them again. She tries to decide how to help her best friend.

Kennedy knocks on the door to the bedroom. She hears Willow's soft voice. "Come in." The young woman goes inside and sees Willow snuggled on the bed with Dawn.

"I just need to get a few things." Kennedy gets some dry clothes and then picks up the pillow and sleeping bag from the floor. Taking the things with her she leaves without another word. Willow looks confused and a little sad.

Dawn smiles against her shoulder, "This is your favorite part."

Willow tries to turn her attention back to the screen but she can't seem to focus there. She wonders where Kennedy is going to sleep and why it isn't with her, though a part of her is relieved.

Later Buffy sees Kennedy camped out on the living room floor. She looks at the sad young would be Slayer and before she thinks the words fall from her mouth. "Why don't you stay in my room? It's a little rowdy down here when the others settle in for the night."

Kennedy looks up at her, "No-thanks, this is where I should have been all along." She turns back to the television.

Buffy stares at her back for a few seconds trying to decide if she should push the issue. She knows that Kennedy joining the other Potentials has it's upside and its downside. She turns and goes toward the stairs. She knocks on Willow's door and opens it, sticking her head inside and smiling at the two eating and watching movies. "Hey-you've be hold up in here all day."

"Want to join us?" Willow asks.

Buffy smiles and sits on the bed next to the redhead. "You should take a nap."

"I did-right Dawnie?"

"Just a little one." Dawn admits.

Willow rolls her eyes. "That settles it," says the blonde with authority. "Party's over. Pack it up little sister and say goodnight."

Dawn starts to protest but sees the concern in her sister's eyes. "I'm a little tired myself." She kisses Willow on the forehead and hugs her. "You know where I am if you need anything."

"Thanks Dawnie." Willow hugs her back and watches the teen leave.

Buffy settles back against the headboard and snuggles into Willow. Willow giggles. Buffy smiles, "Mmmm- Willow snuggles." They are quiet for a few minutes. "You wanna talk?"

"No, I'm okay."

"I believe you, but what happened to make you all fainty?"

"It was nothing."

Buffy feels Willow tense against her and hears her heart rate increase. "Okay." She sits quietly again. "Mind if I hang out for a while?"

"Nope, best friend time is good." They lie on the bed in silence.

Downstairs the other Potentials crowd into the living room with sleeping bags. When they see Kennedy they are a little curious. "Why are you in here?" Asks Rona.

Kennedy doesn't answer she turns away from them.

Chloe speaks, her words sharp and biting. "She's too good to hang out with us-or so she thought."

Kennedy gets out of the sleeping bag, glares down at the teenager and then picks up her sleeping bag and goes into the kitchen. She puts the sleeping bag down near the door and crawls back inside.

Upstairs, Willow and Buffy still lie in silence while the television plays another movie. "It's not her fault," says the redhead softly.

"I kinda figured, but she thinks it is."

"Will you tell her?" Willow looks up at her friend.

"Why don't you?" Buffy asks.

"I can't, I'm not-I'm afraid I'll go all Eeeeee and confuse her even more." Again silence. "Y-you don't have to explain why-I will and soon, just tell her it's not her fault."

"I'll try, but I'm not sure she'll believe me." The silence returns.

Later, much later in fact Buffy walks into the kitchen to find Kennedy sitting at the table. The sleeping bag is in a tangled mess in the floor. "I couldn't sleep either," says the blonde as she gets out a box of snack cakes and sits down across from the younger woman. Kennedy looks in her eyes and Buffy answers her unasked question, "She's finally asleep."

"You should go back, sometimes she wakes up-the nightmares." Kennedy explains.

"I will but she wanted you to know it's not your fault." Buffy watches her reaction.

"It is-I mean I know I didn't upset her on purpose, but I did upset her."

"She doesn't want you to blame yourself. With Will it's a vicious cycle; you blame yourself and then she blames herself and like that-understand?"

The young would-be-Slayer nods, "Yeah, I actually do. So, tell her for me-no blaming for anyone?"

Buffy stands and smiles at the teenager, "Get some sleep. No way you can handle Willow if you're not rested-my pregnant friend is a little emotional sometimes."

"And stubborn."

"Being pregnant has nothing to do with her being stubborn-that's just Will." Buffy grins. "Good luck with that."

"Thanks a lot," Kennedy rolls her eyes and Buffy laughs as she goes up the stairs. With a smile and a deep breath Kennedy stands and crawls into the sleeping bag. She looks up at the ceiling and whispers, "Night Will-" her eyes close and almost instantly she is asleep.

The next morning Kennedy is eating her breakfast with a little smile on her face. She hides Willow's cereal and fruit in the chair next to her as the others eat everything in sight. The redhead comes down the stairs and looks around the room. She doesn't see Buffy or Dawn-just the Potentials. Kennedy notices her and smiles, then holds up the food. Willow smiles back and walks toward her. The others watch them, almost to the point of staring. Willow gets a little nervous and looks toward the door. "Join me on the porch?"

Kennedy smiles even more, "Absolutely, just let me grab the milk." She hands the cereal and the bowl to Willow and keeps the fruit and picks up the milk.

"What about your breakfast?" They go out the door.

"I ate earlier; sleeping in the kitchen has its upside." She grins. Willow looks a little sad, "Hey-no-don't I understand."

"I don't. I don't understand why you put up with-"

Kennedy gives her a serious look, "Stop and eat your breakfast-I had to beat up two Potentials just for the banana." She grins as they sit down on the swing.

Willow grins at the younger woman, "Which two-cause two of them I could beat up." They both smile.

"I love your smile," Kennedy says without thinking and Willow blushes. She pours milk into Willow's bowl and set the rest on the porch. "Now eat."

"Then can we talk?" Asks the redhead.

"If you want to."

"I want to."

"Then we will, now eat." Kennedy tells her again.

Willow rolls her eyes and the younger woman laughs.

Later the couple swings slightly in the porch swing. "I'm sorry about yesterday," Willow says softly.

