I hope you all enjoy it as i can think of many possibilites for this fic and i hope to share many of them with you. So without much further ado...Title – All You Wanted
Author – Nathan
E-mail – nathspazz@yahoo.com.au
Feedback – Well I am a feedback whore so it would be greatly appreciated
Spoilers – None, it’s AU so yeah
Rating – Between PG and R18+ ample warning will be given.
Disclaimer – Willow and Tara and any other character that appeared in the syndicated television show “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” is property of Joss and Mutant Enemy, I’m only borrowing them and am not making any money off them. All the others are mine though. Also the title for the fic is a Michelle Branch song so credit goes to her and part names will be named after various songs I like that fit nicely with the story so credit will be given there.
Summary – Set slightly in the future, 24-year-old Willow and Tara run into each other, it’s set mostly in New York so no Sunnydale or hell mouth or anything. Just good ol’ fashioned romance.
Part 1 – Sway my way (Bic Runca)
“Alex will you just stop your complaining and continue loading the van, we only have a few more boxes to pack.” One Tara Maclay smiled at her best friend as she walked over and grabbed another box of the front lawn and loaded it into the open trunk of the van.
“Tara, are you sure we’re going to fit all these boxes into the van, there’s not that much space and it’s a long drive from Cleveland to New York?” Her best friend asked, he scoped over the remaining space and the remaining boxes on the lawn and tried to mathematically work it out.
“I think if we carry the one, divide the remainder by the multiple of the subtraction, I think I have know idea what I’m talking about.” He joked and got a giggle from the blonde girl. Tara smiled up at the dark haired guy, a little taller than herself.
“I can’t believe I’m moving to New York.” Tara felt a shiver of excitement run down her spine, just at the thought. She was glad to be getting out of the suburbs of Cleveland and right into the nitty gritty of New York City.
“Yeah and I can’t believe you’re dragging me with you.” Xander sounded less than enthused but in a playful manner.
“Oh quiet you, you get free board and food until you find a job so quit your complaining.” Tara smiled once again at her friend as he tucked away another smaller package.
“You do realise that the apartment is already furnished don’t you?” Alex asked, bemused as to why Tara had so many boxes packed.
“Yeah but hello, I need to Taraise the place when I get there, I’m not living in a drab of a whole that has no life or spirit in it.” Tara smiled back, Alex just shock his head in mock disbelief, he should’ve known better than to expect anything less from his quirky friend. It’s one of the reasons he loved her and he knew being there for her in this huge part of her life was important to her and that’s why he’d do it.
Just then a four-wheel drive pulled up in the driveway and out stepped a man in a suit and tie. Tara smiled and raced over and flung her arms around the man who was slightly older than herself.
“Donnie, you made it.” Tara said with glee as she was swung around in their embrace, she’d not seen her brother very often since he went Harvard law and Tara had stayed in Cleveland when it came to attending college.
“Of course, I had to finally see you move out of mom and dad’s place, had to see it to believe it but here you are.” Donnie smiled as they slowly broke apart.
“Yep little ol’ me, heading of to the big city, and look at you all mister big shot lawyer now.” Tara playfully punched his arm.
“Yeah well my firm has me doing just trivial stuff for the time being, no one wants a twenty six year old defending them against murder.” He smiled but it showed a little disappointment in being constantly overlooked for big cases. He knew his time would come though.
“So big Junior Executive, what’d you do sleep with the boss.” He smiled down at his little sister and she blushed at the thought that he’d even think that.
“No silly, besides my boss is a woman.” Tara playfully chided her brother who continued his own playful banter.
“Oh even better.” He smiled cheekily and she slapped his shoulder rather harshly and he took cover all the while trying not to fall over from laughing.
“Will you two ever grow up?” Donnie and Tara smiled and hugged each other as they looked up at their mother. A beautiful woman with long blonde hair and sparkling blue eyes. It was easy to see that she was definitely Tara’s mom.
“Hey mom.” Donnie smiled as he walked over and pulled her into a hug.
