Paradise

As bits of sunlight forced themselves through the room's dusty blinds, Willow groaned and buried her face into Kennedy's shoulder. Sun meant morning, morning meant rising…she didn't want to do that.

The red haired witch tried to fall back asleep, but to no avail. Kennedy, however, looked content to stay unconscious for a little while longer. Her mouth hung open slightly, and a soft snoring noise emitted. Willow stifled a loud giggle, beaming down at her lover.

Then, ever so quietly, Willow got off the bed, sure not to disturb Kennedy, and started for the bathroom. Something had been stuffed under the front door, so she went over to look. A note from Giles or Xander, stating that fresh clothes were on the other side. Apparently, they had enough sense not to enter the room last night. It made Willow smile wanly, not wanting to imagine the awkward reactions to anyone…walking in on her and Kennedy.

Opening the door a crack, the red head snatched the two sets of clothing inside, then hurriedly closed it again. Glancing back at

Kennedy, whom still slept soundly, Willow placed one pair on the table across from the bed, and took the other into the bathroom with her.

She resisted the urge to soak in the hot shower for another 48 hours. Willow cleaned herself up, using the cheap motel soap,

shampoo and conditioner, leaving some for Kennedy when the other girl woke up. If ever. "Slayers," she murmured softly to herself, smiling.

A short time later, Willow had dried off and dressed, wandering back into the main room. Seeing Kennedy still sleeping soundly, she quietly went over and crawled back onto the bed next to the slayer, sitting. She bent over to the slayer's ear, placing small kisses against it. "Baby, time to wake up," she whispered softly, working her way back up to Kennedy's lips and placing a soft kiss there as well. "C'mon, sweetie…"

"Mrghgaff," Kennedy moaned in her sleep at the disturbance, but the witch was not deterred. Willow continued her rain of light kisses against the soft skin of the slayer's face until she was finally forced into consciousness.

First one and then two opened to reveal the deep brown shade of the younger woman's sleep filled eyes. She quickly squinted them against the harsh light of day as she barely managed to make out the figure looming over her.

But the sounds of her lover's sweet voice gently rousing her forced her body and mind to fully awaken.

"Baby," she mumbled softly with a smile as she leaned up the short distance and pulled Willow's lips down to her own.

Willow grinned into the kiss after a moment, pulling back with an amused expression on her face. "For a second there, I thought fireworks or an elephant were gonna be necessary. You sleep like the dead."

Chuckling, the witch exhaled softly and pressed her forehead down into Kennedy's. "Sleep okay?"

"Like the dead," Kennedy replied with a smile. She gave her lover another quick kiss before pulling herself up onto her elbows and glancing over at the clock.

"10:00 AM Will?" She looked back up at the witch with a smirk. "That's barely double digits. We wouldn't be a little anxious today, would we?" She asked with a raised brow and a smirk.

Shaking her head, the red witch poked Kennedy playfully in the shoulder and pushed her back down onto the pillow. "Quiet, you," she said with no attempt to hide her smirk.

Sighing, Willow lay down on top of the covers, next to Kennedy. She rested her head on the slayer's shoulder. "Couldn't sleep any more…just kept thinking about today, everything that's…well, I-I don't even know what's going to happen." She fiddled slightly with a part of the blanket laying across Kennedy's stomach, pinching the material in between her fingers. "And I'm kind of…scared. O-or nervous, I guess would be a better word to use."

"Well, I have to say that I'm not really liking either," Kennedy replied, leaning over to run a gentle hand through the still damp strands of her lover's hair. "You know I can't stand it when you feel scared or nervous," she continued, gazing down into the witch's eyes intently. "Although, I have to say that I'm not liking that you're feeling those words because of me even more."

The slayer paused and chewed her bottom lip lightly. "Will…I-I want you to know that you can tell me anything. If…if you really don't want this trip with me, I want you to feel free to say so. Don't worry about hurting my feelings, please. I just want you to be honest with me."

Kennedy reached out and tapped on the witch's skull with a gentle finger. "What's going on in that beautiful head of yours?"

"Huh?" Willow blinked at Kennedy for a moment, propping herself up on an elbow to look down at the slayer. "Y-you think I don't…" She shook her head, then leaned down to quickly give Kennedy a meaningful kiss, letting it linger for a few moments. Pulling back a small ways, she grazed her thumb across those beautiful lips. "Baby, our trip, that's not what I'm worried about. Goddess no…I-I guess I just mean like, the immediate repercussions a-and stuff, like the next 24 hours…but nothing, ever, is going to make me question this decision. I *want* to go away with you, more than anything…"

She kissed the slayer a second time, her eyes threatening to drift shut for good this time. "The one thing I'm not worried about right now is *us*." Pausing for a beat, she gave a small grin. "Well, maybe where exactly this little beach party for two is going to take place, since there's a wide variety of beaches waiting for us to christen across the globe, and narrowing it down to one is going to be kind of a bitch."

Kennedy smiled. "Well," she began as she started to pull herself on top of the witch. "Why don't we…" She trailed a gentle finger across the neckline of the redhead's low cut shirt.

"Make a list," she said slowly as her finger inched lower on the witch's torso. "Of all the ones we like," she continued, trailing her eyes back up to lock with her lover's.

Her hand began to disappear between their bodies. "Then, we can start from the bottom," she emphasized her last word with a gentle thrust of her hips. She watched as the breath hitched in the witch's throat and she smiled before leaning down to bring her lips within a fraction of the older woman's. "And work our way…up."

"T-that w-would be…" Willow swallowed hard as her mouth and brain started to disconnect. "Kinda h-hard…lot's of n-nice ones…" Her voice was a little higher than usual.

The witch brought her hands to Kennedy's hips, but not before pulling the conflicting sheet completely off of her slayer so their contact was not hindered. She ran her fingers over the smooth skin, gazing at her lover's form in awe. The one small stream of light that was escaping through the room's blinds struck the slayer at an angle that lit her up like some sort of Angel or Goddess from above.

"S-shouldn't we be…I mean, the others might be waiting…" her voice betrayed the fact that right now she really didn't give a hoot about the others.

"Let 'em wait," Kennedy mumbled against Willow's lips before laying claim to them in a gentle kiss. Her hand began its path up and over the witch's hip, hiking her shirt up to just under her breasts.

The slayer planted tiny kisses against the witch's skin, feeling tiny pops of electricity everywhere their flesh touched. Kennedy knew that Willow was the only woman that with the mere touch of her skin could set her own ablaze.

The slayer started to work her way higher on her lover's body, her lips nearly coming into contact with the soft underside of Willow's right breast.

When the sudden thought of the matter at hand occurred to her. She lifted her head abruptly and peered up at the witch with thoughtful eyes. "You're right."

"Huh?" Willow repeated through a haze of building arousal. She was almost at the point where she was going to rip her own shirt off if Kennedy didn't do it for her. "About…" she swallowed hard, willing her tongue to focus. On talking. "About what?"

"Beaches. Lots of…beaches," Kennedy mumbled as she pulled herself into a sitting position next to the witch. She looked deep in thought for a few moments. "Well, there's the obvious: Hawaii, Bahamas, Jamaica, or the more local, Miami or L.A"

She paused for a moment, her eyes darted back and forth in deep thought. Then she smiled. "I got it." She looked over at her lover and spoke softly. "Rio."

Willow propped herself up on both elbows, watching the thoughts almost literally flash across Kennedy's face. "Rio…" The witch cocked her head to the side, gazing intently at Kennedy. "Rio, as in…de Janeiro? Brazil? South America?" Her eyes widened a bit at the thought. "Wow…"

Having grown up in Sunnydale, Willow had never really been outside the 'walls' of the Hellmouth. Unless you counted that three month trip to England, in which she spent either being suicidal or locked inside a coven room with a group of very scared witches. A lot of her earliest times there…she honestly didn't remember. Things were such a blur.

Rio wasn't exactly, in technical terms, "an ocean apart", but it was a heck of a long ways away from where they were now. She'd seen pictures plenty of times before. The rainforests, the beautiful city with a statue of God or Jesus overlooking it…surrounded by mountains on three sides, then the ocean.

Coming out of her day dream, Willow shook her head and glanced over at Kennedy. "Rio, huh?"

"Yeah," Kennedy answered with a half smile. She reached out and took one of the witch's hands in her own. "I mean, if it's okay with you. I've always wanted to go, ever since I was a little kid." Her eyes lit up at the thought, but she quickly backtracked. "I mean, as long as you want to. It doesn't matter where we are, as long as I'm with you, I'm the luckiest woman in the world…the universe."

She smiled at the look she received from her lover. "So…whaddya say? Cause I have to tell you, I'm just imagining lying next to you, somewhere along the beaches of Ipanema, watching the sun set overhead as a soft gentle breeze hits our bodies just right…"

Willow couldn't help but giggle slightly. Kennedy was so damn cute when she wanted to be. "Hmm, I don't know…" She had the hint of an evil glint in her eyes. "If I say no, will you do that adorable pout-y thing you sometimes do to swing my vote in your direction?" Willow wiggled her eyebrows slightly, suddenly feeling giddy at the thought of this whole trip.

Scooting closer to the slayer, she gazed into chocolate brown eyes. "How could I say no to you?" she murmured softly, sighing in content. "I think there's a rule somewhere that says it's impossible…" She gave the slayer's lips a small nip.

Kennedy sighed at the light touch against her lips before pulling back to look into the other woman's eyes.

She smiled. "Willow, I don't think you really know how much this means to me. Just the thought of having you all to myself, of holding you while you fall asleep, of waking up next to you…" The slayer leaned back in with a playful smirk, nipping at witch's ear. "Making love to you all night…and all day."

"I'm thinking we're going to need an extra large hotel suite for this," Willow replied, closing her eyes as Kennedy nuzzled at her neck. The thought of no Hellmouth or huge disaster standing in their way, just time for them and them alone…her smile suddenly started to falter. "Kenn…t-this is going to cost a lot of money." She frowned, not liking when her brain started to kick in with the logical side of things. "I mean, I think my bank went down with Sunnydale. I don't really have…a lot left at the moment. I might need a bit of time before I can pull enough together to…y'know, pull together." Her features showed her obvious disappointment. She was really looking forward to making this an as-soon-as-possible trip.

"You know," Kennedy mumbled between light kisses against the redhead's neck. "I usually find your braininess very sexy, but…you think too much." She pulled away and smiled. Kennedy reached out and entwined her fingers with her lover's. "Remember when I first came to stay at Buffy's? Before we were all with the lovin' and you were still baggin' it?"

The slayer waited until Willow nodded absently. "Well, remember that conversation we had that night? About me with the summer home and the house with the wings?" Another nod from the witch signaled her to continue. "Well, it just so happens that to have all those houses with the wings, you tend to need to have lots of money…which I do." She finished with a smile.

Willow still looked a little confused and Kennedy couldn't help but chuckle. "Baby, money's not an issue for me, it never has been. Will, you're the woman I love, which means it's not an issue for you either, and as long as you'll have me, it never will be again."

She reached out and took the witch's face in her hands. "I love you Willow. I want to give you the world. I'm not saying that money is everything, far from it actually, I just mean that giving you, giving *us* this trip is only the beginning."

Wings. Oh yeah, wings. She remembered that. Willow knew that Kennedy came from money, a lot of it, though how much 'a lot' was she didn't know. Her slayer never liked to insert the money factor into conversations, or make it an up-front note when meeting people. The brunette wanted people to like her for her, not because she was rich. Willow respected that more than the other girl probably knew.

The witch smiled softly. "I know, Kenn, I know…but, I-I just don't want you to, y'know…feel like you have to pay for everything? And I really don't want you to. We're equal in this, the both of us." She pulled her slayer to her, lying back on the bed and pulling Kennedy down on top of her. Slipping both arms around the brunette's neck, Willow gave her girl a crooked smile. "Now don't get me wrong, I expect extravagant birthday gifts and many, many shiny pretty things for Hanukkah." At the strange look she got, Willow rolled her eyes. "Not everyone worships Santa, you know!"

"Will," the slayer chuckled. "It wasn't the Hanukkah thing. It was the equal thing." She received a raised brow in return. "WHICH…we totally *are*, most definitely are, but…I want to do this for you. It's not about the money, or the equality, it's about giving you something because I can…because I want to."

She ran her fingertips lightly over the redhead's face. "I want to do this for you Will. The cost doesn't matter to me. I don't want it to seem like I'm all 'Look at me, I've got the money' cause I'm not." She smiled at the giggle that received. "I can't say I'm not just a little big on the butch, cause hello…" she trailed off with a roll of her eyes. "But I'm not saying that I feel responsible for taking care of you either. I told you Will…its not *my* money anymore…it's ours."

"Then as co-owner of your 'wings'…" Willow said slowly with a growing smirk on her face, "may I suggest a first-class trip to Rio de Janeiro?" Without waiting for an answer, she launched herself up at her girlfriend, pulling her down into a searing kiss. Her hold around Kennedy's neck tightened slightly, not wanting to let the slayer get away.

When she hoped she had successfully left the brunette breathless, Willow pulled back a fraction of an inch. "Goddess above, Kennedy…when did I get so lucky that I found you, huh?" She smiled lovingly at her girl.

Then, became rather aware of the fact that Kennedy was still really, very naked. Glancing down at her partner, then back up at her eyes, she raised an eyebrow.

It took a moment for the slayer to regain her breath, but when she did, the first thing she noticed was the look in her lover's eyes. It sent a chill down her spine and heated her skin all at once. "W-Will, as much as I would…*love* to stay in this bed all day with you…we really need to get a move on if we're gonna make that first class trip by tomorrow." She paused at the pout she received.

"Oh baby," she gently sighed, leaning in to kiss it away. "I just mean…we got lots of shopping to do. We both need whole new wardrobes, and of course…there is the small issue of swimwear."

She stopped and lifted a finger to her chin, pretending to be deep in thought. "Let's see…I'm thinking, something red, something…small, something…with tiny little strings that are just *so* easy to pull open…"

She trailed off and looked down at her lover with a grin. "And of course, we'll need bathing suits too."

"Little minx," Willow teased, her pout still half there. "Since when did we switch places? Two minutes ago you were trying to ravage me…" A glance at the clock told her it was 10:45 now. She whined, burying her face in Kennedy's shoulder. Now that she was back in bed, she didn't want to get out. "At least one of us is already dressed. Well, partially." Her shirt was half unbuttoned, and rather ruffled. She grinned into Kennedy's neck. "Besides, I like you this way. You're all warm, and…soft." One of her hands traveled its way down Kennedy's back.

"Soft," Kennedy repeated in a breathless whisper before letting out a low moan. She dropped her head into the crook of the redhead's neck, turning her head to the right, she began to place heated kisses against the skin she found there.

That's when she felt the witch's hands dig deeply into the muscles of her lower back, letting out a long moan in the process. The sounds of her lover began to heat her up from the inside.

"Willow," she breathed lifting her head to pull the woman into a deep kiss as she slipped her hand down between their bodies.

The Wicca closed her eyes and slipped her tongue into Kennedy's mouth, dueling against her girlfriend's own pierced one. Her fingers softly kneaded the muscles along her lower back. "Mmm…" she mumbled into Kennedy's lips, briefly breaking contact. "Have I ever told you how much I *love* your choice in body jewelry?"

Kennedy smiled. "Well, not so much *told*…as screamed." Her smile quickly grew into a smirk. "Speaking of screaming…" She kept her eyes locked on her lover's as she slipped her right hand from its place on the witch's hip. She never broke the eye contact as she slowly began to unfasten and unzip the witch's jeans.

As she slipped her fingers beneath the fabric, her smirk slowly began to fade to be replaced by a look of pure intent. "I love you Willow. For as long as I live…you're the only one." She smiled at the gentle look she received in return before leaning down to lay claim to her lover's lips in a soft, tender kiss. She pulled away and began to kiss her way down the redhead's body.

Sometimes, it amazed Kennedy what power the other woman had over her. With just one smile, one kiss, she was at the witch's mercy, and she knew that as long as she lived, there would never be another woman who could set her ablaze like the redhead.

She truly loved Willow. With every ounce of her body, her mind and her soul, she loved Willow. A thought that often times scared the slayer. The feelings that her girlfriend incited in her often frightened her as much as they brought her joy. She knew that she couldn't live without her now, it wasn't even a question. She also knew that if anyone or anything ever hurt her, she would stop at nothing short of murder.

But at the same time, it was Heaven to be with Willow. Every time that she would look over and smile at Kennedy or reach out to hold her hand, or lie next to her in bed at night just to watch her sleeping or hear her breathing was enough to fill the slayer's heart with joy.

Yes, there was no doubt about it. The sex wasn't the only reason she loved Willow, granted it was a big part of their relationship, but by far the *only* part.

But…she had to admit. Touching, feeling, tasting the redhead was ecstasy. Pure and simple…ecstasy.

"Willow," she breathed against the now heated flesh of the redhead's navel as she swirled her tongue inside of it, making sure that her stud came into contact with the witch's flesh on every twirl.

She knew how much she loved that.

Willow's eyes practically rolled back into her head, and she let out a low groan. "Oh, Kennedy…" The slayer certainly knew how to ignite the fire within the witch. After her body being neglected for almost a year, she was more than thankful someone like Kennedy came along to remind her what it felt like to be alive.

Shivers were sent spiraling through her body as the other woman's tongue grazed her skin. In some odd way, the sensation nearly made her mouth water. "Baby, please…" The hand that was currently wrapped in the younger girl's raven locks gently pulled her head up, just enough so they could meet eye contact. Willow absently licked her lips, her eyes communicating the absolute need coursing through her body at the moment. A need that no one other than her beloved slayer could fulfill.

Kennedy watched as the woman's eyes grew dark, conveying to her just how much she wanted…needed this.

Kennedy could never deny Willow.

She smiled up at her girlfriend before reaching out with her left hand. She felt the warm flesh of the witch's right hand and entwined their fingers, holding her hand tightly as she lowered her mouth to the place where she was needed the most.

Kennedy brushed the very tip of her tongue above the redhead's center, teasing her flesh into responding. When she heard the low groan from above, she knew her lover was ready.

The slayer lifted her other hand and pulled the witch's jeans down her thighs, bringing her panties down with them. She closed her eyes and breathed in her mate's scent deeply.

"Mmm…Willow," she husked before lowering her mouth to lay claim to her lover.

The contact on her most intimate flesh made Willow inhale sharply, her back instinctively arching up off the bed. She gave a low moan as Kennedy started to work her magic, all with the power of her own sexy-ness combined with that amazing little stud of metal. "Mmph," she grunted, pushing her hips forward slightly to get more contact.

The hand intertwined with Kennedy's clenched tighter, her grip never faltering. She squeezed her fingers in the same agonizingly slow rhythm Kennedy was creating with her tongue. A light sweat broke out on the witch's skin, and she closed her eyes as her breathing began to pick up.

Kennedy looked up at the witch's face and smile as she continued to bring her lover to climax. She placed a gentle kiss on her skin before slowly working her way back up Willow's body. She smiled down into her eyes when she received a light whimper of protest.

"I'm not stopping baby," the slayer soothed. "I just wanted to hold you."

She leaned down and brought her lips to the redhead's in a deep kiss as she raised her free hand and slipped into the witch's body. Her ears burned from the sound of her mate's cries as she slowly worked her body into ecstasy.

The witch tangled her hands into the gorgeous auburn hair currently swept over Kennedy's left shoulder. Her lips crushed against the slayer's, and with all the slayer strength in the world Kenn wouldn't have been able to break the kiss had she wanted to.

At least until air became a necessity. Willow gasped loudly, both from the lack of oxygen as well as the sensations swirling through her body. She adjusted herself ever so slightly, enough that her thigh rubbed against Kennedy's wet center every time the slayer thrust against her. She moved along with her, trying to create enough friction for the other woman.

Kennedy's eyes were shut tightly as she felt the sensations shoot through her body. "Oh Willow…" she moaned as she felt the other woman's thigh thrusting against her.

"You…I…" She was suddenly at a lost for words as she felt that familiar tingle in her belly. The slayer felt the moment rapidly approaching and she wanted to make sure her lover was right there with her.

Kennedy reached down with her other hand and grabbed the witch's right leg, lifting her thigh up and over her hip. She angled herself better to add more force behind each of her thrusts. She gazed down into the green pools of her lover's eyes as she felt the perspiration from Willow's body mixing with her own.

"You are…so…beautiful," Kennedy managed to husk out the words between each thrust. Staring down into the older woman's eyes, she couldn't help but think, "I love you baby."

Willow was unable to reply, completely unable to form any sort of coherent words as Kennedy made her eyes roll back into her head. She gasped loudly, her right hand digging instinctively into the flesh on Kennedy's back.

In the back of her mind, she thought she must look like partially like a fish the way she kept gasping with increasing volume. She couldn't seem to do anything else at the moment, the feeling her lover was invoking inside of her just too intense. However, she was aware enough that she wanted Kennedy to feel the same as her, be there with her, and the witch managed to slide her left hand down in between their bodies, sinking two, then three fingers into Kennedy's warmth.

The leg wrapped around Kennedy's waist clenched and unclenched, pulling the slayer further into her and herself further into the slayer. "So…so close…" she gasped into Kennedy's ear, swallowing hard as she finally felt her glorious release crashing over her and sending her over the edge with the force of a nuclear weapon.

"Willow…" Kennedy half breathed, half moaned as she felt the sweet release explode inside of her. Her eyes slid shut and she buried her head in the soft pillow of her lover's hair.

Kennedy was never as vocal as her lover, but that didn't mean she didn't feel it. She did…she *so* did.

The slayer felt her body spasm one last time as the last tremor slowly seeped from her muscles, then she collapsed on top of the other woman. After a few short moments to regain her breath, she lifted her head and smiled down at her lover.

"Whoa."

Not having the slayer stamina or recovery time to back her up, Willow made a few attempts to form words. Failing horribly, she decided to back up Kennedy's original comment.

"Whoa…" Her heart was still pounding away like a jack hammer, and her breathing was barely starting to slow much more, but she felt good. *So* good.

The hand that had been gripping Kennedy's side earlier was now gently stroking the soft skin beneath her finger tips, also playing with the edges of Kennedy's long hair.

Able to talk a bit more now, Willow smiled goofily as she lay back completely limp against the bed. "And…wow…"

Kennedy let out a long, contented sigh. "You know, at this rate, we'll never make it to Rio." She looked up at her lover with a gentle smile. "And I really had my heart set on you in a bikini."

Willow couldn't help but chuckle lazily, pressing a light kiss against Kennedy's forehead. "Well, first we have to tell the others that we're leaving." Her stomach interrupted with a quiet rumble. "And eat breakfast. Post-apocalyptic munchies."

"Mmm…munchies," Kennedy moaned, turning herself to wiggle away. "Why don't you order in? I think you know what I like by now," the slayer added with a lopsided smile. "I'll be in the shower." She pulled the sheet back and stood up to make her way into the bathroom. She paused at the door and turned to look back at her lover.

A soft smile graced her lips. "I can't believe I'm actually gonna have you all to myself." She stood smiling back at Willow for a moment longer before lazily walking into the bathroom and turning on the shower.

For a moment, the witch just lay contently in bed, listening to the water run as Kennedy washed away the apocalypse grunge. Eventually she propped herself up on her elbows and gazed around the room.

"Attempt number two," she mused, standing up and gathering her clothes from around the room. The first time getting dressed had been kind of fruitless, but they really did need to get moving…

Once she was fully clothed again, Willow phoned ahead for room service…then was rudely reminded that this was a two star motel in the middle of nowhere, and that a diner was attached to the side by the parking lot. So, she wandered to the bathroom door and knocked lightly.

"Didn't drown in there, did ya?"

"Nope," came the sudden reply as the slayer stepped through the door, fully clothed and errant strands of wet hair clinging to her face. She ran a hand through the damp locks to push them back from her eyes.

The slayer stepped into the room and looked around carefully before turning back to her lover with a raised brow. "Where's the breakfast, woman? There's not a breakfast eating demon now is there? Cause that would just be…un-fun."

Willow stuck her tongue out at Kennedy teasingly. "You weren't by chance blinded by lust last night when we stumbled in here, were you? You saw the shamble that is this building?" The witch reached out for Kennedy's hand. "C'mon. There's a diner next door, I'm sure the others are already there."

"Uh," the slayer protested with a grunt as she let the redhead lead her from the room. "Grumble…greasy diner food…grumble, grumble."

"Sorry, did I hear wrong? Were you, Kennedy the Vampire Slayer, complaining about greasy diner food? After all of the crazy creations I've seen you come up with at Buffy's that passed as food? *You're* complaining?" Willow raised an eyebrow and crossed her arms.

"Who, me?" the slayer smiled. "Of course not." She reached out and grabbed the witch by her hand and started to pull her towards the door. "Now, let's go get some of that grease fried grease," she paused and rubbed her stomach. "I'm starting to feel the hungries."

That made Willow giggle. At the raised eyebrow from Kennedy, she just shook her head. "Well, Faith was always right, about the after-slaying affects…"

"Well," Kennedy smiled, leaning in to lightly nip at the witch's jaw. "I have to say that I definitely agree with her." She paused and ran an appreciative eye over her lover. "Then again, I do have a little…encouragement."

A deep blush crept into Willow's cheeks, and she looked down in embarrassment. "Ehh…" was all she managed to say, while still burning a bright red. She wasn't used to comments like that, never having thought of herself as…encouraging in that respect. But Kennedy always made her feel beautiful, no matter what. It was something she had to get used to.

"C'mon, you…lets stuff your slayer belly full of food. Don't need my girl wasting away before we even get on the plane."

Kennedy smirked with a raised brow. "Who you callin' a girl?"

She couldn't help but chuckle at the witch's sudden deep blush. "Come on baby," she let it slide, reaching out to wrap an arm around her girlfriend's waist. "First food, then paradise." She smiled as she led them from the room.

'We're not gonna die, we're not gonna die, we're not gonna die,' Willow repeatedly told herself in her head as she swallowed the urge to throw up while the turbulence jostled them back and forth. According to everyone else onboard, this was normal and a relatively small amount of bumping and jostling, because most other people seemed to ignore it completely.

That didn't stop Willow from nearly crushing Kennedy's hand in her death-grip, refusing to let go under any circumstances. It was probably a good thing her girl was a Slayer, otherwise a medic might be needed when they finally did land. If one wasn't needed already.

"Ah, Will…honey," Kennedy barely managed to force the strangled words from her mouth as she placed her hand over the redhead's. "Kennedy can't feel her hand."

"Huh?" Willow's brain registered that it pretty much came out as a squeak. "Oh…s-sorry." She swallowed again, trying to focus on anything but the fact that they were 38,000 feet in the air and ever so slightly loosened her grip.

"On the bright side, if we're about to die, your hand won't matter much." That too, came out more strangled sounding, as it was actually meant to be lightly sarcastic.

Kennedy let out a deep breath at the slight release on her hand. After a moment, she shook her hand and placed her arm around her lover's shoulders. "Will, honey, if an evil vampire army from Hell and the first ultimate evil couldn't take us out, I doubt a hunk of metal with wheels has much of a chance."

"That evil vampire army from Hell wasn't 40,000 feet in the air," Willow muttered.

Kennedy leaned in and placed a gentle kiss on the witch's temple, before pulling her tight against her own body. "Relax baby. Just remember, in a few hours we'll by lying on the beach," she leaned in whispering in Willow's delicate ear. "Our skin warm from the heat of the sun, our bodies, our minds, completely relaxed…you, by my side."

Willow forced herself to take a deep breath and close her eyes as Kennedy pulled her close. The arm rest in between them stuck into her side slightly, but she ignored it and rested her head on Kennedy's shoulder. "Relaxation…wouldn't that be nice…"

That arm rest was really annoying. Without thinking too much about it, the witch taped it with a finger and murmured 'absentis'. It shimmered briefly and disappeared.

Smiling, the red head scooted closer to Kennedy. "Much better…" She felt some of the tension leave her shoulders at Kennedy's reassuring words.

Some time later, Kennedy felt the plane bump and jar slightly as the wheels touched down. She took in a deep breath as she felt the witch bunch the material of her jean jacket tightly in her fists as the flight slowly came to an end.

"Will," Kennedy soothed as she placed her hands over the other woman's arms. "We're here, and we're alive." When the witch's grip didn't loosen, she lightly tugged at her arms. "You can let go now…Will?"

It was when the wheels touched down that the witch felt her body go rigid, and she inhaled sharply.

[Darkness, extending into what seemed like forever. Blood, a knife, a dead rabbit lying in the center of a dark room. The image of a woman's face, physical features, but she was unable to see them clearly…

Chains, a thick black rope, and a purple glowing amethyst, set upon a raised alter; smoke arising from the center-]

Willow jerked upright, her eyes snapping open. She found herself literally clinging to Kennedy, hands bunched tightly around the slayer's jacket, her face ground into her neck. It was a moment before she was finally able to release her breath, shivering in the process.

What the frilly heck was *that* all about??

Kennedy kicked open the door to their hotel room, and with a big smile on her face, carried her lover over the threshold. "Wow," the slayer smiled as she placed Willow back on her feet. "Now this is some kick ass digs."

The brunette looked over at her lover and the smile slowly faded from her face. "Will?" she gently probed as she placed a hand on the witch's shoulder. "What's up? You've been acting all wiggy since we got off the plane."

"Well, an almost-death experience can do that to a girl," Willow offered with a weak chuckle. She saw Kennedy raise an eyebrow of doubt, and sighed. She didn't want to worry the slayer, and ruin their vacation. There was no way to be sure that whatever had happened on the plane was actually reason to worry.

The witch hesitated, fidgeting slightly. "I-it's nothing, don't worry, I'm fine…"

"Will," the slayer warned. "I think you must be confusing me with your other, more dense and completely clueless girlfriend." She nodded towards the bed before taking a seat. "Cause I just ain't buyin' it."

Sighing, Willow sat next to the slayer and ran her hands through her hair, before leaning forward and resting her forehead in her palms. "I-I don't know, exactly, what it was, but it…" She paused, trying to figure out herself how to word what happened. "When we landed, I think I…saw, something. Flashes of stuff, really. Kind of like…I don't know, a vision maybe?"

She glanced over at Kennedy and smiled weakly. "I've been trying to chalk it up to me being all 'eee' about the plane ride, and everything being all 'ahhh', but…it didn't feel like it." A knot formed in the pit of her stomach.

Kennedy watched the other woman's reaction with concern. "Vision? As in…'hot sex on the beach' vision…or creepy, evil, death and murder vision?" She tried to play off the moment with a light smile. "Cause I gotta tell ya, I'm really hoping it's the first."

Willow returned with a small smile of her own and scooted closer to Kennedy, resting her head on the younger girl's shoulder. "Sorry, baby…afraid it was more of the creepy, evil dead things, including bunnies…" That brought a frown to her face. "Maybe Anya's come back to try and extinct the species."

"Ohh…" Kennedy moaned. "That's so cruel. Evil bunny killers?" She frowned. "And I thought Rio was gonna be our own private paradise. Not…evil bunny killer land." The slayer leaned her head on top of her lover's and let out a deep breath. "Is there a single place on earth that evil doesn't lurk in every shadow?"

"Neverland?" Willow mused, then frowned again, wrinkling her nose. "Um…t-the non-Michael Jackson one, 'cause that's…" She trailed off, looking disturbed. Next sentence.

"Nope, sorry Kenn." She tugged on the sleeve of the slayer's jacket lightly, still resting her head on the brunette's shoulder. "Welcome to the Land of the Scoobies, where evil always lurks, and something's *always* trying to kill you." She paused for a beat. "Kinda depressing sometimes, actually…"

Then she sat up. Nothing, absolutely *nothing*, was going to ruin this vacation with Kennedy. Even if she had to…well, not kill, but send every single being on the face of the planet to another dimension to do it. And she was mentally resolve-facing that fact.

"Hmm," Kennedy pondered aloud. "You've got your standard 'resolve face' on, and that can only mean one of two things." Her voice suddenly dropped low and she leaned in to trace the neckline of the witch's shirt.

"You're either really pissed off about this vision stuff," she paused to look up into the deep green of her lover's eyes. Grinning wickedly, she leaned in to whisper lowly in the redhead's ear. "Or you're some kinda telepath and you know what I'm about to ask you to do…" she placed a kiss on the shell of the witch's ear. "…with me…" she kissed the delicate skin where Willow's neck met her jaw. "In this very bed…"

Willow couldn't help the deep blush that crept up through her cheeks. "Kenn…" she meekly started to- well, not exactly protest, but whatever she was about to say was swallowed when she felt Kennedy's warm tongue and lips on her neck, and a hand gently caressing the skin underneath the hem of her shirt..

She felt her stomach do its familiar flip-flop, her eyelids flutter shut, and her mouth part slightly as she let out a soft sigh. "W-we just g-got here…" she managed, having trouble forming coherent thoughts. Yet again Kennedy had the simple power to render her completely helpless with just the power of her own lips.

"You're right, baby." The slayer pulled away with a grin. "Time's a wastin'." She let out a playful growl and leapt forward onto the witch, knocking her back onto the cool comforter of the king sized bed.

Kennedy kissed her lover soundly as she eased her thigh between the redhead's. Digging her knee sharply into the mattress to gain more leverage, the slayer laid all of her desire, longing, passion, and love into the heated kiss.

"Mmm…Willow," she moaned, pulling away from the kiss to run her tongue stud slowly along the side of the witch's neck. "You taste so good," Kennedy breathed heavily into her lover's delicate ear as she rocked her hips gently against the body beneath her.

Right, like *that* was humanly possible to resist. "M'kay," Willow let out breathily, closing her eyes and surrendering herself fully to the slayer. She already felt her breathing start to increase ten-fold and rocked back against the slayer, a low moan escaping as Kennedy's thigh rubbed and grazed against her already aching center. She pushed her own leg against the younger girl as well, allowing Kennedy the same friction she was receiving.

Willow gently used the hand tangled in her girlfriend's hair to guide her mouth back to her own. "Kiss me." It wasn't a demand, it wasn't a question. More of a…statement.

Well, you know Kennedy didn't have to be told twice.

She leaned back in and crashed her lips to the witch's, running her hands softly, yet forcefully down the redhead's sides. A deep moan emanated in the back of her throat when she felt Willow apply a slight amount of pressure against her with her thigh. "Mmm, baby." She pulled back slightly in the kiss and breathed against her lover's lips. "That feels good."

For a split second, Willow teetered on the edge of either blushing or saying something stupid like 'thank you'. Kennedy was so much more comfortable with her sexuality and had no problem voicing it; that would take Willow a little getting used to.

But one look up into her lover's amazing eyes washed away all of the apprehensive tension in her body. She was with Kennedy, she didn't need to be nervous, or think too much. She didn't need to impress the slayer, Kennedy loved her regardless.

In the 1.5 seconds it took Willow to remember that, a sly grin slid across her face. She rocked her hips upward again, this time digging one hand into the slayer's bottom and pulling her down harder. She craned her neck upwards to nibble on her slayer's ear. "Take off your shirt," she whispered, her other hand already sliding underneath the raven haired beauty's jean jacket.

Kennedy pulled away from the other woman's grasp. Her breathing had doubled and her heart was threatening to pound its way right out of her chest. She looked down at the woman beneath her lovingly, a light grin pulling at the corners of her mouth. "You sure you wouldn't rather hit the beach first? Catch some rays…take a swim?"

Willow just grinned back at her. "And if I said yes?"

Kennedy's grin widened as her eyebrow raised. She leaned down slowly, keeping eye contact with the other woman as she lowered her mouth to the witch's ear. She breathed into it hotly before whispering huskily, "I think I could change your mind."

The slayer ran the tip of her tongue along the shell of her lover's ear before trailing it down the side of her neck back to her lips. She hovered there, staring down into the witch's eyes.

Shivers went through the witch's body, her hands roaming Kennedy's sides. Any inhibition she had had previously to try and get up to tease the slayer vanished; she couldn't do it even if she wanted to.

"'Guess w-we'd better stick around then," Willow breathed, her eyes closing briefly as she allowed just the feeling of Kennedy's toned body pressing down against hers, the heat radiating from them both, and the cascading brown locks flowing down one shoulder and mixing with red strands against the pillow overtake her senses.

'Need to work on that shirt,' she thought to herself, both hands sliding up and under the jean material, starting to push it back off Kennedy's shoulders.

The slayer pulled her arms back allowing the jacket to flutter from her shoulders. The light 'thump' it made as it hit the bed briefly registered in her ears, but the look in the deep green eyes that were currently staring up at her captured all her attention.

Kennedy watched intently as the emotions played across Willow's face. A shy smile soon turning into a flushed grin. The brunette returned the gesture with a grin of her own as she leaned down to place a gentle kiss on her lover's lips. She felt the hem of her shirt tugged and lifted her arms, never breaking the kiss until the need for the garment to pass over her face, but as soon as it was over, she leaned back in to reclaim the kiss.

Kennedy's strong, slightly calloused hands trailed a gentle path down the witch's sides before coming together just over the button of her low rise jeans. She broke the kiss to gaze down into Willow's eyes, silently asking what she already knew the answer to, but ever the cautious, caring lover, she decided to make sure anyway.

Willow felt her stomach flutter at the look on Kennedy's face, her heart melting at the soft yet intense expression. Her lover was always so sweet, careful and devoted in everything they did together, especially in bed. She knew Kennedy would never push her to do anything she didn't want to, but at this point there wasn't a thing she wouldn't try with the slayer.

As the brunette's hands continued their task, she gently nibbled away at Kennedy's bottom lip. "I love you…"

"Mmm…" Kennedy moaned appreciatively. Willow was very talented at many things, kissing being right there at the top of the list. A fact that the slayer knew well.

"Love you," Kennedy finally managed to breathe as her fingers snapped open the button on Willow's jeans and began to work on the zipper. The tip of her tongue snuck out and gave the witch's lips a quick flick before pulling her back into a deep kiss.

The redhead's zipper was pulled all the way down and Kennedy smiled into the kiss at the sound of hitching breath beneath her. She could feel the muscles in Willow's abdomen hitch and jump as she trailed her fingertips over her soft skin.

Kennedy wasn't without talent herself. Aside from having the power to render the biggest, baddest, meanest creature on the planet useless by simply giving them that little half-smile she possessed, she could also make every fiber of the witch's being vibrate with anticipation. Her movements, whether fast or slow, were always gentle and caressing.

The red head rested her head back down on the pillow, letting out a content sigh as she watched Kennedy's hands descend agonizingly slow further south.

Kennedy felt her own breath hitch as her fingers came into contact with the lacy garment hidden beneath the witch's jeans. The zipper made a slight protest pop as the slayer's hands dipped even deeper into Willow's pants.

The pants were too restraining. Too confining. And driving the witch nuts. "Pants," she managed in a strangled voice. "Off." She swallowed, her mouth suddenly rather dry. "Bad pants. Pants bad."

Kennedy chuckled deeply in the back of her throat. She dropped her head to the witch's neck and breathed in the heady scent of the other woman's skin. Her fingers gripped the open material of the witch's jeans and started to peel it back.

Kennedy turned her head to the side and lightly bit into Willow's neck. At the sound of the redhead's sudden intake of breath, she pulled away and smiled. "Sorry, I couldn't resist."

Willow lifted her hips to make removing the clothing article easier when she felt Kennedy's teeth give her a sharp nip on the neck. She jumped slightly at the surprise, momentarily feeling Kennedy's hand graze against her lower thigh. A small electric charge felt like it shot through her body, and she couldn't help but let out a small giggle. "You always did tell me I'm 'lickable'…I suppose it's changed to 'bitable' now, has it?"

Kennedy grinned before leaning in to give the already fading bite mark a tender lick. "Hmm…" she moaned, pretending to think hard. She finally smiled down at her lover. "Nope, still lickable. I'm gonna have to go with both on this one."

"No complaints here," Willow replied, turning her head to give Kennedy a quick peck on the lips, then grinned slyly and kissed the slayer's ear. "Wanna test that theory somewhere else?"

Kennedy's eyes widened in surprise before her lips turned into a sly grin of her own. "Just where did you have in mind?"

Raising an eyebrow, Willow glanced down at where Kennedy's hand was still half-buried in her jeans. They had only made it an inch over her hips before the brief…. distraction.

Looking back up into those beautiful brown eyes, Willow licked her lips before ever so lightly pressing her lips to Kennedy's. She simultaneously brought a hand up to Kennedy's bra-clad breasts, barely brushing her finger tips over the hard peak of her left nipple. "Promise I'll make it up to you, baby…"

"Make…make up?" Kennedy barely managed to squeeze the words out between moans. Her eyes started to flutter at the feeling of her lover's fingers against her, but she fought the urge to close them completely. She licked her now dry lips before responding.

"Baby, you don't have to do anything. You know that touching you, holding you…is more than enough." She used her one free hand to brush an errant strand of hair back from Willow's forehead. "I love you."

Willow broke into a smile, the words causing her cheeks to flush slightly again, though she didn't look away this time. Instead she cupped Kennedy's ample breast in her hand and gently began to knead and massage it. She licked her way down Kennedy's chin, sucking briefly on the soft skin of her jaw line, before moving to her lips once more, hovering over top.

"I know, baby, I know…" A mischievous pout made its way across the witch's face. "But I *want* to make it up to you…" She continued the pout, absently circling the tip of her pointer finger around the top of Kennedy's breast.

"Well," the slayer moaned. "If…y-you in…sist." She leaned into the other woman's touch, dropping her head and taking in a shallow breath.

Kennedy had to admit, she loved touching Willow. Just to feel the skin of her lover, to breath in her scent, to hear her moan her name as she climaxed…it was enough that she could die in that moment.

But…being touched by her lover was also a big part of Kennedy's sexuality. She loved the way Willow touched her. Her smooth, delicate hands always seemed to glide over her skin, yet they burned with every touch. Willow was the only woman who could set her ablaze with just a simple kiss, a small smile or a gentle touch.

For Kennedy, their love making was always equal and that's what made her crave it so badly. Almost as much as she craved the woman currently beneath her.

Kennedy's reaction caused the witch to grin crookedly, and she used her slayer's momentary bliss to turn them over. Willow settled down on top of the brunette, taking a quick moment to kick off her jeans before pressing herself down against that toned, bronze body she had come to love so much.

The grin still firmly in place, she began to trace little patterns with her finger on Kennedy's chest, slowly making her way down to her already hardening nipples. The other hand started to slid its way underneath the slayer's body, searching out the clasp that was keeping a thin lining of black lace from her beauty's soft, creamy skin.

Apparently this little…adventure before they hit the town was planned carefully, because Willow honestly couldn't see her girl wearing black lacy undergarments in any other situation. A pity, because she looked *extremely* sexy in them…

Kennedy was momentarily caught off guard by her lover's quick flip of their positions, but when she felt the witch's expert hands on her heightened flesh, her lust doubled ten fold.

The slayer felt her body involuntarily jerk with every touch of her lover's hand upon her skin, and when she reached that delicate hand underneath, Kennedy didn't hesitate in lifting herself to allow the impeding garment to be removed.

The brunette smiled up into the green depths of her lover as she felt the material disappear from her skin, only for it to be covered by the still clothed form of the redhead. "Willow…" she breathed, leaning up to blaze a path of tiny kisses from the witch's chin to her ear before softly whispering. "Wanna feel you…"

Willow pulled back slightly from Kennedy's wandering mouth, and when the slayer gave chase she chuckled and put a hand on the younger girl's chest, pushing her back onto the bed. "That's gonna have to wait. Your turn," she stated, shooting Kennedy a quick resolve-face (she had one for every conversation ever invented) before lowering herself back down to suck on Kennedy's collar bone.

Kennedy hissed through nearly clenched teeth at the feel of her lover's hot mouth on her skin. She balled the expensive sheets up in her hands tightly as she fought back the urge to grab the older woman and show her what her inner slayer was just begging her to do. It wasn't until she felt Willow's mouth engulf her nipple that she felt that control slowly slipping away.

"Uh…not to r-rush you or any…anything…baby…" Kennedy could barely force the words out of her mouth as she felt the urge steadily building inside. "But really…strugglin' h-here…" Kennedy's knuckles were snow white from the force of her grip on the sheets.

Glancing up, Willow caught the wild, almost uninhibited look starting to form in her girlfriend's eyes as she all but begged for more. She couldn't help but grin to herself. 'Wow. I did that,' she thought giddily.

As much as she was enjoying her current 'occupation', she couldn't deny Kennedy any longer- partially for fear of her slayer combusting if she didn't find her sweet release soon.

Giving Kennedy's breast one more loving lick, Willow slid down between her legs and began to fiddle with the buckle and button holding Kennedy's pants on.

Kennedy closed her eyes as she felt the muscles in her stomach tighten almost painfully. Just to know that Willow was that close to her, that intimately connected to her was almost enough to send her over the edge…almost.

What the slayer wanted right now was nothing more than to feel her lover's mouth on her flesh, to feel her deep inside. Losing her tight grip on the sheets, Kennedy reached a hand down to run through the soft auburn locks of her witch as she felt the woman pulling the belt from her jeans followed by the cool rush of air that hit her skin as they were pulled from her body.

Kennedy gazed down at her lover with lust filled eyes as the witch smiled up at her. The redhead lightly traced the sensitive skin of Kennedy's inner thighs with just the tips of her fingers. Shivers shot throughout the slayer's body and she couldn't suppress the moan. "God…you're such a…tease."

"Mm-hmm…" Willow drawled, nipping playfully at her slayer's inner thighs. All the while her eyes stayed aimed up at the brunette, taking in the beauty of her lover in this state, breathing heavily and completely at her mercy.

Which Willow finally took. She wasted no time in darting her tongue in and around her lover's slick folds, thrusting her tongue in then flicking it over her swollen clit. She felt Kennedy go rigid, and gently held onto her thighs as she continue her ministrations.

"Oh…baby." Kennedy didn't know whether to moan, scream, or cry from the overwhelming sensation she was feeling inside.

Her mind was in total confliction. Her hips flew up off the mattress at the first touch of her lover's tongue, but it wasn't long before she felt them suddenly dip back down with a force she thought would surely cause them to snap.

Kennedy threaded her fingers through Willow's hair and pulled her head against her body. She let out another long moan as she felt the heat rapidly building inside. "Al…most."

A little birdie in the back of her mind chirped that Kennedy could break her neck accidentally if she ever truly got out of control, but that wasn't even a cause for though as far as Willow was concerned. Kennedy may be a relatively…new slayer, but she would never hurt her, even by mistake.

She followed Kennedy's hips whether they moved up, back down, or ground harder into her face. Willow could hear, see and smell how close Kennedy was to release, and renewed her assault on the dark haired girl. She released one arm from around Kennedy's leg and momentarily retracted her mouth. She heard a loud groan of protest, but quickly replaced her mouth with two fingers. The younger girl was wet enough that they slid in with ease. As she fought to bring Kennedy to the edge and have her crash as hard as possible, she took the brunette's clit into her mouth and rapidly stroked it with her tongue.

Kennedy's eyes shot open with the sudden sensation of Willow's warm tongue against her clit. The muscles in her arms strained to the point of veins popping and her thighs shook with the force she used to restrain herself.

Even though her mind was hazy with arousal, Kennedy was always conscious about her strength. Having just inherited her slayerness, she wasn't completely in tune with her new power, but she was always aware of the control she kept while in the throws of passion. No matter what the state, Kennedy knew deep down that her mind, her heart would never let her body physically bring harm to her lover.

But it was in this moment that her said body was on the edge and she couldn't restrain the deep moan she felt building in the back of her throat.

"Oh…fuck." It was then that Kennedy felt it explode inside of her. Tiny white pops of electricity shot back and forth behind her eyes. The muscles in her stomach tightened painfully before relaxing in the most delicious way.

"Jesus," she breathed out as she finally felt herself return from the high. She looked down to see her lover's head resting contently on her abdomen, smiling up at her with those deep, green eyes. She returned it with a satisfied smile of her own. "Where'd you learn that?"

Willow just continued to grin like a cheshire cat, walking two of her fingers up Kennedy's soft stomach next to her head. "Oh, around, here and there…" She sighed contently, lazily resting against her lover's soft yet currently damp skin. "Satisfied?" she asked teasingly.

Kennedy looked down with a raised brow, her breathing just starting to even out. "You're jokin', right?" She smiled and dropped her hand to her stomach, bringing her fingers down to cover her lover's roaming hand. She gripped it tightly with her own, her smile growing softer. "I don't think there is a word to describe what I feel right now. You're always more than enough, Will, and you would never…could never not satisfy me."

"Good to know," Willow replied with a small smile, sighing a second time and snuggling against Kennedy, kissing just to the side of her belly button. "Because an unsatisfied slayer, well…that just can't be a pleasant experience," she teased, then slithered up Kennedy's body to place a kiss on those gorgeous lips.

"Mmm," Kennedy moaned as she returned the kiss before pulling away to smile up at her lover. She brushed an errant strand out of Willow's eyes before dropping her head back against the pillow.

"Whew. I think we may need to revisit that whole 'slayer stamina' theory." Kennedy glanced a quick peak to see the confused look on the redhead's face. The slayer lifted a hand to her mouth and pretended to let out a long yawn. "Man, I'm wiped. Who knew such great sex could take so much outta ya?"

The witch's eyebrow arched as she rested her chin on Kennedy's chest, gazing intently up at her. "You're telling me I tired out a slayer, all in one go?" Willow asked incredulously. She couldn't help but stick a pouty lip out at Kennedy.

"Mmm," Kennedy replied, her eyes now firmly closed. "It would seem so." She stretched her arms out to the side and snuggled further into the comfort of the bed. "You must be gettin' good." Kennedy turned her head to the other side in effort to hide the light grin tugging at the corners of her mouth.

The effort fell through, and Willow caught Kennedy's attempts not to smirk. "Oh…you…brat!" she growled playfully, then abruptly sat up and started to tickle Kennedy for the second time in a week. She straddled the slayer, pinning her down as much as possibly, while digging her fingers into the brunette's ticklish sides.

Despite her slayer reflexes, Kennedy wasn't quick enough to avoid her inevitable fate that was a tickle attack. So, she did the only thing that an all-powerful, world saving, kick ass, hot super chick with powers could.

She begged.

"Please…please baby." The slayer fought to say the words through fits of laughter as she allowed the older woman to continue her attack with little effort to resist. "I'll be good. I promise."

When Willow raised a brow and lifted her hands for just a moment, Kennedy seized the opportunity. She reached up and grabbed the witch by the hips, flipping their positions instantly. Her hands suddenly jumped up and she lightly gripped the redhead's wrists. She tsked and shook her head as she pinned them to the mattress by her lover's head.

"Have you learned nothing about slayers, baby?" She leaned down and run her tongue from the witch's chin to her ear. "You shouldn't trust us. We're very…very sneaky."

"Uh-huh. And how do you know I didn't trust you on purpose?" The redhead replied with a cheeky smile. "It *is* entirely possibly that I have you exactly where I want you, right this very second…" She wiggled her eyebrows playfully, and couldn't suppress a giggle. She shivered when Kennedy ran her tongue up to her ear a second time.

"And…" The slayer breathed in a husky breath. "Just where would that…" She emphasized her last word with a gentle thrust of her hips against the woman beneath her. "…be?"

"R-right…about there…" Willow breathed, letting out a soft groan at the contact. She may have bid rid of her pants, but there was still way too much clothing involved, and she longed for flesh-on-flesh contact with her slayer.

She tried to rock her hips forward for more friction. "Please, baby…" came out in a nearly silent breath. At least Kennedy had slayer hearing.

Kennedy smiled as she dipped her head to the witch's neck to plant little kisses along her flesh. "What's that?" She lifted her head and gazed down into the lust filled eyes of her lover. "Baby, if you want something, you're gonna have to speak up." Kennedy squeezed Willow's wrists just slightly tighter as she continued to watch the redhead's reaction, the light smile still tugging at her lips.

Willow swallowed, trying to wipe the fuzziness from her mind. "You," she replied in an unwavering tone, despite the pleasant fog currently settling over her higher motor functions. "Only you, always…"

Those words never sounded so sweet. Kennedy smiled and released her grip on the witch's wrists, bringing her hands to rest on the mattress beside the redhead's hips. She rested most of her weight on her legs as she hovered over her lover, barely making any contact from the thighs up.

The slayer gazed down into her love's eyes for a long moment. In the depths of the green, she saw her future. Kennedy knew that no matter what life held in store for them, that they would see it through together. She knew that no matter what happened to either of them, her heart would never let her love another.

The brunette smiled and leaned down to whisper against the witch's lips, "Well, you got me. Always and forever." She let her eyes scan down briefly before bringing them back to the witch's. With a raised brow, she smirked. "So…about that wanting. Got anything particular in mind?"

"Gonna hold you to that," Willow murmured, brushing her lips briefly against Kennedy's. A slight smile worked its way into the corners of her mouth, and she briefly glanced down at herself before back up into those brown orbs. "The phrase 'pants bad' comes to mind again," she mused. Granted, her pants were already gone, but everything else was still there. Much as she loved the shirt she was currently wearing, it was becoming way too much of a nuisance.

"Hmm…" Kennedy moaned, pretending to think hard. "Well, in that case…" The slayer smiled before slowly lowering her mouth down to the first button on the witch's shirt. She clamped her teeth down on it and jerked. The flimsy plastic gave right away and Kennedy smiled at the sudden hitch in her lover's breath.

She raised herself up to gaze back in the redhead's eyes. With a deliberate smirk, the slayer spit the button from her mouth, satisfied with the jolt it gave the witch's body when it hit the wall. "I really hope you weren't to fond of this shirt…"

A slight growl emitted from the witch's throat as she gazed up at Kennedy disapprovingly. "As a matter of fact…" But Kennedy was giving her doe-eyes. She deflated. "You'd better hurry up before I get cranky," she mused.

Kennedy smiled, unfazed. "Well, we can't have *that*…" She sat up to rest on her thighs. She kept her eyes locked with the woman beneath her as she reached up and gripped each side of the shirt in one hand. She raised a brow almost in challenge, but when she received a much more prominent brow in return, she faltered.

Kennedy released the shirt and leaned down to plant a kiss on the edge of the witch's jaw. "Sorry, baby." Another kiss then, "Guess I'm gonna hafta make it up to you…" Her kisses started to become more heated as she worked her way over to her lover's mouth before planting a searing kiss right on her lips.

Her strong, yet gentle hands made blazing paths up the redhead's delicate sides to come to rest just over her lace clad breasts. She gave them a gentle squeeze and felt the moan vibrate against her lips. She broke the kiss and gazed down at the other woman. "This mean I'm forgiven?"

Willow pretended to think for a moment, though it probably didn't look to convincing as her eyelids fluttered. "M..maybe…" she managed to get out, feeling her heart rate increase.

She looked as if about to say something else, but in that moment gave up. Words were just gonna lead to more teasing and frolicking around, so she did the next best thing.

Reaching up, Willow swiftly and abruptly grabbed both sides of Kennedy's face and yanked her downwards, crashing their lips together with as much force as possible.

The slayer let out a light moan of surprise before quickly adjusting and kissing her girlfriend back with just as much force. Her breathing quickened and she felt as though her heart would pound right out of her chest.

It was as if the rest of her body was on automatic as she felt her hands slipping back out of Willow's shirt and quickly undoing the buttons. Just seconds later, the witch's shirt fell open and Kennedy's hands were underneath, ridding her of the last lace barrier between their flesh.

The garments were tossed away carelessly as she jerked her lover up, both women letting out a deep moan with the contact of their now heated flesh against each other. Kennedy broke the kiss to gaze back lovingly into the witch's eyes. She reached up to wipe a sweaty strand of hair from her eyes. "I love you, Willow." She smiled.

Willow returned the smile, her eyes sparkling as she leaned up to rest her forehead against the slayer's. "I love you too," she replied softly, running her hands over the slayer's warm sides.

It was moments like these where she felt so safe and loved, that nothing could ever penetrate that happiness, or harm her in any way ever again. Kennedy was there with her, and that's all that mattered.

Kennedy smiled at the witch's soft words. She placed a gentle kiss on Willow's forehead before reaching down to place her hands under her thighs. She kept their eyes locked as she slowly lowered them both back down to the bed.

The slayer smiled before slowly trialing a path of heated kisses down her lover's chin to her chest. She stopped to worship each breast with apt attention before trailing her tongue ring down over the redhead's abdomen to where she most desired.

Kennedy breathed in the heady scent of her lover's arousal before leaning in. She trailed the tip of her tongue around the white lace covering her lover's center, always hovering but never actually touching where the contact was needed most.

Willow swallowed hard before letting out a ragged breath. Goddess above, Kennedy could be such a tease when in bed. The girl had amazing…'talent', if one were to word it that way, but at the moment the witch felt as if she might explode without further attention.

"Kenn…baby, please…" she begged, squirming around a bit as her lungs struggled to intake oxygen again. She spread her legs a bit wider, encouraging the slayer as best she could.

Kennedy smiled at the openly sexual display from her lover. She chuckled in the back of her throat as her fingers gripped her thighs just slightly tighter.

The slayer's mouth was suddenly watering for the taste of her lover. Deciding neither of them could wait any longer, she pulled the white lace away and instantly attached her mouth to the redhead's aching center. She was almost overwhelmed as she got the first taste of her lover against her tongue, but her need to satisfy the witch won out over her own feeling and she delved into her task. She sought out her girlfriend's clit and teased it to life. She sucked and licked every inch of Willow's center, forcing her to let out a continuous strand of moans.

It was the sweetest sound Kennedy ever heard.

At first contact, Willow's eyes nearly rolled all the way back into her head. Her neck and back arched instinctively, and a loud moan escaped from the back of her throat.

Soon she managed to find a slight rhythm with Kennedy's ministrations, rocking her hips gently against the slayer's tongue to add as much contact as possible. Pretty soon her hands flew from clutching the bed sheets to tousling themselves in Kennedy's hair. Her mind felt as if it was floating a thousand feet in the air, completely weightless, and her body somehow felt both detached and completely there with it all at the same time.

Put in simpler terms, Willow felt as if she was in heaven.

Kennedy kept the steady pace with her lover's undulating hips. She instinctively knew when to add or take away from the pressure just enough to give her witch what she needed.

It wasn't until she felt the steady tremor through Willow's thighs that Kennedy began to let up on the pressure to apply long, soothing strokes in just the right motions to help the redhead achieve that ultimate release, but she knew for that to be reached the witch would need more.

Lifting her hand, Kennedy placed two fingers inside her lover as she felt the muscles tighten and her breath hitch. She gave her girlfriend a few soft strokes and she felt her body start to shake. She looked up into the witch's eyes and smiled.

Willow was only able to hold Kennedy's gaze for a second, until she finally felt that sweet release wash its way over her entire body. Wave after wave crashed over her, blurring what little vision she had left with the intensity. The witch let out a loud moan, Kennedy's name slurred in there somewhere, as the slayer road out her orgasm from start to finish.

Finally the witch collapsed back onto the bed, completely limp, and very, very happy. Her eyes remained closed for a minute, as she tried to gather her composure once again.

Kennedy placed lazy kisses against the witch's skin as she slowly worked her way back up her sweaty and spent body. She placed a final kiss on the witch's lips before collapsing onto the bed beside her. She felt her eyes grow heavy from the exhaustion of their love making, but before she slipped into a peaceful slumber, she leaned across the pillow and placed a kiss on her girlfriend's temple before wrapping her in a tight embrace.

Kennedy pulled in her lover's scent with one last deep breath before letting it out with a whisper. "Sleep now…"

Kennedy's eyes fluttered briefly. She raised out her unoccupied arm and stretched, letting out a low moan. Her eyes slowly opened to take in the now darkened room of their hotel.

The slayer let out a big yawn and turned her head to the left to take in the sleeping form of her lover. There, curled up against her side, the witch lay in a peaceful slumber. She had Kennedy's arm wrapped around her side with her hand tucked over her heart.

The slayer smiled at the sight before her. It was in moments like these that she was convinced Angels existed, but never in her wildest imagination did she believe she would have one to call her own.

A light smile played over her lips as she watched her Angel start to wake.

The last remaining bits of sleep slowly widdled away, and Willow finally resigned herself to waking up with a light groan. She didn't open her eyes at first, just fidgeted underneath the covers slightly and snuggled up closer to the warm body occupying the space beside her.

After a moment, she was able to crack one eye open, the second one soon following. "Mmm…" was all that her mouth was able to form as she saw an awake Kennedy smiling down at her. "Morning," she slurred.

The slayer chuckled. "Not quite baby." She leaned in to claim her kiss before pulling back and snuggling into the warmth of their bed. "It seems as though we slept through breakfast, lunch, *and* dinner. My tummy's so thoughtfully reminded me."

She smiled at her girlfriend's light chuckle. She wrapped her arm tighter around the witch and pulled her in closer. "Whaddya say to a late night candlelit picnic on the beach? Just the two of us?"

"Aww…but I wanted to invite the hotel staff to join us, and maybe the cab driver who dropped us off," Willow teased lightly, smiling widely and leaning in to place a quick peck on Kennedy's chin.

She too stretched her limbs above her head, one flopping uselessly against the headboard while the other snaked its way around Kennedy's waist. "Picnic sounds nice…but it involves moving, and clothes, and getting out of bed…" She pouted slightly.

Kennedy smirked. "Well, maybe just two out of the three…" She had to move back to avoid the swinging slap from her lover. "Just messin' with ya baby. That's something only *I* get to see…but don't go thinking I've ruled that whole naked on the beach thing out just yet." A shapely eyebrow raised as her smirk grew wider.

"I may be getting braver, but public nudity isn't something you'll find on my list of things to try," Willow replied, nudging Kennedy in the ribs again.

Grinning slightly, she snuggled against her lover, burying her face in the brunette's chest and wrapping her left arm around her back. "Though, technically beaches aren't really 'public' at night, with the lack of people and all. Plus, I think there's supposed to be a big, full moon on Thursday, so it'll look really beautiful…" She glanced upward slyly at Kennedy.

The slayer's smirk suddenly faded and she felt her mouth grow dry. "Th…Thursd-day?" The look in her eyes did nothing to hide her surprise at her lover's words. She never thought that Willow would *actually* consider acting out the fantasy. "Really?"

"Of course, we'll need to buy a big beach towel, I don't particularly want too much sand to get into unpleasant places." Willow patted Kennedy on the arm, gave her a big smile, then rolled over and sat up. "I'm gonna shower." Wrapping one of the sheets around her, she shuffled towards the bathroom.

Kennedy stared blankly at the retreating form of her girlfriend. Had she just heard right? Did shy, blushy little Willow just say she wanted to have hot moonlit sex on a *public* beach?

The slayer shook her head to rid the shock before a slow smiled crept onto her face. She threw the covers back before jumping out of bed to follow her lover into the shower. "That is so hot."

Kennedy's eyes scanned the beach as her toes melded into the cool sand. She took in a deep breath of the sea air as she looked over at her lover before reaching down to interlace her fingers with the witch's. She let out a dreamy sigh and smiled. "I've never seen anything so beautiful."

When the redhead looked over at her with a soft smile on her face, the moonlight hit her just right, bringing out the soft glow of her skin. The slayer quickly corrected herself. "Well…almost anything."

Willow blushed characteristically, and pulled the other woman closer to her. "I could say the same about you," she replied softly, her eyes scanning Kennedy's perfectly shaped form contrasting against the almost glowing sand.

Though it was only Saturday, the moon still emitted enough light to cause the nearly white sand to glow. It cascaded off of the water, making the whole beach look magical.

A small smirk coming to her face, Willow gently squeezed Kennedy's side. "But I won't," she added cheekily.

Kennedy wrapped her arm around the witch's side and drew her in even nearer to her own body. "Hey, I'm supposed to be the romantic one here, remember?" She gave the witch a slight poke in the side. "So it's better that you don't. Wouldn't want you upstaging me or anything." Kennedy finished the last sentence with a smile before suddenly stopping and turning to face her lover. "Close your eyes."

Willow arched an eyebrow at her girlfriend. "Why?" she asked a bit warily. When Kennedy just repeated herself, Willow hesitated slightly before doing so. "Is this the part where I say 'I'm flying, Jack, I'm flying!'?" she joked.

Kennedy moved around to stand behind the redhead, placing her hands under her forearms. "Well, I'm no Leonardo," she started as she began to lead the woman along the beach. Leaning in to whisper as they walked, "but I'd really like to be your Romeo."

The witch felt her heart flutter at those words, and she slowly allowed Kennedy to guide her blindly down the beach. "No one else I'd rather have," she whispered softly, a small smile forming over her lips.

Kennedy smiled against the witch's ear as she continued to lead her through the sand. They only traveled a few moments before reaching their destination. "Wait here," Kennedy softly instructed into the witch's ear before withdrawing herself from her body. She smiled at the light whimper of protest from the loss of contact, but she stayed focused on her task.

The slayer reached into her pocket and pulled out the matches she had hidden away there. She bent down and lit the candles surrounding the blanket. She blew out the match and gave the scene one last check before turning back to see her lover waiting patiently, her eyes still tightly closed. Another one of the many things Kennedy loved about her girl, her complete and total trust in her.

"Okay," Kennedy took a deep breath, "open 'em."

The older girl immediately opened her eyes, and let out a soft gasp. "Kennedy…" she breathed, her mouth agape as she looked around at the scene her lover had set up. What topped it off was the way the moonlight washed over the perfect location, and the water washed ashore fifteen feet below the blanket. The candles cast a warm glow, their light dancing off the white sand.

"It's perfect," she murmured, turning to her girlfriend. "You're perfect."

"I wouldn't call it perfect," the slayer smiled. She once again closed the gap between their bodies and took the other woman in her arms. "And believe me, I'm far from it." She studied her lover's face intently, gazing deeply into the expressive green hue of her eyes. "But, you make it…*me* feel that way. Will, when I'm with you, I feel like there's nothing I couldn't do."

She lifted her hands to gently cradle the redhead's face as a soft smile fought its way back onto her lips. "I love you so much…I just want this to be right. You deserve it, and so much more."

Well, what do you say to that? There wasn't anything Willow *could* say. She just gazed lovingly at Kennedy for a moment before leaning in and capturing her slayer's lips.

They stayed like that for a moment, before Willow pulled away the width of a hair. "Everything you do for me is right, Kenn. I don't know why I'm so lucky to have you in my life." Her arms snaked their way around the slayer, holding her close.

Kennedy stared back at the older woman a bit dumbfounded. "You? You think *you're* the lucky one?" The slayer shook her head adamantly. "God Will, I don't think you know how many times I've prayed to whoever or whatever was listening that I'd have just one more day with you…but I never thought one more day would turn into this."

Kennedy lifted one of the witch's hands and placed a gentle kiss on the back before pulling it back to rest against her heart. "I know you think that I saved you from some big dark place in your life, but it doesn't even compare to what you've done for me." She leaned in and dropped her forehead to rest against Willow's. "Your love's been more than I ever dreamed of, and if one day you ever decided that it wasn't mine to have anymore, well, I just want you to know that it's the best thing that's ever happened to me…ever."

"Hey, don't talk like that." Willow took her hand from Kennedy's and gently cupped the slayer's cheek. It was no secret that tears were already starting to glisten in her eyes. "Where my head, and my heart are at right now…I can't see myself without you. Not now, not a million years in the future. So don't ever think that that's going to happen…'kay?" She tried to smile and add that last word a bit lighter, but instead found herself nearly collapsing against Kennedy as she pulled the younger woman into her arms and sniffled loudly several times.

"And don't you be goin' anywhere any time soon, either, or there'll be a whoopin'," she managed to quip, laughing through her tears.

Kennedy smiled through her own near tears. "Yes ma'am." She hugged the warm body of the older woman tightly against her own for a few peaceful and silent moments before slowly pulling away and nodding toward the blanket. "Now, whaddya say we pig out?"

Sighing deeply, Willow nodded and grasped Kennedy's hand. She tugged the slayer over to the blanket and flopped down in the center, eyeing the large picnic basket sitting on the edge. As if it had eyeballs as well, her stomach made a loud gurgling noise, and Willow gave Kennedy a sheepish look, blushing. "We really need to remember to eat while we're on vacation, tempting as it is to spend the whole thing in bed or on the beach."

Willow scooted closer to her girlfriend, resting her head on the brunette's shoulder and lacing their fingers together. "What did ya bring?"

Kennedy reached into the picnic basket with her free hand and pulled out a container. She looked down and smiled at the witch as she popped the lid. "Only your favorite…"

Acting almost like a child on Christmas morning, Willow hurriedly took the container and looked inside. A grin slid across her face. Chocolate covered strawberries *were* one of her favorites…where her girlfriend had learned that fact was beyond her, but she wasn't going to complain.

"You're a genius, did anyone ever tell you that?" She delicately picked one up and held it in front of the brunette to take a bite of. Suddenly she let out a small giggle, causing the slayer to give her a funny look. "Sorry, it's just…kind of metaphorical, don't ya think? Chocolate, strawberries…" She giggled again, and put the strawberry to her lover's lips.

"Did I miss something?" Kennedy asked carefully before taking a big bite of the offered fruit. "Cause, I only brought them cause I thought they'd get you in the mood." She grinned around a mouthful of strawberry, darting her tongue out to catch the tiny trail of juice from the corner of her mouth.

Rolling her eyes, Willow stuffed the bottom part of the half-eaten strawberry into the slayers mouth. Pausing for a moment, she then leaned in to lick more of the red juice from Kennedy's delicious lips. "Whatever gave you that idea?" she questioned with a quirked eyebrow, exchanging her grin for an innocent look.

With an innocent look of her own, the slayer leaned forward, slowly closing the gap between their bodies. She brought her lips within a breath of the redhead's as she stared deep within her eyes.

Kennedy reached out and placed her hands on the older woman's thighs, her fingertips brushing the hem of the witch's summer dress. "Well, what kinda girlfriend would I be…" She trailed off as she slowly slipped her hands under the light fabric of Willow's dress. "If I didn't even know what turned my lover on?"

'Hmm'ing quietly, Willow rested her forehead against the brunette's. "I don't know…" she pretended to think, then smiled softly and raised a hand to Kennedy's chest. "Lets not find out," she added, pushing Kennedy back onto the blanket and following after.

Kennedy let out a light chuckle as her back hit the blanket. She gazed up lovingly into Willow's eyes as she ran her hands up and down the witch's sides lightly. "I wish we could stay like this forever, Will." Kennedy smiled softly as she looked up at her lover. The witch almost appeared to be glowing against the back drop of the late summer night sky. "You're so damn beautiful." She continued to gaze lovingly for a few moments before her serious expression faded. She let out a dramatic sigh and shook her head. "It really pains me to have to do this."

Kennedy grinned at the sudden look of confusion on her lover's face. Her grip on the witch's sides suddenly tightened and in one quick lift, she was on her feet with her lover in her arms. The slayer didn't say a word as she carried the other woman over to the water's edge. Once there, she stopped and raised a brow, grinning down at the look of horror on the witch's face.

"No! Kennedy!" Willow squealed, trying to cling to the slayer's neck. But alas, it was no use, because she soon found herself flying through the air and landing in a very, very big puddle of water. Also known as the Atlantic Ocean.

She came up for air sputtering, and resembled a drown rat. The water was still relatively shallow, so she was able to gather her legs. She flipped her hair out of her face and got to her feet sooner than Kennedy would have expected. "You're dead!" she yelled, grinning wildly, and took off towards the slayer.

Somehow Willow managed to jump onto Kennedy's back, tipping them both forward and back into the water.

Kennedy laughed just as she felt Willow jump onto her back, but her laughter was short-lived as she instantly felt herself taking a swan dive straight into the water. However, her slayer strength once again gave her the upside. As soon as she hit the water, she was already twisting her body to reemerge above the redhead.

The slayer sat up on her knees and brushed her wet hair back out of her eyes with both her hands as she waited for Willow to rise to the surface. As soon as the witch was back at eye-level, Kennedy grinned. "You should know better than to pick a water fight with a slayer, Red." She tsked as she reached under the water to grab the witch's sides. She pulled her into her lap with a sly grin. "We always win."

"Cheater," Willow laughed, squirming slightly in Kennedy's lap. Another wave crashed over them, and she yelped slightly, clinging to her girlfriend. "H-have I ever mentioned how much I hate water?" The redhead shivered slightly, both arms wrapping tightly around her lover's neck.

Kennedy seemed to pause for a moment, as Willow gave her a nervous looking glancing. However it was quickly replaced by a devilish grin, and she lunged once again, dunking Kennedy's head underneath the water.

Kennedy sputtered as she pulled herself back out of the water. She shot the witch a mock death glare, but Willow only laughed. Kennedy pouted for only a moment before reaching out and grabbing her girlfriend under the thighs. "I hope that was worth it Rosenberg…" She leaned in and smiled, her voice a soft growl. "Cause its gonna cost ya."

The slayer suddenly pulled on the witch's thighs, effortlessly lifting the woman into mid air. The muscles in her arms popped and strained from the effort of supporting another body. She gazed into the soft green eyes of the smiling witch. "That is, unless you could change my mind."

