W/T Season 3 Y'all

[hondosfirst]

Yeehaw!,

Yeppers,I like this one.I really like it cause I happen to live in Texas Hill Country.Just outside of Austin in beautiful Bertram Tex.Anyhow when do we get us an update?I have to say,I loved the first bit with the y'all convo.I love all this story really.Thank much for it.Your a kind heffer to write it for us prariecats.

Rose

[deixs]

I have this feeling that Oz sensed something about Willow and Tara and that he his on his way!!!

Update soon please!!!



Stef

[SilverWingedNemesis]

MORE MORE MORE!! I loved this!! It was just so warm and cuddly!!! I want more WIllow/Tara goodness!! When are they gonna realise their feelings are more than friendly??



Keep up the great work and I'll be patiently waiting for more updates!!



~NICKOLE~

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

"She's my everything."

[mollyig]

Just started reading this story this morning.



An interesting AU you've established. I do like when our girls are away from the nasty hellmouth so thanks for that. It's interesting seeing the friendship develop without either knowing about the other's abilities with magic.



Tara confiding in Willow about her mother shows the measure of trust she has in Willow.

Adding up the total of a love that's true, multiply life by the power of two
Indigo Girls

[Ten10239]

It is interesting to see the friendship grow without the whole magic issue, as Mollygig said. It is very interesting, I wonder when Tara will find out about Willow, for real. Anyway, Please I ask you spoil me some more?!



Leni

"I wish that I could hold you. I wish that I could hate you. I wish that I could hold you one more time." - I wish... - Drain Sth

Edited by: Ten10239 at: 11/29/02 11:13:58 pm

[JustSkipIt]

Just back from Thanksgiving. A few comments:



Foreverpiper – Darn those parents. Glad you liked the update and the one before. I think it’s starting to really move along now.



Grimaldi – Glad you’re liking it. Keep reading. I love readers .



Incitatua 8 – Thanks a ton. Glad you’re liking it. Yes, I wish Nath would update too! I guess his social life has gotten in the way. Don’t fret here though. I have about 5 more parts written now so I plan to be able to post every few days without making you go too long without. What does your screen name mean??



Cinderlust – Hmmm, everyone seems to expect smoochies! . Maybe I’ll put some in since you ask. Any other requests? .



Stef – glad you liked the update. Hmmm, another request for smoochies. What will I do??? .



Cath – Brilliant huh? Glad you liked. Not sure if Willow was cheering her up or just comforting. Yes, it’s nice the way that they kind of don’t know as much as they would like but still feel so right together. Updates coming soon.



Little M – Glad you liked. How about “hypothetically” too? Trying to put some definite humor in it. Re: your sig, I love that line, one of my favorite Tara lines.



Grimmy – Thanks a ton. Yes, Tara can still trace the spell although I meant that it was moderately simultaneous. I think she knows Willow enough to know that the homework would be done but just wanted to make sure before asking such a big favor.



I figure that in this boarding school, they don’t have phones in the rooms although you are right, Internet access and no phones is a little weird. On the other hand Internet can be educational right?



Re: Oz let’s remember that this is spoiled through Beauty & the Beasts. Oz got out of his cage while X was watching him and may or may not have killed him.



Big Dummy – Ah, what a cruel name. I’m sure you are no big dummy. Yes, I intend the reader to infer that there are tons of additional interactions happening between the two women that I’m not writing. These are kind of selected scenes from the relationship. Also, I think that at this point, the pet names from both women are more of a subconscious thing. Both feel close to the other and special but aren’t ready to really look at that. As long as they don’t call each other on the pet names, no one has to examine that. But I’ll try to slow some down and put in some more filler. Thanks for the alternative viewpoint. And darn those bandages. Be careful!



Jen – Thanks. See note to Grimmy re Oz. Yes, Will and Tara are always cute.



Littlecrazy80 – Glad you like. Maybe Buffy has bad timing but we always knew that. Smoochies? Well, I think I count 3 requests so far. What should I do??? .



Rose – Ha ha neighbor. Glad to have another Texan reading. And that I caught you with the Y’all conversation.



