Happily Ever After (sequel to The Outing)

[MissQuirky]

Aww Great update!! I Loved how Jesse was so excited 4 her 1st day of kindergarden!! Too cute, her dressing herself and fixing breakfast!



I can c why Tara was so emotional w/ the sending off of Jesse's 1st day of school! Its a very sad moment!



Can't wait 4 more!

~Ashley~

Willow: We can come by between classes. Usually I use that time to copy over my class notes with a system of different colored pens. But it's been pointed out to me that that's, you know... insane.
Tara: I said quirky.

[The Rose24]

Adorable. I sort of remember my first day of school.

Tara: My heart doesn't stutter.

Tara: Willow, I got so lost.
Willow: I found you. I will always find you.

Willow: Hi, um Tara. I was wondering maybe you want to go out some time for coffee? food? Kisses and gay love?

[Mainer]

Title: Happily Ever After

Rating: PG

Disclaimer: All characters belong to Joss Whedon.





Part Sixteen



"Sure, right now you need me, but pretty soon you'll be all grown up and going to school and you won't need me anymore. Look how fast the first ten months went by," Tara said crying as she fed Summer and Harris their lunches. "Now you can't even feed yourself, but all that will change and I'll be useless." The telephone rang and Tara picked it up, propping it on her shoulder so she could continue to feed the twins. "Hello."



"Could I speak to Tara Rosenburg-Maclay, please?"



"This is, may I ask who's calling," Tara said.



"This is Sunnydale Elementary, Alexander Harris needs to be picked up, he was fighting."



"Fighting?" Tara asked. That wasn't like Alex at all.



"Yes."



"I'll be right there."





Tara went to the office and found Alex sitting in a chair with an ice pack over his left eye. She pushed the stroller over and knelt down in front of him.



"What happened?" Tara asked.



"Ricky was saying mean things to Jesse and he made her cry. I told him to stop, but he wouldn't, so I pushed him away and then we just started fighting. I didn't mean to," Alex said.



"What did he say to Jesse?" Tara asked.



"He told her that you guys were all evil, and that God would kill you and send you to hell," Alex said.



"Wait here," Tara said walking over to the counter. "Excuse me, did the other little boy go home already?"



"No, only the child who starts the altercation is sent home."



"Come on, Alex," Tara said.



"Where are we going?" Alex asked noting they were walking the opposite direction of the exit.



"We're getting Jesse," Tara said. They arrived at the classroom and the kids were sitting listening to a story. Jesse was in the back silently crying. "Sorry, I don't mean to interrupt," Tara said. "Jesse get your things."



"Jesse doesn't need to leave," Mrs. Pierce said unsure of why Tara was taking her home.



"Yes, she does," Tara said ushering the kids out the door.





"Tara," Willow said rushing up to her wife adn throwing her arms around her. Tara was in the kitchen preparing a snack for Jesse and Alex.



"It's nice to see you too, Sweetie," Tara said not sure why Willow was hugging her so tightly.



"I just got a call from Jesse's school and they said they've been trying to call you all afternoon and you weren't answering the phone. I'm not sure I even shut my computer down. The last bell rang and I was out the door," Willow said catching her breath. "Oh, well, I'll get it tomorrow morning. Why weren't you answering the phone?"



"I have been. Just not when it's been the school," Tara said.



"Why?" Willow asked.



"Because I'm angry, and I don't want to say something I'll regret," Tara said.



"You don't sound angry," Willow said snapping into one of the carrot sticks Tara had cut for the kids.



"That's because I'm not angry at you. I'm angry at the school. Did they even tell you what happened?"



"They said Alex got into a fight, and when you came to pick him up you stormed into the classroom and got Jesse too," Willow said.



"First of all, I did not storm into the classroom, but if I had, I would have had every right to. Secondly, I had to take her home. Will, this little boy told her his mother said we were evil, and God would punish us by killing us and sending us to hell, and then he said God would punish her too," Tara said relaying the story as Jesse had told it to her. "Alex was trying to defend her, and that other boy wasn't punished at all. He pummeled Alex, the kid was like twice his size. When I went in that classroom Jesse was crying, and the teacher was just reading a story like nothing was wrong. I had to bring her home. I just got her settled down now."



"That is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard. They can't just allow children to say things like that. She's only four years old. I don't care how close to five she is, she's only four. That little boy probably thinks he's right too, because he didn't get punished. We should send her to another school."



"We can't really afford private school," Tara said.



