New Fic- Never A Night Like This (AU)

[singgirl]

Oh I finally caught up...may I reiterate the fact that I LOVE THIS FIC!!

[saras]

I would have to agree, this is probably one of the best fic's that I have ever read as well. Thanks for all your hard work.

Edited by: saras at: 11/21/02 10:10:40 am

[Taras Shadow]

Here we go…one that I will hope hold you up for a while. I know I’m leaving quite a few things hanging, but I have an emergency and this is all I could update. But over the weekend, there shall be more…and some answers. 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 and other non-Buffy characters-they belong to me

Feedback: Yes please, everything is welcome

Pairings: W/T, X/A, B/ D/Tori

Rating: PG 13

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 **



Previously...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

“So Maclay, you going to the dance next week?” Lindsay and Tori’s other friends asked her they were sitting on a bench outside in front of the school parking lot.



Tori smiled and nodded her head, “Yeah, planning on it…why?”



“Do you have a date? Because if you don’t, my cousin David is coming down from L.A. to visit, and I could set you two up.” Lindsay smiled and looked at her friend.



“Thanks Lindsay, but I’m really not, well, I’m kinda involved.” Tori said somewhat a bit hesitantly, knowing she’ll be bombed with many of questions from her same grade friends.



~*~*~*~*~*~

“What?! You can’t be serious! That would mean she has to have her bags packed by the end of next month. Listen, Willow is like my daughter ok? And for the past three years, I have never seen her this happy with who she is and whom she’s with. I beg you to at least let it be an option for her to look on.” Orlando pleaded.



“Sorry Orlando, I can’t. We run a very high paying organization, the Model Search retreat was set up two years ago, and now that it can finally be put through, we expect those a.k.a Miss Rosenberg to show.” Mr. Caron glanced at Orlando apologetically. “It’ll only be for a month or so, then she can come home and be all with the pretty doll she has. I trust that you understand this and respect my final decision.”



“A month or so, you do realize that what you ask of Miss Rosenberg, you’re asking her to scratch her vacation short…too short. Plus, she’d be gone for the holidays…missing family and friend time with her loved ones during close to Christmas.” Orlando looked at the other man and saw no emotion at all. “Fine!” Orlando said angrily, “But if you think I’m the one who’s going to tell her that…then you’re wrong.”

~*~*~*~*~*~



Tara shook her head, “Just wondering.”



“Mama?” Hadley’s soft small hand covered Tara’s cheek. “Everything is going to be ok.” She said.

~*~*~*~*~*~



~Part 25b~

~*~*~*~*~*~*~



“Did you just read my thoughts?” Tara asked stepping back slightly.



“I don’t know…did I?” Hadley asked scratching her head. “No…you snuck into my head and read mine!” She accused softly.



“Stop that…that song.” Tara snickered.



“See? You were in my head.” Hadley’s eyes flew open. “How’d you get in there?” She asked amazed.



Tara shrugged her shoulders. “Maybe, my dear Hadley, you are developing some of the magicks that are inside your blood.”



“Cool…can I read Willow?” Hadley asked. “She’s a witch too.”



“Not sure, although…I think she heard you last night.” Tara scrunched her nose up slightly.



“I can’t read Auntie Tori’s. I tried once because her and Dawn were in the kitchen whispering, so I tried to sneak in her mind…” Hadley giggled.



“Well, maybe she wasn’t thinking…she tends not to when Dawn’s around.” Tara giggled as well.



“Mama? Are you worried about Willow?” Hadley asked seriously.



Tara smiled slightly, “No sweetie, I’m just not used to the fact that she’s known around the world. She seems like she belongs in a small town…”



“She’s normal, she’s Willow…she’s ours. That’s all that matters.” Hadley whispered.



“How did you ever get so insightful?” Tara kissed Hadley on the nose.



“Ohh…kisses…can I have one?” Willow asked stepping into the bathroom.



Tara and Hadley both grinned, “Sure.”



Willow licked her lips. “Wow…I’m offered two…who first…let me see…” She looked at Tara then Hadley, “Who gets the first one…”



“Me! Pick me!” Hadley laughed as Willow complied and launched towards her planting kisses all over her face. “Now mama…”



Willow smiled and did the same to Tara; planting kisses all over the blondes face but let her lips linger on the full ones against her own for a little longer. Pulling back, she grinned lazily at Tara before planting one last kiss on those sweet lips. “So…you ready? The nurse knows that we’ll be just outside.”



“I’m ready, just need the pants.” Hadley said.



“Oh…right. Here.” Willow slapped her own forehead and handed the blue and white Polk-a-dot pants to Tara. She went back to the cot and grabbed her black sweater and waited until Tara came out carrying Hadley. “Ok, here’s the sweater.”



“It smells like you.” Hadley giggles as Tara pulled it over her head carefully. “Strawberries…mmm.” She made a imitation of cookie monster before he eats the cookies, and rubbed her small tummy. The white sweater was large on Hadley, it looked like she was wearing a robe of some sort. “Hey mama, Willow, check me out, Angel of Hope.” She wished she could twirl around but instead she settled in her wheelchair and wiggled a bit.



“You’re an Angel alright.” Willow smiled.



Tara pushed Hadley’s wheelchair, while Willow carried the picnic supplies. All three of them relaxed a bit when the air that surrounded them was warm enough to throw a blanket down on the grass and eat a great breakfast together.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~



“Why is it that every time I turn on the damn television, daytime soaps are on? I mean, they’re like, sucking up other great T.V. shows time.” Buffy pouted throwing the remote beside her and Brady. “I mean, why can’t they put more…oh…entertainment news.” She grabbed the remote again and turned up the volume.



More entertainment news, seems like the Worldwide Model Search retreat has been bumped up a couple of months, meaning that all the models who are helping and coaching younger models are off to Australia within the next three weeks.



Buffy’s face fell, she remembered Willow telling her about that, and how excited she was about it. Willow was excited about going to live there for a while; she always wanted to stay in Melbourne, or in any place for that matter. “Of course this was pre-Tara and Hadley.” She whispered and looked at Brady, “Did you know your mommy was heading away so soon?”



Brady barked and put her head back down on Buffy’s lap. “No huh? And I don’t think Willow knows it yet either.”



The slayer had watched Willow for about a month now, seeing her fall completely in love with Tara, Hadley and even Tori. That family seemed to be her number one priority. Not that Buffy minded, because when she saw Willow this happy, it made her happy. After all, despite how much Willow never liked Faith to begin with, she excepted the fact the Buffy and Faith were somewhat of an item, and now, even though Willow had a problem with Anya’s bluntness, she still excepted her, because she was Xander’s girlfriend, and the ex demon made him happy. She changed the channel and tried not to think to hard about her best friend right now, she’ll be there when Willow comes to her.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~



“So when the sky begins to fall, and the earth never ends it’s shaking, you won’t have to fear, because I promise, through the moon, and the stars, and the great lakes and oceans that surround us, that you will always be safe, when in the arms of thy love.” Willow spoke softly to Tara and Hadley. It never took long to realize that Hadley was almost sleeping again, Willow pulled part of the blanket over the small body.



