CHAPTER 16

The redhead’s lips tasted sweet, and Buffy urgently ran her tongue along the flesh. Willow hesitantly granted the impatient Slayer access to her mouth. Plunging heatedly into the witch’s mouth, the blonde stroked her tongue along Willow’s and groaned. She’d waited too long for this.

Panting, she finally moved back just enough to rest her forehead on the other girl’s. Voice shaking, the Slayer said, “Oh, God, Will. I missed you so much.”

Giggling, Willow commented, “You never missed me like that before.”

“I wanted to, does that count?” Buffy dropped her eyes, afraid of her friend’s response. She flinched when a small hand brushed her face.

“Hey, what’s got you so spooked?” Willow brushed her lips over Buffy’s. “Did you think I’d smack you ‘cause you kissed me?” A smile quirked her lips. “I’m bisexual, Buffy. I’ve spent a lot of time looking at you and wondering.”

“So, does that mean you think I’m hot?” Despite the blush staining her cheeks, the Slayer was giddy with relief.

“At the risk of giving you a big head, yeah. You’re hot.” The witch kissed the blonde again, keeping control of the action despite Buffy’s attempt at dominance. Willow pushed her companion back on the bed and straddled her waist. Breaking the kiss, she grinned at the blatant desire in the Slayer’s hazel eyes. “Mmmm. This is a nice way to wake up. Can we do it again?”

“Sure.” Buffy lapsed into silence.

“Hey, beautiful, where did you go? I was hoping for a little more kissage.” Willow watched the Slayer, noting the frown tilting her mouth. Wanting to get Buffy’s mind off her troubles, the witch ran a teasing finger over the blonde’s nipples. They hardened immediately. “Wow! Look at those.” She pulled Buffy’s shirt out of her pants and stroked the warm flesh of her stomach.

The Slayer arched at the contact. “Please, Will. I need you so much.” Smiling, the redhead answered the plea.

Pushing Buffy’s shirt up and uncovering the blonde’s bra, the witch laved the hard peaks through the material. Panting, the Slayer ignored the little voice in her mind and grabbed Willow’s head, pressing it roughly into her chest.

“Buffy, the barrier’s still up and I can see everything. Do you think you can stop necking with my daughter and open the door?” the little voice sounded amused.

“Oh, fuck!” Buffy catapulted off the bed, knocking Willow to the floor. “Your mom’s in my head.”

Staring at the blonde in confusion, Willow scrambled to her feet. “My mom’s in your head?”

“Yeah, she helped me through the shield and she’s kind of sitting in my head watching everything.”

Willow turned beet red. “My mother is in your head watching me…us…Oh, goddess.”

Jennifer snickered inside Buffy’s mind. “Tell her to stop babbling and let us in. The rest of the family is here now, and they aren’t going to leave until they can see for themselves Willow’s alright.”

“Jennifer says the whole family is in the hallway, and they won’t leave until you open the door,” the Slayer relayed.

Face still an alarming shade of red, the young witch shuffled to the shield enclosing the room. Mumbling a few words in Latin and waving a hand at the magical barrier, Willow released the energy safely into the ground. Immediately, the door swung open, revealing a glowering Kirstan and a horde of redheads. They swarmed into the room, surrounding Willow, firing questions at the young witch.

Knowing the family was worried about their newest member, the Slayer drifted away. Her body still hummed with arousal, and she couldn’t keep her eyes off her best friend. For five years, she’d hidden her love for the shy redhead. Now that she’d admitted her feelings, Buffy fought with the need to throw the Hirsches out and finish what they’d started.

“Give them a few minutes. Once they know she’s OK, we can herd them back downstairs.” Kirstan stood next to Buffy, eyes on the group by the door.

Flicking a glance at the tall brunette, the blonde asked, “You really don’t care that we’re together?”

“Hell, no. In fact, when we first met Willow, Jenny and I didn’t understand why you weren’t with her.” She frowned. “I really don’t get why your Watcher wasn’t training both of you.”

Remembering Giles and the debacle of the Cruciamento, Buffy knew he would not have hidden something this important. “I don’t think Giles knew, Kirstan.” She paused, something tickling her memory. “How do you know about all of this? Are you a Watcher?”

