A Future Together - Part 2Willow paced nervously, back and forth, waiting for Tara to return from class. Tara's apartment was only five minutes from the campus, so she should have been home a half hour ago.
It was Tara's birthday. They decided to spend a quiet evening, at home, together. Willow had spent the day cleaning the apartment. Technically, she was still lving in the Summer's household, but for the past three months Willow had spent nearly every night at Tara's. She had finished making dinner. Now all she needed was her girl.
Willow continued to wear a hole in the rug, as she moved from the door to the window, every few seconds. She fingered the velvet pouch in her pocket, and thought about the last year of her life.
A year ago, Tara wasn't even speaking to her. She had walked out of Willow's life. Of their life, together. It was the kick in the ass that Willow needed, to finally get her act together. At first, Tara's departure had not even registered with Willow. But after her encounters with Rack and Dawn's accident, Willow knew she was in trouble. And she knew she was in even bigger trouble, when she realized Tara wasn't there to help her through this nightmare. Willow didn't know which was worse. The withdrawal pains from not using magick or the withdrawal pains of losing Tara.
She shuddered at the memory. It had taken six months to even engage Tara in a conversation, after those desperate times. And another six months to get to this moment. They were happy again. No, they were happier.
Willow was jolted from her thoughts, by the opening of the front door. 'She's here', Willow thought. And then, the butterflies hit her tummy and she suddenly felt panic-stricken.
Tara's eyes lit up when she saw Willow. A crooked smile crossed her face, as she observed Willow's gaze. It was a curious mixture of love, excitement and worry.
"Hi honey. What's up?" The blonde witch crossed the room and kissed her lover on the lips.
"Just waiting for you, baby. How's my birthday girl?" The redhead calmed down as she held Tara in her arms.
"I'm better now," Tara whispered against Willow's neck. She pulled back suddenly. "You made dinner." She smiled adoringly at Willow.
"Of course. I couldn't have my woman slaving over a hot stove on her special day." Willow grinned.
"You slaved over a hot stove?" Tara raised an eyebrow, doubtfully.
"Well okay...over a lukewarm microwave." Willow pouted, then brightened up. "But you'll love dessert."
"Is it birthday cake?"
"Now you ruined the surprise. At least you don't know what flavor it is."
"I bet its chocolate." Tara laughed.
"Tara," Willow whined. "Stop it. Just sit down and let me serve you."
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After dinner they snuggled on the couch. Willow lay with her head on Tara's lap, while Tara ran her fingers through silky red locks. Willow held her own stomach and groaned.
"Aw, what's the matter, honey?" Tara asked softly.
"My tummy hurts," Willow complained.
"I told you not to eat that second piece of cake. Here, let me rub you tummy."
Tara moved her hand under Willow's shirt. Willow's groan, soon turned into moans of pleasure, as the electricity of Tara's touch seared through her body. She enjoyed the sensation for several minutes before sitting up to face Tara.
"You okay, baby?" Tara asked concerned.
"Yes. I want to give you your birthday present."
"Okay." Tara smiled.
Willow took Tara's hands in her own and lovingly looked into her blue eyes.
"First, I want to tell you a few things."
Willow took a deep breath and started.
"When we first met, I knew there was something special about you. I felt it, when you took my hand in that laundry room. And I've felt it every moment after that. I didn't really understand my feelings for you, at first, and they scared me. Because I've never felt this way about anyone. And when I realized you felt the same way, it was like sunshine and puppy dogs and well, all those good things."
Willow's eyes started to well up.
"And then I messed up. I did all those terrible things and I hurt you so badly."
Her tears fell freely now. Tara reached a hand up and brushed them away. Her own blue eyes began to tear. Willow continued.
"I never imagined I would cause you so much pain. And I've never been so afraid of having lost someone. And I know we've worked hard, the last six months. And you, you've been so open and forgiving and trusting. And, I know it wasn't easy for you. I recognize the risk you've taken and I'm in awe of how strong you are."
Willow felt herself falling into full babble mode. She pulled herself out quickly. She brushed a fallen tear from Tara's cheek and took another deep breath.
"You know, I always use way too many words to say what I want. What I mean is, I love you, Tara. I love you with my whole heart. With my whole body and with my whole soul."
Willow pulled the velvet pouch out of her pocket and kneeled on the floor in front of Tara. Tara let out a small gasp, when she realized what Willow was about to do. Willow took the ring out and held Tara's hand. Green eyes met blue ones and Willow took the leap. A leap that felt as scary and right for Willow, as the one Buffy had taken off the tower.
"Tara, I would be honored if you would consider becoming my wife."
Tara was speechless. Her throat had gone dry, but the tears flowed openly from her eyes.
"Oh Willow." Tara cried tears of joy. "Yes. Yes, I would love to be your wife."
She pulled the redhead into a scorching kiss, that left both women breathless afterward. Willow placed the small diamond on her fiance left hand. Tara held it up to admire it.
"It's beautiful Willow. Just like you."
They kissed again for several more minutes, before Tara suggested they move their celebration into the bedroom. Willow paused on their way there.
"I just have to make one phone call."
Tara wondered who she had to call, at this moment. Willow picked up the phone and dialed The Magic Box. Buffy answered.
"She said yes," Willow said, smiling at her new fiance.
Tara could hear Buffy's 'Woo Hoo' through the phone and the rest of the Scooby gangs cheers, as Buffy relayed the message.
"We'll see you tomorrow," Willow said, before hanging up the phone.
Tara led her into the bedroom. Willow smiled knowing she had a future. A future with Tara.
TBC
Tiggrscorpio
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She's my everything!
oh god, second time fic has me all emotional. I know some people may not like the actual words but it's the thought that counts here. sigh.