NC17 AU - Computers, Conferences and Kisses

[Willowtree252]

oh Ice I love this story it is so Hot you sure know how to hold you kittens captive hehe and on the edge of our seats wanting more

[Ice]

The Love of A Good Woman

Stepping out into the bright moonlit night, Willow and Tara wrapped their arms around each other and glanced up and down the street, there was no sigh of a cab anywhere soothe turned to their left and started walking. “My place is nearer” Tara offered, hoping that Willow would try and convince her to go back to her home. “Excellent.” Willow breathed into her neck, kissing the soft flesh gently. Any doubts Tara had had about inviting Willow to her flat were lost in that moment and she stepped up the pace. The found themselves in front of Tara's building 20 minutes later and her doubts returned as Willow stared at the dull façade. Tara took a deep breath, “Its not much but it keeps the rain out.” Tara said with an apologetic smile. Leading Willow down the long and cold corridor she unlocked the door to her apartment and slid it back with a crash.

Willow stepped inside and looked around, the warehouse conversion had been done well and Tara had furnished it to match her personality. The room she’d stepped into was warm and sensual, obscure art on the walls and candles everywhere. “Drink?” Tara asked her, her face flushing deep as she saw Willow looking around. Willow nodded and Tara wandered into the small kitchen.
She crossed to the faux fireplace and found a box of matches and proceeded to light the candles on the mantelpiece. By the time Tara had returned, she had lit all the candles in the living area and was sitting on the huge white rug in the middle of the living area. Tara smiled at her lovingly, placing the glasses on the small wooden table she dropped down into the huge pillows on the floor next to Willow. The candles flickered in their eyes as Tara leant in, kissing Willow slowly. With all the frantic, stolen sex they had had, she wanted to take it slowly and explore every inch of this woman.

Willows hands slid gently up her back and came to rest on the nape of her neck as she returned the kiss, moaning softly into Tara's mouth. Manoeuvring herself, Tara laid Willow down against the pillows, her hand sliding gently under her shirt to caress the pert breasts of her lover. She pulled back to slip the tee over Willows head and kissed down her neck, taking gentle nibbles as she went. Willow arched her back as Tara removed her plain black bra and enveloped her hard nipple in her mouth. Reaching her hand out to the glass on the nearby table, Tara retrieved an ice cube and popped it into her mouth, rubbing the frozen block over the hardened nub Willow gasped and moaned loudly, bucking her hips into Tara's.
Tara took the cube from her mouth and sucked the nipple gently, her warm mouth sending shivers through Willow as she flicked and nipped the sensitive nipple between her lips.

Tara's fingers, still holding the rapidly melting ice slid between Willows breasts, a small river of water trickling down her heaving chest and forming a pool in her belly button. She wiggled and moaned, her hands grabbing at Tara's hair and pulling her up to meet her hungry lips. “Wow.” She whispered into Tara's mouth, her hands unbuttoning the pink shirt and they kissed.
Tara's own hands had found the buttons on Willows jeans and were popping them open slowly, “Just lay back and relax.” Tara purred, kissing down her neck, across her collarbone and over her perfectly sculpted torso. She slid the jeans from Willows legs and paused briefly. “Mmmm, nice tattoo.” She said, placing a small kiss on the dolphins swimming in a tribal dance before kissing her way back up her thigh to the simple black thong. Any ability Willow had to speak was lost as Tara kissed the soft skin at the very top of her thigh.

As Tara slide the wet thong from Willow, she was surprised to find her hands shaking. Taking a deep breath she stood and removed her own trousers and panties, eliciting a growl from the writhing woman before her. She dropped back to her knees and kissed Willow deeply, her own passion and fire threatening to take control and rush the event.
As Tara's hand gently caressed and slid down Willows firm stomach, the woman under her growled once again, forcing Tara to move quicker, her fingers finding Willows clit, engorged and throbbing, as she circled the swollen gland Willow pushed her hips up, trying to gain more contact. Tara pulled back from the kiss and fixed Willow with a look that made her breath shallow and rapid, increasing the wetness between her thighs. Sliding once more down Willows body, her fingers still encircling the swollen clit of her lover, she breathed heavily exhaling onto the swollen nub and drawing gasps and moans before taking it into her mouth, her tongue gently sliding over the moist and throbbing gland in a tender display of desire. “Oh god, Tara” Willow moaned, her body seemed paralyzed and heavy but somehow floating at the same time. She could already feel the orgasm building with her and was powerless to control it. As Tara slid her tongue deep into her, Willow felt every muscle in her body contract, as the pace and skill of the tongue within her grew, Willow rocketed to climax her screams filling the room and echoing in the silent corridor.

Tara rode Willows orgasm with her, gently kissing the quivering clit as Willow came down slowly. Eventually she slid herself back up to Willows lips, kissing the panting woman tenderly.
Filled with a previously unknown carnal lust, Willow flipped Tara onto her back, her climax filling her with wanton desire. She kissed and bit the pulse point under Tara's ear as her fingers pinched and stroked the hard nipples of her lover before sliding down to find Tara's own groin wet and welcoming.
As she slid two fingers deep and slowly into Tara she kissed her passionately. Tara's hips bucking and moving in unison with Willows deep thrusts she moaned deeply, into the kiss. “Willow?” she breathed quietly, Willow pulled back, looking into the pools of blue before her, “Huh?” she breathed back, “What do you need baby?” she finally asked, her voice ragged and shallow. Tara leant forward and whispered her request into the ear of her lover.
Willow grinned. “Oh hell yes!” she said, rising slowly to her feet and walking on shaking legs to the raised area designated as the ‘bedroom’.

