Mommies

See Part 1 for Ratings and Disclaimers

Keeping Promises

"Faith it was Kennedy-" her tears fall as she struggles to say the words. "She hit me-" the barrier falls.

With those words Faith starts toward the young Slayer. "Junior-what's the deal?"

Kennedy's smiles again- "We will win-" her eyes are blank.

"Sorry, not happenin'-don't know what you did with Red's Slayer but you're about to meet someone you wish you hadn't." As the room fills with people-they watch as Faith and Kennedy battle. The Slayer's exchange punches, neither seeming to have an advantage until Kennedy lands a roundhouse kick to Faith's chin. The older Slayer falls, dazed- out of nowhere a knife appears in Kennedy's hand. Before anyone can react to help her a bolt of light hits Kennedy's shoulder and she cries out in obvious pain as she crumbles to the floor.

All eyes turn to the witch as her hand still glows from the energy bolt that drained the last of her power and stopped her Slayer. Willow is sitting against the wall crying, she tries to get to her feet but can't. "Kennedy-"

Dawn goes to the fallen young Slayer and checks her pulse, "She's alive-" Willow nods and closes her eyes.

Faith slowly sits up and sees the Slayer, "What happened? Robin moves to her side and helps her up, "Let me see your eyes," he says trying to distract her.

"I'm okay-" she pushes his hand away. "Junior?"

Giles helps Xander lay the woman on the bed, "She tried to kill you," he looks toward the knife on the floor. "Willow stopped her."

Faith looks at the redhead still crying across the room. She stands and walks to her kneeling in front of her, "Willow-" she touches her wet cheek, "You shouldn't have-" Faith fights tears.

"I made a promise-" says the witch, "I promised her-"

Faith nods and helps her to her feet. They walk to the bed and Willow sits beside Kennedy. She laces their fingers together. "But she'll be okay right?"

"I hope-" whispers the redhead.

Faith feels Robin's hands on her shoulders. She leans into him and her tears fall too. "She'll be okay-she has to." She turns in his arms as she buries her head in his chest.

Ethan looks at Giles and they quietly leave the room unnoticed. Giles turns to his old friend and nemesis, "How did they take control of her?"

"I'm not sure-" he says.

"Then why the quick exit?"

"They are trying to drain your witch, make her weak so they can turn her," says Ethan.

"Turn her?" asks Giles then he realizes the meaning of Ethan's words. "Back to the Dark Magicks?" He nods. "Why?"

"Because she is the most powerful of all-and with the Dark Magicks they can control her use her to do their biddings.

"Her-they've been after her all along." Again Ethan nods.

Annie and Aly stand beside them, Annie speaks-"You won't let them take her will you?"

"No-" says Giles as he looks into their scared faces. "I promise."

Later Willow is still sitting on the bed holding Kennedy's hand the young Slayer slowing opens her eyes. She grimaces in pain as she tries to sit up. She feels a hand on her side, "Don't try to sit up, rest baby."

Her eyes focus and she sees the worried redhead beside her. She reaches forward and touches the bruise on Willow's cheek, "What happened-who-" the witch looks away keeping tears at bay. "I did that?" questions the young Slayer. There is no answer. "God-" again she tries to move but the pain is too great. "I can't be here-"

"Shhhh-" Willow tries to sooth her, "It wasn't you I know that. They-they made you."

"You're not safe with me here-no one is."

"Kennedy, I'm not letting you leave-I stopped you before-" she stops. "Nothing will happen-"

"What else did I do?" She is near panic, "Did I hurt someone?-The kids-"

"No, they're fine-" she looks toward the drawer that holds their little boy. She stands somewhat shaky and walks to him. She gently takes him and carries him to Kennedy. As she sits back down she puts the baby in Kennedy's arms. "See, he's okay." The baby snuggles in his mama's arms and she cries as she kisses his head.

"I'm so scared." Her tear-filled eyes meet Willow's.

"So am I, but we're gonna stop them and send a message."

"A message?" questions the young Slayer.

"Yeah-one they won't forget," assures the redhead.

Faith speaks from the doorway- "We got the zip code for that message." Willow looks toward her, "Giles needs to talk to you." Willow turns back to Kennedy.

"I'll be okay-go."

"I'll stay with Junior-" says Faith.

Willow stands and walks toward the door, she stops short and speaks, "I love you."

Kennedy forces a smile, "I love you-go." The redhead leaves.

Faith sits on the bed, she touches Alex's hand, "He was crying earlier, but seems cool now. Must have been missin' his mama. The young Slayer again tries to sit up with more pain then before, "Easy- here," She takes the baby in one hand and helps Kennedy sit up and then lean against the pillows with the other.

