Hey Kitties, never fear, I am here…and with an update too.
Now, I have a lot more written, but I decided to cut it in half. But if you check back in say…oh…four hours or so…I’ll be back with another! Enjoy
Title: Never A Night Like This
Author: Taras Shadow
Disclaimer: All characters belong to Joss Whedon, ME, UPN…except for Tori, Hadley, Jessica Paris, and Orlando-they belong to me
Feedback: Yes please, everything is welcome
Pairings: W/T, X/A, B/

D/Tori
Rating:
PG – R-ish
Summary: Willow is one of the hottest models in the world. When she comes home for her holiday, she meets a nice family that is new to Sunnydale. Can she find love, and continue her much loved career? This is an AU fic. There will be a little angst between some characters, but nothing big for I want to keep the angst issue light. Thoughts are in < > Flashbacks are in **
~Part 24a~~*~*~*~*~*~*
“How good is it to be out?” Dawn asked Willow. They were sitting in the Summers living room waiting for Buffy to come back from the mall with Anya and Xander, before they all went to catch a movie together. Just the ‘old’ gang spending quality time together like the old days. They hardly did that anymore, especially with Willow’s busy and often changing schedule.
Willow looked at her young friend and smiled lightly. “Like there are no secrets to run and hide from, it feels like I’m free and able to do the things with the person I love without having to worry about someone finding out.”
“The dance is in two days, and I still haven’t told mom about Tori.” Dawn said, she looked around the house, just casting her gaze anywhere but at Willow.
“Sweetie, you have to do what you think is best. You want to take Tori out as your date right?” Willow watched Dawn nod, “And you want to be able to dance with her right?” Again with the nod, “So just do what you think is best.”
“That’s it? That’s the advice you give me? I’m ashamed of you Willow.” Dawn half jokingly said and half seriously.
“I’m sorry Dawnie, but what can I say? I can’t say much without making it up.” Willow honestly said.
“I know, I just…I don’t want mom to think of me any differently.” Dawn sighed and layed her head on Willow’s shoulder.
“She doesn’t think of Buffy differently.”
“Yeah I know that. But then she might think Buffy or you had something to do with this…”
Willow scrunched up her nose and scratched her head, “I never thought of that…”
“Hey guys!” Buffy came in with Xander and Anya at her heels. “Sorry we’re a little late, Anya stopped at Victoria’s Secret…again.”
“I have to look good for my man Buffy…more then I can say for you.” Anya muttered.
Buffy chose to ignore the comment, “Are you two ready? I was thinking we could go grab a bite to eat at ‘Sunny Ville’ first, then go see that indie film.”
“Mmmm, yummy burgers with the best milkshakes.” Dawn said smiling.
“Of course, only when Tara makes the milkshakes…” Willow said.
“And Tori’s there too share it with you…” Dawn stopped mid-sentence when she saw four pairs of eyes looking at her. “And I could’ve kept that last comment to myself.”
“Right…let’s go.” Buffy ushered them out the door.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
“I am so sorry you had to work over time again Tara, and thank you so much for staying.” Lisa said grabbing her coat. “My boyfriend is coming back from his trip to NYC and he’s bringing his parents back for me to meet.”
Tara nodded and smiled. “As long as the other waitress makes it before my classes begin.”
“She will, if not, I’ll fire her.”
“No. Don’t fire her, if you fire her, then I’m here everyday missing having dinner with my daughter and sister.” Tara quickly said. “If I miss classes tonight, that’s fine, but I can’t do this all the time Lisa.”
“You’re right, I’m sorry. I’ll pay you double then another double for that one double…” Lisa stopped, “I confused you didn’t I?”
“I think you confused yourself.” Tara snickered. “Now go, before I change my mind about staying late.”
Lisa smiled and walked out the door. “Willow and gang…come by for dinner?”
“Yes…aren’t you working?” Willow asked.
“Nope…but I know someone you love is working tonight.” Lisa laughed and took of.
Willow looked through the big glass slightly tinted windows and saw that familiar body. “Tara!” She squealed and ran in front of the gang.
“You’d think she hasn’t seen her in months.” Xander said.
“Guys…that will be Willow in months, going away again, travelling, you know, leaving Sunnydale.” Dawn sadly pointed out.
