Time Keeps On Slippin'-Slippin'-Slippin' Into The Future

See Part 1 for Ratings and Disclaimers

Journeys: Part 2

She watches surprised as she sees three vamps turn to dust. Annie sees her mama stake one as well. "Likin' the odds better now," says Faith with a smile. But as those words are spoken the vampires from the mausoleum come out adding at least fifteen more to the fight. "-Where'd they come from?"

"Freaking group meeting inside," states Kennedy.

Still without a stake the younger Slayer closes her eyes and concentrates, a crossbow appears in her hand. She smiles and begins to shoot, dropping two and watching them blow away in the wind. "Mama-" the Slayer turns her way and Annie tosses her the crossbow.

Kennedy looks her way and smiles, "That's my girl." The fighting continues Faith and Kennedy now each with crossbows are able to hold their own.

Once again Annie uses her magic-she holds out her hand and soon a ball of light appears, she whispers some words and as the ball floats, the sky is filled with light. The vampires begin to burn and run. A few actually make it back inside. "That's some cool sh-stuff," says Faith with a smile. "Can you teach me?"

"Sorry-you'll have to talk to my mom," Annie retrieves her stake and they look toward the mausoleum.

"Let's finish this the old fashioned way then," smiles the once dark Slayer.

"Careful we don't know how many more there are," Kennedy adds.

The three Slayers walk into the mausoleum and to their surprise they find it empty, "How did they-" Annie starts.

"Tunnels-damn!" says Kennedy.

"Language Junior-" admonishes Faith.

Annie rolls her eyes, "I'm not a kid-it's no big deal." They stand quietly. "Now what?"

The underground tunnels finally lead to the mansion that serves as home for the plotting vampires. Dru angrily knocks all the books from a large table. She stands her face morphed to rebuke her servants- "Fools see what your impatience has caused?"

"But they had found you-"

"Silence-" she moves like lightening to stand inches from him. "And we would have escaped-like now only without the loss or-" her words stop and she snaps his neck. She lets him fall to the floor and continues. "Now we must start over."

"Over?" One questions.

"Increase our number. Tomorrow we feed." Those around her smile.

Faith, Kennedy, and Annie sit at a back booth in the corner of the burger place. The three are on their second round of burgers, fries, and milk shakes. Annie is the first to slow down as she takes a bite of her sandwich and puts it down, "Wow-some after slay hungries," she says with a smile.

"Only one H?" Questions Faith and the teenager blushes.

"Faith, cut her some slack." Kennedy says with a smile.

"Right-sorry kid."

"I'm not a kid," protests Annie.

"Sorry again," replies the older Slayer and she turns her attention to Kennedy. "So how much trouble do you think's coming?"

"More than we've had in a while. I think we should probably call a meeting for tomorrow."

"Yeah-groups of vamps, never good. They're got some taking over the world plan up their sleeve."

"Cool-" says Annie before she realizes it. Both Kennedy and Faith stare at her, "What-I'm just saying-I like the action. Breaks the boredom."

"She's so like you-" Faith tells Kennedy and the Slayer nods. Annie however is lost as she sees Jake come out of the back.

As he walks from the clock out area he sees her. "You're out late," he smiles.

"Yeah-got hungry."

"You about finished?-I could walk you home," he smiles.

Annie looks at her mama, "Can he?"

"Ah-you should walk him home," says Kennedy.

"That works." She stands and he takes her hand. "See you at home."

"Not too late," her mama adds.

"No-won't be," they leave.

Faith moves the teenager's plate in front of her and begins to finish the food there, "So I get why you didn't want him alone with the vamps out in force. What I don't get is why you'd send him with your daughter who's just been slayin'-true she ate which helps but she's still gotta be horny as hell." Concern covers Kennedy's face as she watches the other Slayer eat. "You gonna finish that?" She points to her plate. Kennedy shakes her head, her only thoughts now of Jake and Annie. Faith moves the now empty plate away and puts Kennedy's in its place.

A few blocks from the burger place Annie and Jake are facing each other kissing. Annie pulls away and bites her bottom lip- "This is not a good idea." She leans into another kiss and it becomes instantly intense. Again she pulls away as a soft moan escapes. "Jake-" their eyes meet in the light of the street lamp.

"What's wrong?"

"Ah-we ran into trouble on patrol. It's not safe for us to be out here alone."

"You think they'll come back?"

"Maybe-but the slaying-after-it's hard not to." She blushes and tries again. "It makes me want you more-" he seems unsure. "It makes me-" again she stops and looks away. "Faith calls it the double H's-"

"Hungry?" She nods. "What the other H?" She looks up at him, she kisses his lips and runs her hands over his body. "Oh-I ah-horn-I-got it." He smiles and pulls away.

"Yeah and I don't want-when we decide to be together. And by the way I have a doctor's appointment. That's not the way I want it to happen."

"I understand-" he smiles. "And when's this appointment?"

"Next week-" she smiles. "Okay?"

"Okay," she kisses him chastely and they start to walk toward his house.

At the Langdon house Kennedy and Willow are in the kitchen. "I wasn't thinking-the whole thing with the vamps. I was distracted."

"It's okay-she's not a little girl she's seventeen."

"You're not mad cause I-" Kennedy seems unsure.

"No-she needs to know how to handle herself," says the redhead as she kisses Kennedy softly. "We can't always be there."

"Right-" there is a pause. "Why not?" Her eyes lock with her lover's green.

"What were you doing at seventeen?" asks Willow.

"Running from the First."

"Who was taking care of you?"

"Nobody-I took care of my-" she smiles, "I took care of myself," restates the Slayer.

"Exactly-" Willow wraps her arms around her Slayer. "Why don't you tell me about the vampires?"

"After?" Kennedy raises an eyebrow and smiles. "Okay?" Willow doesn't speak she simply moves forward and kisses her. Their lips begin to open and close against each other's in a steady rhythm. Willow backs her up against the wall and presses her body to hers. "Can't here-" she tries to control her breathing. However her protests stop as her redhead's raised knee meets her center. "Goddess-" she moans. She presses harder against the friction and cries out again. Willow's hands find her Slayer's breasts and she kneads them, as their lips meet again.

Later a shuddering Kennedy holds on to her goddess, trying to recover from her second orgasm. Her breathing is still choppy as she focuses and tries to calm herself but to no avail as Willow's hand finds it's way under her shirt, her nails tease and tantalize bare skin. "Bed-now," she kisses her roughly and picks her up. Willow wraps her legs around the Slayer's waist. The Slayer starts to the stairs with her redhead, their lips never losing contact as the door opens.

"You didn't have to wait up for me," says Annie without looking up.

"Weren't," says Kennedy without putting Willow down. "Night." She continues up the stairs.

Annie blushes and shakes her head, "Night." She goes toward the stairs as well but slowly giving them time to reach their room. When she opens her door she falls onto the bed and shivers- "This really sucks-looks like another cold shower."

The next day Buffy, Xander, Faith, Robin and Giles are gathered at the Langdon house. "That many?" asks Buffy and the three Slayers who saw the vamps nod.

