Fic: [AU] Racing The Rain (UPDTED: 4/03/18)

[love_2003]

Great update. I'm glad Willow told Tara how she is feeling about her mom. I think it was a good idea that Willow at least told her dad what is going on. The conversation with her mom wont be easy but it is necessary. I love how Hunter has an alert so he knows when pictures show up online. Things are definitely going to be getting interesting.

[willowtaralover]

It wasn’t long before she found her love in the backyard…cleaning the pool. Tara hovered in the doorway, just watching. Willow had pulled her sweats up to her knees, tied up the shirt in the back and rolled up her sleeves. Tara could see the muscles flexing in Willow’s toned arms as she pushed the long pole of the vacuum back and forth across the bottom of the pool.
Wow, this image of Willow just sound so scrummy and sexy.

Tara moved closer and slid her arms around Willows waist, “The only thing you should be doing is snuggling with me in bed.”

I second that emotion.

“With my Mom, I-I should have told her sooner or at least I should have been more honest with her. It’s just that, she makes me so damn mad and now it’s gonna look like I’m taking advantage of your fame and throwing it in her face like, ‘Ha! Look who I’m dating!’ and I never intended for that to happen.

Couldn’t Willow just say she didn’t want to reveal who she was taking home for Thanksgiving because she didn’t want the press bothering Tara as soon as they arrived in Texas.

“Yeah, I guess he’s seeing some sort of ‘local celebrity’ and bringing her to dinner. A beauty queen or something…I don’t really know.

Why do I sense major bitchiness ahead at the Rosenberg dinner.

It’s extremely hard to keep up with the multitude of women he dates. He’s a man whore and it doesn’t seem to matter

Wouldn’t being a man whore mean he was dating lots of men instead of women.

“I mean, it’s not too bad…right?” Willow questioned and pointed to the headline, ‘Tara Maclay and Friend OUT on The Town.’ “I mean, no innuendo there.”

Under the headline was an image of Willow and Tara entering the restaurant. That wasn’t the issue, inset in the lower corner of that picture was a smaller image of Tara leaving the florist with a bouquet of yellow roses and the quote, ‘They’re for a friend.’

Not meaning to be pedantic here but Tara did see the paparazzi at the flower shop when she came out so wouldn’t she have been just a little bit prepared for this?

Also could Kelly and Shanna take advantage of this somehow to try and hurt Willow and Tara ?

Tara laid across the bed, facing the bathroom door and picked up the can of whipped cream. She shook the can and began to squirt the light fluffy cream on to her breasts in a circular motion. “Holy shit that’s cold!” She whispered as her nipples rose to attention underneath the sugary treat. She then applied a generous amount between her thighs, lying on her back, she topped off her creation with fresh strawberries.

Uh, who the, what now, Tara in bed, covered in cream, with strawberries on top of the nipples. Can I have a taste please DROOL.

Am I correct in assuming that this is the creamy dessert they got the night before from Spago’s ;D

Tara bucked her hips and gasped loudly at the intimate contact. She reached her arms back over her head and gripped her pillow tightly as Willow continued to tease Tara for several minutes; licking around her throbbing clit, but never touching it directly. Once the redhead lulled Tara into a comfortable rhythm, she flicked Tara’s clit with the tip of her tongue; eliciting a sharp scream from her lover.

Tara’s hands flew to Willow’s head and began to gently rock her hips into Willow. The redhead increased her pace, licking and sucking Tara’s clit unmercifully as the rocking became more and more frenzied.
Tara raised her head, wanting to watch the redhead devour her and then dropped back down to the mattress as she felt two hands slinking up her stomach. Willow pushed her hands upwards until she found Tara’s breasts and began to knead and pinch her nipples. It wasn’t long before Willow felt Tara’s grip on her head tighten and the thrusting of her hips increase their speed. Willow pinched Tara’s nipples harder as she felt Tara’s entire body start to shake and felt a hot gush of liquid coat her tongue. Tara suddenly screamed and arched her body as her orgasm rocketed through her like a freight train. Willow dropped her hands to Tara’s hips and held on tightly as the blonde rode out her climax; Tara’s body twitching and jumping as Willow lightly teased the hardened nub.

That has got to be the single most erotic use of canned cream ever, and did I say Tara/Amber covered in cream and being licked by me is my greatest fantasy. This is one that goes all the way to eleven, awesome piece of smut.
Now excuse me I just need an ice cold shower ;D

[beautiful_love]

Ok so I officially suck. Missing out on three, yes count 'em, three updates. Grr! Stupid grown up, real life getting in the way.

Anyway... I won't dredge up the last few chapters. I'll just say that you are awesome. Loving how you're fleshing out their relationship while also showing how they come from different places. I'm really hoping things go well with Willow's mom, though I'm not holding my breath. I'm sure you'll make it ok though.

Last update, all I can really say is very hot. Just... yeah... hot. Lol.

I'm so in love with this story. You have such a great writing style and you write these two so well.

I'm going to try my hardest to actually comment on the next chapter ON TIME!

[JustSkipIt]

Quick here. First, I think I called the whole florist - for a friend - out at fancy restaurant situation. 2nd - Willow's dad sounds pretty ok if he's making her tell her mom herself. Nice. Third - sounds very messy. Ok, yes it's messy. I know that one from experience. As you can imagine, for me it was followed by a shower. I'm sure the woman involved was shocked that I was even open to the messiness of it. But for someone who's not... me... very fantastic!

[Finey_McFine]

thelamacus:
YAY!!! Congrats on your very first DIBS!!


Gaga01:

Ok, my dibs somehow ended up before the new chapter? Huh...

You got comment dibs, lol.

I dreaded what would be happening when the girls went out to dinner, especially when they started acting more couple-y than just friends

It’s inevitable really, because there’s no way they can ever be, or act like ‘just friends.’

Poor Willow, she really doesn't want to tell her mom

I think if Sheila was my mother, I’d dread this conversation as well, lol. Willow doesn’t want her to have preconceived notions about Tara, but not telling her at this point could have a worse effect.

The sooner it gets done the sooner she can go back to do naughty things to/with Tara, lol.

Always!!!

Thanks for the feedback!!!


SMGOVAN:

My bad on being overly demanding of the updates without leaving any actual feedback!

LOL!! I forgive you…this time……….

Okay, You have totally ruined twinkies, cream filled doughnuts, ho ho's etc.. for me for as long as I live. They will never be able to compare with Strawberry Tara food cake mmmmmmmmmm !

I know the feeling! We were grogery shopping earlier this week and my daughter asked if we could get some whipped cream and I almost choked, lol

When is Kelly gonna crawl from under her rock?

See below!!!!

Thanks for the feedback!


Ariel:

After the initial non-notification, Willow needs to clean it up BUT I feel for her!!!

That she does, but as we all know, Sheila is a force of nature and never easy to deal with.

Again, love the JOY of an adult relationship. Issues, discussion, resolution while still keeping it compelling and fun

You know, I look back on my teenage relationships and realize that if we just talked honestly, all would have been resolved and with limited drama, lol.

Very effective (and did I say CUTE) use of Ralphie! Willow paces so much that . . . nice!

Thanks!! It wasn’t hard for me to write since I’m a phone pacer as well, lol.

Finally, the DESSERT OF DESIRE, PASTRY OF PASSION, AND CREAM OF UH (let’s just say) COMPLETION and the STRAWBERRIES OF SENSUALITY!!!Whoa, baby!!! Off my diet now! Serious, hotness!!!!

Ummm, yummy Tara cakes!!

Glad you liked it and thanks for the feedback!


Laragh:

Do we have an art imitating life moment?

Except there was a lot of cursing in real life, lol!

Oh Willow. I'm sure I was you in a past life.

This was definitely an ‘art imitating life moment!’

My mom does. It's weird.

Hahaha…I think my daughter would concur with you! But on our end it’s “My Mom watches Disney Channel and Teen Nick. It’s weird.”

Asking for a yeast infection lol

That particular romp was a tribute to one of my fav fics!! But minus the “STD.” I hope I did it justice!

Well. I'm a bit of a broken mess. My concern for Tara's delicate pH balance aside, that was hot. I've been really struggling to find smut scenes sexy lately, I think because I've written so many and it's all become kinda technical for me, but that totally drew me in.

You can rest assured that Tara’s pH is just fine, among other things! Thanks!! Because I seriously stress when I have to write them. I know it sounds ridiculous, but I just do.

Thanks for the feedback!


zampsa19752001:

Now I'm really worried about what Kelly is doing and how much damage is she going to do

Kelly reappears in the next chapter (see below). We’ll see if Tara will stand her ground!

Tara cakes are super yummy!!!

Thanks for the feedback!!!


willowtaralover:

Wow, these have got to be the best chapters yet. I’m a little behind so here’s a double header of feedback for 28 A & B

Thanks!! They were fun to write as well!

I think I’ve used those lyrics myself when singing to this song lol.

That whole thing stemmed from my thinking that those were the actual lyrics, lol. I glad to hear that I’m not alone!!!

Should the girls really be having a full on make out session in a street just a few blocks from the restaurant?

They’re always lurking, but they are not on the 24/7.

Is Spago for real, cos if it is it sounds pretty frickin awesome.

YES!! Most of the description is pretty accurate to the actual restaurant…according to my research.

I love that Willow doesn’t recognise Christian Bale, even though she’s probably seen ‘Batman Begins’ and ‘The Dark Knight’. It adds to a kind of endearing innocence about her

That part of Willow comes from me and my complete obliviousness when I run into a celebrity. I mean, I sat and had drinks with Kid Rock for Gods sake and NEVER recognized him! We talked for an hour! LOL

Awww, Willow cuteness. Guaranteed to cheer you up when your down 1010% of the time.

Willow cuteness rocks 1010% of the time!

Let’s just hope Shanna doesn’t plan to make life difficult for our girls.

Hmmm…..

Why do I get a feeling of ominous dread over this particular line??? Could Shanna be spotting them share their food???

Shanna already knows that Tara is gay and seeing someone, she’ll probably put two and two together, but what will she do with the info????????

I love that now they’ve found each other, Tara feels a lot more confident and secure in herself as a gay woman that she is prepared to come out to the public.

The power in two…

Thanks for the feedback! BTW, have I ever told you that you give GREAT feedback?


bouncer73:
You may be speechless, but I bet your bouncing!!!!


