Aww, angel is sweet! cant' wait for the next update

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- I am a poster girl with no poster, I am 32 flavours and then some -

I'm glad that Tara is teaching Willow the correct way of learning magic and explaining everything. I'm sure if Willow just told her friends about her relationship with Tara they would be supportive; or I'm hoping they would be.

Aw. They're so sweet.

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Menorah Tales | Working It Out | Random Bits

Sorry for the delay folks. Life's been hectic, but I'm still writing!

Maggie (my friend L17, which always makes me get L7 punk songs stuck in my head, lol)--Congrats on the dibs. I'm really glad you're enjoying the fic.

FIRESIGN--Thanks for the kind words, I'm really gratified that my tale makes for yummy bedtime reading!

vampyregurl73--Glad to be "awwww" inspiring (hee hee). I'm working my way toward both those things, eventually, promise!

Laragh--I'm so glad you dug the magic lesson. I felt like Willow's floundering around on her own led to so much of her trouble down the road, she just needed someone to teach her how to be responsible, and Tara is definitely willing and able to be that guide for her girl. Hey, maybe you'll get the dibs tonight?

Zampsa1975--Thanks as always for reading, and eerie how much you and Willow think alike...read on...

leftindust--Here you go!

love_2003--Here's hoping the Scoobies will stand by their girl, right?

JustSkipIt--Thanks!

Post Follows:

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Wave ... The Wish of Three Hearts
The Yuletide Present ... In From the Cold

"We're in love. We're lovers. We're lesbian, gay-type lovers."

• 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. The poem Larry reads is by Walt Whitman.


Chapter Seven: Secrets

Willow rushed home, dreading some protracted dinner with her parents, only to find that her parents had left for a dinner meeting with a colleague at UC Sunnydale. There was a terse note from her mother reminding her to finish her homework, and a twenty-dollar bill so she could order herself dinner. For the first time Willow found herself grateful for her parents’ self absorption, for the distance that she had never understood, but long regretted. She brushed aside the sad thought and ran up upstairs to change.

Tara was waiting for her on the stoop outside of Zanja Muro, looking beautiful in a pale sundress the washed blue of a winter sky. Her hair hung free over her shoulders, and she wore an adorable pair of strappy sandals in dark indigo leather. She saw Willow and stood, smiling and waving. Willow broke into a run and didn’t stop until she felt herself pulled into Tara’s arms.

“Hi Tara,” Willow mumbled, laying her head on the girl’s shoulder, loving the feel of Tara’s warm skin against her cheek.

“Hey you,” Tara replied.

“You look beautiful,” Willow said, taking a step back to admire Tara’s dress again. Now that they were standing so close, Willow could see a pair of silver hoops in Tara’s ears, and a thin silver chain supporting a teardrop bead of pale blue agate just above the swell of Tara’s breasts. “So beautiful.”

“You like?” Tara asked, blushing. She held out he ends of her dress and dipped in a tiny curtsy. “I found the dress and shoes on sale today in a shop downtown.”

“Money well spent.”

“Thanks,” Tara replied. You’re quite fetching too, if I may say so.”

“You may.” Willow said, smiling. She was wearing her black boots, a pair of black slacks, and an evergreen sweater that Willow hadn’t worn since eighth grade. It was the only thing she had that would actually hug her curves. The sweater was a little too short, but she hoped Tara would enjoy the occasional flash of her midriff. She’d topped it all off with her mother’s black Burberry military coat, a stylish piece that had languished in her mother’s closet for years.

“Coffee?” Tara asked, linking her arm through Willow’s.

As soon as they touched, she could feel the girl was trembling. “Are you okay, Tara?” Willow asked.

Tara giggled. “I d-didn’t realize it was going to be so ch-chilly tonight,” she admitted.

She’s so adorable, Willow thought. She felt a blush burn in her cheeks. Oh my god, she realized. I like cold and shivery girls. Well, girl. I’m just as big a perv as Xander.

“Here,” Willow said, sliding the Burberry off her shoulders. “I’m wearing a sweater, you take this.” So I won’t go to Gehenna for enjoying how shivery you are.

“I don’t want to t-take your coat,” Tara began.

“Please?” Willow asked. “What kind of girlfriend would I be if didn’t give my coat to my girl when she’s cold.”

Tara nodding, smiling that crooked grin and ducking her head. The coat fit her perfectly. “Coffee now?”

“Absolutely.”

Tara opened the door to the café and they were hit by a wall of sound and light. Willow blinked, startled by the large crowd of people that had gathered. Every sitting surface was taken, and people were sitting on the floors. The stage at the back of the room was glowing in an amber spotlight and a single chair had been placed downstage center. Willow felt a gentle tug on her arm as Tara took a step backward.

“Uh, W-Willow,” Tara began.

“Tara,” Willow replied. She was more than a little disappointed to find their favorite place so mobbed. She was about to tell Tara that they didn’t have to stay, that they could try someplace else, when Jamie came dashing toward them. His hair was pink, like a big, curly pile of cotton candy.

“Hey, it’s my favorite ladies!” He cried, taking Tara and Willow by the hand, and pulling them toward the doorway. “Come on, I saved your booth for you.”

“J-Jamie, I d-d-d” Tara said, sounding plaintive. She closed her eyes.

“She doesn't like crowds,” Willow told him. “I think we’re gonna go.”

Jamie stopped and fell into an immediate pout. Willow was delighted to hear Tara giggle at the sight.

“Absolutely not,” he said, stomping his foot.

Tara giggled again, though Willow noticed her girlfriend’s forehead was still furrowed and she was biting her lip.

“I’ve been waiting for days to hang out with you two,” Jamie continued. “ I have to live vicariously through someone’s romance.” He ignored Willow’s chuckle. “And besides, there’s a very good reason why things are so crowded. It’s poetry jam night. As soon as we get started the lights will dim, all these bourgeois kids will pipe down, and you’ll never even know that they’re all here.”

“J-Jamie...” Tara stammered.

“Not that you’d notice we were here anyway,” he said. Jamie sounded prim but he was smiling broadly. “Since as soon as you sit down the two of you will be making with the goo-goo eyes.”

“Jamie!” The girls exclaimed together, blushing.

“I win,” he cheered, and led them into the shop.

The trio slipped carefully through the crowds of people. Willow gave out a nervous little peep when she had to dance on her tiptoes to avoid stepping on a man who shifted as she was walking by. When they reached the booth Tara slid in immediately, moving all the way to the wall. Willow started to move to the other side when Tara grabbed her arm.

“N-no,” Tara said, staring at her lap. “O-over here, Will? Please?”

Willow sat down, worried about her girl, but flush with happiness. “You called me Will,” she murmured.

Tara looked up and Willow could see she looked worried.

“No baby,” Willow said, squeezing her hand. “I like it when you call me Will. It’s cute.”

“You c-called me baby,” Tara replied, grinning now.

“I’ve done it once before,” Willow said. She could feel a blush creeping up her neck.

“Nuh uh, I would’ve remembered.”

“You were sleeping,” Willow mumbled.

Tara grabbed Willow’s hand in both of her own and raised it to her mouth to kiss it. “Thanks for bringing me out for coffee, Will. I really like p-poetry.”

Willow grinned. “You’re welcome, baby.”

Green eyes were lost in blue.

“I’ll just go get you two some coffee,” Jamie said. The girls didn’t acknowledge him and he gave a little snort as he walked away. “Already gone.”

Willow stared into Tara’s eyes and shivered as she felt the energy passing between their hands. A small part of her noticed Jamie talking to them, noticed him walking away, but she just couldn't pull herself away from the gaze of her beautiful girl. The noise of the café faded into a dull roar that seemed to ebb and flow like the sea. Tara’s eyes had drifted half-closed, and her lips were open just a bit. Willow wanted to kiss her so badly, but she was afraid Tara would be too embarrassed in front of all of the people. At that exact moment Tara leaned forward and pressed her lips to Willow’s softly. After a moment she leaned back, smiling.

“Tara?” Willow asked.

“You look so beautiful,” Tara replied, cheeks pink. “Thank you.”

Now it was Willow’s turn to furrow her brow. “For what?”

“For distracting me with the beauty that is Willow Rosenberg. I’m glad we stayed.”

The lights dimmed and the room went quiet, just a few whisperings here and there that sounded like autumn grass blowing in the wind. Willow cuddled up next to Tara and planted a quick, soft kiss against her girlfriend’s lips, thrilled that they were being affectionate in public with no worry or concern.

“I’m glad we stayed too.” She laid her head on Tara’s shoulder.

As soon as the lights went down a slim, sandy-haired boy walked onto the stage. He cleared his throat and the mic whined a bit, making him jump.

“Well,” the boy laughed. “If someone had to do that I’m just glad it was me.”

The audience gave a little laugh. The boy brushed his long bangs out of his face and Willow realized he was a kid from school. She didn’t know his name, but she’d seen him around campus, usually hanging out in the art room or the photography lab.

“Thanks for coming out to the annual Zanja Muro Sunset to Sunrise poetry jam. Please remember, eat drink and be merry as you watch our talented poets and performers, all proceeds from tonight will go to support the UC Sunnydale GLBT Student Union.”

The crowd applauded, quite a few people cheered aloud. Next to her, Willow heard Tara give a quiet, “Yea!” She wrapped her arm around Tara’s shoulder and pulled her close, smiling.

Jamie came back to the table with two steaming coffee mugs and a honey jar. “I hope you heard that, girl,” Jamie told Tara, sliding the cups toward them. “Sunset to sunrise. There’s no close tonight. You can stay as long as you want.”

Willow felt a rush of affection for the man. No wonder he’d insisted that they stay—he knew Tara didn’t usually have a safe place to spend the night, and now she could stay at Zanja.

“Thanks Jamie,” Willow said, smiling. “Thank you so much.”

He patted Willow’s shoulder. “I’m a hopeless romantic,” he sighed. “Besides, I feel terrible every time you guys have to leave at closing. You get the saddest little worry lines.”

Willow rubbed her forehead with her fingertips and Jamie laughed, clapping his hand over his mouth to muffle the sound as the MC stepped off stage.

“Hummus?” He asked once he’d calmed a bit, voice just above a whisper.

Willow and Tara started nodding at the same time and giggled when they noticed the synchronization.

“Hummus for the cutest little gay girls ever, coming up.” He sauntered off toward the kitchen.

“See, you are the cutest girl ever,” Willow said happily.

“He said we,” Tara laughed. “We’re the gayest too, apparently.”

“Without a doubt,” Willow said firmly. “Gayest of the gay. And loving it.”

Tara giggled hysterically as the first poet stepped onto the stage. He was a tall, broadly built boy with dark hair that flipped up in the front. When he turned forward to face them Willow sat up, sputtering. “Holy hell.”

“W-what is it?” Tara asked.

“That is Larry Blaisdell.” Tara raised her eyebrows and shrugged. “Sorry,” Willow said. “He’s this huge jock, a real bully, he picks on Xander all the time.” She gave a little giggle now, looking back at the boy. “He likes poetry? Wait till I tell Xander…”

“Hi,” Larry said softly, leaning toward the microphone. “I’m Larry. This is, uh, not my poem, but it’s a poem by one of my favorite poets.”

“Like he has favorite poems,” Willow muttered. “He’s probably going to read something from Metallica. Or a transcript from Beevis and Butthead.”

“We two boys together clinging,” Larry began softly. Willow’s mouth dropped open.
“One the other never leaving,
Up and down the roads going, North and South excursions making,
Power enjoying, elbows stretching, fingers clutching,
Arm’d and fearless, eating, drinking, sleeping, loving.
No law less than ourselves owning, sailing, soldiering, thieving, threatening
Misers, menials, priests alarming, air breathing, water drinking,
on the turf or the sea-beach dancing,
Cities wrenching ease scorning, statutes mocking, feebleness chasing,
Fulfilling our foray.”

Larry murmured a soft thank you into the microphone and stepped out of the spotlight, his head bowed. Tara began to clap and soon the rest of the audience followed-suit, even Willow clapped softly, though her mouth was still hanging open.

“That was,” she began. “But Larry is—”

“He’s gay,” Tara said firmly.

Willow giggled and shook her head. “No, Tara, baby, Larry is—”

“Look,” Tara said simply, nodding her head.

Willow looked across the room and saw Larry walking down the steps. He sat down next to the boy serving as the MC and linked arms with him, planting a kiss on the boy’s cheek.

“Totally gay,” she finished lamely.

Tara giggled and patted Willow on the shoulder. “Don’t feel too bad, Willow. I have eh-excellent gaydar.”

Willow snorted with laughter and shook her head, then suddenly sobered. “Is that like reading auras?” She whispered, voice tense with curiosity. “Can you see gay auras?”

Tara laughed so hard that the people sitting around them turned to look. Her eyes widened and she pressed her hands over her mouth, tears rolling down her cheeks as she shook with mirth.

“It wasn’t that funny,” Willow said, faking a pout even as she smiled.

Tara nodded her head and lifted her hands away from her mouth cautiously.

“So, so funny,” she gasped. Her laughter faded away and Tara tipped her head, a small smile on her face that gave just a hint of the crooked grin Willow loved so much. “Oh rosy girl,” she whispered, stroking Willow’s cheek. “You make me so happy.”

Willow grinned so broadly that her cheeks hurt, and her stomach gave a little flutter. She stared down at her lap; suddenly embarrassed by the blush she could feel burning in her cheeks. “I’ve never been happier, so it’s only fair.”

Tara’s warm hand slipped under Willow’s chin, tipping her head up so they were looking eye to eye. “No h-hiding. If I’m not allowed to hide, you c-can’t either. Okay?”

“Okay.”

The girls gripped hands tightly. Willow looked up at the stage and saw an older woman with shoulder-length white hair step out of the spotlight. They’d been so wrapped up in each other that another poet had come and gone and they hadn’t heard a word. Willow giggled softly and wondered if they’d missed more than one. She took a sip of her coffee and it was a little tepid.

“You better drink up,” she told Tara, pointing to the girl’s green mug. “It’s getting cold.”

“Oh goddess,” Tara murmured, “If Jamie came over here and found us sitting in front of full, cold cups of coffee we’d be hearing about g-goo-goo eyes forever.”

They watched a few more poets, making sure to finish off their first cups of coffee before Jamie came back with the hummus. Willow settled against Tara, head leaning on her girlfriend’s shoulder while they snacked on toasted pita points. Tara slipped her arms over Willow, holding her close. She was actually feeling a bit drowsy, so warm and comfortable in Tara’s embrace that she was on the edge of sleep, when she heard a familiar voice.

“The world in silhouette.
Coral kiss peach kiss pearl kiss gray
Fade into the broad, gunmetal dome of the sky.”

Willow sat up and stared. There was a slender black-haired woman standing at the microphone. Willow rubbed her eyes. Could it really be?

“Waning gibbous, the moon a bright white button,” The woman continued.
“Hanging over my head, reflecting light
from a spectacle I will not see.
Too much life spent indoors.
Outside birds are singing.”

“Wow,” Willow said when the woman finished, giving a little bow as the audience applauded. “She’s pretty good.”

“You think sh-she’s p-pretty, huh?”

Willow turned to look at Tara, the girl was grinning, one eyebrow cocked.

“No!” Willow cried, wincing when she realized how loud she’d been. “Ew no,” she said more softly, taking Tara’s hand. “I think you’re beautiful. There’s no other girl for me. She’s just my computer science teacher.”

“What?” Tara asked, brow furrowing.

“That’s Ms. Calendar, my computer science teacher. I had no idea that she liked poetry. And if she’s here, that means,” Willow cranked her neck, staring around the room to see where Ms. Calendar had walked off to. “There’s Giles!” Willow squealed, pointing to the far wall when the British man sat primly at a table, drinking a cup of tea.

“That’s the librarian, right?” Tara asked.

“He’s not just a librarian,” Willow said happily. “He’s Buffy’s wah—” Willow broke off, eyes bulging. “Wise mentor,” she finished, feeling awkward.

“Oh,” Tara said, smiling at Willow’s enthusiasm.

Willow felt a little stab of guilt at lying to Tara. I'm going to have to ask Buffy if I can tell her. I don’t like keeping secrets.

“Are they on a date?” Tara asked, making Willow jump.

“Yeah,” Willow sighed, pushing her guilt aside and settling back against Tara with a smile. “Their first one. Those crazy kids.”

Tara giggled.

The girls watched as Ms. Calendar slid into the seat next to him accidentally bumping his hand with her elbow. Some tea must’ve slopped out of his cup because she grabbed a napkin and started dabbing at his shirt. When Ms. Calendar turned away from Giles to grab another tissue, Willow saw him smile at the brunette tenderly.

