Great update

great update



Willow being distracted by Tara while being interviewed was funny.

You can't just go declaring shenanigans on innocent people, that's how wars get started!
I'm not stealing, I'm just taking things without paying for them. In what twisted dictionary is that stealing?
Did you just say the 'F' word?

Spence! Excellent update! Poor Tara feeling cornered by that paper guy....but very cool of Willow to come and save her....thought it was cute how she blew off that reporter cuz all that mattered was getting to Tara. Can't wait for what's next!!



**Michelle

That was AWESOME!!!!



I soo love this story



I love how both of them start to notice that there's just more than friendship and I can't wait till they finally accept it fully that there's more



Spence, that's a great fic and I'm so waiting for the next part



Thanks so much



-Viv-

Yummy, yummy, yummy
I've got love in my tummy

Poor Tara, backed into a corner. She really should learn to stand up for herself a bit more. Otherwise she might get into trouble in situations like that.



For some reason I keep feeling very sad for Willow who (until Tara came along) had no-one who appearantly showed her attention. Going to such an award-ceremony all alone must be mighty lonely



I hope Willow doesn't trip over her heels, heh... I'm glad she didn't see Tara when giving her speech by the way. She isn't that good at speeches to begin with and seeing Tara has a bad effect on her ability to speak



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

Love this fic, miss this fic, cant wait for another update on this fic. ::tweedles thumbs, taps foot, whistles:: Icanbepatient... Icanbepatient... Icanbepatient...



Ann

If I hear that Gong of Doom I will send stoned squirrels to raid your kitchen
- Lisa of Nine

this fic. is really great, i have just read the whole story so far and cant wait for the next part

Title: Broken Wing

Rating: PG-13

Disclaimer: All characters belong to Joss Whedon.





Part 15b





They had walked back to the dorm in relative silence. Somewhere along the way they started holding hands, but neither girl knew who had initiated it, just that their hands had become entwined. Willow was lost in the softness of Tara's hand. She wondered if the rest of Tara was that soft too. She looked soft. Willow often imagined Tara felt like a peach without the fuzz. Although that would be a nectarine, which didn't sound sexy at all, and Tara was very sexy, so maybe silk was a better word. Yes, she imagined Tara was silky. Tara was enjoying the feel of Willow's hand in her own as well, so much so that she didn't notice they had reached the door to Willow's suite. Willow opened the door and shut it immediately, blushing profusely as she turned around to face Tara.



"Ummm... Maybe watching a movie wasn't such a good idea," she said. "See I didn't have a pocket for my key so I figured I'd just come in through the common room, but that's not a good idea anymore."



"Is everything okay?" Tara asked.



"Oh, yeah, everything is fine, it's just the room is kinda in use by Xander and Anya. I guess they didn't think I'd be back so soon," Willow frowned.



"Oh," Tara said slightly confused, then finally catching on to what was going on inside the room, "Ohhh... Do you w-want to w-wait in my room?" She asked nervously.



"Definitely, thanks," Willow said smiling brightly, as the two headed up to Tara's room. On their way up the stairs Tara was doing a mental checklist making sure her room was clean and her bed was made. The last thing she wanted was to walk in with Willow and have a pair of underwear hanging out of her drawer. She was so busy worrying about her room, that she hadn't even thought about her key or where she placed it until she and Willow were standing outside her door. She mentally slapped herself for having been so stupid and putting it where she did, but there was nothing she could do about it now except retrieve it. She quickly turned her back to Willow, and reached down the top of her dress, feeling around for the key in her bra.



"Is there a problem?" Willow asked wondering why Tara hadn't opened the door, and why she had turned her back.



"N-no," Tara said still searching for the elusive key.



"Are we gonna go in?"



"Oh, found it," Tara said turning around before her hand was fully out of the top of her dress.



"Interesting place for a key," Willow said as she tried to hide her envy of Tara's hand and where it had just been.



"Oh... Um... No pockets," Tara said blushing and unlocking the door. "You c-can sit anywhere you like."