Stef – See note to Grimy re Oz. Not to worry, no Oz coming to Texas.



Nickole – Thanks I was was trying to write soft and warm so glad you got that. Hmmm, when? Could be soon. I’m not that patient. .



Mollyig – Thanks a ton. Yes, I love the AU’s too. I think they both trust each other quite a bit and moving more to that too.



Leni – Yes, a new thing for them. Friendship without relying on magic to be the excuse to get together. Means that Willow has to be more honest than she was in Buffyverse. And I hope that my Tara is more confident here than in Buffyverse.



Everyone – Thanks for reading. I will have an update up tonight (Saturday) or Sunday sometime. Woo Hoo.

---

"I think this line's mostly filler."

[JustSkipIt]

Hi everyone. Good evening and here comes an update. I’m back from vacation and glad to be home. Glad everyone has been enjoying so far. Enjoy .



Title– W/T Season 3 Y’all – part 7



Author– JustSkipit - Debra



Feedback – Yes please.



Spoilers–Season 3 through Beauty and the Beasts



Rating– Part 7 – PG



Disclaimer – Willow and Tara and any other character that appeared in the syndicated television show “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” is property of Joss and Mutant Enemy, I’m only borrowing them and am not making any money off them Thanks.



Summary See parts 1-6 for this note.



Consistency etc. See parts 1-6 for this note.



Thanks and notes to The great State of Texas !



Thoughts in italics!







Thursday had become Willow and Tara’s regular day to make their run into town. Tara always needed to do errands and pick up supplies for the administrative office. Willow needed to stop at her PO Box. It was always a good chance to catch up on their weeks. Of course the original idea was to catch up but since they saw each other nearly every day, there was little to catch up about.



In fact, the two girls spent plenty of time together every day. Every day they had either History or English class together. Frequently they worked on projects together. They sat together at meals usually and often just sat in Willow’s room listening to music or working on homework. Since Willow had read Flowers for Algernon to Tara, they occasionally repeated the act with Willow reading a History or English assignment to the blonde. Although Tara also took a heavy load of Biology and Chemistry, Willow rarely read those chapters.



Arriving in town, Tara first dropped Willow off at the Post Office. She indicated that she’d meet the redhead at Starbucks in 45 minutes as had become their pattern. Willow checked her box, finding some rare spell books, supplies and herbs, and a special package she had ordered over the Internet. By the time Tara arrived at Starbucks, Willow was half-way through her first mocha. She ordered one for Tara as she saw the familiar truck pull up.



The blonde entered moments later, accepting the drink with thanks. Ever since the first time, the two girls had gotten over the awkwardness of Willow paying for the drinks with the understanding that it was her payment for the regular trip into town. Tara took her seat with an audible exhale: “You wouldn’t believe the time I had getting some of the supplies for the school. Some new guy was at the counter and didn’t believe that I could sign for it and he had to call out to the admin office and get confirmation that I was allowed. I mean like some student would come in and pick up stuff to mess with the school? Goddess, people are nuts. I don’t think I can take another surprise today.”



Willow smiled and mouthed, “Sorry,” as both girls heard the first bars of a very familiar song:



“Happy Birthday to You.

Happy Birthday to You,

Happy Birthday dear Tara,

Happy Birthday to you.”



Willow of course joined in the singing immediately, although she kept her singing quiet to keep Tara from hearing how bad she was. At the end of the song, the owner came out with a muffin with a candle in it. He set it down in front of the embarrassed and surprised blonde. As Tara gave Willow a sideways smile, she closed her eyes and blew out the candle.



The owner turned to Tara, giving her a kiss on each cheek and telling her that all her drinks for the day were on him. Willow thanked him: “Thanks Joey. That was perfect,” she told him as he walked back behind the counter.



She turned back to Tara to see tears pooled in her blue eyes. “Ok, that was devious Ms Rosenberg but you are really sweet. Thank you,” the blond told her.



“Oh, you think I’m sweet. Just wait,” she offered pulling a package from under the table. Handing it over she said simply, “Happy Birthday Baby.”