“He really likes her,” Tara murmured.

“I know the feeling,” Willow replied.

“Me too.” Tara kissed Willow’s hair.

The poetry jam continued and Willow began to feel a twinge of nervous dread in her stomach. Soon she’d have to leave Tara and go home, or she’d be late for curfew. There was enough money left from the cash her mother left to take a cab, but soon enough she would have to leave her girl all on her own. Tara had promised that she would stay at Zanja with Jamie until the sun came up, and meet her after school, but what would she do all day?

Willow thought of Tara curled up in some bathroom stall or department store dressing room, trying and failing to get any rest, and she could feel her eyes burn with unshed tears. The find-me spell was wonderful; it was brilliant, so calming to know that when they really needed to they could find each other. But it didn’t change the fact that Tara needed a safe place to call home. She snuggled against her girlfriend and sighed.

“You got so quiet I thought you’d dozed off,” Tara said, whispering into Willow’s ear.

“Just thinking,” Willow replied.

“Not h-happy thoughts,” Tara said, stroking Willow’s hair. It was a statement, not a question.

“Not happy thoughts,” she agreed.

“What’s wrong?” Tara pulled Willow more snuggly against her, her head resting on top of Willow’s. When she spoke again, Willow could feel the muscles moving along her jaw line. “Worry girl is gnawing again, huh?”

Willow just nodded, afraid she would begin to cry if she spoke.

“Would it m-make you feel better to know I have a worry girl too? The last few days have been wonderful. I ha-haven’t been so happy with a roof over my head since—”

“Since your mom?” Willow whispered.

Tara was quiet for a moment. When she spoke again Willow could barely hear her. “Uh huh. But I promise I’ll be careful. I’ll be okay.”

Willow sat up and turned around, taking Tara’s hands in her own. “I just wish you could stay with me.”

Tara’s eyes sparkled, but her smile was a sad one. “I know, me too.”

Willow eyes widened and she clutched Tara’s hands toward her stomach. “What if you could?”

“Huh? Willow, your parents—”

Willow took a deep breath. “What if we told them you’re a foreign exchange student? I could tell them that I forgot I’d volunteered them to be a host family, they would be a little upset at me for forgetting, but in the end they’d say yes because they’re education lovers and they wouldn’t want to—” She broke off as Tara began to laugh. “What?”

“Willow babble, I love it,” Tara said, caressing her cheek. “And you’re so sweet, but are we going to tell them that I’m a foreign exchange student that traveled through time?”

It was Willow’s turn to be confused. “Huh?”

“I can speak Latin, but it’s a d-dead language. I read and write in Latin, ancient Greek, and a bit of Sumerian. I think they’d expect a foreign exchange student who’s a luh-little less f-foreign.”

“Rosenberg once again faces defeat,” Willow sighed. “I think love might have broken my logic bone.”

Tara giggled and the girls settled back into a comfortable embrace, Willow still wracking her mind, trying to come up with a solution for Tara. A few minutes later the MC called for a break and the lights came up. The noise in the café began to rise, but a lot of people went outside, presumably to talk or smoke, so things quieted down again pretty quickly. Willow looked over to see if she could spy Giles and Ms. Calendar, so she could walk over and say hello, but the couple wasn’t in their seats.

Jamie came by with two fresh cups of coffee and hurried away with their empty cups, promising that he would stop to chat for a moment after he caught up on his tables. Willow felt Tara’s breathing slow, deepen. When she looked up she smiled to see the girl was beginning to doze. Willow closed her eyes and listened to the sound of her girlfriend as she passed from waking into sleep.

“I thought I saw you, Ms. Rosenberg. How did you enjoy my poem?”

Willow gave a little squeak, it took everything in her not to sit up and jostle Tara. She opened her eyes and found Ms. Calendar smiling down at her.

“Hi Ms. Calendar,” Willow replied. She swallowed, and felt a little blush creeping up her cheeks. Ms. Calendar is watching me cuddle with my girlfriend… “Your poem was great. The nature imagery contrasted with the loss and regret really starkly. It reminded me of Robert Frost. Do you like Robert Frost? He’s one of my favorite poets. I know everyone loves The Road Not Taken but I’ve always loved Acquainted With the Night. Do you—”

“Breathe, Willow,” Ms. Calendar laughed. “You’re going to pass out from lack of oxygen.”

Willow nodded, blushing even brighter. “Hi Ms. Calendar.”

“Hello Willow.” Ms. Calendar nodded her head. “Is that?”

“It’s Tara,” Willow said, smiling. “Hey Tara,” she said softly, turning and rubbing Tara on the knee. “Wake up, sleepy head.”

Tara gave a quiet protest, pulling Willow more firmly against her. Tara’s hand slipped down so that it was just above the edge of Willow’s bra.

Willow gave a loud, nervous laugh and felt Tara stir again. “Tara,” she repeated, pleading just a little. “You have to wake up. I want you to meet somebody.”

“Is the vampire back again?” Tara murmured, feeling drowsy. “I already met him.”

Willow looked around and saw an elderly couple at the next table staring at them, wide-eyed.

“She always says funny stuff when she’s sleepy,” Willow stammered to them.

Ms. Calendar laughed loudly and Tara sat up, moving her hand down to clutch Willow’s. “W-Will?” She asked softly.

“Hey you,” Willow said. “Tara, this is Ms. Calendar, she’s my computer science teacher at school.”

“Huh-hi,” Tara said, ducking her head a bit. “Willow really likes your c-class, she talks about it a lot.”

“Well that’s good to know,” Ms. Calendar replied, smiling kindly at the shy girl. “Sometimes I think she’s the one teaching me.”

Don’t blush, Willow thought to herself, even as she felt heat creeping up her neck. Don’t blush, don’t…I’m blushing. I’m going to invent a cure for blushing.

“She is really smart,” Tara said proudly, nodding.

“And that’s enough about me,” Willow laughed nervously. “Are you and Mr. Giles having a nice time on your date?”

“Yeah,” Ms. Calendar said, her smile widening. “I had him convinced for a minute that I was taking him to a monster truck rally. He was really relieved when we got here.”

Willow tried to imagine Giles at a truck rally and had to resist the urge to snort. “I bet.”

“Well, I better get back,” Ms. Calendar said, hooking a thumb over her shoulder. “He’ll think I left. It was very nice to meet you, Tara, I’ve heard a lot of good things about you.” She took a step and then a strange look crossed her face. For a moment Willow thought she was going to sneeze, but instead she pulled small pink pager out of her pocket, it was buzzing away.

“He must really think you left,” Willow said.

“No,” Ms. Calendar said, frowning. “It’s Buffy.”

“Buffy?” Tara asked, looking between Willow and Ms. Calendar.

“Is she okay?” Willow asked. She knew Buffy wouldn’t interrupt Giles’ date unless something really important or really bad had happened. Or really important and bad. Oh the joy of living on the Hellmouth.

“I’m sure she’s fine.” Ms. Calendar smiled at them but it was forced. “I’m going to find Mr. Giles, you two enjoy the rest of the poetry jam.”

“Bye,” Willow said. She bit her lip as she watched Ms. Calendar walking away.

“Do you n-need to go?” Tara asked softly.

Willow turned back to face Tara, the girl was regarding her solemnly. “What? No, Tara, I don’t want to leave.”

“Is B-Buffy in some kind of trouble?”

Willow smiled and laid her hand on Tara’s cheek. “That’s my girl, always getting right to the heart of the matter.” Tara blushed, but her gaze didn’t wave her. “No, she’s fine.” Willow paused. “I think she’s fine. If she could work her fingers long enough to send a page I'm sure she’s fine.” Willow sighed. “I don’t know, Tara. I hope so.”

“I k-know that Buffy is different,” Tara said softly, hesitantly. Willow opened her mouth and Tara held up a hand. “She’s your best friend, I’m not asking you to tell me her secrets. If she wants to t-tell me, I’ll be h-happy to listen. But I can see it, her aura, it isn’t…like the rest of us.”

“She’s special,” Willow replied. “And Giles is helping her…learn.”

“That’s good,” Tara said, nodding. “It’s important to have someone who will lead you, guide you…” She trailed off. Willow could see tears welling in her eyes. “Like I had my m-mom.”

“And like I have you,” Willow said. She squeezed Tara’s hand and the girl smiled.

“For as l-long as you w-want me.”

“Forever, please,” Willow replied.

The lights dimmed again and another poet stepped onto the stage. Willow wrapped her arms around Tara and buried her face in the girl’s neck. Tara ran a gentle hand down Willow’s hair again and again. She could feel the warmth of Tara’s palm running from the crown of her head to the base of her skull. Her eyes began to ease closed as she wished that Tara still had someone to guide her, that she didn’t have to bear the burden all on her own. A mentor. The answer lanced through Willow like a bolt of lightning, though she didn’t stir out of Tara’s embrace. A mentor. Giles was Buffy’s watcher, but he was a mentor to them all, even Xander.

“Tara?” Willow asked softly.

“Yeah?” Her voice was faint, sleepy.

“You’re going to meet me after school tomorrow, right?”

“Mm hmm, I promise.”

“Good.” Tomorrow, after school, Willow would introduce Tara to the watcher. If anyone could help them, it was Giles.

* * *

Willow tossed and turned all night, thinking about Tara back at Zanja Muro. She got up in the morning groggy and sore, and forced herself to get up even though she just wanted to lie in bed until school was done and it was time to go see her girl. A long stretch in a hot shower helped with her aches but she was still feeling pretty tired. She decided the only course of action would be to wear her sweater from the night before, because it had just a hint of the honeysuckle glory that was Tara. Brick red jeans and her red beaded necklace completed the ensemble and she went downstairs for breakfast.

I hope I’m not coming down with something, Willow thought a few minutes later, staring down into her completely unappetizing bowl of oatmeal. Who am I kidding? I have a terrible case of ‘I miss Tara’.

“Penny for your thoughts, bubbala.”

Willow gave a little jump. Her father was standing in the doorway to the kitchen, holding a cup of coffee in his hand.

“Hi Daddy,” Willow said softly, toying at her breakfast, thinking she should’ve stopped with the toast.

“You okay?” He asked, rubbing the top of his balding head. Over the years Willow had learned that this gesture meant two things: I’m nervous already and don’t make it worse.

“I’m fine, a little tired.” She dropped her spoon down in her bowl.

“You have to head out soon if you’re going to catch the bus, huh?” He asked kindly, taking a sip of coffee. Willow sighed and nodded. “Tell you what,” he said. “Why don’t I give you a ride in today? Then you won’t have to rush.”

“Thanks, Dad,” Willow replied.

“Absolutely,” he said, walking by and patting her gently on the shoulder.

Willow went to the kitchen to rinse her bowl and then zoned on the couch until her father was ready to go. On the ride there he talked to her about the next conference he’d be attending with her mother, and wondered where he’d forgotten his sunglasses. She reminded him gently that they were on top of his head. As soon as she stepped out of the car in the school parking lot, Xander was hovering next to her, his hands stuffed in his pockets.

“Hey Xander,” Will said, waving to her father as he drove off. Xander didn’t reply—he was too busy biting his lip, staring around the campus. “Xander, what’s wrong with you?”

“I think Angel told Buffy,” he said in a hiss.

“Told Buffy what?” Willow’s eyes widened as she felt a little spear of dread. “You mean told her that we were snooping around behind her back for information on Ford? Well, not snooping,” she murmured to herself. “Investigating. Without telling her.” Willow grimaced. “Why? Why would Angel do that?”

“Well, Dead Boy was pretty upset by what we found last night,” Xander said venomously, face twisted in a scowl.

“What did you find?”

Xander shrugged and his face relaxed a bit. “It was pretty creepy, actually. The Sunset Club is a hangout for Goths who are obsessed with vampires.” He waved his hands around. “They think vamps are all tragic, cool, and misunderstood. They call them the lonely ones,” he finished with a snort.

“Okay, that’s an odd place for a friend of the vampire slayer to hang out.” Willow agreed. “But is it worth telling Buffy about?”

“Maybe that wouldn’t be, but Will,” Xander said, a hint of urgency creeping into his voice. “These folks, I think they want to be changed. Angel got all freaked up and blew up at some girl and everybody stopped talking.” He continued, voice small. “Yeah, it really freaked Dead Boy out.”

“Sounds like he wasn’t the only one who was freaked.”

Xander just shrugged.

“So, what should we do?” Willow asked. She could feel acid churning in her stomach.

“Keep an eye out for her I guess,” Xander replied. “Try to explain.”

“Oh goodie,” Willow sighed. “Avoidance isn’t an option then?”

“I think creep factor has wiped it right off the table.” Xander said, wrapping an arm over Willow’s shoulder and walking toward the school building.

“Doesn't it always?” Willow asked.

They walked into the main hall and sat down on the stairs. It was the main thoroughfare, so sooner or later Buffy would have to come by. Five minutes before the bell rang for first period there was still no sign of Buffy. Willow was about to tell Xander they would have to wait for later when the slayer stalked down the steps past them. Willow realized Buffy was going to walk by without saying a word.

“Buffy!” She said, standing up on the stairs.

Buffy turned toward Willow slowly, unsmiling. Willow wished for a moment that she’d just let her keep walking. She wondered how many places she would get broken if Buffy decided to hit her.

“Did uh, Angel…” Willow began nervously.

“He told me everything,” Buffy said tonelessly.

“I’m sorry we kept stuff from you,” Willow said earnestly.

“It’s okay,” Buffy replied.

Willow could see it wasn’t okay at all. “When Angel came to my house he was just really concerned for you,” she said, hoping Buffy would understand. “And we didn’t want to say anything in case we were wrong.”

Buffy just stared at her. Willow was grateful when Xander broke the silence. “Did you find out what Ford is up to?”

“I will,” Buffy replied. Without another word she turned and continued off down the stairs.

“Guess that’s us not invited then,” Willow said sadly.

Xander shifted on the stairs. “I’ll tell Angel. We’ll keep an eye out for her tonight.”

Willow blinked. “You’re going to voluntarily talk to Angel?”

“It’s like you said, Will. Dead Boy wasn’t the only one freaked out.”

_________________
Wave ... The Wish of Three Hearts
The Yuletide Present ... In From the Cold

"We're in love. We're lovers. We're lesbian, gay-type lovers."

Dibs!

I really loved the girls' date... it made me wish I could have a date like that... all snuggled with my honey *sigh*

I hope Giles can help Tara... maybe she could live with him while Willow's parents are in town and when they left, Tara could live with Willow again

_________________
Nadie debe decidir por mí a quién debo amar, con quién debo acostarme.

Hector Avellan.

I haven't slept since Thursday, but this popped up right before I was going to bed!

Aww, I don't want Buffy to be mad at them! I loved their date and that Jenny came over to talk to them - hopefully they talk to Giles and it'll go well!

_________________
Ripples - Pretty Much Perfect and The Sequel to the Sequel, Who's That Girl?
Every Step That I Retrace/Always Leads Me Back to You/But I've Loved You All Along
Road to Recovery, The Call/The Lightning Strike, The Sun Will Rise

Now this is is a good update to end the day with. (read after Three Heart)

Hopefully Tara will be introduced into the slaying world soon. Please update.

Their date was so sweet.



That is just a great line!

I think Jenny would be better suited a mentor since A) Hello - she a gypsy and a techno pagan/witch (Giles isn't really supposed to cast due to his "Ripper" days) and B) She would probably be a little less uptight knowing that Willow and Tara are a couple than Giles in all of his tweedy-ness. I'm just sayin'...

Are you going to follow the episode closely or take more liberties? It'll be fun either way.

_________________
Heather aka vampyregurl73 aka Riverwillows73

My stories:
"Dry Heat – In Progress (still)" "Penny Arcade - Completed"

My Fic Challenge entries:
"Fireworks" "Promise" "I Did What Last Night?"

Great update. I love the idea of Giles being a mentor for Tara. I'm sure he will be very impressed with the languages she can speak and write. Patiently waiting to see what Ford has to say for himself.

I don't care, I'm still claiming dibs. 6th dibs. Damn time zone differences making me be asleep when awesome stories are updated *pout*

Wonderful chapter!

I adored their date and squee-ed (it's a word) with mushy goodness at all their goo-goo-eye-ness and lovey words.

I agree with the others, I'm sure Giles will be super impressed with Tara's language ability - that'll be a huge asset on the Scooby front.

Great work! Can't wait for more!

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Amber Benson killed me once.

