Like Mother, Like Daughter

See Part 1 for Ratings and Disclaimers

Who's Your Mama?

"It's not okay." She pulls away and turns to face the redhead. "You're saying she's not mine-that she's Tara's. What, because she has blue eyes?" Her eyes meet Willow's, "That's not okay-it can't be okay."

"No-that's not what I'm saying." Willow moves to her again and touches her check with her hand. "Sweetie she looks just like you."

"You gave birth to her, to them, twins Will-how can they not be yours?"

There is a pause then the redhead speaks again. "I'm saying that maybe- we always wondered how both of us got pregnant with just one spell-maybe that's not what happened."

Kennedy looks up at her, "Another prophecy?" Willow nods and leans forward resting her forehead against her Slayer's. "I don't want to lose her Red-"

"You won't, we won't-she's ours no matter what any book says okay?" Kennedy nods. Willow pulls her close and wraps her arms around her waist as she kisses her lips softly.

Later the couple returns to the room hand-in-hand. The others look up at them and Xander decides to ask what everyone else is thinking, "Will?-What's going on in that head of yours?"

"We-Annie, Aly why don't you take the kids outside for a little while?" The kids cheer but the teenaged Slayers look unsure. The redhead adds, "We'll talk after-promise," the girls nod and they all race for the door.

"Stay close," advises Kennedy as they leave.

"What didn't you want to talk about in front of them?" Asks Buffy.

"I think that maybe there's another prophecy involved. Something to do with me and Kennedy a-and- T-Tara-" the others stare at her amazed unsure of how to respond so they don't. She continues- "Maybe that's why Tara tried to warn us-tried to keep her safe, I'm not-I don't have answers just theories."

Faith is the first to try to put her thoughts into words, "We should hit the books-" they all look at her surprised. "Not actual hitting-research- look for the prophecy," she looks at Buffy, "She told us it was written," she adds.

"She did," agrees Buffy, "I should have thought about prophecies then. I'm sorry-"

"Don't look, let's just now-okay?" says Willow.

Giles addresses them, "I'll try to contact Ethan and a few other sources-Willow you should check with the coven."

"Right," she agrees. He leaves the room and she turns to Kennedy as the others head to the stacks. "We'll figure this out."

"I know-but Willow what if you're wrong and she's not mine?" The tears fall down her face and the redhead wraps her up in a tight embrace.

"She will always be yours-no matter what. You raised her, taught her, loved her-she is yours-ours." The witch amends. Kennedy nods and buries her face against Willow's chest. Buffy watches from the stacks her heart aching for her fellow Slayer.

In the conference room research facility later, the kids are back inside. Giles has been on the phone for hours while the others have been reading all the texts on prophecies.

Annie and Aly are sitting at a separate table as Willow and Kennedy tell them what they think might be happening. The teenagers seem to accept their words as possible. "It makes sense-" admits Aly- "I always wondered about the blue eyes."

Kennedy sort of smiles, "Yeah-me too."

"I might have something," announces Xander. Willow, Kennedy and the teenaged Slayers join them at the table while the others look up from their books. He begins to read, "After the mouth of hell is closed-done that," his voice a little playful. "And the oldest turned back-again check," Buffy gives him a look. "Sorry-trying to break the tension with a little comedy."

"Very little," informs Giles.

"The newly Chosen and her witch-"

"That's us-" smiles Willow- "What I can't be all light and lalala-?"

Xander smiles and kisses her forehead, "Anytime you want."

"Thank you-"

"Can you finish now?" Asks Faith.

"Please do-" says Giles his patients running thin.

"The newly Chosen and her witch will join with the Goddess."

"Goddess-thought that was you Red?" Questions Faith.

"So did I," agrees Kennedy.

"Maybe she is and the witch is Tara," says Buffy.

"Except she isn't Kennedy's witch-" Xander looks at his Slayer.

"We'll sort that out later," Kennedy says, "Just what does it say about Ellie?"

"The child will become two-"

"Twins," clarifies Robin.

"That much is right," says Faith.

"One will fight with power and strength her skills will shine as few others. One will fight with magic and mind. She will see all things past, present and future." He stops letting the words sink in for all of them.

"Her eyes-" whispers Kennedy.

"If she is able to-the First-" Willow's words stop as she realizes the danger her child is to the First Evil.

Faith looks to the little Slayer, Kennedy leaves the table and goes to her daughter. She sits beside her and kisses her cheek. "What's wrong Mama-why are you sad?'

Kennedy shakes her head, "I love you, you know that right?"

The child smiles and turns crawling onto the Slayer's lap. She hugs her and whispers, "I love you too Mama."

