Sodas and Snack Machines

[sam darls]

Ooh great update. Bless willow . Love sam xx

"Sometimes things happen between people that you don't really expect. And sometimes the things that are important are the ones that seem the weirdest or the most wrong. And those are the ones that change your life." - Jessie Sammler (Evan Rachel Wood)

[The Rose24]

Our ladies always have that electrical touch no matter where they are.

Tara: My heart doesn't stutter.


Tara: Willow, I got so lost.

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

[veiled isis moon]

Awwwwww, there all with the fuzzy feelings. Nice.



Michellex

[SJ]

Great update

[Stroke of Luck]

Willow had a really good ID! Well done girl hehe more pls



CU

SoL/Natti

Even in death Baby, i´ll never leave u!

[sizzlersister]

Yay, great beginning.



I did this type of trust exercise in my high school psychology class, and my partner was the girl I had a crush on! Sigh...I love to see our girls experience it, too.



Can't wait to see what else the seminar has in store for them.

Thanks

[onyxsundrops]

Part Five *Thanks for the feedback*



****



Tara miscalculated her step and stumbled, nearly losing contact with Willow’s hand. Although she had been walking for the majority of her life, watching the redhead made her legs feel like jelly. The hint of vulnerability on Willow’s face mixed with a splash of confidence made the short journey across the room seem incredibly long. Or maybe it was just that Tara had slowed to a snail’s pace while leading the blindfolded girl.



Along with her jumbled thoughts, the blonde’s concentration was thin as she focused on their joined fingers. Soft, blunt nails covered the tips of the two long fingers that slid easily against her skin. Tara never believed that a person’s hands could reveal so much about them until now. She sensed the hesitance, intelligence and strength hidden within inches of the shallow surface, and felt that she had always known this person.



Her eyes traveled upward to the beautifully sculpted face. Something within her ached, crowding amongst the loneliness wrapped around her heart. Yes, it was true that she had family and people who loved her, but she had never really had something that was just hers. The blonde shook her head, dismissing the thought that someone she’d barely known a day could possibly want to fill that void. But she couldn’t dismiss the fact that Willow’s touch made her feel alive. It sparked something she’d only read in books or chanced as an outsider looking in.



Luckily, Willow eyes were covered or she would’ve caught a glimpse of the sadness veiling the blue of Tara’s eyes. The redhead’s lip curled up slightly when the cloth slipped down a little and brushed against the bridge of her nose. Eyes still covered, her nose twitched and she scrunched her eyebrows, obviously trying to ignore the itching sensation the material caused.



Tara managed a smile, storing away the momentary bout of self-induced gloom. Clearing her head, the blonde continued leading until the coordinator informed them that the assignment was over.



Removing the blindfold, Willow smiled when she caught blue staring back at her. “Hey,” she said in awe as if she’d never seen a lovelier sight.



Tara bashfully smiled back, once again warming to the familiarity of Willow’s green eyes. Her previous thoughts completely vanished under the calm intensity of the redhead’s gaze. “Hi,” the blonde finally responded as a blush colored her pale cheeks.



“D-Did you like the exercise?” Tara asked, nibbling on her bottom lip and enjoying the lingering warmth left by Willow’s touch.



“Yeah,” the redhead nodded, “I feel good... and kinda tingly. I guess you’ve just got that magic touch.” Her eyes dreamily lit up. Suddenly realizing what she’d said, Willow reddened but didn’t try to backpedal. It was true. The brief connection she experienced with Tara left her yearning for... something. It was exciting and frightening all at once.



Tara, noticing the slip, grinned inwardly. “I know... I feel it too.” Whether intentional or not, the blond’s words came through clearly. After an awkward pause, during which eyes remained glued, the girls shuffled to catch up with the assembling group.



Forty minutes later, the seminar had ended as people began wandering off. Walking side by side, Willow and Tara followed the others as they hurried through the doors.



“So, um, d-do,” Tara paused, cursing her stammer. To Willow, it seemed like Tara wasn’t going to finish but the blonde’s hesitant voice continued. “Do y-you want to g-go for a walk? The n-next, um, seminar isn’t until two, b-but-.” Stop it, Tara inwardly chastised herself. She willed the frustrated tears behind her eyes to stay.



Willow frowned, catching the glimmer of wetness barely visible in the corner of Tara’s eyes. She didn’t recognize the knot in her stomach, but knew she didn’t like seeing the blonde so flustered. “Yes,” her fingers lightly curled around Tara’s wrist. “It’s beautiful...,” green eyes searched blues, “... outside. I think it’s supposed to rain sometime this week, so we should take advantage of it.” She smiled, aware that her hand had wandered down to Tara’s.



