Fic: [AU] Racing The Rain (UPDTED: 4/03/18)

[xlaurax1]

Whoa, Shel, intense chapter.

I agree with those that have said that while Tara's secret (and that fact that she still feels so stongly about it after all this time) is horrible, it's far from that worst scenario that I'd concocted. In saying that, she was so young when it happened, and being forced to go through with it agains her will, that's pretty bloody harsh.

As Willow’s eyes adjusted, she saw Tara’s huddled form on the floor in the far corner. The blonde was sitting with her back to the wall, hugging her knees with her face buried between them and sobbing.

This was heart-breaking, but the 'I love you's' we beautifully done and couldn't have come at a better time.

On a happier note, I really liked the conversation with Cyndi, she seems like one the few people not out to get them. She seemed to genuinely like Willow unlike a certain other person in that scene. Also, happy to have another Mogan free chapter, this is a trend I'd very much like to encourage.

Looking forward to more, more, more even if I have to wait a whole week for it.

Laura.

[vampyregurl73]

Shel,

last chapter - been in both spots, and neither is easy. Although never to quite the extreme it would be for Tara and Willow. You had Tara handle it with grace and sincerity, and Willow handle it the same.

this chapter - well, isn't the cat(s) out of the bag. Kelly is showing her true colors (do we have the makings of a stalker here?) and Tara's big secret. Kinda shame on her mom, but that would be a reaction that a lot of parents would have, I think it's kind of 50/50. Half would say have it and the other half would not, but maybe even more like 80/20 with her being a rising "star". Unless they have it and raise it as a sibling freaky scenario was used, but that's just creepy.

I like how Kelly was petulant and secretive with Cyndi too, maybe it's time for Tara to find a new assistant and kick this girl to the curb. Please tell me she doesn't have the place rigged with cameras and microphones.

The way you had Willow handle both the night terror and the "secret" - well done. All this before the trip too, making them more solid as a couple. I'm still can't wait for the trip home, I can't wait to see how Mama Rosenberg handles her daughter dating "America's Sweetheart".

[JustSkipIt]

Hey Shel,
Very good chapter. I'm going to agree with BeMyDeputy and say call out Tara for having not gotten some therapy. I remember when the two of them were talking about therapy and she was basically saying that she had no need for it. Newsflash: yes. You do. Or something if not therapy. The entire thing really paints her mom in a very different light as well. I mean here's mamaMaclay who takes her 15 year old daughter to get an abortion under a false name without ever mentioning it again or discussing it or anything. That's quite different from "my mom was just so understanding and loving..." Anyway... I had it narrowed down to either abortion of drunk-driving-murder because they were the only things I could think of that would still haunt a person even if no one else knew. Of course, now when the shit about her coming out hits the fan, I'm half-way expecting some old lady who worked at a clinic to say she was there under a false name.

Ok, I'm in a hurry now to get to work and post this before losing what I've typed. This line is classic:

Allowing Willow to lead her out of the closet and back to bed.

I enjoyed the love yous because they were quite unconventional. I mean usually it's flowers and sunsets and middle of making love etc. but this was quite unusual and heartfelt.

Re: Kelly - my theory is she's worried about losing her job to Willow. Basically she sees Willow as an unemployed student. What's to stop Tara from just figuring that if Willow needs to know her schedule anyway, why not have her set up the appointments too? I'm glad that she was birchy in front of Cyndie and Tara so they can both be like "he her?" (phonetically spelled of course). BTW: Nice work on the black eyes - ha ha.

Just to check is Cyndie suggesting that Tara come out before T-giving but just not say that she's dating Willow? That's what it sounds like. It also reminds me of the number of semi-closeted lesbians who like spend all their time with an out lesbian (Lindsay Lohan circa 3 years ago, Michelle Rodriguez (who doesn't say she's not bi), Jillian Michaels (ditto bi)). You know? Like Lindsay Lohan's publicist wanted her to deny a relationship after like 2 years of being together and living together? Crazyness.

Ok, I'm sure I missed stuff and I have to go to work.

ETA: and queen latifa

[DaddyCatALSO]

I read it as Cyndi's suggesting Tara let Willow become a "known person in Tara's circle" but have the coming-out be after the holiday.

Very good choice for "The Secret." Very not a cliche. And yes, I echo the idea of Tara's getting therapy. Night Terrors are a condition that should be dealt with, not lived with.

Bright side to no update Weds.; I might get a little bit done on typing up the S-5 and S-6 elements of "Snapshots."

[beautiful_love]

Wow. So much said in only one little chapter. Ok so first of all I'm definitely enjoying Cyndi. I'm glad Tara has her on their side but man Kelly... still not cool and still totally pissing me off. Now that Tara knows about her shoddy treatment of Willow I'm curious as to where that will go.

And poor Tara, holding in such a painful secret for so long. Not that that's a great secret to have but I was seriously thinking it would be something so much worse. And thank God Willow is such an amazing and understanding girlfriend.

I enjoyed the shared "I love you's." You didn't make a big reveal about it and I adore this story so much more because you didn't. While emotional, it was just an ordinary moment between them and I think that makes it more special because it's more real.

Great job.

[wimpy0729]

Okay, wow, that one sure tugged on the old heart strings. Everything, again, so very nicely done. Well, that wasn't what I entirely thought the secret was, but something along those lines. I was with Willow thinking along the lines of the *shudder* rape thing, and that maybe she had a little mini-Tara running around out there somewhere. This is always such a touchy subject, but you handled it so well and realistically, and it just made my heart ache for Tara. Obviously, this is a burden she has had to bear all alone for a long time, and it's still eating her up that she had to do that. Maybe by telling Willow, and now knowing she loves her no matter what, can at least start a healing process. I also agree with the need for possible therapy if she keeps having the night terrors. Willow's reaction was very touching. Tara was young, and her mom was the one who made the decision, so I hope she can start forgiving herself, at least a little. That has to be one of the most emotional updates I've ever read where they've declared their love for each other. Simply beautiful in so many ways.

