Rating: R
Disclaimer: All of the materials borrowed from Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel belong to Joss Whedon and to the entities and companies associated with their creation. I have borrowed them for creative and entertainment purposes only. No compensation has been or ever shall be received for the writing below. No copyright infringement is intended. The song I'd Do Anything For Love(But I Won't Do That) is copyrighted by Meatloaf and reprinted here without permission, but with no intention of fraud or making any money off his talent. Please don't sue
Distribution: The Kennedy Fanfic Archive: http://www.kennedyfanfic.com/fanfic/
Wolf Tales: http://www.elfie.org/~wolfkin/wolftales/index.html
If you are interested in posting my story on your site, please contact me first for permission.
Feedback: Yes, please. Any type you wanna send. Can't fix what I don't know is broken, right?
Spoilers: Show's been off the air since May of 2003. Can they still be considered spoilers?
Author's Notes: I have kept to the BtVS/Angel canon to the end of Chosen and season 4 of Angel. After that, It's my little world!
F/F romance: This story assumes a loving and sexual relationship between people of the same gender. If this offends or is illegal for you, then please leave. Come back when you are older, have an open mind, moved, or changed your laws.
Pairing: Willow/Kennedy, Faith/Dawn, Buffy/Xander
Summary: Two years after the events in Chosen and a few months after The Costume Party, some of the couples have a girls night out.
Set-up: Gang is based in Cleveland, rotating new Slayers through a six month training cycle before sending them home or where ever the council assigns them. Giles spends three months in England, three months in the US. Permanently based in Cleveland are Buffy, Dawn, Willow, Kennedy, Faith, Xander, Rona, and Vi.
Two cars, one silver, one maroon, slide into adjacent parking spots near a packed nightclub. The spots had appeared as if by magic, which, in truth, they had. A beautiful redhead in the silver Lexus smiles at the brunette driving as the glamour of two cars fades and they snagged one slot, followed quickly by the other car.
Climbing out, Willow turns to the occupants of the other car, smiles and bubbles, "Come on!" Kennedy joins her and takes her redhead's hand and they start toward the nearby club.
The doors open and Faith and Dawn both jump out, Dawn quickly slithering around the front of the vehicle to slide under her girlfriend's protective arm. Faith laughs at the girl's exuberance and kisses quickly before the follow the other couple.
Approaching the front of B's, the name of the night spot a source of endless teasing for the two brunette Slayers for a blonde one, the couples walk passed the fairly impressive line and up to the doorman. He smiles as he sees Faith and Kennedy and waves them passed. More than once, the duo had helped out with keeping the peace in the place, so the owner had given them a permanent pass in gratitude. Both Slayers tried to only use it occasionally, but sometimes, fun just has to happen before principles.
Dawn smiles wildly as a new song starts playing and Faith recognizes it as one of her girl's favorite, though she isn't sure about it yet. Dawn starts tugging her Slayer toward the dance floor, and Faith, smiling and bowing to the inevitable, shouts back at Kennedy, "Grab us a table!"
Kennedy smiles and nods vigorously. Steering Willow over to the sidelines, she finds a table that's obviously just been abandoned and Willow sits, facing the dance floor. "I'm gonna go get our drinks. You be ok, here?" she half shouts in her lover's ear.
Willows smiles and mouths, "Of course!" She watches Dawn and Faith as Kennedy moves off.
The couple starts a little apart, almost flirting in the moves their making. Soon, though, they're starting to get closer, grinding for a second, then backing off. A few people try to break in, but quickly back off when they realize the two are together and the couple continues to tease each other. As the song nears the end, Dawn suddenly pulls her Slayer to her and kisses her fiercely. Lips move and tongues dance as the couple holds the kiss until long after the song ends and the next starts.
Dawn reluctantly breaks off her kiss and, flushed and panting for air, motions to the table where Willow is. Faith agrees, smiling hugely. Dawn isn't often the aggressor in their relationship and the older girl just loves it when she is.
Willow smiles up at her friends as they join her. "You guys are really evil, teasing all those girls like that!" she tells them, laughingly.
All are laughing together when Kennedy returns. She gives Willow a wondering look, silently ask 'what'?
"They were dancing and people were trying to cut in."
Kennedy smiles and shakes her head sadly. "Like that was going to happen!"
Dawn and Faith share a look, then both declare, "Never!", before collapsing into another passionate kiss.
Kennedy's competitive spirit flares and she pulls Willow into her lap, pressing a quick kiss onto her lips. Willow squeals as she feels herself being lifted and moved, then smiles after her Slayer kisses her. When Kennedy plants another soft kiss, Willow deepens it. Lips begin sliding on lips, hands begin to roam.
"Hey, D! Don't'cha just hate it when they embarrass us?"
The couple breaks apart, Willow blushing furiously. Even Kennedy's face darkens a little. "Forgot where we were for a minute." she says, setting Willow back in her own seat. "Besides, you can't embarrass someone who's shameless!"
The dark Slayer just laughs and waves her hand in a 'yeah, whatever' motion, taking a sip of the drink Kennedy placed in front of her.
"Come on, Will. Let's dance!" The younger Slayer stands and holds out a hand, which her witch eagerly takes. The couple move over to the edge of the dance floor where they'll still be able to see their table and Kennedy wraps her arms around her love as the sway and move to the beat.
Dawn looks at Faith, eyes shining, and the Slayer rolls hers, but gets up and leads the young woman over near their friends.
The couples have been dancing for hours, occasionally fending off a trolling single, when Faith leans over to Kennedy and requests, "Hey, K! Need to pee, wicked bad. Come with?"
The other Slayer grins at her. "You still need help with that? Thought you were doin the cradle robbin', not the other way around!"
Faith stands, pulling the brunette to her feet. "Ha! A Slayer comedian. Just c'mon!"
"Ok! Right back, baby." She tells Willow, then follows Faith.
Willow smiles and sips at her drink, then frowns. Dawn notices the expression and yells, "What?"
The redhead grimaces and nods to the girl's right. Descending upon them is one of the clueless males that dot the club, all hoping to find a couple who will make their threesome fantasies come true. Both of the scooby couples have been approached by guys like this before and Willow and Kennedy always send them packing. Willow's days with guys are over and Kennedy never had any interest in the first place.
Faith and Dawn, on the other hand, had picked up a couple of them, both of whom turned out to be nice guys. One of them even became a casual friend of the scoobies when all was said and done.
[This guy,] though, Willow thinks, [is just way too "eww!]. She saw Dawn look over her shoulder, then roll her eyes back toward the witch.
"Hey, there ladies. You wouldn't be looking to make a few friends, tonight, would you?" The idiot tries his best smile, but it just makes him look slimier.
Dawn reaches over and takes Willow's hand as she stands. "Thanks, but we have all the friends we need!", she replies to the creep, dragging the redhead out to dance.
The former Key shudders as they see the guy just head toward the next table. "You sure we can't put a spell on him? Something, I don't know, involving goats?"
Willow smiles and shakes her head, laughter sparkling in her eyes. "What did the goats ever do to you?"
"That's a point!" she giggles back.
As they wait in line, Kennedy sighs. "Do you really need me to hold your hand?"
"Again with the funny!" Faith replies. She holds out a CD case. "Here. I wanted you to do me a favor and give this to the dj. Ask him to play it at midnight."
"Sure, but why don't you do it? And what's on here?"
