SURPRISEs

Rating: PG - NC-17
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: Canon through Chosen. From there, the story is a little different.
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, Buffy/Xander, Faith/Robin Wood, Aly/Katie

Summary: Unexpected guests abound in the Langdon household!

Chapter 1

"It's okay-" assures the woman.

"Sorry," says Ellie, "Gran-I forgot-"

She touches the young girl's face, "It's okay-"

Kennedy walks in and sees Willow just staring, "Will-sweetie-problem?" She looks from her redhead to the woman at the door and her eyes get large when she realizes who it is. "Mrs. Rosenberg-"

"Kenn-" Willow tries to speak, and finally forms words, "M-mom this is Kennedy."

"Hello-" says the woman as she looks at the chocolate covered Slayer. "There seems to be a problem of some sort with icing-" she smiles.

"Ah-yeah-party got a little outta hand-" states Kennedy still unsure of the situation. "I should go-settle them down." She tries to leave but Willow puts a death grip on her hand holding her in place.

The adults stand unmoving and quiet; it is Ellie who makes the next move. "Come on Gran-I'll introduce you to everyone. The woman takes her hand and follows her into the battle zone.

As they step into the room a piece of flying cake hits the woman and Buffy freezes, "I-Mrs. Rosenberg-" she stares.

"Hello Bunny-"

"Buffy-" corrects the child.

"Buffy of course," smiles the woman, "and Xander-" she looks at the man across from her.

In the entranceway Willow and Kennedy stand, hands still joined. Kennedy looks at her redhead and speaks, "Did you know?" Willow shakes her head. "Are you okay?"

She looks toward the living room still unsure, "Ah-give me a minute to ah-process-" she is really rattled. "M-my mom-she-she's here-in-o- our house." She fights away tears.

Kennedy steps closer and presses a kiss to her lips, "Yeah-"

"In twenty years she-she's not so much as called and now-now she's here." The tears fall and Kennedy pulls her into a hug. She holds her tight.

"That's a good thing right?"

"I-honestly-I don't know," admits the redhead.

Back in the living room everyone is standing around the room. Annie and Aly have moved in front of the babies as the newcomer takes in the scene. Adults and children are covered in cake and icing. "This is Gran-" announces Ellie like that will fix everything.

Xander makes the first move, "So Shelia-it's been awhile." He gathers children to him. He looks at Buffy and smiles, "You know Buffy-" the woman nods. "These are our children-this is Will-"

The blonde boy speaks, "Hi-"

Xander continues, "and David-"

"Hi-" his dark eyes look toward his mom who smiles.

"And this is Joy," the shy little girl ducks behind her dad.

Faith looks at the woman but before she speaks Willow and Kennedy come in. Faith looks a little relieved, "So good party-Red-we're gonna go-let you visit."

"But Mom," Nikki starts "Alex and I were gonna-" she stops.

Faith smiles at the girl, "Next time okay?" Nikki nods.

"Nice to meet you," says Robin as he attempts to clean some cake off their son before putting him in the car. "And the cake-" he flips some at Faith with a smile. "Really good." He picks up his son and moves to the door before she can get him back.

Faith follows him and her girls follow her, "You are so gonna get it," she warns as she leaves.

"We should go too," says Buffy.

"It's okay-" assures Willow.

"We'll let you catch up," smiles Xander.

"Lots of that to do-" replies Willow.

Xander hugs her and they leave as well.

Shelia hears a baby fuss and turns that direction. Aly picks up Kyra and she settles almost instantly. Katie touches her hand. "Whose baby-" she sees the others. "Babies?"

"Mine-" says Aly-she looks to Katie and takes her hand. "Ours." The woman steps closer but doesn't touch them. "Triplets-two boys and a girl."

Shelia looks surprised, "I-I have-I'm a great grandmother?"

Annie answers and her tone is harsh, "In theory-" she stares at the woman.

"Andrea tone-" Willow cautions.

"Sorry-" she says though she doesn't look at the woman. "I just-" she stops and looks at the floor.

'I realize it's a lot-but not right now okay?'

'I'll try-for you.'

'Thank you-' says the redhead. She looks at her daughter as their eyes meet.

"I'll be right back," says Katie. She walks with her mom and dad out the door.

"So Mom-why are you-I mean-no conference this week?"

Sheila looks at the woman in front of her, "No-I've retired. Semi-retired, but we can talk about that later. I want to meet the children now." She looks around the room at the people present.

"Oh-they need to clean up first," Kennedy speaks. "Now-" she looks to the kids and they disappear one by one out the door.

Ellie stops in the doorway, "We'll be right back."

Shelia nods and smiles at the child who then hurries out like the rest.

Aly looks at the woman and picks up Adam. "See you in a little while-these guys are getting hungry." She looks at her twin, "Get Aidan for me?"

"Yeah-" she says and picks up the baby-the teens leave the room.

The room now empty Kennedy puts her arm around her redhead and the witch speaks, "Mom-I won't let you hurt them," she states simply.

"That's not my intentions I assure you."

"Either you're in their lives or you're not-" she fights tears as Kennedy's hand strokes her back.

"I know that in the past I made poor decisions. I want to correct that if you'll allow me."

"You can't go back-time just doesn't-" Willow's tears fall.

"I understand that-and I hurt you. Could we just could we start now?"

Willow begins to cry harder as she turns away. Without answering she leaves the room-running up the stairs.

Kennedy looks from her redhead to the redhead's mother. "She's been-it's been a rough few months-" Kennedy explains. "Complications with the babies and now-you're it's shock so-she might need-she'll-" she stops.

Shelia smiles and Kennedy looks unsure, "I didn't realize that her babble is contagious."

Kennedy smiles, "After 20 years-" she stops and shakes her head, "Let me get you settled into a room."

"I have a hotel-" she starts.

"No-stay here with us."

"She won't-" she stops.

"She'll be okay." Kennedy smiles, "Eventually." They start to the stairs. "Are your bags in the car?"

"Are you sure there's room?"

"There's always room." She looks at the stairs and speaks. "Ellie Mac-" the girl peeks from around the top of the stairs. "Get your grandmother's suitcase."

"Sure Mama-" she comes down the stairs past them and out the door.

"They are well-behaved children."

Kennedy smiles, "Most of the time-" she nods. "Still with 7-it can get a little crazy."

"Seven-are you from a large family?"

"Me-no-I have a half sister."

"Why so many kids?" She smiles.

"Yeah-but mostly how?"

Kennedy smiles, "The why-I love kids and I always wanted-and the how-that'll take longer to explain." She hesitates not fully knowing how much Willow's mother knows of the magicks. "Rest and we'll deal with that later."

She nods and follows the Slayer up the stairs. "This is the room-ours is just over there," she points across the hall. "If you need anything yell-or grab a kid, there's always one around close by." Shelia nods. "I'm gonna check on Will-" Kennedy leaves.

Kennedy walks into their bedroom but doesn't see Willow. She smiles slightly and opens the door to go out onto the balcony. There she finds her girl staring into the garden. "Hey-" she wraps her arms around her from behind. "No jumping."

Willow turns in her arms with a pouty smile, "No jumping but maybe throwing if she's still here. Is she still here?"

"Just across the hall," says Kennedy.

Willow whines, "Pay for a hotel please-"

"No-she had a room but she should be here-" Willow glares at her wife and lover. Kennedy glares back- "You know I'm right.-Admit it." She begins to tickle the woman and Willow tries to the stop the grin as she pulls away. "Listen to what she has to say."

"Why should I?"

"Because she's here now-taking a chance after all this time." Kennedy puts her arms around her again and their forehead lean together.

"What if I don't want her here?"

"Ellie does-" says Kennedy.

"What if she hurts her-she just leaves and doesn't call or come back?"

"At least we know we tried."

"But then Ellie will be hurt-I like I was-"

"Like you still are."

"You're supposed to be on my side." Willow's tears start again.

"I am-I'm always on your side-it's just this time your side's not-it's a little on the wrong-" Kennedy kisses her softly on the lips. "Let's see what happens okay?"

"Okay-but if she hurts them-"

"If she hurts them you can turn her into a-ah vampire and I'll stake her." She smiles and Willow understands her teasing tone.

"Promise?" Asks Willow with a slight smile.

"Promise." Kennedy confirms.

"I don't like it." Willow states retreating a bit.

"Noted-but let's go talk to her anyway."

"Don't wanna-" she shakes her head.

"We had a deal-" says the Slayer.

"No-just she could stay and see the kids didn't say she could see me."

Kennedy kisses her on the forehead, "Okay my stubborn wife-but we'll be downstairs if you want join us." Kennedy kisses her lips and leaves the balcony.

Willow stares out across the yard, tears start to fall again as she thinks of her mom and all the things she missed.

Downstairs in the kitchen Ellie and Shelia are talking. "I'm glad you contacted me."

