(AU): Written In The Stars - 'Does age matter?'

[JujuDeRoussie]

DIBS

Oh a new chapter ^^

They at least kiss and that's how it ends? aaaarrrgggg



Who is in the kitchen? What is happening? Wanna know *please?*

Thanks for the update, I hope you'll find a beta

Friendly,

Julia

[LesbianJedi87]

update update updaaaateeeeeee! there is a god! yay!

ok. "calms" It's been like...forever and a day since this updated and since I left feedback. I can't tell you how pleased I am to see this updated and with the W/T smoochies! I think it made my year to be honest! I knew if I lurked DCP enough this would be bound to be updated soon enough, so thanks for that!

Can't wait for the next update. Hoping that will be sooner rather then a long later? If you haven't found a beta any time soon, please let me know and I'd be honored to do so!

Did I mention this was an amazing update?

[ceridwen]

Hey, how are you?

Let me just say that i loved the update, even though it was sorta short.

And also, you're pretty evil with that cliffhanger.

Hope to have another update soon

[tarawillowfan562]

yaaaaaaaaaaaaa a update loved it

[Auriam]

[Willowlover]

OMG *jumps up and down with joy* Thank you so much for an update! =) Ive been waiting forever for this. please post again as soon as possible.

[excentric]

The only reason I return time and time again was in hope that this story would be updated and would continue.

YOU HAVE GIVEN ME THE BEST LATE B-DAY PRESENT EVER! THANK YOU!!!!

[sacinema]

Great update again. Thanks you're back.

I'm pretty pissed at Tara right now. Sure, this whole thing with Willow is complicated. But she should act like an adult. At least she is 10 years older than Will. And it's the 18 year old who acts responsible and sensible not her. What is she thinking? Not talking to Will the whole night. Telling her the kiss was a mistake. I don't think she has a right to do that to someone who is so much younger than she is. But she did act this way before. The charade she played with Wesley. Pretty lame, too. I wonder what's waiting for her in the kitchen.

Poor Will. She believes all the lies and secrets Tara keeps from her. How could she not. She must feel pretty lonely right now. I hope she doesn't do anything stupid. She is to young to figure it all out. All the mixed signals Tara is sending. How can she be able to know what really is behing all this.

Please, don't let us wait to long. Evil cliffhanger here. Thanks again. I love your story.

[ambercissism]

Here's the first batch of replies to your wonderful feedbacks on the previous chapter

Thianne: Hi Vale! Congrats for the DIBS!

it was....wow! all the moments they shared, and Willow's innocent remarks that sounded so suggestive...and Tara's silhouette, i gotta say, that was such a beautiful image.

Well, thank you I'm glad you find it beautiful.

if you don't make them kiss the next update i'm gonna die.....

Your wish is my command, there's now. You know that I'm an (now, where did those horns came from?!)

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JujuDeRoussie:

Hi! Thanks for dropping by

uuum Tara in this nightgown...

Thanks.

So next time ??? lol

I bet you already knew since your the DIBS

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Willowlover:

Hiya! Thanks again for your fbs

NOOOOOOO another cliff hanger. I loved this update please please please post again soon.

Sorry sweetie, you know that I always have a cliffhanger. But I'm glad that you're still loving it.

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PancakesinBellies:

Hi there! Thanks for the feedback

Interesting...But what is it about KB writers and cliffhangers?

I really don't have any clue. It just comes out naturally, I guess (on my part).

You guys are going to be the death of me. Or at least my hair.. I look forward to seeing where you take this. More please!

Sorry 'bout that.

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Darkness: Hey what an interesting name you got there. Thanks for the fb.

Why, oh why do I get bad vibes from this cliffhanger? I don't know what, but I will not be surprised if they'll be interrupted, perhaps Sheila has managed to get home, or whatever it might be.. but I'll pray for the opposite.. please, let noone disturb them..

Looks like your prayer had been answered

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amber addict:

Hi!

WOW thanks for the update I am really enjoying this fic but if the next update doesnt end up with some kissage between those two I may have to reconsider that statment

Thanks for your fb and your welcome for the update I'm glad you're enjoying it.

