ceridwen--Thanks for the joining in on the fic, I'm so glad you like it! Good question about Tara, I don't know when--or if--it'll come out in the story, so special spoiler for you: Tara wears blue because it was her mom's favorite color. When she took some of her mother's clothes before she ran away, she took all blue ones, and the guitar. Plus, hopefully, it echoes with the ocean/water theme.
love_2003--Thanks for being such a prolific reader and reviewer! I promise you, Willow will start telling people about her wonderful love very soon.
And now, on to the update:
• Title - Wave
• Author name – LonelyTara
• Email Address -
9kodama@gmail.com
• Rating - PG-13, eventually R
• Disclaimer - This is a romantic and angsty AU piece with plenty of adventure
• Feedback-Please, please!
• Summary- Wave is a season 2 AU. On Halloween, Willow meets a strange and beautiful blond girl, and becomes determined to find her. When they connect, Willow's life will be changed forever...
• Notes-Thanks to everyone who will read. Some of the dialogue in this episode comes from the episode Lie to Me by the writers of Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
Chapter Five: Blue and Rose
Willow woke up alone, shivering, in the dark.
“Tara?” Willow reached out and felt the mattress next to her, but the bed was empty. Her alarm clock glowed 4:23 AM at her from across the room.
She called Tara’s name again, and reached out to turn on the light next to her bed. She’s gone, Willow thought, felt her chest tighten with sadness. Had she done something wrong? Had Tara changed her mind about her affections, about their date? Willow slid off the side of the bed and tripped, spilling to the floor.
“Ow, ow, ow,” she grumbled. She could feel a raw spot on both knees where they’d been burnt from the friction with the carpet. When she turned over all her frustration and anger were swept over by a wave of joy. Willow had tripped on Tara’s duffle bag. Tara hadn’t left.
Willow climbed to her feet and walked out of her bedroom just as Tara came running up the stairs. She was holding a plate with two scones on it and a glass of orange juice.
“Are you okay?” She asked Willow breathlessly. “I heard a thud.”
“I woke up alone and freaked a little bit,” Willow said, grinning sheepishly. “I tripped.”
Tara bit her lip. “I'm s-sorry. I woke up, and I thought I’d surprise you with b-breakfast. I hope you don’t mind,” she said, holding up the cup and plate.
“You don’t have to apologize, I told you to make yourself at home.” She slid the plate from Tara’s hand. “I'm just glad you’re still here.”
“I promised you I’d stay,” Tara replied. “I’ll never break my promises to you, Willow,” she finished softly.
Tara was so sweet, so solemn, Willow just couldn’t resist her, so she walked down two steps and held the plate out to the side, leaning in to give Tara a kiss.
“Me too, I promise too.” She murmured, moving in for another kiss. “And that’s to thank you for breakfast.”
“W-well, this is to thank you for t-thanking me,” Tara said, leaning in for a third, much longer kiss. “We better eat these while they’re still warm. I heated them in the toaster.”
“Yum!”
Willow took Tara’s free hand in her own and led her back to the bedroom. They sat on the edge of the bed together, feeding each other bites of scone. Once the scones were reduced to crumbs they shared the glass of orange juice, passing it back and forth between sips.
“So, you couldn’t sleep, huh?” Willow asked after breakfast was done.
Tara shook her head ruefully. “I did fall asleep, I was so comfy.” She gave Willow a broad grin and the redhead blushed. “But I woke up a few times. The last time I figured I might as well make myself useful.”
“Did I wake you up? Do I snore? Am I a kicker?” Willow grimaced at the thought of all of the things that could’ve gone wrong. “I probably have morning breath.”
Tara slipped an arm around Willow’s shoulders and shook her head. “You didn’t wake me, I’ve just gotten used to sleeping in little bursts, it’s necessary when well, you know.” She trailed off, blushing. “And your breath smells sweet, like oranges.”
“That is because someone very sweet and very beautiful brought me breakfast.” Willow’s brow furrowed. “I think it was going to be breakfast in bed, but I spazzed and ruined it.”
“You didn’t ruin anything,” Tara laughed. “This girl though, whoever she is, sounds pretty g-good.”
“She’s great,” Willow sighed, smiling at her blue-eyed girl. “I like to kiss her, hug her too.”
Tara’s smile widened at Willow’s teasing. “I don’t remember giving my permission for all this kissing and hugging to go on,” she said with mock seriousness. “How am I supposed to compete with a hugging kisser who brings you breakfast in bed?”
“You are the hugging kisser,” Willow replied.
“I am?” Tara raised her eyebrows at Willow.
“I can prove it, Willow said happily. She took the empty plate and glass from Tara’s hands and put them on top of her bedside table. Once her hands were free she shifted position so she was right next to Tara. Willow took Tara’s face in her hands and kissed her, nibbling delicately along her lower lip while she brushed her hands down Tara’s cheeks to the back of her neck.
Willow smiled as she felt Tara’s arms wrap around her body, and then she gave a little gasp of surprise as Tara threw a leg over her, straddling Willow’s lap and peppering her face with kisses.
“Are you okay?” Tara asked. “Am I too heavy?”
“Heavenly,” Willow replied. “More kissing now.”
Tara giggled and came back for another kiss. Their lips pressed together in soft, fast flutters of affection. As the kisses slowed, deepened, Willow couldn’t help it—she gave a little moan as Tara’s tongue slipped into her mouth.
“Willow,” Tara murmured happily.