"Sure we can. We just have to put off having another baby. I know we were going to start trying again in six months or so, but it could wait," Willow said. They had discovered that when using the spell for the second time that it didn't always work, and it took them over a year to get pregnant. They didn't want their kids to be that far apart in age, so they decided that when the twins were about a year and a half they would start trying again.



"No, we can't, and what makes you think another school will be any different?" Tara asked.



"You're right," Willow said. "We'll just be teaching her to run away."



"What are you doing?" Tara asked.



"Calling the school."





"How come we're going to school, and school's over?" Jesse asked as Tara parked the van. They had decided to keep her out another day until after they had the meeting. Xander and Anya were doing the same thing with Alex. Xander had been so proud of Alex when he found out he was sticking up for his friend. He did tell him that getting a teacher was a better choice, but he was proud none the less. Willow and Anya were already there when they arrived.



"You aren't going to school. You're Mommy and I are because we have a very important meeting. Uncle Xander is bringing someone to watch you."



"Hey, Princess," Willow said unbuckling Jesse from her car seat.



"Hi, Mommy," Jesse said taking Willow's hand once she was out of the van. Alex had done the same with Anya. Tara was securing the twins in the stroller when Xander pulled up with Giles.



"I brought a baby-sitter," Xander said.



"Thank-you," Willow said to both Giles and Xander.



"We'll go for a walk," Giles said going to the stroller.



The four adults walked in the school toward the principal's office.



"Welcome," the principal said. "Please take a seat." They sat down in the four vacant chairs. The mother of the other student was also there. "I'd like us to work through this problem in a way that is best for the children. Who would like to voice their concerns first?"



"I don't understand why I'm here," the mother said. "Ricky did nothing wrong."



"Mrs. Jones, your son made some very strong statements that the school was unaware of until yesterday evening when Mrs. Rosenburg-Maclay called," the principal said. "That is why you are here and why your son was given a one day suspension."



"That's all we were concerned with," Willow said. "We just wanted to make sure the situation was dealt with correctly."



"It hasn't been, not as far as I'm concerned. My son only told those little heathens the truth, and you'll know it soon enough when he comes for you," Mrs. Jones said.



"Are you crazy or just stupid?" Anya asked.



"Anya don't," Tara said.



"No, Tara. Now you listen to me, there is nothing wrong with Willow and Tara. They are two of the nicest people I've ever met. They go out of their way to make their friends happy, and they would do anything for their children. There aren't enough people like Willow and Tara in this world, and some parent you are. Your enormous son beat on my little Alex. You're lucky if God doesn't come down and punish you."



"Ladies," the principal said trying to gain some control.



"If these are the kind of people who send their children to this school then my son will no longer be attending," Mrs. Jones stood up and left the room.



"I guess the problem is solved," the principal said.



"For now," Willow said.



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



~Spencer~

"Well, gee, then he must have meant it because guys never say anything they don't really mean, do they? They say I love you, and you think it's true. They say, oh Anya, I want to be with you for the rest of my life, and you believe them. You believe they feel the same way about you because that's the way love's supposed to be, right? And then you get all excited with the tingly anticipation, but wait, not so fast. There's the apocolypse, and the back from the grave, and the blah, blah, blah, blah, and by the time you're finally standing there in that beautifully expensive white dress, you dreamed about ever since you became human, he gets all heeby jeeby and decides you know I'd rather just go steady."
Anya -Seeing Red-

[mollyig]

Nasty Ricky upsetting poor Jesse. It was nice of Alex to defend her, even if he did (wrongly) get in trouble for it.



The bigotry shown by Mrs Jones shows where Ricky got his ideas from. I think its good that Anya spoke up to her, as our girls are far too nice.

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

[Mainer]

I've done something a little different in part seventeen and before I post it on the board I want to make sure I did it right. I'm hoping that someone will volunteer to read that section before I post it, and let me know how I did. If you are interested please email me at Willow25310@aol.com. Thanks a lot.





~Spencer~

"Well, gee, then he must have meant it because guys never say anything they don't really mean, do they? They say I love you, and you think it's true. They say, oh Anya, I want to be with you for the rest of my life, and you believe them. You believe they feel the same way about you because that's the way love's supposed to be, right? And then you get all excited with the tingly anticipation, but wait, not so fast. There's the apocolypse, and the back from the grave, and the blah, blah, blah, blah, and by the time you're finally standing there in that beautifully expensive white dress, you dreamed about ever since you became human, he gets all heeby jeeby and decides you know I'd rather just go steady."
Anya -Seeing Red-

[Grimaldi]

liked the last update. it was cool of Alex to stick up for Jessie like that.

Dude, we're surrounded by perverts!

