LIFE Lessons

Rating: PG-13 - NC-17
Disclaimer: All of the materials borrowed from Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel belong to Joss Whedon and to the entities and companies associated with their creation. I have borrowed them for creative and entertainment purposes only. No compensation has been or ever shall be received for the writing below. No copyright infringement is intended. Please don't sue
Distribution: The Kennedy Fanfic Archive: http://www.ikoly.com/
From Willow's Window: http://www.elfie.org/~wolfkin/willowfan/index.html
If you are interested in posting my story on your site, please contact me first for permission.
Feedback: Yes, please. Any type you wanna send. Can't fix what I don't know is broken, right?
Spoilers: Show's been off the air since May of 2003. Can they still be considered spoilers?
Author's Notes: The next story in the LIFE series. It begins just at the end of Faith and Dawn's extended cruise, they decided to take two months to travel around.
F/F romance: This story assumes a loving and sexual relationship between people of the same gender. If this offends or is illegal for you, then please leave. Come back when you are older, have an open mind, moved, or changed your laws.
Pairing: Willow/Kennedy, Faith/Dawn, Buffy/Xander

Summary:LIFE goes on for the newlyweds and other Scoobies.

Chapter 1

She stands at the doorway and looks in at the baby. With a smile, she goes over and stands next to the crib. The infant is wide awake and her smile broadens. "You worried about Mommy too? You don't have to be, she's fine."

She smiles as her daughter coos up at her and reaches a hand toward her face. She takes the hand and kisses it playfully and the infant giggles. She picks her up, kisses her forehead and then holds her against her chest. "Mama loves you."

She walks back toward the living room. She sits back on the couch and plays with the baby on her lap, her mind easing its worries for her lover.

About 40 minutes later the young Slayer walks into her living room. She is hot, tired and has something icky all over her. She trudges toward the hallway but stops as she sees her girls sleeping on the couch. The baby is nestled protectively between the back of the couch and her mama. Kennedy goes to them quietly, smiling as she looks down at them. She lets one finger trace Emilee's jaw line then does the same to her witch. The redhead's eyes flicker open. "Hey beautiful." She kisses her lips.

Willow smiles up at her, "Hi." They share another tender kiss. Willow caresses her cheek and Kennedy leans into the touch. "Everything go okay?"

"All in one piece baby." They kiss again. "I'm gonna get a shower. Demon goo." She wrinkles her nose.

"I'll fix you a few sandwiches. PB and J okay or want ham and cheese?"

"Either's fine." The Slayer smiles as her eyes fall on her daughter. Her hand touches her again. "Bet she's hungry."

"She had part of a bottle about an hour ago. She'll be fine for a while. Go hit the shower." Willow smiles. "I'll have your sandwiches ready when you get out."

"Thanks Will," she replies as they kiss again. It heats up just a little as lips begin to move slowly together. Kennedy grins, "Will you help with the other H too?"

The redhead smiles, "Think that's a definite maybe." She lets her hand trail down Kennedy's front.

"Maybe?" The Slayer raises an eyebrow, then lets her hand caress her wife.

The witch smiles as she bites back a moan, " Definitely."

"Better," Kennedy grins. With another soft kiss for both her girls, she disappears from the room.

* * *

On the cruise ship, Dawn and Faith enter their cabin. Both are dressed up, they have been at a dinner party. As the door closes, Faith steps closer to Dawn and wraps her in her arms. "Last night. Wanna change and go watch the fireworks on deck?"

Dawn presses a kiss to her lips. When it ends she bites her bottom lip. "I'd rather make our own, but if you wantŠ" Her words are stopped by lips on hers. The kiss intensifies, almost instantly Faith's tongue is asking for permission to enter. It is granted with a moan. Finally, needing air, they pull away. Dawn works to slow her frantic breathing and pounding heart. She grins, "Guess that means you wanna go on deck."

Faith smirks, "Hey D, I'm not opposed to public displays of affection. I've fucked in public before. In fact, at the Bronze, with your sister and the Scoobies there. It's a rush."

Dawn's mouth gapes open but no words come out. She blushes. "Ah- I..." she finally manages.

Faith kisses her softly, "Just kidding baby."

"So you haven't," Dawn manages.

"I have, but we aren't." Faith clarifies.

Dawn is unsure, "You don't want to?"

"No I don't." Faith shakes her head.

Dawn is a little hurt, "Why? I - I mean you have with someone not me but you don't want..."

Faith thinks about her words, "Whoa, okay? I love you and when we make love, it's private." She hopes Dawn understands.

Dawn smiles and nods, "Yeah, it is." She kisses her softly.

Faith's hands slip to the zipper on Dawn's dress. "So..." she smiles as she begins to lower it.

Dawn brushes their lips together and walks them toward the bed. "Make love to me," she whispers against Faith's ear.

"That's the plan." Faith takes a step back and slips the dress off. It pools around Dawn's feet. The Slayer's fingers play against the necklace and she can't stop the smile, her eyes locked on it.

Dawn smiles too as she follows her lover's gaze. She lets her hands caress Faith's cheeks, then raise her chin. Faith says in almost a whisper, "Think it worked yet?"

"Ummm, guess we'll find out when we get home."

Faith nods and kisses her. She picks up the taller woman and lays her on the bed. Slipping out of her clothes she climbs in next to her. Face to face she speaks. "I love you."

"I know. I love you too." They share a soft kiss.

When the kiss ends Faith's lips move to Dawn's neck. She kisses, licks and nips there. The younger woman's moans begin to fill the cabin. "You taste so damn good." Faith groans out as she sucks gently on her pulse point. "Wanna taste you everywhere." She begins to move her lips slowly down her wife's body.

Dawn groans her Slayer's name as her body arches against Faith's touch.

* * *

Kennedy and Willow are tangled together in the bed, their hearts still pounding as they try to recover. Willow lets her fingers tease up and down her lover's stomach slowly building her back up. Kennedy's breathing picks up again as her eyes close and her body arches into the tender, tantalizing touch. She moans as her redhead's lips kiss down her throat and between her breasts. Willow's tongue snakes out tasting as she smiles against salty soft skin. She stops with a whine as she hears Em cry. She lets her head drop to Kennedy's chest. "I'll get her." She starts to move but her Slayer's strong hands stop her.

"Let me. That's her hungry cry."

Willow moves beside her girl and watches with a smile as Kennedy slips on her robe. The brunette looks back at her just in time to see her redhead pouting. She raises an eyebrow. "I was looking," complains her girl.

Kennedy grins, "You can look all you want, touch, anything in just a little while. Patience."

Willow grins, "Can't promise, but I'll try."

With a grin the Slayer goes to check on their daughter.

* * *

The next day, the Scoobies meet the ship as Dawn and Faith return home. Dawn smiles as she sees her sister and friends, she waves at them. Soon they are standing face to face. Buffy hugs Dawn, then surprises everyone as she hugs Faith as well. "Missed ya too B." Faith says with a wink.

Buffy rolls her eyes playfully and wraps her arms around Xander. Laughter fills the air.

The once Rogue Slayer smiles at Kennedy, Willow and the baby. "Wow! She's grown." She reaches for the baby girl and Willow hands her to her without hesitation.

All eyes follow the child, then go to Dawn. The young woman blushes. "We're not sure." She moves closer to Faith and both get lost in the child.

A few minutes later the luggage is gathered and loaded into the van. Kennedy looks at Willow and they both smile. "Give me back my kid," she teases.

Reluctantly Faith hands the baby to the young Slayer. "Your mommy ain't no good at sharin'," she tells the child.

All but Kennedy laugh. The young Slayer looks at her wife and friends, "I am," she protests.

"You're getting better, baby." Willow kisses her lips softly.

Kennedy glares at Faith then grins, "You heard her, and my girl's always right." She moves to put the baby in the car seat and then sits next to her.

Faith laughs and kisses Dawn softly. "What's that for?" Asks the woman.

"I need a reason?" Questions the Rogue.

"No, no you don't." They share another kiss while the others get in the car. They soon do the same and the gang heads for home.

* * *

A week later Dawn lays on the bed curled into a ball, her face sad as she just stares across the room, her back to the door.

Faith stands in the doorway and takes in her girl's position. She takes deep breath to calm herself before walking in. When she reaches the bed, she sits down on it, letting a hand trail against Dawn's back. "Hey," the Slayer whispers softly.

"Hey," manages the younger woman as she fights the tears that try to form.

Faith feels her lover's body tremble just a bit. "Next time." She breaths as she hears a soft sob slip from Dawn's lips. "No... shhhh." She lays down behind her and curls protectively around her. "It's okay." She kisses her hair as she holds her tightly. "It's okay Dawnie." She presses her lips to cheek, closer to her ear. "We'll try again." A sad little smile finds her lip. "The trying is fun right?" She says teasingly trying to lighten her girl's sad mood. Dawn turns in her arms and tries to smile as she nods. "That's my girl." She kisses her lips chastely, then her forehead.

Dawn snuggles in even closer, her body pressed against Faith as tight as possible. "Faith?" She breaths against her Slayer's neck.

"Yeah, D."

"Don't let go."

"Wasn't planning to."

"Okay." Dawn begins to cry again.

* * *

A few days later, Dawn is helping Willow with research. The redhead watches her young friend and can still see the sadness creeping across her face. She wonders just how much the couple has to go through to get to be happy. A sudden thought enters her mind, that maybe Faith was being punished for the bad deeds in her life. She pushes that idea aside as she thinks of the things she did and still, she was blessed with Emilee.

Her mind continues to race with thoughts, reasons-Willow babble in silent mode. As things slow down one possibility stays in focus. Dawn isn't real-or wasn't in the beginning-she was the Key, a massive ball of energy. She glances at the teenager, their eyes meet before she can look away.

"Something wrong Willow?"

"No," lies the woman as she shakes her head too adamantly.

"You realize you're a terrible liar right?" Dawn sort of smiles.

"I just... really it's nothing." Willow tries.

"You were wondering, just like Faith and me, why the necklace hasn't worked."

"No," she looks away and then back at Dawn. "Yes." She finally admits.

Dawn smiles just a little. "Faith and I talked about it last night." She stops to order her thoughts. "We, ah... We decided that maybe it was somebody's way of telling us the time isn't right yet." Tears threaten to fall but she keeps them at bay. "So, we're gonna just be patient."

Willow wraps her in her arms and Dawn's tears fall. "Dawnie, it may be something else." The girl pulls back a little and meets green eyes. "Maybe you should get a check up."

"Check up?" Her mind races, trying to get on the same page as the redhead's. "Why? I..." she stops and then it hits her. "You think maybe I can't cause, big green ball of energy once?"

"I think," she stops then finishes. "I think it could be possible."

Dawn nods, "Okay, so I'll make an appointment."