She took in another gasping breath as Tara’s legs wrapped more tightly around her. Willow was warm all over her body, but there was a heat moving between the two of them that shook her to her core. Tara’s hands slipped under her shirt, onto the bare skin of her back. When the blonde’s hands caressed her shoulder blades, Willow hips bucked uncontrollably, pressing her against Tara’s body.
Tara tugged Willow’s lower lip between her teeth with a little groan and rocked against her. Willow plunged her hands under Tara’s shirt, smiled at the warmth of the girl’s skin. She stroked her way up Tara’s sides and hesitated when she felt the soft cotton of the girl’s bra. Slowly, gently, she ran a finger over the side of Tara’s breast.
“Willow,” Tara said again, but this time her voice was urgent, breathless.
Willow slid her hands around the back of Tara’s bra, trying to open the clasp with trembling fingers. She kissed Tara intently, brushing her tongue against Tara’s. With a few more moments of finagling Willow was able to pop the last hook and Tara’s bra fell open. She ran her hands over the smooth skin of the blonde’s back. Willow started to move her hands forward, shivering more than ever, taking quick, and panting breaths. Tara arched her back as Willow’s stroked the side of her bare breast.
So soft, Willow thought. The next thing she knew she felt herself sliding forward as Tara pulled against her.
Overbalanced, Willow realized. She didn’t have time to give a warning before they spilled off the bed onto the floor.
“Oh, ouch,” Tara cried, raising a hand to rub the back of her head where it’d collided with the carpet. Willow was sprawled across her chest, unmoving. “Willow?” She asked hesitantly, “Are you okay?”
“Uh huh,” Willow replied, sounding stunned.
“Are you s-sure you aren’t hurt?”
“I’m fine,” Willow said in a high voice. She’d landed with her face pressed against the soft marvel of Tara’s breasts.
“Y-you goof,” Tara giggled, running her hands over Willow’s hair.
“Are you okay?” Willow asked. She could feel her cheek brush against Tara’s erect nipple. She wanted to turn her head so badly, to kiss Tara there.
“I h-hit my head. And my butt kind of hurts,” Tara admitted.
Willow sat up immediately, feeling like a total heel. Tara smiled up at her from the floor, her blonde hair fanned out over the dark carpet in a golden cloud.
“We fell down,” she laughed.
“We did,” Willow replied. “I’m sorry you hurt your head. Let me help you up.” Willow stood up and held out her hand.
“Thank you,” Tara giggled, letting Willow pull her to her feet. “S-sorry I tipped us over.” She looked down at the floor, playing with her fingers. “I got a little over enthusiastic, I guess,” she murmured softly, blushing.
“You weren’t alone there.” Willow wrapped her arms around Tara’s waist and kissed her gently.
“I guess not,” Tara laughed, so close that their lips brushed as she spoke.
Willow and Tara both jumped as a braying alarm began to sound. “Ugh,” Willow sighed. “My alarm clock.” She unwound herself from Tara, keeping hold of the girl’s hand, and led her across the room toward her desk, shuffling. The alarm was silenced with a push of a button, but Willow continued to stare down at it, pouting.
“W-What’s wrong?” Tara asked.
“I don’t want to go to school,” Willow said plaintively. “I’ll miss you all day.”
“That’s sweet,” Tara replied, kissing Willow’s forehead. “But,” she continued, lifting Willow’s chin so they looked eye to eye, “You’re perfect attendance girl, remember?”
“I don’t care about perfect attendance.”
Tara smiled and one of her eyebrows arched up. Willow looked down at the clock again, thinking that she should already be in the shower if she was going to avoid another lecture from the principal.
“All right,” she admitted. “I do care. But that doesn’t mean I want to go. You’ll be all alone, all day,” Willow complained.
“I’ll probably sleep some more,” Tara replied, pressing her hand to Willow’s cheek. “And then I thought I could do some shopping—your cupboards are pretty bare out there.”
“You don’t have to—” Willow began.
“I know I don’t have to, I want to, I’d like to make you dinner to thank you for giving me a place to stay. Call it our pre-date date.”
Willow bounced up on the balls of her feet, smiling. “You’re really going to cook for me?”
“Yup,” Tara said.
“Okay.” Willow’s smiling broadened into a grin. She was feeling mischievous. “I’d like to thank you in advance.”
“Yippee,” Tara said, clapping her hands.
Willow kissed Tara, wrapping her arms around the blonde’s neck as they pressed their bodies together. She brushed her hands up and down Tara’s back in long, smooth strokes, and could feel their bodies responding, hearts racing.
“Willow,” Tara said, absolutely breathless, smiling, “Vixen. No trying to distract me. You’re going to be late for school.”
“Can’t blame a girl for trying,” Willow murmured. She gave Tara one last smooch and then grabbed some clothes from her closet. “I’m gonna go get a shower. I’ll be right back, okay?”
“Do you mind if I lay down?” Tara yawned. A blush crept up her cheeks. “I’m still kind of tired.”
“You rest, I’ll be right back.”
“Kay.”
Tara snuggled into Willow’s pillows, curled up on her side facing the door.
Willow drew the sheet up over the blonde, tucking the blanket loosely around her feet. Tara murmured a soft thanks and Willow went off to the bathroom. When she stepped inside she closed the door, but didn’t lock it. There was a small, terrified, and easily embarrassed part of her that hoped Tara would decided to come in and share her shower. She didn’t want to block even the smallest chance that the fantasy might come true.
