LIFE Happens

See Part 1 for Ratings and Disclaimers

Chapter 16

"Certainly-" he says. "Research mostly, to see if it could be done." He pauses and smiles.

"If what could be done exactly? Asks the watcher.

"Enter the home of the Slayer without arising suspicion."

"See-" starts Faith. "Knew he was a vamp-" she pulls out a stake as he morphs into game face. Before anyone else can react he is dust. She smirks at those around the room who stand dumbfounded. "Gotta trust your instincts," she informs.

Giles looks surprised and then angry, "Vi-" he calls, then realizes in a house of this size how absurd his actions are.

"She knows better then to invite a stranger in," says Buffy.

"One would hope," is the watchers only response as he exits the room.

In Willow and Kennedy's apartment the witch is still mind-linked with the coven leader. 'We've tried researching Slayers with no luck-we're pretty sure she's the first.'

'I would have to agree-the line was meant to fight. One just assumes reproduction is not a possibility.'

'Why?'

'Who would protect the world while the child developed?'

The redhead runs her fingers through her hair. 'Do you think she's in danger?'

'The Slayer-no. She would not be.'

'The baby?' Her hand moves to Kennedy's tummy and she traces a single finger there, against the home of the growing child.

'I can not say with certainty.'

"Of course I understand-but you-what do you think-feel?'

'Willow your power is great-the child will be powerful as well.'

'We figured-so she'll be able to protect herself right?'

'My feelings say yes-but I will look into it.'

'Thank you Althennea.'

'Willow-'

'Yes-?'

'Congratulations.'

The redhead smiles, 'Thank you.' The connection is gone. Willow looks down at her Slayer and touches her cheek. "Hey sleepy girl-" she whispers. Kennedy stretches but her eyes are still closed. Willow leans down and kisses her lips gently. Kennedy's eyes flutter open. "Just like Sleeping Beauty," she says as she smiles.

Kennedy raises up to catch her lips in hers again. Their lips move together slowly opening and closing. Willow pulls away and Kennedy whines. "Wasn't done yet," she pouts.

Willow smiles, "No?"

"No," she smiles as she sits up. "Come'ere"

Willow moves closer and Kennedy wraps her in her arms. "Sure you're feeling up to this?" She asks as their lips meet again. The kiss is like the one before, unrushed-lips just opening and closing.

"I feel fine," she assures as she breaks the kiss just long enough to answer. Soon, she begins to run her tongue along Willow's bottom lip and her girl moans. She opens her mouth and Kennedy begins to explore.

In the library the gang is again gathered. This time Vi and Rona join them. "I didn't invite him. I know the procedure-I'm not a new Slayer."

"Of course you aren't," says Giles.

"Just tell us what happened-" Buffy supplies.

"Exactly what happened," adds Faith.

Vi speaks and suddenly with all eyes on her she is nervous, "The doorbell went and I answered it. He said he needed to speak with you," she looks at Giles.

"He called him by name?" Asks Xander.

"Yes-Rupert Giles." They all look unsure. "I asked his name, he told me and I turned to leave. He followed me."

"No invitation there," says Dawn.

Rona speaks for the first time, "So sun doesn't turn them all crispy and now-no invitation required."

"It would appear," says Giles.

"It just keeps getting better and better," says the oldest Slayer.

"So G-how do they know your name?" Faith looks at the watcher.

"That's a good question," says Dawn.

"And we might have an answer if he wasn't a big pile of dust," says Xander.

Faith glares at him and then simply states, "Vampire-" she points to the dust pile. "Slayer-" she points to herself. "Any questions?"

The others simply shake their heads at the once rogue Slayer. "Action girl-" pouts the older Slayer.

"Got that right B-" she looks to Dawn with a smile and they join hands.

Buffy rolls her eyes, "Think I'll patrol see what I can find."

"Count me in," says Faith as she kisses Dawn. "Catch ya later?"

"Maybe I'll let you," she teases.

Faith smirks at her girl as she leans in and whispers in her ear, "You'll pay for that." The teenager blushes slightly. She winks and the Slayers in the room leave.

Xander looks at Dawn and she is suddenly a little uncomfortable. Giles leaves the two alone. "So, ice cream?" Asks the man.

"Will there be teasing or just ice cream?" Asks Dawn as their eyes meet.

"A little talking, maybe some teasing but mostly ice cream."

"I'm in then." They walk toward the kitchen.

In Willow and Kennedy's apartment, they have moved the make out session to the bed. Clothes have started to disappear as they kiss and caress. Kennedy's hands begin to work on the button of Willow's jeans. Willow moans as her girlfriend intentionally presses her knuckles against her crotch as she works the other fastening. "Goddess-" she moans again and her Slayer smirks.

Kennedy kisses her neck and licks up to her ear. "Raise up for me baby," she whispers. Willow lifts her hips as she slides the pants from her body. Kennedy runs the studded ring across her pulse point again before she slips her hand to her redhead's panties. Kennedy stops suddenly and a hazy Willow tries to figure out why.

"Sweetie?" She is finally able to focus. She sits up as she sees the paleness of her girl. "Kennedy?" The redhead's body is still humming as she tries to slow her breathing. "Baby are you okay?"

"Feel really weird Will-" she admits and that alone scares the witch.

"Weird how?" She asks as she begins to pulls her clothes on.

"Something's not right-" she says as she tries to process the problem.

"Dizzy?" Asks the redhead "Cause dizzy is normal."

"Ah-dizzy but-it hurts-"

"What hurts?" Willow cups her face in her hands concerned.

"Inside-" she whines.

"Okay-we're gonna get dressed." Starts to help her Slayer get dressed. "Can you stand up?"

Kennedy nods and Willow helps her from the bed. With her arm around her they go across the room. Kennedy cries out, grabbing her stomach as they approach the couch and Willow lets her sit down. Her mind calls out for help. 'Buffy-Xander-can you hear me?'

'Willow-' comes Xander's voice.

'Something's wrong with Kennedy-I need you here'

'On my way.'

Willow turns her attention back to her Slayer. She has her knees pulled to her chest. "Try to breathe baby-relax-okay?"

Kennedy nods as her tears start to fall. "Willow what's happening?"

"I don't know but we'll go to the hospital and it'll be okay." She grabs the phone and begins to dial the doctor's number.

A few minutes later Xander runs in and he sees Kennedy curled in Willow's arms on the couch. He moves to them. "Willow?"

She looks up at him and he sees her tear stained face. He reaches down and takes the Slayer from his best friend's arms. As he holds her she cries out again as more pain knifes through her stomach. Willow stands and takes her hand. "It'll be okay baby." She puts her hand on Kennedy's stomach and she gets a puzzled look on her face.

"We should go," says Xander.

"Yeah," says the redhead and together they move to the door.

In the cemetery, the one in which they first spotted the Day Walkers as they are now called by the young Slayers-the four patrol. Faith at the point and Buffy protects their rear.

The four are starting to think that the idea was a bust until they see vampires coming from four different directions. Faith looks around summing up the situation as does the others. Buffy asks, "Anybody feel any tinglies at all-cause me-not so much."

"Same here B-notta-" says Faith.

"Another new and improved difference with these guys, oh-joy-" states Rona.

Vi glares and pulls out her stake, "They're starting to irritate me just a smidge."

Faith smiles at the teens and shakes her head, "They can be as different as they want-"

Buffy adds, "Sure-all for being an individual-as long as they go poof when we stake'em." She smiles and the fighting begins.

