LIFE Lessons

See Part 1 for Ratings and Disclaimers

Chapter 6: Anticipation... Making me wait... Keeping me wai-a-aiting.

Willow is across the room packing the clothes that no longer fit the little one into a plastic tote. She stops for just a second to look at her family. The sight of Kennedy nursing making her smile, her love's eyes meet hers. The redhead whispers so that only Slayer ears can hear, not wanting to disturb their daughter. "I love you."

"I love you," whispers the younger woman. Her eyes go back to their little one as she continues to eat and fight sleep.

The witch arranges the last of the things inside and puts the lid on securely. Willow then picks up the tote and carries it toward the door. "Buffy or Dawn," asks the Slayer with a smile.

"Shhh, she's almost asleep." She slips out quietly avoiding the question.

Kennedy looks up at her unsure, then she looks a little nervous. Her mind racing with possible scenarios. She looks down at her daughter and relaxes as little brown eyes gaze back. "Gonna be an interesting day baby girl. Close your eyes, I think your mommies need to talk." She traces a finger along the baby's cheek.

* * *

Finally Emilee is sleeping. Kennedy tucks her safely into her baby bed and kisses her softly. "Have a nice nap, mommy loves you." She kisses her on the top of the head and leaves the room.

The Slayer walks down the hall and into the living room. She sees the tote on the table and her girl at the stove checking something inside the oven. She walks unnoticed to her and slips her arms around her waist. Willow jumps, a bit startled, then relaxes into her embrace. Kennedy kisses the back of her neck. "What's in there?" She asks as the door closes before she can get a good look.

Willow turns in her arms and they share a tender kiss. "Roast with carrots and potatoes." She answers.

"Mmmm one of my favorites." Kennedy hugs her cozily. "How long before it's done?"

"An hour or so." She smiles misunderstanding the reason for the question. "Think your tummy can wait that long?" She lets her hand caress her lover's stomach.

Kennedy nods, then with another kiss she takes her hand and leads her girl to the couch. After they settle there in each others arms, Kennedy asks softly. "So... The clothes- Buffy or Dawn?"

Willow gets a little nervous and Kennedy can feel her tense a bit. "Ah- well- I was thinking we could keep, cause we don't know if they'll have a girl or-" she stops when she sees her lover smile. "Why are you smiling?"

The brunette leans in and kisses her lips gently, "Pretty sure Dawn and Faith will have a girl."

"Yeah but-" she stops and frowns a little. She turns her back to Kennedy and the younger woman holds her securely against her. "I-well I was thinking."

"About?" Asks the other woman with a hidden smile as she pretends not to know.

"Well, I was an only child and I was- it was lonely. I don't want Emilee to be lonely." She turns in Kennedy arms and looks into her eyes. "So I was thinking we could, if you wanted."

"Could?" Kennedy still plays dumb wanting to hear the words from her lover.

Willow blushes a little, "That we- we could have another baby."

Kennedy thinks about the words and decides to play some more, "And when you say we you mean?"

"Us-" then Willow understands. "I thought that well since, you with Emilee, that I could-" she looks into her lover's soft brown eyes. "This time I could- I could have-."

Kennedy smiles at the thought. She holds her girl. "And when would this having be happening?"

Willow smiles when she realizes Kennedy isn't opposed to the idea. "I think they should be close in age, cause then they could talk to each other about stuff when they're older."

"So what you're saying is within the next year?"

"If we wait a year and then nine months, Emilee would be almost two and a half."

"Sooner?" Again Kennedy is surprised. Willow bites her bottom lip and nods. "How soon?" The brunette asks.

"Soon, like after I do the ritual for Dawn and Faith, soon." She again bites on her lip.

"Wow! Okay that is soon. Like next week soon." Kennedy stands and looks back at her girl. "Emilee wouldn't even be one and a half."

"Fourteen months but she's a good baby, and I know we could handle two." Willow stands too and walks toward the woman she loves. She can see the worry in her eyes. The redhead wraps her in her arms as she remembers how scared Kennedy was when she learned she was pregnant and all the problems that followed. "We don't have to decide right this minute." She presses a kiss to her temple. "Just think about it, okay?" She whispers in her ear.

"Okay," the younger woman whispers back. As Willow starts back to the couch Kennedy takes her hand. Their eyes meet and the brunette speaks. "Will-"

"What is it sweetie?" She caresses her cheek.

"It's not that I don't want another baby with you." She starts and stops, then presses her lips to the redhead's. "I do."

"I know." Willow assures. She leads her Slayer to the couch and they cuddle there together wrapped in each other. No words spoken, just letting their touch say all that needs said.

* * *

Emilee sits in her bouncy carrier watching her parents as they finish their lunch. Kennedy eats the last of the meat in the pan and pats her stomach. "That was amazing Will." She smiles at her redhead.

Willow smiles, "Full tummy?" She pats it playfully.

"Very," the young Slayer says as she kisses the woman and stands. "Now, training time." She whines as she looks at the baby and then her girl. "Don't wanna go." She pouts.

The redhead smiles, "Want me to write Giles a note, tell him you're sick you have to stay home?" She winks, then giggles as Kennedy nods.

Kennedy reluctantly stands, "I guess I should go. We're already short handed. Don't want Faith to have to do all the work."

"Buffy still not feeling well?" Willow asks with a frown.

"No, that's what the call was earlier. She wanted me to take her hand-to-hand class." She kisses Willow and then the little one in the carrier. "Be good for Mama." She says as she plays with the baby's hands. Emilee coos back at her.

"Tell Mommy you're always a good girl." Willow smiles at her daughter and again the baby coos with a smile.

Kennedy looks at them both, "Be back soon, don't have all the fun without me."

Willow smiles, "Want me to save the bath time fun or the playtime fun for when you get back?"

"Both," Kennedy states with a little pouty lip.

Willow growls softly and takes the lip between hers suckling gently. She finally lets it go. "That drives me-" she starts her explanation. "You better go while you still can." She says with a blush, trying to slow her racing heart.

The Slayer smiles too, but it slowly turns to a smirk. "Remind me to do that again when we have time to-" she stops looking down at the child. "When we have time." With a quick kiss for the girls she starts from the apartment. As she passes the table she sees the tote still there. She stops to stare at it for a second then goes out of the apartment.

Willow scoops Emilee up from her seat and walks toward the blanket spread out on the floor in the other corner of the room. It has toys all over it and the baby giggles as she sees them. Willow puts her little one down and then sits next to her. She watches as the child tries to get to her knees to crawl. "No, baby wait for Mommy-she'd be sad if she missed it." Seeming to understand Emilee flops on her tummy and reaches for the closest toy instead.

* * *

In the training room the Slayers are going through the drills as Faith leads them. She takes them through one last set as Kennedy walks in. "That's it," Faith calls as she looks at the group. "All yours K. Don't hurt'em too much." She grins.

"Pair up," orders the younger Slayer. "Hand-to-hand on my signal." She waits as they get organized. "Begin." She watches as they do. After a few minutes she calls a halt to the drill. "Take 5," they break up and get drinks and Kennedy sees Faith still there. "Faith?"

"Hey."

"Checking up on me?" Asks the Slayer with a raised eyebrow.

"Nah- just tryin' to get a little control y'know." She wiggles her brows. "Damn double H's ain't all that fun when ya can't get bouncy."

Kennedy nods, "Know what ya mean."

Both look toward the door as Giles, Xander and Buffy walk in. "This can't be good," Faith states as she moves toward them and the younger Slayer follows. "What's the what G-man?"

He looks around at the girls and Kennedy orders, "Hit the showers." The girls look confused but begin to leave the area.

Giles looks at those around him, "We may have a problem, Wesley called-"

"Another prophecy?" Kennedy asks.

"Fuck!" Faith says as she shakes her head. "Who's suppose'ta die this time?"

"No dying," Buffy says softly. "Not if we can help it." She looks paler as she speaks.

"Xander," Faith says, "Better get her in bed before she passes out."

"I'm fine," she lies. The man moves closer and wraps her in his arms. She leans against him without protest.

Giles watches his Slayers and then goes about his job, "It's an apocalypse, not a prophecy."

"That's better how?" Asks Faith.

"The Order of Danea, it was thought to be a myth, but now we're not so sure."

"Willow needs to be here... Let's move this to our place." Kennedy states.

"She's right." Buffy agrees.

"Very well then, let's meet in thirty minutes." Giles leaves first, followed by Faith and then Kennedy.

Xander holds Buffy tighter, "Sure you're up to this baby?" He asks, his lips pressed close to her ear.

"I'll be okay," she says as she turns in his arms. "Just hang on to me in case." She forces a smile.

* * *

Kennedy comes back into the apartment. Willow looks up and smiles a surprised smile, "That didn't take long." She gets up from the floor as Kennedy takes the tote back into the baby's room. Willow is totally confused now and follows her girl. "Baby?"

Kennedy hugs her, "Can we talk about the clothes later? The gang's coming over."

"Trouble?" She asks as they move back into the living room.

Kennedy nods as she picks up Emilee and holds her. "Apocalypse, prophecy, don't know how they're different." She whispers.

Willow holds her girls close. "It'll be okay, we always stop them, it's just what we do." She kisses her Slayer's temple.

"Why aren't you freaked?"

Willow kisses her lips, "Faced lots of them, you just the two," she winks. "We'll be okay."

Before Kennedy can speak, there is a knock and the room becomes Slayer Central. Dawn, Faith, Giles, Xander and Buffy gather around the living room with Willow and Kennedy. The Younger Slayer is holding tightly to her daughter.

The redhead fires up her computer and Giles passes out books, "Wait." Faith says. All eyes move to her. "I know you guys are big with the book stuff, but maybe I should just go hit a few demons and ask around?"

Dawn smiles, "You mean Demon bars."

Faith smirks, "That works too." She winks and the tension in the room eases a little.

Buffy adds, "She's right, getting more information is not a bad thing." Faith looks at the blonde. "But we'll take a patrol, nobody goes alone."

Dawn looks at Buffy then Faith, and Kennedy glances at Xander then Willow, then all eyes fall on Buffy. "'We'll'? Meaning you want to go? I don't know if-" Dawn starts but stops when she sees the look in her sister's eyes.

"We- that's what I said."

Kennedy stands and hands the little redhead to her mama, "Faith and I can handle it, two looks less in your face than ten."

Giles nods, "Take Vi as well."

Both Kennedy and Faith rolls their eyes and their spouses laugh, "Goddess, sometimes the two of you are so much alike it's scary." Willow looks at them.

Even a ticked off Buffy nods and then wishes she hadn't. She groans and starts to the bathroom. Xander starts to follow but his best friend touches his hand. "Let me Xander." She hands the baby to the man and he looks a little panicked. "She won't break, relax."