Fucking Windows 98, get Bill Gates in here!

2nd place??? That's just a fancy term for loser!

[MissQuirky]

I really liked this update!! There are just some really cruel people in this world, that are well just dumb! I Loved Anya's big speech to that woman! Even tho I really don't think the woman cared to hear much of wut she had to say!! Alex was brave standing up for Jesse to that Big mean boy!



Can't wait 4 more!!

~Ashley~

Willow: We can come by between classes. Usually I use that time to copy over my class notes with a system of different colored pens. But it's been pointed out to me that that's, you know... insane.
Tara: I said quirky.

[Lonewolf22]

Mainer: Great updates, I just finished reading the last two updates and I gotta say that I'm very proud of Alex for sticking up for Jesse, that was really great. What the hell is wrong with some people? Who are they to judge? I'm really glad that idiot kid is not going to be going to the same school anymore. I can't wait to read more.



Lonewolf

[spazz07]

Hey great stuff Spencer, i loved little Alex sticking up for Jesse. Though i do kinda feel a bit for Ricky, little kids are impressionable and they get a lot of their character from their parents. Its a shame he doesnt have a more understanding set of parents to help him be a better person.



Cheers

Nath

Isn't it funny how you feel your most tired five minutes before you have to get up.

[The Rose24]

I agree with everyone else. I love the way Alex defends Jesse. He is just like a big brother.



Someone needs to teach Ricky and his mother some manners.

Tara: My heart doesn't stutter.

Tara: Willow, I got so lost.
Willow: I found you. I will always find you.

Willow: Hi, um Tara. I was wondering maybe you want to go out some time for coffee? food? Kisses and gay love?

[areslei]

Not that I'm saying violence solves anything or that it is the answer to everything, but..."GO ALEX!!!" I'd be proud of him, too. Coolness that he stuck up for Jesse. Just gives me warm fuzzies. As much as it sucks having ignorant people in the world, they do exist, and it's good to be able to see how our girls and the other scoobs handle it. Love 'em all here. And, again, not saying that violence is the answer, but I think maybe Alex should give brat boy's mother a swift kick in the shin.

you two are the two who are the two...
Baby, I said it's all in our hands, got to learn to respect what we don't understand...'Fugitive' Indigo Girls

[sparrow]

way to go alex!!

[sparrow]

forgot to add that i just loved how he stood up to this bully

[Thanatopsis]

So great that Alex defended Jesse like that, too bad there are such people in the world.

-------
"Yeah, 'tis the season. Whatever that means." Amends
Insist upon yourself and never imitate. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

[nika]

That was so nice of Jesse. It's unfortunate that, that was actually something that can happen and probably does often. People can be so blind, sad for them really.

[Mainer]

Title: Happily Ever After

Rating: NC-17

Disclaimer: All characters belong to Joss Whedon.

Notes: A big thank you to rezeaka for helping me with this part.





Part Seventeen



Willow woke up and stretched her arm out across the bed. When it didn't land on anything but the mattress she opened her eyes and looked over to where Tara should be, but her spot was empty. Willow glanced at the clock on the night stand, 8:30 on a Saturday morning, she should get up, she was missing all the good cartoons. She climbed out of bed and made sure all the buttons on her pajamas were done up right before heading downstairs. She was drawn to the noise of the radio coming from the kitchen. She stood in the archway and couldn't help but smile. The twins were in high chairs half eating and half playing with the cheerios on their trays. Jesse was sitting at the table with a plate of waffles in front of her, and Tara was absolutely beautiful. She was holding a wooden spoon like a microphone singing into it and dancing around the kitchen while making more waffles. As silly as it looked, Willow was mesmerized. It was moments like this, just these little every day things, when the happiness and love would sweep her up and threaten to throw her over the edge. The edge of what she didn't know. The song on the radio ended and a slow song came on. Tara put the spoon back on the counter, and Jesse began to eat breakfast.



"May I have this dance?" Willow asked walking up to Tara. Tara smiled and wrapped her arms around Willow's neck. The task of cooking breakfast quickly forgotten as they began to sway gently to the music.



"You dance beautifully," Willow whispered, "I especially enjoyed your singing."



"I'm glad you enjoyed it," Tara said blushing, but still smiling because she was in Willow's arms. It wasn't the first time Willow had caught her doing something silly.



"I always enjoy watching you," Willow said.



"Charmer."



"That's me," Willow said. Jesse had been watching them, and trying to hear what they were saying. She was not one to be ignored.



"Mommy, dance with me," Jesse said tugging on Willow's pant leg.



