Dae: You better not forget about me *glaring*
Kayleen: Eh, well… um, ok. *blush* As I was so gently reminded, I’m not alone on this boat. My oh so dear little sister is helping me with the ideas, dialog, plot…
Dae: Basically, I’m doing everything while she’s being her lazy ass self. *ducking flying cushions* Well, it’s true!
Kayleen: Please, ignore her. *whacking her on the head* As I was saying, this smartass here is my little sister and she’s helping me with the fic when she’s not trying to drive me crazy *glaring*.
Dae: Ok, ok, no need to get large with the butch on me. *smirk* Well, the thing is that this fic is very different from what we’re used to read, so it should keep you entertained *channeling Anya’s best ‘spend-your-money-on-my-store’ smile*
Kayleen: This will be mostly AU, we will be changing various things about the characters, which you will have to find out reading the fic, cuz we won’t tell. So you’ll to bear with our evil schemes *grin*
Dae: And, of course, the main couple will be W/T, but there will be some minor pairings around. Oh, and they won’t be together yet cuz-
Kayleen: *closing her mouth* Stop giving the plot away! *grinning sheepishly* Sorry, Kittens, sis here just likes to talk a lot *glaring*. We better start this fic before they give up reading.
Dae: *biting down on her hand* So good reading, Kittens! *running away ducking baseball bat swings*
*~**~*~**~*~**~*
Title: What Only The Heart Can See
Authors Kayleen & Dae
Rating: PG for now
Spoilers: Nothing really important
Pairings: Willow/Tara as major couple, you’ll see the others.
Summary: Tara McClay is a typical happy High School student, she has great friends, good grades, a nice apartment and a nifty little nightly hobbie of dusting the undead. Until a new mystery comes to Sunnydale in the form of a beautiful redhead.
Chapter 1 – Who’s That Girl?
Tara was pulled out of the worlds of dreams as the buzzing sound of her alarm clock filled the quiet apartment. With a groan of annoyance she hit the offending machine, instantly ending the irritating noise. She got up and stretched her sore muscles, yawning deeply and rubbing her tired eyes.
She had little sleep and her body was exhausted from overdoing her magic on patrol that night. Sure, she was used to patrolling Sunnydale’s cemeteries every night with her friends, but lately the city’s undead population has been more vicious than the usual. Or I’m just getting old.
She dismissed these thoughts and started her morning routine of showering, brushing her teeth and dressing for school. She put on a white halter top, a knee-length cream skirt and white sandals, pulling her long blond hair in a ponytail. It was a hot day and she didn’t want to boil underneath her clothes.
Tara went to the kitchen and found her uncle already up, drinking his usual morning tea.
“Morning, Uncle Rupert.” she smiled and poured herself a cup of tea.
“Good morning, Tara. How was patrol last night?”
“Tiring. The vampires are coming stronger than the usual, the demons too. And those disappearances… I don’t know what to make of it.” she sighed.
“Yes, indeed. I still haven’t found an answer to this phenomenon. There’s nothing similar to this recorded in the Watcher’s Diaries.”
“I take it there's a meeting in order, right?”
“Quite. We need to figure out if there’s any pattern on these disappearances, maybe we have a ritualistic background.”
“I’ll tell the others.” she offered, putting her now empty cup in the sink.
“Yes, do so. We better get going, Tara, don’t want to be late on the first day back, do we?”
Stopping a moment to scratch her cat behind the ears, she took her bag and followed Giles out of the apartment, making sure the door was well locked. You’re never too safe in Sunnydale.
*~**~*~**~*~**~*
“Scooby meeting after school, then?” Buffy asked from her usual seat between Tara and Xander.
“Yeah, we’ll have to be on research mode today.” Tara nodded.
“I’m sure we’ll figure this out.” Xander gave them his ‘cheer-up’ goofy smile.
“We better, cuz all this is givin’ me serious wiggins.” Buffy frowned pensively.
“Hey there, no gloomy faces on our first day as seniors!”
“Xander is right, maybe it’s not even that serious-“ Tara’s attempt at pep talk was interrupted as the teacher entered the classroom.
“Mornin’, class.” The teacher greeted and the students answered in kind. “I hope y’all had enough time to empty your heads, ‘cause I’m eager to get them full again.”
Some of the students laughed softly, others rolled their eyes at his joke. Mr. Taylor was a middle aged man with graying black hair and kind brown eyes. He was a pretty laid back teacher and the majority’s favorite, even if some dreaded Chem.
“This year we’ll be having a new student joining us in our little knowledge quest. Come in.” he motioned for someone at the door and the class fell silent as a girl entered.
Gorgeous was the only word that came to Tara’s mind to describe the new student. Waist length shinning red hair ran down slender shoulders, covering the girl’s ears and framing her pale face. She wore baggy black jeans, a dark red ‘Kiss Me, I’m Irish’ top and black shoes. Dark red wristbands on her wrists and silver cross necklace hung around her neck. The redhead’s eyes were totally covered by deep red sunglasses, giving her an aura of mystery.