Willow pulled off her clothes and stood shivering in front of the mirror, pale, freckled skin breaking out in gooseflesh while her rosy nipples hardened in the cool air. Willow looked at herself, really looked, for the first time in a long time. Her auburn hair was thick and shiny, trailing just past her shoulders. Her lithe frame had a gentle curve at the hips and her legs were slender, shapely. Willow wanted Tara to see her, and the thought left her burning with a blush that rose up from beneath the curve of her breasts. Little did she know that Tara was lying in her bed, unsleeping, wishing the same thing.
By the time Willow showered, dressed, and made her way back to the bedroom, Tara was sleeping soundly, sprawled out across the bed with a small smile curving her lips. Willow wrote Tara a note, telling her to make herself comfortable, and what time she could expect Willow home from school. She left her spare house key taped to the bottom of the page and laid the note down on top of Tara’s duffle, where the girl would be sure to find it.
Willow walked around the side of the bed, just watching Tara sleep. The girl looked so relaxed, so happy, with no hint of the worry or sorrow that she carried on her slim shoulders. Watching her, being near her, filled Willow with such a ferocious happiness—she felt invulnerable. Willow pressed her fingers to her lips and then brushed her fingers gently on Tara’s cheek. The blonde’s smile deepened and she sighed happily, but didn’t wake.
“Bye Tara,” Willow whispered. “I’ll be home soon. Wish I could stay.” She brushed Tara’s cheek one last time and took off downstairs to make the bus.
* * *
It was a sad day at Sunnydale High. Willow was moping because she missed Tara, Buffy was moping because she’d snuck out onto patrol after Willow and Tara sent her home, and seen Angel talking to a strange but beautiful brunette woman in the park. The girls spent most of the end of history class passing notes back and forth about the encounter Buffy had witnessed. Xander was moping because Buffy cared, and of course, because he had to sit by Cordelia.
When the bell rang the trio walked toward the study area. Willow cringed as she accidentally let slip to Xander that Buffy had spotted Angel with a girl.
“Do we have to have full disclosure?” Buffy asked.
“Sorry,” Willow murmured.
“Don’t be sorry,” Xander said, smiling. “Anything that involves Dead Boy in trouble gives me a happy.”
“Well, I’m glad someone’s got a happy,” Buffy replied.
I have a happy, Willow thought, blushing as she sat down on the couch.
The biggest happy ever. She couldn’t wait to get home to Tara.
Xander was doing his class clown best to cheer Buffy up, joking about going to the Bronze to party, or hang, or mope. Willow opened her mouth to tell them she couldn’t go, when a tall, dark-haired boy stepped up behind the slayer.
“If she needs cheering up there’s always my recommendation of a box of Oreos dipped in apple juice. But I think she’s over that phase.”
Willow was surprised when Buffy squealed with delight and turned to throw her arms around the boy. The slayer was so happy as she introduced her old school friend that Willow couldn’t help but be swept up in it. She had a large grin plastered on her face when she turned to Xander, but Xander was apparently immune to the infectious joy going around. He was glowering and Buffy and her friend Ford with his arms crossed over his chest.
Poor Xander, Willow thought.
You’ve still got a bad case of the Buffies. She felt guilty at the little spike of joy his infatuation gave her, because it meant that he still liked Buffy more than Tara.
Just as she thought it, Buffy invited Ford to come out with them to the Bronze that night. Xander’s scowl deepened and Ford said he would only come if he wouldn’t be interrupting their plans. Xander muttered, “Only in the literal sense.” But Buffy and Ford were so swept up in their reunion that it seemed Xander’s sarcasm went completely unnoticed.
“I can’t make it tonight,” Willow said.
“Huh? Why not?” Buffy pouted.
Willow hadn’t thought that far ahead. “Uh, my parents will be back soon and so I have to make sure things are straightened up around the house.”
And I have a pre-date date, Willow thought happily.
I wouldn’t miss that for anything.
“Well bummers,” Buffy sighed. “You’re still coming though, right Xander?”
“Sure,” Xander replied, forcing enthusiasm. “I’ll be there.”
“Excellent.”
“Yes, fantastic,” Xander muttered as Buffy slid an arm around Ford’s and led the boy away, promising to give him a grand tour of the campus after she showed him to admissions. “This is Ford, my bestest friend of all my friends,” Xander quipped. Then his face fell. “Doesn’t she know any fat guys?” Xander asked plaintively.
Willow could only shrug.
Giles had given Buffy the night off from patrol, which waived after-school research as well, so Willow caught the afternoon bus home for the first time in months. Before Buffy would let her climb on, she had to promise Buffy she would stay up for a report on how things went at the Bronze.
Willow spent the ride home curled up in the seat behind the bus driver, lost in a happy haze, thinking about Tara waiting for her back at the house. The crowding and shrieking and diesel stink of the bus usually left her distracted and vaguely nauseous, but the quivering in her stomach was nerves. As for her classmates, they were just from a different world, and their world might be simpler, safer, but Willow didn’t care to live there, not anymore. She would take wild and wonderful—even with a healthy dose of the occasionally terrifying—to be in a world with magic, with Tara.
Willow ran all the way home from the bus stop; breathless and laughing with her arms thrown out to her sides like a kid practicing how to fly.
“Ta-ra,” Willow murmured happily as she stopped in front of her parent’s house. She leaned over, hands on her knees, and gave herself a minute to catch her breath. When her breathing slowed to something approaching a normal rhythm, Willow straightened and flipped her hair back, bringing the rainbow straps on her backpack into clear view, hoping it would get a smile out of Tara.
“Honey, I’m home,” Willow called as she came in through the door.
“How was your day, dear?” Tara replied, giggling.