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peggy of sunnydale:

Hi! Thanks again for leaveing some fbs

oh wow yeah update ok dont want to seem mean and all but when do we get the next one its so cool wish it going to happen but i have a feeling its going to be interupted dam but still hoping

Sorry if it took me 10 months for the next installment. You're not the only one who's worrying about being interrupted, I guess a lot of you. But you don't have to worry anymore

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sacinema:

Hi! Thanks again for taking some time to write a long fb. I love long fbs Oh, and you're very welcome for the update.

What an uninteded wise decision from Willow's mother to ask Tara to take care of injured Willow. She just has to go for it now. How can she not see through the redhead. Come on, Tara, would you say to someone 'You are beautiful' in that manner if you wouldn't be in love with the person? Forget about Buffy and go for your girl. You made her wait long enough. And us, too.

Sorry for the torture of waiting

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JustSkipIt:

Hi Debra Thanks again for the feedback.

Wow. That was a very sexy and very frustrating update. They seem so close to saying or doing something that will actually bring them together but it also seems so angsty. I can't wait for more.

I know, it's a very frustrating update, but I'm glad that you find it sexy too, thanks.

Btw, cute avatar you got there

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musicmad10:

YAY! i'm so happy there's a new update. I love this fic, its so cute. I really hope something happens between the pair the sexual tension is killing me. Please update soon!

Hi Hannah (may I call you hannah?)! I'm happy too that you're loving this fic, thanks!

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bookworm_willow1:

Hi there!

I think I have read this fic so many times now that I may just be able to recite it word for word.

Really?!

Willow- So unknowingly adorable with the babble and cluelessness, yet intelligent enough to do everything possible to make Tara crazy.

Tara- Always the one to try and do the right thing.... GRRRRR. Make her stop that.

I really like it when a reader points out something about the character on a certain update. Coz in that way I'll know that I was able to convey the message, or whatever I wanna happen on that certain update, sorry it's confusing. But I hope you get what I mean

And again I say... you are deadly with the cliffhangers. So, I (im)patiently wait for the day when I check my email and it says there are new posts. I'm trying to be a patient kitten, but I have to admit, when it comes to reading, I crave words like a vampire craves blood.

Sorry about the cliffhangers, it's in my blood And thanks for your patience, and for your long fbs. I love long fbs

[WillowRulez]

Who's in the kitchen?
Dont leave us hanging for too long again. I love this story I really wanna see Willow and Tara work it out. Hope Willow hasnt done anything stupid.

[Thianne]

yeah, i was all excited the other day, thinking you had updated....update soon, please?

[JustSkipIt]

Hmmm. Well I'm happy with W/T smoochies but frustrated with the way this keeps going. Are you doing to drag this out indefinitely? I want more smoochies.

[ambercissism]

Second batch is here kittens...


tazraven: Hi Sara (May I call you Sara?)

Ahh, just had to say, awesome update. I've been waiting for a continuation for a while now, and you did not dissapoint. Go for a kiss!

Thank you I'm glad you like the previous update. Just had to warn you about the new one though. Anyway, thanks for the fb.

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Sandman78:

Hey Sandman It's so good to hear from you again.

I love this story ...I'm soooo happy ...and what a wonderful New Year treat indeed!

Thank you so much. And I'm glad that you're happy, I could tell it from your dancing pink elephant and bananas

Thanks for the update, I forgot how Willow broke her arm and had to re-read the last chapter, but it was worth it. And now here I am at the end of Ch. 16, I'm reading and all I can think is "Just kiss the girl for crying out loud"...
Update soon please.

You're very welcome for the update. Well there's on the latest chapter

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kimmy_s: Hiya Kim

amazing update again! i loved the sexual tension between them. ur brilliant writing displays their feelings very well (so well i think i might go have a cold shower! LOL!) u never cease to amaze me with ur writing skills. damn cliffhanger! i was really getting excited that something was gonna happen. i know if i was sleeping in a house alone with Tara i wouldn't be able to resist!

Thanks sweetie for your wonderful feedback. It always feels good to hear how a reader feels, thinks, and more importantly, how she's affected (when I say affected, I mean it in a positive way ) of the update

I'm glad you changed your mind and stick around to read some more

how could i not? this is a truly loveable story and theres no doubt i will be back for every update and leave the feedback it deserves. <---heres me waiting (im)patiently for the next update.