"Want me to come with you?" Willow asks.

"I'll go," comes Faith's voice from the doorway. Dawn stands and walks toward her girl. Faith pulls her against her body and holds her tight as the younger woman's tears fall again. "Hey, shhh." She presses a kiss to her head.

Willow's eyes meet Faith's and she sees the worry there. "I could be wrong, I just... You should check."

"Yeah, Red we will." Faith assures her and Willow slips out.

A few minutes later Dawn whispers out against Faith's neck, "What if she's right, what if I can't?"

Faith thinks about her words, "Then I will."

Dawn looks up at her surprised, a smile finds her lips. "Yeah?"

"Yeah." She presses a kiss to her girl's lips. "But before we get all jumpin' to conclusions let's check it out."

"Okay." Dawn says softly. Faith starts to move away from her wife but she hangs on tightly. "Can you just hold me for a minute?"

"Long as you want." Faith replies as she pulls her even tighter.

* * *

Another week passes, then another. Finally the day of the appointment arrives. Dawn is sitting on the bed in their bed room, nervous and fidgety. Faith walks in, her hair wet, her body still wrapped in a towel. Dawn looks at her incredulously, "You're not dressed."

Faith smirks, "Glad ya noticed."

"We have to leave in like ten minutes."

Faith frowns a little and looks at the clock, which reads 12:06. "I didn't think the appointment was 'til two."

"It's not, but we have to find parking and then there's the registering and..."

"D," Faith moves across the room and stands in front of her girl. She lets a hand caress her lover's cheek. "You gotta relax."

Dawn looks up into her girl's eyes and nods. "Right, relaxing." She tries but the panic returns. "What if..."

The once Rogue interrupts, "We been all through this- you can't, I will, no big."

Dawn nods as Faith lets the towel fall and smirks. A slow smile starts across Dawn's face, "What are you doing?"

Faith shakes her head as she steps even closer. "Hmmm you don't know the answer to that question seein' the doc ain't gonna do us much good." Faith bites her bottom lip as Dawn's arms encircle her and pull her closer. The Slayer moans as her lover's lips press against her bare stomach.

Dawn smiles around the kiss then lets her tongue play against the same spot. "This what you had in mind?" She asks in a husky whisper. Before her Slayer can answer she lets her tongue dip into her belly button."

"Shit!" Faith cries out, her breathing increasing. Dawn just continues her ministrations with a smirk-worry about the doctor's visit forgotten for now.

* * *

Buffy sits in her living room, the Slayer looks a little preoccupied. She frowns as she thinks. There is a knock at the door. The blonde slowly makes her way to it and opens it. She smiles a little as she sees Willow there with Emilee in her arms. "Hey," chirps the redhead.

"Hey Will, come on in."

"Nah, you come out. Emilee wants you to take a walk with us."

Buffy smiles, "She does, does she?" The witch nods and Buffy shakes her head. "Let me grab my shoes." She starts toward her bedroom. Buffy calls back over her shoulder. "Make yourself at home."

A few minutes later the Slayer, the Witch and the baby who is both are walking around the grounds of the Slayer's Academy. The redhead watches her friend and then finally speaks. "You okay?"

"Sure, why wouldn't I be?"

Willow glances at her friend, "Don't know, maybe worried about Dawn, and Faith."

"No, honest, not about Dawn and Faith."

"Then what?"

"It's nothing," Buffy insists.

Willow stops and looks at her friend face to face, "Don't revert to 'Put up a wall Buffy', talk to me."

"There's nothing to talk about. I'm fine."

"I don't believe you, but I'll give you a few more days before I force you to talk." She smiles a little worried smile.

"Thanks." Buffy looks at her then off into the distance as she starts walking again.

* * *

Dawn fills out the paper work, in the waiting room of the doctor's office. She stands and Faith looks up at her. "Be right back."

The Slayer nods and looks around the crowded room as Dawn goes to the desk. It's Faith's turn to be fidgety. She is worried about Dawn, but also not liking the idea of someone examining her wife quite so intimately. She begins to frown and a little growl is working its way to the surface. It disappears quickly though as she feels Dawn's hand slip into hers as she sits back down beside her. Their eyes meet and Faith can see the question there, "It's nothin' just me bein' dumb."

"You're not dumb." Dawn states.

Faith smiles, "If ya knew what was goin' through my mind ya might not say that."

Dawn leans closer and whispers so only her Slayer hearing can possibly pick up her words. "It's her job, she's seen thousands of'em." She smirks as Faith blushes bright red.

"How'd ya..." she pouts.

Dawn grins and winks, "I know my girl."

A nurse steps out into the interrupting the rest of the conversation, "Dawn Lehane?"

The teenager stands, her hand still in Faith's. Faith stands beside her. The woman looks at them, "That's me."

"Your friend can wait out here." She says pointedly.

"I ain't her 'friend', I'm her wife."

The woman looks surprised but says simply, "This way please."

* * *

Later, after exams and tests have been completed, the two nervous women sit in front of the doctor's large desk waiting for her to join them. Faith stands and begins to pace. "I hate waitin'." She states. "I need a cigarette." Dawn glares. "I would if I hadn't quit." Faith gives in.

Dawn stands and walks to her girl and envelops her in a tight hug. "Either way we're okay right?"

"Yeah," she promises with her eyes.

"Then why let this get you all crazy?" Dawn asks as she presses her lips to Faith's temple.

Faith grins at her lover, "Guess you got a point."

Dawn smiles and kisses her softly on the lips, then takes her hand. "Come sit with me." Faith nods and they both sit down as the door opens and Doctor Davies walks in with a chart in her hand. All eyes fall on the woman.

She leans against the edge of the desk in front of them. "All the tests are good, no structural problems, no medical abnormalities. No reason you can't have a baby."

"Then why ain't she pregnant?" Faith asks the question that was flying through Dawn's mind.

"Sometimes it takes a while, or maybe the donor's sperm were, shall we say- lacking." Dawn smiles and so does Faith. "My advice would be to try again."

Dawn nods, "Okay, we can do that." Faith smirks and Dawn fights a blush.

"There are a few things that might help," the doctor begins her list, the jargon throwing Faith a little but Dawn nods to each.

* * *

Willow, Kennedy and Buffy are waiting in the Academy living room as the couple come back. They all look at them expectantly. Finally Buffy can wait no longer. "Well, what did she say?"

"Well Japetta, I'm a real girl." Dawn smirks at her sister and drags Faith toward their apartment. Kennedy and Buffy look confused and Willow just smiles.

"What's that suppose to mean?" Asks Buffy. When Dawn keeps walking and doesn't answer she turns to the redhead. "Will?"

"Ever read Pinocchio?" Buffy looks unsure, a frown covering her face. The light comes on for Kennedy who smiles. Finally taking pity on her friend Willow states. "She's fine Buffy."

"Why didn't she just say so?" She pouts.

Willow laughs but it fades as she sees the blonde look a little sad.

* * *

As Faith and Dawn walk toward the apartment Faith who has been quiet begins to laugh, "I get it, the Japetta line, you're real like when Pinocchio turned from wood to a real kid." She smiles proud of herself.

They reach the door, "Exactly." Dawn replies as she opens it and they go inside.

"Bet B's still trying to figure it out." Her laugh returns.

Dawn steps forward and kisses her softly, but it becomes quickly intense. "Don't wanna talk about my sister." She pants out.

"What'cha got in mind?" Faith grins.

"Hmmm thought maybe we should follow the doctor's advice." She lets her hands slip under Faith's tee shirt, and her nails trail down her bare back.

The once Rogue bites her lip and lets her head fall onto Dawn's shoulder. "Definitely should do what the doc said." She kisses her girl's neck, then lets her tongue trace teasingly up to her ear and back down. She smiles as she picks up the race of Dawn's heartbeat. "Too many clothes." She breaths out against her skin. Her hands work to pull off her girl's tee shirt then her nimble fingers make quick work of the buttons on her jeans. In record time the younger woman is standing in her lover's arms in only her underwear and the necklace. Their lips moving together as tongues start to explore.

Chapter 2: Nothing's Ever Easy

Finally she is able to calm her emotions and slow her breathing. Just as she starts to throw the test away out of sight the door opens and Xander stands there unsure as his eyes fix on her hand and the object in it.

"Buffy?" He lifts his gaze to her eyes.

She looks at him and the tears fall, the words come tumbling out. "I-I'm sorry."

"Sorry?" He chokes out, hurt by the fact that having his child has upset her so much.

"I didn't mean, I didn't plan-" she continues.

"I know we didn't," he starts, "but it's okay- right?" His heart pounds as he waits unsure of what she has in mind.

"With Dawn and Faith trying so hard it seems so not fair to them for us to-" she cries as he wraps her in his arms. He understands better now, part of her anxiety is her sister and that makes sense to him.

"I know but we are- so- are you okay with it?" He waits for her answer and when the silence last too long he speaks. "Cause me, I'm happy- excited- more than a little nervous but hey- a baby." He can't help but smile.

Hearing the excitement in his words, she lifts her head from his chest and a smile finds her lips, "Our baby."

He nods, "Yeah," his lips meet hers in a soft kiss. "Wow- cool, huh?"

She nods, "Scary- but cool." She agrees then looks at him seriously. "Let's not- let's keep it our secret for a while- for Dawnie, okay?"

"Okay, no broadcasting it from the dinner table, check."

She leans in and kisses him, soft lingering kisses that flow one after another until the air gets short and they stop to breath. "So, dad, wanna take me out to celebrate?"

Xander smirks, "Could... But I was thinking about celebrating right here." He wiggles his eyebrows playfully and she giggles.

"Sounds good, work up an appetite. Like that plan too." A smile plays on her lips as she takes his hand and leads him into the bedroom.

He picks her up and then lays her in the middle of the bed, kissing her as he lies next to her.

* * *

Dawn cries Faith's name as she falls over the edge one more time. Her body trembles, little lights flashing behind her eyes as she squeezes them shut tightly.

Faith kisses up her girl's stomach, stopping to dip her tongue teasingly into her belly button. Dawn arches into the touch. Faith moves on up, dragging her tongue in a straight path up between Dawn's breasts. She stops to kiss the necklace, then her girl's throat, before she kisses her deeply, her tongue tangling with her lover's.

Finally pulling back needing air she rests her head on Dawn's chest, she can hear and feel her girl's pounding heart. "You okay?" The Rogue presses a kiss to the damp skin there.

"Wow- Okay so doesn't cover it." She pants out. "That was- just- Wow!"

Faith smirks at her words and lets her finger tease around the hardening peak. Dawn moans at her touch, "So you wouldn't be against goin' again?"

"Again?" She pants out, not sure she's ready or able.

Faith lets her lips capture the stiff peak, then sucks gently. Her hand finds its way to the other side as she moves on top of her lover, her wife.