"I like the bed," Willow said taking a seat on it. "Uh... I mean for sitting on, and I guess sleeping obviously, but not with someone, not that sleeping with someone wouldn't be nice, cause it would, you know... Someone to warm up cold feet... Or other cold things... Oh I mean, 'sleeping sleeping with someone', not 'having sex sleeping with someone,' not that it isn't nice, er... So I've heard, and I'm sure it keeps people pretty warm, hot even, cause with all the sweating, and contact... and"



"So you like s-sitting on the bed," Tara interrupted, smiling at Willow as she tried to contain the fit of giggles building up inside her.



"Yeah, that's what I was trying to say," Willow said smiling back weakly.



"I like to sit on the bed to study," Tara said hoping to ease Willow's discomfort and let her know everything was okay.



"Really? I like studying at my desk, or in the library, if I'm too comfortable my brain starts to wander," Willow said, "although it wanders when I'm at my desk or in the library too." Tara tried, but she couldn't stifle the giggle that escaped. "You're laughing at me," Willow pouted, which only made Tara laugh harder.



"Sorry," Tara said through her laughter.



"I'm not," Willow said smiling brightly. "I like to hear you laugh." Tara stopped laughing and blushed. "That wasn't supposed to make you stop. Now I gotta make you laugh again. What can I do to make you laugh again?" Willow said tapping the side of her head in thought. "Oh... Oh... I got it... I can borrow the tape of my high school talent show from Xander, that was pretty funny."



"No television or VCR," Tara said frowning slightly.



"I can borrow one from Buffy. Ten minutes from now we'll be watching that tape and laughing," Willow said bounding off the bed and out the door.



Tara took the opportunity to change out of her dress, and put some clothes on the bed for Willow to change into when she got back so she could be more comfortable. She was hanging up her dress when Willow came in carrying a bag of popcorn and a tape, followed by Buffy and Riley who were carrying a television and VCR respectively.



"It's embarrassing home movie time," Willow said smiling.



"Okay, you're all set up here," Riley smiled, somewhat lacklusterly.



"Great, thanks a lot guys," Willow said as Buffy and Riley were leaving.



"No problem," Buffy said, "but Will, if you need anything else, don't ask us!" She said with a mock glare.



"I guess they were busy too," Willow said smiling at Tara as she closed the door behind her.



"I put these out, in case you w-wanted to change," Tara said picking up the tee shirt and shorts, similar to what she was wearing.



"Thanks," Willow said taking the offered clothes. She had been dying to get out of her dress. "I'll just go change real quick," Willow beamed as she stepped into the bathroom to change.



"Do you want me to get the tape ready or anything?" Tara questioned.



"Nope, just get comfy and I'll be right out," Willow called from the bathroom. Once into the tee shirt and shorts Tara had loaned her, Willow checked herself in the mirror. She definitely had on too much make up for that outfit or any outfit really. She had no idea what she was thinking when she let Buffy do her make up. Willow quickly scrubbed the make up off her face, and emerged from the bathroom. Instead of announcing her presence to the blonde right away, Willow leaned on the door frame, and watched Tara for a moment. She was sitting on the edge of her bed with one leg curled underneath her, nervously picking at the hem of her shirt, and biting her bottom lip. Willow couldn't help but smile at the sight. Tara was the most remarkable person she'd ever met and here she was in her room, wearing her clothes, and getting ready to show her a very emabarrassing video just to hear Tara's laugh. Reluctantly she pushed herself off the door frame and moved toward Tara.



"Comfy?" Willow asked sitting down next to Tara on the bed.



"Yes," Tara said smiling.



"Okay, good. We've got popcorn, soda, the remote control, I think we're ready," Willow said pushing play. "Do you want me to tell you who all the people are?"



"Just your friends," Tara said.



"Oh, well that'll be easy, cause that's just Buffy and Xander."



"Who's she?" Tara asked as Cordelia came on singing her song.



"That's just Cordelia," Willow said.



"She was in your room the other day, is she a friend?" Tara asked trying to keep her tone casual.



"Cordelia? A friend? No," Willow said. "She tortured me in high school, and well... Now too actually."



"Why was she in your room if she's not nice?"



"Because she's Cordelia and she can," Willow smirked, "I'm helping her with her classes."



"Wow, that's really sweet. You don't even like her and you still help her," Tara smiled.



