Art Appreciation

[Irishgrl3]

I have thoroughly enjoyed this fic from the beginning and am so glad you are updating! It's a wonderful story.

[Shy One]

Oh Emms, I'm so glad to see you're back to this fic!

It was getting SO good and then you just stopped.

I was having serious withdrawl issues!

I am SO looking forward to more of sexy art teacher Tara! Talk about yummy.....with a spoon!

Anyway, I hope we get an update soon......and I also hope

it's a hot one!



BTW - I hope you've got plenty of Tropical DOTS on hand for this fic!! I wonder if you can get them shipped to your house by the truckload? I may have to look into that!



Glad you're back!!!!!!!!!!!



Shy One

[MissKittys Ball O Yarn]

Okay everyone....this is it...I hope it was worth the wait...





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"Look....there she is!" Xander was leaning across Buffy's lap and pointing out the window... "See everything's fine, I guess we can go now." Xander started to accelerate.



"An art gallery?! She ditched me for some art??" Buffy gasped, as she watched Willow going inside the small shop.



"Well....you know....there's all kinds of culture in there....maybe she's trying to be...um...cultured." Xander offered.



"Willow cultured? Her idea of culture is ordering the grande meal at taco bell!"



"mmm... taco bell....my kind of woman"



"Please xander...you'd date any woman as long as she was spicy beef scented." Buffy said, rolling her eyes.





"Yeah especially if it gets me some tasty, imitation-authentic Mexican burritos."



"You'd do anything for a burrito..."



"Yep...just about."





"We'd better ditch the car and get a better look." Buffy said, pulling the handle on the car door.



"Why ditch? Im perfectly comfortable here" Xander said, playing with the knob that controled the heat. He must have pressed the wrong button, because the radio came on instead, and they found themselves being serenaded, by a certain Dion Warrick.

Xander blushed, embarrassed. "That's Anya's" He pushed eject on the cd player, tossing the cd in the back seat.



"your car is a highly conspicuous purple Xand...I think she'd recognize it." Buffy said, ignoring him.



"it is not purple! its ........magenta."



"go and park the car...then come back here."







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Willow checked her watch as she entered the small building. It was silent, except for the soft music she could hear playing through a small speaker, mounted to the wall. Below the speaker was a painting of a cat. hm.. funny cat.. Willow thought as she rocked nervously back on her heels. This would be their first real date and Willow was beyond anxious. she was only 36 minutes early for their date which , in Willows mind, translated to being 10 minutes late..

Tara had suggested that they meet at this art museum, if you could really call it that, it was much to quaint to be what willow would consider a museum. Museums were supposed to be larger..and stancher with a funny smell, also, willow didn't see a gift shop.Yes It was more of a gallery really, Willow decided.

She had never been to an actual art gallery before, and she didn't know what to expect What if Tara asks me to interpret the meaning of these. Willow scanned the walls, seeing a number of paintings hung at various heights all along the walls. There was a doorway in front of her, leading into a nearly darkened room, Willow could tell by a hushed glow of light coming from the room, that there were paintings hung in there as well. her curiosity getting the better of her and having some time to kill, I don't want to seem overly desperate by standing in front of the door for the next... she looked down at her watch again 34 minutes, she thought to herself, deciding to explore.

To her left, was a door, which she considered might be an office of some kind, until she noticed the stick figure of a woman wearing a triangle dress on the door. oh.. bathroom she thought to herself :locate bathroom: check. She smiled, mentally checking that off her "list of things to do"







Walking slowly into the room, and allowing for her eyes to adjust to the dim light, it took Willow a moment to comprehend what she was actually seeing. She stood there in awe as she stared at the paintings lining the walls. She felt tears form, turning her green eyes a shade darker, they clouded her vision a moment before she blinked allowing them decent. As realization struck her, that this gallery must belong to Tara, for lined along the wall and lit with tiny muted orange lamps were paintings of Willow.





"Do you like them...?"

came a sweet voice from behind her. Willow turned slowly to face Tara, who was standing before her, smiling shyly.



"I love them...But how...?"



"F-from memory...y-you're up here alot, you know" Tara said, touching her head lightly.



Willow, smiled warmly into Tara's blue eyes. turning back to the wall, her eyes took in every detail of the paintings hanging there.

She was everywhere, and painted with such passion, strands of red hair graced every canvas. Willow was so overcome with emotion, that she couldn't move even as she felt Tara's arms slip around her waist, hugging Willow to her with tender strength.