Check out my finished fics

Love, The Series … Two For Joy/21+/Joy To The World … Dancing With Dimensions

Inevitable/Infinitely …Confidential Eternal … A Twisted Date … Dachsund Through The Snow

Yay for excellent update-y goodness... I hope Tara can stay with Giles when Willow's parents are in town... I liked the poetry night-date...

_________________
We few, we happy few. We band of buggered.

Posting While Nude Improves Your Mood.

Somehow I missed two updates...

More for me to read today though, so i suppose it evens out.

I keep getting ideas for Tara - stay with Giles, Jenny, or Joyce - once the 'adults' realize she NEEDS a place to stay, anyway. Not easy for a kid alone on the streets.

Looking forward to more!

I'm back again for a feedback gratitude pit stop before my next post!

ceridwen--Congrats on the dibs! Let's see if you can get two in a row! I'm glad you liked the pre-date date, I really wanted it to be something sweet.

Maggie (aka the magnificent L17 )--Thanks for staying up to read my fic! You're a super-trooper! Read on to see if you get your wish...

BuffyFan4ever--I'm afraid to say that this week one of my fics is MEGA ANGST but the other is still angsty too. Hope you will still be happy with the updates!

vampyregurl73--I'm psyched that you liked the logic bone line! I know what you mean about a Jenny...she'd be a great witch guide, but Giles is sort of the overall mentor-man...

love_2003--You're on to something there! Keep reading!

Laragh--you had me laughing so hard with this. I actually ran to my wife and bragged and said "Honey, your wife just got a sixth dibs!" and then realized she had no idea what the fuck I was talking about. LOL After I explained it she was very impressed....really. Poor Laragh in a different time zone...If I could move to Ireland, I would. Any teaching jobs over there for Yank? Thanks so much for reading Laragh. I've said it before, I'll say it again, it's awesome knowing that a great writer is enjoying what I write!

Zampsa1975--Read on and find out! Thanks for posting!

Morrigan--I hope you don't miss this update, I'm really looking forward to your thoughts.


Here comes the update:

_________________
Wave ... The Wish of Three Hearts
The Yuletide Present ... In From the Cold

"We're in love. We're lovers. We're lesbian, gay-type lovers."

I'm calling dibs on the following update then

_________________
Nadie debe decidir por mí a quién debo amar, con quién debo acostarme.

Hector Avellan.

• 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. Don't sue me, I'm not stealing anything, just borrowing!
• 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 episodes Lie to Me and New Moon Rising by the writers of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. The music (My Guitar Gently Weeps and Behind Blue Eyes) belong to The Beatles and The Who respectively.


Chapter Eight: Honesty


Buffy didn’t make an appearance for the rest of the day, and Xander and Giles weren’t at the library when Willow got there, so she walked outside to catch the bus home. Knowing that Tara would be waiting for her when she got there was the only thing that kept her from breaking down in tears. Her best friend was so angry with her for keeping secrets, and she still didn’t know the biggest secret of all. Willow wondered if their friendship could survive it. She didn’t know what she would do if the answer to that question was a no.

“Willow?”

She took three steps before it registered that someone had said her name. Willow turned around and felt her shoulders drop, felt her stomach unclench. She smiled even as she felt a tear slip down each cheek. Tara was standing near the bike rack, waving to her, her guitar case slung across her back.

“Hi Will!” Tara called, grinning that perfect crooked smile and waving to her. “Do you need a ride home?” She held her skateboard up.

Willow broke into a run, dodging around a few students heading toward the bus loop. She stopped just a few steps short of Tara, a bit short of breath.

“Hi baby,” Willow murmured, brushing tears from her face. “I’m so glad you’re here, it’s like getting a big surprise on Christmas, well except that I don’t celebrate Christmas at home because we’re Jewish. It’s like a big surprise Hanukah present.” She paused. “It just doesn’t have the same ring. You’re like Christmas morning, forget the Hanukah stuff.”

Tara reached out and touched Willow’s damp cheek. “What’s wrong?”

“I’m just so happy to see you,” Willow said, sniffling. “It’s been a rough day.” She gave a little laugh. “Which sounds silly, because I know that your day must’ve been worse. Did you get any rest?”

Willow didn’t wait for an answer, she felt her chest constricting with panic and took a step, flailing her hands. She really didn’t want to cry. “I’m sorry, I’m so happy to see you. It’s just that, I’m doing everything wrong. I didn’t know how to tell Buffy the truth about Ford and now she knows and she’s so hurt. Now I’ve got you all upset and worry girl, and you have enough to worry about. I just wish I could do something right. Sorry.”

“Hey,” Tara said, taking Willow’s hands in her own. “No sad Willow-babble. Willow, you have to take a breath.”

Willow stepped back, and then stepped forward again, taking a shaky breath. “Sorry,” she murmured. “I’m sorry.”

“D-Did you and Buffy get into an argument?”

“If by argument you mean Buffy looking all sad and disappointed and walking away instead of yelling or punching me, then yes.”

“I’m sorry you got in a fight.” Tara said. “How did she find out?”

“Angel told her,” Willow said, taking another step closer to Tara, allowing herself to relax into the energy tingling from Tara’s grip. “He had to. It looks pretty bad. Ford’s part of some group of kids who are obsessed with vampires—Xander said he thinks they want to get turned into vampires.”

“Yikes.” Tara’s brow furrowed. “M-maybe you should talk to her again, Willow. Is she still here?”

Willow shook her head. “Buffy and Xander are both gone, and the library’s closed too.”

“You c-could call her house, see if she’s home.”

Willow nodded, allowing herself a tiny smile. “That’s a great idea, baby. See, logic bone broken. I need you around to keep me thinking straight…well…not straight…”

Tara laughed. “Come on you goof, let’s find a payphone.”

They rode together on the skateboard to the nearest gas station, where, after a thorough wiping with a tissue, Willow used the payphone to call the Summers house. There wasn’t any answer, and she didn’t have any luck trying Xander’s house either.

“Nobody’s home,” Willow said, placing the phone back on the receiver.

“Well, if Buffy and Xander are both out, m-maybe they’re together?”

Willow shook her head. “Buffy doesn’t like Xander that way, to his great disappointment.”

“Not, together like together,” Tara said it with a small grin. “I meant out somewhere together.”

“The Bronze isn’t open yet,” Willow said, wracking her brain. “And I’m sure Buffy wouldn’t go to the Sunset Club without Angel, so that means no action on that front until dark. I don’t know.” She sighed, frustrated. “I seem to be saying that a lot lately.”

Tara rubbed Willow on the small of her back and Willow felt some of her tension draining away. “You s-said Mr. Giles is B-Buffy’s mentor, right? Maybe they went to see him at home? To g-get some advice?”

Willow felt like her head cleared in an instant, like she’d drunk twelve cups of Kona and then run off for a dip with those weird people that called themselves polar bears and jumped into frozen lakes for fun. Giles, of course. They could go see if Buffy and Xander were there, and she could talk to him about Tara without Tara having to feel nervous or self-conscious about visiting the watcher.

“You’re brilliant, Tara,” Willow said softly. She took Tara’s face in her hands and leaned close. “Way smarter than me.”

“Nuh uh,” Tara said softly. “You’re the brains of the operation, remember?”

Her eyes were so blue, and her breath smelled like peppermint. Willow leaned a little closer and suddenly Tara was kissing her. Willow closed her eyes and felt Tara’s arms wrap around her tightly. They stood there, embracing, until a car driving by let out a long, loud honk.

“Mr. Giles,” Tara said, stepping back, breathless and smiling broadly. “We’re supposed to go see Mr. Giles.”

“Will you give me a lift over there?” Willow teased.

“Your chariot awaits, my lady,” Tara said, giving a little bow.

“Just don’t let your lady fall off the chariot.” Willow replied. She felt Tara’s hands, warm and steadying around her waist.

“Never,” she whispered in Willow’s ear, giving the red haired girl a pleasant shiver.

Twenty-five minutes later the girls rolled to a stop in front of Giles’ townhouse. Willow almost stumbled stepping down from the skateboard. She looked back and saw Tara staring open-mouthed at the two-story adobe townhouse that Giles called home. The Spanish tile roof glinted in the afternoon light.

“I d-didn’t know librarians made that much m-money,” Tara murmured. “It looks like something from a magazine.”

“It’s split into units,” Willow replied, holding out a hand to Tara as she stepped off the board. “Giles just lives in one of them.” And he makes mad watcher money on top of being a librarian, Willow thought. He probably could own the whole thing if he wanted to, if he didn’t have to spend so much money on axes, parchment, and wood for stakes. Willow fought the urge to snort at her own silly joke.

Willow led Tara around the front of the building, down the hedge-lined hallway, into the small tree-filled courtyard that led to Giles’ door. Watching Tara as she looked around at the hidden garden, the wrought iron railings, the luminous butter-yellow fairy lights strung through the trees, made Willow appreciate the watcher’s home in a way she hadn’t since she saw it for the first time.

“It’s really nice, isn’t it?” Willow asked.

Tara nodded, biting her lip. “It seems so p-peaceful.”

Willow nodded. “Giles definitely enjoys his peace and quiet.” She grinned. “You two will get along great.”

Tara blushed, ducking her head. “I h-hope so.”

Willow stopped at Giles door and gave Tara’s hand a gentle squeeze. “Let’s hope if Buffy’s here she doesn’t change her mind about hitting me.” Tara flashed her a nervous glance, forehead wrinkling, and Willow shook her head, laughing. “I’m joking baby, sorry, it wasn’t very funny.”

She reached out to knock on the door and then dropped her hand. “Tara,” she said, turning and taking both of her girlfriend’s hands in her own. “I need to talk to you about something.” She had to tell Tara the real reason she wanted to see Giles. It wasn't right to just spring it on her. Please understand, baby, Willow prayed. Understand that it’s just to help you.

Tara giggled. “I'm not mad at you about the joke.”

“No,” Willow said, shaking her head. She led Tara a few steps away from Giles’ door, under the trees. “Not about that. Tara,” she said, taking a deep breath. “I want to ask Giles for help.”

“For help?” Tara asked. “Will, I don’t understand.”

Willow looked down at her feet. “I want to ask him how I can help you.”

Tara leaned away from Willow, almost flailing, but Willow wouldn’t release her hands.

“Tara wait—”

“You c-can’t, Willow,” Tara pleaded. “You c-can’t t-tell him. He’s an adult. He works for the school system. He’ll report me. He’ll feel like he has too.” She took a gasping breath. “I c-can’t, I can’t go h-home. I won’t.” Willow could feel her trembling.

“Tara,” Willow soothed, pulling the shaking girl into her arms. “Giles would never do that, I swear. He’s our mentor, remember? Mentors help, they don’t turn people over to the Gestapo.”

“Willow,” Tara hiccuped. Willow could feel a warm tear fall on the nape of her neck, Tara’s hands clutching at her back.

“Tara, please, trust me.” Willow felt her own tears begin to fall. “I love you so much. I just want you to be safe.”

“I do t-trust you,” Tara whispered. “And you know I luh-love you. I’m scared, Willow, so scared.”

“Giles isn’t like other—”

“No,” Tara said, pulling back to look at Willow. “I’m scared all the t-time. I’m scared that I’ll get in trouble with a clerk at a store if I fall asleep in a c-changing room and they think I’m sh-shoplifting. Th-that I’ll r-run out of money if p-people get tired of listening to me p-play. Th-that I’ll lose the few things of my m-mother’s I have left to me. Or I won’t be c-careful enough and some b-boogieman will g-get me, and I’ll n-never see you again—” Tara’s face crumpled and Willow pulled her back into her arms.

“Tara, baby,” Willow sighed. “Why didn’t you say something?”

“I didn’t want you to worry, your worry girl has enough to n-nom on.” Tara took a little breath, relaxing into Willow’s embrace and laying her head against the redhead’s shoulder. “D-do you really think Giles can help?” Her voice was so soft, so small.

“If anyone can,” Willow replied.

“Okay,” Tara said. It was one little word, but behind it Willow could hear all of Tara’s fear, her hope and longing, her love.

Willow led her over to one of the trees in the courtyard and sat down, drawing Tara down to the ground in front of her. She pulled Tara into her arms again and relaxed back against the tree, looking up through the leaves at hints of blue sky.

“We’ll sit here for just a little while,” Willow told Tara, rocking them gently. “And if you’re sure, we’ll talk to Giles. If you change your mind, we can just walk away. I promise.”

Tara relaxed against Willow, pulling Willow’s hands up onto her chest. Willow could actually feel the frantic pounding of Tara’s heartbeat against the palm of her hand. She burst into tears again and Willow just held her, still rocking her, sending thoughts of peace and calm to her girl. After a few moments Tara’s breathing slowed, deepened, her head lying heavy on Willow’s shoulder. After a moment Tara stirred, curling more deeply against Willow’s body. She realized that Tara had fallen asleep.

My poor baby, Willow thought, kissing Tara’s hair. I bet you haven’t slept since Zanja last night. Willow felt weary herself, weighted down by the worry she’d caused her girlfriend. She had a sudden urge to see the ocean, to be free of sorrows and strain. She took a deep breath, straining for any hint of salt spray in the air. I’m going to take Tara to the sea, Willow thought suddenly. When all this is straightened out, I’m going to give my girl a day of fun in the sun. With that thought, she fell asleep.

Willow woke up with a start when Tara stirred against her, whimpering in her sleep. She stroked Tara’s hair, murmuring to her softly, telling her that everything was okay, but the whimpering increased in volume. Willow could see tears seeping out from beneath the girl’s eyelids. Tara turned almost completely over in Willow’s arms and struggled against her.

“Tara,” Willow said, rocking her girlfriend again. “Wake up baby, you’re having a bad dream. Tara,” she repeated.

Tara took a gasping breath, sitting up convulsively. “Willow?” The look Tara turned on her was one of pure confusion.

“You fell asleep,” Willow explained. “You were so tired, I just wanted to let you rest.”

Tara nodded and wiped the tears from her face with collar of her t-shirt. “I didn’t mean to c-crash on you like that, sorry.”

“You never have to apologize to me,” Willow said. “Besides,” she smiled. “I got beautiful, forest glade-like snuggle time.” Tara nodded, smiling sadly, but Willow could still see the tension in her face. “Should we go? I meant what I said. We don’t have to talk to Giles.”

“No,” Tara replied, taking Willow’s had again and holding it tight. “No, we don’t have to leave.”

She stood up and helped Willow to her feet, leading her back over to Giles’ door. Willow held up a hand and Tara nodded at her, trying to smile.

“Here we go,” Willow reached out and knocked on the door. There was no answer for a moment, and she was about to tell Tara that they should go, but before she could open her mouth to tell Tara about her idea, Giles’ front door creaked open. The watcher was pinching the bridge of his nose, but when he saw Willow he dropped his hand and smiled.

“Well, hello Willow? What brings you here?” His smiled faltered. “There’s nothing wrong is there? Are Buffy and Xander quite all right?”

“They aren’t here?” Willow asked. She felt Tara return the gentle squeeze she’d given to her earlier. “I was hoping that they came over to hang out.”

“No,” Giles replied, taking off his glasses and cleaning them quickly on his shirt. “I assumed that Buffy would be preparing to hunt down the vampire that stole my text from the library last night.”

“A vampire stole a b-book?” Tara asked.

Giles eyes widened as he noticed Tara standing a step behind Willow.

“Oh,” Willow cried, smacking her forehead with her free hand. “Giles, this is Tara, Tara this is Giles. It’s okay,” she said, noticing the concern on the watcher’s face. “She knows about vampires, she’s a witch, a Wiccan.”

“Of course,” Giles said. He held out his hand and she took it gingerly, a tiny smile crossing her features. “I’ve heard many good things about you, Tara. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you.” He smiled gently at the shy girl.

“T-thank you, Mr. Giles,” Tara replied softly, cheeks reddening. “It’s n-nice to meet you too.”

“Giles,” Willow asked, feeling like every word she said just screamed out her nervousness. “If vampires are stealing books, why aren’t you at the library?”

“I’ve got the place on lockdown outside of school hours until this is resolved. I can’t take the chance that any more books will be lost. Goodness knows the damage that could be done.” He looked from Willow to Tara thoughtfully. “I notice Mr. Harris isn’t with you. You can’t find either of them?”

“I’m sure Buffy and Xander are fine,” Willow sighed. “I was just hoping I could talk to her.”

“Well, you’re welcome to wait here for a little while, perhaps she’ll turn up?” Giles asked kindly. He opened the door further and stepped to the side, waving the two girls in.