Willow kicked off her shoes and headed toward the kitchen, and then Tara walked into the room. She was absolutely stunning—her long, blonde hair was coiled up in a loose bun that left gently curling tendrils hanging down around her face. The tank top she wore was cornflower blue, cut high over lowrise jeans, leaving a wide swath of her midriff deliciously bare. Her toes peeked out from under the bottoms of her long, dark blue jeans.
“Wow,” Willow sighed. “My day just got really great.”
Tara flashed her a brilliant smile. “It does smell good, doesn’t it? I hope you like baked ziti.”
Willow laughed. “I do, and it smells wonderful in here, but that was not what I meant.”
Tara’s brow furrowed in clear confusion. Willow chuckled again and walked across the room to her, laying a hand on Tara’s shoulder.
“You look totally gorgeous,” Willow said softly, “And thus my day is great.”
Tara blushed. “You l-look really nice too. I love you in green.”
“Thanks,” Willow replied, feeling suddenly self-conscious about her outfit. “I don’t always wear matching tights with my outfits,” Willow said quickly. “I know they’re kind of childish, but I’m an only child and my mother seems to have an irrational fear of bare legs, not that tights are very protective—”
She trailed off when Tara laid a gentle finger against her lips.
“You look adorable,” Tara murmured. “I meant it.” She moved her finger from Willow’s lips and slid her hand behind her head.
“Thanks,” Willow replied, licking her lips, captured in Tara’s blue gaze.
“I really missed you today.” Tara took a step closer to Willow.
The girls were within inches of each other now. Willow shivered when she felt Tara slide her fingers under the straps on her backpack. It landed with a thud on the carpet.
“Did you?” Willow asked. Tara nodded. “I missed you too.”
“How much?” Tara’s free hand joined the other on Willow’s neck, caressing from nape to shoulders and back again.
Willow pressed into Tara, moving her arms around the blonde’s waist and kissing her tenderly. She drew Tara’s lower lip into her mouth for just a moment, then kissed the warm lip, brushing her tongue against it.
“I missed you a lot,” Willow said, coming up for air.
“I guess so,” Tara replied, eyes sparkling. Her cheeks were flushed.
Willow laid her head against Tara’s shoulder and pulled her closer, basking in the warmth and scent of her. “Can we stay like this forever?” She whispered.
Tara kissed Willow’s temple. “Your dinner will burn.”
Before Willow could protest that it would be worth the sacrifice, her stomach gave a long, gurgling growl. Both of them giggled. Willow felt one of Tara’s hands move down between them to rest on her belly.
“Is my poor girl hungry?” She said, rubbing her hand in a slow circle on Willows stomach.
“Well, I forgot to pack a lunch,” Willow admitted, feeling silly. “And they were serving salisbury steak at school. I have a strict policy against mystery meat.”
“No more skipping meals for you,” Tara said, still rubbing Willow’s stomach. “You’re so tiny that if you miss any more you’ll float away or disappear.”
“Would not,” Willow said, trying to grumble but giggling instead.
“Would too.”
“If I got lost,” Willow replied, placing a light kiss on the side of Tara’s neck. “Would you find me?”
“I’ll always find you,” Tara replied.
“Promise?” Willow asked, leaning back to look Tara in the eye.
“Promise,” She said solemnly, and then kissed the tip of Willow’s nose.
A beeping noise began to sound in the kitchen. Tara planted a kiss on Willow’s head and then let her go, dancing off toward the kitchen.
“That’s the garlic bread,” Tara said happily. “The broccoli will be finished in just a few.”
“Broccoli?” Willow asked, lifting her backpack off the floor and tossing it onto the couch. With that done she followed Tara into the dining room, but stopping just short of the kitchen.
Tara poked her head out of the kitchen, smiling. “The broccoli is smothered in parmesan and spices. It’s barely recognizable as a vegetable.”
Willow grinned. “Aw, you remembered how I like my veggies.”
“Of course.” Tara’s smile broadened, sweet and crooked. “But how do you like the dining setup?”
Willow stopped and took a moment to actually look at the space where she was standing. Tara had created a little romantic paradise in the dining room. There were two places set, one at the head of the table and one next to it on the right. The plates were two pale blue ones from a set Willow’s mother didn't use anymore since one of the teacups was broken. The silverware gleamed in the light. Each plate had a glass goblet next to it, and there was a vase filled with roses. They were the loveliest flowers Willow had ever seen, a pale cream color that ended in a deep rose pink of the edges of the petals. Tara had even taken a few of the roses and woven them in a daisy chain around the old, tiny chandelier hanging from the ceiling above the table. A long, ivory candle burned on either side of the vase.
“ It looks great in here,” Willow called. “Just beautiful. What kind of roses are they? They’re so pretty.”
Tara came back into the room with a champagne bottle in her hands. “They’re called blush roses. My Mom grew the same kind in her garden back home. Sit,” Tara said, gesturing toward the table with the bottle.
Willow sat at the head of the table and swallowed thickly as Tara leaned over her, peeling the foil from the neck of the bottle.
“Uh, Tara,” she began.
“Can I have your glass?” Tara asked, gently working the cork out of the bottle with her thumbs. When it popped free she placed it on the table and held out a hand to Willow. “Bubbly?”
“Uh,” Willow said again. She held out the glass and then pulled it back, blushing. “I don't really drink.”
Tara giggled and then covered her mouth with one hand. “Sorry,” she said happily. “I just thought there was something seriously wrong.” She slid the glass from Willow’s hand and poured into it, handing Willow back a glass filled with pinkish-red bubbles. “It’s strawberry soda,” Tara said finally, flipping the bottle around so Willow could read the label. “Totally non-alcoholic. I thought you would like it better than apple cider.”