Giles is the next to speak, "Buffy, you, Faith and Kennedy should definitely patrol tonight."

"He's right," Xander adds. "If you weakened them then they'll be hunting.

"I want to go too," Annie states.

"Yeah," agrees Kennedy after she looks her redhead's way and gets the nod. "We can patrol in two groups cover more ground."

"Good idea," Robin says. "But three groups would be better."

"He's right-we'll go too," volunteers Xander.

"Someone needs to research," says Giles.

"Looks like that's us," smiles Willow as she looks at the watcher. "Books are our friends," she teases.

"Aly and I can help too," suggests Katie.

"So we have a plan. We'll meet back here at sundown to patrol," Buffy clarifies.

"We'll start the research party at six if anyone wants to help before they leave." The others shake their heads.

Aly stands and walks out of the room. Katie looks at Willow and follows her girl. She finds her on the back porch on the swing. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing, I'd rather sit and do research than patrol with the other Slayers." She stares out into the yard as she watches the kids play.

"I'm sorry-" She sits down beside her and rests her hand on Aly's rounded stomach.

"Not your fault," states Aly as tears slide down her face.

"Hey-no-shhh-no tears." She kisses her lips gently.

"I can't help it."

"Hormones?" questions Katie.

"I guess-can't stop them. I feel silly I mean I wanna patrol but not enough to cry."

The witch smiles, "What do you say we go for some ice cream and then come home and-"

"Snuggle?" Aly says with a smile.

"I was gonna say-" she stops and raises her eyebrows suggestively. "But snuggling is good too."

"Like your idea way more," Aly smiles with a slight blush. "Thanks-"

"For?"

"Making things better," she leans in and kisses her softly.

"Everything okay?" asks Willow from the door.

"Fine-we're gonna get ice cream. We'll be back in plenty of time to research." Her daughter answers. The young couple leaves the porch hand-in-hand.

Inside the house Kennedy and then Faith retell the events from the night before. Buffy listens, "That many vampires-they have to be planning something big or waiting for something big to happen. Did they say anything?"

"Didn't really have time to chat," quips Faith.

"They were too busy blowing in the wind," adds Annie.

"Any strange markings or weapons?" asks Giles.

"It was dark so I couldn't say about the markings but they didn't have weapons."

"Cocky-" states Robin.

"Or caught off guard," offers Xander.

"Think we should go back to the mausoleum now while it's daylight and check it out?" asks Willow as she stands in the doorway to the room.

"Not a bad idea-but not everyone needs to go," answers Giles.

"Well since my evening's going to be spent with books I'm going," says the redhead.

"Can I come with you Mom?" asks Annie.

"Sure-and find your bother and Ellie-" Kennedy looks at her unsure. "They can get in a little field work."

"You sure Will?" Kennedy steps toward her.

"We'll be fine-still daylight."

"Why don't I tag along?" asks Buffy. Willow rolls her eyes. "Fine I'll stay here." She pouts.

"No-you can go," concedes the witch.

Later the unusual band of Slayers and Scoobies reach the mausoleum. Buffy and Annie walk around the building in one direction Willow and the younger kids go the opposite way. They meet in the middle. "No markings on the outside," states Annie.

"Then let's try the inside," Willow says and she starts inside Buffy brings up the rear protecting their backs.

Once inside they spread out and look at the things there. Two large stone coffins stand in the center of the room. To the left they can see the remains of a circle created in blood. "Ritual of some kind Will?" questions the oldest Slayer.

"Yeah-" says the witch as she kneels down at the circle. She looks closer to make sure that it is indeed blood.

"Is that blood?" asks Annie.

"Yeah-" she picks up a piece of a leaf and smells it. "Not sure what this is though." She slides it into her pocket.

Alex who is standing by his mother looks up and sees the sun shining into the room. "They have another place, this is just for the rituals."

Buffy and Willow both look up, "Smart kid-" says Buffy as her eyes meet his and he smiles.

Ellie is standing by herself about ten feet away beside the coffins. She puts her hand on one and closes her eyes in concentration. Willow sees this and walks toward her. The young Slayer opens her eyes, "They escaped through here." Buffy looks unsure but doesn't say anything. She and Annie walk to the coffin and raise the lid with little difficulty. They all see the stairs that led underground.

"Wow-" she looks at Willow again and they both smile. "I'm gonna take a look around."

"Not by yourself," states the witch.

The Slayer gives her a pouty look, "I want to know where it leads."

"So do I-" she looks at her kids and then her eyes settle on Annie. "The three of you look around here. See what else you can find."

"What if we find another tunnel?"

"You go home and tell your mama, no investigating on your own."

"Fine-" say Annie though her heart's not in it, she'd rather go with Buffy.

As Willow and Buffy start to climb into the coffin Ellie speaks, "Look-" she points across the room, "Someone left a doll."

Buffy's face pales and she turns toward Willow, "Out-"

Willow looks confused, "Buffy-"

"Now Willow-get them out of here." The redhead does what she is told without question. On her way by, Buffy picks up the doll and follows them. A few blocks away the running stops and they begin to walk.

"Want to explain now?" asks the redhead. "It is daylight you know?"

She hands the doll to Willow who looks at the fragile face and the old fashioned clothes. "I still don't get it."

"It's Drusilla-has to be and that means trouble in a bad way."

"But I thought she was-why would she come here?"

"I don't know-but it can't be good."

Again the adults are gathered at the Langdon house. This time they are in the library and books fill the table as they sit around it. Giles speaks, as he returns his glasses to his face. "We should start with rituals that require the power of the moon-"

"And don't forget the blood," adds Alex who is also there.

"Of course," he looks to Willow as if to ask if she's sure the child should stay.

"Alex," Kennedy looks at her son-their eyes meet and she becomes serious. "This could get a little-" she stops looking at Willow hoping for help.

"What she means is that this is like a war room-not usually fun stuff."

"I get that," he says, "I want to help."

"Okay," Kennedy smiles. "So-we research."

"Can't we go back and check out the tunnel?" asks Annie.

Buffy looks at the clock, "Let's see what we can find out first." Annie unhappily opens the book in front of her.

Meanwhile Aly and Katie come in the kitchen door and go up the stairs hand-in-hand. They stop on the landing to kiss. Lips press against lips and then pull away playfully-finally inside their room with the door closed and the soundproofing spell in place, the playing stops. Katie pulls out of a heated kiss as they sit down on the bed, "Sure you're okay? We could take a nap first."

"I'm good," assures Aly as she kisses her again.

With a raised eyebrow the new witch smirks, "That was never a question."

The young mother-to-be smiles, "Don't need a nap-just need you." She kisses her again and begins to unbutton her girl's shirt. As she does Katie leans in and places kisses along her lover's cheek and jaw then moves to her neck. "Mmmm." Katie smiles against her skin. Though distracted she is finally able to finish with the buttons and breaks contact to remove it from her girlfriend's body. "This has to go too," she smiles as she finds the hooks and opens Katie's bra and slides it away. Katie reaches to pull Aly's shirt up but her Slayer's hands stop her. The teenager is unsure- "It's just-" she shakes her head.