"You are?" Asks Ellie.

"Yes, this visit was long over due. I've neglected my family too long."

Kennedy walks in, "Been looking for you two-" says the Slayer.

"Ellie fixed us some tea."

"I just poured-Mom fixed it before." Willow walks in, "Mommy-" says the child.

Willow forces a smile, "Hey-sweetie."

Kennedy looks from Shelia to Willow, "Ellie help me clean the living room so we can have the family meeting there."

"Okay Mama-"

"We won't be long," Kennedy assures as they leave.

Shelia starts the conversation as Willow sits across from her, "I should have called, but I was afraid you would tell me I couldn't come."

"I might have," answers the redhead honestly.

"Would you like me to go?"

"No-no-but I want to know why now? Why after all the years and the calls you didn't return. And-I-I wrote letters and then Aly and Annie- and the cards and the kids pictures and birthdays," tears fall again.

"I have them all-Willow-all I can do is try again to be better to do better," Shelia looks at her daughter.

"Ellie Mac-she's-she loves with everything that's inside her-if you hurt her I swear-" she pushes the tears away.

"I won't," Shelia promises.

"You better not-" she states and Shelia sees the continuance of that sentence in her eyes. The fire of a mother protecting her young.

Kennedy comes back in the room, "If you're ready-everyone's in the living room."

Shelia stands and so does Willow quietly they follow Kennedy in. Around the room sit the kids. Katie and Aly hold the babies. "So-" says Kennedy, "How do we wanna do this?"

Willow smiles, "Well by age or there's always alphabetical."

Aly rolls her eyes and puts the baby in the crib- "I'm Alyson-Aly-I'm the oldest, by a few minutes anyway." She looks at Katie and the kids. "This is my girlfriend Katie." Katie smiles a bit nervous. She takes the baby from Katie's right arm. "This is Aidan-he's our oldest," she puts him back and takes Adam from the other arm, "This is Adam-" she gives him back- and picks up Kyra from the crib "and this is Kyra-" she smiles and looks to her twin, "Your turn Annie-" she sits back down.

Annie looks at her mother and then stands, "I'm Andrea-Annie-" she looks at the floor and sits back down.

"I'm Alex," the boy smiles. "The only boy-well except them-" he looks at the babies and then the woman who is his grandmother. "So maybe you'll be able to remember my name."

"I'm sure I will Alex," she smiles.

Ellie smiles, "Then there's me-I'm Ellie-but you know that," she blushes.

"Yes I do-" she smiles. "And the young lady beside you?"

Erin, following Annie's lead, is distant. "I'm Erin-" she stops and looks at her mom.

"I'm Kristen," starts the next child. "I think it's cool you're here."

"Thank you," smiles the older woman. "And you?" She looks at Kara.

"Kara-I was the youngest-till them-" she points to the triplets in their mothers' arms.

Shelia smiles. Kennedy smiles too. Willow looks around unsure what to do next. Kennedy takes her hand, "I made dinner reservations for 8:00 at Devaroes-so make sure you got all the chocolate off the first time and dress up okay?" She looks at her kids. They nod though some are less thrilled than others.

Kennedy hears Annie's voice in her head, 'Mama I don't want to go-'

'I know-but you're going.'

"Fine," says the teen as she stands and starts to leave.

Shelia speaks, "If she has other plans-"

"No-" says Kennedy. "No plans-right Annie?"

"Right-I'll be getting ready." She leaves.

Upstairs Annie still rants as she paces the floor of their once shared room. Aly stands at the end of the bed. "I don't want her here."

"She's here," says Aly simply.

"She needs to just go. I mean-she hasn't been around so she can just-" she stops and runs her fingers through her hair.

"Annie give her a chance."

"No-" pouts the teen.

"You're acting 12," she states as she moves to the door.

"I can act 12 if I want she missed 12."

"I guess-"

"And all the other years too-"

"Look she's here till Mom says otherwise so deal-" She opens the door but looks back at her sister. "Didn't you ever wonder what she was like?"

"When I was little and everyone's grandparents came to plays and stuff-yeah-now I don't care."

Aly throws a stuffed toy from the dresser at her, "Liar." She smiles and leaves.

As dinnertime nears Aly and Katie are getting the babies ready. Katie is dressing Adam and Aly is dressing Aidan as well, but Kyra is still in the crib. Aly puts Aidan in beside his sister as she finishes. She smiles at Katie, "One down," she picks up Kyra and starts.

"Yep-"

"Hey little girl-" she kisses her baby's head and lays her on the changing table.

Shelia walks in, "Oops sorry wrong turn-bathroom?"

"Next one," Aly smiles and Shelia nods. Aidan begins to fuss and without thinking says, "Can you grab him and give him to Mom?"

Shelia hesitates, "Ah-well-it's been awhile but-" she picks him up carefully.

"Thanks," Aly says.

Shelia looks at the baby, "Which way to your mom's room?"

"End of the hall-" she says and turns back to Kyra as Shelia leaves.

Katie looks at Aly, "You just let some strange lady have our son."

"She's not a strange lady she's my grandmother."

"Who you've never seen until today." Katie looks at her girlfriend unsure.

Aly rolls her eyes and mock glares at the teenager, "She's taking him to Mom not across state lines. Relax-"

"Okay-relaxing," she says. "Not really-Aly?"

Chapter 2

In the kitchen the teen gets a bottle of juice from the refrigerator and starts out the back door. Kennedy walks in, "We're watching a movie, you not joining us?"

"No-I'm gonna sit on the swing for awhile," she doesn't look toward her mama.

"If you're sure," Kennedy doesn't press the issue.

"I am," she opens it and goes outside. Kennedy looks at the closed door and worries about her daughter. She turns and goes back into the living room.

"Where's Annie?" Asks Willow as her Slayer sits next to her on the couch.

"She's on the swing-said it was a nice night to look at the stars."

Willow smiles and snuggles up to her girl. They watch the movie. The kids are lying around the room on the floor-all except Ellie, she is sitting on a small couch next to her grandmother.

Later, Aly and Katie have joined them. They sit together in an oversized chair- Aly is sitting with her head in Katie's lap and her feet dangling over the edge. Their hands are joined, resting on Aly's tummy.

Kennedy watches Sheila as she watches the movie. Ellie has moved closer to her and is now nearly on her lap. The young girl's hand plays with Sheila's and in an act of bravery she takes it in hers and leans her head on her grandmother's shoulder. The woman seems uncomfortable at first but then relaxes and smiles slightly. Kennedy nudges Willow, 'Look at Ellie.'

Willow looks at direction and she too is forced to smile, 'She's an amazing kid.'

'Yeah-our kid,' Kennedy leans in and kisses her softly. 'Be right back-gonna check on the one outside.'

'Don't push too hard,' Willow says-knowing the teen is more likely to try to prove her point if she feels threatened.

'Yeah-I know-she's like her mom.' Kennedy smiles as she stands. She leaves the room.

Outside Annie is sitting in the swing staring up at the stars. As Kennedy gets closer she wipes her eyes. "Star gazing?" Asks the Slayer as she sits next to her daughter.

"Lots to look at tonight-really clear," she says as she composes herself.

"Wanna talk?" Kennedy says simply.

"If I say no, will you go away?"

"No-I'll sit here with you, but I won't say a word." She sits quietly and stares at the stars.

Finally Annie speaks, "It's not fair." Kennedy doesn't say anything she just lets the girl move at her own pace. "She can't just show up after seventeen years and think-" she stops and stands. She looks back at her mama and tears try to fall. "She can't-I won't let her." Tears start to fall and she wipes at them frantically. "I'm not-she missed everything-and she can't just-" she stops as the tears fall faster then she can wipe them. Kennedy stands and to her surprise Annie hugs her and puts her head on her shoulder. She holds her daughter as she cries, unsure of what to do. Of all the children-Annie is the least likely to cry.

"It's okay to be angry-" says her mama as she rubs Annie's back. "Just don't close the door-it's harder to open after."

Annie looks up to see tears in her mama's eyes, "I just can't pretend it's all okay."

"No one is asking you to," she says as she wipes her own tears.

"Okay-" she hugs her again. "Is the movie over?"

"No-wanna come watch?"

"Is it funny?"

"A little funny-" says Kennedy with a smile. Annie nods and they start inside.

Later the movie ends and the kids stretch and stand knowing it is time for bed. Alex tries to buy extra time. "Can we watch another one?"

"Not tonight," says the Slayer as she smiles at her only son.

Without complaint he moves to hug both his parents. The other young kids do as well. Ellie hugs her grandmother and Erin follows suit. Kristen and Kara are next in line-they hug the older woman after they kiss Kennedy and Willow. With the younger kids gone the room is silent. Aly looks at Katie and smiles, "I'm a little tired too-think we should try to sleep while they are."