Tara lay panting, anticipation and arousal flooding her senses and clouding her vision. As Willow returned, Tara felt her head spinning wildly. The red head kissed her softly, her own hands shaking uncontrollably as she guided the warm jelly dildo between Tara's legs.
Lightly rubbing the head over Tara's aching clit, she found the blonde greedily sucking and licking her neck, causing her to moan and tease the woman's opening with her new toy. “Please Willow.” she purred as she licked her ear lobe, “Please baby.” Willow gently slid the toy in, her motions deliberately slow so as not to hurt Tara who tilted her hips up slightly and welcomed the fullness of her lover.
Moving perfectly together Willow pushed deeper, finding little resistance to her thrusts she rubbed the swollen clit of her lover as she kissed and sucked the bountiful breasts that bounced rhythmically from her movements. Tara's short fingernails scratching gently down Willow silky smooth back, she bucked her hips, pulling the full length of the dildo deep into her as she came hard, kissing Willow deeply and biting the red heads lip as her climax shuddered and consumed her.

Seriously spent from their lovemaking, Willow and Tara lay on the warm white rug, panting heavily, their arms and legs intertwined on the fluffy cover and sweat glistening in the candle light. Tara was the first to make a movement, she hoisted herself onto her side, watching Willow through heavy lidded eyes. She kissed the soft cheek of the woman before her; “You think we’ll ever make it to the bed?” she asked sleepily as she snuggled into Willow and closed her eyes. Willow smiled turning her head to watch Tara sleep peacefully in her arms. “Maybe.” She whispered, placing a soft kiss on her forehead. “Just maybe!”

[Ice]

Vision of Love

Wrapped up in Tara's arms, Willow awoke early, the sun had just risen and outside the birds were greeting it cheerfully. Trying not to wake Tara, she slipped slowly from her arms and found a blanket to cover her angelic faced lover, placing a small kiss on her forehead as she did so.

Willow stretched and picked up Tara's pink shirt, it was too big for Tara, even with her incredible bust and so it hung loosely on Willow. The smell of Tara's perfume still faint on the shirt, Willow smiled and went in search of the bathroom. After a quick wash, she emerged back into the open room, Tara was still asleep on the giant fuzzy rug so Willow headed into her bedroom. Reaching a large pine chest of drawers, she opened the top one quietly, “Didn’t plan on a sleepover!” she said apologetically as she pulled out a pair of boxer shorts. “Not gonna ask, but they’ll do.” She said, stifling a giggle as she slipped the elasticised briefs on. “Breakfast!” she agreed with her stomach that was growling profusely.

Looking around the comfortable kitchen, Willow decided on something filling, she had only had a small salad for her dinner the night before and their activity last night had made her ravenous. She moved expertly around the kitchen, everything located in a cupboard near to where it would be needed. She rummaged around in the fridge and decided on pancakes. In the living area, Tara roused from her peaceful slumber, her arms instinctively reaching out for Willow. “Not again.” She mumbled sleepily when she found she was alone.
She sat up rubbing her eyes and was greeted with the sight of Willow, dressed in her pink shirt and the boxers she wore when it was too hot to wear anything, serving up something in the kitchen.

“You’re up.” Willow said softly as she carried a tray into Tara. Placing it down on the small coffee table she kissed Tara gently, “Breakfast?” she asked, gesturing towards the tray. As she pulled the table towards her Tara beamed, a stack of pancakes big enough to feed an army with strawberries around the sides, fresh orange juice, coffee and toast awaited her. “You didn’t have to do this.” Tara said, suddenly choked up, no one had ever made her breakfast in bed, except her mum and that had only been when she was ill. “I did,” Willow said, her own brow furrowing as she saw tears in Tara's eyes. “I’m starving!!” Tara burst out laughing and soon Willow joined her. “C’mon, eat up.” She said once their giggles had subsided. Both women tucked heartily into the food and cleared every plate.

With breakfast done, Tara got up and stretched. “I should get showered.” She told Willow as she kissed her.
“I should really get going.” Willow said, she didn’t want to leave but she too needed to shower and she thought it was pretty pointless showering at Tara's only to put on dirty clothes. “I still have hotels and the school to get back online.” She added sadly. Tara nodded, ever fibre of her being was begging with her to make the red head stay but she knew that Willow wouldn’t say she had to go if she didn’t. Wrapping her in a huge hug, Tara kissed her softly, nibbling gently on her lower lip before kissing her with a passion she had never felt with anyone else. “I’ll see you later?” she asked as Willow retrieved her jeans and slipped them on. “I’ll come by the hotel, what time do you finish?” Tara shook her head, “I got a day off for good behaviour!” she replied with a wicked grin. Willow grinned back, “So, I’ll just call you when I’m done.” She said as she headed towards the door, Tara's ill fitting shirt flowing out behind her. As she slid the huge metal door back she turned, “That’d be easier if I had your number!” she said bashfully.
Tara picked up a pen and prowled over to the waiting red head, writing the number quickly on her arm before kissing her once again. “See you later.” She said as Willow disappeared down the corridor.

Tara showered quickly, stepping into the tiled bathroom, she brushed her teeth and regarded her reflection. Large bite marks adorned her neck and breast and she frowned slightly, rubbing at her chest quizzically. “When???” she asked her reflection before shrugging. Crossing into her bedroom she dressed in oversized, paint coated dungarees over an old t-shirt and slipped out into the corridor. Down in the basement of the building she found her lock-up and opened the caged door. After a quick search, she pulled out a large easel, canvass and a huge case containing her brushes and paints. She dragged her equipment to the freight elevator and loaded it in, the ancient lift complaining loudly as it carried her and her cargo back up to her apartment.

Finally set up in the middle of the living area, Tara crossed to the stereo and thumbed through the cds. Finally settling on Sarah McLachlan, she cranked up the volume and stood with her back to the speakers, letting the music wash over her and fill her soul.
She crossed to telephone and switched on the answering machine before returning to the canvass. Picking up a brush, she opted for a colour and started painting, the image forming faster than anything she ever created. The soft curves of a lower leg appeared within half an hour, within 2 hours the entire lower half of a female was clearly visible.

Behind her the phone rang, lost in her work Tara failed to hear its shrill call and the machine jumped in. “Hey this is Tara, I’m either not here or painting. Leave a message.” Before her the slim and perfectly sculpted body had gained a well defined stomach.
“T, its Vince, pick up babe, I know you’re home!” it was clear from his tone that he hadn’t long awoken. “Tara!!” he yelled into the answering machine. “Shit T. Call me back, I wanna know all the dirty details!” he finished with a laugh and hung up the phone.