"Look at me," says Katie softly, but Aly still avoids her eyes. The blue-eyed girl touches Aly's chin and lifts her face up so they are eye to eye. "You're beautiful" her hand goes to the young woman's stomach but her eyes stay locked. She pulls the top over Aly's head and then removes her bra- "So beautiful." Her hands trace over her still growing stomach. "Don't ever be ashamed of your body-" she leans down and kisses her stomach. Then relaxes some as she feels Aly's hands in her hair. "I love you."

"I know," tears fall. "I love you too." Her eyes close tightly as Katie continues down her body, fingers tease the skin on the inside of the young Slayer's thigh and Katie's lips follow as she settles between her lover's legs. Aly moans loudly as Katie's tongue begins to explore.

Downstairs the others still search for anything to explain the activities of the vampires. It is Alex who looks up from his text and turns to his mama, "This might be important." He hands her the book.

She passes it to Willow who begins to read. A few silent minutes later she looks up, "This is not good-ah-who has the Ridnor text?"

Each look at their books and it is Kennedy who again gives her book to her witch. "What's it say?"

She doesn't answer right away as she reads again. Xander shakes his head, "Let me guess-there's an apocalypse?"

"Brought about by a ritual sacrifice to the demon Trigore." Willow speaks at last.

She hands both books to Giles as she slowly stands. She backs away from the table and leaves the room. Kennedy looks around at her daughter and son and then leaves too. "Giles?" Buffy questions. "What else can you tell us?"

"Ah-it could take a while." He looks from Buffy to Alex and then to Annie.

Annie understands that the young boys presence is making this harder. "Alex-do me a favor?"

"Right," he stands. "Why don't I just go to my room." He leaves a little upset.

Annie stands, "I should check on him."

"Of course," says Giles. After both of the Langdon children have left the room he meets Buffy's eyes.

"Another prophecy concerning the kids?"

"Quite possibly," he nods and continues to read. The others sit nervously.

In the kitchen Kennedy tries to calm the redhead. "You don't know it's them. It could be any Slayer with three kids."

"Any Slayer who just happens to be with a witch," says Willow. "How many do you know?"

"There's us-" tries Kennedy.

"And them-" Willow's tears fall.

"There could be others or others to come. We don't know for sure Red." She pulls her into a tight hug.

"Nice try," says the witch as she feels tears on her shoulder and her eyes meet her wife's.

She can't stop the tears as she speaks, "Being pregnant is hard enough they don't need this."

"I know I remember, but we got through it."

"Right," agrees the Slayer, "we just need to be strong for them."

"And we will-as soon as the tears stop." They hold each other and cry.

In the library Giles starts to read again. "The three shall be born of Slayer and witch."

"Giles," Faith looks his way but he continues.

"Their blood will open the gateway and Trigore will again walk the earth bringing eternal night."

"This can't happen," says Aly softly. Katie holds her tightly. All eyes turn to the young couple.

From behind them they hear a voice, "You're right it won't," Kennedy's words show her confidence.

"We won't let it," adds Willow who has also managed to compose herself. They move to the girls and hold them tightly.

What Now?

"So do I-" he turns her to face him. "Buff-I know what you're thinking."

"You do huh?" She puts her hands on his chest.

"You wanna go after her-now-tonight without plans."

"I have a plan-" she smiles slightly.

"Okay do you have a plan that isn't find her-kill her?" Their eyes meet.

"Maybe-" she lays her head against him and takes a deep breath. "We plan and Will and Kennedy they'll want-and they need to be here."

"That I agree with so-let's talk to Faith?"

"I love you," she whispers as she kisses his lips softly. He smiles. They leave from the kitchen hand-in-hand.

Faith is in the living room and her anger is still visible. Robin tries to calm her as he wraps her in his arms. "Faith-are you listening?"

"Yeah-not likin' what I hear but listening."

"Buffy says this Drusilla is crazy-crazy people are dangerous."

"Yeah-been there done that." She pulls away and begins to pace. "Robin I can find her-"

"And do what against her and her army?" He puts his hands on her shoulders and stops her movement. "Faith-"

"All right-I'll wait for the others to come up with a plan."

"Promise?" She nods. He leans down and kisses her softly.

Upstairs Willow and Kennedy are sitting on the balcony. Aly and Katie are there too. Katie is sitting in a lounge chair and Aly sits between her legs-her back to Katie's chest. The blue eyed girl has her arms wrapped around her. Everyone is quiet. It is Katie who speaks first, "What do we do?"

"We-ah-" Willow starts, "We do some more research and then we stop them."

"Sounds easy," she forces a nervous smile. "Something tells me I'm wrong."

"Drusilla is-" the redhead's words stop.

Kennedy continues, "Dead-when I find her she's dead." Her words are cold and hard. Her face like stone. "Nobody messes with my kids."

Willow presses a kiss to her cheek. "Don't think she got the memo," she tries to lighten the mood with some humor.

"I'll deliver it personally." She stands but Willow takes her hand.

"Sweetie where are you going?"

"I need to kill something."

The redhead stands beside her, she whispers in her ear, "Not tonight-tonight I need you here." Their eyes meet.

"Will-I-" she watches as the redhead fights tears. She takes a deep breath and let's it out slowly.

Aly turns to face Katie, "I'm tired-think I'll go to bed." She stands and Katie stands with her.

Willow looks unsure, "You don't want to talk?"

"Not tonight," she leaves without anymore words. Katie kind of shrugs and follows her back inside.

Kennedy wraps her arms around her redhead and holds her tightly, "She'll be okay-I promise." She presses a kiss to her forehead and then her lips. Willow begins to cry.

Later in their room Katie is spooned protectively around her Slayer. Her hand rests on her rounded stomach. Though both have their eyes close neither is asleep. "I'm scared," concedes Aly in a whisper. "I don't want anything to happen to them." Her hand joins Katie's on her stomach.

She presses a kiss to the back of her head and speaks softly as well, "We can keep them safe-cause there's Slayers here all the time-an-and powerful magic with your mom and Alex."

"I guess-" she turns and faces the blue eyed teen, as she begins to cry.

Katie touches her cheek and kisses her softly, "Shhh-don't cry-don't-" she wipes them away with her fingers against soft skin. Her other hand again finds its way to Aly's stomach and she traces circles on it. "I won't let anything hurt them."

In the library the Slayers and the Scooby gang minus Willow, talk about their plan of action. "So we patrol in two groups-Faith you and Robin patrol from Westgate to Grant and Xander and I will start there and finish up at the mausoleum just to make sure they don't double back."

"Remember it's a track and question-then dust, not kill and ask questions later. Finding Dru is what we want."

Giles interjects, "I'll continue research at my flat, check with me when you return and we'll discuss our next action."

Buffy nods and starts to the door. She stops when she sees Annie there, "I want to go."

"No-" says Xander not giving a reason. He simply joins Buffy as they leave.

Faith looks at the teenager, "I understand you want to help-but they need you here. If they get antsy-go off the deep end because we crashed their place they might decide to pay a visit. That happens someone has to be ready."