"No ones ever...cared enough to...paint me...they're wonderful Tara..." Willow's voice trailed off as her head pressed back softly against Tara's shoulder. As they stood there that way, a heated tension began to build between them. Willow could feel it begin in her toes, a delicious tingly sensation creeping up her body and illuminating every place Tara's body was pressed against. Willow's eyes closed, and her heart beat quickened. They were supposed to be taking things slow, but Willow couldn't help thoughts of backing Tara against the wall and kissing her thoroughly, no not even that would have been enough at that moment...she needed more. And then it hit her, like a ton of bricks I love her, Im in love with her...did I know this already? Willow silently questioned herself. Should I say something? no... that might scare her...remember...we're taking things slow...I cant just be like.... Oh hey Tara...by the way I love you...Would you marry me and bare my children? Is that even possible...Oh my god, that's not even possible...She'll never bare my anything. We're barren! Willow could feel panic face starting to form on her face.



"Are you okay Will?"



"Oh yea....everything's fine....honky dory.."



"you're the most adorable creature.." Tara giggled, kissing Willows nose. "Come on..." Tara slid her hand into Willows, lacing her fingers with the red heads.



"Where are we going?" Willow questioned, as Tara led her into the outer gallery and over to a basket sitting on the floor next to the exit.



"You'll see...It's kind of a surprise." Tara said.



Willow melted inside at the sight of the half smile the blonde was giving her, and right at that moment, Willow would have followed her to the ends of the earth, if only she'd ask.





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"For godsake! Would you stop pushing?!" Buffy said, glaring irritatedly at Xander.



"I wasn't pushing"



"You elbowed me!"



"I did not!"



Buffy shot Xander her "oh my god, I can't believe you just lied' face



"Well Excuse me for needing more than an inch of space. Im not a Pringle you know." Xander said in a loud whisper



"Shh" Buffy said suddenly, as she saw Willow appear from the right.



"and don't shhush me eith-"



"Xander....?"



"huh?"



"Shhhh..." Buffy exaggerated, motioning to Willow who was just coming out of the building. Following closely behind, was a blonde woman, Buffy couldn't recall having seen before.

"Look Willow has a new friend." Xander said cheerfully.



"I don't like the looks of her...her eyes seem beady.. We need to follow them..."



"did anyone ever mention to you how Bossy you are?" Xander spoke in a loud whisper

and how do you expect to do that...cause there's only so many bushes to hide behind, you know."



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They emptied the contents of the picnic basket onto the thin blanket Tara had brought along., It was dark outside, but the moon and stars provided all the illumination they needed.



"It's so beautiful here Tara...How did you know about this place?" Willow looked out at the night sky, the twinkling stars seemed to dance back and forth in the sky.



"I'm not sure...this place...it just sort of called to me..? is that weird?" Tara asked.



"No...not weird..no weirdness involved...I have a place like that..The computer lab at UC Sunnydale. Willow said. picking up a grape, she rolled it between her fingers, before putting it in her mouth. "I've never had a picnic at night.." Willow said, when she'd finished chewing.



"is it okay..? because we could go s-someplace else..."



"No its great...perfect..."



Tara smiled.



Willow blushed at the blonde and lowered her eyes.





When did you...you know....know you were...um...gay?"



"I thought I knew in high school..But. running the risk of sounding corny with a side of cliche.....I think I really and truly knew that night...you were standing there...right in front of me...chewing that god awful gum, and it popped... it was all over your lips and you gave me that gorgeous smile of yours.....and that's the moment I knew for absolute certain." Willow spoke softly.



"R-really?" Tara began to laugh



"Whats so funny?" Willow teased.



"N-nothing....it's just...I would never have guessed..."



"Oh? Didn't anyone ever tell you how good you look in gum?" Willow flirted. Her hand came up to touch Tara's cheek, cupping it in remembrance of that night.

"how 'bout you...?" Willow questioned, taking her hand away, she picked up a piece of cheese.



Tara blushed and took another drink of her soda.



"O-once.....when i was 17 my father took my brother and I to the fair and there was this fortune teller.....and as she was describing how I'd meet the "man" of my dreams, I found myself forming the complete picture of this "man" in my head...only....he had b-breasts and wore strawberry lip-gloss. It was an Epiphany of sorts and after that I couldn't deny the fact that I was gay..I told my father but..." Tara's voice trailed off....".I never met anyone like you before Willow..."