"Faith- oh yes!" She moans out as her Slayer's free hand slides down her body, fingers trailing between slick folds. Dawn arches as they find their way home and their bodies move as one together.

* * *

In the basement home of Willow and Kennedy the redhead sits in the middle of the bed typing away on her laptop. Kennedy comes in carrying Emilee who is ready for bed. "Someone wants to say goodnight." Kennedy holds the baby down to her and smiles.

Willow takes the growing girl, "Give Mama kisses," she says as she peppers her child's face with her soft lips. The little one giggles. "Night baby girl, I love you."

Kennedy slips onto the bed beside them. "What's with all the researching?"

"You know me big with the learning," she says with a wink, a little avoidy.

Kennedy kisses her temple, then takes Em back into her arms. "After I get this little one down, I'll be back. Then, I'll teach you a thing or two," she says with a wink and a wiggle of her eyebrow.

"You think?" Willow cocks an eyebrow in return.

"Or you can teach me, either one works," she smirks.

Willow rolls her eyes, "Sometimes I think you're channeling Faith." Kennedy laughs and leans back to let Willow kiss their daughter one more time. "Mommy's rotten," the redhead says with a grin.

Kennedy laughs as they leave the room.

Willow types again, another screen pops up. The information shows pictures and text and she scans through them quickly, trying to find anything that resembles the necklace. She scrolls down and then stops. She reads, makes a face and then scrolls some more. "This is no help." She closes the site and types again. Fertility charms and rituals. The screen again fills with information. Information that is of no use, well unless you're an elf. She growls frustrated and clicks off the site.

She decides to try a different approach and goes across the room to pick up a book. She sees Kennedy nursing and rocking their child and she stands watching. She smiles at the miracle that is their little girl. Her mind wanders to the ease in which she was conceived, then turns to the troubles that Faith and Dawn are having with the process. Her eyes go wide, "Why didn't I think of it before." She grabs a set of pens and a note pad and goes back to the bed.

Kennedy turns her direction for an instant, but Willow's excitement is forgotten when Emilee coos up at her with big brown eyes.

Willow is sitting cross legged on the bed and writing feverishly. The paper is set up as such;

Under each name she begins to make a list.

The list grows as she adds all the facts that she knows. Most are common, normal things. After a few minutes she starts to change her pattern and begins to list things that set them apart.

She begins to write almost frantically. "So simple! See, they try to make me feel blushy about my lists, but they always work," she mutters to herself.

Kennedy comes in a little later and stands amazed at the pages and pages of notes she has scattered on the bed. She sits next to her witch unnoticed and just smiles. This was her Willow, research girl, and did she love to watch her work. Without thought, she lets her hand traces her redhead's shoulder and finally her girl realizes she isn't alone.

"Hey," Kennedy says with a little smile. "Really on a roll there."

"I should have thought of it before."

"What Red?"

"The stone in the necklace is for fertility. But it has to have a catalyst, something that makes it work."

"Our energy- the release." She says with a sly wink and then a little smirk follows.

"I assumed," she shakes her head. "An-and assuming is bad."

"Yeah, Assume makes a Ass out of u and me." She grins.

Willow grins back but shakes her head again. "But if that isn't the source of the energy, something else has to be."

"Well Slayer, lots of energy there."

"True and Dawn, big ball of pure green energy at one time."

"And you, my goddess, the most powerful witch that-" she stops cold. "You?"

Willow begins to nods, "I think maybe but I'm not sure. I-I need to research some more and look at the chart and maybe draw up a graph or two-"

"Easy Red, not tonight. It's late."

"Tomorrow. I'll talk to Dawn and Faith and then-"

"Whoa, why don't you figure it all out for sure and then talk to them?"

"Better idea. Okay, more research goodness then- talking."

Kennedy begins to move all the things from the bed until Willow scowls. "What?" Kennedy grins. "We agreed there would be lessons here tonight, so this stuff has to go." She grins.

Willow rolls her eyes and then smiles too, "Come'ere."

Kennedy winks, "Should I find a school girl outfit?"

Willow looks puzzled, "School girl outfit?"

"For my lessons," she smirks.

The redhead swats at her playfully, "Won't have it on long enough to bother." She pulls Kennedy down into a scorching kiss.

* * *

Another week passes, a week full of very different emotions for our couples. Each seem wrapped up in their own issues and therefore not aware of the other.

Xander is floating on air, all excited and happy about becoming a father. Buffy is excited too, well when she's not worried about Dawn, and what to do about slaying.

He goes over to Buffy, who is still lying on the bed they share. "Want me to bring up breakfast?"

Buffy frowns and makes a face, "Food is bad."

Xander raises an eyebrow, "That is not my Slayer talking, what's wrong?" He strokes her hair.

Buffy pouts, "My tummy's all icky."

"Poor Buffy," he states as he crawls in next to her. "I'll make it feel better." He begins to rub it gently and the frowny pout leaves her face. A few seconds later she bolts from the bed to the bathroom.

Xander makes a face as he hears the reason. "I-I'm just gonna go down-"

"Don't you dare leave me," Buffy calls out. He stops and turns toward the bathroom instead.

Dawn is sitting outside on the porch staring across the lawn at nothing in particular. She is sad that yet again the necklace hasn't worked. Faith walks out and over to her with a hot cup of tea. "Tea?" Asks her Slayer.

She forces a smile up at her lover, "Thanks."

Faith smiles back as she sits next to her and wraps her up tight. "It's cold out here."

"I needed some air."

Faith wraps an arm around her and then another. "No air inside?"

"Sometimes it doesn't feel like it."

Faith kisses her temple, "Next month Dawnie, for sure."

She turns enough to look into Faith's eyes and smiles as she sees the love there. "Yeah, next time." They sit quietly together.

* * *

Emilee plays in her seat on the table next to all the papers, books, charts and graphs that Willow is looking through. The redhead has been a regular research demon trying to find the facts she needs to help her friends. With a frustrated hmpft she lays her head on the table. "What am I not seeing? It has to be here."

She sits up and looks at the pile of information. Em's coo then giggle gets her attention and she smiles at the little redhead. "You laughing at your mama?" She questions playfully. She reaches for the little one and takes her out of the seat. "Been in there a long time haven't you? I'm a bad Mama been working and not playing with my girl." She sits her in front of her on the table, careful not to disturb the papers. "You wanna play?" She bites her bottom lip as she looks her child in the eyes. She traces her fingers along Em's tummy tickling just a little. More giggles erupt from the little one. She leans forward and blows on her tummy and gets the same response.

Kennedy stands on the stairs watching them, she is hot and sweaty from training. Her only thought seconds ago was a shower and then food, now her mind is filled with her girls. She watches them together and she can't contain the smile. "Looks like I'm missing all the fun."

Willow looks up and for a second her attention is not on her daughter. "You can join us."

The baby reaches and gets her hands on papers. Kennedy's eyes go large as she sees what happened. "Will!"

The witch turns to see the child stick them in her mouth. She whines as she rescues them, though they are a bit wrinkled and soggy. "No," she pouts.

Emilee still smiles as Kennedy takes her and Willow tries to straighten the mess. "Are they okay, it's not like some ancient scroll she ate is it?"

"No, they're just-" she stops as her mouth stays gaped open.

"Red?" She gets no answer. "Willow." She starts to worry.

"Goddess, it- they- I-"

Kennedy grins, "Yes you are a goddess."

"No. I-I mean, yes, but not-" she runs her fingers through her hair as she reads the words again. "This is bad."

"You're scaring me."

"It-it's-it's pretty scary stuff." She pales as she sits back in the chair her legs suddenly to wobbly to hold her. Her lover looks on unsure as she moves closer to her.

Chapter 3: You've got to be Kidding!

Willow looks up and their eyes meet. "It's- I'm the catalyst."

"So the power came from you," she smirks at her redhead. "You really got me pregnant." She wiggles her eyebrows playfully. However, she becomes serious when her actions don't cause her girl to smile. Then it dawns on her, "It means they can't get pregnant doesn't it?" Willow looks away. The room is silent, Kennedy takes her hand, entwining their fingers and then speaks, "Damn, this is gonna kill them."

Willow begins to shake her head, "Kennedy it means they can get pregnant-"

A confused look covers the young Slayer's face, "Then why with the upset?"

"Well because- for them to- I have to be-" she blushes. "I would have to there."

Kennedy frowns, "You're saying you would have to get the necklace charged?"

"Kind of, in a sense I guess." She tries to get her mind around what she would have to do exactly.

"Meaning you would have to be in the room with them while they-" before she can finish the witch nods. The younger woman's face is flooded with emotions, flashing from confusion to jealously to uncertainty until a little smile finds its way there. "But after they would be pregnant right?"

Willow nods, "But there's more."

"More than being in the room?"

Again another nod, "The ritual- I would have-" she stops and looks away.

Kennedy's eyes get large as she thinks through the possibilities, "You would have to have sex with th-"

The goddess interrupts, "No! No, but I would have to be touching Dawn, just not in a sexy way."

Kennedy seems unsure and so does her redhead. "So now what? We talk to them, tell them what you found out and let them decide?"

"No, first we talk about what I found out and we decide if it's something we can deal with. Because if we can't... then they can never know." Willow's worried green eyes lock with Kennedy's as she explains.

"I don't get what you mean," says the Slayer, unsure.

Willow closes her eyes and takes a deep breath, then lets it out slowly. As she opens them, she tries to clarify. "Kennedy, me in the room watching, in a sense interacting with someone not you in such an intimate manner, well I-" she stops.

Kennedy worries about her girl, the pressure of the position she is now in. "Are you saying you can't do it?"

"I'm saying if it's going to change us-"

"It won't." Kennedy says with conviction.

"You say that because right now all you see is helping your friend, but what if afterwards all you can see is me being with- not you?" A tear finds its way down Willow's cheek followed by another and another.

Kennedy turns so that they are facing each other. She reaches to let her fingers gently brush them all away. "I love you. I'll always love you." Willow forces a smile between sniffles. "Doing this for them changes nothing." She pauses and then speaks again. "No, that's not true- it makes me love you more."

Willow tries hard to believe the words of her world, but the nagging fear won't go away. She questions, "Me seeing Faith naked isn't gonna make you just a little-" she stops.

"Jealous?" Kennedy asks and the redhead nods. The Slayer chooses the words of her admittance carefully. "Maybe a little. I can't lie, jealousy can sometimes be an issue for me. But Willow, I know you love me."

"Only you," says the witch with a smile.

"That's all I need. You seeing them? No biggy, I can deal."

"I want you to be sure." The redhead bites her bottom lip nervously.

"I am."

"I want you to really think about it, take a couple of days to-"

Kennedy interrupts, "I don't need days to-"

"Please?" Willow's eyes plead.