"What the hell hit me?"

"Red-" is Faith's one word response.

Kennedy realizes it's implications, "Who?"

"Doesn't matter," she says.

"I need to know."

"Me Junior but it's cool-no hard feelings I know it wasn't you."

"You can't know."

"Hell if I can't- how many times we fought?"

"I don't know-hundreds."

"You ever won?"

"No-"

"Exactly-so it wasn't you." Smiles the older Slayer.

In the living room they are sitting around the table. Willow reads the text as she puts her hand on her head, "I'm not strong enough to do this-it requires more magic then I have. They've won. I can't help her." She drops the book to the table and closes her eyes.

"Mommy-" comes Aly's soft voice. Her eyes meet those of her oldest, "Am I strong enough?"

"And me?" adds Annie.

Giles speaks, "The two of them together-"

Willow's eyes meet his, "Don't finish that sentence-"

"Willow-"

"No!" she states firmly and stands to walk away. Her quick movement causes her to become dizzy and she grabs the table to steady herself. "I won't put them in danger." She looks into the faces of Xander and Dawn, "I'm sorry-please understand."

Xander is the first to speak, but he can't meet her eyes as he hides the tears, "I understand-they're just kids-"

"Kids-maybe, but they are capable of stopping this. They have power-"

His words stop as Dawn speaks, "Willow please-she's all I have don't let her die too." The young woman's tears fall unashamed.

"Dawn-please-" says Willow. Dawn runs out of the room as the witch collapses back into the chair. She cries as Xander leaves to go after Dawn. Her head is pounding and she tries to compose herself, suddenly she hears a voice in her head- soft but sure, 'Mommy-' she looks to the girls who are still standing at the table.

Listening with your Heart

"Girls did you just-" her words stop realizing Ethan is in the room. The twin's eyes meet hers as she uses her remaining energy to "talk" to them. 'Where you talking in your heads?'

'No Mommy,' they answer in unison. The witch stands and starts away from the table-

Giles speaks, "Willow-"

"I need-I'll be right back." She walks out of the room and down the hallway, placing a hand on the wall to steady herself. When she reaches the bedroom she looks at Kennedy who is lying on the bed with her eyes closed. Faith is holding Alex trying to get him to settle before he wakes up his mama. Willow sits on the bed- "Let me have him."

"Sure Red-I-he just started gettin' fussy." She puts him in the mother's arms. "I'll be with the others if you need anything."

"Thanks-" she says softly as Faith stands and leaves the room.

Willow looks down at her son, "Was that you Alex?" She waits for an answer.

'Yes-' comes a small voice in her thoughts.

"Goddess-" whispers the witch. She touches the baby's hand. "It's really you?" She presses a kiss to his temple softly. "How?"

'It just is-'

"Cryptic much," she forces a weary smile. "Let me guess-you think the girls should try to do the spell?"

'No-not alone.'

"I'm too drained-their plan worked. There's no one to help them."

'There's me.'

"You?" shock covers her face as she looks at the baby in her arms.

In the other room Faith is pacing-frustrated, "You really don't expect me to sit here and let them hurt-" her words stop. "Look with or without Red-I'm going after her."

Now it is Robin who intercedes, "Faith you can't stop them by yourself."

Xander stands and walks toward the weapons chest, "She's not by herself." He opens it and takes out an axe. Dawn now beside him, picks up one as well.

Giles wipes his eyes and then his glasses as he speaks, "If you're serious about this, you need a plan."

Faith joins them by the chest and gets the crossbow, "I have a plan-kill the bastards," her eyes fall on the girls. "Sorry about that pint sizes. Bad word-never use it."

"Right," says Aly.

Robin walks to Faith, "What if it doesn't work?-What about the baby?" His eyes meet hers and she sees his worry there. "You're taking a big chance just storming in. You have no idea how many you'll be facing."

From across the room Willow speaks, "Faith, he's right." She walks to them with Alex in her arms.

"Red-I can't leave her there-"

"I don't want to do that either but there's another way."

"Your magic-" says Dawn. "But you're not strong enough."

"Not by myself but-" she looks toward Ethan and then Giles, "Can we trust him? Cause we might need him."

"I think he understands want will happen to him if he crosses you," says the watcher. "Isn't that so Ethan?" The man nods.

Willow looks at Xander and Dawn, "I need you to get these ingredients plus the other thing on the list." She hands Xander a list. He reads it and is surprised.

"You sure?" She nods.

