Email address: GemmaQT@hotmail.comRating: PG-13
Disclaimer: I don't own these characters but the story is mine.
Summary: Tara admires Willow from a distance until an accident brings them closer together. Some angst, but obviously I wouldn’t do anything too awful to read.
Notes: this has a little cliffhanger at the end, but it's a good one. WILL SHE OR WON'T SHE?
17 Party Time, part 2: Tara found her mother gossiping with the woman she now recognised as Rosemary, Willow’s aunt. The middle-aged woman had the trademark red hair, that’s how Tara could tell Willow’s family apart from the rest of the guests. The red-haired woman let out a shrill laughter that made Tara’s ears ring. Even over the buzz of people talking and the loudness of the music, that laugh was something to watch out for.
Tara placed her hand on her mother’s shoulder and smiled warmly as the woman turned to look at her. Mrs. Maclay gave her daughter a one armed hug then proceeded to introduce her to Willow’s relative.
“Yes we met briefly.” The blonde smiled as she took Rosemary’s hand then turned back to her mother.
“I was just checking up on you, y’know making sure you hadn’t had too many of those.” Tara raised an accusing eyebrow and pointed at the wine glass her mother was holding.
“Sweetheart, the way you go on you make me sound like an alcoholic.” The older woman chuckled. “Are you enjoying yourself? Where’s Willow?”
“I’m actually having a good time,” she smiled “I left Wil catching up with an old friend some guy named Xander. He seemed nice.”
“Oh yes, I remember that boy with the large upper arms, he and Willow were like two peas in a pod.” Rosemary chimed in before locking eyes on her unsuspecting victim. “So Tara tell me, how did you meet my niece?”
“Uhm....” The blonde shot a worried glance at her mother realising she was about to receive a Jewish inquisition. “Walking in the park.”
“Which park? How long have you known each other? When did you become lovers?....”
Tara shifted slightly. Now she was stuck.
**
“So Las Vegas is your favourite out of all the places you visited? I wonder why that is?” Willow retorted sarcastically and took another sip of her drink. She winced as someone accidentally bumped into her leg as they passed. Even though she was currently sitting on a stool in the kitchen, the alcohol was beginning to affect the guests coordination.
“It’s where I stayed the longest.” Xander nodded, he was slightly dazed and couldn’t quite wrap his brain around Willow’s recent declaration.
The redhead took another sip of her drink and eyed her oldest friend out of the corner of her eye, she could see his brain ticking and it amused her.
“I’m still me Xander.” She smiled reassuringly “I’m still old reliable Willow who never does anything wrong and has nightmares about SAT’s. I’m still me, except now I have a girlfriend. A girlfriend of the yummy variety.”
“I get that, it’s just....you’re such an overachiever. I’ve been dating women since forever and still I haven’t managed to get a girl like
that.” He huffed, “un-be-liveable!”
Willow rolled her eyes, it figures that’s the one thing Xander would have a problem with, but she puffed out her chest proudly and a goofy smile spread across her face. “She is beautiful isn’t she.” The redhead felt the familiar warmth in her chest that occurred whenever she was in the presence of or thought about Tara. She looked around, passed the busy crowd of people that were gathered in groups dancing or singing, and caught sight of that shimmer of blonde she recognised as her girlfriend’s hair. Her gaze also caught aunt Rosemary.
Willow watched for a moment as Tara smiled politely and patiently answered her nosey aunt’s questions, the young woman was doing her best to be cautious with her answers and Willow could see her cheeks beginning to blush as a sign of embarrassment. She smiled as Tara laughed self-consciously and tucked a strand of blonde hair behind her shapely ear, Tara’s blush was all the more visible and Willow decided her girlfriend was more than beautiful. She was perfect.
“Uh, Xander I’ll be right back.” The redhead quickly excused herself and stood carefully, grabbing both crutches she manoeuvred her way through the mass of people getting stopped every now and then by family members enquiring about or commenting on her new ‘lifestyle.’
Willow finally reached her girlfriend’s side and placed her hand on Tara’s back leaning on her lightly. The redhead was glad when Tara wrapped her arm around her waist and helped support some of Willow’s weight.
“Is it ok if I borrow Tara for a minute aunt Rosemary?” The redhead saw the pleading look shot at her by Mrs. Maclay and laughed internally. “You too Mrs Maclay.” She smiled knowingly as the older woman practically did a happy dance.
“Oh alright.” Rosemary huffed, “but bring them back we were just getting to the good stuff.” The red-haired woman waggled her eyebrows and made Willow all the more glad that she had interrupted the conversation.
When they were out of Rosemary’s ear shot Anna breathed a sigh of relief. “Well that was.... difficult.”
“I’m sorry.” Willow said sincerely “Aunt Rosemary’s just, well, nosey. But she’s harmless really.”