The question made Kirstan look directly at the shorter girl. “Buffy, we really need to sit down and talk at some point. There is so much you obviously don’t know. I’m not a Watcher. I was a Slayer, and Jenny is my witch.”

“What?” The blonde spun to face Willow’s parent. “How can you…Slayers don’t get to retire. We die, and we get replaced.”

“Well, the chances of actually making it to retirement are bad, but there are several of us in California and more in other parts of the world.” Kirstan laid a hand on Buffy’s shoulder. “Like I said, we need to talk. But this isn’t the best time.”

“Is there ever a good time? Come on, Kirstan. My life is a never ending round of demons, vamps, and Hell Gods.” The younger Slayer struggled to reign in her anger. In a softer voice, she said, “Why didn’t Giles ever say anything?” She needed to believe her surrogate father had not betrayed her a second time. He was a cornerstone in her freakish life.

Sensing another breakdown in progress, the tall brunette pulled her soon-to-be daughter-in-law into a fierce hug. “Hey, you just told me your Watcher didn’t know. When he calls us back, you can ask him.”

Nodding into the other woman’s shoulder, Buffy agreed. “Yeah, OK. But he’ll have to tell me face to face. He’s supposed to be back in Sunnydale tomorrow afternoon.”

“Good. Invite him out to the ranch. Jenny and I have plenty of room, and we all need to figure out what’s going on.” She squeezed the tiny blonde a final time and then stepped back. “Now, I think Jenny has gotten the rest of the family out of the way. Why don’t you go get Willow and the two of you can set up in the guest house for the night.”

“I can’t stay,” Buffy lamented. At Kirstan’s confused look, she explained, “I left my little sister in Sunnydale. There’s no way she should be on her own all night.” The Slayer shuddered at the thought of what Dawn might do without a chaperone.

“You and Willow need to be together.” She caught Buffy’s shocked and embarrassed look and laughed. “Well, I don’t think you’ll be crocheting, little girl. But beyond the physical, the two of you need to connect emotionally as well. Now that you’ve both acknowledged the bond, you have to strengthen it. The best way to do that is to hide out and just be together.”

“You can’t begin to imagine how much I want that to happen.” Buffy lost focus as images of quality time with Willow danced in her mind. Then she sighed. “But I can’t stay. If Giles were in town, maybe. But, there’s…” her voice trailed off. “I am such an idiot. Can I borrow your phone?”

A little stunned at the rapid change in the blonde’s moods, Kirstan nodded. “Sure. You can use the one in here.” The older Slayer watched, mystified, as Buffy almost ran to the phone and punched in a string of numbers.

***

“Hey, Cordy. It’s Buffy. Did Tara make it there OK?” Buffy asked.

“Yeah. In fact, she and Faith took off for Sunnydale a couple of hours ago.” The ex-Prom Queen sounded tired, but happy. “Thanks for sending her, Buffy. She got Angel’s soul restored, and things are back to normal.”

Smiling in relief, the Slayer replied, “Hey, we’re all on the same side these days. It’s about time we remember that.” She sighed. “I was really hoping to talk with Tara before she left.”

“Are you still working under the Giles’ ban on technology, Buffy?” Cordelia was amused. “Cause even Angel has a cell phone these days.”

“Cell phone?” The blonde groaned. “So I’m blonde, sue me.” Laughter vibrated against her ear. “Faith has a phone?”

“She does. And, since you sent Tara to help us out, I won’t even make you beg for the number.” The former Scooby rattled off a string of numbers. Luckily, Buffy located a pencil and paper in the nightstand drawer. She scribbled it down and smiled.

“Thanks, Cordy. You’re the best.”

“I know. Too bad everyone else doesn’t realize it,” the AI member joked.

Buffy smiled. Queen C sure had changed. “Thanks again, Cordy. Tell everyone ‘Hi.’” The Slayer disconnected and immediately dialed the number scrawled on the paper in front of her.

As she waited for Faith to answer, the Slayer wondered if she could actually do this. The last time she’d talked to her sister Slayer, the blonde had been brutal. However, the stakes were too high to back down. She’d just have to deal with whatever attitude the gruff Bostonian copped.

“Hello?” Road noise muffled the voice, but it was definitely the brunette Slayer on the phone.