"So am I-" Kennedy answers. "Wanna talk about it?"

"No, but we need to."

"Only if you're ready." Kennedy tucks a loose piece of hair behind the redhead's ear. "It can wait."

Willow takes the brunette's hand and plays with the fingers focusing there as she speaks, "I told you I did some things I'm not proud."

"Yeah and I told you everyone has." She lifts Willow's chin and their eyes meet. "It's okay."

"I-I have power-I mean, I can do things that other witches can't. Not even Tara-well maybe Tara but she knew better." Kennedy looks confused. "I can hear your thoughts-make you forget them-" tears start to fall. "I did that to Tara-I was wrong I messed things up with us. She left me because of it."

"But she came back?" Kennedy says softly. Willow nods. "Because she loved you?" Again she nods and Kennedy wipes the tears away. "And yesterday I ask if you were-" she stops. "I'm sorry I was just-I was playing around I didn't know you could-" she stops.

"I know and that's why I'm sorry I was all overreacty for nothing," the redhead says softly. Willow touches Kennedy's cheek. "Forgive me?"

"Nothing to forgive but I will if it makes you feel better," the younger woman smiles.

"So, picnic later?" Willow asks with a smile.

The Slayer-in-Training smiles back, "It's a date."

The redhead nods, "Yeah, it is-a date, okay?"

"Definitely okay," she can't stop the smile.

A few days later Willow and Kennedy come into the house from a walk. The younger woman is smiling carrying a mocha in one hand and has Willow's hand in the other. Dawn walks down the steps and sees them. Kennedy starts to pull her hand away but the witch stops her. Dawn looks at their hands and frowns. "Hey Dawnie."

"Hey-" she gets an apple from the table and starts to leave.

Willow looks at Kennedy and the young woman nods her understanding. "Dawn come swing with me?" Asks the redhead.

"I guess, if you're not too busy," she adds pointedly.

"Never too busy for you, ever."

"I'll see you later." Kennedy says softly as she lets her hand go.

"Back yard swing after dinner?" Asks the redhead and Kennedy nods. She watches Dawn and Willow go outside.

Willow sits on the swing in the front yard but Dawn stands in front of her. "The other day with me being all fainty, it wasn't her fault." Willow starts.

"I know," Dawn rolls her eyes. "I know," she sits down next to her. Willow puts an arm around her shoulder. "Was your walk fun?"

"Yeah, it was. We walked and laughed and talked-oh-and got mochas." Willow smiles.

"And had smoochies?" Asks Dawn quietly.

Willow shakes her head, "Nah-no smoochies."

Dawn looks unsure, "Why not?"

Willow thinks about the question, "I think we're both a little nervous."

"Nervous why? I mean it's just kissing. It's not like you haven't kissed before."

Again the redhead weighs her words carefully, "Well, it's hard to explain."

"You don't like each other like that?" Dawn is confused since she's pretty sure they do.

"No, no-we-we do." She grins. "I do and I'm pretty sure she does-"

Dawn interrupts, "I know she does."

Willow smiles with a little nod as she blushes. "Okay she does."

"So why no kissage?" Dawn asks.

Willow looks down at her rounded stomach and rubs her hand across it. She then looks up at Dawn, "I've not kissed anyone since Tara-" Dawn looks a little sad as does the redhead. "And she's never-"

"Never?" Dawn asks unsure again. "She told you that? Cause if she did she's lying-she's way too hot-" she stops.

"Lying no-she didn't say-I mean-no-okay she's kissed people just not people who are-" she looks down again at her stomach and back up at the teenager.

"Pregnant?"

"Yeah." The redhead nods.

Dawn rolls her eyes. "No that's so not it."

"I think it is."

"I think you're wrong." Dawn contends.

"So what do you think then?" Willow raises an eyebrow.

"She's waiting for you to make the first move." Dawn looks down, then speaks softly, "Which kinda might be my fault."

"Your fault how exactly?"

"I told her to be patient, give you time."

"Dawnie?"

"I was trying to help." The teenager tries. Willow pouts her bottom lip sticking out. "I'll tell her not to be quite so patient and get with the kissing."

"Never mind, I'll take care of it." Willow pauses then the words register. "Did you call my girlfriend hot?"

"Girlfriend?"

"Girl-who is a friend-girl friend. Not girlfriend," corrects Willow.

"Right." Dawn rolls her eyes.

"Oh don't change the subject you said she was hot."

Dawn defends, "I said she was too hot not to have been kissed. There's a difference."

"Right."

"There is."

Willow grins at her, "Right."

Dawn rolls her eyes again and stands, "I'm going to do my homework."

"Again with the right." She laughs as she watches the girl retreat into the house. Her smile fades a little. "And I so said girlfriend. Errrr," she whines.

After dinner Willow and Kennedy sit together on the back yard swing. "Look at the stars, they're beautiful." Willow says softly.

"Uh huh," says Kennedy as she looks at the redhead, "Beautiful." Kennedy's fingers lace with Willow's as the redhead lays her head on the younger woman's shoulder. "Tired?"

"A little." Willow admits.

"Wanna go inside?"

"Yeah, but there's something I want to take care of first."

"Take care of? What's that?" Kennedy asks.

"This." Willow says softly as she leans in and kisses Kennedy gently. Her lips brush with Kennedy's and then she pulls back. "I usually don't kiss on the first date but I thought I'd make an exception just this once."

Kennedy smiles at her, then licks her own bottom lip. "Actually it was more like a third date."

"True, there was the Espresso Pump."

"And the picnic," the teenager adds.

Willow leans in and their lips meet again. This kiss is just as gentle but lips brush back and forth several times before they pull away. "That was nice."

"Yeah," she nods and smiles. "Think later there could be more kissing?"

The redhead just smiles, then whispers- "Maybe."

"Time for a nap then." Kennedy smiles and stands.

"I don't need a nap." Willow tries.

"Come on, just a little one. I don't want Buffy and Dawn all Grrrrrr at me for making you tired."

"Okay you win," she smiles.

