Well, it's that time again. RL has given me an ever so slight break and so I am celebrating by posting not one but two updates. And if you play your cards right there may be even more today. Since there are only 15 parts and they are all ready to post there won't be such a long delay in the updates. Thank you all for being so patient.
Scout: No need to apologize. I'm glad you are enjoying my story. Thank you so much for your comments, one of the things I really wanted to convey was the honesty and the beliveablity of the characters. Thank you again for reading.
So without further ado, here is part 11 and 12.
Part Eleven Willow and Tara shared a lingering kiss late the next morning. They had been washing the dishes used for their late breakfast when they had found themselves looking deep into each other’s eyes. Their bodies had taken over and their lips met, sparking the passion that lingered just below the surface. They had gotten up earlier, showered and now they were standing in the center of the large kitchen kissing, savoring their closeness. The shrill ring of the phone shattered the silence. The two broke apart and looked at each other then at the phone on the wall.
“Will, its Buffy, please pick up!” came the Slayer’s worried voice over the machine. Willow hurried over and picked up the phone.
“I’m here, Buffy, what’s wrong?” Tara watched as the worried look on Willow’s face was replaced by a horrified one. “Oh my God. We’ll be right there,” she promised nodding her head. “Okay see you soon,” she hung up the phone and turned to Tara.
“W-w-what’s wrong?” she asked her face mirroring the worry on Willow’s.
“They were attacked leaving the magic shop last night. Dawn and Anya are in the hospital. Buffy and Xander are there now.”
“Let’s go,” Tara said without hesitation. Willow gave her a grateful look before moving to her. She pulled the other woman into a quick embrace, soaking up all the comfort she could.
* * *
“Buffy!” Willow cried out rushing into the waiting room. Tara was right behind her. The worried Slayer stood up and was gratefully wrapped in a Willow hug. Xander stood behind her, waiting his turn. “What happened? How’s Dawn? And Anya?”
“Anya will be fine. She had some kind of reaction to the poison the demons shot at us,” Xander told them, his eyes haunted. “They’ll be releasing her soon.”
“And Dawn?”
“We don’t know, she lost a lot of blood,” Buffy said tonelessly.
“What happened?” Tara asked confused.
“We were attacked by these demons as we left the shop. They shot these thorn like things at Anya, which caused her to pass out. While Buffy and I were fighting them off something grabbed Dawn, stabbed her, we got shot with the thorns and they took off,” Xander imparted almost devoid of emotion. “Buffy woke up a few minutes later.”
“Oh God,” Willow exclaimed wide-eyed.
“They took her blood,” Buffy said flatly. The group stood in silence. “She told us they took her blood.”
“They t-took it?” asked Tara surprised. She shuddered at the thought.
“Yeah, we think so. Dawn said that whoever stabbed her had this jar and used it to catch the blood, she really couldn’t tell us much more than that,” Xander told them.
“Was she bitten?”
“No.”
“Why would they take her blood?” Willow asked perplexed. “It doesn’t make sense.”
“To give to a vampire that can’t bite!” spat Xander.
“What? You think Spike did this?” Tara asked incredulously.
“Why wouldn’t he?” Xander turned to look at the blonde. “He can’t bite anymore, maybe he got tired of pigs blood.”
“So he had demons keep you busy while he took blood from Dawn?” Willow asked unconvinced. She didn’t particularly like Spike but it didn’t quite sound like him. “He couldn’t hurt her, remember chip?” she tapped her head.
“Maybe he hired them to do it,” Xander defended his theory.
“But why you guys? Why not pick someone at random?” Tara questioned looking at each of the others. “I mean why pick on the ones he knows could defeat them?”
“Maybe the demons thought we were random,” Xander shrugged an angry frown marring his features.
“Xander…” Willow began.
“Ms Summers?” a white coated doctor interrupted them. The Scoobies turned.
“Yes Doctor how is she?” Buffy asked moving toward the doctor. She had a sick feeling in the pit of her stomach.
“She’s going to be fine. She’s stitched up and resting comfortably. We should be releasing her soon,” he told them writing something down in the chart he held.
“Thank you doctor, can I see her now?” Buffy asked, relief flooding through her.
“Sure, just give us a few more minutes, okay?” the replied. He looked down at another chart in his hand before looking up again. “Mr. Harris?” he questioned Xander.
“Yeah, that’s me. How’s Anya?”