At the hospital Willow and Xander sit in the waiting room. He has his arm around the redhead who is trying to be brave and strong-she brushes away tears. "What's raking so long?"

"It hasn't been that long-" he assures.

"It's bad I can feel it-she's in so much pain."

"You can feel-" his words stop as she nods.

"I need a spell-something to keep them-" tears fall as she holds her own stomach. "It's because she's a Slayer I think but-" she loses and the tears take control.

Xander holds her tighter and kisses her hair. "Shhhhh-lets see what the doctor says."

And as if on cue the emergency room doctor walks over to them, "Miss Rosenberg-" she looks up at him and makes her way to her feet as she wipes at the tears.

Chapter 17

"Normal?" Questions Willow, her hand tightening around her girl's.

The doctor nods, "Part of the aches and pains of the changing body at 14 weeks."

"14?" This time it is Kennedy who raises the question. "No-I'm jus-"

Willow interrupts, "Are you sure-cause the pain was- she couldn't even stand and-she was-in pain a lot-" Kennedy sits up and pulls her redhead close. She kisses her temple and the girl's words stop.

"Her uterus and abdomen are growing and-" she stops. Willow's hand rests on her Slayer's tummy at her words and the doctor smiles. "I could run some tests-" starts the doctor.

"Maybe-" Willow looks from Kennedy to the doctor and back to her Slayer.

"Maybe," agrees Kennedy though her heart isn't in it. "Just to make sure she's okay-"

"That's the issue-the baby?" She smiles. "Should have known-you want to hear her heartbeat-will that help ease the worry?"

"You can-we can hear?" Asks Willow with a smile.

The doctor nods, "Let me get the Doppler." She moves across the room and looks through drawers and cabinets.

Willow and Kennedy look at each other. The redhead speaks, "You really feel better?"

"Yeah-pains just a little now," assures Kennedy. Willow's hand rubs her Slayer's tummy. Kennedy smiles and leans in to kiss her. As she pulls away the doctor rejoins them with a small hand held device.

"The gel is a bit cold," she says as Kennedy lies back down.

Willow covers her Slayer with a sheet pulling it up from the bottom of the table. Kennedy raises her gown exposing her stomach. She gasps slightly as the doctor applies the cold gel. "Yeah-cold-" she bites her lip. Dr. Stevenson puts the wand of the Doppler on Kennedy's stomach and moves it around. Soon the steady thump thud of the baby's beating heart fills the room. "That's her." Kennedy's eyes meet Willow's and the both smile around tears. "Really her?" She looks to the doctor.

"That's her and she sounds really good. It's nice and strong," the woman assures the couple. "Okay?"

"Yeah-" says the Slayer after a sigh. "Okay."

The doctor removes the wand from the young mother-to-be's body. "Still want me to do tests?"

"No-" answers Kennedy after a brief look at her witch.

"Okay then, I'll fill out the paperwork and you can go home."

"Home sounds good," says Willow.

"I'll see you Friday at nine," says the doctor.

"Friday-no-" corrects Willow, "her appointment it's not until a week from Friday."

"I know-but I want to check the due date again." The girls agree and the doctor leaves the room.

"That was really her-" Willow's hand rubs Kennedy's tummy again.

"Yeah-so no worries right?" Kennedy says. Willow leans down and kisses her lips. "So why the worry?" Their eyes meet.

"The whole how many weeks pregnant you are-we'll talk about it someplace not here."

"That's all?"

"That's all-as long as you're really feeling better?"

"Really better-I promise."

"Okay-" she kisses her Slayer again as a smile covers her face. "Let's get you dressed."

Kennedy smiles, "Willow we're-hospital remember?"

"I remember-I'll be good."

Kennedy grins at her words, "Always are," she teases as they kiss again.

In the corridor on the phone, not filling out paperwork like she claimed is Dr. Stevenson, "It's as we expected. The growth is accelerating. She's 14 weeks maybe more." She pauses and listens to the voice on the other end. "Yes," she answers. "Friday-I'll contact you after." She hangs up the phone and starts toward the Slayer's exam room.

At the cemetery all the vamps but one are slain and the Slayers are just toying with it. It runs passed Faith and she smiles rolling her shoulders. Her plan is about to work as they start after it quietly. They are about to catch up to it a couple of miles from the cemetery, in the warehouse district, when suddenly it's just gone. Faith looks shocked, "What the f-" she stops the word. "What just happened?"

Vi stating the obvious, "It disappeared."

"No shit-" says the brassed off Slayer.

"What they know magic too?" Asks Rona.

Buffy is unsure, "Will said she didn't feel magic-"

"But yet it is gone," says Vi.

"This is bad," says the oldest Slayer.

Rona and Vi both roll their eyes as they look at each other. "Don't have to be the oldest to figure that out," Rona looks to the others.

"Hey-" starts Buffy.

"Respect your elders-" she smirks.

"Hey-I'm not old-" pouts the blonde. They all three laugh. "I'm not." They walk away and she glares at them. "I can still kick your asses don't forget that," she calls after them.

They stop and turn to her, "That so-" smiles the once dark Slayer. Rona and Vi aren't sure they want to tangle with her no matter her age and they stand where they are as Faith moves to her. "You're talking the talk-you walking the walk too B?"

"Sure F-let's give it a go."

Faith rolls her eyes, "You spent too much time with that vamp-starting to sound like him." She fuels the fire as she rolls her shoulders and smiles.

"Now's good-" they stalk around each other looking for a chance to pounce.

Rona and Vi look at each other and then the older Slayers. "Buffy-" Vi starts.

"Faith," tries Rona- "Now's not the best time."

They ignore the teens and the fight is on. Faith lands a jab that snaps the blonde's head back.

Buffy smiles and shakes her head, "Still punch like a girl," says the oldest as she sweep kicks her feet only to watch the Slayer hit the ground and roll to her stance. "Nice recovery-give you that."

"Don't give me anything-I take it," she swings and again lands a blow to the Slayer's chin, followed by a roadhouse kick to the head that Buffy blocks and flips the dark Slayer to the ground.

As they fight Rona and Vi watch unsure if it should continue. They keep an eye on the area. Finally Vi speaks, "I don't like this-we need to stop them."

Rona looks at her like she's lost her mind, "Why would we do that?"

"I have a bad feeling?"

"Okay-answers that. Next question-how do we do that?"

Vi simply steps between the Slayers and Rona does the same against her better judgment. Buffy and Faith look at the new Slayers. "Death wish much?" Asks Faith.

Rona points to Vi- "First it was her idea and second-she has a bad feeling and third-" she points to the group of vamps approaching. "Looks like she was right."

Buffy smiles, "Oh-goody more fighting-" she smiles as they get closer.

Rona looks at Faith, "Did you kick her in the head?"

"No-" Faith shakes her head unsure, "B-you okay?"

"Sure F-loving the fight tonight."

Faith smiles a bit confused but just assumes it has something to do with the age joke. "Whatever-I'm in."

Vi and Rona look at the growing number and each grab a Slayer- "Let's get the hell outta here," Rona states.

At the house Willow and Kennedy are back in their apartment. Willow is sitting on the bed, her laptop in front of her and Kennedy's resting beside her. Her young Slayer's head is on her leg-her hand laced with Willow's. The redhead types one handed into the computer. "So the pain and the messed up weeks-she's growing too fast?" Kennedy turns on to her back, now looking up into her redhead's eyes.

"No-not too fast, just faster than normal. She's gonna be here sooner than most babies would be."

