FF: RW Season Ep 7.6 "Past"

[MissQuirky]

Awww that was so sweet! Lovely update! Midnight will definitely have a wonderful home for herself now!



Can't wait 4 the next update!

~Ashley~

Willow: We can come by between classes. Usually I use that time to copy over my class notes with a system of different colored pens. But it's been pointed out to me that that's, you know... insane.

Tara: I said quirky.

[Grimaldi]

cool update it was nice to see them pick an older dog instead of a puppy, Midnight will make a great Scooby

Dude, we're surrounded by perverts!

[Miss1234Kitty]

Aww so cute! I'm glad they chose Midnight, but can they get a little puppy friend for her?



Gem

Tara: There's just so much to work through... and can you just be kissing me now?

[The Rose24]

What a cute dog!!!! I am glad it is getting a nice home.

Tara: My heart doesn't stutter.


Tara: Willow, I got so lost.

Willow: I found you. I will always find you.




Willow: Hi, um Tara. I was wondering maybe you want to go out some time for coffee? food? Kisses and gay love?

[KathleenWolf]

hi everyone,



whew... well I managed to get some editing done this morning so I have a little update... hope everyone enjoys... I know we've just recently written a scene everyone will see in awhile that we're sure all of you are going to love... thanks for reading... Kathleen (and Beth)





***



Madalene struggled to hold up the edge of the heavy header of wood as Xander worked quickly to hammer it into place. She knew he’d been reluctant to ask her for help but without any other choice as it was a two-person job he’d finally come upstairs. It had been a welcome momentary break for both her and Tara from the artificial world the books were creating, if only to give her a moment or too to calm herself and assimilate as she needed to what they had been shown. She could only imagine how overwhelming the whole thing had been for Tara, who was now making them sandwiches in the kitchen. The blonde’s entire demeanour was distracted to say the least not that Madalene blamed her, after all they had just literally been able to watch pieces of her past in living breathing colour.



“Xander, can I let go?” She questioned desperate to tuck the large section of hair that had fallen forward over her left eye off her face.



“Just hold it for a second more.” The carpenter requested busy with what he was doing. “I’m sorry if it’s really heavy. If you can just keep it level, the weight should be held by the fittings already in place.”



The Spellcaster nodded shifting her weight to assist her tiring arms as she held the beam in place.



“We made a real mess of this place didn’t we.” Xander commented cheerfully as he leaned further over to secure the beam more.



“Well technically I was locked in the basement.” Madalene smiled softly at him. “But yes you did.”



“Oh yeah I forgot Tara and her little wiggle fingers lock trick.” Xander paused to wiggle his fingers.



“She did but by the looks of it me throwing spells around only would have done more damage.” Madalene admitted looking out the hole in the front wall to the lawn beyond.



“Yeah, fire damage on top of all this, not a good idea.” Xander nodded thoughtfully.



“Speaking of fire, am I allowed to ask how things went with Anya last night?” She enquired softly not wanting to put too much weight behind her question.



“Oh you know it was…” Xander paused. “Strange, we talked.”



“Talking is a good thing.” Mads nodded seeing the puzzled look on his face.



“Yeah, but you know, not actually what I was expecting.” Xander chuckled shaking his head.



“Yes, and I mean this in the best way but talking might get you more of what you want then what you were expecting would have.” She smiled at him.



“Yeah, I really want to work things out.” Xander admitted the honest emotion. “Though I know I messed up and I know its gonna take time.”



“It will.” She nodded looking out at the lawn again. “But anything worth it takes time.”



“Yeah.” Xander nodded and then leaned back a little. “You can let go now.” He pointed out.



“Thank you.” Madalene lowered her arms and instantly moved to fix her hair. “Can I get you anything? A beer?” She questioned rubbing the sawdust off her hands.



“A beer sounds good to me.” Xander nodded slipping his hammer into his tool belt. “Don’t usually get that treatment on the job site.”



“Let me get us one then before you make me hold anything else up.” She grinned at him and moved back towards the kitchen. She didn’t really disturb the blonde as she worked at making their lunch, only exchanging brief smiles. Instead she went to the fridge and pulled out two tall dark bottles and turned to twist off the caps. Without really thinking about it she put one to her lips and took a few long swallows.



“How is the window?” Tara asked not looking up from her work.