Tara continued painting, a silky smooth torso and firm yet petite breasts appeared, a creamy white hand came to rest over the stomach of the subject. Four hours after starting her newest project, the emerald eyes of her lover sparkled back at her from the canvass warming her heart and conjuring a familiar ache between her legs. The long red hair flowed gently onto a rapidly growing velvet chaise lounge, its deep green setting the hair of the woman ablaze.
Inspired by Willow, the strange couch developed texture and depth, a drape hanging from somewhere above Willows feet flowed majestically to the ground and pooled in the foreground of the picture.

After six very brief hours, Tara stepped back, taking in the entire image for he first time. Falling back on the couch she breathed deeply. “Wow!” she told the picture stunned by what she herself had just created. Most of her work was abstract; her life drawing had never been fabulous even when she had a subject in front of her. The sparkling green eyes of her lover leapt out of the picture and demanded your attention. “You are beautiful!” she whispered.

[Ice]

Unplanned Unveiling

Vince was bored. He’d called Tara over eight hours ago and she still hadn’t returned his call. A scruffy cat growled at him from the opposite side of the table, “I’m going over there!” he told the disgruntled feline who hissed at him, “”Don’t try and argue Cosmic, I’ve made up my mind.” The cat growled once again before jumping from the table and slinking off to hide. The cat had been a present from Tara, as a kitten she had been lovely but as she matured she seemed to be mad at the world and so they had decided to call her ‘Cosmic Creepers’, a decision made after a Disney film marathon and too much wine.
Vince grabbed a jacket and headed out to Tara's, his initial displeasure turning into concern as he jogged towards his best friend.

“Thank god!” Willow exclaimed as she left the office building and headed to her car. All day she had been in and out of meetings, trying to calm and reassure various parties of the reliability of their services, a task not made easy by the recent crash. As she got into her car, she fumbled in her purse for her cell phone, examining her arm, she could only make out the last 3 digits of Tara's number and cursed herself for not writing it down on something else. “Oh shit!” she exclaimed she started the car and headed off towards Tara apartment building.

Tara had moved the freshly adorned canvass to her bedroom, where Willow could watch the room while not distracting her too much. She was now stood in the kitchen, the freshly washed brushes lined up neatly on the draining board.
Crossing to the fridge she pulled out a carton of orange juice and poured herself a large glass. Her intense painting session had left her exhausted and a little dehydrated. Tucking a paint coated strand of hair back behind her ear she smiled to herself before packing her painting things back into their case.
Her smile and pride radiating in her eyes, Tara pulled back the heavy door and headed back to the basement.

At the same time, Vince was approaching the building, on the walk over he had managed to convince himself that something catastrophic had happened to his friend and that she lay bleeding and in pain in her apartment. The logic reasons for her not answering her phone hadn’t even entered his mind. Willow pulled up in front of the building and stepped out into the pink sunset. “Hey Vince!” she called as she moved a large bundle of white roses into her arms and locked the car up.
The sight of the red head somehow convinced Vince that Tara had had an accident and he smiled weakly. As Willow got closer to him, his unplanned torrent of words attacked her ears, making her flinch. “Hey, easy there!” she told him, her spare hand coming to rest on his well muscled forearm, “She’s probably asleep!” she finished, her eyes twinkling as her cheeks flushed.

Together they rode the rickety elevator to Tara's floor and wandered the cold corridor to her door. Vince knocked and shook his head, “No point knocking,” he said, “Can’t hear it anyway.” With the he pulled the heavy door back and stepped inside, followed by Willow. “Tar….” His voice trailed off as he saw the picture standing proudly on the easel a few feet in front of him. Willow stood by his side, her mouth falling open and the large bouquet falling to the floor. “Oh my god!” she whispered as her hands came to her mouth.

Vince approached the still damp canvass and studied it closely, “Wow.” He breathed, he had seen many of Tara's pieces and understood none of them or the meanings or reasons behind them. This however, he understood with absolute clarity. The passion and love that had been sunk into the image radiated from the captivating green eyes. Willow hadn’t moved, her legs threatening to give way at any moment as tears flowed freely down her cheeks. Vince turned as he heard a single sob escape her and her legs gave way leaving her in a crumpled, staring heap.

Tara wandered slowly back down the corridor, blissfully unaware of the scene in her apartment. “I know I can love you much better than this…..” she sang cheerfully as she pulled the door back and entered her home.
Before her, Vince was stood open mouthed, Willow kneeling on the floor, a large bouquet of flowers discarded carelessly at her side and her eyes obviously focused on the picture even though Tara couldn’t see her face.

Had anyone happened to walk past the open door and looked in at the trio, they could be forgiven for thinking that a higher being had pressed the pause button on their lives.
Vince made an effort to speak, his mouth moving up and down but not a single sound emerging from it. Willows shoulders were shaking slightly as Tara padded silently to the slumped figure on the ground. She knelt behind her, her arms wrapping around her centre, her head resting lightly on the shaking shoulder before her. “Willow?” she asked quietly. Never in all her life had Tara been so scared about the reaction to one of her paintings, her entire career resting on the response of the paintings subject. “What do you think?” she asked, shaking the startled red head slightly.

Willow turned to look at her, the tears that once flowed freely had stopped, although her eyes were still a little red. “You….. I….. It’s” Willow gasped, despite having a degree in the English language, she had no words left in her. Tara smiled weakly, Willows face was that of a woman in shock but she couldn’t tell if it was good shock or bad shock. “You are a genius.” She managed eventually kissing Tara hard. “You really like it?” she asked as they separated. Willow nodded, “I love it, it’s beautiful.” Vince cleared his throat making both women jump, they had forgotten he was there and the sudden noise surprised them. “Fuckin’ A Tara!” he exclaimed, “If you can’t sell that then people need looking at!!” Willow and Tara looked up at him, both wearing a similar expression of humour and confusion.
Willow managed to get to her feet and Vince went out to the kitchen to raid the fridge, returning with three beers. Tara had picked up the flowers and grinned, “These for me?” she asked incredulously. “Oh baby, I’m sorry.” Willow said, looking at the slightly bruised petals sadly, “I got them for you but I dropped them, I was so taken aback by the painting and now, look, they’re ruined and you….” Tara put her fingers to Willows lips, silencing the verbal soup that was flowing from them. “They’re perfect.” She said leaning her head in to the bouquet and inhaling their perfume. “thank you so much.” She finished as she looked up into Willow eyes before kissing her softly on the lips. “Go, sit. I’ll put these in water.”