Palm damp against the handset, Buffy responded. “Hey, Faith. It’s Buffy. Just wanted to see how you and Tara were doing?”

There was a long pause. When she spoke again, Faith sounded tense. “We’re good, B.”

“Good. Good.” Buffy sucked in a calming breath. “Thanks for coming to help. I know you probably wanted to be anywhere than back in Sunnydale. There’s some weird shit going on…we need to talk. But I’ve got another big favor to ask Tara. Could I talk to her for a minute?”

There was a long pause, and Buffy worried she might have lost the connection. Then a husky voice responded. “Yeah. I’ll give her the phone.” The blonde waited. “Actually, B, I needed to come back. We do need to talk, just the two of us, maybe. Here’s Blondie.”

“Buffy? Is everything OK?” Tara sounded worried.

“Yeah. I’m good. I’m actually with Willow right now.” Her speech picked up speed. “I know you said to wait, but, well…anyway. Willow’s fine. Her magic is back under control. It’s been a rough day, and I was going to crash here. Do you think you and Faith could spend the night at the house with Dawn?”

The blonde witch sighed over the phone. “Somehow, I know there’s a story behind your trip out of town. But, we should be back in Sunnydale soon. I don’t know about Faith, but I’ll be happy to have a girls’ night with Dawnie.”

CHAPTER 17

Buffy replaced the handset and turned back to Kirstan. “OK. Problem solved. I guess you have a houseguest for the evening.”

Despite a lingering sense of confusion over the blonde’s rollercoaster emotions, the ex-Slayer nodded. “Good. We’ll go grab our witches and head downstairs. So, who’s watching your sister?”

“Willow’s ex and Faith.” The Slayer shook her head. “And let’s just say how unbelievable that statement sounds.”

“Why? The ex not adjusting to her change in status very well?”

That got a real laugh from the blonde. “Hardly. Tara’s the best. No, it’s Faith, and the fact I’m not wigging about her being back in town in general or trusting her to watch Dawn in particular.” She looked up at Kirstan. “Faith’s the other Slayer, and she’s got a bad track record when it comes to me and mine.”

“Two actives? Damn. We’re going to need an entire day for our Big Talk.” The older woman laid a hand on Buffy’s shoulder. “No more shop talk. Jenny’s glaring at both of us. And,” she chuckled, “my daughter looks like she wants to get you alone.”

Buffy blushed, but had to admit (to herself) that Willow did look a bit predatory. Her body responded to the look immediately, nipples hardening and moisture pooling between her legs. “Talking, remember?” she tried to brush the woman’s comment off. “We’re just going to talk and do that reconnecting you mentioned.”

“Uh huh.” Sarcasm dripped from the sound of agreement.

***

An hour later, Buffy watched Willow nervously. Jennifer and Kirstan had left them alone in the guest house, as promised. Dinner sat waiting for them on a small table in the corner as the redhead puttered around arranging silverware.

Finishing her task, Willow turned to the Slayer and smiled. “Hey, you want to eat or are you going to hide over there all night?” When the blonde didn’t answer, the witch’s smile dimmed. “Buffy, what’s wrong?” She walked to stand in front of the shorter girl.

“Nothing’s wrong, not really.” Buffy cleared her throat. “It’s all kind of catching up, I guess. You know, the whole resurrection thing; you becoming the most powerful witch in the world; us being together.”

It was a lot to deal with. “Sweetie, let’s get started with dinner.” Willow examined her friend. “We need to fatten you up. Then we’ll talk about all of that.” She took the Slayer by the hand and pulled her across the room and waited until Buffy sat reluctantly in front of one of the place settings. Moving the second setting closer to the seated Slayer, the witch dished out food from the serving bowls.

“Is that all that’s bothering you?” Willow was sure Buffy had something else on her mind. The blonde kept sneaking glances at her and then looking away. The Slayer didn’t answer. Pushing her food around on her plate, she stared unblinking into space. This was going to take some finesse. The redhead grabbed the other girl’s hand, stilling the fork. “Buffy…” She waited until her friend slowly turned toward her. “Talk to me, please.”

The blonde’s chin dipped slightly in agreement. “OK, Will. I’ll try.” She licked her lips and cleared her throat. “How can we do this? Get together?”

“Is it a problem? That it’s me?” Willow’s throat tightened.