"Cause he's your friend, Junior, so he'll go along if you ask. The song's a surprise, but I heard it played here before, so it'll be five by five."
Kennedy dubiously takes the proffered jewel case and slips in her jacket, then they both head into the Ladies room.
After taking care of business, Faith returns to their table and finds it empty. Looking over to the floor she spots her girlfriend and Willow dancing and laughing, so she heads over to join them.
Kennedy appears a moment later, her errand complete, and smiles and nods at Faith. She doesn't understand the fleeting look of fear that crosses the Slayer's face, but, as Willow presses herself into the raven haired girl, she forgets about it.
Both Slayers laugh as their girls tell them about the smarmy creep and their evening continues.
At midnight, Kennedy looks at the dj, sees him nod, then smiles at Faith. The other Slayer smiles back, nervously, it seems to Kennedy.
Faith stands and takes Dawn's hand, leaning down to tell her, "I asked to dj to play us a song. Dance with me?"
Dawn smiles up at her girl. They've been there for nearly four hours, dancing most of it, and she's a little tired, but she can't refuse Faith anything. The couple reaches the floor just as a piano pounds out a rapid beat and the younger girl's eyes light up as she recognizes the song Faith requested.
She remembers the first time she heard the song "I'd Do Anything For Love". It had been on the end of a workout CD her Slayer had playing while she exercised and had started as she came in to give Faith some water. The older woman's taste in heavy metal only occasionally produced something she liked, but this guy, Meatloaf, was definitely one of them.
As Faith mopped her face with a towel and drank water, Dawn had listened to the lyrics and was starting to get into in when Faith had lunged and drawn the surprised teenager into an embrace and fierce kiss. When she was able to draw back a bit and catch her breath, Dawn had looked into her girlfriend's eyes and had been startled by the raw need and lust she saw there. They had made love twice at that point, but this was the first time Dawn had seen this side of the double Hs.
Suddenly The Slayer had plucked her from the bench she was on and swept the girl into her arms, kissing her passionately the whole time. Dawn was surrounded by the smell of sweat and Faith's own slightly musky scent, the smell of a Slayer in heat.
"P-please, baby! I need you so bad!" Faith had panted.
Dawn cupped her girl's face and kissed her lips gently. "Shh! I know what you need, sweetie. It's ok." Then she drew the Slayer into another steamy kiss as Faith stumbles over to the piled up mats in the corner.
After that, every time Dawn had heard this song, she could smell Faith's scent and her body immediately started getting aroused. It didn't matter where she was, or whether Faith was with her, it always happened, and tonight was no exception. She could feel her body, all ready full of yummy sexual tension from the night's grinding dances, start to hum harder and faster. As they reached the dance floor, she pulled her Slayer into a tight embrace and buried her face into the girl's hair, breathing deeply.
As has become their custom, Faith and Dawn both start singing along with the song, each saying the words to her lover in an affirmation. They sway to the beat, holding each others hand, though Faith keeps her right hand balled up, so Dawn holds it in her palm. They keep far enough apart so they can watch the other mouth the words .
And I would do anything for love, I'd run right into hell and back
I would do anything for love, I'll never lie to you and that's a fact
But I'll never forget the way you feel right now, oh no, no way
And I would do anything for love, but I won't do that, I won't do that
Anything for love, oh I would do anything for love
I would do anything for love, but I won't do that, oh I won't do that
Some days it don't come easy, and some days it don't come hard
Some days it don't come at all, and these are the days that never end
Some nights you're breathing fire, and some nights you're carved in ice
Some nights are like nothing I've ever seen before or will again
Maybe I'm crazy, but it's crazy and it's true
I know you can save me, no one else can save me now but you
As long as the planets are turning as long as the stars are burning
As long as your dreams are coming true, you better believe it
That I would do anything for love, and I'll be there 'til the final act
I would do anything for love, and I'll take a vow and seal a pact
But I'll never forgive myself if we don't go all the way tonight
And I would do anything for love, oh I would do anything for love
Oh I would do anything for love, but I won't do that, oh I won't do that
As the lyrics began repeating, the couple comes together share a deep kiss and embrace, then pull back a little as the lyrics change.
Some days I pray for silence, and some days I pray for soul
Some days I just pray to the God of Sex and Drums and Rock 'n Roll
Some nights I lose the feeling, and some nights I lose control
Some nights I just lose it all when I watch you dance and the thunder rolls
Maybe I'm lonely and that's all I'm qualified to be
There's just one and only, the one and only promise I can keep
As long as the wheels are turning, and long as the fires are burning
As long as your prayers are coming true, you better believe it
That I would do anything for love, and you know it's true and that's a fact
I would do anything for love, and there'll never be no turning back
But I'll never do it better than I do it with you, so long, so long
And I would do anything for love, oh I would do anything for love
I would do anything for love, but I won't do that, no no no I won't do that
I would do anything for love, anything you've been dreaming of
But I just won't do that
This time when the song starts chanting the words of the chorus, the women don't kiss, just touch foreheads and stare into each other eyes. As the lyrics start back up, they each take a part and sing, taking the words into their souls.
(Faith)
But I'll never stop dreaming of you every night of my life, no way
And I would do anything for love, oh I would do anything for love
Iwould do anything for love, but I won't do that
*No I won't do that
(Dawn)
Will you raise me up, will you help me down?
Will you get me right out of this Godforsaken town?
Will you make it all a little less cold?
(Faith)
I can do that! I can do that!
(Dawn)
Will you hold me sacred? Will you hold me tight?
Can you colorize my life, I'm so sick of black and white?
Can you make it all a little less old?
(Faith)
I can do that! Oh, oh, now I can do that!
(Dawn)
Will you make me some magic with your own two hands?
Can you build an emerald city with these grains of sand?
Can you give me something I can take home?
(Faith)
I can do that! Oh, oh, now I can do that!
(Dawn)
Will you cater to every fantasy I got?
Will ya hose me down with holy water, if I get too hot?
Will you take me places I've never known?
(Faith)
I can do that! Oh, oh, now I can do that!
(Dawn)
After a while you'll forget everything
It was a brief interlude and a midsummer night's fling
And you'll see that it's time to move on
(Faith)
I won't do that! No, I won't do that!
(Dawn)
I know the territory, I've been around
It'll all turn to dust and we'll all fall down
And sooner or later, you'll be screwing around
(Faith)
I won't do that! No, I won't do that!
Anything for love, oh I would do anything for love
I would do anything for love, but I won't do that, no I won't do that
As the song ends, the couple smile and Faith gently kisses her girlfriend, once, twice, then pulls away from the girl entirely.
Dawn looks at her Slayer confused.
"I know we both love that song and Meatloaf is wicked cool, but he forgot a line when he wrote that one."
The former Key is even more confused. "What line? I thought it was one of your favorites!"
Faith smiles. "It is, but he still forgot to add a line about this." She goes to one knee in front of Dawn and extends her right hand. Slowly uncurling the fingers, she looks into bright blue eyes and says, a quaver in her voice, "Dawn Elizabeth Summers, will you marry me and stay with me forever?"
As the song ends, Dawn melts into her Slayer's arms, returning her kisses. She leans forward for another, but pulls back, confused as Faith moves backward a little.
When Faith drops to one knee, Dawn wonders why for a split second, then comprehension races through her mind. Her eyes open wide, then wider still as her girlfriend's hand finishes opening and she sees what was hidden there.
