Always Leads Me Back to You [Complete]

[leonhart17]

Title: Always Leads Me Back to You
Rating: PG-13
Spoilers: Season 6 I guess...
Summary: Willow has recovered and the Scoobies are going home, but has anything changed while they were away from the Hellmouth, and can they prevent the nightmare fate Buffy sees in her dreams?

Notes: This is the sequel to Every Step That I Retrace, and starts the morning after that one ends. If you haven't/don't intend to read that one, what you need to know to read this one is that Willow and the others have been in England for about 4 months while Willow was being magically rehabilitated after her memories were blocked by Giles' coven friends. The spell has now been broken and Willow and Tara are back together. (That is very vague - just go read the other one!)

Chapter 1 of 11

Willow woke up slowly, something tickling her nose. Her eyes blinked open to see long blonde hair and she let out a deep breath of relief that the night before hadn't been a torturous dream. One of her arms was under Tara's side, pinned between the other witch and the sheet. Her other arm was curled over Tara's other side, holding the blonde in the loose circle of her arms.

It had been fine for sleeping, she decided, but now that she was awake she needed to be closer, and she tightened her hold, scooting across the sheet. Tara moved in her sleep, leaning back into Willow unconsciously and the redhead felt her heart start beating faster in reaction, just from the increased contract.

It was a feeling that she could never get used to, how excited she was to simply hold Tara. It was something she never thought she'd be allowed close enough to do again, but now that she had her second chance, there was nothing that could stop her from doing everything she could to keep the blonde.

Not that Tara was fighting to get away from her, she reflected as the witch in her arms settled closer still, relaxing completely against Willow. Tara let out a soft sigh and Willow felt her heart melt as the blonde breathed her name, sounding completely happy and peaceful.

"I'm here baby. I'm right here," she murmured back, dipping her head to press a kiss to Tara's cheek.

Tara's eyes fluttered behind their lids and blinked open slowly. "Willow," she said again, her voice sleepy and completely adorable in Willow's ears. Tara tried to turn her head enough to see Willow but there wasn't space between them, so Willow released her grip enough for the blonde to turn in her arms, both on their sides facing the other.

"How'd you sleep?" Willow asked softly.

The blonde smiled, ducking her head into the pillow. "I haven't slept so well in months."

Willow let out a breath of relief, a smile of her own coming to her face. "Good, that's good. I mean, not that you haven't been sleeping good, but good that you slept good last night." She stopped herself from rambling only with extreme effort, her fingers sliding up and down Tara's side unconsciously.

Tara's hands were fidgeting with a wrinkle on the sheet in between them and she watched her fingers absently. "I don't sleep good without you," she confessed softly, glancing up at Willow tentatively.

The redhead sighed. "Tara, I don't want you to think I don't want you…"

Tara nodded quickly, her hands abandoning the wrinkle to touch Willow's arm where it was curled under her side. "I get it Willow. It's fine…"

Her reassurances were cut off by Willow's sudden kiss, the redhead's momentum knocking them both back, Willow's body pressing Tara flat against the mattress while they kissed passionately. Tara needed no encouragement to wrap her arms around Willow, keeping her in place. Willow's hands found a spot on either side of Tara's head, holding herself up slightly.

Her arms trembled as she struggled against letting her demonstration go too far, wanting nothing more, but needing to know that she was treating Tara with the respect she deserved before they threw themselves back into their physical relationship.

She pulled herself back with extreme effort. "I want you Tara," she gasped. "I do want you, I just need to be sure that…I just want to…"

"We can take it slow Willow," Tara panted. "It's okay."

Willow flopped to her side, removing herself from the temptation provoked by trying to hold herself above Tara's body.

Tara's hand found Willow's panting stomach, her fingers dancing over the fabric of her shirt. "We can still snuggle some though, right?"

Willow grinned, nodding her head. "I'm trying to take it slow, but I'm not a saint." Her eyes slid over Tara's form, the sheets masking the lines and curves of her body that Willow could have drawn even with her eyes closed. "I have a gorgeous, sexy, completely amazing girlfriend that I love. How can I resist that?"

Tara smirked crookedly. "I have no idea," she commented, leaning up on an elbow to look down into Willow's face.

Willow let out a deep breath. "I know you think I'm insane…I just need to take the time to convince myself that I can be with you again…that I'm not going to screw it up again. I can't just let myself fall into the same habits and patterns from before. I just need some time…" She sighed, meeting Tara's eyes. "Does that make any sense, or do you think I'm nuts?"

Tara nodded slowly. "I get what you're saying, and sweetie, I'll wait until you're ready, but I need you to listen very carefully to me right now, okay?" She paused as Willow nodded, the redhead's mouth a tight line. "I forgive you," Tara said clearly. "I forgive you Willow, and I don't want you to think that you have to earn back your place in my bed. It's yours whenever you're ready."

Willow nodded, overwhelmed with gratitude that this amazing woman still loved her, still wanted her. "Can I kiss you?" she asked softly.

Tara nodded and Willow's head lifted from the pillow as Tara leaned down to meet her. The kiss was soft and gentle and Tara squirmed her head onto Willow's shoulder as they separated.

"You know you don't have to ask if you want to kiss me," Tara said, giggling as she looked up at Willow. "I don't even think you have ever asked me that before."

Willow smiled as she tried to think. "You asked me," she remembered. "I was never so nervous in my entire life as I was before you said that you wanted to kiss me." She pressed a kiss to the top of Tara's head.

Tara smiled at the memory. "I'm just glad that you wanted to kiss me too."

"Of course I did. I was about two seconds from just kissing you whenever you asked. I felt like I wanted to kiss you after we moved that drink machine, but I was too scared." She laughed quietly. "I didn't even like girls then."

Tara giggled, leaning her forehead against Willow's neck. "Thank the goddess you figured that out," she breathed, pressing a kiss against the soft, pale skin.

Willow nodded. "As if I could resist you," she said, her arms squeezing the blonde. They lay in silence, both thinking about their past together.

Tara laughed as Willow's stomach gurgled under her hand. "Hungry?" she asked, tilting her head back to meet Willow's eyes, a half smile on her lips. Willow nodded sheepishly and Tara sat up, smiling down at her. "Let's go get you something to eat then," she prompted as Willow stretched, her arms spread wide through the sheets.

"Okay," Willow agreed around a yawn.

Just then their door banged open, Dawn throwing herself into the room, obviously excited and ignoring Buffy's yelled warnings. The Slayer had a hand covering her eyes and Tara exchanged grins with Willow as the redhead sat up beside her.

"They just got back together Dawn! You need to knock!" Buffy called, knowing it was futile, but wanting her friends to know that she'd made the effort.

"It's okay Buffy," Willow responded, laughing as the Slayer peeked cautiously between her fingers.

She dropped her hand as she noticed the clothes both witches were still wearing and she raised an eyebrow at them. "No matter what you said last night, I wasn't expecting that…" she commented in surprise.

Dawn laughed at her sister, her arms already waving in excitement. "We're going to London!" she yelped. "Giles is going to take us! He said the coven would be boring for my spring break, so we're going to London!" Buffy's expression behind her sister's back told them that it wasn't simply for Dawn's entertainment that they were leaving the coven, but rather for the coven's continued need for silence and a tranquil atmosphere.

"That sounds great Dawnie!" Willow said enthusiastically. "We haven't really been to London yet."

Buffy nodded. "So that's the plan for the rest of the week. Giles is letting us crash at his apartment."

"Sounds good Buffy," Willow said. "Are we leaving today?"

The Slayer shrugged. "After I lunch is what Giles said I think…"

Willow nodded, already planning what she needed to do before they left and Tara smiled affectionately at the immediately recognizable look of concentration on her girlfriend's face.

"While she's marathon planning, I'm going to take a shower," Tara declared, laughing as she moved to slide out of bed.

Willow's hand caught her wrist before her feet touched the floor and she looked back to see Willow pouting at her. "Where's my smooch?" she asked petulantly.

Tara smiled. "Sorry, I'm just not used to being able to kiss you whenever I want," she said, leaning over to kiss Willow, keeping it brief in the presence of their friends. Willow let her pull back slowly, smiling happily at her.

"Well, make sure it doesn't slip your mind again," Willow said, glancing up through her eyelashes as Tara stood up, nodding with a shy smile.

Tara collected her bag and excused herself to the bathroom, leaving the others to plan their outing. Getting used to being able to kiss and touch Willow when she desired was going to take some adjustments after months of having to suppress her feelings. She glanced over her shoulder to see Willow watching her and she smiled. It was a task that Tara would undertake happily.

*****

The Scoobies enjoyed playing tourist, visiting the museums and the monuments, walking through the city during the day and spending their nights at Giles' apartment cooking dinner and playing games together. The second to last night they were in England Giles got them tickets to the theater.

The night air was breezy but not uncomfortably cold as they left the theater and they decided to walk back to the apartment rather than take a cab. Xander had an arm wrapped around Dawn's shoulders and Buffy had her arm curled through Giles' while Willow was in a similar position with Tara, their hands curled together in between them while they walked.

The apartment was warm compared to the air outside and they all stripped their coats off as soon as they were inside. Willow took the jackets to the closet while Giles went into the kitchen. The others took seats in the living room while Dawn looked for a game they hadn't played yet. Willow returned before Giles, taking the spot in front of Tara's seat on the couch.

The pair had been cautious about getting too cozy, but their efforts weren't helped any by their friends. The Scoobies seemed to take glee in arranging themselves so that the witches had been forced to sit close together. Neither Willow nor Tara had minded their efforts too much, using the opportunities to cuddle close or steal kisses, but Willow kept herself firmly withdrawn from letting anything progress beyond kissing.

Tara leaned forward in her seat, pressing a kiss to the back of Willow's head as Dawn plopped her latest game choice on the coffee table.

"I'm on Giles' team!" she announced as she opened the box.

"Tara's mine!" Willow stated quickly, blushing as their friends laughed.

Giles returned from the kitchen, a tray of mugs in his hands. Everyone leaned forward to take their cups, the smell of chocolate filling the room quickly.

"Thanks Giles," Buffy said, taking a sip of the hot cocoa.

"No marshmallows?" Dawn asked teasingly, smirking as Giles shot her a look. He took a seat in a chair beside the youngest Summers while Buffy and Xander leaned forward on the couch. Tara leaned forward as well, her legs on either side of Willow's shoulders and her arms slid down around her girlfriend's neck.

