Title: Islands in the Stream
Author: Xita
Email: xita@glweb.com
Rating: G
Disclaimer: Joss Whedon, WB, Fox and god knows who else owns the
characters, all you need to know is that I don't own them, I just love them.
Feedback: Please!!!
Archive: If I gave you permission, take it. Otherwise, ask.
Note: Challenge fic. Islands in the Stream sung by Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers is the song.
Tara ran her finger over the waxy surface of the candle. The aroma of all the candles was intoxicating, yet also overwhelming. Which one to pick? This usually was not a problem for the blonde witch. She used them for spells and bought them in large quantities. However, this was special. Just a few days ago, Willow had given her an extra flamey candle, and with that their relationship had really began.. They had been burning that candle day after day, night after night, whilst in each other’s arms. Through all the turmoil of the initiative, they continued giving freely, their bodies, their souls. But the candle was wearing down, maybe an inch left of it now. She had to get a new one. For some reason, the candle had become a symbol of their relationship and Tara wanted to keep it going. She planned on lighting the extra flamey candle one last time and passing the flame to a new candle.
Tara placed her hand on a red candle with little carved hearts. ‘Too obvious,’ she sighed, disappointed with herself. Willow had picked the perfect one, but then Tara thought Willow was always perfect like that. It hit her again - the knowledge, she was Willow’s girlfriend. ‘Willow’s Girlfriend,’ she whispered, it sounded so nice.
“Tara, did you say something,” Tara was startled as Giles’ familiar voice interrupted her thoughts.
“Mr. Giles, oh no. I was just... mumbling.” She hoped he couldn’t see through her lie. “Mm.. what are you doing here?” She decided to counter before he thought of asking her again.
“Oh, Willow and I were looking for some cinnabons here at the mall. I’d suddenly had a craving. I saw you in here and I came in.” Giles looked a bit embarrassed.
“Willow’s here?” Tara panicked, thinking her surprise would be ruined.
“Hmm yeah but she stayed behind at the computer store - wait, there she is.” Giles stepped closer to the door, waving Willow in.
“Ohh, Tara.” She walked in obviously surprised to see her girlfriend. They held hands, briefly embarrassed about showing too much affection in front of Giles. “What’re you doing here?” Willow looked around the candle store.
“Oh, I just. I just stepped in. Couldn’t resist the candles, you know?” Tara lied almost as well as Willow. Deciding on taking the initiative again, she said, “but I hear you were going to the cinnabon and I just got a big craving too.” Not waiting for a response, she just moved out of the candle store and across the way over to cinnabon. Giles and Willow shrugged and walked after her.
Finally, they all sat down on small white chairs to eat the sinfully delicious cinnabons. The soft music from the store’s radio permeated the atmosphere.
Baby, when I met you there was peace unknown
I set out to get you with a fine tooth comb
I was soft inside, there was somethin' going on
You do something to me that I can't explain
Hold me closer and I feel no pain
Every beat of my heart
We got somethin' goin' on
Tara couldn’t help but feel the song’s lyrics. She looked up across the table at gentle hands grasping a cup, the same hands that lightly traveled all over her body during long hot nights, soothing every stress away. It wasn’t long before the pull of the blue gaze alerted Willow. Eyes met eyes with an intensity that threatened to melt the ice cubes in Willow’s cup.
Tender love is blind
It requires a dedication
All this love we feel
Needs no conversation
We ride it together, ah-ah
Makin' love with each other, ah-ah
And across the table it was as if the images of their lovemaking were traveling back and forth between the witches. It was still so new, even a look could inflame a rush of desire through their bodies. Willow stared at sweet lips, glistening, beckoning.
Islands in the stream
That is what we are
No one in-between
How can we be wrong
Sail away with me to another world
And we rely on each other, ah-ah
From one lover to another, ah-ah
Giles caught on quickly that this was a private moment. He excused himself with the flimsiest of apologies. He wasn’t shocked, it was just all together too intimate. He slipped away unnoticed.
I can't live without you if the love was gone
Everything is nothin' if you got no one
And you did walk in tonight
Slowly loosen' sight of the real thing
But that won't happen to us and we got no doubt
Too deep in love and we got no way out
And the message is clear
This could be the year for the real thing
Willow reached for Tara’s hand and stroked the palm with her thumb. Tara felt her fears disappear. This wasn’t about a candle. This wasn’t going anywhere. This was the real thing.
No more will you cry
Baby, I will hurt you never
We start and end as one, in love forever
We can ride it together, ah-ah
Makin' love with each other, ah-ah
“Willow, I was buying a candle” Tara felt the need to air her concerns.
Instantly, Willow knew why. “To replace the extra flamey one?”
Tara sighed. “Yes, I didn’t want it to end - you know, the magic from the flame.”
“Tara, it’s not about the candle you know. It’s about us, what we have. It’s real.”
“I know that. It’s just... I don’t want to ever jinx this.” Tara covered their hands with her other hand.
Willow smiled and shook her head, “can’t happen.”
Giles turned back to the counter, giving the girls more time still. He was happy for Willow, happy he was able to help them share this moment, by letting them be. He knew too well that such things were rare and were meant to be savored, before life soured them with its endless twists and turns.