Willow didn't miss the way Tara's eyes lowed at them mention of her father. She felt the pressing need to know what could have happened with her father, that would make her lower her eyes the way she had, but she also sensed that now was not the time to rehash old grievances. Still, it hurt her, the way Tara was looking at the ground. Willow brought her hand underneath Tara's chin, and lifted Tara's face, until the blonde was looking directly into Willow's eyes. "Hey...." Willow said.. I love you... Willow wanted to say desperately, but fear held her back. "You're eyes are the color of rain.." Willow brought her face inches from Tara's. She could feel Tara's breath, hot against her lips.



Tara traced her finger along Willow's jawline. Their eyes never breaking contact as the connection between them heated into an all encompassing desire.









"Woah, woah, woah...What's going on here?! Buffy stood up, coming out from behind the bush.



"Buffy!?" Willow gasped, pulling away from Tara completely. She felt her face getting hot and she couldn't tell if it was from anger, embarrassment, or surprise. Possibly all three.



"What are you doing here?!"



"We followed you." Buffy said, holding her chin in the air.



"We?" Willow questioned, looking around for any sign that there had been a "we".



Xander cleared his throat, as he stood up bringing himself into view with a little wave.



"you're spying on me?!" Willow said, astonished, that her best Friends would stoop so low.



"Well...you're being sneaky...!" Buffy stammered.



Me!?" your're the one hiding behind a bush!" Willow angrily pointed out

"And you!" Willow pointed her finger at Xander.

"You're in on this too?!" Willow was beyond furious...she was hurt. My best friends in the world have been spying on me....and behind my back of all places.



"M-maybe I sh-should go...." Tara interrupted, feeling uncomfortable.



"No....What?...No." Willow said, taking hold of Tara's hand.



"Really Will...I'll see you l-later okay?"



Willow stood motionless watching Tara walk away.

"so now you know.....are you happy?"



"Will...I..."



"Just leave me alone." Willow said angrily stalking off in the other direction.



"Will wait...." Buffy said, jogging to catch up to the red head.



Buffy was immediately sorry for breaking Willow's trust. She could tell that the red head was hurt, which had never been Buffy's intention. There was something between Willow and that girl, even a over-the-top boy-crazy girl like herself could tell that much.



"What?!" Willow spun around around to face her best friend.



"Are you happy...?" Buffy said, out of breath .



"Immensely" There were tears forming in Willow's eyes, and she couldn't keep them from falling down her cheeks. "Why?"



"Because you shouldn't let the woman you love walk home alone...." Even as it came out of Buffy's mouth, she knew it was right. and she smiled as she watched her best friend, without hesitation, take off in the direction the blonde had gone.





TBC



xoxo

Emms

The people I'm furious with are the womens's liberationists. They keep getting up on soapboxes and proclaiming women are brighter than men. That's true, but it should be kept quiet or it ruins the whole racket.----



Anita Loos

Edited by: MissKittys Ball O Yarn at: 9/21/04 6:51 am

[Shy One]

OMG!!!

That was beautiful!

Yay!! Willow's in love with Tara!

Great update Emms!!!

I hope the next update comes a lot sooner!!



Wow. I have to say again.......That was just SO freakin'

beautiful!

More, more, more!!!!!



Shy One

[watersong84]

Yay! I like it, I like it a lot! inky



You write every character so well, and i especially liked the part in the gallery... with all the paintings.



Update soon!

[wimpy0729]

Oh Emms...you had my heart doing a happy dance at the thought of Willow seeing the paintings in the museum. That was so beautiful. And then the lovely picnic. And then shattered it into little tiny minute pieces when Tara got up and left. But now even Buffy can tell that Willow loves Tara, so she needs to go after her girl and set things straight...so to speak.



But I gotta say the vision of Buffy and Xander being "not so stealthy" had me literally rolling out of my chair and painfully onto the floor.



Pretty please update soon for us! Can't you tell we're needy for your goodness?



Wimpy

[hin768]

YAY...I am so excited.

I've been hanging out for an update, I love this fic. Bring on the & goodness

[WickedReds]

Emms ur back... and i'm finally leaving descent feedback..

Anyways...

Buffy + Xander + Purple car + "stealthy acts" + Willow * Tara / picnic interruption- Buffy observation Of Love= Well in my book that would equal Alot of happy Willow and Tara smut...

