Fate

Kennedy was lounging in her bed, flipping through the channels on the television when the door to the bathroom opened. She casually looked over as the sound of bare feet padded closer.

“Kenn? Is there any more of that vanilla shampoo?”

The slayer was momentarily stunned into silence at the vision before her. Willow was leaning in the door way of the bathroom. Her hair was pulled up messily and she was clad only in Kennedy's old college shirt and a pair of panties. The light from the bathroom hit her just right, completely the perfect image of beauty.

“Kenn?” the witch questioned again.

“Huh? Oh, what?”

Willow chuckled and walked out of the bathroom to take a few steps closer to the slayer. “The vanilla shampoo I left here. I can't find it.”

“Oh, uh, right. Sorry,” Kennedy shook her head as she got off the bed and walked over to reach into the top dresser drawer. She pulled out the bottle of shampoo and extended it out towards the witch. “I wanted to make sure no one else used it.”

As soon as the words were out of her mouth, the slayer wanted to take them back. The look on the witch's face was enough to make even her heart break...just a little.

“Oh,” Willow whispered meekly. “T-thanks.” She took the bottle and turned to head back into the bathroom, but suddenly stopped at the feel of a gentle hand on her elbow.

Kennedy waited until Willow's eyes met her's. “What I meant was that I didn't want to use it by mistake. It doesn't smell right on me, but it fits perfectly with you.” She paused, hoping her words would sooth the witch's mind. “I haven't...I mean, there wasn't any other w-women to...to...”

“Kenn,” Willow interrupted with a soft whisper. “It's okay. I understand. I mean, it's not like you're my girlfriend. You don't owe me an explanation or anything else for that matter.” With a sad smile, she turned and disappeared into the bathroom, closing the door softly behind her.

Kennedy sighed and ran a hand back through her hair. “Fuck.”

***

The world was at a stand-still.

In all the years Faith had lived on the earth, she had never felt anything quite like the feel of Buffy's lips pressed to her own.

And that was the problem.

“Buffy, wait,” the vampire barely managed to breath as she finally forced herself to break away from the slayer's kiss. She panted heavily as she leaned her forehead against the blonde's and locked their gazes.

“We can't do this,” she explained carefully. “I can't do this.”

“Why not?” Buffy whispered, slightly hurt. “Don't you...want to?”

Faith seemed pained by the question. “More than anything, but there's something you should know.”

“Whatever it is, it doesn't matter,” the slayer protested as she ran a hand over the vampire's chest. “I know I've never really done this before. Well, I have, but not with anyone I was so...” She paused and gazed deeply into Faith's eyes. “...drawn to.”

“I'm sorry,” the vampire apologized weakly as she forced herself to break the other woman's embrace. She turned away and sighed heavily. “There's something you should know about the curse.” She paused, debating her words. “There's a certain...stipulation.”

“Stipulation?” Buffy repeated warily. “Faith? What are you talking about?”

The vampire turned back to face Buffy, her jaw set tight. “They made sure to stick it to me good, okay? They made sure that I would suffer for the rest of my exsistance for what I took from them.”

“Faith...”

“No,” the brunette insisted. “You don't understand. I can't do this with you, Buffy. Not if I want to have any chance to save what's left of this soul.”

“Why the fuck not?” Buffy asked becoming annoyed. “Is it because I'm only nineteen? Is it because I'm the slayer? Come on, Faith. Let's hear it.”

“If for even one glimpse of a second in my life I find that one true happiness only love can bring,” Faith explained calmly, never taking her eyes from the slayer. “I turn back into that monster. My soul gets ripped right outta me and I become that...thing, again.”

Any sign of annoyance or anger instantly disappeared from the slayer's face as she stared back at the vampire, completely stunned.

“I can't live with that,” Faith added softly. “No matter how much I...” She stopped and swallowed back the words. “I can't risk it. Not even for you.”

