That was great.



Though I do feel sorry for Willow not getting a show



Also I'm a bit worried about who it was on the phone, though I'm sure that if it was some one bad, Buffy will kick their arse.

I understand, you should be with the person you l-love


I am

Hope there will be no trouble for Tara.

Willow and Tara are just too cute together.



*lil´c*

Let´s get happy and let´s be gay. germany´s grand prix song



Check this out

Hey, Mainer!



I've been remiss in not leaving you feedback for this fic. And not you're stuck with me...erm, I promise to leave feedback more often. Willow and Tara are simply adorable in this update. You portray Willow's quirky intellegence and Tara's quiet sensuality superbly throughout this fic. I also like how you show the Scooby gang's interactions with our girls.



Thanks for continuing this fic, Mainer.

---

More than any other time in history, mankind faces a crossroads. One path leads to despair and utter hopelessness. The other, to total extinction. Let us pray we have the wisdom to choose correctly. Woody Allen (1935 - )

Hey..I've just read all of your fic and it is so adorable and so sweet..and wow. I really do hope that wasn't tara's father, but if it was willow will help. love sammi xx

cute update

I'm not stealing, I'm just taking things without paying for them. In what twisted dictionary is that stealing?
Oh, relax, Casper, I'm not here to interrupt your blissing. Too much makes you go blind, though, you know

,

Loved the update! and are so cute. I love how can anwser 's questions even when they are silly! I hope that that call was just a bunch of frat guys but I have the feeling that it wasn't. Can't wait to the update andsee what happens next! Update soon, please?





bluewillowwitch

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

"Fate keeps on happening."--Anita Loos

i should really start reading fics when they're already in progress, for lack of a better way of saying that, more often. then i get all sorts of updates in one night!!!

anyway, i am absolutely in love with this fic mainer--it's really beautifully written. i love the insight you've given to tara and willow's family life as well, esp. tara's. very well done. and very sweet the way her mom sent things for her. i'm all worried about this phone call now though.....i hope there's an update soon!!! thank you

~*I would like to be the air that inhabits your body for one moment

only. I would like to be that unnoticed and that necessary*~ Margaret

Atwood

Hello Kittens-



Oh dear. That phone call is worrying. Cordelia? Tara's family? Shy telemarketers?



I love the pace and feel of this story. I know we're not near the end but I'd like to put in my two cents for a sequel early.





Jixer

I'm sure that some of you thought you would never see an update to this story. Truthfully, I thought the same thing, but I have vowed to finish every open fic I have on this board, so with Internet Connection wrapped up, I turn my attention to Broken Wing. I'm hoping that there is still at least a little interest in this fic. I know it's been some time since I've posted anything new for it. Anyway, I hope you like.




Tanya

Title: Broken Wing
Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters except the ones I made up.
Rating: I'm not too sure so I'll just say PG-13


Part Twenty-Two

It had been a wonderful day, the kind dreams are made of. Tara wished it didn’t have to end. Of course having an exam tomorrow that she desperately needed to study for didn’t give her much choice in the matter. Willow had offered to stay and help her study, but if Willow was there she wouldn’t get anything done. There was no way Tara could concentrate with the redhead in the room. She was having enough trouble concentrating now without her there. It was just... how could she possibly think of something other than Willow? The petite redhead was the best part of her life. She was the reason Tara had a life at all. Before, things were so bad, she never had anyone she could call a friend, not really. For awhile she had Donnie, but then he changed. He was as bad as their father now. Tara couldn’t believe that’s how she thought her life was supposed to be, but really, before she met Willow could she have hoped for anything more?
Tara didn’t think so, but her mother obviously had. She led Tara here to Sunnydale... to Grace... to Willow. She always did know what Tara wanted and needed. The blonde always thought it was some kind of psychic ability, one she wished she’d inherited. Instead all she could read was energy. Her mother insisted it was a much better gift, but Tara wasn’t so sure about that. She thought it would be kind of nice to know what Willow was thinking and feeling.
She knew what the redhead was feeling, sort of. They talked a lot about that kind of stuff. Willow said she loved her, and she must. If she didn’t, why on Earth would she stay? Truth be told, Tara didn’t think she was exceptionally anything. She wasn’t overly smart or powerful or attractive, so it must be love. Willow could have anyone she wanted and still she chose Tara. If that didn’t make a girl feel loved nothing would, but even that couldn’t take away the nagging feeling that it was all just temporary.
When you really stopped to think about it every thing was always temporary. Even life itself wasn’t meant to last forever. There was no such thing as immortality. Not even for those who think they possess it. In the end every thing changes and there’s always an end. It always seemed to Tara the more you want something to stay the quicker it goes away. She wanted Willow to prove her wrong. She wanted Willow to be the one thing in the world that never went away.
So much for getting any studying done. With any luck the history test wouldn’t be too difficult. What were the odds the professor would want to know actual dates? There was a quiet knock on her door and Tara knew exactly who it was. She crossed her room and opened the door finding Willow standing on the other side just as she knew she would be.
“Did you get any studying done?” Willow asked with an impish grin.
“You mean in the thirty minutes that we’ve been apart,” Tara smiled.
“Ummm... yeah,” Willow shrugged.
“Not really, no,” Tara giggled. “Did you want something?”
“I just had a late night craving.”
“For what?”
“You,” Willow said making Tara blush. “I thought maybe I could read while you studied. I promise to be quiet, you won’t even know I’m here.” Tara nodded and stepped aside letting Willow enter.
“If the offer is still on the table, I could use your help,” Tara said with a shy smile. Willow beamed taking Tara’s history book.