"You think I'm sweet?" Willow asked, not realizing she'd said it out loud.



Tara blushed, she had hoped Willow wouldn't notice she had called her sweet, nice would have been a better word. Now she needed a subject change.



"So... Is your boyfriend on this tape?" Tara asked.



"No boyfriend," Willow said. "I was never interested in boys... Uh, a boyfriend even," Willow said trying to cover her mistake. "How about you, any boyfriends?" she quickly asked, putting the ball back in Tara's court.



"No," Tara replied, hearing Willow's admission despite her attempt at covering up, Tara felt a little braver. "I had a crush once, but it didn't work out."



"Oh, really... What was his name?" Willow asked trying to hide her disappointment at hearing Tara had a crush on a boy.



Tara paused before she quietly said, "Elizabeth."



"Elizabeth, that's a weird name for a bo... Oh, wait, Elizabeth," Willow repeated. "Your crush was on a girl?"



Tara nodded her head, still not looking up.



"Me too," Willow said equally as quiet as Tara had been revealing the name of her crush. Tara looked up at Willow not quite sure if she was understanding Willow correctly.



"You mean?" Tara asked.



"Yeah, I didn't know how to tell you," Willow smiled timidly. "If you hadn't told me first, I don't know how long it would have been before I told you."



"I was afraid you wouldn't like me anymore," Tara frowned.



"I could never not like you," Willow said, abruptly turning toward Tara as their eyes locked, and for a moment they did nothing but stare. Then slowly they started moving toward one another until they're lips were almost touching. Willow shifted slightly so she could better reach Tara, and in doing so, sent the remote clattering to the floor. They both shot back away from each other, momentarily stunned.



"Sorry," Willow said quickly, "Uh... I can probably get in my room now," she said standing up, "but I'll see you tomorrow. Maybe we can do something." Willow said backing her way toward the door.



"Yeah, I'd like that," Tara said somewhat quietly, since it seemed that Willow was about to flee again.



"Okay, tomorrow then," Willow said fumbling with the door knob for a second before finally getting it to turn. She opened the door, and suddenly realized she was doing it again. She was leaving and Tara would probably assume it was her fault. She didn't want to leave her like that again, so before exiting the room, she rushed back over to Tara and kissed her softly on the cheek before heading back to the door and leaving.



Tara sat on her bed smiling at the door. She was worried she had done something wrong, that she shouldn't have leaned in and tried to kiss Willow, and that was the reason she wanted to leave, but then Willow had come back and kissed her. Tara could still feel her lips on her cheek. She flopped back onto her bed and sighed contentedly, Willow had kissed her and she wanted to see her again tomorrow. Did Willow like her? The thought that she might, made Tara smile, and suddenly she couldn't wait for tomorrow.



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



~Spencer~

"Love is like a roller coaster: When it's good you don't want to get off, and when it isn't, you can't wait to throw up."

Hello Kittens-



Soft and slow with Willowbabble and AV equipment This update, a and b, really brings out the old phase Willow and hints at things beyond in a hopeful but uncertain future. We've seen Willow become protective of Tara and Tara supporting Willow. I like that even after that both girls are so worried about what the other thinks of them and wondering how to reach out tot he other. Willow's kiss, partly for herself but mostly for Tara was wonderful



I'm looking forward to more.



Jixer

aaaaaaaaaaaawwwwwwwwwh



that's just so cute

"Rock my world!" - Gia

"Before you criticize someone, walk a mile in their shoes. That way, you'll be a mile from them, and you'll have their shoes" - Somebody

I like this fic a lot, but I want the smoochies!

I'll shut up now and pray for an update.

********



"See? I've mastered this tact crap." Anya in Tears Of The Goddess by Lisa

Very cute. Willow already knows she is gay. Interesting.



Maybe next time Willow and Tara won't be so fidgety. I wish you could update this story more often.

Tara: My heart doesn't stutter.


Tara: Willow, I got so lost.

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

Very cute

loved the update



the Willow-babble was cute. hope they have that first kiss soon

What the funk and wagnles are you talking about?
I'm not stealing, I'm just taking things without paying for them. In what twisted dictionary is that stealing?