Tara’s back was facing Willow cleaning up a table. She never even heard the bells on the door make a sound when someone came in. Someone grabbed her by the waist and pulled her into a deep kiss, she moaned quietly when she realized it was the only one who could or would ever kiss her like that. Opening her eyes slowly, she found emerald orbs staring into her own. “Hey sweetie.” Tara placed another soft kiss on Willow’s lips before pulling back.
“Hey yourself.” Willow grinned. “You look like one hot mama yama in your uniform.” Willow’s eyes wondered up and down Tara’s clothing.
“Right…I bet the smell of grease is turning you on as well.” Tara playfully said.
“What can I say? I love my Sunny Ville dishes, and you’re definitely my favourite dish on the menu.” Willow’s hands slipped to Tara’s lower back.
“I’m not on the menu.” Tara challenged.
“On my menu you are, breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert, you’re a big hit on the appetizers as well.” The glint in those green eyes made Tara’s heart race.
“Can we get some service here?” Xander playfully banged on the table that Tara always uses.
“What a mood killer.” Willow whispered before letting her girlfriend go and join the others with Tara at her side. “You’re a mood killer you know that Xan?”
“Speak for yourself!” Anya said quite offensively.
“Ok!” Tara cleared her throat pulling out her pad and pen. “What can I get you?”
“I’ll have the usual.” Willow smirked.
“What menu would that be?” Tara smirked back writing down a plate of fries, chocolate milkshake, and smoochies. She grinned at the last one; Lisa would have a real laugh at that.
“Maybe I should just take my order to go…sleepy and I need to be in bed with my food in my…uh…lap.” Willow blushed bright red. “Ok, anyone else gonna order or what?”
Tara smiled at her love and jotted down everyone else’s order before retreating back to the kitchen.
“Someone’s a little lusty.” Anya said looking at Willow.
“I am not lusty.” Willow licked her lips. “Just, I felt a little…”
“Frisky?” Buffy grinned at her best friend. “Oh come on Will, it’s alright, it’s not like you’re groping her in front of everyone.”
“Yeah, but I bet she was thinking about it.” Dawn snickered.
“No. You’re not allowed to know what she’s thinking.” Buffy said staring at her sister.
“Oh please Buffy, like I don’t know about groping.” Dawn slapped her hand over her mouth. “Not that I’d know personally I just meant, oh hey, I remember you and Faith…”
“Stop!” Buffy put her hand up to Dawn’s mouth. “I get it ok?”
“Here’s the milkshakes, and the sodas.” Tara came back with the beverages. “And your food should be ready in about ten minutes or so.”
“Where’s Tori?” Dawn asked.
“At home with Hadley, I was asked to stay for a while longer until one of girls come. Then I have to rush home, get ready for classes and head to the college.” Tara sighed and looked over at Willow who was looking dreamingly back at her. “And what are you looking at?”
“The hotness of you doofus.” Willow grinned, grabbing Tara’s hand and pulling her on her lap.
“So now you’re calling me names?”
“Sorry baby.” Willow kissed Tara softly.
“We all know Willow wants to have lots of orgasms right now.” Anya said sipping on her milkshake.
Tara looked at the ex-demon, “Wow Anya, nothing gets past you.”
Willow’s eyes snapped back at her girlfriend at her mouth hung open.
“What?” Tara asked innocently. “It’s written all over your face sweetie.”
“Yeah, but you didn’t have to uh…agree with Anya…with Anya of all people.” Willow said in disbelief.
“Now with the flustered cheeks.” Anya grinned. This was fun for her, making Willow flustered, angry, or just plain old teasing her, it was fun.
“Shut up.” Willow said to Anya.
‘Sweetie, she was just pointing out the obvious.” Tara looked into Willow’s eyes.
“Tara, you’re orders up.” The young boy called out to Tara from behind in the kitchen.
Tara gave Willow a quick kiss on the cheek before getting the food. “There you go, fries, burgers, a salad and one banana split for the slayer.” Tara smiled.
“Hey, where’s mine?” Willow asked noticing that there was no food in her place. “You’re depriving me of my dinner.” She whined.