"Mama's here-"

"Think she's okay to fight alone?" Faith's eyes meet hers. "She needs you here." The young Slayer nods and watches as Faith and Robin leave.

She looks at Giles, "Anything I can help you with?"

"Actually why don't you get Alex-tell him we need a protection spell."

"Good idea." She goes out the door.

After twenty minutes Buffy and Xander find a group of vamps just as they surround a young couple. Buffy jumps into the action as Xander watches her work. "You guys never fight fair."

"True-not high on our list," he smiles at her.

"Let them go-"

"Can't do that-we have our orders."

"What trying to recoup your loses after last night?"

He backs up surprised, "Nothing will stop us-" he smiles.

"Thought you might say that." The vampire farthest away turns to dust.

Xander fills his place on the circle, "I got bored," he says as she looks at her husband. "Can I dust another one?"

"This one maybe-he's not very cooperative," smiles the Slayer. Xander aims the crossbow at him. "Now-let's try again."

Meanwhile, Faith and Robin are watching a group of their own. They are carrying unconscious bodies toward the cemetery on Westgate. "Damn, poor guys-"

"They're not dead are they?"

"Not in the bury me now kinda way, my guess is they turned them or they're going to." They stop talking and start following.

After a few minutes the vampires enter an old deserted Mansion just on the other side of the cemetery. The once dark Slayer turns to her husband. "Let's head toward Grant and find Buffy." They start that direction quietly.

Later at the Langdon house Giles is starting for home, he looks at the youngsters in front of him and speaks, "If there's a problem-call immediately."

"We will," answers Annie. She closes the door behind the ex-watcher.

Alex looks at his sister, "What now?"

"You go to bed."

"No way-I know you're going out. I'm coming too."

"Alex please just-"

"You know the rule-you patrol in twos."

She smiles and shakes her head, "When she finds out we're gone I don't think not breaking the group rule is gonna help us."

He agrees, "Then we better not get caught right?"

"Right," she moves to the weapons chest and gets a crossbow and a stake. Alex gets a stake of his own and they start towards the door. There they see Erin, Ellie, Kristen and Kara.

"We're going too-" states Erin. "We heard everyone talking-you'll need help."

"Look you want to help-cover for us," tries Annie.

"We're Slayers too," responds Kristen.

"Mama will kill me if I take you out."

"We'll just sneak out after you leave," Kara's eyes meet Annie's.

"Fine-" she passes out weapons. "But if you get hurt-"

"We won't," assures Ellie.

"Let's go," she follows the last of the Langdon children out the door.

Across town Jake is leaving the diner where he works. Like the night before his car wouldn't start so he had walked to work and was walking the short distance home. As he rounds the corner he comes face to face with two morphed out vampires. He turns to try to go back in the direction he came only to find it blocked by two more. "Hey man-we need your help," smirks the one vamp.

"Well, actually we just need your blood." The two vampires behind him grab an arm, as the two in front appear to be deciding who gets the first taste.

"Let me go!"

"No-don't see that happening. We have much bigger plans for you."

"What we're not gonna-but I'm hungry."

"This one is for her-she will be pleased." He hits Jake knocking him unconscious. He loads the teenager onto his shoulder and walks away.

"But I'm hungry," complains the vamp again.

"Find your own-you know where to meet us." They leave him standing alone. The vamp stalks away in search for food.

Buffy, Faith, Xander and Robin stand outside the old house- "Can you see her?" asks Xander.

"No-but she's there," Buffy answers.

"If she's not?"

"She is."

"What's the plan?" Faith looks at the older Slayer.

"Find her and kill her, along with anyone else who gets in the way."

"That's my kind of plan," they Slayers stand and start in side only to be stopped by hands on their arms. They look to their husbands. "We'll be careful," assures Faith.

"Watch each other's backs-" Robin says.

"Yeah-the two of you stop anyone who comes out." They men nod.

The Langdon children are at the mausoleum the vampires were using. Annie decided that they should check out the tunnels below. One by one they descend the stairs Annie first and Alex protecting the rear. They find themselves in the underground sewers. "Okay this is disgusting," complains Kara.

"You just had to come so deal with it," Annie states as she keeps moving. "Keep your eyes open and stay quiet," she instructs as she sees more passages up ahead. The younger Slayers do as they are told.

"Which way?" asks Kristen.

Annie looks at each entrance and finally to Ellie, "What do you think El?"

The young seer closes her eyes and begins to concentrate on the tunnels ahead of her. She sees vampires running through each. She shakes her head and starts again thinking about the doll and its owner. She sees an image of a dark haired woman slip almost unnoticed through the last passage. "This way," she says as she starts toward the one on her far right.

"Okay-stay behind me," says Annie as she takes the lead again and they follow without question.

At the house Willow is in Kennedy protective embrace. Both sleep but suddenly the redhead's eyes fly open. She has somehow sensed the use of great magicks. She slides out of bed careful not to wake Kennedy but her Slayer speaks, "Where are you going?" she stretches.

"To check on the kids," says the woman.

"I'll come too-" smiles her girl as she gets up and they go quietly into the hallway. They walk hand-in-hand to first Katie and Aly's room. Opening the door they find them both sleeping. Kennedy smiles and closes the door. They continue down the hallway to Alex's room-they find it empty. "He's probably in the kitchen-growing boy and all-" she smiles again.

"I'm a little hungry too-" admits the witch. "How about PB&J?"

"Yeah-I could eat." They walk to Ellie and Erin's room and it too is empty.

Willow's eyes meet hers and without a word the redhead is at the next door. "No one-"

"Annie's gone too," states Kennedy. "But don't panic-maybe they left with Buffy and Faith. They probably thought we could use so time with the girls."

"Maybe-I'll call." Again she runs down the hall and back to their room. She picks up the phone and dials Buffy's.

"Hello-" says a sleepy voice.

"Who is this?"

"Ah-Stacy-I babysit for the Harris'."

"Where are they?"

"She didn't say-just that they would be out all night."

"Thanks-" she hangs up and dials Faith's-Kennedy walks in as the phone rings. "She's not home."

"Hello-" another sleepy voice not Faith's answers.

"Is Faith there?"

"No-she went out."

"Right." Willow hangs up the phone.

"She's gone too." Willow nods. "They went after Drusilla."

"Yeah-but where are the kids?" Before Kennedy can answer the question a screeching noise fills the house.

"What the-"

"Protection spell. We have company."

Kennedy pulls a crossbow from her closet and goes into the hallway. Willow follows and they find Aly and Katie there. "Hide-" the Slayer looks at her family.

"They're vampires-they can't get in," Aly says.

"For some reason I don't think that's true," says Willow as they hear the front door break. Katie grabs Aly's hand and Willow follows them back into their room. Kennedy stands crossbow in hand in front of the bedroom door.

In the sewers Alex stops, "Annie wait."

"What's wrong?" She turns to her brother.

"The spell has been activated."

"She's at the house," adds Ellie. "I can feel her."

At the house Kennedy faces five vampires and Drusilla. The Slayer shoots the bow and the first vamp turns to dust only to be replaced by another. "What the hell-"

"Magick-" smiles the insane vampire.