"Yeah-probably right." She smiles at her lover. They stand and hand-in-hand walk to kiss Kennedy and Willow.

"Night," says Aly.

"Night," says the redhead.

Kennedy smiles knowingly, "Get some sleep," she advises her oldest.

Aly nods as she let's go of Katie's hand and walks to Shelia, "Night-" she hugs her and then leaves with her girlfriend.

Annie sits across the room she looks at her mama, 'I'm not hugging her,' she thinks in her mind.

'You don't have to,' she says but then adds, 'But a goodnight would be nice.'

Annie stands and hugs both her parents. "Patrol later-" she asks in a hushed voice.

"Maybe-" Kennedy answers.

"Good night," says her mom. As she hugs her again. "You okay?" She asks quietly.

"Will be-you?" Her eyes meet Willow.

"I'm good-" Willow forces a smile she doesn't feel and it doesn't fool the young woman in front of her.

Annie looks at the woman who is her grandmother, "Night." She leaves not waiting for an answer.

Shelia looks toward the teenager a little sadly. Willow speaks, "She's-that's-" Willow stops.

"She's a lot like her mother," smiles the Slayer. "She'll be harder to win over than the others."

"I see that," she looks to her daughter, "can we talk before bed?"

Willow looks at her wife as their eyes meet she hears her girl in her head, 'Come on Will-talk-if nothing else tell her what you think.'

Willow can't keep the smile from crossing her face, 'I'm not allowed to say those words in front of her.' Kennedy smiles and kisses her lips softly. Willow turns and looks at her mom. "Yeah-just let me check on the kids." Willow stands and Kennedy follows her out of the room. Shelia sits alone for the first time in hours and she must admit it feels strange.

Later upstairs Aly and Katie have the babies down for now. Katie crawls into bed as Aly cracks the adjoining nursery door. She crosses her room and lies down next to her girl. As they snuggle Katie leans in and kisses her redhead. "Night," she says softly.

Aly smiles as she tucks a loose piece of hair behind her witch's ear. "Night Katie." Katie turns her back and Aly spoons around her. A few silent minutes later Aly speaks. "You tired?"

Katie smiles at the words, "A little-" she admits. "They're hard work."

"Yeah-" she hesitates a bit worried, "But it's not too much right?"

Katie turns and looks at her girl in the soft light of the moon. "Not too much-" she hears the worry in the words and kisses her softly. "I love them and I love you. Got it?"

"I love you too you know?" Aly answers and Katie smiles then turns back so her girl can spoon around her. Aly does just that wrapping her tightly in her arms. After a few minutes Aly's hand begins to work the buttons of Katie's nightshirt. As she finishes the first two buttons she hears Katie's soft words.

"Whatcha doing?"

"Give me a minute and I think you'll figure it out." Aly smiles against her neck as she kisses her there. Katie turns to face her and their lips meet. The kiss starts soft and unrushed-their lips opening and closing together. Soon however, the intensity increases. Aly licks Katie's lip and as she does the girl opens her mouth to her. As tongues begin to crease, Aly's hand finds it's way under her lover's pajama top as she makes teasing circles against bare skin. Katie moans softly but it's captured by her Slayer's mouth.

Finally they separate for air just long enough to refill burning lungs. Their lips join again-kisses that are soft and innocent become passionate and seeking in seconds.

Soon Katie's shirt in gone and Aly's follows as they kiss and caress. As the Slayer's hands move to her girl's pajama pants they hear a baby cry-then suddenly settle. Their lips stop their movement as they both pull away and look to the slightly open door. Aly hears a voice and her eyes get big- "It's my grandmother-she's in there with them."

Katie looks like she is about to panic, "You didn't use the soundproofing spell?"

"I forgot-" she drops her head on Katie's bare chest. She gets up slowly as she grabs her shirt and puts it on- "Be right back," she assures as she moves to the adjoining door.

In Willow and Kennedy's room the Slayer is getting ready to patrol with her daughter, "We won't be gone long-she just needs to burn off some steam."

"I get that-just be careful."

"We will," she kisses Willow softly. "You gonna wait up on me?"

Willow smiles, "Maybe-" she leans into another kiss.

Kennedy smirks as she wraps her arms around her wife. She kisses her lips before she moves to her neck. As she kisses and licks there the redhead moans. Kennedy smiles and moves up to blow in her ear teasingly. Willow shivers- "Like that don't you?" She whispers in her ear. "I know what else you like-" she smirks. She whispers again.

This time Willow blushes slightly but groans as she nods, "I'll be here." She says as she looks in her girl's eyes to see her grin.

Annie and Kennedy are patrolling. After nearly an hour they haven't spotted not one vampire or demon of any kind for that matter. Annie is frustrated. "Damn-when I need to kill something-were are they?"

Kennedy smiles, "Probably heard your grandmother was in town and figured that would more torture then they could come up with." She smiles at her daughter.

"You're not funny," she pouts playfully. "I just want one vamp-is that too much to ask for?"

"Looks like maybe tonight it is. One more pass then home-it's late your mom will worry."

Annie rolls her eyes, "Right-" she shakes her head. "You think I don't know what you do after every patrol?"

Before Kennedy can answer three vampires attack from out of nowhere. The distracted Slayers didn't sense them. Kennedy steps back and watches as her young Slayer finishes off one with ease. Two punches and I high kick knocks it to the ground and she stakes it. The next is a little more of a challenge as he gets in a punch to the face before she is able to make contact. As the third starts to help out Kennedy grabs it. She holds the vamp still as Annie dusts its partner. "So you ready for another?" Asks her mama.

"You don't want one?"

"You all tension free?" Asks the older Slayer.

"Mostly," says the teen.

"So you won't mind?" Annie shakes her head. Kennedy smiles and lets the vampire go. She toys with it for several minutes before she finally stakes it.

"What took so long?"

"Hey-needed a little stress release of my own." She smiles and they walk toward the donut shop.

At the house later Willow is lying on the bed her back to the door and her eyes closed. She stirs a little as she hears the door open and she turns to the noise to see her Slayer. She smiles and Kennedy sits down beside her. "Little nap?"

"Figured I might need it," she smiles.

"You just might," grins the Slayer as she stands and strips out of her clothes before crawling in next to her redhead.

Willow's hand goes to her bare shoulder and she caresses there. Kennedy gasps at her touch-her body beginning to hum already. "A case of the H's?"

"Not too bad-" she says as she leans into Willow and kisses her lips. "Mostly just want you-"

"Annie tucked in?"

"She was gonna go on the roof for a while-she wanted to think."

"My mom?"

"Yeah-" she kisses her again this time it escalates quickly. Hungry lips search and find entrance to her redhead's mouth. Her studded ring caresses Willow's tongue. Kennedy continues to kiss as her skilled hands undress her girl. Soon they are naked-bodies tangled as hands and lips caress and tease. Suddenly Willow stops. "What's wrong?" A stunned Kennedy asks as the kissing and touching stops.

"My mom-she's here just across the hall."

"Yeah," Kennedy frowns unsure. "Sound proof spell right?-She can't hear us."

"Right but-" she stops and looks at her Slayer's confused face. "I can't-we can't-"

"Why not-Will, sweetie-she could be here awhile-you can't expect-you want me to-" she stops too.

"I can't have-" she stops bulking at the sex word. "You know-with my mother here."

"Why not?-Annie and Aly do it all the time." She pauses, "In fact I'll bet you Aly and Katie are having sex right now."

"Not helping your case-" says the redhead.

"Please Willow-" Kennedy pleads.

"I'm sorry-I just can't."

Kennedy drops her head to Willow's chest and smiles a mischievous smile. Her lips kiss along the freckled chest and Willow moans lost almost at once. "Please baby-" she says just before she kisses the underside of her breast.

"Kennedy-" she protests.

Without a word she takes the tightening peak between her lips. As Willow moans Kennedy begins to suck harder. "Please Will-" she says as she lets the nipple go.

Willow manages to force her eyes open and looks into Kennedy's lust filled ones. "I am sorry." Kennedy moves her arms from around her girl and turns away, staring at the wall.

"So you're mad?"

"No-not mad-" she says.

"Kennedy-"

"Okay a little mad-cause you're being ridiculous."

"I'm not-it's just-she's my mom-it just feels weird."

"Fine," says the Slayer. She forces her eyes to close. "Night Will."

Willow touches her Slayer's shoulder and Kennedy pulls away slightly, "Willow, touching me if we're not gonna make love isn't good," the brunette tells her.

"Sorry-" she moves away. Willow looks sad while Kennedy looks frustrated. Kennedy turns back to her wife and pulls her into her arms. Willow is surprised as Kennedy spoons around her. "Night."

The Slayer doesn't answer she just presses her cheek to the redhead's and closes her eyes trying to keep her breathing calm and her hormones in check. "I love you."