"You're supposed to ask Momma if you can cut in," Willow said.



"Can I cut in?" Jesse asked as she was instructed.



"Yes, you may," Tara said turning her attention back to breakfast.



"You're a wonderful dancer," Willow said spinning Jesse around the kitchen.



"Okay, I know two people in this kitchen who need to sit down and eat breakfast," Tara said.



"You hafta eat too," Jesse said.



"I'm going to feed your sister's first," Tara said. The soggy cheerios were merely a distraction while she cooked. Some baby cereal and cut up banana was the real breakfast.



"Momma's right, we have cartoons to watch," Willow said covering her waffles in syrup.



"Is tonight your sleep over?" Jesse asked.



"Yes, and your sleep over. Don't forget Aunt Buffy is going to come spend the night with you," Willow said.



"How come I can't go to your sleep over?" Jesse asked.



"This is a grown up sleep over, and they're no fun at all. Boring, boring, boring," Willow said. Tara looked over at Willow with raised eyebrows. Willow gave her a look of apology. "You'll have much more fun here. Aunt Buffy is really looking forward to it."



"What if I get scared?" Jesse asked.



"Aunt Buffy is super strong. She can beat up anything you're scared of, and if you get real scared you can call us," Willow said.



"Okay."





"Fear not, the baby sitter is here," Buffy said coming through the kitchen door.



"That's great, Buff, you wanna give me hand," Willow said trying to feed both Summer and Harris at the same time without ruining what she was wearing. She wasn't sure how Tara managed to do it.



"Sure, Will," Buffy said dropping her rather large suitcase and taking over the duty of feeding Summer.



"You do realize you're only staying one night," Willow said in reference to Buffy's large bag.



"Um, yeah," Buffy said. "Geez, if I were staying longer don't you think I'd have brought a bigger bag. I'd need one twice that size at least."



"Our bag is half that size and it's not even full," Willow said.



"Well, how many clothes could you have packed? I mean if it were me, I wouldn't pack anything."



"This may come as a surprise to you, but Tara and I are not into public nudity. Plus I think it's illegal to walk around that way," Willow said.



"Well, you'll have the clothes you're wearing there," Buffy said.



"I'm just teasing," Willow said. "But I do prefer not to wear the same clothes two days in a row. So packing is essential, and by the way, I never said anything about packing pajamas."



"Aunt Buffy," Jesse said running into the kitchen.



"Hey, Peanut. Are you ready for a night of absolute fun?" Buffy asked.



"Yeah!"



"What exactly is absolute fun?" Tara asked coming downstairs with a small suitcase.



"Nothing you wouldn't allow her to do," Buffy said winking at Jesse.



"Just try not to get the cops involved," Willow said.



"Okay, Sweetie, Georgia will be here for a little bit, while Buffy runs an errand. You be good for both of them," Tara said kissing her daughter on the head and doing the same to Summer and Harris.



"Bye, Princess, we love you," Willow said kissing all three girls. "Have fun."





They drove to the hotel in relative silence. The quiet sounded good to both of them. Lately it had been all work and no play. There was so much to be done with school, and Willow's work at the software company, not to mention helping with the preparations for Buffy's wedding. Most of that work had been shifted to Tara, and she insisted that she didn't mind, but Willow knew that she resented it at least a little. It wasn't that Tara minded doing things for their friends, it was simply the way they all assumed she would as if she had nothing else to do. Willow had to admit that she used to share that opinion until one day this past summer Tara was sick. She had to take care of Alex, Jesse, and the twins not to mention everything around the house that needed to be done. She ended up calling Dawn and paying her to help baby sit. After that she never took Tara for granted. It was clear to Willow that Tara needed this night off just as much as she did. That's why Willow planned on making their night alone one Tara would never forget. They arrived at the hotel and Willow took the bag from Tara and handed the keys to the valet. They went in to the front desk to register.



"Good evening ma'am. How can I help you?"



"We have a reservation for Rosenburg-Maclay," Willow said.



"Ah, the honey moon suite," the clerk said.



"Will," Tara said. "The honey moon suite? Isn't that expensive?"



"Nothing is too good for my baby," Willow said emphasizing her point with a brief kiss.



"James will take you to your room."



They followed the young bell hop to the suite. He opened the door and gave them a mini tour, all of which Willow already knew. She had researched the entire evening quite throughly, including taking tours of all the honey moon suites in all of Sunnydale's nicer hotels.



"Is there anything I can get you?"



"No thank you," Willow said tipping him.



"Well you have me all to yourself, what do you want to do with me?" Tara asked very seductively.