He smiles at the witch and sits back down with the little girl. Willow follows the blonde as the plans are finalized.

* * *

Buffy sits on the floor, Willow's hand rubbing circles on her back as she prays for the nausea to end. "Better?" Asks her friend softly.

"Compared to what?" Asks the Slayer.

Willow smiles, "Feeling pretty blucky huh?"

"Why didn't anyone ever tell me I would feel this bad?"

"Don't think you asked before you went and got all pregnant," she says with a grin. Buffy looks at her, surprised she knows. "And when you're feeling better lots of guilt will be heaped on and you'll have to buy me mochas for forgiveness."

"I was gonna tell you, but I was worried about Dawn and-"

Willow's nods tells her all is okay, "I understand, but next time you tell your best friend first, not last, got it?"

"Next time," she whines and then groans as her stomach tumbles again.

Willow smiles a little sadly at her friend, "Be right back."

"Don't leave me," Buffy pouts.

"Promise when I get back, you'll be glad I did." She leaves before more protests can happen.

* * *

Faith, Kennedy and Vi walk up to the next demon bar, the youngest speaks, "You think maybe we can ask a few questions before the fighting this time?"

Kennedy and Faith both send her a glare, "They started it," the oldest states.

"Fine, but questions are easier to answer if you're not dead. Just keep that in mind." She walks in ahead of them.

"She's kinda right," Kennedy says softly.

"Shh! Ya want her to hear or something?" Faith moves past her and inside.

The three look around and see that this bar is much fuller than the first, at least 35 creatures are drinking and talking. Faith tunes in her senses, she locates a group of vampires to their right-two different breeds of demons to their left and straight in front of them a large group of Tarok demons with two witches. Kennedy senses the witches. "Anybody else think that's a little strange?" She glances from the witches to the Slayers.

"Let's start there." Faith states.

"Talking first," Vi tries as they approach the tables.

"Right, talking." Kennedy promises.

They stand in front of the demons. "How's it goin'?" Asks Faith.

The biggest demon speaks, "Slayers," it smirks. "Get them."

Faith growls as the demons attack, "That worked." She rolls her eyes at Vi.

"At least we tried," she says as she begins to fight.

Two dead demons later, Faith stands with a witch in her grasps. "That's enough!" She yells over the noise. The demons that remain, five in all, stop their aggression. Kennedy holds the leader to the floor. Vi eyes the other witch. "Now we got questions and we want answers. Then, well we can just go on our merry way."

Vi speaks, "No one else needs to die."

"That's a matter of opinion." The second witch states as she raises her hand and begins to chant. From the floor Kennedy throws a star and it pins the hand to the wall behind the witch. She cries out in pain.

"Now see, unnecessary." Vi says.

"Vi, can it." Faith glares. "Now the questions start."

"We wanna know about the Order of Danea." Kennedy begins.

"Legend," growls the creature Kennedy has pinned to the ground.

"Wrong answer," the Slayer twists his arm harder nearly tearing it from its shoulder. "Try again."

The witch that Faith holds speaks, "She will kill you all."

"Nah, the kid's a little high strung, it's me ya gotta worry about," she kicks the demon, who thinks he's sneaking up on her, across the room and into the far wall. He crumbles to the floor unconscious.

"Fools," comes the voice of the other witch. "The Danea, the Demoness of Darnok, she will end life as you know it! She has found the athame needed for the ritual ."

"Endin' life as we know it, not a good plan. Kinda likin' it now." Faith states as she lets the first witch go to take the second by the arm. "Keep talkin'."

"Tell us about the ritual," Kennedy orders. The witch screams and starts to melt. They cringe at the smell. As the witch turns to a puddle there is a sudden flash and the room is filled with smoke.

"What the fuck!" Faith and the other Slayers try to see through it. When it clears the demons and the witches are gone. "Damn! We had'em and let'em get the fuck away." She growls and starts for the door.

"It's cool, I know where they went." Kennedy states.

The other two Slayers turn to her and Vi asks, "How?"

"Witchy wife, they need dark magic's for their party. Only two places in town. Come on."

Faith follows after her in a run and Vi is close behind. "K... the swearin', you won't tell D right?"

Kennedy looks unsure then smirks as she realizes there must be some kind of bet going on, "Right."

"I owe you big." Faith grins.

"And what do I get if I don't tell?" Vi says with a smile as she catches up.

"You get to go patrolling with us again before you're 30." The Rogue glares.

"Right, didn't hear a thing." She grumbles, "That's so not fair."

Faith laughs and Vi glares.

* * *

As they stand outside the portal of the dark magic's Kennedy centers herself so she can get them inside. She concentrates and remembers the things Willow taught her. Soon, as if by magic-the Slayers are inside. They stand face to face with the demoness and her goons. The remaining witch starts to chant but a dagger from Vi stops her words. The older Slayers look at the younger- "What? Time to talk way over." She says as she eyes her next target. She draws her short sword as a demon closes in on her.

The fighting begins, the demons fall but Faith and Kennedy both stop as they hear Darnok speak. "You cannot stop me-" she raises the athame to cut the throat of the sacrifice her henchman holds. She begins the ritual with words not understood by the Slayers-later Giles will echo them, "Rise forth make me your vessel here in-." Before she can finish the words and cut the throat of the innocent Faith swings the Scythe and her head rolls. The others scatter and with a smile Kennedy picks up the athame.

Vi frees the woman from the demon as he loses his head as well. "You're safe now." She grunts as the former sacrifice throws her arms around her in thanks.

Faith and Kennedy look around. "Think we need the head?" Asks the Rogue.

Kennedy shrugs not sure.

Vi makes a face, shakes her head and complains, "You guys are just gross."

"Maybe just the book and the pointy thing, I think." Kennedy decides. They start toward the part of the portal they entered hoping they can stop the apocalypse with what they have.

* * *

The Slayers return to Willow's and Kennedy's apartment to find the other still researching. "Any luck?" Asks Buffy as she looks up from a book.

Kennedy smiles as she watches as Faith twirls the Scythe, "We got an old musty book and a pretty daggery thing, hopefully it's enough." She hands both to Willow with a soft kiss.

"And how'd you do that exactly?" Xander asks.

Vi speaks, "Lots of blood; seems the Scythe kills most things."

"We were gonna bring the head of the demoness that tried to get all powerful but the kid here was a little against the idea." She grins as she kisses Dawn.

"She was trying to get something to make her all powerful. Well before she lost her head," Kennedy winks.

"Does this demon have a name?" Giles enquires.

"Ah... what'd they call it Junior?"

"Darnok, she was the head of the Order of Danea thing you were talking about."

"Right, so what'd we need to kill now to stop the end of the world?" Faith asks.

Willow and Giles look up from the book and at each other the redhead smiles and the Watcher speaks, "The Darnok was reading from the book?"

"Sounded Sumerian," Vi states.

"That's correct. Did she finish the ritual?"

"Nah. Met the slicy end of the Scythe first." Faith says.

"Wish there was a way to be sure." Giles says.

"The sacrifice is still alive, we dropped her off at the clinic on 12th." Kennedy supplies.

"Wow! Quickest end to an apocalypse ever." Willow chirps.

"What? It's over?" Buffy frowns.

Giles nods, "Indeed." She stands.

"Over?" Buffy questions again.

"Yep, everything back to normal."

Faith and Kennedy both frown as they look at each other, the younger speaks, "Well that was anti-climatic."

Vi snorts. "Yeah, can you make sure they're all that easy? Please?"

"No slaying would be boring." Kennedy states.

"I could go for boring for a while." Dawn says with a smile.

"Guess it would be okay for a few months." Faith agrees. They share a look and a smile. "Let's get out of here." They start for the door wrapped in each others arms.

"That's so not fair," pouts Buffy.

Xander hugs her, "But Willow made your tummy better right?"

She nods but still pouts, "Take me home."

"Absolutely." He smiles.

Soon the apartment is back to normal, only Willow, Kennedy and a sleeping Emilee remain. The redhead kisses her girl, "Glad you're okay."

Kennedy kisses back, "Thanks to you. Your magicky teachings helped us find her."

"Really?" Willow smiles.

Kennedy nods as she gets Emilee from her carrier. "Really, let me get this little one all tucked in and we'll talk."

"Sounds like a plan, I'll fix you a snack too."

"Mmmm,thanks." She says as they kiss again.

"But no playing, remember? The ritual." Willow says with a sad face.

"But we can cuddle right?"

"Definitely lots of cuddling."

* * *

Faith and Dawn lie in bed. The Slayer fights herself not to touch her wife. Dawn smiles as she feels the tension in her girl. "Baby you can hold me, just... no sex."

"Not sure if I hold you I can resist and I don't wanna mess up the ritual."

Dawn turns and looks at her Slayer, "Then how about I hold you?" She spoons around her and Faith groans. "You okay?" Dawn whispers against her neck.

"Yeah, hangin' in there." Faith closes her eyes to center herself.

"Not much longer, two days."

"Uh huh." Faith whispers out.

Dawn kisses her shoulder, "Willow didn't say I couldn't-" she lets her hand caress across Faith's stomach.

The Rogue groans and captures the hand. "What are ya doin' D?"

"Helping you out a little," she smiles against her as her lips caress her neck.

"Damn! Are ya tryin' to kill me, cause I'm barely hangin' on here."

"Let me do this for you, make you feel good?"

"No, not if I can't return the favor, ain't happenin'." She holds tightly to both hands and turns to look at her girl. "Understand?"

Dawn nods, "I love you."

"You better," she winks as she closes her eyes and holds her lover.

* * *

Emilee sleeps on the bed between her parents. The young couple look down at the child each playing with a hand. "So, you said there would be talking, about the clothes?" Willow asks softly as her eyes meet chocolate.

"I was thinking we should keep them." She smiles.

"Yeah?" Willow smiles too.

"Yeah, do the hand me down thing I've heard about." Kennedy bites her bottom lip. "If you're sure."

"I'm sure, if you are." Willow says softly.

"Piece of cake right, we can handle two."

"Sure we can." The redhead says.

"Then let's do it. Let's have another little girl."

Emilee stirs and her eyes open, "Hey baby girl thought you were napping," Willow kisses her fingers playfully.

"Should we tell her?" Kennedy asks.

"Think she'll be jealous?" The witch asks.

"Nah, she'll like the idea I think." States the Slayer.

"What do you say baby girl, want a little sister?" The older woman asks.

Emilee coos up at them and both mothers smile.

"Unanimous," Kennedy grins. Kissing her daughter and then her wife, they lie snuggled together quietly, each lost in her thoughts.

Chapter 7: Three's Company or Three's a Crowd?