"Sooner?" Willow leans down and kisses her girl. "How much sooner?"

"That's why with the typing-trying to calculate it." Kennedy turns back to her side to watch the screen. "The way I see it, Emilee is growing about two and a half days for every one day that passes."

"Wow-that's-wow."

"So if we take 9.2 months, which is the usual human gestation period and convert that in to days." She stops talking and types that information into the computer. "Then divide that by 2.2-"

"Why 2.2? I thought it was two and a half days."

"Well cause in 10 days Em is actually 22 days older so 22 divided by 10 is 2.2-make sense?" Willow asks her Slayer.

"Ah-well have I ever explained to you just how much I hate math?"

Willow smiles and kisses the girl, "Just trust me then-okay?"

"That I get," she smiles. Willow smiles back and types some more. "And what's it say?" Willow giggles. "Willow?"

"Halloween-" she looks at her Slayer, "She'll be here on Halloween-give or take a few days."

"Halloween-" she smiles, "Now that's a birthday for the daughter of a Slayer and a witch."

"Yeah-it's kinda cool."

Then something dawns on the Slayer, "No-not-that's like two months from now-" she sits up. "That can't-I'm not ready." She is near panic as she stands. She looks back at her redhead and then starts to pace. "Willow-I can't-not-yet-I-"

Willow moves her laptop and gets off the bed as well she moves to her Slayer. "Shhhhhh-it's okay," she stops her pacing by standing in front of her and then pulling her into a hug. "We'll be ready, okay-?"

"But I need time and we don't have-"

Willow kisses her lips and then leans her forehead against her Slayer's, "That's all the time we got, but it's all we need-room's all ready-and we have clothes and toys. And she has a name."

"Not ready-" repeats Kennedy.

"You are-you just don't know it. Don't you wanna see who she looks like? Hold her?"

"Yeah-" agrees Kennedy.

"Yeah-so see we're ready." Willow kisses her again. "Ready," says the young mother-to-be. Willow smiles and Kennedy looks panicky again, "Not ready-Will-" Willow hugs her tight and let's her vent her concerns and fears.

Later the Slayer's return, first they hit the kitchen finding food-Rona and Vi sit at the table while Buffy and Faith move toward their rooms. At the entranceway the Slayers turn in opposite directions. "Night B-" says Faith.

"Good night F-" she smiles.

Faith finishes her food and heads toward the shower only to find Dawn in the doorway of the bathroom wearing only a towel. She grins at her girlfriend, "This a person could get use to-" she rolls her shoulders and cracks her neck like she's getting ready to fight. "Kill some vamps-come home get a meal and then," Dawn silences her by kissing her.

The teen pulls back, "Finished talking now?"

Faith just nods and then leans in to kiss her girl.

In the other wing of the house Buffy opens the door and Xander looks up from his bed. "Wrong room Buff-" smiles the man.

Buffy just shakes her head, "Nah-been putting off the necessary for too long." She moves to the bed and then straddles him. She leans down and kisses him. As she pulls back and looks in to his stunned eyes she asks, "Okay?"

"Ah-" he tries to focus on something other than the blonde Slayer sitting on him. "Two questions?"

"Fair-" she says.

"One-are you Faith? -Did you steal Buffy's body again?"

She smiles, "Not Faith guessing she's in my sister's room probably doing-don't wanna go there."

"Question two, are you sure?" His face is serious.

She nods, "Yeah-I'm sure. Too soon?"

He smiles understanding her meaning, "No-now's good."

"Good," she leans down and kisses him again. She is surprised when he flips her to her back. "Hey-" she whines. He smiles as he kisses her lips gently.

In Willow and Kennedy's room the young Slayer is now in bed with Willow spooned protectively around her. Her hand resting on its new favorite place, the home of their growing child. "Better?" She asks softly, her face pressed near her girl's ear.

"I don't want it to be now," Kennedy sniffs.

"It's not now sweetie, two months-that's a long time," she tries again to reassure the nervous woman.

"Yeah-okay-" she wraps her arms around Willow's arms. "And we can do this-right together?"

"Together-yeah-together you and me can do anything." She presses a kiss to her temple.

"Can we-" she stops and smiles as she faces her redhead. "Can we finish what we started before the hospital?"

Willow smiles and kisses her lips, their mouths open and close together until the redhead pulls away. "Think this should wait till tomorrow."

Kennedy looks unsure, "I'm okay-the doctor said."

"I know but it's been all eeeeeeeee and ahhhhhhhhh-you should rest." She kisses her chastely.

"Just till tomorrow?" Clarifies the young Slayer.

"Yeah-tomorrow-promise," Willow smiles.

"Okay-" agrees the brunette as she kisses Willow and then turns back around. Willow holds her close pulling her tighter into her chest, hand again on the baby growing inside. The redhead is a little confused by the easy surrender but lets it go, deciding the girl must indeed be tired. Kennedy, her back to her redhead, is smiling as she watches the digital clock on the nightstand. The numbers flip over reading 11:57-

Chapter 18

"Morning-I think, but you should still be asleep." She kisses her lips.

"Not sleepy," she says as she stretches and then snuggles back into her arms. "Cold-" she says with a little pout.

"Want me to get another blanket?"

"No-silly-want you to hold me," she says and then smiles kissing Willow's lips before turning her back and letting her redhead spoon around her and pull her close. "See-better," she whispers as she closes her eyes.

Willow smiles and whispers, "Now sleep."

"Not sleepy," she protests again but seconds later the redhead can feel her rhythmic breathing and knows she is indeed asleep.

Willow just watches as her hands settles against the Slayer's growing waistline. She smiles at the thought of the baby there and kisses the back of Kennedy's head.

In Xander's room Buffy lies on her stomach, her chin on his chest, watching him sleep. The man opens his eye slowly and a smile covers his face as he sees the blonde looking up at him. "Hey you," he says softly. His hand caresses her back. "You okay?" He asks, concern on his face.

She bites at her bottom lip obviously nervous, "I am, if you are."

"I are-" he teases and the are becomes a pirate- "Arrrrrgh," as he plays.

Buffy smiles and kisses his chest. She looks up at him-becoming serious, "Last wasn't just-" she stops because her next words will mean that Faith was right all along-and though she knows it's true admitting it to someone else is hard. Xander waits patiently for her to finish, "It wasn't an after slaying thing."

He smiles and pulls her up his body so he can kiss her lips. As he does things heat up fast, lips open and close together. He stops to answer her, "I know-if I thought it was it wouldn't have happened."

Buffy smiles, "Can it happen again?" She asks with a raised eyebrow.

"Hoping so," he says as he leans in and kisses her lips again. His hands cup her face and move down to her back as he rolls her under him. He moves his lips to her jaw kissing there before he settles at her neck. He kisses and licks there as she moans softly.

In Faith's room she lies awake watching her girlfriend sleep. She smiles as she brushes a strand of hair back from the sleeping teen's face and tucks it behind her ear. "So beautiful," she whispers. She runs a finger along her jaw and Dawn's eyes flutter and then open, "Hey sleepy," she smiles.

"Tired-" she whines and closes her eyes.

Faith teases, "That's what happens when you get bouncy all night," she smiles.

Dawn stretches and opens her eyes, "Worth all the sleep I lost." She leans in and kisses her Slayer's lips. Faith smiles as they end the kiss. Dawn's hand reaches out and caresses bare skin at Faith's shoulder, then down between her breasts.