“Wow,” Tara said softly. “This is beautiful.”

Willow looked around Giles’ home, the pale green walls, rich dark woods on the staircase, tables, and bookshelves, the openness of the space. “It is really nice, isn’t it?”

“Thank you both, you’re very kind,” Giles said, stepping past Tara and Willow, directing a smile at the blonde girl. “Feel free to take a seat on the couch.”

They followed Giles past his cluttered desk to the small sitting area he’d created around the fireplace. Willow and Tara took a seat on the emerald green sofa, right next to one another, Tara gripping Willow’s hand tightly as she stared around at the bookshelves and decorations scattered about the dwelling.

“Don’t be nervous,” Willow whispered as Giles took a seat across from them in his leather chair.

Tara smiled at her and nodded.

“Can I get either of you something to drink?” Giles asked.

“I’m fine,” Willow replied.

“N-no thank you,” Tara replied. She kept her grip on Willow’s hand, and reached over with her free hand, tracing a finger over Willow’s knuckles.

Willow smiled over at Tara, swept over with a wave of tenderness and love. Her girl was so sweet, so wonderful, she wished she could just lean over and kiss her worries away.

Giles cleared his throat and Willow looked over at the watcher. He was looking at Willow with a strange little smile on his face. Willow looked down at Tara’s hands, interlinked with her own, and then up at Giles again. She could feel a blush creep up her cheeks, but she didn’t move her hand. Tara was her girlfriend, she might as well find out now whether Giles would be able to deal with that or not. I really hope he’ll deal, Willow thought. They sat in silence for a few minutes; until Tara gave Willow a little nudge with her elbow.

“Giles,” She said, wincing at the high-pitched squeak in her own voice. “I changed my mind. Can I have some tea?”

“Of course, Willow. Perhaps you’d like to help me prepare a pot?”

“Uh, sure. You want to come, Tara?”

Tara smiled at Willow, bit her lip again. “That’s okay. I w-was ac-actually w-wondering…” she said softly.

“Yes my dear?” Giles replied.

“C-could I look at s-some of your books? That way the two of you can t-talk,” Tara looked meaningfully at Willow and then blushed fiercely, staring down at her feet. “I w-won’t touch them.”

“Willow’s told me that you’re quite the reader, particularly in folklore and mythology. Please feel free to look at any of the books you’d like. And of course you’re to touch them, books are meant to be read.”

Willow’s eyes widened, she gave Giles a surprised glance. He was usually very protective of his private collection.

Giles notice her stare and waved at her, smiling wryly. “Up with you, Miss Rosenberg,” he drawled. “That tea won’t make itself.”

Willow stood and walked toward the kitchen, Giles following right behind her. When she got into the kitchen Willow got the tea pot and walked to the sink to fill it, and noticed that Giles was still standing in the arched doorway to the kitchen, looking back into the living room. Willow set the full teapot on the stove and walked back to him. She looked to see what had occupied his attention so fully and smiled.

Tara was standing in front of the bookshelf by Giles’ leather chair, leaning toward it with her hands clasped tightly behind her back like a small child afraid of getting its hands slapped. Slowly, after a moment, she brought one hand forward, trailing through the air in front of each shelf as she read the spine of each book.

“She seems like a very sweet girl, Willow,” Giles murmured.

“She is,” Willow replied. “And there’s something between us.” She paused, feeling herself blush. “I love her. She’s exactly what I’ve always been looking for. It’s just…powerful.”

Willow looked up at Giles, afraid of what she would see in the watcher’s gaze, but he was just smiling down at her. She gave him a quick, tiny grin.

“Willow,” Giles said, laying a hand on her shoulder. “I’m happy if you’re happy. As I said, she seems like a lovely girl. But is something wrong?” He asked, voice softer, more urgent. “You both seem rather, well, tear-stained.”

Willow felt like she was going to cry again, her happiness at Giles’ easy acceptance warring with her fear and worry for her girl.

“Giles,” she began slowly. “I’m going to tell you something about Tara, and you have to promise me that you won’t tell anybody.”

The watcher’s brow furrowed with concern.

“It’s nothing bad,” Willow said urgently, holding up her hands. She lowered them, shook her head. “Well, it’s bad, but, not hurt anybody, burn something down, illegal bad.” She sighed. “I’m not explaining this right.”

“I promise I won’t say anything to anyone. Now take a breath, and start again,” Giles said. He lit the burner on the stove and reached up into the cabinet for mugs for the tea.

Willow took in a deep, breath, leaning back as she puffed her chest out, and then she let it out in one big gust. “Tara’smotherdiedandherfatherandbrotherare abusivescumandsosheranawayfromhome.” Willow said in a burst.

Giles blinked. “What?”

“Tara,” Willow said slowly, pointing toward the living room. “My girlfriend, the girl I love, is living on the streets in the most dangerous city in the world because the only member of her family who didn’t abuse her is dead.” Tears fell; she couldn’t hold them in any longer. “I don’t know what they did to her, I’m afraid to ask. But I know that it was bad.” Willow shuddered. “She always has nightmares. You have to help her, Giles. I don’t know what to do.”

Willow felt the watcher pull her into his arms. He patted her gently on the back until her tears stopped.

“Willow,” he said, releasing her and taking a step back. “I’m terribly sorry to hear what Tara’s been through, but I’m not sure how I can help.”

Willow couldn’t believe her ears. She felt a sudden bloom of hot anger spread through her chest. Willow knew it was irrational, and she just didn’t care.

“Get with the mentoring, mentor man,” she hissed in a whisper, struggling out of his arms. “What kind of Obi-wan Kenobi are you?”

Giles’ mouth fell open. Before Willow could say anything, Tara poked her head around the kitchen window.

“Is everything oh-k-kay?” She asked softly.

“We’re fine,” Willow said, forcing a grin. “You keep checking out the books my booky girl and we’ll be out with the tea.”

Tara nodded and went back into the living room. Willow moved closer to Giles and had to bite back a sour laugh when the watcher took a step backward.

“I truly am sorry,” Giles murmured.

“I just need some time,” Willow pleaded, wringing her hands as she paced back and forth in the kitchen. “She doesn’t have anywhere to stay tonight, Giles. And she’s scared.” Willow put her face in her hands. “She’s going to be out there, alone, scared. I need time to figure out what to do.”

There was an odd sound in the living room, a cross between a gasp and a squeak. Willow dropped her hands and ran to the hallway, Giles following right behind her. Tara was standing in front of the small half-bookshelf near the stairs to Giles room, holding an old leather-bound book to her chest.

“Tara?” Willow asked. “Are you okay?”

Tara turned toward them with a beatific smile. “This is the Gavin Douglas Eneados,” she said, the first time she hadn’t stuttered since they reached the watcher’s house. “It isn’t the original, is it?” She asked Giles.

Willow looked up at the watcher and saw a wide, surprised smile on the man’s face. He nodded, and Tara closed her eyes and began to speak, her voice clear and confident.

“Arma virumque cano, Troiae qui primus ab oris, Italiam, fato profugus, Laviniaque venit litora, multum ille et terris iactatus et alto, vi superum saevae memorem Iunonis ob iram; multa quoque et bello passus, dum conderet urbem,
inferretque deos Latio, genus unde Latinum, Albanique patres, atque altae moenia Romae.”

As Tara spoke, Giles leaned over and whispered to Willow, translating each line she recited:

“Arms, and the man I sing, who, forc'd by fate, And haughty Juno's unrelenting hate, Expell'd and exil'd, left the Trojan shore. Long labors, both by sea and land, he bore, And in the doubtful war, before he won the Latin realm, and built the destin'd town…”

Tara was smiling and nodding, still clutching the book as Giles finished reciting the end of the verse. “This is amazing. The Aeneid is my favorite of the ancient Homeric-inspired epics, but I never thought I’d ever see the original Douglas translation!”

She closed her eyes again and held the book up to her face, breathing deep. “I love the smell of books,” Tara sighed. “They’re so musty, so rich. Like they carry time itself in their pages.” She looked at Willow and Giles and blushed, ducking her head. “And I am a w-weird book nerd. S-sorry,” she murmured, sliding the book back onto the shelf.

“She can stay for a week,” Giles said abruptly, pulling his glasses off and cleaning them with a handkerchief. His voice rang through the room. “If the neighbors ask I’ll tell them that she’s my niece, visiting for Thanksgiving break.”

“What?” Willow said, turning to stare at Giles. She grinned so wide she felt likes her cheeks would split. “Really Giles?” She threw her arms around the watcher with such force he staggered backward a bit. “Thank you!”

“Well,” he said, patting her back gingerly and sounding a little dazed. “That’s if it’s all right with Tara.

Tara was staring back and forth between Willow and Giles with her mouth hanging open. Her face was pale, but her cheeks were flushed a deep rose.

Willow walked up to Tara. “Please, baby?”

“I, I d-don’t even k-know him, Will,” Tara whispered.

“I trust Giles with my life,” Willow replied. “Or I would never trust him with you. He’s a good person.”

“It isn’t a permanent solution by any means,” Giles said. “But it will give you time to make alternative arrangements without Willow having a nervous breakdown or anyone becoming a…well a snack, to put it frankly.” Giles sighed and pulled off his glasses, waving them at Tara. “Just consider it a favor from a fellow, how did you put it?” Giles asked wryly, “Weird book nerd.”

Tara looked at Giles, then over to Willow, who held her hands clutched under her chin in a silent plea. When she started a slow nod, Willow clapped her hands. “All right,” Tara said, giving a little smile. “Thank you, Mr. Giles. I’ll stay. But you have to let me pay you rent.” She walked over and opened her guitar case, fishing for the money she kept in the little sown pouch.

Willow bounced over to the sofa, flashing Giles another grateful smile. Thank you, she mouthed to him silently. The watcher nodded, fidgeting with his tie.

“Tara,” he said.

Tara straightened from her guitar case with a shy smile. “Yes?”

“I don't mean to offend you in any way, but I’m afraid I won’t be able to take your money.”

Tara blushed, but she didn’t break her eye contact with Giles. “I d-don’t want to freeload, Mr. G-Giles.”

“Giles,” Willow began. She didn’t want Giles to push too hard, afraid that Tara would change her mind about staying.

“I was a bit of a rebel myself in my youth,” Giles said softly. “I know that might be a bit hard to believe.” He straightened his glasses. “I understand the need to have freedom. So,” he said, taking a seat in his leather chair. “I’d like you to keep your earnings.”

Tara opened her mouth to protest and Giles held up a hand.

“Willow tells me you’re an accomplished musician.” Tara shot a blush-tinged grin at Willow. “I very much enjoy the guitar,” Giles continued. “If you’ll play a song for me, I’m happy to consider that rent paid in full.”

Tara stared at Giles for a minute and then nodded, a small smile on her face. She lifted her blue twelve-string out of the case and sat down on the couch next to Willow.

“W-what would you like me to play?” She asked.

“Oh no,” Giles shook his head. “Singer’s choice, please.”

Willow brushed her fingertips over the back of Tara’s hand. “Whatever you play, it’ll be beautiful.”

Tara bent over her guitar, letting her hair fall in front of her face. Willow’s first thought was to push it back, tuck it behind one of those cute ears so she could see her beautiful girl, but she didn’t. Willow wanted Tara to feel comfortable, feel safe.

“I hope this will be a l-little taste of home, Mr. Giles,” Tara said softly. As her fingers began to move on the guitar, Giles leaned forward in his chair, hands clasped together.

“I look at you all,” Tara sang. “See the love there that's sleeping, while my guitar gently weeps. I look at the floor and I see it needs sweeping, still my guitar gently weeps…”

Tara moved through a few riffs, and Willow noticed that Giles was nodding along with her playing, tapping his foot.

“I don't know why nobody told you, how to unfold your love
I don't know how someone controlled you, they bought and sold you
I look at the world and I notice it's turning, while my guitar gently weeps
With every mistake we must surely be learning, still my guitar gently weeps.”

Tara closed her eyes and launched into a spectacular solo, her long, slim fingers gripping the neck in cords that Willow knew it would’ve been impossible for her smaller hands to reach.

“I don't know how you were diverted, no one alerted you
I don't know how you were inverted, you were perverted too
I look at you all see the love there that's sleeping, while my guitar gently weeps
I look at you all, still my guitar gently weeps
I look from the wings at the play you are staging, while my guitar gently weeps
As I'm sitting here doing nothing but aging, still my guitar gently weeps.”

The song ended and Giles began to applaud softly. Willow could see the watcher had tears blurring his eyes. She could absolutely empathize. Tara’s playing, her voice, they were just beautiful.

“That was wonderful, Tara,” Giles sighed. “I’m impressed that you knew Harrison’s original lyrics.”

“My m-mother,” Tara stammered, looking up from her guitar. “She loved The Beatles.” She laid her guitar across her lap.

“Tara,” Giles began. He didn’t finish his thought. The watcher’s knee began to jerk, and he drummed his fingers on his leg, seemingly deep in thought. “Just a moment,” he said finally, climbing his staircase up to the second floor.

“M-maybe he doesn't like The Beatles?” Tara asked Willow.

“No, baby,” Willow replied, reaching over to lay her hand on top of Tara’s. “He really liked it, I could tell.”

Tara didn’t look convinced, but before Willow could offer more reassurances, Giles came back downstairs. The watcher was cradling a guitar to his chest.

Willow’s eyes widened. “Giles, I didn’t know that you could play the guitar.”

“Yes, well,” Giles stammered, settling back into the leather chair with his instrument in front of him like a shield. “Buffy and Xander had better not hear a word about this. I don’t want song requests twenty-four hours a day.”

Willow crossed an X over her heart and Tara giggled.

“Tara,” Giles said. His voice was soft, hesitant. “Do you know The Who?” Tara nodded. “Behind Blue Eyes?” Giles asked.

“It was one of my mom’s favorites,” Tara whispered.

Before Willow or Giles could speak, Tara’s fingers began to dance through the opening of the song. Giles gave and little jump and then he straightened his guitar and began to play as well, the sound of their instruments blending together beautifully.

“No one knows what it's like to be the bad man, to be the sad man, behind blue eyes.”

When Giles began to sing, Willow’s mouth dropped open. The watcher had an incredible voice. When he reached the end of the verse, singing about blue eyes, Tara joined him in a sweet, pealing harmony.

“No one knows what it's like, to be hated, to be fated, to telling only lies.
But my dreams, they aren't as empty, as my conscience seems to be.
I have hours, only lonely. My love is vengeance, that's never free.

On the next verse, Tara sat up, and watched Willow. Willow felt her heart swell as her love sang to her, wished it didn’t seem so natural for words so sad to fall from her girlfriend’s lips as she sang along with Giles.

“No one knows what it's like, to feel these feelings, like I do. And I blame you.
No one bites back as hard, on their anger, none of my pain and woe, can show through.”

Giles’ voice shook a bit on the end of the verse. Willow looked at the older man, and wondered what memories the music was raising in him. Old Ripper ghosts. On the next verse Giles fell silent, still playing the guitar, just watching Tara sing.

“But my dreams, they aren't as empty, as my conscience seems to be
I have hours, only lonely. My love is vengeance, that's never free.”

Tara’s eyes opened, Willow could see she was surprised to be singing alone. The blond girl didn’t falter; she just smiled and sang. When she came to the end of the verse, she nodded her head at Giles. He launched into a harder, faster verse and neither of them played their guitars now; Tara just tapped out a soft rhythm on the body of her guitar.

“When my fist clenches, crack it open, before I use it and lose my cool.
When I smile, tell me some bad news, before I laugh and act like a fool.

Tara flashed a brief wild flurry on her guitar, and then went back to tapping before Willow even had time to register the change.

"If I swallow anything evil,” Giles sang, Tara joining in harmony with him again. “Put your finger down my throat. If I shiver, please give me a blanket, keep me warm, let me wear your coat.”

At that line Tara winked at Willow and Willow blushed happily, thinking of Tara, how stunning she’d looked in the Burberry. They began to play again, winding back to the more sedate melody of the earlier verses.

“No one knows what it's like to be the bad man, to be the sad man, behind blue eyes.”

Willow burst into applause as Tara and Giles ended the song. It took everything in her to keep from laughing when not one, but both guitarists blushed and looked down at their guitars.

“You guys are fantastic,” Willow gushed.

Tara and Giles both smiled at her. “Yes, well,” Giles said then, standing with his guitar. “Thank you, Willow. And of course, thanks so much to you, Tara. That was a delight. Willow’s right. You are quite talented.”