"I like winning," Kennedy smiles back. "What do I win?"

"Hmmm-I'll have to think about that."

Kennedy grins and she holds her hand out to Willow who takes it and then stands in front of the younger woman. Without a word or a thought she leans in and kisses Kennedy. As their lips press together, Willow's begin to slowly open and close against Kennedy's. The Slayer-to-be hesitates but then kisses back. Finally, needing air the redhead pulls back. "Wow!" Is all Kennedy can manage.

"Right there with you."

Kennedy's hands tangle into Willow's hair gently as she pulls her back into another kiss. Their bodies are pressed together, and they both moan as they break again for air. Willow's arms are now holding Kennedy against her. "Wow!" Kennedy repeats as she fights for air in her lungs.

"Not-not too weird?" Asks Willow as she looks from Kennedy's eyes to her own extended stomach and then back.

Kennedy shakes her head, "No, just more wow-" after a smile and another soft kiss they go into the house.

Later Willow comes down the stairs and into the living room. She smiles when she sees Kennedy but then frowns when the girl looks up at her, "I woke up and you were gone." Willow pouts.

"I was helping with some research. It's all Buffy's fault."

Buffy walks in with another stack of books, "What's my fault?"

"I woke up with no snuggles." Willow continues to pout.

Buffy smiles then pretends to be sorry, "Sorry Will-I needed help."

Willow sits down next to Kennedy and snuggles against her, "I forgive you but just this once."

Buffy grins and starts to sit down when there is a knock at the door. Buffy starts to answer it, but Dawn jogs down the stairs and beats her to it. She opens the door to find Xander there. "Hey Xander."

"Hey Dawnster- Willow here?" He asks as he walks into the entranceway.

The teen leads him to the others. He looks at Willow. "Hey Will-"

"Hey Xander."

"Got bad news-I have to work tomorrow, they changed my schedule."

Willow looks a little sad but then smiles, "It's okay."

"Buff you could take her right?"

"Sure I could if I knew where I was taking her."

"My Lamaze class." Willow answers.

"Ah-okay can't just remembered-busy tomorrow." Buffy stammers.

"Chicken," Dawn adds.

"You could go with her," Xander says, "I could loan Willow my car."

"Me?" Dawn eyes get big. "Ah I no-school remember?"

Kennedy watches the people amazed, "What's the big deal? I'll take you Willow."

Willow smiles, "You'd do that?"

"Sure," she smiles. "If Xander will loan me his car."

"Not a problem," says the man.

Buffy looks at Kennedy unsure, "What do you know about babies?"

Willow looks at Kennedy too, "I-ah-well honestly-not much. But hey, I'm willing to learn."

Willow looks into the dark eyes of the would-be-Slayer. "You're sure?"

"Hey-I can work a stopwatch, how hard can it be?" She smiles.

"A little harder then that but-" Willow smiles too, then leans in and kisses Kennedy softly. "Come on," Willow stands up with a little trouble and the others smile. Kennedy stands too and takes her hand. "I wanna watch the stars."

"Anything you want." Kennedy touches her face.

"Stars right," says Dawn. Willow mock glares. "You're going outside for more smoochies."

"Jealous?" Willow says with a wink.

Kennedy looks at Dawn, "Crazy pregnant woman-ignore her!" Defends the younger teen.

Willow laughs and she leads Kennedy out of the room.

Buffy looks at Dawn, "I missed something?"

Xander grins, "You usually do Buff."

Dawn laughs, then Xander as Buffy scowls at them both.

Chapter 5

"I slept, then I woke up. My head was all busy." She looks at the younger woman. "I think I forgot something."

"I'm not sure that's possible, you got like everything in the room packed in that bag."

The expectant mom rolls her eyes. "I have to have my hospital bag packed-plus I need the stuff for class."

Kennedy comes in and takes most of it from the redhead, "Here let me get that." She looks at the bag and smiles when she sees the picture of Tara. "Your focal point?"

Willow nods, "You know focal points how exactly?" She gives her a questioning look.

Kennedy grins, "I did a little research last night. Not big on going into something unprepared."

"What?- You're a Girl Scout?" Willow asks with a grin.

The Potential smirks, "Me? Ah-no-but I dated one."

The redhead giggles and then rolls her eyes. "And how many girls have you dated?" Kennedy blushes a little. "You don't have to answer that." Willow looks into her eyes and bites her bottom lip.

"I know I don't have to, but I will if you want."

The redhead laces her arm around the young Slayer-to-be, "Come on, I don't want to be late."

"Why is that?"

"She'll steal my favorite spot."

"Can't let that happen." Kennedy grins and opens the door.

* * *

Willow and Kennedy arrive at the birthing center. They are the first ones there and the redhead smiles as she begins to take the items from Kennedy and places them where she wants them.

The instructor smiles, "I see you got your favorite spot."

Willow grins, "Yep," she lets her hand rest on her stomach.

"And where's Xander?"

"He had to work." Willow explains. "This is my-" she stops not sure what to say and then starts again. "This is Kennedy." She introduces the young Slayer-to-be.

They shake hands. "Nice to meet you," the woman says with a smile. Kennedy smiles back-then looks at Willow wondering if she started to say girlfriend. "I bet Xander just didn't want to see the movie."

"Movie?" Willow asks, then remembers. "The birth movie is today." Kennedy looks a little nervous. "It's okay sweetie if you want to go." She looks at the younger woman unsure.

The Potential takes her hand, "It's fine Will-it's just a movie."

"You're sure?" The redhead asks as the instructor goes to greet others as they come in.

"I'm sure," she forces out and adds a nervous smile. "Let's get the pillows all fluffy."

Willow nods and they begin to arrange her spot the way she likes it.

The class proceeds and the instructor checks each bag making sure it is hospital ready. Willow passes the test with flying colors.

After a few minutes to get settled back into their positions, the class starts its breathing work. Willow leans against the pillows but can't seem to get comfortable. "You okay?" Kennedy asks, her voice a whisper.