"I seem to recall changing your mind quite a few times the last few days," Willow shouted over the loud crashing of the water hitting the shore. She grinned down at Kennedy. "Y'know, I *could* kiss you, but I'm way up here…" The middle of her torso lay even with the slayer's smiling face as she held her up.

Kennedy licked her lips sensually as she slowly lowered the redhead's body down through her arms. She waited until her lover's feet was back on the sand before licking her lips again. She fought back the smile as she watched the entranced expression on the witch's face.

Kennedy leaned in and brought her lips to nearly touch her girlfriends, when suddenly she pulled away with a smile. "You know what? I changed my mind." The slayer once again lifted the witch up, only this time she jumped backward, pulling the older woman under the water after her.

After remerging for the umpteenth time, Willow shook her hair out of her face, running a hand back through it. "You realize this means war, yes?" She stated in a mock-serious tone to her girlfriend. When Kennedy's answer was to grin and sink back beneath the water, Willow started to jump down after her when she suddenly stopped.

"Kenn?" Without looking down, Willow fished beneath the surface before grabbing her girlfriend's shirt and dragging her back to the surface. "Listen…" It was hard to hear everything above the crash of the waves- especially if you're right in the middle of them- but she could've sworn she'd heard…something.

"Will?" The slayer studied her girlfriend's face intently, but the witch's eyes stayed focus to the side. Kennedy turned her head back towards the beach, but she only saw darkness. "What is it? I don't see any…" Before the words could leave her mouth, the slayer heard a loud scream from beyond the darkness.

The slayer turned her head back to her lover above her, meeting the worried and slightly annoyed look in her green gaze. "You know us Will," Kennedy started as she waited for the older woman to remove herself from her lap. Once the witch was standing again, she pulled herself to her feet right after her. Brushing her hair back from her face, she sighed. "No such thing as a vacation."

Kennedy reached a hand over and placed it on the witch's abdomen lightly, never taking her eyes off the darkness. "Wait here. I'll make sure it's safe." Before her lover could respond, the slayer was off, running into the darkness.

"Kennedy, WAIT!" Willow called after her lover, but she disappeared into the darkness. "Damn slayer stubbornness," she muttered underneath her breath, starting to wade her way back to shore. "Only the most powerful witch in the western hemisphere…can take care of myself…"

Once out of the water, Willow paused and looked down the beach. Between the water in her eyes and the minimum amount of light coming from the streets up the beach, she couldn't see very much. "Kennedy!" she called out again, a knot of worry forming in her stomach.

Kennedy came to a skidding halt. She was in such a hurry to find the source of the scream, she nearly tripped over it. The slayer waited until her eyes readjusted to the darkness before peering down at the lump in the sand.

Her breath caught in her throat when her eyes locked on the pale, cold, and motionless body of a young woman. Dried blood clung to the woman's throat and her cold blue eyes stared up lifelessly at nothing.

Kennedy covered her mouth to keep from vomiting. "Jesus," she muttered as she bent down to lightly touch the body. Kennedy had seen a lot of things since becoming a slayer, and a helluva lot more since before, but nothing quite like this. It was so…

"Heartbreaking, isn't it?" A smooth, feminine voice drifted over from behind causing Kennedy to swiftly jump to her feet. Her eyes scanned the darkness before settling on the faint outline of a woman.

"Let me guess, your handy work?" Kennedy nodded back over her shoulder at the woman's lifeless body. An amused chuckled rang through the darkness. The slayer watched, transfixed as the woman stepped out of the shadows, her dark yellow eyes gleaming.

"More like a midnight snack," the vampire smiled, lifting a finger to her lips to suck off the last trace of the woman's blood.

Kennedy let out an annoyed sigh. "Look, can't you just attack me so I can kill you and get back to my girl? I was just about to get laid and I really hate when that gets interrupted."

The vampire's features suddenly changed back to human form, revealing a much more beautiful visage. She lifted a shapely brow and slowly stalked over to the slayer.

Kennedy found herself suddenly enthralled by the vampire. Her head screamed at her to attack, but her body stood frozen, her eyes fixed on the approaching woman. It wasn't until she was face to face with the vampire that she let out a breath she didn't realize she was holding.

The vampire smiled. "My name's Layla." She reached a hand up and lightly trailed a fingertip along Kennedy's neckline. "What's yours?"

Back down the beach, Willow was cursing in her ability to run in a sopping wet dress. She had no clue which direction Kennedy had gone in, and even though she knew her girlfriend was perfectly capable of kicking ass, they were in unfamiliar territory and had no clue what kind of bad guys Rio de Janeiro held.

"Ke-" Her next call died in her throat as she spotted the outline of her girlfriend and someone else just up the beach. A second later the body of an unmoving figure also came into her line of sight.

Panic arose in the witch's chest, and she ran forward. Well, ran as best as she could in her current state. Muttering underneath her breath, she cast a brief cloaking spell to keep her blundering arrival from being a complete disaster.

The closer she got, the more she could see, and what she saw disturbed her. Kennedy was standing stalk still, not attacking, while the creature (it appeared to be a woman so far) was reaching for her. "What's yours?" drifted into the redhead's ears. Instantly dropping the cloaking spell, Willow came up behind her lover and the other woman.

"Mine." She stated in a fierce and protective tone. She side-glanced a look at Kennedy before turning a stern eye on the woman in front of her. "I believe that's *my* girlfriend you're currently touching. Care to explain?"

Kennedy jumped at the sound of her girlfriend's voice. Her eyes nearly bugged out of her head when she saw the redhead standing before her. "Willow! I…I was just…" She trailed off at the stern look from her lover. That look could only mean one thing.

Uh-frikken'-oh.

Layla dropped her hand from Kennedy's chest, smiling innocently at the redhead. "Girlfriend?" She glanced back at Kennedy, her blue eyes raking over the slayer's body slowly. "What a pity. This one looks like she was built to go all night…"

Willow let out a little smirk. "Won't argue with you on that one," she replied in an icy tone. "That still doesn't explain why you're touching her." Her lover fidgeted slightly beside her, but Willow continued.

"Lemme guess…vampire? Hmm…slayer?" She pretended to think for a moment, then looked over at Kennedy. "Sweetie?" She didn't like how Kennedy was acting all…weird suddenly.

"Huh?!" Kennedy nearly shouted. "I mean…vampire," she nodded towards the blonde currently smirking back at her. "She's a…vampire."

"Yes, I…gathered that…" Willow furrowed her eyebrows at Kennedy. "So…what do we usually *do* with vampires?"

Kennedy heard the faint sound of Willow's voice registering in her brain, but she found herself transfixed on the vampire once again. It was almost as if she had some kind of spell over her. One that she couldn't resist…no matter how hard she tried.

"We…stake…them." Kennedy's words came out in slow deliberate breaths as she watched the vampire in question smile back at her seductively. She felt a pull in the blue eyes currently fixed on her own, and she knew it had to be some sort of trick, but she just couldn't break away.

A faint and distant voice whispered in her mind. 'Come…come to me.'

Before she knew what was happening, she felt her feet start to move, slowly closing the gap between herself and the vampire.

"Wha- Kennedy!" Willow darted forward and grabbed the slayer by the arm, spinning her around to face the witch. "What the hell are you doing?!" Plain hurt and uncertainty showed in her eyes.

Not waiting for an answer, she stepped in front of the brunette and glowered at the vampire. "Leave. Now."

Layla gave Willow the once over with a raised brow. "No matter," she sighed before glancing back over to meet the slayer's eyes. "Til we meet again," she smiled before sauntering off into the darkness.

Kennedy felt her heart slow down to an almost still. She shook her head to rid it of the cobwebs before turning her eyes to meet the slightly pained expression of her lover's. "Will? Baby?"

Willow just looked at Kennedy for a minute, before biting her lip and turning around. "W-we should head back to the hotel," she said quietly, trying to keep the strain out of her voice. The witch all but ran back in the direction of their room.

"Will, wait," Kennedy reached out for her lover, but the woman was already out of her reach. She just stood in silence staring at the retreating form of her girlfriend.

"Shit," she mumbled under her breath before glancing over her shoulder at the woman's lifeless body. "Double shit."

How could they go from being perfectly happy, content, and having a good time to…wherever they were at now, in a period of two minutes?

The whole walk back to the hotel, Willow's brain scrambled to try and figure out what the hell had just happened. Yet when all she ended up with was a throbbing in her head and an aching in her heart, she resigned for the moment and gave up.

When halfway through the walk she realized she had left Kennedy behind with the body, Willow quickly made it to the front desk and made up some story about how they had been on the beach and heard a scream. "Someone might want to check it out," Willow suggested to the midnight clerk, feigning a worried expression.

Once back in the hotel room, she tossed her wet clothes into the corner of the bathroom and dried herself off. Part of her wanted Kennedy to hurry up and get back, but another part was still a bit…hurt, by the way she had acted out there.

Sighing in defeat, the witch crawled into bed and faced the wall, her back to the door. When Kennedy came home, she could figure it out then.

"What the hell was I thinking?"

That was the question Kennedy had asked herself a million and one times on the walk back to the hotel. She kept replaying her meeting with Layla over and over in her mind, trying to find any loop hole that could clue her in to why she just didn't stake the bitch and be done with it.

But what hurt the most, was the look on Willow's face right after the witch pulled her outta the mindless trance.

Since the first moment she laid eyes on the redhead, Kennedy swore to herself to take away the pain she saw buried deep behind those green eyes, and by some act of God, she managed to do just that. All was right in the world when she held the witch in her arms, breathed in her scent, gazed deep into her sparkling eyes, and saw that smile of true happiness.

It was those moments that Kennedy lived for.

But tonight, she didn't see anything other than pure hurt and betrayal in those soft green eyes. It made Kennedy's heart ache with a pain she'd rarely known.

And now, here she stood at the doorway to their room, soaking wet and shivering, from the cold or the nervousness, she'd yet to decide. Taking in a deep breath, she lifted a shaky hand and placed her key in the lock.

Willow was far from actual sleep, but the sound of the lock clicking open startled her out of her daze. She turned to look over her shoulder, then hesitated and retook her position of facing the wall.

She took in a deep breath and closed her eyes, willing her body to relax enough that she could pretend to be asleep.

Kennedy gripped the door nervously as she stepped inside and quietly closed it after her. She slowly turned to glance around the room, her eyes finally falling on the figure lying on the bed.

The witch's back was to her, and that was never a good sign.

Sighing quietly, Kennedy made her way into the bathroom, pulling off her wet clothes along the way before finally piling them atop the other woman's in the far corner. She took a quick glance at herself in the bathroom mirror before looking away in disgust.

Flicking off the light, Kennedy slowly and cautiously made her way over to the bed. She stopped at the edge and peered down at the form of her lover, noticing the rigid breathing of the witch. Kennedy could only sigh again as she lifted back the covers and climbed in.

The witch felt the bed shift, and soon felt Kennedy's warm figure crawl up behind her. She swallowed hard, knowing she was terrible at fake-sleeping, and that the slayer probably wasn't buying it. So, even though she was facing away from Kennedy, she opened her eyes into the darkness and said quietly, "I told the front desk we heard a scream out on the beach. They called the police." It was the only thing she could think of.

The slayer was a little taken back at the witch's quiet words. "Oh well, that's…good. I was worried about that." She took in a few cautious breaths before dropping her head down to the pillow. She snuggled in closer to her girlfriend and hesitantly wrapped an arm around her waist.

Willow stiffened slightly at the touch, but soon relaxed back into it. She was silent for a moment, her mind torn between whether she should or shouldn't say anything. Finally, she spoke quietly once again. "Kenn?"

"Yeah baby?" Kennedy sighed contently as she pulled the woman closer to her own body.

'What happened out there?' her mind screamed, but she couldn't force the words from mouth. Sighing, she shook her head slightly. "Nothing. Nevermind."

"Hmm," was all the slayer said in response as she felt the need for sleep slowly pulling her out of consciousness. Kennedy may be a tough, kick ass slayer, but sometimes, she really sucked when it came to the girlfriend stuff.

For the first time since the Hellmouth closed, Willow didn't sleep soundly. She kept awaking periodically at night, rolling over to watch Kennedy sleep for a few minutes, before drifting back off herself.

By the time morning rolled around, the witch was purely exhausted. The incident from the night before was driving her crazy, and for once she wished her brain would just stop thinking so much.

Sitting up, Willow swung her legs over the side of the bed. She stifled a groan, her muscles feeling as if she slept not like a rock, but *on* one.

The witch glanced back at the sleeping slayer once more, noting the fact that Kennedy hadn't bothered with fresh pajamas the night before, and had just crawled into bed with nothing on. It wasn't like they had needed clothes these last few evenings, anyway…

The smile that had just started to form quickly faded however, and the Wicca abruptly turned and started for the bathroom.

Kennedy could feel the pull of morning ripping through her hazy slumber. She let out a long yawn as she stretched her arms over her head, trying to rid her body of the night's sleep.

Her eyes slowly open and she peers over at the empty spot in bed next to her. She just lay there for a moment, staring at the neat white sheet. She reaches out and runs her hand over the material, sighing in relief when she can still feel the warmth upon them.

The slayer turns her head towards the bathroom when the sound of the shower running finally reaches her ears. She unconsciously lets out another sigh of relief as she tosses the cover back. Her toes curl at the sudden cold they meet when her feet hits the carpet, but she shrugs it off as the pounding in her head gets louder.

The slayer slowly stalks her way over to the bathroom door and reaches up to lightly knock.

Absorbed in her own thoughts, the knock caught Willow off guard. Through the foggy shower door, she looked towards the bathroom one. "Y-yeah?"

Kennedy feels her heart jump into her throat. "Umm, I ah, I left my boots in there…last night." Since when did words become so hard to put together?

"I just wanted to know i-if I could come in and…and get them?" There. That wasn't so hard.

The witch felt her heart sink ever so slightly. "Oh, yeah, o-of course…the door's open." She quickly sticks her head back under the spray of near-scalding water and rinses the shampoo from her hair.

Kennedy lets out a breath at the muffled permission from the other side of the door. "Thanks," she mumbles to herself as she turns the knob and opens the door.

She tries not to, but she can't help it. Her eyes are instantly glued to the blurred figure behind the shower door. She finds herself entranced with the familiar outline behind it.

Before she realizes, Kennedy finds herself making her way over to the shower and just as she reaches her hand out to pull back the door, the events of last night come flooding back to her. She suddenly jerks her hand away as if it was scalded. She remembers the coldness and unusually detached demeanor of her lover. She might not be the brightest crayon in the box, but even Kennedy can recognize when Willow's less than happy with her.

Granted, last night the haze of sleep clouded her judgment, but in the clear light of day…

Her thoughts come to an abrupt halt when the shower door suddenly swings open to reveal newly showered and breathtaking sight of her lover.

Kennedy freezes.

Willow stands still for a moment and stares back at Kennedy. Her brain, however, quickly snaps her back to reality. "Um…showers' yours, if you want…I'm done…" The last part is said rather quietly, and for once Willow isn't able to hold Kennedy's gaze for more than a few seconds. It falters, and slips down to the floor. She went to step by the slayer and back towards the main room of their suite.

Kennedy's arm quickly shot out and grabbed Willow's hand gently. Her ears picked up the sound of the witch's sudden intake of breath, but the pounding of her heart quickly drowned it out.

Kennedy ran her tongue over her bottom lip, twirling her tongue ring along the way. She trailed her eyes up her lover's body, her every nerve cell jumping to life with the recognition. Her eyes finally met the wide, almost fearful stare of the redhead and her mind started screaming at her to come to her senses.

Kennedy released Willow's hand instantly and took a step back, dropping her own gaze to the floor. "I'm…sorry."

Whether Kennedy meant for the previous night, or for having instant thoughts of ravaging her immediately after something like that had happened, Willow wasn't sure. The witch found herself at a loss for what to say back. She remained silent for a moment, before coming to a mental decision.

Whatever happened the night before, probably neither of them knew. For the time being, the redhead was willing to put it behind her. They were on vacation, and they were supposed to be happy.

She could only hope that the blonde vampire didn't pop up again any time soon, unless it was on the receiving end of a stake.

Sighing softly, Willow stepped closer to Kennedy, slowly placing both arms around the slayer's neck. "I know you are…" she replied quietly with a soft smile.

It took all the willpower Kennedy could muster in that moment not to reach up and flip Willow around, press her against the bathroom wall, drop to her knees…

"Ah, Will?" She started, her voice cracking. "I…I'm really sorry about last night. With the…vamp and all." Kennedy kept her hands clenched tightly at her sides, her knuckles ghostly white. "I don't know what happened, but I know I hurt you. I'll never forgive myself for that."

Kennedy slowly lifted her eyes to the witch's. "And neither should you."

Willow shrugged slightly, letting out a breath. "Well, I won't deny that you may be in the dog house for just a little bit longer…" She allowed a small grin to form across her lips. "Let's just…try and forget about what happened, okay? Please? Chalk it up to a random moment of vampire heebee geebees?"

She didn't know why she was so eager to get the subject behind them without talking through it further…maybe it was just the whole 'vacation' factor, and that Kennedy seemed genuinely sorry for whatever it was that happened.

Kennedy studied the other woman, a perplexed look across her face. "You sure? I mean, last night, you weren't so much with the forgiving." Kennedy's eyes suddenly widened. "NOT that I blame you. I mean, if I were you, I'da made me sleep on the floor or in the bathtub or…something." Kennedy's eyes darted around nervously. "M-maybe I should just go? Give you some space?"

Sighing in exasperation, Willow dropped her hands from around her slayer's neck. "Do you *not* want me to forgive you or something? Fork out some mystical punishment that'll have you paying forever, or with your life, or something dramatic like that?"

Before Kennedy could exit the bathroom, Willow reached out and grabbed her by the wrist. "Kenn, I'm not going to do that, alright? Last night, I was still confused, and this morning…well, I'm still *really* confused, but…I don't want it ruining our plans for a nice, normal vacation. So just except my excepting your damn apology already!" She gave her girlfriend a rather…fierce resolve face.

Kennedy's stunned expression quickly turned to a knowing smirk. "Have I ever told you how hot it makes me when you get all demanding?" Her hand reached out and trailed a path up the witch's silky thigh. She leaned in and buried her face into the fresh smelling red tresses. She sucked in a deep breath as her fingertips traced absent circles on her lover's thigh.

"Mmm, strawberries and cream," she turned her head and placed a kiss just under the witch's ear. "My favorite."

The words sent a shiver down Willow's spine, and she fought a losing battle to keep her composure. "Well, you were the one that packed it…" she replied with a knowing grin into the slayer's neck.

"Hmm," Kennedy moaned into the older woman's neck. "Only cause I knew it'd smell so good on you." She raised her head from Willow's neck and smiled softly. "Just…*how* forgiven am I?"

Willow leaned in again to place a love bite on Kennedy's pulse point, her fingers tracing light patterns on the slayer's taunt stomach…

Then she pulled back, smiling wanly. "Not that forgiven." Giving the brunette a quick pat on the arm, Willow quickly exited the bathroom.

Kennedy's jaw nearly hit the floor. She turned quickly just in time to meet the back of the bathroom door as Willow shut it behind her.

The slayer stood, shell-shocked as she stared at the back of the plain white door. It took her a moment to realize what just happened. After a minute or two of stunned silence, she was finally able to shake herself out of Willow's sudden and all too abrupt halt on her libido.

"Well, that's new."

Since her relationship with the redhead was taken to that first night of endless passion and heartfelt lovemaking, Kennedy couldn't remember a single time when the witch had shot her down.

Until now.

"Damn," she sighed as she ran a hand through her hair, physically forcing her body to retreat from it's raging desire. "I shoulda known it wasn't gonna be *that* easy."

Through the disappointment of rejection, the hilarity of the situation suddenly dawned on Kennedy. "So I'm officially in the dog house," she laughed to herself as she reached into the shower and turned on the hot water. She thought about it for a moment before turning it back off and reaching over to turn on the cold.

Kennedy sighed to herself as she pulled the door back to step in. "Well, this should be fun."

Thirty minutes later, Kennedy emerged from the bathroom. After two cold showers and a thorough 'You can do this Kennedy. You're a slayer, you can do this' pep talk, she was finally ready to face her lover.

Kennedy was just sliding her belt through the last loop as she stepped into the room. She let out a long breath and looked up, only for her eyes to fall on an empty room.

"Huh," she absently sighed. "Where'd she go?"

For once, Willow was quite pleased with herself.

As she sat in the downstairs coffee shop, awaiting her and Kennedy's breakfast order to be fulfilled, a smug grin didn't quite seem to want to leave her face.

After grabbing the coffee tray and bag of goodies, Willow made her way back to their room. One elevator ride later, she was struggling to juggle breakfast and stick the key in the lock at the same time.

Kennedy was lying on the bed watching some early morning cartoons. Surprisingly, she was able to find a few stations in English, and after flipping through boring news and a few early morning talk shows, she finally decided on Looney Tunes.

Kennedy was watching the coyote chasing, and as always, failing to catch the roadrunner, with apt fascination. She found herself oddly identifying with the poor creature.

But any internal musings were cut short when the smell of fresh bacon drifted through the door. Her stomach growled in anticipation, and her mouth watered. In a flash, she was leaping over the bed and in two quick steps, she swung open the door.

Willow stood there, her key set to be right where the doorknob was mere moments before. She smirked at her girlfriend. "Anxious much?" She walked into the room and placed their meal on the table next to the television.

As she was setting up the food, her back turned to the slayer, a smirk grazed across her face. "Have a nice shower, sweetie?" she inquired in a perfectly normal and not at all gloating tone.

Kennedy stood behind the witch, watching her set up the food anxiously. She looked up abruptly at the sound of the her teasing words. "The best," she answered absently. "All three of them," she added in a quiet mumble.

"Good. Got a big day of city-touring ahead of us." Willow turned back around to her girlfriend and held out her coffee cup. "Double double, as always…" She held up a piece of bacon in the other hand and quickly stuffed it into Kennedy's mouth as soon as she opened it to say something. "Enjoy!"

Returning to the table, Willow plunked herself down in one of the chairs. Of course she had gotten the brunette more than a strip of bacon, but for now she was having fun playing with the slayer. She dug into her own eggs and Danish.

Kennedy nearly choked. She reached up and just as quickly pulled the scanty piece of bacon from her mouth. She looked down at it in her hand with a raised brow. "You're joking, right?"

Willow looked over her shoulder, trying to put on a convincingly bewildered face. "Well, you never mentioned that you were hungry, should've said something before I went down…"

Kennedy's hopeless expression turned to a sudden grin. "Oh, you're going down alright." Before the witch could react, Kennedy was already across the room and lifting her straight up from her chair. Her grin grew at the sudden look of surprise on her lover's face. "I'll teach you to mess with a slayer, baby."

Kennedy smiled at the sudden squeal she elicited from the redhead as she lifted her straight into the air before nearly throwing her across the room and onto the bed. Before the older woman had time to react, Kennedy was on top of her, holding her down on the mattress.

Giggling profusely, Willow forced herself to bite her lower lip. "You know, using your super chick powers to your advantage is considered cheating by most people…" She grinned upwards smugly. "Including myself. And that's not gonna help you get your breakfast."

Kennedy's stomach chose that exact moment to growl. She dropped her head onto the bed by the witch's and groaned. She released Willow's hands and looked down at her pleadingly. "Then please tell me what will. I'd do anything right now."

Pushing her slayer to the side and watching her crash against the mattress, Willow sat up and jumped off of the bed. Grabbing the paper bag from the table and the coffee Kennedy had set aside, she sat cross-legged next to the ailing slayer. "Here," she replied in a softer tone, offering out the bag. "Don't want you *completely* wasting away. You're still useful for some things," the redhead grinned cheekily.

"Oh thank God," Kennedy let out in a rush as she tore into the bag. She barely took a breath through the bites, swallowing it as soon as it was in her mouth. "For a minute there," she started before taking a few sips of her coffee, "I was starting to think I was gonna have to kiss your feet or something."

"Hmm, that's not a bad idea, actually…" the witch pondered with a smug look to her slayer. "A nice foot massage before lunch…"

This was just starting to get fun.

Willow was still a little…annoyed, with Kennedy, but they were on better terms than the night before, that was for sure. This wasn't going to ruin their vacation together. She wasn't going to go out of her way to think up punishments to dish out on Kennedy or anything to that extreme.

Unless she thought of something really, really good. That thought made the witch chuckle lightly as she watched Kennedy inhale her food.

"Baby," Kennedy mumbled as she chewed, "If rubbing your feet will make you happy, I'm all for it." She downed some more coffee as she finished off her last bagel. She balled up the bag and threw it across the room. It bounced off the wall and into the can.

Kennedy smiled to herself before falling back against the comforter to finish watching her morning cartoons.

Finishing off her own breakfast, Willow grabbed one of the travel magazines she had picked up in the lobby and then flopped down next to Kennedy. Resting her head on the slayer's shoulder, she idly flipped through it. "There's so much to do here…"

Kennedy's breathing suddenly felt labored as the smell of strawberries and cream once again overwhelmed her senses. She closed her eyes and groaned softly as the weight against her side shifted. She slowly opened her eyes as she felt the soft tips of Willow's fingers tracing her abdomen through the thin material of her tank top.

"I'm thinking of something right now," she groaned to herself as she felt the muscles in her stomach twitch with each delicate touch.

Glancing up from the magazine, Willow rolled her eyes playfully. "Again, Kenn? When did you suddenly start to get so horny all of the time?" A sly smirk crossed her face, and she snuggled deeper into her slayer's side, returning her eyes to the picture of Sao Paulo. "Oh, right, that *isn't* much of a change from normal…"

Kennedy looked over at her lover currently resting against her side. "Ah, hello?" She raised her hand to motion between them. "Who's the one that's always so touchy feely all the time? Hence, our current position." When the redhead looked up at her with a raised, and clearly not at all amused brow, the slayer thought it better to back track. "Then again, can you really blame me? I mean, if you weren't so drop dead gorgeous and unbelievably, irresistibly hot, maybe I just might be able to control myself." She finished with a soft smile.

"Uh-huh," Willow answered in a deadpan voice. "Well, if you'd prefer I refrained from touching you completely unless sex is on the menu…" She extracted herself from the brunette, lying back on the opposite side of the bed. "Then you should've just said so in the first place."

Kennedy watched the witch's reaction with a confused expression.

Okay. She knew Willow was still pissed about that whole vampire thing last night, but she said she'd forgiven her, right? So why the Ice Queen all of a sudden?

Kennedy sighed and fell back against the bed. She stared up at the ceiling for a long, tense moment before reaching a decision. "I'm going for a walk. I'll be back later." She got off the bed and stopped to grab her jacket from the back of a nearby chair. "Don't wait up." She called over her shoulder as she opened the door and walked out, slamming it behind her.

The Wiccan watched in disbelief as Kennedy stormed out. Willow stared at the door for a moment, before tossing the magazine aside and gritting her teeth.

"Geez, over react much?" she grumbled under her breath, feeling her own temper flaring. She had only been kidding…hadn't she? Well, mostly…

With a heavy sigh, the witch got up. She wasn't going to stick around a hotel room for several hours waiting for Kennedy's tantrum to run its course. She might as well go back to the scene of the murder last night and, surprise, surprise, work.

Grabbing her room key from the bedside table, she shot a glance at the clock. 'Don't wait up'?

It was only 8am.

Kennedy must've made a hasty retreat, because when Willow did eventually get downstairs and out into the parking lot, she saw no sign of her slayer. A part of her sighed with relief, knowing that they both just needed to calm down before they saw each other again.

The witch took in a breath of warm, fresh morning air. Even with the early hour, the temperature was steadily rising, and it was sure to be a scorching day.

She set off toward the beach behind their hotel, turning her mind towards the task at hand in order to get Kennedy out of her head for the moment. Yellow police tape came into view, quarantining a part of the beach.

As she walked down the sand towards it, something caught her eye off to the side. Feeling her heart sink, Willow slowly approached the blanket from the night before, lying in a heap and blown partway down the beach from where it was originally stationed. The tea light candles were strewn haphazardly around as well, and the picnic basket and all of its contents had spilled.

Willow knelt down, fingering the material of the blanket as she absently thought yet again about the previous night. They had started off so happy, two young people deeply in love, having a good time goofing off on the beach, and then one little incident had thrown everything off completely.

Okay, so it was just a bit more than one little incident, but what Willow couldn't quite understand was why it was bugging her so much. Neither she nor Kennedy were completely sure what exactly had happened, but the more she tried to forget about it and move on, the more the witch dwelled and chewed her lip over it. She had told her lover she forgave her, and she did, but on some level she was having trouble wiping the issue from her mind…

Standing up in a daze, Willow made her way back over to the murder scene. It was odd, looking almost like someone had just decided to tape off the area for the fun of it. There were no markers, no blood stains- vampire, hello- just a dozen or so sticks stabbed into the sand for the tape to wrap around. But she knew where the body had been, and once again kneeled down into the sand.

Something was off. Nothing that was visible to the human eye, but…something. Call it her witchy subconscious tingling.

Green eyes scanned every inch of the blockaded area, but her frown only deepened when nothing turned up. "Come out, come out, wherever you are…" the redhead murmured underneath her breath.

Obviously, staring around wasn't going to work. So Willow closed her eyes and cleared her mind, stretching out her energies and effectively radaring the beach with her magicks.

There, off to the side. It was completely submerged, but Willow took a ball of sand into her fist, and let it drain away through her fingers to reveal a necklace.

The symbology behind it wasn't quite a pentagram, but it was something along the lines of being similar to one. Satanic, some sort of cult symbol, she couldn't tell offhand.

"Where's Giles and his books when you need him?" she mused, standing back up. She wasn't picking up anything else around the beach, so she started back towards the hotel. It might be worth asking a few people what they heard about the incident the night before.

Kennedy came to a stop in front of the large building. She looked down at her watch.

8:45 A.M.

"These people sure do get an early start on the boozin'." She shook her head as she reached out and pulled open the door to the club. As soon as she walked in, the loud music pounded at her ear drums and her eye caught a bright neon sign that read 'Detour'.

"Cool name," she mumbled to herself as she made her way through the crowd of people towards the bar. She pulled herself up onto the nearest stool and waited to catch the bartender's attention. A pretty redhead with sparkling green eyes turned to her with a smile.

Kennedy let out a long sigh. "Figures," she mumbled as she watched the bartender make her way over.

The woman slapped a coaster on the counter and smiled. "What can I get you, gorgeous?"

Kennedy cleared her throat. "Uh, just whatever's strongest."

The bartender raised a brow and nodded with an impressed smile. "One mind blower coming right up."

Kennedy watched anxiously as the bartender turned and began to mix her drink. She let her eyes wander around the club taking in the various occupants. She watched with disinterest until her eyes landed on the furthest, darkest corner. She could barely make out the faint outline of a woman, but she could see that her deep blue eyes were trained right on her.

The slayer nearly fell out of her seat at the intensity of the stare. She quickly looked away when her drink was placed in front of her. Kennedy smiled up at the bartender as she put the drink down and then quickly moved on to the next customer.

Kennedy stared down at the dark liquid for only a moment before quickly lifting the glass to her lips and downing it in one go. She slammed the glass back on the bar as the burn of the liquor slowly slid down her throat. She licked her lips with a satisfied moan. "That's good."

The bartender made her way back over to Kennedy with a smile. "Ready for another?" she asked as she held the bottle over the brunette's glass. There was only a brief moment of hesitation before Kennedy nodded. "And keep 'em coming."

"Well now," a familiar voice purred in her ear as Kennedy downed her second shot. "Don't you think it's a little early to be drinking?"

Kennedy nearly choked on the drink as she turned her head to the side to meet the features of the vampire from the night before.

"Then again," Layla finished, reaching up to wipe the smear of blood from her lip.

The slayer slammed the glass back on the table before turning away from the she-vamp. "Go away. You've already gotten my ass in enough hot water."

Layla raised a brow with a light smile. She threw back her long coat and took the barstool next to Kennedy. "You wouldn't be referring to that uptight redhead from last night would you? Cause she's just…unpleasant."

"That unpleasant, uptight redhead just so happens to be my girlfriend," Kennedy answered. "At least, I hope she still is."

Layla reached out and trailed her fingertips along Kennedy's thigh. "Hmm, you could do better." The she-vamp leaned over and whispered in the slayer's ear. "Much better."

Kennedy turned her head to the side and watched the vampire warily, fighting back the shiver that ran up her spine.

"I don't get it," she started calmly. "My head's screaming to just stake you, but my body…"

Layla smiled, still nuzzling Kennedy's ear. "Is just screaming? Well, it could be…"

Kennedy closed her eyes and willed herself to keep it together. She didn't know what was happening. Why this vampire had such a hold over her. Until now, the only woman that could even turn her head was…

"Willow."

Layla quickly pulled away. "Who?"

Kennedy's eyes suddenly shot open and she turned to look at the vampire. She stared back into her blue eyes for a moment before sighing. "Shit. It was all my fault. I'm such an ass."

The slayer quickly pulled some money out of her pocket and threw it on the bar. She got off the barstool and stood facing the vampire. "I don't know who you are or what your kick is, but I'm telling you, stay away from me and my girlfriend. If I ever, and I mean *ever* see you again, I will kill you." She stared Layla down for a long, tense moment before quickly leaving the club.

Layla stood stock still for a moment before her features suddenly morphed. "Oh, we'll see about that." She licked her lips and smiled.

It was almost as if Willow could *hear* Giles cleaning his glasses, even though he was in a different hemisphere. It made the witch smile outwardly as he made his typical Giles-like noises while she explained what had happened the night before.

Well, most of it…she left out the fact that Kennedy had fallen head-over-heals for the evil skank, and that they were currently fighting. If that's what it was, a fight…

Realizing Giles had said something, Willow shook her head and refocused back on the conversation. "Sorry Giles, just thinking…um," glancing once more at the talisman she held in her hand, "well, I-I don't know off hand what it reminds me of, but…there's a little half-cross in the center, surrounded by a silver circle. Again, kinda like a pentagram, but not really. There are these funny little etches on the side of it…"

Just as she was squinting closer at the artifact, Willow heard a soft knock at the door. Her body stiffened, and her heart momentarily leapt into her throat as she wondered if it would be Kennedy. She was feeling rather…anxious, to say the least.

"Willow?" Giles voiced at the other end of the line when he once again received no answer. "Is everything quite all right?"

"Uh, y-yeah Giles, it's just…I've gotta go. I'll call you if I find out anything more, and you have our hotel number if you do. Right…yeah…I will, I'll tell her…say hi to the gang for us. 'Kay, talk to ya later Giles."

Once the phone was hung up, Willow sat on the bed for a moment, stirring in her own juices. Finally, she stood up and walked over to the door, tapping the handle idly with her fingers for a moment before sighing and opening it up.

Kennedy was on her knees when Willow opened the door. She held a single white rose in her right hand. "I'm an ass. I'm the world's biggest ass." She lifted the rose up and extended it out to her lover. "I'm sorry. It was all my fault and I know I don't deserve it, but please, give me another chance."

Kennedy held her breath as she waited for the witch's response.

Well, that was…unexpected. Willow blinked, momentarily taken back. "Kenn…" She took the rose gingerly, looking at it for a moment before gazing back at her lover.

Kneeling down in front of Kennedy, the witch reached out a hand and placed it on the slayer's knee. "It's not just you. I was…cranky, and I'm sorry." She started to smile, then caught a whiff of something unmistakable. "Have you been…drinking?"

Damn.

Just when she thought she'd finally gained some ground with the redhead, Willow just had to go and be all with the breath smellin'.

"Umm," Kennedy hesitated. She thought about lying, about making up some wild story of how her breath could possibly smell of pure liquor, but given the current situation, she thought better to just tell the truth and face the consequences. After all, it was only a drink.

"I only had two, I swear, and with the slayer metabolism and all, I hardly feel a thing. Honest."

Willow kind of…stared at the slayer for a moment, the hint of a smirk on her face. "Well, not sure how I feel about having driven you to drink at…" She checked her watch. "Nine in the morning, but…maybe save the booze for a little bit later next time, 'kay?"

Kennedy let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding. "That's it? All I get is a 'save it for later'?" She smiled, but when Willow raised a brow she quickly backtracked. "I mean, yes ma'am. No booze til after 12. Gotcha."

Kennedy reached down and placed her hand over the witch's. "But seriously Will, it wasn't your fault, and you didn't drive me to drink. I was a complete ass about the whole 'touching' thing. I should respect your wanting intimacy without the sex attached." She smiled softly. "So I promise, no more sex."

Willow arched an eyebrow at the slayer. "None? Ever?" She looked a little pouty. "I didn't say *that*…just, y'know, I don't have the slayer hormones or the slayer stamina t-to…y'know, *do it* all the time."

She grinned teasingly after a second, rising to her feet and pulling Kennedy with her. "We'll just have to balance between the cuddles and the sex…and the post-sex cuddles. Or the post-cuddles sex…however you want to look at it."

Kennedy shook her head. "Okay, I'm used to the Willow babble, but that confused even *me*." She smiled and interlaced her fingers with the witch's. "But I think I get it. I know it's not your fault that I feel so…sexually charged all the time. Its just something I'm gonna have to learn to deal with."

She paused and looked deep in thought before nodding. "Yeah. I know I can deal. Just as long as you don't lick your lips at me, or wink at me, or do that thing you do with your tongue…or touch me anywhere below the belt…" She trailed off for a moment. "Oh! And you can't smile at me either, 'cause you're so damn hot when you smile with those deep green eyes and those…perfect…lips…"

"Okay!" Kennedy suddenly dropped Willow's hand before stepping around her and into the room. "So, about those fun filled and completely distracting…things. Where do we start?"

Feeling her cheeks go a little pink, Willow closed the door behind her. "Well, somewhere right…" She stepped into Kennedy, slipping both hands around her waist. "…about…" She leaned in to place a light kiss right below the girl's ear. "…here…"

"Ah…W-Will?" Kennedy kept her hands firmly against her sides. "Is this, ah…is this one of those c…cuddle things?" Kennedy felt her desire increasing as the witch nuzzled her hair. "'Cause I…I just want you to…to know, I'm a-all for the…c-cuddling."

She was making Kennedy babble. A babbling Kennedy. Willow smiled into the slayer's neck. "Sorry, baby, I'm not trying to tease you…" Then, rethinking, "Well, maybe just a little…but I am sorry about this morning." She pulled back a little ways to place a kiss on the slayer's lips. "Don't ever feel like you can't…that w-we can't, um…" Willow blushed a deep red. "What I'm trying to say is, don't feel like you need to act any differently because of this morning. If it really isn't a good time for either one of us, that'll become apparent rather fast."

She pouted, just a little. "Besides, I don't want you to feel like you have to ask permission every time you wanna kiss me. I like my Kennedy kisses. Safe to say I've become an addict to them." Then she looked a little anxious for a moment, not sure if she had made any sense in anything she had just said. "S-so…'kay?"

Kennedy couldn't help but smile. Willow was just so damn cute. "'Kay. Definitely…'kay." She returned the light kiss before pulling away and smiling. "So, kissing is not permission worthy, and touching is allowed as long as its cuddly. Did I get that right?"

Smiling slyly as Willow wrapped Kennedy in a warm hug, she chuckled lightly into her ear. "Well…there will be touching of a more naughty variety on frequent occasion…"

But, for the moment, they should really try and leave the hotel. "Y'know, if we don't actually leave our room at some point together, your money is gonna be wasted on an indoor vacation we could've had back in the states."

Kennedy smiled. "Funny you should mention it. When I was…out earlier, I saw a flyer for a local carnival. Wanna go? I promise to win you an oversized bear and feed you much cotton candy goodness." She smiled like a kid on Christmas morning.

Willow beamed right back, feeling a bit giddy herself. "Ooh, can we go on rides and stuff too? And can you beat all the wannabe macho men trying to impress us with their lack-of-skills at most of the games? And corndogs, they're a must when it comes to carnivals, and…" She blushed. "You're supposed to stop me when I do that."

"Now why on *earth* would I want to do that?" Kennedy asked in mock surprise. "I've already told you." She leaned in and whispered in the witch's ear. "You're so damn hot when you babble."

Blushing deeper, Willow sighed and buried her face in Kennedy's neck. "Let's not fight again, okay? I don't like when we fight…this, here, much better than spazzing, and glaring, and all that fight-related stuff."

"Mmm, I have to agree," the slayer responded, nuzzling the sweet red tresses. She inhaled a deep breath and sighed. "You smell so good."

"Strawberries and cream, if I recall correctly," Willow replied with a giggle. She nipped playfully at her lover's ear, pressing herself closer to the slayer. "Mm…we won't be actually leaving for a while, will we?" The Wiccan had to swallow hard, practically hearing her heart beating against the side of her skull. "I-I'm sure carnivals d-don't s-start until…much l-later…"

Kennedy slowly lifted her hands and gently placed them on the witch's hips. She pulled the woman away from her body gently and looked deeply into her eyes. "Are you sure about this Will? I mean, I don't want you to feel like you have to, like some sort of 'make up' thing. But if you really want to, I mean *really* want to…then I want nothing more than to be with you right now."

Willow smiled softy, running both hands up Kennedy's sides until she was cupping both cheeks in between them. "And if I told you to stop being so damn sweet, adorable and caring and to just kiss me right now?"

Kennedy returned the soft smile as she gazed back into the loving eyes of her girlfriend. "You know me, I never could tell you no." Then she leaned in to give her a gentle kiss.

The carnival was jam-packed full of people, and the two lovers had to squeeze their way through the crowds with some difficulty. Willow was amazed at how each and every stand sold its own unique items and food, and how the overall atmosphere added excitement to the air around them.

As promised, the witch was munching away on a stick of cotton candy in one hand, while the other was wrapped tightly around Kennedy's bicep. "What should we do next?" she asked in a giddy tone equal to that of a kid inside Willy Wonka's chocolate factory.

Kennedy looked over and smiled. "Whatever you want, baby, but I was kinda hoping I'd get you on that roller coaster before your tummy got full of the cotton candy goodness." The slayer nodded in the direction of the biggest roller coaster at the carnival.

Willow visibly paled. "Um…" Her grip on Kennedy's arm tightened a bit. "D-do I have to? 'Cause honestly, that big stuffy teddy bear is lookin' more…safe, at this moment." As if on cue, half a dozen shrieks sounded from the coaster as it flipped upside down. Willow wanted to throw up just looking at it.

Kennedy chuckled. "Of course not, baby. I wouldn't make you go on anything that I knew you were scared of." She patted the redhead's hand and smiled. She glanced up at the big roller coaster and sighed. "But I gotta admit, it looks reaaal fun. Not to mention how tight I'd have to hold you…"

After taking a moment to nervously watch the ride, Willow finally exhaled loudly and handed her cotton candy to her slayer. "If we die, it is so your fault," she mumbled before starting off in that direction.

"You'd better win me that bear after this," Willow added with a small smile.

Kennedy chucked the cotton candy into the nearest bin and jogged to catch up with the Wiccan. She wrapped her arms around the woman's waist and kissed her shoulder. "Thank you baby, and I promise, after this we'll do whatever you want. That bear is so yours." Kennedy smiled and grabbed the redhead's hand as they made their way to the end of the line.

Never had waiting in a line been so nerve racking. Willow death-gripped Kennedy's hand once again and kept close to her slayer. Funny, she could face apocalypse after apocalypse, even be the *cause* of one, and still, some stupid ride scared the pants off of her.

Kennedy felt the woman tense beside her. She looked over to see the redhead hanging on for dear life. She couldn't help but smile. "It's okay, Will. We don't have to ride this one." She started to pull them out of the line. "Why don't we try something a little less scary? How 'bout the Ferris wheel? That's nice and…round."

"No," Willow replied abruptly, yanking Kennedy backwards and back to her original standing place. "Let's just get this overwith…remember that whole 'see that fear, I'm facing you' speech you heard me giving myself back in Sunnydale? Well, sometimes you need to just-" She stopped talking as they were suddenly ushered forward to go on the ride next. "Wha? Already?!"

It took all of her willpower to clutch Kennedy's hand and sit down next to the slayer, and not run in the other direction.

Kennedy squeezed the witch's hand just as tightly. The bar fell down over their lap and the car started to move. The slayer looked over at the expression on her lover's face and smiled. Sometimes, she was just too cute.

Two never-ending rounds about the track later, Willow was walking on shaky legs with Kennedy away from the ride. She still looked rather…pale, but at least she was alive is what she kept telling herself. "So…t-that wasn't so bad…" The witch started to smile and turned to Kennedy to speak when suddenly both legs buckled and she fell into the slayer.

Kennedy caught the falling redhead and pulled her tightly against her body. She smiled down at the embarrassed look on her lover's face. "Well, if you wanted me to hold you, all you had to do was ask." She raised a brow with a playful smirk as she helped the woman regain her balance. She placed her hand on the small of the witch's back. "Whaddya say I go win you that bear now?"

"Yes please," Willow replied in a weak voice. She clung to the slayer as they walked back through the crowds, slowly finding her motor functions again.

Scanning over what types of games there were, Willow spotted the perfect one. Tugging on Kennedy's sleeve, she pointed. "There." It was quite ironic, actually. Firing a cheap crossbow at miniature Draculas that were rotating on several large wheels. The set was painted with a haunted castle in the background.

Kennedy followed the witch's finger until her eyes landed on the game. She watched as the tiny Draculas rotated around the circle. Her eyes scanned the set and then fell onto the crossbow. She smiled.

Kennedy pulled her lover over to the game and approached the man behind the counter. She eyed him up carefully as she pulled the money out of her pocket and placed it on the bench. He handed her the crossbow and two bolts.

"You gotta hit the bulls eye to win," the man explained as he nodded towards the targets. Kennedy trained her eyes on the three wheels that were spinning rather quickly. Each wheel contained three of the mini Draculas all equal distance apart. She carefully surveyed the best target before picking up one of the arrows and placing it in the bow.

Kennedy turned her head to the side and smiled at Willow as she released the arrow.

"And that's a bulls eye," the attendant announced rather surprised. "It's winner's choice for the lady." He reached out and took the bow from Kennedy, eyeing her up suspiciously, but the slayer just ignored him and nodded for Willow to take her pick. "You heard him baby, pick away."

Willow couldn't help the smug grin that was plastered all over her face. "That's my girl," she beamed proudly. Surveying their choices, she spotted a giant bear stuffy, brown and fuzzy looking. "That one," she told the carnie, pointing it out.

But the man shook his head, and pulled out from under the counter a tiny snake. "Small prize only, for one hit."

Willow frowned. These games were always such a rip-off. "How many for the big one?"

"Three. Two more." He shook his head, knowing the small one wouldn't be able to get that lucky twice.

The witch turned to Kennedy. "Sweetie?"

The slayer sighed and placed the money on the bench. She eyed up the man as he handed her the bow once again. "You sure you just don't wanna give the damn thing now? Save us both the trouble?" The man just shook his head and pointed toward the targets. "Just shoot."

Kennedy sighed. "Okay. Have it your way." The slayer placed the first arrow in the bow and pulled it back. She aimed at the nearest Dracula and hit it dead on the bulls eye.

She smirked at the look of shock on the man's face as she placed the next arrow in the bow. She yawned as she took aim at the next target, pulling back on the bow a little tighter this time before releasing it. The arrow shattered the tiny Dracula in half.

Kennedy threw the bow back on the counter and sighed. "Now will you just give her what she wants?"

Unable to resist, Willow shoots a side-glance at Kennedy. ~Baby, only you can do that,~ she whispers seductively into the slayer's head. She's never used telepathic speech with anyone aside from Buffy and Xander, as it only works with those that are like family, but she already knows it'll work with Kennedy.

"Huh? What?" Kennedy looked around confused before her eyes fell on her lover. "Was that…? Did you just…?"

The game man was currently too busy bitching under his breath as he used a step ladder to pull down the giant teddy. He muttered in Portuguese underneath his breath, but Willow was pretty sure she caught "lesbian witches" as part of the rant.

"Well, he's partially right," she mused, taking the bewildered Kennedy's hand in one of her own and holding the bear in the other arm as she steered her slayer in the other direction.

Pulling the raven haired girl to the side, away from the crowds, she gave her a little smile. "You okay? I didn't freak you out too much, did I?"

"No, no freaking," Kennedy shook her head. "I can't say I wasn't a little surprised though. I've never had someone in my head before, so I can't really say I was totally cool about it." She squeezed Willow's hand and met her eyes. "But then again, you're already in my heart Will, so why would I care if you were in my mind too?"

Willow leaned in and pressed her forehead to the slayer's. "I won't do it again if you don't want me to, baby. I know that magic is kinda…well, that you don't like it a whole lot, so…just thought I'd give it a try."

"Hey," Kennedy soothed, pulling away and placing her hand under the witch's chin. "You're welcome in my head anytime you want." Her soft smile grew into a grin. "Just as long as you use that sexy voice every time you do."

~Like this?~ Willow thought in a lower tone, wiggling her eyebrows playfully at Kennedy. She reached out and squeezed the slayer's hand. "Want to give it a try yourself? You don't need to think extremely hard, just focus on me and what you want me to hear you say."

Kennedy nodded and began to concentrate hard. She stared deeply into the witch's eyes, a slow smile forming on her face. ~So, if maybe I wanted to say that your ass looks really great in those jeans?~

Willow's eyes widened a great deal. "Kennedy!" she hissed out loud, feeling her face burning for probably the billionth time in the last week. ~One of these days you're gonna make me blush so hard I combust on the spot…~ she mentally scolded in a light tone. Then, as an afterthought, ~…are the jeans really that good?~

Kennedy ran the very tip of her tongue along her bottom lip. She raised her brow and peeked over the witch's shoulder with a groan. Her hand came up and suddenly slapped against the object of her affection. ~Oh yeah. Definitely my favorite.~

Rolling her eyes, Willow removed Kennedy's hand from her bottom. "None of that. I don't do public spanking, thank you very much."

Glancing behind them, she spotted the crossbow game guy watching them, a smug expression on his ugly face. Grasping Kennedy's hand, she started to lead her in the other direction, but stopped suddenly. Without glancing down, the witch barely twitched her fingers, and after a delayed second heard a protesting shriek from the man as part of his booth burst into flame.

"Oops," she shrugged to her girlfriend in a nonchalant tone.

"That was bad, baby," Kennedy whispered in the witch's ear as she chuckled. "Just cause you're a kick ass magic mama doesn't mean you get to punish the perverted." She shook her head with a smile when the witch's words from before suddenly registered in her brain. "Wait, you said you weren't into *public* spankings…does that mean you do spankings of other varieties?" The slayer smirked.

Willow blushed. "Please tell me we're not talking about that whole dominatrix thing…it's really not my cup of tea, baby. Though I *may* have to punish you if you start…" The witch trailed off, coming to an abrupt stop and scanning the street in front of them.

"And you wonder where I get this stuff…" Kennedy mumbled under her breath as she followed her lover to the street. When the witch stopped suddenly, she turned to her and sighed. "So where to next?"

The witch wasn't paying attention to Kennedy's words just yet. She furrowed her brow, and kept looking for what caused that sudden dropping feeling in her stomach, but couldn't find any obvious causes.

After a few minutes of staring around in silence, Willow chalked it up to the roller coaster and looked back at her girlfriend. "Huh? S-sorry, what'd you say?"

"Will?" Kennedy said gazing deeply into the witch's eyes. "You okay? You seemed a little…spaced." She watched her lover's nervous expression give way to a smile.

"I'm fine," Willow assured the slayer. "Just a little…after-coaster woozies is all." Giving Kennedy a bright smile, she glanced at her watch. "We should head back to the hotel, and try and figure out a nice restaurant to eat at from there. Nothing too expensive, though, since we're kinda here indefinitely and…you're giving me that look," she whined. "Kenn, I know you said this is an all-expenses-paid trip, but I-I haven't even *met* your father yet and already we're racking up a credit card bill the size of Brad and Jennifer's wedding…"

"Will," the slayer interrupted gently. "I've already told you. This has nothing to do with 'daddy's money'." She paused and nodded to their surroundings. "This, the plane ride, the hotel, and the restaurants, all of it, its *my* money. I don't want you thinking that every time I pull out a credit card you're taking anything that's not already yours." She lifted the witch's hand to her lips and kissed it gently. "What's mine is yours, remember?"

Taking in a breath, the witch nodded. "Remembered." With one more nervous glance around them, she laced her fingers with Kennedy's and tugged. "C'mon, lets go eat enough food to feed an army or two. After being friends with the slayer for seven years, I know how hungry your type gets." Willow reached her other hand over and ran her fingers over Kennedy's stomach.

The slayer groaned. "Yes, we have been known to eat our weight in spare ribs." She glanced down at her lover's fingers currently making soft circles on her stomach. "And yet we still somehow manage to keep our rock hard physique." She grinned as she looked up to meet the redhead's raised brow. "What?"

"Nothing," Willow replied quickly, but was unable to hide the large grin spreading over her features. "Just, well…if you don't mind me saying so, you have a *gorgeous* 'rock hard' physique…very bitable."

It was Kennedy's turn to raise a brow. "Biting? There's…biting now?" She reached up and ran her hands along the witch's sides, her fingertips brushing over the thin material of the witch's top. "Then again, who am I to judge?" She leaned in and whispered into Willow's ear. "I distinctly remember telling a certain redhead that she was very…lickable."

Willow pulled her head back and put on a mock hurt face. "Okay, who is she and what's her name?"

Kennedy decided to play along. "Well, I'm not sure. Most of the time, its 'oh God, right there', but sometimes I have been known to call her Goddess…" She paused and looked deep in thought. "Maybe something that starts with…W?"

"Wilma?" Willow mused, then put on her 'kicked puppy' expression. "It is, it's Wilma, isn't it?" Sighing dramatically, the witch slipped both arms around Kennedy's waist and continued to pout. "Gee, 'guess I'll just have to…*show* you that I'm the better pick." She whispered that last part into Kennedy's ear in a seductive tone, nibbling around the edge of it.

"No competition," she barely managed to breath the words. She turned her face into the witch's ear and inhaled deeply. ~God, I'm such a sucker for those strawberries.~

~I think I'm just a sucker for you.~ Willow pulled Kennedy in tighter. "What do ya say we actually head back to the hotel? Might even do some of that provin' to ya if we have the time."

"I-if we have time?" Kennedy repeated. "But…" She started to pout as Willow grabbed her by the hand and began to pull her back towards the hotel.

Picking her stuffed bear back up, "We can phone ahead to a restaurant and find out what time we can get a table. I've heard that tourist season is crazy, and it's really hard to get in most places without a reservation or phoning ahead."

Willow caught Kennedy's pouty expression as she flagged down a taxi cab. "Aw, I'm sorry…was I being all tease-y again?" She chuckled.

"Don't play coy with me," the slayer grumbled as they climbed into the taxi. "You know you do it just to see me squirm. You love the power you have over me, admit it." She laced her fingers through the witch's as the taxi began to take off.

"Fully admitting it as we speak. Well, the watching you squirm part. I don't think I have a real 'power' over you, so much as your hormones do." She scooted closer to the slayer and rested her head on her shoulder. "I'm just thankful you're crazy enough to be with me is all."

"And just why do you think it is that my hormones have such control over me, hmm?" Kennedy replied lifting her hand to comb her fingers through the long, red tresses. "If you weren't so unbelievably irresistible, maybe they wouldn't drive me mad with lust for you." She sighed. "After all, I am but a mere mortal. Can you really blame me for falling to worship at your feet?"

The witch shook her head, a silly grin on her face. "I may pack a powerful witch-fu punch, but that's *far* from being an actual Goddess." She toyed with the top open button on Kennedy's t-shirt. "And you aren't without the irresistibleness yourself, missy." She popped the second button, followed by the third and final one. The whole time she kept her head resting snuggling on the slayer's shoulder, and herself seated as close as possible without actually sitting on her.

"Ah, Will?" Kennedy glanced down at her now open shirt. "You rethinking that whole 'public' thing?" She looked around at the dingy cab. "'Cause I gotta tell ya, I'm not really liking the atmosphere. It lacks the…romance."

"Mmm-hmm…" Willow drawled, her eyes leaving Kennedy's open shirt long enough to glance out the window as the cabby pulled to a stop. "Would you look at that, we're here already," she mused, then proceeded to do up the bottom button again with one hand while digging some Brazilian dollars out of her pocket and tossing them in the front passenger seat for the driver.

"Why do you torture me so?" Kennedy moaned as she felt herself pulled from the cab. She glanced down at her still partially open shirt and felt her desire double ten fold. "I swear, no one would believe me if I told them you're the vixen in all this."

"All the more reason for you to *not* tell all of my friends about our sex life, yes?" Willow reminded with a raised brow. She pulled Kennedy towards the elevator, and inside as soon as it opened up. "So, are you really really hungry, or can the eating wait a while?" She grinned teasingly.

Kennedy couldn't take it any longer. She reached out and grabbed the other woman by the hips, slamming her against the back wall of the elevator. "Oh no," she husked as she ran the tip of her tongue along her bottom lip. "There will be no waiting." She leaned in a crushed her lips to the witch's, moaning into the passion of the kiss.

The redhead's hands tangled themselves into dark strands, locking behind the other girl's head. "Mm…Kennedy…" Willow moaned into the kiss, feeling her knees go weak at the intensity of the kiss. Even when oxygen was becoming an issue, she couldn't bring herself to pull back long enough to breathe.

Kennedy was just about to pull the other woman's legs around her waist when the doors to the elevator suddenly dinged open. A chorus of shocked gasps rang through the slayer's ears and she turned to look over her shoulder at three shocked faces. She cleared her throat and slowly distracted herself from her lover. "Excuse us," she said politely as she grabbed the redhead by the hand and lead her from the elevator.

Unsure of what else to do, Willow flashed the group a toothy smile before trotting off after Kennedy.

Once, and only once, they were inside the safety of their own room, did she let out a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding. But instead of dwelling on being seen, the second Kennedy pushed the door closed Willow was on her, pushing the slayer back roughly against the door before descending on her lips again.

Kennedy moaned into the kiss while trying to pull the shirt over the witch's head. "Will," she breathed through kisses. "Slow down baby. I'm not going anywhere." She smiled when the redhead pulled away with a blush.

The older girl clammed up, ducking her head. "R-right, s-sorry…" She inhaled deeply to try and keep her heart from beating out of her chest. It was currently pumping all the blood in her body to her face. She had no clue what it was, but something about Kennedy tended to bring out her more…bold aspects when the brunette wanted to, whether or not she knew it.

"Hey," Kennedy placed a hand under her lover's chin and forced her eyes back up to her own. "Don't ever apologize for that. I love that you want me. Its one of my favorite things about you actually." She smiled at Willow's light chuckle.

"Don't get me wrong, I think its hot when you get all…aggressive," she stopped to smirk, "but I really wanna feel you right now. I mean *really* feel you."

Closing her eyes for a few moments and letting herself just feel Kennedy's hand stroke her cheek, Willow nodded. Suddenly everything, the room, the atmosphere…them, just felt more…relaxed. Without saying a word she leaned in and placed a slow, loving kiss on her girl's lips.

Kennedy's hands worked their way under the bottom of her lover's top. Her fingertips slid sensually along the soft skin of the witch's sides, eliciting a light moan from the woman's lips. The slayer smiled into the kiss as she slowly brought her hands higher, bringing the material of the shirt with her.

Willow lifted her arms enough for the material to slid up and over her head, not paying attention to wherever it was tossed aside. Her own hands were journeying across her slayer's shoulders, chest, and down to her waist, where she hooked two fingers on Kennedy's belt loops. Gazing intently at her slayer, she leaned forward to meet their lips once again.

Kennedy's tongue slipped from her lips and ran over the expanse of the other woman's. She trailed her hands down over the redhead's shoulders, down to her hips and over her forearms before trailing down to place her hands over the ones resting on her belt loops. She smiled as the kiss grew more intense, pulling the witch's hands up to rest them on the buckle of her belt.

~Is that a hint?~ Willow asked in a sly tone. She actually liked the sensation of being able to communicate with her slayer, even though they were still lip-locked. Her hands began to slowly undo the belt clasp, working their way through it and onto the button and zipper.

~You catch on fast.~ Kennedy smiled into the kiss before breaking it to nuzzle her way along the other woman's neck. She slipped her tongue from her mouth and trailed the cool piercing along the heated flesh of Willow's neck, stopping periodically to place light kisses along the way.

The older girl let out a content sigh, closing her eyes and leaning a bit further into Kennedy's body. ~I catch on to a lot of things.~ Pulling down the zipper on Kennedy's jeans, Willow slipped her hand down the front of them and trailed her fingers over the moist material of her underwear. "Someone's happy to see me," she giggled playfully into the slayer's ear.

Kennedy moaned into her lover's ear with a smile. "Hmm," she flicked her tongue out and ran it along the shell of the perfect ear. "I'm *always* happy to see you baby." Her own hands reached around and snapped open the clasp on the deep green lace of her lover's bra, reaching up to slip the straps down her arms.

As the second garment slid down her arms, she retracted her hand from Kennedy's pants long enough to let it fall to the floor. Before her slayer could do much else, Willow popped the bottom button on her shirt once again and pulled the thin material over her head.

Licking her dry lips, she started a blazing trail of kisses along her lover's smooth skin, moving from her neck to her collar bone. She pressed the slayer back so she was leaning against the door again, and continued to kiss southward, dropping to her knees and her tongue flicked around Kennedy's belly button.

The slayer's eyes slipped closed and she dropped her head back against the door. She reached down and wove her fingers through the dark red tresses as her lover continued the assault on her sensitive flesh. "Oh, baby," she moaned as she felt her knees begin to weaken. "Baby…uhhh…bed."

"Hmm?" Willow pulled back a little ways to glance up at the slayer with a curious eyebrow raised. A devilish grin was starting to spread across her face. "What's the matter, baby?" She ran her hands up the sides of Kennedy's legs, then back down the front of her thighs, massaging them through her jeans.

"If we don't move to the bed *right* now," Kennedy started, trailing her tongue over her dry lips. "You're gonna have one seriously incapacitated slayer on your hands." She managed to pry her eyes open and glanced down at the other woman. "Maybe if you weren't so damn good, just your touch wouldn't reduce me to a worthless pile of slayer mush."

"Well, I happen to be extremely fond of that 'worthless pile of slayer mush'," Willow mused, as her hands started to work Kennedy's jeans down her legs. She nudged her thighs apart as she pulled them down, continuing her assault on the girl's sensitive stomach.

"Goddess," the slayer moaned as her jeans were pulled fully from her body. The breath caught in her throat when the tip of the witch's tongue started to trace tiny circles over the taught skin of her abdomen. She could feel her muscles pop and quiver under the ministrations of her lover's mouth against her skin.

~Why thank you,~ Willow thought with an upward grin. Tossing Kennedy's jeans aside, the witch made quick work of her underwear as well. She went to lift her slayer's right leg to hook it over her shoulder, but Kennedy had her feet planted as she struggled to stay standing. "Lift your leg, baby," she whispered soothingly. "I've got you."

The slayer nodded absently as she lifted her leg and placed it over the witch's shoulder. She braced one hand behind her back against the door and once again placed her other atop her lover's head. She snaked her tongue out and moistened her lips as she waited for that first sweet touch of her girlfriend's tongue.

Willow's arm wrapped around the slayer's thigh, gripping onto her tightly. She crouched down low enough and inhaled her lover's sweet scent before her tongue ascended up into her slick folds. She heard Kennedy gasp and felt her grip on her hair tighten; the witch reached up her free right hand to gently stroke her finger tips over Kennedy's stomach.

Kennedy didn't know which was more maddening, the feeling of the witch's tongue against her center, or the delicate tease of gentle fingers against the sensitive skin of her belly. She gazed down through half-lidded eyes as her lover continued to work her into madness. "Oh baby," she moaned tightening her thigh around the redhead's shoulder.

Willow continued to tease her lover with light strokes, before delving into her folds and darting her tongue in as far it would go several times. Feeling Kennedy's need for more friction, she dropped her hand from the girl's stomach and slowly started to massage her thumb against the nub on her outer nether lips, trying to work her into a frenzy before she ventured further inside.

"Goddess Willow," the slayer moaned as her lover worked her higher into her passion. "The things you do to me." Kennedy gently laid her head back against the door and bit her bottom lip as she felt the tension in belly start to build. Every nerve cell in her body sprung to life with the promise of the oncoming orgasm. Her fingers gripped the witch's hair impossibly tight and she groaned as she felt the pleasure start to explode in her very core. "Baby…"

Feeling Kennedy's body start to let go, Willow thumb abandoned its post and she plunged two fingers deep inside her slayer. The redhead moaned along with Kennedy as she thrust as fast as she could, draining all of the liquid she could out of her. Her mouth reattached itself to her clit, and she stroked it with her tongue, ignoring her own need for oxygen for the moment to bring pleasure to her lover.

And that she did.

Kennedy felt herself pulled to the height of ecstasy by the sudden movements of her lover. Willow could always bring her to the heights of Heaven with little effort, and give the recent unfortunate events, this time was no different.

Kennedy clenched the dark red tresses in her hands tightly, her knuckles turning white from the force. "Fuuuuccckkk…." The word dripped from her tongue like bitter sweet honey as she felt the tender caress of her lover bringing her down from her height in gentle waves.

Willow continued with slow strokes until she felt Kennedy's body relax completely, then kissed her way back up her slayer's body. Gathering the dark haired brunette in her arms, she rested her chin on Kennedy's shoulder, and just held her.

"You okay, Jell-O legs?" she teased lightly after a moment.

Kennedy blinked her eyes a few times before letting out a long breath through a satisfied smile. "More than," she nodded and turned her head to the side to place a gentle kiss on the witch's forehead. She pulled away and gazed deeply into the green eyes before her. "What about you, baby?" The slayer dropped her hand to her lover's belly and gently stroked the soft skin she found there. "How you feelin'?"

Willow tilted her head to the side, smiling. "Not too shabby." She leaned her forehead against Kennedy's. "Did I tire you out again?" the redhead teased, resting both of her hands on the slayer's shoulders.

"Tired out?" Kennedy repeated with a raised brow and a playful smirk. "Me?" She turned her face to the witch's ear and whispered low. "You must have forgotten," she gave the sensitive skin a long, slow lick. "I'm a slayer, baby, and we don't tire *that* easily."

The Wiccan fought a shiver that was sent through her spine at Kennedy's wet tongue. And their warm bodies pressed against each other. "Aren't you at least hungry yet?" she asked with a light chuckle.

Kennedy smiled through another gentle lick. "Oh yeah," she nodded, slowly kissing her way along the witch's jaw and down her neck. She kissed back up to her lips and planted one dead on. "I'm very hungry." She took a step back and smirked. "But not for food."

That made the witch flush crimson again, and she took a step forward after Kennedy. "Oh really? And what else would there be aside from food?" she grinned slyly, still a bit red.

"Hmm," the slayer pretended to think hard. "I'm thinkin'…" She smiled as she slowly ran her hands up the witch's thighs and around to the back of her pants. "Something a little more…you." She pulled hard and the other woman's body crashed into her own. Her tongue snaked out of her mouth and ran the length of her bottom lip, being sure to give the witch an eyeful of the silver stud. "Way more tasty.

She grinned back at her slayer, trying to catch the waggling tongue with her own. "One problem…" Willow frowned for a moment. "I'm still wearing pants."

Kennedy smiled as she snaked her hands to the front of the witch's pants and quickly unbuttoned them before pulling down the zipper. She kept her eyes locked with the intense green gaze as she slowly dropped to her knees and pulled them all the way off her lover's body. The slayer leaned in and placed gentle kisses against the skin before her as she made her way back to stand. Once at the witch's lips, she placed a gentle kiss there before pulling away. "Problem solved," she smiled.

Willow 'hmm'ed softly, feeling her muscles quivering under Kennedy's soft and talented lips. "You are good." Snaking two arms around the slayer's neck, she pulled her in for another kiss. "Best…lips…ever," she murmured in between lavishing them with attention.

"Hmm, don't know," Kennedy murmured as she pulled back from the kisses. "I think you got me beat, hands down." She returned the soft mile she was receiving before leaning in for one more taste. "Yep," the slayer nodded. "I was right." She reached down and placed her hands on the redhead's hips, her fingertips gently massaging the soft skin she found there.

"Uh-uh," Willow protest with a shake of her head. "You, waaaayy more kissable than me. Trust me. We could even take a poll. Let's see…" She pretended to think hard. "There's the two people my entire life who've kissed me, not including you 'cause you're biased, and then there's the like, billion and one people you've made out with."

She looked smug for a moment, then suddenly turned to wide-eyed. "N-not that I'm calling you a slut o-or anything! I just mean, you, hotness, you've probably had girls falling at your feet your whole life. That's…all…" She grimaced sheepishly at her own lack of way with words.

Kennedy turned to look behind her before turning back to meet the other woman's gaze with a raised brow. "You talkin' to me?" she asked pointing to herself. "'Cause I coulda sworn you just said *I* had girls falling at my feet." The slayer shook her head. "The only time girls fell anywhere near my feet, was if they tripped over their own in an attempt to get away." She looked up at her lover with a light smile. "And don't worry, I'm not offended, but I have to say, I'm a little glad that I'm only the third person you've ever kissed." She leaned in to place a soft one on the witch's inviting lips. "More for me," she grinned.

Willow pulled back from Kennedy's kiss in disbelief. "No way…I-I mean, yes way, more and pretty much *all* for you now." The witch grinned before continuing. "But…running away? You?" She arched an eyebrow and scanned the slayer over. "You're either a bad liar or you lived in Straights-ville. No way anyone could pass a piece like you up." She grinned lovingly, winking and leaning her forehead against the slayer's.

"I know, 'tis sad, but true." Kennedy looked up into the other woman's eyes. "Til you, I'd only kissed one other girl in my whole life. I know I may talk the talk, but I've barely crawled, much less walked the walk." The slayer's eyes deepened and her voice regressed to a nostalgic tone. "Her name was Lucy Rich. She was my first, and til you, only girlfriend." Kennedy looked back into the witch's eyes and shook her head. "But not to worry baby, she ain't got nothin' on you." Her eyes raked over the other woman's body and she groaned. "Trust me."

Willow still looked skeptical. "…really? Like, really-really?" She shook her head slightly. "Sorry, just…having trouble wrapping my head around that concept. You're just so…confident. And…" She blushed deeply, biting her lower lip in embarrassment. "…t-talented…"

"It's all an act, believe me," Kennedy sighed before smiling. "But, I guess it must be working, 'cause I somehow managed to land the hottest woman on the planet." She gently brushed her fingers up both sides of the witch's ribs. "As for the talent…I've had a *very* good teacher."

The first comment only made the redhead's skin tone reach that of her hair. Then she raised an eyebrow at Kennedy. "And hey!! I thought you said that Lucy-slut had nothing on me!" She pouted.

"She doesn't," Kennedy answered calmly, her eyes growing darker with every stroke of her fingers against the soft skin. "The only thing she ever taught me was never give your heart to the first pretty girl that smiles at you, 'cause they'll eventually just throw it back in your face for some over-muscled, undereducated, jock-strap with hair because 'that's what's right'."

Willow gazed at Kennedy for a moment with a sad expression, then stepped forward and quietly wrapped her arms around the girl. "I'm sorry, baby…" She whispered into the slayer's ear, gently running her hands along the other girl's back. "She must've been completely crazy not to realize how wonderful you are." She pulled her head back slightly to give her girl a small smile. "But, I'm not sorry that it worked out pretty darn good for me." One hand went to trace Kennedy's cheek with its fingertips to cupping her chin and her lips finding their way to plant a kiss there.

"Hmm, can't argue there," Kennedy moaned as the redhead pulled away. She wrapped her arms tighter around the other woman's waist and pulled her gently against her own body. "She pretty much did me the biggest favor in my whole life. She drove me straight into your arms." The slayer smiled. "And I gotta tell ya, there's no place else on earth I'd rather be."

"Ditto," Willow replied. "Though the game of hot-potato ends here." She squeezed the girl within her arms. "You're mine now." Sighing contently, she glanced at the clock beside the bed. "We happen to have a little bit of time left before dinner…" She grinned somewhat slyly. "You tired?"

Kennedy raised a brow and latched her arms tightly around Willow's body. With a quick tug, the witch's feet were off the ground and she was being pulled backward towards the bed. The slayer smirked as she quickly reversed their momentum, swinging the witch around to be the first to land on the bed.

Kennedy remained hovering over the older woman. "That answer your question?"

Willow grinned back cheekily. "Not really." She beckoned Kennedy forward with a finger. "C'mere."

"Hmm, yes ma'am," the slayer smiled before leaning into a passionate kiss.

Once Kennedy fled the bar, Layla watched her go with growing annoyance. She sat back with a huff, ignoring the amused expression on the bartenders face. "Can it, Aly. I get hungry when I'm cranky."

The girl shook her head and let the almost-a-subject go. "What can I get for ya this morning?"

"Fresh meat," the vampire growled, her eyes once again traveling back to the door where Kennedy's form had retreated to. "But that's a missed chance now."