Thank you Kim, it feels good to know that. I just hope you're still there.

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willohand: Hey there!

love all the cuteness of willow.

Thanks! Glad you like it.

And poor tara who soooooo wants willow in the naughty naughty kind of way but thinks willow is into buffy. Hey can ya at least clear that one up? Its whats partly holding tara back. She knows willow is into girls now so umm...hello?

Yeah, we'll gonna get to that part, don't worry

i am sooooooooooo luuuuuvin this update. See patience is a virtue. and all good things come to me when I am able to wait months on end for an update to her ...i mean their, the kitties favorite fic. See I waited and WOOHOO!

I was trying to imagine how you'll say that verbally, although I know it's impossible. Coz you're there, and I'm here. Yeah, I know it's a weird comment. Blame it on the stale coffee that I'm drinking right now, the people that have pissed me off and lack of sleep

I know we are in for the long haul with you but can you at least let there be a little something to hold them both over? Alright to hold me over. You happy now? I have said the words too.

"Long haul" I like the term (reminds of my old job, when booking a flight) and you're definitely right, I am

I need at least one kiss or some kind of understanding on both their parts for the words willow said. I can tell that tara knows willow is seeing her and she likes the fact that willow is acknowledging her (clears throat) assets. She has the need to kiss willow. can ya throw me a bone here please. One kiss...ONE FREAKING KISS!

I've already given you (wondering now what you'll gonna ask next )

ohlordhaventibeenagoodlittlefan? yagoingtomakemebegya
oh uhh please excuse my manners. I lost it for a moment. See? I told you you hold my mental stability in your fingertips. I-i--ii should..iim going to just go for now. (willohand goes running from the pens forum)

Hope you've already recovered

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ceridwen:

Hiya A!

Wow... long time no see, you'd really abandoned us, but its great to see you're back... great way to start the new year

Yeah, I know, it's been ages But there's no way that I'm gonna abandon you guys.

Hopefully the next update wont take so long?

Well, now that I have you (to help me), I think I could try to update more often.

First of all, i loved this chapter (like everyone else) ... it might've had to do with the lack of Wesley (i hope he continues to stay away) ... or maybe it was the large amount of Willow and Tara interaction (yummy interaction at that) ... im thinking it was both factors though.

Thank you, I'm glad you love it.

I found it funny how Willow didnt even say goodbye to anyone when Tara took her outta the hospital... she was in such a Tara-daze

Oh! And when they got to Willow's house and Tara locked the door, hehe... poor Willow, it seems in this update she was in a constant state of confusion.

Yeah, she was. And I liked it that you point that out. It's good to know that there were readers who noticed these kind of small things in a fic.

And Tara, with the blushing at all the innocent things Willow would say, so very cute

Thanks.

And the cliffhanger at the end >_<

I really hope you plan to update soon and that they actually do kiss or at least declare their undying love for each other... its been long enough right? Enough torture? Unless you're planning to make this fic 100 chapters long... which would be just fine by me... even more if you like... but please just stop the torture soon

Really sorry 'bout the delay of the update But we did have on the latest update Ummm... torture? As what I've mentioned in one of my replies: torture runs in my blood...Ummm, no, I don't think I could write 100 chapters. So, that's less torture.

I'll stop rambling now... that was just my way of saying: I loved it, keep it up!

Thanks again

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Useful_Oxymoron: Hiya

Willow looked up, trying to fathom what those blue orbs were conveying as she felt a shiver shot inside her. Tara leaned closer to her, her blue eyes full of love and so gentle, and the next thing Willow felt was a warm soft hand cupping her face tenderly and a deep caressing voice asking her, “Wanna go home?”

One word : Perfect scene!

I don't know if I've already mentioned this; I really like it when you always quote certain lines or scene from the update, and you let me know what you think of it.

And thank you for that one (two) word(s)

Uh, alright, that was two words, but you get my drift. If I were Willow, I'd have jumped right into her arms.

Yeah, I did. I'd do the same thing too, if I was Will

Willow is, of course, insanely cute during this entire chapter. Hyper and nervous. Aw... The breast talk was comedic gold, btw.

Thanks, glad you like it.