“No! Oh, no, Will. But, I’m a magnet for badness. It would kill me if something happened to you.”

Linking their fingers, the witch thought about her answer. “Buffy, I might have been able to walk away from all of this back in our sophomore year. But it’s been five years now. Don’t you think I know what I’m doing?” She held up a hand to stop Buffy’s protest. “I’m not the shy hacker you rescued from a vamp.” She let power pulse through her channels and met hazel eyes with her own solid blue ones.

Buffy jerked backward. “What the fuck?”

“I am more than able to take care of myself, Buffy.” She harnessed the power and locked it back behind the shield wall. “Next objection, please.”

“Tara.”

Raising her eyebrows, Willow asked, “What about Tara?”

“You love her.”

“Yes, I do. I always will.” The witch watched the Slayer pale. “But, Buffy, Tara and I are over. We need to talk, sure.” She moved closer, straddling the blonde’s legs before sitting in her lap. “I want to explore what’s between us.” A slim finger stroked a prominent cheekbone. “First, though, Sweetie, you need to eat. You haven’t been taking care of yourself. Let me help you with that.”

Willow picked up a fork and lifted some of the cooling meat from Buffy’s plate. Setting the bite against her friend’s lips, she waited. After a brief hesitation, the Slayer pulled the morsel from the tines and chewed slowly. The redhead restrained a groan as she watched her girl’s lips move. As Buffy finished the mouthful, Willow leaned in and pressed an open-mouthed kiss to the Slayer’s throat.

“See, that wasn’t so bad, was it?” She nibbled on the spot she’d just kissed. “Every time you take a bite, you get a reward.” Willow watched a deep flush climb up Buffy’s neck to her face.

“N-no, not bad at all,” Buffy whispered. Clearing her throat, she said a bit louder, “I could go for some more of the steak, I think.” An uncertain grin twitched her lips.

“Good girl.” Willow nuzzled Buffy’s throat a minute longer and then pulled back. She fed her Slayer, interspersing kisses with bits of food. By the time they’d cleared the plate, both girls were breathing heavily.

“I’m not hungry for more food, Will,” the Slayer stated.

Smirking, the witch rose up on her knees, looking down into desire-filled hazel eyes. “Should I see if Mom and Mama left some dessert?”

“I don’t think so. Dessert’s right here.”

***

Faith hesitantly opened the front door. “Dawn?” she called. No one answered, but Faith heard footsteps on the second floor. Taking a deep breath, she forced herself over the threshold. Images of punching Joyce, fighting with Buffy, swarmed through her mind. Fuck. I just get here and already I’m losing it.

The brunette Slayer wandered slowly through the house, peering into the living room and kitchen. It was more cluttered than she remembered, but very little else had changed. She paused at the bottom of the stairs. Facing the youngest Summers wasn’t as dangerous as facing her sister, but the Bostonian still thought this was a crappy plan.

“Hey, Faith, did you let Dawn know we were here?” Tara’s voice jerked the frozen teen out of her thoughts.

“Uh, no, not yet.” Faith flashed a grin at the blonde witch. “I think she’s upstairs.”

Raising an eyebrow and smiling crookedly, Tara said, “Couldn’t decide how to tell her you’re back?” The older girl carried some groceries inside. Dropping them on the floor next to the kitchen, she watched the brunette. “You want me to go upstairs?”

Hell, yeah, Faith thought. Aloud, she mumbled, “No, T, I’ll go.” In a macabre imitation of a condemned prisoner’s walk to her execution, the Slayer climbed the stairs. At the top, she didn’t hesitate, but strode down the hall to the girl’s room. Knocking firmly on the door, Faith bounced in place, filled with nervous energy.

“Hey, Buffy, I…”Dawn’s words trailed off and then mutated into an ear-piercing shriek. She stepped back into her room and tried to slam the door. Sighing, Faith laid her palm flat on the wood and held it steady.

“Think you can stop wailing like that, D?” The Slayer held her hands out, showing she was unarmed. “B asked me to come help her with Red and some new Big Bad.” She grinned, showing off her dimples. “I’m on the right side of the fight, promise.” Holding her breath, she waited for the younger brunette’s response.

Dawn’s eyes narrowed. “I’m supposed to believe that?”