“Hey yourself stranger, did you have a good trip over here?” She asked as she leant into the embrace.
“Yeah flight was relaxing, though they played Beethoven as the in flight movie though which kinda freaked me out.” He sounded a bit bemused; Alex looked at him funnily as he had moved in on the family moment, though he was like family since meeting Tara in freshman year at college.
“Big dog incident when we were little.” Tara clarified for him and he nodded his head in an understanding manner.
“So Susan finally gonna be rid of the two of them.” Alex stated out to Mrs. Maclay whom just smiled and nodded sadly, she was happy they were getting out on their own but she hated that it was so far away.
“Good riddance for bad rubbish.” Steve Maclay laughed as he walked up behind them and extended his hand to his son, Donnie gratefully returned with a strong grip as the two men shook hands.
“Great to see you son.” Steve smiled, he couldn’t help but smile when he looked at his children, his pride and joy, he was so proud of them.
“Yeah wouldn’t miss little sis’ big send off.” Donnie smiled as he looked down at Tara.
“Besides I had to look over this jib here, not just anyone moves in with my little sis.” Donnie said a little defensively, he hadn’t known Alex that well and had only met him a few times when he visited. Alex was a little taken back by Donnie’s words and let out a defensive “Hey!” in his defence.
“Donnie, don’t be such a dolt, besides he’s just a friend so ease up.” Tara replied, sticking up for her friend.
“Yeah don’t beat the kid up, he’s harmless, plus I think he’s kinda on the happy side if you catch my drift.” Steve whispered to his son but was clearly loud enough for everyone to hear. Tara and Susan giggled at the situation as Alex began to get a little frustrated.
“Hey, standing right here.” Alex replied, stating the obvious.
“Relax kid, we’re just playing with ya.” Steve chuckled and Donnie grinned at him.
“But you better look after my little sister in New York or else I’ll beat you to death with a shovel, a vague disclaimer is nobody’s friend.” Donnie threatened half seriously, Alex gulped nervously and slowly backed away to continue loading the van.
“That ought to hold him off for a while.” Donnie chuckled quietly once the boy was out of earshot. Tara just smiled and once again playfully slapped her brother across the arm.
… … … …
A middle-aged woman with brunette hair stuck her head out of her office and quickly scanned the nearby cubicles for the person she was after.
“Willow, in here.” She called out to a redhead who was busily working in her own private space. A much younger brunette stuck her head over the wall of the cubicle and smirked at Willow.
“Looks like someone’s in trouble.” The brunette playfully teased her co-worker.
“Oh hush you, you’re just unhappy she didn’t call the name Sam instead of Willow.” Willow smirked to her friend as she gathered her stuff in a neat pile on the desk and walking into the office she’d been called into.
“What is it Linda?” Willow asked nervously, she didn’t like being called into her boss’ office in the best of times but with the word around that some new junior executives were on their way, it usually meant some of the people who had been around longer found themselves no longer required.
“Do you have that Thompson report done yet?” Linda asked without raising her head from the paper she was studying in front of her.
“Just putting the finishing touches on it now, I should have it to you by this evening.” Willow replied nervously, she didn’t want to give her boss a reason to fire her.
“Good, I need something to keep my bosses of my back, why they’re playing kiss ass to a bunch of pups is beyond me.” Linda spat out, obviously not happy with having to get everything ready for a few junior executives that would either be gone in a year or two or gunning for her job.
“Look Willow, I need to know where I stand with these pups and I’m gonna need someone to watch my back for me. I want you to wine and dine one of them and find out what they really want to get out of this place.” Linda levelled with her and Willow liked the fact that Linda was always straightforward with her and trusted her enough to take this on.
“Of course, you know me always putting work first.” Willow chuckled nervously and Linda smiled up at the jumpy redhead whom she rather enjoyed working with.
“Great, I’ll remember this next time I’m handing out a promotion or raise.” Linda smiled and saw Willow visibly relax and even lighten up at the possibility of more money.