“Making progress, Xander seems happy.” Madalene noted moving to put the caps in the garbage. “Do you need any help?” She questioned taking another long swallow.



“No, no.” Tara shook her head. “The worker needs you more than I.”



“I’m just a evolved clamp.” Madalene laughed lightly as she picked up both bottles and made her way back towards the living room.



“Magic beer.” Xander was sat on one of the rungs of his stepladder and held his hand out smiling.



“Well more regular beer, magical barmaid.” Madalene laughed and slipped the full bottle to him.



“I’ll take it!” Xander nodded and took quick drink. “How’s Tara doing?” He asked motioning to the kitchen with his bottle.



“Sandwiches should be with us any minute.” Madalene moved over to one of the armchairs and sat down taking a long drink.



“Great a couple of the men should be here any minute with the new window so its gonna work out fine.” Xander looked back at the framework.



“How many men? Only because we’re almost out of beer, so I could run to the corner store if needed.” Madalene offered finishing off her bottle.



“Now there’s an idea.” Xander nodded as he double-checked the tightness of a bolt.



“Tell Tara I won’t be long then.” Madalene stood up and moved to slip on her side zipper suede boots and picked up her shoulder bag.



“You could bring chips an candy too.” The carpenter grinned at her with his usual boyish charm.



“Already had it on the mental list.” Madalene grinned back at him having known the carpenter would make such a request.



“See magic.” Xander put his beer down and climbed back up his stepladder as she headed down the front walk.



“I have tuna, egg, cheese and pastrami.” Tara talked to herself more than anyone else as walked through into the lounge a few minutes later and pointed to the different sandwiches. “These here don’t have Mayo for you Madalene...” She stopped near the coffee table and finally looked up confused when she didn’t see her cousin.



“She went to the corner store for munchies.” Xander glanced back from his perch at the top of the ladder.



“Oh.” Tara’s face fell slightly. “I’m sorry was I too slow?” She apologised thinking the reason for the trip was her.



“No, beer run. You’re yummy sandwiches are right on time.” Xander grinned stepping down. “I’m starved.” He patted his stomach and grabbed a sandwich half happily. “Thanks.”



“My pleasure, you’re doing a great job.” Tara assessed with a smile as she looked at his handiwork.



“Who would have thought the guy least likely to be good at anything was a hidden woodworker?” Xander laughed sitting down to gobble his sandwich and beer.



“Oh I don’t know.” Tara smiled gently as she sat down too. “Something inside me tells me you always had potential.”



“Naw.” He blushed a little as he bowed his head for a moment. “How you doing?” He questioned looking back up slowly.



“Me? Oh I am fine.” Tara looked down as Xander looked up.



“Crazy isn’t it, all of this that’s going on. Like the world keeps getting turned upside down and right side up again.” He appraised glancing back at the window and sipping his beer.



“Yes, I imagine this is how it must feel for the little people in snowglobes.” Tara smiled gently.



“So is everything okay with you? I mean I know it must be super weird with all of everything and us. It’s okay if it’s not okay by the way.” Xander smiled back at her not sure if he was making much sense. “I mean I think we’ve all done too much of the ‘yeah I’m great’ when we’re really falling apart thing.”



“I want to be okay.” Tara admitted the desire softly.



“We all want you to be.” The carpenter nodded.



“I know.” Tara glanced at the clock. “When did it get to be so late?” She asked frowning slightly at the time.



“Don’t know.” He admitted leaning to grab another sandwich. “I’m sure everyone will be coming home laden with booty from the mall soon.” He laughed at the image. “Bet Buffy’s got another new pair of boots to ruin on patrol.”



“Her poor wardrobe.” Tara laughed at the thought too.



“Takes a real beating.” Xander nodded. “Sorta like the house.” He motioned back to the window and it made Tara chuckle again. “Though come to think of it, maybe I should have went with Mads.” He looked out at the sky. “You never know what’s lurking in Sunnydale.”



“I could go after her.” Tara offered without thinking as she sat up and moved to the edge of her seat.



“No, it’s fine.” Xander shook his head cursing himself for worrying the blonde. “I’m probably just being silly, after all she’s spell girl.”



“But she’s not used to doing that kind of spell.” Tara frowned. “Perhaps I should...” Se stood up and moved to look out of the hole into the yard.