“Wow…that was beautiful.” Tara whispered to her girlfriend in awe. “Who wrote that?”



Willow blushed and put her head down a bit, “I did.”



“You did? Oh Willow…” Tara scooted closer and cupped Willow’s cheek softly.



“I um, I wrote that for you and Hadley. It’s stupid, but…”



“It’s not stupid!” Tara said seriously. “It’s beautiful, it’s so so beautiful.” She kissed Willow softly; her heart pounded hard again her chest, and everything about Willow she loved. Willow was her world now, she became a part of the Maclay’s, and the best part about it, was that Willow was the one who walked into their life, no one was forced or pressured to be some place they didn’t want to be.



“Baby?” Willow pulled back breathless.



“Hmmm?” Tara opened her eyes slowly, looking at her love.



“You don’t think, you know, that we went to fast on anything?” Willow asked quietly.



Tara looked back at her confused and a little worried. “Why? Do you?”



“Oh goddess no. That first night we made love…that was the first night I have ever felt alive. In your arms, I felt so safe from the worlds backlash remarks. And to you…I’m not a model. I’m just me…Willow. You don’t care if I’m rich or not, if I’m known around the world…” Willow stopped when she saw tears come out of her girlfriend. “Tara…”



Tara looked at Willow firmly, “Willow, you are a model, you are a celebrity, you are known around the world…but to me, you are the woman my daughter and I look up to. You are the woman who keeps my sane, who respects me. Hadley loves you so much; she can’t get enough of you. And in case you haven’t noticed, she’s been doing everything in her willpower to get us closer. Because you have become like…the second parent. But most of all, you are the woman who stole my heart, locked it up, and is keeping close to yours forever.” Tara looked over at her daughter then back at Willow. “We love you…so much it hurts.”



“Oh baby…I love you guys too.” Willow kissed Tara tenderly. Her hands cradled Tara’s face gently as their lips caressed over each other’s softly.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~



Lindsay waited by the water fountain for Tori, she tapped her foot slightly impatiently and checked her watch. “Come on…”



She found a small note the notebook Tori leant her in after lunch so she could study some of the assignments she missed. Naturally, she thought the note was just another part of schoolwork so she read it. As soon as she realized it wasn’t part of Shakespeare was folded it back up and slipped inside the tiny pocket that notebook had.



Her curiousity got the best of her as she went back and read it after she studied a bit. Her eyes grew wide when she read who it was to, and who it was from and it was just given to her this morning.



My dear Tori,



Class is so boring without you here, the teacher’s all with the ‘blah blah blah’ and I’m bored. Usually, when I’m bored, you’re right there beside me, being bored as well. That’s when it gets fun. They way you look at me, the way you hold me, the way your lips taste so sweet. That’s when I say the boredness is all better.



I was thinking about the dance, and what I should wear. But most of all, trying to figure out what to tell my mom. We could always do it my sister’s way, and I can trap you between the kitchen counter, and myself, but somehow I don’t think that will work out very well. So I’m going to go with the whole, ‘mom, sit down we need to talk’ concept. Then tell her that I’m bringing my best friend/girlfriend to the dance…as my date. How do you think that will go? I’m hoping ok. But if she asks you too come over for dinner…no chickening out. Deal?



Well love, I have to go, but I’ll see next period, or actually when I give this too you.



Love,

Dawn xox



So this is where Lindsay stood, outside Tori’s classroom, wanting to ask her about the note. Sure, it was obvious in the letter that Tori and Dawn were somewhat of an item, but were they really that close?



“Hey…Lindsay.” Tori came out of the classroom breaking Lindsay out of her questioning thoughts. “Are you ok?”



“Yeah, I’m fine.” Lindsay smiled flipping her blonde hair back off her shoulders. “Didn’t realize class got out.”



“Yeah, it felt like I was in there forever.” Tori sighed and felt relieved now that school was out for the day. “Did those notes help you out any?” She asked walking along side her friend to the entrance and out.



“Oh, plenty of help. I didn’t realize I missed so much. That’s why I hate making doctor appointments and missing classes.” Lindsay laughed.



“Well you’re welcomed to borrowing my notebook anytime you feel like it.”



“Thanks, I just might take you up on that.” Lindsay stopped Tori just before meeting their other friends in their usual spot in front of the student parking lot. “Can we talk?” She asked, her voice becoming rather serious and concerned.



“Um…sure.” Tori felt uncertain about this.



“Well are you going to the dance tomorrow night still?”



“Yeah, as far as I know. Why?”



“Just wondering I guess. I mean, you say you’re seeing someone, but we never see you seeing that someone.” Lindsay tried to work with this approach carefully and subtly, but the way it was coming out, it seemed like she was accusing her of lying. Which Tori wasn’t, they just haven’t met the someone she was seeing.



“So…what…you think that I’m making this all up?” Tori asked a bit offensive.



“No, that’s not what I mean…I’m kinda saying this all wrong. Look,” Lindsay took a deep breath and averted her grey eyes into hazels, “In your notebook, I found this note, I thought it was just another loose leaf rough note of some of the Shakespeare stuff, but it wasn’t, I…”



“What note?” Tori asked a bit panicky. “Lind, what note?”



“Probably one you never wanted one to read…Tori, why didn’t you tell me?” Lindsay asked softly. “After all those times we’ve bugged, I’ve bugged you about not having a boyfriend, and trying to set you up with my cousin…” She took a step closer to her friend and grabbed her hand.



“You’re…not freaked?” Tori asked surprised.



“Of course not, don’t look so surprised. Tori, I told you I don’t have a problem with gay couples. You should’ve trusted me enough…”



“I know, I should’ve but…I couldn’t, I didn’t know if she wanted anyone to know.” Tori said quickly.



“So, you and Summers huh? I knew, I always knew there was a little something going on between the two of you. I mean, I knew you two were close, best friend close…and you’re always with her.” Lindsay smiled. “I think it’s very cute and sweet. Dawn’s a very nice girl, and her sister is totally cool.”



“She is, and so is Buffy. I’m nervous, really nervous about tomorrow night.” Tori confessed tucking strands of hair behind her ears.



“Which is to be expected. But look, Willow’s gay, and she is the most loved person in this town. The girls because of her fashion and compassion for baby animals, and the guys love her for the more obvious reasons. Girl on girl action, the hotness of that red hair and green eyes, that gorgeous smile, her body figure…”



“Why Lindsay, I’m beginning to think you have a little something for Willow.” Tori teased.