“So any info on the newcomer or am I just going to have to meet him… her… I mean them at the door.” Willow started confidently, then became a bumbling rabble by the end of her sentence. Linda just smiled as she watched Willow fiddle with her hands. Willow was the model employee; she always worked hard and never refused to take her work home with her. Linda knew Willow was destined for big things and mainly because she played it down the line, she knew Willow was not the type to do something behind her back to further her own career and being a cut-throat corporate world, she respected that.
“One Tara Maclay, she’s from Cleveland, she has a degree in arts and business studies. She seems a nice girl but I want you to make sure it’s not a ruse, I want details.” Linda smirked and Willow nodded affirmation.
“Oh and Willow, I’m gonna fire one of these new junior execs to let the others know who’s boss here. So don’t hold anything back in your report.” Linda added, Willow felt a little nervous now. She didn’t want to be the cause for someone being fired but suddenly brightened up after thinking it over. If the new girl were nice then she’d probably stay anyway, if she was rude or arrogant then Willow probably wouldn’t want to work with her anyways.
… … … …
Willow and Sam were walking down the street eating their lunch. Willow had a salad on the go whilst Sam was munching away at a bag of potato crisps, chicken flavoured of course.
“How can you constantly eat those and not gain weight?” Willow wondered as she nodded towards the chip packet.
“Easy, I actually get up early and go for a jog, unlike some people I know who soak every last possible second of bed time.” Sam smirked to her friend as she stuffed a few more chips into her mouth.
“Well as you can see I need my beauty sleep.” Willow giggled and flung her hair over her shoulder for effect.
“And I must say it works a treat darling.” Sam giggled back as they continued on their lunch time stroll. Without watching where she was going Willow collided into a box carrying blonde, the box spilling onto the footpath and Willow’s salad finding it’s mark on her new business suit. Willow was about to give the blonde a piece of her mind before she had the chance to take in the beauty of the blonde properly.
Willow studied the bandanna that graced the top of her head; it was covered in little flowers, which she thought was cute, before seeing the blonde pony tail poking out the back. She lowered her gaze slightly before locking onto the most amazing set of blue eyes she’d ever seen, they held their gaze for a moment before Willow quickly adverted her eyes only to find herself staring at the blonde’s breasts. “Wow nice rack.” She heard a voice inside her head before the realisation of the thought hit in and she panicked again looking down a bit further. She noticed the kitten playing with a ball of yarn just above her belly and finally relaxed.
“Oh my god, she has the exact same shirt that you do Willow, I actually didn’t believe anyone would’ve owned one but here it is, you two must be sole mates or something.” Tara turned her head from the redhead whom she’d been staring at without noticing at the sound of the brunette’s voice.
“Well see, maybe I’m not fashionably challenged after all.” Willow smirked up to her friend as she brushed her clothes of as best she could.
“Hey sorry about spilling your salad, I totally didn’t see you there, damn box got in the way.” Tara nervously stated to the redhead and relaxed a little when she received a smile.
“Hey no biggie, besides I should’ve been watching where I was walking, I’m a bit of a spaz like that sometimes.” Willow continued smiling at the blonde for some reason as she made sure no more pieces of lettuce remained stuck to her clothing.
“I hope there was nothing important in the box.” Willow added, a little cautiously.
“Only my kitty.” Tara replied very nonchalant and Willow’s mouth dropped in horror.
“Oh my god, I am so sorry, I hope it’s alright.” Willow immediately made her way to the box, only to open it to see it stuffed with blankets. She turned around to see a giggling blonde and found herself once again effected by the blonde. She knew she should be angry at being deceived like that but instead she just joined the blonde whom she didn’t even know in a little giggle fest.
“Okay sorry about that, it was mean I know.” Tara apologised though her giggling continued as the scene kept replaying in her head, the redhead was just too cute.
“Hey what’s all the commotion going on down here.” Willow turned to see a young man approach them smiling and wrapping his arms around Tara. Willow immediately felt her good mood drop at this as she continued to try and push these new found feelings to the back of her mind.