Two moment comments:

A) YES! KISS WILLOW ALREADY. Ahum, sorry. Waiting patiently for the next part. Really.

B) 16 ton weight + Wesley = Me being very happy.

A) There's now

B) I'd see what I could do

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Animism: Hi!

I am so happy to see you updated, but you are still keeping us hanging. This was a sweet chapter and hopefully the next chapter will have some kissage, I think it is past time..........

I'm glad to know that you're happy Well, the next chapter is already up and with a

This is a fabulous story and I really look forward to you updating soon. I tried to post a reply earlier today, but now I do not see it so I thought I would try again.

I'm really sorry that it took me ages. You know what, I still remember that time too. I was online when I saw that you've posted a reply/fb, then when I was about to view it, it disappeared. Well, thanks for posting again.

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Shy One: Hey sweetie! I know that you've been waiting like ages for the update, really sorry 'bout that. Blame it again on RL

YES!!!!
An update!
And what a fabulous update it is too.
I just hope that in the next installment, Tara acts on
her last thought and kisses Willow. Please let Tara kiss Willow.
And let the truth come out at last.

Well, I do have the now. And the truth would eventually comme out soon, I just don't know when.

I'm definitely glad to see you've come back to this fic.
I'm in love with it and can't wait for more.

Thanks sweetie. I'd really try my best to update more.

You've left us hanging in a very uncomfortable position
for an awfully long time now.........
Don't you think it's time to put us out of our collective misery
and give us an update......with smoochies?

Please come back!!!

Sorry 'bout that.

[Auriam]

I love the story !

I love the caractere of Willow inside she is like perfect !

This idea of fiction is really really good !

Thank for make them kiss wooo hooo finaly

I glad you make another thing between them like that they are not together right away.

It's better when the caarsteres go aver lots and lots difficulty the final is wonderful then!

Please update soon? *puppy eyes*

Aurélie

[kimmy_s]

i'm still here!! i just became a recluse 4 a while. nice steamy start to the chapter but now i just have to know what Tara has seen! u definitely know how 2 keep a girl entertained sweetie
until next time... kim xx

[Trom DeGrey]

I'm very excited to see that this has continued.

[em317]

Ok so I love this story, just thought I'd tell you that.
When are you going to update you havn't in what seems like FOREVER and it's killing me!!!

[katjetson]

I swear, I'll give you the $17 in my wallet, the Pez in my Darth Vader dispenser, and my little Inkworks photo card of Willow freakin' Rosenberg if you'll update.

Thanks.

[ambercissism]

sweet_southern_sex_kitten:

Hi! Thanks again for the feedbacks.

go with the updateing. lol keep it comeing. love to see more

I'm really tryin', but RL is ruining it.

no way there dreaming we have waited like a year for this but if they are then i think it would be kinda cool to like have tara hear willow like moaning and think she's hurting or some thing and her to come in the room and some how work it where willows awake then crying then kinda yelling telling tara she has loved he since she was younger and prove it to her by showing her the worn pic that would be breath takeing.

Well, I could assure you that they're not dreaming and your idea is really cool..

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Shadowygirl:

Hi April! I hope it's ok if I call you April (if that's your name).

oh you so have to post some more soon I Just caught this fic the other day and printed it off so I could read it at work lol got slightly in trouble for ignoring a guest while behind my bar cause i was to into the story lol whoops soooooooo pleeeeeeeeeeeeease more sooooon

Ok, I laugh when you wrote that you "got slightly in trouble for ignoring a guest coz you're reading my story, it means that you really like it. But at the same time, I feel guilty too.

And I swear if they are just dreaming I'm going to just like I don't know what I'm going to do but I will think of something !
lol
great fic

Well, you don't have to think of something anymore, coz it isn't a dream

Thanks and I'm glad you like it.

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EndlessDestiny:

Hi there!

This story is very good, interesting, and different. I like it a lot.

Darn Cliffhangers!

Thanks! I'm glad you like it. As for the cliffhangers, sorry 'bout that.

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lilkitty1389:

OMG! i totally love this story! UPDATE SOON!!!

Thanks! Glad to know that you love my story.