"I just wanna make sure that-" she lets a smile find her lips. "Kinda I guess. Always was a nerd."

Kennedy sits down behind her and wraps her in her arms. "My nerd," she whispers in her ear as she lets her lips brush against her wife's neck. "And it's definitely sexy."

Willow turns in her arms and raises a questioning brow, "Sexy?"

Kennedy nods and smirks a bit, "Smart women... well, between you and me? Nothing sexier." She leans in and lets her lips brush against Willow's.

The witch blushes at the words and lets her head rest on her Slayer's shoulder. Her lips press against Kennedy's neck as she places soft kisses there.

The brunette moans softly but pulls her girl away. They look into each other's eyes. "Better behave. Gotta save up all your energy," she smiles.

Willow pouts which causes Kennedy to lean in and take the protruding lip between hers. She suckles on it gently and the redhead moans as she lets her hands tangle themselves in her lover's hair.

Willow groans as Kennedy hands slide up her body, the fingers teasing gently along the outside of her breasts. She lets her eyes fall closed. "Goddess," she mummers, her breathing increasing just a little. "Baby please," she manages. She turns back around her back leaning against her Slayer's front as Kennedy releases her lip.

The younger woman smirks as she keeps up her torture, her hands cupping her girl's breasts. "We should stop." She pants out, her hot breath at Willow's ear, as she begins to massage them.

"No," Willow groans out but her mind is able to control her want for an instant. "Yes."

Kennedy drops her head to her lover's shoulder. "Really don't wanna", her hands still, then move slowly away in defeat. With a pout she plops back on the bed, drama queen extraordinaire.

Willow begins to giggle and her girl pouts even more. The redhead turns and settles her body on top of the whinny woman. Kennedy smiles up at her and wraps her arms around her wife. They share a tender kiss and the witch speaks. "Tomorrow, we'll finish this."

"You bet we will." She leans up for a more carnal kiss. When they finally pull away both are breathless. Kennedy rolls Willow under her and then with a peck to her lips hops from their bed. "Back to work." She picks up the notes from the floor and hands them to her girl. "I need a shower." She winks as she goes toward the door.

Willow sits up and looks at her. "I love you." She bites her lip nervously.

Kennedy smiles as she steps back to her girl and kisses her soundly. "I love you, now work." She winks, then leaves the room.

Willow lets her fingers slide through her hair. "Okay, concentrate," she tells herself as she begins to read again.

* * *

The next morning finds Faith resting her head on her hand as she watches Dawn sleep. A smile crosses her face as she thinks about the day to come. This is it, the big day and the rising nerves begin to make her stomach rumbly. She forces the worry away, no way is she going to let it mess up things. This is going to be a day just for her girl, she has it all planned. Her smile returns as she focuses on Dawn next to her. She lets her fingers play along her cheek, then pulls it away not wanting to wake her and spoil the surprise. She pulls her hand and eyes from the woman, then slips quietly from the bed.

* * *

Willow is making breakfast as Kennedy comes into the kitchen with a wide awake little girl in her arms.

The redhead finishes scrambling the eggs and checks the bacon. "Morning." She smiles at her girls.

"Mmm, something smells good." Kennedy kisses her softly.

"Eggs, bacon and toast for my big girl," she smiles kissing Kennedy again and taking the child from her. "And yummy cereal for my baby girl," she kisses her daughter. "Mama's girl hungry?" She asks with a grin already knowing the answer.

The Slayer puts the big girl food in two plates on the table, one for herself and one for Willow. The witch puts Emilee in her highchair and begins to feed her.

"Mmm, that smells good too," Kennedy states. "Whatcha got there?"

Willow grins at her hungry Slayer, "Mixed fruit. It's her favorite, isn't it Em?" The baby coos as she gives her the first bite. She feeds her as she watches Kennedy. She marvels at the gusto her girls show when it's time for food. "Definitely Slayers." She continues to give Em her breakfast.

"What's that suppose to mean?" Kennedy asks with a raised brow.

Willow grins, "Just you like to eat." Emilee grunts in displeasure. "Oopsy baby girl," she puts the spoon in her mouth.

Kennedy blushes and grins, "Can't argue that."

"Well you could, but you'd lose." Suddenly a little hand has the spoon and mixed fruit is on her face and in her hair. "Emilee!"

Kennedy giggles. "Can't keep food from a Slayer, baby. Thought you knew that," she tells her wife.

"Guess it slipped my mind." She tries to clean the little girl but she is still hungry and begins to fuss even more.

Kennedy looks at her redhead, "Let her eat, then we'll get her cleaned up."

Her mama concedes which makes the little Slayer happy. She finishes that jar and then a jar of mixed veggies as well. Finally full she coos contentedly.

Kennedy rubs her tummy, Willow smiles. "You full too?" She lets her hand caress her Slayer's stomach.

"Mmm, guess we should get her cleaned up. Not long before you have to go."

The redheaded witch looks at the clock. "Plenty of time. Do you want to get the sink ready or our Slayer?" She tickles at Em's tummy.

Kennedy smiles, "I'll get her, you get the water ready?" Willow nods her approval as Kennedy picks the baby up out of the chair. "You ready for a bath?"

Willow kisses them both as she goes toward the kitchen and Kennedy goes toward the baby's room.

* * *

Dawn's eyes open slowly and she smiles as she sees soft brown meeting with hers.

"Mornin' Mom," the Slayer whispers out as their lips touch in a tender kiss.

The younger woman can't stop the smile that leisurely covers her face at the words, "Morning Mama," she breaths back as they kiss again. Her fingers caress her wife's face, "Something smells good."

The Slayer looks toward the tray on the dresser by the door. Dawn's eyes follow, then meet again with Faith's. "You didn't have to-"

Faith holds up a hand bringing Dawn's protest to a halt, "Didn't haveta, wanted to though." She moves from the edge of the bed and back to get the food. She sets the tray over her girl's lap. "I fixed all your favorites."

"Funny shapes," she smiles at the pancakes.

"Absolutely," the Slayer grins.

Dawn begins to slowly eat, but stops after a couple of bites. She frowns at her Slayer and Faith arches a brow. "You're not eating? Who are you and what have you done with my wife?"

Faith rolls her eyes and then smiles, "Kinda ate while I was fixin' yours."

Dawn nods but then after taking a bite of bacon holds the rest of it out to Faith. The Slayer growls playfully as she leans forward nipping it from her girl's hand.

Faith looks up at her with a mischievous wiggle of her eyebrows, "Mmm-." She settles on the bed next to Dawn.

Dawn blushes as she takes another slice and does the same, she eats part and holds the other for her girl. Faith again takes it from her fingers but lets her lips linger there a little longer than necessary. Dawn fights a moan, as she looks up and sees the want in her lover's eyes. "Soon." Dawn promises as she kisses her softly.

Both sets of eyes travel to the clock on the night stand to see just how soon it will truly be. Both pout as they realize it's only a few minutes past ten. Faith whines and Dawn grins as she goes back to her breakfast.

* * *

With the bath over, the little girl is in her onesy and jumper. She lies on the rug on her back reaching for the toy that Kennedy holds above her. The Slayer smiles as her daughter grabs onto the rattle and takes it straight to her mouth as she coos and babbles around it.

The redhead joins them, she lies on her stomach next to her Slayer and Emilee. Kissing both, she watches the little girl chew on the toy. "Think she's teething?"

"Maybe-the book says she should start about now." Kennedy smiles as she turns to her stomach as well.

Emilee watches her mommies and lets the toy fall to the floor. She turns to her stomach as well. Willow smiles, "It's amazing isn't it? How much she changes everyday."

Kennedy nods and kisses her redheads. "Remember the first time she rolled over like that."

"I remember," she smiles at the image. "Pretty soon she'll but crawling and then walking and talking-"

Kennedy cuts her off with a playful pout, "You say going to school or dating and I'm gonna not like it. I don't want her growing up all fast."

"Not too fast, no, but she won't be little forever y'know?"

"Don't remind me." She turns to pick up her daughter only to see that she is pushing herself up on her hands and knees, rocking.

Kennedy looks surprised and takes Willow's hand, "Will?" She says softly. They watch unsure as their child steadies herself and moves forward on her hands and knees a few feet before she looks at them and smiles.

They smile at her and each other, "Did you-" Willow sputters.

"I saw," Kennedy nods.

Emilee coos and plops back to the floor with a laugh.

The Slayer scoops her up and hugs her. "Way to go baby girl!"

"You crawled," the redhead smiles and hugs on the girl too.

The mommies grin at each other. Kennedy gets serious, "She shouldn't be able to... The book says 8 months Will-"

"So she's a little ahead of the curve." She shrugs. "It's a good thing."

Kennedy relaxes and nods, "Yeah, you're right. It is."

* * *

Faith is sitting on the couch as Dawn comes in from her shower. She is dressed in jeans and a open backed shirt, the necklace resting prominently on her chest.

Faith who is lounging around in boxers and a tank smiles up at her. "Think you're a little dressed up D?" A wicked smirk finds her face. "Them clothes ain't lastin' long once Red gets here."

Dawn rolls her eyes in classic Summers fashion, "I thought we could go for a walk maybe, something to keep our minds off of the clock y'know?"

Faith nods slightly, "Guess we could, it's just-"

Dawn smiles, "You had other plans?"

The Slayer pulls a box from between the couch and the end table. "Was thinkin' ya could open this." She hands it to her girl.

"Fai-" she stops and shakes her head, kissing Faith gently. She decides telling her gifts weren't necessary was useless. "What is it?" She asks instead as she begins to tear the paper off the present.

As Dawn gets to the box the Slayer starts to grin. When she sees her wife's eyes grow large and watches as she takes the tiny leathers into her hands she grips, "Don't ya think she'll look cool comin' home in those?"

Dawn looks to her Slayer, "First where'd you find anything in leather this tiny?"

She shrugs. "Guy owed me a favor. Kept the vamps from messin' up his shop."

"Second, cute-" she allows herself a smile before adding. "But Sweetie, our daughter isn't coming home from the hospital in that."

Playfully pouting Faith pulls out another box, "How about this?" She raises a brow, her dimples shining.

Dawn opens yet another box, this time she finds a tiny pink, ruffle-y dress, with flowers and lace. "It's... wow-"

Faith grins, "Like it?"

Dawn nods and kisses her softly. "Yeah, she'll look great in it."

Faith teases, "She'd look better in the leathers."

Dawn considers giving in, "She can, if you want her to wear them."

Faith smiles but shakes her head, "I was just messin' with ya. The dress is 5x5 D."

As they share another kiss the doorbell rings. Their eyes travel in unison to the clock that reads 11:45. "She's early." The former Key is suddenly nervous,

"Relax, D. Sooner we get started, the sooner we get ya pregnant," she winks.