“This is Willow Rosenberg, and as you can see,” Mr. Taylor pointed to the redhead top with a grin, “she’s from Ireland. Let’s make her feel welcome, eh?”
A chorus of ‘hey’s, ‘hello’s and even some cat calls filled the classroom and Willow nodded her greetings to them.
“You can choose one of the free seats.” Mr. Taylor smiled at her.
The quiet redhead scanned the classroom for a free seat and her covered eyes locked on Tara’s for a moment and the blonde shivered slightly under the redhead’s studying gaze. Willow gave her an almost imperceptive smile and took a seat beside the window on the front row.
Tara spent the entire class observing the redhead. There was something about her, besides her incredible beauty of course, that attracted her attention. Maybe it was the fact that Willow’s aura gave nothing away, just total calm and control. Or it could have been the little smile the redhead granted her when they locked eyes. It didn’t really matter, she was just plain fascinated by Willow Rosenberg.
The object of her attentions said nothing during the entire class, simply taking notes or idly staring out of the window as Mr. Taylor explained about complicated chemical reactions.
Tara was so engrossed in her Willow-staring that she didn’t even noticed her friend’s curious looks or the knowing smiles they shared. She was pulled out of the Willow-world when the bell rang announcing that they had to go to the next class.
“Welcome back to the living world, Tar.” Buffy smiled teasingly.
“We were about to send a rescue party, you seemed to be a little lost in your -ahem- redhead world.” Xander grinned.
“I just eh… um.” Tara blushed deeply.
“No need to explain, the girl is hot.” the blonde slayer smirked.
“Yeah, everyone does a little ogling every now and then.” Xander bumped her shoulder playfully, making her blush harder.
Tara glanced again at the seat beside the window and found the redhead gone. With a disappointed sigh she followed her friends to their next class.
*~**~*~**~*~**~*
It was already lunch time and Tara hadn’t seen the redhead again. She was starting to get antsy, what if they hadn’t anymore classes together? For some reason she found herself missing the mysterious redhead.
This is ridiculous! I don’t even know her! Why is she affecting me so much? Why can’t I bear the thought of not seeing her again today? She’s so beautiful…
“Hey girls!” came Faith’s voice as she approached the group with Anya in tow.
“And guy!” Xander added pointing at himself.
“Nah, you’re just one of the girls, Xan-man.” the brunette grinned and sat on Buffy’s lap, giving her a kiss on the cheek.
“Hey! I’m a manly man, full of male manliness!” he protested in mock anger.
“Yeah.” Anya agreed sitting between his legs leaning on his chest, “I wouldn’t date a girl. Besides, he has a penis, so he can’t be a girl anyway.” she added, bluntly as always.
“Hey, what’s with the Blondie? She didn’t even blush with Anya’s ever-so-tactful talk.” Faith inquired looking at the blonde with a raised eyebrow.
“Oh, she’s like that all day.” Buffy said taking a bite off her sandwich.
“She’s thinking about sex.” declared Anya after studying Tara’s pensive look, “That’s definitely bedroom eyes!”
Both Faith’s eyebrows reached her hairline and she looked at Tara, who still hadn’t acknowledged her friends, then at Buffy, clearly wanting more information.
“She’s got a new crush.” Buffy explained, “A redhead Irish girl called Willow.”
“Oh, she’s in our History class. Creepy girl. Doesn’t talk with anyone. She looked at Faith funny too.” Anya frowned.
“Yeah. Strange girl, but she’s hot, so I guess it’s only fair Blondie is crushing on her. I bet all the male population is ogling her, even some females too.” Faith smirked earning a slap on the arm from her girlfriend.
“You better not be ogling her too, Missy.” Buffy chided sternly.
Faith kissed her nose playfully and whispered something that made the small slayer blush beet red and a goofy grin appear on her face.
“Hey, there she is.” Xander said spotting the redhead.
That immediately caught Tara’s attention and she snapped her head on the direction Xander was looking. And there she saw the beautiful redhead, sitting calmly under a tree. Her stance was so relaxed that she could be sleeping, but Tara didn’t know for sure because of the sunglasses that still covered Willow’s eyes.
Tara was mesmerized by the way the sunbeams reflected on Willow’s lustrous red hair, her serene expression making her seem like an angel. A beautiful fiery angel…
Then Willow looked at her and she felt like the redhead was looking at her very soul, assessing all her thoughts and emotions. Again Willow gave her that small, almost imperceptive smile and rose from under the tree, walking away slowly, leaving her wondering what happened.
“Go after her, Tar.” Buffy’s voice pulled her out of her reverie.
“What?” Tara looked at her in confusion.
“Go after her, Blondie. You got the hots for her, so why not see if it’s mutual?” Faith prodded.
“Yeah, maybe she can be your orgasm buddy.” Anya quipped cheerily.