“She’s fine, she’ll be out in a few minutes.”
“Thank you, thank you,” Xander shook the doctors hand vigorously. The doctor frowned and removed his hand forcibly. He gave the gathered group a small smile and left shaking his head.
“Well that’s good,” commented Tara. She moved to stand next to Willow. The redhead’s hand slipped into hers. She gave it a squeeze, before her thumb gently rubbed the back of it.
“Yeah,” Buffy said frowning. “But this is just so strange.”
“All with the strangeness that’s for sure,” agreed Willow her lips set in a firm line.
“So we should research these demons then?” Tara asked looking between the Scoobies.
“Yeah, we need to find what Spike had to pay them,” Xander said firmly.
“Xander I think that’s a little farfetched,” Willow said stopping herself as she realized she was sticking up for Spike. Before Xander could shoot back a retort Anya was wheeled in by a nurse.
“Anya!” he rushed over to her.
“They told me I had to stay in bed for a day or so,” the ex-demon grumped. “And not for orgasms,” Xander blushed and placed a kiss on Anya’s cheek.
“It’ll be okay Ahn, it’ll pass before you know it.”
“Yes, but who will open the shop for me?” she asked looking up at him.
“Don’t worry about it Anya, we’ll take care of it,” Tara piped up; ignoring the wide-eyed look that Willow shot her. The last thing Willow wanted today of all days was to be stuck in the Magic Box. She much preferred the thought of being stuck with Tara in the bedroom. Anya beamed at Tara before turning to the scowling redhead standing next to her friend.
“Willow!” cried Anya, catching sight of the red hickey on the redhead’s throat. Her eyes went to Tara; sure enough there was a matching mark on her neck. “Oh my God Tara!” the two women startled, looked at Anya. “You’ve got hickies!” Willow blushed a deep red and put her left hand up to try to hide the evidence. Tara lowered her head, her hair hiding her blush. She absently tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear. Both women jumped at the shriek from Anya. Buffy and Xander looked between the ex-demon and the witches, confused.
“What?” Tara asked nervously looking around for some threat.
“Rings! You didn’t tell us?” Anya demanded. Buffy’s eyes snapped back to her friend’s hands.
“Oh my God! You asked her?” she questioned Willow, grabbing Tara’s hand and examining the ring. Xander watched bemused as the four women oohed and aahed at the romanticism of it all. He was happy that his friend was back with her girlfriend, but he had had enough of wedding talk.
“I’m so happy for you,” Buffy said hugging them both. “Way to go Will!”
“So you just up and eloped?” asked Anya almost offended by the idea.
“Way to go Will,” Xander parroted with a smile. He wished he and Anya would just elope. Anya shot him a quelling look. “Uh, no! Will how could you deprive us of watching the goodliness that is you and Tara speaking your vows,” he quickly backpedaled. Anya smiled slightly and nodded once, satisfied at his question.
“Well, um, it was just an uh,” Willow searched for something to say. It had been an intensely private moment between her and Tara and she wasn’t sure if she would have wanted to share that.
“It was just for us Xander,” Tara piped up seeing the look on Willow’s face. It would be nice to share a moment with their friends but she too felt that the initial time was just for them. “We may do a small ceremony in the Wicca tradition later on for our friends, but this was just for us.”
“Understandably,” Anya agreed. “So you could have sex right away,” she said helpfully. She smiled when the two women blushed deeply.
“Well I for one am very happy for you, with or without a ceremony,” Buffy spoke up, her voice firm. She smiled at the two other women.
“Thanks Buffy,” Willow said softly a little smile toying with her lips. She turned to look at the woman who held her heart. “I’m pretty happy myself.”
“Me too,” agreed Tara. The look between them grew longer, more intense as the hospital faded away.
“Ahem,” Anya cleared her throat, breaking the eye contact. “Time to make money!” she reminded them before making shooing motions toward the door.
“Oh, right! Research!” Willow snapped her eyes away. Tara giggled and reached for Willow’s hand.
“I’m gonna stay here and wait for Dawn,” Buffy told them.
“You want me to stay with?” asked Willow turning to face Buffy.
“No, you guys go on. I’ll meet you at the shop later.” With goodbyes the foursome left, leaving Buffy alone with her thoughts.
* * *
“I need the witch,” Myra said flatly. Tracy lay huddled on the floor, her arms wrapped tight around her stomach. The pain was nauseating. “No more excuses, no more delays, Tracy.”