Thanks for the feedback!


wiccanvixen:

I really like this story. Its like really HOT!!! I just had this craving for strawberries and whipped cream.

Hmmm, why would you have such a craving? I have no idea….*smirks.

Glad you like it and thanks for the feedback!!


bouncer73:

great update...I think its funny with Willows reactions to things..I can almost see her face and of course Tara''s face as she watches Willow...love love love this story

Willow appears socially clueless sometimes, but definitely comes through in a pinch! Especially when it comes to protecting Tara:)

Thanks for the feedback!


love_2003:

I think it was a good idea that Willow at least told her dad what is going on. The conversation with her mom wont be easy but it is necessary.

She is actually close to both parents, even though it seems like she has mom issues. Mother/daughter relationships are so damn complicated sometimes. But yes, at this point…she really needs to tell her.

I love how Hunter has an alert so he knows when pictures show up online.

Big brother has to keep an eye on little sister. I have one of those alerts too, lol.


Thanks for the feedback!!!

willowtaralover:
Feedback: Round II

Couldn’t Willow just say she didn’t want to reveal who she was taking home for Thanksgiving because she didn’t want the press bothering Tara as soon as they arrived in Texas.

She could have, but you’ll soon see just why that is a problem as well. Sheila…*shakes head*

Why do I sense major bitchiness ahead at the Rosenberg dinner.

Have you ever seen the movie, “home For The Holidays?” LOL

Wouldn’t being a man whore mean he was dating lots of men instead of women.

I think it goes both ways.

Not meaning to be pedantic here but Tara did see the paparazzi at the flower shop when she came out so wouldn’t she have been just a little bit prepared for this?

She didn’t see them until she came out, so it was the first thing that popped into her head.

That has got to be the single most erotic use of canned cream ever, and did I say Tara/Amber covered in cream and being licked by me is my greatest fantasy. This is one that goes all the way to eleven, awesome piece of smut.

THANKS!!! And you’ll have to take a number for Tara/Amber!!!! Even though I’m more of a Willow-girl…I would still love “Tara cakes!”

Thanks for the feedback!!!!


beautiful_love:

Ok so I officially suck. Missing out on three, yes count 'em, three updates. Grr! Stupid grown up, real life getting in the way.

No worries! They will always be here for you and I agree with “Stupid grown up real life!”

I'll just say that you are awesome.

Awwww…thanks!

Loving how you're fleshing out their relationship while also showing how they come from different places. I'm really hoping things go well with Willow's mom, though I'm not holding my breath.

It’s going to get interesting when they finally get to Texas. Sheila will be an issue, which we already know, but lets not forget that she has 4 siblings!!! More specifically…3 big brothers.

Last update, all I can really say is very hot. Just... yeah... hot. Lol.

Glad you like it!

I'm so in love with this story. You have such a great writing style and you write these two so well.

Thanks so much!! And thank you for sticking with me!

Thanks for the feedback too!

JustSkipIt:

First, I think I called the whole florist

Yep, you did and I laughed when I saw the commentand actually said (out loud)…”curses”! And shook my fist in the air, lol.

2nd - Willow's dad sounds pretty ok if he's making her tell her mom herself. Nice.

The experience of a Dad that has a wife and lot’s of kids! Stay out of the middle!

Ok, yes it's messy. I know that one from experience. As you can imagine, for me it was followed by a shower.

But fun…right??? Just a little sticky.

Thanks for the feedback!!!

NEW CHAPTER DIRECTLY BELOW

[Finey_McFine]

TITLE: Racing The Rain

AUTHOR: Finey_McFine

RATING: R (Language)

DISCLAIMER: Willow, Tara and any other BtVS characters, as well as some random dialog, belong to Mutant Enemy.

SUMMARY: Totally AU, Willow and Tara Meet with not so surprising results! Set in LA with lots of W/T fluff and a little teeny tiny bit of angst, but no Hellmouthyness. Just good old regular day-to-day drama.



FEEDBACK: OK; Any glaring issues…please send me a PM!

AUTHOR’S NOTE: Happy Easter Kittens! I hope Peter Rabbit was good to you all. This chapter is a little angsty; some conflict and confrontation, but…it’s getting us that much closer to the trip home!

*************************************

Chapter 30: Every House of Cards Shall Fall


“Hey Tare, can you give me a ride over to my place?” Willow asked, seemingly out of the blue as they finished eating a late lunch.

“Um, sure Will. You um, you w-wanna go home?” Tara was puzzled at Willow’s request, especially since it was the last full day they’d be able to spend together before leaving for Texas.

“Yeah, but just because I need clothes for tomorrow and I kinda need my car.” Willow cocked her head towards Tara and gave her a knowing look.

“Oh, duh! I totally forgot that I picked you up last night. Sorry.”

“What, you thought I didn’t want to spend the day with you…even after this morning?”

Tara looked at Willow sheepishly, “Sorry, I just wasn’t thinking. I guess I’m just used to you having your car here.”

Willow reassuringly smiled at Tara and reached out to hold her hand across the table, “I just need to pick up some clothes, feed Miss Kitty, etc. You know, the usual.”

“Speaking of clothes…what do I need to pack? I’ve never been to Texas, so I have no idea.”

“Well, the weather this time of year can be warm or cold, but more than likely just in between. Mostly jeans, some long sleeve shirts, t-shirts, maybe some shorts, oh and boots. Do you have boots?”

Tara scrunched her face trying to remember if she had any, “Hmmm, boots as in western, dressy or hiking?”

“Yes?” The redhead giggled, “What’s your shoe size?”

“Hmm, 7?”

“Really? Mine too! Ok, this is good because you can wear some of mine. I have several pair and that way it’s less to pack. But um, bring the hiking boots and then whatever else you want.” Willow said with a grin.

“Is Thanksgiving a formal affair or do you think we might go out someplace that I need to dress up for?”

“Thanksgiving is more dressy casual affair, but nothing that we need to dress to the nines for. I doubt we do anything super fancy. Just be sure to pack a few things that you don’t mind getting dirty, cuz I wanna take you riding and stuff.”

“R-Riding?” Tara stuttered nervously.

“Yeah, horseback riding…I mean, if you want. I won’t force you or anything, I just thought it would be fun.” Willow shrugged her shoulders and cast her eyes down a bit. It never occurred to her that Tara might not want to ride horses or even like them as much as she did.

“It’s just that, I’ve never been riding before. Real riding that is,” Tara stood and began to clear the table, “I think the last time I was on a horse was a pony ride at a birthday party when I was little.”

Willow stood and started helping with the dirty dishes, “I could teach you and I guarantee safety and fun!”

Tara turned and slid her arms around Willow’s waist, “Well, if you promise you’ll look after me.”

“Absolutely, I’ll take very good care of you.” Willow grinned as she pulled Tara towards her and captured her lips in a slow sensuous kiss.

Tara pushed Willow’s back up against the counter as things were beginning to heat up. Willow’s hands managed to find their way under Tara’s shirt and up her stomach; finding the blonde’s naked breasts. Willow began to gently massage and caress the soft fleshy mounds as her mouth blazed a path down the blonde’s jaw and across to her delicate earlobe. Just as Willow began to pull Tara’s shirt over her head, they heard a loud buzz indicating the gate was being opened. They pulled apart as Tara walked to the video monitor to see who was coming in.

Tara sighed deeply and turned to face her lover, “It’s Kelly,” She stated flatly.

“Damn…” Willow breathed, “Well, I guess the fun’s over.”

“Not over my love,” Tara stepped back towards Willow and lightly kissed her cheek, “Just postponed. I need to talk to her, but first I need to put on a bra. I can’t be all boss like without a bra.”

Willow snorted and a small smile graced her lips as her mind drifted to a naughty place.

“Hello…Willow?” Tara waved her hand in front of Willow’s face, “You’re picturing it, aren’t you?!”

“What? No…” Willow did her best to hide her little fantasy, but the deep red blush in her cheeks did nothing to help the situation.

Tara took Willow’s hand and led her towards her bedroom, “Come on you, let’s get changed.”

Willow hopped up on the bed and sat cross-legged while she watched Tara change. Tara was facing her dresser with her back to the redhead, rummaging through the top drawer looking for a bra. “You’re thinking naughty thoughts again, aren’t you?”

“Um hmm,” Willow answered in a dreamy voice.

Tara turned and pulled off her top as she sauntered towards Willow. She pulled her arms through the straps of her bra and eyed the redhead; whose brilliant green eyes were fixated on her ample chest. “Help me with the clasp?” Tara asked as she turned around.

“No problem Baby, although, I’d rather be doing the opposite.” Willow smirked as Tara turned to face her.

“So, what were you thinking?”

“Taarra!” Willow whined, her face now matching the color of her hair.

“Willlllllow!” Tara mocked.

“Ok fine,” Willow grudgingly agreed, “You were in a tight black leather skirt, black hose, black stiletto’s and a thin white cotton top…no bra, of course. Oh and you were wearing glasses and carrying a riding crop.”

Tara threw her head back and laughed heartily, “Oh Sweetie, you do have an active imagination. One of the many reasons I love you so much.” Tara crawled up on the bed and kissed Willow, “But um, you know that sounds a lot like Lucy Liu in Charlie’s Angels.”

“No! Well, maybe based on that character. See? This is why these things should stay in my head.” Willow giggled and leaned in to kiss Tara again.

“So, um I was thinking…why don’t you take my car to pick up your stuff while I have a little chat with Kel.” Tara was still on her knees in the bed in front of Willow running her hands through the red tresses.

“Really?”

“Sure Will, I trust you.”

“I mean, how will I get to school in the morning without my car?”

“I can drop you off at your car. If that’s ok with you?”

“Sure, works for me.” Willow smiled and kissed the back of Tara’s hand.

“Um Will, do you m-maybe want to bring s-some extra stuff?” Tara ducked her head and looked up at Willow through half lidded eyes.

“So, you mean I’d get my own drawer?” Willow replied playfully.

Tara gave Willow a lopsided smile, “If you’re good I may just give you two and part of my closet.”

“You drive a hard bargain Miss Maclay, but yes I will bring some stuff and um, thanks for asking.”