Two smallish white gems, diamonds her gibbering mind tells her, lie on either side of a much larger deep blue sapphire. The three stones are set in a thin, white gold band, the ring itself lying in the center of a palm lightly calloused from years of handling weapons. The dumbstruck woman forces her eyes off the ring and onto the face of her beloved, as she tries to focus on the words Faith is saying, but her gaze immediately shifts back to the piece of jewelry.
"...stay with me forever?" Faith is terrified, but resolute as she kneels there, heart in her hands, waiting for Dawn's answer. A very small corner of her mind marvels at the fact that vampires, demons, all the hordes of hell, as well as the California state prison system, none of these things could scare her. Yet, here she was, so scared she was shaking that the mere slip of a girl in front of her might say no. After nearly a full minute, she feels her stomach begin to cave in on itself as still no answer has come from the woman she loves.
Dawn stands there trying to make her mind work it's way passed the stuttering, [She's asking...She's asking...] Finally, as Faith slowly starts to close her fingers over the ring, breaking Dawn's line of sight of it, the young woman snaps out of her stupor.
Plunging her hands into the Slayer's hair, the brunette pulls her love to her feet and into a deep, passionate kiss, lips begins to slide on lips before Dawn's tongue dives across to tangle with Faith's.
Breaking apart as oxygen becomes a problem, Faith leans her head forward until their foreheads touch. Looking into the glowing blue eyes of her lover, she inquires, "That a yes, D?"
Dawn tries to smirk, but is just too happy to pull it off. She simply gushes, "Whadda you think, silly? Of course it's a yes! I was planning on asking you at Christmas!" She pulls her girlfriend, [No,] she thinks, her fiance into another deep, soulful kiss. As they ease back, Dawn holds her hand out, fingers splayed. Faith takes the engagement ring and slides it home onto her future wife's finger, then leans back into yet another passionate kiss.
Willow and Kennedy stand watching everything that happens, the redhead is practically bouncing in her excitement, while Kennedy simply smiles hugely. Both of them hold their breaths as Dawn seems to hesitate, then hug ecstatically as the other couple begin to kiss.
Dawn and Faith finally break off, both panting air into starved lungs. The younger girl is still smiling brightly as she presses another, almost chaste kiss onto her Slayer's lips, then turns excitedly to Willow and pulls the witch into a tight embrace. Backing out of the embrace as swiftly as she initiated it, Dawn giddily shows Willow her new ring.
Willow smiles at her, tears shining in both their eyes, "It's beautiful, Dawnie! Buffy'll be so happy!"
Kennedy swiftly hugs Faith, then smirks at her, teasing, "Wondered if that's what you were doing. Never seen you so scared of anything before! It was just a little question, tough girl."
"Just wait til it's your turn, K!" Faith replies hotly, scowling at her.
The young Slayer just laughs and leans closer, saying, in a conspiratorial tone, "Gonna be way cooler than you! Besides, I got it all planned." Kennedy looks at her friend, then quietly asks, "You didn't tell Buffy you were gonna do this, did you?"
Faith shakes her head hard. "Hell, no, Junior! Remember what B was like when Dawn and I started dating? Figured she couldn't get with the crazy and say no if D said yes first."
"Works." Is all she has time to say before Dawn envelopes her in a bone-cracking hug. Kennedy returns the hug, telling the excited girl, "Happy for you Dawnie!" She draws back from the hug and smiles sadly at her friend. "Still not too sure about your taste in women, though!"
Dawn pouts and swats at the laughing Slayer. "Hey! Don't talk about my future wife like that!" Then she smiles, dreamily, as she thinks about what she's just said. [Wife!], she thinks joyously, then tackles Faith for another hug.
They kiss again quickly before Willow suggests they move back to their table to continue the celebration. Kennedy peels off and returns a few minutes later, bottle of champagne and glasses in hand. For one toast to the newly engaged couple, Dawn's age is ignored as she sips the bubbling liquid with the others.
Dawn keeps staring at her hand, smiling, tears sparkling in her eyes. The fingers of her right hand are interlaced with Faith's, as the Slayer, also smiling, just watches her girl.
Willow and Kennedy watch their friends, smiling at their reactions, though Willow can't help but feel a faint twinge of jealousy for the other couple's newly engaged state. She's sure that she'll never find anyone that can make her happier than Kennedy does and, witnessing Faith's proposal, the redhead starts thinking that she just might like being married to her Slayer.
Unknown to her, Kennedy has been thinking about that for quite some time and is simply waiting for the proper moment. She thought about Willow's birthday, but that seemed too cliche, so she's been biding her time, knowing her instincts will tell her when. The small brunette had commissioned the ring months ago and it was safe, stored where Willow would never find it.
Willow notices the way the other couple is starting to lean toward each other, and stifling a fake yawn, announces, "Guys, it's been a long night, with lots of excitement. Go home, now?" She looks at her girlfriend and winks.
Kennedy grins and stands, helping Willow to her feet. "Yeah, I'm kinda tired, too. You guys coming?"
Neither of the other women hear their friends for a second, still lost in each other and the moment. Finally, Faith notices the couple standing up and glances their way, expecting them to head for the dance floor. She frowns, a little confused, when they start pulling on jackets, but thoughts of getting Dawn home and celebrating properly cause her to smile. "Looks like they wanna go, baby. You ready?"
Dawn physically pulls her eyes away from her ring, happy smile still in place. She stares up at her fiance, not understanding what's being asked for a moment. Then thoughts of taking her girl home and not leaving their bedroom for days enter her mind and she jumps up and grabs her coat. "Sure, let's go. I can't wait to show Buffy and Xander!"
Faith grimaces slightly, thinking the worst about her soon to be sister in law's reaction to the news. The younger brunette notices the expression and takes the Slayer's hand, reassuring her, "She'll be happy, don't worry." Then she grins confidently, "Besides, even if she isn't, you can take her!"
Faith laughs and tugs her love into her side. "Rather take you!" she declares as the two couples leave the club and make their way to their cars. All the way home, the former Key and her Slayer trade excited ideas for a wedding, tempered, of course, by the knowledge that they can't make anything legal. Neither worries much about what anyone but their friends and family will think and they know they'll all be happy and will consider the couple married afterwards.
Willow and Kennedy's conversation on the short drive home is also centered on the other couple's new relationship level, both trying to feel each other out. Each trying to see whether the other might like the whole marriage thing.
When they get to the apartment building they live in, bought and refurbished to their needs by the council, both cars are parked and the four women get out and head inside. Walking into the common area downstairs that serves as an informal meeting area and place to hold the weekly movie nights, they find Buffy and Xander curled up together watching tv with Rona and her latest friend occupying another sofa.
Faith and Kennedy rarely bother to learn the names of the guys the younger Slayer brings home, since they rarely stay longer than a couple weeks.
Seeing what she knows is her sister's soft drink can, Dawn picks it up in her left hand and, making sure her ring is plainly visible, extends it into Buffy's field of vision.
"Something to drink, sis?" she says, mildly.
"Hmm?" Buffy looks up at Dawn, confused. "Oh, no thanks." Her gaze returns to the movie. Dawn frowns, but Faith and the other couple grin.
Xander, on the other hand, notices something sparkling and looks closer. "Shpidoinkle! Is that what I think it is, Dawnster?"
Now Buffy looks back up, really confused until the glint of the sapphire catches her attention. Her eyes open wide, so wide, Dawn's momentarily afraid they're going to fall out. The blonde quickly spins and sits up, automatically grabbing at her sister's hand. She stares at the ring on the third finger for nearly a full minute before shifting her line of sight to Faith.