“Ooh, strawberries.” Willow took a sip of soda and giggled when the bubbles tickled her nose.
“How is it?” Tara asked.
“Tasty, very bubbly.”
“Let me have a try?”
Willow held up her cup but Tara ducked around it, kissing Willow tenderly. “Definitely delicious,” Tara sighed.
“Yup,” Willow squeaked.
Tara lifted the plates off the table. “I’ll be right back.”
Willow alternated between drinking soda and playing with the edge of her skirt while she waited for Tara to return. The smells coming from the kitchen were absolutely mouth-watering, the scent of more spices than Willow could name were wafting through the air. She heard the clink of cutlery and the sound of metal on glass. Just as she was about to offer her assistance in the kitchen, Tara came out with a plate in each hand. Each plate had a generous serving of broccoli, cheesy ziti, and a wedge of dark whole-wheat garlic bread.
“Wow.” Willow said as Tara sat a plate down in front of her.
“I hope that’s a good wow,” Tara replied, taking her seat next to Willow.
“I feel like I’m in a fancy restaurant.” The plates were beautifully arranged, Tara had even created long, green curlicues that Willow guessed were cucumber or zucchini as an accent at the center of each plate.
“Eat up,” Tara said. She scooped a forkful of ziti up and popped it in her mouth.
Willow followed her lead. Tara was a great cook—the food was absolutely delicious. “Yum,” she said, taking another mouthful of pasta.
“You have to try the broccoli too,” Tara teased, “Before it gets cold.”
The girls made quick work of their meal, pausing only to refill their strawberry sodas and chat about the arrival of Buffy’s friend from LA. Willow delighted Tara when she asked for seconds, including the broccoli. When dinner was done they washed dishes together, careful to put everything back in its place so Willow’s mother would be none the wiser. After everything else was tidied away, Willow blew out the candles while Tara pulled the roses down from the chandelier. She pushed a few into the vase, but was left with one that wouldn’t fit.
“We don’t have to throw the roses away do we?”
Willow shook her head. “My Mom won’t mind them, she’ll just think I was being sentimental.” Willow gave a sad chuckle. “But at least I’ll have them around to remind me.”
“Remind you?” Tara asked, stepping closer to Willow, holding the rose cradled in her hands.
“Of how wonderful it’s been having you here with me.”
“I’m not going anywhere, we’ll still get to see each other, every day if you want to,” Tara said softly.
“I do want to,” Willow replied. “And I know we will. It just won’t be the same,” she took a deep breath. “As knowing that you’re safe.”
“I’ll be okay,” Tara said, pulling Willow into her arms. “It’s suh-sweet of you to worry, but I’ll be fine.”
“Promise?”
“Promise.” Tara kissed Willow’s cheeky and hugged her tightly. “I know what you need, rosy girl.”
“You do?” Willow asked, closing her eyes and pursing her lips.
“Yep.” Tara giggled.
Willow felt Tara’s hands in her hair. “What?” She opened her eyes; Tara was smiling at her thoughtfully. Willow reached up and felt silken petals, Tara had tucked the last blush rose into her hair.
“You look beautiful,” Tara sighed, and kissed Willow, slow and deep. “Come on.”
Willow let Tara lead her through the living room and up the stairs to her bedroom. Once they were inside Tara opened the blinds on Willow’s balcony door to give them view of the night, the starlight, the moonlight. With that done, she turned on the radio and played with the tuner, stopping when she found a station playing classical music.
“This is one of my favorites,” Tara said, closing her eyes and swaying in time with the languorous piano music filling the room.
“I think I’ve heard it before,” Willow said. She spoke quietly, not wanting to break the spell of Tara’s gentle motion.
“It’s Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata.” Tara opened her eyes and held out her arms. “Will you dance with me?”
“I don’t dance,” Willow said, looking down at the floor.
Tara tipped her chin up with a finger. “Just move with me,” she replied, pulling Willow into her arms.
Willow shuffled a bit at first, but Tara’s arms were so warm, so comforting, that soon she was able to relax in her embrace, lying her head on Tara’s shoulder. The girls stepped back and forth, bodies and breath touching, mingling, gliding to the rhythm of Beethoven’s homage to moonlight. When the piece ended and the next began, Tara tightened her embrace just a bit, and Willow was happy to accept the signal to remain in Tara’s arms.
“There’s always this,” Tara told Willow, turning her in time to the gentle cadence of a classical guitar piece. “Remember, even in the hours that we’re apart, in my mind, I’m always holding you.”
“Tara,” Willow choked. Her eyes were burning with tears, but all she could think about was kissing Tara, holding her. Willow felt a tightness in her chest, a rush of fear and joy. “I love you.”
Tara stilled, holding Willow close. The guitar music curled and lulled from high to low and back again. “Willow?”
Willow looked up at Tara, there were tears streaming down the blonde girl’s face, but she was smiling. “I love you,” she repeated.
“I don’t know how I made it through seventeen years of life without you,” Tara sighed. She kissed Willow, and her lips were soft, warm. “I love you too.”
Willow threw her arms around Tara’s neck and held her close, reveling in the pure and honest bliss of the moment. She loved, and she was loved, in a way that, deep down, she’d never been sure she would experience. She rocked back and forth, moving Tara to the rhythm of the guitar music; all the while slowly moving them back toward the bed. The guitar music faded to a close and Willow felt her comforter brush the back of her knees. She sat down on the bed and pulled Tara down with her, kissing her on the collarbone, the neck, the cheek, and finally bringing their lips together.