“Who wouldn’t? Tell no one...especially your sister.” Lindsay laughed. “And about tomorrow night, everyone excepts this new lifestyle, given that you two probably aren’t the only in the closet gay couple here. If they do make fun of you, screw them, you’re beautiful, Dawn’s beautiful, and I can tell you care about each other a lot. So you don’t mind of what they say. I’ll be behind your back every step of the way.”



Tori never really knew how of a friend Lindsay was until then, until that one speech. She tried to say something, but settled for hugging the blonde lightly as a thank you.



“Hey.” A voice came up behind Tori.



Tori and Lindsay saw Dawn standing there smiling at them. “Hey.”



“So, did I miss a hug fest or something?” Dawn asked playing with the straps on her school bag.



Tori laughed and reached for Dawn’s hand and pulled her in for a hug. “Better?” She asked pulling back.



Lindsay smiled and politely excused herself. “I’m going to go find the others. Try and catch a ride home since my older brother took the car to L.A. and left me with my feet. Bye Dawn, bye Tori.” She waved as she walked off.



“That was weird…” Dawn said watching the cheery blonde go.



“She knows.” Tori bit her bottom lip.



“She what?” Dawn asked a bit confused.



“About us…you and me…she knows.”



“And she’s not freaked?” Dawn asked her eyes went wide.



“Nope, in fact…wait, I can’t tell.” Tori smirked.



“In fact…what? Tori…”



“I can’t tell you, and besides, the bigger point here is that she doesn’t care. She actually thinks it’s cute and sweet.” Tori said in a baby voice. Her eyes shimmered and her hair surrounded her face. People who would look at her from a further distance could probably mistake her for Tara.



“Cute and sweet huh?” Dawn started to walk to the sidewalk and boldly took Tori’s hand as they walked in the direction of The Maclay’s.



“You walking me home?” Tori asked squeezing her girlfriend’s hand gently.



“Yes…yes I am. I can carry your books too if you want.” Dawn said grinning.



“Really?” Tori glanced at Dawn.



“No, not really. Unless you want me to drop your hand to occupy it with that oh so heavy piece of paper your carrying.” Dawn giggled when Tori playfully bumped her shoulder against her own.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~



Willow arrived at home with Brady in her embrace. “Poor puppy…I bet you are happy that you and Hadley got the same cast.” She played with the dog when she sat on her couch.



Willow’s day was spent with her two favourite ladies. Tara and her talked and stole a few kisses during their picnic breakfast. Lunchtime, Willow rushed back to her place to get some clothes for Hadley, but when she got back, the small girl refused to take off Willow’s long sweater. On Hadley, it reached right down to her shins and she loved it, so she wore it home and still has it. Willow drove Tara and Hadley home after filling out discharge papers. For the rest of the afternoon, all three sat on the couch watching T.V.



Now Willow was at home, playing with her puppy before heading to have a shower. On her way up the stairs the phone rang.



“Willow Rosenberg.” She answered.



“Ah, Miss Rosenberg, you’re home. This is Mr. Caron speaking, calling about the Worldwide Model Search Retreat in Australia, you do remember yes?”



Willow left a couple of seconds silent, trying to figure out what this guy was talking about. For once, she totally forgot she was on holiday, she never thought about her career that much lately. “I remember yes, that’s in a couple of months.”



“Well, I know that you have things booked off for the next couple of months. But I have great news…”



“If this is anything about cutting my holiday short, then it won’t be so great.” Willow said seriously.



“Well…the great news is, is that the Retreat has been bumped up. All models have been contacted and are prepared to head off to Australia within the next three weeks.” This man’s voice was way to cheery for the red head’s liking. “Orlando, you’re manager and agent, had tried to talk your way out of it. But I’m sorry to say, I can’t let you miss this. However, if you feel like it, you can take me to court and try to fight the contract you signed…but I remember you being over ecstatic about going to Australia when you first signed in.”



“I was…but Mr. Caron, this is my holiday. My holiday! I booked this off, and I’m not prepared to leave this…”



“I know this, but in this business, you know not much could be done. Unless someone very close to you passed away. Willow, you are our top priced model, the young teens are expecting you…mostly you. Think of the money you’d be making.”



“Screw the money Caron, I have plans, I’m not ready to leave Sunnydale yet.” Willow’s voice rose a bit.



“Well, like I said, court is an option.”



“Right…and put my self and others through that kind of mess again…do you have any feelings at all?” Willow asked a bit sarcastically.



“I’m calling you our top model Miss Rosenberg, we are more than happy to have you a part of this. You should consider yourself lucky.”



Willow softened a bit. “I know, I’m sorry. It’s just; I am not ready to go anywhere yet. This is the part, the time, in my life that I spend with my friends and family. And I met this wonderful woman…”



“Ah…love.” Mr. Caron sounded like he understood. “Can you not bring this woman with you?” He asked curiously.



“I could, but she has her own family…”



“We were your family at one point. We helped you Willow, through hard times when you were just beginning.”



“No, I had family that helped me. Orlando, Libby, Charlie and others. But you were never one to care about ones life…except your own. So don’t giving me that crap about how you cared for me, took care of me…all I did was sign a contract, and yes, you welcomed me in, but in no way did I ever consider you family.”



“Well if that’s the way you feel…fine. But I will not let you break away from this however, you signed the contract and now you’re apart from this. And I assume that you don’t want to be put through court situations at all…so one that note, I can’t wait until you arrive.” Mr. Caron said bye and hung up on the red head. He really was a self conceited man, and didn’t really care about anything but his money and work.



“Ass.” Willow slammed the phone back down and slid against the door onto her butt, tears formed in her eyes. Slowly letting her hand find the phone again she dialled a number slowly. “Buffy…”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~



~Holly~



Show me where to touch youTara-It Ain’t Fickle

Edited by: Taras Shadow  at: 11/21/02 2:12:52 pm

[SilverWingedNemesis]

OH!!! YOU SOOOO did NOT just do that to me!!! *sniffs* come on...what's going to happen? You are going to KILL me until I get another update!! LOL Aren't I awful? No, Wait, YOU ARE!! *giggles* Sorry. *sighs* Can we hope for an update Friday?



Please say we get an update soon!! I GOTTA know what Willow will do and how it works out for her and Tara...and ofcourse, Hadley!!



Thanks for updating..



~NICKOLE~

------------

"I am you know"

"what?"