Conscious of the hand resting against hers, Tara drew a shaky breath, stilling the butterflies in her stomach. She cleared her dry throat, but didn’t trust her voice and nodded instead.



The hotel, smaller than most, was secluded from the city and was surrounded by brightly colored trees. A sign near the jogging trail located behind the main entrance, indicated the location of a small creek further down the path. People laughed in groups, while others stretched out along the grass, simply enjoying the sun.



Although birds chirped and voiced carried across the complex, silence filled Tara’s mind. Every so often she could hear the rustling of their clothes as they walked, but beyond that, it was quiet.



“What made you decide to come on the trip?” Willow’s soothing voice broke through the silence. The redhead stared ahead as they walked.



“It, um, was my brother’s idea,” Tara smiled at the memory, “but I-I’ve always sort of wanted to get a-away. Experience new things.” Her arms were wrapped around her abdomen, partly to stop her from reaching out and grasping Willow’s hand. “You?” The blonde turned briefly, transfixed as a stray thread of red blew against Willow’s cheek.



“I guess it would be the same for me,” Willow shrugged. “I’ve always wanted to see the world.” She chuckled, “Although it’s not exactly like studying abroad, it’s better than four walls and a computer. There’s only so much you can really learn from the internet.” The redhead grinned when Tara’s lips worked their way into a lopsided smile.



By now they had reached the creek. The sound of flowing water eased the nervousness between them as they relaxed in each other’s presence.



“I’m a little technology c-challenged, but I know what you mean.” Winding a thin stem around her finger, Tara continued. “What about your f-friends?”



A flash of sadness crossed Willow’s face, but she quickly hid it. Or so she thought. Although short, Tara recognized the emotion and looked away, immediately knowing. “I don’t really have many of those,” Willow stepped closer to the stream with Tara only inches behind her.



“Me neither,” the blonde responded truthfully. Willow glanced back, a moment of understanding passing between them.



“What’s that?” Tara noticed, dimly aware of the relief on Willow’s face as she pointed to something beyond the redhead.



Crouching down, Willow frowned, reaching toward the object laying beneath the water. Her arm strained as she moved closer, aware of the water rushing downstream.



“W-Willow, I don’t think-.” Before Tara could finish, the redhead lost her footing.

Edited by: onyxsundrops at: 5/24/04 4:53 pm

[wimpy0729]

Aww, poor Tara and that stutter. But Yay, they're both feeling the magic!



But aaarrrgggh, you didn't leave us there! What was that in the water and what's going to happen to Willow???? Maybe she'll have a beautiful someone come to her rescue!!



I guess I'll have to stay tuned to find out!!



Can't wait for more!

Wimpy

[The Rose24]

Awww. Our ladies are always so cute.

Tara: My heart doesn't stutter.


Tara: Willow, I got so lost.

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

[sam darls]

Aww so cute. And they both are starting to feel something..yay!! . Why did you leave it there?? ..Love sam xx

"Sometimes things happen between people that you don't really expect. And sometimes the things that are important are the ones that seem the weirdest or the most wrong. And those are the ones that change your life." - Jessie Sammler (Evan Rachel Wood)

[littlecrazy80]

Great update! Poor Willow!!!!



*lil´c*

"I am S-E-X-Y" Amber at the FedCon



SweetAmber

[SJ]

Like the pace of this fic,great update

[veiled isis moon]

Poor Willow falling into the lake, hope she's okay. Tara can save her! She's gonna be all wet when she comes out, clothes are gonna stick......



I'm so happy they're both getting the magic fuzzy feelings! Yay!



Michellex

[onyxsundrops]

Part Six



****



“Willow,” Tara called out in surprise. She hurriedly moved forward, meaning to grab the redhead’s hand, but catching her shirt instead. The panicked force the blonde used to pull Willow back, resulted in both girls falling onto the grass.



Feeling herself being tugged, Willow toppled backward, landing awkwardly onto the blonde behind her. With Tara slipping onto her back and Willow sprawled out on her side, laying halfway on top of her, the girls struggled to calm themselves.



“I couldn’t reach it,” Willow chuckled, slightly nervous when she realized her position and the proximity of Tara. “Oh, uh, and thanks,” she added with a small grin, shifting so that she was no longer laying on the blonde, but on her side. Propping herself up with her elbow, Willow wasn’t thinking clearly as she brushed a piece of hair from Tara’s cheek. The gesture was automatic and felt natural, so the redhead didn’t give it time to process in her mind.



