It was now the night of the big battle. Most of that night, Willow had spent studying the big spell with Kennedy at her side, giving her the needed support. But there was a moment. A moment that surprised Kennedy in a big way. Most of the potentials were too excited to sleep. She included. She had taken a break to get something to drink. She wouldn't admit it, but her nerves were getting the better of her. It didn't help matters that the room that had been witness to her most special night with Willow was now filled with a bunch of teenagers.

Kennedy sighed as she started up the stairs. All she could find was a warm can of coke. There was nothing cold because of the electricity being turned off. The house felt so stifling because of all those bodies. She wasn't used to this many people milling around her. And what she really wanted was for some alone time with Willow.

The thought of the red head made her smile. It also made her heart leap. She hadn't really told her yet. It was still too soon. Yes, they had finally consummated the relationship, but she didn't think it was time. Even though it was very true. It wasn't time that she said those words. Willow was still dealing with the loss of Tara. Not that anything could really get her over that huge a loss.

In the back of her mind, she was afraid that she would always play second to a memory. It wasn't a pleasant thought. But she dearly loved the red head. She just hadn't thought it right to say those words. Not yet. It was still too soon. She walked towards the bathroom, noticing that there was a light coming from it. Not unusual with as many people as there was in the small house. Too small for all of them.

She was almost past the bathroom door, when something grabbed her and pulled her inside. She felt herself be pushed up against the door. These lips were suddenly on hers. She knew those lips. It couldn't be. She had left her sleeping soundly. Or at least she thought she had. It was the only reason that she felt comfortable enough to leave and find that warm soda.

She felt the familiar tongue explore her mouth. It lingered over her own tongue ring. Finally, the other woman pulled away. Kennedy took in the huge smile on her face. There must be one of surprise on her own. "Wow!" She managed. "I never took you for one that would have a quicky in the bathroom. Not that I'm complaining, mind you."

The other woman simply shrugged. "How else are we supposed to be alone. Every square inch of this place is covered by a potential slayer." Kennedy gasped as she felt the woman's hands begin exploring under her nightgown. "I couldn't sleep. And we have such a big day ahead of us." Her eyes turned away for a moment. What on earth was she thinking. Could it possibly be that one, if not both, of them might not make it through the upcoming battle. "I want you to know something."

Kennedy felt the hands tensing on her breasts. But it wasn't for the pleasure affect. It was because there was this fear in the other woman. At least, that's what she thought. Or was she going to? She couldn't possibly. That would be too much to hope for. "You don't have to say anything. Not tonight. We'll be able to tell each other everything we want to after the battle. I promise you that. We both will make it."

That made Willow snap her head back toward the dark haired slayer. "You think I'm afraid that one of us is going to die?" She simply answered the other woman with a nod of the head. "Well, I have to admit, that is part of it." She sighed before going on. What was going through the red heads mind. "I almost didn't get to tell Tara how much I loved her before she died. We had just gotten back together when she was killed. We had been able to spend a little happy time together." Kennedy could feel the intensity coming from the other woman. "I don't want that to happen with us." Kennedy felt the other woman's arms wrap around her, leaning her head on her shoulder. She held her so tightly that it was becoming hard to breath. "I.." She could feel the witches breathing pickup. She kissed her gently on the neck. There was a shiver from the other woman. "I love you."

Kennedy lost all her strength. She knew she should hold the woman even tighter, but she couldn't feel her arms anymore. It was what she had hoped for, but would never have dreamed possible. She saw the red head pull back out of her arms. There was a worried look on her face. She had to say something. She loved the woman so much. Why was it hard for her to respond in kind. Why wasn't she telling this goddess standing before her how she felt.

There was a tentativeness about the witches actions now. There was also the beginning of a hurt look on her face. "Should I have not said?"

Kennedy smiled big. She was finally getting back to her old self. It dawned on her that it had been a shock for her to hear the words. Not because they weren't wanted. They so desperately were. No. It was because the red head had said them first. "I'm glad you did. I love you too." She pulled the red head into a very passionate kiss. One that lingered for a long time. The kiss felt so different than their other kisses. And she knew why. Before, she had only hoped that they could be in love. This was too much to ask for. They both felt the same.

Finally, they pulled apart, their breathing was very heavy. She could see the smile on Willow's face again. "I was so scared that you didn't really feel..."

Kennedy smiled. "I know the vibe I give off. And, before you came along, it's true. I was pretty much into one night stands. But that's changed. You changed me. You really did. And I love you for it. I think I've missed out on a lot of things by taking people for granted. I even came in here thinking I knew everything. But I had a lot to learn. And I still have a lot to learn. One of them is about relationships. And I think I know who the perfect teacher for me is."

Willow smiled and said in a teasing voice, "now who in the world could that be?"

Again, Kennedy pulled her into a very passionate kiss. "I may know the ins and outs of ways to pleasure a woman, but you're going to teach me what real love is all about. And I'm going to love every minute of it. You've tamed my wild heart. It now belongs to you and no one else."