Sliding off of the stool, she swaggered back into the corner of the club, settling down on a leather couch between two of her followers. "So, tell me boys…a slayer shows up in town with a witch on her arm, and nobody bothers to tell me right away…why, again? I mean, after all, we *aren't* just talking about some little goddess-wannabe…the redhead is packing some serious power. These two could be what we've been looking for."

"With all respect, your most wonderful one," the minion apologized with a bow of his head, "but we were not aware of the witch's power until recently. We have only just found out that it is she that performed the scythe spell that awakened all the slayers. Including your new little…object of affection."

Layla growled at him, but left the comment alone. "Well, it's only a matter of time before the slayer comes running back to me, anyway…by the time I'm finished, she won't even remember the witch's name. And if she does, well…it'll be a little late."

A dark smile crossed her features and her mind mulled over what needed to be done. "All I need to do is separate them from each other, and they'll play right into my hands. A slayer's blood, and all the magic we can ever need, the spell will be done." She chuckled to herself. "Maybe I'll keep this Kennedy around as my own little…'toy' once I'm finished. Taking just enough blood to keep her barely conscious while she watches the witch die should be more than plenty for what we need."

"Yes your excellent one," the other minion replied with a smile. "And then we can feed from her, right? Slayers last a lot longer than any mortal." He ran his tongue over the tips of his fangs. "Slayer blood…" he growled with a smile. "Ain't nothing sweeter."

With a loud snarl, Layla grabbed the other vampire by the back of the head and morphed her own face. "*None* of you lay a single hand on her. There are plenty of other slayers out there for you to snack off of. This one remains *mine*, got it, lover boy? Or would a pile of ashes be more convincing to the others?"

"N-no your most evil one," the minion stuttered. "That won't be necessary. Message received: No sucking of the slayer. Loud and cl-clear." He smiled nervously and let out a deep breath when the vampire released him.

"Well, gee," a low, husky voiced suddenly drifted from behind them, "I just hate to be the bearer of bad news here, but if any of you so much as *look* at this slayer *or* her witch the wrong way, you'll be begging to be dusted."

One of the minions growled at the smell of fresh blood. He turned and began to leap over the back of the couch, but a hand suddenly came down against his chest, stopping his momentum. He barely had time to look down at the silver stake protruding from his heart before he instantly exploded into dust.

Kadin Van Helsing stepped up out of the shadows and smiled. "Damn. I love this job." She let out a sigh and hopped over the couch, eyeing the other minion. "Care to see if you're any faster than your buddy here?" She nodded to the pile of dust now resting at her feet.

The minion laughed nervously before quickly jumping up and disappearing back into the shadows. She smiled and propped her feet on the table. She let out a long, satisfied sigh and turned to the female vampire seated next to her. "Long time no see Layla. How ya been?"

With a roll of her eyes, the blonde sneered at Kadin. "Better without you," she replied in a sugary tone. "What brings you back to this neck of the woods? Get sick of trying to avenge daddy dearest and realize the loser that you really are?"

"Something like that," Kadin answered in a tense voice, averting her eyes, but the sudden change in her mood only lasted a moment. The somber reflection was soon replaced with a knowing smirk. "And you Layla? Still chasing down the 'ultimate power' and trying to sink your claws into something you ain't never gonna get? And a *slayer* no less." The hunter reached down to the table and picked one of the grapes from the bowl, popping it into her mouth with a smile. "Who's the loser now?"

"What would you know about power, Van Helsing? You aren't a slayer, you aren't a vampire. Your ancestors held the power, and you're just tryin' to hold up the family name. Great job, by the way," Layla added with a smirk.

In a bored, almost disinterested tone, she continued, "Why would you give a damn about the slayer and her whore, anyway? What are they to you?"

"Whore?" Kadin repeated with a raised brow. "That wouldn't happen to be the slightest hint of jealousy I detect, would it?" The hunter smiled. "Not that its any of your business, but they happen to be…acquaintances of mine, and you should know, I don't like it too much when people bad mouth my…acquaintances." Kadin leaned into the vampire to whisper in to her ear. "I'd really hate to have to kill you over this, Layla, but I'm warning you, you try to tear those two apart, and I'll be the least of your worries."

Layla chuckled, seemingly unfazed. "Oh please. One look and I had the slayer all thralled-up. If it's that easy to get into her mind, she can't care for the witch too much."

Kadin eyed the vampire cautiously for a brief moment before sighing and turning away. "Suit yourself," the hunter replied, standing up to adjust her duster. "Please, thrall away, but don't say I didn't warn you."

She turned back to the blonde and leaned over her, placing her hands on the couch on either side of the vampire's head. Staring deeply into the blue gaze, she began to speak in a low voice, "When the slayer comes for you, after you've destroyed all she has and left her with nothing…well, lets just say I hope vampires have a very high pain threshold." Kadin cracked a small smile. "'Cause if you think for *one second* that she doesn't love that witch with all her being…then I've obviously given you too much credit as the evil mastermind that you are."

The hunter slowly pulled back and reached down to pop another grape in her mouth, smiling between chews. "See ya around Layla." She turned to leave, but stopped suddenly and brought her gaze back to the vampire's . "Oh, and try not to kill anyone, hmm? I hear the rats here are very…tasty." The hunter smirked before turning and slowly walking away.

Layla's eyes burned as she watched Kadin leave. Snarling to herself, she turned back around and crossed her arms in an angry fashion.

"Bitch…"

Kennedy lifted the witch's hand to her lips and kissed it gently. She smiled across the table at the redhead as they sat waiting for their dinner, secluded from the other members of the restaurant.

"This is nice, huh?" The slayer smiled as her eyes shined in the candlelight. "Warm breeze, moonlight, soft music…you."

"Don't forget about the food," Willow teased with a small smile. "If this bread roll is any indication, then you have extremely good taste at eating in foreign countries." It was nice, also, being away from all of the other guests. Somehow her girlfriend had secluded the entire restaurant patio for themselves.

"So, how'd you manage to get us this little private party? Tip the waiter in advance?"

"Not exactly," Kennedy grinned, but the grin slowly faded when she received a patent raised brow from her lover in return. "I-its nothing *illegal* or anything…" A slow smile framed the slayer's face. "I just told him that I had the world's greatest girlfriend and that I wanted to give her the world's greatest dinner." She softly ran her fingers over the back of the witch's knuckles. "Plus I tipped him in advance," she finished with a smirk.

Willow shook her head with a chuckle. "Well, I'm not complaining, that's for sure." The witch closed her eyes briefly and inhaled the warm ocean breeze blowing in from behind them. She let out a soft sigh. "We should vacation together more often," she said while giving Kennedy's hand a squeeze.

"I have to agree," the slayer replied as her eyes drifted up to the night sky. "After everything we've been through, I say its the least we deserve." Her brown gaze slowly drifted back to her lover. She was mesmerized by the soft glow of candlelight in the witch's emerald eyes. "Speaking of what we deserve," the slayer softly smiled as she released the witch's hand and reached into the pocket of her jacket.

Green eyes looked into brown with curiosity. "Kenn?"

The slayer didn't respond. She just pulled the tiny box from her jacket and placed it on the table. "Open it," she whispered with a smile.

The redhead was a little surprised when there wasn't a loud 'thud'ing noise when her jaw hit the floor. She looked at the slayer with wide eyes. "Ke…Kennedy?" she asked a second time, uncertainly, then tentatively reached forward and picked up the small box. She looked back up at the slayer again, as if for confirmation that yes, she was supposed to open the box.

"Anytime this century would be nice, Will." The slayer grinned smugly.

With a slight nod, Willow used her thumb to push up the lid.

Kennedy swallowed back nervously at her lover's furrowed brow. "Is it okay?" She leaned across to bring her face closer to her lover's. "I mean, I know you were probably expecting something more…traditional, but as soon as I saw this one, it made me think of you."

Kennedy reached out and pulled the silver ring from the box. The small heart shaped diamond in the middle glittered in the candlelight, and the tiny emeralds lined along the top of the band seemed to only further bring out its shine. The slayer trailed the tip of her finger over one of the emeralds, smiling softly. "They reminded me of your eyes."

After a moment of shock, Willow gingerly reached over and brushed her fingertips over the ring, grazing Kennedy's hand in the process. "It's beautiful," she whispered, still in a state of disbelief. A small smile lit her features as she stared at the slayer's hand holding the ring. "It's perfect."

"It's yours," Kennedy added, and extended the ring out to her lover. "Even if you don't wanna…you know. I still w-want you to have it." She felt her heart pounding in her ears. Her throat was as dry as the Sahara and her hand trembled as she waited for the other woman's response. "One perfection deserves another." Even through her nervousness, she still somehow managed to force the words out.

She watched Kennedy carefully, feeling the other girl's nervousness pouring off her in waves. Willow sat forward off of her chair, leaning over the tiny table to pull Kennedy into a soft, loving kiss. She let it linger for a minute, one hand cupping Kennedy's cheek as she finally did pull back.

"Of course I want to…" Willow whispered softly, brushing her thumb over Kennedy's cheek. She glanced back down at the ring and smiled, before looking back up at her girlfriend again. "I want everything attached to the meaning of this ring. With you."

"Whew," Kennedy let out an exaggerated breath. "You have no idea how glad I am to hear you say that." She glanced down at the ring in her hand before softly smiling up at the redhead. "But, just to make it official…"

The slayer pushed her chair back and walked the small distance around the table before falling to one knee. She reached out and took her lover's hand into her own, lifting the ring box with the other. "Will you marry me?"

For a moment, Willow said nothing, and just gazed down at Kennedy. Then, "Yes," came out barely above a whisper, her heart feeling like it was turning into a flock of butterflies.

An expression of pure, joyful contentment passed over the slayer's face. "I guess you wanna try on your ring now, huh?" She smiled as she pulled began to pull the object from its box.

Willow waited until Kennedy had slipped the small piece of silver onto her ring finger before grabbing the slayer's face and kissing her deeply.

"Mmm," the slayer moaned in pleasure as she pulled back from the kiss. She rose to her feet and kissed the witch's hand before slowly making her way back over to her seat. She held onto the delicate hand and smiled as she watched Willow's eyes fixate on the ring. "Happy?"

The look she received in return read nothing less than 'duh'. Willow giggled, sitting back in her seat, unable to take her eyes off of anything but either the ring or the woman that gave it to her.

She remained silent for a moment, running the last few minutes through her mind over and over again. Finally, she glanced back up at Kennedy. "Kenn, I stand by what I said, I want this with you, m-more than anything. I just…" She swallowed hard, not wanting the other girl to take this the wrong way. "I don't want to…rush it. As much as it would be absolutely beautiful to get married down in South America in the next few days, I just…" She hesitated, but reached over and held Kennedy's hand again. She shook her head and sighed slightly. "I don't know if I'm wording any of this right, I'm sorry, but…let's not rush it, okay? Let's take our time, wait until the absolute right moment."

The slayer's face fell. "Oh, o-okay," she nodded weakly. "I mean, yeah. I see what you're saying. I don't wanna…rush into this either. 'Cause its important to me, really important to me, that you have the wedding of your dreams," she finished a little more strongly. The sullen expression on her face lifted, a slow smile easing in to replace it. "If not South America, maybe…Paris? Bucharest? Sweden? Or my personal favorite…Rome?"

Willow smiled over at the brunette. "Well, if we really wanted, we could always come *back*," she pointed out with a sly grin. She gave Kennedy's hand another squeeze. "Please don't take it as me not wanting this, 'cause I do. Really, really do. But we're young, there's no rush." She interlaced her fingers with the brunette's.

Smirking slightly, Willow quirked an eyebrow at her slayer. "So, you the tux type, or will I finally be able to see those gorgeous legs of yours in a dress?" A pause. "Though, I guess technically I still couldn't see them in a white gown…"

"You really gotta ask?" Kennedy replied with raised brow. "The last time I wore a dress was when I was six. My dad forced me to be a flower girl in my cousin Ella's wedding. Let's just say…he never forced me to wear one again," Kennedy finished with a smile. "I just don't like the things, but…I promised you the wedding of your dreams, and if that's what you want…"

Willow was unsuccessful in suppressing a giggle. She could just picture a mini Kennedy, in an adorable flower girl outfit, pouting around and looking miserable as everyone fawned over her. The mental imagery made her laugh a little harder, but she stifled it upon the look she received from her girlfriend.

"S-sorry, I just…" She shook her head, still grinning widely. "Baby, I want whatever you want. We could wear Greek togas and I'd be happy." Then quickly added, "But we're not. And I'm not getting married naked, either, before you ask. I would like friends and family to show up."

"Damn," Kennedy sighed. "That was gonna be my next suggestion too." She smiled playfully. "But seriously, I want our friends there too, and if we absolutely, positively *have* to, I guess we could invite family. I mean, there's no reason to delay the inevitable meeting of the in-laws." She rubbed her thumb over the back of the redhead's hand slowly. "So, you really mean it? I can show up all rugged and James Bond-y in a tux and you'd be okay with that?"

"Just as long as you show up," Willow teased. "Don't go taking any leaves from Xander's 'How to NOT Get Married' guidebook. And besides, the James Bond look is sexy. I had a crush on Pierce Brosnan in high school." The witch shrugged at Kennedy's look. "What? Didn't always know I was gay, ya know."

"As long as you know it now," Kennedy smiled softly. "That's all that matters to me." She leaned across the table, bringing her face closer to the witch. "I promise you baby, you don't have to worry about me not showing up. From the moment I laid eyes on you, I knew that all I ever wanted was to be by your side. Now that I've got you, I ain't never lettin' go." She smiled softly again before leaning in even closer. "Besides, if there ain't a wedding," she paused and ran her tongue over her bottom lip suggestively, "then there can't be a wedding night."

With a roll of her eyes, Willow placed her hand on Kennedy's chest and playfully shoved her back into her seat. "Slayers…" she shook her head. Then a crooked smile came into place. "Seems to me we've had a 'wedding night' every evening this week…and morning…and afternoon…"

Kennedy smirked. "Funny. I didn't hear you complaining."

"Who said I was?" Willow stuck out her tongue playfully, then spotted the waiter approaching from inside. "Ooh, incoming food." Her stomach gave a loud rumble. "Y'know, at the rate we're going *now*, we're gonna starve to death on our honey moon."

It wasn't until later that night that Kennedy finally got in some slaying action. After going back to the hotel to change, she and her lover decided to see what kinda baddies inhabited the foreign land.

"This is wicked cool," Kennedy smiled as she held her favorite stake in on hand and her lover's hand in the other. "I've never killed any vamps in Rio before. Wonder if they're any smarter than the ones back home? I could really use the workout right about now." She emphasized her point with a roll of her shoulders.

Willow swung their hands a little as they walked, taking in their surroundings. Even the dark, creepy parts of Rio were beautiful at night. And as it was more than warm out, jackets and sweatshirts definitely not needed.

"What, I haven't been giving you enough of one lately?" She pretended to pout for a moment. "Maybe I should step it up a notch next time we're feelin'…snuggly."

Kennedy shook her head with a smile. "Oh no baby, you got that area good and plenty covered." She looked alert as her eyes scanned the darkness. "There's another kinda workout a slayer needs. It's kinda hard to explain…and even if I could, I doubt you'd understand." She paused when she felt the tug on her hand. She stopped her eyes from scanning their surroundings to turn and face her lover, meeting the intensely annoyed look on the redhead's face. "Come on Will, you know I didn't mean it like that."

The Wiccan huffed. "Yeah, I know, I know…that whole 'slayers only' attitude was bound to set it at some point." She sighed in annoyance and dropped Kennedy's hand to cross her arms. "You all tend to think no one else 'gets it', but if you've been hanging around *the* chosen one for seven years, you manage to understand the slayer thing pretty damn well."

At Kennedy's wide-eyed, caught-off-guard look, Willow sighed again and dropped her arms, offering a small smile. "Sorry. Touchy subject. You can blame Faith for part of it."

"No need to apologize baby," Kennedy tucked the stake into the back pocket of her jeans and reached out to take the witch's hands in her own. "If anyone needs to be sorry, its me. Sometimes, my brain and my mouth don't exactly communicate very well," she smiled. "I didn't mean it how it sounded. I mean, you're the only person in this whole world that understands me, that gets what I'm all about. So, I'm sorry if it sounded like I didn't think you understand the slayer part of me, 'cause I know you do. Maybe even better than I understand it myself."

Kennedy lifted their entwined hands to her lips and kissed the back of each of the witch's. "After all, its you that made me a slayer in the first place. You gave me the two greatest gifts in the world, baby. Your power made me a slayer and your love made me a believer."

The witch just looked at Kennedy for a moment, then shook her head. "How do you do that?"

"What?" Kennedy asked with a furrowed brow.

"Make it humanly impossible to stay even remotely huffy at you." Willow grinned and reached upward, pinching Kennedy's cheeks. "Just so damn *cute*," she squealed in a voice similar to that of the scary, overbearing aunt. "And romantic," she added as an afterthought.

"I am *not* cute," the slayer stated firmly, reaching up to pull her lover's hands away from her face. "Alluring, seductive, sexy…but most definitely *not* cute." She reached out and placed her hands on the witch's hips, pulling her forcefully against her own body. "But I won't argue with you on the romantic bit." She smiled suggestively at her lover. "What can I say baby?" Her eyes hungrily raked over the older woman's body. "You bring out the best in me."

"Aww…" Willow was unable to help it. "See? Cute!"

Kennedy pretended to pout for a moment, then the pout turned into a mischievous smirk. The slayer slowly brought her hands around from the witch's hips to rest on her tummy. She let her fingertips gently tease the firm muscle she found there. She raised a brow when the redhead's breathing became slightly labored.

She trailed her left hand down around the witch's side to rest on the small of her back as her other hand discreetly started to travel southward.

Kennedy kept her eyes locked on her lover's as her right hand slowly, but surely made its way between the redhead's thighs. "So, still think I'm cute?"

"A-among other things," Willow swallowed. "Lots and lots of other things…" She leaned further into Kennedy's embrace, her eyes half closing as the slayer's hand continued to tease her. "I thought we were supposed to be patrolling, not…honeymooning. Again." The thought made the witch chuckle lightly.

"Just trying to prove my point, baby," the slayer whispered before pulling away. She smiled at the pout she received from the older woman. "Patrolling, remember?"

Kennedy reached around and pulled the stake from her back pocket. "I just wish it wasn't so, well…alive out here," she sighed absently. "Where's the cocky, and annoyingly stupid undead when you actually *wanna* fight?"

"We can keep looking?" Willow suggested. "I know you wanna get your slay on, and though I'd offer to be your sparring partner, I feel like having my own teeth for a few more years thank you very much."

"Will?" Kennedy asked a little upset. "You really think I would…that I could hurt you like…that?"

"What? No!" Willow shook her head quickly, her footsteps stopping as she turned to her girlfriend. "Baby, I was just kidding. I know you would never hurt me…" She tried to smile reassuringly. "We all know that I'm too shrimpy and sideline-y to fight, so I was mocking myself. I tend to do that at regular intervals."

The slayer let out a long sigh. "You don't give yourself enough credit Will. I think we both know that if it came down to it, you could and would hold your own." She averted her eyes awkwardly. "But um, I don't wanna sound all macho or anything…" She paused and slowly trailed her eyes back up to her lover's. "But I really don't want you fighting Will. At least not physically. I really don't want you to take this the wrong way, but I just can't stand the thought of someone or something putting their hands on you like that, *hurting* you like that."

Kennedy reached over and tucked a strand of loose auburn behind the witch's ear. "I wouldn't be able to live with myself if I ever let anything happen to you. I really don't want it to sound like I think its my 'manly duty' to protect you or anything, but, I'm a slayer, my body was built to take on the physical stuff. If it means me sporting a few bruises or some broken ribs to know that you're safe and unharmed, then I say bring 'em on." She finished with a nod. "So, its not that I don't think you can fight, its that I don't want you to." She eyed her girlfriend wearily. "Do you hate me?"

"Of course I don't hate you," Willow replied softly. "Flash back to the 'completely irresistible' conversation we had two minutes ago." She smiled, and stepped closer to the slayer. "I understand. Believe me, I do. And I'm not a huge fan of me fighting, either. Or, you for that matter…" She hesitated for a moment before continuing on. She wanted to get this out before Kennedy interjected. "I know that you're a slayer, and stuff is gonna happen. Sometimes not so fun stuff. And…yeah, I'll worry, every time you go out on patrol, every time there's an impending apocalypse. But I've already learned to accept that as a part of who you are. And it's one of the things I love about you, your heart when it comes to protecting people." She locked her arms around the brunette's neck. "So, I promise to stay out of the fist fights and hex bad guys from afar, if you promise to be careful when you're smashing their faces in with your fist. Okay?"

"Slayer's honor," Kennedy smiled as she reached out and placed her hands on the witch's hips. "See? That's what I meant earlier when I said you understood me. You get how much the slaying means to me, and yet you know that there's nothing that means more to me than you." She paused with another soft smile. "I'm glad you worry about me, but you still understand that its something I have to do, something I *need* to do, and I can't begin to tell you how much I love you for that. I can't promise to never get hurt, but I can promise you that there is nothing, and I mean *nothing* on this planet, in this universe, that would *ever* keep me from coming home to you."

Willow nodded, suddenly feeling a nervous twisting of knots in her stomach at just the thought of something happening and Kennedy not…"Right. Gonna hold you to that." She didn't want to finish that thought, thinking about it was too painful. "'Cause, home, us, meaning two…without you, wouldn't be much of a home. So…" She paused, not wanting to go on a babble-ramble. "Right. You, careful, me, careful, we're all being careful. Good. This is good…"

Kennedy smiled at her lover's babble. "Will, baby? Just breathe." She leaned in and kissed the witch gently before pulling away with a contented sigh. She smiled at the blush on the redhead's cheeks. "Good to know some things never change," she teased lightly before a look of sudden seriousness clouded her features. "S-speaking of our home," the slayer began nervously, "you got any thoughts were you'd like to settle down after the big day? And after the honey moon of course. I mean, I didn't know if you'd want to stay in Cleveland to be with your…our friends or if you wanted to move away, start fresh?" She stopped at the sudden look of confusion on the witch's face.

"Forget it," she shook her head. "It was stupid, and I don't know why I'm even thinking about that stuff right now. I mean, we haven't even gotten married yet and I'm already all with the life plans and stuff." She shook her head with a sigh. "Next thing you know I'll be asking how many kids you wanna have…" Kennedy's eyes widened and she swallowed back nervously. "*Not* that I think you should be poppin' em out left and right or anything. I mean, just cause I've always wanted a big family doesn't mean…okay, shutting up now."

"Huh?" Willow stared at Kennedy for a moment, a little overwhelmed, then let out a bout of laughter. She pulled the slayer gently into a hug, running her hands over the girl's back. "One thing at a time, sweetie. You're starting to sound like me." She grinned softly, then pulled back a little to study her girlfriend's face.

After a thoughtful moment, she bit her lower lip and shrugged. "I-I don't know, I guess I haven't…well, I *have* thought about where we'd be going now that Sunnydale's gone, but…all I kinda assumed was that wherever it was, it would be with you." She smiled again, blushing despite herself. "I mean, we *could*, since there'll be a bunch of slayers around for you to patrol with and stuff. Not that you need protection," she quickly added before Kennedy could object. "Just that two slayers are safer than one when dealing with situations, ones with lots of hair. And plus, the others being there and all, but…" She paused for a moment to tilt her head to the side. "What about you, sweetie? I mean…h-have you had any thoughts of moving back to where your family is? I-I never really asked."

"Willow," the slayer smiled with a sigh, reaching out to run her fingers through the soft auburn hair, "I woulda thought with that incredibly huge and sexy brain of yours that you woulda had it figured out by now." Kennedy took the witch's hand in her own and ran her fingers over the back of it softly.

"You're part of my family now, and wherever you are is where I wanna be. Don't get me wrong, I miss my dad and my sister, but…that's what holidays and summers are for. I don't know…" she paused to shake her head with a sigh. "I guess, well, I guess that I'm just selfish. I kinda want you all to myself…at least for a little while, and with my family always hounding over us, we'll never really get the chance to be those crazy in love newlyweds everyone's always talkin' about."

The slayer smiled playfully. "But don't think that means you get to *totally* dodge the bullet that is the in-laws." The smile slowly faded from Kennedy's face. "Oh God, I've never even *met* your mother. What's she gonna think when she finds out we're engaged?!"

"Uhh…" That brought a guilty, and slightly terrified look to the witch's face as well. "Um, well…s-she *does* know about you, ended up telling her I was seeing someone important before I made her and dad leave town…" Willow smiled sheepishly. "I guess we kinda skipped the 'meet-the-parents' portion of our relationship, huh?" She thought for another moment. "We'll just have to tell them and see what happens. Maybe meet them first, spread the news later?" She shrugged meekly. Dealing with parents and relationships together was never an easy thing.

Then, suddenly a thought entered her mind. "What if your dad doesn't like me??" came blurting out before she realized what thought her brain had formed.

Kennedy's brow raised suddenly and she smiled. "You're kiddin', right?" She let her eyes rake over the redhead's form, taking in every inch appreciatively. "Beautiful, intelligent, kind, caring…sexy as sin…" the slayer moaned. "What's not to like?"

Willow arched an eyebrow. "Okay, it's the fact that we're talking about your father that disturbs me," she replied with a slight slap on the brunette's arm. "I know *you* like me, b-but I'm not, y'know, I-I haven't finished college yet, a-and I don't have any real achievements, and he might not think I'm good enough for-"

"Whoa," the slayer suddenly interrupted with a raised hand. "Let's just stop that insane thought train right there." She looked at her lover a little confused, but still smiling. "You? Not good enough? For me?" Kennedy clarified, pointing to her girlfriend, and then to herself. "Believe me baby," the slayer chuckled, "if he's gonna think one of us isn't good enough for the other, its gonna be me not good enough for you." She shook her head at the redhead's stunned look. "You don't know my dad, Will. He's a hard ass, but I know deep down, he only wants the best for me. He wasn't always cool with the whole 'gay thing', but once he got use to it, then he started on my choice of girlfriends."

The brunette paused with a sigh. "Looking back, I can't remember a single one he thought was right for me. He always wanted me with the brainiacs, told me they could teach me a thing or two, but I was a teenage girl, doing anything but what my father wanted was my life's mission." Kennedy met the other woman's eyes with a smile. "When he sees me walk through the door with you on my arm? After he gets over the initial shock, he's gonna wonder just how in the hell I ever managed to bag such a beautiful woman as you with the heart and the brains to boot."

"Believe me, Will," she continued the soft smile, "You'll have him eating outta your hand by dinner."

"Really?" Willow asked, somewhat meekly. She let out a fake sigh, pretending to look stressed. "Well, if you insist…I guess this means we have to meet the in-laws. We'll need to start making plans, before we tell them about the whole, y'know…engagement thing."

Wow. Engagement. Every time she said that word, it seemed almost surreal. Willow was positive her friends would be bewildered, and the questions of "aren't you moving a little fast?" would pop up, but…after losing Tara, Willow realized that she didn't want to wait forever. She loved Kennedy, with all of her heart, and knew she would continue to as long as the slayer kept caring for her, so what difference would a few years make? She would still love and be with her slayer. She was done with waiting. She loved Kennedy, and that was all that mattered.

"So," Willow stated as she interlaced her fingers with Kennedy and they started to walk again. "As for my own parents, well…I know they'll for sure like you, but my mom, she's kinda, well…" Willow sighed deeply. "Lets just say that when she starts talking to you about statistics on gay marriages and your opinions on what a colleague told her and how you voted in the last election and why…just smile, nod, and eventually she'll start to be a normal person. She still does that stuff to me, even."

"Right, check," the slayer nodded with a smile. "Crazy insane mother-in-law can be easily placated with polite smiles and well timed nods." The slayer looked over at the redhead nervously. "You know, *not* that I think your mother is really insane o-or…anything. Just sayin'…that uh…" she trailed off and looked away with a light blush.

Willow smirked at the slayer. "You're cute," she repeated.

"Don't worry, no offense taken. She is kinda nuts sometimes…but she means well, I guess. Her and my dad were always out on business trips and stuff, so it was hard to steer away from the business talk the few odd times a year they *did* see me…" She shrugged, though a part of her still wished her parents had been around more when she was a kid. "Don't think they knew how to talk to a teenager," she half joked.

"Sorry to hear that," Kennedy smiled softly as she looked over at her lover. "I guess it just proves that it is true that we all have to suffer our own private teenage hells, huh? No matter what your family is like, your parents are bound to monumentally screw you over one way or another." She grasped her girlfriend's hand a little tighter. "Guess we're pretty damn lucky we got each other to bitch about it with, huh?" she teased with a light smile.

"Don't know what I'd do without ya," Willow replied with a grin of her own, though the words were said sincerely. "Now, back to the subject of the whole moving thing…" She hesitated, furrowing her brow. "We should at least get a temporary apartment before we figure out our plans, and see where everyone else is going. Then we can make family-visiting plans, so you get to see your dad and your sister, and if my parents are in the country and haven't completely forgotten the whole 'I'm alive' conversation we had several days ago…"

"Sounds fun," Kennedy interrupted again, noticing the slight drop in her lover's voice. "But as far as the apartment thing goes…got any place in particular in mind?"

Willow bit her lip thoughtfully. "I guess…well, maybe we should stick around Cleveland, help everything get set up before we take off anywhere?" Cleveland wasn't exactly on the top ten most fascinating places of the world, but it was a Hellmouth and Giles was setting up shop there. She felt obligated to help. "That's not to say we have to stay forever. I mean, I'm sure there's other cities that have their fair share of creepy things crawling and bumping in the night."

"Don't remind me," the slayer sighed. "But I guess I was kinda hoping you'd say that," she smiled shyly. "I mean, I was just startin' to settle in with the others, you know? Faith's pretty much the coolest and Buffy's not so bad once you get passed the annoying speeches and self righteous 'I'm The Slayer' bull…"

Willow let out a little laugh. "I think it'll be good for the girls to get to know her out of 'slayer' mode. Now that it's post-apocalypse, and she isn't the only slayer around anymore…"

Then she frowned, fidgeting a little bit at Kennedy's words about Faith. Though she, of all the Scoobies, could really identify with the whole 'dark side' thing the brunette had gone through, they still weren't exactly on…even ground. "Wouldn't suppose your opinion on Faith could change if I told you she nearly broke my jaw and held a knife to my throat, would it?" The witch was mostly kidding. Mostly.

Kennedy looked over at her lover sharply. "She did? I mean, I know she did some pretty messed up stuff back then. She kinda filled me in on her 'wicked days' as she liked to call 'em…but I guess she thought it better to leave out the whole 'knife to my girlfriend's throat' thing." Kennedy sighed and shook her head. "Its a shame too. I was kinda hoping I'd have a slaying buddy when we got back home, but now…looks like I'm gonna have to kick her ass all the way back to Boston." Kennedy shook her head sadly.

Damn. Now that just made her feel guilty. "No…well," Willow nearly reconsidered, then "no, don't do that…she's changed, much as I hate to admit it. Buffy seems to trust her again, and I…" The redhead shrugged her shoulders, absently staring at her fingernails. "Well, seeing how I had my own bout of evilness, ten times worse than what she did…I can't really be one to judge. She helped a lot in Sunnydale. And didn't kill anyone, so yay, bonus!"

"Will," Kennedy sighed, stopping their walk to turn to look at the redhead. "Haven't we already been over this whole 'Evil Willow' thing?" She eyed her lover with a raised brow. "Thought I told you I didn't wanna hear those words in the same sentence come outta your mouth ever again? I was only kiddin' about the ass kickin' thing anyway. I know Faith's not the same person she was back then, and neither are you. That whole 'evil' thing was just a fluke. You are *not* evil. Understand?" The slayer gave her lover a stern look.

Willow gave her slayer a wide eyed look in return. "Whoa, since when did you get so good at scary resolve-face? Thought that was my move." She managed a grin and lightly squeezed her lover's hand. Though the guilt would never truly go away, she finally knew she was passed that stage, and that it would never happen again so long as she could help it.

They were approaching a park bench placed next to a memorial fountain, and Willow tugged the slayer over to it. She hesitated for a moment, letting out a heavy breath. She knew she should just drop the subject, but her conscious needed to say it. "Back in Sunnydale, when we were above the Hellmouth, I…" the witch trailed off, glancing away from Kennedy.

"You…?" Kennedy encouraged her lover to finish as they sat back onto the bench. "Come on baby, you can tell me. Whatever it is…I'm here for you."

"I know you are," Willow replied quietly, glancing up to smile briefly before looking down again. "I just, I think…I came really close t-to, y'know, l-losing it again…when I started the spell." She sighed, visibly deflating at the shame she felt sweeping over her. "I felt fine, like I could do it, and then this sudden…feeling of dread, a-and fear, that I couldn't do it came over me. That…darker part of me started to come out, and it was only for a second, but I almost couldn't hold back. And then the scythe activated and I was fine, but just for that moment…"

She swallowed hard and looked up at Kennedy. "I know what I said freaked you out, but…if something like that ever happens again, y-you can't let me…I mean, we're gonna have t-to…you can't let *her* hurt anyone, okay?"

"Will," Kennedy released the witch's hand and ran her own back through her hair, sighing as she dropping it to her lap. "We've been over this already too." She looked over at her lover with sadness in her eyes. "I promise you, that as long as I'm living, I won't ever let it come to that. I once told you that I'd be your kite string, that I'd keep you grounded, and I will."

The slayer reached over and placed her hand on the redhead's thigh. "I swear to you baby, I'll never let anything happen that would make you all…veiny again, but you've got to know that I love you too much to ever think of letting her hurt anyone, and if it ever came down to it, I promise you…I *swear* to you…even thought it'd break my heart, I'd sooner drive a stake through hers then to let her destroy you like that."

Willow let out a ragged sigh, nodding her head slowly. "Thank you," she whispered softly, before leaning over and resting her head on Kennedy's shoulder.

A moment of silence passed, in which she stewed in her own juices, before sighing and letting out a small chuckle. "So, back to the less-depressing apartment talk," came out in a half-joking tone. "This may be an odd question, but…you sure you wanna live with me? I'm kinduva neat freak sometimes."

"Guess that works out perfect then," Kennedy chuckled as she leaned her head down to place a kiss on the witch's temple. "'Cause I can be a pretty big mess when I wanna." A small smile formed on her lips. "'Specially if I got my very own wife to clean up after me…cook me dinner…wash my clothes…hey, I'm really starting to like the sound of this whole 'married' thing."

Willow pulled back from Kennedy and raised an eyebrow. "Remind me to purchase a dog house for you to sleep in," she replied with a slight grin. "And a doggie dish. And a hose…"

"Damn," Kennedy shook her head with a smile. "Guess that came out kinda 'Me Tarzan, you Jane', huh? 'Cause I didn't mean it to sound like I expected you to stay home keepin' up the house and birthin' the babies while I'm out conquering the world." The slayer sighed. "I just meant…I've waited my whole life to find the one woman I'd wanna grow old with and I can't imagine my life without you, neat freakiness and all," she finished with a grin.

Willow leaned in and placed a chaste kiss on Kennedy's lips, before pulling back a little bit and asking "Blue or red dog house? I'll let ya pick the color." She grinned wickedly, and kissed the slayer again.

She pulled back thoughtfully after a moment, snuggling up to Kennedy's side and looking at her thoughtfully. "I have to say, Kenn…I wasn't really sure at first if you would be the maternal type, but lately I've just been seeing…" She smiled, nudging the slayer in the ribs. "You'd be a great mom. I have a feeling a bit of a pushover, but great none the less," Willow teased.

"M-mom?" The slayer repeated nervously. "Me? Oh no, I'm not the 'mom' type," she continued, shaking her head. "I'd probably let 'em eat candy for breakfast and never make 'em do homework. They'd be overweight and have the IQ of peanut brittle before they reached puberty."

Kennedy looked over at her lover suspiciously. "Where'd this 'mom' stuff suddenly come from anyway? I thought we were talkin' about me and how much hot water I was in?"

The witch eyed Kennedy and gave her a funny look. "Sweetie, you've mentioned kids and family four times within the last hour. What'd you think you were talking about? I'd have 'em and you'd just be the cool aunt or something?"

"Not exactly," the slayer sighed. "I mean, its not like I expect you to do *all* the parenting…I was thinking you could handle the 'mom' stuff and I'd just be there to play catch or tea party…or whatever…" Kennedy trailed off and looked away awkwardly. "I mean, its not like I really remember much about my own mom…" Her sad expression was soon replaced with a soft smile. "But before my dad got remarried, it was like I was the center of his universe. I remember all the summers I spent with him playing catch, ridin' dirt bikes…fishing," her smile widened as she looked back over to her lover. "I always promised myself that if I ever had kids, I'd never let them have to wonder what it was like to have *both* parents."

"Kenn, we'll handle the parent stuff *together*. I mean, I don't exactly claim to be an expert on raising anything above gold fish, but that's where you learn from experience. They will have two parents, *us*. Two moms. You'll do great, baby." Willow cracked a grin, then froze up, furrowing a brow. "Wow. That's the first time I've thought about that in a while…the kid stuff, I mean."

"You mean…you've thought about it before?" Kennedy tried to clarify shakily. "Is that a good thing? I mean, the wanting to have kids w-with me. Its not…it isn't a pressure thing, is it?"

Willow immediately shook her head. "No, no pressure thing. From either side. I guess I've always wanted a family with the person that I love, whoever that was gonna be. I wanted to be a mom, and I wanted to be there for my kids every step of the way, not off on…business trips or anything." Willow shifted so she could gaze up at Kennedy from her position of resting against her shoulder. "I'm not saying we should dive right into it, though. Not right now, not immediately…but someday, when we're both ready, yeah, if you wanted, I'd want to have a family with you." She smiled at her slayer. "Besides, who says I have to be the one poppin' out the babies all the time?" She arched an eyebrow, slightly amused at the pale look her girlfriend took on.

"You're jokin', right?" Kennedy laughed nervously, but when her lover didn't budge, any sense of amusement drained from her face. "Please tell me you're jokin'. You can't honestly think I'm gonna walk around as big as a house for nine months just to go through hours and hours of painfully intense labor…" She trailed off with a sudden look of nervousness. "Uh…not that I think you should suffer it all by yourself. I mean, I'd be there right by your side, every step of the way…"

"Uh-huh," the witch replied with a bemused eyebrow raised. "Glad to know I shall be the bearer of pain and sacrifice." She elbowed Kennedy in the ribs. "I'll be reminding you of this conversation when you complain because I send you out for pickles and ice cream at three AM, not to mention going through hormonal fits where I won't be responsible for my actions."

Kennedy grinned at the other woman's playful jab. "H-hormonal…fits?" The smile slowly faded from Kennedy's face as she thought about her lover's words. "P-pickles and ice cream? At three AM? Do pregnant women really eat that stuff?" She furrowed her brow as she began to think about it.

"Mm-hmm," Willow mused, giving Kennedy a 'you asked for it' kind of look. "Not to mention the number of times you'll have to tell me I don't look like an ugly beached whale that should be put out of its misery for the sake of man kind. Good luck talkin' me outa that one."

Kennedy pondered the image for a moment before slowly dropping her eyes down to the redhead's waist. She studied her lover's body intently for a long moment before letting out a sigh. "I don't think you have to worry about me losing interest. Even pregnant, something tells me you'd still be incredibly sexy and irresistible." Her eyes clouded over and a light smile played on her lips. "Then again, I always think you're incredibly sexy and irresistible."

"Uh-huh," was repeated. "You'd *better* not lose interest, or you actually *will* have to face the wrath of Darth Rosenberg, as Andrew so fondly named me…" She rolled her eyes at the brunette. "C'mon, hornball. Let's finish this patrol and get you back to the hotel." She tugged the younger girl to her feet, interlacing their hands together.

Another sudden thought came to mind. "You do realize that the majority of the nine months we won't be having sex at all, right?"

Kennedy stopped in her tracks, a sudden pull on her lover's hand stopped her too. "What? Why?" The slayer asked confused. "But….but…I thought that pregnant women are all…hormonal and hot all the time? But really, no sex?" Her eyes furrowed and a little pout formed on her lips. "Not even a little bit?"

"Hey, you knocked me up, so don't complain!" Willow grinned. Then she stopped to ponder for a moment. "Well, I've heard that there's the occasional time where you really, really crave a good round of sex, but it only happens for a short time. Otherwise it's pretty much on my time, when I want it."

Unable to keep from laughing at the expression on her lover's face, Willow pulled Kennedy closer to her. "Sweetie, I'm also having a hard time imagining you'll actually *want* to have sex with a beached whale when the time comes."

"I thought I told you baby," Kennedy smiles softly as she places a kiss on her lover's lips. "It doesn't matter to me what you look like, just as long as its you. Don't get me wrong, I love your body," the slayer paused to reach down and squeeze the witch's backside with a grin. "But its not the only reason I'm with you, and its definitely not the only reason I love you."

Kennedy smiled at the soft look she received. "I told you before baby, I don't think they'll ever be a time when I'm *not* attracted to you. Even when we're old and gray, sitting in our rocking chairs on the front porch, I'll look over at your beautiful face and see those deep green eyes, and I won't help but think, you're still as beautiful and sexy as the day we met."

The couple were nearing a small grove of trees, just off to the side of the memorial fountain. In the shadow of the trees, an unwelcoming and familiar face leered at them from the darkness.

Layla's face remained human, but the disgusted look upon it could only be that of a demon. "Make me lose my appetite…get 'em, boys."

Kennedy pulled her lover to a sudden stop, her eyes focusing in on the darkness intently. The slayer side of her was screaming that something wasn't right, and she didn't like that feeling. Her grip tighten on her lover's hand as she positioned her body in front of the witch. Reaching back with her other hand, she placed it on the witch's hip. "Stay behind me."

Willow resisted the urge to ask 'what is it?'; enough years of living side by side with a slayer had taught her that the answer would make itself known soon enough.

She kept her eyes trained on the pathway Kennedy's seemed to be taking, and it took her a moment too long to see four shapes emerging from the darkness. They suddenly sped up and headed right for the couple.

"Oh, peachy…"

Kennedy suddenly turned to her lover with pleading eyes. "Baby, please," she began cautiously, "I know you're a kick ass magic mama and *well* capable of taking care of yourself, but please, sit this one out…for me?" She pleaded with her lover to understand. "I don't know what the vamps over here are capable of and I can't stand the thought of one of 'em getting the upper hand on me and leaving you…helpless."

Kennedy turned to her left just in time to grab the nearest vamp by the shoulders, giving him a quick punch to the jaw leaving him stunned. She turned to look at her lover as she still held the nearly motionless vamp.

A conflicted look crossed over the witch's face as she fought with herself, but finally she nodded. "Alright, I will…but please, please be careful." She looked at Kennedy with a worried expression, and took a step back to give the slayer some fighting room.

Kennedy smiled at her lover as she felt the vamp starting to struggle in her grasp. "Always am baby," she leaned in and gave her lover a short, but passionate kiss before pulling away with a grin. She turned her glare to the vampire that was hissing and growling in her arms. "Oooh, I like 'em feisty."

Kennedy lifted her knee and slammed it into the vampire's stomach, sending him stumbling back. She smiled victoriously and looked up just in time to be tackled from the side by the next rapidly charging vampire.

"Kenn!!" Willow squeaked, nearly running forward to help her slayer, but instead she danced on the spot. 'I really, really hate sitting out,' she thought idly as she waited for the slayer to regain her feet. There were still two other vamps circling the brunette…if things got bad, she wasn't going to sit by and watch her lover get killed.

"One pissed off magic mama coming up…" she grumbled underneath her breath, clenching a fist.

"Sonuva…OW!" Kennedy growled as threw the vampire off of her body, quickly flipping to her feet. "No need to push boys. There's plenty of slayer to go around." Kennedy eyed each of the vampires that were circling her, weighing up her enemies. Her eyes landed on the smallest of the four, and she decided he was her best bet. "Whatcha waitin' for, shrimpy?" she teased with a smirk. "Mama not lettin' you play with the big boys?"

The vampire let out a loud growl and charged Kennedy, landing a hard blow to her jaw. The world suddenly went dizzy and her feet seemed to just fly right out from under her, sending her back crashing hard to the ground.

"Great plan Kennedy," she moaned as she lifted her hand to her jaw. Pulling it away, she cringed at the deep crimson liquid now staining her fingers. "He sure hits hard for a…" Her words were suddenly cut off as she felt herself lifted in the air. Looking down, she met the angry face of the small vampire. She swallowed hard.

"Hey!!"

The vampire, who may have had more brawn than his size let on, but not so much brain, turned his head only to have a fist-sized rock nail him right in the center of the forehead. His head snapped back and he dropped the slayer right on top of himself; they both crumpled to the ground.

Willow only had a split second to look somewhat proud of herself before one of the vampires circling on the outside charged at her, obviously not as amused as she was.

"Crap…" She backed up swiftly, trying to get her brain to focus and come up with a counter attack. "Accendo…accendo ballista abunde!" her hand flew forward, and what looked like a ball of fire and energy flew forward. It hit the vamp square in the chest, and after a brief shriek, he exploded into dust.

Willow grinned to herself, still backing up a few paces. "Never underestimate a good ball 'o fir-"

She backed up into someone, and whirled around to face Layla, who seemed to appear out of nowhere. 'Sneaky vampires,' the redhead thought to herself. "Uh…h-hi."

Kennedy was just about to deliver a massive head butt to the vamp when she suddenly felt herself toppling over on top of him. Gritting her teeth, she placed one hand on the ground and with the other, reached into her back pocket for her stake.

"Dammit Willow," she growled as she quickly jammed the stake into the vampire's chest, instantly turning him to dust. She coughed as the remains flew up into her mouth, but she was too angry to care at the moment. With a huff, she lifted herself from the ground and surveyed what was left of the vampires.

That's when her eyes fell on the familiar she vamp currently towering over her lover. She clinched the stake tighter in her hand and with a sneer, charged at the two remaining vamps.

Layla looked down at the witch with a raised brow. "Tsk tsk…" The blonde vamp shook her head. "We mustn't play with fire. Its not safe you know." Layla smiled evilly as she reached out and grabbed Willow by the neck, relishing in the sweet feeling of bruising flesh beneath her fingers.

Willow was too caught off guard to make the feeble 'meep'ing sound she had planned upon being grabbed, but she couldn't get enough- or any- air into her windpipe to do it. She struggled against the vampire's hold, but for a blonde bimbo, she was really damn strong.

Any attempt at a spell was immediately squashed by her lack of ability to speak. Her vision blurred, and she felt Layla's grip tightening even more.

Kennedy had just grabbed the nearest vamp by the collar of his coat. She lifted her stake above his heart and was about to slam it down when she looked across the way to lay eyes on the most horrifying vision she'd ever seen.

Willow. On her knees. Layla's hand around her throat. Willow turning blue.

Kennedy's blood boiled. The slayer inside her howled and her muscles tightened. The grip on her stake nearly shattered the wood against her fist, but she was able to control her anger long enough to stake the vampire before leaping over to land on the other's back. Without hesitation, she once again lifted the stake into the air and slammed it through the fallen vampire's back.

Kennedy slowly rose from her crouched position, her eyes landing on the female vampire. She dropped her stake to the ground and clenched her fists tightly. "Let her go," she ground out in an eerily calm voice.

The smile suddenly faded from Layla's face and she instantly released her hold on the redhead. If she had a heartbeat, it would have been pounding in her ears at that exact moment. The look she was receiving from the slayer made her already dead blood run cold.

Kennedy slowly stalked over to the female vampire, never dropping her eyes from the blonde's. She stopped only when she was face to face with the she vamp. "If you *ever* touch her again," Kennedy nodded back over her shoulder at her lover who was still struggling to regain a breath, "You'll suffer *so* incredibly much…you'll be *begging* me to stake you." Her eyes held a look of intensity not even Layla could withstand. "Understand?"

The she vamp nodded mutely and took a step back from the slayer, slowing fading back into the darkness as Kennedy turned and bent down to tend to her lover.

"Will, baby," Kennedy soothed as she dropped to her knees, pulling the witch into her lap. "Are you okay?"

The witch's hands automatically went to her throat, and even though the forceful crushing was gone, it still took a few tries to actually get some air back down into her lungs. Groaning, she leaned back against the slayer.

After a few wheezing breaths, she tried to speak to Kennedy, but was met with a painful burning sensation in her windpipe. Instead, she just nodded, coughing a few times as she rubbed at her throat.

Kennedy watched as her lover suffered, her heart burning. The slayer wrapped her arms around the witch and pulled her against her body tightly, leaning down to kiss away the bruises already forming on her lover's neck.

"I'm so sorry baby," she whispered soothingly. "I never shoulda let it happen. She never shoulda got that close to you."

Kennedy's kisses helped sooth the ache somewhat, and after a hard swallow the witch was finally able to force out some words. "Not…you, silly…stupid me. Sorry…"

Turning her head to the side, she caught sight of her slayer's bloody lip and instantly sat up straighter. Reaching out, she lightly dabbed at the blood dripping down the slayer's chin. "You okay?" came out as a croak.

"You got nothin' to be sorry for," Kennedy shook her head before turning away to spit out a mouthful of blood. "And I'm fine." She watched as her lover gave her a concerned look before shaking her head and pulling them both to their feet. "I said I'm fine Will, but we need to get you back and put some ice on that throat. I don't want it to swell." She cringed as the words forced another rush of blood into her mouth and she turned to spit it out, wiping at her chin to remove the remaining trail with her sleeve.

Willow grimaced as more blood flew from Kennedy's mouth, and as the slayer aimed to swipe it away, she reached out to lightly touch her face. "Let me see, baby…" Gingerly, and with care, she pulled the slayer's lip back slightly to see the extent of the damage. A tooth had sliced part of her lip open, and her gums were sore and bleeding, but thankfully she wasn't spitting *up* the blood.

That thought made Willow's stomach turn in knots, and she leaned forward to place a gentle kiss to the side of Kennedy's mouth that wasn't as severely damaged. "C'mon…" She reached out and took her hand, quietly leading the slayer back towards the cemetery gate.

Kennedy's mouth ached. It felt like somebody had hit her square in the jaw with a sledgehammer, but she wasn't about to let her lover know. Willow had her own pain and she didn't need her making a fuss about a busted lip.

The slayer held onto her lover's hand and allowed herself to be lead from the cemetery, but she couldn't ignore the nagging voice in the back of her mind that was telling her this was far from over.

Willow re-entered the room with a bucket full of ice (luckily the machine was just down the hallway), and several plastic bags to find Kennedy sitting quietly on the edge of the bed.

"Hey, found some," she stated softly, closing the door behind her and walking over to the bed. Though her throat was still sore, she was able to talk again almost normally, with just a slight rasp.

Sitting next to the slayer, she prepared a bag of ice and grabbed some tissues to dab at the bloody lip.

Kennedy watched her lover intently as she worked to rid her lip of the blood. Her eyes fell to the ugly bruises already forming on the delicate skin of the witch's throat.

The slayer lifted her right hand and ran her fingertips over the purple flesh gently. "How 'bout you? How you feelin'?"

After getting rid of the last of the blood stains, Willow twisted the top on one of the ice bags closed and held it to Kennedy's cheek. "Kind of like some crazy bitch tried to strangle me," the redhead joked with a meek smile. "But I'll be fine."

"I'm sorry Will," Kennedy sighed as she dropped her hand back to her lap. "I never shoulda taken my eyes off you. She never woulda gotten to you if I wasn't distracted." Kennedy looked up into her lover's eyes sadly. "I can't stand to see you hurt Will. It breaks my heart to know you're in pain." The slayer ran her hand gently over her lover's thigh. "Wish I could make it better."

Immediately the witch was shaking her head, feeling her inner-resolve face coming on. "No. I don't want to hear about how it was your fault, because it wasn't." The slayer received a look that deemed it was not safe to argue. "I didn't pay attention, that's my mistake, not yours. You had a group of vampires to deal with, your hands were full." Her expression softened, and her unoccupied hand reached down to cover Kennedy's. "You can't blame yourself every time I get hurt, sweetie. We live in a dangerous world, it's part of our job description."

"Its my job to protect you Will, not only as a slayer but as a lover." Kennedy replied calmly. "If I can't even protect the one person in all the world that means the most to me, how can I go out every night and call myself a slayer?"

Kennedy shrugged off the other woman's gentle touch and looked away. "You may have been at this a lot longer than me, and I'm sure you know way more about evil than I do, but *I'm* the slayer, its my job to take the cuts and bruises of battles, not yours."

Kennedy turned her eyes back to her lover and nodded at her throat. "I'm not just mad at myself as a slayer, I'm mad at myself as your lover that I couldn't protect you."

Willow let out a deep sigh, seeing that she wasn't going to be able to sway Kennedy that it wasn't her fault. "Well then, for what it's worth…I don't blame you." She offered Kennedy a small smile and a shrug, standing up. Letting the ice pack rest in the other girl's hands, the witch walked over to and started rummaging around the suit cases, looking for fresh pajamas for two. She grimaced slightly at having to bend her neck, and absently reached up a hand to delicately rub at the side.

"Moo cows or flying puppies?" Willow held up two different pairs of fuzzy pajamas.

Kennedy couldn't help but smile. "Depends on which you like, 'cause there ain't no way you're gettin' me in either." The slayer shook her head with a smile, fighting back the grimace of pain that shot through her lip.

"But…I was kinda hopin' for neither…" Kennedy added in afterthought, her smile growing.

"Hey!" Willow argued in mock defense. "Are you saying I'll look stupid in these?" One more glance at the goofy pajamas and she wrinkled her nose, standing and then heading back to the bed.

The grimace by Kennedy didn't go completely unnoticed, and Willow arched an eyebrow. "I don't think you're in any shape to be…using your mouth for kisses and other pleasant things right now. Give it a night, and your slayerness should have you back on the road to normalness by morning. Promise."

With that, she held out the puppy pajamas.

Kennedy thought to argue, but decided against it. She reached out and took the pajamas with a light pout. "Stupid busted lip," she grumbled as she stood up and headed for the bathroom, but stopped before she reached the door. She turned and looked at her lover with slight fear. "Does this mean no good night kiss?"

Without answering, Willow walked over to Kennedy and gathered the slayer into her arms, placing a gentle kiss on her lips, trying to avoid causing further pain. Then she kissed the brunette's cheek, traveling down to her neck where yet more kisses rained. She let out a content sigh, just breathing in Kennedy's scent. The slayer's skin was so damn irresistible.

"Ah, Will?" Kennedy asked hesitantly between kisses. "You r-rethinking that whole 'pleasant' thing? 'Cause if you're not," she paused and placed both hands on the witch's shoulders, pushing her back gently. "You *really* gotta stop that…now."

Willow smiled sheepishly. "Sorry. You're just…extremely kissable." She leaned forward to plant one more on the slayer's cheek, before stepping back and waving towards the bathroom. "Go get cleaned up. No stinky battle-smelling slayers in my bed."

Kennedy smirked. "Funny, never heard you complain before," the slayer challenged with a raised brow. "In fact, if I remember correctly, there was one night that I couldn't even make it to the bedroom because a certain redhead found stinky battle-smelling slayer me irresistible. Wouldn't by chance know who she is…would ya?"

That certain red head flushed accordingly, shuffling her feet uncomfortably. "Well, t-that was, ah…it was a long…just…go shower already!" She stuck her tongue out playfully at the young slayer before turning on her heels and bustling back towards the bed so she could change as well.

"Guess its pretty pointless to ask ya to join me?" Kennedy teased with a light grin. "'Cause you know, me being injured an' all, I might need some help washing my…back." Kennedy grinned.

"Uh-huh," Willow threw back over her shoulder, bemused. "I won't be responsible for injuring you further, so I'm officially holding out on you." Glancing behind her at the slightly horrified look on her girlfriend's face, Willow chuckled. "Just for tonight, of course. Like I said, your mouth should be 90% better by morning. We'll talk about a group shower then."

Kennedy just shook her head with a sigh. "You know, *most* girlfriends would use this as an opportunity to pamper their lovers, not hold out on them. I tell ya, it just ain't right." Kennedy turned to the bathroom door and reached out for the handle, still shaking her head.

"Did I just hear the words 'Kennedy' and 'pamper' in the same sentence?" Willow mused, glancing over her shoulder at the slayer, before rethinking that question. "…or, hear *you* say the word pamper when implying yourself as the pamperee?"

Raising a seductive eyebrow over her shoulder, Willow turned around so her back was facing the slayer, and slowly peeled her shirt over her head. She tossed it to the side, letting her hand linger in the air for a moment before dropping back to her side. "Hurry up and I may consider doing a little 'pampering' when you're finished…"

Kennedy's jaw nearly hit the floor. Willow didn't know just *how* sexy she could be.

"Um," the slayer swallowed back hard, her hand slowly dropping from the doorknob. "I ah…" She trailed off as she stared at her lover's back, her mind clouded with the image. "Just…in the…" She turned and pointed towards the bathroom. "S-shower." Kennedy slowly turned and walked into the bathroom, gently clicking the door shut behind her.

The witch stifled a loud giggle, unable to help the large grin spreading across her face already. "Oh, Kennedy…" she sighed happily.

A few minutes later and she had shimmied out of her skirt as well, quickly changing into the cow pajamas that had surfaced from the depths of her suitcase. Willow aimed to crawl into bed, but her stiff neck gave a loud roar of protest. Instead, she made a second icepack and placed it on the back of her neck.

With a soft groan, she slowly lay down on the bed and snuggled into the covers, keeping the icepack in place.

Kennedy chose that exact moment to swing open the bathroom door and step out with a grin, her hair falling damply against her shoulders. "New world record, baby." The slayer grinned and threw her dirty clothes into the pile at the far corner of the room before quickly walking over and falling into bed next to her lover.

Kennedy noticed the witch's pained expression and the ice pack that was currently resting against her neck. "Guess I'm not the one that needs the pampering," she shook her head with a sign before sitting up with her back against the headboard.

"Come here, baby," Kennedy spoke softly and patted the bed between her legs. "I'll fix that right up for ya." She smiled over at her lover.

Willow couldn't help but look guilty. "No, I'm okay…I promised you the pamperin', after all." She sat up as well, placing a hand on Kennedy's knee. "You even had a Guinness-worthy shower."

"Will, please don't argue with me," Kennedy pleaded with a gentle sigh. She patted the spot again and gave the witch her best resolve face. "Now, move it."

Pausing for a moment, Willow let out a small chuckle. "Nope. Still not quite an intimidating as me." But she scooted in front of Kennedy and settled back between her legs, crossing her own.

Kennedy placed her hands gently on the witch's neck and dipped her head down to place light kisses over the ugly bruises marring her delicate skin. "Still so beautiful," the slayer turned her head, whispering into her lover's ear.

Kennedy reached over and picked up the ice pack, placing it gently against the redhead's neck. "Feel better?" Kennedy whispered into the witch's ear as she massaged the tender skin with her left hand.

"Mmm-hmm…" Willow moaned, closing her eyes. The coldness from the ice sent a small shiver down her spine, but between that and the light movements of her lover's hands, she felt her tense muscles start to relax. Kennedy might be a slayer, but she was surprisingly good with the massaging.

"I should get you to do this more often…" she murmured, the hint of a smile catching at the corners of her mouth.

Kennedy smiled and turned her head to inhale the scent of the witch's hair. "Mmm…sounds good to me," she whispered as she slowly pulled away, continuing the light massage.

Kennedy paused for a moment, watching her lover intently. "Will?" she asked cautiously. "How did…I mean, what were…" The slayer paused with a frustrated sigh. "Why didn't you just listen to me?"

"Ehh?" Willow went to turn her neck quickly but immediately grimaced with the realization that it was a bad idea. So instead she briefly pulled away from the nice massage to turn and face the slayer. "About…what?" She looked confused.

"Don't play dumb Willow," Kennedy accused. "It really doesn't suit you." The slayer dropped her hands from the witch's neck and pulled back slightly. "You tried to help. I specifically told you not to try to help. I told you to stay back." Kennedy huffed. "If you had just listened to me, this never woulda happened."

Willow let out a loud sigh, looking away from Kennedy and glancing down to idly play with her fingers. "I…I know what I said, and…I'm sorry." She glanced up once, looking guiltily at the slayer. "It's not that I don't trust you, sweetie, that isn't it at all. I just…panicked. I-I saw him pick you up, a-and I didn't k-know what was gonna happen. He was gonna toss you, break your back over his knee…I couldn't let myself just, just *sit* there and let something happen."

Before Kennedy could interrupt, she rushed on. "I know that you would've had him eventually, but momentary loss of brain functions made me jump in. I couldn't stand the thought of all our happiness being squashed down in one night."

"That's what you don't get, Will," Kennedy placed her hands on the witch's thighs and dropped her head to rest against her lover's. "I don't want you thinking you always have to save me. I can handle myself, and if something like that does happen, I'd rather it be me than you."

Kennedy silenced the redhead's interruption with a gentle sigh. "My body can take it, Will. I'm a slayer, we're built for that sorta thing. But even if it was something…worse, I'd still rather it be me than you. I just…" Kennedy lifted her arms and wrapped them around her lover's waist, letting out a slow sigh. "I can't stand the thought of you like that. Like this," the slayer gave a nudge indicating the witch's neck. "You in any kinda pain is just too much for my slayer heart to take."

Kennedy once again turned her head into the witch's, inhaling her aroma with a deep breath. "I'm sorry for yellin' at ya. You just make me so crazy."

The witch stayed silent for a moment, resting her cheek against Kennedy's. Any thought of Kennedy getting hurt made her heart wrench, especially any severe injury. Or worse…but she couldn't think like that.

It was part of the risk of loving a slayer. That there was always the chance- the horrible, almost unthinkable chance- that something could go wrong, and badly. But it was a risk she was willing to take in order to be with her girl.

Letting out a deep sigh, Willow gave a small nod. "Okay," she answered quietly. After a small pause, the redhead added "Maybe in the long run, it won't be such a good idea if I go on patrol with you all the time. I'll end up getting us both killed." Willow emitted a small laugh.

"Well, maybe not killed," Kennedy smiled. "Maimed, and possibly completely brain dead, but not killed," the slayer teased lightly before letting out a low sigh. "But seriously Will, its not that I think you get in the way or that I think you couldn't handle yourself if you really had to. Its just…after what happened tonight, I'm not willing to take that chance."

The brunette paused before smiling. "Besides, I need you at home cooking my dinner and making yourself all sexy for when I get home. You know how us slayers get after patrol…" Kennedy grinned and leaned in to kiss the sensitive skin behind Willow's ear.

Willow quivered, her nerves dancing under Kennedy's soft touch. "I can do the cooking part. Not too sure about the sexy," she replied shyly, turning her head ever so slightly so she was able to nip at Kennedy's cheek.

"Oh really?" Kennedy asked intrigued. "And just what was that little show earlier, hmm? Sure seemed to me you knew *exactly* what you were doing," the slayer husked into her lover's ear. "I don't think you have to worry about the sexy part, Will. You'd look hot in a burlap sack."

"You're crazy," Willow pointed out, but it was said with a loving smile. She leaned in to place a kiss on Kennedy's cheek, then another, slightly more fevered one, on the left and less damaged side of her lips. "But I love you anyway," she murmured between sucking on Kennedy's lower lip.

"Good to know," the slayer moaned between kisses. "'Cause I really…Ow!" Her next words were cut off by a sudden jolt of pain shooting through her lip and straight to the roof of her mouth. Kennedy lifted her hand and placed it against the side of her mouth, closing her eyes in pain. "Sonuva bitch."

The slayer slowly opened her eyes to meet the upset and slightly pained look of her lover. "Damn, that's quite a kiss ya got there," the brunette tried to play it off in an attempt to ease her witch's mind.

"Ooh, baby…" Willow sympathized as another guilty look passed over her face. "I'm so sorry…'guess this really does mean you'll have to settle for simple snuggles tonight…" She picked up the icepack Kennedy had been holding on her neck and used her other hand to gently remove the slayer's fingers from her aching cheek. "Here, let me do a bit of the pampering now…" With a soft smile, she rested the plastic bag against the injured side of the brunette's jaw. "You just gotta stop being so damn kissable all the time. Most delicious lips this side of the continent."

"Can't help it," the slayer smiled with a wince. "When you're around, I just can't control 'em, but I think I got a pretty good argument that they're not *the* most delicious…" The slayer leaned in and placed a gentle, sweet kiss against the witch's. "Mmm, yep. I was right." Kennedy smiled as she ran her hands over her lover's thighs. "Still doesn't mean we have to revert to *just* cuddles…

Another groaning sound came from the witch, as eyelids fluttered with the effort to remain open. "Y-you should be resting…" Willow stammered, her brain unable to concentrate on anything except for the hands now caressing along her sensitive skin.

"Well," Kennedy sighed, removing her hands from the witch's thighs. "If you think its best." The slayer let out a long sigh and fell back onto the bed, reaching over to the night stand for the remote. "I think the Cowboys game is on anyway." Kennedy flipped through the channels, smiling when she found the game on ESPN.

Willow pouted. She stared at Kennedy, whom was concentrating on football for the moment, then sighed and lay down beside her. Mindful of her neck, she snuggled up and placed her head on the slayer's shoulder.

Then she pouted again. "Hurry up and get better, 'kay?" She circled her finger along the center of Kennedy's chest.

The slayer tried to ignore the chill that her lover's touch sent down her spine. She swallowed back and nodded absently. "Soon as the slayer healin' kicks in," the brunette turned to meet the witch's eyes with a smile, "Not even the Super Bowl itself is gonna keep me away from…" Kennedy paused to slowly trail her eyes over her lover's body, her tongue sneaking out to run over her bottom lip. "…you."

The witch held the slayer's gaze for a long moment, feeling the intensity flow between them. She swallowed hard, finally forcing herself to avert her eyes towards the television. "So…t-tired yet?" She really, *really* had to stop kissing those lips is they were ever gonna heal. Bad, bad Willow…

"Oh, come on!" Kennedy shouted at the television. "That was *so* holding!" She slammed her hand back down onto the bed with a sigh. "Those damn refs wouldn't know a penalty if it slapped 'em in the face." The slayer shook her head with a sigh before looking over at her lover. "You say somethin' Will?"

Kennedy caught a movement on the TV out of the corner of her eye and she quickly turned back to watch. "What was that?! He was wide open! Man," the slayer shook her head again. "My grandma coulda caught that."

The witch laughed, rolling her eyes. "Slayers…" she muttered teasingly, though unsure if Kennedy even heard her. Then, to get Kennedy's attention, she poked the slayer in the ribs. "Hey, cowgirl…I'm gonna try and dose off. Try not to break the TV, the hotel probably charges an arm and a leg for that." Smiling, she kissed her on the cheek before rolling over and snuggling into the mattress.

Kennedy looked over at the light poke. "You want me to turn it off? Think I still got some energy left for a few snuggles." The slayer smiled as she stole one last glance at the TV, smiling as the game ended on a Cowboys winning field goal.

The slayer didn't wait for her lover's answer. She turned the television off and tossed the remote onto the night stand before snuggling in behind the witch. Kennedy wrapped a strong arm around her lover's waist while leaning in to trail soft kisses along her neck, nudging the pajama top out of the way as she made her way lower.

"Mmm…wouldn't want to deprive you of your football," Willow answered tiredly but with a smile. She sighed contently as Kennedy kissed her way soothingly across the bruised skin. "Careful you don't bust your lip further, baby. But…y'know, does feel nice…"

Kennedy smiled through her kisses. "Baby, if the cost of bringing you even the tiniest bit of pleasure is a busted lip and a sore mouth," the slayer paused in her kissing to whisper against the witch's ear. "Then its a price I'm *very* willing to pay."

Kennedy nudged the red locks out of her way and continued her assault on the skin behind her lover's ear, her hand slowly sneaking down under the older woman's pajama top. The slayer ran her fingers over the soft skin of her girlfriend's stomach before slowly sliding it up to her chest.

The witch shivered once again, feeling Kennedy's strong hands cup her breast and give it a gentle squeeze. She stifled a moan, licking her dry lips and resisting the urge to roll over and kiss the slayer to death. But there was no need to bring more pain into the mix.

"Have I ever told you how amazing you make me feel?" Willow whispered, closing her eyes and taking in a shallow breath.

"Maybe once or twice," Kennedy grinned as she stopped her kisses against the witch's neck to pull her lover flat on her back. Holding herself above the witch's body with her free arm, she smiled down at the flushed look on the redhead's face. "But I never get tired of hearin' it."

The slayer eased her thigh between her girlfriend's leaning in to bring her lips inches away from Willow's. "I don't care how much it hurts Will, I want…I *need* to kiss you."

Not one to normally protest, Willow nodded silently and tilted her chin upwards to mesh their lips. Her hands automatically caressed her slayer's sides, bunching and unbunching the soft material between her hands in the process.

She kept her kisses soft, not wanting to cause a lot of pain to her lover. However she pulled back for a short moment, glancing up at Kennedy and grinning lovingly. "Puppy pajamas look cute on you…"

"I thought I told you," the slayer playfully growled. "I…" she leaned down and kissed the side of the witch's mouth, "…am…" she trailed her kiss over her chin and to the side of her throat, "…*not*…" she brought her head back up and planted a kiss directly on the redhead's lips "…cute." She emphasized her last word with a light nudge of her hips. "Got it?"

"Uh-huh…" Willow just raised an eyebrow in return. "Whatever you say." She leaned in to lick the rim of Kennedy's ear. "Buuut, that's not to say you aren't sexy…" One hand grazed over Kennedy's back, making it's way her shoulders. "Mysterious," came second as her other hand started to slide underneath the slayer's pajamas. "And adorable…"

"Willow…" the slayer breathed huskily. She dropped her head to the witch's shoulder, her hand lightly increasing the pressure on her lover's breast. Her breathing began to quicken and she felt the blood beginning to pound in her ears. "The things you do to me…"

"Well, 'long as I don't hear any complaining…" Willow managed to lift the shirt up and over Kennedy's head. "…I figure there's no point in stopping." She leaned up again, capturing Kennedy's lips in a soft but passionate kiss.

It lasted a few moments before Willow had to pull back for air, her chest heaving as Kennedy's hand continued to tease her right breast. "So y…you r-really wanna m-marry me…huh?" It came out more broken than she wanted, but the feeling of her body coming alive under the younger girl's touch was driving her towards the edge.

Kennedy stopped all movement and slowly locked her eyes on her lover's. "Uh, is that a trick question?" The slayer pulled her hand out of Willow's shirt and lifted herself back up. "You know, where we're really heavy in a make out session and then you ask me something intimate and then I screw it up by answering wrong and then you get all huffy and its suddenly 'no sex for Kennedy'?" The slayer trialed off nervously.

The older girl blinked at Kennedy, waiting for some of the fog to clear from her brain before answering. "No, it was more of a…rhetorical question, actually." She tried to smile reassuringly, and reached out to run a hand along Kennedy's arm, but stopped halfway through the reach. "…u-unless you changed your mind already…" her brow furrowed.

Kennedy's look of nervous fear soon turned to a playful smile. "Okay. Who are you and what have you done with my Willow?" The slayer poked her lover in the side lightly with a grin. "'Cause *my* Willow would never ask such a stupid question. My Willow knows that I've been waitin' my whole life to finally find that one woman that melts my heart with just a smile, and my Willow knows that the only way she's gonna keep me from marrying her is if she runs away to join the circus and changes her name to…uh, something else except Willow." Kennedy finished her rant with a grin before stretching out her arm to entwine the fingers of her right hand with the witch's left.

The slightly confused look faded from the witch's face, changing to one of adoration, then quickly bordering on cheeky. "Well, I guess that answers my question on whether or not you'd support a career decision in tight-rope-walking or acrobatics…"

"Baby, I'd support you in anything you wanna do," Kennedy smiled with a light pat on her lover's hand. "Just as long as I'm the one you come home to, I got no issues." The slayer smiled softly. "You can be the Magnificent Flying Willow for all I care, just as long as you fly that cute little butt right back home when you're done."

"My bottom belongs to you," Willow replied before thinking about it. Then she blushed deeply and had to glance away. "O-or…you know what I mean. Besides, I think I'd be too scared of heights at the circus. Or lions…or elephants…and clowns are kinda creepy too. This one time, Xander had one at his 6^th grade birthday party, and he started t…" Once again, she blushed and gave her lover a sheepish grin. "Sorry. The Amazing Babbling Willow strikes again." She used her right, un-Kennedy-occupied hand to reach over and stroke the exposed skin of her lover's side, slowly running it up closer to her breast. "Weren't we in the middle of something?"

Kennedy smirked. "You could say that." The slayer shook her head with a playful sigh. "You know, I thought we slayers were supposed to be the ones with the insatiable sex drive?"

She looked up at her lover with a grin. "Seems you Wiccans can hold your own in that department, huh?"

That caused a deep flush in the redhead for a third time. "Hey, it's not my fault you're all, all…sexy and stuff, and that I can't resist. Plus, hello, as of three hours ago you asked me to marry you…doesn't that require some celebration?"

"That it does," Kennedy smiled. "But I've got a feelin' we aren't gonna stop at just *some* celebration." The slayer broke her hand away from her lover's to brush back a loose strand of hair from her emerald eyes. "I wish I could stay with you like this forever, Will. I can't believe how much I love you."