“Just a little accident here, no big problems, unless I just ruined your new expensive suit.” Tara sounded concerned as she finally thought of the salad that had been spilt onto her suit.
“It’s only salad dressing, it should come out in the wash.” Willow smiled meekly as she rubbed her hands over the stop it had spilled to make sure.
“Hey Will, we better get back to the office or Linda will have our heads.” Sam grabbed Willow’s hand and started pulling her in the direction of the office.
“See you round, it was nice meeting you.” Willow called over her shoulder, a sentiment followed by her friend. Tara just stood there waving as she watched the brunette pull the redhead out of her life. She wondered if she’d ever get to see her again and just stood there wondering off into space, she was only brought back to reality by Alex’s hand on her shoulder.
“You right there tiger?” Alex asked with a hint of concern as he watched his friend stare of after the two strangers. Tara shook it off and collected the box she’d been carrying previously and headed inside.
… … … …
“Wow, that was weird to say the least.” Sam let out once they were far enough away from the apartment block.
“Yeah, I guess it was.” Willow replied but she sounded like she was a million miles away.
“I can’t believe you didn’t get medieval on her ass, twice.” Sam said shocked, she’d totally excepted Willow to react when her salad was spilt over her new expensive suit and again when the blonde had worked her up by telling her there was a kitten in the box. Both times the redhead had remained calm and surprised even her though. Sam knew not to tempt fate though and decided a hasty exit was required.
Willow continued walking side by side with her companion but her mind fluttering away in the clouds as she went over the events in her head and tried explaining some of the things she’d felt in a rational sense. “It was a pretty overwhelming experience, it seemed intense. Besides I haven’t been with anyone since Daniel and that was what nearly five years ago, but he was a boy so as long as that’s clarified.” She tried to convince herself, but was finding it rather hard to believe the words rolling around in her head. Though the point of not being with someone for nearly five years struck her, she hadn’t really thought much about it at all. She’d been so busy with work and everything that she felt she never really felt she had time for love. Though as she remembered how much she had loved him and how much finding out that he cheated on her had hurt, maybe she thought she was protecting herself against that hurt again by not letting anyone in. Maybe her feelings for the blonde was her body telling her that maybe it was time that she opened the door a touch.
“Did you hear a word I just said?” Sam asked, the look on Willow’s face meant it was obvious that she hadn’t.
“I was just saying that I couldn’t believe that she had the shirt that you have a home, the one I always beg you not to wear in public.” Sam smiled and the redhead’s smile let her know she had her attention this time.
“See I’m not the only person who thinks it’s cute, what’s not to love about a kitten playing with a ball of yarn.” Willow smiled at the thought of her favourite shirt.
“Maybe nothing when you wear it casually around at home where no one see you with it, but I mean you wear it to clubs and such. I mean by day you’re this high powered business woman walking around in suits and by night you wear frilly clothes with pictures of bunnies and kittens, what’s with that?” Sam asked, a bit bemused by the whole situation, though it was a question she’d asked a million times and got the same response every time she asked it.
“I like them okay, they’re comfortable and I think they’re cute, I’m sorry if I don’t feel I have to make myself look beautiful to other people to feel good. I’m quite content to look beautiful to myself to be happy, and quite frankly I feel sorry for you if you can’t wear a kitten t-shirt in public.” With that Willow stuck her head in the air proudly, a smile stretching from ear to ear as she walked off. Sam just stood there, stunned and wondered to herself, “How the hell does she do that?”
… … … …
Willow walked into work, her mind fully on meeting the new junior executive today and she was nervous as hell about it. She had kept looking at her hair in the mirror this morning, making sure everything was perfect. She was out to impress this Tara Maclay even though in reality her job rested on her impressing Willow. Even though that had entered Willow’s frame of mind briefly, she’d blown it away, she figured if she was rude then the odds were that the other girl would be in response and Willow wanted to give her a fighting chance. Besides she was too nice of a girl to be rude anyway.
She had confided in Sam her task of wining and dining one of the new execs and found the brunette smirking at her from her cubicle when she walked past.