“It’s still daylight and she’s only going to the corner store.” Xander stood up to look with her. “Don’t let my paranoia get to you.”



“No, you’re right.” Tara moved away and sat down again, only to stand up moments later. “Xander there is a large van pulling up.” She nodded to the white truck that came to a squeaky halt at the end of the driveway.



“One window to order.” Xander smiled at the crews’ punctuality and moved out to meet them.



***



Madalene vaguely realised she had not only walked quickly to the local corner store she had walked right past it and continued down the street in a slight daze. Part of her mind was trying to figure out why she felt this sudden fuzzy weight on her at all while the other part was just wallowing in it.



The thin sweater and pants she had put on for a day inside the house didn’t do much to cut the cool fall breeze as it slipped off the houses and wiped through her. Though slowly the chilled feeling had helped her body feel as displaced in the world as her mind did right now.



She had spent most of the morning watching history, watching life played out from Tara’s carefully written words and though at the time it had only left her awed by the experience, now that she was distanced from the memories it left her feeling empty. After all what journals were there carefully being held by a friend for her? What memories were left for her to discover? The resounding answer to both was none.



Stopping at a street light she cursed herself for impulsively chugging the frothy beer as she talked to Xander. It had been unusual for her and now it just left her thirsty and with a strange thick feeling on top of everything else. Her clarity was gone and for a moment a strange part of her mind just suggested that she keep walking and not turn around. She’d very successfully not been a part of this world that had abandoned her now for three years. She could slip back to that life again couldn’t she? Had she really come that far away from it anyway as she borrowed time with Tara and her friends?



Not really thinking she moved around a corner and began down another street as she walked past another corner store.



“I just need to clear my head.” She reassured herself reaching up to rub her temple.



***

"I am my beloved's and my beloved is mine."

To The Land of The Rainbow Writers

[barnabasvamp]

I must admit, I am starting to believe that Xander may be a decent and mature guy after all.(too bad ME never gave him this depth).

This is surely taking shape now, with Madeline suddenly feeling a change, but unable to figure out what it is. Great stuff.

BV

"In front of total strangers won't you kiss me, Flowers for no reason but you miss me - OOH, I wanna be in love"

Melissa Etheridge-Skin

[benet1019]

I love the character you have created in Xander. I have never been a huge fan of him on the actual show, but the way you write him - actually, the way you guys write all of the characters - there are just so many layers. It's really wonderful.



Also - the introduction of non-BTVS canon characters in fanfic has always made me a little nervous, but I have to say that I adore Mads. She is a wonderful addition to the RW universe.

[Grimaldi]

cool update

Dude, we're surrounded by perverts!
No! Well, okay. No. Pez!

[Kalita]

Ooh, big concern-vibes for Mads right now. And I'm like her when it comes to alcohol, one down and I'm NOT firing on all thrusters.



Love the puppy! Midnight the Lab, great addition.

"Numfar... Do the dance of shame."

[The Rose24]

I used to like Xander until recently, but I am glad you ladies are making him into a decent person.

Tara: My heart doesn't stutter.


Tara: Willow, I got so lost.

Willow: I found you. I will always find you.

[MissQuirky]

Great update!! I agree w/ everyone, i like how your writing Xander!



Can't wait 4 more!



~Ashley~

Willow: We can come by between classes. Usually I use that time to copy over my class notes with a system of different colored pens. But it's been pointed out to me that that's, you know... insane.

Tara: I said quirky.

[Miss1234Kitty]

At the risk of repeating everyone, I like how you've written Xander as well. Am very nervous as well about Mads, though.



Gem

[tarafan69153]

Great story i hope you keep up the great writing and yes i am in agreement with eeryone you are writing xander very well! Keep up the good work!!!

[miawillow]

Thanks for the update! It was worth the wait as always. Not that I am complaining about waiting. Take your time and feel better! Sickly Rainbowwriters are not a good thing. I hope Mads is okay. I am really beginning to like her.

Tara: Every time I... even at my worst, you always make me feel special. How do you do that?
Willow: Magic

[KathleenWolf]

hey... just jumping over with a quick update... and thank you to everyone who is so graciously giving our Xander such praise... we truely thought he was a character with potential that didn't need to be made into the disqustig self serving prat that they made him into on the show... oh and much worrying for the spellcaster... bumpy roads ahead.. thanks fro reading... kathleen and beth



***



Willow held the door open waiting patiently for Buffy to lug the large oversized bag of dog food inside. She grinned happily as Dawn held tight to Midnight’s lead, though the dark dog seemed quite happy to patiently wait to go indoors to her new home.