"With you there," Willow whispered, bringing both arms up to snake around her slayer's neck and pull her closer. "Let's take the time to enjoy it while we can." She gently pulled Kennedy down so she could lightly start to work away at her lips, once again trying to cause the least amount of pain for the slayer as possible. She murmured something in between kisses, words along the lines of 'kissable' and 'love you'.

Kennedy sighed at the gentle contact, returning the soft kisses just as gently as her lover was giving them. Her hands started their slow surveying of the witch's body, softly touching her skin and revealing in the gentle sighs accompanying them. She felt her passion once again beginning to rise, but she held back, trying not to upset the sweet gentleness of the moment.

Willow's hands slipped from around Kennedy's neck and began to slowly knead and massage at the muscles along Kennedy's shoulders and back. She felt some of the tension slip away, and at the same time the kiss deepened a bit. The redhead eased her tongue into the dark haired girl's mouth, meshing it against her partners.

Kennedy moaned at the feel of her lover's tongue against her own. Willow knew how much that drove her crazy, and Kennedy smiled to herself a little at that.

"Baby," the slayer barely managed to break away for a breath. "You think we could…uh…" Kennedy trailed off nervously, her eyes landing everywhere but on her lover's face. She briefly glanced over at the large balcony attached to their room before averting her eyes away.

The witch followed Kennedy's eyes for a moment, before looking back at her lover with a raised eyebrow. "I-I don't…" she trailed off, confused, and also panting from the lengthy kiss. Then a tiny light bulb started to flick somewhere in her brain. "Y-you wanna…o-outside?"

"Well," Kennedy blushed. "It's just…we never got to…the other night, 'cause of the demon stuff an' all." She looked nervous, chewing her bottom lip. "But I mean, i-if you don't…want, then t-that's…fine."

Willow couldn't help but smile at the nervous babbling of her lover. She gently cupped her face between two hands and gave her another kiss. "Only if you carry me," came out as a seductive whisper, accompanied by a coy smile.

Kennedy smiled softly. "I think that can be arranged." The slayer lifted herself back off her lover and slowly rose to her feet. She meet the trusting green gaze of her redhead before reaching her arms out to lift her up effortlessly. "You might wanna grab that blanket," the slayer nodded to the quilt lying bunched up at the end of the bed. "As much as I wanna make love to you under the stars, I don't wanna freeze my ass off doing it."

When the slayer leaned over, Willow scooped up the quilt and wrapped it around Kennedy's shoulders and her own body as best she could, while being carried towards the balcony door.

Once outside, the size of the balcony registered slight surprise. It was a lot bigger than she thought it would be. Not to mention the fact that a double sized lawn chair, already spread out and covered with cushions, just seemed to lie in wait.

"Looks like *someone* made a special call to room service," Willow spoke in a mock accusing tone.

"I can't imagine who that could be," Kennedy smiled innocently. She shook her head with a sigh as she gently placed her lover back against the chair. She lifted the blanket up around her shoulders, allowing it to fall freely behind her. She gazed down at the witch with gentle eyes. "You sure about this Will? 'Cause, you know…you don't have to…to do this if makes you uncomfortable." A gentle breeze blew in, causing the slayer to shiver.

Willow managed to catch the beginning of the sentence, right until the blanket dropped, then pretty much everything after that went in one ear and out the next. She just kind of lay there, slack jawed, staring the half-naked, topless form of her lover standing above her bathed in moonlight.

"Huh?" she finally asked in a dazed, and distant voice.

Kennedy smiled through another shiver. "I'll just take that as a yes." She placed one knee between the witch's thighs and slowly lowered her body down on top her lover's. "Not too heavy, am I?" The slayer's lip tremble against the cold.

"I can barely breathe, chubby…" Willow stuck her tongue out playfully, then craned her neck upwards to steal a quick kiss. "Tiny little Kennedy? Too heavy?" She played with a stray strand of her lover's hair. "I haven't complained up until this point, so I think we're safe." She noticed her lover shaking slightly and raised a concerned eyebrow. "You okay, baby?"

"I…I think so," Kennedy whispered through the shivers. She took a moment to catch her breath, but the shivers didn't stop. "I don't know w-what's wrong." The slayer pulled the blanket tighter around her body and laid her head against her lover's chest. "I've never felt like this…before."

Worry rapidly spread throughout Willow, and she wrapped both arms tightly around her slayer. It wasn't really that cold out, since it was summer time in Rio. She ran a million and one thoughts through her mind in a matter of seconds, but couldn't figure out what would be wrong. "S-should we go back inside? Get someone from downstairs? Do you feel sick? A-are you sick?"

Kennedy shook her head lightly. "I…I don't think it's anything like that." Her fingers clutched the blanket tightly as she took in a few deep breaths. "It doesn't feel so much physical…more…"

"Are you…nervous?" Willow asked quietly, rubbing Kennedy's back through the blanket as she held the girl closely to her. "Just take a moment to catch your breath, baby…there's no rush. We can just, sleep, if you want…" She craned her neck forward, ignoring the stiffness, to place a soft kiss against Kennedy's forehead.

"Me? Nervous?" Kennedy looked up from the redhead's chest with a shivering smile. "I'm shocked you'd t-think such a thing." The slayer placed her head back on the witch's chest and sighed. "I think…I think its just my body trying to…to heal itself from that beating." Kennedy winced at the sudden ache in her ribs. "Yep, that's it."

That let the witch breathe a little easier. "Oh, thank the goddess," she sighed, relief obvious in her voice. "I thought…I don't know *what* I thought, I-I was just really worried for a second there…" She continued to gently rub her lover's back. "I guess it's a feeling that'll take some getting used to, baby. This is kinda the first time you've really been hurt since becoming a slayer." Willow kissed Kenn's forehead a second time. "I think this is another sign that we need to give the Willow and Kennedy sexcapades a break for one night. You need some rest."

"I'm so glad my pain amuses you," Kennedy teased through another shaky breath, but the pain in her ribs cut the light banter short. "I hate to admit it, but I'm gonna have to say you're right on this one." The slayer pulled her head up from her lover's chest and gazed into her eyes sadly. "I'm sorry Will, but it looks like I'm just not up for it tonight." Kennedy paused and considered her words. "Uh…you know what I mean."

The witch smiled knowingly. "I know sweetie, don't worry your pretty little head." She glanced around the balcony for a moment, then nodded back towards the door. "Why don't we get you back inside, and uh, dressed again?"

"Any reason we have to?" Kennedy asked playfully. "I mean," she let her eyes wash over her lover before letting out a low groan. "I'm kinda hoping the whole clothing thing is optional." The slayer grinned at Willow.

With a roll of her eyes in a playful manner, Willow started to sit up, bringing Kennedy with her. "Okay, fine, there doesn't have to be any clothes involved, but *only* if you promise to rest. Meaning sleep. Meaning no sex for Kennedy." She gave a fierce rendition of 'resolve face', trying to get her point across.

"But…but…not no sex *ever*, right?" Kennedy pouted. "'Cause we slayers heal pretty fast you know." The brunette jumped back on her feet in an instant. "See? Better already." Kennedy tried to look hopeful, but the sharp pain that shot through her side caused her to waver. "Oh, damn." The slayer grabbed her side with a wince. "Okay. So, maybe I should just…" she motioned towards the bed with a sigh. "Yeah."

Kennedy extended her other hand to her lover. "You didn't think I was gonna give up the snuggles too, now did ya?"

Willow beamed up at her slayer. "Good. 'Cause I still need my Kennedy snuggles. Don't think I can sleep without them." She allowed the slayer to help her up, then adjusted the blanket around Kennedy's shoulders once again.

"And…we'll see about the sex thing." She grinned crookedly and headed back towards the balcony door.

"When you say 'see'…you really mean, 'As soon as you're feeling better Kennedy, my body is yours for the taking'…right?" The slayer allowed her hand to be taken and her lover to lead her back into the room. "'Cause that's what I heard. My slayer hearing is keen on that sorta thing, you know."

Kennedy felt the agonizing pain of loss and in that moment she knew, without Willow to share it with, her life was over.

Kennedy jolted upright in bed. It only took a moment for her eyes to adjust to the darkness of the hotel room. Her heart was still racing and she felt the light sheen of sweat covering her face. Her body reacted before her mind could fully awaken, and she reached over to take the still sleeping witch in her arms.

The slayer cradled her lover, mumbling incoherently as she placed her hand against the witch's chest. Satisfied with the steady beat of her heart and the rise and fall of her breaths, she fell back against the bed still cradling the woman in her arms.

"Hmphrr." Willow was suddenly issued a rude awakening- in the literal sense- when she felt herself roughly yanked in a backwards motion. Her mind felt muddled, torn between the conscience plain and the sleeping one. As her mind tried to wake up, she had barely become aware of someone clinging to her like it was life or death before the falling motion of crashing back against the bed jolted her mind further.

"Kenn?" she managed in a hoarse whisper, a mixture of sheer tiredness and her injury from several hours before. She became aware even more now of the clinging sensation, and tried to turn her head around as best she could in this position to look over at her lover. "Baby…what's going on?"

Kennedy was still mumbling, holding onto her lover as though her life depended on it. At the sound of the witch's raspy voice, the brunette buried her face against her neck, inhaling the sweet scent of her lover. "You're alive…you didn't leave me."

Kennedy wasn't aware of how tight she was holding her lover. All rational thought left her mind at the overwhelming comfort that the witch was alive and well.

"Ke-" Willow started to speak, but the slayer's grip suddenly tightened and the air was pushed out of her lungs. "Sw…eetie…Willow can't b-b…reathe…" She had no idea what had happened to give her slayer a sudden panic attack and act this way, but if she didn't let up in the next ten seconds Willow felt her ribs about to give way.

Needless to say, she was awake now.

Kennedy instantly released her grip on the witch, shaking her head as she backed away. "I'm…sorry Will. So…sorry." Kennedy gazed at her lover with soft eyes and a relieved smile. "I can't believe it. You're really here."

The slayer tentatively reached out her hand to touch her lover, but hesitated at the last moment.

Eyebrows frowning in confusion, Willow immediately scooted closer to her lover, placing a hand over the slayer's shoulder and giving it a quick squeeze before running it soothingly down her arm. "Of course I'm here…Kennedy, what happened? D-did you…I mean, did you have a-a nightmare o-or something?" She was starting to think maybe the younger girl *was* coming down with the flu or some sort of virus or something.

"Something," Kennedy repeated absently, her eyes still scanning over the witch's face. She met the concerned gaze of her lover and sighed. "I'm really sorry if I hurt you Will, o-or if I…scared you." She placed her hands in her lap nervously. "But…I'm not really sure what it was. All I know is it was the worst thing I've ever…seen."

"It's okay, don't even worry about it…" Willow sat up and moved so she was right next to the slayer, pulling her into a loving embrace. "You just…well, scared me." She tightened her hug around the slayer's neck. "Baby, tell me what it was…what you saw…whatever happened, it's not real. I'm okay…and definitely not leaving you."

"That's just it Will," Kennedy shook her head as she placed her hands tentatively against the witch's thighs. "I'm not sure what it was. I just know that I was there and you were…" The slayer paused, her grip on the redhead's thighs increasing slightly.

Willow took a moment to nuzzle her face against Kennedy's neck, before pulling back but leaving her arms around the slayer. "Whatever it was…it wasn't real." She rested her forehead against Kennedy's. It hurt her to see Kennedy this upset, and not knowing what to do about it made the feeling worse. They were definitely in that stage where you would do anything to take away the pain your lover was feeling, and that's what Willow wanted to do during this moment.

"I know," Kennedy nodded, her fingers lightly massaging the delicate skin of her lover's thighs. "But…it sure felt real then. Seeing you dieing like that and being powerless to stop it. I…" Kennedy suddenly froze, realizing she let the words slip from her mouth before she could stop them. She didn't want to upset the witch, she already had enough to worry about.

"Wait, Willow," Kennedy tried to play off the moment. "It's not what you think. I…"

After the initial stunned silence, Willow reached up and placed a finger over Kennedy's lips, not letting her go any further for the moment. "Kenn…it was a nightmare. And although I'm not…well, y'know, thrilled with the idea it involved me dieing…" She tried to give Kennedy what she hoped was a reassuring smile, and leaned closer to give the girl a soft kiss on the cheek. "Don't blame yourself for anything that happened in some crazy dream, okay? Promise me." She tried on a little version of 'resolve face'. "Your mind probably just got worked up by what happened earlier."

Speaking of earlier, the witch eyed her lover's lip, and was relieved to see it almost completely healed. "And see? You're already getting back to normal." Willow brushed a thumb lightly over where the split lip had formerly resided. "All better."

Kennedy considered the witch's words and knew that it was probably best to disregard it as just that. Some crazy dream.

Kennedy was starting to feel like her old slayer self. "All better, eh?" She grinned as her fingers started to apply more pressure against her lover's thighs. "Remember what you said earlier? 'Bout when I got all better?"

Willow raised an eyebrow at Kennedy's sudden change of mood. Two seconds earlier, she looked as if she was about to have a panic attack at some crazy-ass dream, and now she was all with the sexy smoothness again.

But she guessed that was a good thing, and didn't really want her lover to dwell on some stupid nightmare. She glanced over at the bedside clock and let out a small groan. "Kenn…it's 4am. I'm really tired…"

Kennedy's grin slowly faded and she gave a light nod. "Yeah. It's pretty late…or early. Whatever. I'm kinda tired too." The slayer fluffed up her pillow and fell back against the bed, situating herself to get comfortable. She turned back and forth before finally lifting herself up and turning over, leaving her back facing the witch.

Willow's heart sank, and she remained sitting for a moment, staring down at Kennedy. She felt a little guilty, not wanting to just brush Kennedy off like that, but she said the first thing that came to mind. She was extremely tired, but even what little the slayer had said about her dream was running on repeat through the witch's mind.

'It sure felt real.' Those were almost the exact same words Willow had heard Buffy say upon returning from the Shadow Men portal several months ago, in regards to the Turok Han army she had envisioned. Granted, it wasn't the same situation, but…there was also the time several years ago, when she had dreamed of the monster killing children in the hospital. It had been real.

Face it, there were many times when Buffy's 'slayer dreams' had turned out to be real. The fact Kennedy had echoed those words to her sent a shiver down the witch's spine. But the more she thought about it, the more her brain tried to tell her that Kennedy wasn't used to this whole slayer gig yet, and chances were she didn't know the difference between something that really was just a dream, and something that was more than that.

Letting out a soft sigh, Willow came out of her daze. She looked down at the slayer once more, the tense and rigid muscles in her slayer's exposed back telling her she wasn't asleep just yet. Kennedy could be mad at her, but it didn't mean Willow still wasn't going to be there for her.

Finally the redhead lay back down on the bed and shuffled over until she was pressing her body into the slayer's back, molding up against her. Her left arm snaked up and over the slayer's taunt stomach, taking a moment to gently run over the smooth skin there. Willow rested her head behind Kennedy's, leaning forward to place a small kiss on the back of her neck, and whisper in her ear, "I love you, Kennedy."

Kennedy wanted to stay mad. She wanted to be angry with Willow for her blatant disregard for her feelings…for her needs…and it was with that thought that Kennedy realized just how big of an ass she really was.

She was so wrapped up in her own wants and needs, that she didn't even once consider just how much the witch had been through in the last twenty-four hours. It was enough to drive the strongest slayer to sheer exhaustion, much less a mere mortal.

With a sigh, Kennedy turned to face her lover. "I'm so sorry Will. I'm the world's biggest ass." She reached out and brushed back a strand of loose hair from the witch's eyes. "Could you ever forgive me?"

"No." Seeing the sheer disappointment on her lover's face, Willow quickly smiled. "That would require being mad in the first place."

The witch placed a loving kiss against her slayer's lips. "And I didn't mean to, you know…sound all brush-offy. It's just…could you give me til morning?" She gave a light chuckle. "I really don't wanna pass out on you in the middle of…y-yknow…" That made her blush a little. "It requires some spunk, a-and I'm kind of…out, right now." Another wave of guilt passed through her. She felt bad, not wanting Kennedy to think she only took and gave pleasure when she felt like it, and not never when the slayer wanted to. "But, I can…could I just hold you tonight?" Her hand ran another gentle circle over Kennedy's toned stomach. "I just want to be with you…"

The slayer's eyes dropped to her lover's hand currently stroking her stomach and she tried not to let out the deep groan the image invoked within her. "I'd really like that…really." Kennedy looked up into her lover's eyes pleadingly. "But…it seems as though I have no control over my own body right now." Her brows furrowed and she looked almost on the verge of tears. "I'm so sorry Will. I know Faith said it's bad right after a slay, but this is…"

"God," Kennedy groaned and fell back against the pillow, throwing her arm over her face. "This sucks."

For some odd reason, this invoked a reaction of laughter from the witch. She gave a chaste kiss to Kennedy's temple, a grin spreading over her face. "We might end up needing to put you on some kind of medication," she teased, then saw the look her lover gave her and sobered up.

Then, her hand slowly started to trace lower. "I really hate seeing you so…worked up like this." Taking advantage of Kennedy's momentary distress, the witch swung herself up to straddle the slayer, but didn't move her hand. "Suddenly finding a bit more energy…" Her eyes bore into the slayer's gorgeous hazel ones.

Kennedy smiled up at her lover, reaching up to place her hands on the witch's hips. "Wait." She gently lifted her lover from her waist and placed her back onto the bed. "Not tonight Will. I appreciate your willingness, but…I think this is something I have to do. I gotta prove to myself and to my body…that I'm in control here…not my libido." The look of complete shock on her lover's face broke her moment of reflection. "Willow please, don't be upset…"

"Upset? Are you kidding me? More like, 'cause of death: died from a state of shock'." She grinned teasingly at her lover to let her know she was doing just that, teasing. "Don't worry, I'll get over it." But she did slide back over to rest as closely as possible to Kennedy. "I don't wanna be, y'know, a tease or anything, a-and I'm sorry if I keep doing that…like, the leading you on thing, o-or teasing, 'cause I really don't mean to, and half the time probably don't even realize I'm doing it. Maybe I should try and get help, t-to stop teasing. Do I really do that? The touchy-feely thing? Because if it's driving you nuts I should just-"

"Will?" Kennedy interrupted the babble with a light touch against her lover's forearm. "Just breathe." The slayer smiled with a shake of her head. "And no, you're not *just* a tease. I love the touchy-feely stuff *especially* when it drives me nuts." Kennedy trailed off and ran her hand down over the witch's side to rest on her hip. Her fingers played with the soft skin she found there.

"Just looking at you drives me wild, and when you touch me? God Will…its like nothing I've ever felt before." Kennedy placed a gentle kiss on the bare shoulder of her lover. "Don't ever stop."

Willow nodded, exhaling and letting out a simple "'kay." She snuggled up tight again Kennedy, pulling the slayer against her. "No stopping, sounds like a plan." She smiled into the brunette's hair, placing a kiss on her forehead. "For now, lets exercise that whole cuddles 'n snuggles thing we talked about earlier. Just let me hold you tonight…and I promise I won't go away, regardless of what some stupid slayer dream told you."

"S-slayer dream?" Kennedy repeated. "But…I thought you said…" The slayer trailed off with a worried look. "But earlier you said it was 'just a dream'. Don't really recall that extra 'slayer' in there."

Kennedy looked into her lover's eyes intently. "There's something you're not telling me Will. What is it?"

Willow mentally gave herself a swift kick in the ass. She hadn't realized that had slipped out until it was too late.

"Kenn, it's nothing…" she started, not wanting to worry the slayer into a frenzy. Willow beckoned the slayer to lay back down. "Don't worry. Just try to sleep…"

"Willow, please," Kennedy sighed as she resisted the witch's pull. "Don't treat me like a child. Whatever it is, I can handle it." She sat up swiftly and looked back over her shoulder at her lover. "I thought by now you would have trusted me with this kinda thing. I may be new at all this 'slayer' stuff, but I think I still have the right to know what's going on in my own head."

With a deep sigh, the red witch slowly sat up in bed as well. She took a moment to compose her thoughts, before looking up and meeting Kennedy's gaze. "Let me say this first. We have no way of knowing, and the chances of it being…well, they're slim, but…" Another breath was released, before she took in a fresh one and started. "Slayers have been known to have…dreams, ones that are…different, from other peoples. Giles calls them premonitions, or…" She hesitated in using this word, knowing it might freak Kennedy out even more. "…or visions.

"But that doesn't mean every single dream you have is gonna come true," Willow rushed on quickly. "A lot of dreams you have are gonna be just that, dreams. Out of the ones Buffy had from the time I knew her, not all of them came true."

Kennedy let the other woman's words sink in before quietly responding. "Then how do you tell the difference?" She turned to face her lover more fully. "How am I supposed to know the plain ole innocent ones from the end of the earth ones?" The slayer reached over and took the witch's hand. "'Cause this one is…it's just really important that I know the difference now, Will. So, how do you tell?"

Once again Willow hesitated in answering. She swallowed, and let a small shrug escape her shoulders. "I don't…I don't know." She wasn't a slayer, she truthfully didn't know if you could or could not tell the difference. Aside from it feeling 'real', as slayers seemed to so frequently put it. "You might not…be able to tell." She spoke carefully, feeling the need to tread lightly, but still seeing Kennedy's distress she continued. "It might be better i-if you talk to Buffy or Faith a-about it. I'm not a slayer, so I guess I don't completely know."

"That's comforting," Kennedy blurted out before she could stop herself. Looking over at her lover, she instantly noticed the hurt in her soft green eyes. "You know what, I'm really not up for apologizing all night. So, why don't we just get some sleep and we can figure this all out in the morning."

Kennedy leaned over and placed a gentle kiss on the witch's lips before falling back against the bed and opening her arms for her lover.

Willow nodded a little, hesitating a brief moment before crawling into her slayer's arms. Where she was warm, content, and *safe*, most of all. That last fact the witch reminded herself of for the millionth time. Kennedy would never let anything bad happen to her.

Besides, right now, she was more worried about the slayer's mental health with this revelation than her own thoughts about dieing.

"You wanna call Faith in the morning?" she asked tiredly as she nuzzled into Kennedy's neck.

"If you want," Kennedy stifled a yawn, pulling the older woman's body tightly against her own. "I mean, if you think it'll help." She snuggled against the red tresses and placed a gentle kiss against the witch's temple. "You know I'd never let anything happen to you, baby. I'd die first."

That sent an even bigger pang through Willow than Kennedy could probably ever realize.

Kennedy had been awake for the last hour.

She tried to sleep, but every time she closed her eyes all she could see was the lifeless body of her lover. Needless to say, that was not an image she liked very much.

So, for the last hour she was lying deathly still, doing her best not to wake the peaceful slumber of her lover.

The slayer reached over and brushed back the hair covering the witch's neck leaving her skin open for a gentle kiss. She inhaled the heady aroma of her lover deep in sleep before slowly pulling back the covers and quietly slipping from the bed.

Kennedy's footsteps were quiet and soft as she made her way over to her jacket that was lying draped over the comfy chair. She carefully lifted it up and reached into the inner pocket to pull out her cell. With a quick glance back over her shoulder, she made sure Willow was still deep in sleep before quietly slipping out onto the balcony.

Even though it was still summer in Rio, the early morning breezes were enough to chill even the most warm blooded of creatures. Kennedy shivered as she pulled her jacket on over her shoulders before flipping open her phone to dial the familiar number.

After three rings, a groggy voice answered.

"'llo?" In another hemisphere, Buffy rolled over in bed to blindly grope for the phone before finally pulling it to her ear. Slayer or not, it was physically impossible to be awake and fully functioning at…

"It's nearly five in the morning," she half groaned, half snarled into the phone. "Who the hell is this?"

Kennedy's brow furrowed at the woman's voice. This she was not expecting.

"Buffy?" Kennedy breathed into the phone. "Is that you? What are you doing answering Faith's…"

The brunette's words slowly trailed off as the look of confusion on her face was replaced with a gentle, knowing smile. "Sorry to bother you so early, but I really need to talk to Faith. She there?"

"Kennedy?" Buffy sat up in bed, feeling a little disoriented and trying to clear her mind. "Hey, how's Rio going? What are you and Willow up to?"

While talking, she reached over and jabbed Faith in the side, earning a loud snort from the brunette as she twitched in her sleep. "Wha?"

"It's going," Kennedy smiled into the phone, "and not much. We went out to a carnival, had a picnic on the beach, ran into a couple vampires, was nearly beaten to death, and had a dream the life was sucked outta Willow. So, you know, the usual."

Kennedy's grin widened. "And you Buffy? How are things with you? Anything interesting happen since we've been gone?"

"What?!" Buffy screwed up her eyes, rubbing at them again to clear away the remains of sleep. "Oh god…are you two okay? Is Will alright? What dream?"

When a soft snore emitted from Faith, she reached over and punch the slayer in the side.

"OW!!! Sonuvabitch!" Faith roared, sitting up, fully awake now. "What the friggin' hell B?! Since when did you become so abusive- why are you on the phone?"

Kennedy chuckled. "We're both fine, Buffy. Will told me I shouldn't worry about it cause it was probably nothing, then, after she nearly freaked out, she thought maybe I should call Faith and talk to her about it."

The slayer walked over the short distance and pulled the lawn chair up, adjusting the cushions. "I really wasn't expecting you to answer her phone, but seein' as how you did…" Kennedy let out a little sigh as she felt back into the cold comfort of the lawn chair. "I don't see why I can't just talk to you. After all, you are the original 'chosen' one. You probably know more about this sorta thing than anyone."

"So you think this was some sort of…slayer dream?" Buffy questioned, earning a curious glance from Faith. She scooted off of the bed and stood up, feeling completely alert now.

Then, that last motion registered in her brain and she whirled around to stare at the other slayer. What the hell was she doing in Faith's bed?! Memories from the night before came crashing back, and she remembered coming over to hang out and relax. They must've fell asleep.

Not to mention the fact she woke up at one point with Faith wrapped around her like a sausage roll. The thought caused the blonde slayer to go crimson, and though Faith probably couldn't see it in the lack of light, she quickly turned away. "Tell me what happened."

Faith swung her legs over the side of the bed as well, cracking her neck to the side as she listened to the conversation. This sounded interesting, in a very bad way. Her experiences with slayer dreams never ended in good things.

"Don't really know where to start," Kennedy breathed, lying back against the chair and staring up at the early morning sky. "I guess it's 'cause we've been having these…run ins, I guess you could say, with this she vamp, and I guess it's just been gettin' to me." The slayer played with the button on her jacket absently, letting out a slow sigh. "I didn't want to worry Willow with it, but you know how sneaky she is…"

Kennedy trailed off with a faint smile at the thought of her lover. "She was calm about it at first, but then she sorta freaked. She doesn't think I noticed, but I've been around her long enough to know when she's worried, but I told her not to. I really don't think this dream is gonna come true, at least, not as long as I'm still breathin'."

That wasn't resting well with the oldest slayer. She mulled the words spoken by the youngest one for a few seconds, eventually becoming aware of Faith standing beside her.

"Everything okay with Junior?" Faith spoke in a husky tone, still groggy from sleep. It usually took a nuclear explosion to get her out of bed if her body wasn't waking itself up on its own.

Buffy shrugged, and then spoke back into the phone. "Are you sure it wasn't just a dream, Kennedy? You said it yourself, this vampire has you a little worried in the first place. Maybe your mind is just messing with your head…" She quickly rolled her eyes at that comment. "You know what I mean."

"I'm not sure," Kennedy sighed. Her eyes glazed over and she had to fight back that aching feeling in the pit of her stomach. "It has to be Buffy. 'Cause if it's not, then that means…it means…that…that Willow's gonna…die." Kennedy barely managed to force the words from her throat, nearly choking on them. With a heavy breath, she regained her composure. "And that's something that I just can't…that I just *won't* accept."

Buffy could pretty much hearing the potent- no, *slayer*, tearing herself up over this. She let out a deep sigh, a knot of worry forming in her own stomach. "It's okay Kennedy, we'll figure this out, we just need to-"

"Gimme," Faith snatched the phone out of Buffy's hand and held it to her ear before the blonde could protest. "'Sup, Slick? You got B here lookin' like she's ready to pass out or somethin'. What's up with Red?"

Kennedy's somber mood was quickly replaced with another smirk at the sound of her friend's voice. "I was just about to ask you the same thing. What's up with Buffy? You always share your bed with strange women?" Kennedy laughed at the sound of the groan on the other end of the line. "Or is it just hot blondes that you've got it bad for?"

Faith looked sharply at Buffy to make sure she hadn't heard, then paced to the opposite side of the room. "What did she tell you? We were just hanging out, watching movies and some shit. It's not my fault I'm an instinctive snuggler, Jesus! Stop giving me the third degree already!"

"Whoa, easy there tiger," Kennedy chuckled into the phone. "She didn't say anything, she doesn't have to. I could see it the first time I watched you two together. Unresolved sexual tension much?" Kennedy felt another light breeze blow in and she let out a long, shivering breath. "Besides," her smile began to grow, "I've always had my suspicions about Buffy. You never wonder why every one of her relationships have failed? Maybe its cause she didn't like what they were bringing to the table…" Kennedy paused. "Or should I say…the bedroom."

"What? Okay, that is totally not about…this…you this is about you, not us. Me! I mean, her. Not the proverbial us, just the u- what do you want? You obvious called for a reason." Faith, despite herself, felt flustered and didn't dare look over at Buffy. "I heard something about slayer dreams. You have some pre-apocalyptic vision or something?"

Kennedy's smile instantly faded. She glanced over through the balcony doors. She could barely make out the faint outline of her lover's sleeping form lying curled up on the bed.

"No," the slayer choked out, "something much worse." She averted her eyes back to her lap and swallowed the acid rising in her throat. "I…it…the dream was about Willow, okay? She was…dieing and I couldn't…I didn't get to her in time. I had to watch helplessly as the life was slowly sucked from the only woman I've ever loved and I'm scared…" Kennedy trailed off, realizing that was probably the first time she ever admitted her fear to anyone but Willow.

There was a pause on the line for several long moments as Faith took this in. Finally, she let out a low whistle. "Damn, Slick…" She turned to frown at Buffy, who was looking equally as solemn. "Did you talk to Re- Willow about this? I mean, I'm not gonna presume that you shouldn't worry and that it was just a nightmare, because we're slayers, we don't get that lucky…but these things, they don't always…go as 'planned', if you wanna think of it that way." Another bout of silence passed as Faith's mind raced on the inside, while on the outside she remained thoughtful looking. "Do you remember what happened?"

"Not vividly," Kennedy answered with a sigh. "But there wasn't that much to it. I just remember feeling cold, and I was chained o-or shackled or something, to the ground. And then Willow was…" The slayer trailed off to fight back the tears she felt threatening at the thought of her lover lying motionless and alone. "It was like someone or *something* was…sucking the life outta her, literally, and I just couldn't…I didn't…"

Kennedy dropped the phone from her ear and ran a hand over her eyes, squeezing them shut tightly for a moment before lifting the phone back to her ear. "I told Willow about it, and she said that it was probably nothing…but then she said I should call you. I think she's more worried than she lets on. She doesn't wanna scare me, but I know she's worried."

As much as Kennedy was probably trying to hide it from her, Faith could tell the younger brunette was upset. But she didn't say anything. "I think she's probably more worried about you than herself, Kenn." Faith went to continue, but saw Buffy beckoning for the phone. "Hang on, B needs to say something." She handed the phone over.

"Kennedy?" Buffy glanced at Faith while she spoke. "Look, for now, just try to keep Will as close to you as possible. Don't do a whole lot at night if you can help it. If you see anything that is even remotely similar to your dream or strikes a nerve or memory, stay away from it. I'll tell Giles what you told us, and we'll start to pull some stuff up, maybe contact the British coven Will worked with." She paused for a moment to listen to the younger slayer's heavy breathing, trying to hold together her composure. "Don't worry. We'll figure this out, Willow will be fine. She always is."

"Easy for you to say," Kennedy snarked, but immediately regretted it. "I'm sorry Buffy. It's not your fault. I'm just…" Kennedy paused at the sound of footsteps approaching. She turned away from the phone to listen, watching the balcony doors anxiously.

Willow appeared soon after, wrapped up in one of the bed sheets. She looked sleepy, but awake enough to be coherent, and leaned against the inside of the door frame. "Kenn?"

Buffy was about to ask if everything was okay when she thought she heard Willow. "Should I let you go for now?"

Kennedy's eyes were transfixed on the image of her lover. Never had she seen a vision so beautiful…so breathtaking as her newly awakened lover, wrapped in a bed sheet and looking as sexy as ever.

It took a moment for Buffy's voice to register in her brain. "Uh…." she shook her head as she turned back to the conversation. "Yeah, but tell Faith I'll call her later." A light smile formed on her lips. "Try not to wear her out, okay?" Kennedy didn't give the blonde time to respond, closing the phone with a soft click. She placed it on the floor beside the chair and nodded to her lover with a smile. "C'mere."

With a tired smile, Willow lumbered over to where her girlfriend was. "You okay?" she asked, her voice still rather sleepy.

"I am now," Kennedy smiled as she reached up and pulled the older woman into her lap. She placed a gentle kiss on her lips before lying back against the lawn chair, pulling the redhead against her chest.

Kennedy let out a deep sigh, her body finally relaxing at the feel of her lover's weight against her own. She turned her head to the side, watching the horizon and waiting for the morning sunrise.

Willow buried herself into her girlfriend's side, sighing in contentment. Her eyes were closed, but she was conscience and aware when a shiver went through her brunette's body. "Cold, sweetie?" Her brain couldn't seem to get passed two word questions at the moment.

"Just a little," Kennedy answered, keeping her eyes trained off in the distance. Her arms instinctively wrapped tighter around her lover's body, pulling her even close. Buffy's advice from earlier was lurking in the back of her mind…'keep her as close to you as possible'…

Kennedy's arms wrapped even tighter around the witch's body.

As good as it felt to be held like this, Willow was starting to feel a sense of urgency radiating from her slayer. She lifted her head from the brunette's neck to look her in the eye. Seeing how Willow was able to read people well, her lovers even more so, she could see evidence of tears shed not long ago.

A somber look came over the witch's face, and she reached over to cup one of Kennedy's cheeks in her palm and turn her face to look her in the eye. Giving a slight smile, she leaned over and pressed a soft, loving kiss to her slayer's lips. "Everything's gonna be all right." She kissed her again. "I promise."

Kennedy gazed deeply into her lover's eyes. "I believe you," she whispered before leaning in for an even sweeter kiss. She pulled away and leaned her forehead against the witch's. "Just as long as you never leave my side, and I get to wake up to…" she paused and dropped her eyes to the redhead's body, "…*this* every morning, I'll be perfect."

"I'll be right here." Willow kissed Kennedy a fourth time, letting it linger before she settled back down into her slayer, her protector's, side. "Sleepy now?" She snuggled into the warmth of her slayer.

Kennedy smiled at the cuteness of her lover. "Yeah," she nodded towards the room. "Lead the way, beautiful."

On the Cleveland side of the conversation, Buffy hung up and looked at Faith. The two stared for a moment, both contemplating what they had just heard.

Finally, it was Buffy who spoke.

"So, ever been to South America?"

Morning came slowly to the witch, and she took her time in waking up.

First, the higher plains of her mind became aware of the fact that she was, indeed, actually awakening.

Second, she became aware of the fact she was wrapped tightly around her slayer's back, holding the girl close to her heart.

Third, Willow buried her face into the dark tresses flowing over Kennedy's shoulder and inhaled her sweet scent.

Willow would open her eyes a crack before quickly closing them. Though they were both facing away from the window, light streamed inside of the room and made things brighter than the darkness of her mind.

Finally, she was content to lay there and not move a single muscle. She basked in the feeling of her lover in her arms, and the fact that they had no reason to rush out of bed.

"Don't think you're so slick, Rosenberg," Kennedy's deep, husky voiced drifted up into the morning air. "I know you're awake." The slayer smiled to herself as she slowly turned in her lover's arms. Resting her head back against the pillow, Kennedy lifted a single finger and ran it from the middle of Willow's forehead to the very tip of her nose. "Have I ever told you how cute your nose is?" The slayer smiled sleepily as she dropped her hand back to the bed. "Makes me want to kiss it."

"I thought the word 'cute' wasn't supposed to be a part of our vocabulary?" Willow mused, giving her lover a tired smile. She snuggled down further into the bed and under the covers, gazing across the pillow at Kennedy. "I have no qualms about the kissing part, though."

Kennedy smiled through her sleepy haze. "Don't think you really wanna kiss me right now, Will." The slayer lifted her arm to wrap around the older woman and gently ran her fingers along the strong muscles of her back. "Stinky slayer mornin' breath." Kennedy slowly closed her eyes and let out a contented sigh.

"Oh, since when has that stopped me before?" The redhead planted one on the slayer anyway, then smiled into the kiss. "'Sides…mine can't be much better…" She took her time in nipping playfully at her tired slayer, then settled down and began to play with a loose strand of brown hair. "Anyone ever told you you're sexy when you're half conscious?"

Kennedy chuckled. "Only you baby…only you." Her sleep filled brown eyes stared back into the deep sea of green. "I can't believe I get to wake up to this every day for the rest of my life." Kennedy lifted a hand and placed it on the witch's ribs, rubbing them gently. "How you feelin' this mornin' baby? Still sore?" She nodded towards the witch's neck, her hand still resting lightly on the redhead's side.

Willow 'hmm'ed quietly, and gave a half shrug. "Yeah, a little." The bruising hadn't done much more than gone even more purple than the night before.

She raised her hand to lightly trace a finger along Kennedy's jaw line. "One of the woes of being a mere non-slayer…looks like you're fairing pretty well at least. I'm glad. More smoochies that way."

"Yeah," Kennedy nodded with a half smile, her eyes falling down to her lover's neck. With a slow, gentle hand, she reached out and ran the very tips of her fingers over the bruised and swollen flesh. "I'm so sorry, baby. I wish there was something I could do to make it better. I hate seeing you so…" The slayer trailed off with a sighing, before quietly adding, "…well, purple." Kennedy smiled through her somber mood. "You're starting to look like Barney the Dinosaur, and I gotta tell ya, he ain't exactly my idea of 'sexy'."

Groaning loudly, Willow sunk down further on the bed and pulled the quilt over her head. "I'm never coming out again," came up as a muffled reply.

Kennedy smirked, and leaned over to whisper next to what she guessed was her lover's ear. "You sure about that?" A skillful bronzed hand disappeared beneath the blanket.

Only slightly surprised by this action, Willow inhaled sharply as the hand grazed the sensitive flesh of her stomach, and slowly started to travel further south. She went to move her head back up to the pillow, but something shifted in an unpleasant way, and as a result a painful yelp escaped her lips. She grimaced, waiting for the momentary painful flare in her neck to subside.

Kennedy jerked her hand back quickly at the sound of the sudden yelp from her lover. "Okay, not exactly what I was going for." She reached over and lifted the blanket to peer in at the redhead. "Did I hurt you, baby? Are you alright?"

Willow answered with a cross between a sheepish grin and a wince. "No, and sorta. Stupid neck…" Her lower lip stuck out in a pout; this time she carefully shifted back up a bit, managing not to crack her neck a second time. "Remind me to do some meditative healing later, when I get the chance. See if I can speed up the healing process a little bit."

Kennedy watched her lover's painful movement with worried eyes. "Maybe you should just stay in bed today, Will. Let me take care of you." Kennedy reached over and placed a hand on the witch's stomach. "I think it's the least I could do. I remember all those times back at Buffy's when you used to rub my tummy after a hard slay." Kennedy smiled as she scooted closer to her girlfriend. "I'm a really good tummy rubber."

An impish grin spread across Willow's face. "Not gonna argue with you on that one…" She placed a hand overtop of Kennedy's. "I always liked doing that, when we had the time to ourselves. I felt kinda bad, especially when Spike was a little…rougher than he needed to be with you, just because you were more talented than the others…but it always amazed me how you bounced right back the next night." She smiled adoringly up at the slayer. "Funny how now you could totally wipe the floor with his face, instead of it being the other way around." Biting her lip to keep (and fail) from grinning, Willow just blinked innocently at the slayer.

Kennedy raised a slow brow. "You tryin' to say I was a wimp?" Kennedy ran her fingers up over the witch's stomach to rest on her side. She leaned over and brought her lips right next to her lover's ear. "'Cause I distinctly remember many nights you begged me to stop because you couldn't handle what my body did to you." The slayer placed a whisper of a kiss against her girlfriend's delicate ear and pulled away slowly. She smiled at the shiver that ran through Willow's body. "Do the words 'Oh Goddess, please Kenn, I can't take anymore!' mean anything to you?"

If there were ever a time to turn brighter than the sun…Willow was surprised the slayer didn't go blind, or that planets didn't start orbiting around her face. "Um…m-maybe…" She managed an embarrassed grin, though her cheeks still burned. "A-and I never said wimp…your words, not mine."

"Maybe not, but you meant it," Kennedy smiled at the blush covering her lover's cheeks. "And that's okay. I was kinduva wimp back then…" she trailed off with another smile, her eyes raking over the redhead's body. "And maybe I did *allow* Spike to wipe the floor with me 'cause I knew that meant when I got home, you'd kiss it and make it better." The slayer's smile turned to a smug grin. "Why else did you think every time I landed…I made sure it was on my ass?"

Willow couldn't help but blush again as she rolled her eyes. "You…you…dork," she finally said, for lack of thinking up a better word. She finished off the sentence with a sharp poke to Kennedy's ribs, then grinned wickedly and lunged forward at the slayer. Aiming to start another tickle attack on the slayer, she barely started when seizing up with another muscle spasm in her neck.

The witch groaned loudly and collapsed on top of her lover, whimpering pathetically. "Don't suppose they do neck transplants, do they?"

Kennedy wrapped her arms around the redhead's back gently. "Sorry baby," she spoke softly as she fingers massaged Willow's spine. "I'm 'fraid they don't." She placed a soft kiss against her lover's forehead and sighed. "See? All the more reason to stay in bed all day. Your body needs time to heal."

A childish pout crossed Willow's face. "But I don't wanna…" But her neck was too stiff to allow her to protest properly, so she gave up and nodded against Kennedy's shoulder. "Alright, I promise to stay in bed for part of the day…but only if you stay with me. Please?" She lifted her head and looked hopefully at her lover.

Kennedy looked at her lover with slight hesitation. "Will," she began with a sigh, "you know that crazy she-vamp is out there, and you know it's my job to make sure she doesn't hurt anyone."

Willow's face fell. "Oh, yeah…" She nodded and tried to smile, but it was no secret she was disappointed. This stupid vampire was causing them more pain on this 'vacation' than either of them had thought about before coming out here. "But, that's at night, right? So, we have at least a…couple of hours?" She traced a fingertip along Kennedy's chest, down between the valley of her breasts, and onto her stomach.

"Uh…yeah," Kennedy's eyes followed her lover's finger as it made its way down her body. She let out a groan as it began to trace circles on her sensitive stomach. "Baby, something tells me that if I'm in this bed with you all day…the *last* thing you're gonna get is rest."

A sly look began to appear on Willow's face. "Explain to me where the badness of that statement is- ow!" Bringing a hand to her neck, she rubbed at it irritably. "Okay, so rest, as in real resting involved…" The older girl was a bit grumbly, but then scooted deeper into Kennedy's side and placed her head on the slayer's shoulder, while her arm wrapped around her stomach. "But, remember the cuddles thing we discussed the other day?"

"How could I forget?" Kennedy smiled and returned her lover's gentle embrace. She wanted to enjoy the comfortable silence of the moment with the woman she loved, but her stomach suddenly had other plans. "Baby? Does this cuddling involve breakfast by any chance?"

Chuckling, Willow started to sit up. "Somehow I knew that was coming." She playfully poked Kennedy in the stomach and reached across her for the phone.

"Make sure they get it right this time," Kennedy smiled as she reached over to the other table to pick up the remote. "Sausage, bacon *and* ham. How do they expect a girl to eat just one? Pitiful, I tell ya." The slayer shook her head as she turned on the TV and began to surf for early morning cartoons. "Do they even have cartoons in Brazil?" she thought out loud as she began to flip through the channels.

"Well, you found Loony Tunes in Portuguese the other day, didn't you?" Willow questioned as she climbed over Kennedy and swung her legs over the side of the bed, sitting up. She waited for the front desk to pick up. It took a while to get the whole order out correctly (Kennedy kept chirping up and either changing, adding, or correcting things), but finally the front desk confirmed what was to be sent upstairs.

"Yes, that's right…uh-huh…no, there's just the two of us." She shot an amused look over at her girlfriend and fought the urge to add 'and one slayer'. "Yes…okay, thank you. Just add it to our room tab." She hung up, and let out a small laugh. "I think the guy I talked to thinks we're hiding a small army up here." She looked back over her shoulder at the slayer and smiled. "Find anything on TV yet?"

Kennedy nodded, but didn't take her eyes off the screen. "Huh? Oh yeah." She slowly turned her head to face her lover. "You told 'em to hurry, right?" She placed her handover her stomach and cringed. "Who knew sleepin' could make you this hungry?"

"We're gonna need to hire a personal, 24 hour on-call cook when we buy a house, aren't we?" Willow asked in a dead panned voice. She climbed back over the slayer and flopped down on the bed, staring absently at the television as they waited.

Finally, there came a knock at the door and the shout of "Room service!!" followed by several more loud bangs on the door. Willow started to get up and reach for her robe, but hesitated and looked over at the slayer. "Kenn? Maybe it's a better idea if you answer the door."

"Why do I hafta do it?" Kennedy complained with a huff. "Why can't you just…" she trailed off when she received a sternly raised brow. "Uh…I'll just go get that." She nodded towards the door with a smile before quickly jumping up to answer it.

While waiting for her girlfriend to return with the food, Willow crawled underneath the covers. Seeing how Willow currently looked like Kennedy had tried to throttle her in her sleep, she thought it best not to try and draw too much attention to herself. People tend to automatically assume that your lover is beating you to a bloody pulp every time you show up with a bruise.

Grabbing the channel changer, she flipped idly through some more channels, most of which seemed to be in Spanish or Portuguese.

A few short minutes later Kennedy returned with a cart full of steaming hot breakfast food. The slayer looked down at her lover with a smile, the delectable smell drifting up into her nose. "Mmm…breakfast." She dropped down onto the bed next to the redhead and began to dig in, glancing back over her shoulder at her lover with her mouth already full of food. "You want some?" She offered her girlfriend a piece of bacon, smiling through her chews.

Raising an eyebrow in slight distain, Willow just shook her head. "No thanks…" She knew better than to get between a slayer and her foot. It could get really ugly.

After a moment of laying there in silence, Willow flipped the television to mute and sat up, letting the blanket fall around her lap. She sat cross-legged, her hands resting on her knees, and then closed her eyes. The witch let out a deep breath, concentrating hard, like she had been taught, on drawing energy from the earth up into herself to begin the healing process.

Kennedy put another piece of bacon in her mouth and turned to face her lover. She chewed silently as she watched the other woman. "Whatcha doin'?" She reached over for one of the glasses of apple juice and downed it in one gulp.

A sudden voice cutting into her self-made mystical 'bubble', as Buffy liked to call it, made the witch jump. "Wha?" She glanced over at Kennedy, who held a curious expression. "Meditating. I take energy from the earth and my surroundings and channel it into healing injuries and stuff. Nifty little trick I picked up in England." She resettled herself and once again closed her eyes.

"Oh," Kennedy nodded absently as she finished off her quick, but large breakfast. She placed the empty glass onto the breakfast tray and laid back against the bed. She reached over for the remote to the television, pausing in mid motion to eye her lover warily. "Um, is it okay if I watch TV? It's not gonna mess up your…thing, is it?"

With a sigh, Willow dropped her posture into a slouch and gave a limp shrug. "Doesn't matter. I can do it later." She stretched her legs out in front of her and settled back against the pillows.

Just as she was getting comfortable on top of the blankets, Willow suddenly became aware again of the fact that she was wearing no clothes. It's not that she wasn't comfortable about being naked around her lover, but she still wasn't confident to be walking around naked. Only in this case, more like…lying on the bed naked. Shuffling around, she started to crawl back under the sheet as quickly as possible.

"Wait. Will, I didn't mean…" Kennedy suddenly trailed off in her apology when she noticed the sudden attempt of her lover to hide herself beneath the sheet. With a slow and gentle hand, the slayer reached over and placed a gentle touch to the older woman's arm. "Hey," she spoke softly and waited for the redhead's eyes to meet her own. When they finally did, the slayer watched her lover with gentle concern. "Baby, you okay? What is it?"

A small blush came forth, and the witch shrugged one shoulder. "Y-yeah, I'm fine…just, y'know…cold? Seeing how I'm all…and you're with the pants." She tried a teasing smile but saw the slayer's eyebrow raise just a little further.

Out of nowhere, Willow felt a sudden, desperate need to be close to her slayer. *Her* slayer, in every sense of the word, no matter what was…she didn't finish thinking the thought. Just slid towards Kennedy and placed her head on the brunette's shoulder, while intertwining a leg between the younger girl's and wrapping an arm tightly around her toned stomach.

Kennedy watched as her lover laid back against her, accepting the sudden show of affection with slight hesitation. After a moment of no reciprocation, the slayer gently wrapped her right arm around the witch's back and placed her left hand against the thigh that was now covering her own. "Um," she began nervously. "Not that I'm complaining here…cause I'm so *not*, but ah…" Kennedy dropped her eyes to the woman's body wrapped around her own. "What's with the sudden cuddle fest?"

"Can't I just wanna cuddle?" Willow asked, somewhat mumbled into Kennedy's shoulder. She remained silent for a few seconds, then sighed and tightened her hold on the slayer. "I…I don't know. Just feeling kind of…uneasy, I guess…" The Wicca furrowed her brow. "Don't really know why…"

Kennedy leaned her head against her girlfriend's and sighed. "Is there any way that can be interpreted as *not* bad?" She tightened her hold on the older woman, pulling her in closer to inhale her sweet morning scent. "You always smell so good," the slayer husked into the redhead's ear with a heavy breath.

A shiver passed through Willow at the sensation. "Maybe it's because I don't sweat. Xan used to tease me about that…" Idly, her fingertips lightly grazed the skin surrounding Kennedy's navel. "I guess sweating involves actual physical activity, and me? Not so much with the physical." The safe, strong arms surrounding her body helped to ease the witch's sudden bout of nerves.

Kennedy raised a brow with a smirk. "I beg to differ." She nodded towards the witch's hand that was currently tracing the soft skin around her belly button. "I can remember one time in particular when you sweated so much, I could barely hang on." Kennedy smiled. Even though she couldn't see it, she knew her witch was blushing.

"I guess that falls right in line with the 'Oh goddess, I can't take anymore' time, doesn't it?" Willow, embarrassed, buried her face deeper into the slayer's neck. "Okay, so there is some sweating some of the time…must just naturally smell good, then." Two fingers walked up Kennedy's tummy. "That or everybody else aside from you finds me stinky."

Kennedy watched her lover's fingers with hooded eyes. "Don't think so," she husked. "'Cause you're just so damn…" she paused when Willow's fingers suddenly stopped just below her ribcage. Her lover knew how sensitive that spot was for her. "Rosenberg, if I didn't know better…I'd think you were trying to seduce me."

"Lil 'ole me?" Willow drawled. "Nah. Not possible." She grinned crookedly at her slayer and shifted upwards to snatch a kiss from the girl. "When have I ever tried such a thing?"

"Gee, can't seem to remember," Kennedy replied with a smirk, pretending to think hard. "But…it's not like I'm complaining. Please, seduce away." The slayer smiled at her lover.

The witch barely waited until the word were out of her fiancée's mouth before she crushed their lips together, taking Kennedy into a deep kiss. She wasted no time in dueling their tongues together, and shifted her bodyweight so it was more on top of the slayer.

Finally, when breathing was necessary, Willow pulled back a fraction of a hair and grinned while panting heavily. "D…don't you have some…vampire hunting to do?"

Kennedy inhaled a deep breath before letting it out slowly. Her eyes locked onto her lover's lips as she ran the very tip of her tongue slowly over her own. "Screw the vampires and the hunting." Kennedy lifted her hands and placed them firmly on the witch's hips. "I've got better things to do."

"Wonder what that could be…" Willow suddenly got a mischievous grin on her face, and moved back a bit so she was straddling Kennedy's thighs more than her hips. "Hm…cute as these puppy pants are on you, I think I like them better…*off*." She hooked a finger from each hand underneath the waistband. Willow gave what she hoped was her best sexy, seductive look down at the girl partially pinned beneath her.

Kennedy smiled softly at her lover, her fingers stroking the soft skin of the witch's sides. "Are you sure, Will?" She nodded to the redhead's still bruised neck. "You still look a little…sore. I don't want to hurt you. It's fine really, we don't have to."

The older girl let out a small shrug. "I meditated for all of…5.2 seconds. Good enough." Willow unhooked her fingers for the time being and crawled back overtop of Kennedy, placing another kiss on her lips. "As long as I'm not neglecting you from your slayer duties. Please, do tell me when to stop…" Looking as innocent as Willow could, her right hand started to crawl down the slayer's body and slowly down the front of her pants.

Kennedy sighed and reached down to grab the witch's wrist. "Will, don't." She gave her lover a pleading look as she pulled her hand away and placed it onto the bed beneath them. "I just…I can't right now." She sighed and turned away, slowly retracting herself from beneath the older woman.

Kennedy sat up and pulled herself to the edge of the bed, her legs hanging over the sides. With her back to her fiancée, she sighed. "I'm sorry. It's not your fault." She averted her eyes and lifted her hand to run it back through her hair.

Safe to say 'shocked' was one emotion running through Willow at that moment. Closely followed by confusion, and…a little hurt. She watched the slayer with concern for a moment, then tentatively reached out to touch Kennedy's shoulder. But her hand stopped halfway, unsure if she should touch the slayer or not. Eventually her hand rested back down in her lap.

"I…I'm sorry…" The red witch furrowed her brow. "Are you…okay? Did I…do something?"

Kennedy instantly turned around to face her lover, reaching out to take her hand in both of her own. "Oh no baby," the slayer shook her head, "it's not you, honest." She reached up and brushed back a strand of hair from the witch's eyes. "I'm so sorry, Will. You must think this is about you, but…it's not. It's me. I'm just not feeling very…sexual right now."

Kennedy looked away, deep in thought. "God, I can't believe I just said that."

Willow knew that the worried look on her lover's face should have her sympathizing.

Instead it made her laugh.

But she quickly stifled up at a sharp look from the slayer. "I-I'm sorry, baby, I'm not laughing at you, just…" Will was unable to keep a grin completely subdued, but she quickly scooted closer and placed both of her hands on Kennedy's shoulders. "Kenn, you don't have to be in the mood for sex all the time. It's okay, and y'know, completely normal…even for you." She spoke the last part in a teasing manner, jabbing the slayer in the side with her finger playfully. "You just got your slayer powers, your body has probably just been adjusting, that's all. Now, you may not want…sex, all the time." She frowned for a second. "I hope I'm saying that right…"

Shaking her head, she tried to smile reassuringly for the brunette. "You think Fai- okay, bad example…you think *Buffy* was having sex all the time? I mean, aside from that one time with Riley…b-but that was all spell-related, and so totally *not* something I did for once, might I add." Realizing her babbling was about to get the better of her, she abruptly shut her mouth.

"Okay…done. Sorry. Babble machine is closed for the evening…"

Kennedy took a moment to take in her lover's words before letting out a long, slow sigh. "I get what you're sayin'," she nodded, before adding, "I think." She took Willow's hands in her own and interlaced their fingers. "At first, it was like I couldn't control myself. My hormones were running wild, and I tried, but I just couldn't stop 'em. Looking back, I think it was 'cause my body was adjusting to all the new…power, lust, desire…"

The brunette trailed off, gazing into the emerald eyes fixated on her. "I'm not saying you didn't have something to do with that. In fact, I think you had just about *everything* to do with that. Still do." Kennedy grinned, but it was soon replaced with a short sigh. "I don't think it's that my body's any different, just my…"

Kennedy suddenly stopped and broke their hand-holding, pulling the older woman into a tight embrace. "God Will, I don't want to lose you. I-I just…can't."

Caught off guard by Kennedy's sudden display of emotion, Willow wrapped one arm around the slayer's neck and one around her back lightly, running her hands over the tense muscles in a soothing fashion.

"Baby, you won't lose me…" One hand rubbed the brunette's neck gently, and down to her shoulder. "I'm not going anywhere, no matter what…"

Kennedy pulled away from the hug, but kept her fingers clutching to the witch's skin. "Promise?" she asked in a low whisper. "Because I can't…I couldn't survive without you, Will." She sighed and shook her head. "I know it might make me sound weak, but I don't care. You're everything to me. Without you, I'm nothing. If I ever lost you…I don't know that I could go on."

Willow placed a finger over Kennedy's lips before she could continue on. "Expressing your emotions does not make you sound weak, baby." She brought both hands to cradle the brunette's face in her hands. "And I'm gonna have to disagree with that last statement." She gave a small smile. "Before we were ever…you were, and still are, one helluva woman, Kennedy. Now and forever, no matter what happens…and I know that you'll be okay. Whatever happens in the future, in our lives…you'll be okay. 'Cause I know you, and how strong you are right here…" One hand moved to cover the slayer's heart.

Kennedy smiled softly and lifted her hand to place it over the witch's. "That's what you don't get, Will. The *only* reason I'm so strong in here," she applied a little pressure to her lover's hand. "Is because of you. You *are* my heart Willow. You're the reason it beats, the reason it keeps me alive. Just to be with you is…more than enough."

Well, what do you say to that? Willow smiled softly, and just leaned forward to rest her forehead against the slayer's. She kept her hand covering Kennedy's heart. "Need I mention again how much strength *you've* given me over the last six months?" She spoke in barely above a whisper. "I think I kinda owe you all the lovin' you deserve." She turned up the corner of her mouth.

Kennedy's soft smile turned into a seductive grin. "Mmm…that so?" she asked with an arched brow. "Does that mean…you're takin' requests?" The slayer's grin widened at the blush on her lover's cheeks. "Okay…demands, maybe? 'Cause I gotta say baby…" Kennedy paused to run her eyes over the witch's body with a hungry leer. "Never pictured you as the dominant type."

Willow just raised an eyebrow in return, a smug grin on her face. "Thought you weren't feeling very…sexual at the moment, hmm? That suddenly change?"

"I thought we'd already been over this, baby," Kennedy smiled. "All it takes is a smile and a touch, and I'm suddenly a pile of slayer mush for you." Kennedy ran her finger tips up over her lover's arm, their skin barely making contact. "I don't know what it is." She spoke softly as she continued the barely there caress, up and then back down the witch's arm. "It's just something about your touch…makes me insane with desire." The slayer's eyes followed her fingers as they made their way along her fiancée's arm. "I didn't use to be real big on that fate and destiny stuff…but, I'm starting to think I just may have found my soul mate."

Kennedy was finally able to tear her eyes away from Willow's skin to look up and meet her deep green gaze. "Then again, you've made me believe in a lota things. Happiness…friendship…passion…desire…love." Kennedy finished with a light smile. "Just to name a few."

Both of Willow's hands traced up the slayer's body to rest around her neck. Her thumbs lightly caressed the soft skin she found there, and after a few seconds she kissed her love once again. Pulling back only a short distance, her eyes remaining close, Willow spoke quietly. "Guess it's a good thing I met you, then. Would've been a pretty dull life without me." Her tone was light and teasing. "Can say the same for myself, though…" Emerald eyes opened, staring into hazel. "Looking back…you'll never know how glad I am you didn't give up on me back in Sunnydale."

"Me? Give up?" Kennedy smiled before shaking her head. "I'm not very good at giving up. Don't even know if I'm actually capable or not." The slayer paused and pretended to think hard. "Nope, don't think I am." Her hands dropped to the witch's thighs and rested there, her fingers tracing lazy circles against her skin. "But seriously Will, looking back now, I can't believe I've…we've gotten this far. To be quite honest…" Kennedy paused, not sure if she should continue, but the intrigued look on her lover's face won out over her best judgment.

"Umm…t-to be honest, I wasn't really…I mean I didn't…" Kennedy was trying to find the right words, but she wasn't sure there were any. "Back in Sunnydale, you know with the whole 'You're sexy when you pout' seduction thing…I wasn't…it really…" Kennedy paused and sighed. "I wasn't in it for the long haul, okay? Not at first. I just saw this really hot piece of a…woman, and I really wanted to know what you were like…you know, but that was before I knew all the other…stuff."

Willow furrowed her eyebrows. She wasn't mad; that was all the past and had nothing to do with their relationship right now. She was more…curious. "T-then…after I turned into Warren…why did you follow me? Try to help?"

"I told you Will," Kennedy soothed, "that was before I knew all the other stuff. You know about Ta…the other stuff. It was more when I first moved in." Kennedy smile lightly in reminiscence. "I still remember walking through that door and seeing you standing there, off to the back, and yet you're beauty still blinding me. You were all I could think of from that moment on." The soft smile was slowly replaced with her patented slayer smirk. "That and the sight of you in those jeans. It was then I first developed that thing for your ass too."

An over exaggeration of eye rolling, followed by a hard 'thwap' to Kennedy's arm, and Willow sighed. "I'm choosing to take that as a good comment. And by the way, the whole 'covers' thing? Not the most un-obvious ways to hit on a gal…nearly killed me when you said it." Despite herself, color flushed in her cheeks. "But, really, I guess I'm…I don't know, curious? Why after only spending one hour with me in the Bronze did you suddenly decide that the crazy lady who turns into the guy she murdered while kissing was worth going after?"

"First off, I think it's only fair to say I decided it *before* you turned into said crazy lady," Kennedy smiled. "And secondly, it wasn't just that hour. It was all the days before. Yeah, at first it was just a teenage hormone lust thing, but after I got to know you…I mean, really know you…" The slayer paused, gazing deeply into her lover's eyes. "I found this beautiful, intelligent, funny, witty, desirable, sexy and completely captivating woman that I was suddenly finding myself falling for, and hard too.

"So you see," Kennedy's fingers applied just the slightest pressure against Willow's thighs. "It wasn't just that night, in fact, the only reason that night happened was 'cause of all the stuff before. You know, it takes some very strategic plannin' to get a woman like you all to herself. You should be happy I made the effort."

"Didn't I just say I was?" Willow sighed and leaned into the slayer again. "Well, whatever reasons we started off for…I'm glad we di- oh my goddess!" Willow suddenly bolted up, looking completely panicked.

The slayer jumped at her lover's abrupt movement, her heart nearly leaping out of her chest. It only took a moment for the initial shock to wear off, and Kennedy's body suddenly tensed, her muscles automatically going into fight mode. "Will?" she asked a little edgy. "What is it honey? Something here?"

Willow shook her head madly. "No, not th- your birthday!" At the completely shocked and confused on her girlfriends face, Willow slapped her hand to her forehead and cursed. "I'm so stupid! I-it's next week, a-and I completely forgot about it!" The look on her face was one close to self-torture. "I'm a horrible, terrible girlfriend!"

Kennedy's eyes fell to her hands and she shook her head. "Will…I've never been real big on birthdays." The slayer's eyes slowly lifted to meet her fiancée's. "Especially not mine. They were never really big deals growin' up. At least, not after my mom died. Then they just became convenient cards with easy buy offs for 'presents'."

The brunette reached out and placed a hand on the witch's knee. "You're not a bad girlfriend Willow. In fact, I'd prefer it if you forget to remember."

Immediately Willow began to shake her head. "Nuh-uh. No way you're getting away with that, missy!" She took Kennedy's face in her hands and forced the brunette to look at her. "'Cause there's no way I'm forgettin'. Besides, you really think I'm gonna try to 'buy you off' with something shiny?" Quirking a smile, Willow planted a kiss on Kennedy's lips. She was suddenly rather giddy. "C'mon, baby…this is our first birthday together. I wanna do something…and continue to do it in the years to come."

Kennedy's slight hesitation was slowly replaced with a grin. "You mean like, a party and cake and stuff? With lots of balloons and streamers and presents and stuff?" Kennedy teased her girlfriend's giddy mood. "Come on Will, you know I'm not the party type. Well, at least not *that* kind of party."

The slayer paused and thought about it for a moment. "Then again, it would be a *birthday* party. A *private* birthday party, and one must always dress for the occasion. And whaddya know? There's nothing better to wear for a birthday party…than a birthday suit." Kennedy grinned.

Growling with mock-frustration, Willow suddenly lunged forward and tackled her slayer back onto the bed. She hovered above her with a smirk. "You…dork." Shaking her head, she stuck out a pouting lip. "Please baby? When we get back to Cleveland. It won't have to be an invite for 250 plus people…just the Scoobies, and us. Please? Pretty, pretty please with a…chocolate-covered me on top?" A sly grin formed.

Kennedy's grin slowly faded as she gazed up into her lover's eyes. "Well…there's an idea." Her eyes scanned down over the older woman's nude form. "And lookie there, you've already got half of it done. Now, if I just had some chocolate…" Kennedy teased, her smile slowly reappearing.

After a moment, she sighed. "Alright, fine. You know I can never tell you no, but baby, please, don't invite a whole buncha people. Crowds make me…nervous, 'specially when they're all focused on me. And no big presents." Kennedy's hands suddenly flew up and grabbed onto the witch's bottom. "You're all the present I need. 'Sides, I'm expecting my best present to come later that night…literally." The slayer's smirk was priceless.

Nodding excitedly, Willow pressed her lips to Kennedy's quickly before pulling back. "'Kay!" She stuck the tip of her tongue out through her lips, a wide grin still sitting in place. "This is gonna be so much fun! It'll be like, a chance for the gang to get to know you more. I mean, there wasn't much of a chance in Sunnydale, what with the apocalypse and millions upon millions of potentials running around like zebras with their legs chopped- well, okay maybe heads 'cause they technically need legs to run, but that's beside the point- you, me, and the gang, and then of course the after-birthday celebrati- now I need to figure out what to get y-"

"Whoa, easy girl," Kennedy placed her hands on the witch's hips to gain her attention. "Slow down baby. You're gonna give yourself a coronary." Kennedy relaxed her hands, but didn't move them. "And I thought I told you nothing big? Just a little cake and one or two presents and then call it a night. That's all I need Will. Just as long as I know you're comin' home with me at the end of it, I'm perfectly happy with that."

"Yeah, well…" With a knowing grin, Willow used her index finger to 'twick' the end of Kennedy's nose playfully. "We'll see." With that, she rolled off of the slayer and proceeded to stand up off the bed, taking Kennedy's hand in her own and trying to drag her along. "Now c'mon, don't you have some vamps to be a-killin'? You need to get ready. And…shower first." A playful eyebrow raised.

Kennedy grinned and grabbed hold of her lover's wrist. With a gentle tug, the witch's body came crashing back to the bed, the slayer twisting her own just in time to land on top of the redhead.

Kennedy's grin faded and was replaced with an arched brow as she pinned the other woman's wrists above her head. "Weren't you supposed to be bed ridden for the day?"

"M…maybe…" Willow pouted, and gave an over-dramatic sigh. "But…y'know, my lover is going to fight the good fight, a-an' I wanna spend some quality time first. That such a bad thing?" At the look she received in return, Willow deflated and sighed again. "This mean you're showering alone, stinky?"

"Okay, first of all…ouch." Kennedy pouted. "And second, let's not be hasty here. I never said I was showering alone." The grin reappeared. "In fact, I was kinda hopin' I could convince you that I needed help…ah, washing my back. Yeah, that's it. 'Cause you know, ribs are still kinda sore and all." The slayer sighed dramatically, her hand lifting to rub her side. "Wouldn't wanna stretch 'em and make it worse."

Willow tilted her neck upwards to nibble at the side of Kennedy's chin. "That could be…arranged." Pulling back a little, she smirked. "And by the way, you suck at feigning injuries. You're just lucky I love you so damn much."

Kennedy grinned, dropping her hands to the witch's hips. "I count my blessings every day baby." She pushed herself back off her lover and headed for the bathroom. "I'll start the shower," she called back over her shoulder. "You've got exactly two minutes to get that hot little ass in here…or else I'm comin' back out to get it." The slayer pushed open the bathroom door and disappeared inside, the sound of fresh running water soon following.

It was after 8pm when Kennedy finally made her way out for her first 'official' patrol in Rio.

Willow had spent the whole day in bed as promised, but Kennedy was somehow unable to resist her lover's pleas to join her for patrol later that night. Maybe it was that she had kept her promise, or maybe it was that her hand was down the front of the slayer's pants when she was asking…

Kennedy smirked.

Either way, Willow had joined Kennedy for a late patrol that night.

"Should I find it strange that this place is eerily beautiful?" Willow whispered to her lover as they walked quietly along through grass. Everything was quiet, but moonlight from above shone brightly, casting shadows of a milky white substance over the ancient tome stones. It was like back home in some ways, but so completely different in others.

The swelling and color in Willow's neck had dramatically dissipated. While her girlfriend was out for a short time earlier in the day, the redhead had used her 'witch-fu', as Xander called it, to heal the majority of her injury. The coloring was maybe a little…off, still, but unless you looked closely it was barely visible.

Safe to say, Kennedy had been shocked at how well magic worked when it wanted to.

"Nah," Kennedy shook her head while reaching over to grab the witch's hand with her own. "Just means you can appreciate beauty in all its forms." The slayer looked over to see the moonlight hit her lover just right, bringing out the soft hues of her skin. "I myself am more fond of the redheaded, soft smiling, gorgeously skinned, and irresistibly sexy kinda beauty."

"You're too kind," Willow stuck her tongue out at the slayer. "And you over-exaggerate way too much." Quirking a playful grin, she slipped an arm around the brunette's waist as they walked on. This section of the graveyard seemed to have a lot more towering mausoleums that the previous half they had just walked through, casting shadows against the crisp ground.

Kennedy sighed with a smile, leaning her head against her fiancée's as they continued to walk. "Actually, I don't think I even have the words to really do your beauty justice." The slayer's smile slowly turned feral, her eyes landing on the closest of the mausoleums. "I guess I'll just have to settle with showin' ya."

Kennedy's arms suddenly grabbed the witch around the waist, lifting her up and swinging her around so her back was against the building. She quirked an eyebrow as she slowly trailed her right hand down her lover's thigh to pull it up to wrap around her own waist. "Whaddya say baby, up for a little late night lovin'?"

Willow's eyes went from being about the size of saucers, to slightly amused, to a mixture of both. "K-Kennedy…we're in a graveyard. A cemetery. Where vampires roam. And the werewolves play."

Kennedy's smirk only grew. "Doesn't mean we can't play too." Her hand slid up the older woman's thigh, her fingers resting on the button to her jeans.

The slayer started her kisses at the edge of the witch's mouth, delicately and slowly making her down the still slightly bruised flesh of her neck before stopping to nibble on her collarbone. Her fingers began to work the button on Willow's jeans, the material starting to give way.

The witch's small whimper of protest turned into a small whimper of longing as her gut turned to jell-o from Kennedy's actions. The girl had talented hands, she'd give her that.

Her legs flexed a bit around the younger woman's waist, and her hands eventually found their way up to her shoulders. Willow closed her eyes as Kennedy continued to nibble away at the known sensitive spots along her neck. She shivered, partly from anticipation, partly from…well, anticipation.

Kennedy suddenly stopped all movement and dropped her head to her lover's shoulder. "No, nooooo," she groaned at the sound of the vampire's voice behind her. She lifted her head and looked at her lover pleadingly. "Will, make it go away. I don't wanna fight, I wanna fu…"

Her words were cut off abruptly as the vampire roared and charged straight at them. It only took Kennedy about two seconds to release her lover and reach into her coat pocket for her stake.

She gave the redhead a quick kiss with a smile. "Be right back baby. Don't start without me." She turned just in time to be tackled to the ground by the rather large vampire.

"Get…off!" The vampire suddenly flew backwards and landed a few yards away. The slayer instantly flipped to her feet and charged after him. "God, I *hate* the big ones."

With an annoyed groan, Willow dropped back to her feet and watched her girlfriend go to work. However, this time she was careful to keep her back up against the mausoleum and her eyes scanning the area for signs of uber-bitch. She didn't fancy another run-in.

Not to mention, this time she was gonna let Kennedy do her thing and not interfere.

Kennedy was used to fighting foes that outweighed her by at least a hundred pounds or more, and this vamp was no different.

He had to weigh two-fifty at least. A fact that Kennedy was not pleased with.

Even with slayer strength, the vampire was proving to be a hassle. After the fourth time of him landing on top of her, Kennedy was starting to get really annoyed.

"Alright," the slayer pushed him back off her one final time. "Listen tubby," she began as she flipped to her feet and brushed off the back of her jacket. "I'm gettin' a little tired of this. So, whaddya say you stop runnin' at me and just…stand still so I can stake you already. I really don't wanna know what it's like to be crushed to death by three hundred pounds of stupid."

The vampire laughed. "Slayers. You're all the same. Pigheaded and useless as sh…" The vampire's words suddenly died in his throat, his body jolting forward slightly. His eyes slowly dropped to his chest to see the silver stake protruding from his heart. He looked back up at Kennedy with surprise in his yellow eyes. "I could be wrong."