This was a great way to spend the night, there wasn’t much that could make it any better. Sure it was just studying with Tara, but it WAS WITH TARA. It didn’t matter what they were doing as long as they were doing it together. Tara was so cute when she studied. The way she looked when she was intensely focused on something was priceless. Willow hated to think it, but the truth was, Tara wasn’t very good at history... or math. Trying to help the blonde study hadn’t worked out that well so Willow offered to look over her math homework. It was a good thing too because... well... the entire thing was wrong. It kind of reminded her of going over Xander’s homework in high school, only Tara didn’t want her to actually do the work.
“Okay I think I got it this time,” Tara said handing the notebook back to Willow. She bite her bottom lip while she waited for the redhead to recheck the problem for the third time. Tara really thought she understood what Willow was trying to teach her finally.
“You did,” Willow said excitedly, “you got it. It’s one hundred percent right.”
“Now for the other twenty-four problems I get to redo,” Tara said with a frown.
“I could... you know... finish them,” Willow interjected.
“No,” Tara said shaking her head, “I really do appreciate that you want to help me, but I need to do it myself.”
“I get it... teach a man to fish,” Willow smiled, but looked slightly disappointed.
“Willow?”
“Yeah?”
“Did I do something wrong?” Tara asked ducking her head.
“No,” Willow said emphatically,” I guess... I don’t know... I miss you when we aren’t together and you have all this work to do and that’s fun, only I don’t have any. I don’t want to bother you, but I know I will because I don’t have anything to do and I want your attention.”
“You do?” Tara smiled.
“Always.”
“I wish I didn’t have to do any of this, but I kinda do,” Tara said taking Willow’s hands. “I have an idea though. You could do the math problems and then I could use it to check my answers when I’m done.”
“I can do that,” Willow said perking up.
“And t-then... w-w-when you’re done... m-maybe you w-want to stay the n-n-night,” Tara stammered, which she only ever did when she was nervous. Willow leaned forward gently kissing the blonde.
“There’s no place else I’d rather be.”

Yes please continue I read all of this today and I want to read some more

Time for the next update. I have finished this story as well now. I'll be posting new updates regularly until the end, which I think is four or five updates away. I hope you like it.

Tanya


Title: Broken Wing
Disclaimer: I don't own any of these characters except the ones I made up.
Rating: I guess PG-13 again


Part Twenty-three


“Well? Did you get it?” Cordelia asked the blonde running toward her.
“Yeah I got it,” Harmony said. “It was waaaaay easier than I thought too. It was soooo disgusting though.”
“Just give it to me,” Cordelia demanded holding out her hand. Harmony frowned and placed the digital camera in her friend’s hand.
“I took more than one.”
“I can see that,” Cordelia said going through the photos. “There are perfect and really, really gross. Well... Willow said I could tell people. I wonder how she’ll feel when the whole town knows,” Cordelia said with a devilish grin.


Tara flopped down on her bed completely exhausted. Willow spending the night seemed like such a good idea at the time. Not that it wasn’t enjoyable, it was... very enjoyable. Tara just hadn’t gotten any sleep. They spent the whole night cuddling, talking, and kissing. Things were getting pretty heated and it was becoming harder and harder to control her raging desires. She wasn’t even sure she wanted to control them anymore. Tara knew she loved Willow, she wanted to spend the rest of her life with the redhead, so really, what was the point of waiting? Why keep putting off something she wanted so desperately?
Willow wanted it too, she could just tell. She had this deep connection to the redheaded witch that she couldn’t explain, and it got stronger every day. When they were together Tara could feel what Willow felt. It was actually kind of scary. Last night when they were in bed kissing, she couldn’t separate her feelings from Willow’s feelings. They were all swirled together and it was very confusing. She’d always been able to read energies, emotions, but nothing like this. The closest thing she could equate it with was her connection to her mother. She would definitely have to ask Grace about this today at work.
Meanwhile, her schoolwork was starting to suffer. Tara was pretty sure she failed her history test today. Not surprising considering the severe lack of studying. On the plus side she aced her math homework for the first time all semester. Her professor thought she might have cheated, but Tara informed him she got a tutor. She just couldn’t afford to mess up anything else, it could cost the blonde her scholarship. Without the scholarship she couldn’t afford to go to school, and Tara didn’t even want to think about what would happen to her if she couldn’t go to school. She didn’t want to go back to her father.
All the prank calls she was getting lately had her pretty worried. One, she could write off, but they were getting into double digits now. Sometimes there were even messages on Tara’s answering machine of just heavy breathing and then a click. She hadn’t told Willow because she didn’t want the redhead to worry about her, she did that enough already. Besides, it probably wasn’t her father anyway. He wasn’t the kind to dance around things. If he knew where she was, he would have dragged her home by now, chained her back up maybe, definitely beat her. Part of Tara thought maybe it was Donnie. Torturing her like this was right up his alley. The part that didn’t make sense was that if he did know where his sister was he would certainly tell their father. He was always doing stuff like that, getting her into trouble with him. Tara just figured Donnie thought it was better than getting beat himself. It was hard to argue with that logic, except that she loved her brother and she would never do that to him.
Sometimes, a lot of the time really, Tara wondered if there was something wrong with her. No matter how many horrible things her father and brother did to her she still loved them. I mean, she was terrified of them, but she loved them just the same. They were all she knew. That house, it would always be home even if she did hate it. It was after all, the only home she’d ever known, but that really wasn’t true anymore. For the past few months her life had been changing dramatically. Tara had friends, real friends. People who she hung out with on a daily basis, she’d never had that before. And of course there was Willow. Willow, who made everything okay, who made Tara feel like she was somebody.