Vince patted the corner of the couch as Willow headed over to him and she sat down heavily. “I just can’t believe she’d paint me!” Willow told him, fresh tears flooding the corners of her eyes. “Are you crazy?” he asked, “Any fool can see how much she’s in love with you!!” Once again Willow was at a loss for words, they had only been seeing each other for a week or so, it was too early for that sort of emotion. “Who am I kidding?” she asked out loud, “I love her too.” She said, a grin spreading across her face and releasing the tears held in her eyes.

Tara returned to find her lover in tears and Vince grinning like a mad man. “What?” she asked, trying to determine what the new grins and tears were in aid of. Willow stood and took Tara's hand in her own. Looking deep into the crystal blue eyes confirmed her hearts declaration. “Tara.” She said, her voice shaking a little, ‘Why is this so hard?’ Willow asked herself,
‘Tell her you love her!’ Sensible Willow screamed at her. “Tara I, well, I. The picture.” She said, ‘I. Love. You. It’s easy!’ Tara nodded, unsure what Willow was trying to say but hoping it was going to be good.
“It’s, well, no one has ever done anything like that for me before.” Willow continued, the message from her brain obviously not reaching the muscle in her mouth. “Oh god, why can’t I just say it?” she asked, not expecting a reply. “My whole life I’ve been too scared to say what I really want, built up this wall to stop people from getting in and no one ever has.” Tara's face fell as she listened to Willows rant, “I kept myself shut off and alone and then I was safe, no one could hurt me and I was protected and then you did this and its all…..” her words trailed off as Tara kissed her deeply, her hands stroking the nape of her neck and small of her back simultaneously. As she pulled back Tara looked deep into Willows eyes; “I love you Willow.” She stated simply. Willow breathed a huge sigh, “I love you too.”

[RageMore7]

everytime this story gets a new post i get all excited. it's a very fun story...

sionan

[Ice]

Two Years, Two Women.... One Plan

From:
To:

Dear Melissa,

Wow, what a couple of years. Tara moved in three days after she painted that stunning portrait. We converted my office upstairs, well not converted exactly but split. I still have my office and Tara has a huge area to paint in. She’s doing so well, I’m proud of her. It fills my heart to see her so happy. Her paintings are selling really well; she gave up the hotel after she sold her third piece.
Turns out that the picture hanging downstairs was the first and only piece she had ever sold…. Guess we were meant to be, I got the picture because of the passion it was painted with, Greg didn’t understand why I loved it the second I saw it. It’s so Tara, couldn’t be any more like her if she’d actually painted herself. I think then I may have loved it more.

The company is doing really, I have to fly out to Paris on Tuesday for a meeting with a bank, they want us to update their software. I hate having to leave Tara but she refuses to come with me, I can’t think why she wants to stay, I mean ‘free holiday’, don’t get those falling at your feet everyday! Oh well, I’m sure she has her reasons, I think she’s missing Vince. Oh, of course, you don’t know! He hooked up with Blaze at my birthday party last year, (can’t believe that’s coming up again), who’d have thought that they would have hit it off as a couple, cruising around for women we expected but this? It’s funny, I never imagined Blaze to be the one to settle down, she’d always scoffed at people in relationships, guess she was just hiding her jealousy.

Tara has a big show coming up soon, a gallery has opened up down in the building she used to live in, how’s that for weird!? Anyway, they were offering space to local artists to display their work, I thought Tara would have been thrilled but I have never seen her so crushed when I told her…. I don’t ever want to be the cause of Tara poutage again!! Turns out she had heard about the gallery and had already been to look but she said they were ripping people off and refused to let me buy her the space, I could tell she wanted it but she can be a little stubborn…. Look who’s talking, uh? I got her a space as a birthday present. The photos are so great, I hope you enjoy them. Isn’t she just the most beautiful woman in the world!?!

We are doing so well, I just can’t believe it, we even got a cat! I know, the whole stereotype thing, but we were walking past this pet store and this gorgeous little face appeared in the window. We just couldn’t resist her, she’s lovely. It took three days to come up with a name for her, Tara decided on, you’ll love this, Miss Kitty Fantastico!! It suits her, she follows Tara everywhere, although they had a falling out a few months back when Miss Kitty fell in Tara’s paints and ran around the loft leaving multi-coloured paw prints behind. I came home and found both of them covered in paint and Tara trying to coax the poor little thing down from the velvet drapes we put up around the bed.
Once she had calmed down, Tara not Miss Kitty, we filled in the broken prints and had the floors re-varnished over them, so now there’s a little trail of paw prints around the loft, down the stairs and into the bedroom. Obviously we bathed the cat too… she looked so cute, blue and red paint all over her. I’ll find the discs and send you the pictures.

I hope you are all well over there in Chicago, I promise I will fly out as soon as I can, I miss hanging out with you and Chris, how is he, still playing guitar badly?
I miss you guys so much. I will come and see you before the year is out, you can finally meet Tara then, you’re going to love her, she’s amazing and brilliant and gorgeous and, well, I should shut up now, you’ll find out when you eventually meet!!!

Love you guys!
Willow. xxxxxxxxxx

[hr]

From:
To:

Hey Tara,

Everything is great, we have our flights booked for Thursday. Willow’s back on the Friday, right? I can’t believe this is all going to happen, your show and her birthday all at the same time. She’s going to be so excited when she knows why we’re really coming over. Mom said she’d have little Chelsea for the week, so we can go out and celebrate.
Chris is over-reacting, he’s gone and got like, 30 rolls of film for the camera and a couple of new batteries for the camcorder. Men, hey?!