This line had me rolling:

Quote:

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it is not purple! its ........magenta

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Update soon



-reds



my banana dances for smut

Tara in a wet shirt, Tara in a wet shirt. Tara in. A. Wet. Shirt. “Of course.”-Willow From Remember to Breath By Yellow Crayon



Now that just sucks- me

[VixenyTarasHot]

*squeals* YAAAYY an update!!! Oh man I am so excited right now! And this was an awesome update with the Willowpaintings and Picnicy goodness! I agree with Pam, it was just hilarious seeing Buffy and Xander in my head being not so secretive.



So hopefully you'll present us with an update that makes everything ok and hopefully it's like uberly soon... I am hopin and prayin!!



Again I say wonderful update!!



Ashleigh

"...A-and I'm gonna make it up to you. Starting right now."

(Starts to smile)"Right now?"

[umgaynow]

OK I'm sorry, but Buffy and Xander need to die...or at least be given really big booboos...to interrupt that moment...aarrrghhhhhh...Buffy needs therapy







umgaynow

[The Rose24]

Yay!!! That was so beautiful.



Buffy and Xander really should mind their own business.



Go after her Willow!

Tara: My heart doesn't stutter.


Tara: Willow, I got so lost.

Willow: I found you. I will always find you.

Edited by: The Rose24  at: 9/20/04 11:22 pm

[Artemis]

Tara painted Willow... that's lovely Go get her Willow, don't let this one get away ever And a whole room full of Willow paintings, that's definitely art worth appreciating.



Buffy and Xander... ye gods Well Buffy's got her answer, and at least she's got the good heart to be contrite and do what she can to set Willow back on the right track with her lovely date evening.



So... Tara's evidently done a good job painting Willow from memory - how about a portrait from Willow posing? In whatever clothing or lack thereof she likes

Chris Cook

Through the Looking-glass

A Willow and Tara for every world.

[littlecrazy80]

Great update!

Xander and Buffy!



And yay Willow is in love with Tara. She should run after her and tell her.



*lil´c*

"I am S-E-X-Y" Amber at the FedCon



Sweet Amber ~~~ Amber Board ~~~ Danielle Benson ~~~ Danielle Benson France ~~~ Danielle Board

[alysagoddess85]

YAY!!! AWWW!!! WOOHOO!!!



ok thats it for big exclamation thingys...but omg....that was absolutely wonderful. tara has an entire willow gallery...so sweet and romantic and dammit i want one too!! and then the picnic....awww



and as bad as this is...i was cracking up with the buffy/xandar thing....they were funny...but oooo i was hating them when they interrupted the kiss-that-shouldve-been!! but buffy has somewhat redeemed herself just a weetle bitty bit by telling willow to go get tara.



now no more of this not updating for ages and ages...especially after that!! i need reconciliation smoochies and soon!!



~mel

'The Cat in the Hat' is fine, just not during sex.--Alyson Hannigan

[ambersagoddess]

*snickers*



Buffy shouting from behind the bushes made me laugh so hard.



That was so sweet and I don't usually say that, so be proud. I'm more for the cool stuff, rather than mooshy love



Anyway, nicely done, and I also hope the next chapter comes sooner than this one



-Rei

"I am vindicated, I am selfish I am wrong, I am right I swear I'm right I swear I knew it all along. And I am flawed but I am cleaning up so well, I am seeing in me now the things you swore you saw yourself so clear." -Dashboard Confessional

[ladydameon]

where's the end? I thought it was done - that's why I read it!!



Upon re-reading the Update thread, I realized that must brain misinterpreted... Stupid brain. Damn, yet another story I have to be strung along with...



Its enjoyable. Update please.

ladydameon

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

Goddess of Violence

[MissKittys Ball O Yarn]

Thank you everyone for readin'... and leavin' feedback... cause... I love it!







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Shy one- Ooohh more tropical DOTS? That's a lovely Idea! And shipped directly to my house...even better!... I couldn't have finished the update without them...there's nothing like typing three words then taking a brake for a nice, fruity, bite-sized morsel of sugary goodness. ..know what I mean? (I like the red ones...) But you are aware of my dependence so I need not say more.



Now about the wonderful feedback you left... Thank you for saying it was beautiful *Smiling shyly* It was kind of weird though cause the whole scene went in a completely different direction than I had intended starting out. I didn't even realize that they hadn't finished their kiss, until I wen't back and re-read it. crazy huh?



anyway...thank you for your response, I always look so forward to feedback from you and I appreciate it so much.