Tara’s arms wrapped around Willow’s body and Willow felt the girl tug at her gently, pulling Willow into her lap. As they kissed, Tara ran her hands over Willow’s tights, brushing up and down her thighs. Willow shivered. Just as Tara’s hands slipped under Willow’s sweater, teasing at the edges of her bra, there was a tapping sound. At first she ignored it, murmuring to Tara how much she loved her, how wonderful her lips were, her hands. The tapping sounded again, more insistent. Willow realized the sound was coming from her balcony door.
Willow looked up. Angel was watching from outside, eyes wide, as Willow made out with Tara.
“Tara,” Willow said, leaning back from a kiss.
“Willow,” Tara replied happily, leaning forward to recapture Willow’s mouth.
“Tara,” Willow repeated. “We have company.”
“What?”
“Outside,” Willow said, gesturing toward the window with her head. “Company.”
Tara looked over Willow’s head and froze. “W-Willow.”
“It’s okay,” Willow replied, running a hand down Tara’s hair. “It’s just Angel he’s one of the good guys.”
“He’s a v-vampire,” Tara stammered.
“Huh?”
“Your friend,” Tara said, lip quivering. “He’s been turned. I’m sorry Willow, he doesn’t have an aura—he’s dead.”
“Oh yeah,” Willow said, nodding. “I know he’s a vampire.”
Tara’s jaw went slack. “B-b-but—”
“It’s okay,” willow said, squeezing Tara’s hand. “He really is one of the good guys. He has a soul.”
Angel tapped again and waved at them. Tara began to nod, though she still looked nervous.
“There’s a little fire, a ball of flame that brightens the darkness,” she said softly. “It’s so small I almost missed it.”
“Angel of the tiny aura,” Willow giggled. “I wish I could see it.”
Willow felt Tara’s hand wrap around her own, squeezing gently. “Animadverto quis ego animadverto,” Tara intoned. “Willow, see what I see.”
Suddenly there was a blaze of light around Tara, white with swirls of gold, green, and blue. Willow could see that energy winding up her arm, over her hand.
“Wow,” Willow sighed. “Tara, you’re so beautiful. Your energy is so beautiful.”
“So are you,” Tara replied shyly.
“I can’t see it,” Willow said, looking down at herself.
“Because I can’t see my own aura. You’ll have to tell me all about it some time.”
Tara was smiling, but there was a sadness to it. For the first time, Willow noticed a darker ribbon moving through Tara’s energy, an earthy, loamy brown so dark that it was almost black. One moment it was there, the next it was obscured by the brilliant light of her aura.
“Okay,” Willow replied.
“But for now,” Tara said, turning Willow’s head gently with the tip of a finger, “Look at your friend.”
Angel was still watching them from the balcony. Some of his earlier surprise had given way to puzzlement, creasing his brow. With Tara holding her hand, sharing her gift, Willow could see he was shadowed, flickering on the edges as if the night were clinging to his skin. But at his breast, pulsing like a heartbeat, was a light that burned like a little candle flame.
“Wow, Angel soul.” Willow looked over at Tara. “It’s neat, but it’s nothing compared to you.”
Tara blushed and ducked her head.
“Hey, are you two going to let me in, or just stare?” Angel called through the door.
Willow and Tara both jumped. Tara folded her arms across her chest and Willow’s sight returned to normal. She felt a little twinge of sorrow as the patterns of life energy faded from view. She walked across the room and opened her door.
“Hi Angel. What are you doing here?” She tried to sound cheerful, normal.
“I wanted to talk to you,” he replied.
“Oh,” Willow took a step back and held her arm out, giving him room to walk through the doorway, but Angel didn’t move. “Well?”
“I can’t, unless you invite me, I can’t come in.”
“Oh. Well, okay. I invite you. To come in.” Willow looked back at Tara and felt warmed when Tara gave her a reassuring smile.
“I-if this is a bad time, I…” Angel stammered, taking a step into Willow’s room.
“It’s okay,” Willow said, clutching her hands together tightly. Angel had caught her with Tara. She tried to keep her mind in the moment, but couldn’t help wondering if he would tell Buffy. Angel was staring at her, and Willow swallowed. “I just…I’m not supposed to have boys in my room.”
“No boys?” A slow, rare smile spread across Angel’s face. “Kind of ironic, huh?”
Willow didn’t speak. She could feel a blush burning across her face, saw Tara go pink as well.
“I guess so,” she replied finally. “Angel, this is my girlfriend, Tara Maclay. Tara, this is Angel.”
Willow looked over at Tara and she was relieved to see the blonde was grinning from ear to ear.
My girlfriend, Willow thought happily.
“Hello Tara,” Angel said, giving a nod. “It’s nice to meet you.”
“H-hi,” Tara replied.
“Willow,” Angel said, turning back to the redhead. “I need help.”
I just introduced Angel to my girlfriend and he didn’t freak out. Willow thought happily, fighting the urge to bounce on the balls of her feet.
Of course, he’s a few hundred years more mature than my friends, but still, no freak out.
“Help? Like on homework?” Willow babbled. “No,” she said, shaking her head and frowning. “Because you’re old and you already know stuff.”
“I want you to track someone down, on the net,” Angel said, nodding toward Willow’s laptop.
“Oh, great, I’m so the net girl!” She grinned sheepishly as Tara started to giggle. Willow grabbed her laptop from the desk and sat down next to Tara on the bed, holding the computer in her lap.