“Oh there’s just one more thing. Can you bring Miss Kitty back with you? It’s just, I feel bad for her being all alone and thought that, since I bring Ralphie when I’m there, that you could bring Miss Kitty when you’re here. I even bought a litter box, litter and some of her favorite food and-” Tara’s ramble was cut short by her girlfriend’s lips, moving softly against hers.

“Ummm,” Willow moaned, “I guess the babble cure works both ways. That was really sweet of you Tara, I’m sure Miss Kitty will approve and the next time you come over, maybe you can bring some things as well?”

Tara nodded, “Absolutely. I love you so much Baby.”

Willow’s heart swelled and she felt the familiar butterflies every time Tara said those three magical words, “I love you too Tare. With all my heart.” Willow smiled sweetly and kissed Tara again.

********************************************

Ten minutes after Willow left, Tara decided to knock on Kelly’s door. She had waited around in the living room to see if her assistant would emerge, but to no avail. She knocked several times when she finally heard the knob click and the door opened.

The two women just stood, staring. The brunette was in her robe; her tousled wet hair clung to her face and neck. Tara was visibly stunned by her appearance as she noticed the dark circles dipping below her bloodshot eyes; Kelly looked as if she hadn’t slept in days. After several awkward seconds, Kelly turned, shuffling back to her bed and sitting on the edge; her eyes averted to the floor. Tara reluctantly entered the room and stood several feet in front of her. The tension in the air was thick and neither woman knew exactly what to say.

After a minute or two, Kelly finally spoke up, “Are you here to fire me?” She asked.

“Why would you think that?” Tara responded, doing her best to keep her emotions in check.

“Gee, I don’t know. I insulted your girlfriend, embarrassed you and then disappeared for several days.”

Tara decided not to beat around the bush and got straight to the point, “You look like hell. What’s going on with you?”

“Tara I…” Kelly looked up at Tara with obvious pain in her eyes and completely broke down sobbing. She hung her head in her hands as her entire body heaved.

Tara was caught completely off guard, having expected an argument and not a hysterical woman. She sat down next to and placed a comforting arm around her shoulder. She pulled Kelly into a hug and gently rocked her back and forth. After several minutes, Kelly sat up, grabbed a tissue and blew her nose.

“Sorry, I don’t know what came over me.” She offered.

Tara merely nodded in response, wanting to be sympathetic, but also wanting to get to the bottom of it before Willow got back. “Kelly, you’ve been acting strangely for over a month now, well before you moved in here and I need to know…are you doing drugs?”

“What?!” Kelly was shocked and it was safe to say that Tara now had her full attention, “No! How can you even ask that knowing about my past?”

“Well, your behavior has been so erratic that, I don’t know, it just seems like you could possibly be on something.” Tara knew that it wasn’t beyond the realm of possibility, being a child of Hollywood, she’d seen more than her share of friends and colleagues succumb to the effects of drugs.

Kelly thought about it for a moment and realized that Tara was probably right, but it still upset her nonetheless. She sighed deeply and looked Tara directly in the eye, “No Tara, I’m not doing drugs.”

“Then what’s the deal? Why have you been coming and going at odd hours, staying gone for days at a time and treating my girlfriend like shit?” Tara was getting more worked up by the second and her annoyance and anger was starting to spill out, “I gave you a job, a place to stay, and have been nothing but good to you. Then you turn around and bite the hand that feeds you.”

“I’m broke.” Kelly blurted out flatly.

“What? How-”

“I’ve been bartending nights for extra cash.”

“I don’t understand, I know how much money you make and it’s nothing to sneeze at. So, where is it all going?”

Kelly hung her head and mumbled, “To my mother. To help support my family.”

“This is the same mother who allowed your drug addict father to beat and abuse you?”

“Tara you don’t understand-”

“You’re right, I don’t, so please explain it to me.”

Kelly inhaled deeply, “My father left, well, more like got arrested and he won’t be getting out anytime soon. Anyway, my Mom can’t support the kids on her own, so I’ve been helping.”

“It sounds more like you’ve been solely supporting them rather than just helping.”

Kelly nodded, “What else was I supposed to do Tara? They’re just kids and they don’t deserve to be eating out of the garbage or sleeping in a car. What’s happening to them is not their fault.”

Tara sat silently listening, the anger dissipating and turning to concern for the young girl in the impossible situation. She knew that Kelly was trying to do the right thing and it hurt Tara to see the utter desperation in her face.

“So, I’ve been paying all their bills,” Kelly continued, “Buying groceries, clothes, and so on.”

“Why didn’t you come to me sooner? I would have helped you out, you know that.”

“Because it’s not your problem, not your burden…it’s mine. I just thought if I got another job, I could handle it, but I guess all the stress and exhaustion is starting to take it’s toll.”

“Ok, I understand that part of the equation. Now I just need to know exactly why you’ve been taking it out on Willow?”

“Because…when Willow moves in, I’ll be out and I don’t have anywhere else to go. I guess I thought if I pushed her away then…Tara I’m so sorry.” Kelly squeaked as she began sobbing again.

“Who said anything about Willow moving in?”

“Are you kidding me? I’ve seen how you two look at each other. Plus I’ve never seen you this happy before.”

“So, your solution was to sabotage our relationship? To try and hurt the person that means the most to me? Kelly, how could you?” Tara stood, turning her back and moving towards the door.

“I know, I know and I am so, so sorry. Please Tara, you have to believe me!”

“I don’t really know what to believe anymore,” Tara said in almost a whisper, “I’m sorry for everything that’s happening with your family, but trying to take mine away from me is…inexcusable.”

“Tara…please, please don’t fire me,” The brunette begged, “I’ll apologize to Willow and I’ll make it up to you. I promise the stuff with the Paparazzi, it won’t ever happen again!”

“I just…I just don’t know if I can ever fully trust you again and-” Tara spun to face her, “What!?”

“Tara-”

“The Paparazzi…in the stadium parking lot and then here at the house. That morning, you saw them and didn’t say a word! You let Willow and I walk out there together and you told them she was here after I left. That’s why they stayed and then you lied straight to my face!”

Kelly hung her head and sniffled; never lifting her eyes from the floor.

“How much did they pay you Kelly!?” Tara was livid, desperately trying to come to terms with the fact that her trusted friend and assistant had completely sold her out. She took a deep breath, trying to calm the rising tide within her, “Well, I hope it was worth it; worth your job and our friendship.”

“Please Tara, don’t-”

“Out. I want you out, now.” Tara stated flatly as she exited the room; slamming the door behind her. She made a beeline to her bedroom, picked up her phone and called Cyndi right away.

*************************************

Willow rummaged around her room sorting through clean and dirty laundry while humming along to the Adele song that was playing on the radio. She couldn’t have been happier, even though another conversation with her mother loomed on the horizon; the euphoria of her relationship with Tara was trumping everything else.

Willow turned her attention to the feline that lazily sprawled across her bed, “Guess what Miss Kitty? You get to come with me to Tara’s house and you’d better be on your best behavior! Hopefully you and your new best friend don’t tear the place down.” Willow chuckled to herself as she continued to sort clothes.

Once she figured out what she needed, she packed two separate bags. One for her clean clothes and one for dirty; hoping Tara didn’t mind her using the washer and dryer. As she went along she also cleared space in her dresser and closet for Tara. Willow was elated when Tara offered her space for her things and looked forward to spending more time with her love. Their lives were slowly melting together as their love was growing ever stronger.

Willow was still rambling to Miss Kitty when the familiar sound of her phone blared through the apartment.

“Hi Baby!” Willow exclaimed as she answered.

“Hey, everything going ok?” Tara replied.

“Of course. How’s my favorite girl?”

Tara sighed deeply, “Well, two things. First, there’s nothing here to eat. So, I thought maybe you could pick something up on your way back or just wait until you get here and we can order out.”

Willow’s smile left instantly when she heard the flat, sullen tone in Tara’s voice and she grew concerned immediately, “Tare, what’s wrong?”

“Hmm, you know me too well,” Tara breathed, “So, the second thing is Kelly.”

Willow stopped what she was doing and sat down on her bed, ready to give Tara her undivided attention. For the next fifteen minutes Tara filled her in on Kelly’s debauchery and her talk with Cyndi. Willow’s head was spinning and not in a good way. Her first reaction was anger, which soon gave way to concern.

“Tare, she knows everything about you; from your business dealings to your personal life. Now she’s homeless, jobless and desperate. She could do some serious damage, if she hasn’t already. What did Cyndi say?”

“Well, she was glad I did what I did. Since Kelly clearly violated our non-disclosure agreement, I was well within my rights to fire her. She said not to panic and she’ll call me later.”

“Can you press charges or something?”

“Well, it’s not like it’s a criminal act and besides firing her, all I can really do is file a law suit.”

“And since she has nothing…” Willow added.

“Right, it would be a total waste. Willow, we need to be prepared because she’s g-gonna blab, especially now and I’m sure it won’t be pretty.”

“It’s ok Baby, we’ll get through it.”

“I know. Are you coming back soon?” The tone in Tara’s voice was almost pleading.

“Yeah, I’m almost done. I just need to round up the cat and then I’ll pick something up on the way. Ok?”

“Ok, don’t forget to call your Mom. I’ll see you soon.”

“I won’t. Love you Tara.”

“Love you too.”

************************************

About 10 minutes later, Willow finally finished getting everything together. She took a couple duffle bags, her laptop and school backpack down to Tara’s car. She then called The Indigo and ordered dinner and was told it would take 15 to 20 minutes. She sent a text to Tara to let her know and then settled down on the couch and called her mother.

“Willow? You’re calling me twice in 24 hours…is everything ok?”

“Yes Mom, everything is fine,” Willow groaned as she hopped off the couch and started to pace nervously, “Well, fine in the sense that I’m ok and there’s nothing wrong with me, but not fine in another sense. Because if everything was really fine and dandy then I wouldn’t be calling again and then-”

“Willow! Will you be getting to the point anytime soon, because we were just about to sit down to dinner.”

“We? W-Who else is there?” Willow stammered.

“Well, your father, Eli, Stella and Milo.”

“Oh um, what’s the occasion?”

“Nothing special, just Sunday dinner. Honey, it’s not that I don’t want to talk, but I do need to get back. You know how Milo gets when he’s hungry.”

Willow smiled as she thought about her nephew’s monstrous appetite and his adorable pout, “Yeah, um anyway. I uh need to tell you something about my um girlfriend before you hear it somewhere else.”