Spence!! Very cool update! So cute how they held hands I thought it was funny how Tara was mentally going over her room to remember if it was clean enough to bring Willow up...that's something I'd do, I'd so worry about accidentally leaving some underwear laying out. Very sweet of Willow to be willing to show Tara that embarrassing video just to hear her laugh. Girl you are such a tease!! I thought 'finally they smooch!' But then no they don't, and really I should've known better since you told me that it doesn't happen yet so I'll patiently wait for another update



**Michelle

I just read everything from the beginning and I can't wait for an update!! This is well written and I love that point of view of them at University.



I hate Cordelia.. I hope her whole "being a bitch" thing is going to blow up in her face!!



By the way, Tara had a nice place to put her key!

Title: Broken Wing

Rating: PG-13

Disclaimer: All characters belong to Joss Whedon.



Part 15c



Willow rushed through the common room, almost able to ignore Xander's grunts and Anya's moans. Nothing in the world could bring her down right now. She had felt the softness of Tara's skin under her lips. Sure it was just Tara's cheek, but what a wonderful cheek. It was the most perfect cheek Willow had ever seen. No, make that one of the two most perfect cheeks she had ever seen, or felt for that matter. Willow flopped back onto her bed, covered her face with her pillow and let out an excited scream. She had so much energy and excitement in her she thought she would explode. That's why she had left Tara's room so abruptly, she was afraid of what she might say or do if she were to stay. Anything could have come tumbling out of her mouth, especially after she found out Tara liked girls, it was half the equation solved! Now all Willow needed to know was if Tara liked her. She thought before the remote control fell that they were going to kiss. That Tara's lips were moving closer to hers and hers closer to Tara's, but she had no way of knowing if that really happened or if she had just imagined it. She had, afterall, imagined that moment at least a billion times before, but somehow sitting on Tara's bed had made it feel that much more real.



It had only been a few minutes since she left Tara's room, but she already missed her terribly. Willow knew she would see Tara tomorrow, but right then, tomorrow felt like an eternity away. As she sat there missing Tara, Willow decided she would have to do something special for her, something that would leave no doubt in Tara's mind which direction Willow wanted to take their relationship, but what? What could she do that would show Tara how special she was to her, and how much she meant to her? That was something to ponder.



"Will?" Buffy asked knocking lightly and cracking the door.



"Hey, Buff, what's up? I thought you were staying at Riley's," Wilow said sitting up.



"We had a fight," Buffy said plopping down on the bed next to Willow. "It was so stupid, but I had to walk out. He wouldn't admit he was wrong."



"Was he wrong?" Willow asked putting an arm around Buffy. She knew from experience Buffy was not one to admit a mistake, and the fight could have just as easily been all her fault, and she could be the real guilty party.



"Yes, he was wrong," Buffy said indignantly. "And it really doesn't matter who was right and who was wrong, he's the man, he should apologize."



"Buff it's not the 1950's," Willow smiled, gently nudging her friend.



"Well, some things should stay the same," Buffy said giggling, knowing that she was being silly.



"Are you going to make up tomorrow?" Willow asked.



"Maybe, if he apologizes," Buffy grinned wickedly, "but I was thinking we could have a girl's day out tomorrow. We could go shopping, see a movie, drink mocha's. It would be me, you, Anya, and you could invite Tara if you want."



"I kinda already have plans tomorrow," Willow said apologetically.



"Can't you cancel? I really need you tomorrow, I need my best friend," Buffy pressed, pouting and cuddling up to Willow.



"See...it's just..." Willow trailed off trying to think of how she could explain the importance of tomorrow to her friend without letting her know how important tomorrow was supposed to be. 'It's supposed to be the day I finally let Tara know how I feel,' Willow thought, 'If I don't do it tomorrow, maybe I'll never do it, but then again, if I'm really ready to do it, does it really matter if I have to wait one more day? And what kind of friend would I be if I let Buffy down? Nobody likes a bad friend, and technically it wouldn't be all that bad. I'll still be spending the day with Tara. The special day I want is just gonna have to wait until next weekend.' " Okay... sure, Buffy, I can cancel."



"You are the best, best friend ever," Buffy said excitedly. "I'm gonna go tell Anya."