Angel wrung his hands for a moment, then moved to the desk and sat down in the chair. “I just wanna find everything I can. Records, affiliates, I’m not even sure what I’m looking for yet.”
“Good, what’s the name?”
“Billy Fordham.”
Willow looked over at Tara, who mouthed,
Buffy’s friend? Willow nodded, her brow furrowing as she looked over at Angel. The vampire was staring down at the floor.
“Uh, Angel,” Willow said softly. “If I say something that you really don’t wanna hear, do you promise not to bite me?” She squeezed Tara’s hand to let the girl know she was joking. Mostly. She hoped she was joking.
“Are you going to tell me that I’m jealous?” He asked, looking up at them.
“It could happen to anyone,” Willow thought, thinking of her reaction to Xander’s crush on Tara.
“Not to me, not until…” Angel trailed off.
“B-Buffy?” Tara asked.
“Yes,” Angel said with a sad little smile. “I was doing a good job honing my brooding skills until then.”
“Nothing like the meeting the r-right girl to change your whole world,” Tara said kindly, giving Willow’s hand a squeeze.
“Okay.” Willow gave in, her heart jumping from the contact with Tara. “But if there isn’t anything weird—” Willow paused as Sunnydale High’s student records rolled across the screen. “Hey, that’s weird.”
Angel leapt to his feet. “What?”
“I just checked the school records, and he’s not in them. I mean, they usually transfer your grades and stuff, but he’s not even registered.”
Angel crossed his arms. “He said he was in school with you guys, right?”
“Is there anywhere else you can check?” Tara asked. “Maybe there’s some paperwork that hasn’t been entered in the system yet.”
“I know people,” Angel insisted. “My gut tells me this is a wrong guy.”
“It just seems better to check,” Tara replied. “To make sure there’s really something up.” She took a deep breath and then stifled a yawn. “Sorry.”
“You’re right,” Angel sighed.
“It’s going to take some time to get access to the records from Hemery,” Willow said. “Let me look into it and we can touch base tomorrow.”
“I guess that will be okay,” Angel said, nodding. “I’ll see you at sunset. Just don’t tell Buffy what we’re doing, all right?”
“You want me to lie to her?” Willow asked. “It’s Buffy.”
“Just don’t bring it up until we know what’s what.” Angel stood and walked across the room to Willow’s balcony door. “Okay?”
“Willow,” Tara said gently, squeezing her hand again. “We all have secrets. You don’t have to lie to Buffy, but there’s n-no reason to upset her until you know for sure that something’s wrong.”
“Cause maybe it will be nothing?” Willow asked hopefully.
“Maybe,” Tara replied, smiling. She raised Willow’s hand to her lips and kissed it. “Let’s hope.”
“I’ll get back in touch tomorrow,” Angel said, stepping out onto the balcony. “Good night. It was nice to meet you, Tara.”
“Angel,” Willow called before the vampire could close the door. “You’re the only one who knows about, about Tara and me. We’re going to tell everybody—”
Willow stopped.
Were they going to tell everyone? She’d called Tara her girlfriend, and Tara had seemed happy, but was it fair of her to assume she would want the whole world to know? Willow looked over at Tara, biting her lip. The blonde was teary, smiling. She nodded and wrapped her arms around Willow’s arm, laying her head on Willow’s shoulder.
“We’re going to tell everybody when we’re ready,” Willow said.
“My lips are sealed,” Angel replied. He closed the balcony door and leapt out of sight.
“I better lock that,” Willow murmured, kissing Tara’s hair.
“In a minute,” Tara replied, snuggling closer.
Willow leaned into Tara, enjoying the warmth of her. She brushed her hand on Tara’s cheek and smiled when she felt Tara turn her head and kiss the palm of her hand. She reached up to stroke Tara’s hair, wishing that her parents weren’t coming back the next day. That she had more time alone with her girl.
“Willow?” Tara’s voice was soft, a near whisper. “Can I ask you something?”
“Of course.” Willow leaned back and took Tara’s hands in her own. “Anything.”
“Did you mean it?” A blush spread across Tara’s cheeks.
“Mean what?” Willow smiled. “That I want you to be my girlfriend? Of course I do.”
“No,” Tara said, shaking her head.
“Tara?” Willow asked, her face crumpled.
“Oh,” Tara’s eyes widened. “That’s n-not what I meant. I do want to be your g-girlfriend.” The leaned forward and kissed Willow. “I’m crazy about you, remember? I wanted to know if you m-meant it…when you said you love me.”
Willow smiled, flushed with relief. “Of course I mean it. I know it’s quick, but I can’t imagine not having you in my life. You’re so brilliant, and beautiful, and talented. I’ve never known anyone as kind as you, and when we’re not together I have an ache that doesn’t go away until I’m with you again.”
“I knew I loved you the moment I saw you,” Tara murmured. I didn’t know that was what it was at first, I just felt this trembling…” She smiled, shivered, Willow wondered if she was remembering that night, like she was.
“It wasn’t like anything I’d felt before,” Tara continued. “And then you found me, and you’re just…you’re so wonderful, Willow. When I’m with you, I’m at peace. All the troubles and worries of the world go away.” A tear slipped down Tara’s cheek. “None of the pain of the past matters anymore, because I have you now.”
Willow pressed the back of Tara’s hands to her mouth, and then she laid Tara’s hands back in her lap and wrapped her arms around the girl. They sat for a long time, just holding each other.
“I want to show you something,” Tara told her after a little while.
She slipped out of Willow’s embrace and walked over to her duffel bag. Tara rummaged around in it for a moment, but then must’ve found what she was looking for. She straightened with something cupped in her hands.