She hugs the young woman with one arm, "We'll get her back-just hurry okay?" Dawn nods and they leave. She turns her attention to Robin and Faith, "Think the two of you can handle Kennedy if-" she stops as she looks at her girls. "If she gets like before?"

"Sure Red-" says Faith taking Robin's hand, "Right?" She looks to him.

"Got it covered." They go toward the bedroom.

"What do you need us to do?" asks Giles.

"It's kinda last minutey-let me talk to the girls first," says the witch. She smiles down at her five-year-olds, "Are you sure you wanna try to help Buffy?" They both nod, "Okay-let's go talk in Dawnie's room."

Annie giggles, "Dawnie?"

"Oops, let's not tell her I called her that," smiles Willow.

"Why Mommy," asks the child?

"She thinks she too old for the name now.- Come on-" they follow her from the room.

In the cavern Buffy is still enclosed within the force field. It seems to be slowly draining her strength. She tries to focus on the voices but they seem jumbled. Suddenly one seems clearer then the others. 'Buffy-can you hear me?'

"Willow?-" she says softly. Then concentrating and rethinking she tries again, 'Annie is that you?'

'Yes-we're coming-'

'No-No there's too many.'

'How many?'

'At least twenty-Willow is too weak.'

Another voice speaks inside her mind, 'We'll be there soon-be ready.'

'Who-?' then the voices are gone. "Was that real?" she asks herself.

At the house Willow and her girls are sitting on the bed. Alex is in her lap. Annie looks at her mommy, "She sounded tired."

"But you told her we were coming?"

"Yes Mommy-she said there was too many."

"Less than fifty?" The girl nods.

"Less than forty?" asks her sister and again she nods. Willow smiles at the play. She thinks about how much that reminds her of Kennedy.

"How many Annie?"

"Twenty-"

"Twenty isn't bad," assures the redhead. The child appears to be in thought, "What's wrong?"

"Someone else was there-in Buffy's head."

Willow smiles and looks at the baby playing in her lap. "It's okay-he's gonna help us."

"Who's gonna help us?" asks Aly.

"Your brother-" she smiles up at them and sees the surprised looks on their faces.

"Alex?-Mommy he can't talk-" says Aly unsure.

"No not with words-but in our heads he can like us. Isn't that cool?"

The girls seem to be thinking it over, they look at each other, then their mommy and slowly nod. Annie speaks, "How's he gonna help-he can't walk yet?"

"I'll explain everything-" they move closer to their mommy.

An hour later Xander and Dawn are back with the things for the spell and the scythe. Willow and the kids come into the room too. Xander hugs her, "You're sure about this Will?"

"Yeah-it'll work." She looks at the watcher, "Giles if you and Ethan could set things up?"

"Of course," he says.

"Xan-I need to talk to Kennedy, stay with the kids?" He nods and she puts the baby in his arms. "Be back-" she goes towards the bedroom.

In the room Faith and Robin stand guard over the Slayer. The door opens and the redhead walks inside with the scythe. Faith notices that her step is more steady and she smiles. "Looks like you're feeling a little stronger Red."

"A little-"

"And you have your favorite toy-"

"Can you look after it?" She hands it to her without waiting for an answer. "I need to talk to Kennedy." She sits beside her Slayer.

"She's hasn't been awake-" says Robin.

"Yeah-it'll be awhile the blast was-" she stops, "I just need her to know stuff-" Faith nods and pulls Robin out the door.

The witch takes her Slayer's hand, "I hope when this is all over you'll understand. I know it's dangerous but you're always telling me they're Slayers-and you're right. And Alex-well I'm not really sure what he is exactly I mean." She stops then starts again, "He's strong Kennedy-maybe stronger then I thought and I thought he was super strong. I'm thinking that he's a warlock-maybe a wizard or a Slayer-are there boy Slayers? Or he could be all-" she tries to stop the babble. She smiles and squeezes her Slayer's, "You're suppose to stop me when I do that." She stands and kisses her lips softly. "We'll be back soon." She turns to leave as she does the Slayer's eyes open-

Family

In the hallway Faith looks at the redhead as she leaves the room, "So you sure this will work?" She hands the scythe to the witch.

"Pretty sure-just take care of Kennedy," you can hear the worry for her Slayer in her voice.

"You got it-" Willow nods and walks away. Faith's eyes meet Robin's. "If this goes bad-" she stops.

"She knows what she's doing-we just have to trust that."

"I do- there's just so many things that she can't control." He nods understanding her concern.

As Willow enters the living room she sees Giles complete the small chalked circle on the floor. "Everything ready?" she asks.

"Yes-" is his single word answer. He places the candles inside the circle as he speaks.