I'm liking Cyndi a lot. It sounds like she knows what she's doing, and I like how she's not going to take any shit from Kelly. Kelly, again being quite the bitch. She's got some balls to treat Willow like that in front of Tara and Cyndi, or maybe she's just stupid. It could just be she's jealous for one of several reasons, or scared for her job security, or maybe she happens to know Morgan, and that crazy stalker is spreading some not-so-nice rumors about Willow. Oh, I really can't wait to see what happens next!

Great job!


Wimpy

[KnightlyLove]

Whew, that's intense. Definitely perspective on the whole Kelly thing/ LIFE. hahha.
oh man. now I'm depressed. I thought this was a happy story. gahhh..

[bouncer73]

OH WOW...that was a curve ball...was not expecting that at all...This story just keeps me sitting on the edge for the next update. I am excited to see what happens next.

As for Kelly...omg..time to send her but to the right field..shes bugging me bad...

keep up the great job

[willowtaralover]

Sorry I’ve not given any feedback for a while now Finey but I have been reading and enjoying your story.

Wow, how evil and pathetic is Morgan, or as I’ve started to call her Dorkgan lol. Placing notes suggesting that she and Willow had sex behind Tara’s back smacks of more than a little desperation, it smacks of being a, what’s the word I’m looking for…oh yes that’s it a loser.

I’m presuming that there will be a big showdown between Dorkgan and Willow in the future which will result in Willow giving a major butt kicking to Dorkgan.

I found the teams coach reaction was interesting in that she was more concerned about how Willow having problems with Morgan is gonna be a bigger thing for the team to deal with than Willow dating a bona fide star. Maybe she believes that if Tara is seen as a supporter of the team they may get more press coverage.

But then we have the problem of Kelly also being a major league bitch towards Willow. What is her agenda? Does she have the hots for Tara herself and see Willow as an opponent she needs to get rid of. I’m also assuming that Tara is gonna put Kelly in her place and tell her to play nice with her friend or get out of the sandbox. Of course I’m also aware that to assume makes an ass out of u and me ;D. It was also nice that Willow opened up to Tara and told her exactly what happened instead of keeping it to herself or trying to make out that it was less than it was. Even if Willow and Tara weren’t dating but just best friends Kelly should have shown proper courtesy and respect for Willow and not been so offensive. Cos that’s how you end up getting your ass kicked all round town.

Could Kelly and Dorkgan wind up meeting by chance and plot to drive a wedge between Willow and Tara. That way they could each step in and take over the positions of lover to their desired partner.

Wow, what a huge admission on Tara’s part. It’s easy to see how Willow could assume that Tara had been raped, but it is a change to see a story where Tara’s sex was consensual and not forced on her. I have read quite a few stories where Tara had been raped and, while it is certainly not a nice subject nor one to be taken lightly, I think it can get overused, and it does seem to get overused with Tara.

Fortunately she has Willow there to comfort and console her and now that she has confessed things shouldn’t rest to heavily on Tara’s shoulders. At least not til the next crisis rears it’s ugly head.

[love_2003]

Loved the update. At least now Tara knows that there is some friction between Willow and Kelly. I see Kelly getting a stern talking to in her future. I'm glad Cyndi has a plan ready just in case something unplanned happens with Tara being outed. I don't know what I was thinking Tara's secret was going to be, but I didn't see that coming. I'm glad she told Willow and that now she sees that Willow isn't going anywhere anytime soon. Looking forward to what you have in store for us next.

[Finey_McFine]

Hi Everyone,

Unfortunately, this isn't an update:( I've had a super busy week plus spring break, blah, blah, blah...which = zero writing time. So, instead of putting up a hastily finished chapter, I decided to wait. Hopefully I'll have something ready for you all by next Sunday!


Have a Great Week!!

[Promthea128]

Damn, thought this was dibs. Oh well, se ya next week.

[Grimm]

I'm devastated...gotta hate it when real life gets in the way of our quality Tara/Willow fantasy time. The least you could do is put some really good make-up sex (you making it up to us) in the next update ! See ya next week.

[bouncer73]

....aww shucks...but its ok..i totally understand and I know since you were so busy and stuff that this chapter is gonna rock..

have a good week

[willowtaralover]

Hi Finey Seeing as you're writing this story of an everyday Willow meeting a superstar Tara, I thought you might like a look at this tale of an everyday Tara meeting a supermodel Willow called Never A Night Like This.

[willowtaralover]

Oopsy sorry , here's the link

http://thekittenboard.com/board/viewtopic.php?t=816

[bouncer73]

Oh I have read the story.NEVER A NIGHT LIKE THIS and its awesome..it was one of the first pics I read and man it was awesome..

[bouncer73]

well u know I have been working too much and not enough reading when I cant tell the diff between pics and story fics

[willowtaralover]

Well in that case I might just give it a go if it's a good read, to be honest though I can really see Willow as a supermodel, she does have the face, the body and the legs for it

[Finey_McFine]

Ariel:
Yay…DIBS!!

I’m really glad that Tara wasn’t raped. That’s the classic trauma and this one is more realistic and it also shows something about the kind of person Tara is; that it still hurts her. Very new take on her mother, no longer a force of pure good in her life.

I never had any intention of doing a rape, child abuse, etc. Nothing violent or self inflicted/drug related, etc. I wanted something purely accidental, yet a bit traumatic just the same. You are right about rape being the ‘classic trauma.’ It’s written, in general, so often that one would assume nearly every woman has been raped at some point in her life. I’ve never know anyone that was raped, however, I’ve know several women that have had accidental/unwanted pregnancies. It’s not the end of them, but it does affect them deeply. As for Tara’s mom…fame is brutal and it does things to people. She’s not a Dina Lohan, but she did put fame over her daughter’s well being.

Shel, I got teary-eyed over this. You kept us waiting a long time and it was worth it. So tender, hearts open and their eyes so full of love for each other . . .

Thanks!

Kelly is a HORRIFFIC BITCH!!!
On a less romantic note, Kelly the BITCH GODDESS
Tara needs to shit-can THAT loser in a New York minute! Bye, bye bitchie!!!!!!!!

