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TITLE: Hacker Confidential
AUTHOR: Laragh
CHAPTER RATING: PG-13
DISCLAIMER: Willow, Tara and any other characters from the Buffy the Vampire Slayer franchise belong to Joss Whedon, FOX, ME and a whole host of other entities, none of which are me.
SUMMARY: AU, set in contemporary setting. A lot of W/T fluff and some semblance of a storyline.
SPOILERS: AU fic, so at most minor references or pieces of dialogue
FEEDBACK: Yes please
Chapter 89********
She leant her head forwards and placed the gentlest of kisses on the smaller girl’s lips, transferring all the love she had through the soft movement of their lips until she noticed Willow was starting to drift off again.
“Go to sleep, honey. I’ll hold you.”
Willow opened and closed her mouth, swallowing a few times as her eyes drooped and her breathing evened out again. Tara watched her sleep for a few minutes until she found the steady movements of her wife’s chest was lulling her into a deep sense of relaxation as well, making her own eyes wilt as the same thought ran through her mind over and over again.
She’s okay.
“She fell asleep?”
Willow looked up and saw her father standing in the doorway of her hospital room, with Michelle by his side. She looked down at where Tara was sleeping beside her and smiled fondly before nodding.
“Yea. I fell asleep and when I woke up she was asleep too. I don’t think she slept a wink last night.”
“She probably didn’t, she had huge bags under her eyes this morning,” Michelle said quietly as she walked into the room and placed her hand over the redhead's, “I’m so very glad you’re okay, Willow.”
She looked unsure for a moment before she moved forwards and placed a small kiss against Willow's temple.
“Thanks, Michelle,” Willow smiled as her hand subconsciously stroked Tara’s hair.
Ira stood at the foot of the bed and beamed at his awake and more importantly, very much alive daughter.
“We won’t stay too long, we don’t want to tire you out,” he said with a small smile, “We’re staying in a hotel around the corner, so we’ll be nearby if you need.”
Willow frowned at that and shook her head.
“You should go back to Buffalo,” she said quietly but firmly, “Don’t get me wrong, it’s not that I don’t want you to stay, it’s just I’d feel bad if I was keeping you away from work and everything. I feel bad enough that the gang came up from Boston.”
“Willow, you were shot,” Ira said, sounding almost offended, “We all love you.”
Willow nodded and gave her father a reassuring smile.
“I know. And I get that. But I’m okay, I’m healing already. It’s not gonna do any good if you guys are just hanging around, bored. I’m probably gonna be sleeping loads anyway. I’d really feel much better if I knew I wasn’t being a burden.”
“Willow, you’re never a...” Ira trailed off at the look his daughter was giving him and sighed, “You always were as stubborn as a mule. Even as a baby. Okay. But we’ll be visiting every night.”
Willow accepted that and grinned.
“I’d like that. Do you think you guys could give Tara a lift home, too? She could use her own bed and getting distracted by work.”
“Willow,” Michelle said with a small laugh and a shake of her head, “There’s not a chance in hell she’s going to leave your side until you get out of here.”
“She’s right,” Tara’s voice piped up sleepily as the blonde carefully sat up, rubbing her eyes, “I’m not leaving.”
Willow set her resolve face and shook her head.
“Baby, it’s not fair on you to just-”
Tara fixed the redhead with a steady gaze, telling her not to argue this point.
“I’m still mad at you for getting shot,” she said, a small half-smile coming to her face to ease the tension a little, “Don’t push your luck.”
Willow looked like she might continue to argue before she just smiled and nodded, knowing she wasn’t going to convince her wife otherwise – hell, if their positions were reversed she’d refusing to leave Tara’s side as well and was quietly pleased that the blonde was going to be with her throughout her hospital stay – she wasn’t their biggest fan.
Michelle and Ira looked on fondly at the interaction for a moment before Ira cleared his throat.
“Willow...everyone hopped in their cars and came up here when they heard you woke up. I said I’d ask if you were up to visitors and not to get their hopes up in case, so feel free to say no, but...”
Willow looked equally surprised and pleased.
“Send them up,” she nodded, “Definitely.”
“Only two at a time though,” Tara added, wary of her wife’s still-fragile condition.
Ira nodded and moved to give his daughter a warm but gentle hug.
“I love you,” he whispered into her ear before pulling back and taking a deep breath to regain his composure, “We’ll see you later.”
Michelle stepped forwards as well to give the redhead a small hug, moving to give Tara one as well after.
“I left a bag with your clothes in the corner over there,” she said, pointing to a small duffel bag, “And that photo you asked for.”
Tara smiled gratefully and waved as the older two left the room and turned out of the ward.
“Are you sure you’re up to visitors?” Tara asked when they were alone, standing up and fluffing the pillow behind the smaller girl’s back, “Do you need anything?”