"Isn't she busy?" Willow asked.



"Come on, Will, it's Xander, how long can they really go on?" Buffy winked as she left the room.



Willow laughed, Buffy did have a good point in regards to Xander. Now there was only one thing left to do, and that was call Tara. Quickly, Willow reached over and picked the phone up off the night stand.



"Hello," Tara answered, still sittig on her bed holding her cheek. She could still feel the tingle of Willow's lips on her skin, and she thought if she held her hand there, maybe she could keep that feeling there forever.



"Hey, Tara, it's me," Willow beamed.



"Willow, w-what's up?" Tara asked with trepidation in her voice. She didn't know why Willow would be calling so soon after she just left, as usual Tara feared the worst.



"Nothing, really, everything is great," Willow replied, sensing Tara's worry and feeling the need to reassure her. "Tonight was really fun."



"Yeah," Tara responded enthusiastically, so much so that Willow thought she could actually hear a smile in Tara's voice. "I really liked the video."



"Me too," Willow said so lost in the happiness of Tara's voice she almost forgot the purpose of the phone call. "Oh... I almost forgot the reason I called. Buffy and Riley had a fight, so tomorrow we're gonna have a girl's day out, with mochas and movies and shopping. I was hoping you could come?"



"Oh... I'd love to," Tara said excitedly. "Ohhh... um," Tara started as her voice changed to disappointment.



"No, no buts," Willow frowned, sensing one was coming.



"It's just... I can't... I d-don't have the money," Tara said quietly.



"My treat," Willow said.



"I couldn't let you pay for me," Tara tried.



"After everything you did for me tonight, it's the least I could do," Willow pointed out. "So tomorrow I'll treat you to a movie and a mocha, and I won't take no for an answer," Willow stated with mock sterness in her voice.



"Well, I guess in that case,what can I say, but yes," Tara said smiling.



"Absolutely nothing," Willow said, once again beaming on the other end of the phone. "You can meet us at our room around 11, okay?"



"Sure," Tara eagerly responded.



"Great, I'll see you then," Willow said, the excitement evident in her voice.



"Good night, Willow," Tara smiled.



"Night, Tara," Willow said hanging up the phone. Now all she had to do was make it through the 13 hours between now and when she would see Tara again.



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



~Spencer~

"Love is like a roller coaster: When it's good you don't want to get off, and when it isn't, you can't wait to throw up."

Spence!! not sure why there's a dancing banana but he looks happy, hehe, and I'm happy there was an update so it works Willow and Tara on the phone was just so damn cute! And Willow thinking that tomorrow was forever away to wait to see Tara again is just adorable! So lot's of adorable cuteness going on and I can't wait for the next bit



**Michelle

Smart Willow, including Tara in the 'girls day out' . Up till she said that I figured she would ask Tara to move their meeting to another day, which Tara wouldn't take well.



Heh, Willow will gladly pay for Tara of course.... duh. The way I see it is that Willows parents obviously have money but don't care to much about their daughter. Tara is pretty much the inverse of that, giving Tara some more money would be a GOOD thing. Can't have Tara being that short on cash, the girl has to eat after all!



Grimmy

--

She(Tara) knew that she was Willow too. If she knew that then why hadn't Willow herself? That wasn't fair. She was Willow. she should have known that first. -- Willow in _Sidestep Chronicle_ (part 80)

I liked that a lot.

The "girls day out" will be so cool, I hope. Nice that ya included Tara.



Update soon?



muFF'

As I have always said, I love this story. It is good Willow is still there to support Buffy but also includes Tara in the girl's day out.

Tara: My heart doesn't stutter.


Tara: Willow, I got so lost.

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

Thanks for updating

Wonderful stuff

great update



i'm glad Willow is doing the best friend thing with Buffy, and its good that she also invited Tara, it gives Buffy a chance to get to know her, since Tara is going to be a big part of Willow's life

I'm not stealing, I'm just taking things without paying for them. In what twisted dictionary is that stealing?

Hello Kittens-



Mainer, one thing that impresses me more and more is how well the underlying W/T romance is being handled here. That along with Willow's relationship with Buffy ringing true make this just a wonderful piece of work.