"You proposed?!? Without asking me first?"
Faith just smirks at her future sister in law. "Sorry, B, not really into blondes these days. Besides, didn't think Xan-man could stand the competition!"
Everyone but Buffy laughs. The oldest Slayer glares at the next oldest. "That's not what I meant and you know it! She's my sister! You should have asked me if it was ok first!"
Faith's expression clears, though she's obviously getting angry too. "Ok, Buffy, we're only gonna have this part of the conversation once. I didn't talk to you for two reasons. One; Dawn's my girlfriend," She stops and smiles apologetically at the younger brunette, "well, fiance, and she's going on nineteen. It was her decision, not yours. The other reason is because I knew you'd get like this, all super-protective. Just didn't want to deal with it first. Had enough on my mind tryin to get things perfect without your shit!"
She grabs Dawn's hand, then glares back at the blonde. "Now, if you'll all excuse us, I'm going to take my fiance to bed and celebrate. Think about it tonight, Buffy, and maybe you can be happy for your sister tomorrow morning!" She starts to storm of, but Dawn doesn't move.
Faith looks back, confused, so the former Key takes her into her arms and kisses her softly. "It's ok. Go on. I'll be there in a minute. Promise. I love you, remember that." She kisses the older woman again and the Slayer nods. Dawn releases her and turns to her sister as Faith moves off toward the stairs.
The younger Summers looks at the older for a moment. "Buffy, I know you're my sister, so the whole watch out for me thing is always there, but I thought you'd be happy for me. I found the person I want to spend my life with and, when she asks me to spend mine with her, you give her hell about not checking with you first? No!" she slashes her hand down, cutting the blonde's words off. "I love you, but this is my decision, not yours. I want you to do what Faith said and think things over tonight."
She turns and starts to leave, then stops and looks back. "Think about this, too. Mom would've been happy for me. Without all the drama." She leaves.
Buffy sits and stares at the door Dawn went through, trying to think, but her mind is mired in doubts, anger and guilt. Xander looks at her and makes a decision. Standing, he gently takes her arm and says, "Come on, Buff. Let's go to bed. We can sort this out tomorrow."
The Slayer looks up at her lover, not really tracking what he's saying for a moment, then she nods and gets to her feet. "Night everyone." she mumbles as they head for their room.
"Our turn, baby." Kennedy says, leading Willow off. They head for their bedroom and get ready for bed, neither talking, but both thinking about all that's happened.
Willow finishes getting ready for bed and climbs in between the sheets, followed a few minutes later by Kennedy, who immediately spoons around her love.
"God, your feet are cold tonight, Will!"
"Sorry." The witch tries to pull the offending body parts away, but Kennedy threads her legs through Willow's and draws her body closer.
"Come back here! What good is having your own personal heater if she can't warm you up, right?" the Slayer flirts. She hugs her girl tight and starts planting little feather kisses on the back of Willow's neck.
Willow smiles at her girl and wiggles a bit, getting enough room to spin and face her lover. She kisses her lightly on the lips, pulling back before things can begin getting heated.
Kennedy looks at her, a little confused. "Willow? Something wrong?"
The redhead sighs. "Just thinking about Dawn and Buffy. And Faith, of course. Why can't Buffy just be happy for them? Why has she never been able to see that they balance each other so completely!" She stops and smiles at Kennedy, then kisses her chastely. "Like us."
The Slayer smiles at her love. "We balance? You think we're the perfect couple?"
Willow shakes her head, then, seeing Kennedy starting to misinterpret what she said, hurries to add, "No such thing as a 'perfect couple', but we come as close as anyone can, in my not so unbiased opinion. So do Faith and Dawnie."
She presses a gentle kiss onto the Slayer's lips. "Don't worry, sweetie. Never gonna find anyone closer to perfect than you, and I'm not planning on looking anyway." She kisses her girl again and softly strokes her arm and back. "Found the one I want. Well, she found me!" The witch adds with a teasing grin.
Kennedy smiles back, and leans in for a kiss, then another, her tongue easing out to flick across Willow's lips, asking permission. It's swiftly granted and the Slayer plunges her tongue into her girlfriend's mouth, licking the top of Willow's and drawing it out to play. Hands stop caressing and start roaming, first on top of bed clothes, them finding their way under them.
Willow breaks off from kissing, moaning, as Kennedy's hand begins to lightly rub her breasts, one then the other. The brunette smiles at the sound, then swiftly licks her way up Willow's neck, from her collar bone to her ear. She nibbles a bit on the lobe, the retraces her path, rolling Willow's onto her back. She kisses the redhead again, before pulling back and saying, "Willow. Look at me."
Green eyes pop open and track, locking on Kennedy's chocolate ones. "You gonna love me forever?"
Willow smiles confidently at her lover. "About three days longer than that, baby. Come'ere!"
Dawn enters the room she shares with Faith to find the Slayer pacing and trying to work off her anger. She loves watching her lover in all moods, but Faith angry fascinates her, because the younger girl has rarely seen her truly angry. True, her girl has a quick temper and often displays it, but that isn't real anger in Dawn's eyes.
Of all the things she's ever learned, she remembers watching countless hours of Discovery Channel animal shows with Tara. Several of them were about predators who hunt in groups and how they behave within the group. Thinking back on that the first few times she saw Faith blow up over something and seem to forget it moments later, she made the realization that that was what her love was doing. A kind of 'Back off, this is mine!' snarl that was forgotten immediately.
Her anger, though, was a tangible force and the Slayer often needed days to work through it. This looked to be one of those times, but Dawn was determined to deflect her from brooding and just getting madder.
"I'm back."
Faith stops her walking and looks up. "What did she say?"
Dawn shakes her head and loosely crosses her arms across her chest. "Didn't give her the chance to say anything. Just told her she could accept things or not, her choice." She drops her arms goes to her lover, wrapping her in an embrace and kissing her lips softly, once, twice. "I also told her Mom would've been happy for us."
Faith smiles teasingly. "Damn, girl! When did you decide to stop playing fair?"
Dawn returns the smiles and answers, "When my over-protective sister started trying to split us up. You're mine, now and forever!" With that, the brunette showers her love with kisses, each getting hotter and longer, as both women stumble back toward the bed.
Buffy stands in her bedroom for a moment, absently watching Xander pull his sleep clothes out and head for the bathroom. Her mind is still on the evenings revelations and the arguments spawned from the simple news her sister was getting married.
Blonde tresses flying wildly, Buffy shakes her head, trying to deny the truth of the matter, yet also knowing she can't. Her baby sister was going to marry someone who was once a deadly enemy, someone who had tried to kill all her friends, more than once. The blonde Slayer knew, deep in her heart, the only thing she had never forgiven the once rogue Slayer for was almost killing Angel.
[Is that why I can't accept this?] she wonders silently. As much as she now loves Xander, Angel will always occupy a large portion of her heart, and she will always take what happens to him personally. Faith had almost killed him, just to distract her, and she just couldn't get passed that.
"Buffy."
She starts and looks toward Xander, startled out of her thoughts. "Hmmm?"
"You gonna get ready for bed? I mean, I can undress you, but I can't promise you'll end up with your pajamas on!" he jokes, leering fondly.
She smiles and shakes her head at him. "You're as bad as Kennedy or Faith!" She moves off to the bathroom to change, still chuckling.