“This is your home Midnight.” Willow informed the dog enthusiastically holding the bag with her new water and food bowl.



“Hey there Buf, you started eating crunchy meaty bites?” Xander read off the side of the large bag that Buffy carried in



“No, no.” Willow came in after her with Dawn and Midnight. “Xander meet the newest Scooby.” She bounced up and down as did Dawn as the dog came in to sit in the doorway and looked at the carpenter.



“Will, Dawn, a dog followed you home.” Xander pointed at the large dog.



“No, silly.” The redhead laughed.



“We picked her at the pound, her name is Midnight.” She bent down and rubbed around her ears. “Say hello to Xander.” She encouraged and the dog promptly gave a short hello bark.



“I thought you were going to the mall.” Xander frowned slightly.



“We were.” Dawn filled in. “Then we decided we needed a dog. She’s so smart Xander.”



“Does it bite?” Xander asked suspiciously.



“No.” Willow shook her head looking at him. “Come here and say hi.” She encouraged him.



Slowly Xander reached out and rubbed lightly over one of Midnights ears.



“Hello dog.” He sad with a slight smile.



“Midnight.” dawn prompted.



“Where’s Tara? We have to show her.”



“She’s having a lie down.” Xander pointed up the stairs. “I think we gave her a headache putting the window in.”



“I’ll go check if she’s asleep, and show Midnight around.” Willow grinned and moved with the dog towards the stairs.



“Where’s Madalene? She has to meet her too.” Dawn happily hung up her jacket as the dog moved with Willow upstairs sniffing everything carefully as it oriented itself.



“Will, is the dog going up stairs?” Buffy came back into the lounge and saw the pair one the stairs.



“Yeah.” Willow stopped near the top and peered over the railing at her.



“Well not on the beds.” She insisted.



“What?” Dawn pouted. “I wanted her to sleep in my room.”



“Dawn we just got her from the pound, she might have germs.” Buffy pointed out. “Not that pounds are dirty or germy, just know you, she’s a dog.”



“Then we’ll give her a bath, you are such a phobic.” Dawn shook her head as she moved to the stairs.



“She has a vets appointment tomorrow, if she gets the all clear then she can have a basket on the landing.” Buffy offered.



“Meanie.” Dawn muttered looking at Willow, who turned apparently agreeing out of sight as they moved down the hall.



“Wow a dog.” Xander looked at Buffy with a raised eyebrow. “You got suckered didn’t you?”



“Do you have any idea it is to say no to willow and a real pair of puppy eyes? Well dog eyes.” Buffy shook her head.



“I’m guessing impossible.” Xander laughed. “But hey look, cheer up cause we have a brand new window.” He made a motion with his arms to the new bay.



“I noticed as I came up the drive.” Buffy nodded.



“So heap on the praise and impressed words of happiness.” Xander puffed up his chest.



“I will pay you.” She pointed out moving over to run her hand over the new wood.



“Naw, it’s covered.” He shook his head. “Friend of a friend gave me a favour.”



“Who’s the big man eh?” Buffy smiled at her friend.



“I’m the big man.” Xander puffed up more grinning. “Big man with a tool belt.”



“Okay enough.” Buffy laughed softly.



“Come on I get a minute every now and then.” Xander laughed as he bent down to finish cleaning up his tools.



“You’re great Xander.” Buffy smiled.



“Thank you.” He smiled back at her.



“Though I do feel I have to point out that I leave you in the house with two women, and I come back and neither are around.” Buffy smiled. “What have you done to them?”



“Yeah makes me wonder where the hell Madalene went to get beer.” Xander looked back at the clock. “I mean I figured she’d go to the 7-11, but I didn’t think that would take an hour an a half.”



“Did you call her on the cell phone?” Buffy felt her anxiety notch up a little.



“The witch has a cell phone?” Xander questioned puzzled.



“No Xander.” Buffy huffed slightly and crossed over to the cabinet ad picked up the redundant cell phone. “This is the cell phone, I knew you were asleep in that house meeting.”