Faith's eyes close as she stills her need, "Whatcha doing D-"

"I think you'll figure it out in just one-sec-" she stops talking and cups Faith's breast as she leans in and kisses her again. Her lips begin to open and close against the Slayer's.

"We-shouldn't-" she says as she breaks the kiss. "It's late-breakfast," but as she protests she finds her lips pressing against Dawn's again. She runs her tongue along the teens bottom lip and the girl's mouth opens for her. As Faith explores-caressing-sucking-Dawn moans.

Finally Dawn pulls away, her lungs needing air. She pants, "Br-break-fast-is good." She pulls her back into a quick kiss and finishes her words. "But you're better," she kisses her again. Her lips leave Faith's and move to her chin and down her neck.

"Don't I know it-" Faith grins and winks-Dawn smirks as her hand slips between them and older Slayer gasps as fingers begin to explore.

"Still want breakfast?" Grins Dawn.

Faith arches against her touch, "It can wait-" she bites back a moan as Dawn's lips attack her neck and her fingers tease.

Later the three couples find themselves together in the kitchen. Willow is making pancakes while Xander turns bacon in a pan. Dawn gets out glasses and plates, bringing them to the table. Faith looks up at her as she stops there, "Need any help D?"

"No-" she answers as she presses a kiss to her lips. The teen goes back to the refrigerator and gets out the milk and juice.

Buffy looks around the room and then at the table, she smiles- "What's that look B?"

"Just happy," she says. Faith and Kennedy both smile, "What? I can't be happy?"

"Sure you can B-" says Faith. She smirks as she speaks softly- "How happy did he make you last night?" She raises a playful eyebrow and Kennedy grins as well.

"Shut up-" she says playfully pouting.

Xander and Willow carry the food to the table as Dawn brings the drinks. They all sit down and start to pass the food around. Xander smiles at Buffy-Willow catches the look- "You two-you-" she stops the words as she blushes. "Didn't you?"

Xander and Buffy just smile at each other and eat, not answering. Dawn looks at her sister- "You so did-" she smiles.

Buffy blushes, "Could we just-" she smiles up at Xander who is smiling as well.

"You really wanna know?" He asks. Buffy glares at him- he takes her hand. "Can't say-" she giggles and he smiles.

A few days later Kennedy and Willow are at the doctor's office. The young Slayer lies on the table as the doctor measures her stomach. Willow watches, her fingers laced with Kennedy's. "So what do you think?" Asks Willow as the doctor writes on a clipboard and Kennedy sits up.

"I think that my initial due date was wrong." She looks at the information on the clipboard and then up at the couple. "Looks like about 15 weeks-15 and a half." Willow nods and smiles at her girl as they realize Willow's calculations are right on. In three days Emilee had matured seven. They don't say anything about their suspicions. "I don't know how I could have been so off-"

"No worries," smiles Kennedy. "The sooner the better-I can't wait to see her."

Willow smiles at her Slayer-noting the excitement in her voice and the reversal of attitudes. Finally some of the fear seems to be gone for the younger woman. "That makes two of us," smiles the redhead as she squeezes Kennedy's hand.

"Have you had any more pain?"

"Some," admits Kennedy and Willow gives her a brief glare. "I didn't want you to worry," she answers her witch's unvoiced question. "But nothing like before."

"I can give you a shot-it'll help with the pain."

Kennedy looks at Willow unsure and Willow speaks, "It's safe for the baby?"

"Absolutely-in fact with the pain gone you'll feel better and the stress will be less for her."

Kennedy looks ill at ease, "Okay," she finally says-giving in to her fear of needles for her child.

"It'll be just a second," she turns from them and gets a vile of medicine-yellowish in color from a leather case, and begins to fill the syringe with it. She walks back toward the couple.

Kennedy sees the needle and looks at Willow. She is about to whine when Willow touches her face, "You can do it sweetie, for Emilee right?"

"I-" she stops and nods. She turns her head so that she can't see it. Willow rolls her sleeve and then holds her hand as the doctor stops beside them.

"Just a little twinge-then it'll be done," says Dr. Stevenson. She brings the needle to Kennedy's arm and it breaks the skin.

As she starts to inject it- Kennedy looks at Willow, "It feels-" she wobbles a little on the table. When she does the needle and the doctor are hit by a burst of energy and fly across the room. Kennedy looks at the doctor unsure as Willow moves to her.

She is getting up as Willow touches her shoulder, "You okay?" Asks the redhead.

"What happened?"

"Ah-well-ah-" she ventures a half truth, "Kennedy really hates needles. Slayer strength and all."

They look to the Slayer who is trying to stay up right and Willow goes back to her. "Red I want to go home."

"You're a little wobbly-sweetie," she states. "You should just lie back for a minute."

"No-" her tone says volumes. "Now-okay?-" she moves from the table and Willow puts an arm around her.

"You really should rest," she reaches to touch Kennedy's arm and this time is met by a barrier. Willow looks unsure.

The doctor just brushes it off, "I'll see you in two weeks." Willow and Kennedy leave without another word.

As they walk to the car Willow speaks, "So Emilee has inherited our dislike of needles."

"Looks like," smiles Kennedy still a bit shaky. "But why do I feel all weird."

"Maybe her magic drains you-I'm not sure." She pauses and then adds, "But what worries me most is why did she put up the barrier?"

"Another good question."

"Yeah-let's get you home and we'll see if we can find out."

In the doctor's office Dr. Stevenson is on the phone. "We might have a problem."

"A problem-" comes the voice of a British man through the phone. "What type of problem?"

"I wasn't able to administer the drug-" she states. "She doesn't handle needles well."

"Then you must find another means-it must be done, the sooner the better."

"Okay-I'll find a way."

"Contact me then," the line goes dead.

At the house Willow is talking to Giles, "The baby-she just-the doctor went flying across the room."

"Really?" He seems unsure. "And the barrier-did she try to give Kennedy the shot again?"

"No-but-I don't know why she put it up," says the redhead concerned.

"Why would any witch raise a barrier?"

"To keep something in-or out-" Willow looks at him.

"To want end?"

"To protect-" she says simply.

"And was Kennedy in danger?"

"Ah-no-well maybe-" she remembers Kennedy's shakiness. "She was a little wonky-after-but I figured it was the power surge." She thinks back- "Maybe-she might have gotten some of the drug into her system."

"What was it for?"

"Too help the pain." Willow looks at the man- "But that was what she was trying to do was it?"

"It doesn't seem Emilee thought so-" says the watcher.

"Why would the doctor want to hurt her.? You said you knew her mom-that she was a Watcher-why would someone who knows she's a Slayer-" her words stop. She shakes her head- "Because she's a Slayer-and they think the baby will be too-"

Giles nods, "She's found someone from the old council-or more likely they have found her." He looks at the redhead. "They are in great danger."

Faith speaks from the doorway, "Let'em try to take her-they won't know what hit'em." Giles looks at the woman and nods. "So Red-your girl's looking for you."

Willow looks at the Slayer, "Where is she?"

"Rec room, we're watching a movie."

"Giles you'll check into the council thing?"

"Immediately," he assures.

Willow starts to leave, "Aren't you coming?"

"In a minute," says Faith and Willow leaves. "So Giles-how do I find this doctor?"

He hands the woman a slip of paper with an address, "You shouldn't go alone."

"Won't-" she leaves.

Giles picks up the phone and dials a number, "Robson," he says as the man answers. "I need a favor."

Willow is cuddled on the rec room couch with her Slayer. Buffy and Xander are on another and Faith and Dawn on another as they watch a movie. Kennedy has her head on Willow's lap and the redhead strokes her hair with one hand while the other hand holds Kennedy's. "Feeling okay?" She whispers.