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watersong Awww you are too sweet! and Im glad you liked the update...cause with the paintings and all....



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Wimpy- Yay! The happy dance!

*Picturing wimpy dancing happily in my head wearing a sombrero with some greasy man in the background, who's had too many nachos and is shouting "OLE!" *

Or maybe its more of a Audrey Hepburn "I could have danced all night" kind of number? Anyway...I'll be busy for the next couple of nights thinking about this...It will keep me up nights.



Oh and... Tara left. .. I wander what she's thinking... But Willow will find her and all will be good in the land of ....um...err.... *clearing throat* Lets just say....Im sure they'll finish that kiss....



More updates on the way!



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hin Im so excited that you're excited! in fact...Im giddy with excitement! Thank you for taking time to leave feedback, it really means a lot.



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WickedReds Yes indeed I'm back! Woo Hoo!! go me!! With work and everything its been really hard to find a time to just sit down and write...but I'm kinda on a schedule now so...you can expect more updates soon. I hope you'll stay... and have tea... or... a fruit of some kind... maybe an apple?



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VixenyTarasHot... hehehe yes ashleigh dear, uberly soon...I promise.

by the way... your squealing made me want to squeal too... now I'm all full of funny cheerleader type pep! and I have the urge to throw something in the air and catch it with one hand chanting a catchy tune... but I don't know any such songs...so if you have one for me... let me know..



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umgaynow I totally agree with you! Buffy needs heaps and heaps of therapy... In-fact.. . I should do my duty as writer and get her the help she needs before things go horribly wrong and she starts chasing seagulls in front of the movie-plex! hehe (I just saw a funny version of that in my head and it ain't a pretty picture)



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TheRose , I agree with you on all accounts!!



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Artemis , I don't think we have to worry about Willow letting Tara get away... Something just tells me, that's definitely not going to happen.



oh and... a contrite Buffy... who'd a thunk it? at least in this story anyway...I've kinda kept her two dimensional even in her relationship with Willow....maybe that should change....



And get on with the pose-able, paint-able Willow! (actually... I'd write that into the story if I thought I could pull it off)



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Yay! thanks lil'c (this is your fairy godmother speaking) you may get your wish.... or not... actually it could go either way... I need a drink....



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alysagoddess Awwww shucks... thanks for the feedback sweetie.. . I too found Xander and Buffy hilarious... they were one stooge away from being the three stooges.

I definitely promise Willow and Tara Will partake in reconciliation smoochies later on, though I think Buffy and Xander should do a little groveling before they get any smooches...And I'll try hard to get an update out sooner... work is kinda scrambling my brain right now... But I'll do my best... *raising right paw* scouts honor.



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ambersagoddess Don't worry... I am so touched that you would say something you don't usually say... Its nice to hear....sweet is good, in my book...actually its near perfection...sweet should be the only valid word in the English dictionary...or any other dictionary for that matter, and It makes me want to rush right out and get an update going just for you.



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ladydameon ... Oh Im sorry... I didn't mean to lure you into the trap of becoming interested in my humble little story. *sneaky sideways glances* or did I.... hehehe...

Well...now that you're here... (and it doesn't matter if its by default) Stay awhile, take off your shoes... have some cheese... or cupcakes... or sugar free jello...

The people I'm furious with are the womens's liberationists. They keep getting up on soapboxes and proclaiming women are brighter than men. That's true, but it should be kept quiet or it ruins the whole racket.----



Anita Loos

Edited by: MissKittys Ball O Yarn at: 9/22/04 8:58 pm

[Irishgrl3]

Wow, that was a wonderful update.



I loved Willow's internal babble about falling in love with Tara, it was very sweet. And the picnic, how romantic.



Bad Buffy and Xander! First with the spying, and then standing up to announce themselves from the bushes interrupting such an intimate moment.

[WillowTara Addict]

Hi... *putting down the tropical drink you just served me." Ahh, that tasted so refreshing! I was so glad that it wasn't my halluaction when I saw the oasis of your update.



Hey, your update was so sweet but Buffy being a little psycho-y, but at least she didn't wreck everything Tara and Willow just discovered of each other. Now I bet Willow is already there before Buffy got the whole sentence out.



Now waiting for the next update! *Back to sipping the cold drink.*

“I guess I am more fucked up than I have anticipated.”~Me

[taralicious]

To reiterate the thoughts and wellwishes of my fellow Kittens,

this update shows why you're the preeminent chronicler of Willow/Tara artworks and why we appreciate YOU so much.