LOL…but will she???????

Good that Willow can see the strategy. It is completely believable since skilled softball requires strategic thinking, too.

I really wanted to show that W/T are on the same page and understand the other’s life because, it’s going to become very important later.

Thanks for the feedback!

Laragh:

Wow, I wish I'd had a Cyndi when I was coming out!! Efficient!

Uh, I second that!

I'm starting to feel like Kelly has a big ole crush on Tara.

Hmmm…maybe………..maybe not.

Poor Tara. Shit, that's awful. So much to deal with, so young. Fuck.

I know and I promise that’s it with the earth shattering personal trauma’s. But…we still have to deal with Sheila and their coming out. So, I guess we’ll have to wait and see what happens there.

I'm sad and happy now. Damn you with your confusing emotional updates.

Hahahahahaha…sorry???

Thanks for the feedback!!!


zampsa19752001:

I'm glad that both Cyndi & Tara are aware of Kelly's worsening attitude... I hope Tara very soon solves that problem permanently... I'm glad that Willow now knows Tara's secret that has bothered her for years... Extra big yay for Willow saying those 3 magical words...

Kelly will be dealt with, but you know Tara…she’s loyal. Yes, Tara’s secret is finally out, but Willow still has a few of her own…nothing as big, but they need to be dealt with all the same.

Thanks for the feedback!!!

LonelyTara:

I'm glad that they've finally admitted their love, though I'm sad that it had to be prompted by such painful memories for Tara.

Yes, well, I debated doing the I love you’s here for several weeks and then in the end decided that it was the right time. It was what Tara needed to hear to strengthen her resolve and really show her that Willow’s in it for the long haul.

It's tragic that her mother forced her to have an abortion because she was worried about her daughter's career. How traumatic.

Yes, quite. I really wanted to show her mom as human. People do things sometimes and it’s shocking, but it happens…especially in Hollywood. The allure of fame changes people…even the good ones.


Thanks for the feedback!


SMGOVAN:

Wow, You caught me off guard with that one. I'm kind of stunned right now. This has 2 be a first..at least it's the first time that I have seen it in a Willow/Tara fic.

YAY!!! From the start of this fic, I was racking my brain looking for something new. Like yourself, I’ve read hundreds and I’ve never seen it either. Plus, I wanted something accidental, something to show that Tara is in fact human, as is her mother. Not to mention it’s a total Hollywood thing to do. I got the idea listening to an interview on The Howard Stern Show with one of Charlie Sheen’s porn actress girlfriends, LOL.

Without getting into the whole abortion rights issue, I'm shocked to read that Tara, at any age, would have an abortion. I have very mixed emotions about this right now. The strongest being...I think I love your Tara even more..because you have made her very human.

I debated over this for several weeks before I decided to throw caution to the wind. Here’s the thing: Tara is the only child of a single mother that had tremendous influence over her life. She was acting since she was little and her mother was in charge. It’s doubtful that she attended regular school after she was 10, so her mom was it. By going through with it, she simply allowed her mother to make yet another ‘career’ decision for her, even though it wasn’t what she wanted. She was 15 and naive.

Man, You have huge balls (figuratively) for taking such a beloved character and putting her in such a controversial situation. I for one love it..bravo!

My balls thank you! Lol

ps. Kelly deserves to go to hell..with gasoline drawers on!

Now there’s a thought…

Thanks for the feedback!


silent_x:

I was with Willow when Tara started her story- I thought 'Oh god, she was raped.' The twist was surprising and original, and I liked how you used it to bring more depth to your characters.

Thanks!! I’m glad it caught everyone a little off guard.

Reminds me of Lily's 'You are dead to me' look from HIMYM.

Which was a take off on Dark Willow, lol. That HIMYM episode is one of my favorites:)

Thanks for the feedback!


Indigokane:

bout time Kelly's true face started to show. whether she has a crush or is an opputunistic freeloader, she's still a coniving bitch and going to cause Tara major problems.

Kelly probably has more potential than anyone to hurt Tara. She knows everything about Tara, not to mention living in her house. I’m not sure that Tara sees it that way yet, but by being on the “outside,” Willow is starting to see things a little differently.

Tara's secret was bad, but i think it could have been worse.

Yes, it could have been MUCH worse, but thankfully it wasn’t!!!

Thanks for the feedback!!!


BeMyDeputy:

Okay, it sounds like I'm in the minority here, but my reaction to Tara's big reveal was "Oh. Okay. And you haven't gotten therapy about your decades of night terrors WHY?"

This is addressed a little bit in the next chapter and I may or may not delve more deeply into it later. But I can say this: Tara’s was basically programmed by her mother not to tell a soul, so to her, that includes a Dr. She’s ashamed that she did it and paranoid about it getting out. You gotta remember, her mother only died a few years ago and up until that point, Tara was still firmly under her thumb.

the fact that this has clearly damaged Tara in a way that clinical psychology is there to address

Here’s the thing about night terrors: they come and go and are not something that happen every night. Night terrors in adults are usually trauma based, but can also reoccur from childhood. My brother had them well into his teen years, always revolving around a set of glowing green eyes. They can become a mixture of things that bother or scare you. In adults however, they mostly occur due a lack of sleep, poor eating habits, stress, etc. While I don’t think Tara’s are serious enough for her to seek extensive therapy, she does need to talk about what happened and just talking with Willow will no doubt help.

I really liked how seamlessly the "I love you"s came into play

Thanks!!

As for Kelly, she's being a petulant child.

Ha! You hit the nail right on the head.


Thanks for the feedback!


xlaurax1:

In saying that, she was so young when it happened, and being forced to go through with it agains her will, that's pretty bloody harsh.

Sadly, that happens all the time to young girls. Back before abortions were legal, parents used to send their daughters away to have the babies and then force them to give them up. I think the latter would be worse emotionally. In her mother’s mind, she was doing the only thing she knew to do to protect Tara, but in reality it was more to protect her career and her ‘America’s Sweetheart’ reputation. Ah, Hollywood…

On a happier note, I really liked the conversation with Cyndi, she seems like one the few people not out to get them.