"Let's get Buffy back," she smiles as she turns to her children and Xander. She hands him the scythe as he hands her the baby. She walks toward the end of the couch and picks up his carrier. She kneels on the circle and sets it down as she fastens her son inside.

She kisses the top of his head and smiles as she hears his soft words, 'We can do this-'. She kisses him again and then stands. She waves the girls over and they sit in the spots she told them earlier. They are on opposite sides of Alex directly across from each other. They look up at her and she smiles. She sits across from Alex and reaches up for the weapon.

As he hands it to her he kisses the top of her head, "Be careful." She nods.

"Everyone knows what to do right?" Everyone nods, the four adults take their places behind the people on the circle. Giles stands behind Alex, while Dawn stands behind Annie, Xander behind Aly and finally Ethan behind the witch. "Questions?" She asks trying to make sure there are no last minute problems. She turns to look at Ethan- "Giles explained your position?"

"He did-I'm honored." His voice actually seemed sincere.

She places the scythe in the circle and each person there places a hand on it except Alex-she leaned it to touch his foot. "Close your eyes," she instructs her children and when they have theirs closed, hers close too. She begins to chant softly.

As she does, the room begins to glow and fill with a light mist. The energy in the room starts to crackle as her words grow louder. Those standing around the circle can feel their strength being drained. The power of the scythe starts to chain those on the sitting as their hair turns to a soft white. As the borrowed energy courses through them they are transported from the room. Dawn, Xander, Giles and Ethan fall to the floor. They look at the now empty circle.

Giles speaks, almost a prayer- "Goddess be with them."

In the cavern the four materialize behind some rocks. Willow quickly checks her children, 'Everyone okay?'

'That was so cool-' says Annie. So notices Aly's hair, 'Your hair's white.'

'Yours too-" says her sister. They both look at Willow and smile when they see hers matches theirs. 'It is cool,' agrees the girl.

Alex breaks up their fun, 'We need to find Buffy.'

Willow nods and concentrates, 'Buffy can you hear me?'

'Will-?'

'It's me-where are you?'

'Some kind of force field-near the pool.'

The witch and her children look around. Unable to see her from their hiding place. Willow hands the scythe to Aly and takes Alex from his seat. She looks at her daughters, and they nod. She smiles and with Alex in one arm the Slayers and the witch move out. 'We'll find you-be ready.'

At the house Faith and Robin continue to watch over the young Slayer. Kennedy slowly opens her eyes and she fights hard to focus on the person in front of her. "Faith?"

"That's right Junior-welcome back. How you feeling?"

"Head hurts-was Will here before?"

"Yeah-"

"She took them to get Buffy didn't she?" Faith nods. "I remember her telling me sort of-" she holds her head again in obvious pain.

Robin gets some medicine from the nightstand and hands it to the young Slayer. "It should help-" He hands her a cup of water too.

"Thanks-" she swallows them and then some water. "How long they been gone?"

He looks at his watch, "About thirty minutes."

"How long did she think it would take?"

"Didn't say-just wanted us to look after you." Kennedy closes her eyes unable to stay awake. Faith looks at Robin, "The sleeping pills-they weren't necessary."

"Maybe not-but Willow seemed to think they were."

Faith looks down at the witch's Slayer, "She's had a rough time lately." Robin steps behind Faith and encircles her in his arms. She leans into him and continues, "I hope they can work through this-"

"They'll be fine-"

In the caverns the group continue to search finally they spot her. 'There Mommy' says Annie as she points across the path.

They stop and survey the area. From her vantage point she can see four hooded figures. Alex's voice is heard in his family's heads. 'Can you handle four?' he asks his sisters and they nod.

'We'll free Buffy- if you need help just yell.' She smiles at her girls. 'And be careful-'

'Awe Mom-' they say in unison.

'And wait for the signal' adds Alex as they walk toward the men. Willow loops around behind and starts to Buffy. With everyone in place he gives the go ahead. As they reach the Slayer he begins work on the beam-light from his hand blasts the bubble draining both it and him, soon Willow joins in as Buffy watches amazed.

Across from them the young Slayers fight the demons, together they are able to kill the first one and are working on the second when the third decides to join the fun- the girls turn back to back and start to chant. A blast from the scythe knocks the demons into the air and they land in a heap against a wall. The pint-sized Slayers smile and turn to the next opponent. "Step up join the fun-" says Aly as she swings the scythe and the demon falls. They look toward Buffy and see the barrier starting to fall. They run that direction but stop short as three more demons appear.

At the house Kennedy is sleeping restlessly- she is dreaming, she sees her Slayers fighting demons. "I'll help you-just hang on."