As he continues to read Willow listens but her eyes wander to her Slayer and her Seer. Suddenly Xander's voice fades and it is replaced by an all to familiar one. "Tara?" she whispers softly.

'It's me love-' her words fill Willow's mind.

'She's really ours? Yours, mine, and Kennedy's?'

'Yes-' tears stream down the redhead's face. The others are now staring at her but she is unaware. 'Please keep her safe-but be careful how you choose to do so.'

'Angry magic is a big no-right?'

'Definitely-the others will help.'

'And you?'

'When it is allowed.'

'Can I see you-hold you just one more time?'

'That can't be but there is something-'

'Anything-' Willow gasps as she feels Tara's soft hand stroke her cheek. The redhead's tears start again. 'I don't want you to go-'

'I won't be far-I'll be watching.'

'Tara-'

'Will, Kennedy needs you.'

'I need her too-but I need you.'

'Be strong for her, for your kids you are their way.'

'How did you-'

'I must go-'

Willow feels Kennedy's strong arms encircle her and realizes she is sobbing. "Shhhh-" comforts her Slayer. "I've got you-It's okay." Kennedy presses a soft kiss to her lips.

"Tara was here-" she struggles to stop the tears.

"I know-"

"How?"

"Ellie and Erin they could feel her."

Willow buries her face against Kennedy's shoulder and whispers, "I love you-"

"I know Red-and I know a part of you will always love her and that's okay."

"Yeah?" She looks up at Kennedy.

"Yeah-" she kisses her again. Erin and Ellie crawl onto the redhead's lap and hug her too.

Later that night Aly and Annie scoot the younger kids to the bathroom and then the bedrooms. Surprisingly Alex is the first finished. Annie knocks on his door and smiles when she sees his wet hair, "You actually took a bath?" She walks in and over to him.

"Figured why fight it-give everyone a break. The day was kinda blucky."

"Yeah-thanks," she kisses his forehead. "Want me to read you a story?"

"Nah-I'm good-" he smiles up at his older sister.

"Night then," she starts out the door.

"Annie can I ask you something?"

"Sure," she waits for his question.

"Mama-she and Mom, they're okay right?"

"Yeah-I think so. Just stressed and a little overwhelmed with the other prophecy thing but they're good. You don't have to worry."

"Night-" he says as he crawls into his bed.

Down the hallway Aly is tucking in Kristen and Kara- "Aly why was Mommy crying?"

"Did she and Mama have a fight?" asks Kristen.

"No-no fight, it's a Slayer thing. And with the magic-nothing for you to worry about."

"They're not getting a divorce-" Kara looks into Aly's eyes.

"No-absolutely not," assures the teenager. She kisses each child on the forehead and pulls their covers up and around them. "Sleep tight." She turns out the overhead light and switches on the nightlight.

"Aly," she turns to look at her little sister, "Can we go to the park tomorrow?"

"Sure-now sleep."

Annie and Aly stand just inside Erin and Ellie's room. They look at their sisters and then at each other before walking in and sitting on the side of the bed. "You two okay?" asks Annie.

"We're in a book-that's way cool," replies Erin with a smile.

"True-" smiles Annie.

"How about you Ellie Mac?" Aly looks into her sister's blue eyes.

"It's kinda weird but not in a bad way-" admits the child.

"Well if you ever want to talk to us you can cause we're in a book too," confides Annie.

"Wow-" Erin's eyes go wide.

Down the hall the bedroom of the witch and the Slayer is empty. The couple is lying on and under blankets on the balcony. Willow is resting, her back against Kennedy's chest. The Slayer's arms hold the redhead tightly. The witch stares at the stars. "What ya thinking?"

"Crazy day-" answers the redhead.

"Yeah-even for us." They both smile.

"But we're okay right?" asks Willow her voice a little uncertain.

"Absolutely," she places soft kisses on the witch's shoulder and neck. Willow turns in her arms and kisses her lips. She presses her body against her Slayer and they both moan. She finally gets her onto her back and settles herself between her Slayer's leg. "Willow you don't have-" her words are stopped by the redhead's lips.

As she pulls out of the kiss she looks into Kennedy's dark eyes, "I want-okay?"

"Oh yeah-" they kiss again as hands begin to explore.

Across town at Faith's she and Robin are spooned together on the couch, "That's some weird shit-" says the once dark Slayer.

"Language," cautions Robin.

"Kids are in bed, besides it is. I'd be totally freaked if I found out that Nikki had two dads."

"It's different for sure."

"I mean I didn't not get it right-Erin and Ellie are Kennedy's and Willow's and Tara's kids right?"

"Yep-"

"That's weird shit-even for us."