Thank you,



Jixer

hey there



just caught up with your update...



loving this fic!! keep up the great work!!



*hugs*



Nickole

"All fear is the fear of loss. And only through that fear, can we truly love."

I'm sorry it took so long to get this update. I hope that it's worth the wait.



Title: Broken Wing

Rating: PG-13

Disclaimer: All characters belong to Joss Whedon.



Part 16



"What are we waiting for?" Anya asked, as she stood waiting impatiently with her arms folded across her chest.

        "For the ten millionth time, we're waiting for Tara," Willow stated, her annoyance with the former vengeance demon evident in her voice. Anya had been asking the same question every 30 seconds since 10:30, and Willow had long sense tired of answering it.

        "You should take more responsibility for getting your guest here on time," Anya declared. "If I was late, you would have left without me, but ohhh nooo we've got to sit and wait for Tara."

        "Anya, she isn't late. I told her 11, so she still have five minutes. We're early," Willow said through clenched teeth, as she had already explained that to Anya more than once as well.

        "Ugh... What are we waiting for?" Anya whined.

        "ANYA!!!" Willow yelled.

        "Guys," Buffy said interrupting the impending screaming match. She had been enjoying her friend's little spat, but she thought she heard a knock.

        "WHAT?" Willow and Anya yelled in unison.

        Buffy crossed the room and calmly opened the door to find Tara standing nervously on the other side.

        "Hi," Tara smiled shyly.

        "It's about time," Anya said brushing past Tara and out the door. Buffy gave her an apologetic look, and then followed after Anya. She knew Willow would explain the situation, and she wanted to make sure Anya didn't get too far ahead.

        "D-did I... Do s-something wrong?" Tara asked.

        "No," Willow said placing her hand reassuringly on Tara's arm. "Anya was just being... Well... Anya."

        "Am I late? I thought you said eleven?"

        "No, I did, you're not late," Willow smiled, she was so happy to be with Tara again that she found herself literally grinning from ear to ear. "See Anya was ready early and she tends to have a hard time waiting for anybody other than herself," Willow continued, closing the door as they stepped out into the hall. "Sometimes she has a hard time remembering that the world doesn't revolve around her," she said with a roll of her eyes.

        "You should have just gone without me," Tara said.

        "No way," Willow said taking Tara's hand, "It wouldn't be any fun without you." As they reached the doors to the outside of the dorm where Buffy and Anya were waiting on the steps, Willow released Tara's hand.

        "We decided on shopping first, does that sound okay?" Buffy asked not missing the way Willow dropped Tara's hand, or the look of sadness that crossed both their faces upon her doing so.

        "Sounds great," Willow said, bounding down the steps with false cheerfulness to join Buffy and Anya.

        "Sure," Tara said smiling weakly.

        The four friends set off down the street listening to Anya jabber on about what stores to go to, and how much money she was going to spend. A couple of blocks into the journey Buffy stooped down to tie her shoe.

        "Hey Will, wait for me?" Buffy asked.

        Willow stopped, while Tara and Anya continued on. When they were a safe distance ahead Buffy stood up shifting slightly awkwardly from one foot to the other.

        "Promise me you won't look at me like I'm nuts when I say this," Buffy asked.

        "Well, I don't know if I can promise that, Buffy, I mean you did just tie a slip on shoe," Willow pointed out with an amused look on her face.

        "Will, I'm being serious," Buffy insisted, "now promise."

        "Okay, okay, I promise," Willow confirmed.

        "Is there... Something going on between you and Tara?"

        "What?... H-... What?... How did you... Xander," Willow declared.

        "Xander? What does Xander have to do with this?" Buffy asked.

        "He told you that I'm gay, and I like Tara," Willow assumed.

        "Uh...Noooo," Buffy said as she stopped and gently grabbed Willow's arm. "You're gay? You like Tara?" I thought you guys just had a fight. I need to sit down," Buffy decided as she dropped to the sidewalk.

        "Me too," Willow agreed taking a seat next to Buffy the realization that she had just come out to her best friend caught her slightly off guard. She and Buffy looked down at the ground avoiding eye contact, as they sat on the curb in an awkward silence.