"Not so fast," Willow said. "This evening is all about relaxation, beginning with dinner. Which will arrive in about ten minutes, so until then look around, watch television, but no getting frisky."



"You don't find that relaxing?" Tara asked playfully.



"I do, just, I have a plan, and that's not the part of the plan we're on," Willow said.



"Okay," Tara said. It wasn't that she didn't desparately need Willow, she did. It was just that without the plan, Willow couldn't relax. She needed to be in some sort of control before she could relax, so Tara would stick to the plan. "So what is the plan?"



"You don't get to know."



"I don't?"



"Nope, it's a surprise," Willow said.







"How was dinner?" Willow asked.



"Delicious," Tara said.



"Good, I want tonight to be perfect," Willow said.



"Are you going to be here all night?" Tara asked.



"Yes," Willow answered.



"Then it will be."



"Are you ready for phase two of the plan?" Willow asked standing up from the table.



"I'm not sure, since I don't know what phase two is, but I guess so," Tara said.



"I want you to put this on," Willow said handing Tara a large white box, "and only this. I'm going to get phase two ready."



Tara watched as Willow entered the bathroom and closed the door behind her. She looked down at the box in her hands and smiled, a million and one thoughts of what it could be racing through her mind. She carefully lifted the lid, and moved the tissue paper aside to reveal a beautiful, white satin robe. She pulled it out of the box and examined it, aside from Willow it was the softest thing she'd ever felt. Remembering Willow's instructions she removed her clothes and slipped into the robe, tying it loosely.



"It looks better on you than I imagined," Willow said stepping out of the bathroom completely nude. For a moment everything around her disappeared and all Tara could see was Willow. Her beautiful Willow. The smile she had been wearing now replaced by a look of desire. Her need for Willow consuming her. "Phase two is ready," Willow said extending her hand to Tara, who took it and allowed herself to be led into the bathroom. It was dimly lit by candles, and smelled like vanilla. The large tub was full of steamy water and bubbles. "You like?" Willow asked.



"Very much," Tara said. "Is kissing right now in the plan?"



"No, but we can improvise," Willow said pulling Tara to her. The feel of Tara through the satin was sending shock waves through her body. The shock waves weren't supposed to come until phase three. Willow reluctantly pulled away, slipping her hands to Tara's waist she untied the robe and stared at Tara's semi exposed body, another shock wave. "The water's gonna get cold," she said still staring. The robe dropped to the floor and the motion brought Willow out of her worship, her eyes snapped up to meet Tara's. Only under that gaze did Tara feel beautiful and confident. Willow looked at her with such hunger and need she couldn't believe she was anything less.



"We can't have that now, can we?" Tara said.



"Uh, no," Willow said. The sight of Tara the only thing that could make her go non verbal. Remembering her plan she stepped into the tub and sat down leaning against the back end. She motioned for Tara to join her, and couldn't stop the sigh that escaped as Tara leaned her body onto hers. They sat that way for a few minutes, not talking or moving, just breathing, because sometimes you just need to breathe. Willow reached over and grabbed the sponge she had put on the side of the tub and began to gently wash Tara's shoulders.



"Do you want to sit up so I can do your back?" Willow asked.



"No," Tara said pushing herself more into Willow.



"Then I start with the front," Willow said bringing the sponge down from Tara's shoulder to her collarbone and then back up again, each pass going subsequently lower until Willow reached Tara's breasts. She circled each one slowly with the sponge moving closer to the center with each circle she made until she finally grazed the sponge over Tara's nipple eliciting a soft moan. It would have been easy to abandon her mission, and just drop the sponge, and let her fingers do what they so desperately wanted to do, but she wouldn't rush. She moved the sponge lower onto Tara's belly and made swirly motions, relishing in the giggles Tara was making. She continued her way down, dipping the sponge between Tara's thighs, barely making contact with her center. The little contact she did make caused Tara's hips to buck up trying to get more. Again Willow made the same sweep with the sponge, and got the same reaction from Tara along with a little whimper of frustration. On the third pass Willow had had enough of her plan, and unbeknownst to Tara, she dropped the sponge, and brought her finger up Tara's slit all the way up to her clit. Tara jumped at the unexpected contact inadvertently knocking out the plug, and pushed herself into Willow's hand. Willow's left hand which had been wrapped around Tara's waist moved up to massage her breasts while her right hand continued it's exploration of her lover's sex. With each pass of Willow's fingers Tara tried to make the contact last, she needed Willow inside her now.