"yours"

[Ginner WTluv]

Holly!!!!! You can't leave it like that!!! Grr.... argh. Am i gonna have to bug you and repeatedly say "eh" until we get an update? I'm kidding. Take you're time.... just not too long This update, as always, was wonderful. I really love the way you write the characters, especially Hadley, but you already know how much i love that little cuttie Willow and Tara are just so perfect together, as are Tori and Dawn. I love them all I'm hoping Faith will make an appearence in the near future, but i won't nag, i shall just hope and sit here quietly until the next update. *twidles thumbs and rocks back and forth, glancing around the board* Has the next part been posted yet?



~ Jen

I'd like to take a moment to talk about something that's happened lately. I'm also in love. It's a very special thing and I'm really rather proud of it. Yes, I'm in love with my own breasts. I feel no personal shame about this; in fact, I think this is the one. It's going to last. ~ Ruth

[Tamara]

Arghhhhh you left me here wanting there to be another update like right now! Is it the weekend yet??



Willow can't leave! She can bring Tara, Hadley and Tori but then Dawn has to go and so does Buffy and Xander and Anya. Yeah thats it they are all going! *lol*



I guess i'll just have to sit here and wait for another amazing update





~*~Tamara~*~

[pikescoob]

Wow that Mr. Caron guy is such a jerk. I know he's doing his job or whatever but geez...and Willow can't go, cuz things are going so well Unless everyone went with her, but I'm not sure how that would work I was very impressed with Tori's friend Lindsay, very cool of her to show such great support. Thanks for the update Holly



--Michelle

[Grimlock72]

I still say that Mr. Caron is fairly st00pid. He might be able to force Willow to attend, he can't force her to smile or be happy. Idiotic man, why was that event moved forward so many months in the first place ?



Sound like a stupid plan to begin with, ALL people attending just have to change their schedules and deal with it ? Lots of claims are going to result, imagine a model missing a scheduled photo-shoot over this, heh.... and yes I hope Mr. Caron gets LOTS of claims and all other sorts of trouble and mishaps.



Other then that this update was nice, Hadley better watch out wearing that long sweater. Don't want her to fall. I did expect Tara to reprimand her for trying to read Tori's mind, Hadley really shouldn't do that. God forbid she might even comment of what she read out in the open, that would be embarrasing.



Now feel free to tend to your emergency/girlfriend (heh), I can manage to wait a weekend. Honest.....really I can....uhuh



Grimmy

"You hurt Tara," Willow said too calmly. "The last one who tried that was a god. I made her regret it." -- Unexpected Consequences by Lisa of Nine

[iceprincess2076]

N-N-NOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!



I finally get caught up and ya leave it there?!?!?



I love your story!!! please update soon!!



ICE

[Tara22]

HOLLY!!!*sniffles*



I can't believe it!!! (no, wait, I can cause you hinted, well, basically told us this would happen) but it is SOO sad!! They can get through this! I know they can!!



*kicks the evil agency*



now, about the happier parts!

Quote:

---

“She’s normal, she’s Willow…she’s ours. That’s all that matters.”

---

awww.... Hadley is the cutest little thing! She's so darn smart!



oooooooh..... and Willow's poem!! It was so beautiful!!! *sniffles*



Lindsay found out!? I am SO glad she took it well!! that gives me hope that others will take it well too!



GO YOU HOLL!!!



*clears her throat* right....well...Boris had something to show you...



<--- isn't he magnificant?

***

"Oh, sorry. Uhh, I forgot that that doesn't seem normal, to the rest of society. It's just, we, well, we both really like cows. Really like them. To the extent of wanting to buy one, when we're older." - The Crying Game (by Vix84)

[The Rose24]

Arrrrrrgggggh!!! That guy is such an A**HOLE!!!!!



I hope Willow decides to go to court or take Tara and Hadley with her.



Please update soon.

Tara: My heart doesn't stutter.


Tara: Willow, I got so lost.

Willow: I found you. I will always find you.

[Cindipitude]

Ooooh....

Contracts are *evil*

Sure this guy wasn't born on the Hellmouth?

Cause if he's like a demon or something than Buffy can slay him and Willow could stay with Tara

Melb. huh?

Maybe Willow and the gang will see lots of cows on their way to the camp....I'm sure Hadley would love that

Great job, sweetie

*bribes muse with Cindi smoochies*



More please!

Cindi

[BTVSfunatic]

You'd be dumb to take off Willow's sweater. That's what makes that little Had so bright! Ahhh! The pride you must have in your story right now!!



Thanks for the update, smiles for me all week long!



I hope the all go to Austrailia!!



Jen

Willow:I knew it. I knew it! Well, not knew it in the sense of having the slightest idea, but I knew there was something I didn't know.

[hondosfirst]

Hi,

As always great story.I hope everything is okay for you.Look forward to next update.

Rosemary

[Tara22]

HOLLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This deserved it's own post!! I LOVE YOU!!! *hugs* Willow is going to Melbourne? ooooh.... wow.... if she HAS to go somewhere then you couldn't have picked a better place! Not that I am biased at all *looks innocent and shuffles her feet*



Please let Hadley and Tara and Tori come too *pleads*



Go you!!!



<--- this deserves a repeat performance *nods*

***

"Oh, sorry. Uhh, I forgot that that doesn't seem normal, to the rest of society. It's just, we, well, we both really like cows. Really like them. To the extent of wanting to buy one, when we're older." - The Crying Game (by Vix84)

Edited by: Tara22  at: 11/22/02 1:00:22 am

[samiamiguess]

uh oh, just when things were so good. At least Willow, Tara and Hadley all know how they feel about each other. So I'm hoping W/T love will conquer all.



Nice to see Tori has a good friend in Lindsay, I don't know why but I had kinda thought that a Maclay would have nice friends so its good to see she came through and wasn't freaked.



Ok, so the weekend you say? not tooo angsty I hope.



lovely update,

sonya

[snuggle79]

I want happy times back!

pleaazzzze

great update!



snuggle79

__________________

"I got so lost"

"I found you, i will always find you"

Edited by: snuggle79 at: 11/22/02 6:31:55 am

[LostSoul]

Holly - Yep trouble is a brewin'. I can't imagine Tara will be too thrilled with the prospect of being without Willow for a month. Hadley will make with the wiggins big time.



Seems like Dawn is doing okay with people knowing about her relationship with Tori. I'm guessing though that the dance will not go quite as well, and Tori's friend will sing a different tune when she actually has to rise to the occasion.



Great update. There's so much going on.



More, more please!



*LS waits patiently for the next update*

LostSoul

---

Thinking of giving Amber a birthday preasent this year? Check out www.geocities.com/ambers_bday_charity/index.html

[Taras Shadow]

HTML Comments are not allowed

Edited by: Taras Shadow  at: 11/22/02 1:05:02 pm

[littlecrazy80]

Don´t let Willow go away!!!