Tara put her lips close to Willow’s ear, “Oh, but I thought you ordered something completely different.” She blew in Willow’s ear before kissing the soft lobe and heading back towards the kitchen.
“Tara! Hey, sorry I had to make you wait on tables.” Another female came bouncing through the front doors and hurrying to put her apron on. “Any tables that need to be waited on?”
“Um, no Kelly, I did the only table, but you can take over the shift if you want.” Tara smiled.
“Oh of course…” Kelly watched as Tara went out to the booth and grabbed a red head by the hand, brushing right past her, “Where are you two going?”
“We’re hungry, we need dinner.” Tara smirked pulling Willow into the staff break and locker room.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
“Auntie Tori!” Hadley came running out of her mama’s room.
“What! What is it?” Tori came bounding up the stairs.
“I think Willow is moving in.” Hadley said excitedly.
Tori looked at her niece confused. “She’s what? How do you know?”
“Because I found a bunch of Willow’s stuff in mama’s bathroom, and her clothes.” Hadley clapped her hands and ran back into Tara’s bedroom.
“Hey missy, you know you’re not suppose to be in here when mama’s not here.” Tori grabbed the child and picked her up.
“But I had to see if my dream was going to come true.” Hadley pouted.
“And what dream would that be sweetheart?” Tori sat Hadley down on the dresser. “Willow moving in?”
Hadley shook her head and looked down at her socked feet. “If I tell you, it won’t come true.”
“Sure it will sweetie. Your dream box is heard but the stars and Goddesses above, not me. I promise it won’t ruin your wish.” Tori soothed Hadley, letting her fingers run through the blonde curls.
“I want mama and Willow to make a baby.” Hadley whispered. “I was looking for a baby in here, just to see if my wish had come true yet. But it hasn’t, I don’t think the Goddesses like me.”
“Aww sweetie, don’t cry. Mama and Willow are just, maybe they’re not ready to have a baby yet. It takes a lot more to have a baby, it takes love, patience, kind words…and honey, two women can’t make a baby.” Tori said softly.
“Yes they can.” Hadley said looking up at hazel eyes. “They can make a baby, remember, the dream box will grant my wish, my dream, you said so yourself.”
“But sweetie, some things are a little more complicated than that.”
“No it’s not!” Hadley jumped off the dresser and ran to her room slamming the door.
A bark at Hadley’s door caused Tori to smile as she watched Hadley scramble out of her room to grab Brady and go back inside slamming the door, only she didn’t slam it so hard this time. Standing there, looking at Hadley’s bedroom door, she found it opened again as a little blonde head peeked out, “Sorry for slamming the door. Don’t tell mama.” She pleaded, her eyes were red and tears streamed down her face.
“My poor girl.” Tori rushed to Hadley and clutched the small body to her chest. “Mama and Willow will make your dream come true. The Goddess doesn’t hate you, she could never hate you.”
“I just want a family.” Hadley sniffled.
“And you have one, right here. I can name off all of the family members we have here. Dawn, Buffy, Xander, Anya, and Mr. Giles are part of our family. Then we have the most important ones, you, me, Tara, and Willow.”
“And Brady.” Hadley smiled wiping her eyes.
“Of course, can’t forget Brady.” Tory smiled.
“Why isn’t Dawn important?” Hadley asked calming down a bit.
“Oh she is, don’t get me wrong, but Willow I think, belongs to our family regardless. She invited us into her life the first moment she laid eyes on you.” Tori smiled. “Dawn’s my girlfriend, and although she’s apart of the family, she’s not apart of THE family.”
“I love THE family.” Hadley grinned. “So you don’t think Willow’s moving in?”
Tori shrugged her shoulders and smiled. “Not sure Had, but don’t worry ok? We have to give them time.” She hugged Hadley one last time, “So, what do you say we have pizza for supper since mama won’t be home for awhile, then we’ll raid the ice cream.”
“Oh! Ice cream! Come on Brady…” Hadley ran down the stairs with the little brown puppy following her.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Oh and one more thing...I have to warn you the next part is a sad part, just thought I'd warn you. But I promise it will get better. So be patient with me...please?
~Holly~
Show me where to touch youTara-It Ain’t Fickle
Edited by: Taras Shadow
at: 11/17/02 5:53:16 pm