"If it's what you want, okay." She concedes knowing Willow needs her to take time.

"It is, it's what we need to do. Think, talk, and make sure."

"Then that's what we do." Kennedy kisses her softly. A little yawn escapes the redhead's lips. "You need to sleep, too much time researching." She kisses her girl's forehead.

"Snuggle with me?"

Kennedy smiles, "As soon as I check on our girl." She hears a little fuss. "Sounds like she's ready for lunch." They share another soft kiss. "I won't be too long." They stand hand-in-hand, then walk toward the bedrooms.

* * *

Later, Kennedy lets her hand stroke across her love's back as the redheaded witch sleeps against her chest. The young Slayer thinks about the information she has learned over the last few hours. The only way her friends can have the baby they so badly want is for her girl to be active in the conception. She lets the thought roll around in her head, 'Willow will actually be there, a part of everything.' Kennedy feels a tinge of jealously, but fights it away. She brushes her lips against her girl's temple.

Willow stirs against her wife. She mumbles still sleeping, "Don't be mad- you said- don't be mad," she whines.

Kennedy holds her tighter. "Shhh. It's okay baby." Willow's eyes open, she takes a deep breath. "Bad dream?" Kennedy asks softly. Willow nods against her chest. "Wanna talk about it?"

The witch hesitates but then decides she should. She moves, just a little, settling herself on top of her girl. With her arms crossed and her chin resting on them she looks up into her Slayer's eyes. "You were mad at me."

"Because of the ritual?" Her sad eyes tell Kennedy more than words ever could. "Listen to me," she lets her hand caress her lover's face. "I won't be mad."

"Not even a little?"

"Not even a little." A slight pause. "Come'ere." Willow moves just the slightest bit so that their lips can meet in a soft, slow kiss. When the kiss ends another just as gentle follows and then another, each lasting longer than the one before it.

Willow finally lays her head on Kennedy's chest. Her heart pounds and her breathing is ragged. She lets her fingers trace up and down her girl's side.

Kennedy kisses the top of her head, her hand slipping under Will's shirt trailing teasing circles on her back. The redhead's eyes close, "Hmmm feels good," she whispers out.

"You feel good," she hugs her tighter against her body before rolling her lover under her and pressing kisses to her neck. Willow moans at the feel of lips on her skin, and a shiver passes through her at Kennedy's words, "And taste good." She begins to lick her neck, the studded ring pressing against her pulse point to the sensitive area behind her left ear.

Willow moans deeply, her body instantly on fire at her lover's touches. "Goddess-" she calls out as Kennedy's hand finds her breast, and teases until the nipple hardens against her palm. The redhead's body arches into her touch and Kennedy's name falls from her lips as she tweaks the nub between her fingers.

The Slayer smiles at the noises her girl is making, enjoying the fact that it her that is causing them. Her lips slide from the soft skin of her neck to the exposed part of her chest made available by the v-neck of her pajama top.

Pulling back she smiles as she begins to raise the shirt up, striping it away she leans back in and continues her mission: 'Operation Convince her Goddess' begins stage one.

As she slowly licks and kisses every inch of Willow's exposed body the witch moans her name again and again. She arches into her lover trying to gain friction where she needs it most but the younger woman keeps her actions slow.

"Please," the redhead gasps out.

"Soon," Kennedy assures as her hands move to Willow's pajama bottoms. She makes quick work of them then begins kissing and licking up from her feet. "Well that's not totally true, could be a while," she smirks as she strokes her studded tongue ring around the inside of her girl's right ankle.

"Goddess," cries the redhead as her body tenses and shivers. Her senses on fire from her love's soft, gentle caresses.

With a smile Kennedy's lips brush against her skin, "Yes, you are."

* * *

Dawn walks through the door of Willow and Kennedy's old apartment that she now shares with her wife. She looks toward the bathroom as she hears the shower running and half smiles, though sadness slips in.

She moves to the door and opens it just a little, seeing her girl's silhouette behind the shower door. The smile that finally graced her face fades as her eyes fall on the trash can and the box there. She shakes the thoughts away. She moves over to open the door, "Hey."

Her Slayer looks up at her, a smirk making its way to her features. "Joinin' me?"

Dawn raises an eyebrow but then shakes her head, "Maybe a bath later. Hungry?"

Faith quips, "Why do ya think I wanted ya to join me?"

Dawn rolls her eyes, "I know why, but I'm pretty sure we're talking about too very different types of hunger." She lets her hand caress Faith's side.

"They're both because of trainin' the newbies."

"True, so how about you finish and I'll fix you some spaghetti?"

"With garlic bread?" Her stomach growls at the thought.

"And a salad." Dawn adds with a smile.

"And after, ya'll fix the other H?" Faith asks with eyebrow raised.

"Got yourself a deal Slayer." She kisses her softly before disappearing from the bathroom.

Faith, in a fury of movements rinses her body and gets out of the shower. She towels herself off, slips in her clothes and then towel dries her wet hair. As she tosses the towel toward the hamper, it knocks the toothbrush cup to the floor. "Shit!" She growls. "Fuck, always mess up when I hurry." Moving to pick it up she sees a box in the trash and looks unsure. All the insecurities come slamming back. Her mind tries to understand why Dawn wouldn't have told her. Forgetting the cup and the toothbrushes she picks it up instead. Her confused eyes look toward the door, then she walks out it then into the kitchen area, box in hand. "What's goin' on D?"

* * *

In the apartment of our redhead and her Slayer, the slow torture continues. Kennedy holds Willow on the edge. Her fingers trail in and out slowly. The sweat covered witch barely recovered from the first orgasm, moans and arches against the touch of her girl trying with no success to get her to speed up. "Kennedy-" she pants out. "Need-"

"To be patient," Kennedy presses a kiss to her hip. With a teasing smile she moves her head forward letting her studded tongue trace against her girl's throbbing clit. She trembles, bucks and cries out Kennedy's name over and over as she falls harder than before.

Kennedy brings her from one release to the next before finally pulling her lips away and stopping her fingers. She kisses up Willow's body quickly, smiling at the little aftershocks that even she can feel. She places a soft kiss on her redhead's lips, before lying cuddled up next to her.

Willow's body tries to slow down. Her breathing is still rapid, her chest heaving. Her heart pounds. Her mind whirls, flashes of bright light can still be seen, though her eyes are still tightly closed.

Kennedy tries to help her relax, one hand soothes across her cheek, down her shoulder and arm before returning back up.

"Goddess-" Willow pants as she focuses her energy to center herself. As she does, she begins to calm. She tries to open her eyes but fails. "What did you-" she stops and starts again after a little rest. "You do to me?" She finally manages.

Kennedy hugs her close, "Showed you how much I love you." She presses her lips to her witch's temple.

Willow arms refuse to move though she orders them to. She wants to hold her girl, "Can't- move." Kennedy can't stop the smirk that finds her lips. "Get that smirk- off-" she stops again.

"How did you-" the Slayer smiles.

"Know you," she is able to smile and also force her eyes to open.

"Yes, you do, so-" she moves over her girl, all her weight on her arms above the tired witch. "You should know when I tell you I'll be, *we'll* be okay, not to worry." Their eyes meet.

The redhead looks into chocolate eyes and can see the truth in the words. Thinking about the other couple, her heart goes out to them and she realizes that time for thinking about consequences is over. What she and Kennedy have is strong enough to handle anything that happens. She lifts her head up enough to press a soft kiss to Kennedy's before she drops back to the bed. "I love you."

"I love you." Kennedy kisses her forehead. She moves from the bed toward the door.

"Wait for me," she tries to move but still can't.

"Easy Red, just getting you some juice. Rest." She moves back to kiss her lips again.

Willow tries to nod as her eyes close. "Rest," she says softly.

Kennedy slips from the room.

* * *

A little later, after making sure both her girls are sleeping, Kennedy walks into the kitchen in the main part of the house. She sees Buffy and smiles until she realizes the blonde is a bit green. "You don't look so good."

Buffy's glare turns into more of a pout, "Thanks a lot." She sits on a stool at the counter.

"I didn't mean-" she stops her words and decides to start again. "Are you okay?"

Buffy nods but realizes too late it was a bad thing to do. Her head starts to spin and the contents of her stomach roar even more. She groans as it churns and she can feel it trying to come up. "No!" She whines as she runs for the door, the younger Slayer on her heels. As she reaches the lawn she throws up and Kennedy stops in her tracks not wanting to be any closer as the blonde Slayer hurls.

Kennedy tentatively asks, "Buffy?"

She finally stops and raises up slowly. "I'm- it's okay."

"You sure? I can get Willow-" she remembers her girl is still out of commission and again smirks. "Or Dawn, I'll get Dawn."

"No!" Buffy nearly panics. "No, don't."

"But you're-" she stops as things fall into place. Her eyes go large as she speaks. "You're- you're-

Buffy confirms. "I'm. But you can't tell anyone."

"Why not?" But she understands as the words leave her mouth. The oldest Slayer doesn't want to upset the Rogue or her sister. "Not a word. Promise."

* * *

In the apartment of Dawn and Faith they stand in the kitchen face to face. "Why didn't you tell me you were ovulatin'?" Dawn shrugs and looks away sadly. "Hey no, talk to me. We made a deal after last time remember?" Dawn nods. "That included you. What's goin' on in that head of yours?"

Dawn looks up into the brown eyes of her love. "I'm just so tired of being disappointed. We've been trying for months and it's always the same."

"But it's only been a month since we saw the Doc-"

"And we did everything she said and it still didn't work."

"Ya sayin' ya wanna quit tryin'?"

"No," tears slip from her eyes.

"Then what-tell me what you want?"

"I want a baby." She says as she wraps her arms around Faith and cries with her head on her shoulder.

Faith fights back tears of her own as she holds her girl tighter. "I know D, I know. So do I and for that to happen we gotta stay strong." She steps back so that she can see Dawn's eyes. "Can you do that just a little longer?"

Dawn manages a nod. "Okay." She sniffles a little.

"Okay," she kisses her softly and hugs her to her body again. "Got an idea-Why don't I take you to dinner, then when we get back-" she winks. "We'll see what we can do about workin' on a kid?"

Dawn smiles a little, "Spaghetti's almost done."

"We can have it for a snack after," she wiggles her eyebrows and Dawn laughs. "Make a reservation some place nice. I'll dry my hair."

"You don't have to take me-"

She stops Dawn's words with a kiss and when she pulls back she winks. "Gotta have a cool story to embarrass her with when she's a teenager, right? What better than to tell her where we went the night we made her?"

Dawn smiles and kisses Faith softly. "Deal."

Faith gives her a searing kiss before jogging back toward the bathroom.

