Paradise

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 ascented 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, hottness, 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.

TBC...