"Willow, please," Tara moaned. Normally that would have been play time for Willow, she loved to hear Tara beg for her, but this wasn't about what she wanted anymore. It was about what they both needed. Shifting so she was now on her side next to Tara she thrust two fingers deep into her and began a steady rhythm, soon adding a third. She used her thumb to manipulate Tara's clit, and soon Tara was falling into the rhythm grinding against Willow's hand. Sensing her lover's need, Willow began to thrust harder and faster. Without fear of being too loud, or waking the kids, Tara let loose as her orgasm ripped through her, screaming Willow's name over and over. For awhile both were silent, just enjoying holding, and being held after such powerful love making. It was Tara who spoke first.



"How do you always know what I need, even when I don't?" She asked.



"I think we just needed the same thing," Willow said placing a soft kiss on Tara's lips.



"But you didn't..."



"I needed to make love to you. I needed to hear you scream my name. I believe both of those were fulfilled," Willow said.



"The water's kinda... gone," Tara said after another silence. Neither of them had noticed that the water had drained away in the course of their love making.



"Then we move to phase three," Willow said.



"Which is?"



"Just like phase two, only in the bed."



"Do I get to play in phase three?" Tara asked stepping out of the tub.



"You can do anything you want."



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



~Spencer~

"Well, gee, then he must have meant it because guys never say anything they don't really mean, do they? They say I love you, and you think it's true. They say, oh Anya, I want to be with you for the rest of my life, and you believe them. You believe they feel the same way about you because that's the way love's supposed to be, right? And then you get all excited with the tingly anticipation, but wait, not so fast. There's the apocolypse, and the back from the grave, and the blah, blah, blah, blah, and by the time you're finally standing there in that beautifully expensive white dress, you dreamed about ever since you became human, he gets all heeby jeeby and decides you know I'd rather just go steady."
Anya -Seeing Red-

[Puff]

Oh that was great I especially liked this line...



They sat that way for a few minutes, not talking or moving, just breathing, because sometimes you just need to breathe.



It;s very true, shame I forgot to breathe for the last half of the update

-----------------------
You know, it's a real deal relationship and that's why people can relate to it
Amber Benson

[mollyig]

I love the image of Tara dancing happily around the kitchen singing into a spoon - so lovely.



I'm glad Willow realises how much is involved in keeping the house running smoothly. I am of the opinion that mothers have the hardest job ever!



Wonderful that Tara knows that Willow needs to have a plan.

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

[nika]

That was beautiful. I love it when they get romantic.

[Thanatopsis]

That was great. Glad to see that Willow isn't taking Tara for granted.

-------
"Yeah, 'tis the season. Whatever that means." Amends
Insist upon yourself and never imitate. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

[MissQuirky]

Wonderful update!! It was too cute when Tara was in the kitchen dancing and singing into the wooden spoon. I'm glad they went and had their own lil 'sleep over' and in the honeymoon sweet, very nice!



Can't wait 4 more!

~Ashley~

Willow: We can come by between classes. Usually I use that time to copy over my class notes with a system of different colored pens. But it's been pointed out to me that that's, you know... insane.
Tara: I said quirky.

Edited by: MissQuirky  at: 9/12/02 12:32:21 pm

[fairydust]

I loved the update. And Im glad Willow understands now how hard it can be to take care of kids and do house work and such. I know Im only 17, but still, I babysit my neice and sometimes nephews 5 days out of the week for 6 hours everyday, and thats hard enough. But, I bet Tara is the best mom ever. That was such a cute image with her dancing around the kitchen singing into the spoon. I've been caught doing that too ....lol



I cant wait for the next update

*****Faye*****I LOVE YOU JENNA
Shameless self promotion....visit my website, dont have too much on there, but I think It's worth a look
http://www.geocities.com/photofairy2004/index.html

[snuggle79]

Very nice update!

Tara:"Maybe we dreamed it."

Willow:"Right. Right. Wrong! (points at her head ) Different Brains." Tara:"Oh yeah."


Bitch! Witch! Ho!..mo!"

[The Rose24]

*Sigh* Lovely. I am glad W/T got some alone time.

Tara: My heart doesn't stutter.

Tara: Willow, I got so lost.
Willow: I found you. I will always find you.

Willow: Hi, um Tara. I was wondering maybe you want to go out some time for coffee? food? Kisses and gay love?

[Lonewolf22]

Mainer: Great update, I absolutely LOVED, the scene in the kitchen with Willow and Tara slow dancing, just great. I also LOVED the getaway that Willow planned for her and Tara, they really did need it. Just amazing with Willow planning all the phases of the getaway. I can't wait to read more.