Dawn swats her Slayer playfully. Faith giggles as she goes toward the door. The younger woman follows and both are surprised as they see Buffy there. "Buffy!" Dawn chokes out. "What are you doing here?"

Buffy frowns, "Stopping by to see my sister. Is now a bad time?" She takes in Faith's attire.

"Bad... ah... no... no, come on in."

Faith wraps her arms around her girl and holds her. "How ya feelin' B?"

"Better, Willow knows what she's talking about."

"She usually does," Dawn adds.

"So... can I come in?"

Both realize the Slayer is still in the hallway.

"In, right, in," Dawn nods and they move, so that the blonde can come inside.

Faith closes the door as she releases her wife. She stands there as she watches them go toward the couch. Her eyes move to the clock. Before she can join the others the doorbell rings again. Dawn nearly jumps out of her skin. Faith looks at her unsure, and Buffy asks, "You okay Dawnie?"

"Great, fine." She nods.

Faith turns to open the door though she isn't so sure she wants to. When the bell dings again she really has no choice. She opens it partially. "Yo, you're early."

Willow swallows nervously, "Thought we could get it over with."

"Get what over with Willow?" The blonde Slayer asks from the couch. Her Slayer hearing picking up the words.

"Buffy?!" Willow looks almost panicked.

"Hey Will-," she moves to her friend and the Rogue. "What's up?" Buffy waits for an answer sensing she is interrupting.

Dawn follows her sister and reaches for Faith's hand. She pulls her close and all eyes turn to the redhead waiting for the answer.

"Up?" The witch takes a deep breath and decides since she can't lie worth a dime then she'd just have to tell her friend the truth and hope for the best. Not sure what the best might actually be; she begins her babble. "I... well, you see, I-I'm here to watch Dawn and Faith... you know... help with getting Dawn pregnant."

The responses of the group vary at the redhead's revelation. Dawn pales, her body wavering just a bit as though she might pass out.

Faith's dark eyes go large in shock and she shakes her head slightly as if that would clear her ears. Had she actually heard the words she thought she had? Had the witch let their secret out?

Buffy looks at the redhead and then a frown covers her face, followed by a pout. She folds her arms on her chest and states, "Fine, okay you don't wanna tell me, you don't have to. I can take a hint, you don't have to make up some unbelievable story. None of you can lie... except well, maybe Faith. Anyway, see you all later." With those words the Slayer leaves.

Faith looks at Dawn, Dawn looks at Faith, then both turn their eyes to the witch. "Will?" Dawn starts.

Faith intercedes, "Yo Red! When'd ya decide ya weren't afraid of Slayers?"

"I, it, well-" she stammers. "It slipped and then well like she said not so good with the lying so-" she stops and then shakes her head. "I really told her didn't I?"

Faith nods then grins, "The look on her face... man, I'da liked ta had a picture. She about shi-" Dawn pokes her in the ribs with an elbow as a reminder. Faith pouts, "Okay,okay, but she was surprised."

All are in agreement with the Rogue's statement. After a few silent seconds Dawn begins to giggle, followed by Faith and finally the redhead. "The look was priceless." Willow manages as she tries to regain control.

It is Dawn who pulls herself together first. She looks toward the clock and sees it turn to twelve. Faith squeezes her hand and smiles. Her eyes find those of the witch. "About ready to do this?"

Willow looks at the couple, "Ah, ready, right, sure. If-if you are."

Faith looks at Dawn, "Ready D?"

Dawn blushes a little but nods, "Ready," she says in almost a whisper.

Faith leans in and kisses her chastely. "Come on," she winks and pulls her playfully towards the bedroom. Willow stands frozen. "Red!" Faith calls out. The older woman looks at her. "Ya comin' or what?"

Willow blushes, then mutters as she follows after them. "Goddess, I hope so soon." Faith looks back at her with a shit eating grin on her face and Willow turns blood red as she realizes her mistake, "Damn Slayer hearing," she gripes.

* * *

A little later, in the bedroom, a nervous Willow tries to occupy her mind as the couple stands next to the bed kissing. The redhead can't seem to find her focus no matter how hard she tries. Taking another deep breath she forces her mind to the Earth and its power.

Faith's hands tangle in Dawn's hair as their kiss deepens. Finally pulling away for air the Slayer lets her hands rest on her wife's face, cupping her cheeks gently as she starts another kiss.

After their lips brush together Dawn turns her head. Blushing she looks from her girl to the witch, "I'm not sure I can," she whispers.

Faith strokes her cheeks, "Pretend she's not here," she whispers back. "It's just you," she brushes her lips feather light along Dawn's. "And me," she continues as she moves her lips only centimeters away. "Okay?"

Dawn nods, "Okay. Just you and me." She tries to convince herself. She leans in and kisses her girl, soft, short kisses.

She feels Faith's hands work under her top, brushing along her back and she lets her head fall onto her girl's shoulder. "Just you and me," the Rogue repeats as she holds her snuggle-y.

Dawn raises her head and their eyes meet, then their lips. Faith asks for and is granted entrance, her tongue stroking Dawn's causing a moan to escape. They play back and forth from one mouth to the other before the Slayer holds her wife's captive, sucking on it till she feels the shiver go through her girl.

Lost in her wife's touch, taste, Dawn forgets about the witch, forgets about everything but her lover. When that kiss ends, both panting for air, Faith trails her lips along Dawn's jaw line to her neck. Her tongue snakes out, licking a gentle path to her pulse point. Once there Faith takes the soft flesh into between her lips and suckles.

Dawn groans, her body responding to her girl's advances as she presses herself closer. The younger woman's hands find their way under her lover's tank top and tease along her back finally pulling the article of clothing over her Slayer's head and letting it drop to the floor.

Faith looks at her mark and smiles, her hands removing Dawn's top as well. "Love you." She breathes out before taking her lips again. She sits on the bed and Dawn turns, putting a leg on each side of her wife's hips then settling on her lap.

Dawn leans in and kisses her softly, "Love you too."

The Slayer lets her lips start at Dawn's neck and move slowly down to her chest, around the necklace-pressing kisses to her skin, causing her move on her lap and both to groan out in need.

Across the room Willow forces her eyes away as she feels her own body starting to react to the heat growing in the room.

* * *

Buffy is sitting on her couch still a little pouty over the events of the morning. She thinks about what happened with Dawn, Faith and Willow, what was said. 'They weren't serious,' she tells herself. Finally convinced she stands, "I've lost my mind! Never in a million years could that conversation be anything but them picking on me."

As she starts to the kitchen to fix a snack the phone rings. She picks it up. "Hello."

"Hi Buffy. I was wondering if you could do me a favor?"

Hearing Kennedy's voice makes her think about Willow's actions earlier and she starts to say no but changes her mind. "What do you need?"

"Could you maybe watch Emilee for a few hours?"

Buffy smiles at the thought of taking care of the little girl, "Sure, no problem. I can come over..."

"No, I'll bring her to you, about 1:30 be okay?"

"Sure." Buffy agrees.

"Great. I'll have everything she'll need - food, bottle, diapers, extra clothes."

Buffy smiles as she keeps adding to the list, "She's not moving in right, just a visit?"

Kennedy laughs, "No, I'll come get her. Iit's just babies are kinda high maintenance. Lots of stuff needed." She clarifies.

"Okay, cool. See you at 1:30."

"Thanks," Kennedy says as both hang up the phones.

The blonde Slayer walks to make her sandwich, hoping there are no more interruptions. Suddenly an image flashes through her mind- Dawn's suite, her sister, the necklace lying prominately on her chest. She frowns unsure again. "Grrrrr!" She pouts. "Maybe they weren't kidding..." She shakes her head. "They were cause Willow couldn't, wouldn't, not while they were actually with the getting bouncy-" Bouncy? Her mind fights with herself. Okay where'd that come from? -- "Faith," she answers out loud. "Faith in my head ick!" She shudders and goes to hit something instead of making lunch.

* * *

Back in Faith and Dawn's bedroom, the couple have managed to lie on the bed, the Rogue's body pressed against the younger woman's. More clothes have been removed and they lay scattered on the floor.

Faith is wearing only her boxers and Dawn is left in only her underwear. The Slayer kisses her shoulder as she turns her to her stomach and unfastens her wife's bra as she removes it she begins to trail her lips down the exposed skin. When she reaches the top of Dawn's panties she makes her journey back up. All the while the moans grow deeper and more wanton.

As Faith presses her lips to the back of Dawn's neck the former Key forces herself onto her back, the new position leaving Faith resting between her legs, lips just inches from the necklace. She smiles as she sees the soft green glow. The Slayer lets her lips touch it then pulls back just enough to slide the boxers away.

Dawn smiles and runs her hands through Faith's hair and down her back as far as she can reach. She stills them and then begins to make tiny, teasing circles that grow as she continues her actions.

The Rogue looks up at her, putting some of her weight on her forearms. With a wicked grin she transfers it all to one arm, letting the other slip between them-her hand inching down Dawn's body till it stops at the top of her panties. "These gotta go D." She presses her fingers just under the elastic-tantalizing her lover.

Dawn raises her hips and allows her to remove them, thoughts of the witch in the room only a distant memory. Faith settles her body against her girl's, their centers meet and both groan. Dawn's arms wrap around her Slayer, holding her close as the gentle rocking motion begins.

Willow who is still across the room, tries to focus her energy on the mission at hand. She steps closer to the couple. She stops a few feet from the bed, her eyes down, looking only at her own feet. She listens to the sounds, knowing she has to be in place when the time requires it.

"Faith," Dawn forces out and her lover's brown eyes raise to her. "Please." She pants, the need growing faster. "Need-"

She lets her lips fall to Dawn's breast and teases momentarily before her hand moves down quickly. As she traces through wet folds her lover bucks almost out of control trying to force contact. "Easy baby, soon." She assures her girl.

The Slayer looks over her shoulder to the redhead. "It's gonna be quick," she tells her.

With a nod the witch moves into position at the side of the bed. Nervously she reaches out to touch the necklace. After doing so she lets her hand move to Dawn's stomach, the home of the wanted child.

When the younger woman arches into the witch's touch Faith slides home, her fingers pistoning in and out only a few times before the shaking begins.

"Fai-th!" She cries out as her body goes ridged.

The Slayer's fingers keep up their work, pushing her toward yet another release. Willow looks up at the dark eyes of the Rogue as she works to slow her own breathing. Faith smiles her thanks. When Dawn falls again, calling her name even louder the redhead backs away.

She stands by the bed, her own body raging. Her thoughts go to her girl, 'Kennedy-' her word travels to her girl's mind.