She’s been with Tara for a long time and knows where her bread is buttered. Plus she’s kind of a surrogate mom as well.


Thanks as always for the feedback!!!



vampyregurl:

Unless they have it and raise it as a sibling freaky scenario was used, but that's just creepy.

Hahahaha…I actually thought about that!! Reminded me of that Sally Field movie ‘Soap.’ Her niece was really her daughter raised by her mother, lol.

Please tell me she doesn't have the place rigged with cameras and microphones.

Hahaha…no. No evil trio gnome cameras.

I still can't wait for the trip home,

And I can’t wait to write it!! I’ve been writing it in my head for months!!!


Thanks for the feedback!!


JustSkipIt:

I remember when the two of them were talking about therapy and she was basically saying that she had no need for it. Newsflash: yes. You do.

This is addressed a bit in the next chapter. Even though night terrors can be a serious problem, Tara’s are infrequent. They mostly occur when she is over tired and stressed. I think the simple fact that she actually told someone is a big first step for her.

I had it narrowed down to either abortion of drunk-driving-murder

No, no drunk driving murder, lol. I don’t think Willow could have let that one go.

I enjoyed the love yous because they were quite unconventional.

Thanks!!

Re: Kelly - my theory is she's worried about losing her job to Willow. Basically she sees Willow as an unemployed student.

Hmmmm…interesting theory.

Just to check is Cyndie suggesting that Tara come out before T-giving but just not say that she's dating Willow? That's what it sounds like. It also reminds me of the number of semi-closeted lesbians who like spend all their time with an out lesbian

She’s basically suggesting that they be seen together with out officially coming out. Her theory is that the more they try to hide, the more ravenous the paparazzi will get. If random photo’s of Tara are snapped of her going to a movie with a friend, having dinner, etc. that it will satisfy their hunger and they’ll stop camping out on her doorstep. A short term fix to keep them in the closet until after the trip home.

BTW…Queen Latifa…good grief! Come out already!!! How many pictures have we seen of you snuggling and kissing a woman?? “She’s just a friend.” Does she really think that we’re THAT stupid???

Thanks for the feedback!


DaddyCatAlso

I read it as Cyndi's suggesting Tara let Willow become a "known person in Tara's circle" but have the coming-out be after the holiday.

Yes!

Very good choice for "The Secret."

Thanks!!


Thanks for the feedback!!!


beautiful_love

Now that Tara knows about her shoddy treatment of Willow I'm curious as to where that will go.

Not only does she know, but got to see it first hand and I doubt she’ll let her get away with it.

I enjoyed the shared "I love you's." You didn't make a big reveal about it and I adore this story so much more because you didn't. While emotional, it was just an ordinary moment between them and I think that makes it more special because it's more real.

Thanks so much! That’s exactly how I wanted it to come across:)


Thanks for the feedback!


LonelyTara

Nice update. I admit, as others have expressed, to a certain apprehension about Kelly's behavior. I hope it doesn't have anything to do with me inadvertently giving you an idea about Morgan. :(

Yes! This was all your fault!! LOL I actually already had this chapter written. Kelly’s behavior continues to raise eyebrows in the next chapter as well.

Thanks for the feedback!!!


wimpy0729
[quoteThis is always such a touchy subject, but you handled it so well and realistically, and it just made my heart ache for Tara. [/quote]
It is and I’m glad that it came across so well.

Maybe by telling Willow, and now knowing she loves her no matter what, can at least start a healing process.

Therapy or not, just saying it out loud was a huge step for Tara.

That has to be one of the most emotional updates I've ever read where they've declared their love for each other. Simply beautiful in so many ways.

Yay!! Thank you!!

I'm liking Cyndi a lot. It sounds like she knows what she's doing, and I like how she's not going to take any shit from Kelly.

She does and in this business she has to be tough to deal with all the crap. So she knows bs when she sees it. I’m sure sometime in the not too far future, she’ll talk with Tara about Kelly. BTW…I think she really is just stupid, lol.

Thanks for the feedback!!


KnightkyLove

Whew, that's intense. Definitely perspective on the whole Kelly thing/ LIFE. hahha.
oh man. now I'm depressed. I thought this was a happy story. gahhh..

I don’t know…besides this chapter, I think it’s pretty happy, lol. I promise that was definitely the biggest emotional reveal and there will be much fun in Texas. Ok, maybe a little drama too, lol.

Thanks for the feedback!!



bluncer73

OH WOW...that was a curve ball...was not expecting that at all...

Yay!!! Exactly what I wanted!!

Kelly will get her just desserts…eventually.

Thanks for the feedback!


willowtaralover

I found the teams coach reaction was interesting in that she was more concerned about how Willow having problems with Morgan is gonna be a bigger thing for the team to deal with than Willow dating a bona fide star.

The coach is seeing the Tara thing as personal and the Morgan thing as team business. Willow seeing Tara won’t affect how they play together, but Morgan and Willow infighting definitely will. So, that’s what she’s seeing.

Even if Willow and Tara weren’t dating but just best friends Kelly should have shown proper courtesy and respect for Willow and not been so offensive. Cos that’s how you end up getting your ass kicked all round town.

At this point we don’t know exactly what Kelly’s agenda is. It could be anything, she acting like a petulant child for reasons unknown to everyone, even me! haha

Wow, what a huge admission on Tara’s part. It’s easy to see how Willow could assume that Tara had been raped, but it is a change to see a story where Tara’s sex was consensual and not forced on her. I have read quite a few stories where Tara had been raped and, while it is certainly not a nice subject nor one to be taken lightly, I think it can get overused, and it does seem to get overused with Tara.

I agree and that’s why I wanted to go with something totally different. My Tara is strong and confident. What happened to her could have happened to anyone and I feel like it really just made her that much stronger.


Thanks for the feedback!


Love_2003

At least now Tara knows that there is some friction between Willow and Kelly.