“Go ahead.” Sheila was short in her reply, her tone laced with a tinge of annoyance.

“Mom, my girlfriend is an actress, she’s kinda famous, and I wanted you to meet her first, but it looks like we may get outed by the press before that, so I just wanted you to know and-”

“Oh Willow!” Sheila scoffed, instantly voicing her intense disapproval, “An actress? Of all the people...couldn’t you have found someone more on your academic level? What about that nice Dr. that you work with at the clinic? What’s his name again…Martin something?”

“Mother! Are you serious? Willow was furious, already on the edge after Tara’s call. “How many Goddamn times do we have to go through this?”

“Willow, please do not-”

“I don’t understand you at all, you just told me yesterday that Gray was dating a ‘local celebrity’, a ‘lovely girl’ as you put it and you were just fine with it. But this doesn’t have anything to do with that, does it? She could be a doctor or a lawyer and you’d still disapprove.” Willow was so angry and panting so hard, that she thought she might just hyperventilate. She wasn’t even sure if what she was saying was making any sense at all.

“Is that what this is about? You thought if you told me that this girl was famous that I would just accept your ‘lifestyle?” Sheila replied.

“You…you don’t even believe me.” Willow shook her head and continued, “You know what? I’m done with this conversation. I don’t even care what you think anymore. Talk to Dad, because I’m done. I’ll see you Saturday.” With that, Willow hung up the phone. She collected Miss Kitty and headed out the door.

[mmmh-Hot-Sauce]

Dibs.

Great new update. Glad that Tara finally talked to Kelly to find out what her deal is. Although Kelly's situations is sad I'm still glad she got kicked to the curb. If she was having such money issues she should have just gone to Tara, not acted like a bitch and gone behind Tara's back to the pap's.

And to Shiela. Why can't she get it through her head that Willow's gay and won't date dumb Dr. Grabby Hands.

Can't wait till next Sunday when Tara meets the family.

[Grimm]

Okay, I was actually mad at you for about 30 seconds for making me feel an ounce of sympathy for that piece of garbage known as Kelly. Then I got to the part where she actually admitted her guilt for outing our girls and I now feel justified in saying I hope she catches a non-stop flight, straight to hell, with first class accomodations... Get ready to hit the bricks....biyaaaatch .

[Sierra]

Hey, great update as usual!

Ok, first, I'm frustrated cause I understand what you wrote but it's still hard for me to write in english and I have plenty things in my head... I think I'll make it short and I'll try to be as clear as possible.

Isn't Tara's reaction about Kelly a little rude? Everybody makes mistakes and can have a second chance. Kelly crossed a line, that's right, but she was desperate(d?). People usually don't act logical when they're in panic mode. Plus, she apologized for what she did. And now, she has no job and nowhere to go.

I know Kelly had been rude with Willow and the stuff with the paparazzi, but right now, all I can think is "Poor Kelly".


About Willow and her mother, it must be very hard for Will to handle this situation. I really admire her for her patience and for the fact that she didn't tell yet her mother to go in hell and that she still plans on spending her holidays with her family.


Thanks for the update, I love your story.

[Promthea128]

Big yay for finally knowing what the Hell is up with Kelly. I kinda assumed that she was helping out her family, but didn't think it was that bad. So I'm slightly sympathetic toward her. But she acted like an idiotic bitch, so yeah. Go Tara.

I'm glad that Willow finally really talked to her mother. Or at least tried to, you can't get to far with Shelia.

[love_2003]

Thanksgiving dinner with Willow's mom is certainly going to be interesting. I felt bad that Kelly is broke because she is trying to help her family but I soon got over it when she told Tara about the paparazzi. At least Tara did the smart thing and called Cyndi and Willow right away to let them know what is going on. I love the drama!

[zampsa19752001]

Yay for great update-y goodness... I'm glad that the Bitch K situation is atleast partially resolved... I kinda feel bad for her but outing Willow & Tara to the paps is just unacceptable. I bet that now that she is known for "selling out" her clients she can kiss goodbye to any work opportunity in entertainment industry... I'm really glad that Tara called Cyndi & Willow as soon as she kicked Bitch K out of the house... I kinda hope that Willow somehow manages to convince her dad to divorce Sheila and introduce her to Dr. Rectal Cranial Inversion because those two kinda deserve eachother

[Laragh]

First off, I am quite relieved to know that Tara's pH balance is safe.

“Yes?” The redhead giggled, “What’s your shoe size?”

“Hmm, 7?”

“Really? Mine too! Ok, this is good because you can wear some of mine. I have several pair and that way it’s less to pack. But um, bring the hiking boots and then whatever else you want.” Willow said with a grin.

Same shoe size. Awesome. Collection instantly doubled.

“It’s just that, I’ve never been riding before. Real riding that is,” Tara stood and began to clear the table, “I think the last time I was on a horse was a pony ride at a birthday party when I was little.”

Role reversal! Love it! Never seen it been done either. Awesome.

“Ok fine,” Willow grudgingly agreed, “You were in a tight black leather skirt, black hose, black stiletto’s and a thin white cotton top…no bra, of course. Oh and you were wearing glasses and carrying a riding crop.”

We can't...we can't be talking about that beach scene and then make me imagine that!! My face can only go go to a certain degree of red before it just explodes!!

N'awww. They're so sweet together.

Wow. Wasn't expecting that from Kelly! Makes sense though. And I'm glad it's deeper than just a misplaced crush on Tara. But still, Tara's right, the trust's been broken. That's hard to come back from. Especially when Kelly's privy to so much sensitive information. Saying anything to the Paparazzi is just...hell to the nizzo.

The shit's gonna hit the fan, but I'm glad they're planning on getting through it together.

I hope once Sheila meets Tara, she starts to accept Willow's 'lifestyle' *roll eyes* Alas, I know life doesn't always work out that way.

But as long as I got my W/T facing the world and the silly people against them, I'm a happy kitten. I trust in your awesome skills!

eace

[nightmask]

Aww it's so cute that Tara and Willow are beginning to move in to each other's houses ^.^
I like how in this story Willow wants to take Tara riding when usually it's the other way around it's a nice change :]
Willow's mom pisses me off someone needs to make her be more understanding and supportive towards Willow! Maybe Willow's mom will open her mind a little more once she finally meets Tara.
Can't wait for the next update

[wimpy0729]

Oh, the momentous occasion of sharing drawers. It's a big step, but definitely a step in the right direction for our girls. Yay for no more toting bags back and forth. Man, I hated those days.

So, okay, I was feeling sorry for Kelly, still kind of do, but what she did was totally unacceptable. She should've just gone to Tara in the first place, but I'm guessing she wasn't thinking too clearly given the circumstances. Now I'm anxious to see what she does next. Smart of Tara to call Cyndi right away. I'm bracing myself for some fireworks.

Willow's phone call with her mother really made my blood pressure go up. How dense is she? That's so frustrating that she keeps bringing up men. Ugh! I can't wait to see her reaction when she finds out which actress it is. I have a feeling Tara can win her over. And, of course, Tara never having ridden a horse actually cracked me up. Cute touch.

More soon please!


Wimpy

[DaddyCatALSO]

I agree on the horse-role reversal being clever, and was the shoe size thing a reference to Aly, SMG, and Charisma having the same shoe size?
Kelly - sigh, I know how sociopathic a person can get when the family is hurting but simple honesty should be the first choice and not the last resort. Does Kelly *know* Willow is famous in her own circle? Because yes, I can see her having a serious fast-cash opportunity there.
Sheila- Again sigh. I mean, not being able to let go of an issue with her daughter is one thing, and in my experience the default normal in most families (cynical, me?) but outright disbeleif, thinking Willow is pulling some kind of hoax as a way to get over with Sheila, well, again it happens a lot but sheesh.
Good touch also with "your academic level." So many people think show folk are stupid by definition. Admittedly, given her background this version of Tara doesn't have much formal education, but in real life neither SMG nor Mercedes does, neither does Diane Lane to go back a generation, they also transitioned from child performer to adult roles without taking a Jodie foster educational break, and none of them are morons.

[beautiful_love]

Hey Shel. Check it out. I'm actually leaving feedback again. Lol. I made it a point to not miss this update because its just too awesome. Anyway...

So I like the exchanging of the drawers you've got going on. It's so much better than rushing into living together after such a short amount of time. But a drawer or two is a nice compromise I think so great job. After being happy over reading that and then having to pick my jaw up off the floor and the thought of Tara as Miss Tress Of Pain, scholar and disciplinarian, I came to much the same conclusion as everyone else on the Kelly issue. Initially, yeah, totally felt sorry for her and I can understand where someone can be desperate to take care of their family. Unfortunately she crossed a major line and I think the worst of It for me was that she and Tara were friends once upon a time. That's just a ridiculous amount of trust broken and I can understand why Tara acted like she did.

Now Sheila on the other hand... don't even know where to go with that. Obviously it would be ideal for her to support her daughter but that's not the way things always work out now is it. I can only hope the rest of her family will show their support.

Looking forward to the next update. Yay!

[wayland]

Hi Shel,

I liked the way you reversed the horse-fear thing, it made me smile.

I found Kelly’s explanation very unconvincing. First she delivers this big sob story, (literally), then almost as an afterthought she mentions betraying Tara to the paparazzi. It’s obvious that Tara is the kind of boss who would help out if there was a real need, so why didn’t she ask her? I reckon the real reasons for Kelly’s behaviour are jealousy and a sense of entitlement, not her dear old ma.
I was very glad that Tara fired her. I keep being pleasantly surprised by the way your Willow and Tara act like grown up, intelligent women. This makes me think that there are too many gullible, weak women in the stuff I usually read and watch.

I was quite sympathetic to Sheila in the last conversation, but not this one. Her behaviour was terrible. I hope you keep things a little complicated, though. For me, a little fault on both sides is always more dramatic than an out and out villain.