“But Myra,” Tracy ground out through clenched teeth. She cried out as Myra’s foot connected with her aching stomach.
“Tracy,” she warned, her voice angry. “I want the witch!” she repeated. Tracy barely felt the next kick, as the pain from the first had not subsided. She heard Myra’s angry voice buzzing in her ears as her sister kicked her again and again. Blackness soon surrounded her and took her from the pain.
* * *
“Anya, the doctor said you should be resting!” Xander protested following his fiancée into the Magic Box. He had only planned to drop off the two witches and take Anya home since they had left the Jeep for Buffy and Dawn. Tara and Willow followed him into the shop.
“But I have to make sure nothing else has been stolen!” the ex-demon called out over her shoulder.
“Stolen? Something was stolen?” Willow asked looking perplexed.
“Yeah, a book,” was Xander’s exasperated answer. He turned back to Anya. “Ahn, honey you can check it out later.”
“But by later I could have been robbed blind!”
“What book?” called out Willow moving deeper into the shop. Tara made her way to the research table.
“You’re not going to be robbed blind Anya,” Xander sighed. “Please let me take you home,” the two stood in the center of the store.
“Xander, I have to make sure my profit margin is not compromised,” Anya told him calmly, her eyes begging him to understand.
“Hello? What book?” repeated Willow, waving her hands. She shot an exasperated look at Tara. The blonde giggled and sat down.
“Is that all you think about Anya?” Xander demanded, fed up with her capitalistic priorities. “You’ve been injured, you need to rest!”
“But I won’t rest until I know I haven’t been robbed again,” pointed out Anya sure that he would see her side.
“Hey guys! What book!” shouted Willow. Xander’s mouth snapped shut as he and Anya glared at the interruption. “What book?” she repeated in a lower voice.
“Oh, it was the Danentric Codex,” Anya answered waving a hand dismissing it before turning back to Xander. She didn’t see Willow pale and visibly swallow.
“The Danentic Codex? Are you sure?” Willow asked intently, her eyes large she moved over to where the other two were standing. Willow grabbed Anya’s arm pulling her around to face her. Anya scowled at the redhead.
“Yes I’m sure,” Anya answered trying to get her arm out of Willow’s tight grip.
“Oh, this is not good,” the redhead muttered frowning. “Not good at all.”
“Will, what’s the matter?” Tara asked concerned, not liking Willow’s sudden pallor. She stood up and moved closer to the redhead.
“Anya, where is the Waterton Amendment?” Willow asked turning to the ex-demon.
“It’s upstairs with the other black magic texts,” Anya told her frowning.
“Xander,” Willow turned to look at him, her eyes intense. “I need it, I also need the Dasnarian Manifest and the Recton Codicil,” she told him, counting off each item on her fingers. Xander nodded and moved toward the staircase that lead to the loft.
“Willow, are you sure you s-s-should…” Tara broke off, unsure, a tight clenching in her stomach as she thought of Willow with the Dark Magick books. Willow looked bewildered for a moment.
“Oh! Oh! Oh no,” she flayed her hands wildly as she realized what Tara meant. “No baby, don’t worry. This is strictly research!” Willow quickly reassured her. “And if I get too antsy, you’ll help me won’t you?” she asked her voice small, her eyes pleading with Tara. The blonde witch breathed a sigh of relief and nodded.
“Of course,” Tara told her firmly, with a small smile. Willow’s lips moved into a sweet smile and she gently squeezed Tara’s hand.
“So, I get the books?” Xander asked, looking between the two women.
“Yeah, you get the books,” Tara answered him.
“Do you know what that book is for?” Anya questioned Willow.
“I think so,” Willow answered a small frown forming between her eyes. “I mean, it has quite a few spells in it. Spells to open portals and stuff. But there is one spell in there,” she looked between them fright very much evident in her eyes. “It’s one of the restoration spells. It could restore someone’s previous condition,” the other two women looked at her blankly. “Their dead condition,” she tried again. Willow took a deep breath. “The spell could undue the resurrection spell we did on Buffy,” she finally imparted. Tara and Anya looked at the redhead in horror.
It was silent until Xander returned with the books Willow requested.