The vampire burst into dust, leaving only air where he once stood.

Kennedy shielded her eyes against the settling dust, peering into the darkness for the source of the impromptu slaying.

"Another slayer? Here?"

Kadin was dressed in her long black trench coat, readjusting the strap on her matching black cargo pants as slowly stepped out of the shadows and smiled.

"Not exactly."

Kennedy's eyes widened and her jaw nearly hit the ground. "Kadin? That really you?"

The monster hunter walked over and reached down to pick up her stake out of the pile of dust. She dusted it off against her pant leg and tucked it back into its holder. Her eyes met the slayer's and she smiled. "In the flesh."

Okay, confusion. Willow blinked at the two, who were a ways off from the mausoleum where she still stood. They both seemed to forget she was there for a moment.

The witch took the opportunity to zip up her pants unnoticed.

She started forward, but abruptly stopped when seeing a shadow move behind the other two. ~Uh, Kenn? Hate to interrupt, but I think tubby has a buddy.~ She allowed the new girl to hear as well, figuring if she staked the vamp Kenn was fighting, they were on the same side. For now.

"Huh? Wha?" Kennedy was still in shock over seeing the other woman for the first time in years. The sound of her lover's voice suddenly pulled her out of her trance. ~Where baby?~

"The hell is that," Kadin looked around as the voice intrusively echoed in her mind. "Am I going schitzo or somethin'?"

Kennedy smiled. "You're not crazy. That voice in your head happens to be my girlfriend. Who I now have to have a little talk with about invading other people that is not her girlfriend's heads."

The leaves twitched again about fifty yards away from the two monster hunters. As Willow jogged to catch up with them, she briefly held a fist out in front of her and whispered a quick incantation. She stopped, still a few yards away from the other two, and opened her hand: a tiny white light flew out, taking a moment to zip around the redhead before bee lining towards the second vampire. It disappeared behind the bushes, and a moment later the vampire stumbled out, swatting at the 'Tinkerbelle' swirling around his head.

"Right about there," Willow mused as she walked up to the other two. A small grin sat on her face as she watched the fat, ugly bald undead man swat at the speck like it was a swarm of bees or something.

"That's a neat trick ya got there," Kadin smiled as she watched the vampire stumble back over his own feet and fall face first into the ground.

She turned her attention to the redhead. "You must be Willow. K's witchy girlfriend. Its nice to finally meet you." The hunter extended her hand with a smile. "The name's Van Helsing. Kadin Van Helsing." She shook her head with a laugh. "Damn. I always wanted to say that."

Willow raised a surprised eyebrow as she took the taller girl's hand. "Van Helsing? As in…well, Van Helsing? The Van Helsing's?" She looked over at Kennedy incredulously. "And you two know each other? How? When? How?" Okay, so she was repeating herself, but it wasn't exactly every day you heard the name 'Van Helsing' thrown around in regards to an actual real, live person.

"We're old buds, me and Kenn," Kadin smiled as she released the witch's hand. "We go way back. Don't we Kenn?"

Kennedy was still in shock at seeing the other woman. "I ah…I mean we h-have…" The slayer stopped and shook her head, trying to rid it of the haziness. "I mean, yes. Well, we knew each other…we *met* back when I was just a potential in England. My Watcher was training me on hunts one night and Kadin just so happened to be going after the same vamp."

"Yeah," the hunter agreed with a smile. "And if I didn't know better, I woulda sworn she was *the* slayer. Seems she's still the kick asser she always was."

Kennedy blushed and averted her eyes, stuffing her hands into her back pockets.

Willow glanced between the two of them for a second, then nudged Kennedy in the ribs. "Since when are you the modest one, Kenn?" She smiled proudly at her slayer. "We all know you're a kickass slayer…" She took a quick glance at the vampire still flailing around, swatting at the glowing firefly-like light. "Sadly, I don't think this guy is gonna be much of a chance for you to prove yourself…*I* could stake him at this point, which really is kinda sad."

Kadin glanced back over her shoulder and sighed. "Don't worry 'bout it. I got it." She flipped the side of her coat back to reveal a small silver crossbow strapped to the side of her right leg. She reached and pulled it from the holster, pulling back on the string. Without even looking back, she placed it under her left arm and fired.

The vampire stopped all movement before instantly falling to dust.

Kadin sighed as she strapped the bow back onto her leg. "It's no fun if they aren't a challenge. Just a waste of energy if you ask me." She pulled her coat back over herself and crossed her arms against her chest. "So, what's there to do for entertainment around here?"

She looked to Willow for an answer and her eyes suddenly caught the light purple hue of her neck, her brow furrowing. "What's up with that?" she nodded towards the fading bruises.

"Huh?" It took Willow a moment to realize she meant her neck. "Oh, t-that. It's…nothing, really." She absently brought a hand to rub at the bruises. "Just a bit of bad luck on patrol last night is all. Vampire got the upper hand. Only hand, actually…nothing a little healing action can't handle."

"Man," Kadin sighed with a smile. "I can't begin to tell you how glad I am to hear that. For a minute there, I thought I was gonna have to rough up on Kenn here."

"Hey," Kennedy complained, fully out of her trance. "What I do?"

Kadin nodded towards Willow's neck. "Thought you were using your girl here as a first class punching bag. Bruises like that take alotta force."

Kennedy looked over at her lover. "Well, I didn't. I'd die before I ever hurt her." The slayer smiled at her fiancée, relieved to see the bruises nearly gone.

Kadin watched the scene uncomfortably before clearing her throat. "Yeah, I ah, didn't think you did, but being a VH and all…well, you know the whole 'lady's honor' bit an' all. Kinda comes with the heritage."

Absently, Willow reached over and took Kennedy's hand in her own, forcing herself to break the intense stare between them and look back over at Kadin. "No worries, she treats me good." Her mouth curved upward in a slight smile. "Besides, she ain't that tough…I could take her if I had to."

Sticking her tongue playfully out at the slayer, Willow grinned back over at Kadin. "Feel like joining us for some late night food? Kenn always gets the munchies after a slay, and since she inhaled what was left of the chips we had stashed in our room, we were probably gonna end up stopping somewhere. Do Van Helsings' drink coffee?" Her brow furrowed momentarily.

Kadin laughed. "I'm not a puppy you know? We don't come in 'kinds'. Not that there is a 'we' anymore. Seeing as how I'm the only one left." The hunter paused for a moment before sighing. "But to answer your question, I could really use some food right now. You can hold the coffee. That is…if you don't mind?"

"She wouldn'ta offered if she did," Kennedy smiled and squeezed her girl's hand. "Will's very generous like that," she added with a nod. "So, you comin' or what?"

Kadin smiled. "How can I possibly pass up such an offer?" She nodded towards the exit. "Lead the way."

Oddly enough, this little outdoor café reminded Willow of The Expresso Pump back in Sunnydale. She didn't say anything to the other two; Kennedy had only been there once and probably wouldn't remember. But she looked around the place with a hint of a smile as they sat down.

"So, what is a Van Hels- er, I-I mean, what are *you* doing in Brazil?" She blushed slightly. "Sorry. Words, my mouth, they get confused by each other sometimes."

Kadin pulled off her duster and hung it over the back of her chair, sitting down with a smile. "I can see why K's got it so bad for you." The hunter smirked and raised a brow as she pulled off her gloves. She watched as the other women's eyes fell to her newly exposed hands. She cleared her throat and stretched her fingers nervously, tucking them into her hands to hide the scars. "So ah, you asked what I was doing in Brazil? Well, I would normally say 'just passing through', 'cause story of my life, but this time I'm actually here on official business."

Kennedy reached under the table and pulled Willow's hand onto her lap, interlacing their fingers without ever looking over. "And what business is that?"

Kadin reached out and picked up the menu, flipping through it idly. "About 5'7", blonde hair, blue eyes, fangs…got a nasty taste for sucking human blood?"

"Layla?" Kennedy asked intrigued. "I thought she was just the average, everyday 'I will rule the world' evil bad guy, but if she's got the last and only Van Helsing chasing her all the way to Brazil…?"

Kadin didn't look up from the menu. "Yeah well, she's got something I want." The hunter looked up suddenly to correct herself. "Plus, you know, there's that whole 'defender of the innocent'…thing."

Willow remained quiet, preferring to listen to the other two speak than talk about the blonde vampire herself. The subject of the vamp still got on her nerves; granted it had been a one-time-meeting, but none the less, it bothered her the blonde bimbo had her eyes on Kennedy. Even more so that at the time, Kennedy hadn't seemed to mind.

Kadin's comment perked up her interest, however she could sort of tell the brunette didn't feel like chatting any further in the subject.

Kennedy watched the other woman for a long moment before deciding to break the tense silence. "Sooo…where were you before you came here?"

Kadin placed the menu back on the table and leaned back in her chair slightly. "Moscow, Rome, Paris, Sydney, Madrid, but most recently Bucharest. I went there to kill this ancient vampire guy that was feeding on the souls of virgins. Cliché, I know, but apparently he only had one more soul to go before he became invincible." The hunter stopped and looked deep in thought before a slow smile spread over her face. "Guess it was lucky I was the one after him, huh?" She looked right at Kennedy, her eyes shining in the candle light from the table.

Willow furrowed her brow for a moment, and glanced between the two girls for a second. Always the slow one at first, and then…

"Oh…OH." Catching on, Willow's eyes widened slightly and she swallowed, chuckling out of nervousness. "S-so…you two…I mean, you, uh…were…I see. Right. O-of course."

"Were?" Kennedy turned to her fiancée with confusion etched across her face. "Who were?" She glanced over at Kadin before turning back to her lover. "You mean…?" she motioned between herself and the hunter. "You think we..?" The slayer shook her head adamantly. "NO! No, most definitely NOT to that question."

"Damn," Kadin sighed with a light shake of her head. "If that ain't a major ego kicker, and here I was thinking I was charming and irresistible to all."

"Oh no, Kadin," Kennedy quickly corrected herself. "I didn't mean it like that." She nodded towards her girlfriend. "It's just…I didn't want her to get the wrong idea…about us."

"Us?" Kadin smiled. "I hardly think *one* hot, passionate, and completely amazing night warranted an 'us'.

Kennedy's eyes widened at the other woman's admission.

Kadin noticed the slayer's instant discomfort and laughed nervously. "I mean we didn't…it wasn't like…we weren't…" She trialed off with a nervous smile. "Ah…oops?"

Willow blushed deeply, glancing down at the table in discomfort. "Well, isn't that…um," she nervously played with the table cloth. "I mean, well, I kinda…f-figured, I guess, that you two would've…" Words really weren't flying to her at this moment. She continued to fidget at the uncomfortable silence.

"Hey," Kadin reached across the table and placed her hand in front of the witch. When soft green eyes met her own, she smiled, a little embarrassed. "Willow, is it? I'm really sorry about that. I'm kinduva clueless ass when it comes to that sorta thing. That's probably why I haven't had sex since…" The hunter's eyes suddenly widened, and she sunk back into her chair with an embarrassed grin. "Okay, that's probably *way* more info than you needed."

This time, Willow laughed. "Hey, I live with Kennedy, remember?" She grinned over at her lover with a smug expression. "I'm used to the 'too much information' thing."

Kennedy smirked at her lover, silently relieved she let the moment pass so easily. "I guess that makes us even then. What with all the *snoring* I gotta put up with. Every night too." The slayer sighed with a shake of her head.

Looking shocked, Willow reached over and gave Kennedy a shove. "That is so not true! I don't snore!" She mock glowered at the younger brunette, then glanced at Kadin with a blush. "Really, never have. She's lying."

Kennedy leaned over into her lover's space, bringing her lips to the witch's ear. "Don't worry baby, its a sexy snore." She squeezed the witch's hand beneath the table. "All soft and sweet. I like it…turns me on." Her lips brushed the shell of the redhead's ear and she let out a slow, warm breath against her skin.

With a roll of her eyes, Willow playfully pushed Kennedy away and began to stand up. "Whatever…sex addict." Smirking, she nodded in the direction of the bathrooms. "I'll be right back. If someone comes, Kenn can order for me…make sure it's edible," she added to Kadin, then walked towards the restrooms.

Kennedy nodded and Kadin smiled as the witch got up and made her way to the bathroom. The slayer watched and waited until she was completely out of sight before lifting her leg and kicking the hunter square on the shin.

"Ow! Sonuva…" Kadin reached under the table and rubbed her sore leg. "The *hell* was that for?!"

Kennedy jerked her head towards the restrooms. "You just told my fiancée that we slept together! *And* that it was just a one night stand! You *tryin'* to get my ass canned?"

"Whoa, easy there," Kadin put up her hands in defense. "She didn't seem so bothered by it, and besides, said I was sorry." She continued to rub her shin. "Damn, you slayers kick *hard*."

Kennedy's annoyance slowly disappeared and she smiled. "I know, and I'm sorry too. About the kick thing I mean. I think you just kinda…caught me off guard."

The hunter stopped rubbing her leg and lifted her hand to place it back on the table. "I know, and I didn't mean to, but it kinda just…slipped out. Besides, it's not like it's an easy thing to forget."

Kennedy blushed for the second time that night. "I ah well…just s-so you know…I haven't forgotten either."

Kadin smiled softly and dropped her eyes to the table. "Thanks, K. Really, I needed that right now…" the hunter trailed off and let out a deep breath, falling back into her chair. "But not that I'm stupid enough to try and make it with a slayer. 'Specially not one that just so happens to be attached to *the* most powerful witch on the planet.

"Never thought you would," Kennedy added instantly. "But honestly? There's not another woman in this universe that so much as turns my head. I really love my baby. So much in fact, that we're gettin' hitched." The slayer smiled.

Kadin nodded with a little laugh. "Yeah, so I heard. Is that ah…is it…" The hunter paused to choose her words carefully. "Is it legal? I mean, would you guys really be 'married'…married?"

Kennedy smirked. "We'll commit ourselves to each other in mind, body, heart, and soul for the rest of our lives. I don't know if that's 'marriage' marriage…but all that matters to me is that I get to spend the rest of my life with the one woman I love more than life itself. We get to buy a house, a car, maybe even start a family before growing into two old cat ladies that do nothing but rock on their porch all day long, and complain about the weather."

"Well," Kadin smiled. "When you put it like that…"

Inside the bathroom, Willow absently stared at herself in the mirror as she washed her hands. This whole thing with Kadin had happened kind of…fast. Her showing up out of nowhere, finding out they had slept together in recent years. The back of her mind nagged at her as to why Kennedy hadn't mentioned Kadin before, instead having only told her about that Lucy Rich, the 'first girlfriend'. Apparently that wasn't so.

Well, she'd ask the slayer about it later. It didn't matter too much right now. At least she hoped it didn't…but they had to focus on Layla, and how to get rid of her. Obviously Kadin new a bit more than she was letting on currently, but since they had only just met up with the girl, Willow wasn't gonna fault her for it.

Willow dried her hands and turned to go back, when something suddenly struck her. "The necklace!" She had completely forgotten about it since making up with Kennedy. She needed to tell her girlfriend about it, and then call Giles to see if he had found anything.

It wasn't too much longer when the waiter finally came, setting down the menus in front of the two women. It was lucky they got waited on at all. This place didn't exactly strike Kennedy as being known for their speedy service with a smile.

As instructed, Kennedy ordered for herself and her fiancée. The slayer was surprised when Kadin ordered just as much for herself.

Once the orders were taken and the waiter left, Kennedy raised an impressed brow at the other woman. "Nice. Didn't think there was another human being on this planet that could out eat me…well, except maybe Faith."

"The rogue slayer that went psycho and nearly helped the mayor of Sunnydale literally devour the entire population? That Faith?"

Kennedy just sat silent, staring back at the hunter.

"Don't look so surprised," Kadin smiled. "In my line of work, you gotta know what you're up against if you wanna survive."

"U-up against?" Kennedy repeated, still a little dumbfounded.

"Yeah," the hunter nodded, any trace of a smile now gone. "The council…well, the underground council, they hired me to kill her. After their own failed, they realized it had to be an outside job."

"You were gonna kill Faith? Slayer…Faith?"

"That's what they paid me for," Kadin answered. "But by the time I finally made it to Sunnydale, she was long gone."

Kennedy sat silent for a long moment. When she finally spoke, her voice was low and calm. "Well, Faith's not the same person she was back then, and she happens to be my best friend. So, before you think of picking up where you left off…"

"Whoa," the hunter lifted her hands in defense. "You don't think for one second that I was actually gonna kill her, do you?"

The slayer's brow furrowed. "But…I thought you said that's what they paid you for?"

"Yeah, they paid me, but I wasn't actually gonna kill her. I was gonna try to help her, 'cause if there's anyone that knows what its like to overcome a dark past…"

Before the hunter could finish her thought, both women were interrupted by the returning waiter. The man placed the plates in front of them and mumbled, "Enjoy," before quickly disappearing again.

At the same time, the red head reappeared at their table. "Wow, that was fast," she commented upon spotting their food already sitting there. Flopping back down next to Kennedy, she eyed her plate and gave the rice stir fry a small poke with her fork. Her brow raised slightly. "Um…h-how long was I gone for? Three weeks?" It was luke-warm, and obviously microwaved. Great service…

She sighed and started to gather some in her fork anyways. "Can't be nearly as bad as Buffy's cooking…" Just as she was bringing the fork to her mouth, she caught the glances the other two kept giving each other. "Did I…interrupt something?"

"What? Oh, no," Kennedy shook her head as she lifted her own fork to poke at what was supposed to be her ribeye steak. "They call this steak?" The slayer lifted the strange looking piece of meat to look at it from all sides before turning to her lover with a sigh. "Baby? If I don't wake up in the mornin', you'll know why."

Kadin lifted her own fork to her mouth and bit into the steak, beginning to chew. "It ain't so bad," the hunter mumbled through her mouth full. "As long as you don't…swallow." She choked down the piece of meat before throwing her fork back onto the table. "Okay, even I'm not *that* hungry."

Sighing, Willow put her fork down as well. "Well, the hotel restaurant seemed to have an edible breakfast. We could try there?"

"Which hotel you stayin' at?"

"The Copacabana Palace," Willow replied. With a sheepish grin, she nodded at her girlfriend. "Kennedy insisted." The redhead still wasn't used to five star treatment, including that of five star hotels.

"No kiddin'?" Kadin smiled, shaking her head. She reached into the front pocket of her vest and pulled out a gold key. "Room 412." She held up the key with a smile. "Seems like great minds really do think alike."

Kennedy smiled. "Guess that means free food for all." The slayer pushed her plate away in disgust before reaching into her jacket pocket and pulling out some money to throw onto the table.

"Hey Kenn," Kadin reached into her vest pocket. "Why don't you let me get this one? Besides, I can just win it all back when we play some pool after dinner." The hunter smiled as she picked up the bill and placed the money underneath.

Kennedy shook her head as she put her money away. "Not this time VH. I've been practicin' since the last time you kicked my ass." She stood up with a smile and pulled back Willow's chair, waiting for the woman to stand.

"Sounds like you're in for a busy night, sweetie," Willow teased the younger brunette. "Just don't gamble away our life savings, or we'll be living in a cardboard box for two."

Kennedy chuckled. "Don't think there's enough pool games in the world, baby." She wrapped her arm around the redhead as they began to leave the restaurant.

Kadin pulled her duster from the back of her chair as she stood up, and stayed back from the two women, taking her time in putting on the coat. She walked from behind the table to stand next to a nearby tree, never taking her eyes off the two lovers. "I warned you. Come near them again and I don't care what you have…I'll kill you." The hunter calmly walked away.

A few short moments later, Layla emerged from behind the same tree, anger burning in her deep blue eyes.

The hotel cooking was indeed better than whatever the other place had called food. The three ate their fill, before Kennedy and Kadin stood to walk down to the giant games room on the lower basement level.

Willow hung back. "You two go ahead, I've got some stuff to do for a little bit."

"You sure you don't wanna come?" Kennedy raised a brow.

Kadin turned to her with a smile. "Don't think she wants to see her girl get her ass kicked…again…and again…" The hunter trailed off with a smile.

"Glad to see you're so confident," the slayer smirked. "Makes it that much sweeter when I beat the pants off ya." Kennedy's smirk suddenly faded and her eyes widened. "Uh…n-not literally. I just meant…I'd beat you really…bad."

Willow chuckled at her slayer. "Breathe, baby. I know what you meant." She gave Kennedy's arm a little squeeze. "And yeah, I'm good. Don't worry, just have fun for a bit. I'll see you back in our room later."

Kennedy chewed her lips hesitantly, the images of her dream still banging around in her head. "Uh, maybe you really should come too. Be my good luck charm?" The slayer smiled through her nervousness.

The witch raised an eyebrow, not buying Kennedy's explanation. "Kenn, you don't need to worry about me…I'll be fine. Promise. Totally capable of taking care of myself for a few hours."

Kennedy hesitated for a moment more before finally sighing with a light nod. "Okay Will, just…be careful. I'll be down in the game room and if you need me, I got my cell." The slayer turned to the hunter and smirked. "Ready to get your ass kicked?"

Kadin returned the smirk as she started to walk towards the elevator. "Dream on slayer."

Kennedy shook her head with a light smile as she followed the other woman into the elevator.

Willow watched them go, before walking back to the coffee shop to quickly grab another cup. Research always required caffeine, and she needed to make another phone call to Giles.

Kennedy was just racking up the first game of pool when Kadin returned with the drinks. The hunter placed one of the glasses down on the bar next to the table and took a long swig from her own.

Kennedy looked up from her task to notice the slight grimace on the other woman's face. "Should I even ask?"

The hunter shook her head as she placed her own glass on the bar next to the other. "Probably not." She walked over to the wall and carefully chose her pool stick before making her way back to the table to break.

Kennedy had barely managed to walk over to the bar to pick up her drink when Kadin had already sunk four of the low balls. The slayer lifted her drink to take a swig as she watched the other woman carefully line up her next shot.

Kadin's eyes were trained on the five ball as she pulled back slowly on the pool stick. She turned her head to the side and met the slayer's eyes, smiling as took the shot, the five ball banking off the back side before sinking in the front pocket closest to her.

Kennedy smirked. "Show off."

Kadin just shrugged with a sigh. "When you're good…you're good."

"You were right in your earlier calculations, Willow. The talisman is very old, and very powerful. And-"

"Let me guess, Giles. Dangerous?" The words were spoken with a sigh. Of course it couldn't just be some normal necklace a tourist had dropped while walking along the beach, hand in hand with their lover, too busy holding hands and kissing to notice anything else existing in the world but them…

"Sorry to disappoint you," Giles' voice broke into Willow's daydream. "But yes, I'm afraid it very well may be. While the exact origin is not yet known, it has something to do with…" He paused for a moment, as if looking over some notes or information. "With the sun, everlasting light, or…" He made a few Giles-like noises before sighing. "The information we could pull up on it wasn't very helpful. The inscriptions on the side are in, once again, a language we are having a difficult time trying to decipher. The coven in Devon is looking into it."

"I guess that goes with being old, doesn't it? There isn't an 'Ancient Samarian to English' dictionary I've managed to find yet." Willow let out a deep sigh of frustration. She sat cross-legged on the bed, dangling the charm in front of her. It twirled idly in front of her face on its silver chain. "I guess I'll see if I can find more here. Been kinda…busy lately."

A moment of silence passed in which Giles obviously picked up that something was wrong. "Willow, is…if you don't mind me asking…is everything all right between yourself and Kennedy?"

Giving a little smile into the phone, Willow continued to watch the talisman twirl at the end of its chain. "Yeah, its fine, Giles. Good, actually. Mostly. There's been…well, little stuff, but we're good again." More than, she thought as her smile began to spread. She decided to wait until they were back in Cleveland to tell the others of the couples' news.

She knew that immediately they wouldn't understand. They barely even knew Kennedy, and they had been dating such a short time, that an engagement might- or would- come as a huge surprise. Willow herself had thought about that several times since the slayer's proposal. Was it really too soon? She knew that she loved the slayer dearly, and that Kennedy was completely in love with her…what difference did waiting a few years make? They'd still be together. And she had waited too long for too many things in her other relationships. She wasn't gonna let this one slip away because it was 'too soon' by societies standards. Besides, her parents had been married after a mere two months of dating, not to mention they were being arrested during a protest rally at the time of proposal…

Willow turned her attention back to Giles. She needed to focus on the item at hand. "Anything else, Giles?"

"This…vampire. You said her name was Layla?" He had a curious tone to his voice, one that made her believe he was reading at the same time.

"Yeah…why, did you find something?" 'Like how to kill the bitch?' Willow thought bitterly.

"Hm…well, n-not certainly, but there may be…" Giles fell silent again, and Willow waited with mounting impatience.

"Giles? Didn't die on me, did ya? Kinda hanging on the edge of my seat, here. Did you find something on her?"

Giles spoke again softly after a moment. "For now, just concentrate on finding out as much as you can about this talisman. And if at all possible, Kennedy killing this, this Layla. We shall keep looking."

With a sigh, Willow reluctantly agreed. Her brain was too tired to take in anymore information. She needed a break from it all. And a snuggle with her honey…if her honey wasn't busy snuggling someone else…

Frowning, the redhead said goodbye to Giles and hung up. With a sigh, she placed the talisman on the nightstand to show Kennedy when she returned, and flopped back uselessly on the bed.

Kennedy was leaning back against the bar, her pool stick in her hands. She watched a little nervously as Kadin lined up her final shot on the eight ball.

"Any chance I could still talk you outta this bet?"

The hunter didn't look up from the table as she concentrated on sinking the ball. "Nope," she replied as she pulled back on the stick and dropped the ball into the furthest pocket. She threw the stick onto the table and stood up, popping her back. "What's the score now? 3 - zip?"

Kennedy mock glared at the other woman as she leaned her stick back against one of the stools before falling into a nearby chair. "Will was right. At this rate, you're gonna drain even *my* trust fund dry."

Kadin walked over and took a seat in the chair next to the slayer. "Somehow, I doubt that, and besides, it's not my fault I'm so good. Being on your own for long enough, you learn to do what it takes to survive. Some people beg on the corner, I hustle suckers in pool. It's the way of the world."

Kennedy scoffed with a playful smile as she lifted her glass to her lips. "Ever hear of a job?" She took a long drink of her bourbon before setting the glass back down with a satisfied sigh. Turning her gaze to the hunter, she grinned. "You know, those things you go to forty hours a week and at the end you get a nice little piece of paper that you take to a bank and…"

Kadin smiled around the rim of her own glass. "Never been real big on conforming to society," the hunter interrupted the other woman before taking a long drink of her own. She placed the glass back onto the bar before turning to meet the deep brown gaze of her counter part. "Kenn? Are you drunk already?" she asked with a smile. "Thought you slayers were supposed to have some sorta super metabolism or something?"

Kennedy grinned. She *was* feeling slightly buzzed. "You musta forgot that this," she nodded towards the glass, "is my fifth in the last hour. Gettin' your ass kicked and losing your entire life savings can make a person a little…jittery."

Kadin smiled, shaking her head. "That'da do it."

Kennedy propped her elbow up onto the bar and leaned her head against her palm, staring at the other woman. "So what've you been doin' for the last few years?"

Kadin looked over at the other woman a little hesitantly. "Any way I'm gonna be able to NOT answer that?"

The slayer just smiled.

"Okay, fine," Kadin sighed as she leaned back into her chair. "I guess you know everything up til we met back in England. My father had…he was just killed and I was still kinda messed up. You know, the whole 'I will have my revenge' and then with the killing of every werewolf I saw. But after a while, it just got…pointless. I thought that by killing those that killed my father, I would somehow be able to handle his death and my own grief better." The hunter paused, her eyes trained off in the distance. "But it didn't. The only thing revenge brings is more pain. It took me a long time to learn that, but once I did, I found that I was finally able to deal with my pain and move on."

"You mean, you're over it? 'Cause way back when, you had a *serious* case of the revenge kick."

"I know," the hunter nodded, dropping her eyes. "But I learned that there are just some things in life you can't control. You just have to deal and move on…'cause if you don't, you're not really livin'."

"Damn," Kennedy smiled, a little more drunken. "When did you get so deep?"

Kadin turned to her with a smile. "Somewhere between nearly being eaten alive and having my own stake shoved through my side."

"Really?" Kennedy's brow raised. "How the hell you manage that?"

"Well, it seems that taking on a ravenous pack of wild werewolves that just so happens to out number you twenty to one…doesn't really turn out in your favor."

"Ouch," Kennedy grimaced.

"Yeah," Kadin nodded. "I'm lucky to still have all my own appendages."

"I'd say," Kennedy agreed. "So what ha…"

Before the slayer could finish her sentence, her cell phone started to ring. She was a little startled at first, but once it registered that it was probably Willow, the slayer instantly reached into her pocket and pulled out her phone, flipping it open and placing it to her ear.

"Hey there ba-aby."

"Kenne-" The cell phone was knocked from Willow's hand as the demon recovered. Willow was knocked back as a scaly fist backhanded her into the wall. She ignored the aching pain of her nose and concentrated on throwing a barrier up before the demon could lunge at her again.

The red witch wasn't even completely sure what happened. One minute she was dosing on the bed, the next thing this giant…thing was standing overtop of her.

It looked a hell of a lot like a demon from back in the high school days. Almost like the creatures half the swim team turned into, only slightly more…human.

She didn't have a lot of time to dwell on it. Willow barely managed to fling herself out of the way before a spiked forearm planted itself in her pillow. She landed on the floor with a noisy 'thud', and tried to make a run for the door. The demon had rushed her, but she used a deflecting spell to throw him into the opposite wall. In the short ten seconds that followed, she had made it to her cell phone on the table and dialed Kennedy's number. Alas, she didn't even get the slayer's name out before the demon recovered.

Now, as she struggled to keep the force field up, green eyes glanced over to the phone lying on the floor. It was still open, and she only hoped the connection was still in tact.

"Kennedy!"

"Willow!"

The slayer sprung up in her seat so fast, her chair flew backwards and smashed into the pool table. "Baby! Willow?!" When she didn't receive any response she quickly closed her phone, tucking it in her back pocket as she leapt over the fallen chair before running from the game room.

"Hey! Wait up!" Kadin pulled her duster off the back of her own chair before running out after her.

Kennedy didn't even pause at the elevator. She pulled open the door to the stairs so quickly, it nearly broke off the hinges. She didn't look back as she took the stairs two at a time, making her way to the fourth floor.

Kadin did her best to keep up with the slayer, always staying one step behind her. She wasn't sure what was wrong, but by the way the other woman was acting, she knew it had to be something big.

Kennedy's boot landed squarely in the middle of the door to room 402. The elegant oak wood caved in like flimsy tin beneath the force of the slayer's kick.

Once in the room, the brunette raked her eyes over the scene, searching for any sign of her lover.

A short moment later, Kadin came to a sudden halt directly behind her. "Kenn? What the h…"

Before she could finish her sentence, the two women heard a loud crash in the bathroom followed by a woman's scream.

Kennedy's blood boiled, her eyes burned with rage as she stomped over to the bathroom and gripped the already almost completely demolished door. With one forceful pull from the slayer, the door shattered, splintering off in every direction.

So apparently hiding in the bathroom wasn't gonna do much good, since whatever this thing was practically went right through the door. Willow couldn't hold a barrier up for more than twenty seconds; something felt off.

Her powers were weaker, almost as if someone had put them on 'mute'. She had no idea why, but currently had other things to worry about.

As her barrier went down for a third time, the demon raised its spiked fist to bash her skull in.

Kennedy watched the demon raise his arm to strike her lover. The slayer inside just snapped.

The younger woman leapt at the demon, pulling his arm behind his back. She wasn't sure if he had bones or not, but the resounding crack that echoed in her ears soon after signified that he did.

"You. Slimy. Fuckin'. Bastard!" The slayer ground out every word through clenched teeth, emphasizing each one with a punch to the demon's face. "Don't you *ever* touch her!"

She lifted the demon by the back of his neck and threw him out of the bathroom. Her attention quickly turned to her lover that was lying huddled in the far corner of the room. "Baby? You alright?" She kneeled down and placed a hand on the witch's head. Her heart broke just a little when she pulled it away and found her fingers sticky with blood.

Willow gave a weak smile to her slayer. "The usual," she answered with a sarcastic undertone. They didn't have much time for anything else, as the sounds of fighting from the other room came crashing back to their ears.

"Here…help me up." She grasped onto Kennedy's shoulder and started to pull herself up.

Kennedy placed one arm around the witch's back and the other under her knees. "Just…let me." She lifted the woman into her arms and carried her into the other room, gently placing her onto the bed. "Stay here, baby," she whispered to the redhead softly before placing a gentle kiss against the un-bloodied side of her forehead.

At that same moment, a loud crash was heard in the hall and Kadin came flying back into the room, landing on the floor in a heap. Kennedy took a step towards her, but the woman was already back on her feet.

Kadin lifted her hand to her mouth and wiped the trail of blood that was slowly trickling down her chin. "Feisty," she grinned before charging back into the hall.

Kennedy looked back at her lover. "Don't move. I mean it Will. No matter what you hear, don't you dare move." The slayer didn't wait for her lover's response, turning and charging out into the hall way.

Kadin had one hand on the demon's shoulder, the other pounding on its face. As soon as Kennedy stepped out into the hallway, Kadin raised her fist to deliver the final blow.

The demon smiled through a mouth full of blood. "She will have it. You can not stop her." And just like that, he vanished into thin air.

The momentum of Kadin's fist carried her over and she fell face first onto the floor.

"Okay," Kennedy sighed. "The hell just happened?"

Willow nearly ran out after her lover, but fidgeted and forced herself to stay on the bed. Soon things fell silent, and she hoped to the Goddess that was a good thing. "Kenn! Kadin!" the redhead yelled out, worry coursing through her veins.

Her brain had one helluva headache, but she was alive. Again. "Really starting to *hate* that bitch…" the witch griped under her breath.

"That makes two of us," Kennedy sighed as she walked back into the room and headed straight for her lover. She gently sat down on the bed beside her, and raised a hand to her forehead. "Let's get that cleaned up."

"You know what?" Kadin grumbled as she slowly staggered back into the room. "I'm gettin' real tired of these demons that just show up to…" The hunter wasn't able to finish her sentence as she stumbled over something lying in the floor. "The hell…?" She paused and lifted her foot, staring down at the small pouch before leaning down to pick it up. "This yours?" Kadin offered the pouch to Willow.

Wrinkling her nose, Willow reached out and took the pouch. "No, never seen it before…" She opened it up, and inside saw what looked like fine, white sand. Tipping the bag over, Willow poured some onto her hand.

The second it made contact with Willow's skin, she recoiled and practically threw the bag away from her.

"Arg!" Her hand flew to her head as a fresh wave of nausea flew through her and she felt blood start to stream from her nose.

Kadin sighed and reached up to wipe away the fresh trail of blood from her lip. "I'm sure that's bad, and not to be a complete ass about it, but I'm really not feelin' up to it right now." She nodded towards what was left of the door. "I'll be down in my room. If ya need me, that's where I'll be. Good luck with…that." The hunter quickly turned and left the two women alone.

Kennedy nodded absently at the retreating woman's words, her main concern for her fiancée. "What the hell is that stuff, Will?" She reached out and wiped the blood from the witch's upper lip.

The witch insistently swiped at her nose; the blood flow was quickly slowing now that she was no longer in contact with the powder. "Anti-magic…" Willow grumbled, pinching the bridge of her nose. "And a damn strong one, too…" She tried to think of an explanation for her lover. "Okay, not to sound completely geeky here and quote Andrew, but…it can kinda be like a witch's kryptonite." She smiled ruefully at the reference. "I've read about it, and seen some when I was in England, but it's very hard to create, and something that strong…well, its maker would've had to be stronger." She sighed deeply.

"Stronger than me?" Kennedy whispered with a smile, hoping to bring some light to the situation. "'Cause I promise you baby, no matter what that bitch is up to…I'll never *ever* let her hurt you." She reached up and brushed some blood stained hair back from her lover's forehead. The slayer inspected the gash over the witch's brow and sighed. "That's gonna need stitches. Wonder if they got an all night hospital around here?"

Kennedy got off the bed and went over to pick up the phone. After a short conversation with the front desk, she placed the receiver back on the hook. "He said there's one about two miles from here. He's calling a cab for us right now."

The redhead stuck out her lower lip in a childish pout. "But I don't wanna," Willow whined. "I don't like needles." A shiver followed for dramatic effect.

"Will," Kennedy warned with her best resolve face. "Unless you want to bleed to death in your sleep tonight, I suggest you suck it up just this once." The slayer pulled both their jackets off the hook by the wall. "I promise I'll hold your hand the whole time." She walked over and threw the witch's jacket onto the bed next to her while pulling on her own. "Besides, I told him about our room and he's supposed to be sending someone up to fix it while we're gone. I don't think he bought the whole 'trying to catch a mouse' thing, but none the less, we gotta go."

With a reluctant nod, Willow slipped on her jacket. She paused before following the slayer to the door. "I'm sorry. About…well, this whole mess. I had no idea someone would go through all the trouble of sending a demon up to our room just to try to take me out. Not something one would normally have happen every day." A slight pause. "Unless you're, y'know…us."

Willow released a sigh of relief when the doctor finished up and left the examining room for a few moments. She squeezed Kennedy's hand, and felt her body start to relax. "You'd think I'd be used to stitches and needles and stuff after seven years," she tried to joke. Then, the witch gave her slayer a grateful smile. "Thanks for staying with me. Made things less scary."

As promised, Kennedy never left Willow's side.

She stood by her as they checked in, as they waited, when they took the witch's vitals and especially when they stitched her up. The redhead nearly squeezed Kennedy's hand off when the nurse walked in with the anesthesia needle.

"Hey, its all part of the job description," the slayer smiled. "Girlfriend doesn't just mean someone you have sex with you know."

Chuckling, Willow nodded and leaned over to rest her head (the non-stitched up side) against the brunette's shoulder. "Of course I know. You're also my snuggle bunny cutie pie, or have you forgotten already?"

Kennedy groaned as she wrapped an arm around the witch's back. "Snuggle bunny? Cutie pie?" She sighed as she pulled them back to rest against the head of the bed. "You gotta stop with the pet names in public baby. If even one of those beasties gets wind that I'm really nothing more than a bunny pie or snuggle cutie, my whole 'kick ass slayer' image will be shot to hell."

Kennedy reached up and ran a finger over the bandage covering a large part of her lover's forehead. "How's this feel?"

Willow shrugged as the slayer indicated her head wound. "Kinda numb, actually. Which is nice. A-and hopefully it'll go away soon." A moment later, the redhead got a frightful look on her face. "Oh goddess, I'm gonna have to get these things a-all pulled out, aren't I? That's gonna hurt even more! They don't freeze you up full 'o good ol' drugs!"

"Easy baby," the slayer chuckled low. "I promise to use my slayer-like intimidation to make them give you whatever you need so you don't feel the ouchies." She continued to smile as she glanced down at her watch with a slight yawn. "But, for right now, I'd really very much like to get back to our room for some slayer-like sleep. You feel up to it? Or you wanna wait a while?"

"A while? In here?" Willow glanced around the room before looking back at her slayer. "Are you nuts?" Swinging her legs back over the side of the bed, Willow aimed to jump off and landed with a wobble. "Whoa…dizzy."

Luckily for the redhead, Kennedy's slayer reflexes made her able to react in time. She reached out and grabbed the witch's elbow, easily steadying the woman on her feet. "Take it easy Will," Kennedy said as she too scooted off the bed to stand behind her lover. The brunette wrapped an arm around the older woman's waist and pulled her weight onto herself. "The drugs haven't all worn off yet, and you're liable to break something if you try that again. Just lean on me, I've got you."

By the time they got back to the hotel, the managers had already moved all of their belongings to another room. Surprisingly, there wasn't a whole lot of questioning as to what had transpired. That fact surprised Willow, but she figured maybe the residents of Rio de Janeiro weren't quite as clueless as most civilians were deemed to be.

Willow immediately mumbled something about "shower" to her lover, and broke off from her tight grasp as she wobbled towards the bathroom. Right now, she was pretty sure she was just gonna clean up and then sleep for a week or two, she was so tired.

Especially of getting attacked by demons, vampires, or all of the above. It got old after the first time.

Kennedy nodded at her lover's mumbled request for a shower. She warily released her hold on the other woman, watching her walk away as her heart sank. The slayer wanted nothing more than to be attached firmly at the hip to her lover for the rest of her life, or maybe at least the rest of their 'vacation' in Rio.

Ever since her dream a couple nights ago, Kennedy had been on edge and always alert for any sign of danger that might threaten her fiancée. She knew better than to let the witch out of her sight, but one stern look from said witch, and she caved.

Kennedy let out a deep breath and fell backwards onto the bed. Her body was still worked up from the fight a couple hours ago, but she knew the only kinda touching Willow was interested in was the kind that involved the meeting of her head and the pillow.

It was times like this that Kennedy wondered if maybe she was a sex addict. She felt horrible about craving the redhead so much all the time, and even worse about putting her in a position to have to say no. She knew that Willow's body had just been through hell, for the second time that week no less, and yet, she still found her irresistible.

She considered for a moment that maybe she should really seek some advice on the matter, but then again…wasn't that what two people in love, truly in love…should be like?

The slayer's brow furrowed as she played over all the scenarios in her mind, waiting patiently for her lover's return.

Willow felt as if she could soak for hours in a hot bath. Thankfully, their new room had a bath as well as a stand up shower.

She made a point of washing the blood from her hair and the grime from her body before refilling the water and laying back to bask in the bubbles. Her eyes were closed, and she was practically on the brink of sleep.

Running through the witch's mind were a million and one images of what had happened since the demon appeared. It still escaped her mind how he was teleported all of that way into their room without her noticing, or at the very least sensing. But that's probably where the anti-magic came in. Just the mere presence of stuff that powerful was probably enough to throw her mojo off completely.

Anti-magic went by some other name in Latin…and probably many other languages, but she couldn't remember anything off hand. Technically, it *was* magic, but it was…well, anti-magic at the same time. As far as Willow knew, it was extremely hard to create, and the strength at which it was made varied depending on what witch it was to be used on. Now, Willow was never one to brag, but, at the magic level she was at…

Suddenly the witch shot up in the tub. Damn it! That's where it was from!

She scrambled to get out of the tub, but kept slipping in the water and in the end remained sitting. With a frustrated sigh, Willow called out for her lover. "Kenn! Can you c'mere for a sec?"

Kennedy was still lost deep in thought when the sound of her lover's voice abruptly broke through her silent barrier. Her nerves were still edgy and it seemed every muscle in her body jumped at the sudden intrusion of her internal reflection.

The slayer pulled herself into a sitting position and turned her ear towards the bathroom door. When no other sound was heard, she slowly stood up and uneasily made her way over.

Kennedy let out a slow and steady breath as she lifted the palm of her right hand and placed it gently against the door. "Will? You ah…you called me?"

Willow began to nod, even though the slayer couldn't see her. "Yeah, I-I just…I remembered something. About something I still have to tell you about. A-and before I forget I kinda need to tell you, and I can't really seem to get up on my own just yet…" Despite herself, she blushed a bit and rolled her eyes. "Think you can help pathetic little me up and into a robe? I need to show you something."

Kennedy could feel her heart rate increase just a little. Her eyes widened slightly as entail images of Willow soaking wet and covered in vanilla scented bubbles assaulted every one of her senses. She had to take a moment to let out a deep breath to calm her nerves.

"You…you want me to c-come in there? Now, while you're…not descent?"

*Not descent?* What the hell was that about?

Kennedy had no idea what was going on in her own head. She had seen Willow in many ways before, and she had to admit, rarely could they be called 'descent'…in a private, bedroom sorta way of course.

Inside, still half in, half out of the tub, Willow paused and raised an eyebrow. She didn't say anything for a second, as she tried to root through the nervousness and tension in her lover's voice. "Kenn…"

With a sigh, "Never mind…" It came out more as a grumble than originally planned. "Just…give me a minute." She couldn't help but be a little annoyed, though a part of her knew the whole 'horny' thing came with a big fight like they had just gone through.

It took a few tries; the after effects of both her stitches and the white powder substance had completely drained all of her energy; currently her arms muscles felt more like wet noodles. But eventually Willow managed to hall herself out of the tub, and standing on shaky legs reaching over to grab the robe hanging nearby.

Kennedy's ears picked up on the heart breaking sound a fraction of a second before it actually happened. She didn't have to guess what the sudden 'thump' followed by a low moan was, and somehow, she just knew it was her fault.

"Baby, I'm so sorry," the slayer pushed the door open wide and quickly breezed into the bathroom. She knelt down next to her lover's shaken body and placed one arm around her waist and the other under her knees. She lifted the older woman's body effortlessly and quickly carried her into the other room to place her on the bed.

She watched as Willow painfully pulled herself more fully on the bed before retreating back into the bathroom to retrieve the cause of the fall.

Kennedy re-emerged a few seconds later with the soft pink robe in hand, and cautiously extended it out to the witch. "I'm so sorry Will. If it wasn't for these damn stupid slayer hormones…" She trailed off and averted her eyes. "Maybe I should just sleep on the floor tonight. Somehow I'm *sure* I'll just find some other way to hurt you and I don't want that. I couldn't stand it if I…" The rest of her sentence trailed off and she let out a slow, uneasy breath.

With a shake of her head, Willow grimaced once more. She felt her stomach tighten almost painfully, and it took a second for her to realize why.

"Kenn…" came out in a painful grunt. "T-the…the bag." She pointed to the tiny pouch sitting a few feet away on the bed. "Baby, please…flush it, o-or something." Once the object of her immense headache was taken care of, they could deal with other pressing matters.

Kennedy's eyes instantly trailed over to the pouch now sitting on the night stand. She let out a low growl as she walked over and grabbed it in a tight fist before swiftly walking over to the balcony and pulling open the doors. With her best slayer effort, she threw the pouch over the edge and watched as it disappeared off into the darkness.

The slayer let out a reflexive sigh as she slowly made her way back into the room, gently closing the balcony doors behind her. Keeping her hands resting lightly on the handles behind her, she leaned back against the elegant glass and once again dropped her eyes. "I should…I should probably see if they have one of those fold out…things."

Willow let out a deep breath, feeling her body relax. Finally, she was able to tune into Kennedy's distress. "Don't be stupid…" she mumbled, sitting up on the bed and slowly pulling on the robe. "This was no more your fault than mine. Now stop apologizing for every single bad incident that goes on in our lives, because we live in a dangerous line of work and living. Get your ass over here." She gave a light grin, wanting the slayer to try and realize Willow wasn't about to let her sleep in the bathtub.

Kennedy looked up a little shocked, but still hesitant. "Are you sure? 'Cause I just…I don't want to…I don't think I can…damn." The slayer paused and took a deep breath. "I don't know how much more of this I can take," Kennedy shook her head as she folded her arms over her chest and slowly walked over to take a seat on the bed next to her lover, making sure to keep just enough space between them. "Ever since I found out I was a potential, the chance at actually becoming a slayer gave me something to that I really looked forward to in my life. Don't get me wrong, the strength, the power, the abilities, and the stamina," she added the last one with a little smile, "are all really, really *good* things."

Kennedy unfolded her arms and slowly dropped them to her sides. "But this always feeling so…'horned up' stuff? I could really live without."

That got a small laugh from the redhead. "Baby, you're just gonna have to learn to deal with it. Chances are, every time you get in a big slay, you're gonna f-feel…well, y'know, l-like you wanna…like we should…" Her sudden stumbling over words made the witch groan. "You know what I-I mean. And hey, most nights…a *lot* of nights…" Her grin turned slightly more towards the devilish kind. "We're gonna be able to, y'know….*do that*. But for now- just tell your body to shut up."

At the surprised look she got from the slayer, Willow scooted a bit closer and placed a reassuring hand on her knee. "Not *you* shut up, your body. You're in control, so just ignore it as best you can til it gets easier. Okay?" She smirked a little bit again. "I don't know how many times we can have this 'horny Kennedy' conversation over again…I think we're bordering on what, three or four here?" she teased.

Kennedy looked away ashamed. "I know." She nodded solemnly. "And I'm sorry," she finished in a barely audible whisper. "You gotta believe me, if I could fix it myself, I would." She slowly turned back to her lover and tried to manage her best smile. "I'm gonna let you get to sleep 'cause I'm sure you're more than ready for it." She stood up and nodded back over her shoulder. "I'm just gonna grab a quick shower."

Kennedy started to lean in to kiss the redhead goodnight, but pulled back at the last moment, settling for a polite smile instead. "Night Will." She turned and walked over to the dresser, pulling some clothes out of her bag. With fresh pajamas in hand, she quietly disappeared into the bathroom and softly clicked the door shut behind her.

Willow watched Kennedy go with a sad look on her face. A deep sigh escaped her lips once the slayer was out of sight, and she was just starting to settle into the bed when her brain reminded her why she had had the sudden need to talk to her lover.

Letting out a frustrated groan, her gaze settled on the necklace still resting on the nightstand. Well, she'd have to go into details tomorrow…for now, the red witch lay her head down on the pillow and sleep immediately began to pull at her eyelids. The bed felt empty without Kennedy, however, and she hoped the slayer was planning on at least sleeping in the same bed tonight…

It was about twenty minutes later when Kennedy slowly pulled open the bathroom door and quietly stepped out. Her hair hung in errant strands of slightly damp curls around her face as she threw her dirty clothes into the farthest corner. Her eyes trained over to the woman sleeping peacefully in the queen sized bed…and she hesitated.

The slayer didn't want to cause her lover any more pain or grief, but she knew that if the redhead woke up without her by her side, that it would possibly hurt the witch more than any demon or accidental fall could ever dream of. With her mind firmly made up, the brunette made her way around to her side of the bed and gently pulled the covers back before settling in behind her lover.

As soon as her head hit the pillow, she felt herself being pulled into a peaceful unconsciousness and instinctively she reached out to place an arm around the older woman, pulling her body tightly against her own.

Willow, on the brink of sleep, settled back into her slayer, a small smile playing on her face. She took in a breath as Kennedy snuggled in closer behind her, and covered the slayer's hand that was wrapped around her stomach with her own. "Love you, Kennedy…"

Kennedy smiled softly as she leaned over and placed her head behind the witch's on her pillow. "I'm an asshole, and I'm sorry," she whispered sweetly into the other woman's ear. "But I still love you more than life itself. Always will." She kissed the side of the redhead's neck just below her ear before sighing out contently and snuggling in deeper into their embrace.

Willow awoke the next morning in much the same position that she and the lovely brunette had fallen asleep in. She felt well rested, despite the previous nights events, and was sure that a little more meditation would speed up her own healing process.

A smirk grazed across her face. It really was a good thing people didn't grow extra skin when they meditated, or she'd be on her way to becoming a female Clem.

Definitely not recommended for weight loss.

Getting the silly notion out of her head, the redhead turned over in Kennedy's arms, and was content to just lie there and stare at her slayer for a few minutes. She looked so…peaceful. It was nice to see her lover resting, and not so worried over whatever was gonna happen to either of them.

Feeling the need to wake her slayer up in the greatest of all possible ways, Willow started to place butterfly kisses against her lips, slowly applying a little more pressure to each of them. One of her hands trailed up to graze along the slayer's jaw line softly.

Kennedy stirred at the first light kiss. "Mmm…Willow," she moaned as she stretched her sleep ridden muscles. She continued to feel the ghostly kisses against her lips before they slowly trailed down to her jaw. With a sleepy smile, she flexed her arms and pulled the other woman's body into her own. "Mornin' beautiful," she whispered before burying her face in the witch's neck and inhaling the still lingering scent of vanilla from her fiancée's late night bath.

Willow gave a content moan in response. Her hand moved down to trace small circles on Kennedy's shoulder blade. "Morning sleepyhead…" The witch pressed her lips to the tip of Kennedy's nose briefly before pulling back with a grin. "And I don't know if 'beautiful' is really the way to describe me right now…" She was suddenly very aware of the fact that sleeping on wet hair allowed it to dry to your head overnight, creating the realistic affect that you walked through the center of a tornado. With a small groan, Willow retracted her hands from Kennedy and tried to brush her 'cat' back down and into a more normal looking style.

Kennedy smiled. "I already told you baby, you're always beautiful to me." Her hand traced along the curve of the witch's hip idly as she stared back into the sleep glazed eyes before her. "Will," she began cautiously, not wanting to upset the peaceful moment. "I think that maybe…well, that we should probably…you know, talk about last night."

"W-which part of last night?" Willow tried to smile, and make some light of the situation. "The conversation about you being a little horn ball, or the fact that your ex-girlfriend appears out of nowhere and is a thousand times hotter than me?"

After a moment of surprise, Kennedy leaned in to whisper against Willow's ear. "Baby, you're way hotter in any sense. I should know." The slayer breathed in her lover's scent and let out a long groan as she pulled away. "Which brings us back to your first question." She paused and looked away. "I was thinking, you know, last night in the shower, that maybe this being so revved up all the time can't be solely blamed on the slayer hormones. I mean, its like you said, it is *my* body and I think that after almost 21 years, I should have control over my own body. Maybe…maybe it's just me."

A part of Willow's brain nagged at her that Kennedy was avoiding anything Kadin questions, but that could wait. (No, she wasn't the jealous girlfriend at all…)

"Kenn…" Willow lifted Kennedy's chin to meet their eyes again. "Just because you're a…a sexual person doesn't mean there's something wrong with you. And besides, you *can* control yourself, last night and night before, case and point…" She raised her brow. "It's a part of who you are, and…" a small blush escaped. "A-and I like that part…a lot." Willow grinned sheepishly. "You aren't the only one out there who's physical relationship with their partner plays a big part. I still don't get why you're so worried."

"Why I'm so…worried?" Kennedy repeated with a slightly raised brow. "Will, I hardly think what happened last night could be chalked up to me being 'worried'. I'm not worried, I'm scared. I'm scared that one of these nights, I might not…that I won't…I might not be able to control myself." Kennedy's face clouded over with silent anguish. "And to hurt you like that? I…I don't think you can dismiss it so easily. Doesn't it bother you that I'm always constantly hounding you for sex?"

Willow let out a sigh, finally clueing into why Kennedy was so bothered by this. "Baby, I'm being totally honest with you when I say that I *don't* feel like you're constantly 'hounding' me, as you put it." She sat up in bed, looking thoughtful for a moment. "And I can't…" Flaming hair fell around her shoulders as her head shook from side to side. "I can't even imagine that you would ever…try to hurt, or force me into anything, let alone sex. It's not in you, Kennedy. I know you, and I know that you're worried about it, but I just can't…see it ever happening that way."

Willow glanced down at the slayer. "The fact that you're so worried, scared, about it, makes me even more sure of it never happening." Tentatively, the redhead reached out for her lover's hand on the bed, and covered it with her own. "I don't know what else I can say to make your feel better, but I will say this: before you ever became a slayer, you were still a…a 'physical' person. We had a few…amazing nights, the odd time you managed to keep the rest of the girls away from our room." She smiled at the memory. "So now, you become a slayer, and that whole…thing doubles ten fold. You slay demons, you get worked up. And a lot of the time I'm right their with you, as previous history concludes…" Willow gave a small wink in her girlfriend's direction. "Add in the factor that our relationship is still fairly new, and you get that whole 'can't keep our hands off each other, I-hurt-you-hurt' stage." She paused in her analogy to take in Kennedy's reaction.

Kennedy searched her entire vocabulary to come up with a response that was worthy to her lover's little speech. "Oh," was all she seemed to manage in that moment, but after a second of collecting her thoughts, she pulled herself to sit up next to the witch. "What I mean is, I guess I never really looked at it like that. I know deep down that I would never be able to hurt you like that. I couldn't live with myself afterwards if I ever did."

Kennedy sighed, pulling the redhead's hand into her lap. "I know you're right. After all, you are the brains in this relationship. I just mostly beat up and/or kill things." The slayer smiled, letting Willow know she was only teasing. "Seriously baby, I think I get what you're saying. I too remember those nights back in Sunnydale." She smiled as she interlaced their fingers. "We were surrounded by girls, but you were the only woman I could think of. You stole my heart away that first night Will, and its been yours ever since."

The slayer rubbed the back of the witch's hand with her thumb. "Maybe it is just my body's chemistry is different now, but that doesn't mean I've craved you any less before. I'm glad to know you don't think I'm some big hormone driven freak that only wants you or your body for the endless nights of mind blowin' and amazin' sex."

Willow grinned at her slayer. "Glad to know you're emotionally involved honey, but lets not *completely* rule out that whole mind blowing sex thing…" The redhead moved closer to her slayer so she was able to leaned in and place a soft kiss over her slayer's ear. "Feel better, baby? 'Cause I hate seein' you so upset…."

Kennedy smiled as the older woman pulled away. "Much. Thank you for being so understanding and for once again helping me clear out the mess that is my head." She lifted a hand and ran it through the witch's locks, softly untangling the matted knots. "And I promise, no more deep conversations for the rest of our vacation."

At her lover's sudden raised brow, the slayer corrected. "I mean, at least not any more about me and my insatiable sex drive."

That brought a chuckle out of the witch. "Good. 'Cause I don't know how many more speeches I can yank outta nowhere." For a second, she fell silent, then glanced down at the sheets a bit nervously. "So, can I…can I ask you, about…um…" Willow hesitated yet again. She felt stupid, but couldn't help it. "What happened between you and Kadin?"

It came out more as a blurt than she had originally intended. It made the witch blush. "I mean, don't get me wrong, I like her so far, she seems nice, but I just…I really don't wanna have to kill her, y'know?" With a sheepish grin, Willow groaned and fell back against the bed. "I'm not normally the jealous type, I feel so stupid!"

"Will," the slayer's brow furrowed. "Why would you be jealous of me a…" Kennedy trailed off as her lover's words finally penetrated her brain. "Oh, I see," she lightly smiled as she lowered herself down to lie next to the witch. "You think I still got a thing for Kadin, don'tcha?" Willow's answer was a light shrug. "Well, looks like you caught me. I can't deny it anymore."

The slayer got a suddenly grave look on her face as she leaned up and locked her eyes with Willow's. "There's something I have to tell you. Last night when Kadin and I went to 'play pool'," she said with appropriate inflection, "we didn't really *play* pool…so much as have sex on top of the table where everyone could see." She watched as the witch's jaw dropped before her upper lip started to tremble.

Kennedy smiled. "Sounds pretty stupid, huh? That's cause it is, Will. I've already told you…no other woman on this planet gets so much as a flutter outta my heart." She reached her hand out and pulled Willow's smaller one against her chest. "You're the only one. You always will be."

Willow opened and closed her mouth a few times, before it finally kept shut and was replaced with a rather relieved smile. Then, her hand shot up to punch Kennedy in the chest. "Don't do that to me!" Despite herself, the playful punch was a bit harder than intended and made a loud 'thud' against the slayer's chest.

"Ouch," Kennedy smiled as she rubbed the spot on her chest. "Remind me to never *really* piss you off. You hit hard for a g…woman." The slayer paused and cast her eyes upward. "Although, I am wondering if that whole 'sex on the pool table' was a spur of the moment thing, or if maybe it just might be some deep down repressed hidden fantasy." She dropped her eyes down to judge the witch's reaction. "'Cause you know, I think I heard somewhere that it's not good for your health to repress."

Rolling her eyes, Willow grabbed Kennedy around the waist and yanked the slayer on top of her. "Baby, one thing at a time. We still have that whole full moon beach thing on Thursday. One sex-crazed fantasy at a time, 'kay?" With a smirk, she craned her neck upwards to start nibbling at the slayer. "In the meantime, nice, cozy bed sex is okay…"

Kennedy struggled to hold back a deep moan. "Willow Rosenberg, I'm shocked." She broke away from the older woman's light kisses. "The sun has just come out and it's a beautiful day. You really wanna spend it at home in bed making wild, crazy monkey love? The nice, cozy kind, of course, but still…ruin a whole day in bed with just you?" She sighed and shook her head. "I'm not so sure I wanna do that. It might take some convincin'." The slayer's lips eased into a playful smile.

"Just me?" Willow's eyebrow immediately arched at the use of that wording. "Are you implying that ex-girlfriend you're supposedly over should be joining us?" She did not look impressed.

And was totally kidding.

Kennedy's eyes widened so big, they threatened to pop right out of her head. She jerked back so quickly that her momentum took her right off her lover and over the edge of the bed. The slayer groaned when she landed on the floor in a heap.

Willow ended up in a fit of laughter, hardly able to breathe for a moment before she regained her composure enough to roll over and peer down at Kennedy from the edge of the bed. "You okay there, sweetie? Didn't break anything, did ya?" The look on her face was one of pure amusement.

Kennedy whimpered as she pushed herself up. "You're evil," she pouted as she crawled her way back onto the bed. "You're an evil, evilly sexy girlfriend." She laid her head on the pillow next to the witch and continued to pout. "Why would you do that? To think you could even imagine such a thing…" The slayer trailed off as her eyes glazed over.

Willow noticed the look and immediately smacked the slayer a second time. "Hey! It was bordering on funny the first time, now it's getting' dangerous," she warned. "Don't get any ideas…" Then she smirked. "What, are you *really* that surprised I would joke about a kinky threesome between three hotties such as ourselves?" The look the redhead gave Kennedy was priceless.

Kennedy's glazed look was replaced by an accusing brow. "So, you think she's hot, huh?" The slayer sat up and crossed her arms over her chest, never breaking the look with her lover. "Maybe *I'm* the one that should be jealous here."

Willow just grinned upward at her fiancée and settled back into the pillows. "What can I say? I have a thing for the Latina type." A dreamy sigh escaped her lips.

"The Latina type?" Kennedy repeated, her own smirk slowly forming. She slowly leaned down over her girlfriend, her hand disappearing southward between them. "Or just me?"

Willow smiled softly up at her slayer. "Okay, you got me." Her arms started to snake around her girlfriend's waist. "Only, and always you." Her hands slid underneath the hem of her slayer's shirt, fingers gently massaging the soft skin on Kennedy's lower back.

"That's what I thought," Kennedy teased with a soft smile. She sighed contently at the gentle contact of her fiancée's fingers against the sensitive skin on her back. "You have to know baby, what's in the past is over and done with. I still wanna be Kadin's friend 'cause she is really cool, but not at your expense. If you don't want me hangin' around with her, then I won't."

The slayer's smile softened even more. "I don't need her friendship nearly as much as I need you, and your love."

"Now what kinda girlfriend would I be if I told you not to have any friends?" Willow shook her head and smiled again. "I like Kadin, I do. I guess I was just kinda…w-well, you were giving her 'The Look' at first, and I kinda thought, when she said you two had…but it doesn't matter now. And I want you to be friends. Besides, that means she can maybe help out with the slaying and stuff while we're here. You'll have some backup, a-and I won't have to worry as much."

"'The Look'?" Kennedy asked with a raised brow. "I do *not* have a 'Look'. Maybe you just think I do because I don't hide it when I can appreciate sex appeal." Kennedy paused. "And I really hope this doesn't get me in trouble too much, but Kadin *definitely* has it, but so does Faith and so does Buffy for that matter." The slayer nodded in agreement. "Any self-respecting woman with a brain in her head and desire in her heart is sexy as hell."

Kennedy grew silent before shrugging. "For me anyway. It's not always the looks or their ability to melt metal with a just a smile." The brunette smiled slightly. "But…it's not a bad thing either."

"Hey, I'm teasing, no worries…" Willow gently started to knead the muscles in Kennedy's lower back with her fingers again. "A-and you're right, about the brain thing…but, I kinda like to think you like my sex appeal more than anyone else's. Call me selfish, but…" The redhead smiled cheekily up at her girlfriend. "If it came down to a physical fight between me, Buffy, Faith and Kadin to win ya over, I'd have no chance in hell." A thoughtful look passed over her face. "Unless, I *could* always just transport them to another dimension…"

Kennedy smiled. "I'm flattered, I think…but it still bears repeating." The younger woman dropped her hands to the witch's sides and started to rub them gently over her shirt. "There never will be a fight, because no matter how sexy I may find them, you're the only woman I want intimately in my life, in my bed, or in my heart."

"I'm flattered, I think…" the redhead teased in return. Willow applied a bit more pressure with her hands in hopes of guiding Kennedy down closer to her. "'Cause it just so happens you have the most kissable lips I've ever come across…c'mere…"

Kennedy playfully growled as she leaned in and brought her lips to the witch's. After a brief, but passionate kiss, she pulled away.

"Okay, I'm convinced," she breathed with a smile. "Looks like you're gonna be stuck with me *all day*. I just hope this place builds its beds better than its doors." Kennedy grinned at her lover's blush.

A witty reply was sure to follow, only when Willow opened her mouth to speak she suddenly lurched upwards and nearly knocked Kennedy off the bed a second time instead. "Oh, damn it! I forgot again!" Willow started to crawl to the other edge of the bed, reaching over towards the nightstand and starting to feel around its surface rather hastily.

"Uh…honey?" Kennedy asked as she regained her balance. "Something in particular you lookin' for there? I'd like to hope there's a really good reason you just blew me off."

"Huh?" Willow was only half-listening as she finally found the necklace. Grabbing it, she practically flung herself back towards Kennedy, holding it up. "Sorry, its just, I-I keep forgetting to tell you, last night, and the night before, with everything that's happening." The sun-pentagram shaped necklace dangled between them.

"It's hers." Willow wrinkled her nose. "A-at least, I think it is. I found it on the beach a few mornings ago, when we were…well, w-when you left."

"The who with huh doing where now?" Kennedy shook her head as she tried to understand what her lover was relaying. "You mean this," she reached out and took the necklace from Willow's hand, "belongs to Layla?" She studied the object intensely. "Just looks like some badly painted and cheaply designed hunk of metal used to sucker in the tourists. What makes you think its so important?"

With a slight huff, Willow snatched the necklace back from Kennedy. "I didn't, or at least I wasn't sure until I talked to Giles. He found a few references to something like it in a few of his books, with old drawings and stuff." She looked down at the object in her hand again. "I kinda thought about it afterwards, last night when you brought me home…maybe *this* is the reason that demon was sent up here. She knows we have it and wants it back."

"Whoa, geez," Kennedy lifted her hands in defense. "I'm sorry. There's no need to get all huffy about it. You know you're the brains in all this baby, and I just don't get all that technical magic-y stuff." She reached out and placed a hand on the witch's knee. "And if you say it's important, then there's no doubt is."

Willow calmed down immediately. "No, I-I'm sorry, I shouldn't get annoyed with you." Giving an apologetic smile, the redhead gave Kennedy a small kiss before pulling back. "I guess the whole situation is just getting to me. We don't know who she is, I have no clue whether or not this necklace is important. And things keep getting in the way of our happy, private vacation. Guess it's got me a little cranky."

Kennedy smiled softly and reached out to take the necklace from the witch's hands. She shushed her lightly when she started to protest as the slayer reached over and placed it back onto the night stand. "Whoever she is isn't important, 'cause if she crosses either one of us ever again, I'm gonna kill her. To stay true to our lives, this necklace probably holds the key to the universe, and starting right now, the only thing I want getting in the way of our vacation, is the decision whether or not to get outta bed."

Kennedy shifted to lean back against the pillows, pulling Willow down between her legs to rest back against her. The brunette wrapped her arms around the witch's waist and placed a kiss on her temple. "Wanna see if you can find a good movie on early mornin' cable? I won't even argue if it's some girly movie about love and romancin' and babies."

"Mmm…only if we get to stay like this…" Willow settled back into Kennedy, turning her head to place a few kisses against the side of the slayer's mouth and cheek. "Comfy Kennedy pillow…"

Kennedy's moan was enough of an agreement. "Hadn't planned on movin' anytime soon." She nodded towards the remote lying beside them on the other night stand. "Go ahead, but I beg you, please don't make me sit through anything that with Freddie Prince Jr. or that guy with the crooked nose, 'cause he just creeps me out."

Arching an eyebrow, Willow started to flip through channels. "There are many creepy, crooked-nosed guys out there. Warn me when we come across one of them."

Kennedy was sitting on the edge of their bed, lacing up her right boot as she glanced up at the bedside clock.

10:40 P.M.

It was a little late to be starting her patrol, but she was caught up in bed watching movie after movie with her fiancée all day.

Kennedy smiled at the memory of how she spent her day. As promised, Willow didn't force her through hour after hour of mind numbing 'I love you, no I love you' chick flicks. She even convinced her to watch a few horror movies, and smiled every time Willow would cover her eyes with her hands and squeal.

She could be such a girl…no, *woman* when she wanted to be.

"She's all my woman too," Kennedy added to herself as she finished lacing up her other boot.

"Y'know," Willow's voice carried in from the bathroom, "Once we get our own place back in the states…we should have these 'us' days more often." The redhead peeked out the door quickly to flash a smile at her brunette. "Who ever thought lazing around in a comfy, king sized bed all day could be such fun?"

Kennedy smiled as she reached over to the night stand for her watch. "Baby, anything that involves you, me, and any sized bed is definitely gonna be fun." The slayer looked over at her lover with a grin as she placed the watch around her wrist.

"Hmm…guess you got a point there." Willow retracted her head back into the bathroom long enough to finish running a brush through her hair. Moments later, she stepped out into the bedroom, fully dressed and no longer looking like her grew a cat on her head. "Did you talk to Kadin? She going patrolling with you?" Casually, the red witch made her way over to the bed and started looking through one of the nightstand drawers.

"I called her while you were getting dressed," Kennedy nodded as she started to button up her shirt. "I believe her exact words were, 'I'd rather wear pink and sing show tunes.' So, I took that as a no. I'm guessing she's still a little beat from last night." Kennedy glanced back over her shoulder to catch a glimpse of her lover. "I think she said something about watching the old Van Helsing movies and laughing herself to sleep."

Willow chuckled, shaking her head as her fist enclosed around something and she stood up, pushing the drawer shut in the process. "Well, she can't complain too much about Kate Beckinsale playing Selene…or is that from one of her other movies, I can't keep track. Either way," the witch shot Kennedy a grin as she slowly started towards her, both hands held behind her back. "The director's casting choices must make the movie somewhat more bearable."

"Yeah," Kennedy nodded slowly, her eyes fixated on her lover's hidden hands. "I guess." She tried to catch a glimpse at what her lover was holding without being too obvious. Kennedy never was any good at subtly, and she very rarely liked surprises. "Uh, whatcha got there Will?"

A small, almost barely visible smile remained on the witch's face. "Just a little somethin'-somethin'…" Stepping up close to her slayer, Willow wrapped both arms around the brunette's neck before bringing her right hand down in front of Kennedy's face. "I picked it up yesterday, while you were busy."

Between her thumb and index finger, the redhead held a ring. It was a silver band, a vine-like design outlining the rim. In the center, a small rose wrapped around what appeared to be a stake.

Willow bit her lip nervously, waiting for Kennedy's reaction. "I-it um, took a couple of extra bucks for the guy to get the whole thing finished in 24 hours, but…I hope you like."

Kennedy was speechless. Her mouth opened and closed as she stared down at the ring presented before her. She stared at the silver band, the sparkle setting off in her eyes. "Will…I…" She struggled to get the words out to show her lover just how much the gesture meant to her.

After a few more short moments of silence, Kennedy lifted her eyes to the witch's, a slow smile forming on her lips. "Baby, I love it." The slayer stood and reached out to pull the redhead into a tight hug. "Its the most thoughtful thing anybody's ever given me."

Kennedy pulled herself back out of the hug and raised a brow. "Trying to out do me?" She nodded down to the witch's left ring finger.

That brought a small grin out of the witch. "Out do, nope. Keep up with, yes." She teasingly nudged her slayer in the ribs. "I just figured that, with all you've given me…I-I wanted you to have something from me to remind you how much you mean me, so you know how much you mean to…okay, that was long-winded and kinda confusing, but I hope you get what I mean." Willow shrugged sheepishly, reaching down to take her slayer's hand and slowly brought it up to slip the ring on. "I guess, so you know the feeling is mutual…"

Kennedy kept her raised brow as her lover slipped the ring onto her finger. "Uh-huh," she smiled. "You say that, but I'm willing to bet this might be just a little bit of that, 'Don't touch her, she's taken' sorta thing." The slayer's brow arched even higher at the redhead's slight blush. "Don't worry baby," Kennedy placed her hands on Willow's hips and pulled her in, burying her face in the soft red locks, "I think its kinda hot. I like being taken." She turned her head to the side and nipped at the older woman's ear before whispering, "'Specially by you."

Willow pulled back after a moment with a sly, yet subtle grin on her face. "Get back early enough from patrol tonight and that just might be workable…" Her brow raised in a suggestive manner, and she slowly swaggered back off into the bathroom.

Kennedy's eyes were wide as she watched her lover slowly swagger away, her gaze never leaving the redhead's shapely hips. She swallowed back hard with a nervous smile before glancing down at her watch.

10:55 P.M.

Wonder how early she meant?

The slayer raced over to the door and swung it open, just managing to swipe her jacket from the back before it closed.

That night would be the shortest slayer patrol in the history of patrolling.