Willow emailed me a couple of days ago, she has no idea at all so you don’t have to worry, it’s going to be great, I promise. She’s a great woman, but hell, I don’t need to tell you that!

I’ll call you on Wednesday to confirm out flights and stuff, I hope there wont be delays again, I cant wait to finally meet you, feels like I know you already. Willow has never been happier….. yet!!

Melissa.
xxxxxxx

[hr]


From:
To:

Hey Melissa,

I’m looking forward to meeting you too. I feel really guilty about doing all this behind Willows back but I am desperate to surprise her. She has been a total tower of strength; I cannot tell you how much I love her, even now I still get excited when I know I’m about to see her. She’s the best thing in my life. I feel so sick, what if she won’t like it? What if I lose my nerve? I’m so glad you’re going to be here to help me out.

I think Chris may have the right idea, I’m going to be so scared I’ll need all the evidence possible to remember it by.
Gotta go, Willow just came home!

Love Tara. xxxx

[Ice]

Get Here and Get Gone

“Tara!!!” Willow yelled from the loft, “Have you seen my briefcase?” Tara shook her head, for someone who was usually so organised, Willow was having such a panic over this trip. “It’s by the door sweetie, where it’s been for the past two hours.” She replied as she crossed her painting area and into Willows office. “Calm down,” she continued, kissing Willow tenderly on the forehead, “the trip will be fine and you’ll be back in time to celebrate your birthday, just you and me.” In the arms of her lover, Willow relaxed. “Did I pack my black suit?” she asked, a hint of panicked urgency tinting her voice.
“No, it’s at the dry cleaners because you wanted it for the show on Saturday.” Tara said, sighing deeply. “Now stop panicking and get your butt gone!” she finished with a giggle, slapping the firm buttocks of her girlfriend.

Laughing, both women made their way to the front door, picking up jackets and cases on the way. They drove to L.A International in near silence, Willows nervousness about her trip making Tara even more nervous about her plan, although she wasn’t she why. As they parked up and unpacked the car, Tara suppressed another giggle, “You’re only going for three days!” she said as she dragged the large case from the boot and dropped in heavily on the ground. “I like to be prepared!” Willow told her, forcing a small pout.
After Willow had checked in, they sat on the uncomfortable seats and waited for the flight to be called. “I’m going to miss you so much.” Willow said quietly as she rested her head on Tara's shoulder. She placed a kiss amidst the fiery locks, “I’m going to miss you too baby.” Her hands stroking the small of Willows back.
Over the loudspeaker a cheerful woman announced Willows flight and Tara wrapped her in a bear hug, “You be good out there!” she said, tears suddenly stinging the corners of her eyes.
In the two years they had been together, they had never spent a day apart and three days suddenly felt like an eternity. Willow kissed her deeply, wiping the tears from Tara's eyes as she pulled back. “I love you.” She said softly, kissing Tara once again. “I love you more.” Tara replied as Willow turned to catch her flight. Flashing her a smile Willow said; “Not possible!” before disappearing into the crowd.

Tara returned to the house, her heart saddened slightly by her lovers absence. As she walked into the living area, Miss Kitty appeared, purring loudly and rubbing against Tara's legs, “Hey you.” She said, scooping the cat into her arms and kissing her head fondly. She walked into the kitchen and set the cat down, pouring some food into her bowl before fixing herself a drink.
The phone cut into her thoughts and Tara jumped momentarily before crossing the wall and lifting the receiver. “Hello?” she asked politely. “Hey Tara, its Melissa.” The ever cheerful tones of Willows oldest friend filled her ears. “Hey Missy, you all set?” Tara asked, a smile lighting up her face. “Yeah, our flight was changed so we’re coming in tonight.” The woman told her, “Don’t worry, we can get a hotel and meet up with you tomorrow if that’s okay?” Tara shook her head before giggling, Willow loved the way she would gesture or nod or shake her head when on the phone even though the caller couldn’t see the action. “Don’t be silly, I’ll pick you up tonight when I get Vince.” Tara replied, her tone leaving no further argument. “If you’re sure.” Melissa said, “We’re due in at 11.30” Tara noted down the flights details carefully on a pad of paper. “Ok, that’s great, I’ll see you tonight.” Tara replied. As they said their good byes and hung up, Tara became overwhelmed with a mixture of excitement and fear. “So, we’re really doing this.” She said to Miss Kitty who had finished her food and had resumed her loving of Tara's leg.

Vince and Blaze were about 20 blocks from Willows house, they had decided that Tara should get a surprise too so had opted to drive early. As the pulled up outside the perfectly manicured garden, Vince grinned, turning to his girlfriend her joked;” You think you can resist flirting with Tara this time?” she punched him in the arm, a grin curling the corners of her mouth. “You’re so not even funny.” She told him, getting out the car and making her way up the path to the front door. Vince leapt out the car and followed her, knocking loudly on the door and tapping his foot impatiently. On the other side, Tara frowned, she wasn’t expecting anyone until much later and she was meant to be picking everyone up. Pulling open the door she stared in disbelief at her best friend, before she had a chance to say anything, he swept her up into his arms swinging her around. “Hey T,” he said, “Got juicy sex details for me.” Blaze followed them in and rolled her eyes. “You’re disgusting Vince!” she said, pushing the door closed behind her. When Vince finally let Tara go she was laughing so hard she had tears rolling down her face. “What are you doing here already?” she asked through her laughter as she hugged Blaze. Vince adopted a look of hurt, “We can go away if you don’t want to see us!” he said, a smile teasing his lips. Tara punched him in the arm and shook her head. “Don’t be silly.” She told him as sternly as was possible at the time. “Now sit yourselves down and I’ll fix you something to eat.” Vince beamed at her as he and Blaze sat themselves down on the couch.