***
Part Twelve“I’m sooo tired,” moaned Willow later that afternoon. She fell back on her bed with a groan. They had come back to the house with a stack of books, intent on continuing their research. The Scoobies had been researching the spells in the book, hoping for a clue, any clue. Buffy, after dropping Dawn off had hit some of the demon hang outs looking for any word as to who would have taken the book. The Slayer had greeted their news grimly. Willow could not tell how she felt about it and that bothered her. She was afraid that Buffy still didn’t really care that she was alive. The redhead pushed that thought from her mind.
Tara smiled at Willow indulgently from the doorway. She looked around at the familiar bedroom. Her heart ached, seeing it not as
their bedroom but as Willow’s. The redhead opened one eye and peered at the blonde in the doorway.
“What’re you doing?” she asked lifting her head with a frown.
“Uh, I’m, uh,” Tara stuttered and looked down at the floor as a flush covered her face. Willow sat up a frightened look on her face.
“Don’t you want to be here?” she asked, her voice small, afraid that Tara had changed her mind.
“No, that’s not it,” Tara said quickly, moving into the room. She took a deep breath, trying to get her scattered thoughts in order. “It’s just that, this is your room now. I guess I felt a little strange,” she admitted sheepishly.
“Baby, it’s always been our room,” Willow told her softly. She stood up and moved to the blonde.
“I guess I was just being a little silly. So much has happened,” Tara moved closer to Willow, their bodies almost touching.
“It’s all been good right?” Willow questioned with a frown.
“Oh yes,” Tara breathed. “I guess I just got a little overwhelmed. I mean we haven’t spoken about the future.”
“I did,” Willow stated firmly. “When I put that ring on your finger,” she took Tara’s left hand in hers, fingering the ring. “When I put this ring on your finger you became my future. Where you go I go,” Willow spoke resolutely.
“I love you,” Tara whispered moving into Willow’s embrace. She placed her forehead on Willow’s, closing her eyes at the sweet torture of the redhead’s touch.
“I love you too, Tara. You’ve made me so happy. I hope I can make you half as happy,” whispered Willow.
“I am happy. I’m with you,” Tara lifted her head to look at Willow. “That’s all I’ve ever wanted.” Willow smiled shyly and pulled Tara to her again, wrapping her arms around the other woman, pressing their bodies close.
“Please move back home,” Willow begged softly. “If you don’t want to live here, we can get something else, just please live with me.”
“No, I want to live here,” Tara told her. “With you, and Buffy and Dawnie. I’ve missed it all so much,” Tara’s voice was low but filled with emotion. Willow smiled and placed a soft kiss on Tara’s lips.
The kiss slowly deepened as their lips moved silkily against each other, their tongues danced for dominance. They lost themselves in the sensation. Once again time stopped as they reconnected. Passion sparked beneath the surface ready to explode as the flames of their smoldering desire were fueled by the kiss.
Willow threaded her fingers in Tara’s blonde hair pulling the woman closer, almost roughly. Tara whimpered against Willow’s mouth. Raw want and need exploded Willow’s senses. The redhead ravaged the mouth under hers, drinking deep, her lips, teeth and tongue moving over Tara’s. The other woman moaned, her hands on Willow’s back sliding down, pulling the redhead closer, grinding into her.
They parted, both panting as they tried to catch their breath. With fevered glances and rushed hands they quickly divested each other of their clothing. Willow pulled the now naked blonde toward the waiting bed. She sighed as Tara’s body pressed hers into the mattress. Willow’s skin grew hot from the touch. She felt as if her skin was on fire from the inside. Flames licked at her center as she writhed underneath the blonde witch. Willow groaned hoarsely as Tara moved, grinding against her, sending a fresh wave of longing crashing through her. The redhead pressed her hips forward, aching for more contact, needing Tara’s touch, demanding release. Tara’s hands glided over her body, touching everywhere but where she needed it the most. A ragged sob was torn from her throat as once more Tara’s fingers lightly grazed her molten center.
“Please baby,” she gasped arching her throat.
“Please what?” asked Tara, her husky voice caressing Willow’s ears, her breath hot and moist against the redhead’s fevered flesh.
“Please,” Willow begged close to tears as she thrust her hips forward, demanding Tara’s touch.
Tara grinned as Willow hissed, her fingers causing hot sparks to ignite throughout the redhead’s body. Willow began to move in earnest, her hips practically rising off the bed.
“Touch me,” Willow demanded her voice raw with want. “Please touch me!” Tara moved her hand, letting her fingers move through the slick folds that hid the treasure that she sought. Her fingers easily entered Willow, causing the redhead to sigh.