Slippin' Away

Dru smiles at her persistence. However the vampire raises a hand and as she does the Slayer floats helplessly into the air. "Now-shall we?" she looks to her minions. The one closest kicks in the door.

As he steps into the room he is turned to dust as the scythe, swung by the witch, beheads him. Dru smiles but it fades, as he doesn't return. Willow's eyes meet the vampire's just as the witch hits her with a bolt of energy. The vampire sails across the room and hits the wall slumping to the floor.

There is another thud in the hallway as well then Kennedy runs into the room. Willow tosses her the scythe and she makes quick work of the remaining vampires. Willow begins to chant as she raises a barrier around the teenagers. She and her Slayer turn to face Drusilla-she too chants and more vampires appear. "Knew it was too easy," mutters the Slayer. She begins to fight again and as she does Alex and Erin materialize in the room. They at once join their mama in the fight. "You gotta shut her up Will-"

"I'm trying-"

Alex steps toward his mother and they join hands-he smiles up at her and closes his eyes as does the redhead. His added power helps the witch silence the vampire but only momentarily. She speaks one word and disappears.

"What did you do?"

"Wasn't me-" says the witch. "I think she teleported."

Erin fights along side her mama and the last of the vampires turn to ash on the floor. Willow lowers the barrier and looks toward Katie and Aly. "Everyone okay?"

Aly nods and so does Katie-who still holds her Slayer. "Vampires can do that?"

"Not normally no-" supplies Willow.

"The ritual?" suggests Alex.

"Maybe," concedes his mom.

Kennedy looks at the kids, "Where are your sisters?"

"The mausoleum-the tunnels-"confesses Alex.

"With Buffy and Faith?"

"Not exactly," says Erin.

"By themselves?" Willow's eyes go wide.

Kennedy looks at her redhead, "Think you'll be okay here?"

"I'm going with you, Alex can put up a barrier if she comes back."

"Will-"

"Go-we'll be okay," says Aly and with her words the witch teleports them away.

At the mansion Drusilla is furious. She rants as her minions cower. Buffy and Faith enter and smile. "Something wrong Dru?" asks the blonde.

She shrieks and hits Buffy with a magical blast that causes her to sail into the wall and stay fixed there.

"What the f-" Faith's expletive is cut off as she too hits the wall and hangs suspended next to the older Slayer.

Dru moves toward them as Annie steps into the room. She hits two vamps with arrows from her crossbow before her presence is known.

Xander and Wood charge in as well and are able to take out a couple of vampires before being hit as well by the power surge and sent hurling across the room. They land unconscious on the floor.

She looks toward the Slayers then her eyes fall on the vampire in charge. Drusilla moves toward her and fires another beam only to have it bounce off the teenager. Again the vampire is enraged.

Annie continues to dust vamps but to her horror she realizes that they are growing in number. Drusilla moves toward Buffy and Faith but is again met by a barrier. She growls and turns to the snacks from earlier that night. "Slayer, you can't save them all." She picks up a semi-conscious teenager her teeth bare ready to attack.

"Jake-" whispers Annie.

Drusilla turns to the girl and smiles, "You know this one?"

"Don't-" she struggles to stay calm.

Dru licks his neck and teases with her fangs, "Such a pretty boy-"

Annie steps forward and forgets her barrier as she lunges at the vampire only to find herself thrown across the room by a blast. She hangs near the others-Drusilla drops Jake to the ground and steps to her wall of Slayers only to find them all still protected. She smiles as she takes a deep breath, "There are others here. I can feel their strength-delicious-the power and the magic." She smiles as she motions for her minions to scatter out. Moments later they return with Kara and Kristen. As they hold the children in front of their master Willow and Kennedy enter the room. A swing of the scythe turns the minions holding the little Slayers to dust but as they run Dru grabs Kara. "Mommy-" screams the child.

"It-it's okay Kara-" starts the redhead. "You're okay."

Kennedy steps toward the vampire, "Let her go-"

"Isn't she a beautiful dolly-" Dru's psychotic smile returns.

It is Willow who now speaks, "Don't hurt her," panic obvious in her voice.

"Only for a little while and then she will know eternal happiness." She brings her fangs toward the child.

"No-please-anything. I'll give you anything." Willow steps toward the vampire tears falling.

"Will you give me this one instead?" She points to Kristen and with the movement of her hand the child starts toward her unable to stop.

"Mama-" screams the child.

"Kristen-" Kennedy speaks softly.

Dru holds the little Slayer along with her twin. "Please-" tries Willow again. "Take me-" she kneels before the vampire.

Kennedy looks to the redhead unsure, "Willow-"

"I can't let her hurt them-" explains the witch. She stays unmoving as Drusilla releases the girls and they run to Kennedy.

The vampire touches her shoulder and she looks up into the creature's eyes. "There's going to be a great celebration-you will triumph in your evil." She pulls the redhead to her feet and leans to lick at her neck.-As fangs graze soft skin and Willow's tears fall, Kennedy begins to fight the vampires. She tries fervently to get to her wife. Dust flies but finally Kennedy too is captured held still by five vampires. The scythe lies on the ground. "Watch Slayer as what was once yours becomes mine." Willow cries out as fangs tear flesh and the vampire drinks.

"Willow!"

Ellie steps from behind the doorway-she faces Drusilla and fires a bolt of energy at her. It hits the wall above her head and the vampire looks her way. "Enough-let her go."

The vampire smiles at the child- "Sorry little one but she is mine now," again Willow cries as Drusilla continues to feed.

Ellie summons more power. She borrows it from the Slayers around her and she hits Dru with a beam of light that circles her. Screams fill the room as the vampires start to burn. Dru releases her hold on the redhead and tries to teleport only to be hit by another beam that holds her in place. She sees the twins who were once at her mercy chant to keep her still. She begins to burn as well and soon the fighting is done. Piles of ash line the room and the captured Slayers are free again, trying to regain the ability to stand their power still drained.

Kennedy moves to Willow and she presses a piece of her shirt to her girl's neck to slow the bleeding. "You'll be okay-I'm gonna get you to the hospital." She picks up the redhead and starts to walk only to feel herself being teleported from the room. Before she disappears she smiles at Ellie.

The little Slayer nearly drained now walks toward her sisters but stops to pick up the scythe. It begins to glow in her hands and almost instantly she feels restored. She smiles and starts toward the others. She holds the scythe down so that the others can reach it. As they touch it they too are reenergized.

Later at the hospital all of the kids wait with Kennedy. The others were sent home by the Slayer-with assurances that she would call when there was news. Annie is also worried about Jake but smiles as she sees him-his neck bandaged walk toward her. She walks into his arms and they hold each other. "You're okay?" her eyes meet his.

"Yeah-a little overwhelmed but good." They kiss softly, "Your mom?"

"No word," he leads her over to the couch and they sit together.

Kennedy sits with the five younger kids surrounding her. Kara is on her lap-she presses her lips to the child's temple. "She'll be okay," she says quietly.

Across the room Katie is sitting with Aly in her arms. "Close your eyes just for a few minutes please?" her words are soft.