"I can't get comfortable." The redhead explains as she puts her hand on her stomach. "She's not happy."

"Come'ere." Kennedy moves the pillows and then slips behind the redhead so that Willow can lean against her. "Better?" She asks as the woman sits between her legs and leans her back against the Slayer-to-be's chest.

Willow nods, a little surprised and smiles. "Yeah," she looks toward the instructor and joins them in their work. She relaxes even more as she feels the younger woman's hand start to massage her lower back. "Mmmm."

"Too hard?"

"No, it feels good." Willow smiles at her as she continues the exercise. Kennedy smiles back as she presses a kiss to the redhead's shoulder. The mother-to-be relaxes even more as she focuses on the touch and the breathing.

* * *

After a short break for the bathroom and a small snack the class is just starting to come back to their spots. As the redhead settles back against Kennedy she hears the woman's soft words. "Movie time huh?"

Willow turns just her head to look into her eyes. She can see the nervousness there. "You don't have to do this."

"I want to." Kennedy says softly.

Without thought the expectant mother leans in and kisses Kennedy's lips. As she pulls back they both blush realizing all eyes are on them. The Slayer-to-be glares and the eyes look away. Willow smiles and Kennedy smiles back.

The movie starts and the instructor talks at various parts. Kennedy's hand laces with Willow's. At some point during the birth scene, both rest on her extended stomach. As the birth occurs, the younger woman smiles at the redhead. "That was amazing," she whispers in her ear as she leans closer.

"Yeah," she breaths back, then her lips brush Kennedy's again.

The Potential lets her chin rest on the redhead's shoulder as the last of the movie plays. Kennedy makes a face as the voice talks about the afterbirth. Willow looks a little grossed out too.

* * *

Later at the house they are all having dinner. Kennedy is quiet as she watches and listens to the redhead talk about class and the movie. She can hear the excitement in her words and she smiles. She stands and puts her plate in the sink. Willow looks up at her, "No seconds?"

Kennedy shakes her head, "No, was hoping I could talk you into desert." She raises an eyebrow and the redhead blushes.

The younger woman realizes her words, "No-that's not-I mean ice cream." She blushes a little too.

The redhead nods, "Yeah-I could be talked into it."

Buffy smiles as her friend stands too, "Be careful."

The young Potential pats her side, "Got my stake and my holy water."

"And me-all with the witchy," grins Willow. "We'll be as safe as houses."

"What does that mean exactly?" Asks Dawn.

"It means we'll be back." Kennedy takes Willow's hand and they go out the back door.

Everyone at the table smiles. Anya grins, "Are they having orgasms?"

"Ahn-" Xander looks at her strongly.

"What?-Everyone is thinking it. So I asked."

"No one else was thinking that." There are some giggles at the table. Buffy looks at them sternly, "And they're not," Buffy states.

Dawn smiles, "Maybe not yet, but..." she lets the sentence fall.

Buffy rolls her eyes, "I think it's your turn to do the dishes."

"It's so not-it's hers," she points at one of the new arrivals.

"Then help her." The blonde Slayer leaves the room.

Xander looks at Anya, "What?" Asks the ex-demon. "Fine, I'll help too."

* * *

Kennedy and Willow in up in the park with their ice cream. They sit on a bench watching little kids playing on the swings and in the sand. Willow can't stop the smile on her face. "You're getting excited aren't you?" Kennedy asks as she looks into Willow's sparkling green eyes.

"I can't wait." She let's her hand rub over her stomach.

The young Slayer-to-be smiles, "You'll be a great mom."

Willow bites her bottom lip, "I hope-now Tara-Tara would have been a great mom." She brushes away a few tears that fall. "She always knew what to do if Dawnie had a problem. And she was way more patient than me. I really need to work on being patient."

Without thought Kennedy kisses her forehead and smiles at the babbling redhead. "I love when you do that."

"Panic?" Willow questions with an eyebrow raised.

"The talking nonstop, it's too cute." Kennedy takes her hand. "You'll do fine, you'll see." The redhead leans her head on the Potential's shoulder.

* * *

A few days later, just as the sunsets, Willow and Kennedy walk onto the back porch hand-in-hand. The redhead leans on the door facing the Potential. Kennedy lets the fingers of her free hand trace along the witch's jaw-then down her neck. She presses her lips along the same path and hears the girl moan softly. "Okay?"

"Mmmm-definitely." She lets her eyes slip closed. Kennedy makes her way back up to her ear and hears the moans get louder. Willow's hands tangle in dark hair and bring the woman's lips up to meet hers. Lips open and close together, the rhythm slow and unrushed. The redhead eases her tongue out to trail over the Potential's bottom lip, the invitation is given and accepted as she slides inside and begins to explore. They moan in tandem as they battle stroke for stroke. Needing air Willow pulls away a few minutes later. Both smile as they try to catch their breath. "Tongue ring," mumbles the redhead as she leans in for another kiss.

"If you don't like it-" Kennedy starts as the kiss ends before another begins.

"No-I-I like it." She initiates another deep kiss.

The porch lights flicker and both look to see Dawn standing in the window with a huge smile on her face.

Kennedy grumbles, "I'm so gonna kick her butt." She frowns playfully.

Willow giggles, "Ignore her." She kisses her again.

"Right cause that works so well." The lights flicker again.

* * *

A week later Willow is fixing some tea when she gets a contraction. She sets the kettle down and leans against the counter taking a breath and letting it out slowly. Kennedy jogs down the steps, "Hey Will." When the redhead doesn't answer she moves toward her. "Willow?"

She takes a cleansing breath and lets it out slowly. "I'm okay just those Braxton-Hicks things."

Kennedy puts her hand on the redhead's back. "You're sure?"

"Yeah-she's not due for four weeks."

"Maybe she's impatient like her mom," she grins at the older woman.

She rolls her eyes, "Meanie."

"What?" She smiles. "I'm just saying." She rubs her back and the expectant mother smiles. "Better now?"

She nods and puts the kettle on the stove without moving away from the hand still rubbing her lower back. "Feels good, it's been achy for the last couple of days."