Tara created a slow pace, wanting this to last, wanting to feel Willow move beneath her. Her own breathing grew ragged as her passion threatened to explode.
“Mine,” Willow growled pulling Tara closer thrusting her hips forward. A shudder of pleasure rippled through the blonde.
“Yours,” whispered Tara in Willow’s ear, her breath hot. “Always.”
Willow clutched Tara’s shoulders, urging her on. She moved one hand, slipping it between them. Tara, realizing what Willow wanted lifted up a little to give her access. She gasped as Willow’s fingers moved over her engorged pleasure knot. They began to move in unison, each straining to give the other release. Suddenly, without warning, sensations enveloped them, surrounded them, and slammed into them. Each cried out the other’s name as they crested together.
“I don’t think I can move,” Willow said hoarsely after a moment. She held Tara close; the blonde half laying on her and half on the bed her head nestled on Willow’s shoulder. Sweat glistened on their skin and the room was filled with the delicious musky smell that was purely their own. Tara chuckled softly, causing Willow to smile.
“Well, then don’t,” she told the redhead practically.
“I won’t,” Willow said firmly. “And if you could see me you’d know that I have on my resolve face,” she giggled. Tara chuckled again and squeezed the body beneath her. Willow kissed the top of Tara’s head, her heart full of emotion.
“I love you baby,” Willow whispered softly, tears of happiness springing to her eyes.
“I love you too,” Tara replied raising her head. She looked at Willow deeply before lowering her lips once more to Willow’s.
* * *
“Hey Tracy!” Dawn greeted the brunette, later that afternoon after opening the front door. She held a hand to her side gingerly. The pain from the wound had subsided to a dull ache.
“Hey Dawn,” Tracy said, she looked away nervously. “Uh, is Willow home?” she asked shifting her weight from one foot to the other. Myra’s demands still rang in her ears. She was to seduce Willow to their cause, with her body or with force if necessary.
“Sure, she’s upstairs,” Dawn answered moving aside to let the woman in. “She’s in her room. You can go on up if you’d like.”
“Oh, okay,” the brunette nodded. She looked around trying to find out if anyone else was home. Tracy thought she heard voices coming from the kitchen but wasn’t sure. “Uh, I’m not disturbing anything am I?”
“No,” Dawn shrugged. “Tara’s cooking and I think Buffy is trying to help her,” she giggled. Tracy nodded again and looked to the stairs.
“Uh, I’ll just go and talk to Willow,” she gestured weakly. Dawn nodded and moved back to the couch and the television. Tracy took a deep breath and headed up the stairs.
“Is it ready so soon?” Willow asked happily. She was just finishing making the bed when she heard the bedroom door open. With a smile the redhead turned to face the newcomer. Her smile faltered slightly when she saw Tracy. “Hey Tracy,” she frowned. “We didn’t have a study session planned did we?” Tracy moved into the room and shut the door.
“No,” she answered looking at the redhead. Willow frowned again. Tracy looked funny, kind of dazed and wild eyed. “Willow, there’s something I have to say to you.”
“Uh, okay,” Willow agreed quickly. She interlocked her fingers in front of her, her thumb toying with the new silver band.
“I, uh, I don’t know how to say this so I’ll just come out and say it,” Tracy moved deeper into the room. Her eyes looked at everything but Willow. The redhead waited patiently.
“Willow, in the time we have spent together I’ve learned something about myself,” Tracy began. She looked at Willow before quickly adverting her eyes. “I’ve also learned what you mean to me.”
“What I mean to you?” frowned Willow confused. “I don’t understand.”
“Willow, I’m in love with you,” Tracy said in a rush, disgusted with herself. She clenched a fist at her side and lightly pounded her thigh with it. She hated that she was doing this, lying to her friend, but she had no choice. Tracy kept saying that to herself.
“In love?” Willow was shocked, she took a step back. “In love? With me? Uh, Tracy,” she paused and swallowed hard. “Uh, Tracy, I like you and all, but,” she began, shaking her head wildly.
“No, Willow, I know you feel it too,” Tracy interrupted her moving closer to her again.
“No, uh Tracy, I’m sorry if you misunderstood anything but, I, uh, I’m with Tara,” Willow told her firmly, holding up a hand to stop Tracy’s progress to her. Tracy shook her head.