“What are you smirking about, are the new execs here?” Willow asked nervously, fidgeting with her hands.
“Uh huh, in Linda’s office as we speak.” Sam’s smirking continued, as she knew a little something that Willow didn’t. Willow hated the fact that Sam being an early riser came into work early to set up, and had now caught an early glimpse of the junior executives.
“So what’s she like, is she pretty?” Willow was a bit surprised at her last question and blinked a few times really fast as she tried to refocus. Sam sat smiling evilly up at her best friend and couldn’t control a little evil laugh to go along with it.
“I’m not telling, you’ll just have to go in and introduce yourself.” Sam watched Willow as she made her way over to the door that lead into their boss’ office.
… … … …
Tara had been awe struck by the size of the place when she had walked in this morning. She was with three other junior executives who were all starting today, as was she. The two big bosses’ who had introduced themselves as Patrick and Michelle were walking around showing them around and the woman that would be her boss, Linda was walking beside them.
Tara loved the set up of cubicles and then bigger offices that actually had doors. It was just like a t.v show or a movie that she’d watched. It made her incredibly giddy and at the same moment it felt so surreal being there, it was finally happening she thought her life was finally falling into place.
She walked along, trying as hard as she could to take in the information being given her, but the feeling of it all was distracting enough. From the small newspaper that she worked for in Cleveland to I huge Multinational Corporation based in New York was one hell of a step and the role of junior executive was a little overwhelming. She thought she might get a few uneasy glances from people who didn’t take well to newcomers, in particular ones on bigger paychecks. She smiled meekly and waved at a few of the early birds that had started work early. Most seemed nice enough but a few didn’t even bother to looking up from their coffee mugs.
Overall Tara was highly impressed by the professionalism about the place, but then she rationalised that, that was probably the reason the company was so successful in the first place. They wound there way around the area in which they would be working and found themselves in Linda’s office. Patrick and Michelle had excused themselves and had handed over the reigns to Linda who was now asserting her authority.
“Okay let me say welcome to Herringford Inc. and I hope you all enjoy long successful careers here.” Linda smiled to each of the four young go-getters in front of her and sat back down in her seat.
“I’ve assigned some of our current staff to help each of you out today and help you get settled in, Michael, I have one of my workers; Rachel to show you around. I’m sure she’ll be here shortly.” Linda smiled and looked at her watch, it was still early but was hoping her staff might be a little early today so she could off load the new recruits.
“Jason, you’ll have a young man named Barry show you around.” Linda smiled when she noticed his smile drop somewhat when he realised he wasn’t going to be shown the ropes by one of the strapping female employees he’d seen whilst walking around.
“Elizabeth, you’ll have a girl named Emily with you today.” The young brunette just nodded politely to the older lady on the opposite side of the desk.
“And as for you Tara, I have one of my finest workers showing you around today, you’ll be with a girl named Willow.” Tara’s mind spun at the mention of the name, it seemed oh so familiar and then it hit her. The girl she’d bumped into yesterday, her friend had called her Willow and Tara prayed that the girl that would be showing her around would be the quirky redhead from the day before. Right on cue Linda’s door opened and in walked the redhead; her eyes lit up in shock at the sight of the blonde.
“Ah Willow, glad to see you make it, let me introduce you, this is Tara, Tara, Willow.” Linda introduced the two girls. The politely shook hands and still Willow couldn’t shake off the feeling of shock at seeing the blonde girl who had captivated her yesterday. She figured she’d never see the blonde again and now, she’d be having dinner with her, well she hoped anyways.
TBC…
I hoped you all enjoyed the first part, i hope to have part 2 up either tomorrow or Sunday.
Cheers
Nath
Isn't it funny how you feel your most tired five minutes before you have to get up.
Edited by: xita
at: 10/13/02 8:29:13 am
Very cool start....awww they own the same kitty shirt, that's so cute 
Can't wait for more 
and i can't wait to see where this is going 
Hehe, a little too enthusiastic I know but i'm just so excited! 
I can wait 
, right? 
Aly xxxx