“I’m sure she is sweetheart, but I think I need another one of these.” The older woman lifted her glass then pointed upwards. “Oh look, you’re under the mistletoe.”
Tara looked up to see the plant hanging in the alcove, she looked at Willow, the plant again then placed a gentle kiss on her girlfriend’s cheek.
“Is That it?” Willow protested, not happy with a simple cheek-kiss.
“You want a real kiss in front of your family?” The blonde’s skin began to flush at the idea and she looked around to see if anyone was looking.
“Not if you’re uncomfortable with it.”
“I’ll never be uncomfortable kissing you, I just thought you would rather I didn’t with your family in full view, but seeing as your not bothered, I
am going to kiss you.... for tradition’s sake of course.”
“Oh yes tradition.... of course.” Willow agreed playfully and placed her hands on Tara’s hips to steady herself. The blonde rested her forehead against Willow’s for a moment, breathing in the faint scent of the redhead’s perfume. It was intoxicating like a drug in her veins and she was forever needing more.
The kiss was slow at first, both a little shy in front of the people surrounding them, but Willow took it upon herself to deepen the kiss and gently part her lips, glad when Tara obliged and parted her own for the redhead’s tongue to enjoy the velvety softness of her mouth.
When they slowly parted, both heads turned towards the sound of a throat being cleared, they were greeted with a red-faced Mrs. Rosenberg looking at everything but them.
“Mom?” Willow ducked her head to catch her mother’s gaze, her own cheeks were also burning, but it was worth it for a Tara-kiss.
“Some of the guests are leaving I want you to say goodbye.”
The redhead nodded and let go of her girlfriend. “I won’t be too long, go have fun.”
**
It took Willow an hour to say goodbye to the guests, it seemed as one set were leaving another followed soon after and the redhead felt her body begin to ache with the days extra activities. It made her realise that she still had a long way to go before days like this were easier to cope with.
As Willow pulled away from a hug she received from her aunt Rosemary she felt warm hands snake around her stomach and hold her close. The redhead didn’t have to turn to know who was embracing her, but her tiredness seemed to slightly decrease as she rested against her loving girlfriend.
“I thought I should come and help you say goodbye seeing as people are seeking me out before making their way to you.” Tara whispered into the redhead’s ear then let go with one hand to give Rosemary a one armed hug.
“It was wonderful to meet you dear.” The woman's shrill voice rang in their ears. “Sheila I’ll see you in a few days perhaps, you have no reason to cancel on brunch now Willow is clearly doing better.”
Mrs. Rosenberg cringed slightly at the thought and looked to Willow for help, but the redhead shrugged her shoulders and smiled sweetly.
“Nice to meet you too, Rosemary.” Tara came to the older woman’s rescue. “Hope to see you again soon.”
“Oh absolutely.” Sheila's sister said excitedly and put her arm in the sleeve of her coat that Ira was holding up for her. He quickly ushered the woman to the door and then sighed when it closed behind her.
“I enjoy these parties, but when that woman finds you she’s like a leech, always bleeding you for information.” All eyes turned Mr. Rosenberg, he was a man of few words and such an outburst caused mother and daughter to look at each other in surprise. “I....i-i-it must be the alcohol.” He insisted and excused himself.
“Well.” Sheila stretched her muscles. “ I’m going to mingle with our last few guests, Willow sweetheart you look exhausted and you have another big day tomorrow so maybe it’s best that you rest?”
The redhead nodded and said her last goodbyes to the remaining guests, Tara said goodnight to her mother and brother, then helped her girlfriend to her room.
Willow kicked off one shoe as she sat on the edge of her bed. Tara closed the door behind her as she followed her girlfriend into the room and immediately bent down and removed the other shoe for her exhausted girlfriend. The redhead laid herself along the width of the bed and felt her body mould into the softness of the sheets and mattress, her limbs ached and she let out an almighty yawn as her eyes closed lazily.
Tara smiled at the cuteness of her tired girlfriend, the redhead’s long body showed all it’s curves in this position, the top of her breasts spilled out from her dress, her waist curved and dipped as it met with her hips and Tara couldn’t help but feel something stir within her at the sight, but her view was obstructed as Willow rolled lazily onto her side and the blonde realised that her girlfriend was falling asleep.
“Wil, sweetie. Take that dress off and you’ll be more comfortable.”
“Don’t wanna.” Willow protested and threw one arm over her face.
Tara laughed softly and bit her lip, she wasn’t going to let Willow wake up in the night and be uncomfortable, but she knew she’d have a fight on her hands. Climbing onto the bed, Tara laid next to her girlfriend and kissed the redhead’s cheek as her hand snaked around the smaller woman’s back to undo the zipper. The back of the dress fell open as the zip gave way to Tara’s insistent pull. Kissing a path down Willow’s neck, the blonde made her way to her collar bone, past her chest, then gently pushed the redhead onto her back and pulled the dress down her body.