Lonewolf

[Mainer]

Title: Happily Ever After

Rating: PG

Disclaimer: All characters belong to Joss Whedon.

Notes: This part jumps ahead four years. The poem in this part was written by Emily Dickinson. My poems aren't nearly that good.





Part Eighteen



Harris watched as Summer ran into their room, grabbed something, and then ran back out. Harris jumped off her bed and ran to the door following her sister to Jesse's room. As soon as she reached the door, Jesse closed it in her face. She stood by the door momentarily perplexed. Harris pushed her red hair back behind her ear, and knocked on the door.



"What?" Jesse asked opening the door a crack.



"Can I come in?" Harris asked.



"No," Jesse said shutting the door in her face again, and again Harris knocked.



"Go away," Jesse said opening the door and closing it. Harris sat down on the floor outside Jesse's room and waited for someone to come out.



"Whatcha doin?" Willow asked sitting down on the floor in front of her daughter.



"Waiting."



"Waiting for what?"



"For Jesse or Summer to come out and play with me," Harris said.



"Why don't you go in and play with them?" Willow asked even though she had a hint as to what the answer was.



"Jesse said I couldn't."



"Again?" Willow said standing up. She couldn't figure out why they always left Harris out. She and Tara had expected the twins to be very close, but they weren't. They were nothing alike. Harris liked books and puzzles, and Summer liked television and sports. They didn't look alike either. Harris was a mini Willow and Summer was a mini Tara. Willow knocked on Jesse's door.



"I told you... Oh hi, Mommy," Jesse said smiling.



"How many times have I told you not to shut your sister out? I don't know why you two feel the need to leave her out, but it stops now," Willow said.



"She's not even out there," Summer said.



"Well, she was," Willow said. "If she comes back, let her in."



Harris wandered around downstairs looking for her Momma. She checked the kitchen and the living room, and was headed to the family room. She stopped in the entrance seeing her little brother asleep on the floor. He hadn't woken up from his nap yet, but her Momma was on the couch. She quietly walked into the room and climbed up on the couch next to her Momma.



"What are you reading?" She whispered.



"Poetry," Tara said.



"Read me one," Harris said.



"I'll try to find one suitable for young ears," Tara said flipping through the book. "Here we go, this is a poem your Mommy told me when we just started dating. 'To see her is a picture. To hear her is a tune. To know her an intemperance, as innocent as June. To know her not affliction. To own her for a friend, a warmth as near as if the sun were shining in your hand.'"



"I've read that book," Harris said.



"You've read this book?" Tara asked.



"Uh, huh. It's Emily Dickinson."



"When did you read this book?" Tara asked.



"I don't remember, but I did," Harris said.



"Momma's very proud of how good you read, but you need to read the books on your shelves. The books up high are for grown ups."



"Okay," Harris said.



"Why don't you go pick out a book and you can read it to me," Tara said.



"Even if we already read it a million times?" Harris asked.



"Yep," Tara said smiling. She knew which book Harris would bring over, they must have read it once a day since she was two. Jesse and Summer didn't seem to care either way about Oh the Places You'll Go, but it struck something in Harris. She could read it for hours and never get tired of it. That's unusual for someone who isn't quite six.



"I thought you were watching him?" Willow asked coming out of her office holding a very squirmy Rupert. She liked having two doors to the office, especially since it gave her a chance to listen to what was going on in the family room, but she was always forgetting to close the door, and Rupert, being two, was never one to miss an opportunity.



"I'm sorry, we were reading. I didn't hear him wake up," Tara said.



"Not your fault. I should have had the door closed," Willow said sitting her son on the floor and giving him some blocks to play with. "No office," she said to him.



"Yes," he shouted giggling.



"Oh, this is a good sign," Willow said to Tara.



"They all act that way at two," Tara said.



"We're gonna go play soccer in the backyard," Jesse said running into the family room and out the sliding glass door with Summer close behind.



"Are you going to go play too?" Tara asked Harris who was on her second trip through the book.



"No, I want to read."



"Hey guys," Buffy called coming through the front door.



"Family room," Willow yelled.



"Where's Summer?" Michael, Buffy's three year old son, asked running in ahead of his mother.



"Backyard," Willow said.



"Hi," Buffy said putting Katelyn down on the floor with Rupert.



"Bored at home?" Tara asked.



"Not me, Michael. For the past hour all he's done is ask to come over and play. I hope once Katey gets older he'll play with her," Buffy said.



"I'm sure he will," Willow said. "She's only a year old, there isn't much they can do together."



"True," Buffy said. "No Alex today?"



"Nope, this is the week of their family vacation," Tara said.