Knowing that she could never talk Willow out of anything she had set her mind on, Tara accepted the present and started tearing the wrapping paper from it like a little kid. Speechless she pulled item after item from the box: drawing pads, sketching pencils, charcoals, fixative spray, etc. Opening and her closing her mouth she tried to speak but found herself totally unable to say a word.



Willow started giggling as she pointed out, “Hey, you look like a fish opening and closing your mouth like that. I don’t know if I’ve ever seen you speechless before.”



Unable to find anything to say, Tara grasped Willow in a tight hug, kissing her lightly on the cheek before releasing her. As Tara turned back to sit down at her place, looking again at the art supplies, Willow subconsciously raised her hand to her cheek, caressing the place that still tingled, the place Tara’s lips had touched so quickly.



Riding back to the school, Tara still was having trouble finding a way to thank the redhead for her generous gift. Willow changed the subject: “so how did you do on your paper?”



“A-, good enough for me. Thanks so much for that. Sometimes it seems that I have so much to thank you for. Hey, you said that you knew what your claim was going to be. Wanna share it with me?”



Willow smiled her sneaky smile, “No. I’ll wait till it’s the right time. Soon though. So no schoolwork pressing?”



Tara was curious about the claim, especially with the way that Willow kept acting about it, but knew enough not to bother the redhead, “Nothing special. I want to do some extra riding this weekend. I haven’t had a good long ride in a week and really need to relax.”



“Well, hey you no big school work and me way ahead. How about seeing the movie this Saturday night with me? Sleepless in Seattle which is a pretty cute movie. We could have the sundaes before.” Every Saturday night the school showed a recent popular movie in one of the large lecture halls. Admission was $1 and for another $.50 you could get a big sundae to eat during the show. Most students that didn’t have cars went to the shows.



Tara looked over shocked, “Uh. Well. I mean. Well. I-I-I. If you had asked me earlier. But. Well, I have a a d-d-date.”



Willow couldn’t stop her initial reaction, “What? A date? A date with who? I-I-I mean not that you can’t have a date because you certainly can have a date. I mean why wouldn’t you have a date? I mean you’re smart and funny and beautiful and… ok, babbling much now and ok but a date? With who?” You have a date? How can you have a date?



“Will take a breath,” Tara teased. More seriously she answered, “Joss, you know from English class. He has a car; I think he wanted to go to a movie in town. I-I-I didn’t know you’d mind. I mean not that you mind but I didn’t think you would and … ok, stopping talking now. Sorry Will.”



Willow finally recovered enough to answer, “You have a date? With Joss from English class. Ok. Well, he’s cute and not a total idiot so that’s good.” You have a date? How can you have a date? I’m gonna turn this guy into a frog. Ok, where did that thought come from? What the hell? Will get a grip. She’s your friend; she can have a date.



“Hey speaking of guys, what’s going on with Oz these days?” Tara ventured.



“Uh. Not much I guess. Actually I haven’t talked to him in a few weeks. I mean, well, I’ve been busy and I guess he’s busy and a lot is going on there and everything. But I talked to Buffy the other day and everyone’s doing ok. Well there was a little incident where he escap… I mean got in trouble at school a little but it’s ok and everything and he’s fine so that’s good,” Willow finally slowed down. Hey, I really haven’t talked to him in a long time. Actually I haven’t thought of him in days.

---

"I think this line's mostly filler."

Edited by: JustSkipIt at: 3/26/03 7:01:32 pm

[foreverpiper]

I just keep on loving this! But Tara has a date!?! Tara's not supposed to go on dates! *cough* um, i mean, according to Willow...



It was so sweet of Willow to get them to sing Happy Birthday for her! And the muffin w/ the candle...i just loved that!

And never let it be said that I left a Tara craving unsatisfied. - Willow in Wilderness

[yana]

Loving this fic!



But... Tara going on a date with a guy named Joss?! Can he be a redshirt? Pretty please? Or at least let Willow turn him into a frog? Just kidding, I'm sure you know what you're doing.



Yana

[SilverWingedNemesis]

HEY!! Great update!!