Dawn explained the rules of the game while she was sipping her drink. They started playing, the game quickly getting interesting as the teams had to act out clues using charades. Willow had to get out of her seat to act out the clue while Tara tried to guess what it was.

The laughter of their friends was loud and relaxed and Tara was almost giggling too much to figure out what Willow was trying to convey, but they knew each other too well for her to miss it. There was nothing that they couldn't get across to each other without speaking, the only trouble being Tara laughing too hard to say the answer.

"Platypus," she choked out, falling off the couch as she laughed, curling on her side as she gasped for breath. Willow was grinning as she came back to the couch, retaking her seat on the floor, Tara stretching out on her side while Willow leaned back against her stomach.

"Good job baby," Willow said, brushing a hand over Tara's shoulder, feeling her girlfriend shaking with laughter. "You okay? You didn't hurt yourself falling off the couch like that, did you?" she asked softly.

Tara leaned up on one elbow, pressing a kiss to Willow's temple as she laughed, shaking her head and speaking into Willow's ear. "I'm fine sweetie. You're sweet to check on me."

Willow turned her head, speaking quietly. "You're my girl. I've got to look out for my girl," she stated with a smile. Tara leaned up, kissing her gently while her free hand curled through Willow's hair.

"And we've lost them," Buffy commented, but there was joy in her voice. "Do you think that means that they forfeit?" she asked the others teasingly.

They separated slowly, and Willow shot a look at her friends as Tara lay her head back down on her arm while Willow moved their piece on board. The redhead snuggled back into Tara as Xander rolled for himself and Buffy, the Slayer reaching forward to pick up the lump of clay that came with the game, sculpting quickly and trying to get Xander to identify the object she had created.

The game progressed steadily, Giles and Dawn falling behind while Buffy and Xander managed to keep up with Willow and Tara, but were unable to get ahead of them. It was after midnight by the time the witches clenched their victory.

Giles was quick to excuse himself to bed after the game, leaving the Scoobies relaxing in the living room. He had a spare bedroom, which the others would have happily given over to Willow and Tara, but the room had been taken by Buffy and Dawn since the witches were being chaste for no reason their friends could figure out.

As soon as the game was over Xander slid off the couch and Buffy took Giles' chair, leaving the couch vacant. Willow willingly took the empty space, missing the grins her best friends exchanged as she pulled Tara onto the couch with her, the witches settling comfortably on the sofa. Tara kept her back pressed against the cushions of the upright while Willow slipped onto the couch in front of her, the blonde's arm curling around her girlfriend's waist.

The friends smiled as they surveyed the peaceful couple, relieved to see them together again. Willow blushed, but squirmed closer to Tara, her head settling onto a pillow. Tara smiled, pressing a kiss to the back of Willow's neck, ignoring the others in favor of just holding her lover.

They were both still adjusting to being able to show their affection for each other, everything else could wait as far as Tara was concerned. Even having to wait for Willow to regain her trust in herself was fine as long as she could still hold Willow like this.

Dawn was the next to go to bed, leaving her elders alone. Buffy collected their empty mugs and returned them to the kitchen, bringing a few bottles of water back with her. She was barely back in her chair before Xander spoke, laying out the issue bluntly, and yet somehow tender, in a strange combination that only he could manage convincingly. "So, what's going on with you two?"

Willow blushed, feeling Tara's arm tighten infinitesimally around her. "What do you mean?"

"I mean, you are back together, right?" he asked, pointing at them with the neck of his water bottle.

Willow shot him a look, but nodded against her pillow, feeling Tara's slow breathing against the back of her neck, the blonde pressing a kiss to her skin.

"So what's the deal? You guys are all with the tension and no touching," he asked, taking a long sip.

Buffy rolled her eyes at him. "Not that you have to say anything, because it's none of our business," she said, giving the witches a supportive smile. "Even though it is completely weird that you two haven't jumped each other yet."

Both witches blushed, Tara pressing her face in tighter against the back of Willow's neck. Willow's fingers found Tara's at her own waist and the blonde squeezed her soothingly.

"I need to make sure my head is on straight. I need to prove to myself that I'm not going to screw it up this time," Willow told them slowly, talking to Tara as much as to the others. "I don't want to just jump back into bed because I don't trust myself not to mess it up again if we fall back into the habits from before."

Buffy and Xander glanced at each other, both frowning, but they nodded, sighing. "You guys have talked about this, right? Tara, you're okay?" Willow would always be her best friend, but the Slayer's protective instincts towards Tara were still there, and she didn't want either witch to get hurt, even unintentionally.

The blonde didn't move her head up from its spot behind Willow's head, but her voice was audible. "I'm fine Buffy. And kissing isn't off the table, so I'll live," she said, the tone of her voice showing her sincerity.

"Okay, I just know how nuts you were going at the coven," Buffy added, her teasing blatant now that she had been reassured.

Tara lifted her head slowly, sending her friend a glare over Willow's head, the look tempered by the smile she was unable to restrain. There was no denying that she wanted Willow, had wanted Willow since the first second she'd ever seen her, and the desire had grown with their feelings for each other.

"I didn't say it would be easy," she confessed honestly. "But if Willow wants time, I'm not going to push her."

Willow melted against her gratefully, turning onto her back while Tara's arm kept her from falling off the narrow couch. "You're the best baby," she whispered.

Tara shrugged, ducking her forehead against Willow's. "Anything for you."

The redhead shifted slightly, giving Tara enough room to put her head on Willow's shoulder. Willow curled her arm around Tara's back, holding her close and comfortable. Buffy and Xander exchanged smiles and the Slayer excused herself silently, leaving the witches curled up together on the couch.

Both Willow and Tara could hear the springs of the footrest of the recliner Xander was sitting in trigger and Willow turned her head to look at him.

"Are you going to be okay sleeping in that chair?" she asked.

"You're welcome to use our sleeping bags," Tara offered.

The carpenter waved them off, crossing his arms behind his head. "I'm fine. If I get uncomfortable I'll move."

Willow sent him a smile, her head turned back to the other side as Tara's head squirmed against her shoulder. "Are you uncomfortable?" she asked, her voice low as Xander clicked off the lamp and plunged the room into darkness.

Tara shook her head, unconsciously starting to pull her arms back. "Are you?" she asked softly. "I could sleep in one of the sleeping bags," she offered, not really wanting to leave Willow's arms, but also not wanting to push for anything the redhead wasn't ready for.

Willow felt Tara recoiling from her and her hands went quickly to catch the blonde's hands. "Baby, no! I want you to stay up here, with me. I just don't want to squish you and this couch isn't very big, so I didn't know if your shoulder would get hurt if we slept here, but I most definitely do not want you sleeping somewhere else."

Tara giggled quietly as she recognized their misunderstanding and she slid forward to kiss Willow, cutting off the redhead's babble. "I have never been uncomfortable sleeping beside you," Tara whispered, giving her another soft kiss.

Willow smiled, feeling something like pride burst in her chest and she shifted against the pillows as Tara pillowed her own head against Willow's shoulder and they let themselves fall asleep together.

[Sanpfa]

Oh nooooo, I didn't want it to end! How sweet and cute...makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside

[Mrs. Pineapple]

Hihi... Well there's really not much to say. I wonder what will happen in London. Maybe they can go for coffee there (did I mention how cute it was for Willow to ask Tara on a coffee-date?). But then again, Willow is just the cutest creature on the planet. I mean:

she looked back to see Willow pouting at her. "Where's my smooch?" she asked petulantly.

Looking forward to more!

[abarda]

Cute start. It's so nice to see how much they want each other, and, at the same time, they are taking things slow...
Dawn made me laugh. I love to see how much she loves Willow and Tara.
Please, more!

[Zampsa1975]

Yay for good beginning... I hope Willow soon figures things out in her head so that she and Tara can proceed to naked snuggles and other smutty goodness...

[Vamp_Willz]

"I'm trying to take it slow, but I'm not a saint."

That is exactly what my answer would be!
I love how you dealt with Dark Magic-y Willow, it an interesting idea and it helps spill over into the "Tara is alive"-verse.

Waiting for more
J-en

[rhh21]

ive just started to read these and they are amazing!
Rhiannon x

[viximon]

Yay. A secuel! That's cool. I fear what do you will do to upset us this time but I hope to be making of a good ending again.
Cheers

[alecorsch]

Hi ... OK you did .. IDOL .... I read your story has become increasingly more and more interesting ... call me a masochist but I love the tension and anticipation before the best part, you know where is it? ... jijijij

[Willowtree252]

I am glad you are continuing this story as I love how it flows and want to see where you go with it. I plan on sitting back and enjoying.

[love_2003]

Loving the story so far. I can kinda understand why Willow would want to take their physical relationship slow, but I don't see her lasting too much longer trying to resist Tara.
Looking forward to reading more.

[leonhart17]

Sanpfa: Yeah, they're cute! Thanks so much for sticking with me! I hope you like the new chapter!

Mrs. Pineapple: Willow is pretty cute! There's a date in this chapter, but they don't actually get coffee... *is very dumb* Thank you so much for sticking with me on these! I really appreciate it!

abarda: I'm glad you liked it! Yeah, I think I'm getting better at writing for Dawn (maybe not, but it feels better this time) Hope you like the new one!

Zampsa1975: Yeah, I'm sure Tara agrees with you are the best!

Vamp_Willz: I'm glad people are mostly okay with them taking it slow... Tara is alive -verse is where I live!

rhh21: Aww, well thank you! Glad you joined us!

viximon: haha, when you say it like that I feel bad! I promise no one loses their memories this time! And I most definitely promise a happy ending!

alecorsch: are the best for sure! if you're a masochist for reading it, what does that mean for me writing it? The anticipation is important! And makes the better!

Willowtree252: You're supportive and awesome and I'm really grateful! I hope I don't let you down!

love_2003: I can see why she would want to go slow too, but poor Willow with everyone trying to push her and Tara back together...

Okay, so updates for this one will pretty much come whenever I feel like it since it's all already written (mostly), but I promise that that will be better for you guys cause I'll post whenever I'm bored/have time off during the day...

Chapter 2 of 11

Dawn was first through the front door when they returned home, rushing up the stairs. Buffy followed, dragging half of her sister’s luggage. She dropped her burdens in the dining room, yelling up the stairs for Dawn to come carry it the rest of the way herself.

Xander had left his and Tara’s bags in the back of the car, but was chivalrously carrying Willow’s inside for her.

“Where to boss?” he requested, grinning at them.