"After this you better," Kennedy allows a small smile as they both try to sleep. She breathes in the scent of her lover and her body hums.

Down the hall in Aly and Katie's room they hold each other tight, as sweaty, tangled bodies try to recover. Aly forces out words, "Goddess-amazing." Her lips touch Katie's shoulder and little sparks shoot through them both.

Katie smiles as she slows her breathing-air still a little lacking. She takes a deep breath. "Mmmm-" is all she can manage.

Aly smiles and begins to untangle herself, "We should sleep. They'll be hungry soon."

"Yeah-" she pauses then a grin begins to cover her face. "You really wanna sleep?"

"No-you?" Their eyes meet.

"No-" she pulls her girlfriend into a heated kiss.

On the roof a restless Annie stares up at the stars. She wipes away tears as she thinks of the times she wanted and needed a grandmother but she was never there. "She can't just show up and expect-" she stops. She stands and wipes her eyes as she begins to climb slowly down the front of the house. "I so need to kill something," her stake in her boot she jogs toward the street.

Chapter 3

In Willow and Kennedy's room the redhead sleeps alone-her Slayer gone. She starts to wake, her eyes fluttering and then opening. She reaches for her love but finds the bed empty-feeling with her hand she realizes the space is cold. She sits up confused a bit and looks toward the balcony. She smiles as she sees the door a bit ajar. She climbs out of bed and slips a blanket around her as she goes outside as well.

Kennedy is staring at the darkness, the sun just trying to find its way through. Willow puts a hand on her Slayer's shoulder and the woman turns to look up into her face. "Couldn't sleep?" Asks Willow.

"No, not so much." She looks back across the sky as the sun inches out. Willow looks on as well before she straddles Kennedy's lap. "Willow," she gasps as her girl molds her body to her chest. "Not helping." She fights for control as she breathes faster just from the mere touch.

"Hmmm-we'll see about that." She leans in and presses her lips to Kennedy's. The kiss is instantly heated-the redhead licks her lover's bottom lip and her mouth opens to let her inside. Willow's tongue strokes and caresses there as her Slayer moans.

Kennedy pulls back, "Will-if we're not-"

Willow kisses her again chastely and then kisses her neck-up along her jaw line to her ear. She whispers in her ear, "We are," she runs her tongue around the lobe before sucking it into her mouth.

Kennedy moans and her eyes closed and then forced open to meet her lover's. "Let me-now we are?" Willow nods, "But your mom?"

Willow smiles understanding the confusion, "She's inside. We're not."

Kennedy smiles, "I get it."

Willow smirks, "Yes you do." She slides her hand down to cup Kennedy's breast. "Now, shhhh." As she does the sun rises and her girl's eyes close. The redhead's lips find Kennedy's again in a passionate kiss-their lips open and close together matching the rhythm of her hand.

Annie walks back toward her room in her robe, a towel around her head. She looks up as she hears a door open. She is surprised to see Sheila starting toward the back stairs. Annie ducks into her room quickly. Once inside she begins to wonder why the woman is up so early. She decides she to check it out as she slips into a pair of jeans and a tee shirt. She goes back out the door. In the hallway she runs into Ellie.

"What are you doing up?" Annie smiles.

"I always get up early," answers the preteen.

Annie nods, "Why?" Asks her sister. Ellie shrugs. They go toward the back stairs as well.

Outside on the balcony Willow and Kennedy try to slow their breathing, their bodies still tingling with aftershocks. "Wow-" manages the Slayer as she strokes her redhead's arm. "Just-wow." Willow smiles and kisses her shoulder. Kennedy's eyes close but she forces them open. "Can I ask you something?"

"Why'd I change my mind?"

"Exactly,-I mean not complaining, just a little confused."

"Well, you know-" she blushes. "Oz and I-his van-in the driveway, figured this is kinda the same." She smiles a little as she turns more red.

Kennedy smiles and kisses her lips, "So-we can-as long as we're out here?" She raises an eyebrow.

"Okay?" Willow asks.

"Better than okay," she kisses her again as her hands tease Willow's bare body under the blanket. The witch's eyes close as Kennedy's lips press against the skin of her neck, kissing and licking.

Downstairs Annie and Ellie find Sheila making breakfast. She is putting eggs in a skillet. "Morning Gran-" says Ellie with a smile.

Sheila looks up at the child and returns the smile, "Good morning Ellie." Her eyes meet Annie's and she adds, "Morning Annie."

"Hey," is her reply. She looks at her sister. "Tell them I went to Jake's okay?"

Sheila speaks, "You don't want to stay for breakfast?"

"No thanks," she leaves going out the back door.

Ellie watches unsure and then turns to her grandmother. "Want some help?"

Sheila nods and smiles, "Absolutely."

Annie stands in the backyard just staring, her mind races. She thinks about the first time she asked about her grandparents. She was in kindergarten. The other kids were talking about theirs and she was confused. When she got home she talked to her mom.

She remembers the conversation, "Mom, do I have grandparents?" Asks the five-year-old.

A surprised Willow looks down at her younger daughter and then kneels in front of her. "Yeah-my mom and dad, they're your grandparents."

"Why don't I know them?"

Willow looks away and fights for control, "Well," she tries, "They live far away."

"How far?"

"Across the ocean." Willow says.

"Wow-that is a long way." She is quiet before she speaks again. "Do you think they could come watch when we do the play?"

"I-" Willow hesitates. "I don't know-"

"Could you call and ask?" Annie doesn't give up on the idea.

"If-if you want." Willow agrees tentatively.

"Yes, please."

"Just understand that they might not be able to."

"I understand mommy."

The night of the play Annie looks out and sees two empty seats next to her parents. The little girl cries unnoticed by everyone but her twin. Aly touches her shoulder, "It's okay-look," she points to Xander and Buffy. "They're way cooler then a grandparent."

Annie stops remembering and she realizes that tears cover her cheeks. She wipes them away angrily. She looks back toward the house and her eyes narrow. "You can't make up for all the years you ignored us by cooking breakfast." The teenager storms across the lawn.

Willow and Kennedy have showered and are getting dressed. Willow smells coffee and the Slayer smells food. "Does your mom cook?"

"Not that I ever remember," states Willow.

"Well someone is," says Kennedy. She ties her shoes. "Speaking of your mom, how'd the talk go last night?"

"She just kept apologizing for not being there," Willow looks toward her wife. "And I think she really is-but-Kennedy I don't know how to make it right. I can't just say oh-hey sure no problem."

"It'll take time Will-" says the woman as she stands and hugs her girl.

"Yeah-time."

Later, Annie sits on the porch swing with Jake. Jake has an arm around her as she sits quietly. Her babble stopped nearly five minutes ago. The boy isn't sure if speaking is a safe thing, he settles for just holding her. "And they are all just let's be all forgivey-well not me. She's missed-I'm almost eighteen and this is the first I see of her?"

Jake kisses her temple and steps way out on a limb, "Tell her how you feel." She meets his eyes. "What's the worst that can happen?"

"My language gets a little colorful and I get grounded for five-six years."

The boy laughs and leans forward kissing her lips. As he pulls back he looks at his girl the playfulness gone, "She should know she hurt you."

Tears fall from Annie's eyes. Jake holds her tighter.

At the Langdon house, Willow and Kennedy, along with the kids are eating breakfast. The table is noisy and playful as they eat. Kennedy looks at her oldest daughter, "Where's Annie?"

It is Ellie who answers, "She said she wasn't hungry-she went to Jake's."

Sheila looks down at her plate, "If you'll excuse me," she stands and leaves.

Willow looks at the kids and then Kennedy, then to the doorway her mother just left through. "Ellie did something happen-did Annie say something to your grandmother?"

The preteen repeats, "She just told Gran she wasn't hungry." The child thinks and then speaks, "May I be excused too?"

Willow stands, "No-" Kennedy looks at her wife surprised. "Finish your breakfast."

"But I want to make sure-" the child looks worried.

"I'll make sure she's okay-" Willow's eyes meet Ellie's soft blue and the girl nods.

In the upstairs hallway Willow checks the guestroom but her mom isn't there. She walks on and sees the woman in the nursery. She is simply standing there looking at the babies as they sleep or play, Aidan is cooing-not sleeping like his siblings.

Willow moves next to her and stops. Her mom looks back at her. Both women are quiet, Sheila finally speaks as she turns to look at the babies once again. "Willow-" she stops and starts once more. "She's never going to forgive me is she?"

"She will-" states the redhead with assurance.

"How can you be so sure?"

"Cause she's my kid, and I know my kids." Their eyes meet. "It'll just take longer."

Sheila refuses to let the tears forming in her eyes fall as she looks back at the babies. Both boys are awake now and are beginning to fuss. Willow stops tears of her own and walks to pick up Aidan. She looks at her mom and smiles as she gives her the little boy, "Diapers are under the changing table in the drawer."