Xander smiles to himself, pleased with his attempts to break his girlfriend's mood. [Buffy can out-brood Angel sometimes and I thought Dead-boy was the reigning champ!] he thinks. The man just shakes his head at the thought and gets into bed, sliding over to his side.
Buffy comes out a few minutes later and climbs in after him, snuggling against him, using one arm as a pillow. She smiles up at her lover and kisses him softly, saying, "I remember to say I love you today?"
Xander makes a show of looking at the clock on his side of the bed, then assures her, "Just made it! Love you too." He kisses the blonde again, then once more before drawing back.
"Hey!" she protests. "More smoochies!"
He gives her nose a quick, pecking kiss, then says, "Want to talk about Dawnie and Faith? Think you're gonna be ok with it?"
She shakes her head. "Don't wanna talk! Wanna play." she declares, trying to pull him toward her.
Xander stops her, knowing she's just trying to avoid the subject. "Buffy, we can 'play' all night, if that's what you want, but we need to talk about this first."
Buffy sighs and rolls onto her back. "Why? Xander, I don't want to talk about it, ok? I don't want to think about it. I just want to have crazy sex with the man I love and blissfully ignore my sister's impending romantic disaster! Can we do that, please?"
Xander raises himself up on an elbow so he can see her face. "As much as I want to take you up on that 'crazy sex' remark, we still need to talk about Dawn. If for no other reason than she asked you to." he adds hastily.
She looks into his eye and he sees the conflict there in hers. The wanting to be happy for Dawn and the distrust and dislike for Faith. "Can we please talk about it in the morning? Please? I-I need time to think it over, Xander. I promise, we'll talk first thing after we wake up, ok?"
Xander just smiles and plants a soft kiss on one corner of her mouth, then the other, before his lips fully meet hers. He pulls back and teases, "Still interested in that 'crazy sex' thing?"
She regards him disdainfully. "After the way you stopped me when I wanted to? No, I think I'm just going to... Oooooooohhhhhhhh!" She stops speaking with a deep moan, as Xander presses a suckling kiss on the side of her neck, right where he knows she can't resist it.
He pulls back after a moment. "You were saying?"
"Saying? W-was I?" Buffy suddenly lunges, pushing Xander over onto his back with her on top of the man. "Oh, yeah. I remember. Something about lots of sex, right?" Before he can answer, she kisses him heatedly, both starting to let hands roam free.
Rona says good night to Steve and kisses him one more time, before reentering the house. Going through the downstairs, she turns off lights and heads for her bed, stifling a yawn. As she tops the stairs, her Slayer hearing easily picks up the sound of six voices blending into a chorus of lust and love. Only occasionally is an individual word distinguishable, usually a name.
'Damned double Hs are bad enough without having to hear that all the time!' the dark skinned Slayer grouses to herself. "No damned wonder I'm so horny all the time!" she says out loud.
Making another mental note to talk to Xander about installing some kind of sound-proofing, Rona goes into her room and slams the door.
"Oh Goddess, yes!! Kennedy!!!!!" Willow screams as the combination of Kennedy's fingers and tongue causes her to come yet again.
The brunette slows, then finally stops and withdraws her fingers, as Willow's body slowly calms, though she still quivers slightly. Grinning at her redhead, she pops both fingers in her mouth and licks them clean, then slowly moves up her girl's body, planting little kisses all the way up. She ends her journey with a soft kiss on the lips of the sated witch, then rolls of her, pillowing her head on a shoulder.
Both women work on calming their breathing for a moment, then Kennedy notices Willow's mind is busy again. "What's with the something face? Thought we fixed the busy thoughts."
Willow turns toward her Slayer with a smile "We did, but I started up again. Still thinking about Dawn and Faith. Among other things, that is."
Kennedy props herself up and looks at her wicca. "What other things? Like how can we help Buffy accept the inevitable?"
"Well, that too. Mostly I was thinking," Willow stops, swallows hard and resolutely adds, "about us. We've been together for almost two years now, and I'm really happy, so no worries there! Have - have you ever thought about us being a little more... permanent?"
Kennedy's expression turns serious. This is so not where she was thinking the conversation was going to go. "Yeah, a little." She tries to temporize, but adds honestly, "Ok, a lot. I know I probably don't say near enough, but I love you Willow Rosenberg, with all my heart and soul."
The witch smiles and kisses her Slayer, softly, slowly, then sinks into twin chocolate pools. "I love you Kennedy Perez, with everything I am. Always will."
The couple kisses softly again, and again, before Willow rolls over and snuggles back, the brunette spooned around her. Kennedy loosely drapes an arm over her love, gently holding her close.
After a moment, Kennedy says softly, "So, do you want to make things more official?"
Willow is nearly asleep when the Slayer's words register in her mind and her eyes snap open again. She knows what Kennedy is saying, asking really, and tears threaten. "Well, I wouldn't say no. Do you?"
"Wouldn't have asked if I didn't, Red. Does this mean we have an announcement of our own to make in the morning?"
Willow spins again, once more facing her lover. "Yeah, I guess it does." She smilingly kisses her girl, deeply, then pulls back suddenly. "Wait, no."
Kennedy's heart soars as Willow says yes, then crashes back to earth when she says wait. "Um, which? Kinda confused here!"
The redhead smiles. "Yes, we have an announcement, but not tomorrow. Let Dawn have the 'atta-girl's' for a few days before she has to share them. I can wait."
The young brunette kisses her witch softly, then pulls back smiling. "Another reason I love you. Always thinking of everyone's feelings. You're right, though. We can wait a few days."
They kiss again, before Willow burrows into Kennedy's chest and sighs deeply and drowsily. Kennedy's last thoughts before sleep claims her is [She said yes!]
Deep brown eyes flutter open, followed by a groan of annoyance, as Kennedy wakes enough to know she needs to head for the bathroom. Stopping first to kiss the shoulder in front of her, she gently untangles her and Willow's legs and eases out of bed.
"Huh? Kenn?"
[Damn!]
"Sorry, Will. Bathroom run. Back in a minute, so go back to sleep, ok?"
'' 'K."
Kennedy stands for a moment, til the redhead's breathing evens out as she returns to whatever dream she was in. Smiling at her love, the brunette starts for the bathroom, but the memory of the couple's last conversation returns and Kennedy's eyes widen.
[Holy shit! I proposed last night!] she thinks. Now, she really needs to pee as the realization that she and Willow are engaged sinks in. [Sure, now I get nervous!] She rushes into the bathroom, closing the door so the light won't disturb the witch.
After taking care of business, she comes back into their bedroom, still a little dazed, then smiles. [On the other hand, I have just been looking for the right time. Guess that was it!]
Still smiling, she nods to herself and picks up her robe, slipping it on, along with a pair of sandals. Heading downstairs, the Slayer goes through the kitchen, snagging her keyring as she passes by, and into the part of the converted warehouse the group uses for their garage and workshop.
Threading her way between cars and other stored items, Kennedy reaches her motorcycle, currently in storage due to the approaching winter months. Unlocking the underseat storage compartment, she opens it long enough to retrieve a small, cloth wrapped object. She closes the seat again and heads back into the living areas, removing the cloth and tossing it onto a work bench as she goes by.