*lil´c*



Unter den Blinden ist der Einäugige König.[

[Grimaldi]

great update



it was cool that Lindsay didn't freak when she found about about Tori and Dawn. hopefully Willow can think of a way to either break the contract or have Tara, Hadley, and the others go with her to Australia. if not, then maybe have Buffy kick that guy's ass, but then he probably press charges and sue everyone.

Dude, we're surrounded by perverts!
No! Well, okay. No. Pez!
2nd place? That's just a fancy term for loser!

[MissQuirky]

Damn, definitely not liking the dudes behind the modeling business. They really suck! Hopefully you'll give us something cheery b4 she has to leave - that is if she's going! Dawn and Tori, very cute, glad one of their friends accepts em! Can't wait 4 more!



~Ashley~

Willow: We can come by between classes. Usually I use that time to copy over my class notes with a system of different colored pens. But it's been pointed out to me that that's, you know... insane.

Tara: I said quirky.

[Leila DeRange]

Mr. Caron is sooo evil!! Can you do a small favor?? If you send Willow out (w/ Tara and Hadley too I hope) can you make her accidently drop a match on him and set his pants on fire?? Pretty please??



Anyways love your update!! Especially your Hadley. I wouldn't be surprise if everyone here joined together and made a "I love Hadley cause she's so cute" club. I would be in line to join that's for sure.



Tori's friend took the news very well. I'm very happy for that cause that reaction doesn't happen often enough. Stupid Dora making everything sound bad. Oops sorry bad memory. Orlando was great too for trying to stop Mr. Caron but of course he is evil so stopping him wasn't gonna happen. While you're at it do you think Buffy can smack Mr. Caron repeatedly while his pants are on fire?? Okay I'm stopping now before I go on and on about how great your update is even with the whole evil news popping up!!



=LeiLa=

[Lost and Delirious]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I absolutely love this fic. I am the biggest W/T fan and am always looking for that REALLY good story that makes you rush home after work just to read more. Its is also nice to see a fellow canuck writing such amazing work! (I'm from Montreal) I think having Dawn gay as well was a brillant step!!!!! Just can't get enough. I tell all my friends to read your story. And my girlfriend and I spend time together on the phone enjoying your story. (She lives in Alabama!! )

I love the new characters. Hadley is more adorable then words. Tori is a very good addition as well.

You have a talent for description!!! I love those "personal moments" between W/T and D/T! They are VERY good. They make me miss my baby but remind me that true love is possible.

Keep up the amazing work!!! Can't wait for more!!!



Cory



*She wants you to know that she still sings to you... Like that day on the bridge*

[BigMac]

Everything will work out for Willow and Tara. Dawn might be shock if Joyce already knows it is a MOM thing.Graet update.

Tara: Assume Crash

Positions

[XWickedXWiccan]

I missed way to many updates!! Oh my god I wish I could get up and beat the crap out of that guy. Okay changing the subject to a happier topic. I love the whole Willow/Tara/Hadley interaction going on. I want to be in the "I love hadley cause she's so cute." club!! She is very smart for a kid that's for sure. Tori's friend was cool to the way she handled Tori being gay. You rock Holly!!



-Trinity-

"Hey, I'm a friend of lady Imbolc, get over here and do some quality bowing." Anya in Unexpected Consequensed by Lisa of Nine

[Tara22]

HOLLY!!!



*hugs* Even though it got evily deleted by the HTML whatcamacalits I just had to thank you for the tissue *hugs and sobs* you are a true friend! It is my absolute pleasure to let you have my middle name anytime!!



oooh! you have to meet Oliver!



<--- oooh look! he likes you!

***

"Oh, sorry. Uhh, I forgot that that doesn't seem normal, to the rest of society. It's just, we, well, we both really like cows. Really like them. To the extent of wanting to buy one, when we're older." - The Crying Game (by Vix84)

Edited by: Tara22  at: 11/23/02 4:36:15 pm

[Taras Shadow]

Here we go…hopefully some understanding in this update. And I definitely don’t know when my next one will be…but I’ll let you know. Busy busy… Anywho, this is for all you kittens out there who enjoy this…thank you for your support and encouragements. Love you all!



Author: Taras Shadow

Disclaimer: All characters belong to Joss Whedon, ME, UPN…except for Tori, Hadley, Jessica Paris, and Orlando and other non-Buffy characters-they belong to me

Feedback: Yes please, everything is welcome

Pairings: W/T, X/A, B/ D/Tori

Rating: PG 13

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 **



Previously…

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~



“I’m sorry. It’s just…I need them together Auntie, I need mama happy.” Hadley whispered quietly.



“I know kiddo, and they are together, they will be together probably forever together.” Tori smiled and kissed Hadley on the forehead.



~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~



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.



~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~



“Thanks mom.” Dawn waited until her mother closed the door before taking Tori’s hand. “I’m going to tell her tonight.”



“You…are?” Tori asked, her eyes trying to read her girlfriend’s.



“Yes…is that ok with you?”



“Oh yes.” Tori breathed.



~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~



“Mama?” Hadley’s soft small hand covered Tara’s cheek. “Everything is going to be ok.” She said.



~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~



“But look, Willow’s gay, and she is the most loved person in this town. The girls because of her fashion and compassion for baby animals, and the guys love her for the more obvious reasons. Girl on girl action, the hotness of that red hair and green eyes, that gorgeous smile, her body figure…”



“Why Lindsay, I’m beginning to think you have a little something for Willow.” Tori teased.



“Who wouldn’t? Tell no one...especially your sister.” Lindsay laughed. “And about tomorrow night, everyone excepts this new lifestyle, given that you two probably aren’t the only in the closet gay couple here. If they do make fun of you, screw them, you’re beautiful, Dawn’s beautiful, and I can tell you care about each other a lot. So you don’t mind of what they say. I’ll be behind your back every step of the way.”



~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~



“Well…the great news is, is that the Retreat has been bumped up. All models have been contacted and are prepared to head off to Australia within the next three weeks.” This man’s voice was way to cheery for the red head’s liking. “Orlando, you’re manager and agent, had tried to talk your way out of it. But I’m sorry to say, I can’t let you miss this. However, if you feel like it, you can take me to court and try to fight the contract you signed…but I remember you being over ecstatic about going to Australia when you first signed in.”



“I was…but Mr. Caron, this is my holiday. My holiday! I booked this off, and I’m not prepared to leave this…”



~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~



Slowly letting her hand find the phone again she dialled a number slowly. “Buffy…”





~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~



~Part 25c~

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~



“Where did Buffy go so fast?” Dawn asked coming down to the kitchen where her mom sat going over papers and files.



“To Willow’s. Seems like her best friend advice and comfort are needed a.s.a.p.” Joyce said looking up at her daughter. “Where’s your other half?” She asked referring to Tori.