Willow was tired. No, tired didn’t really cover it. She could hardly keep her eyes open and seeing as how she was sitting in advanced chemistry, that was pretty much a necessity. Chemistry wasn’t an overly difficult course, but it did require a certain amount of paying attention, and Willow wasn’t too sure she was capable of that right now. Spending the night at Tara’s had taken a lot out of her, but it was worth it. She would do it again in a second if Tara asked her to.
Last night was... Willow sighed deeply, a huge grin spreading across her face. It was impossible to think of Tara at all without smiling. She was beyond amazing. There was nothing about her that Willow didn’t love. She thought, last night, for a brief moment that they were going to make love. It was nothing Willow put any conscious thought behind, it just started happening. Her hands were wandering, touching new places, coming dangerously close to touching naughty places. It kind of stopped happening as suddenly as it started happening, but Willow wasn’t sure why. Neither one of them did anything to... stop. It was weird really, like rewinding a movie. Instead of going forward they just backed up into their comfort zone. Now that Willow thought of it, it was sort of frustrating. Buffy and Riley had known each other the same amount of time and they never stopped having sex. It didn’t seem different, but maybe it was.
Funny how Willow was thinking about all this romance and love during chemistry. In a completely illogical way it was on topic. Willow tried to regain her focus on the lecture, but there was just no way that was happening now. She was definitely one track minded when it came to the topic of sex and how desperately she needed to make love to Tara. Like everything else in her life Willow wanted to be knowledgeable about it. She had all the books, or at least she used to have all the books until someone took them. Someone who she thought was named Xander, but she would never accuse him of it. The books were helpful in a way. They TOLD her all about how to do it, and borrowing some of Xander’s special movies SHOWED her how, but Willow still felt especially inept. It would be great to be able to practice first so that when she and Tara finally made love it would be perfect. Practicing would be cheating, besides which she didn’t want to practice with someone other than the blonde. Hers was the body Willow wanted to know better than her own. She wanted to feel the softness of her skin under her lips, to taste Tara on her tongue. Was it getting hot in here? Willow glanced around the room fanning herself with her hand. It appeared she was the only one suffering from the heat wave that was engulfing the lecture hall.
“Could you please pay attention?” The angry guy sitting beside her whispered.
“I am,” Willow responded.
“Please, give me a break... if we weren’t lab partners you could day dream all you wanted, but that’s not the case. If you screw up in the lab tomorrow...”
“Relax.” Willow said interrupting, a hint of annoyance in her voice, “I could do this stuff in my sleep.” He shot the redhead an evil glance, and then went back to listening to the professor. How dare he say that to her? Willow was the one carrying him through that lab. Without her, he would have caused an explosion the first day. Oh well, he wasn’t important, Tara was important. She was the one who filled up that hole in her heart, the big empty space that wasn’t empty anymore. It was as if suddenly the lights were all on and Willow was somebody.

next update.

Tanya



Title: Broken Wing
Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters except the ones I made up.
Rating: PG-13


Part Twenty-four

“Did you see this?” Willow asked slamming the newspaper down on the table in front of her friends. Cordelia had done some bad things in her day, but this was pushing it. Willow was furious.
“Will, I know you’re down with the gay lovin’ now, but don’t you think this is taking things just a little too far?” Xander said examining the full page coming out ad complete with photograph much too closely for Willow’s liking.
“I didn’t do this,” the redhead said snatching the paper away from him. “Cordelia did this because I wouldn’t help her anymore. Do you really think I would do something like this? I SO don’t need the whole town seeing me kiss my girlfriend.”
“Wow,” Buffy said taking the paper from Willow, “this is...”
“Like porn,” Anya finished grabbing it from Buffy.
“That’s not what I was going to say,” Buffy responded giving Anya a sharp look, “but is it really that devastating? I mean, you’re kind of acting like you’re ashamed of your relationship with Tara.”
“What? No,” Willow said defensively, “that’s not it at all. This is a huge thing in my life, and she just put it out there for the whole world to see. She took pictures of a private moment and published them.”
“I get that, I do,” Buffy said, “but it just doesn’t seem like a big deal.”