In the space of this update, you took us to the heights of slow-burning ecstasy with the sweeping romantic gesture of the Willow room in the gallery and the nighttime, which as we all know is the right time to be with the one you love, a tip of the hat to the late Ray Charles but I digress, picnic.

Upon reaching this plateau of Elysian splendour, you proceeded to rain on the ladies' parade by introducing the element of discord and mistrust with Buffy/Xander doing their Laurel and Hardy impersonations if Laurel and Hardy were ever to stake out a friend's movements.

The forces of darkness abated in the last sentence as, in the finest Gilbert and Sullivan tradition, things are seldom what they seem and Buffy redeemed herself at the eleventh hour and fifty-ninth second with the single question and follow-up sentence "Are you happy?...Because you shouldn't let the woman you love walk home alone."

Well done you, Emms

Edited by: taralicious at: 9/23/04 12:54 pm

[MissKittys Ball O Yarn]

Okay kittens, I was suddenly hit with some inspiration so here's an update. Im working on Part nine right now, but I wanted to get this part out as soon as possible. Thanks to everyone for waiting patiently. I hope to get part nine out today as well. Enjoy! oh and...I'll get responses out a little later.. enjoy!



oh and one small note... I don't think Xander and Buffy are clearly versed on the meaning and usage of the word "Hoodwinked" But it was funny so I threw it in there.





All disclaimers apply



chapter 8



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"What just happened here?" Xander asked.



"We've been hoodwinked." Buffy replied emphatically. Smiling cheerfully and out of place, she Patted Xander on the back as she continued past him.



Running awkwardly to catch up, Xander shouted "Yeah...I kinda got that...But what just happened here?"



"Forget about it Xand." Buffy shouted over her shoulder.





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Tara walked quickly through the park. She had to consciously keep her legs from picking up speed. What are you running from Maclay? Tara asked herself, she was very confused, mostly because she had been under the impression that Willow was "Out" and Tara wasn't prepared to start this relationship in the closet. She'd spent most of her life in a closet and at this moment couldn't face returning. Also.. Willow's friends reaction to the news didn't seem exactly promising either. Yes, it was the best Idea to end whatever this was becoming before it manifested into something out of her control. Isn't it out of your control already Tara? In truth it had been spiraling drastically out of control the day she'd encountered Willow.

The red-head had forged a permanent place in Tara's heart and it was as impossible to deny to herself as it would be to Willow herself. Tara was torn, part of her wanted to turn back, go and find Willow and live happily ever after...but the other part of her was scared and wanted to run, run away as fast as she could.

Its not like she was a stranger to running...she'd done it practically her whole life. Literally running for her life. Her father had always had a thing against women and he'd been less than kind to her for as long as she could remember.

Her mother had always been her refuge...her safe harbor when times had gotten so bad that she thought she couldn't take life anymore. Her mother had rescued her, sheltered her...but her mother was gone now...had been gone for a long time. and there was no one Tara could turn to. She was now good friends with her brother but while she was growing up they had their problems.

He brother had changed so much over the years...but from what she'd heard, her father hadn't changed at all. Luckily Donny was looking out for her. He was her eyes and ears as far as her father was concerned. If her father ever found her...Well...Tara didn't like to dwell on that thought for too long.

She hurt for her father, but she was also terrified of the man. He was a strictly religious man that believed whole heartedly that homosexuality was an abomination against God and that those "sinners" should be punished. Tara didn't share his views so she'd left home...her mother died shortly after that from cancer. Her father had placed the blame on her, saying that her "Sin" had infected the "family" and was the cause of her mother's cancer. Tara knew this wasn't true, but she was all to aware of what her father was capable of...

Tara realizing that she was crying, quickly dried her eyes as she heard Willow coming up behind her.



"Hey...there you are...." Willow said trotting up behind Tara. She could see the blond had stopped walking and was now waiting for her to catch up.



"W-willow..." Tara said turning to face the red-head. She paused before continuing. "Is everything alright with y-your friends?"



"I think so...Look...Im sorry about what happened back there...My friends...well...they're special sometimes."



Tara nodded "They're just l-looking out for you." She wanted to make sure Willow knew that she understood. She didn't want the red head to feel bad about what happened.



"Yeah...Literally...and from behind bushes..." Willow smiled apologetically.



Tara couldn't help but join Willow's smile with one of her own.



"Hey...you wanna go get coffee or something...?" Willow asked, suddenly feeling much better.