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adwrsj:

for a minute there i thought this story had been updated so i was all with the YAYS . i love this story and cant wait to read more, hope its updated very soon

Oh. Sorry about that. But you could always check if I've posted on the "Update Thread", to be sure that I've posted an update. I do hope that you've already read the latest one though.

just read this story again and i love it even more, i cant wait for this fic to be updated. hope its updated soon

Thanks for reading it again and again, really appreciate it.


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DaddyCatALSO:

Sigh, where's Sebastian when we need him? (sorry, been wanting to post that for a week or two now :-))

I'm sorry but I honestly don't know what you mean by that.


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leanne534:

Hi!

just found this fic the other day n iv read it all through so far. i love it!!
please update soon!!!

I'm happy that you found my fic and love it. Thank you so much.

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Auriam:

update please please pretty please

HI! I know that I've been behind with the updating, but I'd really try my best to do it more often.

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JujuDeRoussie:

Please An Update!!!

/me is on her knees and hands joined she asks very kindly and gently a delicious update

I really appreciate the kneeling and the asking sweetie. Thanks.

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Guppy:

Hi!

I join the plea for an update!!

I know it took me ages. But I do hope that you've already read the latest installment.


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excentric:

Hi there!

I'm on the plea bandwagon as well. PWEASE UPDATE! PWETTY PWEASE!!!
I'll give you a dancing elephant..
I'll give you a kitty cat...
Now you have to give us what we want!
please??

I really appreciate the dancing elephant and the kitty cat.

The willow that you are describing in your story reminds me so much of how I was in high school that it's scary! Same situations, same clothes, same love .. wow.

Really?!

I LOVE this story! So won't you please, PLEASE try and put me out of my misery and write an update as fast as you possibly can? No rush though! .. lol much love!

Thank you so much. I'd really try to update as often as possible. Don't wanna cause you misery.

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[JujuDeRoussie]

Hi

Does it mean I have to kneel again and ask for a new update? I can!

/me kneels again, begs, cries, or just asks nicely for a new update... to know what is happening in this kitchen!



Julia

[bookworm_willow1]

I'm with JuJu on this one! P-p-p-pleeeeeeeeease update soon.
I love this story and look forward to an update.
You've left us looking like this:

[Shy One]

Where's the update?
You know.....the update that will finally get our girls together!
That last cliffhanger was just......mean.

Please, please, please come back and fix it!

Shy One

[jay/wt4evr]

I second shy one, where's the update-y goodness?
does it matter if I told you 'It's written in the stars' that you will give us poor Kittens some update? pleaseee
see I'm doing a happy dance and I'm bouncin around coz I'm going crazy! I'm in major ridrawal of your fic!!!

[Always410]

I just finished reading this and I love it I'm right there with the other kittens who would love to see this updated...and soon! Hope you have a great Christmas (if you celebrate it) and New Years!

Jen

[Miss Elly]

I read this a few months ago, I meant to say something about it, but I forgot XD. Anyway,

I love this story so much. I love how you capture Willow and Tara's emotions. This is definitely going into to my 'favorite fan fic' folder.

[sweet_southern_sex_kitten]

i have followed this story from the start and its been a long haul but please end the suffering and update

[leanne534]

you cant just leave it like that!!! i need to know what happens next. an update please

[ambercissism]

Alright, here's the last batch (I hope ) of replies for Chapter 16...

amber addict: I'm glad you enjoy this fic. Thanks.

Bewitchedyke: Well, I know that you want more. But I'm not sure when I could post again. Thanks anyway for dropping by.

eirnlove: Hi! Well, I hope to see you post more

Taraholic: Hello! Thanks again for the fb.

peggy of sunnydale: Hi!

heloo all i know its been a while been away for a bit on a case since i have made detective in my city

When I first read it, I was confused, then I went to check your profile and then it saids there that your a PO and a detective. That's awesome!

i love this story really would like an uptdate

Thanks! As for the update, ummmm....

wife is still hot as ever and health wise we are good tought i give u guys some news ok wll please i need to see this story up its very good

Thanks for sharing the news. It's good to hear that you and your wife are in good health.