“I don’t know why I thought you would understand,” Willow said taking the newspaper from Anya and walking away. It was so stupid to expect them to get it. They couldn’t possibly, they didn’t know what it was like. Tara would understand, she knew how it felt to walk around everyday with a secret, the constant feeling of differentness. Willow wasn’t ready for everyone to know. She wasn’t ready for her parents to know. This isn’t the kind of thing you learn about yourself and are instantly comfortable with, it takes time. At the moment the only person Willow was comfortable with was Tara. The redhead hadn’t even had the courage to go to a GLBT meeting on campus. This was something the others couldn’t understand.
Halfway to Tara’s dorm, Willow froze. They young Wicca didn’t know why she hadn’t thought of this before. What if Tara already saw today’s newspaper? Would she think I did it? Will she be angry or upset? Will she hate me? Willow dropped down onto a bench clutching the paper in her hands. Tara probably doesn’t even want to see me right now. If I were her and didn’t know how evil Cordelia was, I would think I did it. Heck, even Xander thought I did it. Every thing was going so well and now... what if this ruins it all?
“Willow.” Her name floated into her thoughts as if it had been spoken an angel. The redhead gazed up and found herself looking into soulful blue eyes. It had been spoken by an angel. “We need to t-t-talk,” Tara stammered. Willow looked down at her lap. Those were the four words she never wanted to hear Tara say.
“I didn’t do it,” Willow said quietly looking at the newspaper in her hands.
“I know,” Tara said smiling shyly. “Can w-we go somewhere with less p-p-people?” The blonde asked, her discomfort palpable. Everyone walking by was pointing and whispering. She never really was one for being the center of attention.
“Sure,” Willow said standing. The two girls walked in the direction of the dorm. “Your room or mine?” Willow asked.
“It doesn’t matter,” Tara stated.
“Tara,” Willow said stopping and turning to face her girlfriend, “I’m sorry about the newspaper. I didn’t put the announcement in there, but it is my fault. I should have just kept doing her work, then she wouldn’t have done this,” Willow said near tears.
“W-who are you t-talking about?”
“Cordelia,” Willow replied, “she blackmailed me into doing her course work, but then I told you and you knew, so there was nothing she could do. I didn’t want to do her stuff anymore, and I guess this was her revenge. I never meant for you to get dragged into this.”
“It’s okay, really it is,” Tara said slipping her hand into Willow’s for reassurance. “That’s n-not w-w-what I n-n-need to talk to you about.”
“Are you breaking up with me?” Willow whispered.
“No,” Tara stated firmly squeezing Willow’s hand, “I can’t t-talk about this here.”
“Okay,” Willow nodded walking again. “Did I do something?” She asked anxiously, unable to let it go until they reached the dorm. As nervous and worried as Tara was she couldn’t help but smile at Willow’s cuteness.
“You didn’t do anything,” she said with a smile.
“Good,” Willow responded, relief washing over her features. She could relax a little now that she knew they would be okay. Even the newspaper thing didn’t bother her anymore, not now that there was something else she needed to know. Willow wanted it to be good news, but she could tell by Tara’s demeanor and the return of her stutter that whatever they were going to talk about would not be hugs and puppies. She followed Tara’s lead, finding herself outside her dorm room.
“I f-feel s-s-safe here,” Tara said softly. Willow unlocked the door ushering Tara in and then closing it. She locked her other door which lead to the common room insuring complete privacy.
“What’s up?” Willow asked sitting on the bed next to the blonde.
“My father... he... he f-f-found me,” Tara squeaked out burying her head in Willow’s shoulder.
“How do you... Did you see him?”
“No,” Tara answered through her tears, “th-there was a message on my machine w-w-when I got back from c-class. He’s coming.”
“I don’t know what to do,” Willow admitted holding her girlfriend.
“There’s nothing you can do,” Tara softly said. “I always knew he would find me. I’m going to miss you so much.”
“What? Miss me? Where are you going?” Willow asked panicky, pulling away so she could look Tara in the eye.
“He’s going to take me away,” Tara sobbed.
“No, he won’t, he can’t, I won’t let him,” Willow protested.
“You don’t understand,” Tara said shaking her head.
“I know he’s a bad guy and he hurt you...”
“Willow... it’s so much more than that,” Tara said completely breaking down.
“Tell me about it,” Willow said stroking her back.
“I c-can’t... I can’t go b-b-back,” Tara cried.
“You aren’t, baby. You’re stuck with me,” Willow replied holding her girlfriend tightly. “Tara, what did your father do to you?”
“I don’t w-want to t-talk about it.”
“Okay,” Willow said hoping she hid her disappointment well. It hurt that Tara could never share that with her. “I think we should stay at my house until we deal with your father. I know my parents won’t care if they’re even at home.”
“You... you really are g-going to protect me?” Tara asked in disbelief.
“Of course I am,” Willow stated. “I love you.” Tara pulled back gazing deeply into the redhead’s eyes as if she were searching for something. “Tara?”
“I love you too,” she smiled. Willow smiled back even though she was a little confused still about the look Tara had given her. “Don’t lose me, okay,” Tara stated though to Willow, it sounded much more like a question.
“I never could.”