“No p-problem,” Tara lay rigid, but not from fear. When Willow’s fingers grazed the other side of her face, pushing away the stray hair, her heart grew more erratic. “A-Are you okay?” The blonde’s voice was squeaky and her eyes darted around. The manner in which Willow was smiling, made her think that the other girl had bumped her head.



Willow nodded, the only other place she’d ever felt so content was in her high school computer class. She sighed and brushed more hair away until there was nothing left but skin. When trembling fingers pushed her own hair behind an ear, the redhead sought Tara’s eyes.



Neither one of the girls was completely sure as to what they were feeling. Traces of energy still floated between them, leftover from their morning seminar. Strange, yet familiar and exciting, they didn’t question the instant bond.



The crunch from a broken branch caught Tara’s attention, interrupting the connection. Springing apart, the blonde hastily got to her feet with Willow following after noticing the new presence.



A guy in his early twenties and wearing a shirt with the hotel logo was standing near a small rosebush. Blushing, he fiddled with a walkie-talkie, trying to look anywhere but at the disheveled girls near the creek. When he had come upon the two girls in such an intimate position, he didn’t want to interrupt but had no choice so he had stepped on the fallen branch.



“I’m supposed to tell everyone that there’s a storm coming,” he began. “Are you with the group?” Willow and Tara were wearing matching blushes and nodded as the young man went on. “Oh, okay, well the remainder of today’s seminars has been canceled. They’re not sure when or how long the storm will be here.” He knew he was beginning to ramble, but the silence coming from the blonde and the redhead was making him nervous.



“We’ve gathered some of the guests into the west lounge. They have some snacks and a karaoke set up for anyone who wants to try.” Still, no word. “Okay, well, hope to see you there.” Without another word, he hurried off, tripping a little as he fled.



Chewing on her lip, Willow looked to Tara, catching the sight of blue eyes and couldn’t keep quiet any longer. What started as a snort and grew into a laugh was joined by the blonde’s own laughter.



“He l-looked so f-frightened,” Tara managed between giggles as she smoothed over her hair and clothing. Her red-haired friend nodded, also fixing her appearance. When their laughter had died, they stood uncertain once again.



“We should go inside,” Willow frowned, looking toward the sudden color change in the sky. Shy hands found each other as the pair shuffled up the small hill back toward the hotel.



Friends hold hands all the time, right? Willow asked herself and waited for a response. She concentrated on the smoothness of Tara’s hand. Right?



****



On the small platform that was being used as a stage, a tall woman, one of the organizers, was seemingly butchering a classic. Her partner in crime joined in with the appropriate verses as they read the monitor and sung Push It by Salt-N-Pepa.



“Oh... my... god.” Three little words held so much meaning as the duo added dancing to the mix of horrible singing. A couple of thumps could be heard as mouths hit the floor in shock and a little fear.



Tara and Willow occupied two of the chairs to the side of the stage and could clearly see the spectacle from their position. Their expressions mirrored the rest and worsened when one of the performers tried to dance seductively with the microphone and nearly lost her balance.



When the song was over, there was some applause and the women bowed before quickly leaving the stage.



“Well, that was...,” Willow trailed off, staring ahead and trying to rid her mind of the event.



“Yeah.” The blonde next to her nodded, dumbly. Blue eyes darted toward the exit as a short, older man stepped onto the stage.



“Next up,” he adjusted the microphone and read over a sheet of paper, “Jane will be singing Wind Beneath My Wings.” The sound of bustling feet and closing doors was heard as the performer took the microphone.



****



“That wasn’t rude, was it?” Tara asked, guiltily.



“No, I don’t think it was,” Willow shook her head, “I mean, at least we left before instead of during the song.”



Sharp sounds of thunder could be heard as they walked down the vacant hallway. Another clap, much closer, vibrated the walls, making both girls jump.



“Okay, so we’re out in the middle of nowhere,” the redhead weighed their options, “with absolutely nothing to do.” She smiled, turning to look at Tara. “Unless you wanna go back in there?” Willow motioned toward the direction they’d just left from.



“Uh-uh,” Tara vigorously shook her head. “I... I brought some cards...,” she shrugged, hoping it wasn’t a silly idea, “w-we could play in my r-room i-if-.”



“Okay.” Willow nodded, eagerly. “I’m like the Queen of Go Fish,” she grinned, “oh, and you should see my poker face.” The redhead tried to give Tara a demonstration, but failed miserably.



Excited, Willow practically bounced. “So what are we playing? Blackjack? Speed? Crazy Eights?”



“Um, well, how are you with Uno?”

[pipsberg]

Yay, an update! Now they get some alone time =)) I look forward to more...

-pipsberg



"We live our lives, do whatever we do, and then we sleep - it's as simple and ordinary as that."