        "So... You and Tara are... Girlfriends?" Buffy asked, finally breaking the silence.

        "No! She doesn't even know I like her. Don't tell her Buffy, please," Willow begged.

        "I won't, I promise," Buffy assured her panicked friend.

        "Are you... Okay with all this?" Willow asked tentatively.

        "Of course I am," Buffy smiled as she pulled her friend into a tight embrace, standing up.

        "Is everything okay?" Tara asked, as she and Anya came rushing back when they noticed them on the ground.

        "Yeah, we were just resting," Buffy replied as she stood up, then helped Willow up off the curb.

        "Resting?" Anya questioned.

        "Uh huh," Willow nodded.

        "Buffy, you're the sla..." Anya said before Buffy's hand clamped firmly over her mouth.

        "Slave driver, yep that's me, all cracking the whip on shopping trips, but I got a leg cramp, you know, had to work it out, but it's gone now, so let's get going before all the good stuff is gone," Buffy said walking off before she even got a response from her friends.

        "Are you s-sure everything is okay?" Tara asked Willow once they had resumed walking. Anya had sprinted ahead so she could get a few steps in front of Buffy who had taken the lead.

        "Yeah, Buffy just needed a best friend moment," Willow said. "So are you shopping for anything special today?" Willow asked wanting to change the subject.

        "I think I'll just be vicariously shopping through all of you today," Tara said giggling.

        "I don't usually buy when I shop either. I like to try things on that I'd probably never buy. I tried on a dress that cost $500 once, it didn't even look good," Willow said laughing. "It's like a big game of closet."

        "Closet?" Tara asked.

        "You know, you try on all sorts of different things from your closet, mix and match stuff. You've never done that?" Willow questioned.

        "I don't have much of a closet," Tara smirked.

        "Well, today you have the whole mall," Willow said cheerfully, getting her a large smile in response from the blonde.

        "Where do we start?" Tara beamed.

        "Victoria's Secret," Anya and Buffy said in unison.

        "We always start there," Willow complained, "and then you two spend like an hour picking stuff out while I sit and wait."

        "Fine, then you go somewhere else, we'll see you in an hour," Anya said grabbing Buffy and Tara.

        "Actually," Tara said extricating herself from Anya's grip, "I'd rather not go either."

        "Suit yourself," Anya smiled as she dragged Buffy away.

        "Guess we have an hour," Willow said laughing at Anya's hurry.

        "Anywhere in particular you want to go?" Tara asked.

        "Now that's supposed to be my question for you," Willow said smiling. "I've done this a million times, but it's your first time playing 'closet', so you pick, where do you want to go?"

        "I really don't know, I've never been to the mall," Tara said looking down at the ground.

        "Oh, well, that's okay, there's lots of places we can go, or maybe we can just walk around and talk and then if you see something you like we can go in and try it on," Willow suggested.

        "Okay," Tara smiled. She appreciated that Willow was trying so hard to make sure she felt comfortable.

        "So," Willow said trying to continue the conversation, but she found she was at a loss for words, or at least any that made sense. Meanwhile Tara stood there still smiling at her. 'She just looks so cute when she smiles,' Willow thought as she smiled back at her friend.

        "So... What?" Tara asked. She had been waiting for Willow to finish her thought, but instead she was just kinda staring at her and smiling in a goofy manner.

        "I don't know," Willow said, "I thought I would come up with something, but... I don't know. That's never really happened before"

        "Is everything okay, Willow, you've been acting kinda... Strange all day," Tara asked as she stopped and turned to face her friend.

        "I know... I have, it's been one of those days already," Willow said smiling weakly.

        "Is it me?" Tara asked quietly, "cause you... Well... You let go of my hand when you saw Buffy and Anya... So, I was wondering if I did something that might've... Made you..."

        "No!" Willow interrupted. "Oh... Tara it isn't you, well it is, but it isn't, I mean not like you think, " Willow said trying her best to make sense, but this wasn't how she wanted the conversation to go. "Can we sit down over there, so I can try to explain this?" Willow asked pointing to a bench.

        "Okay," Tara said not looking up. She had almost tuned out completely when she heard Willow say it was something she did. Her body felt numb, and she was hurting so much from hearing Willow say those words.