"I-Willow-it's been years," states the woman.

"Then it's about time-just be careful, he gives free showers." She smiles at her mother as she picks up Adam. She moves to the changing table and together in silence the two women, mother and daughter, change the babies.

After watching Sheila's two failed attempts Willow begins to giggle. Sheila looks at her and the giggling stops until Willow hears laughter that isn't coming from her. Both adults look to the doorway and see Ellie there.

"Don't laugh-" she looks at the child and starts to laugh herself. "Help me."

Ellie walks into the room and Willow holds Adam. She watches her mother with her daughter and grandson. Tears finally find there way to her cheeks as she smiles. She feels arms encircle her and she turns just enough to see Kennedy smiling behind her. 'Everything okay?' She asks silently.

'Getting there,' answers her redhead.

Kennedy presses a kiss to the back of her head before she lets her go and she goes inside the nursery. She picks up her granddaughter and kisses her on the head. "How's my girl?" She whispers as the baby's eyes flutter open. Kennedy kisses her again.

At Jake's house, Jake and Annie still sit on the swing. He still holds her. "I got an idea," he kisses her hair.

"Me too," she turns and kisses his lips. When they pull a part she grins at him.

"There's that," he nods. "Or I could buy you breakfast."

"I have to choose? Can't I have both?" She mock pouts and the boy laughs. She glares, again it is just in play. "You're laughing at me."

"Yeah," he smiles and nods. "I am-but you win I can't make you chose."

She smiles, "Matter what order?" He shakes his head. She smirks and pulls him into a kiss that starts out soft and becomes quickly something more.

As they break apart for air her stomach growls and again he laughs. "Think I better feed you first." He stands and holds out a hand to his girl. She takes it and stands-she looks into his eyes and he leans down to kiss her again. With he pulls back he smiles. "You know I love you right?"

Annie nods, "Yeah-I love you." She kisses him chastely and quips-breaking the serious mood, "Now feed me." They start away hand-in-hand.

At the Langdon house Willow sits with her mother in the living room. They are looking at a photo album; on the table in front of them are stacks of albums. "I've missed so much-" says Sheila as her green eyes meet Willow's.

"Yeah," says the woman. "But let's try to catch up." She opens the album in her hands. The first page shows a picture of her in her weeding dress-Kennedy at her side. The fact that she is pregnant is very obvious. "This is the day we got married." Willow smiles at the thought. She turns to the next page, and the next as it shows the reception. She hands the book to her mother and picks up the next from the stack. She waits as Sheila looks through it. When she looks up Willow speaks. "This is Aly-" she turns to the first page to see the baby in Willow's arms. Sheila begins to cry. Willow watches for several long seconds not sure of what to do. Before she can actually decide whether of not to put an arm around her she hears the doorbell. She looks at the woman unsure. "I need-" she stops. "There's no one else home."

Sheila nods and wipes her eyes as she looks at the pictures.

Willow leaves the room and suddenly needs to wipe her own eyes. She does, once composed she opens the door. Her eyes go wide in surprise as she sees Dawn there-and behind her, a little boy shyly hiding. "Dawnie?"

"Hey Will-" she watches as the young woman fights tears of her own.

Chapter 4

Willow loosens her hold as Dawn composes herself and backs up a step. She looks down at the little boy and touches his face with her hand. "Mommy's okay," she assures him as he wraps his arms around her leg.

"Hey, Duncan-" smiles Willow. "Remember me?" The boy doesn't respond. Willow steps back and they come inside. The redhead closes the door. "Let's make some tea and talk?" Her eyes meet Dawn's and the younger woman nods. As they start to the kitchen Willow sees her mom in the living room. "Ah-Dawnie-be there in just a second okay?"

"Am I-if I'm interrupting something-I can-"

"No-well-yeah but, she's waited 20 years-a few more minutes shouldn't matter." Dawn look unsure. "My mom-" the redhead rolls her eyes and shakes her head.

"Your mom?" Dawn repeats amazed.

"Pretty weird huh?" Dawn nods. "Get the tea started and I'll join you in a few minutes?"

"Take your time," Dawn says as she forces a smile. Willow hugs her again and walks into the living room. Dawn goes toward the kitchen with Duncan still holding onto her.

As Dawn gets out the tea and fills the kettle with water Duncan follows her every step of the way. She puts the kettle on the stove and turns it on. She looks down at her son, "Come up here," she picks him up and sets him on the counter. "It's okay Duncan. I promise I'm not going anywhere." The child hugs her neck.

When Willow walks in a few minutes later that's how she finds them. Worry takes over as she looks at them. Dawn pulls back as she hears the redhead enter. Willow smiles a sad smile. "Duncan want to go play in Alex's room?"

The boy's eyes fly to his mother and he takes her hand, "He's okay here." Dawn assures Willow. She picks him up and walks to the bar. She sits on a stool with the child in her lap.

Willow sits across from them. "So a surprise visit-which is nice."

"I should have called-" Dawn worries she's in the way. "Your mom-"

"Hey," Willow touches her hand. "That's not what I said." Dawn nods and relaxes. "Stay for dinner?"

Dawn forces a smile, "Who's cooking?"

Willow mock glares, "You if you're not careful."

Dawn actually giggles, "Was just in the mood for 'Pasta a la Kennedy'-all I'm saying."

Willow smiles, "That can be arranged."

"Good-" she turns to the sound of the kettle whistling. "I'll fix the tea and we can talk."

"Yeah-catch me up on all things Dawnie."

"Willow-I'm not a little kid-" Dawn protests the nickname.

"No-but you are to me." She smiles as the woman goes to the stove and the little boy follows.

In the living room Sheila continues to look at the albums. She has seen through pictures the lives of her grandchildren and she is remorseful-all the things she missed out on linger in her mind. She picks up the next album on the stack and opens it to read the name inside. 'Ellen Maclay Langdon'-she smiles as she turns the pages.

Willow sits with Dawn and Duncan. The still draws quietly as Dawn tries to gather the courage to explain her unscheduled visit. "Derrick and I-" she notices the boy look up at the mention of his father's name. She shakes her head and decides this is a conversation best done without words. He looks away. 'Can you hear me?' Asks Dawn-Willow nods, her eyes meeting Dawn's. 'Derrick and I-the divorce was final yesterday.' Tears slip from her eyes though she tries to stop them.

'I-I didn't know-how-why?' Willow is shocked and unable to order her thoughts. The words were so unexpected.

'It was all pretty fast-not the falling out of love part but the legal part.' Dawn stops the tears. 'It was a mutual thing. I'm okay,' she assures her surrogate mother.

Willow touches her hand, and Dawn looks to her son. She touches his cheek with her free hand as he continues to draw. 'But I'm worried about Duncan-he's been really quiet since Derrick left.'

The redhead squeezes her hand and smiles, 'He's always been a little on the quiet side-which by the way confused me.'

Dawn doesn't respond to the subtle joking-she is worried, 'Not like this-not around me and he won't let me out of his sight.'

Before the conversation can progress the back door opens and Kennedy and the five younger kids file in with bags of groceries. Kennedy smiles when she sees Dawn- "Dawn."

"Hey Kennedy-surprise," she smiles back and stands. She walks across the kitchen and hugs her. Duncan follows. Everyone talks at once bombarding Dawn with questions. She smiles and answers them.

'We'll finish this later?'

'Yeah-I need some help-still haven't told Buffy either.'

"Dawnie-" the word is spoken aloud as Willow looks at her amazed.

"I know-she's gonna be all Grrrrr-" Dawn talks too.

"Understate much-call her tell her you're here having dinner."

"No way-then she'll be mad cause I stopped here first. Don't need a list to be lectured on."

"Might have a point," admits Willow, "After dinner you go."

"You come with me?"

"We'll talk about it," Dawn nods.

Kennedy looks around the room, "Will-sweetie, where's your mom?"

"Living room looking at the kids' albums." She looks that way. "Check on her for me?"

Kennedy hears Willow in her head, 'Got a little problem here, I'll explain later.'

Kennedy smiles, 'Will there be a reward for this-cause entertaining mother-in-laws...'

'Don't even start-you're the one who cancelled her hotel reservation.'

'Point taken.' She kisses Willow on the cheek and leaves the room.

The kids are all gathered around Duncan who makes his way to his mother's lap. Willow looks at the kids, "He's a little tired it was a long trip. Why don't you get cleaned up for dinner and you can talk after?"

"Can I talk to Gran now?" Asks Ellie.

"Get cleaned up first." Ellie nods and all the kids disappear up the stairs.

Dawn watches and smiles, "I don't know how you do it."

"Do what?"

"The kids-they always do what you say."

"Not always," says Willow.

"Right-" Dawn rolls her eyes.