So, she hasn't thought about Oz for days huh? GOOD!! *giggles* and Tara on a date with a guy?? HUmmm... so is she unsure of herself, or...not ever considered the plus side to 'girl on girl' action?? *Grins*



HOpe to read more soon!! update!!



Thanks!!



~NICKOLE~

-----------

"You're my always"

[pikescoob]

They are just sooo cute, and awww to the birthday candle in the muffin Slight snag with Tara having a date and of course Oz...but that's only temporary Lookin' forward to more!



--Michelle

[FlereImsaho]

Yes, much cuteness here! Thank-you for updating today. I really like this fic. I can hardly wait to see what's next.



-Brent

[mollyig]

Willow seems to be avoiding a lot. She's not questioning her jealousy over Tara's date, nor the reason why she hasn't been thinking about Oz lately.



Methinks she has some answers to seek!

Adding up the total of a love that's true, multiply life by the power of two
Indigo Girls

[Incitatua 8]

Enjoying your fic...appreciate the steady updates. However, in my universe the name Joss has tons of negativity attached to it ! I'll try to overcome my bias knowing that he will ultimately be rejected...I hope !

[JustSkipIt]

A few comments while I’m waiting for… ok, while I’m waiting.



Foreverpiper – Glad you liked the birthday. And you’re right: Tara’s not supposed to go on dates . Trust me.



Yana – What’s a redshirt? Someone who gets killed by a vampire? I never heard that term before. Thanks for the confidence. Yes, I know what I’m doing.



Nick – Thanks. Yep, hasn’t thought about him for days which is a good to me. We don’t really know at this point what Tara thinks about any action do we? I guess we’ll find out at some point. But honestly, I don’t believe it’s a matter of being unsure of herself. Probably next update Monday although possibly Sunday. I have a part written but am considering inserting one between this and it. So if so, I need to write that.



Michelle – Thanks. Glad you liked the birthday. Yes a snag but trust me and have confidence.



Mollyig – I’m not sure that Willow is avoiding it. Maybe just not angsting it. If there’s a difference. Maybe she knows just what’s going on but isn’t worrying it. If you think about it there are at least 2 ways to come out. You can angst it about what if I am and what does it mean or you can just fall in love and dig that.



Incitatua 8 – Glad you like the fic and the updates. Yes, I know many people are upset with Joss. First, you will notice a lot of names in the next few updates that sound familiar. It’s as easy to me at making some up and trying to remember which I used. But, note the first note in my disclaimers. It’s to Joss. I don’t always like what he does but he created this world. This amazing world and these amazing characters. The’re his toys and I’m just borrowing them. Ok, enough of my tribute to Joss. Trust me and I won’t let you down. Thanks for reading.

---

"I think this line's mostly filler."

[hondosfirst]

Hey,

Again I love this story.I sure do hope we get an update soon.

Rose

[yana]

Quote:

---

Yana – What’s a redshirt? Someone who gets killed by a vampire? I never heard that term before.

---

Oops, sorry, I forget sometimes that most people don't watch star trek. A redshirt is someone who dies an untimely death a few minutes after they're introduced. The reason they're called redshirts is because the security guys on the original star trek series wore red uniform shirts. So basically, if you were wearing a red shirt and appeared in an episode, the chance was you'd be dead in minutes. So there'd be a mix of redshirts and major characters, and the major characters always survived whereas the redshirts conveniently died right on schedule. (I was kidding, btw, about Joss being a redshirt. I am enjoying the lack of major badness in this fic. ) The term seems to have spread to other uses too, but maybe it's just us trekkies.



Yana

[Ten10239]

I agree with Yana, he should be a redshirt. But thats just me thinking out loud.

"I wish that I could hold you. I wish that I could hate you. I wish that I could hold you one more time." - I wish... - Drain Sth

[DarkWiccan]

This fic is a cute little AU. I'm having a fun time reading it. I only have one continuity question...



I know that in an update previous, Willow and Tara had fallen asleep together in Willow's room and on Willow's bed. And I do recall Willow (in sleep) saying something along the lines of, "Stay baby" to Tara.