Faith and Robin stare in amazement as Kennedy disappears from the room. "How the hell-" says Robin- Faith looks at him, "heck I mean it- where did she go?"

"I'm guessing tot he caverns-but I don't know who she's gonna help. Let's go-" they run from the room.

In the living room they find the drained adults still trying to pull themselves together, "Giles-"

He looks up at her, "Faith what's wrong?"

"Junior-she just-she-"

"She disappeared," says Robin, "Is that part of the plan?"

"Normally no-but I'm not sure she could have changed part-"

Ethan interrupts, "Or the demons have control of her again."

Before the words are out of his mouth completely Faith has a crossbow from the weapons chest and Robin gets an axe. They run out the door.

In the caverns the twins are trying to hold off the three demons. Another blast sends one into the pool and he starts to melt. Aly and Annie both make a face at the smell it causes. As they fight the remaining two hand to hand, four more join the fray. Annie accesses the situation and then looks at Aly- they join hands and begin to chant. The barrier forms around them but not the scythe. It is outside- Kennedy appears from know where. "Mama-" shout the girls together as she bends down to pick up the scythe.

They start to drop the barrier but stop as they hear their mommy, 'Don't-' they stare toward the witch waiting for her next words as Kennedy swings the scythe.

Families that Slay together...

Kennedy smiles, "Actually-I'm good."

"I was worried," says Annie.

"No worries little Slayer, now let's get these guys."

Soon all but one has been slain or hid to prevent it. Kennedy stands over him with the scythe; Aly and Annie stand on either side of her watching. The young Slayer puts the scythe down to her side and glances as up at Willow. She sees Faith and Robin join them-Faith takes her son from her witch as Robin holds up both Buffy and Willow. She turns her attention back to her girls, "Go help your mommy." They nod and run toward them. She looks at the demon and fights to control her need to kill him for the things he had done to her family. She pulls him to his feet and backs him against the wall. "I should kill you-but I won't. You spread the word-tell all your demon friends to back off. Anyone who messes with my family-well you saw how this turned out. I mean the kids pretty much kicked your ass." She lets go of him and he slides down the wall.

She walks to the others, Robin is carrying Buffy while Aly has Alex. Faith is supporting most of Willow's wait with a little help from Annie. Kennedy holds out the scythe, "Trade you." Faith stops and Kennedy hands her the scythe. "You okay?" her eyes meet Willow's.

"Tired-" says the redhead.

Kennedy picks her up in her arms. "Close your eyes." She starts to protest but her eyes close without her permission. The young Slayer looks at Faith. "Tell me there's a car somewhere-"

"There's a car Junior."

"Good-that's good." They start toward it.

An hour later they are at the hospital. Willow is sleeping with her head on Kennedy's lap, while they wait for word on Buffy's condition. Xander is pacing, while Dawn tries to play with the kids to keep her mind occupied. Faith and Robin are sitting on the couch. She has her head on his shoulder trying to catch a few minutes of sleep at his insistence. Finally she just looks up at him. "I tried-" he kisses her softly.

"I know-I'm worried about her too," he says softly. She snuggles closer to him and her hand goes protectively to her stomach. She looks into his eyes as his hand moves to cover hers.

"We're okay-" she assures him as she raises up slightly to kiss his lips then sits back down.

The doctor has still not made an appearance an hour later, "What's taking so long?" asks Dawn as she puts her arm around Xander.

He simply shakes his head. He takes her hand and they walk to the couch and sit down. He looks around the room at the people gathered there. Willow is still sleeping and would probably do so for days. She had again sacrificed so much for him and his Slayer. Kennedy held her protectively as she watched their children sleep in the chair across from her. Robin was holding Faith too, she was finally asleep. He wondered how he would ever repay them.

Giles walks in the waiting room. Xander stands and walks to him. "Any word?"

"None-" as he speaks the doctor walks out of the exam room and toward them. Dawn stands and walks to Xander and again she puts one arms around his waist. Robin wakes up Faith who also stands. "How is she?" He asks nervously.

"We should talk in private," the words sent a chill through all of them.

"No whatever you have to say they can hear."

"She's dehydrated- and weak but there appears to be no injuries other than a couple burns." He looks at Xander, "You said she was shocked?" Xander nods.

"So she'll be okay?"

"Should be-if there's no complications."

Dawn hugs him with both arms relieved. She stops though when she realizes that he hasn't mentioned the baby. She speaks unsure, "The-the baby?" All eyes fall to the doctor.

"There was some trauma-"

"She lost the baby?" asks Xander.

"No-not yet. But it's a possibility you should be prepared for; I've called in an O.B. specialist."