"Yeah-dizzies all gone now." She changes position and sits next to her, her head on Willow's shoulder. Willow wraps her arms around her. Kennedy moves again. Willow looks at her unsure. "Can't get comfy."

Willow smiles and lays down on her side and Kennedy smiles too. She stretches out beside her and soon Willow spoons around her-hand on her tummy. "Better?" Asks the girl with a smile as Willow lays her cheek against hers.

"Yeah-" she relaxes into her girl and soon the movie is forgotten as she sleeps.

Faith smiles at them and holds Dawn tighter. Dawn looks at her unsure. "Something wrong?" She asks in s whisper.

"Nah-it's gonna be taken care of-nothing to worry about." She sneaks another look at the young Slayer.

After the movie Willow and Kennedy both sleep. Xander smiles at them and so do the others. "Think we should wake them?" He asks.

"Nah-let'em sleep," says Faith. "Hey-we got something to do-"

"Really-who said?"

"Giles-"

"Why didn't he tell me?"

"You weren't there-so we need to jet," she looks around and her eyes fall on her girl. "Won't be long."

"Okay-be careful."

"You know it-" she kisses her.

Buffy kisses Xander, she glares at Faith-"This better not be something silly I had plans."

"You still have time for your plans," she smirks. Then she and Buffy leave.

Outside the house Buffy looks at her unsure, "Okay-not a cemetery or a crypt-why are we here-?"

"Seems the doc what's the kid-" she says.

"Doc-doctor?" Faith nods. "Why would she-"

"Let's find out." She walks up the steps to the porch and Buffy follows.

At the house in Willow and Kennedy's apartment the phone rings no one is there to answer it.

At the coven Althennea puts down the phone as the machine clicks on "This is Willow and Kennedy-" it is cut off. She begins to concentration her energies. 'Willow-hear me-'

In the rec room the redhead's eyes open. She looks around as Althennea's words echo- 'She is in great danger.'

She sees the room fills with men in dark clothes-their faces covered. "Kennedy-baby wake up." The Slayer's eyes open and she sees the intruders. Willow's mind reaches out. 'Help us-the rec room.-hurry.'

Chapter 19

"Me-" admits Willow.

"I'm okay-or it would have been her. I can fight."

"Be careful? We don't know who they are-"

About that time a mask falls away and Giles sees the face of his adversary, "Robson-" he says surprised. "What is the meaning of this?"

Xander growls, "Council-should have guessed." He continues to fight. "I thought he was on our side?"

"Never was much for thinking," says Kennedy as she grabs the man from Giles raising him off the ground by the neck. Willow and the others look stunned. "Call them off-"

The man speaks, though struggling, with her hands around his throat. He croaks out words, "Stop-" and the men do as they are told. The Slayers in the room stop as well though they stand ready.

Xander whispers to Willow- "Will-is your girl channeling Faith now?"

Willow shrugs before moving to Kennedy and putting a hand on her shoulder, "Sweetie-you might want to let the nice man make with the explainy-before you tear his head off."

Xander again speaks, "Don't think-nice man-is really accurate Will," he looks at his friend who rolls her eyes at him in a you're not helping way.

"Kennedy-put him down."

The Slayer does as her girlfriend asks but her hands don't leave him. She holds to his shirt. "She bought you like maybe five seconds, start talking."

Robson clears his throat and looks from the Slayer, to Willow, to Giles and back at Kennedy again. "That's not possible I'm afraid."

"You better be afraid," this time it is Willow who levels her glare at him.

Xander, ever the peacemaker looks to Giles, "Giles-he's a watcher-maybe the two of you should talk?"

"No-I think Willow and Kennedy are handling it appropriately." Xander looks at the Brit totally at a loss for words.

"Why are you here-attacking us?" Asks the redhead, as she becomes more angry.

"I would think that would be obvious by now-the child of course." With those words the man is thrown across the room. He hits a wall before crumbling at Xander's feet.

"Don't look at me-" Willow defends, "It wasn't me." Xander looks at her unbelievingly. Resolve face in place, "Not me."

At the doctor's house Faith pounds on the door for the second time. "I'm gonna check around back-give me a couple minutes and meet me inside."

Buffy looks unsure, "She's not a demon-we can't just break in."

"She tried to hurt Kennedy and the baby-doesn't exactly make her a good guy B-" Faith reasons.

"Fine-two minutes and then we go on three." Buffy waits and as she does she scans the area. She sees something out of the corner of her eye and knocks again. This time the door opens hesitantly, her eyes meet those of the doctor. "Dr. Stevenson?"

"Yes-do I know you?"

Before Buffy can answer Faith has the woman by the arm. The Slayer opens the door. "Guess she's home after all." She glares at the woman. "Got some explaining to do doc."

"Let's have that talk at the house." Buffy says her Slayer senses starting to tingle.

"Feel that too huh?" Asks Faith.

"Yeah-we got company." Suddenly the room feels with a group of tanned 'Wrinklies.'

"Just what I needed-been wanting to hit something for a couple hours now. Lucky for you doc." She lets the doctor go and hits the first vamp to reach her. She grabs her stake and the dust flies.

As she and Buffy fight, the doctor tries to sneak away only to have a Day walker grab her. He laughs, "Can't let you leave just yet."

Faith hits him from behind and while he is on the ground she pulls the doctor away. As she gives her to Buffy she grabs the vamp on the ground. "Got all we need for now," says Faith. "We should jet."

"Don't have to say that twice," she dusts one more and starts out the door with Dr. Stevenson. She looks back once they are on the driveway. She sees Faith has a Day Walker in tow. "Why is he not blowing in the breeze?"

"Ah- I owe Giles one remember?" She smiles. "So-I picked up a present." Buffy shakes her head at her fellow Slayer and smiles.

When they reach the house they find the gang already assembled. Willow, Kennedy, Xander, Dawn and Giles have Robson in the study. They learn of the events quickly and are told that the other Slayers hold the remaining attackers in the training facility. The words old Council cause Buffy to cringe.

Faith speaks as she plops the Day Walker in a chair. "Thought I'd make up for the one I staked," she looks at Giles. "But since there's a bigger party then I thought I can just dust him and get you another later." She pulls out her stake.

"No-there's time for him as well," says the once Watcher. "He'll just have to wait his turn."

Dr. Stevenson is now sitting as well. Willow and Kennedy both glare at the woman who they entrusted with the safety of their growing family. Kennedy turns to Giles, "Can we start with her?"

"Of course," says the man. "Alicia what do you have to say for yourself?-Your mother rest her soul would be appalled."

She shakes her head, "Mr. Giles for a man of your station you know very little about the dealings of the Council. My mother was Travers right hand for years."

Giles simply nods, "As are you- for Robson?" She smiles. "So the goal was to take the baby?"

"Not to harm her," defends the doctor. "To teach her from birth about her calling."

"She may not even be a Slayer," states Kennedy.

"She's your child is she not?" Asks Robson. "Of your blood?"

"Yeah-so what? So's my sister-same blood-she's not a Slayer."

Faith smiles, "Smart guy-seems to me your theory is full of holes."

"And I'm the sister of a Slayer-not in my blood either," adds Dawn as she takes her Slayer's hand.

Willow who is digesting the man's words becomes enraged. She moves to stand mere inches from the man, "We're her parents we will teach her." She tries to control her anger. "If you come near us again," she looks from Robson to Stevenson and back again. "I'll be crabby-" she states simply.