Willow shrugged. “Buffy, did you move my room?” she asked, glancing around the house that had always felt more like home than her parents’ house had ever done.

The Slayer shook her head. “Nope, you’re still at the top of the stairs on the right.” She rolled her eyes. “Like I’m going to take the room closer to Dawn’s.” She shot the witch a teasing look. “What kind of nut do you think I am?” she asked, sighing as she heard her sister’s clomping steps on the stairs. “Inside walking Dawn!”

“Top of the stairs on the right it is!” Xander declared, dodging Dawn as the younger girl arrived at the bottom of the stairs.

Dawn picked up one bag and dashed back towards the stairs. “That’s going to take forever if you take one at a time,” Buffy called after her. “How did she end up with so much luggage anyway?” she asked, looking in fascinated horror at the piles of bags her sister had left behind.

Tara smiled. “I’ll help her carry some of it up,” she offered, sliding the strap of one bag over her shoulder and picking up another two in her hands.

“I’ll get the rest of it baby,” Willow said, picking up the last of the bags and following Tara up the stairs.

They delivered the bags to Dawn’s room and followed Xander back down the stairs. He dropped onto the couch, stretching one leg out in front of him.

“It’s good to be home,” he stated, looking around the room. “Even if it is on the Hellmouth.”

Tara smiled as Willow pulled her along by one hand, tucking them both into the opposite corner of the sofa with Tara leaning back against Willow, the redhead’s arm curled around her shoulder.

“I bet Anya’s glad you’re home,” Tara said, giving the carpenter a smile.

He nodded, smiling. “Yeah, she’s pretty excited. And the wedding’s coming up really soon!” he reminded them and his own excitement was obvious. He blinked as he noticed the clock, jumping to his feet. “I forgot about the time difference!” He was up and out the front door before either woman could say anything and they glanced at each other. He was back in a second, Tara’s bag in his hand.

“So sorry, but I promised Anya I’d pick her up from the shop and I’ve got to go because I forgot about the time, and I know I was supposed to take you back to campus, but I’m sure Buffy can walk you, so sorry Tara. Oh, and Willow, we’ve got a tux fitting next Thursday,” he said, all without taking a breath and they barely had time to nod their understanding before he was gone again, the front door slamming closed behind him.

Buffy wandered into the living room, giving the door an incredulous look. “Was that Xander?”

Tara nodded, biting her lip as she smiled. “Yeah, he had to run. He’s late to pick Anya up.”

Buffy nodded, smirking. “Note to self, do NOT call Xander for the next day,” she said, laughing to herself as she took his seat on the couch, her feet plopping on the coffee table. “So, do you need me to walk you back to campus?” she asked.

Willow spoke up before Tara could. “I’ll walk you back baby.”

Buffy smiled, shrugging. “I can get Spike to watch Dawn for one more night. It’s no problem.”

“I can take her. I won’t let anything get her,” Willow insisted.

The Slayer frowned. “Well I don’t want anything to get either of you. Especially since we don’t know what’s going on with those geeks that have been harassing Spike.” She laughed to herself. “Not that that’s not fun.”

“You can both walk me back, okay?” Tara offered. “I don’t want you walking back alone Willow. It’s not safe.”

Buffy nodded. “That sounds good.” Willow opened her mouth to protest and Buffy shot her a look. “None of us need to be out alone Willow. We haven’t been here in a few months, we need to take some time and see how it is out there.”

Willow nodded, letting out a deep breath. “Okay, you’re right.”

Buffy glanced around the living room for the phone. “Thanks Will. I’ll just call Spike and make sure he knows to come over here after sundown.” Her search yielded no results and she pushed herself to her feet, heading for the phone in the kitchen.

Tara turned her head as she leaned back against Willow. “I know you can take care of yourself sweetie. I just worry about you.”

Willow nodded. “I know. You and Buffy are right, it’s better to be safe until we know how it is out there.”

Dawn popped into the room, throwing herself onto the couch with them, laying back with her head in Tara’s lap, and grinning up at the witch.

“So when can we go out?” Dawn asked.

Willow laughed. “She’s my girlfriend Dawnie. I should get to go out with her first!”

The younger girl snorted. “Get on with it then Willow. Tara’s going to get snatched up if you wait too long!”

The witches exchanged smiles and Willow nodded. “You’re right Dawn. What was I thinking?” She paused, trying to think. “I’ve got to go to the school tomorrow to catch late registration for online classes for this semester. Maybe I could take you out for lunch?” she asked.

“Boo!” Dawn jeered loudly. “What’s this ‘maybe I could take you out’ crap?!? Be romantic Willow,” she ordered, leaning her head back to look at both witches.

Willow rolled her eyes at the younger girl, sliding out from behind Tara and taking one of her hands, leaning in close.

“Tara, love of my life, and woman who holds my heart in her hands, would you please honor me with your presence for lunch tomorrow?” she said, a smile lingering on her lips and she wiggled her eyebrows playfully, but the emotion behind the overblown sentiment was no less serious for her goofing around.

Tara blushed, biting her lip as she pretended to think about it. Willow crossed her eyes at her and Tara giggled, nodding quickly. “Of course I will Willow,” she said, her free hand curling around Willow’s neck to pull her in for a gentle kiss.

Dawn nodded, smiling. “That was okay,” she declared firmly. “And now that you have a date with Willow, when can you and me go out, Tara?”

The blonde laughed as she broke the kiss, shaking her head. “You have school this week, remember?” Dawn pouted and Tara winked down at her young friend. “I’ll be here first thing Saturday morning, okay?”

Dawn cheered excitedly, clapping her hands. “Thanks Tara, you’re the best!”

Buffy returned, nodding to the witches and giving Tara a grateful smile, knowing how much her sister looked up to the blonde witch. “We’re good to go. Spike will be here as quick as he can after sundown.”

Dawn sat up to look out the window, happy to see that the sun was still hovering over the horizon. “Yes! So Tara has to stay here with us for a while!” she enthused. “You guys want to watch a movie, or play a game, or something?” she asked.

The women exchanged glances, all wondering how the younger girl had so much energy. “You pick Dawnie,” Tara offered, and they were all relieved when she moved to the cabinet holding the movies rather than the games.

They all enjoyed getting to relax on the couch, the long day of airports and layovers wearying them, while seemingly having no affect on the youngest Summers.

Spike let himself in the front door a few minutes after sundown, calling a greeting. He saw them all in the darkened living room, the witches cuddled together on the couch, Buffy sitting sideways in her chair, her legs slung over the armrest, and Dawn laying on the floor.

She jumped up as Spike entered, throwing her arms around the vampire. Buffy sighed to herself, hoping that a week away might have tempered her sister’s crush on the him, but knowing that she wasn’t that lucky.

“Spike, thanks for helping out,” she greeted him as she got to her feet.

“Slayer,” he returned the greeting. His eyes shifted over her shoulder as Willow and Tara joined them. “Witches,” he greeted them.

“We missed you too Spike,” Willow commented dryly, picking up Tara’s bag from where Xander had dropped it in his hasty departure.

Buffy nodded. “Well, me and Will are just going to walk Tara home and then we’ll be back.”

“I’ll keep an eye on the nibblet,” he said, shrugging out of his duster.

Dawn grabbed his hand, pulling him into the living room. “We were watching a movie, but it’s over, so we can do something else,” she chattered, happy to have someone more energetic to hang out with. She abruptly realized that Tara was leaving for the night and abandoned Spike to rush back and throw her arms around the witch.

“Good night Dawnie,” Tara said, hugging her.

Dawn had her face buried in the witch’s shoulder and her voice was muffled. “It’s sucks that you have to leave. I want you to stay.”

Tara sighed, meeting Willow’s eyes over Dawn’s bowed head. “I know sweetheart. I promise I’ll be around a lot though. And it won’t be forever. I’ll be home soon.”

“You promise?”

Willow nodded, her eyes shining, and Tara smiled at her. “I promise,” Tara said surely.

Dawn pulled back, nodding at both witches before she rushed back to Spike, the vampire perusing the game cabinet.

Buffy let out a deep breath. “Well, you guys ready to go?” she asked, leading the way out.

The walk was peaceful, the early March night only slightly chilled. Willow kept Tara’s bag slung over her shoulder, her hand holding Tara’s as they walked. Buffy lingered considerately outside the dorm, letting Willow walk Tara to her door alone.

They reached Tara’s floor and she opened her door, entering her room and shivering, the room cold after a winter of sitting unused. She pushed the window open, letting the fresh air sweep away the dust, finally noticing that Willow was lingering in the hallway as she turned back to the room.

“Come in,” Tara invited her, extending her arm to her girlfriend. Willow moved hesitantly inside, looking around the familiar space.

She let a deep breath as she reached Tara’s side, their hands joining. “It’s been a while since I’ve been here.”

Tara glanced around the room. “Me too,” she reminded her lover. Her eyes found an overturned picture frame on her dresser and she moved to it, Willow following her, their hands still joined.

Tara picked up the picture carefully, blowing dust off the frame and putting it back upright. Willow glanced at the picture, taken the day they’d spent at the beach with the others, before their troubles had started.

“That’s a good picture,” she commented quietly, leaning against Tara’s arm and squeezing her hand.

Tara nodded. “It is.” She glanced down at Willow, smiling. “It’ll have to do since I can’t wake up next to you for a while.” Willow stated to speak and Tara hushed her quickly. “Don’t apologize. I’m not saying it to make you feel bad. I understand why you want to wait.”

Willow nodded, glancing up at her and reaching for the picture frame. Without speaking, she moved it to the small table next to the bed.

“That’s better,” Tara said. “Thank you baby.”

Willow smiled, nodding. The sounds of students returning from dinner reminded them both that Buffy was downstairs waiting and Willow sighed.

“I’ll see you tomorrow?” she asked.

Tara nodded. “Lunch. Do you want me to meet you at the registrar’s office?”

Willow grinned. “Dawn would insist that the romantic thing would be that I pick you up, so I’ll meet you here?”

Tara grinned back, nodding happily. “That sounds perfect.”

Willow leaned in for a kiss, Tara’s arms curling around her neck. Willow let her mouth drop open, gratified as Tara instantly took the invitation, deepening the kiss. They separated slowly, leaning against each other with their eyes closed.

Tara spoke first, letting out a deep breath. “I love you.”

Willow’s eyes opened slowly and she smiled as the truth of that fact washed over her. “I love you, Tara.” They kissed again quickly, the fact that they would see each other again in the morning the only thing making it easier for them to spend the night apart.