Feeling the sexual energy in that one word, her Slayer smiles. 'She's with Buffy,' comes the thoughts of her Slayer.

Willow looks back at the bed to see the couple cuddled together. Soft kisses, gentle touches as they recover in each other's arms. The necklace still emits a soft glow. Without a word she leaves the room.

* * *

Willow jogs down the steps to the apartment she shares with Kennedy pulling off clothes as she goes. When she reaches the bottom she is wearing only her underwear.

Her Slayer is leaning against the arm of the couch as she moves quickly toward her. Kennedy smiles then groans as the redhead jumps into her arms, legs wrapped tightly around her waist.

With a gasp and a groan they tumble onto the couch, the redhead pinning her Slayer under her. She attacks her Slayer's lips kissing her, her tongue plunging deep taking her wife's mouth searching, battling her tongue for control. Willow captures it and the younger woman groans out.

Kennedy is finally able to break away. She smiles as she pants out. "Things work okay?"

Willow manages a nod, "Less talking, more getting naked," gasps the witch as she works to remove her lover's clothes while pressing her lower body into her stomach.

"Baby," Kennedy says with a grin. "You can't get them off without a little space." The redhead presses into her again, "But you can try." Kennedy groans out as she can feel the moisture seep through her lover's panties onto her skin.

Willow keeps striving to rid her girl of the clothes that keep her from what she wants, with no luck. Finally, frustrated because it's taking too long, she mumbles an incantation and the offending clothes have disappeared.

Kennedy shakes her head, then groans as Willow latches on to a stiff peak, sucking hard. "Need you," she mumbles around her prize as she lets her hand slip between them.

The Slayer groans her approval, then rips away her redhead's panties. They moan in unison as fingers find their homes and the rhythm begins.

Chapter 8: The News

Kennedy kisses the top of her head and hugs her tightly to her. "Love you too." She lets her eyes close and smiles as she feels Willow's breathing slow, she knows her girl is now asleep. "Sweet dreams," she whispers as she settles to nap herself.

"Sweet dreams," mumbles the witch.

* * *

In the room upstairs, in their own now private wing, Faith and Dawn lie spooned together. The Slayer's arms wrapped tight around her girl as her fingers play against her wife's stomach. "So," ventures the older, "think it worked?" She presses her lips to girl's shoulder.

Dawn smiles and lets her hand rest on Faith's, "Hmmm, we'll know soon."

Faith nods and smiles as she kisses Dawn's shoulder once more. "Ever explained to you how not patient I am?"

Dawn begins to giggle, "Seem to remember something about that fact." She turns in Faith's arms just as she begins to tickle the younger woman. Dawn tries to wiggle away but can't escape her Slayer's hold. "So- so not fair," she says around the laughter. "No using Slayer strength." She pouts.

"I think it's totally fair," reasons her wife, "when I'm getting picked on and made fun of," she grins as she stops the tickling and pulls Dawn against her body. "But just this one time I'll stop."

Dawn snuggles closer if at all possible and lets her lips brush Faith's neck. "Thank you." She smiles.

"Wanna really thank me?" Faith wiggles her eyebrows as she lets her hand slip between them.

Dawn smiles, "Hmmm how could I do that?" She plays teasingly as she lets her lips brush Faith's neck again.

"Sure we can think of something," her eyes fall closed as Dawn's lips continue to work against the bare skin under them. As they slip down the Slayer's body, and Dawn's tongue comes out to play Faith's strong hands stop her.

Their eyes meet and Dawn looks confused and a little flustered. "Ah... stopping bad," she pouts.

Faith smiles as she kisses her gently, "D, maybe we shouldn't." The younger woman looks at her wife like she's possessed. "If you're pregnant... I mean, I don't wanna take no chances. What if we hurt-"

Dawn's lips silence her girl and she smiles warmly at her Slayer. "If I am, making love isn't gonna hurt anything."

Faith looks unsure, "How do you know?"

"Remember Kennedy and Willow on the bus?" Dawn raises an eyebrow.

Faith smiles and nods, "The noise they made who coulda missed it?"

"Exactly, and Emilee is fine."

Faith puts the pieces together and her smile grows but then fades, "Still, D, I just think we should wait. Just till we know for sure."

Dawn smiles at her lover and brushes her cheek with her hand, "Okay, if it'll make you feel better."

"It would," Faith admits.

"Then we wait, but you realize it could be a couple weeks, right?"

Faith's face falls as she hears the words, "A-a couple weeks... weeks right, I knew that." She holds Dawn to her tightly. "No sweat."

Dawn rolls her eyes out of sight and thinks, 'No way she can hold out that long.'

* * *

Later the redhead and her Slayer lie sleeping in each others arms. A knocking on the door stirs the brunette and she, against her will, forces her eyes to open. As her brain processes the noise that she hears again only louder, she realizes it is someone at the door.

Eyeing the clock she groans internally, knowing without looking that it is Buffy with a none too happy Emilee. The child's feeding time came and went over an hour ago. She pulls herself from her wife's arms, careful not to wake her, then slips on a robe as she leaves the room.

She goes to the top of the stairs and opens the door to be greeted by a pouting Slayer and a screaming child. "Buffy I'm so sorry! I, we, totally lost track of time."

The blonde manages a smirk that would make Faith proud. "I bet."

Her words cause the younger Slayer to blush and restate. "Sleeping- we were sleeping and lost track of time."

Buffy's smirk grows as she takes in Kennedy's appearance. "Of course-" she shakes her head and hands her the little girl who is still crying. "She's hungry I think."

"Good instincts," she kisses the child's forehead. "Mom's sorry baby girl, dinner soon I promise."

Buffy smiles at her words and decides more teasing can wait, "I'll get out of here."

"Thanks for watching her." Kennedy says as she kisses the baby again trying to calm her.

"It was fun."

Kennedy raises a brow and the blonde amends her words, "Okay, not the part with the crying but till then we were of the good." With a wave Buffy goes out the door and Kennedy closes it behind her.

As her turns to go back down and into the living room she sees a tired Willow walking her way with a heated up bottle. "Think someone wants food," she says as she hands the bottle to her girl and Kennedy gives it to the little redhead.

"I'm so bad how could I just forget her?"

Willow smiles and hugs her close as they sit on the couch. "Think I get part of the blame for that," she grins. "I think maybe I had your mind else where."

Kennedy grins back, "Definitely. That was wicked hot," she kisses her redhead softly.

Willow looks down and blushes, then peeks up at her girl. "Wicked hot? Channeling Faith now?"

Kennedy blushes, "No... were you?"

The witch turns as red as her hair, then buries her head against wife's shoulder. The Slayer giggles, then groans playfully as Willow pouts and pokes her in the ribs warning her to behave herself. "Bad Slayer," she teases.

"Not what you were saying earlier." Kennedy kisses her softly before she can protest. Finally the teasing done they look down at their little girl, now content with her parents and her food.

They are quiet for a few minutes as they watch as Emilee attempts to hold the bottle. Kennedy looks up at her wife a tender smile on her face, "So... another baby still the plan?"

Willow smiles as their eyes meet then return to their daughter, "Yeah," she leans in and presses her lips to Kennedy's. "Mmmm," she smiles as she moves away. "I guess that means we need to get the necklace back from Dawn."

"Guess it does, better wait till tomorrow." She winks.

"Yeah, probably better." She lays her head on Kennedy's shoulder and they once more grow quiet as they watch their daughter.

* * *

Kennedy, Faith and Buffy are in a training session a few days later watching and correcting the newest Slayers as they work on fighting techniques. The oldest Slayer speaks softly to a young girl of maybe fifteen, "You can't drop your hands, you're leaving yourself open." The girl nods and then begins to work again. "That's better," she adds as she keeps an eye on the young Slayer.

Finally the blonde realizes that the other Slayers aren't their usual advice giving selves. She looks at both, who appear to be in their own little world. She shakes her head and rolls her eyes. She tries to be subtle and clears her throat to get their attention, but when that doesn't work she tries a new approach. "Vampire!"

Faith jumps startled, "Here?"

"Where?" Kennedy adds as the pair begin to scan the room ready for a fight until they realize that Buffy and the young Slayers are laughing and at them.

Faith frowns and growls, not a bit amused by the Slayer's antics. However, it is Kennedy who grouses a response of the verbal kind. "Not funny."

Buffy laughs even more as do the others who have stopped their practice to watch their leaders banter. "Seems most think it was." She looks around pleased with herself as the teens enjoy the moment.

Faith grumbles, "We'll see how funny they think it is when they're running 10 miles in the morning instead of 5."

The words cause silence in the room, then noise as the young Slayers resume their workout. The once Dark Slayer smiles pleased her words stopped the laughter. The smile fades though as she levels her stare at the blonde leader. "And you-" she starts.

"Not afraid of you Slayer, you can't make me run." She crosses her arms and stares down the dark haired Slayer.

Faith scowls at her knowing her words are true, but she's not ready to give up her revenge. "D'll help me think of somethin !" Her eyes light up at the mention of her wife and suddenly she is lost again, her mind wanders off forgetting all about Buffy.

The once Rogue Slayer can only think of her girl and wonder whether or not the ritual worked-whether or not they were gonna have a baby. The waiting to find out was getting to her, it had to have worked. She wanted a child more than even she realized and with the mere thought of a child, her mind takes her to a place she never dreamed in all her life she would be- happy. Images of she and Dawn with their baby snuggled between them, or swinging gently in a swing with the couple looking on, all things that she never possible.

Kennedy sees the smile on the zoned out Slayer's face and smiles herself. She looks at Buffy and the blonde speaks. "That's how you both looked a few minutes ago. All with that 'I'm not here' look, what's going on?"

Kennedy speaks the truth though it doesn't help the blonde much, "Just happy." She smiles as she thinks of the plans she and Willow have made. "Happy." She repeats.

Buffy rolls her eyes, "Right... I'm happy too but I can still train baby Slayers."

Kennedy looks at the teens, "No major badness going on, everyone can use a break, y'know down time just to hang out. Blow off steam y'know, nothing wrong with that."

Buffy nods, "True, so the two of you; go, hang out, blow off steam."

The younger Slayer smiles, "That scenario included you. You and Xander should go away for a few days, a little R and R cause it won't be long before the baby is here and then time alone? Well it takes some planning."

Buffy grins, "Like the other day?"

Kennedy blushes, "Just like that."

"I'll think about it. In the meantime, take the distracted Slayer away." Both look at Faith and laugh.

"I can do that." She puts a hand on Faith's shoulder and with a jump the older Slayer turns to Kennedy. "Lets get outta here."

Faith frowns unsure, "What about training?"

"Buffy's got it today."