Gimpgirl:

Hi! First of all, thanks for leaving a comment on my story, really appreciate it, and thank you that your wife is reading this story too. Hope she likes it

willowbaby05:

Hi willowbaby! I think I have the answer to your question now. Thanks again for dropping by!

guitar_girl:

Hi! Thanks for your fb. Don't you want to have the "happiness" in the end, so that in that way it'll be more worthy? Your welcome. It's a pleasure writing fic knowing that you kittens enjoy it.

Smiley:

Hi! Thanks for your fb. And I'm sorry for the cliffhanger.

AlyHannigan_RoxMySox:

Hi Maddy! Thanks for your fb. I'm glad you liked the "breast gal" line

lilkitty1389 and tarawillowfan562: Hi there! I'm not sure if I've replied to your previous fbs for Chapter 16. But thanks anyway for dropping by. With regards to the update

[center]HAPPY HOLIDAYS KITTENS![/center]

[ambercissism]

Happy New Year to everybody! Just like last year, and the past year(s), I always wanna end the year with something good, and that means goodness ... A big THANKS to ceridwen for taking some time out from her busy sched to help me edit this chapter. Here's to you salud! I hope I got that right Cheers!


[center]:wtkiss






[/center]


[center]***[/center]


Chapter 18


“Tara!” Sheila exclaimed as she walked towards Tara, and gave her a hug.

Tara lost her ability to speak as she felt Sheila’s arms wrapped around her.

“Thank God you’re here.” Sheila expressed sincerely after releasing Tara from the embrace. “What would I do without you?”

Guilt instantly soared inside Tara. Here was the mother of the teenager that she was supposed to be taking care of, not kissing; obviously delighted to see her; and seemingly trustful that Willow was in good hands. “S-sheila, h-hi.” Tara could barely pronounce the name, as her heart started racing while returning the hug. “W-when did you arrive?”

“Just an hour ago.” Sheila related. “I was lucky to get an extra morning flight…” she added as she went around the table.

“Oh. That’s great.” Tara replied, standing still and waiting for her cue to tell Sheila that Willow was alright and that she needed to leave now.

“Coffee?” Sheila offered.

Tara was about to decline, but when she saw Sheila already pouring coffee in the mug in front of them, “T-thanks” was all she could utter, and took the seat across Sheila at the dining table. She didn’t want Sheila to think that she was being rude by leaving immediately, it would’ve been obvious, she realized. So, she tried to look calm, by enjoying the hot mug of coffee on her hand, however, as she was about to take a sip… “So, how did it go last night? Did my daughter give you a hard time?” Tara almost lost control of her hand and spilled the coffee as she put the mug down.

“Oh my god! Are you alright?” Sheila asked as she approached Tara and wiped the spilled coffe off the table. “Is the coffee too hot for you, dear?”

“A bit.” She lied. No matter how hard she tried to be calm, the truth would always haunt her. Tara gathered her composure and explained to Sheila everything that had happened to Willow. As she told her the final details on Willow’s condition, she didn’t waste any time in giving Sheila a chance to chat to her. She bade goodbye right away.

***

By the time Willow woke up, the sun was already illuminating the room through the window, she jerked up when the strong rays hit her drowsy eyes. And as she came awake she suddenly rose and glanced at the clock on the wall, 12:00. She hurriedly got up and strode towards the door, opened it, and carefully went out; she looked at the door to the guest room. It was closed. Thinking that Tara was still sleeping, she retraced her steps. However, her nose caught the scent of freshly brewed coffee lingering in the air. She ran downstairs, and went straight to the kitchen. She had been dying to talk to Tara, and was hoping that somehow Tara would take away what she said last night. Sure, she was hurt, but she needed to clear the air between them. She was determined to unravel whatever Tara’s motivation was when she kissed her. Never mind her pride. Nevermind that she was hurt… So, she held her breath and composed herself before entering the kitchen. This was it. This was the right time for her and Tara to talk about last night. The kiss. Tara kissed her. Slowly, with a trembling hand, she pushed the door to the kitchen…

“Tara, I need to ta- Mom?!” The shocking revelation of standing right in front of her mother sent Willow into maddening disappointment.

“Oh Willow! How are you?!” her mother exclaimed, while she ran to her and embraced her.

“I’m… I’m okay.” she replied, as her eyes began a frantic search around the kitchen. “Where’s Tara?”

“She already left.”

Willow’s brows furrowed upon hearing that. She was torn apart.