“I… uh…” Tara stammered blushing hotly.
“Go ahead, Tare, we all can feel some sparkage between you two.” Xander added his two cents comment.
“But…”
“No buts, go and talk to her!” Buffy pushed her on the direction Willow went.
Seeing no other option and not really complaining, Tara went after the redhead hoping she just didn’t make a fool of herself.
It didn’t take long to find Willow. She was leaning casually against a wall in a desert part of the campus. Willow looked at her briefly half-smiling and Tara couldn’t help but smile lopsidedly herself. Maybe she was waiting for me?
“H-Hi.” she said nervously as she approached the girl. “I-I’m T-Tara.”
What’s this, McClay?! You haven’t stuttered for years!! What has gotten into you?! Geez!
Her internal rambling stopped when she noticed the redhead came closer, much closer. She was toe-to-toe with Tara and even with her face so close the blonde couldn’t see her eyes.
She stood there, studying Tara so intently that the blonde was starting to sweat. Tara was very tempted to lift her hands and just take off the sunglasses that covered the beautiful redhead’s eyes, but she knew she just couldn’t do that. Goddess… What is she looking at? And why do I suddenly feel so naked under her gaze?
Then Willow closed the distance between them to whisper on the blonde’s ear, their bodies almost touching. She could smell the redhead’s sweet-scented shampoo.
“Hello, I’m Willow.” she whispered with a strong Irish accent, sending a shiver up Tara’s spine.
Then she stepped back and took one of Tara’s hands and placed a lingering kiss on its back.
“Nice to meet you.” Willow purred and grinned fully at her, making her heart skip a thousand beats.
Just then the bell rang, announcing the end of the lunch break. Willow grinned once more before walking away, leaving Tara there grinning goofily as she stared shamelessly at her retreating behind.
*~**~*~**~*~**~*
Tara spent the rest of the classes with a dreamy look in her eyes, she didn’t even acknowledged her friend’s teasing questions and remarks, she couldn’t take her mind off the mysterious redhead.
She discovered that Willow shared her English and Physics classes and couldn’t help but stare at the redhead during the classes, earning herself scoldings from her English and Physics teachers and smirks from her friends.
You’ve got it bad, McClay. She told herself when the classes ended.
“You’ve got it bad, Blondie.” Faith echoed her thoughts, making her blush hard.
“Yeah, goo goo eyes and all.” Buffy nodded, always eager to embarrass Tara.
“Practically tearing her clothes off, I would say.” Anya added with a grin.
The Scoobies’ teasing fest was interrupted when the loud roar of a motorcycle filled the air. They looked at the school entrance and saw a biker parking there.
“Wow, that’s a Harley.” Faith whistled appreciatively and Xander nodded his agreement.
The biker took off his black helmet to reveal a guy in his mid-twenties with bleached blonde hair, sharp features and cool blue eyes. He scanned the crowd of exiting students and shouted at someone. They turned and saw Willow walking towards the blonde biker with a big smile.
Tara felt a sharp pang of jealousy when the biker hugged Willow and kissed her cheek, the redhead responding in kind. The biker said something to Willow that made the redhead laugh merrily and slap him playfully on the arm. The blonde man grinned and handed Willow a black and red helmet, which the she promptly put on before hopping on the Harley behind the biker.
The blonde biker put his helmet back on and started the bike. Just before they drove away Willow looked directly at Tara, bowing her head in farewell, leaving a very curious and quite jealous blonde behind.
To Be Continued…
*~**~*~**~*~**~*
Dae: Yipee! First chappie done!! *jumping up and down*
Kayleen: I’m so proud of our work, sis. *wiping away a tear dramatically*
Dae: Yeah, well, it’s not Shakespeare but it’s the intention that counts. *grin*
Kayleen: So, Kittens, did you like our sexy mysterious Willow? I always loved her with long hair… *dreamily*
Dae: And the Irish accent! Yummy!
Kayleen: Can you guess who the blonde biker is? Oh, the surprises that we have in store for you… *grinning evilly* That’s why I LOVE AU’s!
Dae: We’re already working on the second chappie, so don’t worry, update coming soon!
Kayleen: Please, leave feedback! *pleading*
Dae: Yes, we’d love to know what reactions we’re causing.
Both: ‘Til the next update Kittens!
Kayleen & Dae Lee
When I’m lost in the rain, in your eyes I know I’ll find the light to light my way. When I’m scared, losing ground, when my world is going crazy, you can turn it all around. And when I’m down you’re there pushing me to the top, you’re always there giving me all you got… -- I Turn To You, Christina Aguilera
Edited by: maudmac
at: 1/23/04 11:25 pm
and 
*grin* We'll update soon! Thanks for the feedback!
. So great. Can't wait for more. Love sammi xx 
at: 1/21/04 7:22 pm
. 
thing when i read the last part. I wasn't expecting that lol. Can not wait till the next update. Hope its soon