Willow moved to the door, Tara following her. The blonde watched her walk down the hall and leaned against her door as she shut it behind herself. The cool, empty room offered her no comfort and she sighed as she noticed the boxes she still had yet to unpack from moving out of the Summers’ house. She peered down into them wearily. Hopefully they would be packed back up again soon and headed back where they belonged.

Until that day however, there was nothing for it but to unpack and settle in as much as she could, all the while waiting for the signal from Willow that everything could finally go back to how it was supposed to be between them.

*****

Tara was running late, mentally cursing her professor, the one who didn’t seem to care that her students had important things to do after class, like lunch with their girlfriends, and didn’t appreciate being forced to stay ten minutes after they were supposed to be finished with the lecture. Her bag was bouncing painfully against her hip as she walked briskly, but the knowledge that she was late to meet Willow, the thought that Willow might have gone already, kept her rushing across the campus.

She ran through the lounge, dodging walking groups of people as she turned into the hallway. Her eyes found Willow’s immediately, the redhead looking up from inspecting the bouquet in her hands, smiling as she saw Tara.

“Hey baby,” Willow greeted her, pressing a kiss to her cheek as Tara opened the door to her room, dropping her bag inside the room and pulling Willow in after her as soon as her hands were free.

“I was afraid you’d have left already,” Tara breathed, kissing Willow before the redhead could speak. Willow let her arms slide around her girlfriend’s waist, the paper around the flowers crinkling as she unconsciously pressed them against Tara’s back.

They separated slowly, foreheads leaning against each other as they caught their breath. “As if I could leave,” Willow laughed quietly. “You could have showed up at two in the morning, and I would have still been out here waiting.” She took another short kiss. “Although, I might have been asleep in the hallway because two in the morning is kind of late, but totally worth it if I got to see you, and…”

She was cut off as Tara kissed her again. The blonde smiled, one hand brushing gently over Willow’s cheek. “You’re sweet Willow.”

“I brought you these,” Willow said cheerfully, bringing the flowers into view.

Tara blushed but took the bundle. “You didn’t have to do that Willow, but thank you. You’re very sweet.”

Willow shrugged as Tara took the flowers to the sink to put them in water. “Dawn helped me pick them out. She’s really gung-ho about me being romantic,” she commented with a smirk.

Tara grinned as she turned to face her, noticing that Willow was dressed up much more nicely than a visit to the registrar’s office would warrant. “You are very romantic Willow. And you look great. I know I’m already late, but it’ll just take me a second to change,” Tara said, already moving toward the closet.

Willow moved quickly to stop her, taking one of her hands and giving her a long once-over. “You look beautiful Tara. You don’t have to do anything to look gorgeous.”

Tara blushed as Willow squeezed her hand. “Sweet talker,” she said softly, following Willow as the redhead tugged gently, leading her out of the dorm room. Willow relinquished her hand to let her lock the door behind them, but took it back as they walked back through the lounge. “So where are we going?” Tara asked as they walked outside, following Willow’s lead.

“I was thinking we could go to that little Italian place right off campus. They have that pasta you like,” Willow answered, blushing as her response earned her a kiss on the cheek. “So that sounds alright?” she asked.

“That sounds perfect,” Tara said, swinging their hands in between them as they walked.

The restaurant wasn’t very crowded when they arrived, the waiter leading them straight to a quiet booth. They both ordered water, their waiter leaving a basket of sliced bread on the table in between them. They were both sitting in silence after he left, idly perusing the menu.

Willow felt herself growing more and more nervous the longer they sat in silence. She wished there was a way to calm herself down, knowing that she was just doing it to herself, but knowing that Tara was sitting across from her, that this was her second chance, was making her nervous, and she was anxious that she would screw it up.

Her hands wiped at the thighs of her slacks, wishing that her hands would stop sweating. She jumped as the toe of Tara’s shoe nudged her ankle gently. Her eyes found the blonde across the table, Tara giving her a soft smile above her menu.

“You okay?” she asked quietly. “You seem kind of jumpy.”

Willow nodded, swallowing with her suddenly dry throat. “I’m nervous,” she confessed.

Tara put her menu down, one hand stretching across the table to Willow. “Why would you be nervous?” she asked.

Willow gave Tara her hand, her eyes sliding closed as Tara’s thumb slid over the back of her hand. “I can’t screw this up again.”

Tara shook her head slowly, squeezing Willow’s fingers to draw her attention. “There’s nothing to be scared of Willow. This isn’t a typical first date. We already hold hands, and kiss, and I’m already in love with you.”

Willow grinned, ducking her head as Tara kissed the back of her hand. “Thanks baby. You’re too good to me.”

Tara shook her head, pressing another kiss to the back of Willow’s hand. “I love you Willow.”

“I know you do. I love you too,” Willow said, sitting up straighter. “Thanks for calming me down. I just don’t want to mess it up.”

“You won’t,” Tara said simply, smiling at her as the waiter returned. They each ordered, sharing shy smiles as he left them alone. “So, how did it go at the registrar? Did you get all of your classes straightened out?” she asked, taking a sip of her water.

Willow smiled gratefully, feeling the familiar normalcy of sharing her life with Tara blooming with that one question. “It’s fine. I’m all set up to finish up the semester with online classes, but it’s going to be a lot of work to catch up with the first couple of months that I missed.”

Tara nodded, pouting. “So that means I won’t see you for a while?” she asked, leaning back in the booth as the waiter brought their food.

Willow shook her head quickly. “No way! I’ll get my work done, but I’m not giving up my Tara-time,” she said firmly. “You’ve got class all day tomorrow, but I can come over, or you could come to the house, or I can pick you up and we can go out, or do whatever you want.”

Tara was watching her with an amused smile and Willow blushed as she stopped talking. “You’re supposed to stop me when I do that,” she muttered, taking a bite of her lunch.

Tara shrugged, grinning. “I think it’s cute,” she said cheerfully. “And we can do whatever you want tomorrow,” she offered.

“Do you want to do something tonight?” Willow asked.

Tara raised a teasing eyebrow. “Got something in mind?”

Willow blushed, nudging Tara’s foot with her own under the table. “Vixen,” she said quietly, shooting a look across the table.

Tara just smirked at her. “You’re the one playing footsie with me under the table, my love.”

Willow pushed her foot back against Tara’s, smirking back. “Well, snuggling is not really appropriate in the restaurant.”

“Maybe we should go somewhere where it is appropriate for dinner,” Tara suggested, winking across the table.

“Buffy is supposed to be getting take out at the house after work,” Willow suggested, wiggling her eyebrows playfully.

Tara grinned, nodding quickly. “That sounds perfect to me baby.”

“And that will keep Dawn off my back,” Willow said in relief. “And Buffy misses you too. She was making comments about the two of you living together for the last four months all morning.” Tara giggled and Willow sent her a chiding look. “She’s trying to make me jealous.”

“And it’s working,” Tara commented with a laugh, shaking her head at her girlfriend. “So, I’ll come over after class?” she prompted, Willow already nodding before the words were out of her mouth.

“What time do you have to be back on campus?” Willow asked, mentally calculating how much time they had left together and how much schoolwork she could do while Tara was in class.

Tara could see the math already moving through her lover’s head and she smiled affectionately. “We’ve got plenty of time baby,” she answered quietly, her tone conveying so much more and Willow felt herself relax against the cushion of the booth.

[Mrs. Pineapple]

DIBS! Aw, I love dates! I don't think there are enough Willow and Tara dates in fics these days, so you pleasantly surprised me (even if there wasn't coffee )

Thank you so much for sticking with me on these!

The pleasure is all mine

Keep it up!

[Naeryn]

That was lovely. Very well written.

First, a bit on this fic's precursor: very well handled. I enjoyed reading that story immensely; I wound up staying up until three am to finish it, actually. I particularly liked the pace at which you got Willow and Tara together. You wrote their awkwardness around and attraction to each other very convincingly - the scene in the kitchen when they were making Xander's birthday cake was spot-on. I also really appreciated your Buffy; how she put her own issues aside to save her best friend, once again - as she always does, and always will continue to do, as long as she's not poorly handled. I have to wonder if some of the issues she pushed aside and didn't deal with will rear their heads here, but I'm guessing not so much, since this fic seems to be heavily W/T-centric, without delving much into the other characters. Not that I mind - they're why I'm here, after all! Anyway, all in all, a very good job.

Now, the first two chapters of this fic have been deeply adorable. I'm eager to see Willow and Tara back in the Summers house together again, but I think you're right to take it slow on that front. Even if Buffy, Xander and Dawn don't, I completely understand Willow's motivations. She never wants to take Tara for granted again, and if, after all that, things just seemed to be instantly fine again, it would be very easy to slip back into old habits and patterns of thought without even realizing it or batting an eye.

Keep up the good work! I can't wait to see what comes next.

[Zampsa1975]

Yay for great update-y goodness... I really liked the date... I hope they soon have a date that leads to some skin-on-skin contact...

[willowtarabuffyfaith]

awwww!!! i love the fact willow was still nervous going on a date with tara. they are both adorable! = 4EVER!!

[Sanpfa]

Tara spoke first, letting out a deep breath. “I love you.”

Willow’s eyes opened slowly and she smiled as the truth of that fact washed over her. “I love you, Tara.”

It's the things in your story like this that keep me reading. There are so many moments you have written perfectly that show just how devoted these two are to each other. Even though they are about to part for the night, the mood is loving and not sad, and even though we like to dwell on the fact that they aren't living/sleeping together yet, I think it's perfect for this story.

[abarda]

Great! I loved Dawn insisting that Willow should be romantic. It was funny... and she is absolutely right.

I was wondering if the other students from the dorm didn't thought it was weird that Tara was back after so many months away from college... I mean, it should be a little weird, shouldn't it?

Anyway, I loved the update.

[rhh21]

aw i loved this!
Tara n Willow r being sooooooo sweet to each other
Its sooooo cute!
Rhiannon x

[leonhart17]

Mrs. Pineapple: Aww, I love getting dibs! yay! I'm glad you liked the date! (can't believe I blanked on the coffee thing...oops!) Thanks so much! You're awesome!

Naeryn: Aww, well, thanks! I'm so glad you liked it! I loved that scene with the cake - it was one of my favorites to write so I'm glad it worked well. And I'm really glad you liked Buffy - I am going to bring up some of her issues later in this one, probably not as much of a mention as they need, but it is going to come up.
I'm so glad that people seem to agree/see Willow's motivation for taking things slow. Thanks so much for reading and for the very thoughtful and encouraging review - I really appreciate it!