“But, Faith,” Buffy argued, her throat dry. “I...I'm not asking you to love me. I don't know why, but I can't seem to stop thinking about you. That scares me because I've never felt this way about anyone. Especially not someone I just met.”

The vampire's shoulders slumped and she let out a deep sigh. “That's the problem, Buffy. I can't allow myself to get to close to you because I know how it will end.”

“Faith, I don't think you're being rational here. It was just one little kiss. One harmless little kiss.”

“Buffy,” the vampire breathed as she reached out and grabbed the slayer by each of her arms. She looked deeply into the shorter woman's eyes. “There's no such thing.”

Buffy sighed in defeat. “Are all you vampires this pig-headed?

Faith dropped her hands from the blonde's arms and turned away. “I think you should go.”

Buffy glanced up at the vampire's back. “Is that what you want?”

Faith was silent for a long moment before finally replying softly, “Yes.”

The slayer nodded to the brunette's back. “Okay, if that's what you want, I'll go, but...I hope you won't let this change your mind about helping us. The way you make this Darla sound, we're gonna need all the help we can get.”

Faith casted a half glance over her shoulder. “I'll help you. Whatever you need.”

“Thank you,” the slayer replied politely. “I guess...I'll see you around.” She turned to leave, the sound of her heels clicking against the concrete floor. She paused only when she reached the door. Looking back over, she noticed the vampire still hadn't turned around.

“Goodbye Faith,” she whispered sadly and then quietly left the mansion.

The vampire slowly closed her eyes and let out a long, deep breath. Her fists clenched by her sides and her jaw set tightly.

Suddenly, she felt the demon take over as her features shifted and morphed, her eyes growing a cold yellow. She reached down and grabbed the cup of pigs blood, slinging it against the far wall.

A splatter of red clashed against the pure white and the red liquid oozed down like honey.

Faith threw her head back and howled.

***

The house was empty and eerily calm as Buffy pushed the door open with a sigh. She slipped the jacket from her shoulders and reached out to hang it on the peg.

“Buffy, you're home,” Willow's voice floated into her ears and she turned her attention to the couch.

The witch smiled brightly at her best friend as she closed the book she was reading and placed it on the table.

“How'd it go with the vamp...I mean, Faith?”

The slayer averted her eyes as she quietly walked into the living room and took a seat next to the red-head. She slowly brought her eyes up to sparkling green. “I kissed her.”

Willow's eyes grew two sizes too big for her head. “D'I'm sorry. I thought you said you KISSED her.”

“I did,” Buffy whispered softly. “I don't know what came over me, Will,” she went on to explain. “One minute, we were talking about Darla and then the next, she was just pouring her soul out to me and it was just so...sad.” The slayer pleaded with her eyes for her friend to understand. “I've never felt something this strong for anyone in my life, Will. I know I've only known her a day, and I KNOW that she's a vampire which is just...SO wrong on SO many levels, and I don't even want to go into the fact that she's another woman...”

“Do you think there's something wrong with that?” Willow interrupted suddenly, causing the slayer to stop in mid-rant.

Buffy looked up sharply at the witch's whispered inquisition. “Which part? You kinda gotta narrow down the fucked-upness of the situation here, Will.”


“Oh, so you think its 'fucked up' to be in love with another woman?” the witch challenged with a raised brow.

“Whoa,” Buffy protested as she lifted her hands in defense. “I never said that, and I never said I was 'in love' with Faith, either.” The slayer sighed. “I'm not sure what I am with Faith, actually. Well, according to her, I'm nothing, that's what I am.”

“You know,” Buffy went on as she looked back over to her friend. “I wasn't the only one to blame for that kiss. She didn't exactly protest too hard when I...”

“I'm having sex with Kennedy,” Willow suddenly blurted out.

Buffy's mouth remained frozen with the next word hanging from the tip of her tongue as she allowed the witch's confession to sink in. “Kennedy?” she repeated dumbly. “Kennedy...Kennedy? As in the same Kennedy who's slept with half of Sunnydale, Kennedy? The same Kennedy who is always late for patrol and who never shows up to the meetings or who always...”