"When's your next appointment?" Kennedy questions as her mind races to recall information she has read over the last week.

"Friday, but it's nothing to worry about."

Kennedy leans in and kisses her forehead, "Why don't you go lie on the couch and I'll fix your tea?"

Willow frowns, "The room's all full of teenagers."

"I'll take care of that, come on." She leads Willow into the living room. The young girls are scattered everywhere around it. "Out." She orders rather unceremoniously.

A few grumble, "We're watching a movie," states Rona.

"You can watch it later. You should be training," Kennedy informs. The teens stand up and begin to leave one at a time.

"Just cause you're screwing her doesn't give you the right to order-"

"Apologize," Kennedy orders.

"Like hell. You two can fuc-" before she can finish Kennedy hits her in the face, knocking her backwards.

"Kennedy!" Willow says surprised.

Rona gets her balance and comes at Kennedy, knocking her to the ground. They wrestle and hit each other, both getting in good punches.

Willow stands shocked, Dawn walks in and sees them, "Buffy!"

The blonde Slayer runs in and breaks it up, pulling the girls apart. "Enough." She puts a hand on each of them. "Rona, kitchen now."

"My point, she hits me and I get in trouble."

Kennedy glares, "Shut your mouth."

"Kennedy," Willow puts a hand on her shoulder. "It's okay."

"No, she's gonna apologize." She starts at her again.

Willow steps in front of her, "Hey, let it go." Their eyes meet. Kennedy looks from Willow to the other Slayer-to-be and back into sad green eyes. "What she said it's not important."

She looks at the redhead unsure, "Red?" The redhead looks at her with pleading eyes and the young woman remembers the reason for coming into the living room to start with. "Okay," she concedes.

"Cause you know I'm right." Rona pipes in.

Kennedy glares at the would-be Slayer and clenches her fists, "Get her out of here."

Buffy levels her eyes on the teen in front of her. "Kitchen." Rona starts that way and Buffy follows her. "Now," Buffy meets her eyes, "Start talking."

"She came in there ordering us around." Rona complains.

Another girl answers, "We were trying to watch a movie."

"They wanna make out they can use their room." Rona adds.

Buffy glares, "You said that?"

Rona rolls her eyes, "Not exactly those words."

"What words-exactly."

"She told her that just cause she was screwing Willow didn't mean she could order us around." The girl quips.

"You said that?" Buffy gives her a chance to deny the words.

"It's the truth." Rona says simply.

"You will apologize."

"It isn't gonna happen." Rona states.

Dawn walks in and the Slayer looks at her sister. "Call Giles tell him we need a ticket to where ever the hell it is she's from." Dawn looks at Rona and then at the Slayer unsure. "Do it."

"You wouldn't do that-those Bringer guys will kill me," Rona says nervously.

"And your mouth is gonna kill us all-we're a team, if we're not- we're all dead." Buffy glares.

Dawn picks up the phone and begins to dial.

* * *

In the living room Willow tries to clean the blood from Kennedy's lip and around her eye. "Don't-" Kennedy eases away. "I'm okay."

"You big baby," the redhead teases. "Sit still." Kennedy mock growls and then playfully glares. "Stop it and come'ere-lean so I can reach you." Kennedy rolls her eyes but does as the woman asks. She winces a little as Willow cleans out the cut on her eye and puts a band-aid on it. "Sit still." She repeats as she starts on the lip of the Slayer-to-be, gently wiping off the blood. "Okay-now, wiggle all you want." She winks. "I'm gonna get you some ice or its gonna swell." She presses a soft kiss to her eye.

"I can get it, besides-I was suppose to take care of you." Kennedy pouts.

"Mmm-I remember, there was gonna be back rubbing." She looks seriously at the younger woman. "If I let you go get the ice and fix my tea-you promise to be good?"

"I promise to try." Kennedy says honestly, "But if she says anything else about you-"

The redhead leans in and kisses her softly, brushing her lips against Kennedy's uninjured side. As she pulls back she looks into Kennedy chocolate eyes. "I love that you want to protect me-" the younger woman blushes. "And you are-I never thought after Tara-" tears slip down the witch's cheeks. "But you-you make me-"

Kennedy fights her own tears, "I'll be right back." She lets her fingers trace over Willow's jaw line, then leaves the room.

* * *

Kennedy walks into the kitchen and without a word she puts the kettle back on the stove and turns it on. She moves to the counter and gets out the tea bags and a large mug before moving to the refrigerator. Buffy watches the girl, surprised that she is so in control. The Slayer looks at Rona and the teen takes a deep breath. "I'm sorry," she says.

"Don't apologize to me-you apologize to Willow." She gets the ice pack, pours the tea in the mug then leaves the room without another word.

Dawn looks at her sister surprised. "Wow-she didn't hit her."

Buffy nods, "Noticed that, wonder what Willow said to her."

Dawn shrugs, "Not sure, but I wish she hadn't." She glares at Rona.

* * *

Willow is curled up on the couch her head on Kennedy's lap as the younger woman rubs her lower back. The empty tea mug is on the table in front of them. The redhead's eyes drift closed, then Kennedy's do the same. Soon both are sleeping. Suddenly Willow groans out and Kennedy's eyes fly open. "Willow?" Willow fights through a contraction, finally getting her breathing down. When it ends she looks scared. "Red?" Their eyes meet. "More Braxton-Hicks?"

"Not sure-seemed different."

"Okay-we're just gonna not panic."

"Right calm." She nods as she turns onto her back and looks into Kennedy's eyes.

"How's your back?"

"About the same." Willow says softly.

The Slayer-to-be checks her watch. "Turn over-" the expectant mother does just that and Kennedy begins to rub her back. A few minutes later she notices the redhead take a quick breath, "Another one?"

"Yeah," she says in a whisper.

"Start your breathing," she breathes with her and slowly gets up. "Where's your doctor's number?"

"By the phone," she says. "It's not time though." Panic fills her eyes.