“I don’t believe that,” she said. Tracy took a deep breath and decided to use the extra ammunition that Myra had provided her with. “I can offer you so much more than she can,” her voice dropped low, soft, seductive. “I can offer you magic,” she stressed the word. Willow’s head snapped back as if she had been slapped.
“I can give you Dark Magick, all that you can handle and then some,” Tracy told her. She moved closer to the wide-eyed redhead. She didn’t know how Myra knew that Willow had a problem with magic as the redhead had never discussed it with her, but she could tell by the look on Willow’s face that Myra had been right.
“I c-can’t,” Willow shook her head and stepped back again. The bed stopped her progress. “Tracy, please,” her voice shook as sweat popped out on her forehead. Her whole body began to tremble as it began to crave what Tracy was offering. Tracy smiled and stepped closer.
“Yes you can,” the brunette said softly.
* * *
“Hey Dawnie, you hungry?” Tara asked coming out of the kitchen. She smiled at the teen that sat on the couch glued to the television. Dawn’s head perked up at the mention of food.
“Yup! Oh I hope you made extra,” she said standing up. Tara looked at her questioningly. “Willow’s friend Tracy is here,” Dawn told her, moving past her going to the kitchen. The blonde frowned and looked up at the ceiling. Still frowning she made her way to the stairs.
As she walked up the stairs a sense of foreboding filled her. A feeling of dread and panic settled in her stomach. Hurrying she went to the closed door of their bedroom. Taking a deep breath she swung the door open. Her heart dropped at the sight before her. Red-hot anger quickly followed the dismay. She took a step into the room.
“Hey!” she shouted. Tracy, her hands on Willow’s cheeks turned to look at Tara as she stepped into the room. Willow looked pale and she was shaking, Tracy frowned slightly, looking a little unsure as if she didn’t know what her next move should be. “What the hell are you doing?” Tara demanded, sure that Tracy had been about to kiss her girlfriend.
“Tara,” Willow began her voice hoarse, she tried to move around Tracy but the brunette stepped in front of her.
“What does it look like we’re doing?” Tracy asked with bravado that she didn’t feel.
“No, Tara, please,” Willow said before doubling over clutching her stomach. “Not now,” she whispered to herself, fighting the craving, the ache that threatened to consume her.
“I think you better back off and get the hell out of here,” Tara said to Tracy her teeth clenched. She had never in her life wanted to hit someone more than she did at that moment. Tara’s eyes snapped angrily as they bored into Tracy’s.
“I think it’s you that needs to leave, Tara,” Tracy said raising her chin, willing herself to pull this off.
“What’s going on here?” Buffy asked coming up behind Tara having been drawn by the raised voices. Her eyes took in the scene quickly. “Willow?” she asked concern lacing her voice. Tara’s head snapped away from Tracy and her anger quickly fled at the sight of her lover crumpled on the floor, her face contorted in pain.
“Tara, oh God, Tara,” Willow cried out rocking against the pain. Tears squeezed out from beneath her closed eyelids. Tracy looked wildly between the three women. She knew that Myra’s first plan wouldn’t work. Tracy reached behind her and quickly drew the knife she had stuck into the waistband of her jeans. She reached down and pulled Willow to her feet, holding the knife to her throat.
“I didn’t want to do it this way,” she muttered. “Stay back!” she warned Buffy as the Slayer moved toward them. She held the knife tighter to Willow’s throat. The redhead whimpered in pain. Her eyes were glazed over and to Tara’s horror they shifted color until they were coal black. In the blink of an eye they returned to Willow’s normal color.
“Okay Tracy, now just take it easy,” Buffy said calmly, her hands held out in front of her. Her eyes never left Tracy’s. “What do you want?”
“I want Willow, that’s all that I want,” was the answer. “You two just back up and we will be on our way.” Tracy felt fear slice into her. She had known Myra’s plan wouldn’t work. She desperately tried to think of a way out of this situation.
“It’s never gonna happen Tracy,” Buffy told her plainly. “Now just put the knife down and let Willow go.”
“I can’t,” Tracy cried. “I can’t. You don’t understand! I need her,” Tracy’s voice cracked. Buffy watched as the woman holding a knife to her best friend grew more agitated. Buffy’s whole body was tense as she waited for her opportunity.
“Tracy, please don’t do this,” whispered Tara. Tracy whipped in her direction, positioning Willow in front of her. Willow’s hands were on her forearm, holding on. Willow whimpered again as the knife pressed closer, drawing a thin line of blood.