Great update.

I am loving this story. I just started it a couple of days ago and I've been reading it every chance I get. Now I'm all caught up and can't wait for the next update.

What did Tara's father do to her? Will Willow be able to protect her? So many questions...

I'm looking forward to more ...

_________________
"The road to hell is paved with good intentions..."

More updatey goodness At least I hope it's goodness.


Tanya


Title:Broken Wing
Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters except the ones I made up.
Rating: PG-13


Part 25

The house was empty and quiet just as Willow thought it would be. She didn’t know where her parents were, but judging by the amount of mail and newspapers, they’d been gone for a few days. The redhead confiscated today’s paper, shoving it into her back pack. Now she could tell them when she was ready. Assuming of course, nobody that saw it already told them. She led Tara through the house to her bedroom. A wave of sadness washed over Willow when she turned the bedroom light on. Everything she was trying to leave behind was staring her square in the face. Her bedroom was geek central, Willow never really noticed that before. She shouldn’t have brought Tara here. It wasn’t as though the redhead thought she was the picture of coolness now, but she wasn’t... this, all math problems and science fiction. Well... okay, maybe she was still that stuff, but she hid it better now.
Tara could feel the sadness, insecurity, and shame emanating from Willow, she just didn’t know where it stemmed from. This was by far the most beautiful home she had ever been in, certainly nothing to be ashamed of. The knew without a doubt exactly what room they were standing in. It was adorably Willow, and gave Tara an immediate sense of security. She was very glad to be there.
“Did you win all these?” Tara asked walking toward a bookcase filled with trophies, awards, and ribbons.
“Yeah,” Willow said quietly.
“Wow... I can’t believe how smart you are. I wish I could be like that,” Tara said running her hand across a shelf. “We can’t all be geniuses though,” she said turning to face Willow, “otherwise we wouldn’t know how special one was when we came across them.” Willow smiled brightly at her girlfriend. How did she always know what to say to make her feel better? Willow stepped forward taking her girlfriend’s hand. “What?” Tara asked with a lop-sided grin.
“You’re wonderful,” Willow said giving her a chaste kiss. “You don’t believe me?” Willow inquired reading Tara’s expression.
“I believe that you believe I am,” Tara responded.
“How can I make you see it?”
“Willow, if that were possible you would already see it in yourself.”
“I suppose that’s true,” the redhead smiled. “I guess I’m not so smart after all.”
“No, you’re definitely smart,” Tara said, “and brave.”
“Oh... I’m not brave... really... I run in the face of danger.”
“No, you don’t,” Tara smiled shaking her head. “You’ve fought evil for over three years, you chose to stay and help when you could have left, and you’re protecting me now. If that’s not bravery I don’t know what is.”
“You seem so surprised that I want to keep you safe,” Willow said looking into Tara’s blue eyes, “Why?”
“I can’t...”
“Please, stop pushing me away,” Willow pleaded. Tara pulled her hand away, folded her arms across her chest, and walked across the room. Willow followed her with her eyes, but stayed where she was.
“I don’t mean to push you away,” Tara said quietly, “but what you’re asking of me... it was bad. My father hates me, hates what I am. I woke up every day knowing bad things would happen to me and my mother because we were there.” She wiped away the tears that were beginning to fall. “I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t beaten, it was just the way things were, you know? And then my mother got sick, very sick. He didn’t even try to help her. He refused to take her to the hospital, refused to get her any treatment. He told me it was the magick that killed her. It made the cancer grow until she couldn’t fight it anymore. Of all the things he said to me, it was the only thing I didn’t believe. He got worse after her death, much worse.”
“You don’t have to go on,” Willow said crying now herself.
“Some days were worse than others, the days he caught me practicing magick were the worst. On those days it felt like the beatings were never going to end and I just wanted to die,” Tara sobbed. “It was a little after midnight, I was in the attic with my mother’s book and he caught me again. He told me he would chain me in the cellar, but I didn’t think he would really do it. He put the restraints on so tightly, the metal cut into my wrists and ankles. For over two weeks I was down there. He would come down and beat me whenever he felt like it. I was lucky if I got anything to eat or drink. I thought I would die there, but then it was like I just knew what to do and I ran. He’ll kill me, if he finds me, Willow,” Tara said looking up at her girlfriend for the first time since she started speaking. She looked so broken, Willow never wanted to see her look that way again. She crossed the room and wrapped Tara up in her arms.
“Then he won’t find you,” Willow stated firmly. “I love you, Tara, and I’ll die before I let him hurt you again.”
“I know, that’s what I’m afraid of.”
“I don’t want you to be afraid,” Willow said. “I’ll be okay and you’ll be okay, and do you know why?” Tara shook her head no. “Because we’re a family, me, you, Buffy, Xander, and even Anya. Together through everything, so I want you to relax because you’re protected and safe.”
“I feel safe,” Tara said releasing the tension from her body.
“I’m glad,” Willow smiled, drying the blonde’s tears.
“This is going to be fun,” Tara said pushing away all the unpleasantness for Willow’s sake.
“What is?”
“Staying here... playing house,” Tara said shyly, blushing.
“I like that idea,” Willow grinned. “I’ve had dreams about this.”
“Tell me one,” Tara said pulling Willow to the bed. The two girls sat down snuggling into one another.
“Well, usually they start just like this,” Willow said smiling at the blonde, “only it’s morning and we’re just waking up. We’re cuddling, and kissing, and you know, saying our good mornings,” the redhead blushed. “Then BOOM! Kids come running in, jumping on the bed.”
“How many?” Tara asked.
“Three,” Willow smiled, “two girls and a boy.”
“And then what happens?”
“We get up, have breakfast, get ready for the day... you know, just regular every day stuff.”
“It sounds wonderful,” Tara said wistfully.
“I never had that,” Willow said. “I always wanted it, a real family, but my parents were always gone. Some times they didn’t even tell me they were leaving. I would wake up and they wouldn’t be there. I don’t want that to be my future. My family is always going to come before my work.”
“I know it will,” Tara stated giving Willow a reassuring kiss. “I’m not my dad, and you aren’t your parents. Our children are only ever going to know happiness and love.”
“Our children,” Willow repeated with a grin.
“I... I d-d-didn’t...” Tara stammered ducking her head. How could she have been so stupid.
“Hey,” Willow said raising her girlfriend’s chin, “in case you missed it, I was smiling. Plus, you know... the whole dream thing, I think that pretty much gave away the fact that I see us together always.” Tara nodded and smiled. “I’m glad I’m not the only one who sees it,” Willow said.
“You’re not,” Tara said. She leaned in, capturing Willow’s lips with her own. Tara felt the insecurity and anxiety raise inside her, though whether it was hers or Willow’s she didn’t know. Tara broke the kiss and pulled back to look at Willow, it was her emotions Tara had felt. “You’re scared,” the blonde said, “tell me why.”
“I want to make love to you, but I don’t know how to get there, or what to do once I arrive,” Willow said her honesty surprising even herself.
“I get that,” Tara said feeling the exact same way. “We haven’t talked about this before, not really anyway. Neither one of us has ever... before,” Tara said blushing. “I think it’s natural to be nervous and unsure of what to do.”
“That makes sense,” Willow nodded. “Do you think we’re ready?”
“I feel ready, I want to,” the blonde replied unable to look at the other girl.
“Me too,” Willow agreed. After a brief pause she added, “so... why is it so awkward?”
“I don’t know,” Tara said with a giggle. Willow smiled at her girlfriend placing a chaste kiss on her lips.
“Do you feel like dinner?” Willow asked, ready for a much easier topic. Tara nodded grateful for something new to discuss. “What would you like?”
“I think it’s better we stay in,” Tara said. “We could cook something here,” the blonde suggested.
“That sounds nice, but I can’t cook,” Willow admitted, “really... I tried to make jell-o once, and I’m not sure what happened, but it never got wiggly,” the redhead pouted.
Tara smiled, “I can teach you.”

Yay for great update-y goodness... Good that Tara opened up to Willow...

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We few, we happy few. We band of buggered.

Posting While Nude Improves Your Mood.

Great update.

Next update... sorry it was so far between this time. I haven't been able to get to a computer to post sooner. Just for that I'm posting the next two parts together and it just so happens that they are the last two parts. I hope you all liked the story, and that you like the ending as well.