For the first time in her slayer career of patrolling, Kennedy was actually hoping that no vampires were gonna show. She didn't want to run the risk of getting caught up in a big fight, or getting jumped and possibly injured.

She didn't want to give Willow any excuse to go back on her offer.

Just when she thought she was going to be able to call it an early night, she felt the hairs on the back of her neck stand on end. "Dammit," she sighed, stopping dead in her tracks. "Whoever, or should I say *whatever* you are…could you please just go away and come back to try and kill me some other night? I kinda got some plans for later, and I'd be *severely* ticked off if you somehow managed to screw that up."

"Such idle threats," Layla's voice floated out of the shadows like silk. "We both know it's the *screwing* you're really after, in the first place…" The she-vamp cocked her head to the side as she slowly started to circle the frozen slayer. "What, are you *really* that surprised to see me, Kennedy? You had to have known I wouldn't just fade away forever."

"W-what are you doing here?" Kennedy eyed the vampire warily as she continued to circle around her. "I thought I told you not to come near me again." She slowly lifted her hand to the back pocket of her jeans, discreetly reaching for her stake. "Besides, don't you have some other world-conquering plan you can be working on? Don't all you evil geniuses have something or someone to be destroying at all times?"

Layla stopped her circling, coming to a rest directly in front of the slayer. "Witty one, aren't you?" The she-vamp lifted her hand and ran her right index finger between the split at the top of Kennedy's open button up shirt.

"Brains *and* brawn? Sounds like you're just about perfect." Layla raked her eyes over the slayer hungrily. "Next you're going to tell me that whole 'slayer stamina' thing isn't just a myth." Her finger fell to the first button on Kennedy's shirt and started to pop it open.

The slayer watched as the vampire licked her lips, her finger trailing down her chest. It wasn't until she felt the light tug on her shirt that she suddenly pulled back. "Damn," she sighed, running a hand through her hair. "What the hell are you doin' to me?"

Layla's grin slowly faded into a seductive smile. She took a step forward, once again closing the gap between them. "If you'll let me," she spoke softly as she stepped up into the slayer's space, her body almost touching the brunette's. "Whatever you want," she whispered into Kennedy's ear. "I can show you things you've never even dreamed of." She nipped at the bronzed ear before slowly pulling back.

Kennedy felt herself slowly being pulled into the transfixing gaze before her.

Layla's eyes shined as she kept her eyes locked onto the slayer's. "Kennedy…" she began in a husky voice. "Come to me."

Kennedy took the step forward, once again bringing their bodies together. Her tongue slipped out and wet her lips as she stared back into the ice blue eyes, waiting for her next command.

Layla smiled. "Kiss me, Kennedy."

The slayer leaned forward and pressed her lips to the vampire's.

Layla immediately deepened the kiss, feeling Kennedy respond in kind. She fed Kennedy's want, desire, and need, her cold dead hands roaming the brunette's skin and making her want more.

She pulled back, the pair of lips lingering just barely above each other, and Layla moved her own to whisper in the slayer's ear. "I need you to do something for me, Kennedy. Do you think you can do it?" Her 'warm' breath tickled the slayer's ear.

"Yes," the slayer breathed with an instant nod. "Whatever…whatever you want." She rested her hands on the she-vamp's hips, the slight sting of cold teasing at her fingertips through the light silk of the vampire's dress.

A small smile grazed Layla's face. "Thank you, my love…" She had to resist the urge to sink her fangs into Kennedy's warm, inviting neck right then and there. But she needed the slayer, first. "Here's what I want you to do…"

Kennedy let out a long breath as she reached forward and turned the knob on their hotel room door. "Will?" she asked as she peaked around the door before slowly stepping in. The room was empty, but looking across, she could see the faint outline of her lover behind the balcony doors.

Kennedy's eyes clouded over as she slowly made her way to the balcony.

Once at the balcony, she pulled the doors open wide and gave her lover her best smile. "Guess what baby?" She walked over and wrapped her arms around the witch's waist from behind. "Know that skank vamp, Layla? Guess who just totally kicked her ass *and* gave her a one way ticket to the after life."

Willow, who was expecting Kennedy home around this time, turned around with a broad smile. "Really? You killed her?"

Kennedy took a moment to take in her lover's appearance. "Yeah," she nodded absently. "Say Will," she started, a slow smile forming. "Ain't it a little cold out here just to be wearing that little, thin white bed sheet? Which, I might add, is almost completely see through…" Kennedy trailed off, licking her lips.

"Is it?" the witch answered absently, a coy smile appearing. "Huh. I hadn't noticed." Slowly, she stepped back from the slayer and let the sheet drop to the ground.

Kennedy's eyes scanned down the witch's body, taking in every luscious curve and dip. Her smooth, milky white skin shone in the moon light. Never had Kennedy seen anything more beautiful. "Willow…" she finally managed to force the word from her suddenly dry throat.

Smile still firmly in place, Willow took a small step towards the slayer. "I'm thinking that my slayer deserves a prize for her heroics in defeating the evil bitch who's been giving us so much trouble lately…what do you think, baby?" She sidled up to Kennedy, not quite touching her but coming unbearable close.

"I…I…" Kennedy's throat burned. "I think that…ah…" The slayer watched helplessly as Willow advanced on her. She slowly started to back track into the room when the witch's hands came up to her shirt and started on the buttons.

The slayer nearly tripped back over her own feet at the look she was receiving from her lover as the older woman worked on ridding her from her shirt. "Damn baby," Kennedy smiled. "What did you get into while I was gone?"

Willow smirked a little, her eyes completely focused on the buttons coming undone from Kennedy's shirt. "Let's just say I'm feelin' a little…celebratory." Suddenly, Kennedy's shirt was gone and discarded to some other part of the room. Loving the dumbfounded look on her slayer's face, Willow raised a seductive eyebrow and raised a hand to the brunette's chest. "Bed." She gave her a slight push, knocking her back onto the mattress. "Now."

Kennedy's chest and abdomen started to rise faster with every short breath she took. Her body was starting to fire up and the desire started to coarse through her veins. She gave her lover her best 'come and get me' grin.

Willow took a few slow, sensual steps towards the bed, before leaning forward and crawling on top of Kennedy.

The slayer embraced her lover full on, wrapping her arms around her waist and locking her hands behind her back. "C'mere," she whispered with a smile before pulling Willow's lips down onto her own.

Both women let out a sigh at first contact. Kennedy smiled into the kiss, feeling the passion building. She pulled on the witch's body, reversing their positions. She had one hand tangled in the long red tresses while the other ran down over the soft, smooth skin on her lover's side.

Kennedy was just getting into the moment when she felt Willow suddenly pull away. She gazed down into those emerald eyes and she could almost swear Willow could see right through her.

"Baby?" She hedged cautiously. "What…what is it?"

The Wiccan was barely able to catch her breath, her partner's lips a mere inch away from her own. Willow forced her eyes open to stare directly back into Kennedy's; this weird feeling had just gone through her, for no specific reason she could figure out.

She stared at her lover for a moment, both hands lightly caressing the dark haired beauty's face, before finally Willow shook her head. "Nothing…nevermind…" She recaptured Kennedy's lips in a heated kiss.

The slayer moaned out at her lover's insistent contact. Her skin was starting to ignite with the passion she felt building inside.

Not only did she not get a good slay in tonight, she still felt worked up from that kiss…

No sooner was the thought through her mind, that Kennedy felt her lover once again pull back from her.

"Kenn…" Willow swallowed hard, trying to get her heart rate under control. "S…she's all over you." The witch pulled back, a confused and slightly hurt expression on her face. "The vampire. I can…I can *feel* her all over you. Her presence, i-its…" She frowned, giving Kennedy a questioning stare.

It was Kennedy's turn to swallow hard. "What? I mean, m-maybe it's 'cause I was f-fighting her." Kennedy gave her best convincing smile. "Yeah, 'cause you know h-how close we have to be to actually uh…stake…them." Kennedy could feel her lover's gaze boring a hole straight through her.

Willow knew. Holy shit in a haystack…*Willow knew*.

She continued to study Kennedy intently, not knowing what to think at this exact moment. Something was definitely off about…about something. It nagged at the back of Willow's mind, though as far as she could tell Kenn wasn't *acting* any different, just…*felt* different.

But whatever it was, she couldn't just brush it off. "I-I don't…" Willow mumbled some excuse under her breath and started to push Kennedy off of her. She needed to clear her head.

"No, baby," Kennedy grabbed Willow by the arms gently. "Wait."

When the witch settled down in her attempt to push the slayer off, Kennedy smiled her sweetest. "Please don't let her ruin this for us, baby. I don't know what you must be feelin', but I'm tellin' you, she's dust."

Kennedy nodded affirmatively as she rubbed her hands up and down her lover's arms. "She tried to work some kinda hojo mojo on me, but I staked her ass before she had the chance."

The slayer paused and stared deeply into her lover's eyes, her gaze penetrating deep into the redhead's. "I love you Willow. Don't you believe me?"

It was that look, that intense, honest gaze that broke through the witch's fog of confusion. "I'm sorry," she apologized, pressing her forehead against the slayer's. "I-it's not that I don't trust you, I-I just, had this weird…feeling…" She gave a weak smile, resting both hands on the slayer's waist. "I'm glad she's finally gone…" Willow's lips moved further down to nibble at Kennedy's collar bone. While the feeling hadn't totally escaped, her inner conscience was telling her that Kennedy's story made sense; any magic Layla had tried to work on the brunette would leave a residue behind, and that's probably what she was picking up on.

Even in her best of times, Willow sometimes had trouble convincing even herself of these things.

It wasn't always about making love.

Sometimes Kennedy just wanted to be connected to her lover, to be with her in her desire and passion.

That's all they did that night. They didn't make love. Just a heavy make out session and a few light tickle fights were all the two lovers shared in that night.

And for Kennedy, that was much worse.

She didn't know what was going on inside her own head. On the one side, she knew this she-vamp was evil and needed to be dusted, but…some other little voice inside of her kept telling her to hold back, that she shouldn't…*couldn't* do it.

Never had the slayer felt so powerless and vulnerable in her own skin.

'The necklace…bring me the necklace…' The voice echoed in the back of her mind, pulling her out of her trance.

Her brown eyes fixated on the necklace lying on the table beside her. She cast a quick glance down at the woman snoozing lightly against her side. With her slayer stealth, it was no problem for Kennedy to leave the bed without disturbing Willow's light slumber.

She quietly reached down and picked up the necklace, placing it in her back pocket as she pulled on her shirt and boots. Draping her jacket over her shoulder, she made her way to the door, but something caused her to pause, looking back over at the woman lying still in their bed.

A tremendous wave of guilt washed over her and she just *knew* there was only one way this was gonna end.

Kennedy sighed and pulled open the door, stepping out and quietly closing it behind her.

As soon as the door closed, Willow stirred and started to sit up in bed. Her mind was still fuzzy with sleep, but she was awake enough to realize that Kennedy had left. That thought filled her with a sinking feeling, one she was unable to shake as she scrambled for clothes.

It took a few minutes to get dressed completely, and halfway through the door Willow had half a mind to stop and grab Kadin in case this got messy. But she didn't know the other girl that well, and also didn't want Kennedy to get too much further ahead than she already was. So, Willow left alone.

Although her slayer was long gone by the time she reached the main lobby doors, Willow closed her eyes and reached out with her mind. Instantly, she picked up her slayer, and took off in that same direction.

Whatever was going on, tonight would be the night they would finish it, once and for all.

Kennedy pushed open the door to the crowded bar and stepped in. After brushing off a few drunken offers for a dance, she spotted the she-vamp sitting back in the farthest dark corner.

The slayer let out a deep breath and made her way over.

"Leave," Layla hissed at her minions as the slayer approached. The lowly demons scattered away instantly. Kennedy took the now empty seat on the couch next to the vampire.

"My love," Layla purred. "Did you do as I requested?"

Kennedy nodded mutely and reached into her pocket, pulling out the necklace and holding it up for the vampire's approval.

The blonde demon smiled as she reached out to take the jewelry from the slayer. "Perfect." She placed the necklace in the pocket of her silk robe and let out a low sigh as she ran the tips of her fingers down the side of Kennedy's face. "You did well my love. Are you ready for your reward?" Layla's smile grew seductive, her tongue slipping out to wet her top lip.

Once again, Kennedy nodded.

Layla dropped her hand down to the brunette's jaw and pulled her into a passionate kiss.

"Out of all the places…" Willow murmured under her breath as she stood outside the bar. Both arms wrapped around herself protectively as a cool breeze flowed through the air.

The witch looked back and forth for a moment, as if deciding whether or not to actually go in. Finally, she reached out and yanked the door open, stepping inside.

Kennedy was really getting into the kiss. It hardly bothered her at all that the demon's lips were colder than ice. That tiny voice was still in the back of her brain, telling her that this was good, right…perfect.

Layla moaned into the slayer's mouth and lifted her hands to weave them into her dark brown tresses. "Kennedy…" she moaned as the slayer's hands began to roam down over her body.

The slayer expertly slipped her hand into the she-vamp's robe, pushing back the only barrier of silk still covering the cold of the vampire's flesh.

"Mmm…yes," Layla moaned her approval as Kennedy's hand rounded on her breast. She broke the kiss momentarily to nip her way over to the brunette's ear. "You know just how to touch a woman, don't you? I bet you know just how to make one scream too." The vampire licked Kennedy's ear, briefly dipping her tongue inside before pulling back out again.

Kennedy sucked at the vampire's neck before lifted her head to once again pull her back into the kiss.

It was like watching a movie in slow motion.

Willow stood, in the middle of the club, not breathing, not moving. Just…watching.

In that moment she didn't know whether to scream, cry, or tear the world apart. All she knew was that her heart felt like it was shattering, over and over again, into thousands of billions of tiny, insignificant pieces.

All of the times Kennedy had told her she loved her, all the nights of love making based around those three, simple words. It was all a lie.

Nothing about magic registered in her mind. All that made its way into and through her thoughts were the images of Kennedy holding, groping, and kissing another woman. A *demon*.

She really did mean nothing to the slayer.

Caught up in a whirlwind of emotions, Willow knew she couldn't be there. She turned to run for the exit, but the instant she turned someone was in her way. A tray of empty beer bottles sailed through the air and shattered noisily against the floor. Her heart felt like it broke in time with them all over again.

Willow didn't even bother to look over her shoulder or apologize. She just ran from the club.

The sound of the shattering glass broke Kennedy out of her trance. She broke the kiss instantly and turned her head to the source of the crash just in time to catch a glimpse of fiery red before the door slammed shut behind it.

"Willow," the slayer breathed as she immediately broke away from the vampire and ran out of the club after the witch.

Kennedy caught up to the woman just a few yards down the street from the club. She walked up right behind her fiancée, her ears picking up the sounds of ragged breaths.

"Willow?" she asked in a whisper. "It's…it's not what you think."

The witch stopped walking, her shoulders going rigid. She held her breath for a moment, knowing she would explode in anger otherwise. Then again, why shouldn't she? Kennedy deserved to be yelled at. To be screamed at, to be hated. Willow wanted to do and say so many things at once, but she didn't even know what half of them were.

Instead, her feet started to move again. She didn't dare turn around to look at the slayer as she moved. "Stay away from me." It was said with a mixture of hurt, betrayal, rage, and a hundred other emotions Willow couldn't pick apart from each other in that moment.

"Come on baby," Kennedy reached out and grabbed Willow's forearm, pulling her to a stop. "Don't be that way. You know i-it…it wasn't me." Kennedy paused, and for the first time actually wondered herself why she was kissing instead of *killing* Layla.

Her hand slowly dropped away from the witch's arm and her eyes grew dark and glossy. "I was…I k-kissed her? A *vampire*?" The slayer took a few short steps back and lifted her hands palm up. She stood silent, staring down at them as if they were foreign to her eyes. "I…I *touched* her. I…I…" She trailed off and looked back up into Willow's eyes. "What's wrong with me Will? Why did I do such…such…*disgusting* things?"

Kennedy shook her head in complete confusion. "I'm a *slayer* for fuck's sake. I'm supposed to kill vampires, not…" She stopped in her rant and looked up to see the older woman still looking at her with pure anger, unfazed by her sudden realization.

Kennedy dropped her eyes to her boots. "I know you hate me Will, and I don't blame you. If it was me…if I saw you like that…"

"Just…stop! Shut up!" Willow was unable to help her sudden outburst. She held both hands to the sides of her head. "I-I-I don't, I can't…right now…" Tears stung her eyes as she turned back around to glower at the slayer. "I can't believe that I actually…*believed* you, that I really thought you loved me." Her voice was full of anger, despite the tears now starting to stream down her face. "Just go back to your whore, maybe pretend you love her instead for a change of game. 'Cause I sure as *hell* can't take you pretending with me anymore!"

"Pretending?" Kennedy's eyes fell at the angry words of her lover, but she did not raise her voice. "Baby…I…you know that it's not like that. I love you, I really do." She took a small step forward, but thought twice about going any closer. "God Willow, I love you *so* much. You have to believe me."

She wanted to reach out to her lover to bring her some sort of comfort, but instead she just dropped her hands uselessly at her sides. "There's no other woman, breathing or non, that I want…that I *love*. Only you Willow. Please don't tell me this is over. Please tell me that I can fix this."

"I don't…know if you can." Willow's voice had suddenly dropped to barely above a whisper, and it sounded…empty, void of emotion. She looked at Kennedy sadly, before taking a small step away from the slayer.

Kennedy took the calm of the moment to step up to the redhead and wrap her in a gentle embrace. "Please baby, don't…don't say that. Please, I know I can fix this. I just need a chance." She turned her head to the side and inhaled the witch's familiar scent. "I…I can't lose you."

Willow closed her eyes and allowed, just for one instant in time, herself to feel the warmth of being back in Kennedy's arms. Then, that instant was gone, and she reached down to take the slayer's hand in both of her own. "You already had a chance." Her eyes were filled with sadness, and a few more tears slipped free as she stepped back from Kennedy. "I'm sorry." She turned, and started walking.

She left the slayer holding her engagement ring, the green emeralds around the edges seeming to have lost their sparkle.

Kennedy stood alone in the darkness, staring down at the faded silver ring lying in the center of her palm.

She really hated when she was right.

Willow wandered the streets of Rio in a daze. She didn't care about whether or not it was safe to be walking alone at night, seeing how she'd probably kill anybody who snuck up on her in a most literal fashion.

She couldn't go back to the hotel now. At least, not yet. Kennedy would probably be heading back there now…for the time being, Willow didn't care about what she was going to do. She just…needed to be alone, and kept walking.

Kennedy pushed open the door to the hotel room, stepping inside, she closed it with a quiet click.

She stood in the doorway for a long moment and just stared down at the ring that hadn't left her hand since her lo…ex-lover had put it there.

The sound of a light buzzing finally pulled her out of the trance. Looking up, she saw Willow's phone vibrating against the bedside table. That same voice of logic that she had been failing to listen to lately screamed in the back of her mind not to violate the witch's privacy, but after a short moment, she decided to once again ignore the warning.

"What've I got to lose?" The slayer walked over and picked up the cell phone, placing the ring into her right front pocket. She lifted the phone to her ear, and after pressing the right buttons, waited for the message to start.

Kennedy's brow furrowed as she listened to Giles' voice drift over into her ear. The words 'necklace', 'most powerful witch', and 'result in death' echoed through out her ears.

As if the night couldn't get any worse. Kennedy had to hear that she could possibly not only be the reason for the redhead's broken heart, but also for her death that was sure to be met at the hands of a certain she-vamp that Kennedy had just about had enough of.

The slayer didn't say a word as she calmly closed the phone and placed it in her back pocket. Pulling her jacket tighter around her body, checking to see if her favorite stake was still tucked away safely inside her inner pocket, the brunette headed for the door.

Almost like a scene from one of the cheesy horror movies she had watched earlier with Kennedy, the bush to Willow's right rustled. She stopped, letting out a ragged breath. "Might as well come out now. Save us both the energy of having to be stealthy for another thirty seconds and just get right to it."

Willow turned around to come face to face with the demon responsible for tonight. Her eyes burned in hatred as she glowered at the blonde. "Now what more could you *possibly* want, Layla? You've already taken everything else I have tonight."

The blonde vampire smiled, shaking her head. "You mortals. Always so wrapped up in yourselves. You can't see what's going on right in front of your eyes." The demon gave a satisfied smirk. "You honestly think I was after your slayer? I mean, don't get me wrong, she is hot and no doubt a killer in the sack, but…" The she-vamp started to circle around the witch. "She was merely a pawn in my little game. Just the errand girl that I needed to bring me the bait to catch the really big fish."

Layla shrugged with a casual sigh. "You really shouldn't have been so quick to judge. It wasn't her fault. I have met few as of yet that have been able to resist my charm. Besides, have you too also not fallen victim to the drive of human passion, human desire?" The blonde leaned in to whisper the last part in the witch's ear. "Her body may have been mine, but her heart never skipped a beat when she looked at me. Not like it does when she looks at you."

Layla pulled back to meet the intense gaze of the witch. "I could hear it that first night back on the beach. We vampire's pay attention to that sorta thing, you know?"

Willow gritted her teeth, mentally imagining herself clawing Layla's eyeballs out. "So, you here to be my relationship therapist, or…go fishing?" She raised an unimpressed eyebrow at the vampire. Kennedy's face kept flashing through her mind, as did the demon standing in front of her kissing Kennedy.

Layla's smile faded, her eyes growing yellow as her face morphed into her demon visage. "I tried to be nice," the vampire hissed as she took the few steps forward needed to close the gap between her and the witch. "But if you want to play it like that," Layla's tongue ran across the tips of her fangs, "I am *more* than willing. Either way, I will have you and my ritual…and thanks to your little blow up earlier, its more than guaranteed your knight in shining slayer won't be showing up to rescue you."

Willow stood her ground, glaring defiantly at the demon. "Who says I'll be needing rescuing?" One of her hands shot out, preparing to launch a spell at Layla.

The vampire laughed. "You know," she reached into her robe pocket and pulled out a little brown pouch. "I was told you were supposed to be some sorta 'super brain', but I have to admit, I'm very disappointed." She swung the pouch in front of Willow's face. "Have you not learned anything? Your cheap party tricks just aren't going to cut it. The only thing you had going for you was your slayer…and now you don't even have that." Layla chuckled menacingly. "Oh, it's good to be evil."

The witch's stomach churned, and she had to fight not to waver on her feet. "You know, for a blonde bimbo, you sure do seem to have a large supply of that stuff. Got someone to do the dirty work for ya? 'Cause I gotta say, I can see you pulling a rabbit out of a hat before you would ever be able to create something mystical."

Layla tried to repress the growl emitting from her chest. "If I didn't need your power so badly, I would have ripped out your heart by now," the vampire placed the pouch back in her pocket and reached out to grab Willow by the arm.

"Not that I'm not planning on it after the ritual," the vampire began as she started to pull the witch along. "In fact, I'm thinking of making it my gift to my new childe, you know, that slayer of yours. Once I become the most powerful being on the planet and her one and only true love is dead, she will be powerless to my will. Then I will take her, right there next to your lifeless body. As your blood stains the earth, so will hers, only she will be awakening into a new life as my childe…my lover."

Willow jerked to a stop, and unable to help herself, reared back the fist that was free from Layla's grip. The witch smacked her across the face as hard as she could manage. Granted, she wasn't a slayer, but she was damn pissed off. "Ow…" came out afterwards as a grumble, as the witch shook her fist. This is why she left the physical stuff to Kennedy…

The vampire's face jerked to the side, causing her to also stop in an instant. If it was possible, her blood would be boiling. She had just about enough of the witch's attitude. "You know," Layla growled as she turned to face the redhead. "I have *had* it with you. I'm starting to wonder if you actually have to be *alive* for the ritual to work." She grabbed Willow by the neck and pulled her forward roughly. "'Cause I'm beginning to not care."

Well, if she was gonna be dragged to her death, she might as well put up a fight. And, as girly as it was, all Willow could come up with for the moment was to stomp her foot down and crush Layla's toes. She pulled back from the vampire, stumbling a few steps. "Okay, are you *getting* that maybe dragging me through the entire city ain't gonna work? Plus, shouldn't I at least know what I'm supposed to die for? You aren't the first vampire I've ever met with the whole 'I shall become indestructible' doomsday plan. What makes yours so original?"

Layla smiled. "Well, I don't usually reveal my top secret evil plans, but…seeing as how you'll be dead in less than an hour, I don't see why I can't bend the rules just this once."

The vampire walked over to a nearby bench and took a seat, crossing her legs and leaning against the back rest. "What makes my plan so original is not only do I have *the* most powerful witch in human existence today, but I also have the next chosen one, or at least, who *would* have been the next chosen one. You know, just to add that special little…'kick'. I guess you could say its a little insurance to make sure that the spell will not fail."

Layla pulled back on her robe, the silk sliding from her thigh. "So not only am I going to take your power, but with the extra kick of slayer blood, I'm more than certain to become the most powerful being ever to set foot on this earth." Layla finished with a smile. "Genius, ain't it?"

"Maybe. Except…" Willow raised a brow at the vampire, trying to look a little amused. "You just said yourself. Kennedy isn't here. And chances are she won't be showing up any time soon, so…"

Willow caught sight of the sun necklace as Layla idly played with it in one of her hands, and suddenly it struck her. "The sun. You're doing a spell to walk in sunlight…"

Layla smiled as the sun pendant twirled on the end of the chain. "Now that's more like it," she laughed. "I knew you had to have those brains in there somewhere." The vampire sighed, placing the necklace back in the pocket of her robe. "And as far as your little…whatever she is to you now, not showing up? Something tells me no matter what you said to her, there's no way she's going to stand idly by as you meet your untimely death at the hands of yours truly."

Layla paused and ran her eyes over the witch's body. "Personally? I don't get what she sees in you. You're way to skinny, you bitch entirely too much, and the only time you two have sex is when *you* want to…and yet, she still loves you with everything she is. I can't even *begin* to tell you how hard it was for me to get my mojo just right to work on that one."

Unable to help it, Willow had to look away. "You don't know anything about us." This was getting unpleasant. She glanced around, planning on making an escape, when instead she turned around to bump into the chest of a rather *large* vampire. Blinking, Willow glanced up at him with wide eyes. "Uh…h-hi. Didn't see you there…don't supposed you would mind stepping aside and letting me leave, would you?" She gave a bright, toothy grin.

The muscle bound vamp smile and lifted a fist to smash it against the witch's temple in answer. Willow's body crumpled to the ground.

"Hey! Careful with that," Layla barked as she got up off the bench and made her way over to her minion. "She's the key to my little ritual and she won't be much use to me if she's got major brain damage." She nodded down to the witch. "Pick her up and let's get outta here, it's nearly midnight." She started to walk away, but suddenly stopped and grabbed the big vampire's bicep. "And be gentle, hmm?"

"Yes mistress," the brute vampire nodded before reaching down to grab Willow around the waist and slinging her over his shoulder. "Hey, boss?" he asked as they began to make their way towards the beach. "When you're done with her, we get to have the rest, right?"

Layla sighed. "Yes, Lucis. Once I am finished with the witch, whatever is left is all yours."

The vampire smiled a wide grin, his fangs gleaming in the moonlight.

Kennedy was on the hunt.

And this time it was *very* personal.

The slayer gripped the stake in her hand tightly as she crept along the beach in stealth. Her ears were tuned into every sound in the darkness and her eyes were trained for any sign of Layla or Willow.

Willow.

Just to think of her name made Kennedy's heart ache. After everything that been done, she still couldn't believe it was over. She thought about the ring which was still resting snuggly in the front pocket of her jeans, and how Willow's eyes looked so pained as she placed it in her hand.

From the first moment she knew she was in love with the witch, Kennedy had sworn to herself that she would never be the reason for a look like that from her lover, but now she was.

Yes, Kennedy had truly and fully fucked up in the most major of ways.

And even though she had accepted her now ex-lover's words for good-bye, she just couldn't…her heart just wouldn't let her walk away knowing that the redhead would surely meet her death at the hands of that home wrecking she-bitch of a vampire.

After a few more moments of quietly searching up and down the shore of the deserted beach, Kennedy began to panic. Then it suddenly hit her.

"I'll just call her on her cell," the slayer smiled as she reached into her jacket pocket and pulled out the cell phone. She began to dial the number when it suddenly dawned on her that this *was* Willow's cell phone. "Damn," she sighed and flipped it back closed before tucking it away into her jacket pocket.

Suddenly, the air shifted and her nose picked up on a familiar scent. It was very faint and the direction of the source was a little fuzzy, but there was no doubt who it was coming from.

"Willow," Kennedy breathed. "Don't worry, I'm comin' baby."

Willow came to lying face down in the sand. A low moan escaped her lips as she rolled over, her head giving a painful throb.

"Gotta learn to stop insulting vampires…" Slowly the witch pushed herself up into a sitting position- or tried to. It took some effort just to get to her knees, seeing how her feet were chained together and thick black rope held her hands behind her back. The redhead glanced down at herself and groaned.

Finally she was able to focus on her surroundings, and very quickly realized the ritual was about to take place in a matter of minutes. Layla sat in the sand about ten feet away, setting up what looked like a portable alter. On top of it rested a purple, glowing amethyst stone. Next to it, a blood-stained rabbit.

Images from her vision on the plane flashed before her eyes, as she realized that this is what she had seen.

Layla finished the final preparations for the ritual and turned to look at her prisoner. "Oh good," she smiled, "you're awake." The vampire sauntered over to the redhead and tugged on the rope binding her hands. "Not too tight, is it? Not that I really care," the she-vamp shrugged. "That's just what they always say in the movies. Wouldn't wanna break with tradition."

Willow jerked away from Layla, nearly falling over in the process. "Where's your lackies? Haven't seen you out in public without at least three of them drooling on your shoe. Afraid they might get smarter and decide to try the ritual themselves?"

"A bitch til the end I see," the vampire sighed. "I really just don't see why Kennedy is so transfixed with you. Not that it matters though, 'cause in less than ten minutes there won't be much of you left anyway." Layla paused, a slow smile spreading over her face. "Tell me something witch, how did it feel when you saw us kissing? How does it feel to know that in less than an hour, she'll be fucking my brains out right next to your barely cold, lifeless body?"

Truthfully, the thought made her nauseous, but she wasn't about to let Layla know that. Instead, she just grit her teeth and glared back defiantly. "This is all depending on your ability to actually *do* magic. This isn't some stupid little spell a beginner is gonna be able to pull off."

"I'm impressed," Layla raised to her feet with a defiant grin. "That's three times I've rubbed it in your face…and not so much as a flicker. I can respect that," she finished with a nod. "But it's too bad you still gotta die." She started to walk away, suddenly stopping to glance back over her shoulder. "And as far as the magic stuff goes? I'd like to think that I can still remember *something* from my life before I was turned. After all, I was only *the* most powerful witch this side of the equator." The vampire smiled. "Gotta love that irony, huh?" Layla shook her head with a light chuckle as she continued to walk away.

Willow furrowed her brow. Well, that was just…not good. She watched as Layla spoke to several of her minions, all of whom were dispersed unevenly around the beach. Probably giving them instructions of some sort in case the brunette was to show up.

Despite having been 'bumped' on the head for the third time that vacation, Willow was seeing the whole thing more clearly now. Her overwhelming guilt sent a pang through her chest, threatening to tear it open. She loved Kennedy, always would, and hoped to whoever was out there that they would let her slayer know that she was sorry.

As the vampire approached to begin the ritual, Willow started to struggled against her ropes. They held fast. Taking in a deep breath and closing her eyes for a moment, Willow sent out what she hoped her slayer would someday receive.

~I love you…~

~I love you…~

Kennedy was nearly knocked back off her feet.

The message resounded throughout her head, pounding through her mind like a jack hammer. She was sure she had ruined anything that she had with her beloved redhead…but….who else could possibly be sending her such a message? Not to mention the strong emotion she felt behind the words.

A soft smile spread over the slayer's face.

Now she was determined that there was no force in heaven or in hell that was going to keep her from saving her witch.

Layla had finally settled into the sand, crossing her legs and reaching over to light the amethyst and surrounding candles. Willow's breathing started to increase, and though she wasn't completely panicking, she was definitely getting desperate.

But all hope was starting to fade, hope that Kennedy would find her and she could apologize for being a horrible person to her these last few days. And for trying to break up with her.

Still, those thoughts didn't bring the slayer into her view. Her heart sagged against her chest as she realized that this was it, she truly was going to die without getting one last chance to see her lover.

Her attention was rudely returned to the spell at hand when a pain worse than she could have imagined suddenly hit her square in the chest.

Layla's head suddenly flew back and a long moan escaped her barely parted lips. She felt her normally cold skin burning with the fire of power as she began to suck it from the witch's body. The vampire's muscles were tense with the overwhelming feeling of perfectness and she felt herself beginning to grow stronger by the second. "This is…" Her words died in her throat as she let out another long, satisfying moan.

"Willow!"

The sudden yelled interruption cause Layla to lose concentration, her link with the witch instantly fell away and the strong white light beaming between them disappeared into thin air.

Kennedy came charging out of the darkness and ran over to the redhead's side, dropping to her knees. "Willow, baby? Can you hear me? Are you okay?" The slayer cradled the unconscious woman in her lap, smoothing back the sweat stained hair from her forehead. Her eyes were dark and cold as she slowly brought her gaze up to the vampire's. "What did you do to her?" she grit out between clenched teeth.

Layla smile, still a little high from the power transfer. "Kennedy, my love. What took you so long?" The vampire slowly rose to her feet and beckoned to the slayer with her eyes. "Come to me."

Kennedy's eyes suddenly clouded over and she dropped the witch's head to the sand. Rising to her feet, she made her way over into the vampire's arms.

The gentle thud of her head hitting the sand jostled Willow awake- at least partially. She could hardly breathe, her chest hurt so much. And she felt…weak. Not quite half, but still much of her power had been drained away. It made the redhead wonder why Layla had suddenly stopped.

Weakly, she turned her head to gaze at a heart-wrenching sight: Kennedy was walking straight into Layla's arms. She wanted to cry out, to warn her, but her throat burned when she tried to talk.

Kennedy's gaze never left Layla's as she walked directly into the vampire's open and waiting arms. She wrapped her own around the blonde's waist and pulled their bodies tightly together. "I'm sorry," the slayer smiled seductively. "I got lost. Forgive me?" She gave the demon her best seductive look.

Layla smiled, the aftershocks now completely gone. "'Course I do, my love. You're here now, and that's all that matters." The vampire leaned in to press her lips to Kennedy's.

Just before they met, the slayer suddenly pulled back.

"What is it, my love?" Layla gazed deeply into Kennedy's eyes.

The brunette looked confused for a long moment. "Oh, right," she finally nodded with a smile. "I almost forgot." She leaned into the vampire's ear to whisper. "Psych."

Leaning back, Kennedy lifted her fist and punched the vampire squarely in the face. The she-vamp went flying into the air and landed nearly twenty feet away.

Kennedy smiled.

The sight took a moment to register in Willow's mind. A small smile broke out over her face, and suddenly the pain was a little less.

But before she could do much more than blink, a large and flabby hand clamped over her mouth, while a bulky arm wrapped painfully tight around her waist and hoisted her into the air.

"Mepmndy!"

Kennedy's slayer hearing picked up on the strangled cry for help. Swiftly pivoting on her right foot, she turned to face the bastard that dared to lay a hand on her lover.

Her anger boiled over at the vampire that was almost crushing the redhead in a bear hug, grinning the whole time. Her fists clenched tightly, her knuckles turning white. "Let…her…go."

"Not a chance slayer," the vampire growled and pulled Willow more roughly against his huge body.

"Fine," the brunette hissed through clenched teeth. Reaching into her pocket, she pulled out her stake and charged the vampire. The demon's eyes suddenly widened, his grip on the witch going slack.

Willow's body crumpled to the ground just as Kennedy launched herself into the air, crashing her body into the vampire's.

"You…stupid…fuckin'…bastard!" Kennedy pounded out her frustration on the vampire's face, feeling the bones cracking beneath each blow. "Don't ever touch her!" The slayer suddenly lifted a bloodied fist into the air and plunged the stake down firmly into the vampire's chest, dust instantly flying up from beneath her.

Kennedy remained on her knees, staring down at the now empty space and breathing heavily.

Willow lay on the sand for another few seconds, grimacing. Great, now her ribs hurt too. She ignored the burning in her throat however, and lifted her head to look at Kennedy. "You gotta…gotta get o-out of he…re, Kenn. She, she's dangerous…"

Kennedy slowly turned her head to look at the witch over her shoulder. A bead of sweat ran down her forehead and over her eye before dropping off the end of her nose. Her chest was still rising and falling rather heavily, her eyes were stone cold. "Not as dangerous as me."

The slayer slowly pulled herself to her feet and made her way over to the witch. She leaned down and placed one arm under the redhead's knees and the other wrapped around her waist. With an effortless pull, she raised her lover in her arms and stood up. "I know you probably don't want me touching you right now," the slayer began a little sadly, "but it's the quickest way outta here right now if I just carry you. Sorry," she added the last apology in a strangled whisper.

The look on Kennedy's face sent a shiver through Willow's spine. It was one she had never seen before, one of pure rage and…anger. But, as soon as she turned her gaze to the redhead, Willow saw it change to one of sadness. Her heart wrenched. "Kenn, I-" She cut herself off mid-sentence when her eyes locked on Layla standing a few feet away from them. The witch was suddenly all too aware of the fact that her hands and feet were still tightly bound. Words stuck in her throat as she tried to warn Kennedy about Layla.

An understatement would be to say that she looked pissed.

Kennedy watched her lover's face darken. She quickly turned her head to meet the source of the witch's sudden change in mood. "Damn," she sighed when she saw the severely pissed off looking vampire standing not ten feet behind them.

The slayer brought her gaze back to the older woman. Smiling reassuringly, she placed Willow back onto the ground and reached behind her to pull on the rope that bound her hands. "Listen to me Will," she began as one swift tug freed the witch's hands. "I want you to run away from this place." She reached down and grabbed each of the ankle shackles in one hand and pulled. The steel nearly shattered beneath the force, breaking in two and falling away from the older woman's ankles. "You hear me? No matter what, don't stop running. As long as she's focusing on me, she can't get to you."

"What?" Willow furrowed her brow, then immediately shook her head. "N-no, I'm not leaving you here! Forget it!"

Kennedy shook her head. "Don't argue with me," she met the witch's eyes, pleading with her own. "Please, I can't go through losing you again." She reached up and grabbed the older woman behind the neck, pulling her lips crashing into her own. Kennedy kissed Willow in that moment like nothing else on earth mattered.

Willow kissed her slayer back with equal intensity. To them, it felt like a kiss that went on for hours, yet ended too suddenly when the brunette was forced to pull back and face the oncoming vampire.

Willow stayed there, in the sand, unable to move. She couldn't leave Kennedy here, Layla was too powerful. She was torn, not knowing how to help. Firstly, she managed to climb to her feet on shaky legs, the rope and chains falling to the sand. Her eyes stayed transfixed on the two fighters, mentally urging Kennedy on.

She needed to help. There had to be something…Willow's eyes fell on the ritual alter. It still lay in the sand. If she could destroy that…

With one quick glance towards Layla and Kennedy, she broke out into a run towards it.

Kennedy clenched her fists, smiling as she circled in a stand-off with the she-vamp. "Sorry to break this to ya blondie, but it looks like I still got my girl."

Layla's glare would have melted the thickest of steel. "Not for long." She lifted her hand and shot out a thick green bolt of lightening.

Kennedy didn't have time to react. She just gritted her teeth and braced herself for impact.

The bolt struck the slayer's chest and sent her flying through the air before crashing into a tree, back first. She groaned weakly as she plummeted to the ground, landing with a hard thud. She could feel her broken ribs heave in protest with every breath she struggled to take.

The blast made Willow whirl around, and her body went rigid at what she saw. "Kennedy!!" She stood frozen, unable to run to the slayer just yet. Her gaze turned stone cold, and she rounded on the vampire. "You stupid bitch!"

For the first time in a long time, the emerald green of her eyes started to seep away, replaced by a black, ugly coal.

Kennedy could barely hold her head up out of the sand. Tears stung her eyes and ran down over her cheeks as she struggled to keep her eyes on her lover.

She noticed the far away look in Willow's eyes, rage burning within. It took her a moment to adjust her blurry vision to see the normally bright green stare turn to dark black. "Willow!" she yelled with all her might. "No!" A coughing fit erupted from her chest as soon as she managed to force the words out.

Willow felt the darkness surge through her, and welcomed it with open arms. She felt powerful; this Layla bitch couldn't touch her, she'd rip her limb from limb before she could even-

Kennedy's words suddenly rang throughout the air. What the hell was happening to her? Suddenly Willow choked, and took a few stumbling steps backward. No, this wasn't happening, not again. The former redhead grimaced and fell to her knees, trying to fight back the urge to let the darkness take over. She was supposed to be passed this, it wasn't supposed to happen ever again…

One look at the vampire's smug grin told her that the blonde had something to do with it. "What di…what are you doing to me?" It came out as a strangled cry.

"It's called power," Layla grinned as she slowly stalked closer. "You have so much of it, and yet you fear to use it. Why?"

The vampire stopped just in front of the fallen witch and stared down at her curiously. "It can't be because of your slayer. Why would you give up the chance to rule the universe all for some petty mortal belief in true love?" Layla bent down to Willow's level and waited for the soft green gaze to meet her own. "Here's a little secret," the vampire whispered as she leaned in to bring her lips right next to Willow's ear. "There's no such thing."

Layla pulled back, the expression on her face suddenly void of all amusement. "They only use you for what you can give them, and then its 'so long, see ya'." The vampire looked over Willow's shoulder to see Kennedy groggily pulling herself to her feet. "You think she loves you?" she nodded to the slayer. "I mean, *truly* loves you? 'Cause you're a fool if you do. What kind of love can a slayer give? She only knows death…destruction…evil."

Layla watched as Kennedy began to stumble her way over. "You have no place in her life. She belongs with me. Here, alone in the darkness."

Willow's stare bore into Layla's, and although she didn't have the energy or the current ability to look behind her at the approaching Kennedy, she could feel her. "You're wrong," she spat out through gritted teeth. Breathing was still labored, and her body shuddered with another convulsion as her darkness continued to threatened its appearance. "She…Kennedy is pure of heart. She would never…*ever* be with someone like you. Call me a fool if you want, all that matters…is that we know what love is."

Layla smiled. "Mortals," she spat with a shake of her head. She looked up behind Willow's shoulder and saw that the slayer was now only a few yards away.

"Lucis!" She nodded towards the slayer. "Take care of her, will you? But remember, I want her alive."

A hoard of her minions suddenly appeared out of the darkness lead by the large vampire. The charged at the slayer as Layla once again reached out her hand and placed it on the witch's chest. The large white light began to flare up between them as the vampire felt the redhead's power once again being pulled into her own body.

Kennedy barely had time to react when she was tackled from the side by one of the smaller demons. They landed on the ground in a heap, the slayer struggling underneath the vampire to gain the upper hand. She was finally able to muster enough strength to reach down and grab him by the waist, hoisting him up and over her head.

Kennedy pushed herself up on her elbows just in time to see her lover's body go rigid as life force was being sucked from her core. "Willow!"

The slayer watched helplessly as Willow's eyes rolled back in her head and she moaned in pain.

Kennedy's blood boiled, her eyes once again burning the rage of one *very* pissed off slayer.

She suddenly felt a surge of power shoot through her body, and she leapt to her feet. Never taking her eyes from Layla, she took off in a sprint, heading straight for both women.

The she-vamp was so enthralled in the ecstasy of the power, she never heard the slayer approach.

The bond was suddenly broken between her and the witch as a powerful force slammed into her and knocked her back onto the sand.

Kennedy flipped back onto her feet and stared down at the vampire's body lying sprawled out against the beach. "Do that again," the slayer said slowly, her voice eerily calm, "and I'll rip out your heart." She paused. "Assuming you even have one."

Layla slowly lifted her head from the sand, a trickle of blood dripping from her nose. "Oh no, I'm in trouble now," she smiled as she wiped the blood from her nose with the back of her hand.

Willow's body crumpled to the side, blood streaming from her own nose. She automatically curled into a ball, half conscious and shuddering. Who would've thought that having the life literally sucked out of your body could be so…painful.

But through her hazy state, her mind screamed out for Kennedy. The last thing she remembered was her slayer being attacked from all sides. With a low moan, she tried to push herself up out of the sand.

Layla was struggling to her feet. "You know, I'm beginning to think that we just may not work out." She finally managed to regain her balance. "I'm thinking instead, I can just make you watch as I suck the life out of your precious witch…then drain you drier than the Sahara."

Kennedy smirked. "You demons are all the same. 'Blah…kill you…blah…suck the life…blah, blah, blah.' You know, for *once* can't you just cut right to the attempted killing?"

"Careful what you wish for," Layla smiled as she nodded over Kennedy's shoulder.

The slayer's smile faded as she slowly turned around. Her eyes widened when she saw nearly a dozen vampires standing behind her, snarling with rage.

"Well," she laughed nervously. "Okay then."

Lucis roared in anger and charged.

There was no way Kennedy could take on all twelve at once and survive. And Willow wasn't about to let her lover die.

Pushing all of the pain and fear of herself aside, Willow forced herself to her knees in the sand and closed her eyes. Within a matter of seconds, she felt a power surge go through her, and opened her eyes to find a glowing barrier separating the vampires from Kennedy and Layla.

Willow let out a ragged breath. She couldn't hold it for long, but hopefully just enough for Kennedy to kill the blonde.

Kennedy watched as the glowing blue barrier suddenly sprouted up between herself and the vampires. Looking over to her lover, she smiled softly, and mouth the words. 'Love you'.

Willow managed to cock a grin back at the slayer. She couldn't say anything out loud without breaking the barrier completely, so instead, ~Kick her ass, baby.~

"Oh," Kennedy nodded, cracking her knuckles. "I plan on it."

For the first time in a long while, Layla was scared. She was almost sure she had kept the witch from performing any magics and then suddenly the barrier appeared around herself and the slayer.

And she was sure that was *not* good.

Kennedy was just about to turn to face the she-vamp when a thought suddenly sprang to the forefront of her mind.

If the barrier was up around her and Layla, then that meant…Willow was left out there all alone with a dozen or more severely pissed off vampires.

The slayer's eyes widened with the realization and she quickly turned back to face the witch. "Willow! You have to break this thing!" She batted her hand against the barrier and cringed when it sent a shock down through her arm. "I gotta get out there…now!"

A confused look spread across Willow's face. ~What? Why?~ It seemed that the vampires had finally realized the same thing and started to stalk around the barrier, towards the witch. Willow felt a nervous flutter in the pit of her stomach, but she kept the barrier up. ~No. She needs me for the spell. They can't kill me.~

"Dammit, Willow!" Kennedy screamed and pounded on the barrier. "Just for once, could you *please*…just don't argue with me," the slayer sighed and dropped her hand from the glowing blue light. She locked her gaze onto the witch's and gave her best soulful eyes. "Baby, please. Just…drop it."

Obviously frustrated, Willow's eyes darted back and forth between Kennedy, the advancing vampire group, and Layla, who seemed content to just watch for the moment. Kennedy couldn't take on all of these vampires at once. Fear struck her like a sudden lightning strike from a clear sky. Well…partially cloudy sky, in this case. ~Kenn…~

But finally, the witch relented and released the breath she had been holding, her powers instantly releasing the energy barrier. Her body sagged, exhausted from just the effort of holding it up.

Kennedy watched as the blue light flared up, flickered, and then finally died away. She let out a breath she didn't realize she was holding. ~Thank you.~

Kennedy took one step out of the circle, and looked around. The vampires had all advanced on the witch and were stalking her like prey.

Even being the bad-ass slayer that she was, Kennedy knew when to admit that she was out muscled. She knew there was no way she was going to be able to take them all on and still be sure to keep Willow safe from psycho she-vamp.

In the few short seconds she had to come up with a plan, there was only one that she thought had the remotest possibility of working.

The slayer suddenly turned to face Layla, defiance etching her features. "Okay," she sighed. "You win."

Layla's smile was of pure evil. "I do?"

"Yeah," Kennedy nodded, reaching into to her jacket pocket to pull out her stake. She threw it onto the ground at the vampire's feet. "You win. Only, Willow's not your prize…" Kennedy trailed off, turning her head to glance back at her nearly exhausted lover. Her eyes were saddened, but her expression remained solid. She gave Willow her best and softest smile before turning back to the vampire. "I am."

"What?!" Willow's head shot up, the look of exhaustion replaced with one of confusion. "Are you crazy?" She tried to struggle back to her feet, but her legs wouldn't allow her to stand up. "Kennedy, don't do this!"

The slayer sighed, ignoring her lover's plea. "So, whaddya say? My power for hers." Kennedy nodded back over her shoulder at her lover. "Fair trade?"

Layla's smile faded as she pondered the offer for a long moment. "Okay," she finally agreed. "I didn't read any where that it *had* to be a witch's power. I'm sure you'll do just fine." Layla's menacing grin was once again firmly in place.

Kennedy nodded. "Okay then. You take me in her place, and she walks out of here completely unharmed, and *never* hears from you again. Right?"

A low chuckle emitted from the back of the vampire's throat. "What? Do you honestly think I wouldn't honor my end of the bargain?" When she received only silence in answer, her smile faded, and she sighed. "Fine. She may leave now." The vampire waved in Willow's direction casually.

Kennedy swallowed back the lump in her throat. "Can I…could I have a minute? You know, just to say…good-bye?"

Layla once again sighed. "Why not? I'm not a monster, you know."

Kennedy shot the she-vamp a glare before turning on her heel and slowly walking over to her battered lover. Kneeling down in the sand by her side, she reached out and brushed back a lock of lose hair from the witch's eyes.

"I love you Willow, with all my heart. Never forget that."

For a moment, all Willow could do was stare at her lover with an anguished expression. "No, don't, y-you can't…" She desperately gripped Kennedy's arm with both hands. "I won't let you." Her eyes pleaded with Kennedy, tears stinging at them. "Baby, please, listen to me…"

"No baby," Kennedy shook her head adamantly. "This is one thing I'm not gonna let you talk me outta." She ran her fingers through Willow's soft locks and smiled. "You were everything to me, Willow. My world began and ended in your eyes. When I thought I lost you…I…" The slayer stopped in mid sentence and sighed. "You have a family, Willow…friends, and they all love you very much. They need you, the *world* needs you, Willow Rosenberg. I'm just a slayer and now, thanks to you, we're a dime a dozen."

Kennedy shook her head, her smile a little bigger. "It's a funny thing…life. You know? A few years ago, I never woulda imagined someone like you could ever love someone like me. You made these last coupla months the best of my life, and for that, I will always love you. I will always be with you."

Willow was still shaking her head in defiance, tears sliding down her cheeks. "I can't lose you…" She clung to the slayer's shirt, planning on never letting go. "Please baby, don't leave me, I-I need you, we can win this, together, b-but y-you can't…" she pleaded, ready to offer the world if it would keep Kennedy from sacrificing herself.

"Don't argue with me now," Kennedy spoke softly. It took every ounce of slayer control in her body to keep from clinging to her lover and soothing away her tears.

She hated what it was doing to Willow. She hated that it had to be this way, but it was the *only* way.

Kennedy reached out and pulled the redhead into her arms, burying her face into neck. She turned her face to the side and placed a kiss on the witch's neck just below her ear. She tuned in her slayer hearing and made sure no one was listening before she softly whispered. "When I tell you…get ready to run."

She pulled back from the hug and met her lover's eyes.

Willow's bloodshot eyes locked onto Kennedy's dark brown beautiful ones, and she never wanted to leave.

She mouthed a few words silently, trying to think of something that would change Kennedy's mind, that would keep her from doing this. But nothing came out.

Still holding on tightly to the slayer, Willow breathed "I love you" one last time.

Kennedy smiled. ~Trust me, baby.~

She pulled herself to her feet and slowly made her way back over to stand in front of the she-vamp. "Okay," Kennedy sighed, stretching out her arms in submission. "Let's get this over with."

Layla smiled and lifted her hand up to Kennedy's chest.

The slayer had never felt a stronger pain in her entire existence than she did in the exact moment the vampire's hand met her chest.

The blinding white light once again roared up between their bodies. Kennedy closed her eyes tightly and gritted her teeth against the pain. There was only one thought that gave her the strength to do what she did next.

"Willow! Now!"

The slayer's right arm flew out so quickly, Layla didn't even see it coming.

The silver tipped stake flew out from under the sleeve of Kennedy's jacket, and she wrapped it in a tight fist. She smiled right before plunging it deeply into the vampire's chest. "Told you never to touch her…bitch."

Kennedy slammed the stake into Layla's chest. She let out a loud cry of pain, and instantly dropped her hand from the slayer. Her ice blue eyes fell to the silver now protruding from her chest, before slowly pulling them back up to meet the dark gaze of the slayer. "How did you…Nooooo!"

Layla burst into dust, the blinding white light exploding from her body.

Kennedy never had a chance.

A strong bolt of the light flew out and struck the slayer squarely in the chest, propelling her ten feet in the air before throwing her motionless body back into the same tree.

There was no sound as her body fell lifelessly to the ground.

Willow didn't run, she was too horrified by the sight of Layla tearing out Kennedy's soul. A white bolt flew in her direction as the vampire exploded, and it was only by some miracle that she managed to throw herself aside before it struck. The witch toppled to the side, air escaping her lungs as she hit the ground with a painful thud.

The on looking minions watched the scene unfold a second before each one of them was struck with a similar bolt of light. Each one instantly evaporated into dust.

The entire beach was silent. The only sound came from the ocean, calmly lapping against the shore. So calm, so quiet.

She might've passed out for a few seconds, but she was too much of a mess to be sure. Willow rolled over, lying on her side until her breath and vision came back to her.

Then she spotted Kennedy's body, and her whole world caved in around her.

It almost took a few seconds for the sight to register in her brain. Her mind and body went completely numb. It was over, the fight was over…

It was over, and Kennedy was dead.

"No…no…" Willow didn't even bother to stand; she knew she couldn't. Instead the redhead crawled across the sand towards her lover, before hunching against Kennedy's side. "Kenn…Kennedy!" She lightly shook the slayer's shoulder, then harder, and shook her again; shock was not allowing her to believe this was actually happening. "Wake up!"

She tried, and tried, and tried again to wake up her sleeping beauty. Not so much as a stir.

In that very second, the reality hit Willow and she broke, right down to her very soul. She collapsed against the slayer's body, sobbing uncontrollably and clinging to the brunette like her life depended on it.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry…I'm so sorry, baby, I'm sorry…" The words blended together, all combined into a mixture of one anguished cry, as Willow dissolved further.

"I love you, I love you so much, please don't leave me, I love you, baby, please. I never told you enough how much I-I need you, how much I love you, a-and I can't…" She was unable to stop herself, stop from pouring her heart out, even when she knew it was too late. So much regret flowed through her, regret that she had taken Kennedy for granted, that she hadn't truly shown the slayer how much she meant to her, that Kennedy died not knowing how Willow breathed her for air, how she lived to see those beautiful eyes and that gorgeous smile every morning, evening and night.

She didn't deserve Kennedy. She knew that now; she didn't deserve the slayer.

In that moment, she started to hate herself for all that she should've done, and could've been for the younger girl.

In that moment, the slayer began to stir. Her chest rose with one, long, deep breath and every nerve ending in her body began to spark with life.

The Powers That Be decided they could bend the rules…just this once.

"Willow," Kennedy's low, throaty voice rumbled through the pain in her chest. "Cut it out, will ya? You're gettin' my shirt all wet."

Willow's head jerked back so hard it nearly broke her neck. Her eyes were wide with disbelief, a part of her brain wondering if she was just imagining the impossible. "K…Kennedy?" It was said in the ghost of a whisper, and she stared down at the slayer with a tear-streaked face.

"In the flesh," Kennedy croaked through a parched throat. "Or at least," she paused when another sharp pain shot through her chest. "What's left of it." Her eyes dropped down to the large burnt hole that was in the middle of her shirt. A few stray strands of smoke simmered up from the seared material of the hole. "Dammit," she moaned. "I liked this one too."

The witch honestly didn't know whether to laugh, cry, or die right there. She was still in shock (again) over the fact that Kennedy was actually moving…talking. And being sarcastic as always.

Gingerly, Willow reached out a hand to the skin showing through the hole in the shirt. It was a bit…red, but otherwise healed. No doubt tender, but…

Willow literally flung herself at the slayer, a fresh onslaught of tears streaming down her face. She clung to the younger girl, burying her face in Kennedy's shoulder. "Oh god, I thought I'd lost you, I thought I'd never see you again…"

Kennedy took a moment to bask in the affection. "Ah…Will?" She barely managed to force the words out through the searing throb in her chest. "As much as I'd normally like to be felt up, I'm kinda in a lotta pain here."

Again, Willow jerked back, afraid for a second that she was the one causing it. "Oh god…you need an ambulance." She went to grab the phone that normally resided in her jacket pocket, but quickly realized two things: she wasn't even wearing a jacket, and didn't have any other pockets. A slight panic went through the witch, but she swallowed it back. Kennedy needed help, right away.

"Listen, baby, I-I'm gonna try a-and go for help. Just…try and stay awake, okay? You're gonna be fine, I promise I'll take care of you…"

"Will," Kennedy smiled as she reached out and grabbed the older woman by the forearm. "Just relax. I'm fine." She pulled herself up into a sitting position and let out a long moan of relief. "See? Just a little…" She paused with a cringe as the still slightly burning muscles in her chest stretched with the movement. "Sore," she finished in a slow breath.

"Relax?" Willow felt her temper flare up all of a sudden. "Don't you *dare* sit…lay there and tell me to *relax*!" Her eyes burned into Kennedy's, torment and anguish flooding them. "You *died*, Kennedy! I *watched* you die, sat there and couldn't…" Suddenly, both the words and anger in her voice died in her throat. "It's *my* fault." Her voice was barely audible.

"Hey," Kennedy soothed, reaching out to place a hand on the witch's thigh. "This was completely *not* your fault. It was my idea, remember?" Kennedy smiled. "And it worked like a charm." She nodded over Willow's shoulder to the rather large pile of dust sitting alone on the beach. "Bitch is toast."

She reached over and lifted Willow's hand to the burnt patch of flesh on her chest. "If this is the war wound I must bare just to know that bitch can never hurt you again, to know that you're safe," Kennedy spoke softly as she pressed her lover's hand against her skin. "Then I gladly accept."

Willow's eyes flickered back and forth between Kennedy's brown orbs and the angry wound on her chest. She remained silent for a moment, until she leaned forward and pulled her slayer into a gentle, but loving hug. "I love you, so much…you know that, right?" she whispered into her ear. "You know how much you mean to me?" She felt her chest tighten.

Kennedy relaxed into the hug, choosing for the moment to ignore the searing pain of Willow's shirt against her highly sensitive wound. "I do, baby. I do." The slayer turned her head to the side and placed a kiss on the edge of the redhead's jaw. "On both accounts." She closed her eyes tightly against the pain, and tried to block it from her mind.

Kennedy wanted…needed so badly to be in Willow's arms in that moment that no amount of pain was going to tear her away.

"I still think you should be going to a hospital," Willow shot a worried look over at her slayer as she helped her into the hotel room, closing the door behind them. "You're not doing too peachy keen…plus, drugs, keep you from feeling anything." She offered a light smile as she removed her arm from around the slayer's waist and eased her down onto the bed.

"I hate hospitals," Kennedy sighed, shaking her head. "They're too…hospital-y." The slayer started to pull off her jacket, cringing with every stretch of her sore muscles. "Besides, the food there really sucks. Just thinking about that green jello makes me wanna yak."

Kennedy dropped her rumpled jacket to the floor at her feet and began to work on her boots. As soon as she bended down, the swollen flesh of her chest rubbed against he harsh denim of her jeans.

"Youch!" Kennedy jerked back so quickly, she felt her spine pop.

Willow raised an eyebrow. "You're lucky I'm not one to normally say 'I told you so'." Sighing, she knelt down in front of Kennedy. "Here. Let me help, you just need to sit back and not move too much." She started on the slayer's boots.

Kennedy sighed. "If I wasn't so tired, I'm sure I'd come up with very witty retort to that." The slayer felt the throb in her chest increase ten fold. She took in a shaky breath and let it out slowly. "Screw this."

With one swift movement, the ruined shirt was up and over her head. Her sore and still very red wound was now exposed to the cool air, easing the pain just enough. "There. Much better," the brunette moaned and fell back against the bed.

Willow hated seeing Kennedy in this much pain. It also brought back a truckload of guilt directed towards herself.

Once the boots were off, she worked on Kennedy's jeans and they soon joined the pile on the floor. "I supposed this is one time you aren't up to making any sexual comments or jokes." She grinned softly, and briefly got the slayer sitting up long enough to unhook and remove her bra as well. Anything rubbing against the angry red wound would just cause Kennedy more pain.

"Think you can sit up? I might be able help the healing process a little bit." The witch barely had enough energy of her own left, but she would willingly give every last ounce of it to the woman who saved her life, in more ways than one.

"No, Will," Kennedy protested weakly, falling back onto the bed heavily. "You can't." She took in a long breath, relieved that for once, it wasn't too painful. "You're worse than…than I am." She nodded to the wound on the witch's forehead, now crusted over with dried blood. "You'll need the energy to heal yourself. I've got my own slayer healing. I'll be good as new in a couple days."

"Kenn," Willow started with a sigh. "I can't just sit there a-and not do anything to help. Even if it's just a little." She took the brunette's hand in both of hers, gently running her thumb over the back of it. "Just a simple little focusing my energy with yours, and it'll at least help you sleep. Neither of us have the energy to create more energy, anyway."

"Okay," Kennedy smiled, her eyes slipping closed. "I'm almost positive there was a point in there somewhere." Kennedy flexed her hand in the witch's, letting her know she was still with her. "I'm just not sure what it was. Just what kinda energy are we talkin' here?"

For a moment, Willow stumbled over her words, mumbling excuses as her train of thought brought a blush to her cheeks. Her eyes, sneaky as they were, briefly ran down her battered slayer's mostly naked body, before snapping back up. "N-nothing. Doesn't matter anyway." She pretended to study the bedspread, willing her blush to go away.

Kennedy peeked one eye open and saw her lover's flustered state. "Okay," she smiled, opening the other eye and gently pushing herself up to sit. "There's only two reasons you get a blush like that." Kennedy nodded towards the witch's cheeks. "Either you just got outta babble mode," the slayer's smile grew sultry, "or you just thought of something *very* naughty."

Kennedy reached out and placed a hand on Willow's thigh. "Well, seeing as how you got it out in ten words or less, I'm guessin' it ain't the first one. Something you wanna share?" Kennedy's grin was teasing.

The embarrassed look still didn't fade from Willow's face. She glanced up at Kennedy only to have a low groan escape her lips. "Okay, you are in no way shape or form going to make fun of me for this, but…there is a way to completely heal yourself for more serious injuries like this." The witch indicated Kennedy's chest wound. "It takes more energy than a person would normally have within themselves, slayer or uber witch or otherwise. The only way to create that kind of energy is to…" She once again took on that flustered look. "W-well, is to…h-have s-sex. S-sexual energy…"

Kennedy tried to hold it in, but a soft chuckle forced it's way from her throat. "Baby, if you do it, you should be able to say it." The slayer smiled when her lover's blush deepened. "But seriously, you mean it? 'Sexual healing' really ain't just a cheesy pick up line of a song?"

"Nope," Willow replied, managing a small grin of her own. "It just creates so much…energy, I guess, that can be transferred through magic to other things like healing. It works best when the people doing it have a-a connection, on a deeper level than just doing a spell. Get the right people, and it works like a charm." She smiled for a second at Kennedy, then her eyes widened. "Not that I've tried it before!" the redhead added quickly. "Ever."

"Hmm," Kennedy decided this could be to used to her benefit. "So you're tellin' me that through all those years with Buffy…all those battles, you weren't tempted just *once*?" Kennedy hid her grin with a raised brow. "I mean, I know I've had my problems with her, but even I have to admit that she's a little hottie." The slayer shrugged. She looked up to suddenly find herself on the receiving end of a raised brow. "Uhh…not that I'd *do* anything a-about…that."

Kennedy sighed, her shoulders slumping. "Did I just blow my chances at that 'sex energy' stuff?"

"Lucky for Buffy, I didn't know about it until more recently." Her smug look received a pouty face from Kennedy and she chuckled. "Sweetie, you're in no shape to get physical right now. As much as the healing would help, and…" Once again her eyes absently strayed down Kennedy's body, only to scrunch shut. "Bad, bad Willow…" came out as a mumble. She looked up sheepishly at the brunette. "Sorry, it's just…you've got the whole sexy, rugged hero thing going on right now…" Willow gave Kennedy's hand a loving squeeze.

Kennedy sighed through a small smile. "Well, I'm definitely feeling the rugged right now." She paused and dropped her eyes down to survey her own body. "But I'm not real sure about the sexy." She returned her lover's squeeze and met her eyes with a completely serious stare. "Will, if you think it will help, and I mean help *both* of us," the small smile slowly snuck back onto her lips, "then I guess I'll just have to make the sacrifice just this once."

The witch gave the slayer a skeptical look. "Are you sure? I mean, I-I know that you don't really trust magic, and I don't want you to feel like you have to do this." Concern was evident on her face as she looked Kennedy in the eye. "I'm perfectly willing and able to give you what's left of my own energy right now, even if it sends me into a coma." Her smile was slightly teasing.

"Oh yeah," Kennedy nodded sarcastically. "That sounds like a much better plan." She lifted the redhead's hand to her lips and placed a gentle kiss on the back. "Will, I thought the whole reason we both just got our asses kicked was 'cause some bleached blonde she-vamp from hell was trying to do that exact thing? And you know how…upset I get when someone tries to hurt my girl." Kennedy grinned. "I'd really hate to have to kick my own ass."

"The state you're in now? I don't think you could reach it." Willow stuck her tongue out playfully at the slayer, before the teasing grin faded and she glanced away again. "So I'm still…your girl?" She looked up hopefully. "Even after e-everything I said to you?"

The grin faded completely from Kennedy's face. She let out a slow breath and bent down to grab her jeans from the floor. The slayer let out a shaky breath at the dull throb the motion caused in her chest as she pulled the denim into her lap. Reaching into the right front pocket, she wrapped her fist around the silver ring and pulled it out.

Kennedy dropped the jeans back to the floor, the sound of the thud as they hit the carpet barely registered over the rapid pounding of her heart in her ears. She opened her fist and held the ring out in offer for the older woman.

"If you still wanna be."

A faint smile spread across Willow's face as she closed her hand around Kennedy's with the ring. "Always and forever…" She leaned over to gently take the slayer's chin in her other hand, and gently pressed their lips together.

Kennedy smiled into the kiss, returning the soft pressure for the all too brief moment. When Willow pulled away and extended her left hand, the slayer slipped the ring back onto her finger. "Where it belongs," she thought out loud. Looking up, she met her lover's soft eyes with a blush. "Well, I mean…I just thought…" The slayer trailed off, rolling the tongue stud around in her mouth nervously. "So…about this sexual energy…" Kennedy grinned, kneading the witch's thigh with her still bruised hand.

A soft smile played over Willow's face as she gazed down at the ring. "This is only if you're sure you can handle it. Yes, I'm asking for a fourth time if you're sure…" She raised a critical eyebrow.

"Since when have I ever turned down sex with you?" Kennedy smiled and leaned back in for another gentle, but passionate kiss. Pulling away, she ran the tip of her tongue over her top lip. "But I think it's only fair to say," the slayer's voice lowered and she averted her eyes. "I might not be able to…well, you might not…"

A small smile appeared on Willow's face. She scooted closer a few inches, and leaned in to press a kiss to the brunette's temple. "Baby, you just need to sit back…" She used a hand to lightly push Kennedy back down on the bed, careful to avoid touching any sore points. "…and relax." Willow lowered herself next to the slayer for a moment, bringing her into another soft kiss. "Let me take care of you."

With one more kiss, she jumped off of the bed.

Needless to say, Kennedy's jaw nearly hit the floor.

"I…uh…what?" She watched totally confused as the redhead disappeared into the bathroom. A small pout formed over her lips. "But I thought…" She trailed off and let out a huff, settling back into the pillows.

Soon after, Willow reappeared back in their bedroom, carrying several candles. "It's a good thing you chose a five star hotel to stay in, or we wouldn't have these." She indicated the candles, placing all three of them on the floor before getting back up to bustle around the room some more. The lights were off, but moonlight shone through the balcony doors enough so she could see. Four more candles were located, and the redhead began to set them up in a circle at the foot of the bed.

Willow glanced up once she was finished, smiling at Kennedy. "Sadly we can't just jump right in to the sex. I-I think it requires a bit more chanting, and some other stuff. Think you can stand for a few minutes without falling over?"

Kennedy grinned and began to push herself up from her reclining position on the bed. "I think I'll manage." She placed both feet on the floor before forcing herself to stand and walk over to her lover. She gazed down at the candles curiously. "What have I gotta do?"

Willow stood up, taking both of Kennedy's hands in hers and leading her into the center of the circle formed by the candles. "Well, I would suggest getting naked, but seeing how you only have *these*…" One of her hands reached down to hook a finger and tug teasingly at Kennedy's lace panties. "I'd say you pretty much just have to stand there and look pretty."

"Whose fault is that, I wonder?" Kennedy grinned, reaching out to place her hands on the witch's hips. "So, shouldn't this little spell require the nakedness of *both* parties?" She tugged at the belt loops of Willow's pants. "'Cause I'd be *very* willing to help out on that end."

"Then I just might be willing to let ya help." Willow stepped into Kennedy, capturing those delicious lips she had come to love so much. But before it could escalate too far, she pulled back. "Ignite." With just a wiggle of her fingers, all seven candles burst into life. That made the redhead cock a grin at Kennedy. "Having a witch in the family is gonna be useful."

All too aware that her slayer's hands were still resting on the front of her jeans, Willow took in a deep breath and let it out. She closed her eyes and started to chant a few words in Latin, when suddenly her body completely froze and her eyes snapped back open.

"Willow," Kennedy hedged cautiously. "Are you…are you okay, baby?" She watched as the other woman's breathing started to increase, and her eyes grew a darker emerald.

No sooner did the words leave her mouth, than Kennedy felt an overwhelming sensation of desire shoot through her body. Any sign that was just on the brink of death was completely non-existent.

"Willow." This time it came out in a long, and passion-filled moaned. Kennedy's hands gripped the bottom of the witch's shirt tightly as she felt her own breathing increase. "What…what's h-happening?"

The Wiccan's answer was to press her lips against Kennedy's, feeling her body practically melt against the slayer's. She pulled back with what little self control and strength she had left, opening up her eyes to meet the lustful gaze of Kennedy. "I guess that means it worked…" Her breathing was already labored, her chest felt heavy, and her heart twitched every time she took in Kennedy's gorgeous form. "Yo…you okay?"

"I-I think so," Kennedy answered in heavy breaths. "I just…" She paused and ran the tip of her tongue over her dry lips. "I have this…*urge* to be on you…with you…in you." The slayer let out a long, slow breath. "God Willow. Is it…is it supposed to be this…intense?"

"The more intense, the b-better the healing," Willow replied, running both hands up and down Kennedy's arms soothingly. She swallowed hard, having to resist her own urge to pounce the slayer right then and there. "If you want to stop…"

"Right now, baby," Kennedy's grip tightened on Willow's hips, pulling her body impossibly close to her own. "I'm pretty sure I'd spontaneously combust if I did." Her eyes raked down over her lover's body. "So do we just…you know, the regular way? O-or is there something…else?"

Willow shook her head, then began to nibble on a sensitive spot just behind Kennedy's ear. "Don't think of it as any different than usual. We're just us, together, the same as always." Her hands roamed Kennedy's sides, gently kneading the muscles in the slayer's lower back.

Kennedy smiled through her heavy pants. "In that case," she began as she grabbed the front of Willow's shirt and pulled. "Not enough skin." The shirt flew up and over the witch's head, soon followed by her bra being thrown carelessly to the floor.

Kennedy bent her head and latched onto the redhead's neck, her hands coming up to knead her lover's newly exposed breasts. "Mmm…Willow."

A groan escaped from Willow's mouth, Kennedy's actions causing her to press her body further into the slayer's. While the slayer ravaged her neck, her hands slid down from Kennedy's back to her underwear. She took a moment to tug them far enough down the slayer's legs that they easily slipped to the floor while the brunette stepped out of them. One hand happened to caress it's way over the slayer's gorgeous bottom, and down to her thighs. "S-shall we m…move this to the…bed?" Any longer spent standing would only lead to her collapsing to the floor.

Kennedy tore her mouth away from her lover's neck long enough to give a throaty reply. "Can't. Too far." The slayer placed her hands under Willow's thighs and lifted her into the air. Latching onto her neck once again, the slayer lowered her lover onto the floor. Kennedy placed her body on top of the other woman's. The flames of the candles flared up when both women let out a long, satisfying moan.