Michael Cunningham, The Hours

Edited by: pipsberg at: 6/5/04 3:31 pm

[littlecrazy80]

Great Update!

This one cracked me up.

Quote:

---

Excited, Willow practically bounced. “So what are we playing? Blackjack? Speed? Crazy Eights?”



“Um, well, how are you with Uno?”

---

*lil´c*

"I am S-E-X-Y" Amber at the FedCon



SweetAmber ~~~ Amber Board

[sam darls]

Cute update ..and yay..alone time..aww . Love sam xx

"Sometimes things happen between people that you don't really expect. And sometimes the things that are important are the ones that seem the weirdest or the most wrong. And those are the ones that change your life." - Jessie Sammler (Evan Rachel Wood)

[Mikaelah Braenna]

Someone always has to interrupt the quiet moments. Ugh!

At least, they get to be alone for a while now.

The way you have written this story is wonderful. More soon, please?



~Mikaelah

Willow: "Where would you go? If you felt lost and alone? ..."

Tara: "To You..."

~~Truly and Forever~~

[BurningWhiteRose]

UNO TIME!!



Strip Uno...hmm...sounds interesting....



Thats probably not what you have in mind either!



Sincerely,

BWR

[wimpy0729]

Yay! She was saved by a blonde hero!!! And what a landing...nice positioning...I'd give them a "9.5".



So, now they're heading to play cards, alone.

I have a feeling Willow's poker face somewhat resembles her resolve face. lol



This could get very interesting.



Can't wait to see what happens next!



Wimpy

[The Rose24]

I love how Willow and Tara are slowly getting to know one another, but it seems like they are running into one obstacle after another.

Tara: My heart doesn't stutter.


Tara: Willow, I got so lost.

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

[DreamsToDream]

OMG! I Love Uno!! It's One Of My Fave Card Games! Great Update!!!

D2D



Damn You Vile Woman!!!- Stewie Griffin



I Try My Best To Feed Her Appetite, And Keep Her Coming Every Night... - "This Love" By Maroon 5

[veiled isis moon]

I like that your taking it slowly, letting us get into the story and setting before all the smoochies come. It drives me insane but i prefer it that way. Great update.



Michelle

[onyxsundrops]

Part Seven*Thanks a bunch for the feedback.*



****



Tara’s forehead took on a fine crease as she stared down at the cards in her hands. An eyebrow raised and still the blonde’s gaze was fixed on her cards.



Don’t laugh. I will not laugh. Willow told herself while watching her friend’s expression. A tiny sound, too low to be heard, escaped her lips. I will not laugh, she repeated. Tara’s tongue peeked from her mouth in concentration. New plan: don’t drool. I will not drool. The redhead chanted, inwardly. Tara was the only person she knew that concentrated so hard during Uno. And honestly, the redhead found it incredibly cute.



Don’t look up. She’s looking at you. Don’t look up. Tara started her own mantra when she felt beautiful eyes focus on her. Okay, cards. Cards. Blue. Green eyes. Yellow. Redhead. Geez Tara. She mentally kicked herself.



Tara placed a blue six over Willow’s card, her shy eyes rising to caress the profile across from her. The redhead looked at the card then at her hands. Cards. Hands. The movement went back and forth several times. Willow mentally willed her green card into a blue. At least, that was the plan, but she failed and grumbled as she chose a card from the deck.



About five cards into the pile, the redhead paused. “Do you have all of the wild cards?” Suspicious eyes looked across the bed. With her hand still poised over the deck, Willow saw the blush coloring Tara’s face while the blonde glanced at her cards. “You do, don’t you? Aw, man,” she added childishly.



Willow’s eyes sparkled, shifting into a lighter green. Or so it seemed from Tara’s point of view when the redhead continued. “I’ll trade you.” A slow smile grew on the other girl’s face. “Two reds, a green and a yellow for your wild card.” Willow offered, really not wanting to collect cards from the deck until she found the right one.



“But that would be cheating.” Flashing a lopsided smile, Tara looked over with a hint of amusement in her voice.



“I know,” Willow grumbled again, but still hadn’t chosen any more cards. “I’ll toss in some M&M’s and a kis- Hershey’s kiss.” Damn hormones, her cheeks puffed in embarrassment.



Tara allowed herself a secret smile, but didn’t make it too obvious that she had noticed Willow’s slip. “Here,” the blonde’s lips curled as she lay the card near her friend’s hand.



Grinning like she’d eaten ten bags of M&M’s, Willow jumped to her feet. “Just give me one second.” She searched around for her change.



“No, you don’t h-have to give me anything,” Tara held out her hand, meaning to stop the redhead before she left.