“Yes,” Willow interrupted in a huff. “That Kennedy. And for the record, she has NOT slept with half of Sunnydale. It's more like a third.”

Buffy shook her head. “I'm sorry. I'm just trying to wrap my head around it.” She peered over at the witch. “How...I mean, why...no, I mean...” The slayer stopped and took a deep breath.

“Why Kennedy? Why now? I thought you said she was crude, brass, annoying, rude, immature...shall I go on?” Buffy teased with a light smile.

Willow couldn't help but smile back. “I know. I know I said all those things and for the longest time, she really made me believe that's exactly who she is.” The witch's expression grew soft and her smile widened as a distant look glazed over in her eyes. “But you don't know her like I do, Buff. There's a whole other side to Kennedy.”

The red-head looked up at her friend, the same soft expression on her face as she let out a slow breath. “She can be so sweet when she wants to. She's gentle and kind and, Goddess...is she passionate.”

“O-kay,” Buffy said quickly. “Crossing into the territory of 'too much information' here, Will.”

Willow blushed and averted her eyes. “Sorry. I just...I can't help but wonder why she's not like that all the time. Why she can't just be that person and stop being so...”

“Pig-headed?” Buffy finished for her.

Willow looked up and nodded. “Yeah. Exactly.”

“Trust me,” the slayer sighed. “I hear ya.”

“Oh, Buffy,” Willow sighed, relief resounding in her soft voice. “You don't know how long I've wanted to tell you, but I wasn't sure how you'd take it.”

The blonde raised a brow. “Take what, exactly? The fact that my best friend is sleeping with someone who could put Hugh Heffner to shame? Someone who she KNOWS will never be able to give her what she really wants?”

The words cut the witch to the core and her expression did nothing to hide the fact.

“Or,” Buffy continued, smiling softly. “The fact that my best friend is the strongest, bravest woman I know who always follows her heart and doesn't let anything stand in the way of getting what she wants?”

Willow's expression instantly lightened and she returned the soft smile. “Thanks, Buff.” She reached out and placed a hand over the blonde's. “Thanks for not calling me a big dummy and trying to tell me how huge of a monumental mistake I'm making.”

“Hey,” Buffy grinned. “What kinda best friend would I be if I didn't support my own best friend in a time when she needs it most?” She placed her free hand over the back of the witch's. “I may be a blonde, but give me a little credit here. I can see the way you look at her, but I also see the way she looks at you.”

Willow's eyes perked up at the admission and her eyes seemed to sparkle even brighter. “You do?”

“Yep,” Buffy nodded. “She might play the big bad-ass slayer, but that girl has got a soft spot for a certain red-headed witch. In fact, I'm pretty sure you could get her to do just about anything if you just asked...” Buffy trailed off and raised an insinuating brow.

Willow shook her head instantly. “No, Buffy. I...I couldn't.”

“Why the hell not?” the blonde asked.

“Because,” Willow sighed. “Because...it's complicated, alright? Kennedy and I...we have an understanding. I don't want to scare her off, Buff. If this is the only way I get to have her, well...I'll just have to take it.”

Buffy stared down her best friend, shaking her head. “Y'know, in all the years I've known you, I've never heard you say one stupid thing. Until now.”

The witch raised a silent brow.

“Willow, if you love her, and I know that you do,” the slayer went on, “then you have to make her understand that it's gotta be you and only you...or nothing.”

Willow's eyes clouded over and her voice was cracked. “I-I don't think...I can.”

“Yes, you can,” Buffy nodded. “I can see how it's killing you just thinking about it right now. No matter how strongly you feel for her, you can't sacrifice your own feelings for the sake of hers. It's just not right.”

“What if she says no?” the witch asked meekly. Her eyes suddenly widened and her grip increased on the slayer's hand. “Or worse...what if she says yes?”