But that was in her sleep right?



I just was wondering about Willow writing "Happy Birthday, Baby" on Tara's card. Especially if they are not yet seeing each other romantically.



I'm sure that I missed something somewhere. (I tend to do that).



It just seems like an awfully familiar term to be used between people who currently only see themselves as "just friends".



Of course, I am also insane...



Cheers

DW

[deixs]

Great update!!

So, Tara is not gay in this fic?????

And Willow getting jealous!!!

I think this will be very interesting.....



Stef

[littlecrazy80]

Great update!!!

I don´t like Tara having a date with a guy!!! But I think/hope you won´t let this happen.



*lil´c*



Unter den Blinden ist der Einäugige König.[

[JustSkipIt]

Hi everyone, a few comments but first a question:



I just wrote an update but Rachel thinks that I’m posting too fast and spoiling you. What do you think? Should I post it? Or make you wait??? .



Rose – Thanks. Glad you’re enjoying. I’m enjoying writing it.



Yana – Yep, not a trekkie here. Never could get into it at all. My partner laughed when I told her what you said. Thanks for filling me in.



Ten – So that’s two votes for a redshirt. Doesn’t seem in keeping with the tone of the piece does it?



DW – Yes, good questions. Yes, it was in her sleep an instinctual thing meant to express the subconscious perfection of their fit. That she wants Tara even if she can only admit it in her sleep or dreams. She didn’t write it on her card: she said it outloud. At this point, I think that both of our protagonists are really working/playing with their attraction for each other. I think that the pet names are a little step that they allow and as long as neither of them calls the other on it, it is a sweet expression. I think that the “just friends” is a façade that both know is there but they aren’t ready to pull down.



Thanks for your inquiry though. I like when people do that because it allows me to look at my writing: am I moving too fast? Too slow? Am I being clear enough. In fact, your comments and those of Big Dummy earlier, led to my writing the next part. I had jumped straight (ok, directly, never straight) from what is now 7 to 9 but decided to insert the next part for greater continuity. I hope that works.



He he, for those who want smoochies, that means you can blame their delay on Big Dummy and DarkWiccan.



Stef – I never said Tara wasn’t gay. But there are a lot of gray areas in the world and certainly in sexual orientation and certainly for 18 year olds. Keep trusting me and I’ll get us there. Yeah for jealous Willow.



littlecrazy80 – Yes, much boo hissing on the date with a guy from everyone. Would you prefer that it were another woman?

---

"I think this line's mostly filler."

[Zippy]

I have finally have time to catch up with this fic, well most of the fic on the board, but that's a story in it's self. I have to say that I am loving it so far.



I really like the AU you have set up here it has so much potential.



Well anyway, feedback duely paid.



Edited cause I've just seen the post about a new chapter, well I'd love to see a new chapter posted soon as I am stuck at my parents farm, it's rainy & cold and at the minute W/T fic is keping me sane. (plus it is helpful in avoiding all conversation with my mother). I am close to begging

Charlie says "Never listen to ME's spin"

Edited by: Zippy at: 12/1/02 9:37:30 am

[Grimaldi]

great update

Dude, we're surrounded by perverts!
No! Well, okay. No. Pez!
I don't know, it's like my brain keeps... jacking off

[noho]

How could you even consider punishing your loyal fans by witholding an update?



Nothing wrong with a little spoilage!

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


Three friends. Two million dollars. One opportunity.

[KJchicago]

Debra - I just got back to a computer after a 2 wk. Kitten board withdrawal. Y'all was the first story that I read. So, my vote is to post part 8 ASAP!!



And, I think you're doing a very good job with the AU. Sure in a perfect gay world perhaps there would be teenage lesbians all over the Boarding School that Tara could have a date with instead of a guy, but I sincerely doubt it. Anyway, I see this as more of a joint coming out story for W/T. They're so cute.



And since you're naming the boy Joss, I have a feeling that Tara will end up dumping him straight away (pun not intended).



Definitely looking forward to your next installment. Thnkx!