“I was kinda hoping so, yeah.” The Slayer was dripping with sweat. Redemption sucked. She’d never been so freaking nervous when she’d been working for the Mayor. Hmmm, nice comparison, Faith taunted herself. Nervous or psycho…choices, choices. “We gonna be good, Little D?”

“Don’t call me that.” The younger brunette glared but the vitriol in her voice had lessened. “I can’t believe Buffy asked you here. She’s way too ‘I’m the Slayer’ to ask for help.” She frowned. “Of course, Will’s all tied up in this and my sister’s kinda crazy protective where she’s concerned.”

Sensing a reprieve as the conversation shifted to business, Faith relaxed a little. “B said she was with Red when she called earlier. You know what’s the what?”

Demons had nothing on the evil glare Dawn leveled at the brunette Slayer. “Like I would know! Nobody tells me anything.”

“Whoa! Power down, Lit-“ The glare intensified and Faith broke off. Changing the topic entirely, she gave her trademark smirk and checked out the youngest Summers. “Been a while since we shared space, D. Nice to see you’re all woman-sized now.”

Dawn blushed, but met the Slayer’s brown eyes. “Perv.”

“Nah. Just appreciating the view.” Smiling, the older brunette stepped back. “T’s downstairs. Think she’s got plans for dinner if you wanna come on down.”

Guilt worked its way across the teen’s expression. “Yeah, dinner.”

Cocking her head to the side, Faith wondered what the younger girl was up to. “You already eat?”

“Not exactly.”

“Not sure that works. See, D, you either ate or you didn’t,” she pressed. Reaching out a hand, the Slayer tapped a pert nose. “B ain’t here, kiddo. I sure as hell ain’t in a position to be telling you how to act. So, spill.”

Smiling for the first time since coming out of her room, Dawn finally answered. “Buffy left some cash for food. I ordered pizza a little while ago.”

“Not seeing the bad there.”

“She left a note with the money – absolutely no pizza.” In step, they moved to the stairs. “Since coming back,” the taller girl grimaced at the euphemism, “she’s been a big food critic.”

Wrapping a companionable arm around Dawn’s slim waist, the Rogue Slayer laughed. “B always was wound a bit tight. She gives you any flack, I’ll just say I was hungry for some cheesy goodness.”

Grinning, Dawn looked at her older companion. “Cool. I’m glad you aren’t evil anymore, ‘cause you were way more fun than my sister.”

Faith blinked back unexpected tears at the comment. She had expected to have to work for acceptance from the girl at her side. This was unbelievable. She opened her mouth to thank Dawn when all the lights went out. “Fuck! B forget to pay the electric bill?”

CHAPTER 18

The Slayer pulled Dawn closer. “Hang on, Dawnie. Where’s the breaker box?”

“The what?”

“Fuck. OK.” Faith led her young friend downstairs. When they were safely on the ground floor, she let go and stepped away. “Stay put, D. I’m gonna check on Blondie and see if there’re candles or something in the kitchen.” Before she could leave, however, someone started banging on the door. “Welcome back to good ol’ Sunnydale,” Faith bitched to herself. Enough time had passed for her enhanced vision to adjust to the dark. Working her way to the front door, she reached for the knob.

The door flew open before she could grab it. Wind whipped leaves and other debris into the house. “Faith, what’s going on?” Even Dawn’s powerful lungs had trouble overcoming the storm that raged outside.

“I don’t know,” the Slayer shouted back. She managed to get a hand on the door and slowly forced it closed. The silence that followed was broken by another series of loud thumps. “I ain’t answering this time.”

“We need to check on Tara,” Dawn said.

Faith nodded before she remembered the teen couldn’t see her. “Come on, then.” Gripping an arm gently, she steered them toward the kitchen. Suddenly, the lights flickered on. “Man, I hate the Hellmouth.”

Dawn giggled. “It makes things interesting.”

Shaking her head and smiling at the teen’s infectious laughter, the Slayer finally entered the kitchen. “Tara?”

“I’m fine, guys.” The blonde stood in front of the microwave, a strange expression on her face.

Dawn catapulted across the space, wrapping the witch in a bear hug. “Please, please, please don’t ever leave again. My sister is evil. You have to stay and take care of me.”