"Right-" he fights to control tears. "Can I see her?"

"Let us get her settled in a room, we're going to keep her for a few days push the fluids and keep her still, I'll send someone for you." Xander nods and the doctor leaves.

The shaken young man walks away quietly and Giles follows him. Dawn turns away and her tears fall. Faith steps toward her and the young woman cries in the arms of the once rogue Slayer. "Listen D- B's tough-so is the kid, they'll be fine." She says not sure whom she is trying to convince as she fights her own tears.

As night falls again Kennedy has Willow tucked safely in their bed. The girls have finished their baths and the young Slayer is putting them to bed. She covers and then kisses each of them, "Mama-is Aunt Buffy gonna be okay?" asks Aly.

"Yeah-she just needs rest like Mommy." She kisses the child again. "Sleep-'k, school tomorrow."

"Can't we stay and go with you to see Aunt Buffy?" asks Annie.

"We'll go when you get home. Now sleep." The girls close their eyes. Kennedy goes out the door quietly after turning out the light.

In the nursery she holds Alex and nurses him, "I missed you," she touches his cheek as he eats. She kisses his head and her tears fall.

For the first time she hears his soft voice in her head, 'It'll be okay Mama.'

Amazed she looks at him, "I hope so-" she replies after the initial shock. "This is my fault."

'No'- says the child.

At the hospital the next day Xander is sitting by the bed holding Buffy's hand as he watches her sleep. The blonde slowly opens her eyes, and he smiles at her. "Morning," he says softly as he kisses her forehead.

"Morning-" she answers her throat dry. "Thirsty-" he holds a cup with a straw and she drinks from it. "Better," she says as she puts her head back on the pillow. As she starts to focus she begins to remember the events and her hand goes to her stomach her eyes meet Xander's. "The baby?"

"He's okay for now-"

"But I could-" she doesn't finish the sentence.

"But you won't-cause we're gonna take good care of you." He looks toward the sleeping young woman is the chair across from them.

"Promise?" she fights tears and he simply nods. "Xander-" she starts to cry. He moves beside her on the bed.

"No baby-shhhh-you stay calm okay-he needs you to be calm. Let me worry-okay?"

"Okay-" she stops the tears as she puts her arms around him and buries her head in his chest.

At Buffy's place Faith is just waking up, Robin smiles as she looks at him, "Hey-" she says. "How long you been watchin' me sleep?"

"Not long-" he leans forward and kisses her.

"Why didn't you wake me up?" She asks as she snuggles against him.

"Figured you would wake up when you were ready-" he smiles.

"You know I'm always ready," she raises an eyebrow playfully and moves on top of him. She lays her head on his chest and listens to his heart beat. She turns her head and kisses his chest.

"We shouldn't-"

"Why?" She asks propping an elbow on his chest and leaning her head in her hand.

"It's been a rough few weeks you should rest."

"I did rest-" she stretches across him playfully making sure to touch as much of him as she can reach. She squeals as he rolls her under him. "I'll get you for that-" he leans down and kisses her softly then draws her ear into his mouth. She moans. "God-"

At Kennedy and Willow's the same scene is starting to unfold, the young Slayer watches as the redhead still sleeps. She has already gotten the girls off to school and fed Alex and put him down for a nap. She looks at the clock and crawls back in bed. She spoons herself protectively around her redhead and kisses her shoulder. The sleepy witch slowly opens her eyes and turns into Kennedy's embrace. She snuggles against her and kisses her softly on the lips. "Hey-" she says softly. "What time is it?"

"About 9:30-go back to sleep."

"Not sleepy-"

"Hungry?" The redhead nods. "Then I'll fix pancakes."

"Funny shapes?" Asks the redhead playfully.

"Anything you want," she kisses her. "Then if you're up to it we'll go see Buffy."

"How bad is it?" Asks Willow.

Kennedy hesitates realizing that Willow had slept through the doctor's explanation. "She's dehydrated and there's a chance-" the young Slayer's words stop as she looks the redhead in the eye. "She could lose the baby."

"How?"

"I think it was the force field-it drained her. She used a lot of energy trying to fight it. The stress was-you know."

The woman nods and tears fall. Kennedy holds her tighter in her arms, "This can't happen.-God Xander, I have to see Xander." She starts to get out of bed.

She is stopped by the young Slayer's soft touch on her arm, "Red listen to me-we'll go, but you gotta be cool-okay?"

"Right-" she takes a deep breath and stops her tears, "Strong for them-I got it."