"I can't-" her tears start to fall.

"Shhh-don't cry-" she kisses her gently on the cheek. Her hand goes to her girl's swollen tummy. "They need you to be calm-"

Aly tries to stop her tears and finally does, "Okay-" she fights for control as she takes a couple of deep breaths.

"That's it-now-" she kisses her lips. "Happy thoughts-Maddie, Grace-we still need a third name-think about that."

Aly nods and she closes her eyes as she tries to stay calm. Her mind begins to run a list of names. About a third of the way through the list she looks up as she hears someone enter the room.

Kennedy stands, "How is she?"

"She lost a great deal of blood but we gave her a transfusion and she's resting comfortably."

"So-so she's gonna be okay?" questions Annie as she too is now standing. Jake is standing at her side holding her hand.

"If there are no complications she should be able to go home tomorrow," he smiles at the worried faces of the children.

Aly stands and Katie stands next to her, "Can we-" her words stop as her hand goes to her stomach.

"Aly-" Kennedy and Katie say in unison.

Katie helps her sit back down, "I'm o-" she bites her lip as the pain continues.

The doctor steps toward her. "Contractions?"

"No-I don't-I don't know-" tears start to fall.

"How many weeks?"

Katie answers, "Almost fifteen-triplets." She too fights tears but they fall. She brushes them away so Aly can't see.

"Who's your doctor?"

"Dr. Westridge," Kennedy supplies.

A nurse who has entered the room speaks for the first time, "I'll page her," she jogs from the room.

"What's happening?" asks Aly.

"Could be nothing-I just-I think we should check it out." An orderly comes in the room with a wheelchair and he lifts her into it.

Katie looks scared, she takes Aly's hand and tries to stay calm. "He's right-we'll take a ride up stairs and get them checked out."

"I'm scared," whispers the young redhead.

"I know-" she presses a kiss to her lips. "But they'll be okay."

"Promise?" Aly's tears fall.

"Promise," swears Katie as she fights her own tears.

The doctor looks at the orderly, "Let's get her to obstetrics and go from there." He nods and begins to push the wheelchair. Katie follows.

Kennedy stops the doctor, "What aren't you saying?"

"It could be premature labor-" he leaves in a jog.

Kennedy looks at the younger kids and then Annie, "Go-" says the teenager. "I got them-" Kennedy runs after the doctor.

In Willow's room the redhead slowly opens her eyes and tries to focus on the room. She is surprised that it is empty. She tries to sit up but lies back down as the door opens. Kennedy slowly walks in the room. "Hey-" forces the redhead her voice hoarse.

"Hey," says her Slayer as she walks to her and kisses her softly.

"What's wrong?" asks the witch. She can sense her lover's fear.

"Nothing you rest."

"The kids?"

"Annie took them home-they're okay. Close your eyes-"

"Kennedy-" the redhead's tears fall- "What aren't you telling me?"

She runs her fingers through soft red hair, "We'll talk in the morning."

"Please," she tries again to get the truth but her eyes close without her permission. Kennedy lays her head on Willow's arm and cries.

Upstairs Katie sits at Aly's side in much the same manner. Tears fall in streams as she can't get them to stop. She looks up as she feels her girlfriend's fingers in her hair. Their eyes meet and the tears fall harder.

Hold On

"Can't what sweetie?" asks Katie as she moves her head closer to her girl.

"I can't choose-can't tell them they can-," her tears fall harder as her hand goes to her stomach.

"Shhhh-we'll talk to them in the morning-they didn't say it was the only way." She presses a kiss to her temple. They are quiet again.

Suddenly the noises of the room seem louder. The equipment hooked to Aly and the babies beeps and hisses. The thump thud of the heartbeats ring around them. "Listen to them."

"Yeah-" Katie wipes her eyes. "I hear 'em."

"They're strong-and something in me says they'll make it, all of them."

"We just have to believe-right?"

"Fighters-so okay?" asks Aly. Her eyes searching Katie's.

"Okay-we'll tell the doctor when he comes in." She kisses Aly softly on the lips this time. "Sleep now-"

"I'll try-" she lets her eyes flutter closed as Katie's lock on the heart monitor.

At the Langdon house Annie has managed to get the younger kids to bed and she is sitting on the couch with Jake, her back against his chest-his arms holding her tight. "Thanks for staying with me. I couldn't-" she loses her battle and tears fall.

"You need to close your eyes and sleep," says the boy as he presses a kiss to the top of her head. "It's been a crazy day."

"I almost lost you-" she turns in his arms and kisses his lips softly. She then lays her head on his chest.

"But you didn't. I'm okay Annie." She looks up into his eyes and without a word she kisses his lips. She licks his bottom lip seeking entrance and he opens his mouth to her. Her tongue explores and they both moan. As her hands start to unbutton his shirt he pulls back breaking the kiss. His hands move to hold hers against his chest. "Annie-"

"I need you-" she kisses him again and rests his forehead against his.

"Not like this-I don't want you to be sorry tomorrow."

"I won't be-" she assures him.

"Things have been so emotional."

"Love is pretty emotional-I love you."

"And I love you."

"Then show me-" her eyes meet his.

"I will soon-but not tonight."

"Jake-" she stands.

He stands beside her, "Annie you know I'm right."

"Damn it-why do you have to be," she leans into his arms and he holds her. Again he kisses her on top of the head.

"So-"

"So-we'll sleep." She rolls her eyes playfully and takes his hand.

They start toward the steps and as they do they hear a scream. They run up the stairs and into Kara and Kristen's room to find both girls sitting up in bed crying. "It's okay-" she starts.

"Tell us what happened?" asks Jake.

"She was biting us-" they say in unison.

"No-it was just a bad dream," she looks from Jake to the girls. "Why don't you come stay in my room tonight?"

"Really?" asks Kara.

"Yep-we can cuddle and I'll read you a story with princesses in it." She smiles.

"Okay," agree the girls. The four of them leave the room. In the hallway the three girls start to Annie's room and Jake starts to Alex's.

"Where are you going?" asks Kristen.

"Ah-I'll bunk with Alex."

"You don't want to hear the princess story?" the young girl asks.

"Well-" he starts.

"Just one?" asks Annie with a smile.

"Just one-" he smiles.

Later Annie's story is finished and the girls lie asleep wrapped around Jake. "They're getting way more cuddles then me," pouts Annie.

"I'll make up for it tomorrow."

"Promise?" She bites her bottom lip.

"I guarantee it." He leans over carefully and kisses her. "Now sleep."

She smiles and nods as she lies as close to him as she can. "Night."

He laces his fingers with hers, "Night."

The next morning a much more alert Willow sits up in bed. Kennedy comes in with a mocha she smuggled past the nurse's station and her redhead smiles. "Oh- yea! I don't know whose blood they gave me but no caffeine."

Kennedy smiles, "This should be worth a kiss then right?" She leans in and meets her lips with a soft kiss.

As she pulls back Willow pulls her in again for another, "Mmmm-better then mochas."

"Thank you-" she hands the cup to her girl.