“I was tried.” He frowned. “Hey it’s not even dark out, I mean she’s probably just taking the long way. She likes nature.”



“She’s got thirty minutes before she gets me looking for her.” Buffy pointed out.



“I’m sure if something was up she would have done the mind thing with Tara.” Xander saw the tension in Buffy’s shoulders and regretted saying anything.



“I thought that was vetoed with Tara being all tired and everything.” Buffy pointed out.



“I meant more in a something sinister going on sorta worrying the slayer way, not a hey they don’t have the right beer should I get an import?” Xander tried to explain.



“Yeah whatever, is there any food, I’m hungry.” The Slayer pointed out.



“Tara made sandwiches, she wrapped them up in the fridge for you.” Xander nodded. “She made your favourite too.”



“God its god to have her back isn’t it?” Buffy moved off towards the kitchen.



“It is.” Xander smiled broadly as he finished packing up.



***





Having bought one of more or less every type of snack she figured the carpenter could want, Madalene decided to grab a coffee, before buying the beer. After all beer was heavy and her head was still feeling less than organised. But as she sat in the busy coffee shop she was beginning to think that it hadn’t been such a good idea after all. The hum of chatter and laughter was beginning to make her headache and her ears painful.



Staring down into her dark hot drink Madalene tried desperately to clear her crowded, busy mind, focusing on the slight swirl she made in the liquid with her spoon she let her mind slip into a meditational state letting the noises of the café slip away.



As the background noise just dropped off leaving the witch surrounded with deep silence, Madalene looked up slowly, out of the four-pane window to the dark night sky at the bright full moon.



'When did it get dark?'



Closing her eyes again she took a deep breath and felt her warm exhale cause steam on the window as the strange condensation pooled back at her.



‘What are you doing?’ She questioned herself as she looked down at the almost bursting packed knapsack that was stood on the floor near her feet. ‘This is insane, you should be asleep. You shouldn’t be waiting here for her when she’s probably just joking and not going to show up and...’



Turning Madalene picked up the small metal alarm clock tilting it up to see it was just past midnight. Looking back this time she focused on the slightly overgrown yard, past the dark red barn and rows of corn stalks. She signed heavily.



“I’ve lost my mind.” She shook her head again reaching to put the clock back.



“Ye-Ha come on baby, our ticket out of here just came up.” in a swirl of dust, as the slight squeal of disagreeing breaks a small dirt bike pulled up. Its driver, dressed in blue jeans and a leather jacket had shocking red hair that stuck out from under her helmet, a dark back pack was strapped to the back of the bike.



Madalene felt her breath catch as she argued with herself at the sight in the yard.



“Are you insane?” Madalene pushed the window open without thinking and threw the bag out before she slid down the rusted awning and landed shakily on the grown. “You’re going to wake the whole house.” She saw the lights go on and cast shadows onto the dirt ground. Hastily she slipped the bag onto her shoulders.



“Yeah probably, I did a psyche test once that said I was kinda odd.” She glanced up at the house with a shrug. “And hey, I’m your Knight in shining armour, isn’t there supposed to be more swooning and more thankful kisses?” The red headed driver revved the engine on the bike.



“When Daddy gets the shotgun levelled you’ll be glad I waited.” Madalene scowled as she climbed up on the back of the bike. “Go!” She slipped her arms around the woman’s waist and hid her head into aged leather.



“You got it.” The bike was revved more and then skidded slightly as it sped out and away from the house.



The noise ringing in her ears made the spellcaster’s head snapped up, catching sight of a motor bike that sped past the café’s window.



“What the hell?” Madalene looked round to see that the coffee shop had cleared and filled with different people since she had last checked. She pressed her hand to her head and rubbed the furrows in her brow.



“I need to get out of here.” She pushed the chair back and stumbled outside.



***

"I am my beloved's and my beloved is mine."

To The Land of The Rainbow Writers

Edited by: KathleenWolf  at: 11/8/02 2:34:59 pm

[Grimaldi]

great update

Dude, we're surrounded by perverts!
No! Well, okay. No. Pez!

[barnabasvamp]

Great, and now I'm really beginning to wonder what is going on with Mads!!

BV

"In front of total strangers won't you kiss me, Flowers for no reason but you miss me - OOH, I wanna be in love"

Melissa Etheridge-Skin

[Kalita]

Is Mads starting to remember?