“T-thanks, Mr. Giles. I haven’t played with anyone else since, since my m-mom.” The girl ran her hands down the neck of her guitar; Willow could hear the friction of finger against string. “And thanks for the g-gig. It’s the best paying one I’ve ever had.”

“Of course,” Giles replied. He walked back up the stairs with his guitar.

As soon as the watcher was out of sight Willow let out a little squeal and threw her arms around Tara, drawing the girl close and planting a kiss on her cheek.

“I never dreamed Giles would offer to let you stay with him. Now you have a week, a whole week, to just rest, and be safe.” Willow leaned her head on Tara’s shoulder. “I’m so happy, baby.”

“Me too,” Tara replied, kissing Willow’s hair.

Willow sat up and took Tara’s face in her hands, kissing her softly on the lips. “Love you,” she murmured.

“Love you, rosy girl.” Tara kissed her again.

“Whatever happened to that tea—oh, sorry,” Giles said, and then trailed off.

Willow and Tara burst into giggles. Tara stood up and began packing her guitar back into its case. Willow looked over at the staircase and found Giles was standing on the bottom step, cleaning his glasses.

“Hi Giles,” Willow said, still laughing.

“Yes, hello again. I’m going to see what’s keeping that tea.” He walked into the kitchen.

“Hee, we flustered the G-man,” Willow giggled.

“Be nice,” Tara said, flashing her crooked grin.

“I, I see what the problem was,” Giles called from the kitchen. The teapot was filled and I lit it, but apparently the burner was never actually engaged. No gas, no fire.”

He was quiet for a few minutes and then they heard the shrill whistle of the kettle. “Would you two girls still like a cup of tea?”

“Yes please,” Willow called. She leaned toward Tara and whispered to her gleefully. “He’s checking to make sure we won’t be smooching again when he comes back out.”

Tara burst into laughter as Giles came strolling back into the room holding three cups of steaming tea by the handles. “Did I miss a joke?” He asked them. Giles looked from one giggling girl to the other, and shook his head. “Never mind, I’ve realized that I don’t really want to know. Here you are, piping hot.” He sat two cups on the coffee table and returned to his leather chair under the window.

“When we’ve finished our repast,” Giles said, taking a cautious sip from his cup, “I’ll show you where you’ll be staying, Tara.”

“Oh-okay,” she replied, and the then blew gently on her tea. “I’ll have to pick up my bag from Jamie,” she murmured to Willow.

As they drank their tea, Willow was surprised and happy to see Giles draw Tara into a discussion about books. He told her a rather harrowing tale of how the copy of the Aeneid she’d so admired came into his father’s possession after a rather protracted battle with a coven of dark warlocks. Tara mentioned the text of Celtic myths she’d inherited from her grandmother.

“Ooh,” Willow said, swallowing a mouthful of sweet, milky tea. “You should tell him that story about the brothers of Lugh.”

“I g-guess,” Tara said, a blush creeping up her neck.

“Perhaps another time?” Giles said, and took a long drink from his cup. “I imagine you two have had quite a long day.”

“I c-could let you b-borrow the b-book,” Tara said, smiling gratefully.

“I would enjoy that very much,” he replied. “Well, if you two are finished, I’ll show you to your room.”

Willow polished off her tea and stood, holding a hand out to her beautiful girl. Tara took Willow’s hand and rubbed her thumb across her knuckles as she rose to her feet. They followed Giles down the hallway past the kitchen, still holding hands.

“This is the bathroom,” Giles told Tara, pointing to a door at the end of the hallway.
“There are clean linens in the cupboard under the sink if you need them.”

There was another door, just to the right of the bathroom. Giles put his hand on the doorknob and then hesitated.

“I’ll apologize in advance,” he said softly. “It’s a small space, and it isn’t used very often.”

Giles opened the door and walked into the room, Willow and Tara following a few steps behind.

“It’s wonderful,” Tara sighed, so softly that Willow barely heard her, even though they were standing side by side.

The room had the same pale green walls as the rest of Giles’ apartment, but two of the four walls were hidden by floor-to-ceiling bookshelves stained a dark brown. In the other corner there was a daybed with a quilt in a thousand shades of blue and green with occasional squares of white. There was a wide, arched window over the daybed framed by heavy walnut-brown curtains. The roof slanted a bit, angling downward over the bed. It was a cozy little cocoon.

“I hope this will do,” Giles said, turning to face Willow and Tara.

“It is, it’s p-p-p,” Tara sighed.

“It’s perfect,” Willow finished.

“Exactly,” Tara said. She looked over at Willow and mouthed a silent thank you.

“Well,” Giles replied, straightening one of the volumes on the shelf, “I’m glad that you like it. Of course, you’re free to use the whole house as you like, you don’t have to spend all your time in here.”

“T-thank you.”

“I’d imagine that you’ll be going in and out a quite a bit,” Giles said, making the barest nod in Willow’s direction. “Since everyone will be off for the holiday, gallivanting around and having fun. I have an extra key that you can use.”

“Gallivanting,” Willow repeated with a little snort of laughter. Tara leaned into her with a smile.

Giles opened his mouth to reply and then froze at the sound of his front door opening and closing. He held a finger up to his lips and moved toward the doorway.

“For someone who lives on the Hellmouth you sure forget to lock your door a lot,” Willow whispered urgently.

The watcher waved at her, brow furrowed, holding his finger more firmly to his mouth. Willow could feel Tara’s grip on her arm tightening, feel the girl tremble, so she gave her hand a reassuring squeeze.

“Giles? Willow? Is anybody here?” The voice was female, and completely familiar.

“It’s Buffy,” Willow said, filled with relief.

“We’re here Buffy,” Giles called.

The trio walked out into the living room and found Buffy and Xander waiting. Buffy’s shirt was torn and dirty and her hair was a mess. Xander was pacing back and forth in front of the staircase, scowling.

“What’s happened?” Giles asked.

Buffy opened her mouth to speak but Xander cut her off. “Buffy tried to get herself killed—that’s what happened.”

“Buffy?” Willow asked, hating the tremor in her voice.

The slayer crossed her arms and plopped onto the sofa.

“Buffy, what’s going on?” Willow repeated. She felt Tara slide her hand away, watched the girl cross to the barstools by the kitchen counter and sit, staring at her knees. Willow felt a pang of sorrow that Tara had to see them all behaving that way, but Xander’s words pulled her back to the moment like a slap.

“She decided that it would be a great idea to ditch me and go confront Ford on her own, before sundown, so Dead Boy couldn’t go with her either.”

“Buffy!” Willow gasped.

“And?” Giles asked. He stood staring at his slayer, arms crossed over his chest. His voice was cold.

“And it was a trap,” Buffy said softly, before Xander could speak. “Sunset club’s an old bomb shelter, just like you thought, Will.”

The slayer looked up at Willow with a tight little smile on her face, but her eyes swam with tears. Willow could see the pain burning in her eyes, in the hunched tension of her shoulders.

“He made a deal with Spike. Me for immortality. So he closed us all up in a room that could only be opened from the outside, and we waited for Spike and his gang to come.”

“How did you get away?” Willow breathed.

“Spike brought Drusilla to the party. I threatened to stake her if Spike didn’t let me and all those poor vamp-loving losers go.” She shrugged, grim. “It worked.”

“Buffy,” Giles said, his voice soft, even. “What happened to Ford?”

“Dead.” Buffy said solemnly. “I’ll have to watch, make sure he doesn’t change. Stake him if he does.”

Willow grimaced at the hollow tone in her best friend’s voice, her flat expression. Giles expressed his sympathies but Buffy just shrugged, staring through them.

“Are you going to be okay?” Willow asked softly.

Buffy blinked slowly. “I think I need some air.”

Before any of them could reply Buffy stood up and walked out the front door. Xander sat down on the edge of the steps and put his head in his hands, knees jerking. In a spastic movement he jumped to his feet.

“Bathroom,” he groaned, looking absolutely green as he ran off down the hall.

Giles sat down in his chair, cleaning his glasses again and again. Willow looked at the watcher, and then down the hall where she could hear her friend being sick in the bathroom, and then burst into tears.

In an instant Willow felt gentle hands on her shoulders turning her around. Even with her tear-blurred vision she could see her girlfriend’s gorgeous, worry-darkened eyes, those waves of golden hair. Tara pulled Willow into her arms.

“It’s okay, Will,” Tara whispered in her ear. “I’m here, I’ve got you.”

“Are you okay?” Willow choked, her voice cracking.

“I’m fine, baby, you’re the one who’s crying,” Tara breathed.

“You were all alone over there at the bar, making with the lonely.” Willow’s breath hitched as she sobbed again.

“I was just trying to stay out of the way, Willow.”

“You’re never in the way.” Willow took a breath, fighting for calm. “I just feel so bad, that Buffy had to go through that alone, that I wasn’t there to help her.”

“I know you do,” Tara said, running a hand over Willow’s hair. “You should go talk to her, Will. You need to get everything out in the oh-open.” She took a deep breath and when she spoke again, Willow could hear tremor in her voice. “You shouldn’t have secrets from your best friend.”

Willow sniffled and then leaned back and looked at Tara. “Any secrets?”

Tara brushed her cheek against Willow’s. When she spoke, Willow could feel the warmth of Tara’s breath on her ear. “You can tell Buffy about me, and,” she paused, swallowed. “You c-can tell her about us. If you w-want to.”

Willow took Tara’s face in her hands and kissed her. “I do want to.” She bit her lip and looked toward the door, then back into her girlfriend’s beautiful eyes. “I better go talk to her. I’ll be right back, okay?”

“Kay,” Tara said, nodding.

Willow gave her one more kiss on the cheek and then walked out the door. Buffy was sitting on the stoop, hugging her legs, her knees pulled up to her chin. There were streaks in the dirt on the slayer’s face, the silent record of her grief.

“Can I sit?” Willow asked.

Buffy shrugged and Willow took that as an invitation, sitting down close to her best friend and throwing an arm over her shoulders.

“I’m sorry about Ford, Buffy.”

Buffy didn’t answer at first; she just wrapped her arms more tightly around her legs and leaned away. Willow echoed her posture and laid her head against her knee, watching her friend. A few minutes passed that way. Willow could see Buffy was fighting tears. I'm just upsetting her more, Willow thought. She sat up and put her hands on her knees, but before she could stand, Buffy spoke.

“I just don’t understand why Ford didn’t tell me,” she whispered.

“Buffy,” Willow said gently, “You’re the slayer. He couldn't exactly tell you that he was hoping to become a vampire.”

Buffy sighed. She finally stopped staring into the courtyard and looked at Willow, her eyes filled with tears. “Ford was dying. Cancer. I don’t understand why he didn’t tell me he was sick.” She buried her head in her arms. The next time she spoke it was so quiet, muffled, that Willow had to strain to hear her. “It hurts when friends keep secrets.”

Willow bit her lip, shaken by the pain in Buffy’s voice. “I know that was directed at a certain redheaded hacker geek sitting next to the slayer.”

“Will,” Buffy said. She sat up and tears streaked down her face. “I didn’t mean—”

“No Buffy, I should’ve told you about Angel’s suspicions, told you what he asked me to do.” Willow paused and took a deep breath. She stared into the hazel eyes of her best friend and willed her voice not to shake. “I should’ve told you about Tara.”

Willow could see a wave of tension roll through Buffy. She was surprised when the slayer reached out and took her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze.

“I know about Tara, Willow.”

“What?” Willow felt her chest tighten, took a little gasping breath, another, wondered if she was going to hyperventilate. “What do you know?” Did you figure out that she’s homeless? That I love her? Are you freaked? Willow felt like a steroid-maddened hamster was running on the wheel that was her brain.

“I know,” Buffy said slowly. “That Tara is a vampire.”

Of all the things that Buffy could’ve possibly said, that was one eventuality that Willow never imagined. She was so shocked she couldn’t help the snort of laughter that slipped from her. Buffy’s brow furrowed and she began to pout.

“Buffy,” Willow said firmly, “Tara’s not a vampire. She had a terrible home life and so she left. She’s all on her own out here.”

“Huh?” Buffy asked. Willow could see comprehension dawn on her. The slayers eyes widened and her mouth dropped open. “She ran away?”

Willow nodded. “A couple of months ago.”

“God,” Buffy said, running her hands through her hair. “That must be so tough.”

“It is,” Willow said, nodding. “She handles it so well, she seems so fearless, but I know that it’s really hard for her.” Willow took a deep breath. “I brought her here tonight to ask Giles for help. He said she could stay with him over Thanksgiving break. She’ll be safe, and she’ll get to rest at night instead of…she’ll be safe.” Willow finished softly.

“It’s really good of you to help her, Will,” Buffy replied, squeezing her hand again.

Willow dropped her gaze to her knees, felt worry girl take a huge bite out of her guts. “I’d do anything for Tara.” Willow released a shaky breath and looked Buffy in the eye again. “I don’t want to have any secrets from you Buffy.”

“I don’t want us to either,” Buffy agreed. “We’re best friends. We shouldn’t have secrets.”

“I need to tell you something, but I’m scared.” Willow’s voice shook, and she felt like she was going to start crying again. Hold it together, Willow scolded herself silently. Don’t cry if there’s nothing to cry over.

“Willow, you’re my best friend in the entire world.” Buffy gave a little laugh. “The best friend I’ve ever had in my life. You can tell me anything.”

Willow closed her eyes, felt tears slip down her cheeks. “Buffy, I’m gay. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner. I’ve known for a long time, forever I guess, but I just didn’t know how to tell anyone. I didn’t feel like I had to tell anyone, it was easier just to pretend to like boys. But then I met Tara and…”

Willow squeezed her friend’s hand. “I love her so much. We’re dating,” she said, and felt a little smile move across her face at the thought of it. “She’s my girlfriend.”

Willow opened her eyes and found Buffy was staring at her. The slayer’s mouth was hanging open. “I hope you’ll still be my friend, Buffy,” she gasped, crying in earnest now, staring down at her hands.

“Take a breath, Willow, you’re gonna pass out.” Buffy grabbed Willow’s shoulders. “Look at me, Willow Rosenberg. Breathe.”

Willow looked up at Buffy again and took a shaking breath. “Will, you’ll always be my best friend, no matter what.” A little tear slipped down Buffy’s cheek, but she was smiling. “Tara’s super-sweet. I’m glad the two of you found each other.”

Both girls burst into tears and hugged each other, sniffling and muttering apologies and assurances. After a few minutes, tears diminished to sniffles and Buffy let Willow out of her embrace, rubbing a hand along her friend’s back.

“So,” she asked. “Have you told your folks yet? Or Xander?”

Willow shook her head. “I told Ms. Calendar, kind of on accident. And I had to tell Giles today, because I needed him to understand…how important Tara is to me.” She jumped a bit when Buffy squealed and began to clap her hands.

“Buffy? Are you okay?”

“Ooh, I got told first! Xander is going to be so jealous!”

Willow chuckled at Buffy’s enthusiasm, but then the smile dropped from the slayer’s face.

“Poor Xander,” Buffy murmured.

“Huh? Poor Xander what?” Willow asked. “Do you think he’s going to be mad?”

“No, no,” Buffy said, patting Willow’s back again. “It’s just a double blow to his self esteem. I found out about you and Tara first,” Buffy explained, “And nobody is crushing on him either.”

“Poor Xander,” Willow replied. Both girls shook with a burst of laughter.

“Oh, so,” Buffy said, still giggling. “Are you going to tell him? Tell your folks?”

“I know I need to,” Willow said, nodding. “But it’s scary.”

“Well, I’m here to support you guys…uh, girls…no matter what,” Buffy said firmly.

“Thanks Buffy,” Willow said, wrapping her arms around the slayer again. “Thanks for being the best best friend ever.”

“The feeling is mutual, Will.”

Before Willow could reply, a high, piercing scream came from inside the house.

“Tara?” Willow cried, jumping to her feet.

“Oh god,” Buffy moaned, standing up next to Willow. “Oh no.”

“What?” Willow asked, terrified by the look on Buffy’s pale face.

“Xander, he doesn’t know that Tara isn’t a vampire.”


--------------------------------------

Congrats to ceridwen for the preemptive dibs! LOL!

_________________
Wave ... The Wish of Three Hearts
The Yuletide Present ... In From the Cold

"We're in love. We're lovers. We're lesbian, gay-type lovers."

Double Dibs!

Wow, this sure was an emotion-packed update O_o

Um... I don't even know what to say!

I'm so happy that Tara's gonna be staying with Giles, my wishes came true, yay! Even if it's just for a week, but I guess that's better than nothing. Maybe by then Willow will have come up with some solution to Tara's problems.