Holding the deep maroon velvet box in one hand and her sandals in the other, the brunette softly pads back upstairs and into her bedroom, errand complete. She takes off her robe and opens the box, a glint of light reflecting off the contents. Setting the box on the dresser, directly in front of the clock, the Slayer sights down along line between the clock and her sleeping lover. Satisfied the box will be the first thing Willow sees, Kennedy smiles and moves around to her side of the bed and climbs in.
Spooning around Willow, the dark haired beauty breathes in deeply, then sighs her way back into sleep, smile of anticipation still in place.
As Faith rolls over, Dawn wakes easily from the light doze she's drifted in and out of all night. Looking down, she watches her fiance sleep, lost in the simple, child like expression she sees there. Gone is the bad ass Slayer facade the woman shows everyone but the brunette teenager. In her place, all that's there is a young woman, beautiful, but vulnerable and deserving of love.
Dawn presses a soft kiss to her girl's forehead, thinking [She is loved. More than she'll ever know.]
Settling back down, the former Key props her head up and is lost in the simple joy of watching the woman she loves so deeply sleep. The hours slip by.
A groan sounds in the heavily shadowed room, followed by an annoyed whine. Hazel eyes slowly open and look at the nearby clock, then close quickly, determined to get more sleep. After several minutes, she admits defeat and carefully separates herself from the man sleeping behind her.
Moving quietly, Buffy enters the bathroom, stretching and yawning. After using the toilet, she brushes her teeth, then turns on the shower, getting a couple towels ready while the water warms up. Opening the shower door, she steps under the pounding spray and instantly start to feel muscles unknot and relax.
She gasps slightly as she feels arms slip around her waist. She spins and finds Xander smiling at her as he steps partly under the water, pushing her a little out the warm cocoon of the shower.
"Morning, beautiful." he murmurs before kissing her lips, softly at first, then with rising passion.
Buffy returns the man's ardor, letting her tongue slip out to tickle and tease his, before the couple reluctantly pulls apart, panting lightly.
"Morning." the blonde sighs, before planting little licking kisses all along Xander's chest and the base of his neck. Moving swiftly, she lunges and lightly bites one of his nipples, releasing it just as quickly.
Xander growls low in his throat, quickly becoming aroused again as he caresses and strokes his Slayer sides for a moment before bringing his hands higher. Buffy hisses as he lightly flicks his thumb across the rising cap on the blonde's breast.
Pulling his head down, Buffy presses a scorching kiss onto her lover's lips, thrusting her tongue boldly forward. She moans as Xander sucks gently on it for a second before releasing her mouth and moving to her neck.
Buffy just stands, lost in the fire Xander has started in her body. She moans louder as he nibbles and sucks on her earlobe. "Oh...yes... God, Xander. that's making me crazy!" When she feels his hardness against her hip, she wraps one hand around him and begins to slowly pump.
The Slayer pulls away slightly, then attacks her lover's mouth again, her kisses almost bruising in their intensity. Giving his lips one last lick, she draws back and smiles at him, then starts to go to her knees.
Xander's hands grip her shoulders, stopping her. She looks at him, confusion in her eyes. "It's ok, Buff. Just not what I want this morning." He smiles hungrily. "I was thinking of some breakfast. A side of Slayer, with juice. Do you serve that here?" he teases.
Buffy pouts. "What if I wanted breakfast?"
"I'll make you waffles later."
She smiles at him. "Ok!" easing back, she sits on the bench seat he'd installed. "In that case, I think we have one more serving of your order." she kids, grinning seductively.
Xander smiles back, kneeling in front of her. Leaning forward, he kisses his love again, his hands roaming freely but lightly as the dance intensifies.
Willow opens her eyes, then smiles as the first thing she sees is her beautiful Slayer. She loves it when she wakes up before Kennedy. All the tough Slayer image is missing from the girl's face, leaving her more lovely in the redhead's eyes. It's a side of Kennedy that even Willow sees only occasionally and she treasures it every time.
Reaching forward, the witch presses a soft kiss to her girlfriend's forehead. As she leans back, she remembers their last conversation and her eyes widen a bit, then begin shining as she smiles. She tries to resist, but finally loses the internal battle and kisses her Slayer's lips, once, twice, before pulling back.
Kennedy stirs and groans softly. Waking up isn't one of her favorite things, but since she started doing it in Willow's arms, she's begun to really enjoy it. Opening chocolate orbs, she sees her redhead smiling at her for a second before she kisses the brunette again.
"Mmm. Morning, Red."
"Morning, baby. Ask a question?"
"Always. You know that. What's up?"
Willow smiles again, biting her lower lip. "Just wanted to check. You do remember you proposed last night, don't you? Did you mean to?"
Kennedy reaches up and rubs at her face, but it's just to hide her grin. "Uh, yeah. About that... Uh, Will?" She suddenly opens her eyes, like she's forgotten something. "Oh, uh, what time is it?"
The witch's smile fades as Kennedy appears to be backing out, but she's confused by the request. "You're looking at the clock, not me." she says, flatly.
"Yeah, but my eyes aren't focused yet. Please?"
Sighing with frustration, Willow turns enough to see the red numbers on the dresser. She turns back, then stops and whips her head around again. She feels her eyes open wide and her jaw drop.
She spies the red velvet box and the gold ring inside it. She gets lost in the jewels, a half carat diamond with a small emerald on either side. Surrounding the green stones, stones the same color as Willow's eyes are smaller rubies, three per side.
Kennedy smiles at her fiance's reaction, then gets up and walks around the bed. Kneeling in front of her redhead, she picks up the box and removes the ring. "Yeah, I remember, Red. To do things more traditionally, Willow Rosenberg, will you please marry me?"
Willow shakes off her stupor and rolls over, falling into her fiance's arms. She joyously kisses her, lips moving for a moment before she moves back onto the bed. Still smiling rapturously, she says, "Said yes last night, didn't I? Same answer this morning! Although," she swats the Slayer on the shoulder. "That's for making me think you were gonna back out!"
Kennedy smiles easily. "Told you before, Red. Only way you're ever getting rid of me is to tell me you don't love me and send me away. 'Fraid you're stuck with me!"
Willow holds out her hand and the Slayer slips the engagement ring onto the proper finger. The witch stares at it for a minute, always smiling, before shifting her line of sight to her girl. "I think I can handle that. Never gonna let you go!" she declares, pulling her soon to be wife back onto the bed and into her arms.
"So, you still wanna wait a few days to tell everyone, or go ahead and tell'em his morning?" Kennedy asks her love.
Willow looks up from where she's brushing her hair and smiles. "Neither. I'm just gonna wear my ring and see who notices first."
The Slayer smiles in response and laughs lightly. "I like it. Betcha Faith notices first!"
The redhead raises an eyebrow. "Faith? No, it'll be Xander if anyone. Just wait."
Kennedy shakes her head, her smile turning teasing. "Xander will notice before Buffy, so true, but I still think Faith first. And I'll back that up with a little bet. Interested?"
"What did you have in mind? 'Cause, sweetie, you are so gonna lose!"
"A full day of pampering and wish fullfillment for the winner? Loser has to do anything the winner says?"
Willow smiles brightly. "Like that idea! And I know just what you're gonna have to do, missy, so you better get ready!"
"Sure, sure. You're gonna be so sorry when I win! Just need to go by Frankie's first!" Kennedy chuckles, looking suggestively at her fiance.
Willow blushes slightly at the name of the shop, but looks thoughtful. "You know, that's not a bad idea. We are running a bit low on some stuff."