I think that if Willow had told Tara first, w/o her seeing it first hand, that she may not have thought it to be such a big issue. Now she knows that there is a problem with Kelly and it needs to be dealt with as soon as possible.

I don't know what I was thinking Tara's secret was going to be, but I didn't see that coming.

YAY!!! The element of surprise is always fun when it actually works!

Thanks for the feedback!




[center]NEW CHAPTER DIRECTLY BELOW[/center]

[Finey_McFine]

TITLE: Racing The Rain

AUTHOR: Finey_McFine

RATING: NC17

DISCLAIMER: Willow, Tara and any other BtVS characters, as well as some random dialog, belong to Mutant Enemy.

SUMMARY: Totally AU, Willow and Tara Meet with not so surprising results! Set in LA with lots of W/T fluff and a little teeny tiny bit of angst, but no Hellmouthyness. Just good old regular day-to-day drama.



FEEDBACK: OK; Any glaring issues…please send me a PM!

AUTHOR’S NOTE: Happy Sunday Kittens! I finally finished this chapter…yay! Although, it’s not as tidy as I’d like for it to be, since I’ve barely had time to breath the last few weeks, it’s an update and that’s what counts. Work is kicking my ass lately, in fact as soon as I hit submit, I’m out the door for work day #6 and headed downtown for a photo shoot. I hate working Sundays! Grrr!! Anyway, I’ll do my best to get something written this week and hopefully get back on track. Enjoy!!

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

Chapter 26: Full Disclosure

Tara awoke the next morning to find herself still wrapped in the protective arms of her girlfriend. Her eyes felt puffy and she struggled to open them fully as the thick lashes felt glued together. She reached up to rub them and Willow’s embrace tightened. Tara could tell by Willow’s breathing that the redhead was still sleeping soundly and that even in sleep, had no intention of letting her go. Tara finally succumbed to the redhead and wiggled closer, tossing a leg over Willow’s. Since they started sleeping together, this had become Tara’s favorite part of the day. She reveled in the calm that permeated her every fiber, she loved the feeling of her lover’s warm skin against hers; she loved Willow.

Tara laid awake lost in thought about the events of the previous night. She had lifted the burden that she’d carried alone for far too long. It felt good to finally tell someone; it felt good to tell Willow.

“You’re the love of my life,” Tara whispered honestly as she pressed a kiss to Willow’s chest.

Willow had awoken when she felt Tara squirming against her and instinctively tightened her grip on the blonde. After the emotional night, she was still feeling very protective of Tara. Combine that with the declaration of their love, and Willow felt like she couldn’t get close enough to her lover. She began to wonder about Tara’s revelation. She couldn’t imagine what it must have been like to be 15 and pregnant. She thought back to herself at that age and how she was still in braces. Her mind continued to drift, and just as she began to fall asleep again, she heard Tara whisper and felt a kiss.

“Mmhmm, you too Baby,” Willow whispered back, dropping a kiss on the top of Tara’s head.

Tara was surprised and raised up on her elbow, “Hey, how long have you been awake?” Feeling a little embarrassed, she began to blush.

“Only a few minutes,” a sleepy smile graced Willow’s lips, “just enjoying the quiet snuggle time.”

Tara leaned forward and captured Willow’s sleepy lips in a loving kiss, “You are the love of my life,” Tara repeated, this time looking Willow straight in the eye.

“I love you so much Tara and it feels so good to finally say it.”

“When did you know? That you loved me.”

“Hmmm,” Willow rolled her eyes up trying to pinpoint the exact moment, “The day you came to watch me play. I remember standing at the fence watching you walk towards me and I thought, she’s the one. I know it sounds crazy, because we’d only just met, but on some level…I knew.” She smiled shyly, “What about you Tare, when did you know?”

“Same day, but later, when we danced on the balcony. I remember thinking how it was the most perfect moment of my life.”

“More perfect than this?” Willow breathed as she dipped her head and kissed Tara passionately.

“Mmhmmm, thank you,” Tara said as she finally broke the kiss.

“For what?”

“For last night; being there for me,” Tara answered as she traced Willow’s lips with her fingertips.

“Of course, I love you Tara. I’ll always be here for you.”

“I love you and I’m here for you too, no matter what. You know that, right?”

“I do and in the spirit of full disclosure, there is something I need to tell you as well.”

Tara felt a chill travel down her spine; with all the emotional outpouring of the previous night, she wasn’t sure if she could handle much more. She swallowed thickly, “Ok.”

Willow released Tara from her embrace and sat up, resting her back against the headboard and intertwining their fingers.

Willow took a deep breath, “Ok first, please don’t be mad at me and second, please don’t be mad at me. Because if you get mad then I’ll get really nervous and just start babbling with no hope of getting this out or resolved and that would just be bad and uncomfortable and-”

“And this doesn’t qualify as babbling?” Tara couldn’t help but giggle at the cuteness of Willowbabble, no matter how serious the situation, “Sweetie, calm down, I promise I won’t get mad at you. Besides, you’re much too adorable.” Tara shot Willow a lopsided grin as she placed a kiss on the top of Willow’s hand.

“Ah, I kinda sorta haven’t-told-my-parents-that-you’re-coming-for-Thanksgiving.” Willow blurted out in one long garbled sentence. She dipped her head, looking at her hand in Tara’s, nervously fidgeting.

“Um, ok.” Tara didn’t really know what to say. It wasn’t what she’d expected and she was relieved, but worried all at the same time, “Any particular reason why? I mean it’s two weeks away. Are you sure it’s even going to be ok with them?”

“Oh yea, that’s not the issue,” Willow brought her thumb up to her mouth and began to chew. She turned her head slightly and began talking, “Damn it, see I should have just called my Dad weeks ago. What the hell was I thinking? I could have just had him tell her; maybe I can still do that. She’ll be pissy, but I at least I’ll avoid the talk.”

Tara reached around and gently turned Willow’s head towards her, “Will, please, what’s going on? Who is pissy with you?”

“My mother.”