"Not disagreeing just again language."

An evil smile crosses her face as she slides her hand between their bodies. She strokes him and he moans slightly. "Like that?"

"Yes-" he answers through gritted teeth. She massages him again and he moans louder, "Shit-"

She smiles and moves her hand away, "Language please." She laughs. The laugh turns to a squeal as he rolls her under him and kisses her neck. His hands roam her body and she moans as she arches into his touch. "God yes-"

Willow sleeps, her body still lying on top of her Slayer. Her head rests on Kennedy's chest, her hand is laced with her love's tucked under her chin. Kennedy is awake and is staring up at the stars. Her eyes take in the Pineapple and then Little Pile O' Crackers as she thinks of Tara. Silently in her mind she speaks hoping the blonde Wicca can hear, 'I know you love her and she loves you-always. But I'm okay with it-I mean how can anyone not love her?' She runs her free hand across a bare freckled shoulder and the redhead stirs slightly. 'I'll make sure the kids know that you're a part of them-but promise me you'll help us keep them safe.'

Kennedy is surprised when a voice enters her mind, 'Always-'

The Slayer tightens her hold on the redhead who opens her eyes, "Kennedy baby-"

"Hey-" she smiles as she looks into green eyes. "Didn't mean to wake you."

"Why aren't you asleep?"

"Busy in here-" she points to her head.

"That's my line," says the redhead with a smile. "So I'll take yours-I can fix that for you-" she slides down Kennedy's body and flicks her tongue across an exposed nipple. Kennedy moans and shivers at the touch. "Still busy?"

"Huh?" She is lost as Willow continues to lick, kiss and nip her way to her destination.

Tara gazes into blue eyes and listens to his words, "How you holding up love," his accent soft.

"She's happy-I'm happy."

"I hear you-so alls safe?"

"For now." Together they walk into the light.

First Steps

Kennedy turns and finds herself looking into the steel blue eyes of Ellie Mac- "Ah-it's ah-Tara." She turns the picture so the child can see it.

"She's pretty-" the child is unsure about her words. "Right?"

"Yes-she is, you have her eyes, see?" She puts an arm around her daughter and points at the picture.

"Mama what do I call her?"

"I-well-" her words stop unsure of the answer. When she sees the uncertainty in the child's face she forces a smile. "We'll think about it-till we do what you say we find a frame and put this on the mantle?"

"We can?" The little Seer smiles and her eyes shine. Kennedy stands and they walk from the room together. Willow fights a tear as she smiles from the other doorway unnoticed.

Ellie had raised a good question-what should the twins call Tara?-They are part of her just as they are Kennedy and Willow. She couldn't be Mommy or Mama- Willow also decides that it will take some thought.

Later Willow and Kennedy are sitting together on the porch swing. They snuggle as they watch the five younger kids play tag in the backyard. "A penny-" enquires Willow as she kisses her Slayer's cheek.

"Just-it's been some week hasn't it?"

"Can't say it's boring- always something to keep us on our toes-" she pauses then asks, "You're sure you're okay-we're okay?"

"Will-we're good," replies Kennedy.

A seductive smile crosses the redhead's face, "We're way better than good-" she says as she snakes a hand under Kennedy's shirt and caresses bare skin there.

The Slayer caught off guard gasps, "That's a given sweetie-" she leans in and kisses her lips, then traces her studded ring along the same path. Willow opens her mouth and Kennedy slides her tongue inside to duel with her redhead.

A few minutes later that's how Annie and Aly find them, locked in a passionate kiss-each fighting for control unaware that anyone else is present. Annie clears her throat with a cough and Willow pulls away. The witch blushes as she sees the teenagers, "Can we go skating with Jake and Katie?"

"Skating?" Kennedy looks at the young Slayers- then to Willow, who simply shrugs, "I'll make you a deal-you can go skating tonight if you you'll kid sit tomorrow and tomorrow night." Willow smiles as she wonders what her Slayer has in mind.

"Deal," the girls answer in unison then disappear.

"That was way too easy-" Willow nods. Kennedy realizes what she has okayed. "I just gave them permission to go on a date didn't I?" Again the redhead nods. "Why didn't you stop me?"

"It's okay."

"Okay?-You think?"

"I think-"

"I can fix that," says Kennedy as she seductively bites her bottom lip.

"I bet you can-" she leans into a kiss and then another. They look up as they again feel eyes staring at them.

"Mama-" Alex is standing in front of them.

"What's the what?"

"Can we have a snack?"

"How's Jell-o sound?" asks Willow.

"Not as good as ice cream," he senses Kennedy's mock glare, "But it'll be fine thank you."