“But I want to.” Green eyes held the blonde’s blue. The seriousness in Willow’s voice made Tara’s outstretched hand waver.



“O-Okay.” Tara flushed and shyly dipped her head.



“Okay, I’ll be back in a jiffy.” Willow grinned, stepping toward the door. “And don’t look at my cards while I’m gone,” she joked before taking off down the hall in her socks.



Once she was gone, Tara tried to still her breathing. Her heart threatened to spring from her chest and burst at the same time. I have a girl in my room. A beautiful girl. In. My. Room. She let the words roll from her mind, run through the surface of her lips and form into a smile. Her toes curled from the happy sensation and she couldn’t stop the silly giggle that rumbled in the base of her throat.



Down the hall, Willow started, dumbly, at the vending machine. Unfortunately, it didn’t have Hershey’s kisses, but there were M&M’s. She pressed the button, giving the machine a little hit when it looked as if the dispenser had jammed. M&M’s in hand, she turned to leave but stopped and turned back to machine. The redhead didn’t want to overload Tara with sugar, but she felt that she needed something else. Her eyes lit up when she spotted the item in the corner.



Willow bounced back into the room with two bottled waters, some M&M’s, and a pack of animal crackers. Tara’s back was to her, but the blonde glanced over her shoulder when she felt the presence. “Oh, Willow,” Tara frowned, “you s-shouldn’t have b-bought so much stuff.”



“I couldn’t help it,” the redhead shrugged, “and look... animal crackers,” she quickly handed the package over to Tara.



“H-How did you know?” The blonde looked from the package and up to Willow, bewildered and overjoyed.



“Lucky guess,” Willow shrugged again, blushing when Tara smiled a ‘thank you’. “Oh, and your M&M’s,” she handed over the bag.



“We’ll share.” Tara grinned, opening the animal crackers as Willow took her seat. With her foot underneath her, the blonde shifted closer, moving over to offer Willow a cracker.



Gratefully, Willow took a few and smiled at the little shapes. “Is it weird that I have the sudden urge to watch the Lion King?” She met Tara’s smiling eyes. “When I was younger, I used to put on these little plays with my animal-.” The redhead paused, “Okay, now I’m starting to sound crazy, huh?”



“No,” Tara couldn’t hide her admiration of the girl across from her. “I used to, um, try to m-make them talk.”



“Me too!” The response came out a lot louder than intended. Willow stared at the forgotten Uno cards as her face began to redden. Silence filled the room as rain poured, continuously, outside.



“Arrgh.” The redhead’s eyes snapped upward when she heard the voice. Tara was holding a lioness-cracker with a missing leg. With her fingers, the blonde made the cracker bounce up and down through the air. Willow laughed and grabbed a cracker from the pack.



“Oo oo,” went the tailless monkey. “I am the ghost of doughy past. Surrender now, or I will be forced to eat your head.” Willow moved the monkey so that it almost touched Tara’s lioness.



“Arrgh, never.” A loud crunch and the lioness’ head was gone. Tara stared at the headless cracker and Willow’s chewing mouth. “Hey,” she frowned.



“I warned you.” Willow smiled between each chew. “Oo oo, now I’m the Queen of th-.” Crunch. The redhead gaped in surprise at the small leg that was left remaining between her fingers. “Hey!”



Tara grinned, finishing off the monkey’s body. “I’m still the Queen of the jungle.”

[sizzlersister]

The image of Tara saying "I'm still the Queen of the Jungle." is going to infiltrate my fantasy life for days to come. Oh but um, maybe that's too much information heehee.



Hooray for cutesy flirty goodness!

[ophelia11]

I've really been enjoying this story and the scene with the animal crackers is just too funny!



Keep up the great work!

[DreamsToDream]

AWWW How Cute Is That? Playing With The Animal Crackers Like That...I Used To Make Them Kiss Each Other When I Played With My Animal Crackers. LoL But Thats Just Caraayyyyzeee Ol' Me

D2D



Damn You Vile Woman!!!- Stewie Griffin



I Try My Best To Feed Her Appetite, And Keep Her Coming Every Night... - "This Love" By Maroon 5

[The Rose24]

The ladies are so cute together. Let it keep raining, but just enough for our ladies to spend more time together.

Tara: My heart doesn't stutter.


Tara: Willow, I got so lost.

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

[Arron CFF]

that was the cutest update I have ever read more soon please

[pipsberg]

Oh god, that was adorable! They are just too cute.. I love it!!

-pipsberg



"We live our lives, do whatever we do, and then we sleep - it's as simple and ordinary as that."

Michael Cunningham, The Hours