Kennedy just laughs. "Can't have that!" Her laughter dies off, but a mischievous light enters her eye. "Maybe we should think of a gift certificate from there as a wedding present for Faith and Dawn?"
Willow smiles as she considers the idea. Goddess knows, she and Kennedy have found all kinds of things there to enhance their love life and she knows Dawnie has dragged Faith in there a few times already. "That's a good idea, baby! Although," she says in a contemplative tone, "A gift certificate or just a box of goodies? I know Dawnie's tastes pretty well and you know what Faith mostly likes, right?"
"Yeah. I like it." She smiles and kisses her girl quickly. "We could even get Buffy and Xander a few things, just so they don't feel left out. Something leather or... binding?"
The redhead grins and shakes her finger at her lover. "Bondage fun for Buffy? She's been talking to you, hasn't she?"
"She might have told me the odd fantasy or two on a slow patrol."
"Tell me!"
Kennedy shakes her head. "Sorry, Red. Sworn to secrecy." She smiles at her fiance, then adds a twinkle in her eye, "Just like her."
Willow's eyes widen a bit as she digests the meaning of her girl's words. "You told her a few of yours, too? Oh, now I have to make her talk!" she gleefully informs her Slayer.
Kennedy just smiles, congratulating herself on finding a way for some of desires with the witch to come true. "You can try, baby. You know how she is. Come on, let's get some breakfast." she says, holding out her hand. Willow takes it with a smile and they leave their room.
Buffy hands Xander his shirt as he comes out of the bathroom, fresh from shaving. He smiles and pulls the comfortable tee over his head and settles it against his skin. "Thanks, sweetheart." he says, pulling her to him and kissing the blonde.
Releasing her, he sits on the bed and pulls on socks while she gathers her hair back into a loose ponytail. Sighing, Xander looks at his girlfriend and starts the conversation he's been dreading. "Buffy, we still need to talk about Dawn and Faith."
The Slayer is silent for a moment, then says, softly, "I know."
"Why do you have a problem with this? I mean, we both know Dawn loves her to death and Faith feels the same way. They're good together, we've all seen that. I need to know why this bothers you so much."
Buffy sighs deeply as she sits in the chair at her dresser. "I don't know, Xander. I just can't seem to let go of the old feelings. You know, when Faith was crazy and trying to kill us all. I know she's good now, and I know she loves Dawn. I mean, hello! She asked my sister to marry her. Kinda has to mean they're in love, right?"
She looks back up at her old friend and lover, confusion plain in her hazel eyes. He just looks back, neutrally, radiating calm acceptance. "Yeah, they are. Like us and like Willow and Kennedy. Buff, I understand what you're saying, but isn't it time you tried to accept who Faith is now? She isn't the same person who sided with the Mayor, or tried to kill us. She really isn't the same person who poisoned Angel. He forgave her, we all did. Why can't you?"
Buffy closes her eyes and breathes deeply, a hitch, almost a sob, plainly evident. "I don't know! I just can't seem to do it. I guess it has to do with, I'm the Slayer. I have to watch everything and protect everyone. She was supposed to help me, take some of the load, but instead, she goes all murdery and tries to kill us all. Even then, I wanted to help her. I held out my hand to her, tried to help her again and again, and she just spit in my face!"
Xander shakes his head a little. Speaking calmly, he tries to coax her into seeing reason, knowing the future of his "little sister", as he thinks of Dawn, is on the line here. "Buffy, sweetie, that was years ago. Remember?" She shrugs and keeps her eyes on the floor.
"Answer me this, Buff. Since she rejoined us, has Faith given you any reason to doubt that she's a good guy now, totally on board with the Slayer agenda?"
Buffy rolls her eyes and looks at her man hotly. "You mean, other than taking over and running me off back in Sunnydale?"
Xander sighs. "That wasn't her and you know it. WE did that. Me, Willow, Dawn, Giles, all the potentials. Faith didn't know anything about it til you did. She was drafted. You even told me she came out and apologized for what happened. Did she do that?"
Reluctantly, the blonde replies, "Yeah. Yeah, she did. But, what about starting to date Dawn before she turned 18? That was so not right! She should have waited. She was way too old for her!"
"You're joking, right?" She looks at him indignantly. "Ok, one, she told you she was going to ask Dawnie out the first time and you said it was up the Dawn. Two, Dawn was only a month from her eighteenth birthday, and three, need I remind you, two of your previous boyfriends were well over the century mark before you started dating them? Not to mention the two hundred plus year difference between a sixteen year old Slayer and a certain vampire. And, now, you want to quibble over a month?" he asks, smiling incredulously.
Buffy snorts and looks away. "That was different."
Now Xander is getting frustrated. He and his Slayer have been friends for years and he knows when she's arguing just because she doesn't want to lose. "You know what? It was different. Angel lost his soul and went back to murdering people, including a bunch of our friends, and you killed him for it.
"But, the minute he came back with a soul and all repenty, all was forgiven and you were back with him. It took the rest of us a long time to get passed Jenny's death, but you expected us all to just accept he was good again right away and treat him like we did before he was all evil. And before you say it, yes he did prove himself again. I may have never really liked Angel, but I'll admit that. Why can't you do the same for the woman who's gonna be your sister in law?"
The Slayer grimaces a little at his final words and lurches to her feet, starting to pace. Against her will, she's beginning to listen to Xander's reasoning, ever starting to believe it, but a part of her still resists.
Watching his lover pace, Xander keeps his eye on her face and can tell she's struggling, but failing to keep her old opinion. He decides to try one more thing. "You didn't have any real objection when they started dating. Why now that they want to get married?"
"That was just dating. People date all the time without getting married. I mean, I just figured Dawn would either get over the whole gay thing or find someone she liked better. Or possibly both! I never thought about her staying with Faith." she replies.
"Well, she is, so now you have to think about it. And that's what she asked you to do, isn't it? Think about it and be happy for Dawnie. I'm gonna ask you to do the same thing for me, but with one difference. I don't expect you to be ok with this right now, or tomorrow or even a week from tomorrow. It's not like their getting married later today, so you have a while to get used to the idea."
He gets off the bed and walks to her, putting his hands on her shoulders, stopping her pacing. He tilts her head up so he can see her eyes. "All I'm asking you to do is tell Dawn you're happy for her and that her ring is nice. I know you still aren't sure, but I want you to not say anything out there. When we're in here, you can talk as much trash about Faith as you want and I'll listen. I might even agree with some of it!"
Against her will, Buffy smiles and chuckles. Xander smiles in return and continues. "But, it'll hurt Dawn if you say anything anywhere she can hear you, and I know you don't want that, right? That's what the craziness is all about, anyway. Protecting Dawn. Well, now she has her very own Slayer bodyguard who would literally kill or die to protect her." He grins down at his Slayer. "And, bonus for me, it'll free you up to keep my silly self alive!"
Buffy smiles and laughs softly, then hugs him tightly. "How do you always know just what to say to me, no matter what?"
Xander just wraps his arms around her and kisses the top of her head before answering with, "Years of experience dealing with stressed-out superheroes. Especially beautiful blonde Slayers."
She giggles and kisses his lips chastely. "That'd probably do it, yeah." She kisses him one more time, then breaks away, pulling him by one hand. "Come on! You promised me waffles, then caused me to build up an appetite, so feed me, mister!"
The man just chuckles and follows. "Yeah, I think I'm going to be all hobbit-y and have a second breakfast. My first one tasted great, but really wasn't all that filling!" As they go out the door, he adds, "You're still not all that sure about this, are you?"