“Why would she be pissy with you for…oh,” Tara’s words trailed off as she realized what Willow was babbling about.

“Tara, I’m sorry. I should have told you sooner about my mom. See, she’s not homophobic in general, but she also refuses to accept the fact that one of her daughters is a lesbian. As liberal as she is, she’s still a Jewish Mother. Which means her mission in life is to have me settled down with a ‘nice Jewish boy,’ get married and have and two and a half kids. So, I didn’t tell her yet because well…and then I didn’t tell you because well…”

“Because you thought I’d say no to going with you?”

Willow raised her eyes to meet Tara’s, “Yeah, I’m sorry baby. I wasn’t trying to trick you or anything, it’s just with everything else that’s been going on and-”

Tara put two fingers on Willow’s lips, “Sshhhh, I’m not mad, but I do want you to call your mom, today. Promise?”

“I promise.”

“Will, no more secrets, ok? If this is going to work, then we need to be completely honest with each other. I’m yours, I love you and I’m not going anywhere.”

“Ok Tare, no more secrets,” Willow’s eyes met Tara’s as she nodded her head, “Are you ok, after last night and everything?”

“Yeah, I think I just really needed to say it out loud.”

“And the dreams? How often do you have them?” Willow furrowed her brow, even though Tara said she was ok, the redhead still worried. The thought of her not being there when Tara had a ‘dream’ was quite upsetting to Willow.

Tara puffed out her cheeks and exhaled, “I don’t know, they come and go. It’s not on a regular basis, even though I’ve had them for a long time. They happen more when I’m tired or stressed,” Tara bit her bottom lip, “Willow, I wasn’t completely honest with you before.”

“About the dreams?” Willow was confused.

“No, about the therapy; about seeing a ps-psychologist. I told you I wasn’t and I’m n-not, but I did go for a while after my mom died. Mostly for grief counseling, but we did discuss the night terrors.”

“I thought…you said no one else knew?”

“Well, that part is true. I told him about the dreams, but just in general, I never told him exactly what I thought triggered them. That’s when I found out that they were terrors and not just your garden variety nightmares.” Tara’s hands were shaking a little, as she continued, “He said that they will probably come and go for a long time or maybe forever, depending on what’s going on in my life at the time. Before last night, I hadn’t had one in at least 6 months.”

Willow looked at Tara, with the most vulnerable expression, “So, I caused it?”

“No baby, no,” Tara reassured Willow as she ran her fingers through the soft red tresses, “You didn’t cause anything. I think I w-was just worried about telling you everything and I got myself all worked up, plus I was exhausted,” Tara shrugged her shoulders, “They just happen and 99% of the time I don’t even remember, but I need you to be aware because I’m sure it’ll happen again.”

Willow nodded, “I’ll take care of you my love.”

Tara smiled, “I know you will,” and leaned in for a long deep kiss.

“Mmhhmm Tara,” Willow mumbled.

Their kiss was getting deeper when Tara suddenly pulled away. She leaned over and grabbed Willow’s cell off the nightstand and tossed it into her girlfriend’s lap. “Here, call your mom. I’m gonna go talk to Kelly and see if we have anything for breakfast. Ok?”

Ok, but one more kiss?”

“You’re incorrigible! Fine, but just one.”

“Yay!”

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

Tara took a quick shower, dressed and padded out of her bedroom. A jubilant Ralphie, hopping about and wagging his tail met Tara as she entered the kitchen. Ralphie’s foot had completely healed and he was back to his normal rambunctious self. Tara picked him up for a quick kiss, then sat him down, reaching to open a jar on the counter and pulling out a snack. After requesting that he sit, she rewarded him with a delicious bacon flavored treat. She then pulled a rawhide chew out of the cabinet, tossing it to Ralphie and giggling as he jumped; catching it in mid air. Ralphie scampered off to enjoy his chewy goodness as Tara made herself a cup of hot tea.

After she gathered herself together, she made her way across the house and down the hall to Kelly’s room. Tara knocked gently, but there was no answer. She knocked a second time, a little harder and when she still got no reply she placed her hand on the doorknob; turning it and opening the door slowly. She called out to Kelly, but received nothing in reply. As she entered the room she noticed that Kelly’s bed was made and it appeared as if she hadn’t spent the night there, although Tara didn’t remember hearing her leave. Tara’s brow furrowed and her face twisted. She was all ready to confront her assistant, but unfortunately, there was no one to confront. Several questions popped into Tara’s mind: First, where was she this early on a Saturday morning? And two, if she had someplace to go, why the hell was she still living here? All things that Tara would have to get to the bottom of the next time she saw the brunette. Tara sighed, exiting the room and closing the door behind her, she wondered if Willow was faring any better and decided to go check.

As Tara rounded the corner turning to walk towards her bedroom, she noticed a freshly showered Willow lying on the couch in the living room. The redhead was wearing a large t-shit and lose fitting shorts, she had one hand wrapped protectively around her stomach and the other flung off the side of the couch petting Ralphie’s head.

“Hey, are you ok? Tara asked.

“No,” Willow said flatly, “My Mom didn’t answer, so I left her a message to call me back. Now I’m nervous and my stomach is all acidy.”

“Ohhh, poor baby. Want me to rub your tummy and make it all better?”

“Yes please!”

Tara picked up Willow’s legs and sat down on the couch, allowing her girlfriend’s legs to drape across her lap. She gently slid her hand under Willow’s shirt and began rubbing in a circular motion.

“Hmhmm, that feels good. How’d it go with Kelly?”

“Well, it didn’t; she’s not here. In fact, I think she went out last night and never made it back. Her bed doesn’t look slept in.”

“Do you think she’s avoiding you?”

“Possibly, I just don’t understand what’s gotten into her.”

“Tara, how long have you known her?”

“Almost two years? I met her through a friend of a friend. My previous assistant, who had been with me for years, got married and moved to Florida; her husband is in the Air Force.” Tara sighed, “Anyway, Kelly’s had a hard life. Her mother has a bunch of kids and rather than be a burden to her, she left home when she was seventeen. She’s a hard worked and helps to support her Mom and siblings.”