“This was my grandmother’s,” Tara said, sitting back down on the bed. “She gave it to my mom, and my mom gave it to me.” She held out her hands, revealing a translucent, rose-hued crystal shaped like a weathered forreria shell. “It’s called a doll’s-eye crystal.”
“Neat,” Willow said, leaning forward for a better look.
“It’s rare,” Tara replied, taking Willow’s hand and laying the crystal in her palm. “And useful too, for channeling energy in spells.”
“It’s really heavy,” Willow replied. She was careful not to move her hand. Clumsy Willow would not strike and mess up the lovely family heirloom.
“On the day my mother gave this to me,” Tara said, tracing a finger around the crystal, tickling Willow’s palm. “It was a deep, sapphire blue. When she put it in the palm of my hand all the color bled out of it, leaving it perfectly clear.”
“Why did that happen?” Willow asked. She looked up and saw Tara smiling at her fondly. “You were just about to tell me, weren’t you?”
“It’s okay. I asked my mom the same thing. She told me that the crystal was changed by love. I’d never been in love, and so the crystal had no color. There are a hundred different shades that it can change to, I would imagine, but just a few that my mother told me about. My grandmother told my mother that a love that would burn bright but briefly would change the crystal to a deep red shade. A love of true and enduring friendship, without passion, is as yellow as butter. Unrequited love is the color of dying violets.”
“And the crystal was blue for your mom?” Willow asked. Tara nodded at her, the little smile curving her mouth faded away.
“Blue means a love that will break your heart.”
“But, the crystal,” Willow said quickly, hoping to bring a smile back to Tara’s face. “It isn’t clear anymore.”
“It’s not,” Tara said softly. “It changed, on Halloween.”
“On Halloween?” Willow asked.
Tara grinned, that perfect crooked smile that Willow adored so much. “When I stopped to rest, the morning after I saw you walking, I could feel heat radiating from my duffle. I dug around and found the crystal, and it looked like this.” She ran a finger delicately over the crystal’s surface.
“What does it mean?” Willow asked, looking down at the rose-pink crystal in her hand.
“It’s a c-color my mother warned me I m-might never see.” Tara stammered. Willow realized it was the first time she’d stuttered since Angel left. “It m-m-means,” Tara sighed, took a deep breath. “It means true love.”
Tara ducked her head, her hair falling forward to hide her face. “I d-don’t know if you believe in true love, in soul m-mates, but I do. I feel like I’ve kn-known you forever Willow, because I know your soul.” She paused, and when she spoke again it was barely audible. “S-sorry if that freaks you out.”
Willow placed the crystal carefully onto the comforter and laid her hands over Tara’s. “I do believe in true love,” she whispered. Willow felt like she was going to cry, but at the same time she was smiling so wide that her face hurt. “You stopped me cold in the middle of the street the moment I saw you. I couldn’t even talk, and we both know how hard it can be to get me to stop talking.”
Tara gave a little giggle, but she didn’t look up.
“Two days,” Willow murmured. She stroked the soft skin on Tara’s hands, ran her fingers around the girl’s knuckles in slow circles. “I went for two days without seeing you again and I thought I would go mad.” Tara didn’t move. “Please, don’t hide,” Willow said softly.
Tara finally looked up, her face was damp with tears, but she was smiling.
“I don’t know what I would have done if I couldn’t find you,” Willow said, leaning forward to kiss her.
“I would have found you,” Tara replied, a little breathless after their kiss. She sighed, perfectly content, as Willow ran her hands over her shoulders, down her arms.
“I love you, Tara Maclay.” Willow said, taking Tara’s face in her hands. “I want you to be my girlfriend, and I hope someday—” She stopped, blushing.
“Someday what?” Tara asked, her eyes sparkling.
She had to answer. She could feel her hopes, her dreams for the future, ready to burst from her chest. “That someday you’ll be more than just my girlfriend.”
“I love you, Willow Rosenberg. And I hope so too.” Tara pulled Willow into her arms and kissed her soundly.
Willow tilted backward and the girls fell onto the bed, laughing. The kisses were soft and slow, passionate, but without the frantic pace of the kisses that they’d shared earlier. Tara turned off the light and they settled into each other’s arms, still kissing and murmuring sweetly to one-another.
They stayed like that, holding each other, as the moon dropped lower in the sky. When it finally vanished behind the trees, Tara began to drift off. Willow cradled her girlfriend against her chest, watching her face relax into slumber. She had never felt so happy and so frightened at the same time. Love was a fire, burning in her bones. But the next day Willow’s parents were coming home, and her love was going back onto the streets. Willow needed Tara to be safe, and had absolutely no idea how to keep her that way. Tara whimpered and Willow stroked her hair, murmuring her name, telling her she would be all right. Tara quieted, stilled, hands clutching Willow’s shirt.
“Sweet dreams, baby,” Willow whispered. She kissed Tara’s forehead lightly, barely brushing her lips to Tara’s skin. “I’ll think of something.” Willow fell asleep moments before the sun began to glow on the horizon, still trying to find an answer.
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J-en
and delighted. I'm really glad that you like both fics, Vamp_Willz! I'm trying really hard to stay true to the characters, I'm glad you still feel the Scooby-ness (I like that word, I'm borrowing it, not stealing 
and I promise there will be more Ms. Calendar to come. I hope you'll keep reading and enjoying! I promise to keep writing!
and snuggles... I hope question about Tara's possible Vamp-y hood is resolved in the morning when Willow, Xander & Buffy see her in the sunlight...