Zampsa1975: I'm glad you liked the date! haha, we're getting there soon, I promise! Hope you enjoy the new chapter!

willowtarabuffyfaith: Willow's pretty adorable! = 4EVER! I agree! Thanks so much for reading!

Sanpfa: I'm glad there's something in there that keeps you reading! I'm so glad you like the pace...Thanks so much for reading! I really appreciate the feedback!

abarda: I liked Dawn when she wasn't being a little brat, so I'm trying to keep her enjoyable. Yeah, that was a big goof on me... People would definitely notice that she'd been gone, and I don't have a good answer for why she can still go to classes and Willow is taking online classes....let's pretend that Tara was turning in her work from England even while she was in the middle of helping Willow... I just completely screwed up on that one Sorry! Hope you like the new one - and let me know if I screw anything else up...

rhh21: I'm so glad you like it! They're pretty cute together! Thanks so much for reading!

Okay, question...I'm working on my next fic, and I was curious about chapter lengths - the chapters for Ripples were about double the length of these chapters, (6-10 pages vs 12-17 pages) so I was wondering which length you guys preferred (if you have an opinion) Right now, the new one has the longer chapters, so I guess I'm just curious if there's anyone that just hates that...cause I can try and split them up if it's just going to drive someone crazy... This is getting really long, so just let me know if anyone has an opinion...

Chapter 3 of 11

Willow was rushing as she ran in the front door and she bolted up the stairs without a pause, a garment bag hanging from one finger. She'd just left her fitting with Xander and it hadn't taken as long as she'd expected so she had an opportunity to see Tara now. She lifted the bag so it wouldn't drag on the stairs, freezing in mid-step on the stairs as she heard Tara's laugh, a sound she would recognize anywhere. She stepped backwards down the stairs, pushing the bag out of her line of sight to find that Tara was actually there, reclined on the couch and sharing a bowl of popcorn with Dawn.

Tara looked over at her, waving her fingers as she smiled the tender smile that was only ever directed at Willow. The redhead blinked, spinning and climbing back down the stairs. "You're here," she said dumbly.

Tara laughed. "Do you have another girlfriend who's coming over? Do I need to hide?" she asked teasingly, starting to stand up, and Dawn giggled.

Willow shot her a look, moving towards Tara unconsciously. "I was on my way to call you. I didn't know you were coming over. Did we have plans?" she asked, confused.

Tara nudged the younger girl with an elbow, shaking her head to her girlfriend. "No, honey. Dawn needed some help with her homework and my afternoon class was cancelled so I came over." She gave Dawn a chiding look. "It turned out that she managed to figure it out in the time it took me to walk over here…"

Willow glanced at the younger girl, Dawn studiously avoiding the witch's eyes. "Well, you don't have to rush off, do you?" she asked, deciding that it didn't matter if Dawn had made up an excuse if the result was Tara being at the house. "I'm done with my best man duties, so we could do something, if you wanted."

Their second first date, as Dawn called it, had been over a week before. They'd found excuses to get together every day in between, Willow showing up at Tara's dorm, or the blonde appearing on the front porch with takeout for everyone at the house. Buffy and Dawn had been watching them eagerly, waiting for any sign from Willow that her patience with taking things slow was starting to wane. To their disappointment, and Tara's, no such sign had yet emerged.

Tara nodded, smiling from her seat and Willow's brain snapped back into the present. "Great, well, just let me put this up in the closet and I'll be right back," she said, grinning.

Tara watched her go, leaning back against the couch as Willow disappeared up the stairs. "You guys are cute," Dawn declared as she stole a handful of popcorn. "You'll be back living here inside a month," she stated confidently around her mouthful.

They both heard the back door open, Buffy calling a greeting. "Oh yeah, you know that?" Tara asked, an amused tone in her voice. "Are you going to forget how to do your homework so much that it will just be easier for me to stay here?"

Dawn shrugged. "Nope," she said, chipper. "Willow will be climbing the walls within two weeks. After she finally snaps, you guys will just be up in your room nonstop," she explained matter-of-factly.

Tara arched an eyebrow at her, laughing despite herself. "I think you've been spending too much time with Anya," she said, hearing Willow's quick steps on the stairs.

There was a knock on the door and Willow called cheerfully that she would get it, changing directions at the base of the stairs. Tara and Dawn heard the door open, but then nothing.

"Willow, sweetie, who is it?" Tara called, sitting forward. "I was kidding about you having another girl coming over!"

The redhead stuttered an indistinguishable answer and Tara rose slowly from the couch. As soon as she saw who was at the door, she moved rapidly, getting in front of Willow protectively and shoving the new arrival back from the door.

"You stay away from her," Tara growled and she could dimly hear Dawn calling for Buffy as she faced Amy on the porch.

The other witch was inspecting her fingernails idly. "You look much better than the last time I saw you Willow," Amy commented, looking past Tara to where Willow was standing in the doorway.

"Don't talk to her," Tara ordered. "What are you doing here?"

Buffy moved up beside her, the Slayer putting a calming hand on her friend's elbow. "I told you to stay away from us," she said, her voice clearly demonstrating how she felt about the witch's presence.

"What are you doing here Amy?" Willow asked, her quiet question causing Tara to jump in surprise. A glance over her shoulder showed that Willow was still in the doorway and Tara shifted her feet so that she was more fully in between the two witches.

Amy looked at each of them, a smirk lingering on her lips. "You guys are the good guys, right? Aren't you supposed to be less with the threatening and more with the trying to save me?"

"No one's threatened you yet Amy, but if you take one step towards Willow, Tara, or my sister, I will toss your ass into the street before you can blink," Buffy promised.

The witch was still smirking. "I just wanted to give Willow a gift and you guys are jumping down my throat…jeez!"

Willow frowned. "Gift?" she asked.

"I heard you just got home from magic rehab or something," Amy said.

Buffy scowled. "Who'd you hear that from? I told Rack to get out of town…"

Amy glared at the Slayer. "Yeah, thanks for that! How a bitch like you scared him I'll never know…"

Buffy's arms crossed over her chest. "I think it's time for you to get off my porch," she said firmly, taking a step forward, putting herself squarely in front of Amy, making it clear that the witch would suffer if she made one move towards the others.

Amy eyed them all one final time, huffing a deep breath. She started down the steps, turning back before she reached the ground.

"Listen, since we're all going to be living here, I'm sure we're going to run into each other. It's a small town. We might as well be civil, right?" she asked. Buffy eyed her speculatively but let her come back onto the porch. "I just want to say I'm sorry for leaving you at Rack's like that," she offered her apology, extending one hand.

Willow watched her for a moment, hesitantly stepping onto the porch. Tara shook her head minutely, not trusting the other witch anywhere near her Willow. The redhead took her hand soothingly, careful to stay beside Tara. "It's okay, Amy," Willow said slowly, not moving to take the offered hand.

Amy looked between her hand and Willow, shrugging. "If that's how you want it to be," she said, jumping forward as she spoke, her arm extended toward Willow.

Buffy slapped the hand away even as Tara pulled Willow back. Buffy fell suddenly to the porch, her body frozen with her back arched and teeth clenched, and Amy took off running. Dawn moved to rush forward towards her sister, but Willow held her back.

"No Dawnie, you stay in the house. Call Xander, okay?" she asked, stepping back to the doorway to block the younger girl in with her body.

Dawn relented with a huff and Willow turned back to her best friend. Tara had dropped to her knees next to the Slayer, her hand reaching to check Buffy's pulse. The second she touched Buffy's skin, there was a loud pop, Tara's back arching.

Willow caught her as she started to fall back. She quickly pushed Tara's hair out of her face. "Baby, Tara, are you okay?" she asked, hearing the blood pounding through her own head as she tried to focus. "Tell me something here Tara, please," she pleaded, horrified by Tara's unseeing blue eyes staring up at her.

Her shaking fingers found Tara's pulse beating steadily and she let out a breath of relief. Cradling Tara's body against her own, she reached out cautiously with her own magic, searching for the cause of Buffy and Tara's sudden malady.

She could only find traces inside Tara, but Buffy's body was radiating dark magic. "Oh no," Willow groaned, realizing what Amy had done.

Dawn came out of the house in a rush, the cordless phone clenched in her hands. "Xander's on his way," she said, moving towards her sister.

"Dawn, no!" Willow said sharply and the other girl froze, gasping as she saw Tara in Willow's arms. "Don't touch Buffy. It will hurt you."

"What's wrong with them?" Dawn asked, her voice small and scared.

Willow shook her head. "Amy dosed her with magic."

"Why's she all stiff like that?"

Willow frowned. "I'm not sure." She extended a hand to the other girl, trying to comfort her. "I'll figure it out though, Dawn. They'll be okay."

Dawn nodded distractedly and Willow let her eyes close, concentrating and muttering a spell. Buffy's body floated up slowly, her arms hanging below her.

"Stay back Dawn," Willow said. "I'm going to put her on the couch." She dimly heard Xander's car screech into the driveway but she kept her focus on her spell, guiding the Slayer's body by memory to the sofa, Dawn following her sister.

Willow's eyes opened to find Xander staring at her in horror. "Buffy?" he asked, unable to put his fears into words. "Tara? They're not?"

Just then Tara sucked in a deep breath, her eyes closing and shooting open again as she jerked up, gasping for breath. Willow's hands steadied her, the redhead leaning down to look into her face closely.

"What happened?" Xander asked, thoroughly confused.

Willow waved him off, waiting from any sign of distress from Tara. "I'm okay I think," the blonde breathed and Willow pressed a kiss to her mouth in frenzied relief.

"What happened?" Xander repeated, obviously frustrated.

"Amy dosed Buffy with magic. She's unconscious, but she can't control the power, so don't touch her," Willow instructed him quickly. "Check on Dawn. She saw the whole thing and is freaked out."

He nodded, grateful for something to do, and charged through the front door. Willow's attention was immediately back on Tara.

"Tara, baby, are you okay? Really?" Willow asked, leaning down again.

Tara nodded, one hand on her forehead. "I have a headache, but I'm okay. How's Buffy?"

Willow grimaced, sitting back on her heels. "I'm not sure. Hopefully she'll wake up soon." She climbed to her feet, pulling Tara up carefully. "Let's get you settled with some aspirin and I'll check on Buffy," she said, her arm around Tara's back to guide her.