Buffy gives her head a quick shake. "Not at all. But, you're right about me not wanting to hurt Dawn, so I'll try. Besides," she says thoughtfully. "Mom always liked Faith, so I guess I could be wrong. Maybe." He gives her a reproachful look. "Ok, I'm wrong! Doesn't mean I have to like it."
Xander leans down and kisses her forehead. "Nope, you don't. Just tolerate it. You can do that, right?"
"Yeah, as long as I can still yell at you when I need to."
He smiles easily. "Hey, that's what I'm here for!" After a beat, he adds, "Well, that and to wash your back when you need it!"
She giggles. "Always needing help with that. Several times a day, sometimes." she responds as they enter the kitchen.
The house's other two couples are already there, Faith and Dawn just having coffee, while Willow sips tea, waiting for the pancakes Kennedy is making her. They all trade "Good mornings" when Buffy and Xander walk in and go back to what they're doing.
The blonde gets them both a cup of liquid caffeine and Xander starts making the batter for waffles, getting a yes from Dawn when he asks if anyone else wants one. At a look from Xander, Buffy turns to her sister and takes a deep breath. "Dawn, Faith. I'm sorry about last night. You just really caught me off guard, that's all. I'm happy for you both, so, congratulations!"
Dawn smiles and comes around and hugs her sister tightly. "Thank you, Buffy! I knew you'd be happy for me." She pulls out of the hug and smirks. "Well, after Xander beat some sense into you, that is."
"Hey!" the blonde protests, swatting at the younger Summers girl. "Yeah, ok. We talked, but I really am happy for you. If Faith is the one you want, then it's cool. At least she isn't a demon or vampire!"
She turns to Faith and fixes her with a deadly serious expression. "And you! I'm trusting you to keep my baby sister safe from now on. If she gets hurt, you better already be dead, hear me?"
Faith smiles broadly, coming behind her fiance and wrapping her arms around her. Placing her chin on Dawn's shoulder, she answers, ignoring the threat, "If she's hurt, I'll be dead and in pieces. Just dead doesn't stop a Slayer, right B?"
Buffy smiles, then laughs. "True so far! Specially with friends who won't let you stay dead, right Xand?"
Xander looks over his shoulder and smiles. "Can't let you die now, Buff. Not when you finally admitted you're crazy about me!"
Buffy pouts and throws a napkin at him while everyone else laughs
Willow smiles at their banter as she holds a mug of tea in her left hand. She wants to see if anyone notices her new jewelry, but so far, no one has. She sits like this most mornings, though, so everyone is used to seeing her like this and they don't really see anything different.
Kennedy finishes her and her girl's breakfast and sets the plate of fluffy goodness in front of her witch, taking the seat beside her.
"Thanks, sweetie." the redhead says, before beginning to eat. A few minutes later, Xander places waffles in front of Dawn and Buffy and quiet munching is all that can be heard for a while.
As she finishes her meal, Willow reaches for her tea, but the movement of her hand causes Dawn to glance her way for a moment, just as the light sparkles through the diamond on the redhead's ring. The teen's eyes fly open and her fork clatters off her plate and onto the table as she grabs Willow's hand and pulls in in front of her face. Her mouth drops open as she stares at the jewel encrusted band of gold for a moment, before she squeals and throws her arms around the grinning redhead.
Faith winces at the high pitched sound. "Whoa, D! Not so loud, ok, baby?"
Releasing the witch just as quickly as she hugged her, Dawn breathlessly enthuses, "No! Look!" She drags Willow's left hand toward the center of the table before the redhead can protest. Everyone's questioning expression gives way to disbelief.
Xander looks at his oldest friend and her girl. "Is there something in the water I should be aware of?" he jokes, breaking the tension.
Everyone laughs and Buffy dashes around the table and gathers the witch in a tight hug. "It's beautiful, Will. I'm so happy for you! Both of you!", she adds, smiling at Kennedy.
"Hey!" Dawn squawks. "Willow gets an immediate 'I'm happy for you' while I get yelled at? How's that fair?"
"It's not." Buffy admits. "Willow's like my sister, but you really are. That entitles me to extra wigging, free of charge!" She smiles at her reasoning.
Faith punches Kennedy lightly, for a couple Slayers, in the shoulder. "Thought you had it planned out? You were gonna be way cooler than me?" The dark Slayer grins wickedly. "Gonna start calling you 'Copycat'!"
Kennedy shakes her head, giving her friend a mock growly look. "Am not! How is it my fault if you don't check with me before you do something like this? Just because you have a lousy sense of timing, that doesn't have anything to do with me asking my girlfriend to marry me!"
"Sure, sure, CC. Just keep tellin yourself that!" Faith turns toward Willow and says, glancing meaningfully back at the younger Slayer, "Betcha wish you'd stuck with guys, now, huh Red?" Kennedy smacks her arm and Willow laughs, but shakes her head no.
"No guy worth my Slayer, Faith." the redhead assures her.
With two engagements to celebrate, the group quickly puts away the breakfast dishes and moves to the central meeting and fun room. After a few minutes planning, they break apart, each intent on an errand to get a real celebratory party together for that evening.
Later, both bride to be's are shuttled around, their engagement rings much admired and talked over. The other two two bride to be's, are subjected to friendly teasing and not a few unsubtle hints about where to go and what to do for a honeymoon. Giles calls about halfway through and everyone quiets down so he can say his congratulations to the two couples through the speakerphone. He promises to be there for the weddings, whenever they're held, then hangs up, it being after one am in England.
Several weeks pass and the happy, expectant mood doesn't dissipate, but increases. Willow and Dawn have planned nearly non-stop, disagreeing on nearly everything except the desire to hold their weddings at least three months apart, preferably six. That way, they can both participate in the other's nuptials. Both also completely ignore Ohio's currently marriage laws as irrelevant to the situation.
Willow and Kennedy decide on a Wiccan handfasting, while Faith and Dawn opt for a more traditional service, though they plan a quick trip to Canada for the actual ceremony.
Just after New Year's, Willow and Dawn are in the main game room, the witch helping the teen pick out a dress when they hear the doorbell. Getting up, they both start for the door, just as Kennedy calls, "I've got it!"
They stop, but can clearly hear a man's voice ask "Yes. Do Buffy and Dawn Summers live at this house?" Willow grabs the brunette as the blood drains from her face and she stumbles.
Kennedy leaves the kitchen, snack in hand, intending to join Willow and Dawn in the game room, maybe tease the younger girl about her indecision so far, when the doorbell goes off.
"I've got it!" she yells, setting her plate and drink on a nearby table. Opening the door, she finds a man, about six foot, dark sandy blonde hair, standing there, looking expectant. "Can I help you?" she asks.
The man smiles. "Yes. Do Buffy and Dawn Summers live at this house?"
Kennedy nods. "Yeah, they do. Are they expecting you?"
"No, their probably not. Can I come in?"
Kennedy's eyes narrow, but it's daylight and there's nothing that could have used as a covering nearby. Besides, her Slayer senses aren't telling her that he's anything other than human. "I guess, but who are you and what do you want?"
He walks passed her, looking around the foyer. "Oh, sorry for the bad manners." he holds out his right hand. "I'm Hank Summers, their father. I heard my little girl was getting married and wanted to meet the lucky man that caught my Dawnie's eye!"
Continued in Daddy Knows... Best?
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