Faith rolls her eyes, "She'll be barfin' anytime now how's she gonna-"

The younger Slayer begins to drag her away. "Stop asking questions before she changes her mind." When they are outside in the cold Cleveland air Kennedy stops and turns to the Slayer, her friend. "So, yes or no? The waiting is killing me."

Faith lets out a breath you can see in the air, "Don't know yet." She chews on her lip. "Drivin' me crazy too waitin'."

"What's the hold up? Just buy a home pregnancy test."

Faith growls, "See I knew I kept ya around for somethin. Why didn't ya tell me sooner?" She playfully punches Kennedy arm then takes off running.

The younger Slayer starts after her. "Why are we running?"

"Ya gotta drive me to the drugstore, I take my bike and get sick Dawn'll have my ass and not in a good way." She says with a wink and a sly grin.

Kennedy stops, processes the words and begins to laugh, before gaining control then running to catch the once Rogue.

* * *

Willow nervously knocks on the door to Dawn's suite. She manages a smile when it opens. "Hey," she says with a smile and Emilee coos her greeting. Both women smile at the child.

"Hey, come on in." They go inside. "Want something to drink?"

"No, I'm good." The redhead says as she sits down with her daughter.

"What's up?" Dawn asks as she watches her friends mannerisms. "I know Willow worry."

"No, no worry just," she blushes a little. "I drew the short straw."

Dawn looks confused then a bit annoyed. "Meaning you didn't want to come here but you had too?"

"Again no, lots of no, a world of no." Dawn raises an eyebrow. Willow tries to explain better. "The-the necklace-"

Dawn's face falls as the fear grips her heart, "Don't tell me it didn't work not after-" her mind twirls to all the problems this news could cause.

Willow shakes her head vigorously. "No, not like that. I just need... the necklace, we need it back." She smiles a little as she looks down at Em and then back up to meet Dawn's eyes.

A slow smile crosses Dawn's face as the words come together and understands fully what Willow is saying. "Really? Wow, so soon... I mean, wow, now?"

The redhead smiles, "We thought now would be good. I want them to be close, I remember how alone I felt, and I don't want her to feel like that." She kisses the top of Emilee's head.

Dawn nods her understanding, then smiles. "She'd never feel like that, too many people love her." She playfully tickles at the infants tummy and the little one coos at Dawn, reaching for her. The young woman grins and takes the girl in her arms hugging her. "Hey Emilee, hey."

Willow watches the Key with her daughter, "You're gonna be a good mom." She smiles.

"You think?" Dawn asks a little nervously.

"I know for positive." The redhead assures.

"Thanks." She continues to play with the baby.

"So, the necklace?" Willow grins.

"Oh, right, forgot. My mind is all with the wondering and the stress of not knowing. Can't concentrate on anything."

"You haven't done a home test?"

Dawn closes her eyes and shakes her head, "I told you about the stressed and the not being able to concentrate right? I guess I didn't think of it."

Willow laughs and takes her daughter as she stands. "Okay, you get the necklace I'll get your coat." The younger woman nods and leaves the room.

As she goes toward the bedroom the front door opens. Willow looks that way to see Faith with a large, brown paper bag in her hands. She takes in the Slayer's anxious behavior and smiles. "Hi Faith."

"Red, hey." She looks toward the bag and then the bedroom door. "Where's D?"

"Getting the necklace for me." She watches the Slayer. "You okay?"

"Yeah, yeah great. Never better." She looks toward the bedroom again.

"She should be right out." With those words Dawn comes in the room. "Yep there she is."

Dawn looks at her wife a little unsure, "Thought you were training?"

"Buffy said she'd take care of it, sent us away."

"So Kennedy's finished too?" Willow's smile grows.

"Yeah she was headed to your place, said you two had plans." Faith manages a grin.

Dawn hands the box to the redhead, "And for those you need this."

Willow nods as she accepts the necklace. "I'll be going then, let you two talk." The woman disappears quietly.

Dawn looks at the brunette in front of her, "So, Willow and I were talking and-"

"K and I were too, I can't believe I didn't think of it before." She opens the bag and Dawn sees it for the first time.

"Whatcha got in there?"

Faith pulls the item out slowly as she looks into the eyes of her lover. "The box says it works really fast."

Dawn smiles at the EPT in her Slayer's hand. "A couple minutes. But they work best first thing in the morning."

Faith nods, "That's why I got two. I figured we could do one now and one in the morning just to make sure."

Dawn becomes worried, the fear surfacing again. She doesn't want to think about it not working. "So now huh?"

Faith steps forward and wraps her in her arms, "Now. And hey, I know it worked... just want it to be official." She winks. "So I can pass out the cigars."

Dawn shakes her head, "You didn't buy cigars." Faith raises her brow. "You did?"

Faith smiles and kisses her softly, "One way to find out." She smiles as she strokes her cheek. "I'll come hold your hand."

The younger woman nods and takes the box from her girl's hand. "Okay. Let's do it."

Faith smirks, "We've done IT lots of times."

Dawn pushes at her teasingly, "You're bad."

Faith nods, "And don't you forget it." She winks. "Come on," she takes Dawn's hand and they go toward the bathroom.

* * *

Willow and Kennedy sit cross-legged on the couch facing each other. The redhead holds the necklace in her hand and looks up at her wife with a shy smile. As she bites at her bottom lip she asks softly, "We're doing this right?"

The young Slayer smiles and nods, "We're doing this, having another baby." She reaches for the necklace and the witch hands it over without question. "Turn around," she instructs after placing a kiss on her redhead's lips.

Returning the kiss, Willow looks into anxious brown eyes and speaks in a whisper. "Nervous? Worry finds its way into her... doubt... maybe Kennedy doesn't want another child. As she sees her love shake her head she pushes the uneasiness away.

"Not nervous," she brushes her lips to Willow's cheek, then her ear. "Excited." The confession brings a smile to the redhead's face. "Can't wait to see you all pregnant, rub your tummy." She wiggles her eyebrows playfully and that causes her wife to laugh.

When they are quiet again, they share another brief kiss, then she turns her back so that Kennedy can put the necklace on for her. With shaky hands the young brunette hooks the sides together and presses a kiss to her girl's shoulder.

Turning to face her Slayer, they share a longer kiss. "Think we should move this to the bedroom?"

Kennedy kisses her again and as she pulls away she tries to speak, "Not a bad idea-" she manages as lips find hers again. This time they move together, then tongues explore as the kiss deepens. A little later she attempts to break the kiss but the redhead follows her as she stands. A laugh escapes as the Slayer finally moves out of her reach. "Bedroom now or we might not make it."

The witch stands with a grin and initiates a kiss that makes the one before it look tame, her hands caress Kennedy's body and her lover moans as she pushes into the hands touching her. "Baby... we-" she pants out but lips on her neck distract her.

Willow lowers them back to the couch and as she rests her body snuggly against Kennedy's the baby begins to cry. Both stop instantly and look toward the hallway. "Hungry cry?" Asks the redhead.

"No, wet." She arches her body up into Willow's causing both to moan.

"Stop that," she whimpers out. "Not nice."

Kennedy grins, "Not what you usually say."

The redhead blushes, but is able to stand. "Rotten." She leans down and kisses her lover. "Don't forget where we were."

"Not likely."

Another kiss and the witch disappears down the hall. Kennedy sheds her clothes quickly and slips a blanket over her naked body. With a contented smile on her face she waits for her girl to return.

* * *

Faith holds the wand in her hand and stares at it. Dawn sits on the side of the tub eyes firmly shut. "What's it say?" Asks the young woman.

The Slayer scowls and looks at it again. A growl finds its way out, "Don't know," she says with a pout.

"What?" Dawn opens one eye, "You're looking right at it how can you not know." A little frustration and anxiousness slips into her words.

"Cause it don't make no sense D," she looks from the test to the box and back again before looking at her girl. "It says one line is yes and two is no."

Dawn opens both eyes, "So which is it?"

"Neither its all kinda mixed together." The Slayer growls again.

The former Key walks to the older brunette and takes her hand in hers. She looks down at the wand to find her Slayer's words are true. "Stupid test."

"Guess we'll just have to wait till morning." Faith pouts.

Dawn wraps her arms around her and kisses her softly. "Sorry, I know it's all stressful."

"No big D, just a few more hours and like I said," she lets her hand stroke Dawn's stomach. "I know it worked." She rests it there as their eyes meet.

The teen smiles and caresses Faith's cheek, "I think you're right."

"You bet," she grins. "What'd ya say we go get some food and celebrate?"

"Celebrate?" Dawn raises a brow a bit intrigued by her wife's words.

"Damn straight, we're havin' a kid, ya celebrate when that happens, even I know that."

Dawn smiles and leans in kissing her chastely, "Okay, we'll go, have food, maybe dance."

Faith frowns, "Not sure ya should be dancin -" Dawn glares. "Okay, fine! We'll dance." She grumbles to herself as her love begins to grin.

* * *

Early the next morning finds Faith alone in her bed. She opens her eyes slowly and frowns when she realizes she is the only one there, no Dawn in sight.

Once she manages to shake the sleep away, she smiles deciding she knows were her missing lover is. She gets up quickly and goes into the bathroom, at the door she looks expectantly as she sees Dawnie with the test in hand. "D?"

The younger brunette looks up at her and their eyes meet.

* * *

In the other side of the house Buffy hears a scream and her Slayer instincts take over. She is out of bed, weapon in hand and gone from the room as Xander wakes up.

She runs down the hallway and toward the suit the once Dark Slayer now shares with her baby sister. Her imagination runs wild, demons, Hell gods, something was hurting her family and she had to stop them. Her pace gets even faster.

She reaches the door just as Kennedy and Willow do, they share a look, a Slayer directive and inside they all go ready for the worst. As they make their way toward the bedroom, room by room they begin to worry even more. Maybe they were caught weapon less, with no way to defend themselves.

When they find the bedroom empty Buffy throws caution to the wind, "Dawn!"

When she doesn't answer Willow tries, "Dawnie?"

They move on toward the bathroom and stop in their tracks at the doorway. They see Dawn sitting on the floor with a groggy Faith lying next to her, her head in Dawn's lap. The younger woman strokes her love's face with one hand, the other resting across Faith's waist, the EPT wand in it.

"Dawn what happened?" Buffy asks as she kneels down next to them. "Are you okay?"

The teen looks up at her sister and smiles, Kennedy and Willow know without words what she's about to say and decide it should be a family moment. "We're outta here," the younger Slayer states as she exchanges a look with her wife.

"Yep," the witch says with a smile. "We'll let the three of you talk."

"Way to go." Kennedy gives Faith a thumbs up and they leave quietly.

"What was all that?"