Xander and Dawn were both standing beside the couch, peering down at the Slayer in obvious anxiety. Willow led Tara to the armchair before joining her friends at the sofa.

"Dawnie, could you get some aspirin for Tara? Her head hurts," Willow requested as she leaned over to look more closely at Buffy. Dawn rushed to the kitchen and Willow extended one hand over her friend's body, careful not to touch her.

She extended her magic slowly, relieved to find that Buffy's sudden infusion of magic had stabilized, but was still dark, angry and powerful. Buffy suddenly inhaled deeply, her eyes shooting open as she gasped for breath. Xander reached out to stabilize her as she moved to sit up, and Willow knocked his hand away.

"It's still not safe, don't touch her," she warned the others. "Buffy, listen to me, don't touch anything," Willow cautioned. "Okay? Nothing!" The Slayer nodded her understanding, her hands frozen above the cushions of the couch.

"What happened? Where's Amy?" Buffy asked, disoriented.

Willow shook her head. "She dosed you with magic and then ran off," Willow said regretfully.

Buffy glanced down at herself. "So, what's wrong with me? I feel weird."

Tara spoke from her seat and Willow looked over her shoulder at her girlfriend. "It's dark magic, Buffy. We need to keep it under control."

Buffy blinked, still sitting motionless. "Is it going to go away?" she asked, tension in her voice.

Willow and Tara exchanged looks and Willow shrugged. "Yes. There's no way for her to just make you suddenly have permanent magical abilities," Tara said. "She was trying to get to Willow, so she was probably trying to tempt her into using dark magic again," the blonde offered, letting out a deep breath.

Willow was frowning, thinking hard. "You're probably right, Tara. So it should wear off after a while, Buffy."

"So, why can't I touch anything?" Buffy asked, frowning around the room at her friends.

Willow grimaced. "You don't know how to control the magic, and when Tara touched you it hurt her," she said, looking between the two women.

"I'm so sorry, Tara! Are you okay?" Buffy asked, leaning forward in concern.

"It's okay Buffy, just a headache," Tara said sincerely. "No problem."

"Well, what can we do about this? I'm the Slayer, I can't just be not punching evil things," Buffy asked, looking between the witches. "Can you guys teach me to control it or something?"

Willow cocked a questioning eyebrow at Tara. "You up for it, baby?" she asked.

Tara blinked, taking a deep breath, feeling a little sick because of the dark magic's affect on her, but knowing that they needed to help Buffy. "Yeah, we can work on it. We don't need to teach you any spells, but maybe some meditation could make it go away faster."

Buffy jumped her feet, careful to keep her hands clear of anything she might accidentally touch. "Let's do it! Everybody, backyard! I'm going to want to eat soon and I'm sure that no one wants to feed me."

Dawn wrinkled her nose at that, shaking her head firmly. "I'm not doing it!" she stated loudly.

Tara stood up from her chair, sliding an arm around the younger girl's shoulders. "Now, I happen to know that you fed me when I was disabled," she said, grinning as Buffy laughed.

Dawn blushed, ducking her head. "Willow did most of it. I just wanted to help," she said plaintively.

Tara squeezed her soothingly. "I know, sweetie. I'm glad I had so many people looking out for me." She gave her girlfriend an affectionate smile over her shoulder. "And I'm sure Willow was grateful for the help."

Willow nodded from where she was walking behind the pair. "I was, Dawnie. You were really sweet."

Dawn ducked her head again. "Fine, if it comes to that, I'll help feed Buffy," she sighed, rolling her eyes towards the ceiling. She turned her head sharply to meet Tara's eyes. "Just make sure I don't have to, Tara!"

The blonde witch laughed. "We'll do our best."

"I'm glad you're so concerned with my welfare," Buffy complained, shooting a look at her sister.

Dawn huffed loudly. "I said I would do it! What more do you want from me?"

They came through the back door and Buffy stopped, spinning around slowly. "Now what?"

Tara and Willow exchanged looks and the redhead shrugged. "Tara's the magic teacher. I was the student, remember?"

Tara sighed, nodding. "Fine, how about we start simple? We don't want to go too deep though, putting your guard down when you're in close contact with magic this dark could be dangerous," she cautioned, following Buffy down the back steps into the grass. She suddenly grasped the railing, stumbling. Willow was behind her and she caught the blonde's elbows quickly.

"Baby, are you okay?" she asked, worried.

Tara nodded, her free hand moving to her forehead. "Yeah, just dizzy." She gave Willow a reassuring smile. "Thanks for catching me," she said softly.

Willow nodded, her anxiety tempered by Tara's smile. "Of course," Willow murmured back, steadying Tara on her feet.

Buffy was swinging her arms impatiently as the couple joined her on the grass, but she smiled nonetheless. "What do I need to do?" she asked, arching an eyebrow.

"Sit down here on the ground," Tara instructed her and Buffy sat down, putting one hand on the ground unthinkingly as she lowered herself to the grass. As she lifted her hand she was surprised to see that the grass was now scorched in the shape of her hand.

"Yeah, we need to get this taken care of," Buffy said, swallowing nervously. "Xander, keep Dawn on the porch," she said, meeting his eyes. He nodded, leaning on the railing of the small porch. Dawn rolled her eyes, but dropped into the lounge chair on the deck.

Tara dropped to her knees in front of Buffy, her hands sliding over the fabric of her skirt. "Okay, here's how to start," she said, explaining the basic technique to Buffy carefully.

Buffy raised an eyebrow doubtfully, but nodded gamely, her eyes sliding closed. Willow was watching from the side, her arms crossed over her chest. Tara met her eyes briefly before shifting her attention back to Buffy, using her own abilities at detecting auras to check on the Slayer.

Willow jumped forward as Tara suddenly retched, turning quickly away from the house and dropping forward onto her hands. She could feel Willow's hands on her back, pulling her hair back gently.

"Tara, baby, what's wrong?" Willow asked, on her knees next to her.

"I can't…I can't be here," she choked out, fighting the urge to throw up again, and pushed herself to her feet, heading toward the yard's gate.

Willow spared a glance for Buffy, sitting undisturbed in her meditation, before she took off after Tara. She found her leaning against the outside of the fence and breathing hard.

"Honey, what's wrong?" Willow asked, standing in front of her and pushing hair back from her face, cocking her head to get a look into Tara's face.

Tara shook her head, her eyes haunted with memories of Willow's own spiral into abusing magic. "I scanned the aura, the magic, it's so dark…"

Willow pulled her into a hug, Tara's arms curling tightly around her quickly. "Shh, it's okay. It's okay, baby." She spoke over Tara's shoulder, her voice soft. "I'll help Buffy, okay?"

Tara pulled back quickly, studying Willow's face carefully. "Can you handle that?" she asked, concern for her lover overriding even her own discomfort.

Willow thought before she finally nodded. "I had a good teacher," she said, a smile crossing her face. "Do you want to go home? Xander and Dawn could walk with you," she said.

Tara shook her head. "I think I'll just go lay down inside. I don't want to be far away…"

"In case I screw up," Willow finished the statement, glancing at her feet.

Tara pushed her face up gently. "That's not what I was going to say," she stated firmly. "I don't want to be far away from you." She blushed, leaning her forehead against Willow's. "I don't feel good," she said quietly.

Willow curled a hand around the back of her neck, nodding against her. "And the only cure for a sick Tara is Willow-snuggles," she said.

"That's right," Tara said, smiling weakly.

Willow pulled back, gently pushing Tara back up the sidewalk towards the front of the house. "Go lay down and I'll be there as soon as I can," she promised.

Tara nodded, taking several slow steps back. "I'll be waiting." Her eyes focused on Willow's. "Be careful, baby. It's dark stuff."

Willow nodded seriously. "I'll be careful."

[rhh21]

dibs!
Poor Buffy, i hope they kill Amy soon she bugs me. She was better as a rat lol.
Im with Dawn, Willows resolve is definatly failing, it will with Tara snuggles!
Yay for update-y goodness!
Rhiannon x

[Zampsa1975]

Yay for good update-y goodness... Damn you Amy... I hope she gets her ass kicked by the entire Scooby-gang... I hope Buffy's dark magic infusion doesn't transmit to Willow... I also hope that Willow-snuggles lead to and Tara moving back in with Willow...

Both longer and shorter chapters are good...

[Willowtree252]

AMY IS A BITCH ok now that I got that out of my system. Rack is still around I can feel him and I hope Tara is alright. Ready for the next update Same kitten station.

[Sanpfa]

*jumps on the kill Amy bandwagon*

Ok, I feel better now...that was kind of painful to "watch" you know... I was totally loving the beginning (kinda hoped Tara would offer to help Willow put the garment bag away if you catch my drift *wink, wink*) and then Amy showed up. Rawr.

Still, superbly written

[abarda]

I hate Amy, that's the truth. At least she wasn't able to infect Willow with dark magic, it would be worse...
Snuggles? They could lead to and then Tara could move in back to the house. Nobody would complain.

For me, both short and long chapters are okay, so I'll read it anyway.

[Mrs. Pineapple]

*jumps on the kill Amy bandwagon too*

Where is Giles? For situations like these we need a Giles around. But then again, I suppose that would be too easy . But hey, a bad thing can lead to a good thing after all, cause W/T snuggles are the best

I think the chapters are just perfect, both the long and 'short' ones (cause what you think short could just be incredibly long for other fic writers). I think it really depends on how you want to build your story, and I trust you will do that just fine

[love_2003]

The chapter length to me doesn't matter; as long as the updates come at a regular pace then everything is good.


I really don't like Amy. She better be looking for a hiding spot because once Buffy and Tara are feeling better they are going after her. Hopefully what Willow has learned will assist her in helping Buffy. They need Giles, he would know what to do about Amy.

[leonhart17]

rhh21: We'll see how well Willow's resolve is holding up Thanks so much for reading!

Zampsa1975: Hope you like the chapter....we'll see how the snuggles go this time

Willowtree252: That is very true Hope the update is fast enough for you

Sanpfa: Aww, I'm sorry it was painful.... I'm glad it was at least well written though

abarda: I didn't want it to go the same way it did on the show, so I did it to poor Buffy Snuggles are now so we'll see how it goes!

Mrs. Pineapple: Giles is still in England. He comes around soon, but not for this (or any bad reason, really) We'll see how the snuggles go now... So far I'm leaning toward leaving the longer chapters...I think they flow really well...

love_2003: Hope twice a week is working for you No one likes Amy! Giles comes around soon, but not quite yet... Thanks so much for reading!