“Hey Missy?” Chris called from the car, “Are you coming or what?” Melissa had told him that she would be out in five minutes, that was half an hour ago and still there was no sign of her. “I’m going without you in a minute.” From the child seat in the back of the car, their 4 year old daughter giggled, “Mummy always makes us late!” she said. For her age she was incredibly smart, she was already reading books for 6year olds and was far too insightful for Chris’ liking. He turned in the seat and smiled at his daughter. “Yes she does!” he replied, unable to hide the joy in his voice. “I’m hardly going to miss this!” Melissa told him as she dropped into the passenger seat. “We have plenty of time!” she finished, turning in her seat to make sure that Chelsea was strapped into her seat properly. “We had plenty of time a half hour ago!” Chris told her, starting the car and reversing out of the drive towards the home of his in laws.

“So, have you got everything?” Blaze was asking Tara. Vince had returned to the kitchen n search of more food, leaving the ladies to discuss the events of the coming days. Tara checked the items off in her head before nodding, “All except one!” she told her nervously. “The big one I assume?” Blaze knew that Tara always felt nervous making big decisions and this was the biggest one yet. Tara just nodded, “It has to be as perfect as Willow” she told her. The look on Blaze’s faces confirming that that was going to be an impossible task.

[Ice]

Surprise

Willow sat at the airport, a large and rather unpleasant man had followed her from the cab, through duty free and all the way to the gate. He was removed for the building when he had tried to grope a young tourist.
It seemed like she had been away from Tara for months, despite speaking to her everyday and sending countless emails, Willow had missed her terribly.
As her flight was called, Willow collected her hand luggage and headed for the gate, thankful to finally be going home.

Chaos reigned at Willows home, Vince was having a drama because he had split his best trousers, Blaze had offered to sew them up for him and had accidently sewn one of the legs up. Melissa was trying to scrub red wine from the large rug in Willows office. Tara had been in there trying to find the disc with the pictures of a paint coated Miss Kitty on, she had tripped over the cat and spilt the wine the previous evening. Chris had learnt that he was allergic to cats and had spent the past few days sneezing, scratching and wheezing.
In the midst of the chaos, Tara appeared to be the perfect picture of calm. The dramas everyone else seemed to be suffering kept her focused and gave her something else to think about.

She had thoroughly enjoyed meeting Melissa who had told her all the embarrassing stories of Willow in college, her wedding, and an event involving the two friends, a duct tape and a long boat. Melissa had laughed so hard that she couldn’t give Tara any details, instead telling her to ask Willow to explain the story. “What time is Willows flight due in?” Vince called, breaking the calm that Tara had been trying to maintain, the mention of her lovers name made her heart race at the best of time but today it was worse. She looked up at the clock before answering, “About f-five hours.” She said as she began pacing slowly, the nervousness building in her stomach and making her queasy.
“It’ll be fine!” Vince said, hugging Tara affectionately. She rested her head on his chest, “I know.” She said trying to convince herself of this.

Willows plane landed and she danced off the aircraft and down the gangway. She felt like a love sick teen, her hands were sweating, her heart racing and her stomach turning somersaults. As she emerged into ‘arrivals’ her eyes scanned the crowd for her beloved. She saw Tara almost immediately and rushed through the crowd. “Hey beautiful!” she said, dropping her luggage and wrapping Tara in a powerful hug before kissing her deeply. “I m-missed you so much baby.” Tara said, cursing herself silently for allowing her stutter to make a reappearance. Thankfully, Willow didn’t notice but kissed her again.

As they drove back to the house, Tara listened as Willow told her about all the galleries she’d managed to see and, briefly, how her meetings had gone.
Tara couldn’t help but grin as she stopped the car in front of the house, she knew Willow would just burst with excitement at seeing her old friend again and she too was excited. “Why with the grinnage?” Willow asked once they’d got out of the car. Tara just shook her head and guided the red head up the path. As they walked onto the house, Miss Kitty was the first to greet them, meowing loudly and rubbing against Willows legs. She picked up the kitten and scratched her head fondly, “I missed you too!” she said lovingly as the cat batted at her hair.

Vince, Chris and Blaze were hiding up in the loft, sneaking peaks down when they could and burying their heads in the huge floor cushions to cover their giggles. Tara took Willows case into the bedroom, making a mental note to sort out the laundry on Monday. “Missy?” she whispered, Missy’s head appearing from behind one of the huge drapes hanging at the window. “She’s on the hunt for food!” Tara said, a grin spreading across her face as Melissa shook her head.
Together, they wandered back into the living area, getting the thumbs up from the spies in the sky they went into the kitchen. Tara popped her head around the door of the kitchen, the only Willow part visible was her rear as she rooted around the huge fridge. Tara waved Melissa in who waved the others down before venturing in. With the gang crowded into the doorway, Melissa wrapped her arms around Willows waist. “Mmmm!” Willow purred, straightening up into the embrace. “Wanna go to bed?” Everyone bit their lips, trying not to burst out laughing. “I don’t think Tara would be impressed!” Melissa said with a laugh. Willow spun round, her face a deep crimson. “Oh my god!!” she squealed almost knocking her best friend off her feet as she scooped her into a hug.
“What are you doing here? How did you? When? Why?” Willow had so many questions but none of them would form properly. Melissa grinned, aside from the friendship and support that Willow offered, she missed this. The inane and insane babblings that emerged from Willow when she was overly excited. “Well,” she began, “It’s not every day that my best friend turns 30 and with Tara's show it seemed like a great time to visit.” Willow hugged her again, squeezing the oxygen from her friend’s lungs in her excitement.

As Willow pulled away, she noticed Vince, Chris and Blaze in the doorway and her shrieking started again as she barrelled into the group.
When Willow had finally calmed down enough to speak she ran to Tara, “This is the best birthday present ever!!” she beamed. Behind her, the others smiled conspiritally as the lovers kissed tenderly, evoking ‘oooooh’s’ and ‘aaahhhhhs’ from the bystanders.

[Ice]

Disclaimery thingy-whatsit: This isn't my song, I dont own it, Im just borrowing it coz, well I really like it and thought it might be a nice beginning to their evening.