“And there’s never been any issues?” Willow questioned.

“No, she took to the job immediately and has been with me ever since. Everything was fine up until about a month ago and then she started to have all this personal drama with her roommates and boyfriends. She’s been a little unfocused, but nothing major.”

“Well, she definitely has a problem with me. Maybe she has a secret crush on you?” Willow giggled, sticking her tongue out between her teeth.

“And what if she does?” Tara replied playfully.

“I guess I’ll just have to keep a very close eye on you.”

“How close?”

“How about this close?” Willow said as she tossed her legs off Tara and jumped in her lap; effectively straddling the blonde.

“Uh, that’s pretty close, but not close enough.” Tara’s eyes grew dark and full of desire as she wrapped her hand around Willow’s neck and pulled her forward, crushing their lips together in a searing kiss.

The kiss deepened as Tara began to work her hands inside Willow’s shirt and up her stomach. Her hands seeming to travel of their own volition as she lightly brushed her palms across Willow’s taught nipples.

“Mmhmm baby, that feels so good,” Willow moaned into Tara’s mouth, “but um, what if Kelly comes back and…”

“Then she’ll get quite the show,” Tara smiled seductively.

“Taaara…”

“Would you like some cheese to go along with that whine?” Tara replied as she kissed her way down Willow’s neck.

“Baby, come on. Let’s go to bed.”

“Nope, this is my house, remember? Stay right here, I’ll be back in a minute.”

Willow moved off Tara’s lap as she hopped up and walked swiftly into the kitchen. She popped open the control panel for the gate and flipped a switch; closing the panel and returning to the living room.

“There we go, all set,” Tara said as she crawled on top of Willow, reversing their previous positions, “Now, where were we?” She purred.

“Uh, I believe I was there and you were here.”

“Well, I kind of like it up here.”

“I’m not arguing.”

“Good, cuz it’s hard to kiss you when you’re talking.” Tara grinned.

Willow sat up straighter as Tara’s lips met her half way in a scorching kiss. Tara’s arms flew around Willow’s neck as the redhead snaked her hands under Tara’s shirt to unclasp her bra. Once the pesky piece of clothing was undone, Willow slid her hands under the loose material and grasped Tara’s breasts.

“Oh baby,” Tara breathed as she began to assault Willow’s neck with open-mouthed kisses.

Willow lowered her hands, gathering the hem of Tara’s shirt and pulled it over her head along with her bra. She swept her hands across Tara’s bare back, reveling in the feel of her warm alabaster skin, as she nuzzled her face between Tara’s breasts.

“Ummm, Tara boobs…” The redhead mumbled into Tara’s chest as she latched onto Tara’s left nipple, rounding it with her tongue, sucking hard and relishing the harden response. Willow’s hands busied themselves in the small of Tara’s back, one of her favorite spots on the blonde. She loved the softness and the gentle curves that she could never seem to get enough of.

Tara threw her head back and dug her nails into Willow’s shoulders moaning loudly as the redhead continued to pleasure her breasts. Willow’s hands slid downward and under the elastic of Tara’s sweats, cupping both cheeks and kneading the firm flesh between her fingers. While one hand continued to massage Tara’s bottom, the other made it’s way around to the front, as Willow slid her hand between Tara’s thighs and into the slick folds.

“Oh God, you’re so wet Baby,” Willow breathed passionately before crushing her lips against Tara’s.

Tara gasped, “Clothes. Off. Too. Many,” she mumbled between kisses, seemingly having a hard time forming coherent sentences.

Willow ceased her frenzied assault on her girlfriend long enough for both of them to remove their clothing, resuming their previous positions in a matter of seconds. Tara took Willow’s face in her hands and hungrily devoured the redhead in a feverish kiss.

“I can never seem to get enough of you,” Tara breathed into Willow’s mouth.

Willow responded with a deep growl, pulling the blonde closer, picking up where she’d left off. Her hand moving of it’s own accord, back to Tara’s soaking center; sliding her fingers through the slick wetness and stroking Tara’s swollen clit. The blonde’s fingers wound their way through Willow’s hair as her hips began to rock.

“What is it that you want Baby?” Willow panted.

“Inside. I need you inside.”

With their foreheads resting together and eye-to-eye, Willow slid her hand lower and entered Tara with two fingers. Tara groaned deeply, throwing her head back and thrusting her hips forward. Tara began a steady rocking as Willow worked her fingers deeper inside her girlfriend. As the pace quickened Tara gave up trying to hold on to Willows shoulders and leaned forward to grip the back of the couch. This new positioning worked even better for Willow, as Tara’s breasts were now firmly implanted in her face. Her mouth instinctively began to hungrily nibble every inch of Tara’s breasts.

“Oh God Will, you feel so good.” Tara said, looking down and enjoying the view of her lover’s tongue flicking across the hardened nipples.

Willow looked up and locked eyes with Tara as she added a third finger, feeling her thrust forward. It felt so incredible being inside Tara, Willow truly felt as if she were a part of her. It was intoxicating. Tara’s unbridled bucking increased as her yearning for release became more urgent. Willow grasped the back of Tara’s neck, pulling her down and smashing their lips together.

Willow pulled away from the kiss and resumed her ferocious assault on Tara’s chest as she pressed her palm harder into Tara’s clit. Tara began to rock faster, her body shaking uncontrollably she suddenly arched her back and screamed Willow’s name as her orgasm washed over her in wave after wave. Willow felt Tara’s warm center spasm and squeeze around her fingers as she continued the gente rhythm until Tara finally released her.

Panting and sweating, Tara collapsed onto Willow and they fell sideways onto the couch in a heap. Face to face they kissed lightly, Willow looked at her and Tara could read the love in her soft emerald eyes.

Tara reached between them and gently brushed Willow’s sticky bangs from her face, “I love you Will,” She whispered, tenderly kissing Willow’s nose.

“I love you too, so much.” Willow whispered, suddenly overcome with emotion. She tried desperately to hold back, but a single tear escaped, gliding quietly down her cheek.