Sheila is still looking at pictures when Kennedy walks into the room. The Slayer smiles as the woman looks up. "Willow's gonna be a few more minutes."

"It's okay," says Sheila.

"Anything I can get you-some tea?"

"No but I have a few questions."

Kennedy sits down and looks at the picture. "That's Kristen-" Kennedy smiles.

"Willow was pregnant when you got married?"

"Ah-well yeah-" Kennedy is suddenly nervous.

"Did she give birth to all the children?"

Kennedy relaxes a little, "Ah-no-I-ah I had Alex-and Kristen and Kara."

"How exactly-?"

"Excuse me?" The nervousness returns.

"How did you get pregnant?"

"Well ah-" Kennedy stands. "I ah-I need to start dinner." She disappears back through to the kitchen as Ellie walks in from the other door. "Willow-" the redhead looks up. "You need to talk to your mother."

"Kennedy?"

"She ah-she wants know how we had babies."

Dawn giggles at Kennedy's distress and it gets louder as she watches Willow pale. "Can I watch?"

Willow shoots her a glare, "Go talk to Buffy by yourself." Dawn stops laughing. "And you-with me." She takes Kennedy's hand as she protests.

"Why do I-"

"Because-just because." They leave the room. Willow stops and looks back at Dawn. "Talk to Xander first he'll help-he keeps her pretty calm these days." She leaves the room with her wife.

In the living room Ellie is sitting next to her grandmother. She is talking with a smile on her face. Kennedy and Willow stand in the doorway and listen. "They went to these ladies and they chant and stuff and the magic makes the babies."

Sheila appears to be trying to comprehend what the child has told her. "Really?"

"Well mostly," Willow and Kennedy come into the room before the girl can add anything else.

"Mom-hey sorry about before." Sheila looks up at her daughter but Willow's eyes fall on Ellie. "Ellie Mac-help your mama with dinner."

"But-" she starts to argue but stops. She feels a strange aura in the air. "Okay Mom." She stands and looks at her grandmother. "I'll tell you the rest later." She leaves.

"You sure you want me to start dinner?" Asks her Slayer. Willow nods and Kennedy kisses her softly and leaves.

Sheila levels her eyes on her only child who now sits across from her on the couch. "How did you get pregnant?"

"Ellie pretty much hit the high points-there's a little more to it. You know-" she blushes, "We have to-well-ah-have-have sex while-" she looks down and then back up at her mother's face. She sees confusion there.

"Magic?"

"Yeah-powerful magicks-we're lucky. It's not something that all-we're lucky to have them."

"Yes you are," Sheila says simply. She looks around the room. "Now, no kids here-tell me the truth. Artificial Insemination right?"

Willow shakes her head- "Mom you lived in Sunnydale all your life. Monsters are real-magic is real and somewhere inside you know that. The kids-mine and Kennedy's were created with love and magic." Willow stands- "Aidan, Adam-Kyra the same way." She turns and walks out of the room not waiting for a response.

Dinner is a little strained and quiet, it gets even worse as Annie comes in and sits down next to Alex. As she fills her plate she looks at her mama, "Sorry I'm late."

Kennedy looks at her daughter, "We'll talk after dinner." Annie nods. "Meet me in the training room after you do the dishes."

Annie begins to eat quietly and smiles just a little when she sees Dawn at the table. "Dawn-" Dawn smiles. "I didn't know you were coming."

"Just dropped in."

"Yeah-" she glances at her grandmother. "Been a lot of that." She stops talking and continues to eat.

Willow looks at Dawn, 'Hey-she's a little upset about my mom being here. None of that's about you.'

Dawn nods as she finishes her food. She looks at Duncan who is picking in his. "Gotta eat Duncan." He takes a bite. Dawn ruffles his hair. She presses a kiss to his head. "I love you," she whispers to him. He smiles up at her and she smiles back.

Willow stands with Kennedy and Dawn in the entranceway. Duncan is again at her side, his hand in hers. "Just remember," says the redhead. "She's not the boss of you. You're a grown woman-you decide about the things in your life."

Dawn nods nervously, "Could you call and tell her that before I get there?"

Willow shakes her head, "Don't let her make you feel bad-it's not your fault."

"It is-some of it-most of it."

"But not all of it," states Willow.

Kennedy adds, "And you might want to tell her it wasn't all Derrick-she still gets a little protective."

"A lot protective," Dawn rolls her eyes. "I'll call you tomorrow." She hugs both of them. She starts for the door, when she does Willow and Kennedy start to walk away. As she opens the door a petite brunette starts to knock they stand face to face. Both look shocked.

The brunette's eyes flash with recognition and she stands dumb-founded for a whole five seconds before pulling herself together. "Sorry-must have the wrong house..." She turns to leave.

Dawn touches her shoulder, "Emerson, wait..."

The Slayer stops when she hears the name and goes to the door. "Em?" Kennedy speaks surprised.

Chapter 5

"Hey Kenn-"

Dawn stares at the two as she realizes they know each other. She moves the hand that was on the smaller woman's shoulder. "So little sis-how are you and why are you half way around the world?"

"Been better, been worse-thought what the hell." Emerson smiles but there is sadness behind her eyes- she's hiding something and her sister can plainly see it.

Dawn continues to watch the exchange as the pieces fall into place. She looks from one sister to the other as Emerson's eyes settle on her. "Ah-I-sisters-that's wow-I ah-I need to go see mine." Without waiting for a response from either, Dawn and Duncan leave.

Em watches Dawn retreat, shakes her head, then returns her attention back to her only sibling.

"It's been a while," says Kennedy. She steps back, "Come on in."

They walk into the house as Willow walks toward them. She smiles at the woman recognizing Kennedy's sister from pictures. "Em, this is my wife Willow." Kennedy smiles at her love.

As Emerson steps forward to shake her hand she checks her out- eyes moving down, then up again, then finally settling on Willow's face. She smiles, her eyes never leaving the blushing redhead as she speaks. "Wow! Kenn, you really know how to pick'em."

Kennedy punches her in the shoulder.

Willow smiles letting her hand go, "Oh yeah, definitely your sister." The witch rolls her eyes. Emerson giggles and Kennedy shakes her head.

"What? You say that like it's a bad thing," says the Slayer. She crosses her arms in front of her body in a mock-angry stance. Emerson mirrors her action instantly pretending the comment "offends" her as well.

Willow surprises them both and leans forward kissing her wife, "Not a bad thing at all." She presses another kiss to her lips. Em just smirks.

Kennedy composes herself after a few seconds, "Ah-Emerson not that I'm not glad you're here-but why are you here?"

Em looks at her sister and is suddenly serious, "You might wanna sit down."

Kennedy looks unsure, she knows it can't be good. She feels Willow take her hand, lacing their fingers together. "The living room?" She suggests. Kennedy nods and they follow the redhead into the room. Willow and Kennedy sit down on the couch-hands still joined.

Emerson paces as she wrings her hands together nervously, her sister speaks, "I thought we were sitting down for this?"

"No-you're sitting down. I'm pacing...for dramatic effect of course." She attempts to act flippant to cover her anxiety.

Kennedy looks at her, "Obviously, something's not right-tell me what." The Slayer's heart races-her mind runs through all the possibilities and they all meet back at her dad.

Em blurts out, "Dad is dead Kenn." Emerson winces from the effect of her words. She watches as her sister's face falls.

"He-he's what?-He-" Kennedy looks at Willow and fights for control. She looks at Emerson and stands. "No!-you're wrong." Willow stands too.

"How can I be wrong? He has no pulse-he's in a morgue. I was there-I know-don't tell me I'm wrong." The small brunette is automatically on the defensive but even as she speaks the words she wishes she weren't saying them.

Willow looks at Kennedy who is trying hard not to fall apart-trying to be strong. She levels her gaze to the new arrival. "Okay-not wrong, but not real-with the breaking it gently." When she knows her words are understood her turns her attention back to her love, "Kennedy-sweetie, look at me."

Kennedy looks at the redhead. She struggles to keep tears away as she whispers, "He can't be dead."

Emerson speaks again, "I'm sorry for the lack of tact-I just-I really didn't know how to say it-I just knew I had to be the one to say it. I didn't want you to hear it from anyone else, Kenn. I guess I should've prepared a little more...." The younger woman trails off as she realizes that the other occupants in the room are in need of a quiet moment.

Willow pulls Kennedy into a hug and her Slayer hugs her back for an instant before she pulls away needing to know more. She looks at her sister, "How? What happened?"

"Heart attack-he was in his office working late-it was fast-or so they told me." She watches Kennedy try to take it all in and then continues. "He was gone before I got to the hospital."

Kennedy nods and looks to her redhead, "I gotta-I need to-I'll be downstairs." She lets her love hug her and then walks away leaving Emerson and Willow alone.