Dawn smiles at Faith and then looks up at her sister. "We're gonna have a baby."

"A baby?" The oldest Slayer turns pale.

Dawn nods, "See," she reaches the test toward her sister and as she does, the blonde collapses on the floor next to them. "Buffy?" She squeaks concerned. She is able to get her sister's head on her lap as well. "Slayers... tough my ass." She shakes her head amused at the sight before her. 'Can't wait to tell the others they fainted.' She laughs. That thought fades though and is replaced with ones of a little girl that looks like a combination of her and Faith. She can't contain the smile that finds her lips.

Chapter 9: Expect the Unexpected

Kennedy looks up to where her girl was standing and makes a face as she hears her toss her cookies for at least the third time this morning and it is only 6:12.

The young Slayer makes her way out of bed and toward her love.

* * *

Upstairs and on the other side of the house, Faith and Dawn wake up as well. The younger brunette opens her eyes slowly waiting for the nausea to hit like every other morning for the last two weeks, but gives a slight smile when it doesn't. "Morning," she whispers as she kisses her girl's shoulder as she turns to her side.

Faith smiles, happy to see that Dawn isn't sick. "Hey you, how ya feelin'?"

Dawn lays her head on her Slayer's shoulder and wraps an arm around her waist. "Lots better."

"Good," says the Rogue as she wraps an arm around her girl as well. "Today's the day." She kisses the top of her head.

"Doctors are icky," Dawn gives her opinion.

"Can't say I disagree D, but this is a good thing. Need to make sure everything's okay with her." She lets her hand stroke Dawn's stomach and the younger woman smiles.

"I know. I know I have to go, but I still don't like it."

"What if I promise I'll make it up to ya later?" Faith raises an eyebrow then wiggles it.

Dawn smiles and a laugh slips out, as she looks up at her wife and imitates her wiggling brow. "Think that'll work?" She becomes serious.

Faith smirks and leans in kissing her soundly. As she pulls back and looks into Dawn's aroused eyes, she states, "Ya bet it will." She sits up and pulls Dawn with her. "Now move it, Mama!" She grins.

Dawn groans at her Slayer's words but a smile finds her features. "Goof."

Faith laughs and starts to strip out of her tank and panties. Dawn's eyes darken as she watches. "Race ya to the shower." She takes off and Dawn scrambles from the bed following closely behind.

* * *

Willow lays on the couch, her eyes closed as Kennedy fixes lunch. The redhead groans as the smell makes her stomach rumble. She turns over and buries her face in her pillow hoping it's enough to stop the odors from penetrating her senses. Throwing up is so not on her list of fun ways to spend her afternoon, especially not after being sick all morning.

Emilee coos from the swing in the corner and Kennedy smiles up from the food on the stove. "Hey baby girl."

The little one coos some more, waving her hands in front of her as she jabbers. Her mommy smiles.

Wiping her hands Kennedy checks the rolls in the oven one more time before going over to the baby redhead. "Some one wants out huh?" She lifts her out and kisses her face playfully. "Wanna check on Mama? Let's go." They start to the couch and she looks down at her wife a little worried. "Will?"

With a groan the witch turns over slowly and opens her eyes. The world however spins and as she turns an unearthly shade of green she jumps to her feet running from the room towards the bathroom.

Kennedy makes a face and hugs Emilee tighter, "Mama isn't feeling very good today." She pouts and then smiles as her daughter tries to imitate the face. Placing the little redhead in her playpen as they pass it, she goes to check on her big redhead.

* * *

Faith and Dawn walk through the house hand-in-hand. Both smile as they share a series of soft kisses. As their lips meet again they stop, Faith's back hits the door of the library and she pulls Dawn flush against her. This kiss is deeper, more intense and when they break apart both are fighting for air. Faith smiles and so does the younger woman as she rests her forward on her Slayer's. "It worked."

Faith nods and smiles, kissing her once more. "That it did." She looks into her eyes. "Happy?"

Dawn caresses her lover's cheek, "Yeah, very happy. You?"

Faith kisses her again, "Don't begin to cover it D. It's fuckin' great."

Dawn blushes then pokes her playfully, "Language."

"Shit! I mean shoot!" She growls then pouts. "It was just a little slip it shouldn't count, cause of the good news and all." She looks into her girl's eyes.

Buffy walks in, "Good news, what good news?" She looks at the couple and both smile bright enough to light the area for days.

Faith grins at her girl, "So think we should tell her?"

Dawn teases, "Hmmm not sure."

Buffy pouts, "Fine, just be all secrety! I won't tell you my secrets either."

"You don't have secrets." Dawn states.

"I could... Okay well, I don't right now, but sometime I will and I won't tell either of you, only Willow."

Faith bumps shoulders playfully with her girl. "Well since she could possibly someday have a secret, maybe we should tell her."

Dawn bounces, smiles and then squeals before spilling the news. "We're definitely pregnant-"

"But the doc says she's doing great, everything's good, about 4 weeks along." Faith kisses her as she watches Buffy waiting for a response.

"Wow! Okay... wow!" She hugs her sister.

Faith shakes her head and smiles, "Ah I'll let you too talk. Gotta tell K the news." She kisses Dawn soundly. "Not too long, 'cause you should take a nap. I'll fix dinner." She kisses her one more time and goes off down the hallway.

Buffy looks at her sister, "Again with the wow!"

Dawn smiles, "So you're okay with this?" She bites her bottom lip. "I mean wow is nice but not very informative."

Buffy smiles, "If you're happy, then I'm happy."

"I'm happy."

"Then I'm okay with this." They walk toward the kitchen and as they reach it Buffy looks at her sister. A thought hits her like the right cross of a demon. "Um... Dawnie? You- you remember that day when Willow came in while we were talking and said she was there to get you pregnant? She... she was joking... Right?" Buffy's thoughts go on a rampage. 'That can't have happened she wouldn't have while Dawn and Faith were... ugh, side note, don't wanna think of them having... well... doing... grrrrr! Stop now please!' She forces all the images away to look at her sister. Their eyes meet.

"You really wanna know?" Dawn asks with a raised brow.

Carefully considering her options Buffy shakes her head feverously, never to bring it up again. "No. No, I'm thinking I don't, not really. It's okay, forget I brought it up."

"Good." She smiles as she watches her sister fight with her thoughts. "Sandwich?" She goes to get the bread from the cabinet and then opens the refrigerator.

Buffy sits down, her legs a little shaky. "Food's good, but I thought Faith was fixing dinner for you?"

Dawn smiles, "Well, yeah, but I'm hungry now."

* * *

Downstairs later, the witch and her Slayer sit snuggled together on the couch watching a movie. Emilee's coos can be heard on the monitor and both smile at the sounds. "Thought you put her down for a nap?" Asks the redhead.

"That was the plan, but seems like maybe she had other ideas." Kennedy smiles. "But it's okay, she's just playing. She'll crash when she's tired." Willow turns slightly so she can kiss her girl's lips, then turns back cuddling closer. She can't stop the yawn that escapes. "Think maybe you should get a little nap too." The Slayer presses her lips to the top of her head, then lets her hand caress Willow's stomach. "Lots of stuff going on in there and rest is of the good."

Willow looks up at her and smiles, "Being over protective Slayer already?" She asks with a grin.

"No, just want you to be all rested for later." The younger woman smirks.

The redhead turns so that their eyes meet, "What's later?" She asks innocently.

With a wiggle of her eyebrows Kennedy leans in and begins to nibble on her neck. When she hears her lover moan, she pulls back and whispers in her ear. "I'm gonna show you just how happy I am." She trails her lips down Willow's neck, then presses a kiss to her lips. "Now, let's get you snuggled in bed."

The witch pouts, "I can snuggle right here."

Kennedy smiles and holds her tighter. " 'K-" They are quiet and the redhead's eyes drift closed.

Willow speaks softly, "Faith was pretty excited."

Kennedy kisses the top of her wife's head. "Yeah. Now, if you wanna talk about over protective Slayers, she-she's gonna be an overprotective Slayer."

"True-" Willow smiles.

* * *

In the suite that the Rogue and her wife share you can hear the Slayer curse loudly. "Damn son of a bitch."

Dawn giggles, "Sweetie let me help with dinner."

"No," comes Faith's one word reply, followed by more profanity.

Dawn starts to get up from the couch but a soft growl stops her. "Fine, not moving but please don't burn down the house."

"Smart ass," Faith mutters as she hears the words.

A few minutes later she is finally able to get the food into the oven. "Damn stubborn-" she stops as she walks toward her girl. "What somethin' to drink?"

"Still have the juice you got me ten minutes ago, thanks." She eyes her girl. Faith nods and goes toward the bedroom. "You want me to run you a bath-"

Dawn shakes her head. She can't figure out what to do. They have known for sure about the baby for less than 3 hours and already Faith is driving her crazy. She doesn't want to over react because she knows that the Faith wanting to do everything for her is nerves but she's not sure how much more of it she can stand. "Faith, baby, come here."

Faith looks at her nervously, "You okay? Is there somethin' wrong? Should I call the doc-"

Dawn interrupts. "Stop, okay? Just... deep breath-" she walks to her girl and presses her lips to Faith's. "I'm fine, we're fine," she puts her Slayer's hand on her stomach. "But you... you my silly girl are being way to protecty." She kisses her again. "And its nice and sweet, but it's gonna stop."

Faith looks at her like she's lost her mind. "Stop?"

"Stop with the trying to do everything. Pregnant here, not helpless. Got it?" Dawn's looks into her eyes.

Faith frowns and then after a few seconds speaks, "I just wanna take care of you, is that bad?"

Dawn shakes her head, "Bad? No. No, it's not." She kisses her tenderly. "But-"

"But," she starts and then smiles realizing she might have gone a little over board. "A little over the top?"

"Just a little. So maybe after dinner, we both take a nice soaky bubble bath and talk about all of this 'k?"

Faith smiles and nods, "Okay, but I still get to take care of you right?"

"Some." Dawn states and her Slayer grins from ear to ear.

* * *

Buffy and Xander sit on the back porch swing. They are quiet, the man waits for his girl to speak, he can tell she has something on her mind, but he doesn't want to push her. He wraps an arm around her and pulls her closer, she lays her head on his shoulder. "Feeling okay?" He asks as he kisses the top of her head.

She looks up into his eyes, "I feel fine," she kisses his lips. "Dawn's pregnant."

He smiles and nods, "Yeah, I know. Got the cigar." She frowns at him. "Not gonna smoke it."

"Good, 'cause they're very smelly," she makes a face.

He laughs softly, "So, you doing okay with the news?"

She rolls her eyes, "Not like I didn't know it was gonna happen."

"True, but sometimes you like to pretend-" she glares and he stops.