"So breakfast first-" says Kennedy as she and Willow both get out of bed. As they stand Willow leans into Kennedy's arms and they hold her as her tears fall again. The young Slayer kisses the top of her head trying in vain to comfort her.

A few days later the blonde Slayer is allowed to go home. She has strict orders to stay in bed for two weeks and then another two weeks of very limited activity. Two weeks after that she can resume a somewhat normal schedule. Not Slayer normal, but normal enough.

Buffy is sitting on the couch when she hears a knock on the door. She starts to get up but hears Faith's voice from the hall, "Don't you dare move B-" Buffy rolls her eyes at the other Slayer. Faith goes to the door and answers it. She smiles when she sees Willow, Kennedy and kids at the door with pizza and games.

"Thought we'd have a little pizza party-" smiles Willow.

"I'm for pizza but I'm sure the warden," she glares at Faith, "won't allow the party."

"Board games on the coffee table is allowed," smiles the once dark Slayer.

"Candyland," says Annie excited.

"Why don't you let Buffy pick since it's her party," says Kennedy.

"Aunt Buffy?"

"Candyland's my favorite." She smiles at the girls as the run to the table and start to set up the game. Willow and Faith go into the kitchen while Kennedy sits on the couch with Alex. Buffy smiles at the little boy, "Can I hold him?"

"Sure," says the young Slayer as she hands her son to the blonde. She smiles at him and kisses her head.

Kennedy sees Buffy's eyes grow large, "Buffy?"

"He talked to me?"

Kennedy smiles, "He does that sometimes."

The blonde Slayer hears the words again, 'He will be okay-' and she smiles through her tears.

Stay Together

The light winds of fall have past; winter is but a memory as the soft spring breezes take its place. A group of adults and children are enjoying a fun and relaxing afternoon by a stream. A closer look shows us the people; Willow is leaning in the arms of her Slayer as they watch their young son toddle, then fall, taking his first steps. Kennedy looks at her witch with a smile, "You see that?"

"Saw that-" replies the redhead as she kisses the young Slayer. "First steps by himself-pretty exciting."

"Yeah-" she says as she picks him up and he begins to babble.

"Mamama" again she smiles but she lets him crawl away. "So," she looks at the other couples, then at Dawn playing with the girls by the stream- "When do you want to tell them our news?" asks Kennedy softly as she touches her redhead's stomach with her hand.

Willow puts her hand on Kennedy's and leans forward to kiss her lips lightly, "Thought we would wait till after their baby shower-I want this to be their day."

"You're pretty amazing you know that right?-Always thinking of others first." The redhead blushes at her words. "I love you so much-"

"I love you-" they kiss softly but it turns quickly passionate as hands start to explore bodies.

They pull apart when they hear someone clear their throat and look up a little red faced to see Xander and Buffy. "Get a room-" he says with a smile.

"Xander-enough," says the blonde Slayer resting her hand on her growing stomach. "Lunch is ready."

Willow and Kennedy stand, the redhead gathers up their son, "Shouldn't we get Faith and Robin?" asks the young Slayer.

Xander points across the field and they see them starting their direction. Kennedy nods and the two couples walk toward a picnic shelter to meet their friends.

Once inside they find Giles and his new "friend"-her name is Elaine, the watcher insists they are just friends. They have the table piled high with different foods. In the corner there are wrapped packages. The girls drag Dawn in and pull her to the table. Everyone sits down and begins passing the food around the table.

"What did you decide about the house next door?" asks Dawn, looking at Faith and Robin.

"We talked to the bank about a loan-" smiles Robin, his eyes meeting Faith's.

"That's so cool-I mean that you're staying."

"It's only right," says the Kennedy. "Families should stick together."

"I guess-" agrees Faith with a half smile.

"What?" asks Buffy as she sees Faith's look.

"Family-pretty strange, I mean who would've thought after-" her words fade.

"The past-" says Willow, "Is exactly that-past. It's not important."

"Does feel right being here," says the once dark Slayer.

"It does-" says Buffy as she leans against her shoulder. "Besides, I think our kids had something going on in my dreams," she smiles.

Robin looks at Xander unsure- "No dating guys-"

He is cut off before he can finish, "But girls are okay-" smiles Willow cheekily.

"No dating," amends Robin. "None-" Faith smiles but it fades as she stops eating and takes a deep breath-her eyes meet Robin's. "Faith?" he asks unsure as he touches her arm.

A smile spreads slowly across her face, "She-ah-she kicked." Tears slip out but she tries to brush them away before the others can see. Robin leans in and kisses her lips as she puts his hand on her stomach. "Feel that?" He nods amazed.

Across the table Buffy touches her own stomach and then squeezes Xanders hand. He leans his forehead against hers.