Em watches her leave, she's not sure if she should follow her. She looks to the other woman. The redhead knows the unspoken question, "She just needs some space." Willow meets her eyes, "We'll check on her in a little while."

"I didn't mean to-"

"I know-she knows."

"My people skills suck sometimes." Emerson looks at the floor disappointed in herself for the way she handled things.

Willow forces a slight smile, "Hers too."

Em looks up and smiles as well. Blue eyes filled with gratitude meet green....then Em's stomach growls. This brings an actual smile to Willow's face. "Got anything to eat in this joint?"

A little later Willow and Emerson are sitting in the kitchen at the bar. She stands and starts to the basement door, "Be right back." She stops when she hears the front door slam. "That's never a good sign." She looks at Emerson. "Would you mind checking on Kennedy for me, while I see who's mad at the world and taking it out on my new door?"

Emerson nods, "Right-just through there?" She points to the doorway. Willow nods. Emerson starts for the door and Willow leaves the room.

In the entranceway the redhead finds a very upset Dawn. Duncan still holds her hand. The woman is crying as she looks at Willow. "Aw sweetie what happened?" She hugs the woman.

"Buffy was really mad-she was all 'you gotta make it work.' I told her I tried I did-" Willow tightens her hold. "I can't stay there. Please Will-can we stay here just long enough-"

Willow pulls back and look into her eyes, "As long as you need-okay?" Dawn cries but nods her head.

Downstairs, Emerson is watching Kennedy hit the heavy bag. "That my face or his?" She asks as she crosses her arms and leans against the wall.

"First his, then yours, -now mine." She shakes her head. "It's not your fault. I'm just mad at myself."

"Why's that?"

"I should have-"

"Should've what-been there?"

Kennedy stops hitting the bag, "Should have called-made more of an effort. He was a first class bastard, but he was still my dad." She moves to the training bench and sits down.

"Trust me, he wasn't worth the effort." Emerson sighs and shakes her head- she knows he wasn't worth it. Em tried all her life to get in her father's good graces and the most she ever got back was a blank check with the name 'Emerson Frazier' printed on the 'pay to the order of' line.

Kennedy works on removing the wraps from her hands, "I know-but still-"

Emerson makes her way over and sits down next to her. She remains silent for a moment as she thinks of a way she can ease Kennedy's guilt. The she speaks, "Did I ever tell you about the first time I met our father?"

Kennedy shakes her head. Her dark chocolate eyes meet the steel blue of the younger woman's. "No."

"I was 3 and a half-" She fights the emotions that accompany the memories, "Maybe 4-and my mother and I were meeting him for dinner." She pauses for just a second, "To this day I'm not sure how she even talked him into it."

Kennedy listens to her words and the words not said. She thinks about the day she found out there was an Emerson-her reaction. It wasn't good. She looks at her sister and encourages her to continue.

Em takes a deep breath and starts again, "She made a really big deal about it-bought me a new dress and everything-and needless to say I was really excited." Kennedy nods. "When we got to the restaurant he was already there so the waitress led us to his table. As soon as we got close I recognized him immediately from the pictures and ran to him." She shakes her head-half smiles, "He was on his cell phone though and held up his hand for me to stop before I could hug him. He barely even looked at me." She looks away and Kennedy puts a hand on her arm. "But I was the adoring little daughter and I waited patiently for him to hang up.-Almost twenty minutes later he does and promptly excuses himself from the table. A matter of urgent business came up and he had to attend to it. He apologized to my mother, patted me on the head and left. It was nearly two years before I saw him again."

"That sounds like him-business always came first." Kennedy looks at her sister. "I tried for almost a year to tell him I was gay. He was always too busy to listen, he had this meeting or that phone call." Kennedy smirks, "When he caught us together-in my room, better believe he listened then." She pauses, "And the look on his face."

"Oh, I know the look."

"Yeah?-He caught you too?"

Emerson smiles, "Hell no-I wasn't dumb enough to repeat your mistake."

Kennedy mock glares at Emerson, "You saying I was dumb?"

"I'm just saying that I could hear you all the way from my room-and Kenn if you remember we lived in separate wings. You were just asking to get caught."

"Exactly," she smiles. "Not so dumb huh?"

Em rolls her eyes, "Fine-I'll give you that one."

Kennedy bumps shoulders with her, "So what did you do to get 'The Look'?"

"I don't think you want to know," Emerson looks down, once again the sadness behind her eyes is apparent.

Kennedy looks at her younger sister unsure. What had she missed while she was away? "It's that bad?"

"If you had been around you'd have given me much more than a look."

Kennedy tries to lighten the quickly darkened mood, "Saying I need to kick your ass?" Em doesn't respond. "Emerson, what did you do?"

"Something I'm not proud of-can't we just drop it?" Emerson tries to force the past back into the past. The last thing she wants to do is rehash the mistakes she made when she was younger.

"Yeah, if you want."

"I want," says Emerson.

"Then consider it dropped, but Em, whatever it was-it's okay."

Emerson looks away as Willow looks in from the top of the stairs. "Everything all right down here?" She walks down a few more steps- "Cause not so much upstairs." Her eyes settle on Kennedy. "Family meeting in the living room in five." She disappears back up the steps.

"So I get to meet the fam-huh?" Em forces the cheer back into her voice.

"Yep," Kennedy stands up. "Ready for them?"

"You sound like I should be doing prep work for this meeting." Emerson stands. "They're just kids."

The mother laughs as she throws an arm across her sister's shoulder, "You just keep thinking that." Emerson's smile fades and is replaced with a sudden fear.

Kennedy and Emerson walk into the living room and everyone is there. The furniture is covered with children. "Holy shit!"

"Language," choruses the crowd.

Willow and Sheila both give her a stern look-when Willow realizes she was just her mother she looks to her Slayer and makes a pouty face.

Emerson looks to Kennedy, she watches as she squeezes her wife's hand. Em looks at the kids again and back to her sister only to find her smiling at her. No, thinks Emerson-not a smile, a smirk. I'll show her.

Kennedy looks at her family and then her sister, "Everyone-this is my sister-your Aunt Emerson."

Annie mutters, "Great, another long lost relative."

"Andrea!" Willow looks at the teenager. Kennedy does as well and the girl immediately backs down. She crosses her arms against her chest and looks away angrily.

Trying to defuse the situation Emerson looks at the two boys. "Wow-6 to 2-you guys are really out numbered."

Dawn looks at Emerson, "Duncan-he's my son."

Emerson nods slightly-their eyes meeting briefly, "Should've know that-he has your eyes."

Dawn looks away a little sadly. Aly and Ellie catch the exchange but the others don't-they glance at each other and the younger just shrugs.

Emerson turns her attention to Kennedy and Willow's only son, "So you're the only man in the house?"

"Yep, that's me-but it gets me my own bathroom." He smiles at the woman-his aunt.

"Lucky for you-." She hesitates as she realizes she doesn't know his name.

"I'm Alex," supplies the teen.

"Well, it's nice to meet you Alex." She smiles at him and turns to the others. "So, I'm guessing the rest of you have names too?" Four twelve-year-old girls start talking at once. "Whoa. Hold up a sec-" The kids all stop. "If I'm deaf, I'm gonna have trouble learning your names. Let's try it again-one at a time."

Willow and Kennedy look at each other slightly surprised. Dawn on the other hand is amazed. Sheila seems a bit bored.

Emerson walks over and bends down next to Ellie. "Let's start with you."

"Ellie Mac-" she answers. "You have blue eyes like me."

"I do," Emerson agrees. "I got them from my mother."

"So did I," says the girl without thinking. Sheila looks confused and so does Emerson as she looks at the redhead's green eyes. She checks Kennedy's too-though she already knows they're brown.

Ellie looks to her mom- 'Sorry Mom,' she sends silently.

'It's okay sweetie,' she answers in her mind-assuring the child.

Emerson takes it in stride. "Blue is my favorite color."

Dawn smiles as she watches Duncan watch the woman.

Ellie smiles as she speaks, "I like blue."

"How about you?" she moves to the next child. "Name and favorite color please."

"Erin and green."

"Forest green or lime green?" Quizzes the aunt.

"Neon," answers the girl.

"You know when I was your age I had neon green glow in the dark stars on the ceiling in my room."

"Really?-I do too. Stars are my favorite," she smiles at Emerson. Emerson smiles back.

Kennedy watches her sister and Willow talks to her wife silently, 'I see charming is a family trait.'

The brunette leans in and whispers in her ear, "What can I say?"

"What's your name?" Asks Emerson as she turns to the next child.

"Kristen," she says as she looks at her.

"Any favorites you think I should know about? Colors-shapes-animals-ice cream?

"Chocolate chip cookie dough," says the girl.

"I'm guessing that's your favorite ice cream and not an animal, huh?"

Kristen rolls her eyes, "Nah-it's my cat's name." Em looks unsure and Kristen giggles, "Not really."