After a sip the redhead turns serious as her Slayer sits beside her. "Last night-what happened that you didn't tell me about?"

"Ah-Aly ah-she had some contractions but they've stopped. Dr. Westridge called in a specialist-he's gonna talk to them this morning."

"About?"

"He thinks that if they reduce-" Kennedy's words stop and she fights tears. "Two babies have a better chance."

The redhead begins to cry too, "They want her to-" Kennedy simply nods not trusting her voice. "She won't let them-"

"I told him that-" she clears her throat and gets the tears to stop.

"I want to see her-" states the witch.

"I figured," she stands and goes to the door and opens it bringing in the wheelchair. She moves it to the bed and carefully helps her redhead into it. "Gotta be strong okay?"

"Yeah-" she nods as she holds Kennedy's hand.

In the young Slayer's room the specialist tries to explain the risks the babies face. "You could lose all three of them," he states tactlessly.

Katie sits on the side of her bed and holds her hand. The door opens and the expectant parents look relived to see them. "Mom-" Aly forces a smile.

"Hey baby," Kennedy pushes her to the bed and the redhead tentatively stands long enough to move to her daughter and hug her gently. She forces a smile as she fights tears and sits beside her. She touches Aly's face and wipes away a few tears. After pressing a kiss to the teenager's forehead she looks at Dr. Westridge.

"You should be in bed," says the doctor.

"I am-technically."

Aly tightens her hold on Katie's hand and speaks, "We told them no-" she looks from her mom to her mama and back to her girlfriend.

"We figured," says Kennedy as she moves to the side of the bed next to Katie.

"I was just explaining the dangers of such a decision," states the specialist. He sounds unpleased.

"A decision that is their's to make," tells Willow.

Katie speaks for the first time, "What we need from the two of you," she looks at both doctors before continuing, "Is a course of action. Should she stay here till they're born or is bed rest at home enough?"

"Or maybe some medicine or procedure that will stop the contractions from starting again?" finishes Aly.

"There is a procedure we can try," says Dr. Westridge, "But I can't promise."

"We understand," assures Katie.

"But we want to try," adds Aly.

"I'll schedule it for this afternoon." The teenagers nod.

Later at the Langdon house Buffy and Faith are there with their husbands and kids. The kids are outside as Annie comes into the kitchen holding Jake's hand. She looks up at Buffy, "You sure it's okay if we go by the hospital and then get something to eat?"

"Go-" smiles the blonde Slayer, "You need some time too."

Faith interjects, "She's right-don't want to see either of you until dark."

"But-" starts Annie.

"B- and I will divide the munchkins up take 'em home with us, now get outta here." Faith smiles.

"But make sure you got a stake," adds Buffy.

"Never leave home without it," smiles Annie, "Thanks." She and Jake go out the door.

Buffy looks at her counterpart, "I don't remember telling Willow that we were taking the kids with us."

"No?- Must be getting old B." Faith smiles, "Annie and Jake they need time to be-" she pauses trying to word it just right as to not spas out the blonde. "Ah-alone. Just be teenagers-do dumb shit."

Buffy thinks about her words, "By do dumb shit do you mean-" she stops.

"Whatever-" says Faith.

"You know something-" accuses the blonde.

"No-" she and Faith both smile. "I walked into that one didn't I?"

Buffy nods, "Think they've already?" She raises an eyebrow.

Faith smirks, "Been with the bouncy-not sure."

Buffy changes the subject, "So you taking boys or girls?"

"What do you think?" Smiles Faith as she crosses her arms against her chest."

The blonde rolls her eyes, "That you're chicken." Faith glares.

At the hospital Kennedy, Willow, Katie, Annie and Jake sit in the waiting room. Jake has his arm around his twin sister, he whispers softly, "She'll be okay-she's tough." Katie nods and leans her head against his chest.

Kennedy holds Willow's hand on one side and Annie holds the other. "It's taking too long," states the redhead her voice full of concern.

"That's not a bad thing baby," she kisses her lips gently.

Annie looks from her parents to Katie and then her eyes meet Jake's. She forces a slight smile and he does the same. Over her boyfriend's shoulder she sees a doctor in scrubs walking their way. "Mama?" Kennedy sees Westridge and stands. One by one they all do as she reaches them.

"It went well," she announces. "She'll be in recovery for awhile. Willow you should go back to your room-Kennedy go home, rest-they're gonna need the two of you at full strength for this."

They slowly nod, "Thank you," says Willow as tears fall. Kennedy holds her in her arms before lowering her back in the wheelchair. Jake hugs Katie and the blue eyed girl cries relived.

"When can I see her?" asks the teenager as she steps closer to the doctor.

"It'll be awhile. Go to the cafeteria and get something to eat-I'll send someone for you when she's ready to go to her room."

Kennedy looks to the girl, "I'll walk you down after I get Willow settled."

"Nice try Mama," smiles Annie. "Go home. I'll take Mom to her room and Jake can take Katie to the cafeteria."

Kennedy smiles at her daughter, "Fine," she kisses Willow. "You need me just call."

"I'm okay-sleep." Kennedy leaves.

Annie looks at Jake, "I'll meet you in the cafeteria later."

He moves to her and kisses her softly, "No hurry," he says as he leaves with his sister.

Annie begins to push her mom. The redhead looks unsure, "Annie who's with the kids?"

"They're with Buffy and Faith." They both smile.

At the Harris' house Buffy and Xander are fixing sandwiches as the four boys run into the house. "Wash your hands," says Xander over the noise as they chase and laugh.

"Okay Uncle Xander," says Alex as the boys go up the stairs.

"How did you get Faith to take the girls?"

"Secret," she smiles.

"Remind me to thank you later," he smiles.

"You could thank me now."

"Not properly," says the man as he raises an eyebrow. They kiss softly.

As they pull apart Xander looks up to see Alex standing just in the room. "Let me see the hands." They move closer and Xander grabs him and begins to wrestle him.

The twelve-year-old is surprised but tries to get free. As he gets his head almost out Xander begins to tickle him, "That's so cheating-"

"No way-it's a valid move ask any Slayer," says Xander before he stops and Buffy leaves going up the stairs. Xander holds him and speaks, "How you holding up?"

"Okay-" his eyes are serious. "I talked to Mama-and Mom's coming home tomorrow. So-" he let's his sentence stop.

"If you need to talk-"

"I know-" they carry the sandwiches to the table. "Uncle Xander-you think Will and I could go to the arcade later?"

"We'll see."

At the Evans' house Jake and Annie are in his room. Both seem a little nervous as they stand facing each other. "You sure about this?" asks the boy.

"I'm sure," she says as she leans in and they kiss softly. The kiss escalates quickly as hands begin to caress and then search out bare skin as they slip under shirts. She moans a little as he places kisses down her neck. "Yes-" she whispers.

He pulls back and their eyes meet again, she bites her bottom lip unsure of why he stopped. Without a word he takes her hand and leads her to the bed. They sit down on the edge and she playfully kicks off her shoes. He smiles then reaches over and touches her cheek with his hand. She smiles nervously. "You're sure?" he asks one more time.