“Get back, please get back,” begged Tracy, she felt herself quickly loosing control. “You don’t understand. She’ll hurt Jenny.”
“Jenny?” asked Buffy confused. “Who's Jenny? Willow will hurt Jenny?”
“No! Now please step away from the door and just let us go,” Tracy pleaded, her voice shaking with fear and agitation.
“I can’t do that Tracy,” Buffy told her anger pouring off her in waves. “You aren’t leaving this house with Willow.”
“Buffy, please don’t make me do this,” Tracy replied her eyes filled with pain, but also with a firm resolve.
“Buffy,” whispered Tara, suddenly afraid for Willow. Her mind cast about trying to come up with a spell or anything to get Tracy away from Willow. Suddenly her eyes widened as a spell came to mind. Tara muttered something under breath and flicked her wrist. The knife spun out of Tracy’s hand and landed against the far wall. Tracy’s mouth hung open in surprise. Before she could react Buffy had pulled Willow from her arms and shoved her in Tara’s direction.
“Okay, now I can go Slayer on your ass,” Buffy muttered clenching her fist and raising it. Tracy screamed and fell to her knees cowering at Buffy’s feet. Buffy looked confused. “Okay,” she drawled out slowly lowering her arm.
Tara frowned over Willow’s head. She watched as Tracy huddled on the floor trying to make herself as small as possible. Something clicked as she watched Tracy cower in fear. Buffy stepped closer, grabbed the brunette’s shirt pulling her up. Buffy’s arm pulled back again.
“No Buffy, don’t!” Tara shouted stopping the blonde. Buffy turned with a frown.
“Why?” she demanded angrily. “She held a knife to Willow’s throat!”
Tara, still holding a shaking Willow moved closer, her eyes searching Tracy’s face, recognizing the fear in the other woman’s face. Her attention was pulled away from Tracy as Willow slumped to the floor crying out. As Tara watched sweat poured from Willow and she began to shiver uncontrollably.
“Buffy, take Tracy downstairs,” she ordered softly, her eyes on Willow. “Don’t hurt her, just take her downstairs.” Buffy looked at the blonde before looking back at her best friend. She recognized the signs of Willow’s withdraw.
“All right, but as soon as we get some answers I get to pummel her right?” she demanded with a frown. Tracy shrank back away from her. “Come on,” Buffy grumbled pulling Tracy along behind her. She was still grumbling as she tromped down the stairs.
“Will? Come on baby,” Tara said softly, gently as she bent down. She brushed a sweat soaked lock of hair away from Willow’s forehead. The blonde guessed that Willow was fighting her addiction. What she wondered though was what had caused the craving.
“Tara, it hurts! Please make it stop,” Willow grimaced. Her eyes were haunted and her face was pale. “I didn’t do any magic! I swear I didn’t,” she panted afraid that Tara wouldn’t believe her.
“I know baby, I know,” the blonde told her. Tara sat down, leaned against the bed and pulled Willow into her embrace. She gently rocked the woman, stroking her hair, trying to calm her down.
“Tara, I’m sorry,” Willow cried. Her horror at almost giving in warred with her horror at having Tara see her like this.
“Shh, it’s okay,” Tara said, before placing a kiss on Willow’s head. “Come with me Will,” she urged softly.
“Where are we going?” asked Willow her voice still trembling. She gasped as a cramp twisted her bowels into a knot, her fingers dug painfully into Tara’s arms.
“We’re going on a picnic, just you and me, okay baby?” Tara told her, still rocking her.
“Just you and me?”
“Yeah, we are in the clearing at our tree,” Tara kept her voice calm, even though her thoughts and feelings were running chaotically through her.
“I like our tree,” Willow’s voice was barely a whisper. Her eyes were open but vacant as if she was picturing them at their tree.
“Me too,” agreed Tara.
“What are we doing there?” Willow asked just before another cramp gripped her. Tara found herself fighting back tears.
“We are sitting on a blanket and I am feeding you grapes,” was the answer. Willow chuckled weakly.
“Grapes? Like some vestal virgin?” she looked up at Tara and the blonde grinned impishly at her.
“Not quite,” she kissed Willow’s nose.
“Are there any animals around?” Willow questioned her voice almost childlike.
“Yes, many many animals. There is a squirrel sitting over our heads on a branch and a momma and poppa rabbit with their babies are sitting across from us.”