“My other…oh, Tori. She’s at home with Tara and Hadley…doing her homework I’m guessing.” Dawn sat on the counter, facing her mom. “Mom…” < Better now then never. > “Can we talk about something…rather important?”



“Sure honey.” Joyce stopped what she was doing and gave her youngest daughter her complete and undivided attention. “What’s on your mind?”



“Well…it’s really kinda hard to talk about at first. I mean, I really don’t know how to start it.” Dawn slid off the counter and paced back and forth.



“You’re doing just fine sweetheart.” Joyce tried to make Dawn feel a little better.



“Mom, you’ll always love me right? I mean, you’ll always think of me the same?”



“Of course.” Joyce stood up to where her daughter was pacing. “Dawn…is this…does this have to do with Tori?”



Dawn stopped dead in her tracks and looked at her mother with a bit of horror and shock. “How did you…”



“Dawnie…I know. I mean, I kind of read the signs.” Joyce laughed softly.



“Signs?”



“Well, you see, when we first moved here, you know how Buffy and Willow became…attached by the hip?”



“Yeah…wait, you thought Willow and Buffy…were together?” Dawn tried not to laugh at that point.



“I did at first…but that’s normal right? I mean, young females these days do tend to experiment with each other right?” Joyce said a little confused by the things her daughters generation do.



“Mom…first of all, Willow and Buffy were never together in that kind of way.”



“I know that now. I knew that since the day Faith moved here. Buffy wasn’t herself really…I mean, ditching Willow and Xander for Faith? That was weird.” Joyce looked out the window contemplating her thoughts.



“Mom…Tori and I…well, I love her.” Dawn waited for a shocked comment to spring from her mother’s mouth. “I’m in love with her. I mean, as far as I know how to love one person, I’m in love with Tori.”



“Love?” Joyce questioned.



“Yes, love. I decided to tell you because tomorrow I’m asking her to the dance…as my date. So if rumours begin about me, you know, that I’m some lesbian, it’s true.” “Ok, maybe not a lesbian, lesbian…but I do have a girlfriend that I love very much.” Dawn winced a little knowing that she probably sounded like some idiot who can’t get her act together.



“That’s great honey.” Joyce smiled lightly and went back over to her paperwork.



“Great?” Dawn couldn’t believe her ears. Definitely not quite the reaction she was expecting from her mother. “Mom…you do realize I just told you I have girlfriend right?”



Joyce looked up at her daughter and chuckled. “Yes Dawn, I do realize that. But you know…I was thinking just now, how cool it would be to have her over for dinner tomorrow night, before you go to the dance. I mean, I’ve met her as your best friend, now I want to meet her as your girlfriend.”



Dawn shook her head slightly, trying to grab a hold of what just happened. “Oook. I will ask her. But why tomorrow night? Why not…oh, Saturday night?”



“Because, I want to meet her as your girlfriend. If it were a boy, I’d do the same thing. I need to find out if they’re treating my youngest daughter right.”



“But you never had Faith over…” Dawn said.



“I did to, I just never realized that her and Buffy were serious. With you and Tori…I hear the word love and I have to meet her, understand?”



Dawn smiled weakly and nodded her head.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~



Buffy ran into Willow’s house and found the red head curled up on the couch with Brady. “Hey, I got here as fast as I could.” She said softly.



“I’m leaving.” Willow said quietly looking at her puppy.



“You’re leaving?” Buffy asked stepping closer to her best friend.



“Australia, at the end of the month, I’m leaving.” Willow looked up at her best friend for the first time since she came in.



“So you heard?” Buffy said sympathetically.



“You knew…or…or know?” Willow shrieked, accidentally scary poor Brady.



“Yeah…” Buffy said uncertain. “It was on entertainment news earlier…”



“What!?!” Willow shrieked again. “On the news??”



Buffy stepped back a bit making space between herself and her best friend. “You ok Willow?”



“No! I am not ok. I have to leave Buffy, this has been my dream, a big dream for to stay in Australia for more than a couple of days. And I told you once that I’d even move there if I liked it, maybe not now, but in the future…I could’ve. But…” The red head calmed slightly. “I have Tara in my life now. To be with her is my dream now. Forever, and I want to become a mommy to Hadley, and spend the rest of my life with them trying to make them happy…”



“Well…do it then.” Buffy said.



“But…I also love my career. I love what I do…ugh!” Willow let out a frustrated scream. “There’s so much going on Buff, I’ve been waiting for this, granted I never expected the retreat until February, but still, I wanted to go, and well…a part of me still does, just not so early. What caused the retreat to be pushed up so early anyways…”



“They wanted new and fresh faces for 2003 earlier then expected. No point really, other then the fresh faces.” Buffy said casually. She saw Willow give her a weird look. “It was on the T.V.” She shrugged her shoulders.



“Like they expect all of us models to drop everything…”



“No one else really seems to have a problem.” Buffy put in.



“Oh Goddess, I have to go to Tara’s.” Willow said all panicky.



“Why?”



“Before she find out some other way. I can’t let her find out from the media…you know what that’ll do to us? Oh my…I have to go. What am I going to say? What am I going to say to Hadley? They’re going to hate me…I’m leaving, and they’re going to hate me for it…”



Buffy went to her best friend’s side and hugged her. “Will, breathe. I know this must be hard and you’re probably feeling a lot of emotions at one time. But I’m sure they will understand, I mean, Tara knew this is what you do.”



“I have to go…” Willow ran past Buffy and out the door.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~



“Mama, when I grow up, can I be a duck trainer?” Hadley sat on the couch with her leg propped up on a pillow, her arm nestled nicely onto soft pillows and her head was against her favourite Shrek pillow.



“A duck trainer?” Tara asked sitting beside her daughter watching the discovery channel. “Hadley, what exactly does a duck trainer do?”



“Trains the ducks silly.” Hadley giggled.



“Trains them…to do what?” Tara eyed up Hadley suspiciously, wondering where her daughter’s creative imagination was going with this.



“To quack really loud. So if there was ever an earthquake here, that could be like a warning sound.” Hadley answered innocently.



Tara bit her lip trying not to laugh. “Um…Hadley, sweetie, I believe there already is a warning sound. A big and loud siren…but earthquakes hit unexpectedly. But you know what?” Tara said to her daughter watching those big blue eyes go sad, “You can be a duck trainer if you want to be. And I’m sure if you’re training those ducks, you’ll do your best and they will be loud.”



Hadley let her smile return and gazed out the window. “If I don’t become a duck trainer…can I help out with homeless kids?” She asked quite seriously. “That’s what you want to do isn’t it mama? Help out kids with no families or food?”