Tanya

Part Twenty-Six

This was so like Tara, Donnie thought as he rode in the passenger seat of his father’s pick up truck. She never thought about anyone, but herself. Now I gotta go all the way to California to drag her stupid ass home. What a waste of time? He thought absent mindedly picking at the hole in his jeans. Donnie didn’t see what the big deal was anyway. As far as he was concerned they were better off without her. All Tara ever did was cause trouble. She was always playing with those dumb magick books. If she cared anything about her family she would have left them alone.
Donnie knew all along his sister wasn’t too smart, but he never thought she’d be stupid enough to runaway. And of all the dumb things she ran away to school. Tara couldn’t even runaway right. He shouldn’t be too surprised really. When they were kids that was all she ever used to talk about. She wanted to go to college and be somebody. He tried to tell her she’d always be nobody, but she never listened. Maybe if he was lucky he’d get to kick her ass for this. He knew their father sure as hell would. Tara would be lucky to ever see the sun again after this little stunt.
“Are you paying attention to the damn directions?” The older man yelled.
“Yes, sir,” Donnie replied checking the map. “Turn left at the light.” It was a good thing they didn’t miss their turn. Without Tara around, he’d been taking the brunt of their father’s anger. The sooner they got to her dorm, the better.


“I don’t see why we have to go,” Anya announced as she and Xander headed across campus on their way to Willow’s house.
“Because there’s scoopyage afoot, An, and that’s what we do,” Xander said. “When there’s a meeting, we go.”
“But why at Willow’s house? Why not in the dorm?” Anya protested. “We all live there, it’s convenient... and we were gonna have sex,” she whined.
“We still can, after the meeting,” Xander said, “ and I don’t know why it’s at Will’s. Maybe there’s something evil on campus.”
“Have you seen Willow?” Cordelia asked approaching her former classmates, ignoring the fact that they were already engaged in a conversation.
“Speak of the devil,” Xander commented facing the brunette.
“She’s at her house. We’re going there now,” Anya responded having once been friends with the other girl.
“An, let me handle this,” Xander said puffing out his chest in a show of masculinity. “What do you want with Willow anyway?”
“Not that it’s any of your business, Harris, but we have some things we need to talk about,” Cordelia snapped.
“It is my business because Willow is my friend and you’ve done quite enough already, so leave her alone.”
“Well said, Honey,” Anya encouraged as the two headed off leaving Cordelia behind, “but I still don’t see why we have to go.”


Tara sat in the living room nervously awaiting the arrival of Willow’s friends. The blonde still wasn’t all that comfortable around them despite the amount of time she spent with them in class and on a few social occasions. Tara felt awkward asking them for help, like she was asking strangers even though Willow had called them family. They were the redhead’s family, but that didn’t mean they considered Tara one of them. She was just Willow’s friend... Willow’s girlfriend... that wasn’t an all inclusive pass into their private club.
It wasn’t that they had been mean to her or even unwelcoming. It was just a feeling the blonde had that she didn’t belong. Things they said, she didn’t understand or jokes they told, she didn’t get. Tara was on the outside looking in to their world, a place she feared she’d never belong. And that was it really, the fear of rejection ever present, looming over her. A constant reminder of all she failed to be. Tara could ask them for help and she would because that’s what Willow wanted, but in her heart she didn’t believe they would.
Tara could scarcely wrap her mind around the fact that Willow was standing by her side. She thought when Willow knew what her father capable of, she would abandon her. Tara wouldn’t have blamed her if she had. Given the opportunity she would run from him too. She thought about it a lot still, even knowing what lengths Willow would go to keep her safe. In some ways that made staying harder. Tara couldn’t live with herself if something happened to the redhead. If Willow got hurt it would be all her fault. She could leave in the middle of the night, she could run again to keep Willow safe. Tara looked over at her girlfriend... no she couldn’t leave her.
“What’s wrong?” Willow asked moving to Tara’s side.
“Nothing,” the blonde responded smiling weakly, fighting back the flood of tears that threatened to pour from her eyes.
“That’s very convincing,” Willow smirked trying to bring some levity.
“I’m serious, Will, I’m fine,” Tara said resting her hand in her girlfriend’s. “I was just thinking... worrying I suppose, but I’m okay.”
“I can feel it,” Willow said gently. She wasn’t sure she was ready to reveal her secret yet, but Tara had to. For the passed couple weeks Willow had been feeling things she wasn’t feeling. When she was with Tara, it was like having someone else inside her, and she had only just figured out what was happening.
“What?” Tara inquired.
“I can feel it, I can feel your fear and doubt. They will help you, Tara. It’s not just words of comfort. Friends are family to us because they’re all we have. You don’t need to worry anymore.” As much as Willow wanted them to be more than words, she knew right now they couldn’t be.


Willow said goodbye to her friends and closed the door behind them. The meeting couldn’t have gone better if she scripted it. Buffy and Xander reacted just how she knew they would, vowing to help Tara in anyway they could. Tomorrow they would search the campus for any signs of Mr. Maclay. It was agreed upon that neither she nor Tara would attend class until they were certain the threat had passed. Willow couldn’t think of anything that could make her any happier. Tara was smiling and that was everything to the redhead.
“I love it when you smile like that,” Tara said walking over to her girlfriend. “Your whole face lights up, and your tongue peeks out at me,” she said wrapping her arms around the other girl.
“It does?”
“Yes and it’s absolutely adorable.” Tara emphasized her point by gently kissing Willow. “I don’t think I’ll ever be able to thank you enough for everything you’ve done for me...”
“You don’t...” Willow interrupted, but Tara silenced her by placing her finger over the redhead’s lips.
“For a very long time I believed there was something wrong with me. I thought I was less than nothing and I deserved all the bad things life could throw at me. Even after I ran away... I wasn’t anything,” Tara paused turning her sapphire blue eyes to Willow, “until I met you. For the first time I started to think maybe I was okay, maybe there wasn’t anything wrong with me after all. How could there be evil in me if someone as beautiful and pure as you could love me?” Tara spoke so reverently, Willow was mesmerized by her words. “Do you feel that?” Tara asked placing Willow’s hand on her chest. “That’s my heart, it belongs to you now, it beats for you.”
Willow gazed lovingly into her girlfriend’s eyes, there was so much spoken between them in the silence, it left no room for doubt. They walked hand in hand to Willow’s bedroom. There was no more fear, no more nerves, only the absolute certainty that it was right. Whatever tomorrow brought they would handle it, but tonight they were all the world.