"Jake-" she stops and leans into another kiss as her hands begin to work the buttons on his shirt.

At the hospital Aly is sleeping in her room. Katie sits in a chair beside the bed holding her hand. Aly's eyes flutter and then open-Katie smiles, "Hey-"

"Hi-" she answers. She looks at her girlfriend nervously as she is unable to read her. "Did-"

"It went well-" she stands and presses a kiss to her lips. "Now we just follow orders-okay?"

"Okay-" agrees the young redhead. Her hand goes to her stomach bringing Katie's along as it rests there. "We did the right thing-right?"

"Yeah-" she kisses her again. "Now sleep." Aly's eyes drift closed and Katie's smile fades to worry.

Kennedy is again at Willow's side, she has gone against all hospital procedures and crawled in bed with her girl. She is spooned protectively around her redhead her cheek resting gently on Willow's as she watches her sleep. A smile starts to spread across the witch's face and her eyes open. "This is nice," she whispers. "But unless we're home it's so against the rules." She turns slowly so she can see her lover's face.

Kennedy smiles, "Rules who needs them-admit it you like rebel me-"

"True-I like all of you." She smiles as her eyes travel the Slayer's body.

Kennedy blushes slightly surprised. "I think someone's feeling better." She presses a kiss to her forehead.

"Much-" she kisses Kennedy's lips. The Slayer slides off the bed. "No-" her redhead pouts.

"No is right-not here, and not yet. Rest." She moves to the girl's side. "I'll be right here."

"If I promise to be good will you snuggle with me?" Her puppy dog eyes meet Kennedy's and she is beat.

"Okay-but no funny stuff." Willow smiles and her Slayer moves back to spoon against her. "Sleep."

Annie is lying in her panties and Jake is on his elbows above her. Her hands rest on his hips and toy in the waistband of his boxers as they kiss again. He smiles nervously as his thumbs hook in the elastic of her final article of clothes and he slides them from her body. She looks away a little embarrassed. He touches her face with his fingers turning her eyes to him. "We can stop-"

"That's what you think-" she kisses him and takes a deep breath before she pulls his boxers down as well. She kisses him again as he settles back between her legs.

"You're so beautiful-" he kisses her again on the lips their tongues immediately stroke against the other. He pulls away as he needs air. His breathing labored he places a trail of soft kisses from her neck down to her collarbone.

"Mmmm-" she moans. Her hands tangle in his hair and she pulls him back to her lips. They kiss again and she moans into his mouth as she feels his fingers move slowly down her body. His mouth is on her body again-soft wet kisses until she finally feels his tongue trace around her breast. She moans loudly and arches her back trying to create more contact. "Please," she pants as she bites her bottom lip. Without further encouragement he pulls her into his mouth and suckles there. As he does his fingers begin to explore her folds and the overload of sensations makes her call out again. "God-Jake-" she closes her eyes tightly lost in him.

"Can we Mom?" asks Will. "Dad said he'd take us."

"To the arcade?"

"They have really cool video games," adds Alex.

"What about that really cool game system we got you for Christmas," her eyes fall on her oldest son.

Alex looks at Will and Will looks back at him. They both look at the blonde Slayer. "Faith would let us go," answers Alex.

Buffy smiles realizing his tactics, "Then it's really bad you're stuck with me for the day then huh?"

"No-" back pedals the young redhead, "That's not what I meant."

She smiles, "I know-look I think the two of you are a little young for the arcade."

"I'm almost a teenager," defends Alex.

"I'll make a you a deal-we all go to the arcade."

"All?" the boys say in unison.

"Mom-" Will starts but stops. "Never mind." He turns and goes up the stairs.

Buffy looks at Xander. He holds up his hands unsure of what to do. They both are concerned, "Will-" he stops but doesn't turn around.

"What's so wrong with going together?" she asks.

"You wouldn't understand," he mutters as he walks away. Alex follows after him. Buffy and Xander sit at the kitchen table. "He's right, I don't get it."

Xander smiles, "Sure you do-" she seems to think and then her mouth drops open unsure. "See-you just didn't want to."

"You think he-?" Xander nods. Buffy stands and starts up the stairs.

"You can't let him know that we know."

Buffy rolls her eyes, "Please-give me some credit. I'll tell him you talked me into it." She smiles as she leaves the room.

Jake enters her slowly trying not to hurt her, she cries out as he stays still inside her giving her body time to adjust. "You okay?"

She opens her eyes and bites her bottom lip before forcing words, "Oh-yeah-" her eyes close again as he begins to slowly withdraw and return to her. "Mmmm-"

Annie and Jake finally establish a rhythm as they drive each other quickly to the edge. "So close," he pants, "come-with me baby-" he finds her lips and kisses her gently as he picks up the pace a little.

"God-Jake-" her breathing gets faster as his hand glides its way down her body and between them to her center. The added friction pushes her over the edge and her contracting around him causes him to explode as well. They both call out.

As their breathing slows he moves to her side and kisses her. She lays her head on his chest and traces small circles on his body with her hand. "That was-" she starts but stops.

"Yeah-pretty incredible," he kisses the top of her head as his hand caresses her shoulder.

"Surreal-" she smiles and turns so that she is lying mostly on him. She presses a kiss to his chest-he smiles and pulls her up so their lips can meet. As they kiss his hands explore her body.

At the hospital Kennedy holds her redhead as she sleeps. Her eyes fall on the bite marks on her girl's neck. Tears begin to fall. As if she can sense the change in her Willow's eyes open, she turns and sees the tears. "Baby?"

"I almost lost you Willow-"

"No-never I'm yours always," she kisses her softly and holds her as she cries.

On the other floor Aly too sleeps. Katie watches her and slowly places her hand and then her head on her lover's stomach. She talks to the unborn babies. "You fight okay-cause I love you already and can't lose any of you."

Katie's tears fall though she tries to stop them when she hears Aly's whispered words, "Hey-it's okay." she feels her girl's hand on her back and she holds her as tears flow harder. "Shhh-" the redhead tries to sooth her. "Come here-" she takes Katie's hand and the teenager moves carefully onto the bed. "I promise they'll be okay." Her eyes meet Katie's.

The girl nods as she wraps the redhead in her arms, "I love you."

"I love you-" they put their joined hand on Aly's stomach.

They smile and whisper together, "We love you all."

At the Evans' house Jake and Annie are lost in the passion again as they collapse, her sweaty body pressed against his chest. "I love you," she says softly.

"I love you Annie," he says as he holds her tightly.

At the arcade Xander lets Will and Alex out of the car. "I'll meet you inside by the door in two hours."

"Got it Dad," assures Will. "And thanks-" he smiles.

"Have fun." He watches them go inside and then drives away only to park a little up the block.

Inside Will and Alex look around. Will slaps Alex's shoulder, "There she is," he smiles. "She's coming this way."

"What do I say?" Alex tries not to panic.

The girl stops in front of them, "Hi Alex," she smiles and the young redhead is speechless.

"Ah-hi," Will offers.

This seems to help Alex, "Brittany-hi-" they smile at each other.

The End

This story continues in Daughter Of A Slayer

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