* * *

Later, Faith comes out with her hair dry, now wearing her leathers and a tank-but she has slipped a button up shirt over it. She stops when she sees Dawn at the refrigerator putting the sauce away. "Ready?"

"Just waiting on you." She moves and meets Faith at the door. They share a scorching kiss. "Keep that up and we'll miss our reservation."

"Could always make another one." The Slayer smirks, but her growling stomach causes Dawn to laugh and shake her head.

"I think we better feed you." She takes her hand and leads her to the door. As she opens it, she sees Kennedy and Willow. "Hi-"

Willow says softly her eyes dropping. "We need to talk."

Faith's Slayer senses picks up the redhead's fear. "What's wrong- where's E?"

Chapter 4: What The...

Faith shakes her head, "Definitely not, fuck, that's a lot to take ya know? I mean, I want a kid and now we know it can happen, but that's a hellava way to get it done."

"Willow, in the room with us, while we-" she blushes as she tries to say the words.

"Get busy," Faith says with a smirk and a raised eyebrow.

"Yeah," she looks away.

Faith's look changes to one of concern. "D, ya thinkin' ya don't want to do it?" Though she would understand she hopes that's not what her lover decides.

"No!" She defends but then hesitates, "I want a baby-"

"Ya just don't know if ya can do it this way?" Faith strokes her cheek lifting her face so she can see her eyes. "I get that it's a little weird for ya having someone else in the room."

Dawn smiles, "But not for you?" She now raises an eyebrow.

"I've had people watch before," she confesses. "Back in my wilder, get some get gone days. It always got my motor runnin'. Not that ya don't do that for me now, but then, sometimes I needed help."

Dawn smiles a little at her girl. "Hard to believe," she kisses her softly and as she pulls back she hears a growl from her Slayer.

Faith leans in for a firmer kiss as she pulls her girl into her lap. The kiss deepens and before either can think tongues battle back and forth. Needing air, Dawn breaks the kiss. They lean their foreheads together as they fight to breathe. Finally Faith is able to speak, "So, what do you wanna do?"

Dawn thinks about the question. She knows what her girl needs to hear. She needs her to say she's okay with this, but a part of her isn't. She chooses to delay her answer, "I wanna warm up the spaghetti since we missed our reservation."

On cue, the Slayer's stomach growls loudly, "With ya on that one." She kisses her lips. Then fishing for the words she wants her to say she asks, "And then?"

Dawn smiles, "Then I wanna make love till it's not physically possible anymore."

"Sure ain't gonna get no arguments from me on that one D." A smile spreads across her face.

"Then tomorrow, after we've had time to process the idea, what it could mean, I wanna talk to Willow and Kennedy again."

"You got it." They share another soft kiss.

"And we don't EVER let Buffy know about this!" Dawn says firmly.

"Oh, *hell* no! Bad way to start the kid off, havin' to kill her aunt like that." With a shared giggle, they slide from each other and move toward the kitchen.

About half way there Dawn squeals, "Hey! Watch your hands." She tells her girl as the Slayer slides a hand around to cup her breast.

"I'm watchin' 'em, I'm watchin' 'em," smirks Faith. She leans her head on her girl's shoulder and squeezes again. This time a soft moan falls from Dawn's lips.

* * *

Kennedy lies on the couch with Emilee sitting on her chest. They are playing with a rattle, Kennedy wiggles it and the baby tries to get it from her. As she reaches out for it Kennedy pulls it away and tickles the little one. The baby howls with laughter and her mom smiles.

Willow watches from the stairs and can't stop the smile. Her mind returns to Dawn and Faith, the decision that has to be made and in her mind, watching her family makes it seem simple. She, however, knows it won't be.

The redhead smiles and walks into the room. She sits on the floor and looks up at her girls. "Hey," she says with a smile and a soft kiss for her Slayer.

"Hey you." Kennedy smiles. "Thought you were going for a walk?"

"Did walk, and then I discovered I had the answer here all along."

"Answer?" Kennedy turns her attention to her girl.

"If they want, I can't say no." She reaches toward Emilee and the baby grabs her finger.

"If you're not comfortable, you can."

"And take this away from them?" She questions. "I couldn't live with that."

Kennedy sits up and turns in almost one motion. She pats the couch next to her. "Come up here." Willow moves next to her and Kennedy kisses her softly. With their foreheads leaned together, she speaks. "There are other ways they can get pregnant, so don't think it's all on you."

Willow smiles, "I can do it." She leans back a bit so she can see Kennedy's face.

She grins at her witch and her daughter then looks into questioning green eyes, "That's pretty obvious, got all the proof I need right here." She sits the baby in her girl's lap.

Willow rolls her eyes, "Point taken. I just mean I can be with them-if it's what they want."

* * *

Faith lies on the bed spent, a light sheen of sweat still covering her body, along with her very naked girl. The morning sun is peeking in the crack of the curtains as the younger woman sleeps.

The rogue lets her hand brush up and down her lover's back, her mind unable to find sleep as she thinks about Willow's words. She presses her lips to the top of Dawn's head, her fingers caressing. Faith groans a little as her partner shifts a bit, her thigh presses against her still sensitive sex. The Slayer lets her hand trail farther down Dawn's body, caressing her butt before she slides it back up.

When her girl rocks against her she smiles, "Knew you weren't asleep." With Slayer speed she pins her lover under her.

With a surprised squeak and a big smile, Dawn says, "You started it!" She looks up into dark brown eyes.

"Me?" She asks with a raised brow. "How ya figure that?"

Dawn lets her hands repeat the patterns her girl was making on her body, that pulled her from her sleep. "Mmm something like that."

"Feels good." Faith's eyes slip closed.

"Wasn't complaining," she reaches up to kiss Faith's lips. "Just stating a fact." She smiles, "You started it."

"Guilty as charged. So, what's my punishment?"

"Hmmm, thinking it should be something you won't forget." She smirks.

Faith groans in anticipation. "Think you're right."

Dawn reverses their position with no resistance from her Slayer. She leans down and kisses her lover's lips, barely brushing against them, again and again. Finally after several minutes of teasing she lets them linger just a little longer. All the while, her body has been rocking gently with Faith's, her leg pressing against the Slayer's center just as lightly.

"Dawn," Faith groans out, her body igniting once more.

"What is it baby?" Asks the young woman, her speed never varying from its torturously slow rhythm.

She lets her hand caress up and down Faith's body, from her shoulder to mid thigh teasingly, then back up, over and over again. Hearing her girl's breathing get shallower, and feeling her heart pound faster, she smiles.

Faith tries to find her voice and is finally able to pant out, "Need- please-" she moans louder as Dawn's lips slip to her ear and she hears the whispered words.

"Tell me what you need?" Dawn's tongue flicks out to brush along the outer shell before she pulls the lobe into her mouth and sucks.

"Need you," she moans.

"You got me," promises the younger woman as she continues to move with and against her.

Faith cries out, "Fuck! Dawnie- I-" she squeezes her eyes closed even tighter and throws her head back as she gasps for air. The Rogue feels her body start to tremble, her lover's fingers tease against her before finally slipping inside. "Yes!" She tries to change the pace but Dawn won't allow it, she keeps her movements slow and steady. "Please!" She begs her girl.

"Trust me," Dawn whispers in her ear, before letting her lips trail down her Slayer's neck.

She applies gently suction at the older woman's pulse point, all the sensations at once sending the Slayer teetering on the edge.

* * *

Finally showered and dressed Dawn smiles down at her still sleeping lover. She tucks a strand of hair behind her Slayer's ear and kisses her lips. She starts to walk away but stops as Faith's hand takes hers. "Hey."

Faith opens her eyes and frowns when she sees clothes on her girl. "Clothes evil," she says with a little playful growl.

Dawn smiles and sits next to her, "Well, I thought I should put them on before I went to talk to Willow."

Faith smirks, "Nah, she's gonna see ya naked eventually. Maybe showin' up at her place that way would break the ice ya know?" She giggles as Dawn turns red.

The younger woman rolls her eyes, "Oh you!" She slaps at her teasingly. "The only thing that would break would be Willow."

Faith agrees, the laughing stops as she thinks about the words of her girl. "Ya could be right about that."

Dawn leans in and rests her head on her lover's shoulder. She presses her lips to Faith's and a few quiet seconds later she asks. "You're really okay with this aren't you. No reservations?"

Faith looks into her eyes and brushes her fingers against her cheek. "If it's what we have to do to get a kid, I can deal." She kisses her. "As long as you're okay with it too."

They share another kiss before the younger woman stands, "I love you."

Faith smiles, "I love ya too." As Dawn walks away she giggles, "Sure ya don't just wanna get rid of those clothes."

Dawn rolls her eyes as she shakes her head, "Not this time."

The Slayer smiles and lets her eyes shut as she hears the door click closed. Her thoughts taking her to her girl and the family they are really going to have.

* * *

Dawn walks from her apartment through the common dining area. She sees Xander fixing a tray of food and stops to talk. "You're so whipped. Fixing her breakfast in bed."

"She's not feeling well I thought I'd surprise her."

"Not feeling well?" Questions the teen, her teasing turning to concern.

Xander pales, "Did I say not feeling well? I meant not feeling awake enough to-"

"Save it. Tell me what's going on?" Dawn demands.

"Dawn, I really need-" he looks down at the food. "Cold eggs not the effect I was going for."

She rolls her eyes and relents figuring they had spent the morning much like her and Faith. Maybe Buffy was still in the afterglow. Though, a little part of her realizes that doesn't make sense. Before she can ask more questions the man is gone. "I'll get to the bottom of this, Xander Harris, just not now." She goes toward the basement door.

* * *

A little later Dawn is standing in the nursery watching Willow change Emilee's diaper. The teen has yet to mention anything about the ritual.

Pulling up the baby's sleeper, the redhead gives the teen a gentle smile. "So, as much as I like just hanging out with you I'm pretty sure you had something else in mind for this visit." She raises a eyebrow in question.

Dawn nods a bit then speaks as Willow picks up her baby, kissing her playfully. "Where's Kennedy?"

"The training room, so we've got lots of alone time to talk." She starts toward the living room and the younger woman follows.

They sit down, the witch on the couch and the worried Key on the table across from her. As one woman settles her daughter in her arms with a bottle the other tries to get her thoughts and questions into some sort of coherent, logical order. It is difficult task as she has to fight the fear that surrounds it. She worries that it will change her relationship with her friend, with Kennedy, but mostly with Faith.

The redhead puts a hand on her friend's arm. When Dawn looks up at her she finds a reassuring smile, "It's okay Dawnie, start anywhere."

Dawn nods and lets her fingers play along the baby's foot. "You can really do it?" Willow raises an eyebrow in mock disgust. "I mean it'll work for sure?"

With a smile the witch nods. "From everything I've read and researched, without a problem. Guaranteed baby in nine months time."