Part Twenty-Seven

The brunette paced outside Willow’s door furious. This was getting ridiculous. She needed to talk to the redhead now. Cordelia wasn’t accustomed to waiting for anything and she certainly wasn’t about to wait around for someone like Willow. Why didn’t the little geek understand what her function was in society? Cordelia thought. Her only job is to make sure the beautiful people, like me, don’t have to work hard. I tried being nice to her, and look where that got me. I’m failing all my courses and Willow will pay for that. If she had just done my work like she was supposed to, this never would have happened. I would be on my way to L.A. right now, not searching for some computer science nerd.
Willow wouldn’t have dared do something like this in high school. Back then she actually understood the social hierarchy. Something had changed with the redhead and Cordelia didn’t like it. It was like Willow was confident, like she had self-esteem, that wasn’t supposed to happen. Geeks and self-esteem were like oil and water, they just don’t mix. Willow was supposed to hide in a corner when Cordelia walked into a room, not openly defy her.
It had to be that mousy blonde that changed Willow. Until she saw the other girl, Cordelia had no idea someone could be a bigger loser than Willow. The girl’s hair was... uck, and her clothes looked like Goodwill rejects. Cordelia wondered if she’d ever seen a mirror. How was it possible that someone like her could give Willow such strength? It didn’t make any sense to the brunette. If Willow wasn’t in her room the she would surely be in the blonde’s. It was like the two of them were attached at the hip.
Harmony had taken the pictures outside the other girl’s dorm room. Cordelia was glad she hadn’t turned out that entire conversation or she wouldn’t know where Willow’s precious little girlfriend lived. The brunette didn’t see how anyone could reside in those God awful dorms. Just look at the carpet, it’s filthy. Cordelia was probably strutting across vomit stains and God only knows what else. She knocked loudly on the door several times.
“Son of a bitch! What is with these people?”
“Hey? You lookin’ for the girl that lives there?”
“No, for her girlfriend and I know where they are,” Cordelia said. “Who the hell are you?”
“Names Donnie.”