Chapter 4 of 11

Willow lingered on the sidewalk until she saw Tara close the front door behind her and the redhead turned to go back into the backyard. There was no sign of Xander in the yard and Willow looked up at Dawn. “Where did he go?”

The younger girl glanced over her shoulder through the open door to the kitchen. “He said he was calling Giles.”

Willow nodded. “That’s a good idea. He’d want to know about this,” she agreed, glancing down at Buffy. The Slayer was still meditating and her body appeared to be smoking, light wisps of energy blowing away from her on the breeze. Willow could feel the darkness of her aura dissipating though, so she didn’t stop her, glancing around the yard. She frowned as she noticed something in the grass under the tree. “Dawnie, when do you put a lawn gnome out here?” she asked, eyeing the ugly thing in surprise.

Dawn scoffed. “I didn’t do that! That thing is hideous!” she declared, watching as Willow walked across the yard, bending down to pick up the gnome.

“You didn’t put this here?” she asked. “Did Buffy?”

Dawn shook her head, confused. “You know Buffy has fake people fear. Gnomes are almost as bad as puppets to her.”

Willow smirked at that. “She had a bad experience,” she defended her friend, turning the ceramic elf over in her hands. There was a hole at the bottom and something dislodged as she moved it. She couldn’t catch it and leaned over to retrieve it from the grass. “Dawnie, get inside the house,” she said quickly, her voice suddenly firm.

“What? What’s going on?” Dawn asked. Willow moved quickly to the porch, showing her the object in her hand.

“Has anyone delivered anything to the house, something you didn’t order, or a package that just showed up, anything like that?” she asked.

Dawn shook her head in confusion. “No, why?”

“Someone planted a camera in the yard. They’ve been watching the house. You’re sure nothing came in?”

Dawn shrugged. “It’s possible, but I don’t think so.”

Willow let her shoulders relax slowly, completely horrified that someone had been watching them. “Take this inside and show it to Xander. You two look around for anything that’s out of place, something where it’s not normally, or anything you don’t recognize, okay?”

Dawn nodded, taking the little camera from Willow. The witch turned back to the Slayer. After a moment of indecisive hesitation, she walked to where Buffy was sitting, dropping into a meditation pose, and took a calming breath, recalling Tara’s careful lessons when they’d been in England.

She pulled herself out after a short respite, gathering her magic carefully. When she was set, she gingerly extended one hand, putting a hand on Buffy’s shoulder. Her shoulders were tensed for the blast of black magic, but none came through her defenses and she let out a breath of relief, shaking Buffy gently.

She pulled her hand back as Buffy’s eyes fluttered and she looked her friend over carefully. “How are you feeling?” she asked.

“Better,” Buffy said, glancing around the deserted yard. “How long was I down?”

“About an hour,” Willow supplied, climbing to her feet as Buffy did the same.

The Slayer nodded. “How’s the magic?”

Willow reached out with her magic slowly. While she wasn’t as good at reading auras as Tara was, she had enough talent to tell that Buffy’s aura was much improved over what it had been. There was still dark energy, but it appeared to be only as much as Tara had been hit with when this whole mess had first happened.

“Better,” she said. “Want to try and touch something?” she asked, reaching out one hand.

Buffy shook her head. “I mean, I do, but I’m not going to risk zapping you, Will,” she said firmly, glancing around the yard. “I thought Tara was doing the magic stuff. Where is she?”

Willow frowned. “She got sick. The magic.” Her eyes traveled to the open back door and she crossed her arms over her chest. “Dark magic doesn’t agree with her.” She let out a deep breath. “There’s something else, Buffy.” She looked at her best friend seriously. “Someone put a camera in the yard. They’ve been watching us. Xander and Dawn are searching the house for any more.”

Buffy’s face was pale and angry. “Who is it? How long has it been there?”

Willow shook her head. “I can probably find out, but I haven’t had a chance to look into it,” she said apologetically.

The Slayer’s fists were clenched at her sides, but she nodded. “Find them. They’ve been watching Dawn. We weren’t here, anything could have happened to her.”

“Spike wouldn’t have let anything hurt her, Buffy. And she’d have told us if anything strange had happened to her,” Willow tried to reassure her.

“Find them, whoever it is. I need to have a talk with them,” Buffy said ominously, her fist bouncing unconsciously against her thigh.

Willow nodded, glancing at her friend’s hand. “I think you’re safe to touch things,” she commented, and Buffy noticed what she’d been doing.

For good measure, she reached out and put the palm of her hand against the rough bark of the tree, pulling it back and peering anxiously for any effect. There was none and she sighed in relief. “Good, now find me someone to beat,” she said, walking quickly back inside the house.

Willow followed after a moment, glancing around at the dimming afternoon light. She took the stairs to the second floor two at a time, already trying to figure out what she would need to do to track the camera signal. She stopped in surprise as she entered her room to find Tara curled up on top of the bed.

She sucked in a breath, drinking in the sight of her lover in their bed, the bed that had always felt so very empty without her. She blinked, wondering if it was another of a thousand dreams she’d had that had featured this moment, returning home to find Tara waiting on her.

Tara sat up as she realized that she was no longer alone, an apology already on her lips. “Willow, I’m sorry. I was on the couch, but they came in and were looking for something and Xander told me to come upstairs.” She blushed. “I didn’t mean to come in here, I mean it’s your room. I guess it was just a habit.”

“It’s been our room since we moved in, Tara. It always will be,” Willow corrected her, moving slowly across the room to the bed. She didn’t move to get on it, but she leaned over, brushing Tara’s hair back and pressing a kiss to her temple.

“How are you feeling?” she asked softly, and her hands gently pressed Tara back. “You should be laying down.”

Tara relented with no further prompting, relieved that she hadn’t overstepped any boundaries with Willow by coming into their room, into their bed. She burrowed her head into a pillow, recognizing the scent of Willow’s shampoo on it. “My stomach is more settled, but my head is pounding.”

Willow frowned, one hand pressing lightly against Tara’s stomach, fingers stroking over the fabric of her shirt. “My poor baby,” she murmured. “How many aspirin did you take earlier?”

“Just two,” Tara answered.

Willow nodded. “Okay. I’ll get you some more and then you can get some rest.” She sighed heavily. “We found a camera in the yard. That’s what Xander and Dawn were looking for, in case whoever planted it got one inside the house.”

Tara’s eyes widened. “That’s horrible!”

“Buffy’s ready to rip someone’s head off,” Willow agreed, smiling tightly. “She’s doing better,” she answered, seeing the question forming on Tara’s lips.

“But now you’ve got work to do,” Tara stated, looking up at Willow. The redhead nodded regretfully.

“Tara,” she started, but Tara shook her head, cutting her off.

“It’s okay, Willow. You need to find whoever’s watching the house. I’ll be okay,” Tara said.

“I don’t want to leave you feeling bad,” she said. “Or mad at me,” she added, glancing at her.

“I’m not mad at you,” Tara said earnestly. “Finding the bad guys is what we do.”

Willow looked frustrated. “Taking care of you is what I should be doing!”

“I’ll be alright. I can go this once without Willow-snuggles to make me feel better,” Tara said, smiling a sleepy half smile.

Willow pouted earnestly, letting out a frustrated sigh. “Well, that’s just unacceptable!” she said, stomping a foot and Tara bit back a laugh at how adorable Willow appeared at that moment. The redhead looked around the room quickly, locating her laptop in its case tucked next to the dresser, out of the way.

“Okay, here’s the plan,” Willow said decisively. “You give me two minutes to get set up, and don’t hate me for being distracted, and maybe we can figure something out?” she offered hopefully, her voice losing the confident edge it had started with.

Tara bit her lip, nodding quickly, and stopping immediately as it made her headache worse, one hand coming up to cover her eyes. Willow moved quickly, cutting down the lights and clicking on the bedside lamp on her side of the bed before walking briskly into the bathroom and returning with a bottle of aspirin and a tall glass of water.

She put them down on Tara’s side of the bed, shaking two more pills out and offering them to her. The blonde took them gratefully, taking a sip of water to wash them down and smiling up at Willow.

The redhead smiled back, nodding and unable to resist leaning over to press a kiss to Tara’s forehead before she withdrew to get her computer. She started it up, rushing out of the room to collect the camera from downstairs. She came back, keeping one hand curled protectively over the lens.

Tara turned over to watch her as Willow climbed onto the bed, still covering the camera. “Why are you covering it up?” she asked, her voice sleepy and slow.

“It’s still broadcasting,” Willow said, putting the camera down on the nightstand, the lens pointed straight down at the table, unable to see anything. She looked over at Tara as she finished her task. “I don’t want creepy house watching perverts seeing you.”

Tara smiled, laughing. “But baby, I’ve been here almost every day. I’m sure they’ve seen me.”

Willow thought about that for a moment, sighing. “But they haven’t seen you in bed and they’re not going to. That’s just for me,” she said, glancing away as she grew suddenly uncomfortable. If she didn’t have something to prove to herself, the sight of Tara in bed could really be hers. She jumped as Tara picked up her hand from the sheets, sliding herself across the bed and putting her head on Willow’s leg.

Tara leaned her head back, looking up at Willow. “Is this okay?” she asked. “You can still work with me here, right?” She was still holding Willow’s hand, tracing the lines on her palm with her fingertips, and she felt Willow tremble, nodding her head shakily and swallowing thickly.

“Yeah, I’m good,” Willow breathed. Tara knew the redhead would need both hands to type, but held on for another moment, pressing a kiss to the palm before she let it go. Willow let her hand slide slowly over Tara’s shoulder and she smiled gratefully down at her girlfriend. “I’m glad you’re here,” she commented.

Tara was still looking up at her and she nodded as best she could with her head against Willow’s thigh. “Even if I hadn’t already been here, you could have called and I would have come, you know that.”

Willow nodded, knowing that truth above all others. Tara had come for her, even at her lowest point, when she’d had no right to ask anything of her, Tara had saved her, led her back to herself, all without asking for a thing, with no guarantee that anything would work out.

Which was the main reason she was enforcing the space between them. She needed to prove to herself that she was giving Tara the treatment that she deserved, not willing to let herself fall back into the pattern of taking her girlfriend for granted and her previous stifling fear that the blonde would leave her.

The last five months had proved beyond anything that Tara wouldn’t leave, wouldn’t give up on her, but Willow was still hesitant about herself. She was just grateful that Tara was still with her, still loved her, and was willing to wait for her to work out her own issues.