“Fuck, D, laying it on a bit thick, don’t you think?” Faith smirked at the scene. “And your sister isn’t evil. She’s too uptight for that.”

“Faith!” Both brunettes laughed at the protest. “Did you guys notice anything besides the lights going out?”

“Thumping on the door and a nasty wind.” Faith hopped up on the counter. “Something wrong with the microwave?” The witch was holding the power cord in her right hand.

“You could say that.” She plugged the appliance back in. It roared to life and the lights blinked out. The microwave kept going and Faith heard the TV in the living room come on.

“B so owes us, T. This was supposed to be a big slumber party for three.” Faith jumped off the counter, pulling a knife from the caddy. “I can’t feel anything. Slayer senses say nothing’s on the horizon.”

The witch frowned. “I can’t feel anything either.” She closed her eyes and chanted. Blue light flared, coating the walls and ceiling. “This is bad. I just warded the room. Nothing magical should be able to get through.” As if to taunt her, the small radio next to the sink blared music.

“Dawn, see if you can get in touch with Buffy.” Tara handed Dawn her cell phone. “It’s the first number in memory.” She turned to the Slayer. “Can you check the rest of the house?”

Not at all comfortable with the idea, Faith nevertheless nodded. “Any idea what I’m looking for?”

Tara gave a half-smile. “Something evil?”

“Wow, thanks, T.” The Slayer crept from the room, knife at the ready.

Noticing Dawn closing the phone, Tara asked, “Not working?’

“No.”

“OK, Dawnie. Let’s try to increase the strength on the warding. Do you remember the meditations we did last week? Relax and let me merge our auras.”

The teen looked terrified but grabbed the older witch’s hand and closed her eyes. Several minutes passed as she struggled to clear her mind and float in the inner dark. Sensing Dawn was finally ready, Tara touched the girl’s aura and merged it with her own. It was an odd feeling, like being two people at the same time, but it gave the witch a power boost. She began the warding spell a second time.

“Dawn? Dawnie?” a voice crackled out of the still-playing radio.

Tara grunted as her student abruptly pulled from their link. “Mommy?”

The microwave exploded with a flash, glass covering the floor. Pale silver light overshadowed the blue glow from the earlier warding. Slowly, it began to take shape.

***

Faith moved through the hallway. The light from the TV ebbed and flickered with each scene change. No one was around, but the volume on the set blared in the empty room. The Slayer flicked the switch, but the screen didn’t go dark. The remote didn’t stop the images, either. Sudden lightening lit the room through the large bay window. Faith blinked, trying to see. When her vision cleared, she took an involuntary step back. Every piece of furniture hung upside down in the air. “Damn. I hate magic. What happened to normal vamps and shit?” she asked out loud. “What the fuck do you want?” No one answered, and the Slayer felt stupid.

“Whatever.” She stalked through the room and climbed the stairs. Everything looked normal, and she smiled a bit at the utter mess in Dawn’s room. Buffy’s room was sterile, but Faith went in, praying her sister Slayer still kept the weapons chest in her closet. It was there, and she yanked out a short sword and a stake, dropping the kitchen knife on the bed.

One more room and then she could go check on the girls. As she stepped into the hallway, the lid of the chest snapped shut. Only Slayer reflexes kept her alive. Buffy’s two-handed axe sliced through the air where her head had been. Rolling under the weapon, Faith got to her feet, sword in her right hand, stake in her left. The hallway was narrow, and the brunette cursed the lack of room. The heavy axe moved in unseen hands, forcing the Slayer back to avoid injury. She managed to block several of the swings before the short sword snapped in half.

Now Faith found herself really struggling to avoid the blade. It drove her back toward the stairs, and she knew she had to be careful. However, she miscalculated as she ducked a particularly nasty shot at her head. All her weight fell on the stair railing, and the wood pulled from the wall. The Slayer dropped toward the ground floor.

***

Willow had to bite back a cheer at the Slayer’s husky words. “You sure, Baby?” She gazed into Buffy’s eyes, trying to gauge her sincerity.

Her friend didn’t reply verbally. Instead, she reached up, brushing the redhead’s lips with her own. A sweet smile tilted her lips, and her hands slid slowly up to cup the witch’s head.