Willow's eyes practically rolled back into her head when Kennedy hit a known sensitive spot. A small whimper escaped her lips, and she continued to cling to the slayer's sides. "Thought I was…supposed to be taking care of you?" she managed through another moan.

Kennedy lifted her head from the witch's neck and smiled. "You are baby…you are." She dipped her head down and smashed her lips to Willow's, her hands working their way down the older woman's sides before coming together on the button of her pants.

Kennedy pulled at the material, faintly registering the sound of a popping button followed by a dragging zipper.

Before she could stop herself, she dipped her hand inside Willow's pants and moaned at the pure desire she found there.

Unprepared for the feelings that shot through her veins like electricity, Willow threw her head back as Kennedy stroked her core through the thin material covering it. Her head smacked into the floor, but she paid no attention elsewhere than to where her lover's hand was nestled. "Kennnn…" came out in a loud moan. "Oh Goddess…"

Kennedy grunted and yanked her hand out of the witch's pants. She reached up and grabbed both sides of the material and pulled them down past her thighs. "Baby, lift up a second."

Amazed that she still had enough coordination to do so, Willow arched her hips upward, allowing the last articles of clothing to be removed from her body.

Kennedy pulled away the last barrier between their bodies and slid back up to lay every inch of her flesh against Willow's. "God baby," the slayer moaned, her fingers gripping at the carpet on either side of the witch's head. "You feel so…good."

The slayer lifted herself up and supported all her weight on her left elbow as she reached down with her right hand to entwine her fingers with Willow's left. "And I think it's working," she lifted the witch's hand and pressed it against her chest where the once angry red wound used to be. "Feel."

Slightly bewildered, Willow gently traced her fingers of Kennedy's chest. "Wow," she breathed. "And we haven't even done anything yet." The redhead looked up at her slayer with a loving smile. "Think of what we can accomplish when we…" The hand on the brunette's chest started to slide down, across her belly and between her thighs. She used one single finger to drag across the wetness she found there. "…do this."

Kennedy gasped at the sudden touch. "I…I think it's just the…flesh p-part." She felt her eyes slip closed. "M-muscles are still…burning." Kennedy grit her teeth and forced her eyes open. Looking down at her lover, she let her eyes grow dark with pure, undiluted need. "We better not s-stop." She dropped herself back down to hover over the witch.

"Hmm, I wonder," she began, lifting her right hand up to her mouth and placing her middle finger inside. "If it's the deeper I go…" The finger popped out of her mouth and she licked her lips before dropping it to trail down over Willow's lips, past the smooth muscle of her neck, between her breasts and down her stomach to rest between the redhead's thighs. "The deeper I heal?"

All that Willow could manage was a whimper of pure need. "Please, K-Kenn…feel like I'm gonna…explode if you don't…"

Kennedy dropped back down to bring her lips within a breath of her lover's to whisper faintly, "Anything for you." And then her lips were once again crushing into the redhead's, her finger slipping into liquid heat.

The slayer opened her mouth against the kiss and moaned.

Hard.

Willow's vocal chords followed hers, as every muscle in her body tensed at the sensation. It sent shivers through her entire being, and her hands clutched at the slayer's back desperately. She brushed her lips back against Kennedy's when she was able to gain some control back.

Kennedy's heart was pounding in her ears. Her every nerve cell was shooting sparks of pleasure through every inch of her body. Her chest suddenly felt heavy and any sensation of pain was a distant memory.

"Willow," she moaned, gripping the witch's thigh with her left hand, "Put your leg around…" she trailed off, lifting up her lover's leg to wrap around her hip. Kennedy twisted her body to get a better angle, their skin making complete contact.

"God Willow," she breathed, breaking away from the kiss. "I can't…I can't get enough of you."

"We should…get hurt more often…" barely managed to get passed Willow's lips. Her body felt like it was on fire, be it a mind-blowingly amazing fire, and her ability to think and talk was diminishing more and more by the second. A small grin appeared, until Kennedy started to add more pressure. Her eyes rolled back into her head again and her back arched upward.

Kennedy felt a tightening in her stomach start to build…but it wasn't the usual sensation just before release.

No.

This one was *way* more intense.

"Willow…I…" The slayer tried to force the words from her throat, but the suddenly overwhelming pleasure that exploded through her caused them to die away, only to be replaced with a deep, throaty moan.

The redhead's body let go at the same time as Kennedy's, leaving her incapable of making any sort of sound above a loud groan. Wave after wave shuddered through her, muscles twitching and convulsing at the sheer magnitude of her orgasm.

Finally, when every ounce of strength had been spent, Willow went completely limp against the floor. She felt Kennedy's weight resting on top of her, and the brunette's chest heaving against hers. Absently, she reached one hand up to stroke through dark locks. "Baby…still wi…with me?"

Kennedy nodded through her heavy pants. "I…I think s-so." She gazed down deeply into the witch's eyes. "Damn baby, I've never f-felt anything like that b-before."

The slayer paused and glanced down at her chest. It was completely healed.

"And it looks like it worked," she said smiling as she lifted her eyes up to Willow's forehead. "For both of us."

"Somehow…" Willow reached up a hand to run her fingers along Kennedy's chest. She glanced up into the slayer's eyes. "Did you…I-I mean, c-could you feel what you were…doing to me? Is that what happened?"

"What I was…" Kennedy shook her head. "No, baby. It was like…" she paused, considering her words carefully. "It was almost like…like I was pulling you into me. I could *feel* you inside of me. Like the *real* you…not the figurative 'sex you'." Kennedy's brow knitted. "Wait," she paused in thought, "that just came out wrong."

Willow just chuckled and continued to lightly rub Kennedy's chest softly with her hand. A thoughtful look passed over her face, but it quickly turned to a knowing smile. "I guess it's almost like…our souls became one." Both hands moved now, cupping Kennedy's face and bringing her down for a kiss. "We healed each other, and for a moment we were completely connected as one. That must be why the spell works better with two people who care for each other." A pause, before "Kinda nifty, actually."

"Yeah," Kennedy nodded with a grin, "there's that." The tip of the slayer's tongue slipped out and ran over her top lip. "Plus, the whole 'super intense sex fest'. *Not* that I'm complaining," she added with a smirk. The slayer felt the last of the tremors rustle through her body. "Now, *that* I could get use to."

Kennedy leaned down and placed a trail of light kisses along the witch's jaw, her fingers kneading the tender skin of the witch's hips.

Another shiver escaped Willow's nerves. "Yep. You're feelin' better." For a moment, she allowed herself to relax as Kennedy kissed long her neck and collar bone, before gently pushing up on the slayer, and twisting to the side to flip them over. She gave a mischievous grin downwards. "I don't know about you, but I'm kinda liking the floor…plus, candles…" Indeed, the candles were still burning, but not as intense as before. The spell was over; they were just normal candles now.

"Well," Kennedy sighed, "I don't know. It's kinda hard," she reached down with her left hand and patted the carpet. "But in a soft sorta way," she nodded in assurance. "And the candles are," she paused as her eyes fell to the flicker against the witch's skin. Each movement of light seemed to bring out a new tone in the redhead's skin, and her hair hung down in glowing tendrils of red framing around her face.

"Beautiful," Kennedy finished with a smile, reaching up to brush back some of the hair covering Willow's cheek. "Yeah," she whispered, gazing deeply into the flickering green eyes above her. "We really gotta do this more often."

Willow nodded in agreement, kissing the palm of Kennedy's hand against her cheek. "Just…no more dieing, okay?" A sad expression crossed over her face. "I don't know if I could survive it a second time," she whispered, looking down at the brunette. "Almost didn't the first…"

Kennedy smiled sadly at her lover's sudden change in mood. "Will," she spoke softly as she dropped her hand under the witch's chin. "Look at me."

When the witch's eyes met her own, her smile grew more hopeful. "I wish I could promise you that I'll never die, but we both know that someday, I'm gonna. We both are, 'cause that's just life."

Kennedy pushed at the redhead gently, and pulled herself into a sitting position. Leaning back against the end of the bed, she pulled Willow to rest back against her newly healed chest. "But until that day comes, I promise…I'll never, *ever* leave your side. As long as you'll have me, I'll spend every day from this one on making sure you have everything you've ever dreamed of." She wrapped her arms around the redhead's waist and leaned in to place her mouth next to the witch's ear. "You are my life now Will." She paused and dropped her eyes to the older woman's belly. "You and anyone else that may come along."

Willow smiled, resting her head against Kennedy's. "For your sake, I hope you're not talking about another threesome." She grinned and gently nudged Kennedy in the stomach with her elbow, before turning her head to plant a kiss on the side of her lover's mouth.

More seriously, she turned around halfway to face Kennedy. "Y'know, just because the spell is finished, doesn't mean we can't finish…" A single finger dragged its way down the slayer's toned body, and her tongue ran over her bottom lip. "Finish what we started…again."

Kennedy's brow nearly met her hairline. Her eyes followed the movement of the witch's finger as it traced down over her body, her muscles twitching when the digit passed over. "Again?" Kennedy smirked. "You didn't get enough the first time?"

A disappointed look fell over Willow's face, and she pulled back the finger. "Sorry. If you don't want to…" She gave Kennedy doe eyes for a moment, glancing up from under her eyelashes and pouting.

The slayer reached out and grabbed her lover's finger, pulling it back against her stomach. "I never said that," she wet her lips and smiled. "In fact," the brunette began in a low whisper, "I'm thinking the bed's feeling a little…neglected right about now." She leaned in a placed a lingering kiss on the witch's neck just below her ear lobe. "Whaddya say we go and make it feel better?"

"As much as I love rug burn," Willow began, taking Kennedy's hand and tugging them both up into a standing position. Instead of finishing that sentence, she stepped into the slayer, wrapped her in her arms, and kissed her deeply.

Kennedy smiled into the kiss, placing her hands on the older woman's hips.

A sudden flash of light shot through her lust-filled mind.

Willow lying on the bed face down. Kennedy lying on her back, one hand buried down between them. Both women groaning.

The slayer suddenly pulled out of the kiss and raised a brow. "Damn baby," she smirked. "Never knew you could be so…kinky."

Willow jerked back, looking wide eyed. "W-wha? I-I didn't do anythi…" A crimson blush went through her as she realized the spell was still connecting them just a little. Enough for Kennedy to read her currently lusty mind.

Kennedy's eyes softened and her smirk slowly faded to a comforting smile. "It's okay, baby. You're allowed to have fantasies too." Kennedy reached down and grabbed Willow by the hand, pulling her over to the bed and sitting them both down.

"Will?" she asked slowly. "Is that something…I mean, would you…" Kennedy paused, releasing a little sigh. "I know our love life hasn't really been…'spicy' lately, but I guess that's 'cause we're still in the new, soft and tender stage. I mean, I hope I haven't been disappointing you all this time, but if you think we need to add a little something new…" The smirk slowly eased its way back onto her lips. "I'm all for it."

Thinking about it caused Willow's blush to deepen. "I-I don't know…I mean, I-I've n-never…well, done anything…and no, you're so totally *not* disappointing me, whatsoever. I love our sex life." The words caused her to kind of twitch and look down for a moment, but she forced her eyes back up. "I mean, I-I really do." She offered a nervous grin. "But, I trust you completely, s-so anything you w-wanna try…"

"Me?" Kennedy smiled. "Correct me if I'm wrong, but wasn't that little mind trip I just experienced all courtesy of *your* deep, dark little sex fantasy?"

The slayer chuckled when Willow's blush turned the color of her hair. "Seriously baby, whatever you want…I'll do." She reached over and placed a hand on the other woman's thigh. "Tell me Will. Tell me what you want me to do." Her fingers softly brushed the tender skin she found there. "Tell me your desires." Kennedy leaned in and licked the shell of the witch's ear. "What does your body long to feel?"

"T-that, for starts…" An intense shiver went up Willow's spine, and she leaned into the slayer. But any further thoughts on voicing those 'desires' brought back her nervousness. Swallowing, Willow pulled away and closed her eyes. "You must think I'm such a dork…" came out as a groan. "I-I can't even…*talk*, yet I have no qualms about the actual *doing*…"

"Baby," Kennedy began in a sultry voice, "I think you're alotta things…but a dork *definitely* ain't one of 'em." The slayer smiled, running her fingertips along the exposed skin of the witch's thigh. "It's okay Will," she spoke softly, the smile slipping slowly away. "Nothing you say is ever gonna change the way I feel about you. You can tell me anything, baby…*anything*."

Willow nodded, glancing down at the floor before back up at her slayer. "W-well, there isn't really anything I've…thought about trying, in specific. That thing, just n-now, I kinda…well, you kiss good." A smirk finally formed. "Kinda made my mind turn towards a certain place…"

Kennedy raised a perfectly sculpted brow. "Well, I gotta admit…I'm really liking this place." With a grin, she leaned in and placed a tender kiss on her lover's jaw. "So," she started pulling back and letting out a contented sigh. "You're saying there's nothing in particular you want to try," the slayer's hand slowly trailed up the redhead's thigh and over her ribs. "But you're not opposed to a little…change in style?"

That brought a curious look from the redhead. "What exactly are you proposing?" She locked her arms around the slayer's shoulders, idly stroking the sensitive skin at the base of her neck.

"You're gonna make me say it…aren't you?" Kennedy felt an uncharacteristic blush slowly fade up her cheeks. The silence she received from her lover was answer enough. "Well I…I mean we…" Kennedy paused and bit her bottom lip. "Maybe this time we could, I don't know…maybe we could try something…different. You know…?" The slayer added the last bit with a hopeful smile.

A blank look was her answer. "Huh?" Willow quirked an eyebrow. "The only thing I understood about that was that it's making you blush…"

"Willow," Kennedy sighed, looking away. After a moment of slow breathing, she turned back to her lover. "It's just…maybe we could…" She trailed off and raked her eyes over the witch's body. "Maybe we could…maybe…add something else? I mean, like…maybe just not do it the same way…" Kennedy's words trailed off in her throat, the blush creeping back up her cheeks. "Now who's the dork?"

The slayer fell back against the bed with a groan and threw her arm over her eyes.

The witch followed soon after her, crawling on top of the slayer and peering down at her with an embarrassed grin. "Honey, you and the word 'dork' don't exist on the same plane of existence." She propped her elbows on either side of the slayer's head and leaned down to kiss her. "I've never know you to get so…" Willow nuzzled Kennedy's cheek with her nose. "Cu- um, adorably red?"

A brief pause, and she let out a breath. The light blush grazing across her cheeks didn't fade however. "So, yeah, i-if you want…I-I want. We can…try something new. I mean, that's what experimenting is for, right?" A nervous laugh followed.

"Okay," Kennedy smiled from under her arm. "I think this conversation just went from bad to worse." She lifted her arm and peeked out with one eye. When she met the deep blush of her lover, she dropped her arm away and rested it on the bed beside her. "Maybe…maybe it was a stupid idea anyway. I was just…I guess I was just caught off guard by that whole 'fantasy' thing." Kennedy reached up and pulled the witch down on the bed to lay against her side. "I think we should just call it a night for now."

Sighing, Willow snuggled into Kennedy's side, sausage-rolling herself around the slayer. With a slight smirk, she nibbled on the crown of Kennedy's ear. "More time for fantasizing in the morning…" Her head rested on the slayer's shoulder.

Kennedy let out a little groan. "Assuming I can make it through the night." The slayer turned her head to the side to meet her lover's lips in a gentle kiss. Pulling away, she stared deeply into the witch's eyes. "The things you do to me Willow. I mean, if you knew *half* the things I fantasized about doing with you…about doing *to* you…" The brunette's eyes widened, and her smile faltered. "I mean…uh, n-not that I…umm…"

A blush crept its way back in Willow's cheeks. "Maybe we should be starting with *your* inner fantasies, huh?" She gave the slayer and affectionate nuzzle. "Maybe, tomorrow, you wouldn't mind…sharing some of them?" She tried to grin, but at the same time it was rather shy.

"Tomorrow?" The slayer repeated with a raised brow. "What's wrong with tonight?" Kennedy licked her lips once again and ran the tips of her fingers along the tense muscle of the witch's hip. "Didn't wear you out already…did I?"

"Me?" It came out more as a squeak than originally intended. "Worn out? You must be forgettin'." Willow pushed herself back on top of the slayer. "I'm a super witch. We don't get tired."

Kennedy grinned, raking her eyes down over her lover's body. "That's…" Her thought was suddenly interrupted when the witch reached up with one finger and trailed it down from the top of her jaw and to the base of her neck. "…good."

Willow leaned in and sealed the deal with a kiss.

Kennedy broke away from the kiss breathless. She kept her eyes locked with the woman above her as she reached out and slowly trailed her hands up the witch's arms. With a hiked brow and a knowing smirk, she suddenly flipped their positions and grinned down at the slightly surprised expression on Willow's face.

Kennedy continued to hold the deep gaze with the redhead as she hovered just above her. "Did you mean what you said?" The slayer's voice was raspy and thick with desire.

Without hesitation, Willow nodded breathlessly. "Yeah, I did…" Her hands ran along Kennedy's sides, and she licked her dry lips.

"So," Kennedy began cautiously, "anything that I wanna do…" She stopped and lifted her thigh to wedge it between the witch's, moaning at the feel of the other woman's heat against her skin. "I-is okay?"

Willow barely managed to stifle one of her own, biting her lower lip. "Y…yes…" She swallowed, hard. "L-like I said…I trust you."

Kennedy nodded slowly, but didn't respond. She reached down with her right hand and pushed Willow's thigh away from the other, settling down between them more snuggly. The slayer stared down into her lover's trusting eyes and smiled softly. She leaned in to give her a tender kiss before pulling back just enough to whisper between their lips. "Turn over."

The redhead watched the slayer for a moment, butterflies suddenly swarming in her stomach. With a silent nod, she slowly flipped herself over, settling back down on her stomach, still close to the slayer.

Kennedy leaned in and pressed herself fully against her lover's back. Running her hands down over the tender skin of her sides, she leaned in to bring her lips next to the older woman's ear. "You're beautiful, baby." Her right hand trailed down over the smooth expanse of the witch's back, pausing only when it met the end of her lower back. "Willow…can I?"

Already the witch's breathing had increased. She nodded once again, letting out a ragged breath at the feeling of Kennedy's body pressed into hers, the slayer's breath in her ear, her hand…all of it. The fact that it was somewhat unknown territory, that this was new to the both of them, together, heightened the experience for Willow, no doubt about it. Her heart was going a million miles a minute.

Kennedy closed her eyes and took in an uneasy breath as she slipped her hand down between the witch's thighs. "Willow…baby," she moaned as she slipped into her lover's heat from behind. Somehow, it seemed this new position enhanced the experience.

Kennedy felt a thousand emotions pass through her mind as she felt herself connect with the other woman in one of the most intimate ways. The only words she could give to her current state of feelings suddenly slipped out in a ragged breath. "I love you."

Stars seemed to explode in front of Willow's eyes, and her breath hitched, catching the loud cry that nearly escaped her throat. "Oh…" was about the only thing she was able to get out after a few seconds, the word 'god' sticking in the back of her throat as well. Her body automatically arched up, but the slayer's weight pushed her down and drove her further inside. Willow let out a loud moan that escaped this time, moving back against Kennedy slightly once more.

"Is this…" Kennedy moaned when she felt Willow push back against her, pulling her deeper inside. She shifted her right leg, bringing her thigh against the back of her hand to add more force with each thrust. "Is this…okay?"

Willow's eyes were closed, and her fists clenched around the sheets in front of her. "Oh…god…yes, okay, v-very much…okay…don…don't stop…"

Somehow the witch managed to let go of the bed sheets with her right hand, and brought it back to tangle in Kennedy's hair. She turned her head to the side, pulling the brunette's head forward a little, and kissed her as best she could from that angle.

Kennedy moaned into the kiss and lifted her other hand to pull the woman's lips harder against her own. After a long moment, the slayer pulled back from the heated embrace, breathing heavily. "Willow," she panted through a heavy breath. "You feel so…" She blinked back a stray drop of sweat that had seeped down into her eye. "…good."

Willow didn't have a chance to reply; her entire body suddenly seized up in a rippling orgasm, clenching tightly around Kennedy's hand. She pushed back into the slayer one final time, her left hand reaching over to tightly grasp Kennedy's that lay right next to their bodies. Another moan escaped her lips, and her eyes closed while her body crashed.

When the effects of her climax started to dissipate, leaving her body pulsing and shuddering with pleasure, the witch collapsed fully down onto the bed, going limp.

"Wow…" It was muffled, but there was no mistaking the bewilderment behind the exhaustive tone.

Kennedy tried not to crush her lover as she let her body go to the overwhelming sensation of pure contentment and exhaustion. "Double wow," Kennedy breathed with a smile as she rested her cheek against the sweaty skin between the witch's shoulder blades.

The slayer braced her hands against the bed and started to push herself back off the older woman. "That was…" She collapsed onto the bed next to her lover, turning her head on the pillow to gaze into the familiar emerald eyes. "…amazing."

Willow cracked open an eye to peer at Kennedy, a small grin forming over her face. Her other eye opened and she snuggled right up to the slayer. "*You* are amazing," she corrected, sighing blissfully. "I don't think I've ever…" A small blush threatened to appear. "Well, okay not never as much, but that was…wow…" She placed her lips on top of Kennedy's, kissing her sweetly. "Just so you know…definitely up to trying new things from now on."

Kennedy chuckled. "Glad to hear it." She opened her arms and motioned for Willow to snuggle in. She smiled when the older woman dropped her head to rest on her shoulder and wrapped an arm around her waist. She stayed quiet for a long while, staring up at the ceiling above their bed. "Willow," she started slowly, "I know we kinda talked about this before…but, umm…"

Kennedy paused to swallow back the sudden hesitation that had crept up into her throat. "Did you…do you…want to maybe, you know…have kids?"

Willow smiled into the slayer's shoulder at the mental image of several mini-Kennedy's running around causing trouble in what she pictured as their future kitchen. A small chuckle escaped, and she pulled back her head to rest it next to the brunette's on the pillow. Her fingers ran through stray strands of hair as she pondered for a moment, a thoughtful expression upon her face.

Finally, "I do." The witch glanced up from where she was absently staring at Kennedy's hair to her eyes. A soft smile was forming. "When we were talking before, i-in the cemetery about it, I really did think about it seriously…and yeah, Kenn, I do, if you do. So if we both do…then yes. I've kinda always wanted my own family, I-I just, well…never thought anyone would want one with me."

"You're jokin' right?" Kennedy gave her lover a confused half-smile. "How could anyone in their right mind *not* want you to have their baby?" The slayer paused and thought back on her own words. "Assuming it's even possible for you to have my baby." She thought about it a second more before adding in afterthought, "Is it possible?"

"Well…" A sly grin formed over the witch's face, and her hand suddenly slithered down between their bodies. Nestling between Kennedy's legs, she idly stroked several fingers over her slayer's wetness. "Could always try to grow ya somethin' extra…"

Kennedy's eyes followed her lover's hand. Her brows knitted in confusion for a moment before her eyes suddenly widened. "Willow!" Her cheeks turned a light shade of red as her lover's insinuation suddenly dawned on her.

"I-is…is that something you could do?" Kennedy asked hesitantly, her embarrassment suddenly replaced with curiosity. "I mean, as long as you're sure it's safe…for both of us, and of course as long as it didn't become permanent." The slayer smiled. "I love ya Will, and I'll do anything for love…but I won't do that."

Willow gave a low chuckle, resting her hand on Kennedy's thigh for the moment. "I don't really know…I mean, i-it would require a lot of research, but…wait, you'd really go for this?" She furrowed her brow at the slayer. "Like, you wouldn't mind…g-growing a-a…um…?" she trailed off, raising an eyebrow that indicated Kennedy knew what she was talking about. "A-and we would, make sure it's safe. And don't worry, it wouldn't be permanent. I'm sure there have been women in the past who have done it, witches…"

A broad smile was suddenly starting to form over her face. "Yeah…yeah, we can do this. It would really be our own baby, ours."

Kennedy chuckled at her lover's excited state. "Of course I'd do it baby, 'cause it's not just for me, it's for *us*. Just to think of a little girl that had your beauty *and* my charm?" The slayer grinned. "The boys…or girls…wouldn't know what hit 'em."

Kennedy gazed deeply into Willow's soft emerald eyes. "But seriously baby, I can't think of anything I want more than to have a baby with you that's ours…I mean *really* ours. If the only way to do that is for me to grow a…for a couple hours, then yeah, that's a sacrifice I'm totally willing to make." The brunette paused and considered it for a long moment. "Then again, it might actually be fun. Maybe I'd finally find out why it's such a big deal for guys."

A loud groan escaped Willow's lips. "Just don't start acting like one, or I may have to chop it off before we finish." A thought then crossed her mind, and she blushed yet grinned all at once. "And…in the spirit of trying something new…" A finger trailed down the center of Kennedy's chest, between the valley of her breasts and across her toned stomach. "Might be kinda…fun." She smiled flirtatiously.

"F-fun?" Kennedy swallowed back hard. "As in…*now* fun?" She watched her lover's reaction with interest, but received no verbal answer. "Will? I thought…I thought you said you wanted to wait til after we were married?" Kennedy dropped her eyes and watched as the redhead's finger slowly trailed back and forth against the sensitive skin of her belly. "I mean…u-unless it's just…p-practice."

"Huh?" Willow furrowed her brow, giving her lover a strange look. "Um, honey? I-If you wanted to wait until we were married, it's a little late. *Really* late, seeing how we've already done it more than enough times to keep an army of bunnies busy- OH!" She blushed deeply, her brain finally kicking in.

"Um, n-no, not that, we don't know enough to try…that…just yet. I don't want to risk you getting hurt, o-or something going wrong and it growing out of your…" she trailed off and her eyes grew wide as she stared at the slayer's forehead. "N-n-nevermind. But, we just aren't doing it til we're, y'know, confident we know what we're doing. 'Kay?"

Kennedy pondered the witch's words for a long moment before her own eyes suddenly grew wide. "Oh! Oh…n-no! I didn't…I didn't mean…" The slayer blushed again. "Yeah, I think we should be sure before we try anything. 'Cause…*really* not looking forward to having to run away and join the circus to make a living as a sideshow freak just to support the little brat."

Willow chuckled, kissing Kennedy quickly to make it up to her. "Sorry, baby. Didn't mean to put scary mental images in your head." Her hand continued to trail lower down the slayer's abdomen, and a sly smirk started to form. "But, just because we aren't doing *that* right away, doesn't mean…"

Kennedy raised a brow, a smirk of her own slowly forming. She dropped one eye to follow the path of her lover's hand as it slowly disappeared beneath the sheet. "Something you want?"

"Actually…" Willow rolled Kennedy over onto her back and climbed on top of the slayer. "It's more about…" She sat up, straddling Kennedy's hips. "What *you* want." Green eyes traveled down the slayer's body, her hands gently playing over the toned abs of her brunette. "You did…for me, and now I wanna, well…f-for you. Tell me what you want…"

"Well," Kennedy started, her smirk still firmly in place. "For starters…" She lifted her hands and gripped the firm muscle of the witch's backside. "You could wiggle that cute little ass of yours."

A crimson blush shot through the witch, and she glanced away in embarrassment. "My ass is not cute," Willow grumbled, though the hint of a smirk remained on her face. "I like these better." She quickly shuffled down Kennedy's body and attached her lips to an already erect nipple. "Always been a breast gal, myself…" Her tongue flicked over her lover's breast once again.

Kennedy moaned in appreciation of the gentle touch. "Mmm…couldn't tell." The slayer smiled through her rapidly increasing desire. "What, with you always attached to 'em whenever you get t-the chance." Kennedy lifted a hand and ran it through the witch's soft locks. "Not that I'm complaining or anything."

Willow pulled back and gave Kennedy a look. "Hey, I just know how to appreciate what I have." She slithered back up the slayer's body and caught her in a searing kiss, her hand nestling itself between Kennedy's legs and idly stroking her wetness.

The smirk suddenly vanished from the slayer's face at the first touch of her lover's gentle fingers. "Willow," she moaned breathlessly, turning her face to the side to meet the witch's. She met the older woman's eyes with a burning intensity as she felt her arousal become almost unbearable. "Baby…please."

Two fingers sunk simultaneously into the slayer, Willow letting out a soft groan as she did so. Her lips attached themselves to Kennedy's jaw line, kissing her way down to the slayer's neck and ear. With her free hand, she reached down and guided the slayer to hook her right leg around her hip, while her hips added more force behind her hand as she began to thrust into her.

Kennedy's eyes rolled back in her head and she arched her back in pleasure. Her hands gripped the sheets roughly in tight fists, the material threatening to rip under the force. "God…Willow," she moaned out her lover's name, the tip of her tongue darting out to wet dry lips. A tiny smile of satisfaction slipped past the heavy pants of breath as she felt her muscles begin to tighten, a heat forming low in her belly.

Willow loved the feelings she was creating in her lover, and Kennedy's moans were like music to her ears. The witch brushed her lips back against the slayer, not ceasing in her lower motions. "Maybe not too different…" She licked the sensitive spot behind Kennedy's ear. "But you still like?" A mischievous grin formed.

"L-like?" Kennedy barely managed to force the word out between harsh breaths. "Baby…it's…" She forced her eyes open to meet the penetrating gaze of the witch. "…it's…" The rest of the sentence died off in the back of the slayer's throat when the sudden sensation of ultimate release exploded inside of her.

Kennedy's eyes once again rolled back in her head and she let out a long moan of her lover's name, reaching out to make any physical contact with the older woman's flesh.

Willow pressed her body down into the slayer's, her fingers continuing to stroke and ride out Kennedy's release. She placed butterfly kisses around her brunette's face, neck, ears, everywhere she could reach skin. "I love you," was breathed into Kennedy's ear, as she buried her face into the slayer neck.

Kennedy felt a hand…then fingers, and she latched on. Sighing as the older woman leaned in to kiss her, she brought their entwined hands close to her body and let out a long, slow breath. "Damn, baby," she smiled with heavy lidded eyes as she felt herself crashing back down to earth. "You…are…good."

Willow beamed with pride. "I try." Slipping out of the slayer, her body crashed down onto the bed next to her. "Guess what they say is true," she commented tiredly while snuggling into the slayer. "Make up sex? *Definitely* great."

Kennedy smiled hazily as she rolled over to face her lover. "Make-up sex?" She reached out and trailed a finger down over the ticking muscles in the witch's stomach. "Here I was thinking this was just 'make Kennedy all better' sex." A slow grin formed as she brought her eyes up to Willow's. "I was kinda hoping the make-up part was gonna come later. Tomorrow *is* Thursday…ya know…"

"Really? Huh," Willow replied absently. "I'd already forgotten about that…" At the disappointed look on Kennedy's face, she smiled and leaned in to smooch her again. "Just kidding, baby, no way I could've forgotten about our little…" Another kiss. "Arrangement." A small smile formed. "Probably a good thing we got the healin' bit overwith tonight, or bed rest and lots of fluids would've been the only thing on your menu tomorrow."

Her fingers grazed over the healed wound on her lover's chest. Though completely healed, parts of the blast wound had scar tissue remaining. Something that would always remind them both of what Kennedy had sacrificed in order to save her lover, though that was something Willow would never forget to begin with.

"Are you really okay?" Her tone had changed to a quiet, slightly anguished one, and her eyes looked up to search Kennedy's for the truth.

Kennedy lifted her hand and placed it over her lover's, holding them both against her chest. "More than, really." She lifted the woman's hand to her lips and kissed the back. "Willow, you're everything to me. If I ever lost you…if this is what I have to wear," Kennedy swallowed back the lump in her throat and nodded down to the starburst scar marring the middle of her chest, "just to know that you're still very much alive and well, then I consider it an honor."

Without words to reply to that, Willow just did what her heart wanted at that moment: she moved as close as humanly possible to her girl, and brought her lips into a loving, passionate kiss. "Every girl should be so lucky," she murmured, squeezing Kennedy's hand in her own. "You're amazing, you know that? Your heart…" Willow brought their hands back Kennedy's chest. "Makes you stronger than physical slayer strength ever could."

Kennedy blushed and averted her eyes. "You…you're just saying that." She slowly brought her eyes back up and gave the other woman her best and softest smile. "You give me that strength Willow. When I go out there every night to fight the good fight, it's not just 'cause I know it's for the greater good. It's for you, Will. It always has been. Just to think I have your warm and loving arms to come home to, gives me more strength than I could ever dream of having." She lifted her lover's hand from her chest, this time kissing the palm. "It's all for you baby, and one day, it'll be for *our* baby. To keep you both safe and warm. My family."

Kennedy paused, her smile growing. "My family. Gotta tell ya…really liking the sound of that."

"Yeah…does have a nice ring to it, doesn't it?" Willow let out a content sigh and replaced her head on the pillow. "And someday we will. I really like the idea of a little Kennedy running around…" A finger traced the outline of Kennedy's face delicately. "Beautiful daughter with a beautiful mother…I couldn't ask for more."

"Another one?" Kennedy smirked, snuggling into the bed and pulling the witch to cuddle snuggly against her side. "Baby, I think the world has its hands full already." The slayer chuckled. "Now, a little green-eyed girl with fair skin and raspy red hair? That's beauty." Kennedy leaned in and placed a kiss to the redhead's temple. "In fact, I think three or four little Willows would be just right."

"Three or four? Me?" Willow shook her head. "That's…three or four total spazzes. I-I don't know if the world is ready for that, either…" She glanced up into her slayer's eyes. "Maybe, mix the two together, come out with something blended…the best of each of our qualities." A low chuckle emitted from her throat.

Suddenly the pure exhaustion of the nights events, both bad and pleasurable, washed over the witch. She fought to stifle a yawn. "Sleep now?"

Kennedy smiled sleepily at her lover, reaching down to pull the warm blanket up over their tired bodies. "Oh yes…sleep now."

Willow was rudely jolted awake by an elephant trying to break and enter.

Or, at least that's what it sounded like.

She moaned loudly, turning her head into Kennedy's shoulder and all but trying to crawl inside of the slayer. Whoever was at their door continued to pound. The sunlight streaming through the balcony doors was a clue that morning had arrived, but it still had to be relatively early.

"Make it go away…"

Kennedy shifted in her sleep before letting out a low groan. "Don't wanna," she mumbled, reaching out for one of the extra pillows and placing it down over her head.

The knock only grew louder and more insistent.

An unmistakable voice broke through the pounding. "Yo, open the fuck up before I break the stupid door down!"

Willow raised her head groggily and blinked at Kennedy. "Was that…"

The Offender of Doors pounded a third time, before a muffled voice could be heard telling her it wasn't gonna do any good breaking the hinges off. "They're probably not here right now, anyway."

"Like fuck. They're probably goin' at it like bunnies, or squirrels or somethin'. That or sleeping." Faith raised a fist to continue her assault.

Kennedy moaned one last time before throwing the pillow back off her head. "Time is it?" the slayer yawned sleepily as she threw the pillow onto the floor and glanced over at the bedside clock. "It's not even ten yet," she whined and threw her arm back over her eyes.

Willow replied with a groan of her own, and snuggled up, pressing herself into Kennedy's back. "Faith's gonna break down the door if you don't get it. I don't have the strength to survive getting my face pounded in right now, so I vote you go…" For good measure, she placed a small kiss on the slayer's shoulder blade.

Kennedy's arm dropped away and she groaned. "Baby," she sighed, turning to look at her lover. "They're your friends, not mine. Why do I hafta answer it? They're here for you anyways."

The knocking grew louder. "Open up! I know you're in there. I can hear you breathing!"

"You can hear them breathing?" Buffy's voice was a little muffled.

"What? Heard it in a movie once and always wanted to say it," Faith defended with a smile.

"*My* friends? What happened to, 'Faith's pretty much the coolest'," Willow mimicked in a deep, manly voice. "You answer." She gave the slayer a little nudge towards the edge of the bed. "I think one of the bathrobes is on the chair over by the table…" Unsuccessfully stifling a yawn, Willow snatched the pillow from Kennedy and threw it overtop of her own head.

Kennedy's sleepy frown was slowly replaced with a tiny smile. She leaned into her lover's side and whispered next to her ear. "Fine," she husked in a heavy voice. "But you're *so* gonna owe me." Her hand slipped down under the covers to rest on the witch's hip. "And I *always* collect." Her hand slipped down and gave Willow's thigh a tender squeeze before she pulled away and got out of bed.

Kennedy walked over to the nearest chair and pulled the robe from the back, slipping it on as she made her way to answer the door. "This better be good," she called out as she grabbed the handle and swung it open.

Willow peeked out from under the pillow, and just shook her head with a smile as she watched Kennedy swagger tiredly into the other room.

Faith nearly knocked Kennedy unconscious with her fist, as she aimed to resuming pounding. Thankfully, slayer reflexes allowed her to stop. "Jesus, I was starting to think you two died in there." The older slayer paused, raising a critical eyebrow at Kennedy, and before either of the other two could speak, stated bluntly:

"You have crazy lesbian sex hair, you know that?"

Kennedy raised a brow and gave the older slayer the once over. "And you would know what that looks like…" She paused with a slow smirk forming and gave a quick glance over to Buffy who was now standing just behind Faith. "…how?"

"You're a lesbian. You have sex hair. Put two and two together," Faith answered with a deadpan voice. Rolling her eyes, she pushed passed the younger slayer and entered the room. "So what's up? You call, all panicky about Red, and we show up to find you two doin' it like bunnies? B thought you two would've holed up in a bomb shelter somewhere."

Willow had eventually gotten out of bed and slipped on her own robe. She stood in the open doorway to the bedroom, and crossed her arm. "Standing right here."

Buffy smiled at the sight of her perfectly fine and still very much alive best friend. "Will," she breathed softly, walking over to the other woman and wrapping her in a light hug. "I'm so glad to see you. I've missed you."

Willow squeezed Buffy back tightly, grinning into her shoulder. "I've missed you too, Buff." Pulling back, her grin only grew. "Not that I'm not super happy to see you, but…you didn't come all the way out here because of Kennedy's slayer dream, did you?" She felt bad, dragging them literally halfway around the world.

The blonde smiled as she released the other woman from the hug, but still didn't step back. "It wasn't my idea," she whispered with a smile, motioning over her shoulder at the rogue slayer. "Faith was worried. I had to hold her hand the whole way over here on the plane." Buffy's smile faltered at the witch's raised brow and a slow blush crept up her cheeks.

"Whaddya know, baby?" Kennedy stepped up to her lover and hugged her from the side. "Looks like you and Faith got something in common."

Willow shot a death glare over at her slayer. "Yeah, well, you're…not fond of boats, so…" She blushed slightly, seeing how that's the best she was able to come up with. Then the redhead looked over at Faith with a raised eyebrow. "Faith? Fearless, five by five Faith, doesn't like flying?"

Faith copied Willow's look only directed at Buffy. "I am *not*," she stated defensively. "I just…look, it was bumpy, and 14 hours long, I got a little…restless, but so *not* scared!"

Buffy's smile slowly returned as she walked back over to stand next to the brunette. She reached out and placed a hand on Faith's hip. "We all now how tough you are. No need to get so worked up." Buffy continued to stare up into the other woman's eyes, transfixed by the alluring darkness of her gaze.

Kennedy watched the exchange in interest, a knowing smile slowly spreading over her lips. "So," she began, releasing her hold on her lover. "How long you here for?"

"Long enough to, um…" Faith tried to speak, seeming rather…distracted. "Uh…til we, y'know…" She swallowed hard, then mentally kicked herself in the ass. "'Til we know Red is safe! That's it."

Willow glanced at Kennedy, a knowing smirk meeting its twin, before looking back at the other two. "Well, sorry to burst your bubble…or possibly your wallets, but…Kennedy already took care of that." She reached over and gave her lover's waist a squeeze. "She saved my life last night." The redhead couldn't help the loving grin she beamed at her slayer.

Kennedy's blush was light, but noticeable. "Baby," she smiled, leaning in to give the redhead a light kiss. "I told you…you're *my* life now. I was only doing what I was born to do." Her eyes glanced down at the ring on the witch's finger. "'Sides…I didn't spend ten grand on that ring for nothin'." She grinned and leaned into Willow's neck, placing a kiss on the tender skin she found there. "You ain't gettin' outta this that easily."

"Outta what?" Buffy asked, suddenly intrigued by the notion. Her gaze fell to Willow's left hand, the shimmer of the diamond lighting up her eyes. "Willow? Why are you wearing a…" Her eyes widened and she suddenly lifted her eyes to meet the witch's. "Willow! Do you know you're wearing an engagement ring?!" Her finger pointed to the other woman's hand.

"And might I add…whoa!"

Willow blushed, taking Kennedy's hand in her own. "Well, s-she didn't just, *slip* it on in the middle of the night and hope I didn't notice, if that's what you mean…Buff, Kennedy and I have decided…"

She was about to continue, then suddenly whirled around with wide eyes to gawk at Kennedy.

"Ten thousand dollars?!"

Kennedy smiled innocently. "Uh…yeah?"

"Hello!" Buffy interrupted. "Still lost on the whole 'there's an engagement ring on my best friend's finger, which I had no idea about til just now'…thing!" Buffy looked up at Faith with an accusing brow, reaching over to slap her on the stomach. "Did *you* know about this?"

"Ow!!" Faith grunted in protest, rubbing her stomach. "Jesus, no, I didn't…I was with you, remember?" Shooting a glare over at the other couple, "So you're gettin' hitched? Already?" Her brow raised. "Isn't that kinda…soon?"

Again, Willow squeezed Kennedy's hand lightly, her thumb running over the back of it. She gave Buffy a slightly guilty look. "Buffy, I-I was planning on telling you, when we got back to the states. I know that you might think it's a little, well, fast, but…I'm *done* waiting. I love Kennedy, and more than just a little puppy love. We have something that I-I…I never thought I'd ever be able to find again, but I did, and I'm gonna hold onto that…forever."

Green eyes gazed over into brown. "What's the difference between waiting ten years, or waiting a few months? We'll still be together, I know we will."

The shocked look on Buffy's face was understandable, but it made the witch feel a little dejected. Willow dropped Kennedy's hand finally, and took a few steps towards the blonde slayer. "Buff…?"

The blonde took a few more moments for the news to finally digest in her mind before a soft smile slowly appeared over her face. "Will, I'm so happy for you." She took the few steps forward to close the gap between herself and the redhead before pulling the woman once again into a gentle embrace. "Of course I would be. If there's anyone that deserves this…it's you."

Kennedy let out a breath she didn't realize she was holding. "You don't know how glad I am to hear you say that. I didn't even wanna *think* about trying to comfort Will if she found out that her best friend didn't approve of her wedding, much less wanting to be in it."

Willow glanced back at Kennedy with a smile. "Are you implying I would be an emotional wreck?" A pause. "…probably true." The witch nudged Buffy in the side. "So…" She cast a sidelong glance at Faith, then raised an eyebrow back at the blonde. "You two, been, uh…well, you aren't trying to kill each other anymore. What's up with that?"

Faith stuffed her hands in the back of her jeans, suddenly looking awkward. "Look, Red, I know I haven't given you a lot of reasons to trust me…" Her brow furrowed. "Any, actually, but…I'm not gonna try and-"

"I know, Faith," Willow interjected, giving the dark haired slayer a knowing smile. "I know. A-and plus, we wouldn't have been able to do it without you in Sunnydale, so in case it hasn't been said enough…thank you." Willow felt like she could finally put to rest her passed issues with the newly reformed slayer.

Faith, a little confused yet happy, gave a small shrug and glanced away awkwardly. "Yeah, uh…welcome."

"Is big bad Faithy gonna blush now?" Kennedy teased with a smirk. "I bet it'd be cute." She added after a beat. The slayer turned her attention to the blonde in the room. "Don't you think it's cute when Faith blushes, Buffy? Or maybe you just think Faith's *always* cute."

Buffy's eyes widened. "What?! Uh…no! I-I don't think she's…well, not that she's *not*…uh…I mean…" The slayer looked over at Faith with a nervous stare. "We've been…she's been really good to me lately. We've been gettin' along really well. She even let me sleep with her…"

Kennedy's brow suddenly arched and her smirk widened.

Buffy's words quickly died back in her throat and she let out a tiny whimper. Turning to the witch, she pleaded with her eyes. "Can we go out to the balcony for a bit? I saw it when we came in and it looked like it had a really good view of the beach."

"Of course. Just, maybe let Kenn and I get some clothes on, then we can break up into our respective groups…" With the hint of a smirk on her face, Willow showed Buffy the balcony and told her she'd meet her outside in a second. Respectively, Kennedy had Faith wait in the small front room of their suite. The second TV hosted in the hotel room would keep her busy enough.

Finally, alone again, Willow tossed her robe aside and began the search for clothes. She glanced at Kennedy with a wide smile. "I *knew* it. Did you know it? I *knew* it!" Her voice was full of excitement for her best friend, and slightly amused at the foot-in-mouth routine the other two had done since stepping foot inside the door.

"Knew what?" The slayer asked innocently as she pulled on her jeans. "That it was only a matter of time before those two finally got a clue and faced how much they wanted each other?" Kennedy smiled and pulled a clean button down shirt on over her shoulders. "It seems like everybody *but* them knew Will. I remember how bad it was when we were back in Sunnydale. I was just waitin' for the moment that Buffy was gonna be bitchin' at Faith and then she was just gonna grab her and lay one on that little smart ass mouth."

Kennedy finished with the buttons on her shirt and sat down onto the bed to begin putting on her boots. "When you think about it…they do seem kinda hot together." The slayer glanced back over her shoulder at her lover. "Don'tcha think?"

The statement caused Willow to flush. "I-I don't…I don't tend to think about it…like that. Buffy, she's m-my best friend, s-so her and Faith…well, I'll throttle Faith if she does *anything* so much as breathing wrong in the presence of Buffy, but…I haven't really thought of them as, hot…" She knew her mouth was running away with her again, so abruptly shut up.

Fully dressed in a simple white blouse and blue jeans, she stood up and walked over to Kennedy. "I'm gonna talk to Buffy for a bit, see how she's doing. Fill her in on the greatness of you."

With an adoring grin, Willow grabbed Kennedy by the front of her shirt and pulled the brunette in close, kissing her deeply.

The slayer moaned into the kiss, and when the witch pulled away, she lingered with her eyes closed just long enough to elicit a light giggle out of the older woman. "Mmm…" Kennedy grinned, slowly opening her eyes. "Well, while you're doing that…I'm gonna go see what I can squeeze outta Faith." Kennedy reached out and placed her hands on the witch's hips. "Just do me one favor? If Buffy gives up the juicy details, promise to fill me in later?" The slayer grinned at the blush that covered her lover's face.

"Will do," the witch replied with a small smile. "And don't um…w-well, I know you think Faith is hot and everything, b-but…I'm *really* trying to stick to that 'no killing' people thing these days…" She grinned at Kennedy. "I'd hate to have to slay your new best friend."

Kennedy arched a brow and smiled. "Now, that wouldn't be a bit of jealousy I detect in there, would it?" At her lover's silence, she continued. "Well, its dumb jealousy, Will." Her smile softened and she stared deeply into the witch's eyes. "I already told you, there's no other woman on this planet that makes my palms sweat or my heart race." She reached up and brushed back a strand of hair from the other woman's eyes. "Yeah, I think Faith's hot, but in a totally respectful and totally 'not gonna do anything what-so-ever about it'…kinda way. She may have a killer body and a sexy as hell smile…but…" Kennedy's voice grew low as she leaned in to nip at the witch's earlobe. "I still think you're the sexiest, most desirable woman to ever walk the face of the planet."

Willow beamed, nuzzling into Kennedy's neck. "Have I told you lately that I love you?" Leaning back to plant another kiss on Kennedy's luscious lips, Willow moaned slightly when she had to pull back. "This sort of sucks…much as I love Buffy to death, I'm really getting the urge to keep with the kissing…"

A slight pout still on her face, Willow pressed their lips together one final time before stepping back with a sigh. "Okay." She could feel her heart rate going a million beats per minute. "Really…*really* gotta stop doing that if we don't wanna leave them to sit alone for the next few hours."

Kennedy grinned and released her hold on the redhead. "Yeah, I know." She nodded toward the other room. "I've been told Faith ain't exactly the most patient." She leaned back in for one last taste of the witch's lips before reaching back to smack her on the butt. "And don't even think for *one second* this changes anything about tonight. You still owe me for earlier."

Kennedy turned and made her way over to the bedroom door, reaching out to pull it open. "'Sides, something tells me that Faith's gonna have her hands full with her own hottie tonight…literally." Kennedy grinned with her hand on the knob. "Well, if I've got anything to say about it at least. From the second I laid eyes on her, I knew that woman was a closet 'lover of the girls' just *waitin'* for the right one to come along and shove her ass right outta it." Kennedy shook her head with a grin and sighed as she pulled the door open and walked back out into the other room, clicking the door closed softly behind her.

Rolling her eyes a little, Willow shook her head and turned with a smile to go see Buffy. She froze, spotting the blonde slayer already leaning back against the railing outside and smirking at the witch.

Willow flushed crimson, realizing Buffy had seen the whole smoochie-smoochie thing, and opened up the glass doors. "Been there long?" she joked meekly before closing them behind her.

"Long enough to hear that your girlfriend thinks she can convince Faith to try to get in my pants," the blonde smirked, folding her arms over her chest.

Willow let out bit of nervous laughter. "W-well, uh, s-she just meant…um…" Giving Buffy her best toothy grin, the witch went and flopped down on one of the folding chairs near the railing. "So, about that…I believe you're the one who mentioned something about sleeping with Faith…?" A smug grin plastered itself over the redhead's face. "Gotta say…about time you two lust bunnies gave into each other."

The slayer's face was suddenly overrun with a deep crimson blush. "I-I…I didn't mean it l-like that." Buffy walked over and slowly sat down into the folding chair opposite of the witch. "What I was trying to say…is these last coupla weeks, Faith and I have been getting along…really well." The blonde paused, and dropped her eyes down to her hands. "I don't know what's happening between us, Will. It's like ever since she came back into my life, I'm suddenly not so sure what…or should I say *who* I want anymore."

Buffy swallowed back the lump in her throat as she brought her eyes back up to the woman sitting across from her. "Life's funny, huh?" she smiled sadly. "This time last year I was pleasantly pleased that she was tucked away in the deepest, darkest jail cell humanly possible…and now…and now just the thought makes my tummy rumble."

"Faith has changed, I'll give her that," Willow replied with a nod. "I-I mean, me, not her all-time favorite fan-person, but…I guess we have more in common than I'd like." She smiled ruefully. "But…with you, it's always been…different. Faith has. I mean, even when you guys were mortal enemies, looking back on it now, I still think there was something there…"

Willow glanced up at her best friend. "Has anything…happened, between you two? Aside from sharing a bed," was added as an afterthought, and with a grin.

"H-happened?" Buffy repeated with a nervous swallow. "Between…between us?" The blonde gave a short, nervous laugh. "Only if you count her hand accidentally missing the pop-corn bowl and landing on my thigh…'anything'." She paused for a moment and thought back onto that night. "Then again, thinking about it now…she didn't exactly move her hand back right away…"

"Ah-HA!" Willow exclaimed, nearly jumping up. Getting a startled look from Buffy, she quickly sat back down. "Sorry, it's just…ah-HA!" Giggling, Willow leaned forward and grasped Buffy's hand. "Buff, you deserve a chance to be happy, more than anyone else I've ever known. With the slayer spell, and you not being the only one anymore…you can finally relax and live your life a little. If it's with Faith, for now, or for longer…then I'm happy for you." A beat. "And if she in any way, shape or form hurts you, there will be much pain on her part courtesy of me."

Buffy sighed and shook her head. "I think you're readin' too much into this Will. Faith…she's not interested in me…that way. I mean, if there's anyone besides me who had to listen to her tales of one night stands with all her 'studs', it's you."

She squeezed the witch's hand and looked deeply into her soft eyes. "Will, I'm not even sure I'm…that way. N-not that there's anything wrong with it. I mean, you and Kennedy seem really…happy, and you two are so cute with the love and kisses an' all." The slayer smiled. "And I can almost convince myself that when I look over at her and she's just starin' at the TV or something and then suddenly turns and smiles at me so sweetly…that when my heart does that little flutter thing…it's really nothing."

"Hearts don't flutter for nothin', B." At the look she received in return, "-uffy." The witch gave an apologetic shrug. "If you had feelings for Faith, it doesn't necessarily mean you're…well, it doesn't mean that you're gay, Buffy. Obviously just a little bisexual," Willow added with a teasing grin. "But, you two, for a while you were the only slayers, and there's no use in denying you've had a…connection. Whether it was because of the slayer thing or not, doesn't matter now. If you're falling for Faith- and there is no use in denying she's got it bad for *you*…" Willow's grin only widened, and she avoided a swat by the slayer. "Then you're falling for the person at heart, not…genitals."

Buffy's lazy smile suddenly vanished and was replaced with a nervous stare. "Umm…well, that's uh…that's kinda…a-another problem." A slight blush ran up the blonde's neck and covered her cheeks. "Assuming that Faith will actually…you know, by some strange thing really wanna try something with…with me…" She paused with a short sigh. "I've never…I've never been with a woman…you know, like that…and we both know there's no way Faith's gonna settle for 'let's just cuddle'. At least…not forever." She looked at her friend with deep, pleading eyes. "Will, what am I supposed to do when she wants to…?"

Willow, who understood the feeling very well, bit her lower lip and thought for a moment of what Buffy needed to her. "Well, short of me drawing you diagrams…" She shot Buffy a teasing grin. "For one thing, you really don't know if Faith has ever been with another woman before, either…I mean, we all know about her sexcapades with every male in Sunnydale and probably southern California," she started. "But, aside from that…just talk to her about it. If Faith really cares about you, she won't be trying to force you into anything. And you kind of, I don't know…learn as you go along, I guess is the way to put it?"

"Well, yeah," Buffy added with a short nod. "I guess…I guess that makes sense. I mean, even if Faith hasn't ever…" The blonde paused and her eyes grew a little lighter. "Something tells me that even if Faith hasn't been with another woman," a small smile spread over Buffy's lips. "She'd still be one helluva teacher."

The slayer blushed at her own words and averted her eyes from her friend's intense stare. "That would be classified as one of the naughty, lesbian Faith thoughts…right?"

"Ohh, you got it bad, girl…" Willow replied with a giggle. She got up from her seat and flopped down next to Buffy, placing an arm around the blonde's shoulders. "I believe you and Faith have some talking to do, don't you?" She raised an eyebrow at her friend. "And if Kennedy's pep talks are any indication…she'll have Faith trying to get in your pants by dinner."

By the time Kennedy came back into the main room, Faith had already made herself at home on the couch. Both feet were propped up on the coffee table, and she lazed back comfortably against the cushions, channeling surfing mindlessly away.

"Damn, K…you know they don't speak English in Brazil?"

Kennedy smirked as she made her way over. "That's the surprising thing about foreign countries Faith. They seem to have the annoying habit of speaking their own language." She walked over and fell onto the couch next to the older slayer, reaching over and snatching the remote out of her hand.

"Hey!" Faith reached over and snatched it back. "You get to sleep here for a few more days, lemme take advantage of the fact that you have satellite."

The channel surfing resumed, and Faith kept shooting side glances at the younger slayer. "So, you asked Red to marry you, huh?"

Kennedy let out a sigh and leaned back onto the couch, folding her arms behind her head and propping her feet up next to the other woman's. "Yep, sure did," she replied casually. "Even had the whole romantic dinner by candlelight an' all that. You know, the stuff chicks just eat up." Kennedy cast a side glance at the other slayer. "What about you? Any plans for a proposal in your future?"

Faith shot an overly exaggerated raised eyebrow at the other girl. "You're kiddin', right? Must be jokin', since I know you've heard all about my track record, seeing how you potential slayers are just oh-so-nosy…" She stopped on a show about dolphins, dropping the remote between them. "I roll with the punches, not…something to the opposite of that effect. Whatever."

"So," Kennedy's smile was slow forming, "you're saying that there is *absolutely* and *positively* no one that you've got an eye on?" The slayer shrugged and turned her eyes back to the screen. "'Cause I'm sure of all people, you should be able to appreciate a person's ability to change, and you know…" She paused and cast another glance over at the rogue slayer. "The only thing worse than taking the chance and failing…is never taking the chance at all." When she received an amused smirk in return, she shrugged. "Willow's startin' to rub off on me, I know."

Breathing a heavy sigh, Faith reached over and shoved Kennedy to the opposite side of the couch. "Quit with the cryptic, and just say it." She actually looked a little put out for a moment. "Nothin's gonna happen, okay? You and Red need to learn to keep your lesbian noses out of other peoples relationships. Playing matchmaker is a bad idea."

The dolphins on-screen suddenly became captivating while Faith silently brooded.

Kennedy lifted her hand and pretended to stab herself through the heart with an imaginary knife. "Ouch. Ya got me…right in my meddling little lesbian heart." She held the pose for a moment until she noticed the slow smile spread over the older slayer's face, but Faith still didn't turn to look at her.

Kennedy released a short laugh of her own before dropping her arm back onto the couch. "I know why you say that, Faith. I admit that I wasn't there from the beginning, but those last coupla weeks back in Sunnydale…well, let's just say, and to quote my favorite redhead here, my lesbidar went bonkers when you two were in the same room."

"Lesbidar?" Faith turned her head to cock an eyebrow at Kennedy. "Nevermind. I won't even ask." Shaking her head, she put the TV on mute and sighed loudly. "Buffy, she's…well, a ruler would be one way to describe her. There's no way she's ever…never had…" She struggled with words, finding it awkward to be actually talking to someone about this.

"There's no way she'd ever be into me, okay? Plain and simple. We're just friends."

"Don't you think maybe…just *maybe* she might be thinkin' the same thing?" Kennedy asked gently. "I mean, I know it's not easy to admit it the first time you look at another girl and feel…more than 'friendly' feelings. Speaking from personal experience here, and if there's one thing I've learned in that department, it's that you *never* assume anything.

"In fact," Kennedy added after a beat, "if I didn't know better, I'd say that whole little slip up of hers earlier was more of a come-on to you than an explanation to us. I mean, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to see when one girl is hittin' on another." She paused before adding with a teasing smile, "I mean, what was with that whole 'hand on your hip' thing anyway?"

No response came immediately from the older brunette. Then, "I don't know," she answered finally. "I mean, we've been…hanging out a lot. Not just training the newbies, but just, in general…it's almost like things used to be." A beat. "Only without me goin' behind her back and workin' for some evil criminal mastermind type guy. And I didn't kill anyone, either."

"Which," Kennedy encouraged with a raised hand, "are both *very* good things to mention when pitchin' the whole 'let's make hot lesbian sex'…thing."

Faith swatted the younger slayer a second time. "Hey!" She sunk back into the couch cushions. "Just watch the freakin' dolphins," she murmured. A few seconds later, the balcony door could be heard opening from the bedroom. Faith unintentionally took in a small breath, feeling her stomach bunch up in knots.

Kennedy glanced back over her shoulder as the bedroom door opened and Willow stepped out, soon followed by the shorter blonde. A slow smile spread over the slayer's face at the sight of her lover. "Hey baby," she reached up and slapped Willow on the ass as she passed by the couch. "Miss me?"

Willow stopped, and glared down at Kennedy. "Not so much anymore."

Faith snickered loudly beside the other girl. "Smooth."

Kennedy's hand was still lingering above the witch's rear. She placed it back on the tight flesh and gave it a good squeeze. "Yeah, it is, and firm too."

The redhead jerked away, and, following Faith's earlier move, thwacked the slayer across the head. "Kennedy!" A small blush tinged her cheeks, but mostly she just looked annoyed. "Glad to know you feel the need to show off my ass in front of my friends…"

Faith glanced back and forth between the two, then up a Buffy with a knowing grin. "See? They already fight like an old married couple. You guys'll have a breeze with this whole marriage thing, providing Kennedy doesn't screw it up in the first five minutes." The rogue slayer leaned over and nudge the girl in the ribs. "That'd be your cue to keep the PDA's to a minimum…"

Kennedy nodded while rubbing the back of her head. "Youch! Woman, was that really necessary?" She glanced back at the still blushing witch before turning to Faith with a light smirk. "And I wouldn't be so quick to bet on that if I were you." She nodded back at her lover. "I think she's just trying to play the blushing bride…'cause if you *really* knew what she lets me do…"

"We're leaving," Willow snapped abruptly, grabbing Buffy's hand and pretty much dragging the original slayer to the door. "There is more talking to be had, that is elsewhere, *away* from here. Faith, I'll bring your girlfriend back in a few hours."

Faith barely had time to register that comment in her brain before the door slammed. She sort of…twitched, but looked back over at Kennedy. "Uh…is that a…good thing that they just left, or a…bad thing?"

"I'm guessing very good for you," she said with a smile. "But not so great for me," she finished with a sigh. "I know Willow hates it when I act like that…but, I just can't help myself. Her ass is just so…so…grabbable." Kennedy glanced over at the other slayer. "Kinda like Buffy's…huh?"

"I'm *this* close to following them," Faith threatened, holding her fingers an inch apart. "So can we knock off the Buffy and Faith Show for a few hours, and get outa here? Since you went and played hero, we got nothin' but time to do shit. Always wanted to visit Brazil, see the sights, do the guys…"

"Do the…guys?" Kennedy repeated with a raised brow. "I'm pretty sure your girlfriend would have a slight problem with that." She paused and choked back the bad taste that suddenly flooded into her mouth with the image the words provoked. "And might I just add…yak! I'd rather chew through my own arm."

"Silly, silly lesbian," Faith replied with a mocking shake of her head. She suddenly picked herself up and launched herself over the back of the couch, landing with ease on her feet. "C'mon, lets get a move on. So many people to do, so little time to do 'em all…" A bark of laughter escaped at the very green look suddenly appearing on Kennedy's face. "C'mon, Slick. Lets head off Buffy and Red, maybe join the party."

Kennedy groggily stood and made her way around the couch. She suddenly stopped when she was next to the other slayer. The green color of her cheeks was suddenly gone and a wide grin was slowly spreading over her face. "Actually, I think that's a *perfect* idea. What better way to introduce you two newly ordained lesbian lovers into the life…then taking you to a lesbian strip club?"

The brunette lifted her arm and swung it around Faith's shoulders, pulling her hard into her body. "You're gonna love it, trust me. A girl always remembers her first lap dance." She started to pull Faith towards the door. "And who knows? I might even be able to convince Buffy to do the dancin'…"

Faith stumbled halfway through her step, staring at Kennedy with wide and confused eyes. "What??"

Willow, still fuming silently, had finally let go of Buffy's arm once they were inside of the elevator, and now that they were outside, the two strolled along the sidewalk.

"I hate it when she does that," the redhead grumbled. "The whole, tushy-grabbing thing in front of my friends…" A blush tinged her cheeks, and she glanced sheepishly at the blonde. "So, Faith grabbed your ass yet?"

Buffy glanced over at Willow before quickly averting her eyes with a blush. "She uh…she said it was an accident."

Willow nearly pulled a Faith move by falling flat on her face. She stared at the slayer for a moment, a wide grin spreading over her face. "And here you were thinking she wouldn't even be the least bit interested…" Slinging an arm around Buffy's shoulders, the redhead continued their walk. "Seriously though, Buffy…I-I know it's hard a-and stuff, but, just tell Faith how you feel. Or better yet…smoochies are always a good way to communicate without fumbling over words, or ranting on too long. Always works on me when I get into Babble-Mode, Kenn shuts me right u- er, w-well, you know what I mean…"

The blonde shot her friend a knowing smirk and a raised brow before letting out a slow sigh. "I don't know Will," she shook her head. "What am I supposed to do? Just…throw myself at her? Just crawl right into her lap and lay one on her?" She shook her head again, letting out a longer sigh. "I don't think…I *know* I can't do that. What if she totally freaks and knocks me flat on my ass? I'd be so embarrassed…I could never look at or speak to her again."

"Speak to who again?" Faith and Kennedy practically pounced on the other two women, having caught up swiftly thanks to slayer speed. Faith casually swung an arm around Buffy's shoulders. "Red dishin' out the dirt on K? 'Cause I want in on the details."

Buffy glanced down at the younger slayer's arm wrapped lightly around her shoulder. Her cheeks grew slightly red. "N-not really. We were…we were just talking about kissing."

"Ooh," Kennedy grinned, wrapping her arms around Willow's waist from behind. She leaned into the older woman, and brought her lips next to her ear. "My favorite…well, *second* favorite thing to do. That's probably 'cause I'm so good at it…on both accounts." The slayer chuckled. "Right baby?"

"Hmm…" Willow pretended to think for a moment. "Mediocre. I'd give ya a seven out of ten." She grinned wickedly over her shoulder at the younger brunette.

Kennedy was momentarily stunned at the witch's words, but her smile never faltered. "Oh," she nodded. "So, when you scream out 'Oh Goddess…please Kenn…I can't take anymore!' You're only humoring me so you won't hurt my feelings?" She stared back at her lover completely serious.

Again, Willow's step faltered, and she couldn't bring herself to look over at Buffy or Faith. "Touché," she murmured to her lover, but placed both of her hands on the ones around her waist.

Faith snorted at the two of them, and grinned down at Buffy. But the slightly nervous look on the blonde's face was readable, and she suddenly realized what she was doing. She retracted her arm just as casually as it had been placed there.

The words 'Please don't…' died away in Buffy's throat as soon as she opened her mouth to object at Faith's sudden retreat. Instead, she just smiled softly and shook her head. "It's always about sex with those two, huh? I'm starting to think lesbians have more fun…" Buffy trailed off with her smile widening, but her heart nearly pounded out of her chest. She unconsciously held her breath as she waited for the other woman's reaction.

Willow's brow skyrocketed, her ears hardly believing that Buffy had just said that. She immediately saw the reaction in Faith's mannerisms, but it looked as if the brunette- for once- was having trouble making a comeback to that. Or saying anything, really.

"Oh, look, store!" Willow suddenly exclaimed excitedly, grabbing Kennedy by the arm and literally dragging her into the first shop on their right. "We'll catch you two later!" Before either one of the slayers could reply, the door shut.

Faith looked at Buffy, and smiled a bit nervously. "Not too smooth, are they?" The rogue slayer took a glance up at the sign above the door and let out a loud bark of laughter. "Dude, *that* is too priceless…"

Inside, "They need a few minutes alone, I think," Willow told Kennedy, taking the slayer's hand in her own. "We can just browse for a few minutes an-" The words died in her throat as her eyes nearly popped out of her head. The walls around them were covered in bondage gear, sex toys, and naughty magazines.

Mentally, Willow told herself to watch where she was going next time.

Kennedy's eyes seemed to sparkle as she looked around at the various objects hanging on the walls. "I musta died and gone to lesbian heaven." She looked over at her lover with a slow forming grin. "Will? Don't you think that since we're already in here, and it would probably be *really* rude of us *not* to buy something…we should at least look around?" Kennedy's gaze flickered away from her lover's for a brief moment, the glint of smooth leather catching her eye.

Willow felt herself automatically become attached the Kennedy's side, eyeing the strange objects with a wary expression, as if they were out to get her. "Do we…h-have to?" She spotted Kennedy looking in the direction of the leather section. "Nuh-uh, no leather, no chains. Not really my…um…thing…" Her cheeks seemed permanently red at this point.

Kennedy shook her head lightly, leaning into the older woman. "Not there baby. A little…higher."

"Suddenly my eyes are afraid to move," Willow admitted weakly to the brunette. Before she could suggest they flee as fast as possible, her hand was taken in Kennedy's, and she was being dragged further into the store.

Buffy smiled, staring up at the sign. "You think we should go in after 'em?" she asked nodding towards the store entrance. A rather large woman dressed all in leather passed by the window. Buffy's eyes nearly bugged out of her head. "O-or maybe we should…just, you know…*not*."

"I vote no," Faith quickly replied. "C'mon, they can meet up with us later. I have a feelin' Kenn won't let Willow…leave, without uh…okay, I'm not finishing that sentence. Let's get some grub."

Buffy smiled, raising a brow. "You buyin'?"

Faith let out a dramatic sigh. "If I must, it bein' the lady-like thing an' all…not that you aren't lady-like," she quickly backtracked. "Just that uh…well, yeah, that means I'm buying."

Buffy smiled sweetly and reached out to lace her arm through Faith's. "In that case, I'd love to." She pulled her body closer to the taller woman's and looked up into her eyes. "I-is this…okay?"

Faith's heart rate increased ten fold, and she had to mentally kick her own ass to keep from sweating like a pig and melting completely. "Yeah…more than…" came out a little more raspy than intended. She looked down at Buffy's face for a moment, eyes lingering on her lips, before swallowing hard and forcing her eyes away. "C'mon. Ice cream should be down this way…"

Buffy caught the other woman's lingering stare on her lips, and her heart fluttered. She smiled. "Ice cream sounds great." She turned and allowed herself to be lead along down the path leading away from the store. "Choco chip's my favorite, 'specially with chocolate syrup on top." She paused for a moment. "Maybe it's just chocolate in general," she laughed lightly at her own words. She flickered her eyes back up to the other slayer's. "Know what they say about chocolate, don't you?"

"That it looks good on blondes?" Faith shot a wicked grin down at Buffy.

Buffy visibly blushed and averted her eyes. "I…uh…well, m-maybe, but…I was referring to…" The sentence suddenly died in Buffy's throat as the meaning of Faith's words finally dawned on her. "What!? Oh! You mean…t-that. Well, I…uh…" She blushed even harder.

Faith let out a deep chuckle. "Breathe, B. You're turnin' into Red." She cast a glance backwards towards the shop the other two had disappeared in. "Though, if five minutes ago was any indication…" Her eyes returned to Buffy's, and her brow raised with a smirk. "Might not have too many objections to that…"

Buffy glanced back over her shoulder at the shop before bringing her eyes back to Faith's. "What? You sayin' you wish I was a hot redheaded lesbian witch who has a taste for brunette slayers and sex toys?" Buffy's brow arched.

"Uh…" Faith backtracked, furrowing her brow for a moment. "Trade redheaded and witch, we might have somethin'." Faith offered Buffy a grin, be it a slightly nervous one at that. "So, back to the topic of ice cream, I take it you want chocolate?"

"Just plain 'ole chocolate?" Buffy gave Faith her best shocked look, but still grinned. "No way. Not when there's…" She paused and pretended to tick off the figures on her fingers. "Thirty flavors I still haven't tried." She looked up to meet Faith's raised brow. "What? So I haven't eaten a lot of ice cream. Turns out being the guardian of the Hellmouth for seven years doesn't really leave alotta time to indulge yourself."

"Was there even an ice cream stand in Sunny D?" Faith questioned, thinking back and not really remembering. "If there was, I wouldn't be surprised if some sicko was trying to profit off of 'demon' flavored ice cream." The thought made her frown. "Dude, nasty…"

Just as she was about to point out where they should go, a rather tall and bulky looking man plowed into Buffy, whom wasn't quite paying attention and tripped back into Faith.

"Hey, jackass!" the brunette snapped, reaching out and yanking him backwards by the bicep. "There's such a thing as other people in this world, specifically on this sidewalk. Say you're sorry."

He leered at Faith menacingly, and took a step forward. "What are you gonna do about it, bitch?" his accent was thick Brazilian, but he spoke perfect English. The dark slayer growled and took a step forward as well, looking pissed.

"Faith!" Buffy regained her balance and reached out to quickly grab the brunette by the arm just as she stepped up to the rude man. "Don't…Faith." She tugged on the younger slayer's arm, pulling her back away from the rather large man. "It's not worth it…*he's* not worth it. I'm fine, really." Buffy watched Faith's reaction a little nervously as she continued to stare down the taller man, her eyes never flinching. The blonde's hand remained resting lightly on Faith's forearm.

Any other time, any other place…any other *person*, and Faith would just pull away and kick the crap out of this loser anyway.

But…not today.

Letting out a deep sigh, she allowed her body to relax and defensive stance drop. "Fine." She glowered coldly at the big loser, who just smirked and strutted back in the other direction.

Looking rather cranky about it, Faith turned back to Buffy. "You should've let me make him apologize to you," she replied with a crooked grin. "You okay, B?"

"I told you, I'm fine." Buffy gave Faith a long, hard look before suddenly reaching out and smacking her squarely on the stomach. "What were you thinking?! You tryin' to get arrested again? What, you going for the world record of 'I've been arrested in every country this side of the equator' or somethin'?" Buffy shook her head and let out a deep sigh, keeping her eyes locked on the younger woman's. "I just got you back, Faith, and I can't…I can't lose you again…especially not to that."

In a moment of weakness, Buffy reached up and placed a tender palm against the brunette's cheek. "And although I think it's very sweet you wanting to play my knight in shining…" She paused and ran her eyes down Faith's attire. "…leather," she added with a tiny smile, "I'd still very much rather have that ice cream right about now." She stared up into the dark gaze of the slightly taller woman before suddenly realizing where her hand was. "S-sorry," she apologized and pulled her and away.