Dawn adds, "Trust me-you wouldn't like her when she's crabby."

"Because she nearly ended the world once? Please-her magic can be bound."

Kennedy moves toward him but surprisingly it is Faith who stops her, "Her magic-you got a lot to learn."

"And I suppose you-are going to teach me?"

Buffy smiles, "Faith could-but there's a better way."

Xander smiles too as he realizes what Buffy's about to say, "And the point gets driven home a little sharper-point get it?" He snickers as he looks around the room. No one laughs. "Tough crowd."

Buffy looks from Kennedy to the redhead now holding the young Slayer's hand. "Call'em- Will" she says without further explanation.

'They're kinda busy-' she thinks to the blonde.

'A barrier will be good right?' Buffy asks back.

Willow nods, she closes her eyes and concentrates as she sends out her thoughts. Soon the room begins to fill with Slayers. "Slayers-" Giles says as he smirks at the man he thought he could trust. "All created by her-indebted to her-100's here in the states-1000's more across the globe only a thought away."

"So I wouldn't mess with her or her family," smiles Dawn.

"Cause if you do," starts Rona, "You'll be messing with all of us."

Willow wraps an arm around Kennedy, her hand touching her rounded stomach. Kennedy speaks, "And if somehow you get past all of them.-You deal with me." The man and the woman sit defeated.

The Day Walker listens intently. All eyes turn to him, "And as for you," Buffy starts. "Why were you after the good doctor here?"

"I follow orders." He says then he is quiet.

"Who gave the orders?" Asks the blonde Slayer.

The Day Walker smiles-"Really can't say." His head snaps back as Kennedy lands an unexpected punch to his face. He still smiles- "Losing your temper Slayer-good-that's when mistakes happen. We'll be waiting-the child will be ours." He smirks and brings his hand to his mouth. He swallows something and begins to shake-his body begins to turn to ash.

"Damn-" Faith looks at the dust in the chair. "Never saw that before."

"No-" agrees Giles. "Interesting." He glares at Robson, "He working for you as well?"

"I'm not at liberty to discuss Council business with you at present," he smiles. "Sorry ole chap." This time it is Giles who lands a punch to Robson's jaw.

"Vi-get them out of here." He looks to the Slayer.

"Would you like them with the others?"

"No-keep them separated." She nods and leaves, the Slayers fall in line behind the Council members.

Willow has Althennea in her head again. 'Willow are you safe?"

'Yes-now, thanks to you.' She thinks to the coven leader. 'How did you know?'

'A call from a friend.' There is a pause. 'It was the old Council?'

'Yes-'

'She's in danger still-a new source.'

'The Day Walkers, but we don't know why.'

'Yes you do.'

'They need her power?'

'They need yours,' Althennea says plainly. 'Be strong. Let those around you do what they were born to do.'

'I understand,' answers Willow.

'Yes, I think you do.' Another pause and then a warning. 'Stay vigilant.'

'I will,' and the older witch is gone. Willow looks to Kennedy and holds her tighter. "Let's get you to bed."

Kennedy smiles and it turns to a grin-then a smirk. Willow blushes. "You need to rest."

Kennedy kisses her softly, "Need you more than rest." She whispers in her redhead's ear.

Willow fights the blush away and looks to the others, "Althennea says we need to stay alert. There's more trouble coming."

Faith almost smiles, "Always did like a good fight. Ready when they are."

Kennedy smiles at her fellow Slayer's enthusiasm. "Knew you would be," she looks to Buffy. Then at her redhead and back to the blonde Slayer. "No matter what she tells you-something happens, you got her back not mine." Buffy looks to Willow and Willow sighs as she sees her friend nod.

"I'm a big girl-I can take care of myself." Willow's hand rests on Kennedy's tummy. She looks her Slayer in the eyes. "I want Buffy looking after you and the baby."

"We'll be fine-she's got the whole protect the mom thing going on." Kennedy smiles and puts her hand on Willow's.

"She does at that," Willow agrees. Kennedy can't stop a yawn and Willow smiles. "Bed-now-" she states as she takes Kennedy's hand and they leave the others.

Buffy looks to Giles as he speaks, "I'll speak with Althennea, she if there's more we should be aware of."

"Yeah-probably a good idea."

"We'll meet in the morning," says the man.

"What about the council people, we can't keep them in the training facility forever," says Xander.

"I got that covered," smiles Buffy. "I have a friend who can keep them on ice indefinitely."

"Riley?" Asks Xander.

"What's that e-mail address?" She looks through a book from the desk.

Dawn smiles at her sister, "If you can't find it-I have it in my room too."

Faith looks at her unsure and then becomes uncomfortable. "Riley as in old boyfriend?"

Dawn nods unsure, "You know him?"

"Not exactly," hedges the once rogue Slayer. "Sort of-a long story that I can't believe you don't know and I'm not proud of."

Dawn smiles reassuringly. "It's from the bad days-let's forget it okay?"

"For tonight-cause," she pulls the girl into a hug and smirks, "Got plans, but later I need you to know."

"Later-much later," Dawn smiles and takes Faith's hand. She leads her from the room as well.

Buffy almost smiles, "Why doesn't that-the whole her with my sister upset me?" She looks to Xander and Giles. The former watcher simply moves across the room to the phone. She looks to her lover. "You gonna run too?" She pouts.

"No-" he shakes his head and wraps his arms around her, holding her close.

"So do you know why?"

"I think-maybe."

"Gonna tell me or make me suffer?"

"What do I get if I tell you?" He smiles teasingly.

She smiles back, "Sure we could work something out." She kisses him softly.

"Dawn's happy."

"That's it?" Asks the Slayer.

"Pretty much. Buff we want the people we love to be happy."

"Yeah," she hugs him tighter. "You happy?" She looks up into his eyes, her arms still holding him.

"Very happy," he kisses her and smiles as he whispers in her ear. "Want me to show you?" Buffy giggles and Xander smiles.

Willow and Kennedy lie snuggled together on the couch watching one of their favorite cartoons on DVD. Willow is lying on her back with Kennedy pressed to her side. The redhead's arms circle her loosely. "She likes this one," says the young Slayer.

"How do you know," asks Willow as she touches her girl's tummy.

"I can tell-" she says softly. "Can't explain it," she adds as her redhead looks unsure.

"Can you tell anything else?" Asks Willow curious.

"She doesn't like loud music"-she thinks for a bit and then adds "or Faith's potty mouth when we spar." She smiles at her redhead-"but she really likes it when you talk and read to her."

"I like it too-" she turns positioning herself at Kennedy's side. She presses her lips to the young mother-to-be's tummy and begins to talk. "How's mama's girl?" She smiles as her Slayer's fingers play in her hair. "Did you feel okay after the magic?" She waits as if the child is answering. "It can make you tired-us it wisely. Only use it to keep you and mommy safe." Willow kisses her tummy again but this time she pulls her shirt up and runs her fingers against the rounded stomach of her lover. Still talking to her child, "Rest-I'll read to you in the morning."

"Bedtime stories are for nighttime," Kennedy says playfully. "That's the message she asked me to pass along."

"She did huh?"

"Yep-" the young Slayer answers as she reaches between the cushions and hands Willow a book.

Willow smiles at her girl, "Does she have a particular story from the book she wants to hear?"

"Em says any would be fine."

"One story then to bed-both of you." She kisses Kennedy's tummy one more time.