“You are so beautiful, Buffy.” Willow bent and kissed the girl below her. “I just don’t want you to feel pressured. I know how you get with prophecies and all.”

“You know what my first thought was when I heard Slayers and witches go together?” Willow had trouble following the conversation. Her body hummed with arousal, and she watched the blonde’s lips move as she talked, imagining them pressed to her own.

“Will, you OK in there?” Laughter threaded the Slayer’s voice.

“More than OK, Buffy.” She pressed down into the blonde, groaning at the pressure it put on her swollen clit. “What was your thought?”

Breathing audibly after the redhead’s grind, Buffy replied, “I was mad, because we wasted all those years.” She stood, lifting her witch into her arms. “Do you believe that I want you, Will? That I’m not doing this because your parents expect it?” She met green eyes fearlessly. “I love you, Willow. I have for a long time.”

“Oh. Um, OK.”

Buffy grinned, seeing the return of the shy hacker from her sophomore year. “Breathe, Will.” She laid her bundle on the bed. She desperately wanted this, but wasn’t sure where to start.

Willow held out her hand, inviting the suddenly hesitant blonde to join her. When Buffy was stretched out next to her, the redhead looked at her seriously. “This isn’t any different than being with a man, Baby. I may be missing a few pieces, but you should be familiar with their replacements. Do whatever you want. Explore, play, tease. This is our time, Buffy. We don’t have to rush or do anything that makes you uncomfortable.”

The blonde tried, really. But the Slayer broke down and giggled.

“Well, that wasn’t the reaction I was expecting.” Willow smiled at the carefree sound. “What’s so funny?”

“We are.” Buffy managed to stifle the laughter though she continued to smile. “It’s been five years. I’ve lusted after you. You lusted after me. And we both dated how many other people? My God, Will. I could have had you and not Parker or Riley.” She sobered and shuddered. Or Spike.

Willow responded to the change in mood. “My turn to ask…you OK in there?”

“Hmmm, yeah. Got a bit lost for a minute.” She shook off the memory of the blond vampire. “I’m back now. Please, Will, I want you, and I have no idea what that means or what to do.”

The redhead accepted the responsibility. “Shhh. Don’t worry. I know what to do. Let me show you what your feelings mean.” She rose up on her elbow and reached for Buffy’s shirt with her other hand. Despite the fine tremor in the long fingers, she deftly unbuttoned the silk blouse, brushing the edges open before gazing at the Slayer’s bra-encased breasts.

“Tell me if anything makes you uncomfortable or you don’t like it.” Willow reached underneath the Slayer and unhooked the bra. “Raise up a little, sweetie.” Wide hazel eyes looked at her trustingly as Buffy did as requested. Seconds later, the witch gently stroked the pale skin of the blonde’s breasts, circling, but not touching the nipples. Continuing the caresses, she slowly drew her mouth down Buffy’s torso, licking and nipping the flesh. Her reward was the deep moan torn from the Slayer’s throat and the suddenly heavier breathing.

“That’s it, Baby. Relax and enjoy. You can trust me, Buffy. I’ll never hurt you. Let go.” She moved up the bed, replacing her fingers with her mouth, laving the hardened peaks with the flat of her tongue.

Small hands tangled in her hair, pressing her harder into the pale mounds. “Oh my God, Will.”

“I’m doing OK so far?” Willow asked, before going back to her task.

“Do any better, Will, and I’m not going to last for whatever you do next.” Buffy’s voice cracked on the last word as the redhead bit gently on her right nipple.

Letting her voice slip up an octave, the witch asked with false innocence, “Then you don’t want me to keep going?’

“Bitch.” The word exploded from the writhing Slayer.

“Now, now. Be nice, or you won’t get the prize.” Willow flicked a fingernail at a nipple and smiled triumphantly at the hoarse shout from her lover. Deciding to move her teasing farther south, she worked to remove the blonde’s pants and lingerie. This time, she didn’t have to ask Buffy to help. Slim hips bucked up as soon as the zipper hit bottom, inviting the redhead to slide them down. The witch was quick to comply with the unspoken request. “Good girl. Are you ready, Sweetie?”

“Please, Will. Please. No more teasing.” The Slayer’s hips moved restlessly, seeking to ease the ache at the blonde’s center.

“No more teasing,” Willow agreed.

Next Chapter