“Will,” Buffy smiled. “You think too much.”

Willow let out a light laugh before sighing. “Yeah, I really do.”

The moment was abruptly ended by the sound of a light knock at the door. Both women looked to each other.

“You expecting someone?” Buffy asked first.

“No, you?”

The slayer just shook her head as she quickly stood and went over to answer the door. She reached out and swung it open to reveal a sight she never thought she'd see.

“Kennedy?” she asked in disbelief, her eyes widening slightly. “And you've got...flowers.”

The younger slayer smiled nervously as she adjusted the bouquet in her hand. “Uh, yeah. They're for...Willow. Is she home?”

“Yeah, actually, she is,” Buffy answered as she swung the door open wider and motioned for the other slayer to enter. “She's in the living room.”

Kennedy nodded her thanks with a light smile as she stepped in and brushed past the blonde.

Buffy just smiled to herself as she closed the door softly before quietly disappearing up the stairs.

Willow looked over from her slumped position on the couch at the sound of footsteps. “Buff? Who was...” The words died in her throat when she met the deep brown gaze.

“Kennedy?” she whispered barely audibly, but with slayer hearing, the brunette had no trouble picking it up.

“Hey,” Kennedy whispered back with a gentle smile. She extended the flowers to the witch nervously. “Umm...these are...are for you. It's lillies and lilacs. Your favorites.”

The witch was obviously moved by the romantic gesture. She struggle to hold the tears at bay as she stood and excepted the flowers.

“Thank you, Kennedy,” she smiled. “They're beautiful.”

The slayer blushed as she placed her hands in the back pockets of her jeans and shrugged. “Yeah, well...I just remember you saying something about 'em a while back.” Her eyes dropped to the scuffs on the ends of her boots.

Willow carefully laid the bouquet down on the coffee table then reached out to place a hand under the slayer's chin.

Kennedy allowed her eyes to be lifted to meet the witch's.

“It's a very lovely thought,” Willow whispered with a gentle smile. “I just can't believe you remembered me saying that. I know how much you hate talking after we...” The witch trailed off and cleared her throat uncomfortably. “Yeah, well. It was very nice of you, thank you.”

“I don't hate it,” Kennedy suddenly broke in. “In fact, that's why I fall asleep so fast. Listening to your voice just...soothes me.”

“It...does?”

“Yeah,” the brunette nodded. “It's really soft and sweet and so...womanly. It's one of my favorite things about you.”

“Oh, Kenn,” Willow sighed and reached out to pull the slayer into a tight embrace. Closing her eyes, she allowed herself to be held by the strong and familiar arms.

Kennedy closed her eyes agaisnt the sensation of having the woman in her arms. She inhaled the heady scent of vanilla and strawberries as she tightened her hold just slightly.

“I'm sorry, Willow. I'm so sorry for being such a fuck-up for so long.”

“It doesn't matter,” Willow soothed softly. “None of that matters.”

Kennedy allowed herself to relax into the embrace for a moment longer before gaining enough courage to whisper the words she had been aching to tell the red-head for so long.

“I love you, Willow.”

It was enough to make the witch break the embrace and pull back to stare into the slayer's eyes.

“What?” she whispered.

“You heard me,” Kennedy insisted. She reached up and grabbed the witch by the shoulders. “I love you. I love every fuckin' thing about you, and I can't stand the thought of hurting you a second longer.”

Willow's bottom lip quivered, but she was smiling.

“If you'll let me, I'll do my best to make you happy.” Kennedy couldn't help but smile as she stared into the most beautiful eyes she'd ever known. “So, how 'bout it, Red? Wanna be my girl?”

Willow burst out with a sob as she slung herself into Kennedy's arms with a cry of “Yes, yes! Goddess, yes!”

Kennedy just chuckled as she held the other woman tightly. “So, am I to take that as a yes?”

“Kennedy?” Willow pulled back from the embrace to give the slayer a knowing look. “Just shut up and kiss me.”