"The week before school starts?" Buffy asked.



"It was the only week they could both get," Willow said.



"Just think, one more year and you'll have both Jesse and Alex in your class," Tara said.



"It hardly seems possible," Buffy said.



"That's just because they were so little when they started. They were only four. Summer and Harris are going to be six a couple months after school starts," Willow said. "We would have liked to have started Harris last fall, but her birthday is after the cut off so we couldn't."



"How does Jesse like being younger than her classmates?" Buffy asked.



"So far so good, but things may change this year," Tara said. "She'll be turning ten when most of the other girls will be turning eleven, and developmentally speaking she could be behind."



"What are you talking about?" Buffy aaked.



"You know, boobs," Willow said gesturing to her chest. She was hoping to have not been heard by Rupert. That happened to be one of his favorite words and once he started it was hard to get him to stop.



"That's right, fifth grade equals the start of boobs and boys," Buffy said.



"Boobies," Rupert said. "Boobies, boobies, boobies."



"Thank you Buffy," Willow said.



"Boobies."



"Rupert, no," Willow said firmly.



"Boobies."



"Rupert," Willow said again.



"Boobies, boobies, boobies, boobies."



"Rupert Alexander, no more," Tara said, and he stopped.



"How do you do that?" Willow asked in amazement.



"I have no idea," Tara said.



"The house is gonna seem empty to you once school starts, huh?" Buffy said.



"I know, I'm used to five, three is going to seem like a vacation," Tara said.



"With a three year old, and two year old boy, I doubt it," Willow said.



"Okay, maybe not a vacation, but it won't be that tough," Tara said.



"We're thirsty," Jesse said leading the troops inside.



"And Hungry," Summer said.



"All children into the kitchen for a snack," Willow said picking up Katelyn. Harris took Rupert's hand and led him into the kitchen behind the other kids.



"Is Rupert your last?" Buffy asked Tara as the two sat alone in the family room.



"No," Tara said smiling. "Number five is already on the way."



"No way," Buffy said. "How far along?"



"About three months."



"This is so weird. Dawn and Tyler called just before I left the house and she's pregnant too, but she's only two months."



"Now I feel old. It was bad enough when she got married, now she's having a baby."



"I know," Buffy said. "So is number five it?"



"No, we've talked and we've decided on seven," Tara said.



"Seven! Seven is a lot of kids," Buffy said.



"Hey if the Camdens can do it, so can we."



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



~Spencer~

"Well, gee, then he must have meant it because guys never say anything they don't really mean, do they? They say I love you, and you think it's true. They say, oh Anya, I want to be with you for the rest of my life, and you believe them. You believe they feel the same way about you because that's the way love's supposed to be, right? And then you get all excited with the tingly anticipation, but wait, not so fast. There's the apocolypse, and the back from the grave, and the blah, blah, blah, blah, and by the time you're finally standing there in that beautifully expensive white dress, you dreamed about ever since you became human, he gets all heeby jeeby and decides you know I'd rather just go steady."
Anya -Seeing Red-

[MissQuirky]

Great update!! I Love how u jump ahead a lil into the future! I like how the twins r so different, Harris bein so book wormy and Summer the sporty one! But its sad that they leave Harris out a lot! Rupert is so cute w/ the boobies, boobies thingy!



So a #5 is on its way but their thinkin bout 7, my god thats a lot! But it can happen! And big families have lots of love!



Can't wait 4 more, Spencer!!

~Ashley~

Willow: We can come by between classes. Usually I use that time to copy over my class notes with a system of different colored pens. But it's been pointed out to me that that's, you know... insane.
Tara: I said quirky.

[The Rose24]

Gosh!!! That is a lot of kids. Do they have a bigger house?

Tara: My heart doesn't stutter.

Tara: Willow, I got so lost.
Willow: I found you. I will always find you.

Willow: Hi, um Tara. I was wondering maybe you want to go out some time for coffee? food? Kisses and gay love?

[kathy94]

Good God that's a lot of kids!!! I think that'd be cool though. Great update. Can't wait for more!!!

"Can you just be kissing me now?" Tara- Entropy

"She's my everything"
Willow-Tough Love

[Lonewolf22]

Mainer: Great update, I have to agree with everybody here, 7 is a LOT of kids. I have a question: Will Willow have any of the kids? It just seems like a lot for Tara to do on her own. Very cool having Buffy with 2 kids, and Dawn pregnant. I really hope that Jesse and Summer include Harris more in their acitivities. And I'm dying to meet the new baby. I can't wait to read more.



Lonewolf