[FlereImsaho]

I vote for being spoiled! Definitely!! Being not spoiled is a highly overrated virture.

[4evaWill]

Okay, firstly... I too vote for being spoiled. Spoiled is good. And secondly...



GREAT UPDATE!! Loved it!! Apart from the whole Tara going on a date thing, but I'm sure that will be overcome quickly, huh? I shall be patient if you decide not to post so fast, but still... that ain't fair.

Cath

Tara: No, I-I understand. You have to be with the person you l-love.

Willow: I am.

[Incitatua 8]

Please inform me if you are going to slow down, so I can stop reading. That is the number one problem The Pens Writers get you interested and then they stop or wait weeks in between posts...I could name many. So, if you plan to slow down, decide now. I would rather look for it in the Completed section in a few months than be tormented! No offense, but my trust level is low since you began this story saying that you abandoned another piece. I should have taken that as a clue ! Let Willow get wild and run amuck trying to get expelled from school, but don't run amuck of your readers please. :-(

[JustSkipIt]

Hi everyone. Well, the readers have spoken so I will post this forthwith. Just so you know, I wasn’t trying to punish the loyal readers or anything. Sorry to tease. I hope this will, uh satisfy you completely. I will have another update Monday late or perhaps Tuesday. Also, just so you all know, I am writing this daily. I have about 5 parts stored up so I’m not going to run out any time soon. I plan to post every 2-3 days maximum until the story is complete. Also, I haven’t quit writing Turned, just taking a break. I worked out some storyline kinks and will start on that one soon too. Please have faith and trust and confidence in me and thanks for reading! Debra.



Title– W/T Season 3 Y’all – part 8



Author– JustSkipit - Debra



Feedback – Yes please.



Spoilers–Season 3 through Beauty and the Beasts



Rating– Part 8 – PG



Disclaimer – Willow and Tara and any other character that appeared in the syndicated television show “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” is property of Joss and Mutant Enemy, I’m only borrowing them and am not making any money off them Thanks.



Summary See parts 1-6 for this note.



Consistency etc. See parts 1-6 for this note.



Thoughts in italics!





Tara woke early on Saturday. Growing up on a farm, she had always been an early riser. Then as a freshman, trying to cope with holding two part-time jobs and keeping up with her schoolwork, she read a journal article on reducing the necessary amount of sleep and followed the program to reduce the amount of sleep she generally required to just 5-6 hours a night. Glancing around the cafeteria, she was not surprised to not see Willow. Willow was more of a staying up late, getting up late person and Tara rarely saw her before heading down to the stables.



At the stables, Tara involved herself in her chores, cleaning out the stalls, replenishing the hay and grain supplies and checking each animal as well as the condition of the tackle. Although she tried to encourage her students to take an active interest in maintaining the order of the stables, it was unlikely that those taking a casual (or worse yet, required and resistant) interest would live up to her expectations and standards.



Just as she was finishing the work for the morning and preparing to saddle her horse for the long ride she had craved all week, she heard voices entering the barn. Michelle, Emma, and James came in calling out to Tara as they entered. All three students were in her advanced riding class and obviously truly enjoyed the experience. The two girls were roommates in the same dorm that Willow and Tara lived in and James was Emma’s boyfriend.



The interest the three juniors took in riding really pleased the blonde. All three had started in her beginning class two years earlier and had really taken to riding. It filled Tara with great pleasure that she had been able to share the joy of riding with others and besides her, they were the three best riders at the school.



“Good morning Tara,” Emma called out, “is it ok if we take some horses out for a long ride? It’s such a pretty day.”



Tara smiled as she continued saddling Chestnut: “Of course, the horses need the exercise. Y’all know which ones to use right?”



As James moved to get the horses from their stalls, he called out, “Yeah, we’ll use the same horses from class ok?” Meanwhile, Emma moved to get the gear.



Michelle approached Tara, “so are you taking a ride today Tara?”



“Yeah, I have been feeling cooped up all week with too much homework and office work. I’ve been crazy all week to get out there and really stretch,” Tara smiled as she answered.