“Your very sneaky.” Willow’s sleepy voice accused as the blonde pulled it gently over her legs. “A talented kind of sneaky.” She lifted the arm off her face to give her girlfriend a partially disapproving glare.
“I have to be with you, you’re so stubborn.” Tara retorted, then held the dress up triumphantly. “Now was that so bad?”
“Yes!” The redhead huffed and threw her arm back over her face.
Tara climbed onto the bed again and lifted the arm that was blocking her view which she knew would be her girlfriend’s playful smile, she wasn’t wrong and Willow opened her eyes to see the blonde’s smug smirk then laughed.
“You won, can I have some more kisses to help me fall asleep?”
“You want more kisses?”
“Please.”
“I don’t think they’ll help you fall asleep.” Tara said sceptically.
“They will I swear, right there.” The redhead pointed at her neck.
Tara obliged and placed a gentle kiss where her girlfriend wanted it. “Right there? How was that.”
“Wonderful!.... now maybe two here and add a little tongue” Willow pointed at her mouth. “And another one here.” Then back to her neck.
The blonde did as she was asked and captured Willow’s mouth giving her a gentle kiss then pressing her lips more firmly against Willow’s she scraped her tongue against them and sighed when the redhead captured it and gently sucked.
“Mmmm, where else was it?” Tara broke her lips away and studied her girlfriends flushed skin.
“Here.” Willow’s voice hitched as the blonde’s mouth gently captured her neck and instead of kissing, she sucked. “Yep, definitely right.... there!”
A laugh came from deep within Tara’s throat and she pulled away to look at her girlfriend. “You’re adorable.” She smiled warmly. “The cutest thing I’ve ever seen and I love you..... now go to sleep.”
“You expect me to sleep now?”
The blonde sat up and pulled Willow with her, then tugged the covers free and laid back down opening her arms for her girlfriend to join her. Willow didn’t hesitate and made herself comfortable, resting her head on the blonde’s shoulder and wrapping a lazy arm over her stomach.
“Are you going to sleep in your dress?” Willow looked up with a frown.
“I’m not tired sweetie, I was thinking maybe I would write a little, maybe take a bath if that’s ok? I feel a little icky.”
“No go ahead, write and bathe away.” The redhead buried her face into the crook of Tara’s neck making her words come out muffled. “But stay until I’m asleep, it won’t take long.”
“I will.” Tara said softly and held her girlfriend’s warm body closer.
**
Willow laid in bed, her body still aching but her mind unwilling to give up the thoughts that were plaguing her. Tara had gotten out of bed twenty minutes earlier, leaving what she thought to be a sleeping Willow, but no matter how hard she tried the redhead’s mind wouldn’t give in.
Her eyes flickered open and studied the dark, empty room. The moonlight filtered in through the curtains and cast a shadow on every object in the room. Feeling unsettled, Willow turned her head to the side of the bed which Tara usually occupied, the emptiness bothered her even though she knew her girlfriend was only in the next room. Reaching up, Willow tugged at the blonde’s pillow and hugged it to her chest, it smelt of Tara’s shampoo and made the redhead feel a little better.
The party had been a success, everyone had enjoyed themselves, some people a little too much, but this party had seemed different than all the others. Willow had actually participated and talked, mingled, joked, laughed and drank with her family and friends. She noticed half way through the party that she had never done that before, she had simply put on a false smile and acted pleasant and was glad when the party was over. This time however, her smile was genuine.
Sprawling out onto her back, Willow looked at the ceiling still hugging the pillow to her chest. She thought about Tara and how the blonde had been at the party, always smiling and charming people, giving anyone she talked to her absolute attention. Tara had a certain way about her that made complete strangers warm to her immediately. Willow’s family had warmed to her, more than one person had told Willow how lucky she was, of course they were all male, but still. They had said it and had meant it.
A splash of water drew the redhead’s attention to the door, Tara had left it open and Willow knew it was so the blonde could hear if she wanted anything. Simple things like that made the her feel loved and cared for, like if there was anything she needed all she had to do was ask.
“I love how she does that.” Willow whispered to herself “I love how she does things without thinking that normal people would have to think about. I love how she only half smiles at me. I love how she holds me while I sleep. I love how she always knows just what I need when I need it. I love how she took me to the park and told me she loves me.... I love.... I love.... Tara.”
Willow stared at the door for a moment and took in a gulp of air as her own words penetrated her ears and circled around her brain. “I do.... a-and she knows it.” Her overactive brain came to its final conclusion. “That’s typical....”
The redhead pulled away the covers from her body and shivered slightly as the cold air hit her naked skin, she reached to the end of the bed where she always left her nightshirt and put it on, then shuffled off the bed. She stood unsteadily and grabbed her crutches to support herself, then as an after thought she grabbed Tara’s pillow and stuffed it under her arm needing it for encouragement.