***

“I thought you were baby-sitting.” was Anya’s remark upon seeing Tara enter the Magic Box.

“Anya, I’ve this huge headache and I didn’t sleep well.” Tara commented, as she walked towards the counter, and approached Anya who was standing as usual behind the cash register. “Can’t you just take the day off and leave me alone?”

“Didn’t get what you want, did you?” Anya commented sarcastically.

“Shut up.” Tara returned, and before she could utter another word…

“There you are!”

Tara heard the almost annoying voice of Wesley. “Just my luck.”

“I’ve been looking for you since yesterday.” Wesley said as he approached the counter. “Where have you been?”

“I was at the Rosenberg’s.” Tara answered non-chalantly, turning around and starting to check the displays on the shelves behind her.

“Why?” was Wesley’s follow-up question.

Tara took a deep breath, before answering. She knew Wesley would not be satisfied with just one answer. “Because Willow had an accident and Sheila was away. So I had to take care of her.”

“Why does it have to be you? Doesn’t she have any other relatives besides Sheila?” was Wesley’s curious inquiry.

“Her brother’s in Canada,” Tara replied, emphasizing the word ‘Canada’ hoping that Wesley would get the message. “And I don’t have any clue where her dad is.” She said as she walked about the room.

“Well then, shouldn’t Willow’s girlfriend be the one taking care of her?”

“Oh my god! Willow’s already taken!?” Anya blurted out and looked at Tara seriously. “What will happen now?” she asked still staring at Tara.

Tara felt her head exploding. She glared at Anya before directing her gaze at Wesley.

“It was Sheila’s decision.” Tara returned firmly and before Wesley could ask another question: “And I think I don’t have to explain to you where I’ve been coz we’re not together anymore.” And with that, she grabbed her jacket and walked towards the main door.

***

Throughout the day Willow tried calling Tara’s house but nobody was answering, and she didn’t want to leave a message on the machine. She preferred talking to Tara. She dialed the Magic Box, but when she heard that a male voice with a British accent answered, she hung up.

The next day, Willow had thought of dropping by at Tara’s house. The day began with a drizzle but a heavy rain gradually built up late in the afternoon. Soon, the hope of going to Tara faded in her mind. Her mother would not let her go out, not on this weather and certainly not in her condition right now. She kept on calling Tara but to no avail. Once again, Willow gazed out from the window of her room… her cold empty room. For the past days, she hadn’t had a decent night’s sleep; for the past days Tara had successfully tortured her thoughts.

***

The following morning, Willow woke with a penetrating pain in her head. She had hardly slept last night. The scene of Tara kissing her never left her thoughts; torturing every bit of her sanity. Tara really knew how to put a girl on the verge of insanity. Why did it have to end that way? Why couldn’t she ever have a single day of happiness with Tara? Why did fate keep on teasing her? For a while she thought that Tara liked her; wanted her. But as she recalled the incident, her hopes and dreams fell apart…

[blockquote]As she felt Tara release from the kiss, she was utterly disoriented. When she opened her eyes, the look of shock on Tara’s face had left her devastated. Never had she felt more bewildered and frustrated in her life.

“It’s a mistake!”[/blockquote]

Willow couldn’t take the torture anymore.

***

It got harder each passing night for Tara, as thoughts of Willow kept her awake and tore her apart. She never meant to hurt her; never meant to tell her it was a mistake kissing her. She tried to find the reasons, how she could tell Willow, but never had a chance.

“Hiding in your room isn’t goin’ to make things better.”

Tara rolled over to the side facing her door, and saw Anya’s figure by the door. “Go away.” she grumbled and drew the comforter over her face.

But Anya ignored her, and sat at the foot of the bed. “Haven’t you tortured yourself enough?”

“I’m not in the mood to listen to your opinion, especially when I’m not askin’ for one!” Tara retorted.

“Not even if I told you that Willow’s sitting outside?”

“Huh?!”

***

The winter chill had already made its presence felt as Tara stepped out of the house and she shivered when the cold air touched her face. The ground was still soaking wet, due to the continued rainfall as she walked towards the bench outside. Then she saw Willow sitting there and her heart throbbed. She didn’t know what to do. She tried to compose herself, not wanting to give Willow any hint about her uneasiness.