A smile finds the nervous teen's face. "And you told us everything, no surprises, right? You just have to be there, touching me, while we and then?"

Willow can't stop the giggle that escapes at the girl's rant of pure Willowbabble.

"You're laughing at me?" Dawn pouts.

"That was professional babbling there Dawnie."

The girl smiles, "Yeah, kinda was. Learned from the best."

Willow removes Emilee's bottle and turns the baby onto her shoulder to burp her. As she pats her back she talks. "I have everything we need, you just let me know when the timing is right-"

Dawn interrupts, "Two weeks. Actually, more like ten days."

Willow nods, "Any more questions?"

"Can you maybe, the four of us, can we go through it step by step. That way, if anyone is too wigged, we can talk about it?"

"If you want. Is tonight okay?"

Dawn nods. Things are again quiet. "Dawnie, there's no rush if you're not ready-"

The younger woman cuts her off, "No! I'm- I'm ready. Way past ready actually, I just wanna make sure it doesn't ruin the friendship we all have. That's important."

"I know and it won't. Kennedy is okay with it, in fact she's probably more okay with it than I was in the beginning. So don't worry about that part."

"Don't worry, right."

"How's Faith doing with the idea?"

"She's okay with it, says people watching, well-" she raises an eyebrow.

Willow blushes as she shakes her head, "Why am I surprised? I should have known." She grins.

Dawn giggles, "So you realize you're hogging the baby right? It's my turn to hold her."

"Sure," she teases. "Let me do all the hard stuff, change her, feed her, and burp her. Then, when she's about to crash you're all with the 'it's my turn.'" She winks as she gives the baby to her friend.

* * *

Dawn stands outside the door to her sister's apartment. She smiles as she thinks about her earlier conversation or lack thereof with Xander. "I'll check things out for myself."

She knocks firmly and when she doesn't get an answer, she opens the door and goes inside. She stops in her tracks a few feet from the bedroom door when she hears a moan.

"Xander," comes Buffy's strained voice.

Dawn blushes as she thinks she walk in on an intimate moment. She starts to back out but again stops as she hears a groan, then retching. "Buffy?" She says quietly as she goes into her sister's room. She is worried now that something is wrong. When she doesn't see her then, she is confused. She sees the uneaten food on the tray on the nightstand.

"Xander," Buffy calls out softly.

Dawn walks toward the voice and finds her sister on the floor hugging the toilet. Before she can speak, she hears Xander behind her, "Buff, I got the crackers and the Ginger A----hi." He says as he sees her.

Buffy looks toward him and sees Dawn as well. She looks pale and sick, but mostly scared and worried. "It's not what you think Dawnie."

Emotions run the gambit on the teen's face. Jealousy, anger, sadness, then the happiness finds its way in as she thinks of all the hardships the two have endured. The loss of Spike and Anya only the last in a long list. Happiness wins out. She moves to her sister and holds out her hand to help her up. As she stands, a little unsteady Xander moves to her as well. "So, you're not pregnant?" She asks with a raised brow.

Buffy looks at Xander and then back to Dawn. "I- we- well I-" She doesn't know what to say. She knows how badly her sister wants a child and is afraid this is just rubbing salt in the wound.

A smile finds Dawn's face, as she meets Buffy's eyes. "It's cool." She pauses and tries to reassure the quiet couple, "It is. It's 5x5 even."

Noticing the use of Faith's wording slipping into her sister's words makes Buffy worry more. The worry however is pushed to the wayside as the nausea returns. "Xander, I hate you." She mutters as she leans back over the toilet.

Dawn smiles then looks at a blushing Xander. "She doesn't really, you know."

"I do," she says from her spot on the floor, but she relaxes a little as he kneels next to her holding back her hair and kissing her neck.

"I love you," he whispers in her ear.

Dawn smiles, "I'm gonna be an aunt." She claps.

"Noise bad," Buffy mumbles.

"Sorry," Dawn says softly as she kneels beside her as well.

"You're not mad?" Asks the Slayer when she finally stops heaving.

Dawn smiles as she shakes her head. "Not mad," she assures Buffy as she wipes her face with a wet cloth.

Xander helps his girl stand, "Let's get you back to bed." Buffy curls into his body and he rolls his eyes at Dawn as he picks up the Slayer. "Poor Slayer." He leaves the room with her and Dawn follows after him, the smile still on her face.

Chapter 5: Baby Talk

The smile broadens as she flashes back to the night and early morning lovings that obviously wore down the teenager. She moves toward the younger woman and lets her fingers trace along her cheek. Impossibly, her dimples enlarge even more as she envisions her wife pregnant. Careful not to wake her, she sits next to her. Without thought, her hand strokes her girl's stomach. As Dawn moves into the touch she starts to pull back but Dawn's hand on hers stops her.

Smiling up at her Slayer, her blue eyes open. "You're back."

"Back-" Faith brushes a soft kiss against her lips.

The hands on the younger woman's stomach twine together. "Didn't mean to wake ya up."

"I didn't mean to fall asleep," she blushes.

"Busy night," she smirks, but the look softens to a smile.

"A great night." Again Dawn blushes, "And morning."

"That's for sure." Faith leans down and kisses her a little more firmly.

"How was training?" Dawn asks.

"Pretty borin'. I wanted to spice it up, get in some hand-to-hand with B, but she didn't show."

Dawn let's her eyes close, not telling her Slayer why Buffy was MIA. She's a little worried about how her girl will take the news. Sitting up to face her lover she opens her eyes, kissing her softly before laying her head on her shoulder and brushing her lips across her neck.

Faith slips her arms around her girl's waist, but pulls back with a little growl as she smiles at Dawn. "Don't start something' ya can't finish." Her hungry eyes meet Dawn's. "Ya know how I get after a workout."

The Key simply says, as she presses her body into Faith's. "I know." She moans as Faith lays them down, their bodies touching. The Rogue's hand begins to map out her lover starting at her cheek and moving slowly down touching, teasing to her hip and then slowly back up.

Dawn's eyes close as she begins to lose herself. "Feels good," she whispers out.

Her Slayer moves over her, nestling herself between her legs. As their lips meet, Faith settles her weight onto the younger woman. The kiss deepens, Faith's tongue caressing, exploring gentling driving her lover into a frenzy of desire.

The younger woman's hands begin to stroke up and down the brunette's back, the rhythm matching the movement of her Slayer's tongue. Both moan and Faith growls as she pulls back a little.

Dawn whimpers, "Why is there stopping?"

Faith licks her own kiss swollen lips as their eyes meet. She gets a perplexed look on her face. "B ain't never missed trainin' before."

"Sure she had a good reason," Dawn tries to initiate another kiss but Faith sits up and then stands.

Dawn sits up, "Where are you going baby?"

"To check on her, make sure everything's 5x5."

Dawn stands and moves to her girl. "Buffy's fine," she takes her hand when Faith looks at her unsure. "A little green, but fine."

"Green?" Faith seems a little more confused. "What d'ya know that I don't?"

"Come sit," she tries to lead her Slayer back to the couch but it isn't going to happen. Faith's Slayer senses going off now.

"Tell me what's goin' on D."

Dawn moves to her girl and pulls her into a hug. The older woman fights it at first trying to make space between them but Dawn holds on tight. "I found out that she's ah... she's pregnant."

Faith is silent as the words echo in her ears and try to process through her brain. Surely she hadn't heard right. "Pregnant?" She manages only a whisper.

"Yeah," Dawn says softly into her neck.

"You're fuckin' jokin' right?" She pulls back far enough to watch Dawn shake her head. "Fuck, fuck, fuck!" She gets louder with each curse. She pulls completely away from Dawn and begins to pace. "She just has to be fuckin' first at everything doesn't she. Gotta always get what I want, what should be mine. Damn it!" She turns and hits the heavy bag in the corner. "Damn fuckin'..." she growls as she turns back to Dawn. She sees the look on her wife's face and is over come with worry for her girl, then anger at herself for not thinking about her first. "Ah baby," she goes toward her but Dawn holds up a hand stopping her from wrapping her arms around her. "Shit, are you okay? I wasn't thinkin'... this must... you gotta... she knows how much you want... we want..."

Dawn shakes her head, "She didn't plan this Faith, it wasn't to take something from you-" she says softly, "or me."

"I-" Faith looks away.

Dawn turns her face back to her, "She's my sister and besides she was all throwing up and feeling crummy... I couldn't be upset with her." She lifts Faith's chin so that their eyes meet, blue with dark brown. "And you shouldn't be either."

Faith thinks about the words and holds back a grin, "So she's pretty sick? Pukin' up her guts sick?" Dawn nods and Faith holds her tight. "You okay D?"

"I am. How about you?"

"I'm good."

"They deserve happy Faith, after everything they've lost."

"You're right. I was bein'... all jealous. Over it now. Workin' my way toward happy for'em." They hold each other tightly. "B and Xan with a kid that's... it's fuckin' scary."

"Probably right about that. Being responsible for another living being is scary."

Faith looks up at Dawn, "Gettin' cold feet?"

"Nah-" she assures her girl, kissing her gently.

"Good, cause-" she almost blushes as she lets the sentence stop there.

Dawn smiles and leads her girl toward the bedroom. "But there is something I want you to work on, before she's born."

"What's that?" She follows her into the room and onto the bed crawling up playfully behind her.

As they lie down facing each other Dawn caresses her Slayer's cheek, "Ya gotta lose the potty mouth. If her first word is fuck, you're so cut off."

Faith frowns, "What exactly ya mean by cut off D?"

"Exactly what you think I mean F."

Faith rolls her eyes, "I'll see what I can do, but I ain't gonna promise. That'll be hard as he-heck. Hard as heck."

Dawn smiles and leans in kissing her girl, "Mmmm," Faith moans as the kiss ends. "What's that for?"

"A reward for catching yourself, no potty mouth Slayer."

"That wasn't even the f word. If I don't say that word for a whole day what'd I get?" She raises an eyebrow.

Dawn smiles, her eyes twinkle. "Go a whole day and then we'll see."

"Nah, that ain't fair! Gotta know what I'm gonna get, so I can be sure to stay focused."

"Tell you what, go a week and I'll-"She leans in to whisper in Faith's ear. She blushes as the Slayer moans loudly. "One week."

"Ya got a deal. Now come here." Dawn smiles and moves onto her Slayer, their bodies settling together. The kissing and caressing heats up almost instantly. "Too many clothes," Faith growls out as her fingers work the buttons and zippers.

* * *

Willow changes Emilee into a soft, pink flowered, two-piece outfit. Across the room, the baby bed is filled with outfits that were tried on but discarded.

Kennedy walks in, much like Faith, sweaty from training and stops dead in her tracks as she surveys the scene before her, "Babe? What's going on?"