Though, looking down at Tara, sleepy and precious and home, she wondered to herself what she was waiting for. Willow leaned over impulsively and kissed Tara gently. The position was awkward, with Willow bending over her own lap sharply, and their heads were turned so that they were effectively upside down from each other, but they persevered, Tara’s hand catching the back of Willow’s neck.

She let her pull back slowly, knowing that Willow’s neck would be hurting if they prolonged the position. Willow didn’t pull back far, only moving her head enough so that she was looking straight down into Tara’s eyes.

“I love you,” she said softly. “I love you so much. You know that, right?”

Tara could see the rampant emotion in her lover’s eyes and she touched her face gently. “I know that, Willow.”

“No matter what happens, I love you Tara,” Willow said, and there was an edge in her voice.

Tara frowned at her, lifting herself up to turn over and look at Willow straight, leaning on her elbows with her hands resting on the denim of Willow’s pants. “What do you mean? What’s going to happen?”

Willow’s shoulders moved, the sudden anxiety burning in her belly making her scared. “I just don’t want to lose you,” she said. “I’ve got a bad feeling about this one, Tara. We’ve been back in town for two weeks and we don’t know anything about those geeks, and now we find the camera in the yard. I don’t like it.”

Tara nodded. “You think the nerds are the ones on the other end of the camera?” she asked, and Willow nodded. “Okay, well, you’re smarter than them, so you’ll find them, and Buffy will kick their butts, and everyone will be fine,” she said confidently.

Willow let out a deep breath, nodding. “I need you with me, Tara. I have to know that you’re okay.”

Tara’s fingers moved soothingly over Willow’s leg and she nodded. “We’ll be careful. No one will go anywhere alone.”

“Good,” Willow sighed. Her eyes focused on Tara and she smiled. “Thank you, baby.”

Tara smiled back, bobbing her head toward the computer. “Now, you get to work keeping us safe and pervert free,” she prompted. “I’ll just lay here and try and get some sleep.” She turned onto her side, her head resting on Willow’s thigh and the redhead brushed a hand through Tara’s hair, drinking in the sight of her before she turned her focus to the computer sitting on her other leg.

It took her several hours to break the encryption on the broadcast, but she was unable to pinpoint a specific location, though not for any lack of trying. It was dark outside the window when she felt Tara stir, her fingers pausing over their keys. She looked down, smiling as she watched Tara wake up, the blonde turning onto her back to meet Willow’s eyes.

“Feeling better?” Willow asked softly, setting the computer to the side.

Tara nodded, her eyes blinking slowly. “Thanks for staying with me.” Willow nodded wordlessly. Tara brushed a hand over her knee gently. “How’s the nerd hunt going?” she asked, voice quiet in the dark room.

“I’ve tracked them to the suburbs, somewhere on the other side of town, but I don’t have an address yet.” Willow glared resentfully at her computer. “Their algorithm is tricky.”

“You’ll get it, baby,” Tara said reassuringly. “So, what’s up next?” she asked.

Willow shrugged. “The computer is going to be working for a while.” She sighed as she looked down at Tara. “I was looking forward to taking you out,” she said. “Sorry it kind of got wrecked.”

Tara shrugged. “I’m here and I’ve got my head in your lap. It doesn’t seem so bad to me,” she commented, smirking suddenly.

Willow blinked, a blush rising up her neck. “Tara!” she said, staring down at her in sudden shock. Tara put a hand on Willow’s leg to push herself up, kissing the redhead quickly. Willow kissed her back, her arms curling around Tara’s neck as the blonde squirmed herself closer, her hand moving to Willow’s far knee, her body held firmly against Willow’s chest as they kissed.

Tara’s kisses broke from Willow’s mouth suddenly, exploring her jaw and scattering over Willow’s throat. “What’s all this for?” Willow panted, not really caring about the answer as long as Tara was still kissing her.

Tara shrugged, her mouth moving busily over Willow’s skin. “Do I need a reason?” she asked in a breath as she found Willow’s earlobe, sucking it into her mouth.

Willow trembled against her, her eyes squeezed closed tightly. “No, never,” she gasped, her hands holding Tara close. Tara whimpered as Willow turned her head, finding the blonde’s lips with her own, kissing her feverishly.

Tara had moved herself, and been moved by Willow, and was now lying in Willow’s lap. The redhead leaned forward, pressing them both down onto the bed, her slight form more than enough to pin the blonde down. It was only when her hand slid under the bottom edge of Tara’s shirt, touching the soft skin of her stomach for the first time in months, that Willow realized what was happening, what she was doing, and she snapped back from Tara as if she’d been burned.

“I’m sorry. Tara, I’m so sorry,” she gasped.

Tara was dazed as she leaned up on her elbows and her eyes practically devoured Willow as the redhead sat back on her heels, trying to catch her breath, her hair disheveled.

“I’m not,” Tara said, feeling her blood pounding through her veins. “We didn’t do anything wrong, Willow. We love each other, and we’re obviously willing,” she commented, laughing shakily. Willow met her gaze and Tara smiled encouragingly. “It would be different if you didn’t love me, didn’t want me…”

“You know I do!” Willow said quickly and Tara nodded.

“I know you do,” she agreed. “It’s not wrong to show me.”

Willow’s mouth was opened to speak when there was a knock on the door. Tara let out a groan of frustration, dropping back flat on the bed as Willow went to answer it. Buffy was on the other side and she grimaced as she saw the frustration in her best friend’s face.

“Sorry, Will. I didn’t know Tara was in there,” she apologized.

Willow shook her head, glancing over her shoulder to where Tara was getting off the bed. “It’s fine. What’s up?”

“Xander cooked, and we figured you needed a break from the computer,” Buffy said, shuffling her feet awkwardly. “I didn’t know Tara was up here or I wouldn’t have come,” she said quietly.

Tara slid her arms around Willow’s waist from behind, resting her chin on Willow’s shoulder and feeling the redhead relax against her gradually. “It’s okay, Buffy. We were just talking,” she said, knowing that the Slayer would know better, but not wanting to dwell on her own frustration.

Buffy nodded. “Well, I’ll just see you guys downstairs then,” she said, spinning and walking down the stairs quickly.

Willow slid her hands over Tara’s arms at her waist, her head leaning against Tara’s with an apology already on her lips.

“It’s okay, Willow,” Tara sighed. “I don’t mean to push you. I just miss you.” Her fingers curled around Willow’s.

Willow pressed a kiss to Tara’s temple. “Tara, I’m not trying to push you away, and it’s not about you, I swear it’s not. I just, I don’t even know anymore!”

Tara let out a deep breath, squeezing her waist gently. “I do, and Will, I can tell a difference. I just don’t want you to think you have to do some kind of penance or something. You don’t have anything to prove to me. I’m ready whenever you are, baby,” she said reassuringly.

Willow squeezed her hand gratefully. “Thanks Tara.”

“So, have you finished writing your toast for the wedding?” Tara asked, changing the subject as she released Willow from her arms, leaving their hands curled together as they started down the stairs.

Willow sighed at the reprieve. “I think I’ve got it. Is Anya making you do a toast?” she asked curiously.

Tara let out a laugh. “Oh yeah! She’s being very traditional about everything.”

Willow leaned briefly against her side, laughing. “But that means that we get to dance.” Her smile faded. “In front of everyone.”

Tara laughed. “We danced in front of everyone at the coven.”

“You haven’t met Xander’s family yet,” Willow cautioned.

Tara shrugged. “I’m going to be dancing with you, so Xander’s family doesn’t really worry me. I’ll be fine as long as you’re there.”

Willow smiled over at her. “I wouldn’t miss it for the world,” she promised. She bit her lip. “How are the bridesmaid dresses? Buffy’s been complaining about hers, but she won’t show it to me.”

Tara shuddered, shaking her head. “I don’t blame her. You might not love me anymore after you see me in it. They’re pretty awful.”

Willow shook her head. “I love you no matter what horrible dress Anya puts you in,” she said confidently as they reached the base of the stairs.

“What about Anya?” Xander asked curiously as he was putting plates on the dining room table.

Tara laughed. “Oh, I was just telling Willow about the horrible dresses she picked for us.”

Willow grinned at her best friend. “Thanks again for asking me to be the best man,” she said cheerfully.

“I bet you look cute in your suit,” Tara commented as they took their seats at the table. Willow grinned sideways at her, wiggling her eyebrows playfully.

“You’ll just have to wait and see at the dress rehearsal,” she said teasingly.

“Which is a week from tonight,” Xander reminded everyone.

“Anya’s going to let you see her in her dress early?” Tara asked, surprised.

The carpenter shook his head. “No, everybody is dressing up but her. She’s being really superstitious about the whole thing.”

“Except for the premarital sex thing,” Dawn chimed in, ignoring the chiding looks the others shot her.

Willow giggled as she reached for a platter, starting their dinner as she served herself, and passing it to Tara as she finished.

They chatted idly while they ate, Dawn repeatedly thanking Willow and Tara that she didn’t have to feed her sister. After they finished eating, everyone carried their plates into the kitchen, working together to clean up.

Tara lingered at the base of the stairs after they finished cleaning up, unsure whether Willow wanted her to stay, or if she should ask Buffy to walk her back to the dorm. At the moment, her frustration at being interrupted earlier was dictating that it might be a good idea for her to retreat to the dorm, uncertain that she could continue to respect Willow’s desire to wait if they spent the night together.

Willow seemed to sense her feelings and pulled her onto the porch as they waited for Buffy to finish gathering her stakes for patrol.

“I’m sorry I’m making things awkward between us, Tara. That isn’t what I wanted,” Willow said, her arms wrapping around Tara’s waist. “I just want to make sure I’m doing right by you. I don’t want to mess it up.”

Tara nodded. “I understand that sweetie, but the timing is never going to be perfect. If that’s what you’re waiting for, we’ll be waiting for a long time,” she said, kissing Willow gently as Buffy joined them on the porch.

The Slayer stayed silent, not speaking until the pair had pulled away from each other. “Ready to go?” she asked, smiling at them.

Tara nodded, following her friend into the darkness as Willow watched them go from the porch.

[Zampsa1975]

Yay for great update-y goodness...

[abarda]

Really good! I hope Willow will find the nerds soon, and Warren won't be at the Summers' yard with a gun. That would be horrible...

“I understand that sweetie, but the timing is never going to be perfect. If that’s what you’re waiting for, we’ll be waiting for a long time,”

I completely agree, and I hope Willow won't wait too long. Tara needs her, if you know what I mean...
Please, more!