Thanks for your story. I look forward to it every week.
Clare

[JustSkipIt]

Hmmm. Everyone seems pretty darned pissed at both Kelly and Sheila. And believe me, I know they are both in the wrong. Kelly is obviously desperate and that's understandable. Where I think Tara is making a mistake (personally, not necessarily professionally) is in basically punishing Kelly for being honest. Kelly didn't need to mention about the paparazi. Maybe it was a slip but maybe she felt like she trusted Tara enough to feel that Tara would understand and forgive her. It's like when my mom would not give us a curfew and then she would go to sleep and then at breakfast ask what time we came in and we'd say 2:00 or 3:00 or whatever and then she would ground us and it was like, "hey? I could have lied and you wouldn't have known the difference." You know? I mean, I support Tara protecting herself and setting up healthy boundaries with Kelly. I just don't know that I support the spur-of-the moment decision to fire her for telling the truth. And now she's got someone with a right to be very pissed out there with a lot of information.

Moving in - slowly does it and very nice. There's that wonderful point when it's like "we still have separate places... but we need clothes at each other's place." Very fun. I wonder if there's any danger in Willow getting pulled over in Tara's car or something. I mean she's not a likely candidate for police profiling but if she was, I would be worried.

Sheila. Hard to have much to say here. She's stuck. She'll catch up and by the time that happens, I can only hope she hasn't burned her bridges. It's very realistic and it's not what we want to read but it's pretty darned realistic. Actually, I'd say that if you are from Texas and have been out 3 or so years and 5 of your 6 immediate family members (plus their significant others) are supportive of your being gay, you're probably having a better than average response. And you know I'm not prejudiced against Texas - just sort of realistic. Still, it will be very interesting when W/T actually show the fuck up. Willow's so into understatement "she sort of a big deal" or whatever she said. You think? Ha ha.

[jazhers]

Really enjoying this story. Can't wait for more.

[willowtaralover]

A little something before the FB, not facebook lol. I have to admit that no, I have never seen ‘Home For The Holidays’. Though I have seen ‘The Holiday’ and ‘Home Alone’. Is there any similarity with those two films?

Also, you give great feedback yourself Shel and thank you so much for reading my little adventure story. I swear some W/T lovin is coming up in it in a few chapters.

“Well, the weather this time of year can be warm or cold, but more than likely just in between. Mostly jeans, some long sleeve shirts, t-shirts, maybe some shorts,

Oh my god, Willow and Tara in shorts. Please tell me there gonna be wearing cut offs, that are cut off at the hips, showing those legs the girls have that go all the way, hubba hubba.

I love the reverse here with Tara not being a good rider while Willow is accomplished at it. Plus the usage of quality dialogue from’ Where the Wild Thing’s’ are I believe the episode is.

“Not over my love,” Tara stepped back towards Willow and lightly kissed her cheek, “Just postponed. I need to talk to her, but first I need to put on a bra. I can’t be all boss like without a bra.”

Willow snorted and a small smile graced her lips as her mind drifted to a naughty place

Witty lines and naughty thoughts, this is definitely my kind of story and my kind of thoughts, hmmm Tara without a bra DROOL.

First Tara suggests Willow bring extra clothes so Willow has some when she stays at Tara’s, then has the idea of Miss Kitty going too. C’mon Tara, just invite Willow to move in with you permanent. You know you want to

“I’m broke.” Kelly blurted out flatly.

“What? How-”

“I’ve been bartending nights for extra cash.”

“I don’t understand, I know how much money you make and it’s nothing to sneeze at. So, where is it all going?”

Kelly hung her head and mumbled, “To my mother. To help support my family.”

Kelly inhaled deeply, “My father left, well, more like got arrested and he won’t be getting out anytime soon. Anyway, my Mom can’t support the kids on her own, so I’ve been helping.”

“It sounds more like you’ve been solely supporting them rather than just helping.”

Kelly nodded, “What else was I supposed to do Tara? They’re just kids and they don’t deserve to be eating out of the garbage or sleeping in a car. What’s happening to them is not their fault.”

“So, I’ve been paying all their bills,” Kelly continued, “Buying groceries, clothes, and so on.”


Wow, you really pulled the rug out from under us Kittens regarding Kelly. I like that you did this, make Kelly a victim of circumstance as opposed to being a junkie cos it totally confounds our expectations.

“Tara…please, please don’t fire me,” The brunette begged, “I’ll apologize to Willow and I’ll make it up to you. I promise the stuff with the Paparazzi, it won’t ever happen again!”

“I just…I just don’t know if I can ever fully trust you again and-” Tara spun to face her, “What!?”

“The Paparazzi…in the stadium parking lot and then here at the house. That morning, you saw them and didn’t say a word! You let Willow and I walk out there together and you told them she was here after I left.”

Holy crap Shel, just after I get back on my feet you trip me up with this revelation showing us Kelly has been a sneaky bitch after all. Damn, I wish I could write as well as you do.

Willow was elated when Tara offered her space for her things and looked forward to spending more time with her love. Their lives were slowly melting together as their love was growing ever stronger.

Willow and Tara love, doesn’t it just make you want to go AWWW.

“Is that what this is about? You thought if you told me that this girl was famous that I would just accept your ‘lifestyle?” Sheila replied.

Two things here, first what’s wrong with Willow’s lifestyle? I think she has an awesome life; she makes me wish I were a lesbian. I know I should have been born a gay girl.

Second, is Sheila’s dismissal of Willow being gay just a jewish thing? I only ask because I know that in some of the Southern States like Texas and Alabama, Amber’s home territory, tend to have a ‘no gay’ policy and most of the people, especially the men, can take a real dislike to gay’s. Is there an element of that homophobia within Sheila?

“You know what? I’m done with this conversation. I don’t even care what you think anymore. Talk to Dad, because I’m done. I’ll see you Saturday.”

Ah parents, the most annoying people in the world, and I’m speaking from experience here, different to Willow’s but definitely bad experiences.

[Ariel]

Shelby,
So great getting home to an internet system that actually works and doesn’t keep cutting out all the time AND to see an update from you!

Tara pushed Willow’s back up against the counter as things were beginning to heat up. Willow’s hands managed to find their way under Tara’s shirt and up her stomach; finding the blonde’s naked breasts. Willow began to gently massage and caress the soft fleshy mounds as her mouth blazed a path down the blonde’s jaw and across to her delicate earlobe. Just as Willow began to pull Tara’s shirt over her head, they heard a loud buzz indicating the gate was being opened.

Okay, all betrayal aside, Kelly should be FIRED for interrupting that scene! As for the stuff she did, I’m torn right down the middle. First, I agree with SMGOVAN and the idea of offering her a ticket straight to hell! THEN I end up feeling some compassion for the stupid little bitch. It’s good Tara called Cyndi. Probably smart to get professional advice. They may also want to throw Kelly a bone to motivate her to shut up. Then again . . . like I said, torn!

“Help me with the clasp?” Tara asked as she turned around.

“No problem Baby, although, I’d rather be doing the opposite.” Willow smirked as Tara turned to face her.

“So, what were you thinking?”

“Taarra!” Willow whined, her face now matching the color of her hair.

“Willlllllow!” Tara mocked.

“Ok fine,” Willow grudgingly agreed, “You were in a tight black leather skirt, black hose, black stiletto’s and a thin white cotton top…no bra, of course. Oh and you were wearing glasses and carrying a riding crop.”

The whole scene, Willow feeling “dreamy” and getting busted and the humor between them. Along with passion and deep loyalty that humor adds something special to their love. You do a consistently BEAUTIFUL job of capturing all those elements. And of course the HOTNESS has no effect on me! Just let me drop into this cold shower to stimulate my uh skin . . .

Really like how Willow talks to Miss Kitty, just one of those details you nail that makes them real. Reminds me of Gigi singing to her cat as she gets ready for her big date with Gaston.

Then there’s Sheila . . . Shelby, you nail it perfectly! The illogic, the disapproval that ALWAYS finds an excuse to come out – the cluelessness and the selfishness and then there's Willow, seeing through the crap yet still sucked into the quagmire - PERFECT!!! Please, ringside seat for THIS fight! I want to see our girls win!!!

Another great chapter – eager to see them in beautiful Texas!

Ariel
How I Met Your Mother

[brave-little-toaster]

So... I've been reading this story since... February [?] when I first found this site. Finally got my rear end around to making an account, and I gotta say, absolutely lovin' it. IT"S SO ADORABLE! Can't wait to see what happens with Willow's parents.

[bouncer73]

holy smokes batman...

man..I just wanna punch sheila...ugh...and kelly but atleast we know why Kelly does what she does. I am pretty sure there is no logical excuse for Sheila...that part of the story just had me angry at her. I felt so sorry for Willow and in a fairytale sort of way would hope that when she meets Tara she is not a B*tch and is nice...

[Finey_McFine]

mmmh-Hot-Sauce:
YAY DIBS!!

Although Kelly's situations is sad I'm still glad she got kicked to the curb.

Me too, she didn’t really have a choice.

{quote] …Shiela. Why can't she get it through her head that Willow's gay and won't date dumb Dr. Grabby Hands. [/quote] Because ‘de-nile’ ain’t just a river! LOL It’s a good thing that Willow is over 18, because I have a feeling that she’d send her to one of those Ex-Gay camps if she could!

Thanks for the feedback!



SMGOVAN:

Okay, I was actually mad at you for about 30 seconds for making me feel an ounce of sympathy for that piece of garbage known as Kelly. Then I got to the part where she actually admitted her guilt for outing our girls and I now feel justified in saying I hope she catches a non-stop flight, straight to hell, with first class accomodations

Sorry I made you mad, but when you’re a boss, tough decisions have to be made! BTW…you hit the nail on the head. I’m pretty sure Tara would not have fired her had she not alerted the paps to their every move just to make a quick buck.


Thanks for the feedback!!!


Sierra:

I'm frustrated cause I understand what you wrote but it's still hard for me to write in english

You’re doing great!! No worries:)

Isn't Tara's reaction about Kelly a little rude? Everybody makes mistakes and can have a second chance. Kelly crossed a line, that's right, but she was desperate

Yes, it was a tough decision and yes, Kelly was desperate, however, she betrayed Tara’s trust. If Tara had let it slide, do you think that she would have betrayed her again? Maybe in a worse way? It has been my experience that the way in which people act in a crisis situation determines their true character. She had a choice to make and she chose poorly. Friendships aside, Tara is her boss first. Kelly not only violated Tara’s trust, but she also broke a binding legal agreement…the non-disclosure contract. Kelly’s entire job was based on that agreement and she broke it for personal gain. I know it sounds like a harsh reaction for our sweet Tara, but it had to be done. Kelly knew there would be consequences for her actions, the first thing she said was “Please don’t fire me.” She made her choices, not Tara. Tara was just following through.