Later the story finished Kennedy is curled in Willow arms, this time they are in bed. The redhead's hand still rests on the young mother-to-be's stomach. "Can you feel her move?" She asks as their eyes meet.

"Not yet-you'll be the first to know-well the first that's not me or her," smiles Kennedy as she kisses her.

Willow smiles at her playfulness, then becomes very serious. "We need to find a new doctor."

"I was thinking about that," Kennedy informs.

"Maybe we should just see who's the best and not tell them about the Slayer stuff or the magic stuff-" supplies the redhead.

"Let them think we-I had-was-we had help?" Kennedy babbles Willow classic.

"Might be safer for Emilee and for you."

"Maybe-can I think about it?" Asks her Slayer.

"Sleep on it-we got time," answers her girl.

"Still telling you, I don't want sleep-why won't you listen?"

"I've been told I'm a little stubborn." She smiles and adds, "Don't believe it though."

Kennedy begins to giggle. "You shouldn't-cause it's not true." The redhead smiles until Kennedy adds, "You're not a little stubborn, you're a lot stubborn." Willow mock glares at her as she giggles more.

Chapter 20

Faith smiles at her girl as she opens her eyes. She presses a kiss to her girl's head-her fingers still stroking the glistening skin of the teen's side. Dawn shivers at her touch. The fact that her girl is still experiencing some aftershocks makes her want her again. The Slayer however resists the temptation-there are things she needs Dawn to know. Showing her how much she loves her can wait till after.

"Dawn," Faith starts- "There's stuff I need you to know."

"Something about Riley?" Dawn asks as she turns to her stomach and puts her chin on Faith's chest. She looks up and into her eyes.

"Pretty smart girl-" Faith touches her shoulder, her fingers tracing patterns. "After the coma-I came after Buffy." She waits for her girl's reaction.

"Kinda makes sense," she smiles, "She did put you there." They are both quiet. "What else happened?"

"Ah-lots of very bad stuff-that now I wish hadn't "

"Can't change the past just have to move forward." Faith takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly.

"I broke into your house-threatened your mom." Dawn looks away and the once dark Slayer falters. "She-ah-she was one tough woman." Faith stops the movement on Dawn's shoulder.

"Yeah," whispers the teen. She lays her head back on Faith's shoulder. "I miss her," says the Dawn, as tears start to fall.

When Faith feels them against her skin she tightens her hold on her girl. She pulls her onto her body and kisses her forehead. "I know you do." They lie quietly.

Finally composed, the key speaks, "Then what happened?"

"The mayor left me this gadget-changed me into Buffy's body-Buffy into mine." Dawn looks into her eyes, "Yeah- I know pretty freaky huh?"

"A little. What was it like being her?"

"Different then I thought-lonely-a lot like being me," says the Slayer. "Well except for the uptight part." Faith rolls her eyes at the memories. She giggles-

"What?"

"I ran into Spike that night-"

"You didn't-" Dawn asks unsure. "With Spike?"

"Nah-but there was some teasing." She smirks. "Wasn't my type-"

"You had a type," she smirks and raises an eyebrow.

"Hey-" starts Faith with a pout- "I had standards."

"Really?"

"Yeah-being alive," she smirks. She and Dawn both giggle.

Then they are quiet again, "So you were Buffy and a little horny-is this where Riley comes into the story?" Their eyes meet.

"Yeah-I thought what the hell you know-take the boyfriend for a test drive."

"So you did-you and Riley I mean?"

"I did, wasn't what I thought either." She pauses, "Lots of surprises being B-"

Dawn bites on her bottom lip, "He loved her-made love to her-to you?"

"It was-I didn't know it could be like that. Back then I was all with the get some get gone-didn't stay more than a few hours." She stops and looks at the teenager. "I know better now," she smiles and kisses her girl. "And it's- I wouldn't trade it for anything." She hugs her tighter.

Dawn smiles and then grins as she looks into her Slayer's eyes, "Not even that new crossbow you've been drooling over?"

Faith smiles, "Not even," she kisses her, deciding the conversation is over. They begin to make love again. As she rolls her girl under her, her hands caressing her lover. Faith kisses down Dawn's throat and over to her pulse point. There, she licks and kisses-causing a soft moan to escape the teenagers lips.

Down the hall, in the other apartment, Kennedy cries Willow's name as she falls. Her body spasms around Willow's still moving fingers as she struggles to slow her breathing. "Will-" she pants out, her lips kissing her redhead's forehead as she sits on her lap-their bodies pressed together.

"Too much baby?" She asks as she looks up to meet her eyes.

"Hmm-no" she assures. She rocks slowly against the fingers. Willow smiles and kisses her neck. She begins to lick and suckle there, listening to her lover's moans. She licks down her body to her breasts and surprises Kennedy as she takes the peek between her lips and sucks hard. "Gods-" she cries out, her body rocking faster.

In the other wing Buffy and Xander lie in each other's arms their bodies still covered in a fine sheen of sweat. He kisses her shoulder, her neck, and then her hair as he pulls her tighter to him. Buffy kisses his lips, then pulls back-her elbows resting on his chest as she talks. "I was thinking-"

"While we were-" he raises an eyebrow. "I must be doing something wrong," he winks.

"No-not doing anything wrong-trust me. The thinking-it was before-" she smirks. "During, I was a little distracted." She kisses his chest. She looks back into his eye.

"What were you thinking about Buff?"

"The baby-" starts Buffy but he interrupts.

"The apartment will be finished in a few days, don't worry-she won't distract us." He smirks.

"That's good-but not what I was talking about." Buffy looks serious, "-she's not safe," says the blonde. "Not here-"

"You thinking they should go away?"

"Maybe-" says the blonde.

"Kennedy will never go for it," states the man.

"Why not?" Asks Buffy confused.

"For the same reason you wouldn't." She starts to protest. "Don't even say you'd leave."

Buffy rolls her eyes, "Okay-she's a Slayer true but we got trouble from all sides. She needs somewhere outta reach."

"I'll let you bring that up-and when she kicks your ass I'll kiss it and make it better." The man smirks.

Buffy glares, "You think she can kick my ass?"

"Well, normally no-but the baby seems to help on the fighting front."

Buffy pouts, "So you think a baby can kick my ass?"

"I'm not talking anymore," he pulls her to his lips and kisses her. "This gets me in a lot less trouble." Buffy moans as his hands begin to caress her back and butt.

"No more talking," she confirms as she lets herself get lost.

Finally sated Kennedy lies against Willow's side, her fingers still teasing her redhead's shoulder. She stops them and presses her lips there instead. "That was-" she stops and kisses her shoulder again.

Willow smiles as she holds her a bit tighter, "Yeah-it was." She presses her lips to her Slayer's hair. "Sleep now.- You got your bedtime story plus a little extra."

Kennedy smiles against her shoulder, "Mmmmm-one more story?" She asks as she snuggles closer.

"Not tonight, it's time for my girls to sleep. Now close your eyes." Kennedy lets her eyes drift closed as Willow strokes her shoulder and back soothingly. After a few minutes the redhead can feel the mother-to-be's breathing even out and she knows that she is finally out for at least a few hours. Slayers-even pregnant Slayers-don't require as much sleep as others. She moves her hand to rest on Kennedy's extended stomach. "Night Em-" smiles the redhead. "Mama loves you."

A few days later Riley arrives, Faith and Dawn walk into the research room hand-in-hand to find him there talking to Buffy and Giles. Faith stops unsure. The man looks up at her, as does Buffy. "Riley," smiles Dawn as she lets go of her girl's hand to move across the room. She hugs the man. "It's been awhile."