Tara rested her head in Hadley’s small lap, and felt little fingers start to comb through her hair smoothly. “Yes. I want to do that. I want to help those children, and other family members as well. But I have to wait until after I graduate from College.”



Hadley nodded her head, “It would be nice to have a little brother or sister.” She whispered.



Tara furrowed her brow and decided not to question her daughter. “So, what shall I make for supper?”



“Macaroni and cheese!” Hadley got excited. Usually she got to help mix in the cheese stuff and stir.



“Are you sure? Because I can always make other pasta’s or salads.”



“I’m sure. Maybe you should go upstairs and ask Auntie Tori…I’m not sure if she’s going out tonight.” Hadley said playing with the small cast on her arm. “No one signed my cast yet…”



“You want me too?” Tara got up off the couch and grabbed a marker from one of the end tables. Hadley nodded and watched as her mama drew a picture of a dove and a little ‘I love you’ all made up with hearts around it. “Better?”



“Yes.” Hadley giggled.



“Ok. I’m going to go upstairs, ask Tori, then I’ll come back down and put you in your tiny widdle wheelchair.” Tara poked Hadley’s tummy a few times, eliciting giggles, before kissing her small lips and headed for the staircase.



*Knock Knock



Frantic knocking came to the door just as Tara passed it, she stopped and looked outside. A smile came to her face when she saw her red headed girlfriend.



Mama?



Tara stopped when she heard Hadley’s voice in her head. She looked over at her daughter and found herself looking into worried eyes. Hadley…what is it?



She’s hurting mama, I can feel it.



Sweetie, please do me a favor…don’t read our minds ok? Knock first.



I will next time…I’m sorry. But she’s hurting…



*Knock knock



Tara turned her attention to the door and opened it. “Hey.” She smiled softly. Willow just leaped into her arms and started to cry.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~



“Hello?” Joyce answered the phone.



“Hi Mrs. Summers, it’s Tori, may I please speak to Dawn?” Tori asked politely.



“Wow, with manners like that, you can speak to Dawn whenever you’d like.” Joyce smiled on the other line and looked at her daughter who was doing homework beside her in the kitchen. “Hold on.” Covering the receiver, she caught Dawn’s eyes and mouthed, “It’s your girlfriend…” Joyce laughed delightfully.



“Mom!” Dawn blushed and grabbed the phone. “Hello?”



“Hey Dawnie.” Tori said in a cheery tone.



“Hey yourself.” Dawn licked her lips and tried to go as far as she could without ripping the phone of the wall. “What’s up?”



“Nothing really, just wondering if you’d like to go catch a movie later.”



“Um, I’ll have to check, but I’m sure that won’t be a problem.”



“Great!” Tori bounced on her bed. “So are you doing homework?”



“Yes. Boring stuff really.” Dawn huffed. “I told her.”



“You told who?”



“My mom, I told her about us.”



Tori went silent feeling like blood had drained away from her face. “And…”



“And she already knew, and as far as I know, she’s cool with it…I mean us.” Dawn bit her bottom lip. “She wants you to come over for dinner tomorrow night though. Not as Tori my best friend, but Tori as my girlfriend.”



“Uh..what? No…I don’t think I can. I’d be a huge mess and embarrass myself and meeting your mom again for the first time…nuh uh.” Tori slumped back on her bed.



Dawn let silence fall between them then giggles. “Meeting my mom again for the first time? Does that even make sense?”



“I’m happy you find my panic mess amusing.” Tori pouted.



“Aww, Tori, don’t be nervous ok? I’ll be there, Buffy will be there too. And besides, remember, you and me against the world…together?”



Tori could picture the pleading and sweet face of Dawn and caved. “Ok, what time?”



“Um, early enough so we can get ready for the dance.”



“I can’t believe that your mom knows…wow.” Tori said suddenly realizing that telling Mrs. Summers was probably one of the harder obstacles.



“Well she knows, and she approves…so far.”



“So I guess I’ll see you tonight if you’re allowed.”



“Yes you will.” Dawn smiled and walked back into the kitchen where her mom stood at the counter cleaning vegetables. “I’ll call you back ok?”



“Sure, I love you.”



Dawn made a quick choice of whether to say that in front of her mom or not. < What the hell… > “I love you too.”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~



“Sweetie, talk to me.” Tara whispered, she ran one hand up and down Willow’s back while the other was clutched into red hair, massaging her nape gently.



Willow tried to find her voice but it kept coming up in sobs…in fear. Fear of losing her beautiful girls. She held onto to Tara tighter and buried her head in the crook of Tara’s neck, letting her hot breath and hot tears wisp across Tara’s bare neck.



Hadley looked a little scared, seeing Willow like this. < I don’t like this one bit… no one single bit. > Her eyes were glued onto the red head, studying her posture and the way she held onto her mama. Catching her mother’s eyes, she tried her best not to cry for her or for Willow.



Tara noticed her daughter on the couch with no where to go she quickly made up her mind… Knock Knock



Tori looked at her bedroom door hearing her sisters voice, putting some of her long hair behind her ears she yelled come in.



Tori, come down here and get Hadley. Tara’s voice echoed in Tori’s mind.



Tori jumped off her bed and looked her door again. “Tara?” She opened the door and found no one.



I’m downstairs, can you please get your niece?



Tori’s eyes went wide and stepped into the hall cautiously. “This isn’t funny Tara…where are you?”



In your head! Please, come down staris.



Reaching the stairs she found Willow huddled up against Tara’s chest. “Is everything ok?”



“Yes sweetie, can you help Hadley start supper, we’re having macaroni and cheese.” Tara said softly.



“Sure…” Tori picked up Hadley carefully and walked out of the living room and into the kitchen.



Tara pulled Willow away from her and dried those green eyes. “There you are.” She whispered smiling.



“I don’t want to lose you.” Willow whispered back.



“Lose me? Willow, I’m not going anywhere.” Tara guided the frail body to the couch and allowed Willow to curl up beside her.



“But I am.” Willow’s voice could barely be heard.



“What?” Tara thought she heard what Willow had said, but wasn’t sure.



“I got a call from one of the executives from this Model agency thing. I signed up for this retreat in Australia…” Willow calmed down a bit but still couldn’t bring herself to look into Tara’s eyes. “I’d be helping the younger models, kind of like a mentor. It’s like a miss pageant camp. And was too leave for Australia in February.”



“Oh…” Tara let it register in her head. “But February is like, three and a half months away.”



“It got bumped up for some screwy reason and I’m leaving by the end of the month.” Willow looked at Tara for the first time.



“How long?” Tara continued to stroke Willow’s back, and let her cheek rest on the top of Willow’s head.



“A month or so.” Willow whispered again. “Tara, I don’t want to leave you.”



Tara didn’t know what to say at the moment. She let her caresses continue on her lover’s back and her lips kissed the place where her head rested seconds ago.