“Stop fussing,” Willow said, reaching for the blonde’s hand, “I’m really okay.”
Tara smiled as a warmth spread through her body at the feeling of Willow's hand in hers.
“You’re not tired?”
“A little,” Willow admitted, “But I just wanna let the guys know I’m okay so they’ll stop worrying. I mean, they came all this way. I’ll rest some more when they leave.”
“Okay,” Tara nodded, taking a seat in the chair beside the bed, “Sorry I fell asleep before.”
Willow squeezed her wife's hand.
“You looked like you needed it.”
“You had me worried,” Tara said, both girls knowing that was a massive understatement, before she dropped her head, “I can’t believe you’re sitting here talking to me and 24 hours ago you were fighting for your life.”
“And now my biggest worry is the yucky hospital food,” Willow joked, wanting more than anything to see Tara smile.
She was rewarded a moment later when the blonde did just that.
“It’s gonna take you a while to recover fully,” Tara replied softly, tucking a piece of hair behind the redhead’s ear, “But I’m gonna be there, whatever you need. And I’ll bring you some good food in.”
Willow gazed into Tara’s shining, loving eyes for a moment before leaning her head forwards slightly, the blonde leaning in the rest of the way so their lips met tenderly.
“Not even a bullet can stop you two from kissing.”
The sound of Becky’s voice broke the women apart and they looked up to see her and Brian standing in the doorway, smiles of relief evident on both of their faces.
“Hardly surprising,” Brian continued to tease, “What’s a little piece of metal against the constant horniness of these two?”
Tara blushed and Willow just gave a small grin as the other couple came up and give her gentle hugs.
“Don’t go scaring us like that again,” Becky said as she took Brian’s hand, standing the other side of the redhead.
“I’ve already warned her,” Tara said as a joke, causing the other three to smile.
“How are you feeling?” Brian asked, looking down at his friend with concern, “Or is that a stupid question? You just got shot.”
Becky elbowed her boyfriend in the side for his bluntness but Willow just giggled softly.
“I’m okay. Just tired and kinda groggy from the meds.”
“Right,” Becky nodded, “We’re not gonna take up too much time, I know you wanna see the others and sleep and stuff. We just wanted to see you were okay.”
Willow smiled.
“I'm okay. And thanks so much for visiting. I can't believe you guys came all the way out.”
“Of course,” Becky nodded, giving her friend another quick hug, “We’re heading back to Boston tomorrow, but if you need anything...”
She looked between both Willow and Tara as she said this to let them know she meant it.
“Thanks,” Willow said with a genuine smile, “I hope you guys and Alice have a good flight back.”
Becky and Brian shared a look, their eyes widening at each other slightly before averting their attention back to the bed.
“Right, yea, we will,” Brian said somewhat awkwardly, “We’re so glad you’re okay.”
“So glad,” Becky echoed, before they left with a small wave.
“That was weird,” Willow commented when they were gone.
Tara was stopped from saying anything as Xander and Anya appeared, Anya running over and flinging herself at Willow, who gasped at the sudden movement.
“Anya, she just had surgery!” Xander exclaimed, pulling his wife back.
“I’m sorry,” Anya said, holding her hands up in front of her, “I just...we didn’t know if you were alright.”
“It’s okay, Ahn,” Willow said, wincing as a sharp pain went across her chest from the pressure of Anya’s hug, but hiding it well since she knew Tara would freak, “I’m okay.”
“We knew you would be,” Xander said, his ever-positive attitude present, “Our Willster’s a fighter.”
Willow nodded before glancing at Tara, then back at Xander, leaning up in the bed as best she could.
“Xand...what happened to...?”
Xander cleared his throat and looked at Tara, who nodded to say it was okay to talk about it.
“He was officially charged with attempted murder this morning. A bail hearing is set for during the week, but it’s not looking good since he keeps spouting...well, he keeps talking about how he’s proud of what he’s done. He’s looking set to plead guilty too, but that won’t be official for a while yet. If he does though, you won’t have to go to court, which is good. The judicial system doesn’t take kindly to people trying to hurt their federal employees. He’s going away for a long time, Will.”
Willow closed her eyes for a moment to take in the information, exhaling slowly at the thoughts that the man who had hurt Tara so much and so many times would finally get some sort of justice, and if she had to take a bullet for that to happen, she was just fine with that.
Well...now that she’d survived she was.
“You could sue him for everything he owns,” Anya added, trying to regain her aloof composure after her display of emotion when she’d first seen her friend, “I can make sure of that.”
Willow had to smile when she heard that, but shook her head.
“Thanks Anya, but I don’t want...” she trailed off and looked at Tara, “We don’t want anything more to do with that man unless we absolutely have to.”
Tara nodded in silent agreement, thankful her wife’s stance was the same as her own.