Tara hurriedly agreed, she didn't want their first date to end early and coffee would be the perfect pretense to lure Willow into her apartment. Tara smiled. The prospect of Willow inside her apartment was more than enough goodness needed to push the awful thoughts of her father completely out of her mind. She was after-all an adult and she couldn't let her fear about her father continue to control her.

"Why don't we go back to my place...and I can make us some." Tara felt Willow's hand lightly graze her shoulder, before sweeping down the length of her arm to entwine her fingers with Tara's.

They smiled at each-other as they walked back to the picnic spot to gather their things before heading to Tara's.

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



The fire-place popped. Willow and Tara lay on pillows on the floor in front of the fireplace. They had been talking for hours, neither woman ready to declare the date over and neither woman ready to make that move that would bring their relationship into the more intimate level. The conversation had been flowing at an easy pace and though they were no stranger to kissage, nothing had happened yet that evening. It seemed as if both women were still feeling out the situation. They seemed quite content to lay on the floor facing each-other while the glow of the fireplace cast a warm light over their bodies. Willow had taken off her shoes and now her feet still clad in socks were making footsies with Tara's.



"What makes you happy?" Willow asked, lightly tracing a path across Tara's stomach with her finger tip. It was amazing to her how they could talk for hours and never run out of things to say. Willow wanted to know everything about this beautiful woman next to her.

Willow was still concerned that the scene with Buffy had spooked Tara a little more than the blond was letting on. She studied Tara face, before her eyes drifted to the blond's hair. It was tucked back behind her ear on one side and on the other side it was lightly framing her smooth cheek bone. Her head was propped up on her hand as she lay facing Willow.



"That's easy...noodle soup." Tara said grinning



Willow grinned when the blond failed to elaborate on her answer.

"Really?" Willow asked.



"uhuh... And...what makes you happy?"



"Infatuation....and poker parties" Willow said softly.



"Is that what this is....?" Tara became suddenly very serious. she lifted her body up, leaning on her arm she looked into Willow's eyes.



"A poker party?...." Willow asked innocently, offering a little smile.



"No...I mean...do you think we are just infatuated with each-other?"



Does she think that's all this is? Willow could see the look in Tara's soft blue eyes and she knew then that Tara didn't think what they shared was simple infatuation."No...." Willows voice was full of certainty. She licked her suddenly dry lips. "What we have is....." Willow's voice was barely a whisper as her lips moved closer to Tara's.



"Much more...." Tara finished, knowingly as their lips met in a sweet kiss.



Willow felt Tara's free hand tangle its way through her hair, as the blond deepened the kiss. Willow felt the familiar wetness forming between her legs. Since their first kiss two weeks ago they have done little more than that, both wanting to take things slow. But Willow was beginning to feel like taking things slow was taking forever. All this kissing was starting to frustrate her beyond reason. She needed something more. Willow licked Tara's bottom lip, sucking it into her mouth. She felt Tara pull away from the kiss and press her damp forehead to Willow's. Willow closed her eyes and tried to stop her heart from thumping so loudly in her chest. Willow was surprised when Tara brought her own lips hungrily against hers re-initiating the kiss. Willow felt Tara's tongue enter her mouth. She moaned as Tara's hand slid down the length of her side, coming to rest on Willow's jean clad hip. She was very much aware of the placement of Tara's hand on her hip, so much so that it seemed to be burning her skin even under the heavy material of her jeans.



Tara kept her hand possessively on Willow's hip, though she made no move to draw the red-head closer. Her hand burned at the contact, and she felt the sting of desire. Tara wanted to slip her hand to the front of Willow's body and undo the barrier between her and the beautiful woman next to her. She wanted to slip her hand beneath the waistband of Willow's jeans, slip under the red head's panties and give in to the passion that was threatening to overwhelm her. She gripped Willow's hip tightly, trying to ease some of the momentum that was building up in her hand. If she didn't stop kissing Willow she might not be able to stop. Tara took her lips from Willow's, but unable to pull away completely she pressed them to Willow's cheek.



Willow felt her face drop as Tara's lips were no longer there to hold her up. Willow opened her eyes when she felt Tara pull away completely. This beautiful woman will be the death of me. Willow smiled warmly into Tara's eyes. The wetness between her legs paired with the tightness of her jeans was creating an unbearable friction.