About Willow and her mother, it must be very hard for Will to handle this situation. I really admire her for her patience and for the fact that she didn't tell yet her mother to go in hell and that she still plans on spending her holidays with her family.

The trip home should be interesting!

Thanks for the feedback!


Promthea128:

So I'm slightly sympathetic toward her. But she acted like an idiotic bitch, so yeah. Go Tara.

Tara was too and I doubt she would have fired her if it not been for the selling out to the paps.

Again, love the JOY of an adult relationship. Issues, discussion, resolution while still keeping it compelling and fun

You know, I look back on my teenage relationships and realize that if we just talked honestly, all would have been resolved and with limited drama, lol.

I'm glad that Willow finally really talked to her mother. Or at least tried to, you can't get to far with Shelia.

Ain’t that the truth!

Thanks for the feedback!


love_2003:

Thanksgiving dinner with Willow's mom is certainly going to be interesting.

That it is!!

I felt bad that Kelly is broke because she is trying to help her family but I soon got over it when she told Tara about the paparazzi.

That was definitely the deal breaker.


Thanks for the feedback!


zampsa19752001:

I kinda feel bad for her but outing Willow & Tara to the paps is just unacceptable.

Legal issues aside, you just don’t bite the hand that feeds you.

I bet that now that she is known for "selling out" her clients she can kiss goodbye to any work opportunity in entertainment industry

Good call! She certainly will not be getting a good recommendation from Tara.

I kinda hope that Willow somehow manages to convince her dad to divorce Sheila and introduce her to Dr. Rectal Cranial Inversion because those two kinda deserve each other

Hahahaha…I didn’t think about that!

Thanks for the feedback!!!


Laragh:

Role reversal! Love it! Never seen it been done either. Awesome.

Hopefully no horses try to eat her arm!

We can't...we can't be talking about that beach scene and then make me imagine that!! My face can only go to a certain degree of red before it just explodes!!

Maybe some of the cool ocean water will cool you off???

But still, Tara's right, the trust's been broken. That's hard to come back from. Especially when Kelly's privy to so much sensitive information.

You are exactly right! Can you imagine the damage she could do if she fond out about what happened when Tara was a teenager? Kelly is definitely not to be trusted!

I hope once Sheila meets Tara, she starts to accept Willow's 'lifestyle' *roll eyes* Alas, I know life doesn't always work out that way.

Ahhh, if only life were that simple.


Thanks for the feedback!


nightmask:

Aww it's so cute that Tara and Willow are beginning to move in to each other's houses

It’s a very tiny uhaul, lol.

I like how in this story Willow wants to take Tara riding when usually it's the other way around it's a nice change

I just kinda felt like we needed a change

Willow's mom pisses me off someone needs to make her be more understanding and supportive towards Willow! Maybe Willow's mom will open her mind a little more once she finally meets Tara.

One can only hope!

Thanks for the feedback!


wimpy0729:

Oh, the momentous occasion of sharing drawers. It's a big step, but definitely a step in the right direction for our girls.

Ahhh, the good old days!

She should've just gone to Tara in the first place

Yep, she sure should have and Tara would have helped her. She also would not have fired her, had it not been for the selling out to the paps.

Willow's phone call with her mother really made my blood pressure go up. How dense is she?

She is definitely infuriating and pretty f’in dense! She just doesn’t get it and I can pretty much guarantee you that her antics do not stop here. Tara winning her over??? Maybe…we’ll see

Thanks for the feedback!!


DaddyCatAlso:

I agree on the horse-role reversal being clever, and was the shoe size thing a reference to Aly, SMG, and Charisma having the same shoe size?

Haha…I had no idea about the shoe size deal, lol.

I know how sociopathic a person can get when the family is hurting but simple honesty should be the first choice and not the last resort.

You are correct.

Does Kelly *know* Willow is famous in her own circle? Because yes, I can see her having a serious fast-cash opportunity there.

Kelly pretty much knows everything and that is the problem. She definitely cannot be trusted.

Good touch also with "your academic level." So many people think show folk are stupid by definition.

And Sheila is no different. I’m feeling she will do everything in her power to prove her point.


Thanks for the feedback!


beautiful_love:
Hi Jessica!

Feedback…woo and hoo!!

So I like the exchanging of the drawers you've got going on. It's so much better than rushing into living together after such a short amount of time.

No U-haul yet! I do love the fact that Willow gave Tara a drawer…multi-millionaire, world wide celebrity Tara Maclay…got a drawer, lol. Can you imagine?

After being happy over reading that and then having to pick my jaw up off the floor and the thought of Tara as Miss Tress Of Pain, scholar and disciplinarian,

Ummm…hot!

That's just a ridiculous amount of trust broken and I can understand why Tara acted like she did.

I guess Tara IS all large with the butch! lol She really had no choice in the matter. The fb on this chapter & everyone’s reactions was so interesting to me. Everyone had a very hard time coming to grips with Tara standing up and putting her foot down. But as I recall, in “Older and Far Away,” she did just that when she got between Anya and Willow. There was no way in hell she was going to let anyone threaten Willow. What’s really going to be fun is when they go to Texas and Sheila acts up…what will Tara do??????? WWTD, lol Maybe I should have bracelets made? Haha

Sheila: I believe that it would be in her best interest to support her daughter, but this is Sheila we’re talking about…


Thanks for the feedback!!!

wayland:
Hi Clare,

I liked the way you reversed the horse-fear thing, it made me smile.

Maybe I’ll give her a frog fear as well. What do you think? Too over the top? lol

I found Kelly’s explanation very unconvincing. First she delivers this big sob story, (literally), then almost as an afterthought she mentions betraying Tara to the paparazzi. It’s obvious that Tara is the kind of boss who would help out if there was a real need, so why didn’t she ask her? I reckon the real reasons for Kelly’s behaviour are jealousy and a sense of entitlement, not her dear old ma.

To date…you are the only one to come to this conclusion. If I was reading this for the first time, I would have thought the same thing! I’m skeptical by nature. I think it comes from many years of managing people. On a side note… I have a friend whose boyfriend is lying to her about a number of things. I told her straight up to her face, “he’s lying and betraying your trust. If he can lie about this, he’ll lie to you about bigger things later.” Do you think she listens? Hell no, she stays and the lies are getting worse and worse. I say cut the ties at all costs!

I keep being pleasantly surprised by the way your Willow and Tara act like grown up, intelligent women. This makes me think that there are too many gullible, weak women in the stuff I usually read and watch.

Thanks! I tend to get tired of seeing women portrayed as helpless victims in need of rescue.

I was quite sympathetic to Sheila in the last conversation, but not this one. Her behaviour was terrible.

That it was and I’m sure it doesn’t end there.


Thanks for the feedback!!!!


JustSkipIt:

Where I think Tara is making a mistake (personally, not necessarily professionally) is in basically punishing Kelly for being honest. Kelly didn't need to mention about the paparazi. Maybe it was a slip but maybe she felt like she trusted Tara enough to feel that Tara would understand and forgive her.

Did she really feel like Tara would forgive her or did she just think that Tara was gullible enough to cave in? Kelly knew right away that her job was on the line, the first words out of her mouth were: “please don’t fire me.” Believe me, I understand what you’re saying, but the fact that she was aware of the possibility of losing her job, tells me that she thought about it before doing what she did. Premeditated betrayal, if you would. I really feel like Kelly never imagined that Tara would actually fire her. Much like a petulant child, she thought she could get away with it…get a proverbial slap on the wrist. Only Tara called her bluff and let her go.

I support Tara protecting herself and setting up healthy boundaries with Kelly. I just don't know that I support the spur-of-the moment decision to fire her for telling the truth. And now she's got someone with a right to be very pissed out there with a lot of information.

But how do you now set those boundaries when you can’t trust the person further than you can throw them? Where Tara screwed up was allowing Kelly to live with her and blurring the lines between employer and employee. It gave Kelly a false sense of security. When those lines blur, it gives the employee a sense that they’re “special” and “untouchable,” they start to feel entitled and invincible. I don’t think she was punishing her for telling the truth, she was simply punishing her for breaking a trust, not to mention a binding legal contract. Had Kelly stolen from Tara, would you still feel the same way?

[quoteI wonder if there's any danger in Willow getting pulled over in Tara's car or something. [/quote] That made me laugh, because I actually thought about it as well, lol. But that would just be way too much drama. Maybe later in the story

Shiela: I totally get what you’re saying about coming out and the Texas ‘mentality.’ I’m not from here originally, but I did grow up in the south, so I totally get what you’re saying.

Willow's so into understatement "she sort of a big deal" or whatever she said. You think? Ha ha.

She really is a pro at beating around the bush, no pun intended, lol. I laughed when I read this because I already had a draft of the next chapter written…you’ll see what I mean when you read it,

Thanks for the feedback too!

Jazhers:

Thanks…see below!!!

willowtaralover:
Hi Rick!

Zero similarity between those movies, but I do recommend Home for The Holidays…very funny and serious family craziness.

Oh my god, Willow and Tara in shorts. Please tell me there gonna be wearing cut offs, that are cut off at the hips, showing those legs the girls have that go all the way, hubba hubba.

Drool much? LOL

First Tara suggests Willow bring extra clothes so Willow has some when she stays at Tara’s, then has the idea of Miss Kitty going too. C’mon Tara, just invite Willow to move in with you permanent. You know you want to

Patience my friend, patience.

Wow, you really pulled the rug out from under us Kittens regarding Kelly. I like that you did this, make Kelly a victim of circumstance as opposed to being a junkie cos it totally confounds our expectations.

The fb on this chapter has been interesting, to say the least. If Kelly had been a junkie…everyone would have just agreed with the firing, but it wasn’t. It was a ‘legitimate’ reason. Thus blurring the lines a bit.

Holy crap Shel, just after I get back on my feet you trip me up with this revelation showing us Kelly has been a sneaky bitch after all.

Hahahaha…that comes from years of watching soap operas when I was a teenager!

is Sheila’s dismissal of Willow being gay just a jewish thing? I only ask because I know that in some of the Southern States like Texas and Alabama, Amber’s home territory, tend to have a ‘no gay’ policy and most of the people, especially the men, can take a real dislike to gay’s. Is there an element of that homophobia within Sheila?