The redhead stands and he follows her to the door, she turns and walks back-she kisses Kennedy. "Don't forget where we were."

"Not likely," she smiles as she watches her walk away.

At the skating rink Annie and Jake are skating. Aly is sitting at a table with Katie. "Come on-at least try-for me?" Katie adds.

"I'm terrible-in fact I'm not sure how she talked me into this."

"I know, she promised to do your laundry for a month."

Aly smiles surprised, "You know this how?"

"She told me-"

"Paybacks-" smiles Aly.

Across the room Annie and Jake are skating hand in hand around the rink. He slows to a stop in front of her and she smiles. "What?" she asks with a smile as she stops too.

"You think that maybe we could go to a movie just the two of us?"

"I'd like that," she nods.

He smiles as the man announces 'The Limbo' is about to begin. "You in," he asks.

"Why not." They skate toward the line.

Back at the table Aly and Katie watch the people and laugh. "You want to go Limbo?" asks Katie, Aly rolls her eyes and shakes her head.

"Why don't we just talk?"

"Talking is cool," responds Katie.

"Good-so did you go to the school and get registered?"

"Yesterday. What's it like?"

"It's okay-the teachers are pretty fair. I like it, but school's kinda my thing so-"

"Even if it were terrible you'd be okay with it?"

"Something like that," Aly admits. "Pretty geeky huh?"

"You're not a geek."

"I am but I'm okay with it-geeks are in, thanks to computers."

"It'll be weird for me-I don't think anyone will remember me, it'll be like starting over."

"You can hang with me if you want," volunteers Aly.

Katie smiles, "Seriously?"

"Sure-why so surprised?"

"Just you'll be a junior-I'm a freshman."

"Who cares."

"Cool-so let's skate. I'll teach you."

"What if I fall?"

"I'll laugh, after I catch you-besides you're a big bad Slayer. You'll be fine."

"If I break my leg-"

"I'll take care of you." Katie smiles as she blushes slightly. She looks down at the floor.

"Katie I need to tell you something-" their eyes meet. "I like you, in a would you go out with me way." She bites at her bottom lip as she waits for the girl's response.

"Oh-that's-well that works out-" Aly looks confused. Katie smiles. "Cause I like you that way too-" Aly smiles.

Jake and Annie join them- "You two gonna skate?"

"Maybe-" says Katie.

"Later," adds Aly.

At the house Willow and Kennedy are snuggled on the couch waiting for the teenaged Slayer's to get home. "What's the plan for tomorrow?"

"I remember you telling me that Tara loved horses I thought we could take the girls to the stables, let them ride."

"Horses-I did tell you Tara loved horses but I guess I forgot to mention how scared I am of them-they have really big teeth."

"No worries-you're safe with me." She pulls her closer and nuzzles against her neck with her lips.

She turns so she can see her love's face, "You are one of the good ones Mrs. Langdon-thank you for being-I know it isn't easy."

"I'm fine with it Will, I really am." They kiss softly. "I just wish I could think of a name for them to call her."

"I'm stuck too-no ideas at all."

"Maybe they'll find one."

"Maybe-" they kiss again as the door opens and their oldest Slayers come inside. They flop into the chairs across from the couch. "How was your date?"

"Great-" answers Annie before she thinks.

"Date?" Aly tries to cover.

"Don't even try it-you're busted," Kennedy tells them with a smile on her face.

"But you said-" Aly tries to defend them.

"I know-and your mom and I talked. You can go out with them-but not on school nights."

The teenagers smile, "Fair enough?" Asks Willow.

"Definitely fair-" assures Annie.

The next day at the stables Willow, Kennedy and the twins stand at the fence looking at the horse. Ellie and Erin are both wide-eyed as the animal approaches them. A man is leading the black horse, "I'm Tom-"

"Kennedy-and this is Willow-"

"Hi- he looks hungry," she motions to the horse.

"Nope-he just ate."

"See yours arm's safe," Kennedy jokes with a smile and a poke to the redhead's ribs.

"You-" Willow glares but it turns to a smile.

"What's his name?" asks Erin.

"This is Shadow," the man tells them.

"Can I pet him?" asks Ellie. Willow looks near panic as her fingers tighten around her Slayer's.

"He likes that," answers the man.

"Mommy-can we?" Willow looks into Ellie's blue eyes and slowly, reluctantly nods.

"Just careful-" warns their mom.

The girls each reach forward and pet the horse. Kennedy smiles as she watches them. "He's really soft-" states Erin as she continues to stroke the animal's nose.

"Wanna sit on him?" the man asks.

"I-ah-" Willow starts to protest.

"Please Mommy," the girls beg in unison.