I just hope Xander didn't decide to stake Tara, that would be very bad >_<

All in all, great work! Keep it up

_________________
Nadie debe decidir por mí a quién debo amar, con quién debo acostarme.

Hector Avellan.

It was all so intense until the very end and now I can't stop laughing (which I know might not be the intended reaction, but I'm picturing Xander chasing Tara around the apartment with Giles trying to break them up)

I hope Xander didn't do something too horrible...

And I got my wish YAY!

_________________
Ripples - Pretty Much Perfect and The Sequel to the Sequel, Who's That Girl?
Every Step That I Retrace/Always Leads Me Back to You/But I've Loved You All Along
Road to Recovery, The Call/The Lightning Strike, The Sun Will Rise

oh noo...please update soon..pleasee

_________________
RC

"I'm not apologizing for what I did, I'm apologizing for what I didn't do" ~ Violet, Bound

LMAO, this update was really cute.



That tickled me to no end... I kept picturing it in my head, too funny.

Poor Tara having to fend off Xander...and where did Giles escape to?

_________________
Heather aka vampyregurl73 aka Riverwillows73

My stories:
"Dry Heat – In Progress (still)" "Penny Arcade - Completed"

My Fic Challenge entries:
"Fireworks" "Promise" "I Did What Last Night?"

Great Update. Very touching.

@Leoheart 7: At first I was worried about Tara's scream. Now I can't get your idea out of my head.

In my vision Willow makes everyone freeze to a halt by yelling: "Xander, don't stake my girlfriend." As every stares at her, she starts babbling about how she should have come out better. (It's 3:00AM right now. After about 2:00, my brain stops working and my imagination takes over.)

Although, I guess it could have been Xander screaming, since you only inferred that it was Tara. Anyways.

Of all the idiots. Well, whatever he decided was a brilliant move, I hope it ended in an embarrassing manner, like maybe him magically glued to the ceiling after freaking out Tara.

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"Buffy caught on fire."-Willow The Outing

Yay for great update-y goodness... Big yay for Tara being able to stay with Giles... I truly hope that Xander hasn't hurt Tara, if he has I'm sure Willow is going to make him regret that...

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We few, we happy few. We band of buggered.

Posting While Nude Improves Your Mood.

Glad Tara is going to be off the streets. She doesn't really have the temperament to be a street-rat...she is too sweet, and too trusting by nature, her family notwithstanding. Staying out there too long would have changed her beyond what this young version of Willow would be able to deal with, I think.

overall good chapter...looking forward to more!

Hey there,
I read the update before this one but didn't manage to get the fb in time. I really loved both updates, particularly this one. I feel like Willow's handling things pretty well. Interesting that both Buffy and Xander believe(d) that Tara is a vampire. Surely Giles will disabuse him of that belief before he can try to stake her or something. I assumed Giles would offer Tara a place to stay. I've forgotten, how old is she? Is she nearly 18? I'm so glad Willow came out to Buffy. Of course, now we've got Tara being "safe" except that soon Angelus will have access to both Willow and Giles's houses which are two of the places Tara will be. I know... a little future knowledge. Well done.

(you've got a few /i tags where they should be i tags to start).

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Menorah Tales | Working It Out | Random Bits

Damn, 10th dibs. I'm really slacking...In my defence, I was not at home until now though!

Oh and we could use some good teachers over here! (although this isn't a great country to be a gay teacher in, since technically, you can get fired for it)

Onto your perfect story!

I absolutely love any time Tara gives Willow a ride (*snicker*) on her skateboard. The imagery is just so fun.

Yay for coming out to Giles!!



Heh heh.

I love Tara singing!!

Omg, Tara and Giles dueting? Too awesome!!

Gallivanting. Excellent word. I'm gonna try and use it in at least three sentences today!

I do not like the sound of that scream!!

Can't wait for more!

_________________
Amber Benson killed me once.

Check out my finished fics

Love, The Series … Two For Joy/21+/Joy To The World … Dancing With Dimensions

Inevitable/Infinitely …Confidential Eternal … A Twisted Date … Dachsund Through The Snow

Great update. Glad to see that Giles opened his home for Tara to stay. Also singing a song for rent seems like an ideal situation for Tara. Patiently waiting to see what exactly made Tara scream.

First things first, sorry for the long delay. My hope is to still post again this week, to get back on schedule. Oh busy, busy life, don't get in the way of my W/T goodness!

ceridwen--I'm really glad you enjoyed Ch. 8, hopefully Ch. 9 will be a nice balm for the seriousness of the last chapter. Congrats on Double Dibs! Will you make it a triple?!

leonhart17--Hey Mags! How goes it? Let me know if the giggles continue with this chapter. And glad to make your wishes come true!!

arsyadriani--Sorry for the lack of soon on my part. I'll try to do better!

vampyregurl73--Yeah, that's one tired hamster! All your questions (about that cliffhanger) will now be answered! LOL

BuffyFan4ever--I'm really glad you liked the last chapter, and hope you enjoy the way things play out.

AmongstTheTrees--Hah, I should've made it Xander, would've been hilarious with the girlie scream! Read on to see what happened!

Zampsa1975--Thanks for being a regular reviewer! I have to say Xander is going to be in trouble with Willow...

Morrigan--I agree, I think it was totally necessary for Tara to finally let Willow know that she wasn't as fearless as she was pretending to be, street life is scary in a normal town, much less on the hell mouth. Glad you enjoyed the chapter, I can't wait to see what you think of this one.

JustSkipIt--I still get silly and a bit giggly when I see your name as a reviewer, it's like when I see Laragh's name, on Leonhart17's...you three are three of my favorite writers, I'm so glad you're reading and enjoying the fic! And thanks for the note on the italics issue, I'll go back and edit.

Laragh--10th dibs is good! For one I means ten people have comment which, just awesome, right? Second, you're here, commenting, which is extra awesome. Thanks for calling the story perfect, that's high praise indeed coming from you, maestro! And LOL on the *ride*. Good luck with today's dibbing!

love_2003--I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter. Yeah, the singing for rent seemed natural with Giles.

On to the next chapter!!

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Wave ... The Wish of Three Hearts
The Yuletide Present ... In From the Cold

"We're in love. We're lovers. We're lesbian, gay-type lovers."

• 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. Don't sue me, I'm not stealing anything, just borrowing!
• 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 chapter may come from BtVS episodes, but I don't think so...



Chapter Nine: Said and Unsaid


“Oh god, no,” Willow groaned, pushing open the watcher’s door. “Tara!” She cried.

The living room was empty. Giles came pounding down the stairs. “Is everything all right? I heard a scream.”

“Giles,” Willow said urgently. “Where are Tara and Xander?”

“Well,” Tara asked if she could look around in the spare room to find a place for her guitar, and I told her she could, of course.”

“And Xander?” Buffy asked.

“I was telling him that Tara will be staying with me for a while, and he said he had to go back to the restroom—” He broke off when both girls went running down the hallway. “And no one ever lets me finish,” he grumbled. “A sad consequence of having a social circle comprised of adolescents.

“Tara?” Willow called softly, walking into the hallway. The door to the small bedroom was locked, and when she knocked there wasn’t any answer. She felt her chest constrict. She didn’t know what she would do if Xander had hurt her Tara. Willow struggled to inhale, swaying. “Buffy?”

“Easy Will, he wouldn’t hurt her.” Buffy said. She gripped Willow’s arm, holding her steady.

“Wouldn’t hurt a vamp?”

“Good point,” Buffy replied. She pushed Willow to the side and kicked the door in.

Xander was standing in front of Giles’ bookshelves staring at Tara, holding a large glass jar in his shaking hands. Willow’s heart soared when she saw Tara sitting on the daybed. She looked shocked, but completely unharmed. And soaking wet.

“W-Willow?” Tara stammered. “He th-threw ice water on me.”

“Holy water, fiend,” Xander growled.

“Xander!” Willow shouted, dropping onto the couch next to Tara and pulling the girl into her arms. “Don’t call her that! What’s wrong with you?”

“It’s okay, Willow,” Xander replied. “I know you don’t mean it. You can’t help it. Everyone’s under her thrall. Except me,” he said proudly. “And as soon that holy water kicks in you’ll all know it. Any minute now,” he said weakly.

“Xander,” Buffy said urgently. “Ixnay on the irevayamp… pirevamray… crap…she’s not a vampire, Xander!”

“Yeah she is,” Xander said plaintively. “Willow’s all smoldery for her, and Giles is letting her live in his house!” He stuck out his chin, but Willow could see hesitation crinkling around his eyes. “Enthralled I tell you!”

“Xander,” Willow thundered. “I love you, but you’re an idiot. I’m gay, Tara’s my girlfriend, and she doesn’t have a place to stay because my parents are back. Giles is helping her out. She’s only staying with him for a week.”

“Wha huh?” Xander babbled, staring back and forth between Tara and Willow. The glass jar fell out of his hands and only Buffy’s slayer reflexes stopped it from being shattered on the floor.

“He th-thought I was a vampire?” Tara asked softly, teeth chattering.

Xander flushed bright pink. “Buffy thought so too!” He cried, pointing a finger at the slayer.

Buffy’s mouth fell open and she stammered, squirming under Tara’s bright blue gaze. “Sorry, but we did think you had a soul.”

Everyone fell silent. Willow looked over at Tara, fearing the worst. When the blonde bowed her head and her shoulders started to shake, Willow ran a gentle hand over her back.

“It’s okay, baby,” she said.

Before she could finish Tara threw back her head, the girl was howling with laughter.

“Th-thought, I was a vampirey f-fiend,” Tara gasped, laughing so hard that she started to cry. “Oh, oh, s-so h-hilarious,” she grabbed her stomach, rocking as she continued to giggle.

Xander and Buffy flashed each other tentative smiles that disappeared when Willow glared up at them.

“Just because my girlfriend has a spectacular sense of humor,” she growled. “Do not think for a minute that you two are off the hook.” It was hard to sound so serious when Tara was still laughing.

“Will,” Xander began nervously.

“It-it’s okay, Will,” Tara said, grabbing Willow hand as her laughter diminished to the occasional chuckle. “They were j-just worried about you.” She smiled up at Xander and Buffy, both of whom returned the blonde’s grin gratefully. “I’m glad that they worry about you.”

“Tara,” Xander began.

He stopped when Willow threw up her hand. “Let us never speak of it again.”

“But—” Xander said.

“What part of never again do you not understand, Harris?” Willow said, giving him full resolve-face.

“Okay, I get that, but I have to apologize. I’m sorry, Tara.” He said, gazing at the blonde girl.

“It’s oh-okay, Xander. I’m just glad you went for holy water, and not a stake.”

“Vamp ash is all blecky,” he replied, and blushed. “I’m always afraid I’ll get some up my nose.”

“All right, you’re done. Now, never again.” Willow said firmly. “Come on, baby,” she told Tara, helping the girl to her feet. “Let’s see if Giles has a towel so we can get you dried off.

They all froze when Giles spoke from the doorway. “Does anyone want to explain to me why Buffy has kicked down my door?”

“I vote Xander!” Willow cried, pushing past the surprised watcher, pulling Tara behind her.

“S-seconded,” Tara agreed.

“Thirded,” Buffy cried, dashing out of the room.

The three girls closed themselves in the bathroom. Giles and Xander were left staring at one another.

“Girls?” Xander said feebly.

* * *

“How is it,” Xander said a few hours later, dropping to Giles’ living room carpet with a groan, “That you three are out here eating delicious cheesy goodness while I’m on door repair detail?”

“You were the one bragging about being all handy with the tools,” Buffy said, taking a huge bite out of her fourth slice of pepperoni.

“Yeah, but you were the one making with all the kicky-kicky smashy-smashy,” Xander whined.

“And why was that?” Willow asked pointed, pausing in her attempt to saw through her pizza crust with a plastic knife and fork.

“Need pizza,” Xander said meekly. He sat up and grabbed a slice, rolling it into a tight tube, which he promptly bit in half.

“W-Wow,” Tara murmured.

“Hungry,” Xander said thickly, swallowing with a big grin on his face. He quickly finished the slice and started on another.

“You better get back to hanging when you’re done with that,” Buffy said, eying her fifth slice. “Gotta burn off some of those calories.”

Willow suppressed a laugh when Xander’s eyes bugged out of his head, instead popping a neatly cut triangle of pizza into her mouth.

“Me?” Xander asked. He turned to Willow. “How many slices has she had?

Willow just shrugged, grinning at Xander’s blush as Buffy teased him. It was harmless, and he deserved it. A lot. Tara smiled knowingly at Willow but held up a hand, her thumb and fingers spread.

“See,” Xander smirked. “You’ve eaten twice as much as me. You should go be carpenter girl.”

“Slayer metabolism,” Buffy replied archly. “Burns four-times as fast. And that means,” she said, pulling a sixth slice onto her plate, “That this only counts as part of my second slice.”

Xander opened his mouth to argue when Giles called to him from the other room. The dark-haired boy sighed and hauled himself to his feet, slouching back toward the hallway and his work detail.

“W-We’ll save you some pizza,” Tara said.

As much as Willow loved her girlfriend’s merciful side, she really hated the slow smile, the hint of blush that appeared on Xander’s face. He walked down the hallway grinning with a bit too much pep in his step. She couldn’t help a little flare of jealousy at Xander’s happy face. First the guy tried to accuse Tara of being a vampire, and then he acted all goofy just because Tara said that they’d save him some food.

“Uh oh,” Buffy chuckled. “Willow pout.”

“Huh?” Willow asked, trying to play dumb even as her voice squeaked. “What oh?”

“You’ve got pouty face,” the slayer teased.

“Do not,” Willow grumped, blushing.

“Now it’s worse,” Buffy crowed.

Willow groaned and dropped her face into head into her hands. “Buf-fy,” she said plaintively, her plea muffled against her palms.

There was a soft, sweet chuckle and Willow whimpered. Tara was laughing at her. Her beautiful, sweet, kissing-hugger, breakfast in bed-making girlfriend was laughing at her. Willow felt the tickle of hair against her face, and then warm breath on her cheek, against her ear.

“You’re so beautiful when you get jealous,” Tara whispered. “It’s probably wrong of me to like it, but it’s adorable. Even when you have nothing to be jealous about.”

“He likes you,” Willow muttered.

“But I only like you, rosy girl,” Tara whispered. Willow could feel Tara’s mouth curve in a smile where it brushed against her cheek. “I love you, rosy girl.”

Willow blushed anew as she felt Tara’s warm lips press against her cheek.

“All right, you guys may be hidden by locks of silky golden hair,” Buffy giggled. “But I have really good hearing. How long are you gonna be smooching? Cause I can go help with the door if you need some alone time.”

“Buffy!” Willow squealed. She and Tara broke apart; Willow saw the heat in her own cheeks matched in the bright flush on Tara’s face.

“It was j-just a kiss on the cheek,” Tara protested softly.

The slayer looked at each girl and then burst into loud giggles, rocking so hard she spilled off the arm of the sofa where she’d been sitting, landing hard on the floor.

“Ow,” Buffy cried, still laughing. “Oh ow, but it was so, so worth it. You two are too easy.”

“Yes, well, I’ll tell you what isn’t easy,” Giles said, stalking into the room holding his right elbow, his hand pointed toward the ceiling. “Trying to hang a door with Mr. Harris.”

“Are you okay?” Willow asked. The watcher look very unhappy. She didn’t want him going all British and freaking Tara out.

“Nothing that an icepack, a stiff drink, and a new right thumb wouldn’t cure,” he replied, walking toward the kitchen.

Xander came trailing after him, holding a hammer clutched in both of his hands. “I’m really sorry,” the boy said. “I misunderstood what—”

“Of course, Xander,” Giles replied sourly. “I can definitely see where ‘We’re almost done’ becomes ‘Hit me on the thumb’.”

“I did ask if you were sure,” Xander sulked.

“Yes, and I was sure we were almost done.”

Buffy clapped her hands over her mouth but Willow still hard the beginnings of a chuckle, and apparently Giles heard as well, turning a stern gaze on his slayer.

“Oh yes, please do revel in the mirth of my maiming.

“Sorry,” Buffy replied. “I blame desensitization from all the violence—” Willow gave a little nod toward Tara, hoping that her friend would catch the hint. “On TV,” Buffy finished lamely.

Giles just shook his head and walked into the kitchen. They could hear him rummaging around freezer, piling up ice trays.

Xander took a seat back on the floor in front of the couch, giving a little double take when he noticed Buffy on the floor. Buffy grinned and Xander gave a little shrug, going after another slice of pizza.