I'm quite intrigued...

"...you can make those two characters as dewey-eyed in love and it would never be too much."

-Chris Golden, on W/T

[darkmagicwillow]

I finally found time between my own chapters to catch up with this story. I love what you're doing with Tara's journals, how you're filling in the summer after Buffy died. The images and emotions are wonderfully vivid.

--

"Omnia mutantur, nihil interit. -- "Everything changes, but nothing is truly lost."

[The Rose24]

Ugh. This is not good.

Tara: My heart doesn't stutter.


Tara: Willow, I got so lost.

Willow: I found you. I will always find you.

Edited by: The Rose24  at: 11/9/02 7:37:55 pm

[deixs]

Is Mads getting insane?



Stef

[Grimlock72]

Seems Mads is remembering, it's a lot less organized than Tara's diaries though. She needs to go home, be around people that can help/protect her. God knows what will happen if she acts on those memories... sleepwalking witch == not good



Hopefully Tara isn't to tired to say hello to Midnight Hmm...are those diaries still in plain view in that room ??



Grimmy

"You hurt Tara," Willow said too calmly. "The last one who tried that was a god. I made her regret it." -- Unexpected Consequences by Lisa of Nine

[Miss1234Kitty]

Scared now. This can't be good.



Gem

[saule77]

I will remain positive. Everything's gonna turn out just fine...

I will remain positive. Everything's gonna turn out just fine...

I will remain positive. Everything's gonna turn out just fine...

"You are Willow Rosenberg, vixen-y lighter of the flame and keeper of my heart."

(Camp Flutie by Rane)

[MissQuirky]

Great update! Wondering what the whole deal is w/ Mads coz its freaky! Can't wait 4 more!



~Ashley~

Willow: We can come by between classes. Usually I use that time to copy over my class notes with a system of different colored pens. But it's been pointed out to me that that's, you know... insane.

Tara: I said quirky.

[Twisted Minstrel]

*Thud*




I love this series!! More please, if you please, please?




*bites nails nerously* *waiting for update*




Piper

[KathleenWolf]

hi everyone... just a quick tuesday morning update... just a small collection of scenes as everything starts to roll along...



take care Kathleen and Beth



***



Willow carefully opened the closed door to their bedroom, noticing how in the dim afternoon there were no other lights on. That fact suggested to her that the blonde must be asleep but she moved in silently to check as Dawn showed Midnight around the rest of the upstairs. Moving over to the bed she eased down leaning to silently look at the blonde.



“Tara?” She whispered ever so carefully as she enjoyed watching the woman’s content face.



“Mmmm Willow.” Tara replied from her sleep, sifting a little under the sheet.



“Just wanted you to know I was home baby.” Willow reached up and brushed light fingers over her cheek. “You keep getting nice naps, we have a surprise for when you wake up.”



The blonde’s blue eyes didn’t open as she turned over to face Willow on her side, causing a pink covered note book to slip from were it had rested on her stomach

over her hip an on to the mattress.



“Mmmmm surprise.” She mumbled.



The small book instantly made Willow’s face scrunch up as she tried to figure out where she remembered it from. It was with an almost sickly recollection that she realized what it was.



“Your diary.” She whispered almost in amazement to herself as she reached out to pick up the fallen book.



“Midnight wants to meet....” Dawn’s voice suddenly whispered as the door inched open and the teenager’s head and a black furry one peeked around. “Oh sorry, are you reading her a story, I remember how you used to do that when she was sleeping.” She apologised and moved to back out.



“No... I...” Willow felt her fingers tighten around the book.



“It’s ok.” Dawn beamed not picking up on the redhead’s vibes. “I think Midnight is hungry. I’ll take her downstairs and she can meet Tara later.” She pulled the dog lightly backwards.



Willow couldn’t find the words to protest as Dawn guided the dog back and she heard their footsteps head down the hallway. A hard tremor entered her hand as she turned the book over and carefully closed it, a glance to the bedside table her showed the other two piles of books. A thousand questions came to her mind before all of it was drowned out by the overwhelming fear.



‘How much had Tara read? Does she know what I had done to her?’ The redhead questioned silently. She had wanted to tell her, tell her in her own words not in some horrible story way.