"Well I-" she looks to Kennedy for help.

The Slayer looks at the girls, "Why don't I get on first then each of you can take turns sitting with me?"

Willow lets out a breath she didn't realize she was holding as she looks at her wife, "You don't have -"

"I always wanted to-now I can."

"Need a hand?" asks the man.

"I think I've got it," she says as she climbs onto the fence and slowly into the saddle. She sits straight and smiles at her redhead. "No worries-" she tries to assure her. "Who's first?"

"Me-" volunteers Erin. She watches the child climb the fence.

"Careful," cautions her mom. She takes her hand as she climbs onto the animal's back in front of her mama.

Kennedy wraps an arm around the little girl, "I got her."

"This is cool," informs the child.

"Want me to lead him around?"

"Sure-" answers Kennedy before the redhead can object. The man leads them slowly around in a circle. Erin is amazed and even her mom smiles at the sight.

A little later it is Ellie who sits in front of Kennedy on the back of the horse. They are riding around in a circle as the man leads them. "Can I do it by myself?" The little Slayer's blue eyes meet her mama's.

"I don't think Mom would like it-next time."

"I can do it Mama."

"Okay-" on the side away from the redhead the man stops the horse and Kennedy jumps off. Willow stares in both fear and amazement as the little girl sits tall in the saddle as the man leads her around. Kennedy walks across to her redhead ready for the lecture she is sure she will get." "I know I shouldn't have but-"

"We'll talk later-" her eyes don't leave her daughter and her tone is calm.

"Argue you mean-" smiles Erin.

"Maybe just a little," admits Willow.

Kennedy stands behind her little Slayer and hugs her as she watches the other child ride. Ellie looks toward them and her smile shines. As she passes them she says softly, "Can we come back next Saturday?"

"Please?" adds Erin.

Kennedy looks at her redhead and is surprised when she sees her slowly nod her head. Kennedy smiles and leans forward kissing her lips.

As they come in the door Ellie asks, "Mama can we get a horse?"

"Get a horse?" Willow is stunned-

"Not just yet," interjects Kennedy.

Erin smiles and so does Ellie, they run up the stairs, "That means yes-eventually."

Aly hears them say, "What's yes eventually?" she asks her parents.

"They want a horse-" states Willow.

"A real horse with teeth?" questions the teenaged Slayer.

"Exactly-" Willow replies.

"Mama you wouldn't really?"

"We wouldn't keep it here-" defends Kennedy.

"You bought them a horse didn't you?" The redhead stares at her Slayer.

"No-" assures the Slayer.

"But you talked to him about it-didn't you?"

"Maybe-but nothing definite-I was gonna talk to you first I swear."

Willow rolls her eyes, "Whatever you have planned for tonight had better be good-" her eyes meet Kennedy's.

"Right-" she nods as she leaves the room.

Aly laughs as her mom smiles, "She's on the phone changing reservations right now-"

"I know." She smiles and sits on the couch. Aly sits beside her. "How are you doing?-We haven't talked much lately."

"Okay-the dreams have stopped-mostly."

"That's good-you know I'm never too busy, even if I seem to be-"

"I get that-but I'm good."

"How was your date?"

"It wasn't a date-though maybe soon.-I- we talked about it last night."

"Slow's good-"

"Yeah-that's what we talked about. She understands." There is a silence as the teenager puts her head on her mom's shoulder- then a question, "Can I ask you something?"

"Yeah-" she answers knowing the question will deal with the loss of Tara in some way.

"How long before-I mean after Tara died before Mama?"

"Almost a year-but that was different."

"How?"

"The Dark Magicks-took a lot, left me empty. I didn't like myself much, so it was hard to like someone else. Make sense?"

"You think Tara's glad you found someone else?"

"I know she is-she hated it when I was sad. It made her sad too."

"You think Sarah feels the same way?"

"Yes-" she wraps an arm around her daughter and presses a kiss to the top of her head. "She would want you to be happy."

Erin and Ellie are still excited as Willow and Kennedy tuck them into bed before their night out. "Time to sleep-" says the redhead head as she kisses each little Slayer.

"Today was so fun-" says Erin.

Both adults smile. "We're glad you liked it-"

"You think M-" Ellie pauses unsure of what to call her. The child's happiness seems to fade. "I don't know what to call her."

"It's okay to call her Tara-" assures her mommy.

"But I don't call you Willow-" Ellie seems truly stressed.

"Let's call her Mac-" suggests Erin. "Mommy, Mama, and Mac-"

Willow smiles, "I like Mac-"

"You think Mac saw us today on the horses?" Ellie asks with a smile.

"Maybe-" admits Kennedy.