Kennedy puts her hand on Willow's tightening tummy, "She doesn't seem to have the time thing down yet, but we'll work on it. Let's just let the doc check it out?" Willow nods and Kennedy helps her sit up. She moves to the phone as the redhead's contraction ends.

* * *

Buffy, Dawn and Kennedy sit in the waiting room. They have been there for nearly an hour waiting on news. Kennedy paces back and forth. Her eyes never leave the door that Willow went through. Even the fact that she is her coach is not enough to get her inside. "What's taking so long?"

Dawn stands and walks to the teenager, "Let's go get something to drink-or you have to hungry right? You're almost a Slayer."

"I'm not leaving, not till I know something."

Buffy stands as the door opens and Kennedy stops in her tracks as the woman walks toward them. It is the Slayer who speaks, "Is she okay?"

The doctor nods, "False labor. She's fine."

"Fine?" Kennedy asks.

"It's normal, sometimes it happens more than once before the baby actually comes."

"I read that-" she nods. "Okay-so, we just-she goes home right?"

"As soon as she gets dressed."

"Good, okay-ah-can I-" she stops looking at Buffy, "I guess really it should be you."

Buffy rolls her eyes, "Go."

The doctor smiles as she sees Kennedy beam, "This way." She follows her through the door.

* * *

Friday comes and goes, Willow's appointment with the doctor is uneventful. When they get back the redhead goes slowly up to her room and crawls into bed. Kennedy tucks her in. "Rest, I'll fix you some tea." She starts to leave.

"No," she pouts. "Want you to stay with me." Willow reaches for her hand. Kennedy laces their fingers together and sits on the bed next to her. She brushes some loose red hair behind her ear. "Hmmm." Willow's eyes close.

The Potential smirks a little, "Sensitive ears?"

"Yeah," the redhead smiles, then blushes. "Very."

"Enough that-" Kennedy looks into her eyes and raises an eyebrow.

"Enough that," the woman confirms, her green orbs locking on the chocolate of the younger. She nervously bites her bottom lip.

Kennedy leans down and kisses her lips softly. The young Potential breaks the kiss and lets her fingers play at the redhead's neck. Her lips following her fingers kissing softly, her tongue teases out for just a second making contact with freckled skin. She forces herself away before her control leaves. "Can't wait to learn all the places." She grins as she sees the need in the emeralds looking back at her.

"Then don't." Willow says surprising both herself and the younger woman.

"You mean-" Kennedy starts unsure. "Red?"

Willow hesitates, but then speaks. "I mean."

She moves to lie next to the witch, her hands caressing as she presses closer. "You sure it's okay-for her?" She lets her hand rest on Willow's tummy.

The mother-to-be blushes and whispers, "Yeah, the doctor said it would be."

Kennedy can't stop the smile, "You asked-you were thinking-you want-"

Willow pulls her close and kisses her gently, "I want-but if you're not ready-we got time." She lets her hand trail over Kennedy's body and smiles as she sees her eyes close.

The Potential forces her eyes open and her body to calm. She takes the redhead's hand in hers and holds it still. "You should know something." Willow looks into her eyes. "I've been with," she stops. 'But this-this isn't like the others. Will, I-"

She leans her forehead against Kennedy's, "I know, I feel-, what you feel, I do too-and it's-it's never been-it's like we've always-" hesitating at the word always as memories of Tara come flooding back. "I'll always love Tara."

Kennedy nods, "I know." She kisses her gently, "But this-it feels like it's right."

Willow nods, "It does-and it is."

Their lips meet in a series of kisses, each a little more intense as Kennedy curls around her side. She pulls away for air a few minutes later and concentrates on the redhead's neck, kissing and licking there as she lets the fingers play along the opposite ear. Willow moans as her eyes snap shut, her oversensitive body humming almost instantly. "You like that?" She breathes against her skin.

"Mmm-just like that," she gasps out.

A few minutes the later the redhead is lying on her back as Kennedy kisses her and tries to maneuver around her tummy. A little frustrated she pulls back kneeling in front of the girl. "Okay, that's not gonna work." She frowns as she thinks about a plan.

Willow opens her eyes and runs her fingers through her hair as she sits up facing the brunette. "Got an idea." She takes Kennedy's hand and leans forward kissing her, while also pressing against her. "Lie back." The Potential lies on her back spreading her legs a little as the redhead moves between them and then hovers over her. Their lips meet again. The kissing again becomes passionate as lips open and close, and then tongues explore. Willow moves one hand to caress the girl's body. She begins to massage gently as her hand rests on Kennedy's breast. The younger woman moans. The Potential lets herself get lost in Willow's touch for awhile before she forces her eyes open and pulls out of the kiss. She breathing is ragged as she smiles. "Have I told you how much I like that tongue ring?" Asks the redhead before Kennedy can tell her what she wanted to tell her.

She smirks, "Definite advantages, you'll find out about those soon." She winks at the witch. Willow grins, then blushes and then moans as Kennedy sits up and the kissing begins again. The redhead's arms wrap around the young Slayer-to-be pulling her as close as she can. Kennedy ends up sitting with her legs around the witch, their bodies touching. She breaks the kiss a little surprised and a bit nervous as she feels the baby move against her. She looks up at Willow.

Willow grins, but then blushes. "I think we woke her up."

Kennedy's hand moves to the redhead's tummy. "Sorry there kiddo," she says as she looks down.

The mother to be lifts the Potential's chin and says softly, "You okay?"

Kennedy nods and kisses her chastely. "Just surprised me, kinda forgot." She grins, "Someone had me all distracted."

Willow smiles, "Really?" She raises an eyebrow. "How'd that happen?"

"Umm let me see," she lets her hands slide down the redhead's body. "There was touching." She leans in and kisses her again, this time not so chastely. "And kissing."

"Ah," she says as she ends the kiss. "Now I remember." Her hands mimic Kennedy's along the younger woman's body. Kennedy leans into the touch and the redhead smiles at the effects she has on the Potential when she hears the moans. She whispers against her ear. "I'm gonna make love to you now." Kennedy reaches down and pulls her own tee shirt off her body. Willow smiles. "Guess that means you're okay with the plan." She kisses along her neck.