"Unless that sentence has something to do with the dressing up we were discussing the other night you might not want to finish it."

"Right, not another word." He is quiet and her head rests back on his shoulder. The silence returns but both seem more comfortable. "About that conversation from the other night, what did we decide?" He grins.

She pokes his side playfully, and he wiggles away. She giggles too as he captures her hands. The wrestling continues with laughter filling the air.

* * *

Days pass and the atmosphere at the mansion is one of laughter and ease. All want to mention the fact, but none want to curse it, knowing that a single comment might cause it to all come to a crashing halt full of monsters and demons too numerous to count.

Faith and Xander are in the entertainment room with cartoons playing as they battle in a game of Halo. The Slayer curses as she is out maneuvered by the man and he simply laughs. "Yuck it up Xan-Man, you'll need me to save your sorry ass some night and I'll be remembering this."

He laughs again, "You know you'd have my back. Dawn would kick your ass if you didn't."

Faith rolls her eyes as he speaks, changes her attack pattern, and hears the man begin to complain. "Yep now that's better. Ha!" She smiles.

A few minutes later Buffy walks in and smiles from the doorway as she watches them, once again arguing like two kids. "About finished with that?"

Xander looks up when he hears her voice. "Almost."

Faith adds, "Bout kicked his ass. Just give me like five more minutes."

Buffy pouts at her words she doesn't want Xander to lose. She smiles coming up with a sneaky plan. "Dawn find you?"

"D... she's looking for me?" Faith looks up distracted. Buffy nods. "What did she want?"

"She didn't say."

Faith looks worried, Dawn was going to take a nap, then read the baby book she got the other day. The Slayer puts down the control and stands. "Later Xan, B-" she jogs toward the suite of rooms they share.

Buffy begins to laugh, Xander raises an eyebrow. "What?"

"Dawn wasn't looking for her was she?"

"Ah... well, she might be." She smiles smugly.

Xander stands and hugs his girl. "Pretty sneaky but why the covert?"

"She was beating you, couldn't have that." She kisses him softly.

Xander grins, "Thanks." They share another kiss.

"Welcome." Another kiss.

"Why don't we take this somewhere else, so I can thank you good and proper?" With one more kiss they start toward their room.

* * *

A few more quiet days and nights pass and it's beginning to cause all to forget that they do indeed live on a Hellmouth.

Giles though, ever cautious doesn't speak of trouble, but he has taken to researching as well as demanding in-depth reports of all nightly patrols. The young Slayers grumble but they do as they are told.

The Watcher stands over a table, a large map nearly covering it. He charts the demon action and type from one list and begins with another.

As he is working Buffy walks to the door and watches with a bit of uncertainty. She decides on a cheery approach. "Whatcha doin'?

He jumps startled and then as he pulls off his glasses begins a rather unconvincing explanation. "Buffy... well, you see, since things have been rather-" he hesitates.

"Demon-free." She supplies.

"Well, yes, but not-"

Again she completes his sentence. "But not in a questioning the Powers That Be way."

"Precisely," he wipes at his glasses. "I thought it would advisable to keep myself sharp with-"

She approaches the table. "With maps and statistics on all activity over the last three weeks?"

"Four actually." He puts his glasses back on.

"What did you find out?"

"Buffy are you sure you really want to have this conversation?"

She smiles at the man, "Are you asking if I'm willing to tempt fate?"

"One could reach that assumption, yes."

She frowns, "Is there anything in there worth the risk?"

"At this point, no. It would be mostly conjecture."

"Well then, I'm just gonna back out of the room and pretend I saw nothing. I have a best friend's day planned."

"That would be most appropriate." He nods as she leaves. He continues with his work adding to the map with each paper he goes over.

* * *

Later that night as Buffy gets ready for bed, she stands sideways in front of the mirror. She has her thin robe pulled back , her hand is gently stroking her growing stomach. "Hey there baby," she says softly.

Xander stands in the doorway, a smile on his face as well as he watches. He moves stealthily for a one eyed man and slips his arms around her so that his hands rest on hers against her rounding stomach. He kisses her shoulder and then her neck before speaking. "How's she doing?"

"He's doing fine." Buffy says back with a smile.

"I thought we discussed this, picked out names." He pulls her closer so she is now held snugly to his body. He kisses the top of her head.

"Discussed, true, but there was lots of not agreeing." She looks over her shoulder at him and up into his smiling eyes.

"Oh, I remember now. Someone was being stubborn."

"Yes, you were," she says with a mischievous twinkle in her gaze.

"Was not! It was you all insistent on having a boy. When I said clearly that would have to wait till next time." He smiles as she rolls her eyes at his words.

"Let's finish this time before talking about a next time please?" He turns her in his arms and kisses her softly, playfully trying to convince her on a next time. "Not gonna work, the memories of the throwing up way too recent to even consider it."

He lets his hands roam her body teasingly as he kisses her again, his tongue tracing her lips and finally gaining entrance. As his tongue strokes against her she moans softly, and when they break apart minutes later both pull in needed air. "A little girl first and a boy second." He manages around heavy breathing.

She nods against his chest without protest, struggling to form words finally, "If-if you say so, 'K."

With a smile he wraps her in his arms and carries her to the bed, placing her in the middle of it and crawling in beside her. They snuggle together, her head on his shoulder and his arms holding her close. He kisses the top of her head. "Sleep." He says simply.

She however has other plans as she places tiny kisses across his shoulder and along his neck. His moan is just audible to her Slayer ears and she smiles at its sound. She continues her journey.

* * *

In Faith and Dawn's room the scene is similar. Dawn screams her release, as a smiling Faith works her way slowly back up her body. She places kisses all long the way before stopping to let her lips and then her hand gently caress Dawn's slightly rounded stomach. She can't help but smile as she rests her head there. "I love you," she states softly.

Dawn lets her hand tangle in Faith's hair as she hears the words. A smile finds her face as she continues to try to calm her trembling body. She fights to keep her eyes open but they still drift closed as her body begins to relax even more.

Faith can hear her steady breathing and smiles, "Sleep baby." She says as she moves up to hold Dawn in her arms.

The Key mumbles, "Love you," as she does as her girl asks almost instantly.

"Love you," whispers the Slayer as her hand goes back to Dawn's stomach, moving ever so gently back and forth, before settling protectively on the home of the growing child. "Love you both."

* * *

Willow and Kennedy stand in the baby's room as they check on her before going to bed. The Slayer kisses her daughter's forehead as the Witch makes sure she is snuggled warmly in her blanket. She puts Emilee's favorite toy right next to her. "Sleep tight baby girl," whispers Willow as she kisses her too.

Kennedy looks up at her redhead, "Now let's get you all tucked in too."

Willow smiles shyly, and bites her bottom lip as she moves into her girl's arms. "Not tired."

"No?" Asks the Slayer as she holds her close. The older woman shakes her head. "Hmmm... not sleepy, now what?" She asks but doesn't wait for an answer as she kisses her lips gently. When she pulls back, both are breathing a little harder than before.

Their foreheads lean together and Willow speaks, "I was thinking maybe we could take a nice long bath."

"With bubbles?" Asks the Slayer as her hands begin to work the buttons of her wife's blouse.

Willow's lips meet hers again, "Lots of bubbles." She moves back a step as she pulls Kennedy's t-shirt from her jeans. They share another kiss, both struggle for air as it ends. "Let-let's move this to-"

Before she can finish she is swept up in her Slayer's strong arms and carried from the room. Their lips meet and tongues explore as they enter the bathroom.

Once inside Kennedy smiles as she sees the candles lining the room. She looks into Willow's eyes. "Think you had this planned."

She blushes but nods, "Wanted to celebrate."

"Celebrate?" Asks her Slayer as they kiss once again. "I like celebrating," she manages before letting her lips trail along Willow's neck and up to her ear. There she lets it tease around the outer shell before taking the lobe between her lips and sucking. Willow moans loudly, getting lost in her lover's touch. "But what are we celebrating?" She whispers in her ear, her breath tantalizing the wet skin.

The redhead tries to right her thoughts, focus and process the question and the answer, finally she is able to contend with her emotions and produce an audible response. "It's official-" Kennedy looks at her girl confused. Willow smiles, "The baby! I'm-I'm late."

Kennedy smiles and kisses her chastely. "Hmmm... the throwing up wasn't official enough?" She winks.

She rolls her green eyes and pokes the younger girl playfully, "It could have been the flu."

"Right," she teases. "So, since it's all official now, what do we do next?"

"Celebrate silly," she grins as she pulls her into another kiss and at the same time begins to work the buttons of Kennedy's jeans loose making sure she gives added pressure to all the right spots. Her Slayer moans into the kiss and the redhead's tongue explores with abandon.

* * *

Later, their bubble bath celebration finished, the Slayer lies in bed with her sleeping redhead. Spooned together skin against skin, Kennedy lets her fingers trail along Willow's body, not trying to excite her or awaken her, just lost in the woman she loves more than life.

She press her lips to the back of her head and then takes in a deep breath, the scent that is only Willow fills her senses. She smiles as she traces her arm, down to her fingers and then back up, before settling on her stomach. It's then she realizes that her lover's body has already begun to change slightly.

She gets a look of uncertainty in her eyes and her mind sets off on a worrisome journey. At just a little less than six weeks should she be able to feel the changes? She thinks... her own pregnancy and the speed in which Emilee developed, they had assumed it was because she was a Slayer, but what... what if it wasn't the Slayer genes but the amulet instead?

She shakes her head slightly, "No, I'm just over reacting, she's fine. They're both fine," says the woman to herself. As she holds her girl the agitation begins, she can't rid herself of the thoughts. Willow mumbles and turns her eyes opening slowly. Kennedy smiles as she sees them. "Close those eyes, beautiful, and sleep."

Willow blushes knowing the lovemaking had wiped her out. "Didn't mean to-"

Kennedy kisses her lips gently, "Lots of celebrating, kinda wore you out," she winks.

"I'll let you go on thinking that," Willow grins.

"Back to sleep you, I'm gonna go check on Em. It's almost time for her late night snack."

"But you're all warm," she cuddles into her even more.

Kennedy smiles, "I'll hurry, promise."

Willow's eyes flutter, "Hmm... 'K."

She watches her redhead's eyes slide closed and waits for the even breathing before slipping from the bed and into a tank and shorts. However, instead of going into Emilee's room, she goes toward the living room and digs through the books on the shelf. She pulls out one entitled, Your Changing Body - the Stages of Your Developing Baby. The Slayer sits on the couch and begins to read.

To Be Continued...

Go Back To Part 1(Chapters 1-5)

Send Feedback to the Author

Return to the LIFE Series Page

Return to the Site Home Page