"Now turn off those busy brains and sleep," Willow and Kennedy start to tickle the kids and they laugh but crawl under the covers.

"Night Mommy-" says Erin after the laughter stops.

"Good night." She kisses the child. "Night Ellie," she says softly as she kisses her as well.

Kennedy kisses them both, "Night Mama," they echo in unison.

"See you in the morning-pancakes for breakfast?"

"Funny shapes," chant the little Slayers as their parents turn out the light and close the door.

Ellie speaks softly, "Night Mac." Her eyes close.

Happy Ever After

"I'm not going to school," states the child.

"Does Mom know?-Are you sick?" She stoops down in front of her little sister and feels her forehead. "No fever-"

"I'm not sick."

"Then you're going to school-go get dressed."

"No-" the child crosses her arms to her chest in protest.

Aly rolls her eyes and stands, "Mom-" she shouts and Willow steps into the hallway.

"Problem?" asks the redhead. "Why aren't you dressed Kara it's almost time to go?"

The child doesn't respond, Aly does- "She's not going-she's not sick-the rest is up to you." The teenager goes down the stairs in a jog.

The redhead walks to her child and kneels in front of her, "Kara what's wrong?-You love school almost as much as I did."

"I'm not going-" she announces again and sits down on the floor to prove her point.

"Kara-tell me why you don't want to go?"

"I just don't-and I'm not."

Willow stands and looks down at her daughter, before she addresses the issue further Kennedy joins her in the hall. "What's wrong kiddo?"

"I don't want to go to school."

"Well then you don't have to-crawl back in bed." The child smiles victoriously and goes to her room. The redheaded witch stares at her Slayer unsure. "Trust me-" she kisses her lips softly. "I'll have it all taken care of by the time you get home."

"You know she's not sick?"

"I know-but I also know there's a reason she wants to stay. So-we'll hang out and talk and fix whatever it is."

"Okay-" she kisses the Slayer. "Call later?"

"I will-" she kisses her again. "Go before I call you in sick too." She raises her eyebrows playfully as she smirks.

"Maybe tomorrow?"

"Maybe-" they kiss yet again but a voice from downstairs causes them to part.

"We're all gonna be late!"

"Bye-" she gives her Slayer a quick kiss on the cheek and leaves.

Kennedy watches her walk away turning her head to the side with a smile. When Willow is out of sight she turns her attention to the bedroom of her youngest child. "Okay Miss Kara let's see what the problem is." She walks into the room to find the child sleeping peacefully. She can't help but smile.

An hour later the little Slayer is starting to wake up thanks to the antics of her mama, Kennedy is lying on the bed beside her daughter tickling her lightly. She smiles as the girl opens her eyes. "Hey sleepy, wakey-wakey."

"Mama-" she pouts as she stretches.

Kennedy snuggles against her and holds her close, "Why didn't you want to go to school?"

"I wanted to stay home with you," admits the child.

Kennedy nods as she realizes her suspicions were right, all the attention on the prophecy and the older twins had caused the young girl to feel left out. She hugs the child tighter- "I'll make you a deal. You and I will hang out all day-I won't make you go to school just this once."

The child smiles, "Can we go to the park?"

"We can do anything you like-but Kar-you don't have to refuse to go to school just to get my attention. I know things have been a little crazy lately-with the bad guys and the prophecies-"

"It was scary sometimes," says the child.

"Your mom and me, we love you-all of you."

"I know-I guess I got jealous cause I'm not in a book-" admits the little Slayer.

"Sure you are-" she smiles as she gets out of bed and then picks up her daughter.

"Where are we going?"

"I'm gonna show you the books you're in." Kara smiles.

Downstairs a few minutes later Kennedy is standing in front of the bookshelf with Kara in her arms. "See all these books?" The girl nods. "They're all about Slayers-and you you're a Slayer so they're about you."

Kara looks a little unsure, "All of them?" Kennedy nods.

"But there's another book that's more important-want to see it?"

"Can I please?" asks the little Slayer.

Upstairs in Kennedy's bedroom the Slayer is getting baby book from the dresser drawer. Kara is sitting on the bed and Kennedy joins her there, book in hand. "I started this book before you were born." She moves against the headboard and pulls her daughter onto her lap so both can see the pages. Kennedy opens it to the first page and points to a picture. "This is a picture of us right before we went to the hospital-you're still in my tummy-see?" The child nods. "And this one," she turns the page, "Was in the hospital room- right before you were born-Uncle Xander took it- and this one-" Kennedy smiles at the newborn lying on her stomach.

"Is that me?"

"Yeah-that's you." They continue to talk and turn pages looking through the book.