“I like rabbits,” Willow said her breath coming in quick gasps as she tried to ride through another wave of pain and longing.
“Me too, just don’t tell Anya,” chuckled Tara, holding Willow tight. The redhead’s breath slowed as the pain eased up only to be back in a flash as another wave slammed into her.
“Won’t, promise,” she said through clenched teeth. “What else?” Willow breathed when the pain subsided again.
“Where there is a horse eating some grass, not a arm munching horse, he’s a good horse,” Tara was quick to reassure the woman in her arms.
“Good,” ground out Willow as she was racked with another cramp. Tara almost cried out in pain herself as Willow’s fingers gripped her harder.
“And on another branch of the tree are two birds serenading us. The sun is shining bright and a soft breeze is blowing,” Tara lost herself in the story she was telling hoping to get Willow’s mind off the craving. “And off in the distance there are little kids playing a game, we can hear their laughter.”
“I like it when little kids laugh,” Willow piped up, her trembling had eased somewhat and the cramps were tapering off.
“Me too. I’m feeding you grapes and you are smiling,” Tara said going back to her story.
“What are we wearing?” Willow wanted to know. Tara was at a loss.
“Uh, nothing?” she queried. Willow chuckled softly.
“We’re naked? Outside? In the daytime?” she wanted to know. Tara giggled and hugged the woman. She could tell the magic’s hold on Willow was lessening.
“Yep, naked,” she grinned.
“Okay,” Willow sighed. Tara raised her eyebrows in surprise. Her redhead was not a prude but she was still very shy about some things.
“Okay?” she questioned. “You okay with being naked outside?”
“As long as I’m with you I don’t care,” Willow told her snuggling deeper into Tara’s embrace. The blonde held her close placing another kiss on her forehead. The two fell silent.
“Thank you,” Willow said softly a few moments later. The cravings had subsided and the cramps had left. She still felt shaky but she knew she would be okay now. The worst part was over.
“You don’t need to thank me, baby, I’m here for you,” Tara told her.
“I was lost,” Willow said her voice small.
“And I found you,” was Tara’s firm response. Willow lifted her head, her eyes searching Tara’s. The love she felt for the blonde flooded her vision. “I’ll
always find you,” Tara said fiercely. Willow’s eyes filled with tears.
“I love you,” the redhead rasped. She pressed her lips against Tara’s needing to reconnect with her lover.
“I love you,” answered Tara after the kiss was broken. Willow snuggled back into her embrace.
“Will,” Tara said a few minutes later. “What was going on with Tracy?” she tried to keep the hurt and anger out of her voice, but was unable to. Willow moved out of Tara’s embrace. The blonde lowered her eyes, concealing the emotion in them.
“Magic,” Willow said as she cupped Tara’s chin and raised her face. She looked deep into Tara’s eyes. “She offered me magic,” Willow quickly told the blonde of the strange conversation she had had with Tracy before Tara had entered the room.
“She tempted you with magic?” Tara demanded angrily. Her eyes flashed blue fire.
“Yes,” Willow answered. “But I didn’t give in. Baby I didn’t give in!” her eyes pleaded with Tara.
“That’s right, you didn’t. I’m so proud of you,” Tara took the redhead in her arms and held her tight.
“I couldn’t, I don’t want to go back there. I
can’t go back there,” Willow cried clinging to Tara.
“You won’t go back, I promise you,” Tara swore vehemently. “I promise you.” The two women clung to each other, letting the love they felt surround and soothe them.
***
Edited by: Ghostwriter at: 9/11/02 1:57:52 pm
by snuggle79 » Wed Aug 28, 2002 4:58 pm 
Sooo Good! I can't wait 2 read more!! 
I know she won't know it was them, but still. They so need to get what's coming them. Well, Myra does, anyway. Tracy is doing what she has to, to keep her daughter safe. I still don't like it, though. 
Please let Dawnie be okay. I wonder what that guy did to her, before Buffy passed out??
Dawn getting kidnapped, Willow and Tara sharing a romantic moment...and what else does Myra still want? 
. Or in other words, commerce first, danger/risk of what the book could do to "innocents" second. As for the "thorn" demons, I have a good feeling Buffy will be mightily pissed when she finds Dawn missing. With this in mind, Myra is severely testing my limits 
at: 9/1/02 9:02:43 pm
Which was very good Wendy!! I'm glad Anya and Dawnie were ok!! 
, very moving part.