"You're a sneaky one aren't you?"

"Sometimes," admits the child.

"Sometimes is good-" she smiles. She looks at the youngest, "Name?"

"Kara."

"Well Kara, I've got a tough question for you. You think you can handle it?" The girl nods. "What is your favorite book?"

"Ah-I like lots of books, not just one." She pauses to think. "Gone with the Wind was really long."

"Gone with the Wind, huh?" Em looks at Kennedy with a knowing glance. "Ever seen the movie?"

"Yeah, Mama and I watched it together once."

Willow looks at Kennedy, "What?" She smiles at the redhead who pretends to be jealous. She kisses her playfully and everyone in the room groans-except Sheila.

"Rhett is really cute," says Kara.

Emerson laughs and Kara looks at her unsure. "Well let's give you another question since that one was so hard."

"Okay-if you want."

"What's your favorite food?"

"Pasta ala Kennedy," she says with certainty.

"Have you ever tried Pasta ala Emerson?"

"No-"

"We'll have to change that," smiles Emerson and then Kara too the little Slayer's love of food winning out. Emerson stands and moves to the oldest two. Her eyes fall on Annie. "Andrea right?"

"Only when they're mad," she says defensively.

"Well, how about when they're not?" Em tries to ignore the hostility that's radiating off the teenager.

"Annie, and I'm not 12 so you can save it." She looks at the younger kids.

"I'm not either-but I can sure act like it sometimes," says Emerson jokingly but Annie gets the double meaning as does Aly who laughs.

Annie stands and glares at her twin. "What was that for?" Asks Emerson, "I thought you were pissed at me," she speaks bluntly. Her internal brat rising to the surface to face Annie's head on.

Annie turns to face her and their eyes meet briefly, "I'm not doing this." She walks out of the room.

Kennedy starts to follow but Willow's hand on her arm stops her. "Let her get herself together-" the Slayer nods. Sheila watches the events.

"Damn," says Em, "I was on a roll too."

Aly stands, "That was my fault-and again-language okay?"

"Sorry not used to being around kids." She looks at Aly, "And honestly I don't see how that was your fault."

"I told her the same thing yesterday and she knows we're right."

"Didn't realize being right meant you deserved a glare like that," says Emerson who still manages a grin.

"Annie doesn't like being wrong." She decides to change the topic. "Ah-favorite color-purple, shape-rounds, animal-cat, book-Paradise Lost-"

"And let me guess-ice cream anything chocolate?"

"Yeah-but no chocolate for a while," she says with a smile as Katie enters the room with a fussy Aidan and walks to her. Aly cuddles the baby in her arms.

"Wait a second I thought that was all of them," she looks at Kennedy with a raised eyebrow, "Do they multiply?"

Aly smiles, "In a manner of speaking yeah. My son Aidan and my girlfriend Katie." She kisses her softly. "Are Adam and Kyra still asleep?" Her attention now on her family.

"For now," smiles Katie.

"Did you get a nap?" Asks Aly.

"A little one," she answers as she takes Aly's hand in hers.

"Who are Adam and Kyra?" Emerson looks at the teen unsure though she has a feeling that she already knows the answer.

"They're triplets-Aidan, Adam and Kyra, " she can't help but smile. "The twin thing was just too over done." She smiles at Emerson.

"You know I may not be used to being around kids and I'm cursing myself already by admitting this....but I actually do know how to change diapers."

"I'll take you up on that later. Right now-he wants dinner."

Emerson being good in math puts two and two together, and adds- "That I can't help with."

"No." She and Katie leave quietly.

Emerson looks and Kennedy, "6 out of 7 isn't bad huh?"

"Not bad at all," states the Slayer.

Willow looks at her girl, "Speaking of 7-I should go talk to her."

Kennedy shakes her head, "I think we both should."

"And I should probably find a hotel." Em says, motioning to the front door.

"No stay here," says her sister.

"Definitely no room here," says Em.

"Don't be silly-Ellie and Erin can share a room with Kara and Kristen. You and Dawnie can take theirs."

The kids groan and Dawn shoots the witch a look before entering her head. 'So not a good idea.' Willow looks at her unsure. 'Not good.'

Sheila surprises everyone by speaking, "They can have the guest room-"

"And Gran can stay with us," supplies Ellie. "Right Erin?"

"That's cool-" says the twelve-year-old.

Willow looks around the room and nods. Her eyes meet her son's, "Alex, Duncan is with you."

The little boy moves closer to his mother and holds her hand. Dawn reassures him, "It's okay Duncan-you can stay with Mommy."

"I should really just," Emerson starts to excuse herself from the situation again but stops as Dawn interrupts.

The former key relaxes, "There are two beds-" she tells Emerson.

Emerson takes in this new bit of info then nods, "Sure-okay."

Dawn stands and Duncan does as well, "Remember where the room is Dunc?" The boy nods. "Lead the way." The three of them leave.

Later in the room Dawn has Duncan in his pajamas ready for bed. She sits down beside him while he crawls under the covers. She starts to get up but he takes her hand. "Mom needs to get ready for bed," she points to the bathroom as the room door opens. "I'll just be right there." Her eyes meet her son's.

Emerson who has entered the room decides that maybe she can help- more than that, she wants to help, "Hey little man, mind if I keep you company while your mom is in the bathroom?"

He looks at Emerson unsure, then to his mom, and finally back to Emerson. "I don't bite." Dawn meets her eyes and grins. "That was only that one time." She pauses as she watches Duncan whisper to his mom, then adds under her breath-"And I didn't hear you complaining."

Dawn rolls her eyes at the woman and stops a giggle from escaping. "Duncan says his favorite ice cream is Oreo." She looks at her son just to make sure he's okay. "I'll be right back." The little boy nods. She goes into the bathroom.

"Ah-cookies n cream, a man after my own heart," says Emerson as she sits down in the spot Dawn has just vacated. Duncan moves away a little. "So Duncan do you like bedtime stories?" He nods and almost smiles. Em does smile as she settles in to tell a story. "Once upon a time there was a little prince who lived with his mother- the beautiful queen of all the land....."

A little later, Dawn stands in the doorway. She has been listening to the tale and watching her son fall asleep. "Nice story," she says softly.

"Thanks," Emerson looks up at her surprised she is there. After an awkward silence she speaks again. "So-what have you been up to for the last five years?" Dawn walks across the room and stands beside the bed. Her eyes rest on her son before looking at Emerson. "That much is obvious." Em sorta grins.

"He's all that matters." She looks back at him as he whines in his sleep. She touches his hand. "I ah-worked part time doing the research thing."

"Like with the museum?" Em recalls the first encounter she had with Dawn.

"Yeah-like that. We got to travel-he loves planes. It was his second word." She sits next to her son, on the side opposite Emerson and touches his cheek. Worry returns to her face but she forces it away as she looks at the woman. "What about you?"

"I stayed in Europe for a while after you..." Em catches herself and skips that part of her life, "I wrote a book." Dawn smiles. "Then I went on tour to promote it....did you realize that every Barnes and Noble in this entire country looks exactly the same?"

"Really?- No- never noticed. You wrote a book?-Wow! That's-wow."

"Not really," she shakes her head. "Just needed something to distract myself from...well lets just say from 'life'."

"Because of-" Dawn stops not wanting confirmed what she already knows.

Emerson looks straight at her, "I guess I always thought you'd be back." She pauses to gather herself. "And when I realized you weren't coming-" she stops.

"Em-I-" she looks at the boy then back at her. "I'm sorry."

"Me too." She gets up from the bed. Dawn stands too the bed separating them. Emerson looks down at the little boy. "Where's his dad?-I mean, I assume he's Derrick's right?"

Dawn nods, "We ah-we're not-" she fights for the right words then gives up and says simply. "Gone." Tears try to surface but she forces them away.

Emerson walks around to Dawn's side of the bed. Dawn looks at her unsure. Em reaches a hand toward her, her fingers lightly tracing Dawn's cheek. Dawn leans into the touch unable to stop herself. "You don't have to be strong around me Dawn-you can cry if you need to."

"Emerson-I-" she looks at the woman and shakes her head. "I can't," she takes a step back. "I gotta be strong for Duncan."

Em drops her arm defeated and looks at the sleeping boy. Dawn's eyes follow to her son. "How does he feel about waffles?" Em switches topics once more- random is way better than sad or awkward.

"They're his favorite-why?"

"Well, they happen to be my specialty." Emerson grins, "And I was thinking I'd cook breakfast tomorrow for us-us being the whole family of course."

"Of course." She smiles and nods. She walks past Emerson to the other side of the bed. She looks down at her. "Night Em."

"Night Dawn." Em sighs and crawls into her own bed. She lies there staring at the ceiling- her body is exhausted but she knows she won't be finding sleep tonight.

Go on to Part 2(Chapters 6-10)

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