Willow brought her finger to Tara's face, caressing Tara's face gently with the back of it. She couldn't help conveying all the love she felt for the blond in that simple touch. Though she had yet to say the words she had an over powering sense that Tara could feel the tenderness as willow traced her fingertip lightly down Tara's cheek.



They were sharing a moment. A moment of closeness and a moment of understanding and Tara knew that she didn't have to explain her reasons for pulling away from the kiss. "I'll wait until you're ready" was what Willow's touch was saying, and Tara felt love swell up inside her. She felt tears forming in the back of her eyes, the sudden emotion forced Tara to come to the realization that her reasons for pulling away from Willow went much deeper than simply wanting to take things slow. Tara was still dealing with the shame and hurt her father had instilled in her and even though she knew better, knew it hadn't been her fault.. Tara couldn't help harboring guilt over her mother's death. She looked up at Willow not wanting to hide the tears. She felt Willow take her in her arms and pull Tara securely into her body.



Willow held Tara against her. Her heart ached for the woman in her arms. Willow pressed her lips to the top of Tara's head. Willow held Tara until the blond was silent in her arms and her breathing became steady and rhythmic. Willow looked across the room at the bed, but she couldn't figure a way to get Tara in it without waking her. Willow kissed The blond's forehead. "Tara...?" She whispered softly. The blond's blue eyes fluttered open. "Come on...." Willow said gently as she helped Tara to her feet. She took Tara's hand and guided her to the bed. Willow pulled the Burgundy covers down and Tara got into bed. Willow pulled the cover's over Tara's body, and sat down on the edge of her bed. Willow waited until she was sure that the blond was asleep before getting up. As she started to get up she felt a hand touch her fingers lightly getting her attention.



"Willow...Don't go...Please.."



Tara's voice was soft and vulnerable and it pulled at the protectiveness inside Willow "Im not going anywhere baby..." Willow whispered, she brought Tara's hand up to her lips and lightly kissed her slim fingers. She sat down on the floor next to Tara's bed. Willow was exhausted, but she kept her eyes open, she wanted to be alert if Tara needed her.





TBC

I can wax philisophically on a variety of different subjects...that doesn't,however, mean that I have anything constructive to add to the conversation.

--- Me

Edited by: MissKittys Ball O Yarn at: 11/27/04 11:09 pm

[SilentPortrait]

wow... awesome...

SilentPortrait

m/ >.< m/

[Arwen276]

It's nice that you updated! I really like this fic, and this update made me ache, it was very powerful and deep...and well it moved me.

I loved the emotional display from Tara and Willow, and can only say UPDATE SOON!!!





~Arwen

Hear That Baby? You're My Always... Willow

[silentinformer]

so yeah this was good i didn't read this fic on the board initially i read it at another site and I loved it then and now because it just keeps getting better can't wait for the next update

[alysagoddess85]

well its about damn time!! hehe...so glad u updated...and its nice to see the girls being so understanding to each other and their needs....cant wait for the next part!



~mel

'The Cat in the Hat' is fine, just not during sex.--Alyson Hannigan

[watersong84]

Yay! An update! I was starting to get a little worried there for a minute...

But you made up for the prolonged vacation from updates by making this one extra-good! Don't stay away so long this time.

[The Rose24]

I love the way W/T know what the other is feeling without having to say anything. I am glad this story is continuing.

Tara: My heart doesn't stutter.


Tara: Willow, I got so lost.

Willow: I found you. I will always find you.

[wimpy0729]

Emms, you are such a little romantic, aren't you? *sigh* You gave us a crackling fire and footsies, then the heated touches and then the "I"ll wait until you're ready". All so beautifully done.



Of course, you had to insert the unfortunate bit of angst in the form of a certain Maclay man. Poor Tara...living guilt-ridden because of her father's stupidity. Ugghhh.



Okay, enough of that...I'm going back to the footsies at the fireplace. I've got the graham crackers and Hershey bar...did anyone bring marshmallows?





More soon please...as in much sooner than last time.(Although you know it's always worth the wait!)





Wimpy



"There was plenty of magic." ~ Tara

[Willster]

wow, such a sweet update, loved the ending... *sigh*



I am glad you're back, can't wait to read more.

[Artemis]

What a lovely chapter It was sad to read about Tara's father (but we can be thankful that, for once, Donnie turned out okay in the end), but the later stages of the chapter, everything between Willow and Tara... melt And Willow watching Tara as she sleeps, that's so sweet. Thanks

Chris Cook

Through the Looking-glass

A Willow and Tara for every world.