“Will?” she uttered softly as she carefully approached the bench where Willow was sitting. Willow looked up and Tara caught the pain in those green eyes. She pretended that she was not affected and asked further, “W-what’re you doin’ here? Shouldn’t you be home resting?”

“How can you just leave and pretend that nothing happened?” Willow began, her eyes smouldering with pain.

“I think you better go home.” Tara suggested, knowing where this conversation would go, after she saw Willow’s contorted brows.

“No.” Willow replied. “I won’t leave unless you talk to me. You cannot ignore me anymore.”

Getting uncomfortable, Tara shifted and crossed her arms over her chest, “W-Will, you’re just upset, a-and y-you don’t know what y-you’re talking abo-”

“I’m completely aware of what I’m talking about… and I bet you are too.”

“Look… I didn’t… I d-didn’t mean to do that, it… it just-”

Growing upset, Willow burst into tears, “How can you say that, when you actually initiated it!” she retorted, and rose from the bench. “I’ve feelings too Tara and I’m not an eight year old anymore.” Willow returned. “This isn’t temporary, it’s for real! Why can’t you just accept it!?”

After hearing Willow’s painful remarks, Tara was torn between the choice of telling the truth or hurting someone. She saw Willow hurting, but it would hurt Buffy too if she admitted to Willow that she liked her so much, and that the kiss was all she ever wanted.

Knowing that she would destroy a relationship and a friendship… “I’m sorry W-Willow, I-I…” Tara’s voice was trailing off, withholding her emotions, “P-please l-leave.” she stuttered, and looked at the ground.

“I can’t believe this.” Willow said, shaking her head in disappointment. She sighed, and walked towards the gate. But before stepping out, she gave Tara one more stern look and said, “At least I know what I want and I’m not afraid to admit it.”

And with that, Willow stomped out of the yard and disappeared in the stillness of the night, and gave Tara no chance to explain further. Tara was left devastated. A part of her wanted to go after Willow and comfort her, but the other part held her back. She went back in the house, with tears falling down her face.

***
As the morning rays touched her face and her eyes adjusted to the brightness that was coming in through the window, and as her memory brought back the incident from the previous night, only one thing was in Willow’s mind: she needed to get out of here.

***

The days passed by quietly, without a call or news from Willow, and Tara was thankful that she and Anya had been very busy at the Magic Box; it kept her distracted and with the Holidays coming they’d added more stuff for Christmas. And her headache was lessened by Wesley’s absence.

However, there would always be an exception…

The following day Anya went to a meeting with a client and there hadn’t been a lot of customers who’d come to the shop. Tara was left to thinking more and more about Willow.

The clock struck twelve and she was yanked out of her reverie. It was already lunch time she realized, as her stomach made a growling sound. She hadn’t eaten dinner last night, and she’d skipped breakfast today. She’d had coffee. That was the only thing her stomach was accepting right now. She decided to take a lunch break and put the ‘closed’ sign on the shop’s window. Maybe staying in the Espresso Pump could distract her a bit. She could use some air too, she thought.

***

Once in the Espresso Pump, Tara bought the tallest cup of latte. After paying at the counter, she searched for an available table and found one in the corner. She sat down and tried to relax. Her reverie was rudely interrupted when a girl’s voice called her attention, and her eyes were fixed on the two girls that were standing in front of her. She was taken aback as her mind tried to digest who it was. “H-hi.” She said mildly, and forced a smile. Tara could feel the tension building inside her, but it was halted when her eyes focused on the arm that was possessively encircling the girl’s waist. She got more confused and had to shake her head a bit, before looking at the other girl.

“Oh! I’m sorry,” Buffy said, seeing the wrinkle on Tara’s brows. “Faith this is Willow’s friend, Tara. Tara, this is Faith, my girlfriend.”

Faith smirked and gave Tara a nonchalant ‘hi’.

Tara could not believe what she just heard, “Girlfriend?!”


TBC

[jay/wt4evr]

dibs!!!
UPDATEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
& every happy dance there's here
god you got me all :sad but intrigued! can't wait 4 the next update
I love this fic!!!

and HAPPY NEW YEAR to ambercissim and all the Kittens addicted to this fic!