Tara sat in the hot steaming water that filled Willow’s spacious bath, her skin tingled with the heat and streams of steam floated into the air, twisting and swirling. Her pen flowed graciously against the paper as her hand manipulated it. Her imagination taking over for the time being and her mind completely oblivious to anything around her, so oblivious in fact that she hadn’t even heard the redhead climb out of bed and make her way to the bathroom door.
She started slightly when one of Willow’s crutches accidentally hit the doorframe, and Tara turned to see an extreme picture of resolve gracing her girlfriends face.
“Willow?” Her voice full of concern “Is something wrong? Are you ok?”
“....Like that. There you go again and I mean it’s just typical.” Willow spoke as though she had started her sentence out in her head and vocalised it half way through. “You knew and you let me carry on not telling you when you
deserve to be told.”
Tara’s breath caught in her throat as she realised what her girlfriend meant. She calmly put her pen and paper aside and lifted herself to a standing position, then took one foot out of the bath followed by the other.
The blonde padded across the bathroom floor not caring that she was dripping bathwater all over and quickly reached her girlfriend, it was then that she noticed what was under Willow’s arm and a laugh escaped her mouth.
“You were going to tell my pillow you’re in love with it?” Tara gently cupped the redhead’s face and placed a soft kiss on her lips.
Willow sighed into the blonde’s warm mouth then pulled away, looking into Tara’s deep blue eyes, she shook her head “I was going to tell you.”
“Tell me what?” The blonde felt as though her heart had stopped, it was though she hadn’t needed to hear the words, but now she knew Willow was ready to say them her life depended on it.
“I love you. I’m in love with you and you knew, but you didn’t make me tell you when you should have, because you deserve to hear it every. Single. Day. I love you Tara.”
The blonde felt her eyes begin to water as her heart started it’s usual rhythm of beating again, she didn’t realise the impact those three simple words would have and felt as though someone had just winded her. Taking in a deep breath of air, she batted her eyelids causing small tears to roll down her cheeks and leaned into Willow’s touch as the redhead wiped them away.
“C’mon.” Willow handed the pillow to Tara then dropped one of her crutches and grabbed the blonde’s hand, leading her into the bedroom.
“What are you doing?” Tara asked nervously and threw the pillow onto the bed once they entered the room.
The redhead didn’t answer and instead turned to face her girlfriend and gently pushed her towards the bed. “I’ve never done this before so you’re going to have to help me.”
“W-what?” Tara’s eyes widened as the redhead pealed off her shirt and carelessly discarded it. Willow didn’t say a word as she hobbled closer to the bed then placed her hand on the blonde’s shoulder, gently guiding her on to her back.
Tara helped Willow balance herself as the redhead carefully laid her body on top of her, the blonde let out a breath she hadn’t realised she was holding, and closed her eyes to clear her mind, when she opened them the blonde felt more focussed.
“A-are you sure about this, Wil?”
The redhead nodded “You’re wet.”
Tara’s mouth opened and closed as she fought for something to say to that, but instead she laughed as a playful, loving smile graced her girlfriends lips.
“Well I
was interrupted half way through having a bath.” The blonde half smiled knowing her girlfriend’s words had a double meaning. She felt Willow’s right thigh slide between her legs and was a little surprised by the action, but surprise went out the window when the redhead’s center grazed against her thigh then pressed down more firmly.
“Wil?” The blonde’s voice sounded horse in her throat as her mind began to blur, she wanted to make sure her girlfriend wasn’t acting on impulse and was fully aware of what she was doing before her own body got to the point of no return. “Willow you don’t have to. We don’t have to if you’re not ready.”
dun dun daaaaa
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I was actually ready and waiting for them to 'just do it' but i'm glad your making them wait, 'cause it means when they do go through with it, it will be all the more sweeter... and this story will last longer. 
. Love sam xx 
, heehee. Anyhoo, great update and I hope to see more soon. You take care. =) 
She now gets to join Mrs Maclay in the 'Cool Mums Club'. (In fact... nah, I'm crazy.) That whole scene was really well crafted, Willow's nervousness and getting a grip on her babbling tendencies, and not just the big revelation but how she and Sheila talked about they way they've become close again, and how much they both missed that.
Willow better watch out, once she's fully recovered Tara's going to be merciless 
Willow and Tara both sound absolutely stunning in their dresses, and Tara dressing Willow was a great scene (which hopefully can be replayed in reverse in the not-too-distant future 
), and I'm pleased by the introduction of Xander. Great work 
I'm not sure how I feel about that. No, actually, I do know. Regardless of the looming "will she or won't she" question, I was so completely satisfied when I came to the end of this update. The party was a success. Tara was a success. Willow was a success. Just a wonderful ending to a wonderful party.