Willow looks up from the child and grins a little apprehensively, "Ah, it's too pink? Or too many flowers? You don't like flowers?" Eyebrow raised.

Kennedy shakes her head, "No- I mean yes- yes the outfit is cute. I like it, though I hope she's not allergic," she quips with a smirk.

Her girl simply rolls her eyes. Kennedy continues her train of thought, "I was questioning the obvious explosion." She looks toward the baby's bed. "Closet monster you had to vanquish?"

"Oh! No, no monster, that's just... Well, our little Slayer's growing by leaps and bounds and none of it fits."

"None of it?" Asks the young Slayer, "None?" Surprise in her words.

"None would be correct." She snuggles their baby girl, kissing her, causing a giggle.

Kennedy reaches for the baby and Willow looks reluctantly at the sweaty Slayer. "You're all sweaty."

Kennedy smirks as she leans in closer to her lover, pressing her lips to her neck, She whispers as she moves her lips toward the redhead's ear. "I thought you liked me all sweaty?"

Willow bites back a moan at the feel of her girl's lips on her sensitive skin. "Umm I do." She pulls away and looks at her. "But I just got her all clean," she pouts playfully.

Kennedy pouts too. "But I missed her while I was training." Their sad puppy dog looks go for naught as the baby reaches for her mommy. "Ha! She doesn't care if I'm sweaty."

Willow surrenders and gives the baby to the other woman. "You get to find her another outfit." She states matter of factly.

"We could always go buy one." Kennedy chuckles.

Willow raises an eyebrow again at Kennedy's stinkiness. "Might need a shower first."

Kennedy leans in close to her girl again, "Join me?" She kisses Willow's neck again.

"Maybe-" she grudgingly pulls back. "Got all that mess to clean up first." Kennedy frowns, because she knows the redhead won't leave it there long. Willow smiles, "I know we can give it to Faith and Da-awnie." She gasps out as Kennedy pulls her close enough to kiss her lips soundly as she tries to distract her. Willow takes a step back. "Not gonna work Slayer." Kennedy steps to her and kisses her again.

Willow steps back again only to find herself against the wall. Kennedy grins, "Give'em to Faith and Dawn or Buffy and Xander, they might need'em first. I'm not really caring at the moment." She kisses her again and when Willow doesn't respond she realizes what she said. "Shit." Kennedy backs up.

"Language." Willow cautions.

"Sorry." Kennedy looks down at the child.

"So, why would Buffy and Xander need baby clothes?" She looks into Kennedy's dark eyes as the woman looks back up. Then it hits her, she tries to talk but can't, then squeaks out "What- they- she's preg-"

Kennedy tries to back peddle, "I didn't... forget you heard anything-" She shakes her head not willing to lie to her girl. "I wasn't suppose to say anything." She sees the sad in Willow's eyes and knows she is upset that Buffy didn't tell her. "I found out by accident, she was kinda green... I guessed." When Willow doesn't reply she continues. "She's worried because of Dawn. She doesn't know about the ritual."

"Looks like everyone is keeping secrets." Willow says softly.

"Looks like, but in theory they're for the good." Kennedy says.

Willow nods though Kennedy can tell she isn't okay. Kennedy caresses her girl's cheek. "She'll tell you after she gets brave enough to tell Dawn."

Willow nods again. "Yeah."

Kennedy kisses her forehead and hands her their child, "I'm gonna get cleaned up and then I'm gonna take my girls out on the town. Shopping to do," she grins.

Willow smiles as she hugs the child close. "Wanna go shopping?" She asks the little one who coos back at her.

As she sees Willow smile she slips from the room to get a shower. The redhead kisses the baby on the top of the head as the child continues to coo.

* * * Faith and Dawn kiss passionately as their slick bodies rock together with ease. Both are nearing yet another release as their centers continue to collide sending jolts to their core.

Dawn breaks her lips away panting for air, Faith brushes her lips to her lover's neck, then kisses and licks. "God almost," she groans.

Faith wraps an arm around Dawn's leg, changing their angle slightly and as she does Dawn screams out, "Fuck!" She falls hard, her body trembling as Faith slides down to rest her head on Dawn's chest trying to get her breath as well, having fallen with her lover.

Faith chuckles, "Gotta watch your mouth Dawnie. Such a bad, bad word." She grins as she flicks her tongue out to tease her girl's nipple.

"Oh god- Faith I-" her Slayer wraps her lips around the tight peak. "Shit!"

Faith laughs as she continues to tease, one side then the other before moving down to dip her tongue into Dawn's belly button, then lower still as she as she attaches her lips to her girl's hard clit and sucks.

The string of profanity that follows as she goes over the edge again would make a sailor blush.

* * *

Later, after a shower, a light snack, and some more talking Kennedy, Willow and Emilee arrive at the mall. Pushing the baby in her stroller, the mommies head for the nearest baby boutique. The Slayer looks at the redhead next to her their hands joined as both push the child inside. "We looking for practical or stylish and dazzling?"

Willow smiles, "She's 5 months old, I'm thinking still with the practical."

Kennedy nods as they turn the corner. "But we can still get cute right?" Her eyes meet soft green.

Willow smiles and nods, "Definitely but look at her, she'll be cute in anything."

Kennedy smiles too as she looks at the bright eyed little one, "All true, Red, all true."

They go inside the shop and move through the aisles to a rack with a size larger than what Emilee use to wear. Willow pulls out a pair of pants with a top, on the shirt is a line of flowers, mixed with butterflies outlined on it. Willow looks at her girls, "What do you think?"

Kennedy looks at the lavender play set but before she can speak, Emilee coos and reaches for the outfit. The younger woman giggles softly, "I think that's a yes, she seems to like it."

Willow smiles at her family, then turns back to look through the clothes once again, "How about this one Em?" She asks her daughter as Kennedy takes her from the stroller. The child bats at it and whines.

Both laugh this time, "Thinking that's a no babe."

The redhead grins, then makes a face as she looks back at the pants and shirt. "Think she's right."

* * *

Faith and Dawn lie tangled together on the bed a sheet barely covering their naked bodies as they sleep. Dawn's eyes open first and she lets her fingers brush hair behind her girl's ear, leaning in she kisses her softly. As she pulls back she lets her lips caress her Slayer's shoulder. Faith smiles as she opens her eyes, "Mmm-nice way to wake up." Her sleep and sex roughened words reach Dawn's ears causing her to moan and the desire to return. Their lips meet again and the kiss intensifies immediately. A few minutes later they separate, panting. Dawn rests her head on Faith's shoulder.

Faith smiles as she pulls her girl to rest fully on top of her. "What time we meetin' Kennedy and Red?"

"Around dinner time. Kennedy was gonna make pasta and a salad."

On cue the Slayer's stomach growls and Dawn giggles. Faith tickles her playfully. "Don't ya laugh at me."

Dawn squirms and the Rogue moans as their centers touch. Dawn's eyes close as she gasps out then stills herself. The older woman kisses her shoulder. "We should get up."

Faith concedes, "Yeah, get the talking over with so we can get ya pregnant." She smiles.

"Okay, saying *we* under these circumstances, just too weird."

Faith kisses her shoulder again then their eyes meet, "Ya sure you're okay with this Dawn?"

Dawn smiles and nods, "I'm sure, well unless there's some big surprise she hasn't filled us in on."

The Slayer touches her face, "Ya know I love ya right?"

Dawn nods, "I know."

"And that I want a kid with ya?"

She smiles, "I know that too." They share a gentle kiss.

Faith turns the teen under her and then to the girl's surprise she stands, "Come on, help me with all the hard to reach places." She winks as she reaches down for her lover's hand.

Dawn takes it and stands beside her girl. "You get the shower just right, and I'll check on Buffy real quick?"

"That's a plan." They share a soft kiss as Dawn picks up the phone and Faith goes into the bathroom.

* * *

Willow, Kennedy, Faith and Dawn sit at the table, just finishing a slightly tense dinner. Faith's thoughts are still on the Buffy baby news. Willow is still nervous about the ritual and the other two are simply worried about their wives.

The younger Slayer is the first to speak in what seems like hours as she hears Emilee fuss from her play mat. "Better check on Em." She stands and walks to the baby and picks her up. The little one calms and coos up at her mom. "Just wanted some attention didn't you?" She says with a smile as she rejoins the group at the table, her daughter in tow.

Willow reaches out and Em grabs her fingers, "Did you get lonely on that big ole mat all by yourself?" Em coos and smiles at her mama.

"Maybe she needs a little sister?" Faith's words cause Dawn to giggle, Kennedy to raise an eyebrow and the redhead to begin a serious consideration of her words.

"Sister?" Kennedy looks at the older Slayer. "She's only five months old I think we got time. Right Babe?" She looks at her redhead.

"Time, right, lots of time." She says though her mind is split on the subject.

Dawn finally stops her giggles and looks at her girl, "She'll have lots of babies to play with soon enough."

"True," Faith says with a smile as she kisses Dawn's hand and then holds it in hers.

"So... talk of babies over?" Kennedy asks relieved.

"Think it's just beginning," Willow says then clarifies when she sees Kennedy's face full of uncertainty. "The ritual, talking about how that works, so ergo babies are made."

"Right... the ritual. Got ya." Kennedy relaxes and snuggles Emilee close to her.

"So Red, how's this gonna work?" Faith asks then smirks as she can't pass up the chance to make Willow blush. "You being in the room with us, there's touchin' right?" She raises an eyebrow.

"No! I mean yes," she blushes and babbles as she tries to explain herself. "I mean not yes, touching but not bad touching."

"No such thing as bad touchin' Red." Faith finally laughs as both Kennedy and Dawn glare at her. "Sorry, was just tryin' to lighten things up. Everyone's all--"

"Eeee?" Dawn asks.

"Yep so you made with the funny-" Willow forces a laugh. "Nope, can't find funny." She glares at the older Slayer.

Kennedy hands the baby to Faith with a look and moves to her girl hugging her tight. She kisses the top of her head, "It's okay."

"I know, I just-" Kennedy silences her words with a kiss. "Okay."

Dawn looks at the redhead, "So can we go through the ritual step by step?"

"Now?" Willow asks with a little squeak in her voice.

"Now would be good," Kennedy says to her girl. "Then everyone will know what to expect." She lets Willow go and moves back to her seat. Kennedy takes the baby back and cuddles with her.

"Okay, ah- sure. Well, we know you'll have to be wearing the necklace." Her eyes meet Dawn's and the teenager nods.

Faith chirps in again, "Then we get naked."

Willow swallows hard and nods, turning red again.

"Faith." Both Dawn and Kennedy warn.

"Okay," she rolls her eyes, "Can't have no fun."

Dawn smiles a soft sexy smile to her girl and then wink, "Promise there'll be fun."