It was like waking up from the most glorious dream to find that it was real, that’s how Willow felt as her eyes blinked open. Only last night really happened, she knew that, it wasn’t a dream at all. She could feel the warmth of Tara’s love still running through her body. Willow closed her eyes again savoring the memory, the way Tara’s skin felt like silk under her fingers, and how sweet she tasted. Making love to her was like touching heaven.
It was then she felt Tara laying beside her, their legs entwined. Willow turned toward the blonde and opened her eyes for the second time that morning, taking in the sight of her slumbering lover. She looked so peaceful. Was it really possible to have everything you ever wanted? Looking at Tara now, Willow knew that it was. She was one of the lucky few. She reached her hand out to stroke Tara’s hair, but stopped herself. She didn’t want to risk waking the other woman. Tara needed this rest.
Last night it had been easy to push all the tribulation away, to slip from reality’s grasp. Today they couldn’t do that. They would have to deal with the impending arrival of Tara’s father. That would be so much easier if she had a plan. Truth be told, Willow didn’t know what to do about that situation. She still hadn’t fully absorbed every thing Tara told her about him. This was so far outside the realm of anything she had to deal with before. Mr. Maclay was evil, as evil as Willow had ever seen, but he wasn’t some demon that could be hunted and slain. He wasn’t quite a person though either, as far as Willow was concerned anyway. She had to find a way to make him leave Tara alone without killing him. Willow was pretty sure Tara didn’t want her father dead.
She still couldn’t fathom how anyone could hurt Tara. She was so sweet and kind and loving, how could someone be mean to her? Tara didn’t deserve to be treated that way, nobody did. There was no way she would let him hurt Tara again. Willow would make sure of that. She looked at Tara, and gently stroked her hair, unable to resist the urge to touch her any longer. She was Willow’s world and nobody was going to take Tara from her.
“Am I dreaming?” A sleepy voice asked breaking the silence.
“Yes,” Willow replied with a chuckle waiting for the crystal blue eyes of her lover to open. Slowly Tara opened her eyes and gazed upon the sweet face of her girlfriend.
“It must be a dream, I see an angel,” the blonde smiled.
“Tara,” Willow said blushing. Tara giggled then gently kissed Willow.
“Good morning.”
“Good morning to you too,” Willow said wrapping an arm around the other girl and pulling her closer. “I’d ask how you slept but judging from your smile I’d say it was good.”
“Very good,” Tara grinned. “That feels nice,” she said as Willow traced patterns on her back.
“You have no idea,” Willow responded dreamily. Tara leaned forward kissing Willow again, only this time more firmly. She couldn’t get enough of the redhead, and clearly Willow couldn’t get enough of her either. Laying naked in the bed together wasn’t doing anything to lessen the fire, but now wasn’t a good time. Buffy was supposed to be coming over this morning and Tara didn’t want her walking in on them.
“Willow,” Tara said pulling back from her girlfriend’s searching mouth, “we have to get up. Buffy will be here any minute.”
“That’s okay, the door is locked,” Willow replied not giving up.
“We can’t leave her standing outside,” Tara giggled, “she’s your best friend and she’s helping me.”
“Oh... alright,” Willow pouted.
“Once she leaves, we’ll be alone again,” Tara smirked, delighting in the mischievous gleam in Willow’s eyes.
“And when we’re alone?” Willow asked trailing a finger down Tara’s spine.
“You can do whatever you want,” Tara responded flirtatiously. Willow’s face lit up in a huge smile, “but first we should get up and have some breakfast. We need to keep up our strength.”
“Definitely,” Willow said kissing the blonde before leaving the bed. Tara watched her girlfriend walk around the bedroom naked, gathering clothes. She was so beautiful and sexy that Tara was having a hard time not jumping from the bed and ravaging her. Maybe they could leave Buffy on the steps for a little while? “Are you getting up?” Willow asked realizing that she was now fully dressed and Tara had yet to move from the bed.
“Yes,” Tara answered gazing longingly at the redhead before finally leaving the comfort of the bed and her fantasy.
“Just remember,” Willow said embracing the other girl, “it was your idea to get up and put clothes on. I wanted to stay in bed and make love to you all day.”
“I know,” Tara said trying hard not to focus on how good Willow pressed against her, or on the sensation of the redhead’s cotton shirt rubbing against her hardened nipples. “I think... Buffy’s here,” Tara squeaked out between ragged breaths.
“I’ll get the door, you get dressed,” Willow said giving her a quick kiss before running from the room to let Buffy in. The redhead hoped they could get this little meeting over quickly. She desperately needed Tara again. Maybe she could just explain that to Buffy. Willow pulled open the door.
“You’re not Buffy,” she said.
“No, I’m not.”
“Who are you?” Willow asked though she was fairly certain she knew the identity of the middle aged man.
“My name is John Maclay and I’m looking for my daughter.” His voice was cold and harsh, and made the petite redhead shudder.
“She isn’t here,” Willow said attempting to close the door, but Mr. Maclay prevented her and stepped inside. He looked genuinely shocked that Willow did not step back, but rather held her ground. “I’m sorry, but you have to leave,” Willow stated firmly.
“I’m not leaving without my daughter. I know she’s here, so send her out and I’ll be on my way.”
“No, Tara isn’t going anywhere with you.”
“This doesn’t concern you,” Mr. Maclay said, his anger mounting. “Now step aside, Tara is going home with me where she belongs.”
“She belongs with me,” Willow replied emphasizing every word.
“Get out of my way!” He yelled moving to push the redhead out of his way.
“STOP!” Tara shouted running from the other room. “Stop! It’s me you want, leave Willow alone.” He threw the small woman to the floor because he could before charging at his daughter. Tara didn’t know her father could move so quickly. He was on her before she had time to react, punching her hard. Tara closed her eyes expecting an onslaught, but nothing came. She opened them to find her father across the room, on the floor, slumped against the wall. Willow was standing a few feet from her, glaring at Mr. Maclay with a fierceness, Tara had never seen, in her eyes. Had Willow done that?
“You’re a witch,” Mr. Maclay said attempting to stand, but Willow waved her hand and he fell back down. Tara couldn’t believe what she was seeing.
“Yes, I am, and you made a very big mistake coming here,” she stated moving toward the older man. “When I let you up, you’re going to leave, and you’re never going to come back here again, because if you do, you won’t get off this easy. Is that clear?”
“You have no right...”
“Enough!” Willow said silencing him. “I have every right. I love your daughter more than you could ever comprehend. You blew your chance to get to know her and see what a wonderful woman she is. Despite everything you did to her she is the kindest person I have ever known. That’s why she would never do this even though she could, but unfortunately for you... I’m not that nice,” she said her voice getting darker. “I have no problem hurting you, in fact, I think I’d rather enjoy it considering everything you’ve done to Tara, but I won’t,” she said looking at the blonde and giving her a discreet smile before turning her attention back to Tara’s father, “because I know she doesn’t want that. But if you ever try to hurt her again, I’ll kill you. There won’t be a body left to bury when I’m through with you. Have I made myself clear yet?” Mr. Maclay nodded, still unable to speak. As soon as Willow allowed him up, he ran from the house nearly knocking over a blonde coming up the walk.
“Are you okay?” Willow asked rushing to Tara’s side. “Oh... your eye...”
“I’m fine,” Tara said wrapping her arms around the redhead.
“What happened?” Buffy asked running into the house. “Was that your father?”
“Yes, Willow... I’m not sure what she did, but he left,” Tara said.
“I’m not sure what I did either,” Willow admitted. “He hit you, and this rush of energy passed through me, and the next thing I knew he was flying through the air into the wall. I just knew I couldn’t let him near you again.”
“Wow,” Buffy commented. “I guess you don’t need me anymore.”
“No, we don’t,” Willow said. “I’d actually like to be alone with the woman I love.”
“I can take a not so subtle hint,” Buffy said catching Tara’s blush. “Stop by the dorm when you’re... done,” she said for lack of a better word. “I know the guys will want to hear all about what happened.”
“You’ll be waiting awhile, I’ll never be done,” Willow said not even waiting for her friend to leave before kissing Tara.
“Do you promise?” The blonde asked once Buffy had left.
“Promise what?”
“That you’ll never be done loving me,” Tara clarified quietly.
“Oh, yes, I can promise that,” Willow said smiling. “You’re stuck with me forever and a day.”
“And one more day after that.”

THE END

Well that was just friggin' cool. I just read this, start to finish, while sitting on the couch.

When I started reading it was incomplete. By the time I got to the last page, you had posted the ending.

Sweeeeeet. Not bad timing for reading a fic started years ago.

A good fic I might add. A nice dose of insecure angst (but not too much), with an invigorating ass-kicking at the end. Worked for me nicely.

Thanks for a nice start to my day.

- Boschi

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Don't confuse me with your reasonableness.

Great end to a great fic.

Just read the entire story It was nice to see a different take on WT's meeting, that Anya, Xander and Cordelia attended college with them and so on. You described their love so perfectly it made me stay up (should have been in bed ages ago) and finish reading it.
Hope you are gonna write many more stories!

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"I don't get your crazy system!"
"System? It's called the alphabet!"