        "See it is you, Tara, you make me so nervous and so comfortable all at the same time," Willow began, taking Tara's hands in her own as she began to sense Tara's worry. "It's just... I can't think straight when I'm around you, and when you smile, well... I shouldn't even bother trying to think then, cause it's a lost cause," Willow said pausing to look at Tara. The blonde looked as though she had some sense of understanding, but mostly she just looked confused. "What I'm trying to say, is..." And suddenly Willow didn't know what she was trying to say anymore, Tara was looking at her with such hope and desperation as if her whole life hung in the balance on what Willow was about say, and the pressure was killing Willow. She didn't want to mess this up, she didn't want to say the wrong thing, and have to watch Tara's face fall, she wanted to tell her how much she meant to her, and get the words right, instead of fumbling her way through it. And then suddenly it dawned on her. What she needed to say, and how to say it became perfectly clear. Releasing Tara's hands, she brought her own up to the blonde's soft cheeks, caressing them gently as she leaned forward, and slowly brushed her lips over Tara's for a moment. "That's what I was trying to say," Willow stated as she pulled her head back, and looked down, her eyes yearning to search the blonde's to see if the message had been clear. Hearing the blonde take a deep breath, Willow finally mustered the courage to look up, only to find that the beautiful blue eyes she was hoping to look into were still closed. After fully exhaling, however, Tara opened her soulful blue eyes to be met by shy but hopeful green ones. "I like you, Tara, a lot, more than a lot even," Willow started...

        "You do?" Tara asked, a hint of disbelief in her voice. Suddenly it was the blonde's turn to get flustered. Focusing was becoming a problem, as she could still feel Willow's soft lips on her own and she wanted more.

        "Yeah I... I really do," Willow said nervously, not sure if there was rejection coming or not. She just couldn't tell from Tara's reaction.

        "I do too," Tara beamed, "I like you too."

        " God my heart is pounding," Willow said smiling, a slight blush in her cheeks. "I think it's gonna pop right out of my chest."

        "Mine too," Tara added giggling and blushing as well.

        "Can... Can I kiss you again?" Willow asked.

        "Here?" Tara balked slightly as she looked around the crowded the mall. The first kiss had been unexpected, but kissing in public was not something she ever thought she'd do, especially not her first kiss.

        "Or anywhere, I guess," Willow said looking around, "You don't want to kiss me?"

        "No, I do, it's just there's a lot of people," Tara shyly pointed out.

        "Oh," Willow nodded, she desperately wanted to kiss Tara again, but if Tara wasn't comfortable with it, than she would just have to wait. As Willow began to run over places where they could sneak of too for another kiss, she felt Tara's lips brush over hers, instinctively she pressed her mouth more firmly onto Tara's. If she hadn't heard the whistles from a group of middle school boys that had been watching, she wouldn't have pulled away. "Wow," she stated smiling at the blonde.

        "I changed my mind," Tara said, shyly grinning back at Willow with a quirky half-smile that the redhead had long sense fallen for.

        "I'm okay with that," Willow said happily looking down at their entwined hands. "So do you want to walk around, some more, or just sit here and entertain the boys?" Willow asked smiling.

        "I think walk," Tara said giggling.

        "Okay, then walk it is," Willow agreed. As they stood up, Willow felt Tara begin to let go of her hand, but she held on tight. There was no reason they couldn't still hold hands.

       

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~Spencer~

"You can't type what a lesbian is. We're anything and everything. The one thing in common is that we make love to other women. So give up trying to limit us." - Amanda Bearse -

That was great. Buffy for once not completely blind and the W/T interaction was great, as well as the kiss.

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"See? I've mastered this tact crap." Anya in Tears Of The Goddess by Lisa

YAY!!





I must say.. wonderfully sweet update!!



Can't wait for more! So keep up the great work!



~Nickole~

"All fear is the fear of loss. And only through that fear, can we truly love."

That update was so worth the waiting!!



And cools for Buff, hee hee all sh had to do was become surgically unattatched from Riley!



loved it mucho!

-Will

"I think finding her soulmate would have made Tara a more confident and secure person" -Amber Benson