Faith smirks but it turns to a smile almost instantly. Kennedy smiles too, though Willow sits still nervous.

The younger Slayer speaks, "The necklace, the naked, then what Will?"

Her name brings her eyes to the soft brown of her lover and she forces herself to relax. With a deep calming breath she finally smiles too. She mouths an 'I love you' to her and looks at the other couple. "Then they lie down and I'll sit next to them on the bed."

"Seems like there should be more." Kennedy says.

"The touching-" Willow says softly as she looks at her lover.

"Right," the younger Slayer speaks. "How could I forget Faith's favorite part?" She grins, Faith glares and Dawn just shakes her head. "How's that work?"

Willow stands and begins to pace. "It's... I'm kinda like a conduit. The energy from the necklace passes through me and into Dawn."

Faith looks puzzled but doesn't speak. Dawn squeezes her hand and looks up at her, "Got a question?" Faith shakes her head.

Kennedy looks at her witch and both look to Faith. The brunette looks uncomfortable for the first time. "Now's not the time to-" Kennedy starts but Faith cuts her off.

"I said no." She looks a little tense and he words sound more harsh than she intended. "So go on with the explainin'."

Willow looks at the older Slayer and moves back toward the table, "The baby won't be any part me, if that's what you're thinking Faith."

The Rogue looks down. Dawn looks from Willow to her lover. She turns her head so that their eyes connect. "Faith?"

Faith stands and Dawn's hand takes hers. Faith looks at her girl and sees her worry. She stands quietly.

Willow takes Kennedy's hand, "I think Em needs a nap. Let's put her down."

Kennedy stands, "Right. We'll be back." The couple disappears from the room.

Faith lets out a breath as Dawn stands in front of her lets her lips brush her lover's. "Second thoughts?"

The older woman shakes her head. "No! No, D, just-"

Dawn hugs her tight. "It's okay if you do, we got time if you want to think about it a longer."

The Rogue hugs back, her head resting on Dawn's chest. "Don't need to think about it. I know I want a kid with ya, it's just... all this magic shit, y'know?"

"I know." Is Dawn's only reply. She stays quiet wanting Faith to voice all her concerns.

"It's not normal! I mean, it's-" she stops unable to express her worries.

"Faith," Dawn raises her head and their eyes meet. "She'll be ours. Willow will just be there to power the necklace. That's all."

"She says, but what if-" she stops again and blows out a frustrated breath.

"She wouldn't have agreed to do this if she wasn't sure."

Faith nods as she nestles in against Dawn's chest again, "My head knows you're right-"

"But the Slayer just isn't sure?" Dawn smiles as she lets her hands caress Faith's back.

Faith's eyes close at her girl's touch. "I'm just bein' weird, lets hear the rest of it."

"If you're sure."

"I am." Faith raises her head and kisses Dawn's lips. The kiss is lingering but neither deepen it. Though there is passion, always, this is just to calm and reassure the couple and both realize it. Finally the older woman pulls away. "I love ya."

"I love you." Dawn smiles and lets her hand slip under her girl's shirt to soft skin. She rests it there unmoving.

"Think we should tell'em they can come back in?" Faith asks.

Dawn nods her head and gently guides her lover that direction. They go into the hallway and stop in the door of the nursery. "She's asleep." Dawn is surprised.

"That was fast." Faith smiles at the baby as she watches her. "So Willow, ready to tell us the rest?"

Willow nods and for some reason her nervousness is gone. "Why don't I just show you?"

"Show?" Kennedy asks.

"It's easier."

"Okay then," Dawn tells the redhead.

The witch leads the group into her bedroom and all seem unsure. "Red?" Kennedy and Faith speak in unison.

"Just, lets do this, then everyone understands better. Okay?" She looks at the other three women.

Faith steps toward the bed and then with a smirk and a wink she jumps onto the bed bouncing her way to the middle. She looks at Dawn, raises an eyebrow and pats the bed beside her.

Dawn clears her throat and looks at Willow who nods, "Why not." She crawls in next to her girl.

Playfully Faith grabs her tickling her and rolls her under her at the same time. After the laughter dies down their eyes meet. Faith leans down and kisses her lips. She breaks the kiss and leans her forehead against Dawn's. "Now what Red?" She looks toward the witch and the other Slayer.

Kennedy rolls her eyes but smiles as Willow speaks. "This would be where the nakedness starts-" Faith's hands reach for the bottom of Dawn's shirt to pull it off. "No! Not... not now, now is practice."

"Right." Faith grins.

Kennedy surprises them as she speaks, "Maybe you should, that way it wouldn't be so tense when you did it for real."

Willow looks at her girl and so does Dawn, "Excuse me?"

"I mean not all but, I think you should." She looks into soft green eyes. "I'll wait in the hallway. Not gonna peek or anything." She grins at the group.

Faith laughs, "Ya know ya wanna check us out."

Kennedy rolls her eyes, "As if," she looks at her wife, "Wouldn't even measure up." She kisses her girl.

Willow blushes as they pull apart, the kiss quick but intense. She licks her lips and looks at the couple on the bed. "Either way is fine."

Faith looks at Dawn and the younger woman smiles nervously, "Kennedy's probably right."

Kennedy starts to leave but her fingers entwined with her redhead's prevent her. "Stay, I want you to see how it works."

Faith adds, "She's right. Stay."

Kennedy nods and moves to the door closing it, then leaning against it.

Faith sits up and pulls her own tank off over her head, then Dawn does the same, effectively putting her lover in her lap. Faith pushing them back to the mattress and reaches between then working on the buttons of Dawn's jeans. Finally after a few soft moans the pants are gone. The Slayer makes quick work of hers and soon they are in only bras and panties. She snuggles into her girl's side. "Okay?"

Willow nods as she moves to the drawer and pulls the necklace out. She hands it to Faith, who slips it onto her girl. "Then while you're-" she blushes but smiles.

"Gettin busy?" Faith says with wiggling eyebrows.

"Making love," Dawn counters.

Faith smiles and kisses her. "Makin' love." She repeats as she moves over her girl and settles herself between Dawn's legs. She presses a kiss on Dawn's lips and then one on her chest, wanting to continue down but forcing herself to stop and concentrate on Willow.

"I just-" she moves to them and sits on the edge of the bed, "touch you." She lets her hand settle on Dawn's stomach tentatively, being careful not to touch Faith. She looks up nervously as she moves it just a little lower to rest on her womb. "As you- you- ya know." She looks at them expectantly, hoping not to have to say the words.

Faith smirks, "Got ya Red, when she pops her cork." Dawn swats at her Slayer for her choice of words, "What?" She pretends not to know why she got smacked.

Dawn looks at her Rogue and then to the redhead, "And then what?"

Willow smiles, then moves her hand quickly. "Then you work on the nursery."

Faith and Dawn both smile. Willow stands and goes back to her Slayer. "We'll let you guys get dressed." She leads her girl out of the room and closes the door. They go into the living room hand-in-hand.

As they sit down on the couch she looks at her quiet Slayer. "You okay? I know we talked about the intimacy of the touching but seeing-"

Kennedy stops her, "I'm okay." She kisses her girl softly. Willow looks at her intently trying to gage her mood to see if it matches her words. "I want them to have a child, if this is what it takes for it to happen, then I'm okay with it." She pauses, "I am."

Willow nods and hugs her. "Okay." She lets her lips brush against Kennedy's then lays her head on her shoulder.

"Horny," she mumbles," but okay."

Willow smiles against her neck, "Hmm," she kisses the spot under her lips. "Thought it was just me."

Kennedy growls playfully and flips them around on the couch until the redhead is pinned under her. She smiles down at her lover. "Definitely not just you." Leaning her forehead into Willow's her takes some of her body weight onto her forearms, then presses her lower body firmly against her redhead's. Both moan at the contact, legs widening so that Kennedy can settle between them better. Lips meet and hungry kisses are exchanged as they begin to rock together.

Breaking apart for air they struggle to get it into their lungs. Kennedy's lips go to the witch's neck, she licks and nips there before finally pulling the soft, wet skin between her lips and suckling as the rocking speeds up just a little.

Willow's hands thread into Kennedy's hair, and one legs wraps Kennedy tighter to her as the room is filled with soft moans, that grow louder with each movement.

"See? We coulda played. Not like they'd'a noticed. Look at'em."

As the words sink into the minds of the passion filled couple on the couch all movement stops. "Shit!" Kennedy mumbles angry at being disturbed. She pulls her lips away from Willow's neck and looks up at Faith. "You better not've be making out in our bed."

"How about your couch?" Dawn asks with a smile.

Finally Willow's sex fogged mine hears the conversation around her and her eyes grow large as she focuses. She blushes and tries to bury her face in Kennedy's shoulder pouting. Her body still raging.

The younger Slayer is the first to pull away, she sits up and a smile finds her lips. "Want something to drink baby?"

Willow nods. Dawn and Faith smile. "We'll get it for ya, give ya a minute." She and Dawn leave, moving to the kitchen area.

Willow, still blushing looks up and grins at her lover.

Kennedy smiles and brushes a strand of red hair behind her girl's ear. "Be finishing this later."

"Hope so," she leans over and kisses her, then pulls back. Clearing her throat she pulls herself together a little and sits up. She shakes her head.

"What?" The Slayer asks with a grin.

"If just that caused-" more blushing. "What's it gonna be like when I actually-when it's real?"

Kennedy smiles her eyes glassing over a little, "It's gonna be hot."

"Lots and lots of hot lovings," she agrees.

Faith and Dawn come back in with drinks. The older woman sets a tray on the table as she and Dawn sit facing the other couple. Finally after a long drink of ice water Willow speaks. "So, when do you want to do this?"

Dawn looks at Faith, both smile but it is the younger who answers, "Saturday okay?"

The redhead nods. "Saturday's good. Ah... your place say noonish?"

Faith nods, "Noon is good."

"There is just one more thing." Willow adds.

All look at her a little concerned, "What's that Red?" Faith asks.

"You can't... you know, no sex till Saturday." She looks at the couple.

Faith's eyes grow huge, "You're shittin' me right?"

"Just paying us back for walking in on you?"

Willow shakes her head, "No, it helps build up power."

Kennedy fights not to laugh, but one escapes. Faith shoots her a glare. "What? It's just three days."

Dawn shakes her head, "Right three days. We can go three days-"

Faith shakes her head, "Not sure I can."

Finally Kennedy's laughing breaks loose and Dawn joins in, unable to stop it at the look on her lover's face. "That means us too sweetie." At Willow's words the room goes quiet.

Kennedy's eyes go to her girl, and she watches her nod.

Faith begins to laugh, "What, not so funny now Junior?"

Kennedy throws a pillow at the older Slayer. Soon the room is a battle ground of flying objects and all laugh.

Go On To Part 2(Chapters 6-?)

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