Later after they have looked at the book and then fixed breakfast together, Kara looks up at her mama- "I love you Mama-"

"I love you-all of you- okay?"

The child nods. "I get it-I shouldn't be jealous huh?"

Kennedy kisses her on the forehead. "It happens but not very often-deal?"

"Deal-" agrees the little Slayer.

"Can we go to the park?"

"Let's go by the academy first-let Mom know everything's okay."

At the academy Willow is sitting with Kara on her lap while Kennedy pretends to be busy across the room with a schedule. "I'm sorry Mommy-that I didn't mind you this morning." She looks into Willow's eyes.

"But you're feeling better now-after your talk?"

"Yep-and we're going to the park later."

"You know next time talk to us-"

"Mama told me that too-" Willow smiles as she looks across at her Slayer then back to their daughter. The memories of Kennedy's words when they found out about being pregnant the first time fill her mind.

'I'm afraid I'll screw up-let her down, let you down...'

She stands and sets the child in the seat, "Be right back." She walks across the room and slights her arms around Kennedy's waist, then kisses her neck.

"Not that I 'm complaining," smiles the Slayer as she turns in Willow's arms, "but what was that for?"

"You are a great mom and I realize I don't tell you that enough." She leans in and kisses her lips chastely. "We have seven great kids and it's because of you-you're so good with them-"

"So are you-we're a good team. Together-"

Willow finishes her thought, "Together we can do anything-"

"Face anything," continues the Slayer. They kiss again this time more passionately.

The kiss ends a few seconds later when Kennedy feels a tug on her arm and looks down to see Kara smiling up at them, "Can we go to the park now?"

Willow giggles and then the child, but Kennedy simply leans in and kisses her love again.

A few weeks later Annie is standing in the entranceway with Jake. They are holding hands- "I should go-"

"Thanks-I had fun."

"The movie was terrible-" he says.

"True-but being with you-that was fun," she clarifies with a slight blush and he smiles.

"Can I call you tomorrow?" She nods with a smile-he steps closer and she bites her lip a little unsure. "Night-" he adds before he closes the remaining distance and kisses her softly on the lips. As he pulls away she smiles.

"Night-" she can't seem to stop smiling. He leaves and she closes the door behind him. Willow comes down the stairs and smiles at her daughter.

"Annie-how was the movie?" The teenager doesn't answer. Willow stands in front of the girl. "Sweetie?"

"Oh- Mom, hi-"

"How was the movie?" repeats the redhead.

"Movie?-ah boring-but the date-well not boring." Annie just smiles and Willow smiles too when she realizes what her daughter is implying.

"He kissed you?" Annie nods, "I remember my first kiss-"

Her words are stopped by Annie's comment, "Ah-not my first kiss-just our first kiss."

"Oh-" before she can say anything else Annie jogs up the stairs.

Kennedy walks down them and to her redhead. She wraps her arms around her- "Everyone home?"

"Aly's still out-" she glances at her watch. "She's still got twenty minutes-"

"So we could-" Kennedy raises an eyebrow and without waiting for an answer leans in and kisses her lips.

"Kennedy did you know that Annie kissed someone other than Jake?"

"I didn't know she kissed Jake-"

"Earlier tonight-"

Kennedy smiles- "Must have been Trevor or Travis whatever his name was-" the Slayer kisses her again.

"Why are you so calm?"

"It was bound to happen," concedes the Slayer.

"I know but she didn't tell us-"

"They aren't going to tell us everything Will-"

"I know but her first kiss?" The redhead pouts.

"Want me to tell you about my first kiss?"

"No-" she leans forward- "Just want to kiss you." They kiss again.

Aly and Katie are on the back porch. Aly is leaning against the back door and Katie is standing in front of her. Katie reaches a tentative hand forward and touches her face- Aly smiles a little nervous, "Is it okay?" asks Katie?

"Yeah-it's-yeah," she fights to keep memories of Sarah from her mind. She puts her hand on Katie's waist, "It's just-I don't want-"

"We don't have to if you're not ready." Katie's eyes show concern.

"I want this to be-I don't want to be thinking about her when we-"

"I get it-" she strokes the Slayer's face with her thumb. "I should go-" she presses a kiss to the teenager's cheek.

"No-don't, please." Aly puts her other hand on Katie's waist.

The taller girl looks down at Aly and pulls her into a hug. "Wanna swing?"

"I wanna kiss you-" Katie smiles a little. "But I'm scared."

"What's the worse thing that could happen if you did?"

"I've never kissed anyone but Sarah-what if I'm not good at it?"

"We could always practice-" They both smile. "But seriously-what Aly?"

"I could-when I close my eyes, I could see her and not you."