Automatically, Faith reached up and grabbed her by the wrist, keeping her hand where it was. "Don't be," she responded softly, and unFaith-like. The younger slayer all but gulped, suddenly looking nervous. Her eyes flicked back and forth from Buffy's eyes to anywhere but. She wanted nothing more than to…

"We uh, w-we should…we should do this somewhere else," she spoke quietly, looking embarrassed. "Or it won't be assault we'll be arrested for."

Buffy was momentarily stunned by the younger slayer's words. "Do? S-somewhere…else?" She looked completely lost. "Faith…I-I'm not sure what you mean by…" Her eyes widened as the meaning of the other woman's words suddenly dawned on her. "Oh! You mean…oooohh!" She leaned in and dropped her voice. "You mean…you want to…w-with…me?"

Faith arched an eyebrow at the blonde. "U-uh, w-well it just seemed you kinda, a-and with the hand, I thought maybe you were intere…" Words left her for a moment, and suddenly she was wondering if her brain had gone completely retarded and misinterpreted everything Buffy had ever said or done to h- done WITH her. "Shit B, I'm such a fuckin' moron, I'm so sorry…" Looking upset, Faith suddenly pushed by Buffy and continued to walk swiftly down the street. 'You fuckin' idiot, why the hell would she wanna kiss you?!' the slayer thought angrily to herself.

"Faith!" Buffy called after the other woman. "Faith, please, wait up!" She quickly jogged down the street to once again close the gap between them. "Would you just…" She reached out and grabbed Faith around her bicep, pulling her to a stop and forcing her to turn and face her.

"You know for a hardcore bad-ass, you sure can be a drama queen when you wanna." She pulled Faith in closer by her arm and leaned in to whisper next to her ear. "Just so you know, that wasn't a rejection. It's just…a girl kinda wants the first kiss to be a bit more romantic than a quick grope in the middle of a busy street."

Buffy pulled back slowly and locked her gaze onto Faith's. She never took her hand off her arm or moved to put very much space between them.

Faith remained silent for a moment, her senses overwhelmed with Buffy's presence. She locked eyes with the older girl, brain trying to process what was just said.

Finally, "Who said it was gonna be quick?" She offered a small smile, and licked her dry lips. "I just don't wanna…push you, or whatever, or freak you out…" Coming from her, this was new. Usually she never gave a fuck about anyone. But Buffy…she was different.

"I just…" It felt a little awkward, telling this to the blonde, but she mentally gritted her teeth, planted her feet, and made herself say it anyway. "Every time I look at you, I wanna kiss you…"

Buffy sure didn't mean to…but somehow a light whimper escaped from the back of her throat. "I promise you Faith," she paused and raked her eyes over the other slayer's finely sculpted form. "When I look at you, I feel alotta things, most of which I'm not really understanding just yet…but I can assure you…it's nothing I don't want."

Buffy dropped her hand down from Faith's bicep to rest on the edge of her hip. Her soft green gaze adjusted slightly, her eyes coming to rest on the brunette's lips. "Just so you know…kissing you? It's all I've been able to think about…dream about…"

Suddenly Faith's brain didn't care if it was in the middle of a street full of people. In fact, her brain wasn't really involved in her actions at all. She just leaned in and pressed her lips to Buffy's without a word, eyes fluttering shut in the process.

Nothing ever tasted sweeter.

Any protest Buffy might have had at the public display suddenly died in the back of her throat at the gentle sweet press of Faith's lips on her own.

Kissing a girl for the first time was definitely different…to say the least, but it was also kinda…nice.

It wasn't weird or strange like she had worried so many times that it would be. Maybe it was because a girl's lips are so much softer, maybe it was because she didn't have that annoying stubble, or maybe it was because she really took the time to enjoy and to make sure you enjoy the kiss.

Or maybe it was just because this was Faith and she was Buffy and it was Faith's lips on Buffy's lips.

Buffy was willing to bet it was probably the latter.

As much as the blonde was enjoying the soft touch of Faith's almost motionless lips on her own, the setting of the impromptu kiss suddenly dawned on her and she had to pull away to avoid turning as red as a ripe tomato.

"Faith," she breathed, pulling back and placing a gentle hand on the brunette's chest. "Faith…wait. Could we…" She took a moment to regain her bearings, taking in a deep breath and letting it out slowly with a smile. "Okay. Let me just say…WOW."

For a moment, Faith felt panicked when Buffy pulled back. That quickly turned into relief at the look on the blonde's face, and the words her brain could barely register that were coming out of her mouth. She said the only thing that came to mind, still looking rather blurry-eyed.

"Not to bad yourself, Summers." She gave the other girl a small grin.

Buffy blushed and leaned in to bury her face in Faith's shoulder. "God…just *wait* till Will hears about this one." She shook her head before lifting it to bring her eyes back to the younger slayer's. "Looks like we both passed our first lesbian initiation." Buffy smiled shyly through her blush. "Will's words, not mine." The blonde's smile slowly faded as she continued to gaze back up into the chocolate gaze slightly above her. "This is…I mean, you haven't…before? Have you?" A suddenly panicked look quickly clouded over her features.

Faith got a complicated expression over her face for a moment. She knew she needed to word this right, and not scare Buffy off. "Well, I've never…that is, I haven't…" She let out a deep sigh, bringing both hands up to hold onto Buffy's shoulders. "B, when I was younger, and…well, you know what I was like." Dark eyes glanced away from light for a second, before returning to look deeply into them. "But I've never kissed a girl I really, truly *cared* for…til now, anyway."

Buffy nodded mutely after a long moment of silence. "O-oh." She gave the younger woman her best smile. "Well, just in case you were wondering, you're my first as in *absolute* first. In fact, it usually takes me a least a month just to work up enough courage to kiss a *guy* for the first time and here I am suddenly attacking you on the first…date? See? I don't even know if this is even our first date, but what do I care? I just go right after you with my sexy words and my lusty lips!"

Faith let out a chuckle. "B, you're starting to sound like Red again. But hey, you don't see me complainin' about the lusty lips an' all, do ya?" Her smile widened a bit. "And I'm kinda glad I'm your first…girl, I-I mean. I'm already not lookin' forward to totally kicking Angel's ass if he so much as blinks in your direction, but if I found out you and Red had…" She trailed off, clearing her throat awkwardly. "That just kinda came out all possessive and psycho, didn't it?"

Buffy shook her head with a smile. She averted her eyes as her fingers played with the hem of Faith's tank where it met the top of her leather pants. "I think it's kinda…sexy." She slowly lifted her eyes back to the younger slayer's, a light blush still coating her cheeks. "I hope *this* doesn't sound psycho or anything…but I…I ah…I kinda like it that you're already so…possessive. Guess I won't have to worry about you cheatin' on me anytime soon then, huh? Which is good," she added the last part in a low whisper.

"Hey," Faith replied softly, taking Buffy's chin lightly in her hand and lifting her gaze back up. "Never." It was a simple word, but her emotions conveyed how much she meant it.

Buffy gazed back into the sincere eyes of the woman standing before her and she felt her heart flutter. "I believe you, Faith. I really do." She reached up and placed her hand over the brunette's resting under her chin. She pulled their hands away and lightly entwined their fingers.

"I hope you're not offended and I *really* hope I don't hurt you by saying this, but…you have to understand where even the thought of it comes from. I mean, you're past is full of so many…lovers, and mine…well, mine's just not." Buffy had to fight back the tears she felt forming behind her eyes. "I just really don't want to disappoint you, Faith, and I…I just can't help but to think that if I'm not givin' you what you need, you'll just go out and find someone who can. I've never…I'm not really good when it comes to the, uh…the s-sex stuff."

Faith raised an eyebrow at Buffy in disbelief. "Um…I've heard otherwise, B." Her eyes did a quick scan of the blonde's body and she smiled, pulling the other girl into a hug.

Hug. The word even felt strange to her, but felt so…normal with Buffy. It suddenly occurred to her that she had never hugged Buffy before. The words of reassurance suddenly died in her throat, as she just held her.

Buffy smiled and sighed contently, leaning into the hug. She placed her arms lightly around Faith's waist and closed her eyes. It only took a moment of quiet reflection before they suddenly popped back open again. "Wait a minute," the blonde huffed and pulled back from the brunette's embrace. "Did you just call me a slut?" Her brow arched in challenge.

"What?" Faith blinked in bewilderment, the look on Buffy's face causing her slight panic. "No, I- what I said was- you-" She fumbled a moment longer. "I only meant that, uh, that…" For once, a comeback died before it was even formed. She looked helplessly at the blonde. "I suck with words, okay? I'm sorry." A pause, then, "And you *so* totally called me one first!"

"I didn't call you a slut, Faith." Buffy shook her head and took a step back, folding her arms over her chest. "I said, and I can quote here, 'you're past is full of so many lovers', whereas you just basically said 'I've heard other wise…B' *which* we both know implies that I have a certain 'reputation' for giving it up." The blonde eyed the other woman's suddenly nervous shifting. "Okay, so there was that *one* time with that asshole Parker, but that wasn't even my fault!"

"B, listen, I didn't mean…" Faith let out a frustrated sigh, rubbing her forehead. "Look, from what I heard you and Riley were goin' at it like bun-" Great, she was already fucking this up before it even began. "Okay, so Riley, maybe not the best thing to mention right now…I just meant that, looking at you, you're…" It took effort not to drool all over her shoe while looking at Buffy. "I just have a hard time believe you wouldn't be…*good*, at that sort of thing. Maybe you don't think you are, but I usually have good instincts about these things…" She offered a small smile. "But it's not like I wanna force you into…anything right away. I get that this is new for you…hell, it's just as new to *me*. So…is my foot still sticking out of my mouth right now? I can't really tell."

The blonde's smile faltered. "I really hope I didn't just scare you away…but I just…I just had to be sure what this was to you Faith. I couldn't…I couldn't handle it if you were just in it for the sex. I don't think it takes a rocket scientist to know that I'm not one that jumps right in the sack with just anyone, and I wouldn't say that I was 'good' at it, but I think I could figure it out…i-if you teach me."

"Well, I like sex," Faith stated bluntly, "as previous history speaks. But…yeah, I think I want…I *know* I want more than that with you. And truthfully, that kinda scares me. I never really…I try not to get emotionally attached, y'know? 'Cause in the end, you just get screwed over and end up with a truck load of pain that sucks to deal with. But with you…I don't know. It's different, somehow." A teasing grin formed. "So, if you're stupid enough to want to be with me…and I mean that in a sexy, gorgeous, so simply a genius stupid kind of way," she quickly backtracked before Buffy kicked her in the face, "then I can teach. If you can, y'know, stick with me, gimme a chance, though god knows you've already given me enough of those. If you had a penny for every second chance you've given me, you'd be livin' outa the O.C. right now."

Buffy blushed yet again. "Well, I never said I didn't *like* sex, I just said I'm not as good at it, but I'm *more* than sure you're capable of teaching me." The blonde smiled softly. "So…does this mean we're like…girlfriends now? Ooh! Do I get to make up cute little pet names for you now?"

Faith flushed ever so slightly. "Pet names? B, do ya have ta?" At the grin she received, the brunette sighed deeply. "Fine…but if you breathe a *word* to *anyone* of what they are, I'll…well, I'll just have to kill them. Or, since I'm tryin' to get away from that…send 'em to Siberia or something." She stepped forward, delicately locking hands with Buffy. "Shall we go find the other two?"

Buffy moaned softly. "Mmm…do we hafta? I thought you promised me some ice cream…snickerdoodle." Buffy grinned. "Yeah, I like that one." At Faith's quiet groan, she chuckled. "Okay, okay. How 'bout…" Her smile suddenly faded and her features grew completely serious. "Baby? I've…I've never called anyone that before. Not even…not even Angel."

Faith gave a small chuckle. "Angel, baby? I can see why ya left that one sit…" Her hand gave Buffy's a small squeeze. "B, whatever you want is fine with me…" A small pause. "Except snickerdoodle. I won't do that one." She grinned and tugged Buffy back out onto the main part of the street.

"We'll still get you some ice-"

Buffy was then rudely ripped out of her arms when a sudden flying redhead nearly knocked her over.

"Oh my goddess!! You two are holding hands!!" Willow was bouncing on the balls of her feet by the time she finally let Buffy go. "That's, that's, that's…wow!!" Grinning giddily, she looked between Buffy and Faith. "So? Is it, are you two…y'know?"

Faith pretended to look confused, and glanced at Kennedy. "Can I get a translation there, K? 'Cause I thought she just asked if we had hot lesbian sex in an alleyway."

Kennedy smirked and adjusted the black vinyl bag currently sitting inside her jacket pocket. "Actually Faith, I have to say that I myself would very much like to know the answer to that one." Kennedy's eyes darted from Faith to Buffy and then back to Faith again. "Care to share exactly why you two just walked outta that alley holding hands and grinning like you just had the best sex of your lives?"

Faith reached over and tried to punch Kennedy, whom managed to duck thanks to slayer speed. "Y'know, not everything is about sex, K."

Willow's jaw dropped.

Faith's nearly did as well. "Did I just…say that?" She looked at Buffy with a confused expression.

Buffy patted her arm and leaned into the younger slayer's body. "You sure did, baby. How's it feel?"

Kennedy looked over at Willow and mouthed the word 'Baby?' with a raised brow before turning back to watch the other slayers with an interested smirk.

Faith looked at Buffy for a long moment, the hint of a smile on her face. "Pretty good, actually," she replied softly.

Willow started to grin again, leaning into Kennedy. "We do good work," she mused.

"Glad to hear it," Buffy smiled and leaned up the short distance to pull Faith's lips into a gentle kiss.

Kennedy smiled and wrapped her arms around her witch's waist, leaning her head against the older woman's. "Not to mention the fact that we can finally send in for our honorary 'I Converted One' badges now."

Though keeping her lips locked with Buffy, and barely managing to keep her knees from buckling, Faith did manage to raise her right hand and flip them the finger.

Willow smiled happily, turning her head to give Kennedy a gentle kiss as well. "The Mormons would be jealous…" Grinning, she tugged lightly at Kennedy's jacket. "Hungry, baby? I think now that our work here is done, we deserve a treat."

Kennedy felt her tummy rumble at that exact moment. "Way ahead of you there, baby. It looks like these two are gonna be pretty busy anyway." She nodded over to the two women still locked in a kiss. "Let's go back to the hotel, order some room service and pile up for another long night of movies. You want to?" Kennedy smiled at her lover hopefully.

Buffy kept her lips in a light kiss with Faith's as she reached up and pulled the brunette's right hand back down. Breaking the kiss, she shook her head. "Now Faith, that's no way to behave in public. People just might begin to think you're uncouth." She watched the panicked look flash over the taller woman's face before slowly dropping their hands down between their bodies and leaning up to whisper into the rogue slayer's ear. "Besides…I can think of a *much* better use for that finger."

That time the brunette's jaw literally did drop, and she could only stare at Buffy dumbfounded for a moment. "Whadahuh?" was pretty much the only word that escaped.

Willow nodded, chuckling as Faith and Buffy finally came up for air. She hadn't heard whatever little conversation had been exchanged, but Faith looked…bewildered, to say the least. "We'll leave you two…lovebirds alone for a bit. What do ya say we all meet up for a late dinner later?"

Buffy never took her eyes off Faith's. "Sounds good Will. Around 8…uh, better make that 9, in the dining hall?"

Kennedy stared at the two women for along moment. "Uh, yeah…that sounds good." She eyed up Faith's completely motionless stance, a slow smile forming. She nodded for her lover to head towards the hotel. "We better get going Will, 'cause something tells me those two are gonna be a little late for dinner tonight." The slayer placed her hand on the small of Willow's back and lead her away from the busy street and towards their hotel.

Once back at the hotel, Willow and Kennedy quickly settled in. Though it was around 2:00pm, Willow started to change into pajamas. "Much more comfy than jeans," she told Kennedy with a grin.

In fact, she couldn't seem to stop being happy. She was happy for Buffy, happy for Faith, and just generally happy for herself and Kennedy these days. "I really think things will work out between them, you know?"

"Uh, yeah," Kennedy quickly hid the black vinyl bag behind her back when the witch walked back into the room from the bathroom. She was in the middle of changing into her own pajamas when Willow suddenly came in and interrupted her in the middle of hiding her surprise. "I uh…I definitely think they'll…work out. Hey, Will? You mind bringing me some clean socks from the bathroom? Toes are cold." She smiled hopefully as she edged the bag closer to the dresser, waiting for the moment her lover was out of sight once again before quickly shoving it to the far back corner of the top drawer.

Willow returned a few seconds later, and tossed a pair of rolled up socks at the slayer. She gave the jumpy slayer a funny look, raising an eyebrow as she walked towards her. "You okay, sweetie?"

"Nothing!" Kennedy jumped at the sound of her lover's words. Her eyes flickered back at the dresser before quickly turning back to the witch with a smile. "I mean uh…thanks, you know, for the…socks." The slayer walked over to the bed and sat down to pull them on over her feet.

"Uh-huh," Willow replied unconvincingly. But she shook her head, and decided to let it go. Stifling a small yawn- last night had been quite a workout, and just the memory of it made her smile. The witch flopped down on the bed next to Kennedy, falling onto her back.

"Kenn…" She glanced up at the slayer, using her left hand to lightly rub Kennedy's lower back as the slayer pulled the socks on. "How long do you think we should, y'know, stay for?"

"Stay?" Kennedy repeated, pulling on her right sock. "You mean here in this hotel or here in Rio?" The slayer dropped her foot back onto the floor before lifting both her feet to swing her legs around onto the bed. She pushed herself up against the headboard and reached over for the remote to turn the TV on. "'Cause I gotta say, I'm feeling a little…gypped. We came all the way out here to get away from all that Hellmouth shit and we got it even worse with 'Ms. Psycho Vamp 2003'." The slayer never took her eyes off the screen as she reached over with her right hand and began to rub Willow's stomach tenderly.

Willow closed her eyes and sighed contently. "Yeah, I know what you mean…but, that's our life, I guess…" She opened her eyes to glance up at the slayer, who seemed happy to keep staring at the television. "Baby, it's up to you…what do you feel like doing, staying and trying for that vacation, or heading back?"

"Baby, you know you're the brains in this relationship," Kennedy smiled and looked over at the redhead. "Besides, it's sounds a lot like you're trying to drop me a hint here. You miss your friends, your family, don't you?" The slayer only nodded at her lover's silence. "It's okay, Will. I get it, really. Maybe we could just stay for the rest of the weekend and then head back to the states first thing Monday."

Willow sat up, pulling herself closer to Kennedy. "I think that sounds nice," she replied with a loving smile. "I mean, it gives us a few extra days…a-and I don't want you to think I'm not enjoying myself, because I am. Aside from crazy psycho vampire lady. But…" Her hand interlaced its fingers with Kennedy's and gave it a tight squeeze. "I almost lost you here, and…I guess my brain just feels the need to get out before it happens again, you know? Maybe not totally logical, but my Willowy brain keeps…seeing you, laying there in the sand, every time I look out our window."

"Don't Will," Kennedy shook her head lightly and lifted the redhead's hand to her lips, kissing her knuckles tenderly. "Please, baby, don't even think about that…'cause I'm here and you're here and we're both here." The slayer smiled. "There's no more psycho vamp and no more apocalypse." She lowered her head and her voice dropped. "Just me, and you…and the next three nights of the *hottest* sex we've *ever* had." Kennedy grinned seductively at the older woman.

"I don't know, could anything top last night?" Willow returned the grin with one of her own. "Well, it *is* Thursday, I guess…" she drawled, and then suddenly swung herself over to straddle Kennedy's hips. "Few hours til sunset…" She bit her lower lip, looking into Kennedy's eyes. "And I bet Buffy and Faith won't be around until dinner tonight…we *could* try to do even better than last night."

Kennedy sighed and looked over Willow's shoulder at the television. "You mean right now? The Cowboys game is just about to come on and I really don't wanna miss this one."

Willow craned her neck to look over at the television as well, and managed a small laugh. "You and Xander will have many, many fun-filled nights of watching sports and ignoring your women," she teased, removing herself from the slayer's lap to plop down beside her. Her hand rested lightly on Kennedy's thigh, as she used the slayer's shoulder for a pillow.

"Welcome to the married life, baby," Kennedy chuckled and turned to meet Willow's eyes. "Well, at least a little preview of it. I'll never want it when sports are on and I'll always want it when they're not." The slayer grinned.

Dramatically sighing, Willow snuggled into Kennedy's side. "That isn't very different from now," she pointed out with a small smirk.

A small wave of tiredness passed over her, and she stifled a yawn. "You watch your game, I'm gonna stay all cozy 'n stuff right here…"

Kennedy wrapped her right arm tightly around the witch's body and pulled her against her side. "You do that baby," she softly chuckled and placed a kiss on the top of Willow's head. She took in a deep breath of the redhead's scent and sighed contently. "I love you," she whispered softly and turned her eyes back to the screen.

Buffy waited patiently while Faith tried to fit the card key into the lock, but the brunette seemed to be struggling with the simple task. "You ah…you sure you got that, Faith?" Buffy peeked around the slightly taller girl's shoulder with a small smile. "'Cause I wouldn't want you to sprain a finger or anything." The smile was now a teasing smirk.

Faith cursed under her breath when the card nearly broke in half. Wordlessly, she handed it over to Buffy and took a step back. 'Chill out,' she scolded herself mentally. Yet her brain didn't seem to want to function with Buffy standing three feet or less from her.

The blonde took the card without speaking and placed it into the lock. The lock clicked and the door gently swung open. Buffy pulled the card key out of the lock and smiled as she handed it back to Faith before quietly walking into the room.

Faith stayed behind for a moment, her mouth dry, body unable to comply with her minds' will to move forward. Finally, she shook her head, swallowed hard, took in a deep breath and crossed the threshold to their room.

Faith stood awkwardly just inside the doorway. She shuffled her feet around a bit. "So, uh…nice…rooms they got here, huh?" came out lamely.

Buffy smiled to herself as she slowly walked over to the large king sized bed. Kicking her shoes off, the blonde gracefully fell back onto the cool comforter and let out a long sigh. "They got a bed," Buffy answered breathlessly, "and after fourteen hours of cranked neck and numb bottom, that's all I really care about."

The brunette noticed there lacked an 's' on the end of that word. Bed*s*. She gulped. "Y-yeah…look at that…" Faith mumbled weakly.

Since she and Buffy hadn't really thought about where they would stay once arriving in Brazil, and with what money, Kenn had sprung for the hotel room automatically. Both older slayers had refused at first, stating they would figure something about, but the former potential had been generous and told them to stop being dumbasses.

After a moment of hesitancy, Faith walked over and sat rigidly on the edge of the mattress. "So…we got any plans for tonight?"

Buffy turned her head to the side and gazed at Faith with nearly lidded eyes.

"I can think of a few things," the blonde smiled teasingly and reached over to entwine her fingers with Faith's closest hand.

Faith gave a slightly nervous laugh, glancing over her shoulder and cocking a grin at Buffy. "Why, I'm shocked you would think of such kinky shit this early in the relationship." A wicked grin formed, and suddenly the nervousness faded as she pounced back onto the blonde. Grinning evilly down at Buffy, her brow raised in a challenge. "Your wish is my command, B."

Buffy raised a brow. "Command?" Her right hand was still entwined with Faith's left, so she lifted her other hand to run through the younger slayer's soft and unruly locks. "Does this mean you're gonna start callin' me 'Mistress B'?" she asked with a teasing grin.

A slightly glazed over look formed in Faith's eyes. "Does this mean you'll be purchasing a leather outfit anytime soon?"

Buffy's eyes suddenly reflected that very same look. "More leather?" Her eyes flicked down to the rogue slayer's leather pants. "I thought you had that part of the relationship covered already." Buffy's hips unconsciously flexed beneath the weight of the younger woman. "But…" The tip of her tongue slipped out to wet her lips. "I'm *very* willing to discuss *other*…clothing options."

Faith's jaw nearly dropped. "Okay, who are you, and what've you done with lil' miss tight as- I-I mean, with…" She faltered, quickly back tracking. "It's just…damn B, you keep surprising me more and more. And it's only been…" She snuck a glance at her watch. "A little over an hour."

"Since what, baby?" Buffy asked slightly confused.

"Why, since we completely made out in the middle of the street in a foreign country, of course. What else did ya think I'd be talkin' 'bout?" Faith cocked a crooked grin at the blonde, then quickly sobered up. "Look, B…" She fidgeted uncomfortably, looking away from Buffy and down at the bedspread to avoid eye contact. "I don't want…I don't wanna screw this up." Faith cleared her throat awkwardly. "That's kinda what I tend to do, screw up, so…we just became…well, us, so no pressure on the…on the sex thing." There. She said it, and for some reason with difficulty, but it was said. "This isn't just about that, *we're* not just about that, so don't feel like you have ta…y'know."

Buffy took a moment to let the other slayer's words sink in before a slow and gentle smile spread over her face. "Did anyone ever tell you you're cute when you babble?" The blonde chuckled at the younger woman's slight blush. "Really Faith," Buffy soothed, reaching up to run her fingers through the brunette locks, "I find it very…hot." Buffy whispered the last word and raised a brow suggestively.

Once again, Faith found herself with a dry mouth and no words able to escape. She made some sort of a noise, at least that's what she thought it was, not too sure…quickly followed by "Uh…" and then silence. Matched with a wide-eyed stare, and you have one baffled Faith. "T…thanks?" Her mind seems only able to focus on Buffy's hand, gently running through her hair.

Buffy shook her head, still smiling. "You really need to loosen up, Faith." The blonde dropped her hands to the younger slayer's side and began to run them up and down the length. "You're so tense baby," Buffy admonished after a few short moments of the tender stroking. "Whatsa matter? Nervous?"

"Uh…" Faith's tongue died a second time right then, mouth slightly agape, just staring at the incredibly sex- and surprising- Buffy. "N…no, not nervous…surprised, more, and also kinda wondering whether or not I'm unconscious in a ditch somewhere and completely imagining all of this." At the raised brow she received, Faith quickly added, "'Cause y'know, that would really, really suck…"

She leaned in and touched her lips to Buffy's in a gentle kiss.

Buffy let out a content moan when Faith pulled back from the kiss. She gazed up into the chocolate eyes above her and smiled softly. "I'm glad to know how 'un-sucky' I make you feel." The blonde paused a moment and considered the words. "Well, actually…" Her eyes grew darker and she gave Faith her best seductive grin. "I'd kinda like it more if you *did* suck…'specially with me."

Faith tried and failed to keep the disbelieving look off of her face this time. "Jesus, B, you're gonna end up giving me a heart attack less than 12 hours into our relationship." A wicked grin formed over the brunette's features however, and before Buffy could react, she had pounced and pinned the older slayer back against the bed. A devilish glint in her eye gave away all of the things running through her mind in that moment, things she wanted to do to Buffy and for Buffy to do to her…

"I guess this means you're sure?" Couldn't hurt to check one last time before the ravaging began.

Faith's sudden movement caught the blonde a little off guard. She swallowed back hard and tried to give her best calm smile. "S-sure? 'Bout…what?" The older woman looked a little lost for a brief moment before the true meaning behind her girlfriend's words finally sunk in.

"What?! Oh…no," Buffy shook her head adamantly. "I…I'm sorry if you took this the wrong way, but I…" Buffy paused, considering her words carefully. "Faith, I'm really sorry, but I…I'm not ready for…for that…yet." Buffy watched for the younger slayer's reaction, never losing her grip on the now slightly trembling body above her.

Faith kind of twitched, feeling the raging fire suddenly spark and die out inside of her. "…oh," was all she could manage for the moment, before rolling herself off of Buffy and flopping down next to her on the bed. She swung an arm over her eyes, letting out a loud groan in the process. "I'm such a fuckin' dumbass," she murmured, rarely having been as embarrassed as right this instant in time.

Buffy let out a deep breath before turning on her side to face the other woman. "Faith," she soothed gently as she reached out to place her hand on the brunette's stomach. "You are most certainly NOT a dumb-ass. It's…it's really my fault anyways." The blonde relaxed her hand, but did not remove it. "I shouldn't have been so…so…slutty." She spat the last word in slight disgust. "I just…I can't help it." Her eyes slowly locked onto Faith's. "The way you make me feel…the things you do to me…to my body…"

An unconscious shiver ran through Buffy's body.

Faith kept her arm overtop of her eyes, and let out a deep sigh. "Doesn't even compare to what you're doin' to me…" came out as a mumble, before Faith finally glanced over at the blonde and gave a small smile. "But I get it, like I said…" A pause. "Can we still make out and stuff?"

Buffy's eyes twinkled as she reached over and grabbed Faith by the front of her shirt, smiling as she pulled the brunette back on top of her before locking their lips in a deep kiss.

Kennedy was standing by the impatiently. She glanced down at her watch for the fifth time in the last ten minutes. "Will!" she yelled back into the other room. "Get that hot little ass of yours movin', will ya? I'd like to get there sometime this millennium."

Kennedy received a muffled reply from inside the bathroom. "Hold your horses! I'm trying to make myself pretty." She fidgeted a bit while trying to shimmy into her outfit. It was a simple red evening style dress, but she hoped her slayer would like it. She had packed it in case the need arose to dress up for a night. "Gimme a few more minutes!"

Kennedy smiled. "I didn't think you could get any prettier!" she shouted back at her lover. "But still…put a move on it!" She dropped her hand from the door knob and stared down at the scuffs on the toes of her boots. Her eyes trailed up over her faded jeans, the ones with the hole in the right knee, up to her button down white shirt and finally over her favorite black leather jacket. "Meanwhile, I look like I just stepped outta some cheesy 'New Kids on the Block' video. I mean, would it really *kill* me to wear a dress?" Kennedy thought about the personal question for a moment, trailing her eyes back over her attire before finally sighing. "Yeah, it probably would."

Just as Kennedy was about to turn back and yell for Willow to hurry up, a sudden knock at the door made her nearly jump out of her skin. "Crap!" She reached out angrily and yanked the door open. "What do you want?!"

Kadin raised her hands in defense and took a step back. "Whoa, down girl. I just wanted to stop by before I left."

Kennedy shook her head with a light smile. "Sorry 'bout that. I was just…" She nodded back over her shoulder. "Willow's takin' forever in there and I'm just feelin' a little…jumpy."

Kadin took a moment to appraise the slayer's outfit. "Well, I think you look great. The rugged look is *totally* in." She nodded to the hole the knee of Kennedy's pants. "Nice touch."

Kennedy looked down at her knee before bringing her eyes back to the hunter's. "You think?"

Kadin just nodded. After a moment, she shook her head and let out a breath. "Before I forget, I just wanted to say thanks for everything. You know, hangin' out with me an' all. I know you were here with that hot little redhead…"

"You callin' *my* girlfriend hot?" Kennedy asked with a slightly raised brow.

Kadin just chuckled. "I think you know what I meant. You got a real good life now and a real good woman to share it with." The hunter reached out and lightly punched Kennedy in the shoulder. "Try not to be a jackass and screw it up, okay?"

Kennedy nodded with a smile. "I'll do my best."

Kadin returned the smile before reaching down to pick up her duffel bag and sling it over her shoulder. "I'm headin' back to England for a bit. Gotta sort out some stuff, but maybe…I could catch you in Cleveland sometime?"

"That'd be great. I'm sure you'd be a big help there. I could give you a call sometime…?"

"Oh, right," Kadin reached into her back pocket and pulled out a card before handing it over to the slayer.

Kennedy read over the small lettering before smiling up at the hunter. "'Kadin Van Helsing: Monster Hunter Extraordinaire'? You're kiddin me, right?"

Kadin just shook her head. "Don't look at me. That's what I get for letting my fan club handle the business cards."

"You have a…a fan club?"

"Don't ask," Kadin sighed and shook her head. "Just…call me when you get back. You know, after you're settled and all." She glanced down at her watch. "But I really gotta go now if I'm gonna catch that plane. See ya later K, and try not to get killed, huh?" Kadin winked at the slayer before turning and disappearing down the hall.

Kennedy watched the woman's back until she stepped onto the elevator. Kadin glanced up and met Kennedy's eyes, offering a small wave just before the elevator doors closed.

Kennedy kept her eyes on the elevator long after Kadin was gone. "Yeah, bye." She let out a sigh and stepped back into the room, closing the door softly behind her.

"Ta da!" Willow stepped out of the bathroom at that moment, finally having given up on the makeup thing. Her hair was long, she wore a dress, good 'nuff.

Looking up from rummaging around her purse, she spotted Kennedy closing the door, looking solemn. "Sweetie? Everything okay?"

Kennedy glanced back over her shoulder at her fiancée as she tucked the card into her back pocket. "Yeah. That was Kadin. She just wanted to…" The words died off in Kennedy's throat as her eyes finally took in the older woman's appearance.

Slightly tight red dress that hung just above her knees, long, shining red hair, and the most beautiful smile she'd ever seen the woman give her. "God, Will…you look…you look amazing."

A slight flush colored the wiccan's cheeks, and she shrugged nonchalantly. "You should see me when I'm not rushed," Willow teased before walking over to Kennedy. She took the slayer's hands in her own. "Everything okay with Kadin? She need any help with stomping some bad guy ass?"

It took Kennedy a moment to regain her composure.

Willow smelled *so* good.

"Uh…m-maybe, but not…not with us. She said she was headin' back to England, but that we should…give her a call when we get back home, you know to…to Cleveland." Kennedy leaned in and unconsciously sucked in a deep breath before turning to whisper in the redhead's ear. "You smell so good."

A light smile grazed Willow's face. "You like? I bought it at the market, thought I'd try something new." Her arms slinked around Kennedy's waist, underneath her leather jacket. "So, now that I'm all dolled up, and you're all street gang-y…shall we go?"

Kennedy pulled back suddenly, her expression was slightly confused. "Street gang-y?" Her voice cracked a little. "Do you think…I mean, you want me to change? 'Cause I'm sure I could find something better." Kennedy averted her eyes and let out a small sigh. "I didn't mean to disappoint you."

Willow chuckled, reaching out for Kennedy's hand again. "Well good, because you didn't." She gave the brunette's fingers a light squeeze. "I'm just teasing, Kenn. You could be naked and I'd still fin- er…" She blushed again. "Well, naked maybe not the best way to compare, 'cause you already *know* what I think of you all…" She swallowed hard and snapped her eyes back up to Kennedy's face. "You could be wearing a potato sack and I'd still think you look great. Point being, I think you look great no matter what. The only thing I don't like you wearing is bruises, and since you're completely healed up…" The redhead nodded towards the door. "Shall we go?"

Kennedy's smile was slow forming, but heart felt none the less. "Let's. 'Cause I really don't know how much longer I can stand here, looking at you in that dress and smelling your sweet skin…without completely losing control and taking you right here on the floor."

With a shy smile, Willow leaned into her slayer, as if she were going to hug her, then whispered in her ear, "Been there, done that. Time to try something else." She pulled back, absently adjusting the collar on Kennedy's leather jacket before stepping out the door ahead of her lover.

The slayer let out a slow breath and ran a hand through her hair. "Oh, we'll be tryin' something else." She slipped her hand inside her jacket to make sure the package was still inside her pocket. She smiled as she wrapped her hand around it. "You can count on it."

Kennedy reached over to snag the room key and placed it in her back pocket before following her lover out the door, pulling it closed behind her.

"Is it just me, or does this seem familiar?" Willow mused as she walked side by side with Kennedy down the beach. "Here's hopin' some crazy vampire doesn't appear and try to ruin our lives again." She squeezed Kennedy's hand.

"Baby, believe me, if he or she does…" Kennedy shook her head. "Let's just say that right now, I'm pretty sure I'd kill him or her with my bare hands." The slayer looked over at her lover. Willow was practically glowing in the soft moonlight. "I don't want *anything* to ruin this night for us, Will."

Willow got a mischievous look on her face. "Well, I *could* make it so nothing *does* bother us…" A sly smile started to form. "Just let me know the specific location of our date, and I could help anyone who comes near enough to see us oh-so-conveniently remember something else they have to do. Away from here." She, too, wanted nothing to ruin this night, their last in Rio. "…okay, so I'm totally swiping the idea from Harry Potter, but it works."

"Harry who now?" Kennedy looked over at her lover completely lost. "I'm just going on context clues here, but I'm pretty sure it's got something to do with magic…I think."

Willow shook her head. "Read a book, baby." She stuck her tongue out.

"Hey," Kennedy protested. "I read." The slayer paused and looked over to her lover with a teasing grin. "Does 'Penthouse' or 'Maxim' count?"

With a roll of her eyes, Willow playfully shoved Kennedy to the side. "You are such a guy," she grinned. "But I love you dearly none the less. Now, where are you taking me?" A glance around the beach showed that everything looked the same.

Water, and sand. It was beautiful in the moonlight, though.

"I thought you'd never ask," Kennedy smiled and reached into her jacket pocket, pulling out a black blindfold. "Put this on." At her lover's raised brow, she just sighed. "It's a surprise."

Willow glanced at the blindfold a moment longer, then took it from her slayer's hands and began to tie it over her eyes. "If you throw me in the water again, consider the engagement off," Willow mused.

Kennedy chuckled as she positioned herself behind the witch. "Don't worry baby," Kennedy assured her. "The thought never crossed my mind." She placed her hands on the older woman's sides and began to lead her down the beach. Leaning in, she whispered in Willow's ear. "Besides, I got a *much* better way to get you wet tonight."

Willow felt her insides liquefy, and she managed to nod her head clumsily. Kennedy lead her along, and she just tried not to trip over her own feet.

The slayer smiled at the obvious affect her words had on her lover. "Just relax, baby. I won't let you fall."

Kennedy continued to lead Willow down the beach for a few more yards before finally pulling the witch to a stop. "Wait here," she breathed. The slayer walked over to the blanket and knelt down, checking over everything one last time. When she felt it was all in order, she held her breath and spoke. "Okay, baby. You can look now."

Willow slowly undid the blindfold. The set up was much the same as the first time Kennedy had brought her out here, only this time a bucket full of ice nearby held some champagne, and to the left of it sat a small wrapped package, nestled into the sand. A small smile formed across Willow's face. "Now when did you have time to set up all this?" She spoke low, softly, and in the process slowly started to make her way to her waiting lover.

"Let's just say I got friends in high places," Kennedy smiled softly as she waited for her lover to take a seat directly across from her. She watched as Willow surveyed her surroundings with child-like interest. Her smile grew softer when the witch's eyes lingered on the small, wrapped package. "Go ahead, baby. Open it." Kennedy reached over and pulled the champagne out of the bucket, pouring them both a glass.

"Presents?" Willow couldn't help but grin giddily, and pick up the package. She looked at Kennedy for reassurance, then began to take the ribbon and wrapping off. "But I didn't get you anything," she pouted slightly.

"Doesn't matter," Kennedy answered, shaking her head. She placed the champagne bottle back in the bucket and held the two glasses in her hands as she waited for Willow to open the gift. "You can think of it as an early wedding present." Kennedy paused and raised an amused brow. "Or…you know, if you're still feeling guilty…we *could* maybe work something else out." Kennedy made it a point to rake her eyes over her lover's pristine form.

Giving Kennedy a smirk, Willow pulled the lid off of the box.

Kennedy watched as Willow stared down at the contents of the box for a long moment before slowly reaching in to pull out a set of two keys held together by a small 'linked hearts' keychain.

"Before you say anything, let me explain." Kennedy placed the glasses of champagne on top of the picnic basket and scooted closer to the witch on the blanket. "I know that this is probably *really* presumptuous of me…but I just couldn't control myself." Kennedy paused to consider her next words carefully. "When you agreed to marry me, I couldn't wait to start the next part of our lives together…so…I kinda, sorta maybe…boughtusahouse." Kennedy winced when Willow's eyes suddenly widened. "And, you know, *maybe* I…boughtyouanewcar."

"I…you…I…wh…" Willow was literally speechless. She just gaped back and forth between Kennedy and the keys for a moment. "Car…h-house…where? When? What huh?" Her brow furrowed deeply, as her brain tried to absorb this huge amount of information. "Kenn, I-I…I really don't know what to say."

Kennedy chuckled nervously. "Let's see if I can get all this…" She took a deep breath. "It's back in Cleveland. The agent assured me it's of top quality and that it's plenty big enough for whatever size family we end up with. I sent the request through my lawyer the day after I proposed and I did it because I promised to make all your dreams come true, starting with the perfect home. The car was just a bonus. Which reminds me, I hope you like 'Lexus' made cars."

A disbelieving squeak emitted from Willow's open mouth.

"That all you have to say?" Kennedy smiled. "'Cause I was kinda hopin' for at least a 'Oh thank you Kennedy! You are the best girlfriend/fiancée ever! How could I ever repay you? Oh, I know! Let's make hot monkey love til the sun comes up!' Or you know, something like that." Kennedy finished with a grin.

"Sorry," Willow replied weakly, managing a small smile while the information continued to sink in. "It's just…a house *and* a car? By themselves it's still a *car*, or a *house*?" Willow released a shaky breath, looking back up at Kennedy. "Kenn, you really shouldn't have, I-I mean, not like *that* kind of shouldn't have, that came out the not-right way." She took in another breath and started again.

"Baby, this is amazing, it really is, and my mind is completely blown away. I-it's just…you should have talked to me first. I-I mean, those are big purchases-" She held up a hand before Kennedy could interrupt. "I know, what's yours is mine, you've told me before, and I believe you baby, but…this isn't some sort of trip, o-or gift, this is an actual *house*. And *car*. You bought one of each, and I just…" She shrugged a little meekly. "I don't know, feel a little left out? A-and not in the way you might be thinking, but…money-wise, sorta." The witch reached over and grasped Kenney's hand in her own. "Baby, I know you can afford sixteen different houses and probably the entire Lexus franchise, but…you shouldn't have to be the one to buy all this stuff. Our partnership, it's a joined effort, and regardless of the way you look at it, both of these gifts came from you. I want to be right in there with you, making the decisions, signing the papers, a-and all that stuff." Finally, she shut up, a little afraid she had pissed Kennedy off when it wasn't her intention.

Kennedy looked a little hurt at first, but as the witch's words sank it, they started to make more and more sense. "You're right, Will. I wasn't thinking. I was being totally selfish and completely pig-headed…I mean, of course you deserve to be there when we pick out our first home." She paused and looked up into the witch's eyes. "I just wanted to give you something to show you how completely much in love I am with you, but if it makes you feel any better, I didn't sign the deed to the house yet, I just paid the down payment on it really." Kennedy shook her head. "But that's not the point. I was a complete ass, and I don't deserve it…but, do you think you could maybe find it in your heart to forgive me?"

"Hey, I'm not mad," Willow replied, running both of her hands over Kennedy's thighs and resting them on her knees. "And I really would like to see this house. I'm sure it's perfect, since you have such good taste," she added with a small grin. "But from now on, lets make the big decisions together, 'kay?" She gave Kennedy's knee a squeeze. "And the car? Amazingly mind-blowing and not to mention a Lexus, but are you sure it isn't a little…much?" Her left hand left Kenn's leg to pick up the key and look at it again. "Though…would be fun to drive…"

"Big decisions only to be made together…check. And as far as the car goes…well…" Kennedy began with a nervous smile. "I was actually kinda hoping that it would distract you long enough for me to tell you what kinda car I bought for myself." Kennedy glanced over at Willow before dropping her eyes back to the blanket.

Willow's brow arched, but fell after a moment and she chuckled. "What, you get the Ferrari, and I get an SUV? Thanks, sweetie," she teased with a small jab in the side. Reaching around Kennedy (and pressing herself close to the younger girl in the process), Willow grabbed the two champagne glasses and handed one to the brunette.

Kennedy took the glass, still smiling. "Not so much Ferrari…as vintage 1969 Jaguar Roadster." The slayer gulped down the champagne in one quick gulp. "And for the record, you didn't get an SUV. That comes *after* the babies."

Willow finished her own glass and reached forward to press a finger to Kennedy's lips. "No baby talk for now. That's all…future stuff." She set the glass aside in the sand and maneuvered herself side by side with the slayer. "Tonight…I want it to be about *now*." The redhead's gentle fingers took Kennedy's left hand and pressed it to her heart, against the pale flesh visible on top of the dress' low cut neckline.

Kennedy raised a brow, dropping her eyes to her hand that was resting against the witch's perfectly soft skin. "Oh, I'm *very* much about the now…right now." The slayer's tongue slipped out of her mouth to wet her lips. "Which reminds me…I have *one* more surprise for tonight, and before you say anything, I promise you it cost less than twenty bucks." Kennedy smiled.

"Oh really?" Willow leaned in to place a breath of a kiss against Kennedy's ear. "And what might that be?"

Kennedy shivered at the light brush of Willow's lips against her ear. "C-close your eyes, lay back…and I'll show you."

Willow pulled away, taking a moment to smile trustingly at her slayer, before moving back on the blanket and settling down. Her eyes drifted shut, and she let out a shaky breath to try and calm her body.

Kennedy took a moment to gaze at her lover's body in full appreciation before reaching into her jacket pocket to pull out the small black bag. She slipped the leather jacket back off her shoulders and let it slump to the sand. Placing the bag on the blanket, she quickly unbuttoned her shirt and pulled that off too, throwing it onto the sand beside her discarded jacket. "No peeking, baby." The slayer warned. "It'll spoil the surprise."

Kennedy leaned forward and placed her hands on the witch's legs, lifting up the end of her dress just enough to expose the length of her thighs. She unconsciously licked her lips again as she blindly reached over into the bag.

Pulling out the small bottle, she popped open the lid and took a moment to glance between Willow's skin and the contents of the bottle. With a sly grin, she tipped the bottle over and squeezed a generous amount of the red liquid onto the top of the witch's left thigh.

At the redhead's sudden gasp, she quickly leaned down to lick off the excess that was dripping over the side of her thigh. "Mmm…strawberries."

A shiver ran through Willow at the sudden coldness, and her hips involuntarily jerked a bit. She opened her eyes and gazed down curiously at Kennedy. "What is…d-did you get that today?" A faint flush went through her body.

"Uh-huh," Kennedy answered before taking another long lick. "And it was either this…or the edible panties." Kennedy grinned up at her lover, before leaning up to place a soft kiss on her lips. "But I just couldn't figure out how I was gonna slip those on you without you knowing, so I went with the lotion."

"T-they have…edible…?" The witch's eyes were a little wide, but she managed to shake it off.

Her hands caressed from Kennedy's shoulders to her neck, and back down again, while her eyes stole a glance at the full, clear moon above them.

"It is Thursday…" she absently pointed out, the beginnings of a small smirk forming.

Kennedy turned her head to the side just enough to catch a glimpse at the moon. "That it is." She turned back to face her lover. "And it seems we've got plenty moonlight…" She paused, looking around. "Nice, romantic candle lit picnic…all alone on a beach…the waves gently lapping at the shore…and a whole bottle of edible body lotion, which I intend to put to *full* and *complete* use."

Without using words, Willow's hands gently pulled Kennedy's mouth down to hers, bringing the slayer into a full and heated, yet slow and passionate, kiss. It was the kind of kiss she longed to give Kennedy every time the slayer walked into a room, every time her sweet brunette gave her that irresistible smile of hers. It conveyed emotion without needing to say anything at all.

Kennedy moaned into the kiss, pulling her body fully on top of the redhead's. It wasn't until she remembered the sticky liquid still on the witch's thigh that she suddenly pulled back before their bodies could make full contact. "Will," she moaned between heated kisses, "Will, baby…wait. I wanna…the lotion…"

Willow reluctantly backed off with the kisses, her breath becoming shallow, and wordlessly nodded up at the slayer. "If you're…if you're sure…"

Kennedy took a moment to slow down her breathing before finally managing to nod at the witch's implied question. "I know I've been waiting all day to get you alone on this beach," Kennedy leaned down and whispered into her lover's ear. She kissed the tender skin just beneath it as she slowly worked her hands underneath the redhead's dress. After a few moments of futile searching, the slayer pulled away from her lover and groaned. "How do you get this damn thing off?"

A giggle escaped Willow's lips at Kennedy's frustration; she placed a hand on the brunette's chest and pushed the slayer back enough that she could sit up. "Patience is never a virtue of yours when it came to dealing with me and clothing, is it?" She reached around to her back and slowly began to tug the zipper down.

Kennedy braced her hands on both of Willow's thighs, licking her lips. "Can you really blame me?" She hungrily raked her eyes over the witch's body. "The only thing sexier than seeing you in that dress…is seeing you out of it." Kennedy felt her heart rate pick up when she heard the sound of the zipper slowly sliding down behind her lover's back. "Jesus, Willow," she swallowed back and took in a deep breath. "You're killing me here with all the sexiness."

"And I shall never grow tired of the knowledge that I can render a slayer helpless with my own mere self." Willow dragged the zipper down as far as it would go, then brought her hand back around to run along Kennedy's bare shoulder. "We won't even go into what you do to me." She gave a sexy smile. "So now that we've figured out the dress problem…?" Her brow raised in a 'what are you gonna do about it now?' expression.

Kennedy smirked. "*Now*…is when the real fun begins." She reached over to the side and picked up the bottle of edible lotion. She averted her eyes down to the label, studying it for a tense moment before bringing her gaze back up to the witch. "You sure you're okay with this? It doesn't feel too weird?"

"Weird?" Willow's voice was a little higher than normal. "N-no. No weird. Weird isn't the word I'd be using…" She released a breath. "It's…new, b-but that's…I'm okay with it. Just a little…tense, I-I guess. But that's okay, because I'm with you, and I trust you. So…" She blushed slightly. "Moral of my babble, shut up and kiss me."

Kennedy smiled. "That I can do." She leaned forward and met the older woman's lips in a tender kiss. The slayer placed the bottle onto the blanket beside Willow's thigh and lifted her hands to the straps on both of the redhead's shoulders, slowly easing them down and off her shoulders. The dress pooled around the witch's waist, leaving her upper torso completely bare in the cool breeze of the night.

Kennedy broke the kiss and pulled away, breathing heavily. She cast her eyes down at the beautiful body before her. "Someone's a little cold." Kennedy raised a brow in amusement before reaching over to pick up the bottle, leaning in to whisper into the witch's ear at the same time. "Let's see if I can't warm you up."

Kennedy popped open the lid on the bottle and squeezed a few drops of the red liquid onto the top of Willow's right breast. Groaning at the sight of the sticky sweetness slowly sliding down over her lover's nipple, the slayer leaned in and followed it's path with a slow lick of her tongue.

Willow stifled a loud groan, closing her eyes at the sensation of Kennedy's warm tongue against her skin. Both of her hands ran through brown silky locks, tangling themselves there as Kennedy continued to tease the witch into oblivion.

"K…ennedy…" Willow barely managed into between shallow breaths.

"Mmm…" Kennedy moaned against her lover's skin. The mixture of the sweetness of the lotion and the salty sweetness of Willow's skin was driving her taste buds wild. Reluctantly, she pulled away from the witch's skin and groaned. "Damn baby, we seriously gotta buy a whole warehouse of this stuff." She looked up to meet the dark green gaze of the older woman. "Then again, it's probably only this good cause it's on the skin of the already sweetest woman on the planet."

Willow managed a small laugh, and playfully gave Kennedy a little push. "Smooth talker, aren't you?" Using her hands that were still molded into Kennedy's hair, she pulled the slayer up to taste her sweet lips. "Mmm," came an agreement, before she briefly pulled back. "Does taste kinda good…"

Wiggling her eyebrows at the slayer, Willow lay back against the blanket and pulled her down on top.

Kennedy was content to just gaze down into the witch's eyes for a long moment. She reached up and ran her fingers through the soft red locks, sighing at the gentle contact. "Will," she began slowly, "I don't want to upset you…and I sure as hell am not trying to upset the moment here, but…" The slayer paused, biting her bottom lip. "I just can't help but think about what you said earlier. You know, about the house and stuff? Maybe…well, maybe there's something I…something *we* can do about the whole money thing so you won't feel so guilty about it anymore."

"Hm?" Willow gave Kennedy a curious look. "What do you mean, baby?"

"Well, before I say anything, you have to promise me you won't get mad or upset. Promise?"

That only made Willow's brow crease further. She propped herself up on her elbows. "I'll do my best…" she answered carefully.

Kennedy hesitated a moment before answering. "I guess that's fair. All things considered…" The slayer sighed and pushed herself back to sit up on her knees before settling her weight back onto her calves. "Okay, well…you see the thing is…" she paused and swallowed back under the intense gaze of the redhead. "I-I was talking with my lawyer, you know, when I was setting up the house stuff…and I mentioned to her that we were getting married in an undetermined time in the future."

The brunette paused and waited for any reaction from the witch, when she got none, she carefully continued. "Well, she suggested and I was sorta thinking that maybe…maybe there should be a guarantee that if anything happened to me, and let's face it, I'm a slayer and we're not exactly known for our great life spans…" Kennedy nearly choked on those words, but forced herself to continue. "Well, I just wanted to be sure that you, and anyone else that may come along…would be well taken care of long after I'm gone." Kennedy let out a long sigh. "The point I'm trying to make here is…when we get home, I want my lawyer to draw up legal documents making you the co-user and the sole beneficiary of my trust fund. You know, so no one could take anything of ours away from you if anything ever happened to me."

Willow didn't answer right away, just sat back and allowed the information to absorb. Finally, she looked up at Kennedy with a serious expression. "And you're sure about this?" She took her slayer's hands into her lap. It was true, they were getting married- either Canada or Massachusetts, to make it real. That's what normal couples did, when sharing the financial stuff. "Just know that I'm not marrying you for your money, okay?" she said with a soft smile. "And only if you're positive it's okay with you."

Kennedy was prepared for just about anything…but that. "That's it? No 'Kennedy! How could you?!' or not even a 'I can't believe you think I only want you for your money!'?" The slayer grinned. "Well, in that case, I'm more than sure I'm okay with it. I want…I *need* to know that if I can't be here to take care of you, that at least I can leave you with something that will. If that means all my money, well I have more than what I know to do with now."

Kennedy smirked. "And I know you're only marrying me for my hot body and the fact that I'm filthy rich is just icing on the cake."

Once again, Willow swatted Kennedy on the arm. "Who says you have a hot body, huh?" She raised an amused eyebrow, then buried her face in the slayer's neck. "I'm marrying you because I love you, goofy. You're my strong, sexy, pig-headed slayer and I wouldn't have it any other way, rich or poor."

Kennedy sighed. "Glad to know that if I lost all my money on some bad investment, I wouldn't lose the only person in this world that I couldn't live without." The slayer pushed back from the gentle embrace. "But I want you to know that once you sign these papers, I don't want to hear another word about it being *my* money instead of *our* money. Got it? That means you can buy whatever you want, whenever you want and you *never* have to ask my permission."

"So…" Willow took on a mischievous expression. "I could buy, say…a puppy farm, or the Empire State building, not tell you, and you would be all peachy with it?" She grinned widely. "M'kay. I'm in." Pecking Kennedy on the lips once, Willow lay back down on the blanket. She gave the slayer her best seductive look. "Now, where were we?"

Kennedy shook her head with a chuckle. "Let's not let this whole 'our money' thing go to our heads or anything, but yes, if that's what your heart desired, then that's what I'd want you to have." Kennedy dropped her eyes to the body beneath her. "As for where we were…" the slayer trailed off, licking her lips.

Willow's hands slid their way around Kennedy's back, and came to rest on the clasp of her bra. With a cheeky grin, she snapped it off and tossed the item of clothing aside. Before Kennedy could protest, her mouth latched itself onto the soft skin of her collar bone, slowly making its way down to the more tender skin just above her left breast.

"Willow, I…God." The protest quickly turned into a moan when the slayer felt her lover's warm breath against her skin. Her arms suddenly felt very weak and it was getting more difficult to hold herself up above the witch. "Baby, please…"

The witch could feel Kennedy shaking with the effort of holding herself up, so in one swift movement she overturned the slayer and flipped their positions. All without breaking the contact her lips had on bronzed skin.

Willow relented and finally moved lower, tongue gliding over Kennedy's erect nipple and sucking it into her mouth. Her hand kneaded the slayer's right breast at the same time, wanting to give it equal attention.

Kennedy managed a shaky smile through her growing arousal. "No fair. I'm the one that's supposed to be…to be seducing you." Kennedy dropped her eyes down to the woman currently laving her skin with attention. "But the things you do to me…" Her back suddenly arched when the witch hit the sweet spot just above her ribcage. "Willow…"

As her lips traveled lower, her hands did as well, starting on the button and zipper combo to Kennedy's jeans. Willow snaked her tongue around the slayer's navel, and soon after had her jeans tossed in some random direction. She could feel small goosebumps appear over the brunette's skin, and moaned softly into her tummy. "Let me see if I can warm you up…"

Soft kisses began to plant themselves around Kennedy's inner thighs.

The slayer felt just about every muscle in her body tense with anticipation and her heart started to pound in her ears. "Didn't think it was possible to get any hotter than this."

Willow took a moment to raise her head up and glance at Kennedy. "Well then, it's a good thing we're gettin' married, because you have NO idea what you're in for…" Before Kennedy could so much as gulp, Willow gave up the teasing and delved deep into her slayer's center. Both of her arms wrapped around the brunette's legs, keeping her arching hips from breaking away completely. Her tongue sank into slick folds, stroking her lover's inner core and adding fuel to the fire.

The slayer felt her nerve endings explode with the sensation of her lover's mouth against her in the most intimate of ways. She struggled not to arch her hips too high because she knew Willow was trying to keep her as close as possible. As easy as it would have been to break the witch's hold, Kennedy still held back. "Baby…I…love you."

Much to Kennedy's dislike, Willow pulled her mouth back and placed just a few more kissed against her thigh. "You know, they say not to believe anything a man tells you in bed, especially 'I love you'…" Discreetly, her hand reached over for the bottle of lotion, popped the lid, and allowed a thin strip of the stuff to fall onto Kennedy's aching center. Willow set the bottle aside.

"Good thing you're not a man…" Wiggling her eyebrows, she latched her mouth back onto Kennedy's clit.

Kennedy's eyes rolled back in her head and she gripped the blanket in her hands tightly. She couldn't stop the jolt of her hips when Willow's tongue connected with the highly sensitive nerves. "Good…thing," she repeated hoarsely, straining every muscle in her body to keep herself under control.

In the back of her mind, Willow couldn't help but muse over the fact that every time Kennedy tried to pull one on her and do the ravaging, somehow it was the slayer who always ended up on her back…literally.

But she wasn't wrong about this edible body lotion. Kinky and embarrassing as it might sound…the mixture of that along with Kennedy's musk, shot Willow's senses to a new all-time high.

Her tongue continued to swirl, dip, stroke and plunge, increasing more and more in her attempt to send her slayer crashing over the edge.

Kennedy could feel it building in the pit of her stomach. She could tell this one was gonna be big. Not that any of the others never were, but this one…

This one was gonna be *really* big.

"Willow," the slayer gasped, reaching down blindly to make any contact with the witch. "Willow…I need…kiss."

Even with Kennedy's thighs clamped around her head, Willow was able to make out the words mixed in with grunts and moans. She gave a few last strokes, wanting as much of the slayer as she could have, before crawling her way up Kennedy's body. In the process, she replaced her mouth with her fingers, inserting three of them deeply into Kennedy's sex.

The slayer's deep moan was muffled by the witch's lips on her own. The slow, steady building in her belly suddenly erupted and she couldn't contain her scream. Breaking away from the kiss, Kennedy threw her head back and nearly howled. "Wil….low!"

The redhead continued to thrust into Kennedy, riding out her orgasm with equaled passion. Willow buried herself into the slayer, pressing their bodies fully together, and busying her lips with biting and nibbling along Kennedy's neck. She felt the slayer continue to crash, and held her until it was over.

Kennedy's breathing was slowly starting to regain a normal rhythm and she was finally able to force her eyes open. The slayer blinked as the sweat dripped down over her eyelids. "Jesus, Willow," she finally managed between heavy breaths. "Where the *hell* did you learn to do that?" She looked up at her lover with a growing smile.

Willow rested her forearms on either side of Kennedy's head, and just beamed down at the slayer. "Years of practice," she replied cheekily, leaning in her kiss the tip of Kennedy's nose. "I just happen to know what my slayer likes."

"You're damn right you do," Kennedy breathed through her smile. She placed her hands on the small of Willow's back and hugged the witch's body down on top of her own. "I am wondering one thing though," she began, her smile slowly turning into a smirk. "How come every time I try to seduce you and be all 'Romeo-romantic'…you turn it around and somehow manage to always knock my socks off? Hmm?"

Willow put on a shocked and oblivious expression. "Who, me? No way." She cocked a grin at Kennedy. "I guess I must be good at the sock-knocking thing then." She paused. "Or maybe you're just gullible," the witch teased.

"Or maybe I just can't help it when I'm at the total and complete mercy of the hottest redhead on the planet," Kennedy answered with a smirk.

"Or that," Willow acknowledged with a grin. She pressed her lips to Kennedy's, sighing contently as the kiss heated up ever so slightly.

Willow pulled back after a moment, long enough to just gaze down into Kennedy's eyes and ask, "We're gonna be okay, aren't we?"

Kennedy's smirk faltered at the serious expression on her lover's face, but after a short moment, it soon returned. "Baby," she started, suddenly flipping their positions and pinning the witch's body under her own. "I promise you…we are gonna be *way* more than okay." Her hand slipped down between their bodies to meet Willow's wetness. Her eyebrow arched in delight. "It seems like you're already there. Hmm?"

Willow unsuccessfully stifled a moan. "Seems like," she breathed. Her dress was pretty much just covering her lower waist now, a thin strip of material not leaving anything at all to the imagination. She lifted her hips slightly, wanting the nuisance piece of material gone.

Kennedy felt more than heard the witch's plea. She lifted her hand up from the witch's thigh to divest the older woman of the dress. "Baby, lift up," she whispered while pulling the dress upwards. As soon as her lover was far enough off the blanket, Kennedy pulled the garment over her head and completely off of her body.

The slayer's eyes dropped down to the witch's waist and she nearly came for the second time that night. "Willow," she moaned helplessly. "You're not wearing any…there's no…you're…"

"…not wearing any underwear?" Willow added helpfully, but blushed furiously at the same time. "Y-yeah. 'Cause I figured, hey, they'll be coming off at some point tonight, a-and what's the chance I'll ever get them back once they're tossed halfway down the beach, s-so I…didn't bother…"

A small pause, and then "Plus, hey, time saver."

Kennedy's eyes flickered up to the older woman's. After a short moment, she was finally able to respond. "T-time saver? Guess that means you're pretty confident in my seductive/romantic abilities, hmm?" A slow smile formed over the slayer's face. "Does this mean you do this often…? 'Cause I'm suddenly wondering how many other times I was next to you and you were wearing a dress and you didn't have on…a-any…"

The slayer suddenly felt light-headed. She reached out and braced her palm against the sand to keep from falling over. "P-please don't tell me you weren't wearing any that night back in Sunnydale when we were eating dinner and holding hands against your thigh under the table…a-and you had on that short green skirt with the split up the side…"

Another crimson blush shot through Willow. "N-no. I mean yes! Or no, I-I don't do this often. Kind of a rare thing, so…maybe." She smiled sheepishly at the slayer, then noticed the odd look on her lover's face.

"Kenn? Baby?" Willow looked a little concerned. "Y-you're all pale, and kinda look like you're about to pass out…"

Kennedy swallowed back hard. "Just when I think you couldn't *possibly* get any sexier," she nearly growled out the words as she lowered herself back onto the redhead's body. "You have to go and tell me you sometimes decide to go commando…*knowing* how much of a sex crazed maniac I am for you."

The slayer leaned into the witch's neck and drew in a deep breath before nipping at the tender skin she found there. "That's fuckin' hot."

Willow sighed as Kennedy's teeth grazed her neck. "Well, I'm just…f-full of…su.." She couldn't even fully finish that sentence, as Kennedy's hand danced its way down her body. The witch swallowed hard, both hands digging into Kennedy's shoulder blades.

Kennedy pulled back from her lover, gazing down into her hazy eyes. "Willow…you think it'll always be like this?" The slayer ran her fingertips over the sensitive skin on the inside of the witch's thigh. "After we're married, I mean. Still think it'll be this…intense?"

"I hope so," Willow managed breathlessly, and with a teasing grin. "Otherwise we're in for one dull life." The witch craned her neck upwards to steal a soft kiss from the slayer. "I think it'll always be like this. Maybe the touchy-feely part will die down a bit over the years, but these feelings between us…they'll never change."

"I'll agree with you on the feelings bit," Kennedy nodded, softly running her fingers across the redhead's abdomen. "But do you honestly think I'll *ever* be able to keep my hands off you?" The slayer gave her lover a crooked smile. "Even if you're big as a house, and bitchin' at me about how much your back hurts or how you haven't seen your feet in a month, I'll still think you're the sexiest woman I've ever seen."

The brunette's smile grew softer as she reached up to run her fingers through Willow's hair. "Even when there's silver in your hair, I'll still never be able to get enough of you."

The witch sighed happily, content with just looking up into the kind, caring eyes of her lover. "Ditto," she replied softly. Willow tightened her hold on Kennedy's back, fingers gently kneading the strong muscles she found there. "I love you…"

Kennedy smiled softly. "Even when I lose this fabulous slayer physique? You still gonna love me then?" The slayers fingers ran across Willow's ribcage, causing the witch to shiver in their wake.

Willow inhaled sharply, feeling her body quiver under the slayer's skilled touch. "I could be blind, you could be a Cyclops, it doesn't matter. I love your heart…" She gingerly touched her hand to the slayer's chest. "Don't get me wrong, you ain't bad to look at," was added after a moment with a teasing grin. "But yeah, I think I'll love you as long as we're both here."

Kennedy raised a brow. "You…*think* you'll love me?" The slayer shook her head and sighed. "I'm not finding that real assuring…" A slow smile broke out over her face as she started to slide her hand back down the redhead's body. The slayer leaned in and whispered into her lover's ear as she gently slipped inside her. "Guess I'll just have to convince you."

Willow's answer was smothered by a low groan, and her eyelids fluttered. "I d…idn't mean it like that, but convince me anyway." With a cheeky grin, she reached up and pulled Kennedy's lips down to hers.

Kennedy moaned into Willow's mouth when she felt the witch's hips begin to gyrate beneath her. The slayer broke away from the kiss, panting. "God Willow," she groaned when the redhead's hips nearly bucked her off.

Reaching down blindly with her other hand, she forced the older woman's hips back to the blanket. "You've never been like this before," Kennedy panted, leaning down to trail a path of kisses along Willow's neck.

Willow blinked back a trail of sweat that was forming over her brow. "I want…I need…y-you…" Indeed, she was feeling a little more…frenzied, than usual. Perhaps it was the setting, or the fact that she had almost lost Kennedy 24 hours prior. Either way, she wanted to be nowhere but there, in that moment, the her brunette.

The fingers of Kennedy's free hand flexed against Willow's hip. She paused in her teasing kisses to lift her head and meet the witch's eyes. "Tell me," she whispered. "Tell me what you want, baby. I'll do anything." Before Willow could reply, the slayer kissed her way back down her body, kissing and nipping along Willow's heated flesh, stopping only when she reached the older woman's navel. Sticking her tongue out, she used the stud to bathe the sensitive skin she found there.

The motion made it nearly impossible for any realistic words to form and come out of Willow's mouth. Her body shivered again, and she let out several small whimpers as Kennedy's fingers glided in and out of her several more times. "Feel you…" was all she finally managed to groan before throwing her head back against the blanket.

"Yesss…" Kennedy nearly hissed the word as her lips finally detached from the skin of the witch's navel just long enough to dip down and suck her clit into her mouth. She felt her lover's body begin to tremble and she could tell by the sudden arch in Willow's back that she was nearly on edge. The slayer reached over with her left hand and tightly entwined her fingers with the older woman's. She broke her mouth away from the redhead and breathed hotly against her flesh. "I love you, Willow. So very much…"

Willow's hand clenched Kennedy's tightly, and her other one bunched around the blanket next to her head. "Love you too…" she breathed, a desperate edge to her tone. "Goddess, Kennedy…" Another moan escaped her lips.

The slayer forced a smirk through her deep breaths. "Convinced yet?" She didn't wait for an answer as she quickly went back to work on her lover's center, forcing the witch nearer to the edge. The muscles in Kennedy's arm tensed tightly and the vein running the length of her bicep bulged with the effort of force she applied behind every thrust.

If Willow wanted to feel her…she was going to be damn sure that she did.

It didn't take long before Willow exploded from the inside out. Violent waves crashed through her body, her abdomen tightening almost painfully before relaxing in the most delicious way. Her inner walls clenched tightly around the slayer's digits, holding her there as they rode out the witch's orgasm together. Kennedy almost literally acted as her 'kite string', keeping the witch from flying off the beach completely as her body convulsed.

It was some time before she slumped back against the blanket, completely spent. Willow's eyelids fluttered shut for a moment, trying to regain a sense of composure.

Kennedy slowly extracted herself from her lover's body. Still breathing heavily, she leaned down to place one last kiss against her lover's tummy before working her way back up. She placed a gentle kiss against the redhead's slightly parted lips.

The slayer could barely hold her body above Willow's as she waited for the soft green gaze to once again focus on her own.

Eventually, Willow cracked an eye open, then two. "Hey…" she whispered hoarsely, a small smile starting to form. She licked her lips, then snatched a tiny yet loving kiss from her brunette. "Mm…remind us to do this more often in the future…"

Kennedy returned the kiss before breaking away and collapsing down on top of her lover's body. "We've got the rest of our lives to make love, baby." She wrapped her arms around Willow's body and held her tightly. Turning her head to the side, she placed a soft kiss on the top of the witch's left breast. "Whenever…wherever…and however we want."

"Mm…I like the sound of that…" Willow murmured, lightly brushing her lips against Kennedy's forehead. "I love you, in case I haven't said it enough already…I really, truly do love you."

"Well," Kennedy grinned and lifted her head from the witch's chest. "A girl never can hear it enough." The slayer pulled herself up and braced her arms on either side of the witch's head. "While we're on the topic of our future, and as much as it really pains me to say it…I think it's time we pack up and head back to Cleveland. You got a wedding to plan and I *really* gotta get in that one last trip to the strip club as a free woman. I did promise Faith a lap dance, you know."

Willow rolled her eyes playfully. "Just the thing a woman needs to hear," she mumbled sarcastically.

"Oh come on baby," Kennedy grinned. "You know I'm just messin'. There's no other woman in the world that makes my palms sweat or my heart race like you do. No topless, big breasted, oiled down woman shaking her ass in my face is ever gonna change that."

"Not making things better," Willow pouted. She wrapped both arms around her slayer and let out a sigh. "But…I trust you, therefore I guess a bachelor…ette party would be fine."

She glanced to the side, at the pile of clothes laying strewn about the beach. The redhead slowly turned her gaze up to the slayer's. "Shall we go home?"

Kennedy leaned into her lover's embrace, inhaling her scent deeply. "Wherever you are is my home, baby." She pulled back from the embrace and smiled down at the witch. "I can't believe I get to spend the rest of my life loving you. And here I was thinking this place was paradise."

As the plane came within ten minutes of landing at the Cleveland airport, Willow felt much more relaxed now than she had been upon arriving in Brazil. She gazed over at Kennedy, giving her lover's hand a soft squeeze.

Willow was about to speak when she glanced over her shoulder at the couple in the row behind them.

Faith was leaning over the arm rest, her arm wrapped around Buffy's neck and holding her close as their tongues dueled for dominance.

The witch just raised an amused eyebrow, waited a moment to see if they'd notice, and then concluded that they wouldn't be coming up for air any time soon. She shook her head and glanced over at Kennedy. "You glad to be going home, sweetie?"

"I'll be *really* glad when we finally land," the slayer answered, nodding over her shoulder at the two women behind them. "'Cause if I have to listen to those two for a *second* longer…"

When Willow gave her a puzzled look, she lifted her hand from the arm rest and pointed to her ear. "Slayer hearing. I've been listening to those two swap saliva since we took off. If I woulda known they were gonna be like that, I never woulda…" Kennedy paused in her rant and turned to her lover with a look of deep concern. "You think that's what we were like? I mean, when we first started out. Two hormone driven lovers of the female flesh who couldn't keep our hands or our tongues to ourselves?"

The slayer leaned across the arm rest and lowered her voice. "Were we really that…physical? I mean, was *I* really that physical? You think it's just a slayer thing?"

Willow gave Kennedy a 'Look'. "You're just figuring this out *now*?" Shaking her head, she playfully jabbed her slayer in the side, just as the seatbelt sign came on above them.

Kennedy grumbled and turned around in her seat, sparing a quick glance over her shoulder at the new lovers.

Faith was just breaking away from the kiss, leaning in to whisper something in Buffy's ear. The blonde's sudden deep blush gave Kennedy a slight idea of what the rogue slayer might have said.

Rolling her eyes, the brunette reached down and unsnapped her seatbelt before turning to glance out the side window. As the hazy view of Cleveland city limits began to come into view, the scowl on her face quickly faded into a soft smile.

In that moment, Kennedy knew that this was the beginning of the rest of her life. Turning her head to the other side, her eyes fell on the woman she'd be spending it with. Her smile only grew.

She couldn't wait for the honeymoon.

The End

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