“Well, why don’t you go with us?” Michelle asked. “We stopped at the caf and got some chicken sandwiches, fruit, and juice. We’re fixin ta ride for a few hours, have a picnic, and ride some more.”



As Tara prepared to answer the younger girl, she thought of something. Michelle had actually stopped the blonde after class a few days earlier to invite her to see the weekend movie. At the time she didn’t think anything of it and of course, had her date with Joss but now, something about the way the girl was looking at her definitely held something. “Thanks Michelle. I really appreciate the invitation but I kind of really wanted some s-s-solitary time, you know? Another time would be great though.” Finishing preparing her horse as she spoke, she slipped on her black duster. Looking back at Michelle, the look in the younger girl’s eyes left no doubt what she was thinking.



James walked by, “Hey Chelle, close your mouth, you’re drooling.” As Michelle blushed and looked at the floor, he turned to Tara, “we’re saddled and ready. Do you want to check for us?”



Tara glanced at Michelle, noting the girl’s embarrassment before answering the young man: “No I’m sure y’all did fine and one of the requirements of being an ‘advanced rider’ is knowing how to care for your mount. Enjoy your ride and picnic today,” she finished as she started to lead Chestnut from the stable.



“Ok, thanks,” James called after her, “You sure you don’t want to join us?”



“Yeah I’m sure but thanks for the invitation. See you later Michelle,” she smiled at the still blushing girl.



---



Willow woke to two very distinctive feelings. The first was the feeling that her arms were empty. It wasn’t so much that they were empty, but the overwhelming feeling that they shouldn’t be. The second was the feeling of fresh tears on her cheeks. The redhead lay in bed feeling that she was missing completion. It didn’t take her long to know what or who she missed.



Tara.



Thinking the name made a smile involuntarily cross her lips. Thinking of the morning she woke with the blonde in her arms increased it. Willow closed her eyes and thought of Tara. She allowed her mind to wander to the times they had spent together. Particularly the way Tara’s blue eyes sparkled when she laughed, the electricity when she touched her, and the times she called her sweetie or babe. She caressed her cheek where Tara had touched her so lightly and briefly with her soft lips on Thursday.



Willow noticed the connection and attraction she felt for Tara very quickly after arriving at school. Pulling the note from her journal, she traced Tara’s writing regarding dinner and the words, “Yours Tara.” At first, she attributed her strong feelings for the blonde to loneliness and feeling the need to bond with someone in her new surroundings. But she quickly identified them as much more than that. She wanted to be with Tara as much as possible. More telling, she found herself finding reasons and excuses to be physically near the blonde: to hold her hand, tickle her, brush her hair from her eyes, or hold her as on that night she comforted her.



Until Thursday she had been convinced that Tara felt the same connection and attraction. It certainly felt 100% natural to be together. But now, Tara had a date tonight with Joss. It wasn’t that Willow felt jealous that Tara had a date with anyone but with Joss? No wait a minute, that wasn’t right. She did feel jealous that the blonde had a date. And why with Joss? Did that mean that Tara was totally straight? On the other hand, would she feel better if it were with a girl? Would that mean that Tara was gay but not interested in Willow? So which would be better? If Tara were straight or if she were gay but not interested in Willow? And what if neither of those were the answer? What if she was gay but didn’t know that Willow was interested? Certainly Willow still had Oz and Tara frequently asked about him.



On the other hand, maybe Tara was definitely interested in her but didn’t feel right interfering in the relationship between Oz and Willow. Which Willow could definitely respect. Or she was interested and that was part of it plus which thinking that Willow wasn’t interested? Because why would she think that Willow was interested? As far as the blonde knew Willow was totally straight.



Pulling her journal from the desk, Willow sat up. Ok, I’m logic-girl. Let’s be logic-girl. I’ll figure this out. She wrote three headings on the page: “What I know” “What I feel” “What I want”.



Under What I know she wrote:

I’m still dating Oz.

Tara knows that.

Tara has a date with Joss.

I know that.

She knows that I know that.

I’ve been lying to her and telling half-truths about Sunnydale.



Under What I feel she wrote:

It’s time to move on from Oz.