"Maybe-but if you did, it would be okay."

"How could it?"

"I know how she's always gonna be a part of you-she was your first love-even if she hadn't-first love it's big."

"You know this how?"

"I had a first love too you know-"

"Yeah-" she is a little surprised the topic hadn't been discussed before. "Who?"

"Sometimes Aly-for a smart girl you're a little slow-" their eyes meet, "You-it's always been you even before we left." They stare into each other's eyes, "Now, I'm gonna kiss you cause you didn't really come up with a good reason why I shouldn't-" She leans down toward Aly and their lips meet in a soft kiss. She pulls back with a smile on her face, "Wow-that was nice-"

"Yeah, it was." Katie slides her arms around Aly's neck. "Could we-"

"Oh yeah-" she leans in and they kiss again. This time lips open and close together slowly. Katie breaks the kiss and leans her forehead against Aly's. "I really should go-"

"One more kiss?"

Katie smiles, "I could be talked into it-"

"Good to know-" She pulls Katie forward and their lips touch again.

In the house Willow and Kennedy are still making out on the couch as Aly comes through from the kitchen, "I'm home-" announces the teenagers as her parents pull apart.

"Date okay?" asks Kennedy.

"Yeah-so was the goodnight kiss."

Willow sits up, "Good night kiss?"

"Kisses-" admits the young Slayer with a smile.

Kennedy sits up and looks at her daughter worried she might be upset. She sighs as she sees Aly's smile. "That's my girl," she winks playfully.

"Mama-" the girl blushes. "It's not like we were making out on the couch.

"That's good cause it reserved for us." Willow smiles.

"Good night-" says Aly as she starts to the stairs.

"Good night-" echoes her parents in unison.

Willow and Kennedy are walking from room to room and checking on the kids before going to bed themselves. They look in on Kara and Kristen both girls are sleeping. They move to the next room and find Erin and Ellie asleep as well. Next they check Alex-their only son is snoring softly. The last room belongs to their oldest girls-almost sixteen now it didn't seem possible. The twins are also asleep. Kennedy leads Willow back to their room and they crawl in bed together. Spooned protectively around her redhead Kennedy speaks, "Doesn't seem possible that it's been seventeen years." Willow turns in her arms and kisses her before speaking.

"Sometimes I think-what did we ever do to deserve this-them."

"You saved the world-made us Slayer's. When you do that you get a Happily Ever After-" assures her Slayer.

"Just like a fairy tale?"

"Exactly-" answer Kennedy as she kisses her again. "I love you Willow."

"I love you-always." Kennedy can't keep the smile from her face as a tear falls. "What?"

"Always?"

"Yeah-" they kiss again. "Always." Soon hands find bare skin and they get lost in their love.

Down the hall Annie and Aly lie in the darkness with smiles on their faces. The noises from their parents' room filter through theirs. "Think Mom knows she forgot the soundproofing spell?"

"No-probably not-" Aly mumbles words and the room is quiet.

"How did you do that?"

"Sound proofed our room," she smiles.

"Think they'll ever get enough of each other-I mean they're old and they still-" Annie stops as she sees the look on Aly's face. "What?"

"I don't want to talk about their-them you know-" the words fail her as always. She is blushing.

"Right-"

"How was your date?"

"Good-he kissed me good night."

"About time what's wrong with that boy?"

"He's shy-and I like it you know?"

"True it is sweet."

"How did things go on your date-"

"Good night kisses too-"

"Really?" Aly nods and smiles. "And you're okay?"

"Surprisingly-I think I am."

"That's great-so how as it?" She raises an eyebrow-

"Did I ask you how your kiss was?"

"No but I'll tell you-"

"No-look go back to sleep," says Aly as she turns onto her side. Annie turns the other way onto her side as well.

They are quiet for what seems like minutes but is just seconds. "Do you think we'll find someone that makes us happy for as long as Mom and Mama?" Asks Annie.

"Yeah-I think we will, in fact I think I have," confesses the teenaged Slayer.

From the star filled sky Sarah looks down on Aly and she smiles, her soft words are barely heard, "Yes you have-love her."

A tear falls as she turns to see Tara standing beside her. The blue eyed Wicca touches her shoulder, "We must go-they're safe and happy our job is done."

"For now-" comes Spike's soft words.

Beside him stands Joyce, "Buffy's safe too love-we must all go." And with his words the stars brighten and all four figures disappear.

Wrapped in tangled sheets and each other's arms. Willow and Kennedy share a tender kiss.

The End!

This story continues in Time Keeps on Slippin'-Slippin'-Slippin' into the Future

Or go back to Part 2(Chapters 6-10)

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