He nods and smiles, "Too long-so how are things kid?"

"Not a kid," she mock glares at the man.

"No-all grown up now." Faith walks toward her girlfriend and takes her hand. He looks at the once dark Slayer. "Faith."

"Right-" she nods. "About before-I ah-I owe you-"

He stops her with a shake of his head, "It's history-long time ago."

"Yeah, but still-I was-it was wrong-what I did, and I'm sorry."

He nods and turns his attention back to the Slayer and the Watcher, "We'll keep them on ice as long as you need us to."

"That's much appreciated," says Giles.

"We'll get them processed and out of your way before sundown." He starts to leave.

"You should stay for dinner," says Buffy.

"I'd like that but, I need to get back."

Buffy nods, "How's Sam?-Thought maybe she'd be with you."

"No, she's on leave."

"Something wrong?" Asks Dawn.

"Nothing wrong-ah-" he smiles, "The baby's due in a few weeks."

Buffy and Dawn both smile, "Congratulations," says the blonde but before the man can respond Dawn is hugging him.

He laughs and Dawn pulls away blushing, "Sorry about that-" she says as she backs up and rejoins hands with Faith.

Who tries to help, "She gets excited about kids-wants one-some day-" she stops realizing all eyes have turned to her. "Shit-that's one of those-things I'm not suppose to tell that we talk about isn't it?-" She looks at her girl, "Sorry D-"

Dawn nods, "It's okay-" she looks from her girl to her sister trying to gage her reaction, then back to her Slayer. "I think you owe me breakfast."

"And maybe lunch-I'm sorry I fucked up. It's just all these rules and I get them all messed up in my head." Before Faith can hit full babble stride Dawn kisses her. As she pulls back the Slayer smiles, "Right-shutting up now."

Dawn smiles and looks at the others, "Later," she and Faith leave.

Buffy looks at the others unsure, "Ah-I need to-ah-Xander-we need to talk." She hurries from the room.

She walks into the basement past the fake wall. She sees Xander working and goes over to him, "Okay I need you to talk to me," she states as her eyes search his.

He looks at her and can see she is rattled by something, "Trouble with the council?"

"No-just Faith and Dawnie-they've been-" she stops.

Xander smiles and pulls her into his body hugging her, "We've known that for awhile sweetie."

"No-not the-that-that I can live with but now they-" she pulls away and starts to pace.

"Okay-now-" he puts his hands on her shoulders stopping her. She looks up at him. "One of those sentences needs to be finished-cause not even Willow could sort that out."

"They're talking about babies-" she says.

Now it's Xander's turn to be a little rattled, "Excuse me?"

"Exactly-they shouldn't-they've only been and that's big step and-she's too young and-" she starts and Xander smiles as he leans in and kisses her. She kisses him back. When he pulls away she says, "Why'd you do that?"

"It works with Will-thought I'd see if it works with you," he smiles.

"You've been kissing Willow?" She looks unsure.

The man laughs, "Not in a really long time-but I got one good eye-I see things," he smiles and kisses her lips. "Buff-the baby talk is normal-"

"You know this how?"

"Dawnie loves kids-and with Kennedy and Willow having the baby-it was bound to come up."

"Yeah?" She seems unconvinced.

"You mean with all this-you haven't thought about it?"

"Thought-yeah-had a conversation with my boyfriend -no-" she looks at him and sees the smile begin to cover his face.

"Boyfriend?"

She blushes, "Well-I-ah-" she looks around the room at the job he has done. "This place looks amazing," she changes the subject.

He smiles and takes her hand, "Come on,-I'll give you the grand tour."

"It's ready?"

"Mostly, need to paint the nursery-then yeah." He nods, "Their very own private apartment complete with soundproofing."

Buffy smiles, "No crying baby-"

Xander smiles, "She'll still cry, we just won't hear her." Buffy kisses him gently. "What's that for?"

"I need a reason?"

"Not so much," he shakes his head. "This is the living room-" he holds out a hand.

Faith and Dawn sit at the table of the coffee shop eating pancakes and talking. Faith looks up at her, "Sorry about blabbing the whole baby thing-"

"It's okay-" she says softly.

"It's not. I get that, it's just all so different."

"Too different?"

"Did I say that D?-Don't put words in my mouth." She smirks.

Dawn looks at her unsure, "What?"

"Thinking about other things you could put there though," she laughs and teenager instantly blushes. Dawn slaps at her and Faith grabs her hand, she holds it to her lips and kisses it. She lays their hands, joined on the table. "Dawnie-about the baby thing-"

"Haven't changed my mind-" she smiles. "Still want babies with you-"

"Yeah?-But not like now- right?" She asks a little nervous.

"Not right this minute no-" she looks into her Slayer's eyes and sees her relax. "Why's it scare you?"

"Me-scared-no way-" states the Slayer.

"Right-" she rolls her eyes. "Talk to me Faith-why does it scare you?"

"What if I screw her up like my mom did me?"

"Won't happen, you're not her," says Dawn as she presses a kiss to her lips. Faith looks in her eyes as they pull apart. She nods not sure she can speak without tears.

A few days later it is Willow and Kennedy who sit at a table in the same coffee shop. They have been interviewing doctors, trying to get a feel for the one they should choose to deliver Emilee. Kennedy sips a glass of juice while Willow inhales a mocha- "Hard work Will?" She smiles at her girl. Willow realizes the drink is almost gone and sets it down, she blushes. "Still a 3 mocha limit no matter how fast you drink 'em sweetie."

Willow pouts playfully, "But-" she starts to protest and then stops. "Right-3-" she nods.

Kennedy looks at her unsure, "That was too easy-who are you and where's my Willow?" She smiles slowly.

"Right here," she takes Kennedy's hand and presses it to her chest. She holds it there.

"You okay?"

Willow nods, "Yes."

"That sounds more like a no to my Slayer ears."

"I'm just-it shouldn't be this hard to find someone we trust to deliver our baby."

Kennedy touches her face with her free hand, "We will. I was thinking-maybe we should look into midwives-maybe Althennea knows someone."

Willow is surprised by the words, "Midwife-" she slowly smiles. "You wanna do this that home?" Kennedy thinks about the words. "I think-I want you to be safe."

"Just because we have a midwife doesn't mean it has to be a homebirth. We can still go to the hospital."

"You know this how?"

Kennedy smiles, "You're not the only one in this family who knows how to research."

Willow is lost at the word family, "Family?"

Kennedy smiles, "Aren't we?"

Willow's hand goes to Kennedy's stomach, "Yeah-we are. I like the sound of it."

"Me too-" Kennedy seems to drift off for just a second, before she leans in and kisses her lover.

Later, Willow and Kennedy walk toward their apartment stopping occasionally to kiss. Finally they reach the door. Kennedy pins her redhead there, kissing down her jaw line and then to her neck. As she licks and nips there Willow moans. When Kennedy's tongue reaches her ear the witch-puts her hand on the doorknob and it opens. Kennedy pulls back as they step inside. "Wait," her Slayer senses tingle- "Something's not right." Kennedy takes a couple deep breathes to calm herself and then flips on the light. "What the hell?"

Willow looks unsure, "Who-why-" her words stop as they stare at the empty apartment.

About that time Faith and Dawn step in, "Shit-" exclaims Faith. "You been robbed."

Kennedy and Willow look at each other confused.

Go Back To Part 3(Chapters 11-16)

Go On To Part 5(Chapters 21-25)

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