[hr]


It's Showtime

Willow, Vince, Blaze, Chris and Melissa were all dressed smartly for Tara's big show. They had spent the day trying to calm her down and help her pick an outfit for the evening. Willow had expected her to be nervous but Tara was a wreck, she had changed clothes four different times and, just as they were about to head out, she had decided to change again.
“I’ll go and get her.” Melissa said as the others sat back on the couches. Willow frowned, she had offered Tara help in deciding on clothes and Tara had almost pushed her away. Something was definitely going on, all day everyone had been grinning and winking at each other for no real reason. Willow had thought maybe they had planned a surprise which she had discovered when her favourite restaurant had called to confirm the booking for later that evening.

Melissa stuck her head around the door of the walk in closet, “You okay Tara?” she asked. Tara had change back into the first outfit she’d had on, a long black dress, that almost reached the ground, the back open and strappy. “Oh god, what if she says ‘no’?” Tara said as Melissa approached her. Melissa just shook her head, “She won’t.” she stated simply, “And if she does, then hell, I’ll marry you!” she finished with a grin. “You look stunning!”
Tara returned the grin, she’d never been so nervous in her entire life but the certainty that radiated from Melissa was contagious. “Best w-we go then.” She said with a weak smile. Melissa hugged her suddenly surprising the blonde who hugged back.

As they stepped into the living area, Tara received wolf whistles and cheers from the others. “You look absolutely amazing baby!” Willow said breathlessly as she wrapped her arm around Tara's waist and kissed her softly. Tara smiled, interlacing her fingers with Willows as they headed out of the door and towards the gallery.

The turn out was good, the gallery had provided free advertising and a lot of Willow and Tara's friends had turned out, bringing with them family and their own friends. The wine flowed freely and by the end of the show, Tara had sold 9 of the 20 pictures on display. Willow seemed more overjoyed than Tara, her eyes glistening with tears at every sale. As the last buyers and guests were trailing out into the night, Melissa wandered in through the open door and nodded at Tara. “Willow, we have a surprise for you.” She told her, putting her hands up to cover her girlfriends eyes and guiding her towards the door. As they emerged into the warm evening Tara dropped her hands, before the group was a beautiful white stretch limousine, a chauffer in full uniform stood by the door, opening it as Willow took in the sight before her. “Oh baby!!” Willow gasped turning towards Tara, “You can’t afford this, you shouldn’t, I mean, it’s lovely but you can’t I don’t…..” her words left her for the second time in as many days. “Happy Birthday!” Tara said, kissing the stunned red head softly and pushing her towards the waiting car.

As they climbed in the back, Vince popped open a bottle of champagne, pouring a glass for everyone. “Happy birthday Will!” he said raising his glass. The others followed his lead, in unison cheering “Happy Birthday!!”
The journey to the restaurant took less time than they had thought. The chauffer gliding the long vehicle to a stop before opening the back door for the group. As they approached the doors, Melissa caught Tara's arm, “You ready, remembered everything?” she asked. Tara nodded, not wanting to speak in case Willow heard.
A young man opened the door for them, “Welcome to Jasmines!” he said with a smile as they filtered into the comfortable lobby, “Maclay party?” he asked, already knowing the answer. Tara nodded, “If you’d like to follow me to the V.I.P area. My name is Edward, I will be your waiter this evening. If there is anything at all that you need, you only need to ask.” He lead the group into a private area, the colours warm and inviting and the whole area cut off from the other patrons, giving them complete privacy. He pulled out the chair for Willow, then Tara, Vince and Chris doing the same for their partners. “V.I.P area, Tara you are amazing! She whispered, kissing her tenderly on the lips. They ordered quickly from both the food and wine menus and the conversation covered everything from the success of the show, to Paris and Chris and Melissa’s daughter. As their food arrived, it was met with many approving coos from the diners and they ate in relative silence.

After the dessert cart had been around and everyone had eaten their fill, all eyes turned to Tara, the anticipation clear in each pair. She inhaled deeply and rose to her feet. “I’d like to take a moment to wish my beautiful girlfriend a very happy birthday and to thank her for making the past two years the happiest of my life.” Everyone applauded as Edward appeared with a large cart, this one filled with gifts and topped with a beautiful chocolate cake, candles flickering on its peak. Willow blushed deeply, tears filling her eyes as her friends sang a rendition of ‘happy birthday’. “Make a wish!” Vince yelled as she leant in to blow out the candles.
Sitting back heavily in her seat, Tara began handing out the presents to her girlfriend, announcing the gifts giver as she did so. With the gifts unwrapped, Chris and Vince demanded a speech. Willow stood, clearly shaking and tears of happiness leaking from her sparkling emerald eyes.

“Erm, well, I, I’m stunned.” She said, her voice shaking as much as her hands were. “I don’t know what to say. Thank you guys all so much for coming down to spend this day with me and Tara. It means so very much to have you all here.” Willow turned to Tara whose eyes were also glistening with tears, “Baby,” she began, taking Tara's hands in her own. “I never thought I’d feel this way about anyone, you have made the past two years the most exciting, fun and love filled of my entire life.” The tears escaped Tara's eyes and she smiled lovingly at the woman before her. “Thank you so much, this is more than I could ever have expected and much more than I deserve. I love you so very, very much!” As she swept Tara to her feet to kiss her lover, the others cheered and clapped causing both women to blush deeply.

As their celebration calmed a little, Tara excused herself to the bathroom and ducked out of the room, leaving the others to keep Willow talking. Behind her, a small stage had lit up, a band with a few member of the local high school orchestra sat neatly in matching uniforms. A tall woman whose voice Willow had admired while at a local jazz bar stepped onto the raised platform and tapped the microphone, getting the attention of the diners. Willow turned in her seat as the woman did so.
“I’d like to dedicate this song to Willow, on behalf of Tara. She wishes you a very happy birthday. This is from her.”
Willow sat in a stunned silence, so surprised was she that she hadn’t noticed Tara had failed to reappear for this moment. The woman began singing and instantly the tears fell from Willows eyes, she had loved this song from the minute she’d first heard it and had mentioned it in passing almost two years ago, she couldn’t believe that Tara had remembered.

I’d gladly walk across the desert
With no shoes upon my feet
To share with you the last bite
Of bread I had to eat
I would swim out to save you
In your sea of broken dreams
When all your hopes are sinkin’
Let me show you what love means

Love can build a bridge
Between your heart and mine
Love can build a bridge
Don’t you think it’s time?
Don’t you think it’s time?