They continue to eat and talk, Annie asks, "When are they gonna open the presents for the babies?"

"After the cake right?" says Aly.

"There's cake?" says Xander with a smile.

At the mention of more food a rather green Willow hands Alex to Kennedy and gets up, "Sorry I've gotta-" she runs toward the restroom at the end of the shelter.

All eyes fall on the young Slayer, she hands Alex to Giles, "Thanks Giles-I should check on-" she runs after the redhead without another word.

Those still at the table smile as understanding slowly crosses the face of each of them. "Wow-four-" says Dawn, she recovered from the idea faster than the others did.

"We don't know for sure," cautions Giles.

"Right-cause green is her natural color," the young woman rolls her eyes.

In the restroom Kennedy holds back Willow's hair as she loses her lunch, "Goddess-" she says softly, "I hate this part."

"I know-but the other parts they're nice. Remember?" Kennedy playfully raises an eyebrow.

"I remember," the redhead smiles momentarily but it fades as she feels the rumbling in her stomach start again.

Later Willow helps with the clean up as those around try to hide their knowing smiles, finally she looks up at them-then to Kennedy who simply nods as she finishes nursing Alex. The Slayer discretely fixes her clothes unnoticed and starts to pat the little boy's back. "Oh-alright-yes I am," she takes her Slayer's hand. "We're gonna have a baby."

"I knew it," says Dawn triumphantly looking at the watcher.

"So did we-" says Annie.

"But we couldn't tell," smiles Aly-

"Keeping secrets," says Xander playfully as he tickles each of them and they giggle squirming away. He hugs Kennedy and then Willow. "Congrats."

"Thanks," says the redhead she is again beginning to turn a little green. "Nooo-" she whines as she goes toward the restroom. Kennedy hands the baby to Buffy and follows the sick woman.

"I don't miss that part," says Faith as she moves to play with Alex's small hand.

"Me neither," says Buffy. She plays with the baby's hand as well, "But I can't wait for this part."

"I hear ya B-" her hand goes to her rounded stomach. "I want to see her so bad-"

Both lean into their husbands as they feel arms encircle them. Each looks up into the eyes of the man she loves and smiles. They whisper quiet I love yous.

A little over three months later, as each Slayer is in separate delivery rooms you hear them screaming- "I hate you-" at the top of their lungs.

In the waiting room the people there wince. Willow's hand goes to her stomach. "Poor Xander-" she looks worried.

"She doesn't mean it," assures Kennedy.

"I hope they don't hurt them-" says Giles.

"Maybe we should check on Robin?" asks Willow.

As she starts to stand she hears Faith's voice, "You'll pay for this-!"

The redhead sits back down, "Maybe I'll just wait here." She says a little unnerved.

"Babies-that's what they are-listen to them. I wasn't this bad was I Will?"

She hesitates and then answers, "No sweetie-" she smiles reassuring her lover, "you were much braver." Kennedy smiles. Willow looks at Giles and rolls her eyes and he smiles.

Later after the new mothers are returned to their rooms each is holding their child and smiling. Xander is sitting next to Buffy and Robin is next to Faith. There is a knock and the door slowly opens. Giles, Dawn, Kennedy, and Willow walk in with flowers and balloons. The two older Slayers smile.

"Doing okay?" asks the redhead tentatively as they hand the presents to Xander and Robin.

"Good-" smiles Buffy as she looks down at the baby in her arms.

"5x5," answers Faith as she does the same.

"So was the dream right?" asks Kennedy. "I mean Faith is she-"

"She's a she Junior," says Faith.

Robin answers the next question before it is asked, "Nikki-for my mother."

Kennedy nods, "Can I-" she steps closer to Faith,

"Yeah-" she puts the little girl in Kennedy's arms. She looks at Willow and sees she is holding Buffy's baby. "Who you got Red?"

Buffy answer, "We're gonna call him Will-" her eyes meet Xander's.

Xander supplies the rest of the answer, "For you Willow and for Spike."

"William," says Buffy- then looking at her watcher and friend. "William Giles-"

The watcher smiles, and clears his throat.-As he battles tears, he cleans his glasses. Willow and Kennedy smile down at the babies they are holding then look across at each other.

Willow hears Kennedy's soft voice in her head, 'I can't wait for them to find out our news-'

'I'm thinking they may be a little surprised,' says the redhead.

'We were a little surprised-they well-' she stops.

'More than a little-maybe. Soon love we'll tell them soon,' says the witch to her Slayer.

'I love you,' says the young Slayer.

'I know-I love you too,' says the witch. The End

This story continues in Full House

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

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