Tara doesn’t know that.

There is an incredible connection between me and Tara

She feels it as strongly as I do.

I need to tell her about Sunnydale.



Under what I want she wrote one word:

Tara



Closing the journal, the redhead formulated a plan. She needed to take some actions to get what she wanted but if she could fight vampires and demons, she could certainly defeat her fears. She closed her eyes and again thought of the blonde -- her eyes, her skin, the way she smelled and the softness of her lips. Moving her hand under the covers, she lost herself in exploring her desire.



---



Tara walked Chestnut to the stream and dismounted. From the saddle bags, she pulled her light lunch and a blanket, spreading it on the ground. As the horse moved to the stream to drink and then rest, Tara sat on the blanket to enjoy her lunch. She had ridden for hours, enjoying the clear beautiful weather and the strength and beauty of her joining with the horse. On the horse she felt at home as no where else in the world. Ok, maybe there was one other place where she felt as at home: with Willow.



Finishing her lunch, she sat cross-legged on the blanket and placed a crystal in front of her. It was her focus stone--a large quartz crystal, not good for channeling magic but good for exercises of concentration and reasoning. Closing her eyes she thought of the redhead, a smile crossing her features immediately.



From the first time that she met the redhead, she knew they had a special connection. The electricity that passed through them when they shook hands was just the first sign of that connectedness. Since then, she had consciously explored the way it felt to be physically near Willow: the seeming perfect ness of their fit. The night they spent together represented a connection and belonging that the blonde had never felt and did not know was possible.



At times Willow amazed her with her contrasts. On one hand, this was the girl who hacked the phone company computers to install a contraband phone in her dorm room, who had a PO box for receiving secret mailings, and who showed a very strange chain of events in her home town. By this time, Tara had a very good idea of the cause of those events and Willow’s role in them. On the other hand, the girl expressed complete tenderness toward the blonde. On Thursday, when Tara had hugged and kissed the redhead, she hadn’t planned it in advance. If she had, she probably would have refrained. But as she turned back to her chair, out of the corner of her eye, she saw Willow brush her hand over her cheek, her eyes expressing the same dreamy emotion that Tara often felt when thinking of her.



Now Tara felt somewhat worried and frantic about the situation. She was very clear about what she wanted: Willow. But… Willow was with Oz and had expressed no intention of leaving that relationship and Tara couldn’t push her to do that. So when Joss asked her out, she accepted. Now looking back on it, she tried to understand her motivation. Did she do it to make the redhead jealous? No. Not at all although her reaction in the truck indicated that perhaps she was in fact jealous. But that wasn’t Tara’s intention. Quite the opposite: Tara had thought that having a date with Joss would relieve Willow of any pressure to pursue a romantic relationship with her.



And Joss wasn’t a bad guy. It was just, well, he was a guy. Why had Tara said yes to him but no to Michelle? Certainly she felt more comfortable with Michelle and more attracted to the younger girl by far. But… Well… In a way, she felt like it would be a larger betrayal of Willow to go out with another girl. As if a date with a guy didn’t truly count because Tara knew she wasn’t interested. But if she went out with Michelle, she might be interested and Willow would know that.



But what did Willow think now? Did Willow think she wanted to go out with Joss? Why wouldn’t she think that? Of course she thought that and she didn’t even know about Michelle. Goddess, it was just so confusing. What if Willow wanted to be with her but didn’t know that Tara was waiting for her to do something about Oz but now she thought that it was too late because of Joss or that Tara wasn’t interested?



Realizing that she was becoming too upset, the blonde decided to concentrate her energies on the crystal. She took the stone in her hand and lay down on the blanket to relax. Eventually she sorted through the thoughts running through her mind to distill one question: “What do I want.” As quickly as she could distill the question, the answer came to mind: “Willow.” As she began to relax even further, she trailed a hand over her body, allowing her desire for the redhead to express itself more physically. She allowed the crystal to roll from her hand, forgetting the meditation entirely.

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"I think this line's mostly filler."

Edited by: JustSkipIt at: 3/26/03 7:03:15 pm