“Man,” he said, chewing through a piece of crust. “Giles is in a mood now. All with the grumpy cause his crown molding is cracked or something.” He lowered his voice and leaned in, casting a nervous eye toward the kitchen. “Do you guys wanna go out and do some type of fun thing?” He asked, gesturing with a crust nub. “I mean, it’s not like we’ve gotta stay here all night—”

“Um,” Tara began.

Willow shot Xander daggers, shaking her head. Best friend or no, he was off his game. “Giles isn’t,” she paused. “He’s not mad at you, Tare,” Willow insisted, giving her girlfriend’s hand a gentle squeeze. “Is he, Xander?”

Xander winced. “Oh yeah, I mean no, no he’s not.” He sighed. “Sorry.”

The blonde just nodded, biting her lip.

“Giles is cool,” Buffy said, picking pepperoni off the cold slices of pizza and eating them one by one. “He’s just all British. A little wood putty and some varnish and he’ll be good as new.”

Willow, Xander and Tara all stared.

“What?” Buffy cried, throwing up her hands. “PBS has been having a midnight marathon of This Old House all week.”

“And it’s not like we have to hang here all the time,” Xander said. “It’s holiday break. We get to go out, have fun and there’s no homework.”

“I was with you till then,” Willow said. She gave Tara an embarrassed grin. “I like homework.”

“Me t-too,” Tara agreed wistfully. “I miss school.”

Willow squeezed Tara’s hand again and then laid Tara’s hand on her knee, wrapping her arm around the girl’s shoulders. “I’m really sorry, Tara.”

“It’s okay,” Tara replied, leaning her head against Willow’s shoulder. Willow felt her heart break just a little at the thought of all her poor love had been forced to sacrifice to be free of her family. “At least I have a place to stay this week.”

Willow saw a pained look cross Buffy’s face at Tara’s words. The slayer repressed it as quickly as it appeared, forcing a little smile. Willow was grateful for Buffy’s discretion. She knew it couldn’t have been easy for Tara to have the truth of her homelessness pulled out into the open for so many, so quickly,

“You know Tara,” Xander said kindly, “After your week with Giles is up, if Willow’s parents are still in town, don’t feel like you have to go back to…you know.” He paused, swallowed nervously. “You can stay with me any time you want. My parents would never notice as long as we went in through the basement.”

Willow’s mouth dropped open and then she snapped it shut, gritting her teeth. First the goofy smile, then Xander invited her girlfriend to spend the night? Glaring, Willow tilted her head until she caught Xander’s eye. He took one look at her and he stuttered to a stop.

“Oh god,” he said, holding up his hands, sending his crust nub flying. “I meant that way more gay than it sounded.”

Buffy’s mouth dropped open and the girl turned to stare at Xander. From the corner of her eye, Willow could see Tara’s head tip in puzzlement.

“Oh god,” Xander repeated. “I meant that in a good way. Gay is good and I just meant that I know you’re gay for Willow and you could stay with me as a friend, because friends help friends and nothing else because you’re gay.”

Xander froze, hands still held aloft as if the three girls staring at him were armed and holding him up in a robbery. Willow saw a flash of golden blonde and then Tara was kneeling in front of her.

“Will?” She asked softly.

Willow looked at her girlfriend, over at the dumbfounded Buffy, and finally settled on Xander. The boy’s face was burning red.

“That was some babble, Harris,” Willow said, bursting into giggles. “And how many times can you say gay?”

Tara leaned against Willow again, grinning, and Buffy started laughing too. Xander’s blush burnt even darker.

“Apparently a lot,” he mumbled.

“You know, Tara,” Buffy sighed, still chuckling. “As surprising as it is, Mr. Foot-in-Mouth does have a point. When your week is up, if you can’t stay with Will I’m sure my mom would let you crash with us sometimes. Not in a gay way though,” she said quickly, subconsciously mirroring Xander’s earlier ‘stick ‘em up’ pose. “As friends, and you’ll be gay, but I’m not gay, like Xander.”

“I’m not gay,” Xander said bemusedly. “Not that there’s anything wrong with that…”

“Oh god,” Buffy mumbled.

“Tara,” Willow said urgently, turning to her girlfriend. “I swear that up till now there has been no documented case of my babbling spazness being contagious. I can’t be held accountable for their preoccupation with the gay.”

“I think we b-broke them,” Tara chuckled, hooking her thumb at Xander and Buffy. Both teens were red-faced and staring at the floor.

“We’re broken,” Buffy confirmed. “But we’re your best friends, Willow Rosenberg. You still have to like us even if we’re defective.”

“N-not defective,” Tara said. “Just sweet, and straight. Not that there’s anything w-wrong with that,” she teased, holding up her hands. She held them up until Buffy and Xander started laughing and then she lowered them, nodding. “Let’s t-take it one day at a t-time, okay?”

Willow nodded, grinning her funny, funny love, at her friends who, in their own, clumsy, bumbling way were so very, very sweet.

“I’m glad to see that someone here besides me has some common sense,” Giles said. He was standing in the entryway to the kitchen with an icepack pressed to his hand. “No use worrying about a future that hasn't happened yet.”

“But if it happened,” Buffy said thoughtfully, “Wouldn’t it be the past, not the future?”

“Yeah,” Xander said, scratching his head.

“Reaping the rewards of speaking metaphorically to teenagers,” Giles sighed. “No offense meant,” he said, nodding at Tara and Willow. “Tara, your room once again has a functioning door, feel free to get some rest whenever you’d like.”

As he spoke, Giles strolled from the kitchen to the staircase that lead up to his room. “As far as the rest of you are concerned, try to get home at a decent hour so you don’t get grounded. We’ll still have…tasks to complete over the holiday. But for now, my sore thumb and I are going to bed. Goodnight.”

“Night Giles,” Buffy said.

“Yeah, night,” Willow echoed. Xander nodded and gave a salute.

“Goodnight, Mr. Giles,” Tara said. “And thank you again.”

“Of course,” Giles replied, looking a bit flustered by Tara’s gratitude. “Goodnight then.” He walked up two steps and then turned, straightening his glasses. “Do be sure not to break anything else around the house tonight, please Buffy.”

“I’ll do my best, but I can’t make any promises,” the slayer said with a smile.

“As I expected.”

The watcher climbed up the stairs. There were quiet rustlings and creaking from the loft for a few minutes, but then the house was silent again, except for the sound of chewing as Xander and Buffy grabbed new slices to eat. When the pizza was gone, Tara began to tidy up, placing paper plates and napkins inside the empty box. She even went so far as to give the coffee table a quick wipe-down.

“There’s a little trash can under the sink,” Willow told her. “I don’t think it’s big enough for that, though.”

“Yeah,” Buffy replied, rubbing her pizza-distended stomach. “I’ll drop it off in the dumpster outside when we go, which shouldn’t be in too much longer if I’m going to make curfew,” the little blonde said, nodding toward the clock on the wall.

“Just l-let me get my board,” Tara said, setting the pizza box back down on the coffee table.

“You’re sweet, Tara,” Willow said, standing and taking her girl’s hand. “But I don’t want you to ride all the way back here alone. I’ll come over first thing tomorrow, promise.”

“But I n-need to pick up my stuff from Jamie.”

“Oh,” Willow said. “Well that’s a totally different scenario. Buff, Xander, we’re gonna go over to Zanja with Tara so she can get her clothes and stuff, okay?”

“You don’t have to do that,” Tara murmured. “It’s out of your way.”

“Piffle,” Willow said, waving a hand. “We’re young, it’s a beautiful night. And besides,” she said, taking the girl’s other hand and giving them both a gentle squeeze. “Since I’m gonna have to go home alone to my lonely room and my big lonely, empty bed, I’d rather hang with you as long as I can.”

Tara flashed Willow that sweet, crooked grin. Willow couldn’t help herself. She leaned in and pressed her lips to Tara’s, reveling in the warmth of her love. She trailed a hand up to the small of Tara’s back and rubbed there gently. After a moment there was the soft sound of a throat being cleared.

“Yes?” Willow said, turning to Buffy with a grin.

The slayer was staring at them with a little smile. “All this talk of the bedroom, then kissing. How many times do you plan on breaking Xander tonight?” She pointed over at their best friend.

Xander was watching them, mouth half between a gape and an idiotic grin, blushing.

“The bed is only used for sleeping and snuggles!” Willow squeaked. “Who turned on your perv buttons tonight?”

Tara poked Willow with her elbow and giggled. Willow looked over at her girlfriend. Seeing her so happy made Willow laugh too, her girl’s joy was just that infectious. Soon the two girls were clutching each other, laughing hysterically.

“Kooky girls,” Xander said, but he was smiling too.

“Okay,” Buffy said, clapping her hands together. Then she winced and looked up toward the loft. After a few seconds of silence that was only broken by Giles’ soft snoring, she smiled. “Okay,” she said again, her voice a near-whisper. “Time for the kooky girls and one kooky boy to hit the road.”

The night was still and cool. Streetlights were few and far between, leaving the teens bathed in starlight and the dim glow of a moon waxing toward crescent. Buffy took the lead, walking with a speed that belied her petite stature. Xander came strolling along behind her, his long strides more than making up for Buffy’s swift pace. Willow and Tara trailed behind them, each with an arm wrapped around the other’s waist. Willow leaned close, her head resting against Tara’s shoulder.

“Crazy day, huh?” Willow asked softly.

“Yeah huh,” Tara nodded.

“You know that you don’t have to stay with Giles if you don’t want to right? I don’t want you to be scared, he’s such a great guy, and I hope you’re not angry that I convinced you to go and see him, because I was just trying to help.” Willow took a little gasping breath.

“Willow-babble,” Tara said happily, pulling Willow closer. “How could I be angry at you, Will? You found me a safe place to stay, at least for now.”

Willow walked on her tiptoes for a moment to press a gentle kiss to Tara’s cheek. Watching her walk, framed in the moonlight, took Willow back to the night they’d met. She never would’ve thought that Tara could be more beautiful than she was rolling away into the dark on that skateboard, but she got more beautiful with ever second. With every breath, Willow loved her more.

“Penny for your thoughts,” Tara said, smiling.

“Beautiful,” Willow sighed.

Tara tilted her head. “I guess they kind of are, the copper’s shiny, so that’s nice. Lincoln though, not the cutest—”

“I meant you, beautiful girl,” Willow laughed, reaching over and tickling the blonde.

Tara giggled and slipped out of Willow’s embrace. She snagged one of Willow’s hands instead; holding it gently, but taking care that she wasn’t within tickling range. Willow immediately dropped the hand she’d been using for her tickle attack; it wasn’t worth the giggles if meant she didn’t get to hold on to her girl.

“Giving up so soon?” Tara asked.

Willow nodded. “Yep.”

“I’m not sure I believe you,” Tara replied, still chuckling. She danced a little farther from Willow, till their arms were stretched to their limit, hands barely able to keep a grip.

“It’s true,” Willow said softly.

“How come?” Tara said, coming to a stop.

“I’d rather be holding you,” Willow replied, she gave a tug and pulled Tara into her arms, kissing the girl with a gentle passion.

“Definitely better than tickles,” Tara sighed happily.

“Uh huh,” Willow agreed, leaning in for another kiss. Their embrace tightened and she sighed, perfectly content, as Tara slipped a hand under her shirt, rubbing her warm hand over the small of Willow’s back. She gave a little shiver at the sparks Tara sent dancing over her skin, at Tara’s soft groan when Willow cradled the girl’s lower lip between her lips.

There was a metallic rustling around them in the shadows. Willow and Tara both froze, still embracing tightly. Tara’s eyes went wide and Willow could feel the girl’s breath quicken, small, warm bursts of air that brushed against her cheeks. When Willow spoke, their lips brushed together.

“Buffy’s just a little ways ahead,” Willow whispered. She slipped her hand down Tara’s side and linked fingers with her girlfriend. At their touch there was another rattling, louder, closer. Tara gave a little jump. “It’s all right,” Willow soothed. “We’re going to count to three, and then we’re going to make a run for Buffy and Xander.”

Tara nodded at her, squeezing Willow’s hand. “O-One,” Tara breathed.

“Two,” Willow replied.

“Three,” the girls cried together. They spun around to run toward their friends and found their way barred half a dozen crumpled beer cans, a broken bottle, and a handful of change, all floating in the air.

“Wha?” Willow said.

Tara began to laugh, clapping a hand over her mouth to muffle the sound. “It was u-us,” she said, moving her hand from her mouth to stroke Willow’s cheek. “That was quite some kiss.”

“Like your skateboard?” Willow asked, watching the debris bob up and down in the air.

Tara nodded. “Levitation.”

“But it’s not…bad right?” Willow asked, thinking back to her first magic lesson, the knowledge Tara had given her about the care that should be taken with blessings from the goddess. “It isn’t frivolous?”

“It’s okay, love,” Tara said, stroking Willow’s cheek again. “It’s a manifestation of, of our power. We didn’t call on the goddess, we aren’t taking without giving back.”

“Floaty us power,” Willow giggled.

“Floaty us power,” Tara agreed. “B-But unless you’re ready to break Buffy and Xander again t-tonight, we probably better set this stuff back down and get caught up.”

“I guess you’re right,” Willow said, watching Buffy and Xander draw farther ahead. “I don’t think I can handle coming out of the closet as a lesbian and a witch all in the same day.”

“Best to take these things gradually,” Tara teased.

Willow gave her girl a sidelong glance, grinning mischievously. “I seem to remember that gradual is optional. Isn’t that how we ended up on the floor the other day?”

“Willow!” Tara murmured, blushing furiously. “Vixen.”

Willow’s smile broadened and she took a step closer to Tara, letting their arms brush together. “Light as a feather?” She asked.

Tara nodded. “Just like you remember.”

The two girls stood perfectly still and silent, watching as the alley trash began to tip and twist, floating toward the ground. When everything was settled, they stepped over it, still hand in hand, walking at a fast pace to catch up to Xander and Buffy.

They made it to Zanja Muro without any further incident. Jamie was delighted to see them, and though he was disappointed that they couldn't stay to visit, Willow could see that the man was relieved to know that Tara had a safe place to stay over the holiday. He left them outside to go and get Tara’s duffle bag, and when he returned he had two coffees and two cokes to go, along with a big bag of goodies.

“You d-didn’t have to do that,” Tara said, giving Jamie a shy smile.

“I know, I blame the hair,” Jamie replied, running a hand through his bleach-blonde locks. “Brings out the good Samaritan in me. And the cupid,” he said, winking at Willow and Tara, who were openly holding hands, leaning on each other. “Now, you kids take your delicious snacks get outta here—no being late for curfew.”

“Thanks, Jamie,” Xander said around a mouthful of blueberry muffin.

“Don’t choke,” Jamie laughed. “And you’re welcome.”

“Gimmee,” Buffy told Xander, holding out a hand. Xander gave her the bag and she rummaged around in it for a minute. Willow held back a snort of laughter as Buffy practically stuck her head in the bag. After a moment the slayer gave a happy little squeak and pulled a huge cherry pastry out of the bag. “Yum,” she crowed.

“Doesn’t anybody feed you two?” Jamie asked.

“They seem to need food in thirty m-minute increments,” Tara laughed.

Jamie tilted his head, smiling bemusedly. “Thirty minutes? How in the world do they stay so thin?”

“Believe me,” Willow replied. “You don’t want to know.”

Jamie smirked. “I’ll take your word for it.” He made a shooing motion at them, chuckling. “Go on then, little ducklings, home with you. But come back to see me soon.”

“P-Promise,” Tara replied.

With one last wave, Jamie went back inside the café. Willow looped an arm around Tara’s and held up the tray of drinks. “Coffee, my lady?” She asked.

“Please.” Tara grabbed one of the paper coffee cups and took a long draw from it.

Willow watched her head arch back, watched the delicious ripples on the girl’s throat as she swallowed. It took everything in Willow not to drop the drinks and wrap her arms around Tara, to kiss and lick and suck on that delicious, peaches and cream skin.

“Yummy,” Tara sighed.

“Uh huh,” Willow breathed, still staring.

“Have you had any coffee?” Tara asked.

Willow felt a blush burn its way from beneath her breasts up her neck, to her face. “No uh, no coffee for me yet,” she murmured.

“Then what?” Tara’s eyes widened and Willow was happy to see her girlfriend grin. “Oh, well, right back ‘atcha. Yum, yum.”

“Hee!” Willow said, taking a big gulp of coffee. “Ooh, coffee’s good too.”