I think it’s a little of both. I’ve lived here 11 years and have had no bad experiences, even though I live in the burbs. But I do think it’s different for women than it is for men.

Thanks for the feedback!


Ariel:

Okay, all betrayal aside, Kelly should be FIRED for interrupting that scene!

THEN I end up feeling some compassion for the stupid little bitch. It’s good Tara called Cyndi. Probably smart to get professional advice.

I think Tara needed reassurance that she was doing the right thing, from someone that was objective.

The whole scene, Willow feeling “dreamy” and getting busted and the humor between them. Along with passion and deep loyalty that humor adds something special to their love. You do a consistently BEAUTIFUL job of capturing all those elements.

Thanks for seeing something besides the two angsty parts of this chapter:)

Really like how Willow talks to Miss Kitty, just one of those details you nail that makes them real. Reminds me of Gigi singing to her cat as she gets ready for her big date with Gaston.

I actually considered having her sing, but it was a fleeting thought. I’ll save the singing for later…since we know what happened with the G6 song, lol.

Then there’s Sheila . . . Shelby, you nail it perfectly! The illogic, the disapproval that ALWAYS finds an excuse to come out – the cluelessness and the selfishness and then there's Willow, seeing through the crap yet still sucked into the quagmire - PERFECT!!!

Thanks…I have lot’s of experience in the parental arena!

Thanks for the feedback!!!


brave-little-toaster:

So... I've been reading this story since... February [?] when I first found this site.

Welcome to the board!!!

I gotta say, absolutely lovin' it. IT"S SO ADORABLE!

Thanks so much!

Glad to see that you registered and started feedbacking…you’ll be addicted in no time at all!


bouncer73:

man..I just wanna punch sheila...ugh...and kelly but atleast we know why Kelly does what she does. I am pretty sure there is no logical excuse for Sheila...that part of the story just had me angry at her. I felt so sorry for Willow and in a fairytale sort of way would hope that when she meets Tara she is not a B*tch and is nice...

I know and I’m sure Willow did as well. It will be interesting to see if Willow can hold her tongue when it comes to her mother insulting Tara, in a passive aggressive sort of way of course.

Thanks for the feedback!

NEW CHAPTER DIRECTLY BELOW

[Finey_McFine]

TITLE: Racing The Rain

AUTHOR: Finey_McFine

RATING: PG13

DISCLAIMER: Willow, Tara and any other BtVS characters, as well as some random dialog, belong to Mutant Enemy.

SUMMARY: Totally AU, Willow and Tara Meet with not so surprising results! Set in LA with lots of W/T fluff and a little teeny tiny bit of angst, but no Hellmouthyness. Just good old regular day-to-day drama.



FEEDBACK: OK; Any glaring issues…please send me a PM!

AUTHOR’S NOTE: Happy Tuesday Kittens! So, I finally finished this chapter! Sorry for the delay, lot’s of real life stuff going on…busy, busy! Anyway, this chapter ties up some loose ends before the, much anticipated, trip home. I promise that by the next chapter…they will finally be in Texas! Enjoy:)

*************************************

Chapter 31: Come Out, Come Out Wherever You Are!

“Are you serious? She actually said that?” Tara asked, as she opened the bag of food from The Indigo.

“Yep, serious as a heart attack.” Willow replied, pulling two plates from the cabinet and placing them on the table.

Both girls sat down and began digging into the multiple containers of food. Willow wasn’t sure what to get and opted for something they could share; spaghetti and meatballs, with sides of salad, garlic bread and fresh fruit for dessert.

“Is this ok with you? I mean, its kind of carb-y and I know how careful you are…” Willow’s voice drifted; not wanting to offend her girlfriend.

Tara reached over and covered Willow’s hand with hers, giving her a reassuring squeeze, “It’s perfect, besides I’ll need the extra energy for when I meet your Mom.”

Willow turned in her chair to face Tara, “Tare, you don’t have to go. If you think it’s going to be too much to deal with right now, I’ll completely understand.”

Tara stopped eating to face Willow, “You don’t w-want me to go now?”

“No! No, that’s not what I mean. I just…grr! Why does she have to complicate things so much?” Asking a rhetorical question to no one in particular, “I’m just saying that…you shouldn’t have to deal with her crap. She’s gonna be a pain in the ass, she’s up to something…I can feel it. Baby, I don’t think I can handle it if she hurts your feelings. We’re there for a week, so it could happen multiple times.”

Tara was touched at Willow’s deep concern and her heart broke seeing the vulnerable look on her lovers face, “Sweetie, I’m a big girl and I can take what ever she throws at me, as long as I have you…that’s all that matters. I love you Willow, and I want to be a part of your life, which happens to include your Mom. Besides, there’s more people in your family than just your mother and I’d like to get to know them as well.”

Willow nodded her head in response, “Let’s eat before it gets cold, ok?”

They sat in silence for quite awhile, eating and silently recounting the day’s events. The emotional roller coaster that began earlier in the day, was taking its toll and they were both physically and mentally drained. Out of the corner of her eye, Willow noticed that Tara had stopped eating and was just staring into space; her brow furrowed, clearly lost in thought.

“Hey, penny for your thoughts?” Willow whispered.

Tara sighed deeply, “I feel like a horrible person.”

“Tara, you’re not-”

“I know, but I can’t help feeling the way I do. This business I’m in…it’s cutthroat. I mean, one wrong move and poof! You’re whole career is gone. So, I can’t afford to have unscrupulous people around me, period. That business side of me says, ‘Hey, you did the right thing.’ But the personal side…feels like shit.” Tara finished in a whisper, as a single tear dripped down her cheek.

“C’mere,” Willow said as she scooter her chair close to Tara and hugged the blonde tight against her chest. No more words were spoken as Tara cried silently in Willow’s arms, the redhead soothingly gliding her fingers through Tara’s hair. As she snuggled Tara close, Willow allowed her mind to retrace the time since she’d met Tara. Her life had changed in so many wonderful ways and in such a short period of time. She never would have imagined that rescuing a poor lost pup would lead to her meeting the love of her life and that the love of her life would turn out to be the girl whose face she saw on the billboard every morning. The more she thought about it, the more surreal it became. After awhile, she decided to just stop thinking and focus on helping Tara feel better. They remained like that for some time until a loud buzz echoed through the house, alerting them that someone was at the gate.

Tara rose, wiping her face on her shirttail as she padded in the direction of the control panel. Willow couldn’t help but get the distinct feeling of déjà vu as she stood and followed behind Tara, curious to see who it was.

Willow stood on her tippy toes and looked over Tara’s shoulder at the video monitor, “Who is it?”

“Just the locksmith, I called him right after Kelly left.”

“I thought she left her keys?”

“She did, but at this point, I can’t trust that she didn’t make copies.”

Willow’s eyes went wide, “Tara, you need to change all of your passwords to your email, Facebook, Twitter, website-”

Tara placed a soothing finger on Willow’s lips, “Shhhh, don’t worry Baby, I already did. All I have left to change are the codes on the gate, the alarm and the garage.”

“Sorry, just the thought of all the damage she could do with access to your Twitter account alone,” Willow said as she breathed a sigh of relief, “I’ll just um, clean up while your...” her voice drifting as she waved a hand towards the front door.

Tara smiled, giving Willow a quick kiss, then heading out to meet the locksmith.

About 45 minutes later, after changing the locks on several outer doors, the task was finally complete. Tara signed the invoice and was handed a small manila envelope with four sets of keys. She returned to the couch and plopped back down in her spot next Willow.

“What cha got?” Willow asked, curiously eying the envelope.

Tara smiled, reaching in the bag and pulling out a shiny silver key, “New house keys.” She said as she gently picked up Willow’s hand, pressing the key to her palm and then closing Willow’s fingers around it.

“Really?” Willow asked, shocked by gesture. After everything that just happened with Kelly, she surely did not expect Tara to entrust her with the keys to the preverbal castle.

“Yes Baby, really.”

*************************************************

“Tare, It’s late and you look so sleepy, come to bed,” Willow pleaded as she watched Tara; sitting on the sofa with her laptop in Willow’s tiny living room and scrolling through her email.

“Here it is.” She rose and brought the open laptop over to Willow, who was standing in the hall wrapped in a blanket.

“Is this the statement Cyndi is releasing tomorrow?”

“Yep, wanna take a look?” Tara asked. Willow nodded, taking Tara’s hand and pulling her into the bedroom.

A day after the Kelly debacle rumors started to surface in a few tabloids, although there was nothing concrete to back up their stories. Unfortunately, as soon as the rumors hit the internet, the Paparazzi ramped up their efforts ten fold, knowing that evidence of Tara’s ’gayness’ would be a financial windfall. There had also been a single photographer that was relentlessly following Tara’s every move. At that point, Willow and Tara decided it would be best that they spent some time apart during the week. Not to mention the fact that Tara had late night talk show commitments and Willow desperately needed to finish at least one of her big papers before their holiday vacation. Regardless of the situation, they were excited about getting to spend an entire week together with no work and no school obligations.

Then, in the midst of everything, Cyndi received a call from a tabloid requesting confirmation before running a story with information they received from an ‘anonymous’ source; claiming to have specific details of a same sex romance, along with a couple of fuzzy photo’s. Cyndi informed Tara and after much discussion, they decided to give PEOPLE magazine an exclusive, confirming the rumors. Cyndi explained that by giving PEOPLE an exclusive, it would put Tara in the drivers seat, giving her the ability to control the flow of information. In order to avoid awkward and prying interviews, they decided to wait until the Friday before leaving for Texas to release the statement.

Willow crawled into her bed and sat the computer off to the side.

“Hey, I thought you were going to read the email?” Tara frowned as she took off her shoes and began her nightly routine.

“I am, but I need you here first,” Willow flashed Tara her best pout as she patted the empty spot on the bed next to her.

Tara complied and climbed into the bed, “What’s wrong Sweetie? Are you ok?” Tara was sitting close and leaning across Willow.

Willow took Tara’s free hand and idly played with her fingers, “I missed you this week.”

“I missed you too. Very. Very. Much.” Tara punctuated her words with a kiss.

“Hmmmmm, hurry and finish getting ready for bed. I need my snuggles, you just can’t deprive a girl like this!”

Tara shot Willow a lopsided smile and left a lingering kiss on her lips as she pried herself loose from the redhead and continued her routine. Willow reached for the laptop and began to read the email.