“Okay,” Anya replied, not quite understanding why they wouldn’t want to destroy Tara’s father as best they could, but accepting it as another social quirk she just sometimes didn’t understand, “In that case I can make sure the best criminal prosecutor in the state is on the case if it goes to trial.”
“That would definitely be appreciated,” Willow replied in gratitude, “Thank you.”
Anya and Willow shared a smile for a moment, before Xander patted his wife on the shoulder and held up his hand in a wave.
“The others are gonna kill us if we don’t let them get up here. We’ll be waiting for you at work whenever you’re fit and ready. We’ll have to survive without our human search engine for a while. And hey, no hitting Will, I didn’t call you Google.”
Willow gave a small laugh but Anya just looked confused.
“Human search engine? Google?”
She knew Willow was a technical analyst who worked with Xander but he didn’t talk much about work.
“If it’s on record, she’ll find it,” Xander laughed, grinning at his friend, “Sometimes even when it’s not.”
Tara laughed and brought up the hand she hadn’t stopped holding, kissing the redhead’s knuckles.
“Oh...you’re a hacker,” Anya said, finally understanding, “We have a guy in the office like that. Finds out the dirt on the opposing client that we can use in court.”
“I use my skills only for justice,” Willow replied with a giggle, before grinning shyly, “At least I do now.”
“We were gonna bring flowers, Will, but they said not to ‘cause it can spread infection or something, so...”
Xander trailed off as Anya produced a Tupperware container.
“I baked you cookies!” Anya said triumphantly, handing them to Tara.
“Thank you, Anya,” Tara replied, turning the box in her hand, “That was very kind.”
Anya smiled in delight that her gift had been well received and Xander started walking them towards the door.
“You need anything, you know our number,” he said kindly, “Feel better Wills.”
“Bye.”
Anya waved as they both left until Xander’s head popped back in the door a moment later, looking scared.
“She’s never baked before, I wouldn’t try those cookies while your immune system’s down.”
He disappeared again as fast as possible so as not to provoke suspicion from Anya and Willow laughed.
“They can’t be that bad,” she said, taking the box from Tara and popping the lid off.
“Um, just a sec honey,” Tara replied, taking it back, “Just in case Xander’s right, I don’t want you getting food poisoning or something. I’ll try one and if I’m fine in half an hour, you can have one too, okay?”
Willow narrowed her eyes playfully.
“You’re gonna boss me around until I’m fully healed, aren’t you?”
Tara grinned and took a bite of one of the cookies.
“You bet. You know, these are pretty good. Anya’s not a bad baker. Provided I’m not throwing up in ten minutes.”
“I didn’t know she cared so much,” Willow said in an almost sad tone.
“She cares more than people realise,” Tara said genuinely, “Definitely more than people give her credit for.”
Willow nodded in agreement.
“I’m not gonna make that mistake again. I guess it takes something like this to find out who your real friends are, huh?”
Tara nodded too and placed a small kiss on the redhead’s nose.
“I’m sorry everything...” Willow trailed off before sighing, “I know you wanted closure.”
Tara inhaled deeply for a moment before shooting a winning and warm smile at her wife.
“I’ll get closure knowing he’s gonna pay for what he’s done to you,” she replied honestly, “Nobody messes with my girl.”
Willow searched her wife's face for any kind of bravado, but saw none.
“Jesus, Willow, we became analysts so we
wouldn’t have to deal with guns!” Buffy’s voice was heard before she appeared in the doorway, shaking her head with a relieved smile, “You just did this ‘cause you want a badass scar, didn’t you?”
Willow's face lit up as she saw Buffy and Angel and gave a small giggle.
“The girls can’t resist the scars,” she replied cockily, which elicited a glare from Tara, “I mean my girl can’t resist. Only one woman for me.”
Buffy chuckled before reaching into her pocket and producing a small teddy bear dressed up like a nurse and handing to her friend.
“Angel picked it.”
Angel coughed uncomfortable and a small blush could be seen rising on his cheeks but Willow smiled and cradled the bear to her chest.
“Thank you, I love it.”
Angel cleared his throat but gave a small smile and Buffy sat at the end of the bed, tapping her fingers against the fabric of the blanket covering Willow’s legs.
“So what are the docs saying?”
“Um, they’re gonna have to do more tests and stuff,” Willow said, trying to remember exactly what the doctor had said to her right after she’d woken up but it was all fuzzy in her mind.
“Just some scans and things to make sure there’s no lasting nerve or tissue damage or anything,” Tara continued when she saw her wife was struggling with the details, “But all is looking good.”
“Thank god,” Buffy exhaled slowly before slapping the redhead’s leg lightly through the blanket, “Leave the martial arts to me next time, okay? I’m the one trained in them.”
“My jealously really reared its ugly head, huh?” Willow joked, “I had to prove I was just as good as you.”
“Well don’t go doing it again,” Buffy mock-scolded with a wagging of her finger, but she was deadly serious.