“It’s only a close second,” Tara replied, her voice dropping smooth and low.

“Tara,” Willow squeaked, giving the girl a gentle nudge with her hip. She glanced ahead and saw Buffy’s profile, flushed bright pink, Xander chewing away, happy and oblivious. “Buffy has really good hearing.”

“Oops,” Tara said, giggling. “G-Good Danish, Buffy?” She called.

“Yeah,” Buffy replied, voice a little high and breathless. “Delicious sweets with the sweetness and fruit and frosting. Delicious!”

Willow clapped a hand over her mouth to hold in the laughter she felt bubbling up. No need to draw Xander’s attention to their naughty talk as well. Tara flashed her crooked grin at Willow, a mischievous glint in her sky-blue eyes.

“Do you need a sweet treat too, Will?” Tara asked innocently.

Willow’s eyes widened. “Coffee’s fine,” she said, taking a big sip and then coughing, and patting her chest when it tried to go down the wrong way. “Just coffee.”

“Hey guys,” Xander called, peering into the bag. “Does anybody want a triangular mystery biscuit with cranberries in it?”

“It’s called a scone, Xander, and it’s delicious,” Willow said, laughing.

Xander pulled the scone out by the corner, holding it with two fingers, as if the pastry was going to attack. “You sure?” He asked.

“I p-promise, she’s right,” Tara said. “Scones are both filling and scrumptious.”

He took a huge bite, crumbs raining from his mouth. “If goo,” he said, smiling around partially chewed scone.

Willow, Buffy and Tara broke into loud giggling that only got louder when Xander began to hum happily while he ate.

“What is he doing?” Tara murmured.

Willow gave a little shrug. “He’s done that since we were kids,” she chuckled. “Buffy’s mom calls it the Happy Eating Song.”

“Boys are weird,” Tara laughed.

“I’ve never gotten them either,” Willow agreed. And then she saw something that made the smile drop from her face.

“What?” Tara said.

Willow pointed over Tara’s shoulder. “Red terracotta roof,” she said. “We’re almost back to Giles’ already. Not that that’s a bad thing,” she said quickly. “I’m just gonna miss you.”

“Well,” Tara said, squeezing Willow’s hand as they strolled on after Buffy and Xander, “You’re vacation girl, what do you want to do tomorrow?”

“Ooh! No school!” Willow felt an odd burst of guilt at her happiness, and pushed it down. Anything that let her spend more time with Tara was a good thing. “There is something I was thinking,” Willow said.

“Something good?” Tara asked, waggling her eyebrows.

Willow blushed. “I hope you think so. How would you like to go to the beach tomorrow?”

“I love the beach!” Buffy squealed.

Willow froze and saw a little smirk flash on Tara’s face. Buffy was turned toward them with her hands clapped over her mouth.

“Sorry,” Buffy squeaked, looking totally humiliated. “It’s okay if we aren’t invited.” She bit her lip. “Even though I could really use a ‘Cheer Buffy Up’ day.”

“Of course you guys are invited,” Willow said. She turned to Tara and whispered, “You don’t mind if they’re invited do you?”

“I don’t mind,” Tara laughed.

“So you want to go?”

“I want to be anywhere you are,” Tara replied. “And I love the ocean.”

“Excellent,” Willow squeaked. The sidewalk changed beneath her feet, going cobbled and strange. She tipped forward with a strangled cry, but felt a strong hand wrap around her upper arm.

“Gotcha, baby,” Tara said softly. She helped Willow straighten and then gave a little giggle. “You saved your coffee.”

“Heh,” Willow said. “Good thing I have you around to catch me.”

“Always,” Tara murmured.

The four of them walked through the courtyard together. Willow smiled as Tara trailed her hands along the hanging branches, brushing the fluttering leaves, hair haloed by the hundreds of fairy lights decorating the path. Beautiful girl, Willow thought. Someday you’ll have a room all your own, and we’ll hang fairy lights from the ceiling, just for you.

The sight of Xander and Buffy standing a few feet ahead broke Willow from her reverie. She was about to ask them what was wrong, when she realized that her friends were standing in front of Giles’ door.

“Well, here we are,” Willow said. She made herself smile; she didn’t want to make Tara uneasy about her temporary home. But it was hard, so hard, not to beg the blonde to come with her, to sleep in her bed, their bed.

“I’ll miss you too,” Tara murmured, giving Willow’s hand a gentle squeeze.

“You can read me like a book, can’t you?” Willow said fondly.

“You’re my rosy girl,” was Tara’s simple reply.

“We’re gonna, uh, wait over here,” Buffy said, shifting a bit from foot to foot. “Come on, Xander.”

“Why do we hafta—” Xander began as the slayer tugged the boy back toward the center of the courtyard.

“They want to say goodnight,” Buffy said, adding emphasis to the last word.

“Goodnight?” Xander echoed. “Oh,” he said. “Goodnight…” He held up a hand to Tara and Willow, blushing. “Night.”

“Night Buffy, Xander,” Tara replied. “You guys be careful heading home.”

“No worries,” Buffy said. “I’ll make sure Willow gets home safe.

“I want you and Xander to be safe too,” Tara replied, blushing. “Okay?”

Buffy nodded, flashing a warm grin. She gave Xander a gentle tug and they walked a short ways into the courtyard, under the trees. Once her friends had given them a bit of privacy, Willow wasted no time wrapping her free arm around Tara’s waist and pulling her close.

“So I’ll see you tomorrow?” Willow asked.

“Don’t be sad. Morning will be here before you know it.” Tara kissed her softly on the cheek.

“I’ll miss you,” Willow said, moving her hand from Tara’s waist and running it down her hair, hoping to memorize the softness, the sweet smell of her, with enough clarity to tide her over until morning.

“I’ll miss you too.” Tara kissed her again. “But at least we’ll sleep through most of it.” Willow didn’t reply and Tara leaned back. “You promise to get some rest?”

“I’ll try,” Willow said. She held up her cup of Kona from Zanja Muro. “But I have delicious coffee.”

“Do I need to confiscate said deliciousness?” Tara teased.

Willow cradled the cup to her chest. “I can’t have no you and no coffee. That’s not just sad, that’s cruel.”

“But if you sleep,” Tara murmured, lips pressing to Willow’s cheek, “then it’ll be like we’ve only been apart for an instant. And maybe you’ll dream.”

“Happy dreams?” Willow asked, feeling a little drowsy as Tara spoke, lulled by the soft, regular cadence of her voice.

“Happy dreams, I promise,” Tara replied. “Now you better head out,” she added. “I don’t want anybody missing out on the beach tomorrow because they got grounded.”

Willow held out her coffee cup. “Will you put this in Giles’ fridge for me? That way I can drink it tomorrow without being tempted tonight.”

Tara took the cup from Willow. “I promise to take very good care of it,” she teased solemnly.

“Night baby,” Willow said. She leaned close to Tara and whispered in her ear. “Love you. Dream sweet dreams of me, cause I’ll be dreaming of you.”

“Night,” Tara murmured.

They kissed once, softly, lips pressing together till they had to take a breath or risk passing out cold on the cobbled walk. Willow watched to make sure that Tara got back into Giles’ place safely, not moving until she heard the lock trigger on the other side of the door. When she knew Tara was safe and sound, Willow made her way over to Buffy and Xander, still patiently waiting for her under the trees.

“Home again, home again?” Willow asked, trying to sound cheerful but still feeling the pain of leaving her girl.

Buffy smiled and Willow could see the sympathy shining in her hazel eyes. “Jiggity-jig, Will,” she replied.

They linked arms and started walking back toward their neighborhood, Xander trailing behind.

“Am I supposed to say something about a pig now?” Xander asked. “Or is it a hog? Or are we quoting Blade Runner?”

“No idea what you’re talking about, Harris,” Buffy said, looking at him over her shoulder.

His mouth dropped open and he stopped in his tracks. “But you,” he said, pointing at Willow. “And then you,” he said, crossing his left arm over his right to point at Buffy.

Both girls cackled hysterically.

“Hah hah,” Xander said sourly. “Get the man confused with nursery rhymes and sci-fi movie references.”

“Aw Xander,” Buffy said. “We only tease because we care.”

“It’s true,” Willow agreed, looking back at him.

“Well okay then, I’m ready to go,” he said, following them once again.

It was a quick walk back to Xander’s. His house was dark and quiet, a bit of a relief compared to the usual state of affairs. They watched to make sure he made it into the basement safely, and then Buffy walked Willow home. The slayer stood guard as Willow pulled out her keys and unlocked the door. Once Willow was inside, Buffy raised a hand in silent farewell, and ran back toward Revello Drive.

Willow closed and locked the front door, carefully navigating the furniture in the darkened living room as she made her way to the stairs.

“Did you have a nice night, bubbala?”

Willow gave a little squeak and spun around, clutching her chest. Her father was lying on the sofa.

“Sorry if I startled you,” he said, sitting up.

“Dad, what are you doing out here?” Her father’s hair was mussed, his clothes wrinkled. She’d never seen him sleep on the couch before.

“Don’t worry,” he chuckled. “I didn’t get kicked out. Your mother’s on a call with a colleague, I just thought I’d try to catch a few winks until she gets done.”

“Oh,” Willow replied. “Well, I guess I better head to bed.”

“If you’re not too tired,” Ira replied, “Why don’t you sit and talk with your old dad for a bit?”

“Oh,” Willow said, and blinked. She couldn’t remember the last time she and her father sat down for a chat. Willow held back a grimace. Oh yeah, twelve. Birds. Bees. Mom too busy to have the talk and Dad so embarrassed that he never got past ‘Now that you’re becoming a young woman…’ Please god, Willow thought. Don’t let this be attempt number two.

“Willow, are you too sleepy?”

“Huh?” Willow said, and then shook her head. “Oh no, it’s okay.” She sat down on one of the armchairs by the sofa, clutching her hands together in her lap. “What did you want to talk about?”

“Whatever you want,” her father replied. He smiled, but there was a sadness to it that surprised her. “It occurred to me the other day, when I took you to school, that you’re a junior now. Just a year and a half left and then you’ll be off to college.”

“Oh, you wanted to talk about the schools I’m applying to?” She began, at once relieved and disappointed.

“If you want,” Ira nodded. “Or we could talk about,” he paused; a little flush crept up his neck. “How you’re doing.”

Willow tipped her head to the side, really watching her father, and realized he was really nervous. “How I’m doing?” Does he know? She felt a warm constriction in her chest, couldn’t tell if it was panic or relief. Maybe both.

“You seem…a bit preoccupied lately,” her father said, leaning toward her. “I don’t know if it’s because you’re happy or because something’s bothering you, but,” he paused again. “Well, I know we’re busy, your Mom and I, but I wanted you to know you can talk to us.”

“Thanks Dad.” Willow was amazed. Was this heartfelt, shaky-voiced man her father? “Actually,” she said, feeling her heart begin to race. “There is something I need to tell you, I’ve me—”

“Ira, a slot opened in Boston!” Willow’s mother’s voice cut the air like a knife.

Met someone, and I’m in love. Willow thought dully. I’m gay.

“Sheila,” Ira replied, “That’s great, but Willow and I were in the middle of something here.”

“Our slot is for a Monday night lecture, but we have to check in by Sunday morning,” Sheila rambled on. It was clear she hadn’t heard a word her husband said. “I’ve already booked us a flight for tomorrow night.”

“That’s just fine,” Ira said patiently. “But Willow was saying something.”


“That’s good,” Sheila said, turning to Willow. “Were you going to tell him about Bunny staying over while we were gone?”

“It’s Buffy, Mom,” Willow corrected automatically, even though she had no idea what her mother was talking about.

“Right. Mrs. Peters across the street said she saw you and a blonde girl going in and out a few times. Did she stay?”

Willow looked back and forth between her parents. “I got lonely,” she replied.

“Well, you two kept the place neat, I appreciate that,” Sheila replied. “But from now on, if you need company when we’re gone, go to Bunny’s so there’s an adult to supervise, all right?”

Willow nodded, but she was crushed. No more Tara sleepovers? No way, Willow fumed. We’ll just have to be sneaky.

“Sheila,” Ira said.

Willow looked up and saw that her father was watching her closely, looking worried.

“Why don’t you start packing and I’ll come in when Willow and I are done,” he continued.

“All right, but don’t be too long. Goodnight, Willow.” Sheila said, and patted her daughter on the head. “We’ll be back in plenty of time for the holiday.”

“Now, you were saying sweetie?” Her father asked as Sheila made her way back to the bedroom. “What did you need to tell me?”

To tell you I’m gay. “I need to…to get some sleep,” Willow said. She smiled, even though her guts felt like they’d been filled with hot lead. “And you better go and pack.”

Ira looked at her for a moment, smiling wistfully. “You sure?” When Willow nodded he stood, groaning. “Okay, if you change your mind, we can have that chat when I get back.”

“Okay Dad,” Willow said. Coward, coward, coward, she thought, berating herself silently.

“Night,” he said. She could smell his aftershave when he bent over and kissed the top of her head.

“Goodnight.” As soon as she heard their bedroom door close she dropped her head in her hands. Coward, she thought bitterly. I’m a coward.

She trudged up to her room and flopped on her bed, staring at the ceiling. Everything in Willow wanted to pick up the phone and call Tara, just to hear the sweet sound of her voice, but it was too late. She didn’t want to risk waking the watcher. She rolled off the bed and got into her nightgown, puttering around straightening books and feeding her fish. When Willow had nothing left to stall, she turned off the lamp on her bedside table. Just as she began to burrow under the covers, her phone rang.

Must be for Mom and Dad, about the conference. But the phone rang again, and a third time. Willow sighed and made a silent wish that her parents wouldn’t sleep with the ringer on their phone turned off if they were expecting a call. She leaned over and grabbed the receiver.

“Hello?” She asked.

“Did I call too late?”

Willow’s face was transformed by a beatific smile. “Hey Tara baby, no, of course it’s not too late.”

“You’re sure? I didn’t w-want to wake your parents.”

“They’re up, but the ringer downstairs is usually off anyway.”

For a moment Willow considered telling Tara about Sheila’s pronouncement, but she dismissed it. Tomorrow, she thought. Face to face. Tonight, happy bedtime talk with my girl.

Willow sat up, bouncing a bit on the end of the bed. “Everything okay?”

“Oh yeah, fine,” Tara said. Willow could hear a hint of hesitation.

“Having a hard time falling asleep?”

“A little,” Tara admitted. “I’m just excited about the beach tomorrow.”

“Not as excited as Buffy,” Willow laughed.

“I think she’s more excited about swimsuit shopping than anything,” Tara said with a giggle. “And it’ll probably be too cold to swim.”

“Well, I have to agree with Buffy on that point, swimsuits are vital.” Willow pictured Tara in a string bikini and a goofy grin spread across her face.

“Uh huh,” Tara said. “No ulterior motive on your part?”

“Well, maybe just a little,” Willow said, blushing.

“Me too,” Tara murmured.

Before Willow could reply she let out a long yawn.

“I better let you get some sleep,” Tara said.

“I don’t wanna sleep,” Willow pouted. Having Tara on the phone, she could almost pretend her girl was there. When they hung up, she’d have to go back to the cold, hard, reality of being home, alone, with her parents.

“Remember what I said,” Tara teased. “The sooner we rest—”

“The sooner we’re together,” Willow sighed. “You know, if you’re lonely you can always hug a pillow and pretend it’s me.”

“I’ll give it a shot,” Tara laughed. “I love you rosy girl. Have sweet dreams.”

“And I love you, Tara,” Willow said solemnly. “See you tomorrow.”

Willow laid her phone back on the receiver and grabbed her spare pillow. She held it close, imaging silky hair, warm skin, and the scent of honeysuckle. As soon as Willow’s cheek brushed the soft cotton cloth she felt the tingle of Tara’s touch on her skin, and then she was asleep.

_________________
Wave ... The Wish of Three Hearts
The Yuletide Present ... In From the Cold

"We're in love. We're lovers. We're lesbian, gay-type lovers."

Dibs! Finally for this fic!!! Back in a min!

Heh heh @ Vampire ash being all blech-y. I can only imagine it is.

I get all warm and fuzzy everything Willow calls Tara 'rosy girl'

I hope Will tells Tara about Buffy being a slayer soon! I know it's not really keeping a secret, since it's Buffy's secret to share, but still.







Heart. Melting.

Aww, poor Willow. So close to coming out, then Sheila dashes it. Stupid...mean person (I'm trying to lay off thr swearing lol)

Awesome update! Totally worth the wait!

Love it!