“Mmmm Willow...” A mumble came from the sleeping blonde as her arm reached out to lie across her non-existent bed partner only to find an empty area of bedclothes. A louder almost annoyed moan followed when the arm found no one.



“I’m here baby.” Willow moved down picking up Tara’s arm and moved to lie down under it.



“You’re home sweetie.” Tara instantly snuggled closer.



“I am.” Willow answered in short sentences not trusting her voice. She breathed out as the blonde’s heated body came to rest close to hers.



“I missed you.” Tara nuzzled her head up into Willow’s back.



“I missed you too baby.” Willow let the book drop out of her hand to the bed and turned to snuggle her arm around the blonde.



“Cuddle me.” Tara inched closer.



“I love you.” Willow whispered closing her eyes, still afraid her voice would betray her as she pulled Tara as tightly to her as she could.



“I love you.” Tara confirmed almost silently as the added comfort let her drift into a deeper sleep.



***



Madalene was more than aware she didn’t really know Sunnydale. As she moved through the streets downtown but something about the slightly aged sign that spelled out ‘The Bronze’ looked welcoming. Lazily crossing the quiet street she walked up to the door where the enormous doorman glanced down at her.



“You want something?” He asked with a smirk.



“Yes I…” Madalene glanced down at herself suddenly remembering she was hardly dressed appropriately for a club, especially carrying a bag of snacks.



“She’s with me.” From behind the Spellcaster a deep voice called out to the bouncer and the hulk of a man immediately looked over her. Madalene glanced behind her to look up at the tall man in the lead of a small group of people.



“Okay go in.” He stepped out of the way and issued them all past the front door.



“Thank you.” Madalene said as she moved with them to the bar.



“It’s ok, here let me get you a drink.” The young man asked poised to add another drink to his order.



“Just an orange juice please.” Madalene accepted looking around, she could feel the thick feeling settling into her head and it was hard to remember exactly where she was.



“The barman’s dealing with it. I’m Josh by the way and these are my friends, Christian, Jay and Colly. If you feel like company later just head on over and join us.” With the offer and a bright smile Josh picked up his drink and moved off to the small table his friends had settled at.



Madalene opened her mouth to thank him again, but he’d already moved on. Moments later the bartender presented her with an orange coloured drink. The Spellcaster took it and drunk it more or less instantly only after the glass was finished did she notice the slight after taste in the orange juice.



‘Probably orange juice Sunnydale style.’ She told herself as she ordered a refill and climbed up to sit on a barstool. Maybe in here she’d find the distraction she needed to clear her head.



***



“Okay that’s it, I’m going to look for her.” Buffy pushed up off the couch and looked at Xander.



“But Buffy how can you walk away from hippos on the nature channel?” The carpenter pouted as he laughed loudly at the scenes on the TV.



“I do it like this.” Buffy walked with exaggerated movements to the hall.



“You look annoyed Buffy, Mads might be just you know loving the nature. You know how those witchy types are.” Xander pointed out.



“I do but there is only so much nature communing one Spellcaster can do.” Buffy objected with a sigh. “And that’s not my point, she could have called.”



“Okay point taken.” The carpenter backed down a little. “But when you find her chatting to a tree or something go easy on her.”



“I hear you.” Buffy grinned at him relenting a little. “Keep your eye on those hippos, they’re not as innocent as they look you know.” She winked pulling on her jacket.



“The Xan-man is on the job.” Xander waved as the door closed behind the Slayer.



***

"I am my beloved's and my beloved is mine."

To The Land of The Rainbow Writers

[deixs]

I hope that Willow is not too disappointed that Tara got to know her past from a book and not her. Please, don't let them fight!!

I want happy W/T!!!



Stef

[barnabasvamp]

Man...Waiting for Tara to wake up enough to talk about the diary stuff.

Still trying to figure out what is going on with Mads..Great update!

BV

"In front of total strangers won't you kiss me, Flowers for no reason but you miss me - OOH, I wanna be in love"

Melissa Etheridge-Skin

[MissQuirky]

Great update! Uh oh with Will finding Tara's diary, but she shouldn't be upset at least Tara's tryin to get answers!! And this Mads thing doesn't look good! Can't wait for more!



~Ashley~

Willow: We can come by between classes. Usually I use that time to copy over my class notes with a system of different colored pens. But it's been pointed out to me that that's, you know... insane.

Tara: I said quirky.