“I won’t,” Willow said in an equally light tone that also sincere.
Buffy smiled, standing up.
“Can I give you a hug goodbye?”
“A gentle one,” Tara answered for the redhead, “Anya almost squeezed all the breath out of her lungs earlier.”
“Yea, she’s been kind of hysterical since yesterday,” Buffy replied, leaning over for a gentle hug, “I don’t think she’s ever had someone close to her get hurt before.”
“I’m glad you’re okay,” Angel spoke up for the first time, his tone genuine.
“Thanks, Angel,” Willow smiled, “And thanks for coming to see me. And for my bear.”
Buffy pulled back from the hug and smiled.
“No problem, Wills. We’ll come back and visit you during the week, okay?”
Willow's smile widened.
“I’d like that.”
Buffy took Angel’s hand and left with a wave as Willow turned to Tara and mimicked the bear walking up to her and poking her in the nose with it.
“This is gonna have to do as a cuddling companion until I can sleep in your arms again.”
Tara pressed her lips lightly against the bear’s, then put the teddy against Willow’s lips. Willow smiled at the gesture and Tara leaned forwards so they could nuzzle their noses together got a few moments just before the form of Alice rushed into the room in a blur and was on Willow’s opposite side, kissing the top of her head. Jesse followed a second later and stood beside Alice, taking the redhead’s hand and giving it a firm squeeze.
“How you doing, kiddo?” Jesse asked with a warm smile.
“I kinda feel like I’ve been shot,” Willow replied with a grin, “I’m okay.”
“We were so worried,” Alice said, her eyes puffy from crying, “You get a phone call saying one of your best friends has been shot in the chest...”
“Sorry,” Willow said, apologetic, before trying to lighten the mood, “But hey, at least the flight home will be less worrisome than the flight over.”
Jesse and Alice exchanged a look similar to the one Becky and Brian had earlier and Willow frowned.
“What? What it is? Why does everyone get all weird when I mention you guys flying home? Is there some problem at the airport? We weren’t attacked by terrorists while I was unconscious or something, were we?”
“No chance, Will,” Jesse shook his head with a smile, “It’s just...”
“ I won’t be on the plane,” Alice blurted out causing both Willow and Tara’s eyes to widen, “I’m moving to Buffalo.”
“What?” Willow asked in disbelief, “You’re what?”
“You see...” Alice stopped, taking Jesse’s hand, “This has been like a massive slap in the face. Life is so precious and can be gone so quickly, you have to make the most of what you have.”
“Wait, wait...” Willow gaped at the two holding hands for a moment before looking up at their faces, “You guys are together?!? I thought I was only out for a day!”
Alice looked at Tara, confused.
“I thought you would’ve told her.”
“I’ve been kinda distracted,” Tara replied, almost irately but then sighed, “Sorry.”
Alice just smiled, saying it was okay before turning to Willow.
“We got together at Tara’s birthday party and we’ve kept in contact since. Jesse even came up to visit me quite a few weekends. I know it’s quick, but we’re in love and he asked me to move in with him. I agreed. This isn’t some kneejerk reaction, we’ve been wondering how we could keep up our relationship for a while, this just proved that we should be taking the bull by the horns.”
“I’ve never felt anything like this before,” Jesse added, seeing Willow was still shocked, “It’s the real deal.”
Willow didn’t know what to say, but she could hardly argue, she’d known she was hopelessly in love with Tara after only a few weeks as well, even if it had taken a bit longer for it to come out.
“Okay,” she nodded, a sudden tiredness washing over her, both from talking to the influx of people and this news, “Well as long as you guys are happy. Maybe you can fill me in more when I get outta here?”
“Of course,” Alice nodded, seeing Willow’s eyes begin to droop, “We’ll leave you guys alone. Call if you need anything.”
“Anything,” Jesse echoed, giving Willow’s hands a final squeeze.
“Thanks,” Willow replied sleepily, “And congratulations. I’m glad you’re gonna be close by Alice.”
“Congratulations,” Tara said too with a genuine smile, “I’ll call you later.”
Alice smiled and held her hand to her heart for a moment before they both left.
“Everyone’s getting together,” Willow said weakly, half-asleep already, “First Becky and Brian, then Dad and Michelle, now those two...you knew about them?”
“I knew they hooked up at my birthday,” Tara replied softly, “I didn’t know they kept it up. Alice asked me to keep the hook-up a secret. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you.”
“S’okay,” Willow slurred, her lids closing quickly, “You’re a great friend. Love that ‘bout you.”
Tara quietly pressed the downward arrow button on the bed as Willow finally gave into the tiredness plaguing her until she was lying flat again and leaned over to kiss her temple.
“Sleep, my love. You need your rest.”
Even when groggy from pain meds, Willow's still Willow.
I can't for them to get back home and get on with Will's recovery!