"Love the plan," Kennedy breathes out. Her eyes close and she drifts. Thoughts roll from her mind and in the process, the words fall too. "Love you."

Willow pulls back and her shocked eyes stare at the Slayer-to-be. Kennedy worries as she sees the fear in the eyes across from her.

Chapter 6

Willow reaches forward and presses her fingers against the younger woman's lips, "It just surprised me a little cause well-you're so young and we've only-and-what?" Willow smiles slowly.

Kennedy smiles around the fingers as she listens to the witch. "I love when you do that," she says as she takes the hand in hers.

Willow blushes and rolls her eyes. The Potential places a kiss to the palm of the redhead's hand. Their eyes meet again and the older whispers, "Say it again."

"I love when you do that?" Kennedy looks unsure.

"No."

Kennedy smiles nervously as she realizes what the redhead wants repeated. "I love you Willow."

"I love you," she breathes back in a whisper as she leans in and kisses her softly. As lips begin to move together and hands begin their exploration over-there is a knock at the door.

"No-" whines the Potential. "This can't be happening."

Willow smiles as she lays her head on her Potential's shoulder and kisses her neck. "Happens a lot around here-they have a lousy sense of timing."

"Maybe they'll go away." The knock gets louder. "Or not." The Slayer-to-be pouts as she lets her fingers brushes across the redhead's cheek.

Willow lets her fingers trail down Kennedy's back over her soft skin and she feels the girl shiver. She smiles. "Remember where we were, okay?"

"Not likely I'll forget."

They share another heated kiss as the knocking starts back up. Both pull away and glare at the door. "What!" The redhead's reply isn't her normal soft tone.

"Willow-Buffy needs you downstairs." Dawn says through the door.

"Okay Dawn, I'll be down in a minute." She takes a deep breath and looks back at the girl in her lap. "Want to go out later-get away from here?"

"Fewer interruptions, I'm for that." She kisses the redhead gently. "Better go see what she needs." She peels herself from the woman and Willow whines. "We'll finish this later-promise."

"Damn straight," smiles the witch and they kiss again. She slowly moves away and then stands by the bed looking down at the shirtless teen. "You are beautiful." She let's her fingers brush the smooth skin again.

"Hmmm-" moans the girl at her touch. "Better go before I don't let you leave." She lets her eyes close and then opens them licking her lips.

Willow smiles at the effect she has on the girl and leaves quietly. "This better be good," she mumbles as she goes out the door. Kennedy frustrated, flops back on the bed.

* * *

Willow walks into the living room to find the Scooby gang in research mode. Buffy looks up from the text to the redhead. "You feel up to a little research?"

Willow shrugs but smiles, "Not exactly how I planned to spend the evening but if we've got a place to actually start then I'm in."

Buffy smiles at her friend, "Come sit, Giles can tell you all about it after you get comfy."

The hacker rolls her eyes as she sits on the couch, "I passed comfy about three months back Buff-"

"Sorry," frowns the Slayer. "Maybe you should rest."

"I'm okay," she looks to the former Watcher. "What did you find Giles?"

"A prophecy of sorts-or a reference to one."

"That's never good," quips Xander. "That usually means apocalypse time."

Willow looks a little unnerved, her hand going to her stomach, "Oh goody, Buffy gets to save the world again!" She smiles at the blonde Slayer as she regroups forcing the worry away.

"Thanks for the vote of confidence Will, but I'd rather it not get to that point."

From the doorway the young Slayer-to-be speaks, "Me neither, got plans. Don't want anything ruining those." She grins at the redhead. The redhead smiles back. "Need some help with the research?" She looks at Buffy.

"I never turn down help with the book stuff." She looks at the Potential.

Dawn looks at her sister, "That doesn't mean you get to quit."

"Spoil sport," the blonde mumbles at the teen. Everyone not Buffy smiles.

Everyone picks up a book and begins to read. Kennedy sits next to the redhead. "Lean on me," she says softly as she lets her hand caress her arm. "See if that helps." Willow smiles and turns on the couch as Kennedy sits with her legs on the couch and the mother-to-be sits between them resting fully against the Potential. Dawn moves just a little so that they all can sit. "Better?"

"Yeah," she opens her book and begins to read. Kennedy does the same though one hand begins to rub the redhead's lower back.

A few hours later, the group is still working. There are books stacked in the floor into three piles. Useless, more useless and most useless-the group is beginning to get a little disheartened. Willow fidgets a little. Kennedy kisses her neck. "You should take a little break."

Xander nods, "She's right."

Dawn looks at the redhead concerned, "I'll fix you some tea."

"I'm fine," Willow protests.

"Break time," Buffy announces.

"Buffy I'm-"

The blonde stands, "I'm hungry-anybody else hungry?"

"I could eat," says Kennedy.

"Fine, but I don't need to stop." Willow pouts at them all.

Dawn smiles and starts to the kitchen, Xander follows, as does the Slayer. Giles sits in the room alone with the witch and her Potential. He is so engrossed in the book he doesn't realize the others have left. Kennedy nuzzles into the redhead and kisses her neck. "Wanna go upstairs for a while?" Willow turns and looks into her eyes with a smile. "No not to-" the teen explains and the mother-to-be pouts. "To try the relaxation techniques they showed at the last class."

"What do I have to do exactly to convince you that I'm okay?" A serious tone finds the witch's voice.

"It's just it's late and she's only a few weeks away. I don't want you to over do it."

Willow turns, putting her feet on the floor and stands. "Come on." She holds her hand out to Kennedy.

"Where are we going?" Asks the teen with a little smile. She pulls her close and kisses her lips softly. Willow lets the kiss linger and then touches her girl's cheek.

Before the redhead can answer the former Watcher exclaims, "Good Lord!"

"What?-It was just a kiss Giles." Willow looks unsure.