“I mean, I can go on about how going to Australia for over two days was a dream of mine, but then I’d end up coming back to the fact that you and Hadley and Tori are my dream now. I want you to know that. And I’d ask you to come with me, but then I’d be sounding selfish and I’m not.” Willow babbled with out taking a breath.



“How is that selfish?” Tara asked a bit curious.



“Because, I’d be asking you to leave your job and school, Hadley to leave school, and Tori to leave school and Dawn. And I’m not like that, I don’t expect you to follow, nor do I want you too because you’ve worked so hard to get to where you are now, and I’m not going to be the one to mess that up.” Willow let the tears come again. “Plus, Hadley has her little play, and you know how excited she is about that. But at the same time, I want to be so selfish and grab your bags and you and take you with me. Because a month is going to fell like hell without you.”



“Sweetie, we’ll think of something ok? I don’t want you to go either…that’s the part of me that wants to be selfish and tell you that you can’t go. But I can’t do that either, I know how much your career means to you. I’ve seen you in action out in front of the camera, and how much you appreciate the fans and respect that you get.” Tara turned to face Willow and cupped her face. “I knew what I got myself into when I fell in love with you. Sure I forget that you are the Willow Rosenberg, and yeah, it’s a slap in the face when you told me that you have to leave, but I understand baby. I understand, and I told you when we first got together, I’d wait a lifetime for you.” She let her lips brush against Willow’s softly and pulled back, her own tears falling. “You thought that I’d leave you because of this?”



“I don’t know. I panicked. And now Hadley…oh Goddess…Hadley…” Willow felt her heart twitch when she saw a small girl peeking around the corner in her wheelchair.



“You’re leaving my mama and me?” Hadley whispered.



Tara turned around and saw her sad daughter over by the kitchen threshold, “Sweetheart…”



“Willow? Are you leaving us?” Hadley asked again, using the button on the wheelchair to move her a little forward more.



Willow had paid the rent for the auto-wheelchair for Hadley’s use just until she got better and could walk on her foot again.



Willow dried her eyes and walked over to Hadley bending down so she was eye level with the small one. “Baby girl...” She said.



“You’re leaving…” Hadley repeated again. “But I thought you told mama that everything was going to be ok. In the hospital, you told her last night…everything was going to be ok.” She didn’t understand what was happening. Her small heart was beating against her chest, just partially knowing that her dream could be shattered forever.



“Hadley, I have to leave for a while. Just for a while though. I’m not leaving forever…I promise.” Willow’s voice cracked a bit, she broke this young girls heart, and most likely her dreams, and her own ached because it was visibly shown on Hadley small face.



“How long…when?” Hadley’s bottom lip quivered a bit.



“A month…thirty-one days. And I leave at the end of this month.” Willow said brushing one of Hadley’s curls out of her eyes.



“Can I come with you?”



“I wish you could sweetheart, but I think mama would miss you too much.”



“Mama can come too…please?” Hadley’s eyes pleaded with Willow’s then back up to her mama’s. “Don’t leave us, please.”



It was all too much to take for Willow, and Tara could see that. Willow hung her head slightly and sniffed a bit before looking up at Tara. “It’s far away honey, far away from home.” Tara knelt down beside her lover and in front of Hadley.



“No!” Hadley said sternly. “We are home, with us together, we are home. You said so yourself remember?” Her voice went said again.



“But what about your play? The Angel of Hope?” Willow asked quietly.



“You’re leaving…you won’t be there for my stardom debut.” Hadley pouted but through that pout, Tara could see a small grin.



Willow let herself smile a bit, “That my baby girl, you’re going to be a big star someday.”



“And maybe it’s you that will be company me.” Hadley giggled, forgetting for that moment that Willow was leaving to Australia.



“That’s right sweetie, Willow will be the one accompanying you.” Tara said smiling as well.



“Where are you going?” Hadley asked, her tiny hand reached for Willow’s and smiled when Willow squeezed her hand gently.



“Australia.”



“Oh! Where all the roo’s live…right mama?” Hadley squealed a bit.



“Kangaroos do live there, you’re right.” Tara answered her hand found Hadley’s other one, and Tara felt Willow take her other free hand.



“You know I love you right? You know that I don’t want to go.” Willow said holding both of their hands to her lips and kissed each and every knuckle.



“We know sweetie.” Tara smiled and leaned in to place a small kiss on Willow’s lips.



“Yeah…we know sweetie.” Hadley mocked and giggled.



“Hon, where’s your Aunt?” Tara asked a little concerned.



“On the phone with her giiiiirlfriend.” Hadley said drawing out the word.



“Figures.” Tara snorted and stood up.



Willow stood up as well and carefully picked up Hadley from her wheelchair.



Hadley wrapped her good arm around Willow’s neck and the other was propped up on her shoulder. Her head fit into Willow’s neck, she closed her eyes tightly trying to pour every ounce of her love into Willow. < Goddess above, I beg you, of all your humble natured beings, please let my Willow have a safe trip, please guide her way back to us. > “I love you Willow.” She whispered against her neck.



“I love you too baby girl. Always.” Willow looked over at Tara. Her heart was still breaking, she didn’t want to leave, yet she didn’t want to put through the court crap.



Tara pulled her girls into a hug, she kissed Hadley then she moved to Willow’s lips. Her fuller ones lingered on smaller ones. It was a slow kiss, a sensual kiss, and one that told Willow that their love for each other will get through the rough times ahead of them.



“Everything’s going to be ok…” Hadley whispered against Willow neck again. < Please Goddess… >

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~



And I’m sorry for not replying, I did…but HTML screwed me up…ha! I don’t even know what that means…but that’s ok. So I’m hoping this works…and if you’re reading this…then obviously it did. Hope you enjoyed



~*~*~*~*~

*waves at Chel, Boris and Oliver*



~Holly~



Show me where to touch youTara-It Ain’t Fickle

[The Rose24]

Awwww. This is so sweet. Why would Willow be so worried Tara would leave her? Tara knows Willow's career is important and demanding.



I hope they work something out.

Tara: My heart doesn't stutter.


Tara: Willow, I got so lost.

Willow: I found you. I will always find you.

[SilverWingedNemesis]

AWWW *sniffs* *Grabs a tissue and dries her eyes* This is just TOO much.. *Sighs* I know they could make it..it's W/T love!! BUT..but.. *Whaaaaaaaa* LOL sorry. Come one now Holly. We all know you are up to something!! I have faith that you will get our girls together.



And how about Joyce...how awesome!! I'm so glad she didn't give Dawn and Tori a hard time!! That is great!!



Can't wait for more!! As usual!!



~NICKOLE~

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"Whadda ya say? Wanna be bad?"