I would whisper love so loudly
Every heart could understand
That love and only love
Can join the tribes of man
I would give my heart’s desire
So that you might see
The first step is to realize
That it all begins with you and me

Love can build a bridge
Between your heart and mine
Love can build a bridge
Don’t you think it’s time?
Don’t you think it’s time?

When we stand together
It’s our finest hour
We can do anything, anything
Keep believin’ in the power

Love can build a bridge
Between your heart and mine
Love can build a bridge
Don’t you think it’s time?
Don’t you think it’s time?

Love and only love
Love and only love.

[hr]

[Ice]

She

As the song drew to its conclusion, everyone stood to applaud, the tears smearing Willows make up and leaving her gasping for breath. She turned to thank Tara but the woman was no where in sight. “Where’s Tara, she missed it?” Willow exclaimed, fresh tears getting stuck in her throat. The others reassured her and managed to get her back in her seat as the woman on stage cleared her throat to speak.
“Willow.” She said, causing the red head to turn. “I’d like to wish you a very happy birthday.” Willow smiled and nodded politely, her eyes darting around for the woman she loved. “If you’d like to remain seated, we have one final surprise for you.” She said before disappearing off the stage.
The lights in the room dimmed, a single spotlight beating down onto the newly vacated platform.
The orchestra began a song that Willow identified immediately and her shaking hands covered her mouth as Tara appeared in place of the original singer.
Vince, Melissa, Chris, and Blaze grinned their support and silently wished her well as she began to sing, staring deep into Willows eyes, Tara began, the words coming directly from her full heart.

She
May be the face I can't forget
A trace of pleasure or regret
May be my treasure or the price I have to pay
She may be the song that summer sings
May be the chill that autumn brings
May be a hundred different things
Within the measure of a day.

She
May be the beauty or the beast
May be the famine or the feast
May turn each day into a heaven or a hell
She may be the mirror of my dreams
A smile reflected in a stream
She may not be what she may seem
Inside her shell

She
Who always seems so happy in a crowd
Whose eyes can be so private and so proud
No one's allowed to see them when they cry
She may be the love that cannot hope to last
May come to me from shadows of the past
That I'll remember till the day I die

She
May be the reason I survive
The why and wherefore I'm alive
The one I'll care for through the rough and ready years
Me I'll take her laughter and her tears
And make them all my souvenirs
For where she goes I've got to be
The meaning of my life is

She, she, she

As the song drew to a close, tears sprung from everyone’s eyes, the passion and love that radiated from Tara as she sang moved everyone more than they could’ve thought possible. Willow was totally dumbfounded, her heart beat so hard and fast she thought she was going to have a heart attack. Tara had moved towards her slowly throughout the song and had come to a stop in front of Willow. Everyone inhaled simultaneously and held their collective breath.

“Willow,” Tara began, her voice shaking clearly as tears seeped from her eyes. “I never thought I would find something so special in my life, never believed I was worthy of the love you show to me every day and in so many ways.” Her voice cracked a little and she had to take many deep and slow breaths before she could continue. “Before I met you, I thought true love and soul mates were the things of fairy tales, but you have shown me that they are real. You make me feel safe and warm and loved, when I’m with you I’m home, only to no home I’ve ever known…. Until you!” The tears fell freely from the eyes of everyone, Tara’s voice shaking so much she could barely form the words.

With a collective gasp from their friends, Tara dropped to her knees. “I love you, I have always loved you. And if you give me the chance I will spend the rest of my life trying to make you has happy as you make me. Willow Rosenberg, will you make me the happiest woman on earth. Will you marry me?” she asked, presenting Willow with an onyx and emerald filled white gold claddagh ring.

A silence filled with anticipation hung in the air as they waited on Willows response. Time seemed frozen as all eyes fixed on the red head who was still sat, open mouthed with tears streaming down her face. She gasped a couple of times, took a huge mouthful of water and turned back to Tara.
“Nothing would give me greater pleasure!” she replied in a barely audible whisper. To the cheers and ‘whoops’ of their friends, the women melted into each other, kissing deeply, passionately and savouring the first moment of the rest of their lives together.



THE END!


There ya go, I hope you enjoyed it and if you did, let me know and I might even consider posting the sequel to this.....

[JustSkipIt]

Hey there,
This was a really cute an loving/romantic story. I liked the first few chapters enough that I went and read it entire over on Looking Glass because I didn't want to wait. I love the way it seemed like they were just into the sexy hotness of each other but they grew to really love each other. I also really loved that Willow owned a piece of Tara's art already. Very well done.

[Ice]

Hey there,

Thanks a lot. I had no idea where it was going to end up so I was just as surprised as everyone else at how it all turned out. I really should learn how to make a plan! lol

Must say at this point.... I love Please!!! Amazing story, my gf keeps it as her bible! lo. Seriously though, she loves it, I love it and everyone I know thats read it loves it!! Great stuff! Must go and read it again now!

[WillowRulez]

I've read this story before but this is such a cute story I could read it a hundred times over and over again.
The fact that Willow owned a painting of Tara's before even meeting her is a really cool idea.
Sequel?

[Lonewolf22]

Ice: Great fic, I absolutely, totally LOVED the ending, I really loved the way that Tara was so nervous about asking Willow to marrry her and it so very cool of Missy to calm her down and tell her that she had nothng to worry about. It was very cool the way that Willow's friends were so cool to Tara and I love the way that the helped Tara surprise Willow for her birthday. I can't wait to read something new and different from you.

Lonewolf22

[Juliejames]

Hello , well I just read the entire fic in a few hours ,and I must say this was amazing ! I loved it more then anything I've actually read on here and I will say that's suprising to me because there are alot of wonderful writers on this site , but this fic was well written and just beautiful , it was steamy and sexy , it was loving and not at all tense it was just beautiful

thanks so much for sharing that with us !

JJ

[Shadowygirl]

Just like JJ just said there this fic was beautiful it was wonderfully written and just amazing thanks so much

April