Tara leaned in and kissed the tear from Willow’s cheek, “Oh Baby, please don’t cry.”

“Sorry, I can’t help it,” she sniffed, “I just…I’ve never felt like this before and sometimes I get a little overwhelmed.”

“My sweet Willow, what did I ever do to deserve you?”

“You’re just, you Tare and I love you,” Willow said with a slight sob.

“You’re so tired. Rest Baby, I’ve got you.” Tara lightly stroked Willow’s cheek as Willow’s arms wrapped tightly around her. The redhead was physically and emotionally drained. She desperately needed to sleep as much as Tara needed to cradle her.

Tara reached up and pulled a light blanket over them, then settled in for a much-needed nap.

[JustSkipIt]

Dibs!

eta. Ok I'm writing this on my phone which is hard. First is I'm totally worrief about what the fuck kelly is up to. I think I am going to move drugs up my list of suspicions with the staying out all night. Second I'm glad willow fes ed up about not telling her folks. Hell.won't her mom just be happy as long as willow has kids whether it's with a man our woman? Third.awesome sex.hot.also very CLEAN which is a huge selling point for me. Woo hoo.

[zampsa19752001]

Yay for great update-y goodness... I'm glad that Willow told Tara that she hasn't told her "mom" about Tara coming for T-giving... I'm happy that Tara has started to question Kellys motives...

[beautiful_love]

An update! Definitely needed a pick me up and this did it since it's one of my absolute favorites. I'm glad both girls have started to be completely honest with each other. You can't have a relationship without honesty. I do feel for both girls though. Totally feeling Willow and her worries about how her mom is going to react. Been there, done that. It sucks. I hope it works out well and the rest of her family supports her. And I'm glad Tara's going to take care of the whole Kelly issue and stick up for her girlfriend. Looking forward to the next update and hoping that you're life gets a little less stressful and crazy soon.

[WR/TM]

Thank you this update was much needed right now. It was amazing can't wait for more to come!!

[Laragh]

Ah, perfect, just what I needed after this exhausting day!!!

They're so very sweet with each other, it makes me swoon! And I'm all for the honesty, so I was happy to see Willow sharing too and hopefully starting to work it out together ( and hey, she already made the phone call)

And I'm interested to see how Tara deals with Kelly/what the hell is actually happening there lol.

That last bit made me suitably tingly

Looking forward to more whenever work allows!

[KnightlyLove]

oh so hot. Oh so cute!
I think Kelly has a crush! hehe. honestly I couldn't care less what's going on with Kelly.

They're so adorable!!

[willowtaralover]

Hi Finey I totally get what you mean about not quite knowing what a character’s agenda is because I had no idea about what Dawn was going to do once she arrived on the ship but I think characters are more fun when the author doesn’t know what they’re going to do.
You’re job involves going for a photoshoot????? So which big film will we see you in? Captain America, Cowboys Vs Aliens or Green Lantern lol.

Tara could tell by Willow’s breathing that the redhead was still sleeping soundly and that even in sleep, had no intention of letting her go. Tara finally succumbed to the redhead and wiggled closer, tossing a leg over Willow’s. Since they started sleeping together, this had become Tara’s favorite part of the day. She reveled in the calm that permeated her every fiber, she loved the feeling of her lover’s warm skin against hers; she loved Willow.

I like this, it’s just a nice sweet opening.

I really love the way that they can be honest and open with each other in how they feel towards each other, how little things affect them everyday and how these things make them feel. It’s just so much better than season sux when everybody was keeping secrets.

“No,” Willow said flatly, “My Mom didn’t answer, so I left her a message to call me back. Now I’m nervous and my stomach is all acidy.”

“Ohhh, poor baby. Want me to rub your tummy and make it all better?”

“Yes please!”

The classics, always the classics

Methinks some interesting stuff is going to happen when Willow phones her mom and informs her about her leanings and Tara. Though knowing her daughter is dating a major actor maybe a little sweetener.

“I love you too, so much.” Willow whispered, suddenly overcome with emotion. She tried desperately to hold back, but a single tear escaped, gliding quietly down her cheek.

Tara leaned in and kissed the tear from Willow’s cheek, “Oh Baby, please don’t cry.”

“Sorry, I can’t help it,” she sniffed, “I just…I’ve never felt like this before and sometimes I get a little overwhelmed.”

“My sweet Willow, what did I ever do to deserve you?”

“You’re just, you Tare and I love you,” Willow said with a slight sob.
A wonderful way to end a smut scene. I always think it’s nice to show Willow as a fully rounded person. She seems to get presented as the butch in stories, even I’m doing it that in ‘Red Rosenberg’ so it’s nice to see this other side to her, this emotional side that Tara gets to see. Especially as I get the feeling that if she were given ten minutes alone with Morgan, Willow would more than likely kick her ass big time. Even though she wasn’t in this chapter.

[Cyteach]

I love this story... I really, really do

I know I haven't been the greatest feedback-er, but I wanted to pop by and say that I've finally caught up, and that I just love what you're doing with both the plot line and the character development.

These last few chapters have really given us a peek into Tara's past and to what has shaped who she is now. Your attention to detail has been spectacular, and I have to say your vision for Tara's game room and theater room was just to die for Kinda wish I had a room like that for myself!

Willow's disclosure to her coach and her complaint against Morgan was definitely the smart thing to do--and I wouldn't expect anything less from the organized Willow. I'm glad there's something on paper in case Morgan really becomes the mega c**t that she is and does something awful.

Also, this whole Kelly thing. I have to say, you have me intrigued as to what exactly is going on there. Hmmmm.. I have a few of my own theories, but I'll wait patiently for that storyline to unfold

Great stuff.... can't wait for more!

Oh, btw, HAWT scene... and a lovely interspersal of love and devotion spread in there as well.

Cy.

[Promthea128]

Sorry Real Life is being a jerk. Hopefully you can kick its ass back soon. Wondering WTF is up with Kelly, but don't really care, cause I'd rather bliss on the