Tara Maclay is a lesbian- America’s Sweetheart comes out. The actress tells PEOPLE exclusively:

“Over the years I have always felt that my private live is just that, private. Until recently, I have been able to live a fairly normal life. Now it seems that there has been an increased interest in my private life, as well as my relationships.

“So, rather than deny the rumors and cause unnecessary speculation, I have decided to live my life as an openly gay woman. I am very happy with who I am and feel incredibly fortunate to be living the life of my choosing and working with wonderful people in the business that I love.”

Maclay, 23, stars in the top rated comedy, ‘Grant’s Park,’ for which she is currently nominated for a People’s Choice award. She rose to fame at age 16 when she played a troubled teen in the family drama, ‘Outlands,’ during the shows six year run she won an Emmy and two Golden Globes. She went on to star in the highly successful box office hit ‘Extra Sensations,’ as well its two sequels.

“What’s next for me? I just plan on enjoying my life,” she told PEOPLE, “I like where I am and I like where I’m going.”


Willow closed the laptop and sat it on the bedside table before settling down to watch Tara unpack and place a few items in the drawer Willow had cleaned out for her.

Tara turned to face Willow, “So, what do you think? I wasn’t really sure how much to say or if I should mention you…”

“Huh?” Willow had been too busy watching Tara bending over and hadn’t heard a word that she’d said.

Tara shook her head, knowing exactly what had distracted her adorable redhead, “Well, see I was just explaining the meaning of life, but I guess you missed it…so sorry.” She giggled.

“C’mere you!” Willow reached out and pulled Tara into the bed, assaulting her with tickles to her exposed ribcage.

Tara squirmed and squealed, much to Willow’s delight. “Ok, ok I give up!”

Willow had somehow managed to best Tara and end up on top of her, “I like it, by the way,” she panted.

“You’re ok that I didn’t mention you?”

“Yes Baby, this is about you, not me. Besides, the world will find out soon enough who your sizzling hot girlfriend is.”

Tara flashed Willow a seductive look, “Vixen.”

“Now, can I please have my Tara-snuggles?” Willow begged.

Tara suddenly flipped Willow on to her back, “You can have more than that if you want.”

Willow ran her hands up Tara’s naked thighs, “Who’s the vixen now?”

“Mmhh, I guess that would be me…”

*************************************************

“Are you sure she’s ok with it Tare?” Willow asked Tara again for the hundredth time that morning.

“Willow, please stop worrying so much,” Tara reassured Willow as she continued packing her suitcase, “Pam is fine with the pet sitting. She’s house and pet sat for me many times.”

“I know, but it was just Ralphie and she knows him and-”

“Do you think Miss Kitty is gonna go rogue and turn against her?” Tara said with a snicker.

“No,” Willow replied slightly amused, “But the thing with the vase was bad enough.”

Tara sat down on her bed next to Willow and placed her hands on the redhead’s shoulders, looking her straight in the eye, “Sweetie, it was an accident and I already told you that it’s fine. She broke a vase, not the Hope Diamond. Besides she didn’t act alone, as I recall she had a certain co-conspirator.” Tara raised an eyebrow and tilted her head in the direction of the little pooch that was lying innocently on the floor near her bed.

Willow giggled, “I guess, I just don’t want to come back and find your house in total shambles from their hijinx. After all, today’s it’s a broken vase and tomorrow it could be an entire china cabinet.”

“Hence the reason Pam agreed to house/pet sit,” Tara leaned in and gave Willow a quick peck on the cheek, “Now come on, let’s get finished packing, Pam will be here soon, plus I’m starving.”

“Okey-dokey!” Willow exclaimed happily.

“You’re such a goof. By-the-way, I like the new shirt.”

“Thanks, Stacey gave it to me when we had lunch earlier this week.” Willow looked down and grinned proudly. The threadbare light blue t-shirt was adorned with a picture of a donkey shaped piñata and the phrase: ‘I’d Hit That’ in bold letters underneath. “Oh! Before I forget, she sent one for you as well.”

Willow rummaged through her duffle bag and pulled out a light brown shirt and held it up to Tara. The phrase, ‘I’m Kind of A Big Deal,’ was emblazoned across the front in a rounded 1970’s style retro font.

Tara snorted, “Oh my God! That’s perfect and so sweet of her.”

“Yep, I guess that means that you are officially part of the team, an honorary member!” Willow grinned at Tara, sticking her tongue out between her teeth, “She said it was a thank you for getting she and Kurt reservations at Spago. Oh and she also suggested you wear it when you meet my Mom today.”

“Um hmm, I’m sure that would go over oh so well.” Tara said sarcastically, as she packed the shirt in her suitcase.

The gate buzzer sounded and Willow hopped up to let Pam in the gate while Tara made her way to the front door to greet her friend. Introductions were made and the three women settled down to breakfast on the patio.

Willow and Pam hit if off instantly, chatting and laughing about nothing in particular. Willow felt at ease with Pam’s open and honest personality. Of all the people Tara had introduced her to, Pam was the most real and she could see why Tara trusted her implicitly. She was happy to see that, besides Cyndi, there was at least one person that Tara could call a friend. The feeling appeared to be mutual, as Pam sat back and observed the girl’s interactions, loving gestures and sweet sideways glances. Pam couldn’t have been happier for Tara.

Willow’s phone rang and she excused herself from the table, leaving Tara and Pam alone to chat.

Pam took a sip of her tea and glanced up at Tara, who was busy eying her girlfriend pacing and talking on the phone across the patio. Pam cleared her throat loudly, “Uhh umm!”

“Oh, sorry.” Tara blushed and smiled sheepishly.

“So, I’m pleasantly surprised. Willow is pretty, um…wow.”

Tara sighed dreamily, “That she is…I told you.”

“Well, you definitely out did yourself. Speaking of out…how’s it feel?” Pam grinned.

“I’m not exactly sure, it hasn’t even been 24 hours yet and I haven’t been out in public. Ask me that question again in about 4 hours!”

Pam chuckled, “You’ll be fine and I bet the paps completely ignore you. Well, except for the twenty or so parked outside your gate.”

“Really?”

“Tara…Duh! Haven’t you looked online today? You’re the lead story on every major entertainment site, not to mention that I saw it in the CNN International news crawl this morning.”

“On the crawl?” Tara’s voice squeaked as she tried to wrap her head around the fact that her sexuality was being broadcast as international news.

“Who’s crawling?” Willow asked innocently, returning to the table.

“Tara’s a ‘big ‘ol dyke’ is making the rounds on the CNN news crawl.”

“PAM!” Tara exclaimed as she swatter her friend’s arm.

Willow snorted loudly, “Dyke…hey, maybe you should get a Harley!?”

“Oh yea?” Tara smirked at her girlfriend and tilted her head, “Well, maybe I will! Complete with a side car for my little baby dyke.”

All three women burst out laughing at the absurdity of the conversation, not to mention the visual. They finally finished eating and managed to clear the table without further incident. Tara got Pam settled in the guest room and equipped with all the new codes and keys, while Willow lugged their bags out by the front door to wait for the limo to arrive.

“What time is your flight?” Pam asked as she unpacked her suitcase.

“12:40p, and we arrive in Houston at 5:40pm.”

“Wow, that’s a long flight!”

“Not really…there’s a two hour time difference” Tara held up her wrist and tapped her watch.

“Oh yea, I forgot. So, are you ready to ‘meet the parents?’” Pam quipped.

“As ready as I’ll ever be,” Tara turned and flopped down on to the bed, “To tell you the truth, I’m nervous as hell. But please don’t say anything to Willow. I’m trying to keep up a brave front because I think she’s more nervous than I am.”

Pam smiled sweetly and sat down next to Tara, giving her a reassuring pat on the arm, “Honey, just be yourself and I’m sure everything will work out fine.”

“Tara!” Willow bellowed from the living room, “The car’s here!”

Tara locked eyes with Pam, “Well, this is it. Wish me luck?”

Pam shook her head, “Nope, because you’re not going to need it!”

[Laragh]

Dibs! Boo and ya.

Aww, silent reassuring cuddles That's a lot of deep thinking for Willow, but nothing wrong with counting your blessings!

Aww, keys. You're wooing me with squee this first half!

---

And the paps. It was bound to happen and I like that Tara's 'in the driver's seat'. I hope it manages to stay that way. I like the statement. Clear and concise and very 'normal'. You know, as normal as coming out in the public eye can be.

Willow looked down and grinned proudly. The threadbare light blue t-shirt was adorned with a picture of a donkey shaped piñata and the phrase: ‘I’d Hit That’ in bold letters underneath.

Willow has *the* best shirts!

at Tara being international news. This story clearly doesn't coincide with real life news events that've taken over the channels

“Oh yea?” Tara smirked at her girlfriend and tilted her head, “Well, maybe I will! Complete with a side car for my little baby dyke.”

I dunno why, but I'm picturing them like Dastardly and Muttley right now lol

Pam shook her head, “Nope, because you’re not going to need it!”

Famous last words.

Looking forward to Texas

[vampyregurl73]

Shel,

Another great chapter. I meant to give fb on the last chapter, I love the way Tara handled Kelly. It was moves of the highly sneaky and underhanded kind that were not so far fetched, especially since we read about it all the time.

You're also making it very easy to a) not like Sheila, her double standards, and her insistent refusal to face the facts that her daughter is gay (her comment about "that lifestyle" and just because Willow's girlfriend is famous just about killed me) and b) look forward to the drama that will be their trip to Texas.

Can't wait to see what angst you've got cooked up for the visit!

[Promthea128]

I saw the phrase, "Come Out, Come Out Wherever You Are." on a T shirt once, and wanted to buy it. It was already being worn, though. I wish I had a collection like Willow's shirts.

Love the way Tara came out, and that she is in control, for now at least. Keys, drawers, so cute.

Ready to go home, where the buffalo roam.

[zampsa19752001]

Yay for great update-y goodness... I'm glad that Tara changed her locks and passwords before Bitch K could do too much damage... Tara giving the exclusive is a good idea and I hope she can keep the control of what information the tabloids get... All the crap with Bitch K, coming out and visiting Willow's folks happening at the same time sure sucks... I hope that their love for eachother helps to keep the bloodshed to a minimum during the visit...