He looks at the couple as if seeing them for the first time. Totally unaware what they had been doing.

Kennedy takes in his state and holds Willow's hand tightly. "You found something?"

"Yes-" he looks around. "Where are the others?"

"Kitchen," says the youngest there.

"Get them."

Willow looks at the man, "You're scaring me."

"It's more dire than I had imagined."

Kennedy starts to the kitchen in a jog just as the others are coming back into the living room. "He found something and it's not good."

They all go that direction, "It never is," mutters the Slayer.

* * *

They sit in the living room once again. Xander looks unsure. "I don't get it."

"What's not to get?" Asks Dawn. "It's pretty clear for a vagued up prophecy. The Slayer can't stop the end of days."

"So it's over?" Kennedy asks with a glare.

Buffy paces the room. "It's not over."

"It sounds over," says the redhead as tears fall from her eyes.

Kennedy moves in front of her redhead, "I just found you no way in hell I'm losing you now." She whispers so only Willow can hear.

She looks into the deep pools of chocolate and sees she means each word. "Kennedy-" she leans into her arms.

"It's not over," Buffy repeats this time her words getting their attention. "It can be stopped right?" She looks at Giles.

"It is possible I suppose if we were to find out who this other is." He says with a nod. "This guardian."

"And what was that about a new one?" Xander asks unsure.

"Maybe it's a new Slayer, one of the Potentials?" Dawn asks.

"What good does that do us?" Xander questions. "If the Slayer can't stop it-what difference does it make if there are a hundred new ones-or even a thousand?"

Buffy glares at the man, "Okay-we get the picture, Slayers pretty much useless." Buffy sighed and looked at Giles with a scowl. "Giles, can you skip the 'thees' and 'thous' and just give me the short form?"

The man opens the book and slips his glasses back onto his face. Giles gives a sigh of long suffering, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Basically, it says that the appearance of this 'Guardian' will trigger the appearance of a new one, but that the new one must appear in a sacred circle. If they don't, then evil will receive the power meant for the new one."

"New one-new one," Buffy sighs frustrated. "New what?"

"A new guardian maybe?" Xander ventures.

"Makes sense," Dawn says. "Like the changing of the guard."

Giles nods as he removes his glasses. "Yes, that could well be. We should try to find all we can about this Guardian."

Buffy rolls her eyes, "Yea! More research."

Willow looks at the group, "You research that, I'll check into the sacred circle-looks like there's gonna be Magicks involved."

"I'll help Willow," Kennedy says.

Dawn smiles, "Surprised here." She grins at the pair.

"Should there be a chaperone?" Xander asks with a playful raised eye.

Kennedy glares at him and Willow blushes causing all but Giles to laugh, "That means yes," Buffy says with a smile, "Just what were the two of you doing when Dawn interrupted?"

Willow blushes even more, "We were-nothing-there was nothing-"

Giles clears his throat, "Shall I remind you of the impending end of the world as we know it?"

Dawn rolls her eyes, "And I get called a Drama Queen."

Even Willow giggles at that, as she takes Kennedy's hand. "He's right, we have work to do."

"True," Buffy concedes.

"Magick books are upstairs," She looks at Kennedy.

Kennedy smiles, "Liking this research better already." She leads her redhead toward the stairs.

Buffy gets in a parting shot, "I'll be up to cheek on you in a few." Her Slayer hearing picks up a little growl from the Potential and she smiles. She flops onto the couch and picks up a book. "Guardians." Each sit and pick up a book as well as the long night continues.

* * *

Kennedy looks up from the book in her hands to the clock on the nightstand. She frowns when she notices that it reads 1:47-her eyes go immediately to the redhead across the room picking up a new book. She stands too and goes to her girl. She takes the book from her and gently kisses her lips. "Way past time for you to go to bed." She lets a hand caress Willow's cheek before trailing down her neck to rest on her shoulder. "Come on, I'll tuck you in-even rub your back."

Willow smiles at the young woman in front of her. "Mmmm." She moans as she feels a hand begin to rub her lower back. "I like when you spoil me."

Kennedy smiles and kisses her lips again, when they pull back she walks her to the bed. Willow climbs in and lies down. Kennedy sets the book on the nightstand and sits beside her. "Turn to your other side." Willow turns her back to her girl with a little effort. Kennedy curls around her and then with both hands begins rubbing the redhead's aching lower back. "How's that?"

Willow lets out a contented sigh, her eyes close. "Amazing."

Kennedy smiles and kisses her shoulder, her hands never stopping. "I'll show you amazing-soon."

Willow can hear the smile in her words, "Yeah-soon as we figure out who the new one is."

"Shhh-no more researchy talk-time to sleep." She lets one hand move around to slowly stroke Willow's rounded tummy. "The baby girl's tired and so is her mommy."

The redhead puts her hand on Kennedy's and soon the Potential can tell by her even breathing that she is indeed asleep. Kennedy lets both arms encircle her girls and she smiles at the thought, "My girls," she whispers. "That's new-but I like the sound of it." She lets her eyes close and in the back of her mind something tries to reach out to her.

* * *

Downstairs the research continues. Dawn stretches then begins to reread the page she just finished. Buffy stands and begins to walk around the room. Even Giles closes his book and takes off his glasses, wiping his tired eyes. He looks around the room. Buffy looks back at those present. "I think the researching fun is over for the night."

"Is there time to waste?" Xander asks.

"I'm not quite sure, but I do know that rereading and rereading because you can't remember is doing very little good. We could miss something important." Giles says as he stands. "I for one think sleep is of the utmost importance at the moment."

Dawn yawns, "Good." She sets the book on the table in front of her. "I hear my pillow calling for me."

"Buffy!"

Buffy scowls, "No that's not your pillow that's Kennedy." She starts for the stairs the others follow as they reach them, Kennedy is standing at the bottom. "Kennedy is Willow okay?"

"She's asleep." She looks nervously at the group. "I think I found something." She hands the book toward Giles.

Go on to Part 2(Chapters 6-Epilogue)

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